REDEMPTION Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Sunday afternoon, 6 April 2013

Elder Christofferson explains the concept of "redemption' so carefully and so thoroughly that I choose to summarize this address by directly quoting him.

Key Doctrines and Principles:

“The word redeem means to pay off an obligation or a debt. Redeem can also mean to rescue or set free as by paying a ransom. If someone commits a mistake and then corrects it or makes amends, we say he has redeemed himself. Each of these meanings suggests different facets of the great Redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ through His Atonement, which includes, in the words of the dictionary, “to deliver from sin and its penalties, as by a sacrifice made for the sinner.” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 3rd ed. (1988), “redeem.”)

 “The Savior’s Redemption has two parts.

      First . . . Physical death is well understood; spiritual death is the separation of man from God. This redemption . . . is both universal and without condition. (. . . “All overcome the grave and are resurrected to immortality. In addition, all overcome spiritual death by being brought back into the presence of God to be judged. . . . Those who are cleansed from sin will remain with God in the heavenly kingdom (3 Nephi 27:14), but those who have not repented and are unclean cannot dwell with a holy God, and after the Judgment they must depart and thereby suffer spiritual death again. This is sometimes referred to as a second death or suffering spiritual death a second time. (See Helaman 14:15–18.))

       . . .

      Second  . . . is redemption from what might be termed the indirect consequences of the Fall—our own sins as opposed to Adam’s transgression. . . . Because we are accountable and we make the choices, the redemption from our own sins is conditional—conditioned on confessing and abandoning sin and turning to a godly life, or in other words, conditioned on repentance (see D&C 58:43).

Favorite Quotes:

“Inasmuch as we follow Christ, we seek to participate in and further His redemptive work. The greatest service we can provide to others in this life, beginning with those of our own family, is to bring them to Christ through faith and repentance . . . We can also assist in the Lord’s redemption of those beyond the grave (D&C 138:57).  . . . With the benefit of vicarious rites we offer them in the temples of God, even those who died in bondage to sin can be freed . . .for the prisoners shall go free” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:22).” (Emphasis mine.)

“If [we] reject the Savior’s Atonement, [we] must redeem [our] debt to justice [our]self. . . . (Doctine and Covenants 19:16–17). An unredeemed individual’s suffering for sin is known as hell. It means being subject to the devil . . . (2 Nephi 2:29). Even so, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, hell has an end, and those who are obliged to pass through it are “redeemed from the devil [in] the last resurrection” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:85).”

So what:  

“We, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, go about doing good in the redemptive pattern of the Master. This kind of redemptive work means helping people . . . Much of our redemptive work on earth is to help others grow and achieve their just hopes and aspirations.”

“Some forms of temporal redemption come by collaborative effort. It is one of the reasons the Savior created a church. Being organized . . .we can not only teach and encourage each other in the gospel, but we can also bring to bear people and resources to deal with the exigencies of life . . . on a scale needed to address larger challenges . . . to help redeem the needs of our fellow Saints and as many others as we can reach across the globe. . . . All of this does not begin to count the individual acts of kindness . . .by which we may participate in the Christlike work of redemption.”

“As disciples of Jesus Christ, we ought to do all we can to redeem others from suffering and burdens. Even so, our greatest redemptive service will be to lead them to Christ. Without His Redemption from death and from sin, we have only a gospel of social justice. That may provide some help and reconciliation in the present, but it has no power to draw down from heaven perfect justice and infinite mercy. Ultimate redemption is in Jesus Christ and in Him alone.” (Emphasis mine.)

D TODD CHRISTOFFERSON

Activity Instructions: 

General Conference: 

Read all of the talks given by Elder D Todd Christofferson in the last General Conference in which he spoke.

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• If you have any questions in your life, search for answers to them in the talks from our prophet. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book. 
• You can follow the link to access the talks from the last general conference. 

Past Talk: 

In this activity, you are to find and read a past talk given by Elder D Todd Christofferson that will address a problem or question you have. The topic of the talk should have special meaning in your life. The talk or article can be from General Conference, the Ensign, a Devotional address, or any other meeting or training session. 

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• To find General Conference or Ensign material, go to this site or the lds.org search page and search the name of the general authority you are looking for. 
• Browse the results and read one of the past talks or articles written by that general authority. 
• To find a devotional address, go to the BYU speeches web page browse by speaker (in the top left corner) to find a collection of speeches by the person you are searching. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book

IN TUNE WITH THE MUSIC OF FAITH Summary

182nd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Saturday afternoon, 31March 2012

Key Doctrines and Principles:

Elder Cook particularly recognized, and expressed gratitude  for, “many [members who] render long hours of devoted service . . . [and] are exemplary in their selfless sacrifice. This service and sacrifice extend through the entire membership . . ..” Elder Cook teaches that God loves and wants all of his children to return to him and acknowledged that  “administering the Church depends on [these] consecrated members.”

Elder Cook, aware—as are many other religious leaders—that “many individuals are not in tune with sacred things,” quotes Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks of England as noting, “One culprit is ‘an aggressive scientific atheism tone deaf to the music of faith.’ (Jonathan Sacks, “Has Europe Lost Its Soul?”(address delivered on Dec. 12, 2011, at the Pontifical Gregorian University), chiefrabbi.org/ReadArtical.aspx?id=1843.”

He reminds us that “Lehi’s prophetic dream of the tree of life (1 Nephi 8) . . .  starkly describes the challenges to faith that exist in our day and the great divide between those who love, worship, and feel accountable to God and those who do not.”

