MELVIN RUSSELL BALLARD JR. Summary

BORN: 8 October 1928

PLACE OF BIRTH: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

FATHER:  Melvin Russell  Ballard  Sr. 

MOTHER: Geraldine Smith Ballard 

ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD

of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Key Doctrines:

Elder Ballard often speaks about families and perspectives about them within the scope of the eternities.  He encourages us to remember and seek to bless each person individually.  

He implores, "Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants [we] have made with the Lord …  Eliminate from [your] lives the things that clamor for and consume [your] thoughts, feelings, and energies without contributing to …[reaching your] main goal . . . ‘immortality and eternal life’ (Moses 1:39).”

 He lovingly reminds us, “Just do the very best you can each day.  Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.” [1]

He reminds, “Set goals that are well balanced—not too many nor too few, and not too high nor too low. Write down your attainable goals and work on them according to their importance. Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting.” [2]  

He also helps us understand family priorities, “When [you] make family and religious commitments . . .societies at large are strengthened as families grow stronger. Commitments to family and values are the basic cause. Nearly everything else is effect. . . . So the bad news is that family breakdown is causing a host of societal and economic ills. But the good news is that, like any cause and effect, those ills can be reversed if what is causing them is changed. Inequities are resolved by living correct principles and values.  If we will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every other aspect of our lives.” [3]  Family relationships are work but are critical to eternal happiness.

I learned:

Elder Ballard worked in car sales. The Ballard Motor Company won the right to be the Edsel car dealer for Salt Lake City. His dealership became the most successful in the country, but in the end the Edsel failed and the motor company, and dealers around the country, lost hundreds of millions of dollars. This serious business reversal that took him many years to pay off but he still never left a debt unpaid and was completely honest. “It was a devastating experience,” he said. “The first part of my business career it seemed like everything worked. I was a little intolerant, I think, of those who were having trouble in business. But then I had trouble, and that helped me gain an empathy and understanding for people who struggle similarly.” 

He says getting his wife to marry him was the greatest sales job he ever did. She says, “He’s extremely devoted to his family, and they've always come first. He was a bishop for many years and held lots of Church jobs, but those responsibilities have never been to the detriment of his family.”

His church biography says, “For Elder Ballard, family relationships are as much a reality on the other side of the veil as they are on this side. As he spoke about accepting his call, Elder Ballard said that he felt a great closeness to his forefathers. He is the grandson of Elder Hyrum Mack Smith, who served in the Council of the Twelve from 1901 to 1918, and Elder Melvin J. Ballard, who served from 1919 to 1939. Both of their pictures hang on his office wall. The busts of his great-great uncle the Prophet Joseph Smith, his great-great grandfather Hyrum Smith, and his great-grandfather President Joseph F. Smith are also displayed prominently in his office.” He served a mission to the British Isles.

He teaches: 

It is important to pay attention to the small basics and larger issues will take care of themselves. “It is crucial,” Elder M Russell Ballard counsels, “for us to understand that Heavenly Father has provided a way for all . . . to have access to [His] blessings (Moses 1:39). . . . We have unlimited, divine potential. But . . . we can drift away from the true doctrine . . . [and] remove ourselves from the divine light and living waters of the Savior’s eternal love and priesthood power.” [4]

Elder Ballard quips, "Failure is only when you quit trying...if you keep working at a task and try to do what's right and honest, ultimately it works out." [5]

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[1] Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,  “Keeping Life’s Demands In Balance,” Annual  General Conference, April 1987

[2] Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Keeping Life’s Demands In Balance,”157th Annual  General Conference, April 1987

[3] Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD, "That the Lost May Be Found," 1 April 2012, or  May Ensign, pages 98.

[4] Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles “This Is My Work and Glory,” 183^rd Annual  General Conference, 7 April 2013

[5] Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “True to the Faith,” by Kathleen Lubeck, March 1986 Ensign

DALLIN HARRIS OAKS Summary

BORN: 12 August 1932

PLACE OF BIRTH: Provo, Utah, United States

FATHER: Lloyd Edress Oaks

MOTHER: Stella Harris

ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS

of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Key Doctrines:

The sacrament and other basics of the gospel are common themes of Elder Oaks. He teaches us to avoid sin, the things that separate us from God, and repent quickly of them when we err. His teachings are very thorough and logical and he often speaks out against pornography and other choices that abuse agency.

He explains, “In its widest application, sin includes every irregularity of behavior, every source of uncleanliness. . . . [Some] wrongly think repentance is easy [and] a person is better off after he has sinned and repented. . . . [These ideas] are devilish lies of the adversary. . . . We don’t have to have personal experience with the effects of serious transgressions to know that they are injurious to our souls and destructive of our eternal welfare. . . . Conduct your life today so your tomorrows are not burdened with bad or embarrassing memories.” [1]

When he speaks I always know I will hear something interesting and have to do some stretching too. I also know I will have to study the print version to actually get at many of the concepts he wants to share. When he applies his skilled logic to the Atonement and other gospel principles and doctrines there are usually many layers to what he has to say and just listening through once doesn't quite dig deep enough to correlate the doctrines espoused.