“A dividing line between those who hear the music of faith and those who are tone-deaf or off-key is the active study of the scriptures. . . . Spencer W. Kimball, emphasized: . . . “I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 67).”

Elder Cook emphasized, “Family scripture study and family home evenings are not always perfect. Regardless of the challenges you face, do not become discouraged.”

He said, “My own children . . . [observe] 

     First, persistence in reading the scriptures daily as a family is the key. . . . Persistence is the answer, and a sense of humor helps. It requires great effort from every family member every day, but it is worth the effort. Temporary setbacks are overshadowed by persistence. . . .

    Second is how our youngest son and his wife are reading the scriptures with their young family. Two out of their four children are not old enough to read. For the five-year-old, they have five finger signals to which he responds in order for him to participate fully in the family scripture reading. The signal for finger 1 is for him to repeat, “And it came to pass” whenever it appears in the Book of Mormon. I have to admit that I love the fact that the phrase appears so often. Incidentally, for the interest of young families, finger signal 2 is “And thus we see”; fingers 3, 4, and 5 are chosen by the parents based on the words contained in the chapter they are reading.”

Favorite Quotes:

“Mothers and fathers praying with children may be more important than any other example.”

“The message, ministry, and Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior, are our essential family curriculum. No scripture characterizes our faith better than 2 Nephi 25:26: “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

“When we inculcate into our lives scriptural imperatives and live the gospel, we are blessed with the Spirit and taste of His goodness with feelings of joy, happiness, and especially peace (Doctrine and Covenants 59:23).”

So What?

“It needs to be taught and understood that we love and respect all of the people

(Matthew 18:12–14).”

 “Remember, it is not up to us to judge. Judgment is the Lord’s. (John 5:22; Matthew 7:1–2).”

“President Monson has specifically asked us to have the 'courage to refrain from judging others (May We Have Courage, General YW Meeting, April 2009)'. He has also asked every faithful member to rescue those who have tasted of the gospel fruit and then have fallen away, as well as those who have not yet found the strait and narrow path . . . We pray that they will hold to the rod and partake of the love of God, which will fill their 'soul[s] with exceedingly great joy' (1 Nephi 8:12).”

“We are to be positive and of good cheer. We emphasize our faith, not our fears. We rejoice in the Lord’s assurance that He will stand by us and give us guidance and direction (Doctrine and Covenants 68:6).” [Emphasis mine.]

“Let us, therefore, wherever we are on the path of discipleship in Lehi’s vision, resolve to awaken within us and our families a greater desire to claim the Savior’s incomprehensible gift of eternal life.”

PERSONAL PEACE: THE REWARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Saturday afternoon, 6 April 2013

Key Doctrines and Principles: 

“Events often occur that rob us of peace and heighten our sense of vulnerability. . . . Such events remind us how quickly our feelings of peace and safety can be destroyed. . . . [There is a] . . .  doctrinal difference between universal or world peace and personal peace. (. . . Peace is also a ‘state of existence that comes to man only upon the terms and conditions set by God’ (Howard W. Hunter, in Conference Report, Oct. 1966, 14–17).”

“Peace has indeed been taken from the earth.¹ Lucifer has not yet been bound and exercises power in this dominion.² . . . Emma Lou Thayne’s beloved hymn asks the appropriate questions: “Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace when other sources cease to make me whole? (“Where Can I Turn for Peace?” Hymns, no. 129). The answer is the Savior, who is the source and author of peace. He is the “Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).” [Emphasis mine.]

Favorite Quotes:

“Modern revelation teaches that the stakes of Zion are a defense and “a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth (Doctrine and Covenants 115:6).”

“Agency is essential to the plan of happiness. It allows for the love, sacrifice, personal growth, and experience necessary for our eternal progression. This agency also allows for all the pain and suffering we experience in mortality, even when caused by things we do not understand and the devastating evil choices of others.”

“President John Taylor taught that peace is not only desirable, but “it is the gift of God.” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (2001), 151 The peace to which I am referring is not just a temporary tranquility. It is an abiding deep happiness and spiritual contentment.” ³

President Heber J. Grant described the Savior’s peace this way: “His peace will ease our suffering, bind up our broken hearts, blot out our hates, engender in our breasts a love of fellow men that will suffuse our souls with calm and happiness.” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant (2002), 226. 

“Ugo Betti: ‘To believe in God is to know that all the rules will be fair, and that there will be wonderful surprises’ (In Marion D. Hanks, “A Loving, Communicating God,” Ensign, Nov. 1992, 63).”

So what?

“We earnestly hope and pray for universal peace, but it is as individuals and families that we achieve the kind of peace that is the promised reward of righteousness. This peace is a promised gift of the Savior’s mission and atoning sacrifice (Doctrine and Covenants 59:23).”

“Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life’s devastating trials and tragedies (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8).” ⁴

“God is not the author of confusion, but [the author] of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).” For those who reject God, there is no peace. We all participated in the councils of heaven that provided for moral agency, knowing that there would be mortal pain and even unspeakable tragedy because of the abuse of agency. . . . But we also knew that the Savior’s Atonement would overcome and compensate for all of the unfairness of mortal life and bring us peace.”

Repentance and living righteously allow for peace of conscience, which is essential for contentment. ⁵  When there has been a major transgression, confession is required to bring peace.” ⁶  [Emphasis mine.]

“The Savior is the source of true peace. Even with the trials of life, because of the Savior’s Atonement and His grace, righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace (John 14:26–27). . . . In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

Elder Cook refers to the sustaining messages and strength of 3 of my favorite hymns, “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” Hymns, no. 129; “How Gentle God’s Commands,” Hymns, no. 125; and “Though Deepening Trials,” Hymns, no. 122; as sources of comfort and peace. I have long ago memorized these hymns so I have access to the peace they can bring any time and in any circumstances.

1. President Woodruff declared this in 1894 and again in 1896. SeeThe Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, ed. G. Homer Durham (1946), 251–52; see also Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1967, 79–82.

2. See Joseph Fielding Smith, The Predicted Judgments, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year (Mar. 21, 1967), 5–6. However, as Elder Neal A. Maxwell stated, “We can have inner peace even though peace has been taken from the earth … [and] ‘all things [are] in commotion’” (“Behold, the Enemy Is Combined,” Ensign, May 1993, 79).

3. From the ancient Greeks to our own day, these words—happiness and contentment—have been parsed, dissected, and grappled with not only as to their meaning but also the guidance they give to our lives. See David Malouf, The Happy Life: The Search for Contentment in the Modern World (2011). See also a review of Mr. Malouf’s book, in R. Jay Magill Jr., “How to Live Well,” Wall Street Journal, Jan. 26–27, 2013, C6.

4. President Harold B. Lee taught, “So, we must be refined; we must be tested in order to prove the strength and power that are in us” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 208).

5. Conscience is a moral compass pointing us toward peace. It is activated by at least two sources: the Light of Christ, a glorious birthright from our Heavenly Father (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:6–13; 93:2), and the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Doctrine and Covenants 39:6).

6. “Two sets of forgiveness are required to bring peace to the transgressor—one from the proper authorities of the Lord’s Church, and one from the Lord himself. [See Mosiah 26:29.]” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 41).

QUENTIN L COOK

Activity Instructions: 

General Conference: 

Read all of the talks given by Elder Quentin L Cook in the last General Conference in which he spoke.

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• If you have any questions in your life, search for answers to them in the talks from our prophet. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book. 
• You can follow the link to access the talks from the last general conference. 

Past Talk: 

In this activity, you are to find and read a past talk given by Elder Quentin L Cook that will address a problem or question you have. The topic of the talk should have special meaning in your life. The talk or article can be from General Conference, the Ensign, a Devotional address, or any other meeting or training session. 

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• To find General Conference or Ensign material, go to this site or the lds.org search page and search the name of the general authority you are looking for. 
• Browse the results and read one of the past talks or articles written by that general authority. 
• To find a devotional address, go to the BYU speeches web page browse by speaker (in the top left corner) to find a collection of speeches by the person you are searching. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book

QUICK TO OBSERVE Summary

BYU Devotional Address, 10 May 2005,

December 2005 Ensign  

This devotional is lengthy AND quotes 3 other apostles. Although I could summarize it by saying that Elder Bednar quotes them to teach that the gift of discernment is vital in our lives, I choose to include their quotes and a summary of the point he summarized from their teachings.

Key Doctrines and Principles:

Elder Bednar teaches, “[A] seemingly simple and perhaps underappreciated spiritual gift—the capacity of being 'quick to observe' (Mormon 1:2)—is vitally important for you and for me in the world in which we do now and will yet live.” He explains the dual meaning of the word observe is both to 'look, see, watch, or notice' (Isaiah 42:20); as well as to 'obey, attend to, or keep'((D&C 54:6)—as in observing the law, or following a practice or habit—and  “both of these fundamental elements—looking and obeying—are essential to being quick to observe.”

He notes with the emphasis of repetition, "Being quick to observe is a prerequisite to and a preparation for the gift of discernment. We can hope to obtain that supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction only if we are quick to observe - if we both look and obey." (Emphasis mine.)

Favorite Quotes:

“George QCannon, [a counselor to four LDS church presidents] taught powerfully about the gift of discernment: ‘One of the gifts of the Gospel which the Lord has promised to those who enter into covenant with Him is the gift of discerning of spirits—a gift which is not much thought of by many and probably seldom prayed for; yet it is a gift that is of exceeding value and one that should be enjoyed by every Latter-day Saint. …

‘Now, the gift of discerning of spirits not only gives men and women who have it the power to discern the spirit with which others may be possessed or influenced, but it gives them the power to discern the spirit which influences themselves. They are able to detect a false spirit and also to know when the Spirit of God reigns within them. In private life this gift is of great importance to the Latter-day Saints. Possessing and exercising this gift they will not allow any evil influence to enter into their hearts or to prompt them in their thoughts, their words or their acts. They will repel it; and if perchance such a spirit should get possession of them, as soon as they witness its effects they will expel it or, in other words, refuse to be led or prompted by it.’ (Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of George Q. Cannon, comp. Jerreld L. Newquist (1987), 156–57).”

“President Stephen L Richards (1879–1959), . . . [a counselor to David O. McKay provided] additional instruction about the nature and blessings of discernment:

-

‘First, I mention the gift of discernment, embodying the power to discriminate … between right and wrong. I believe that this gift when highly developed arises largely out of an acute sensitivity to impressions—spiritual impressions, if you will—to read under the surface as it were, to detect hidden evil, and more importantly to find the good that may be concealed. The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them. …

‘… Every member in the restored Church of Christ could have this gift if he willed to do so. He could not be deceived with the sophistries of the world. He could not be led astray by pseudo-prophets and subversive cults. Even the inexperienced would recognize false teachings, in a measure at least. … We ought to be grateful every day of our lives for this sense which keeps alive a conscience which constantly alerts us to the dangers inherent in wrongdoers and sin.’ (In Conference Report, Apr. 1950, 162–63.)”

“The teachings of Presidents Cannon and Richards concerning the power of discernment to detect hidden evil and to identify good that may be concealed become even more important [as we] liken this scripture (1 Nephi 8:23; 1 Nephi 12:17) to our day and the challenges we face.”