I learned:

His father died of tuberculosis when he was age 8 and his widowed mother raised him and 2 siblings. His first job was sweeping out a radio repair shop. In high school he became a certified radio engineer – before age 16.

He is a hard worker and although his family claims his motto is “Work first, play never” that he just has fun at whatever he is doing. He is very devoted to his family. He says what it means is that he rarely does something only to have fun, but rather that “I just have fun at [whatever] I do.”

Elder Oaks received the Canterbury Medal, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty’s highest honor, in May 2013. He often champions religious liberty in both secular and religious settings. He also champions many other groups and causes that need the protections of the law. As a member of the Utah Supreme Court he was responsible for interpreting and reviewing case law and decisions made by lower courts to see if the decisions were made in accordance with other existing laws, case laws, and court rulings. He encourages unity and avoiding contention.

He teaches:

“Jesus’s teachings were not meant to be theoretical. Always they were to be acted upon. . . . Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.” [2]

"The restored gospel consists of doctrines and ordinances. . . . [A] missionaries’ purpose . . .  is to save souls, to baptize converts, which is to open the doors of the celestial kingdom to the sons and daughters of God. . . . Man cannot be saved in the celestial kingdom without the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and that the only way to lay claim to the merits of that Atonement is to follow the command of its author: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you (Acts 2:38).” [3] (My emphasis.) We are called to assist in this great effort.

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[1] Elder DALLIN H. OAKS of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Sin and Suffering,"Fireside, Brigham Young University, 5 August 1990, July 1992 Ensign 

[2] Elder DALLIN H. OAKS of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Followers of Christ,” 

183rd Annual  General Conference, Sunday afternoon, 7 April 2013

[3] Elder DALLIN H. OAKS of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Why We Do Missionary Work," September 2009, New Era

RUSSELL MARION NELSON Summary

BORN: 9 September 1924

PLACE OF BIRTH: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

FATHER: Marion Clavar Nelson

MOTHER:  Edna Anderson Nelson

ELDER RUSSELL M NELSON

of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Key Doctrines:

Elder Nelson teaches forcefully about the important of marriage and family relationships. In a recent worldwide training he said, “In reality, we are raising our children in enemy-occupied territory. The homes of our members must become the primary sanctuaries of our faith, where each can be safe from the sins of the world.” [1] He explains his professional choice thus: “[In] my opinion [the] the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. Since that option was not available to me, I thought caring for the sick might come close. I tried to care for my patients as compassionately and competently as Mother cared for me." [2] 

He often speaks about personal revelation, how God truly does know each of us and our needs and can provide for those needs when we turn to him in faith. He assures that although I may face discouraging or traumatic events I can still trust Heavenly Father and rely on the Savior. They love me and will help me. Elder Russell M Nelson explains “Not all of our prayers will be answered as we might wish. Occasionally the answer will be no. We should not be surprised. Loving mortal parents do not say yes to every request of their children. . . . Even the Son of God endured such an experience, 'saying, Father, if thou be willing, . . . nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done' (Luke 22:42).” [3]

I learned:

Elder Nelson became an MD by age 22, completing his 4 year program in 3 years. He is listed in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in Religion.

I remember his loving support to President Kimball and vividly remember how he stood by Elder Wirthlin at the pulpit when he was ill. It was fun to learn they were Stake leaders together. When a patriarch from Southern Utah that asked Elder Nelson to perform surgery on his heart, at first he declined because there was no known solution to the problems being experienced. The patriarch told him to ask the Lord and when Elder Nelson operated he invented a new procedure that blesses many lives. He devotes his time to the Lord first, however. As a busy doctor, when asked to serve as a Stake President, he showed great faith and affirmed that the Lord would help him with his work better so he could have more time serve in that busy calling. 

Elder and Sister Nelson have 10 children. He makes sure they know they come first with special traditions together. Sister Nelson says, “'When he’s home, he’s home. At home, he devotes his whole attention to us.” He says, “Family relationships are established one experience at a time.”

It was fun to discover that Elder Nelson is musical and also rides horses. Many men of his generation knew and spent time around horses because automobiles were such a new and innovative thing. My father used to give all his grandchildren rides the same Elder Nelson does with his family. I was also very intrigued at how he spends every morning filling his mind with good things.

He teaches:

"Jesus revealed that we pray to a wise Father who knows what things we have need of, before we ask Him (Matt. 6:8) . . . The Lord said . . . all things shall work together for your good' (D&C 90:24)’. We should pray ‘with all the energy of heart’ (Moro. 7:48) . . . The sweet power of prayer can be intensified by fasting, on occasion, when appropriate.” [4] 

He shows complete faith and trust in Heavenly Father. I felt a strong peaceful calm that has stayed with me in many difficult circumstances when I heard the story of his calm when the airplane he was in had serious problems. He was not afraid. He teaches us to completely trust God and rely on His priesthood power.