“President Boyd K. Packer . . . counsels . . . ‘If all you know is what you see with your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears, then you will not know very much.’ His observation should help all of us to appropriately desire and seek these spiritual gifts.”

“Observing and discerning also enable us to assist others who are seeking to obtain the path . . . Blessed with these spiritual gifts, we will not lose our way; we will not wander off; we will not be lost. And we can hope to obtain the supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction only if we are quick to observe.”

So What?

Elder Bednar suggests, “You may want to study [1 Nephi 11-14] in greater depth and learn from and about Nephi’s learning. As you study and ponder, please keep in mind that Nephi would not have seen what he desired to see, would not have known what he needed to know, and could not have done what he ultimately needed to do if he had not been quick to observe. That same truth applies to you and to me!”

“Quick to observe. Prompt to watch and to obey. A simple gift that blesses us individually and in our families and extends blessings to so many other people. Each of us can and should strive to be worthy of this significant spiritual gift—even the capacity of being quick to observe.”

 “Discernment is a light of protection and direction in a world that grows increasingly dark. You and I can press forward safely and successfully through the mist of darkness and have a clear sense of spiritual direction. Discernment is so much more than recognizing right from wrong. It helps us distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant, the important from the unimportant, and the necessary from that which is merely nice.”

“The gift of discernment opens to us vistas that stretch far beyond what can be seen with natural eyes or heard with natural ears. Discerning is seeing with spiritual eyes and feeling with the heart—seeing and feeling the falsehood of an idea or the goodness in another person. Discerning is hearing with spiritual ears and feeling with the heart—hearing and feeling the unspoken concern in a statement or the truthfulness of a testimony or doctrine.”

“Observing and discerning also enable us to assist others who are seeking to obtain the path . . . Blessed with these spiritual gifts, we will not lose our way; we will not wander off; we will not be lost. And we can hope to obtain the supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction only if we are quick to observe.”

WE BELIEVE IN BEING CHASTE Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Saturday afternoon, 6 April 2013

Key Doctrines and Principles:

Elder Bednar carefully and thoroughly explains doctrines, definitions, and standards related to Heavenly Father’s central plan—“the overarching context . . . of happiness for His children” that provides for and enables all to progress to become more like our Heavenly Father “to help [us] become happy, and to bring [us] safely home to Him with resurrected, exalted bodies . . . to be together in the light and filled with hope

Elder Bednar then pronounces the intent of the adversary. “Lucifer labors to make the sons and daughters of God confused and unhappy and to hinder their eternal progression. The overarching intent of the father of lies is that all of us would become ‘miserable like unto himself’ (2 Nephi 2:27). Lucifer wants us ultimately to be alone in the dark and without hope. Satan relentlessly works to distort the most important elements of the Father’s plan. . . . Lucifer seeks to frustrate our progression by tempting us to use our bodies improperly. . . The very tool he does not have is thus the primary target of his attempts to lure us to spiritual destruction.”

Favorite Quotes:

“As we pursue the pathway of virtue, ‘the Holy Ghost shall be [our] constant companion’ (D&C 121:46). Thus, living the law of chastity invites some of the greatest blessings men and women can receive in mortality . . ..”

“Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:11). The man and the woman are intended to learn from, strengthen, bless, and complete each other.”

“Marriage between a man and a woman is the authorized channel through which premortal spirits enter mortality. Complete sexual abstinence before marriage and total fidelity within marriage protect the sanctity of this sacred channel.”

“Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: ‘The power to create mortal life is the most exalted power God has given his children. . . . Outside the bonds of marriage, all uses of the procreative power are to one degree or another a sinful degrading and perversion of the most divine attribute of men and women’ (“The Great Plan of Happiness,”Ensign, Nov. 1993, 74). . . . Such relations . . are in mortality one of the ultimate expressions of our divine nature and potential.”

“We are agents blessed with moral agency and are defined by our divine heritage as children of God—and not by sexual behaviors, contemporary attitudes, or secular philosophies.”

“The ‘man [or woman] of Christ’[sic] (Helaman 3:29) is spiritual and bridles all passions (see Alma 38:12), is temperate and restrained, and is benevolent and selfless.”

So what: 

“Our physical bodies make possible a breadth, a depth, and an intensity of experience that simply could not be obtained in our premortal existence.”

“Thus, our relationships with other people, our capacity to recognize and act in accordance with truth, and our ability to obey the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are amplified through our physical bodies . . . we experience tenderness, love, kindness, happiness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, and even the challenges of physical limitations in ways that prepare us for eternity.”

“ Simply stated, there are lessons we must learn and experiences we must have, as the scriptures describe, “according to the flesh” (1 Nephi 19:6;Alma 7:12–13).”

“As we look beyond mortality and into eternity, it is easy to discern that the counterfeit companionship advocated by the adversary is temporary and empty. . . . Love increases through righteous restraint and decreases through impulsive indulgence.” (Emphasis mine.)

“Obedience to the law of chastity will increase our happiness in mortality and make possible our progress in eternity.”

DAVID A BEDNAR

Activity Instructions: 

General Conference: 

Read all of the talks given by Elder David R Bednar in the last General Conference in which he spoke.

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• If you have any questions in your life, search for answers to them in the talks from our prophet. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book. 
• You can follow the link to access the talks from the last general conference. 

Past Talk: 

In this activity, you are to find and read a past talk given by Elder David A Bednar that will address a problem or question you have. The topic of the talk should have special meaning in your life. The talk or article can be from General Conference, the Ensign, a Devotional address, or any other meeting or training session. 

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• To find General Conference or Ensign material, go to this site or the lds.org search page and search the name of the general authority you are looking for. 
• Browse the results and read one of the past talks or articles written by that general authority. 
• To find a devotional address, go to the BYU speeches web page browse by speaker (in the top left corner) to find a collection of speeches by the person you are searching. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book

THE FIRST GREAT COMMANDMENT Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Sunday morning, October 2012

Key Doctrines and Principles:  

Eloquently teaching from the scriptures, Elder Holland inquires if we are like the scribes and Pharisees? As Herod and Pilate? Or as the apostles and disciples after the crucifixion? Do we, like they, think we can encounter or accept Christ and then go forward unchanged? Elder Holland elaborates the scriptural words of Christ to ask if you can “blissfully go back to being whatever you were before? Children, did not my life and my love touch your hearts more deeply than this?”

Elder Holland teaches, “Do we understand “the first and greatest commandment of them all—‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.’ (See Luke 10:27; also Matthew 22:37–38.) . . . We can’t quit and we can’t go back. After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before. [It] marks the beginning of a Christian life, not the end of it. ...This truth, this reality [compels us] on to shape the history of the world in which we now live.”

Favorite Quotes:

“We sometimes forget just how inexperienced they still were and how totally dependent upon Jesus they had of necessity been (John 14:9). . . . Three years isn’t long to call an entire Quorum of Twelve Apostles from a handful of new converts, purge from them the error of old ways, teach them the wonders of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and then leave them to carry on the work until they too were killed. Quite a staggering prospect for a group of newly ordained elders.”

“‘[Jesus] called out to them, ‘Children, have you caught anything?’ Glumly [they] gave the answer no fisherman wants to give. ‘We have caught nothing.’ (John 21:3-7) ‘Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.’”

“Looking at their battered little boats, their frayed nets, and a stunning pile of 153 fish, Jesus said to His senior Apostle, ‘Peter, do you love me more than you love all this?’ (John 21:15). . . . (I acknowledge my nonscriptural elaboration), perhaps saying something like: ‘Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation? Wasn’t it obvious then and isn’t it obvious now that if I want fish, I can get fish? What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do. Ours is not a feeble message. It is not a fleeting task. It is not hapless; it is not hopeless; it is not to be consigned to the ash heap of history. It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world. So, Peter, for the second and presumably the last time, I am asking you to leave all this and to go teach and testify, labor and serve loyally until the day in which they will do to you exactly what they did to me.’”

So What?

As I read these non-scriptural Holland paraphrase I seem to hear my name instead of Peter’s. “Linda do you love me more than you love all [these distractions]? . . . Linda, why are you here? . . . I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned you to do.” Since hearing this talk I often examine areas of my thoughts and actions checking if I, like the apostles, have “returned to my nets” or if I am feeding the lambs and caring for the sheep.

Elder Holland comments, “John said the obvious: “It is the Lord. . . . And over the edge of the boat, the irrepressible Peter leaped.” Can each I be like Peter, eager to love and serve the Lord?

Elder Holland teaches, “The call is to come . . . , to stay true, to love God, and to lend a hand. I include in that call to fixed faithfulness . . . every one of us. Your Father in Heaven expects your loyalty and your love at every stage of your life. . . . The voice of Christ comes ringing down through the halls of time, asking each one of us while there is time, ‘Do you love me?’(Emphasis mine.)"

LORD I BELIEVE Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Sunday Afternoon, 7 April 2013

Key Doctrines and Principles:

Elder Holland teaches key principles about belief and doubt directly from the father-son story in Mark 9:14–24. “‘If thou canst do anything,’ spoken by the father, comes back to him ‘If thou canst believe,’ spoken by the Master. . . . Belief is a precious word, an even more precious act, and [we] need never apologize for “only believing.” . . . Christ Himself said, “Be not afraid, only believe (Mark 5:36).” . . . Belief [is] always the first step toward conviction and . . . the definitive articles of our collective faith forcefully reiterate the phrase ‘We believe.’ See Articles of Faith 1:1–13”

 Elder Holland states that each of us has more faith than we think we do, as evidenced by the blessings and miracles in our lives. The example of this father, with a troubled child, is to assert first what he believes. Elder Holland teaches, “[If our] initial conviction . . . is limited. . . . that is good enough for a beginning. . . .To all who wish for more faith, remember this man! In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited. . . . Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation of moral courage than is an honest declaration of faith. It is not! . . . Remember the clear message of this scriptural account: Be as candid about your questions as you need to be; life is full of them on one subject or another. But if you and your family want to be healed, don’t let those questions stand in the way of faith working its miracle. . . . In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.

Elder Holland also reminded us to be kind, patient, and forgiving to ourselves and others, as in human frailty we seek to become like our Redeemer.

Favorite Quotes:

“Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. . . . When you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work.”

 “Even if ye can no more than desire to believe,” Alma declares, “let this desire work in you, even until ye believe (Alma 32:27).”

“ ‘Straightway,’ the scripture says—not slowly nor skeptically nor cynically but ‘straightway’—the father cries out in his unvarnished parental pain, ‘Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.’ In response to new and still partial faith, Jesus heals the boy (Mark 9:24–27) . [The father] asserts . . . strength first and only then acknowledges . . . limitation. His initial declaration is affirmative and without hesitation: ‘Lord, I believe.’(Emphasis mine.)”

So what?

“This work is God’s very truth, and . . . only at our peril would we allow doubt or devils to sway us from its path. Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe.”

“God will send help from both sides of the veil to strengthen our belief. . . . When . . . moments [of desperation ] come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.  . . The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know. . . . Be true to the faith you do have."

JEFFERY R HOLLAND

Activity Instructions: 

General Conference: 

Read all of the talks given by Elder Jeffery R Holland in the last General Conference in which he spoke.

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• If you have any questions in your life, search for answers to them in the talks from our prophet. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book. 
• You can follow the link to access the talks from the last general conference. 

Past Talk: 

In this activity, you are to find and read a past talk given by Elder Jeffery R Holland that will address a problem or question you have. The topic of the talk should have special meaning in your life. The talk or article can be from General Conference, the Ensign, a Devotional address, or any other meeting or training session. 

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• To find General Conference or Ensign material, go to this site or the lds.org search page and search the name of the general authority you are looking for. 
• Browse the results and read one of the past talks or articles written by that general authority. 
• To find a devotional address, go to the BYU speeches web page browse by speaker (in the top left corner) to find a collection of speeches by the person you are searching. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book

BEING A MORE CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN Summary

182nd Semi-annual General Conference 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Sunday afternoon, October 2012

Key Doctrines and Principles:

In this General Conference address Elder Hales thoroughly defines the term Christian, the doctrines about Jesus Christ that are unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and “the call of Christ to every Christian today: ‘Feed my lambs. … Feed my sheep’—share my gospel with young and old, lifting, blessing, comforting, encouraging, and building them.”

He then inquires, “How are we doing in our quest to follow Christ? . . . The Savior spent His days serving others—lifting up the weary and strengthening the weak.” Elder Hales adds, “He taught that Christians cannot contend with other Christians, notwithstanding their differences.”

When Jesus asked Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother to become “fishers of
men . . . they straightway left their nets, and followed him (Matthew 4:18–20).” Elder Hales emphasizes that “as Christians today, we have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively . . . to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions, . . .  forsake our sins, [and follow the Master].” This process is called conversion—we are “converted,” to become more like him; “our very natures change and we no longer want to go back to our old ways. (See Ether 12:27; Mosiah 5:2.)”

Elder Hales requests Christians to specifically consider 10 Christ-like qualities (Christian love, faith, sacrifice, caring, service, patience, peace, forgiveness, conversion, and endurance to the end)  and promises that “as we follow [Christ], He blesses us with gifts, talents, and the strength to do His will, allowing us to go beyond our comfort zones and do things we’ve never before thought possible.”

Favorite Quotes:

“Denying ourselves of ungodly behavior is the beginning of repentance, which brings a mighty change of heart until 'we have no more disposition to do evil (Mosiah 5:2)'. This change, called conversion, is possible only through the Savior. . . . As we are made new in Christ, our very natures change and we no longer want to go back to our old ways.”

“The call to be a Christian can seem demanding, even overwhelming. But we need not be afraid or feel inadequate. The Savior has promised that He will make us equal to His work. . . . As we follow Him, He blesses us with gifts, talents, and the strength to do His will, allowing us to go beyond our comfort zones and do things we’ve never before thought possible.

So What?  

Elder Hales instructs, “We feed His lambs in our homes by how we live the gospel: keeping the commandments, praying, studying the scriptures, and emulating His love. We feed His sheep in the Church as we serve . . . And we feed His sheep throughout the world by being good Christian neighbors, practicing the pure religion of visiting and serving the widows, the fatherless, the poor, and all who are in need.”

Like Peter and the other apostles at the time of Christ we are all converts. “As we are made new in Christ, our very natures change and we no longer want to go back to our old ways,” states Elder Hales. When “refining challenges” come and we experience difficulties and disappointments “we may be tempted to return to our old ways.”

Elder Hales asks us to continually evaluate our “conversion.” He pleads to any “who have returned to . . . less faithful ways [to] consider the faithful example of Peter. Do not delay. Come . . . straightway return to Him and receive His abundant blessings once again.”

STAND STRONG IN HOLY PLACES Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Priesthood Session, 7 April 2013

Key Doctrines and Principles:
-

Elder Hales taught, “ Use your agency to develop yourself personally. . . [by letting] the Spirit guide you.” He explained that obedience to commandments protects agency from addictions and prepares us to serve. Diligent obedience and temple worthiness helps us “build progressive spiritual strength” to prepare “and promise to live the law of consecration.” This strength permits us to use “our agency to act for ourselves” and aids in growth as we learn doctrine and share our testimony.

“We are living in the last days, in ‘perilous times’ (2 Timothy 3:1). . . . Bearers of the priesthood . . . have the responsibility to stand strong with a shield of faith . . . [as] role models to the world, protecting God-given, inalienable rights and freedoms. We stand in defense of our homes and our families. . . . If we are faithful in the priesthood, this armor, [the Apostle Paul taught about in Ephesians 6:13–17], will be given to us as a gift from God. We need this armor!”

“Young men, your fathers and grandfathers never faced the temptations that you face on a regular basis. You are living in the last days. . . .Today temptation finds you! Please remember that! Satan desires to have you . . . How will you resist his aggressive tactics? Put on the whole armor of God.”

Favorite Quotes:

-

“A true friend doesn’t ask us to choose between the gospel and his or her friendship. From such turn away (2 Timothy 3:5).” A true friend strengthens us to stay on the strait and narrow path.”

“Choose and act for yourself. Be motivated from within. Make a plan for your life, including education or vocational training. Explore interests and skills. Work and become self-reliant. Set goals, overcome mistakes, gain experience, and finish what you begin. . . . Be sure to participate . . . enjoy wholesome fun.  . . .Above all, have faith in the Savior! Fear not!”

 “Consider how the Savior stood strong . . . Jesus faithfully went about His Father’s business, preaching the gospel . . . teaching, healing, serving, and blessing and lifting others. When appropriate, He boldly stood against evil, even cleansing the temple (Matthew 21:12–13). He also stood for truth—whether with words or with dignified silence . . .  [He] wisely and courageously refused to respond to untruth and held His peace (Matthew 26:57, 59–63). . . . Let us glorify God’s name by standing strong with our Savior, Jesus Christ.” 

So what:  

-

“Sometimes we become the lightning rod, and we must “take the heat” for holding fast to God’s standards and doing His work. I testify that we need not be afraid if we are grounded in His doctrine. . . . we are never alone. . . . It is our sacred privilege to stand with [the Savior]! Ironically, standing strong sometimes means avoiding and even fleeing from the world.”

“As we diligently live the gospel, we become strong in the Lord . . . to stand against any philosophy or creed that denies the Savior and contradicts the great, eternal plan of happiness for all of God’s children.”

ROBERT D HALES

Activity Instructions: 

General Conference: 

Read all of the talks given by Elder Robert D Hales in the last General Conference in which he spoke.

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• If you have any questions in your life, search for answers to them in the talks from our prophet. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book. 
• You can follow the link to access the talks from the last general conference. 

Past Talk: 

In this activity, you are to find and read a past talk given by Elder Robert D Hales that will address a problem or question you have. The topic of the talk should have special meaning in your life. The talk or article can be from General Conference, the Ensign, a Devotional address, or any other meeting or training session. 

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• To find General Conference or Ensign material, go to this site or the lds.org search page and search the name of the general authority you are looking for. 
• Browse the results and read one of the past talks or articles written by that general authority. 
• To find a devotional address, go to the BYU speeches web page browse by speaker (in the top left corner) to find a collection of speeches by the person you are searching. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book

HE LIVES! ALL GLORY TO HIS NAME! Summary

180th Annual General Conference of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Sunday Morning, April 2010

 Except the insertion of a very few words, the following are the specific and detailed instructions of a living prophet. I love how this man seems to look through the camera into our very hearts and then teaches so directly and simply. I can not phrase or explain any better or more succinctly than Elder Scott speaks. I quote directly from his talk. 

Key Doctrines and Principles:  

 -

 “The victory of Jesus Christ over death [and] his Resurrection broke what to that point had been the unyielding chains of death. He opened the path whereby each of Heavenly Father’s children born to earth would have the opportunity to rise from death to live again.”

“We all need that healing the Redeemer can provide. . . . Hope [is] based on principles embodied in the teachings of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.”

“The Resurrection and the price paid, and the gift given through the Atonement . . . must be more than principles you memorize. They must be woven into the very fiber of your being as a powerful bulwark against the rising tide of abomination that infects our world.”

Favorite Quotes:

  -

 “2 Nephi 2:6–7 indicates that for the proud and haughty, it is as though there never were an Atonement made.”

“Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior, our Redeemer. He is a glorious, resurrected being. He has the capacity to communicate love that is so powerful, so overwhelming as to surpass the capacity of the human tongue to express adequately. He gave His life to break the bonds of death. His Atonement made fully active the plan of happiness of His Father in Heaven.”

“Jesus administers the balance between justice and mercy conditioned upon our obedience to His gospel. He is the light for all mankind. He is the fountain of all truth. He fulfills all of His promises. All who obey His commandments will earn the most glorious blessings imaginable.”

“When we obey a law, we receive a blessing. When we break a law, there is nothing left over from prior obedience to satisfy the demands of justice for that broken law.”

“No mortal mind can adequately conceive, nor can human tongue appropriately express, the full significance of all that Jesus Christ has done for our Heavenly Father’s children through His Atonement. Yet it is vital that we each learn what we can about it. The Atonement is that essential ingredient of our Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness without which that plan could not have been activated.”

“Understanding of the Atonement and the insight it provides for your life will greatly enhance your productive use of all of the knowledge, experience, and skills you acquire in mortal life.”

“None of us can ever adequately appreciate in mortality the full beneficial consequences of the Atonement.”

“There is an imperative need for each of us to strengthen our understanding of the significance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ so that it will become an unshakable foundation upon which to build our lives. As the world becomes more devoid of foundational standards and as honor, virtue, and purity are increasingly cast aside in the pursuit of appetite, our understanding of and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ will provide strength and capacity needed for a successful life. It will also bring confidence in times of trial and peace in moments of turmoil.”

“Establish a personal study plan to better understand and appreciate the incomparable, eternal, infinite consequences of Jesus Christ’s perfect fulfillment of His divinely appointed calling as our Savior and Redeemer. Profound personal pondering of the scriptures accompanied by searching, heartfelt prayer will fortify your understanding of and appreciation for His priceless Atonement. Another powerful way to learn of Jesus Christ and His Atonement is through consistent temple attendance.”

“As you ponder—not just read but ponder and meditate—on scriptural passages, the power of the Holy Ghost will distill truths in your mind and heart as a secure foundation in this uncertain time in which we live.”

“Resolve to make the Lord Jesus Christ the living center of your home. Be sure that every decision you make, whether it be of a spiritual or physical nature, be guided by the thought “What would the Lord Jesus Christ have me do?” When the Savior is the center of your home, it is filled with peace and serenity. There is a spirit of calm assurance that pervades the home that is felt by the children and adults alike.”

“The best way to make a permanent change for good is to make Jesus Christ your model and His teachings your guide for life.”    

          

So What?

  -

“Each of us [must] renew our determination to teach true principles within the sanctity of our homes. As we do that, we will provide the greatest opportunity for happiness for the spirits entrusted to our care. Use the Church as a righteous tool to strengthen the home, but recognize that as parents we have the fundamental responsibility and privilege to be guided by the Lord in the upbringing of the spirit children He has entrusted to our care.”

“The vital importance of teaching truth in the home is fundamental. The Church is important, but it is in the home where parents provide the required understanding and direction for children. It is truly said that the most important callings in time and eternity are those of father and mother. In time we will be released from all other assignments we receive but not from that of father and mother.”

“Establish a personal study plan to better understand and appreciate the incomparable, eternal, infinite consequences of Jesus Christ’s perfect fulfillment of His divinely appointed calling as our Savior and Redeemer.”

“Profound personal pondering of the scriptures accompanied by searching, heartfelt prayer will fortify your understanding of and appreciation for His priceless Atonement. Another powerful way to learn of Jesus Christ and His Atonement is through consistent temple attendance.”

FOR PEACE AT HOME Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Saturday afternoon, 6 April 2013

Except the insertion of a very few words, the following are the specific and detailed instructions of a living prophet. I love how this man looks through the camera into our very hearts and speaks so gently that I must carefully consider his loving counsel. I can not phrase or explain any better or more succinctly than Elder Scott has spoken. I quote directly from his talk. 

Key Doctrines and Principles: 

“One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds. . . It will naturally become a refuge not only to your own family but also [others].”

Favorite Quotes:

“Inside each of us is a need to have a place of refuge where peace and serenity prevail, a place where we can reset, regroup, and reenergize to prepare for future pressures. The ideal place for that peace is within the walls of our own homes, where we have done all we can to make the Lord Jesus Christ the centerpiece. . . . When He is the center of your home, there is peace and serenity. There is a spirit of assurance that pervades the home, and it is felt by all who dwell there.”

 Be certain that every decision you make, whether temporal or spiritual, is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do.”

“It is important for parents to teach children to recognize how their actions affect each individual who lives in the home. Children who are made to feel accountable for their actions, whether righteous or otherwise, grow to become trustworthy citizens in the kingdom of God.”

 “Be obedient to the prophetic teachings Christ would have you follow. Don’t rationalize away future happiness by taking shortcuts instead of applying sound gospel principles.”

 “In the premortal life you proved to be valiant, obedient, and pure . . . you worked hard . . . to prepare yourselves to face mortality with courage, dignity, honor, and success.”

“Satan is no match for the Savior. Satan’s fate is decided. He knows he has lost, but he wants to take as many with him as he can. . . Stay on the Lord’s side, and you will win every time.”

“Technology, when understood and used for righteous purposes, need not be a threat but rather an enhancement to spiritual communication. The full standard works and years of general conference messages . . . fit into your pocket . . . Studying, pondering, and listening . . . each day will enhance communication through the Spirit. . . . If you . . . review a verse of scripture as often as . . .  you send text messages, you could soon have hundreds of passages of scripture memorized. Those passages would prove to be a powerful source of inspiration and guidance by the Holy Ghost in times of need.”

“Greater peace will come as you couple your efforts to be obedient with serving those around you.”

“Selfishness is the root of great evil. The antidote for that evil is exemplified in the life of the Savior. He shows us how to focus our lives outward in unselfish service to others.”

“Obedience and service relate to the power of God. When we obey the commandments of the Lord and serve His children unselfishly, the natural consequence is power from God—power to do more than we can do by ourselves. Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength and power from the Lord."

"Be a true friend. This kind of enduring friendship is like asphalt that fills the potholes of life and makes the journey smoother and more pleasant."

  

  “Exercise faith and remember that there are some things that must be left to the Lord. He invites us to set our burdens down at His feet. With faith we can know that [a] straying loved one is not abandoned but is in the watchcare of a loving Savior."

"Recognize the good in others, not their stains. At times a stain needs appropriate attention to be cleansed, but always build on . . . virtues."

"When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is really not a thread but a massive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you. It will provide comfort so you can cease to fear. Strive to live worthily and place your trust in the Lord."

"We need not worry if we can’t simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time."

 So what?

“Remember: little things lead to big things. Seemingly insignificant indiscretions or neglect can lead to big problems. More importantly, simple, consistent, good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings.”

 “The fundamental principles that center [our] home on the Savior [are] . . . daily personal and family prayer, daily personal and family scripture study, and weekly family home evening. [They] are the essential, weight-bearing beams in the construction of a Christ-centered home. Without these regular practices it will be difficult to find the desired and much-needed peace and refuge from the world."

RICHARD G SCOTT

Activity Instructions: 

General Conference: 

Read all of the talks given by Elder Richard G Scott in the last General Conference in which he spoke.

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• If you have any questions in your life, search for answers to them in the talks from our prophet. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book. 
• You can follow the link to access the talks from the last general conference. 

Past Talk: 

In this activity, you are to find and read a past talk given by Elder Richard G Scott that will address a problem or question you have. The topic of the talk should have special meaning in your life. The talk or article can be from General Conference, the Ensign, a Devotional address, or any other meeting or training session. 

• Pray for inspiration and guidance before and after you read. 
• To find General Conference or Ensign material, go to this site or the lds.org search page and search the name of the general authority you are looking for. 
• Browse the results and read one of the past talks or articles written by that general authority. 
• To find a devotional address, go to the BYU speeches web page browse by speaker (in the top left corner) to find a collection of speeches by the person you are searching. 
• If any quotes stand out to you and have special meaning, write them in your Inspirational Quote Book