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[1] Leadership Training, “The Doctrinal Importance of Marriage and Children”

[2] General Conference, April 1999

[3] Elder RUSSELL M NELSON of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Sweet Power of Prayer,” 173rd Annual  General Conference,  April 2003

[4] See Matt. 17:21; Mark 9:29; 1 Cor. 7:5; Mosiah 27:22–23; Alma 5:46; 3 Ne. 27:1; D&C 88:76.  Elder RUSSELL M NELSON of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Sweet Power of Prayer,” 173rd Annual  General Conference,  April 2003

LOWELL TOM PERRY Summary

BORN: 5 August 1922

PLACE OF BIRTH: Logan, Utah, United States

FATHER: Leslie Thomas Perry

MOTHER: Nora Sonne Perry

ELDER L. TOM PERRY

of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Key Doctrines:

Elder Perry served in the military and often speaks of freedom and agency. He warns, “None of us should ever underestimate how driven Satan is to succeed. His role in God’s eternal plan creates 'opposition in all things' (2 Nephi 2:11) and tests our agency.” [1] He also speaks of patterns in the tests of life and being prepared through obedience. Our desires determine our destiny.

Elder Perry tells a fun missionary story about the many good, and convincing Christian people from many denominations. As he met them he was converted to Southern Baptist, Methodist, and Lutheran religions each in turn and realized Mormons are not unique in loving and serving Christ. He began to study and learn what sets the LDS church apart as different and how to teach it to others. It is so important that we learn the truths that are restored through the gospel and remember why we need this knowledge. Only then can we help these good Christians have more happiness and all of the fullness of the gospel.

I learned:

Young Tom often went with his father pulling a wagon around their neighborhood to take supplies to families in need. His father taught him how to serve and he learned to truly love giving service to others and often led others in acts of love and service. He pays tribute to the goodness of his mother. He never wanted to do anything that might reflect badly onto her.

He served in the US military and was stationed for a time at the end of World War II in Japan. Despite ridicule from other soldiers he helped organize a group to help rebuild churches in Nagasaki. When it was time to go home on the train the other men said those that rebuilt churches had wasted their time, until the native people showed up enmass singing “Onward Christian Soldiers” and thanking those that had helped them so much. He often speaks about how we can, by obedience, be temporally prepared and more able to help others in ways that bless them now and for all eternity as they witness God’s love through us.

His strong sense of right and wrong, is a great influence among all that know him. He avoids any appearance of evil. Drinking milk during a cocktail hour is an example of this.

He has a finance degree and spent life in the retail business. During a move to New York, he discovered that his children cared more about a fancy house that his presence because he was so seldom home. He realized his priorities needed to be reordered to make his home and family first.He pays tribute to the goodness of his mother. He claims a man is never his best unless he has the influence of a good woman - a mother or wife.

He taught:

“Today we find ourselves in another war. This is not a war of armaments. It is a war of thoughts, words, and deeds. It is a war with sin, and more than ever we need to be reminded of the commandments. Secularism is becoming the norm, and many of its beliefs and practices are in direct conflict with those that were instituted by the Lord Himself for the benefit of His children.” [2]

He directs, “We must not pick and choose which commandments we think are important to keep but acknowledge all of God’s commandments. We must stand firm and steadfast, having perfect confidence in the Lord’s consistency and perfect trust in His promises.” [3]

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[1] Elder L. TOM PERRY of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Obedience to Law is Liberty,” 183rd Annual  General Conference, 7April 2013

[2] Elder L. TOM PERRY of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Obedience to Law is Liberty,” 183rd Annual  General Conference,  Sunday Morning, 7April 2013

[3] Elder L. TOM PERRY of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Obedience to Law is Liberty,” 183rd Annual General Conference, 7April 2013

BOYD KENNETH PACKER Summary

BORN: 10 September 1924

PLACE OF BIRTH: Brigham City, Utah, United States

FATHER: Ira Wright Packer

MOTHER: Emma Jensen Packer

PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER

President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Key Doctrines:  

President Packer often teaches with parables. He worked for in the Church Education system and has published several books about teaching. Themes heard frequently include, agency, listening to the voice of the Spirit, the plan of life and salvation, missionary work, supporting the Lord’s chosen leaders, obedience as the key to happiness, and questions of morality. He has a deep understanding of our roles here on earth and does not shy away from truth, often speaking on controversial topics.  He is a firm and steadfast witness of our Lord and Savior and the restoration of His church on the earth in the Latter-days.

Elder James E. Faust tells us, “Elder Packer is very much a teacher. While all of the Twelve are teachers, he’s a teacher in the Twelve ... As a senior member of the Quorum, he offers instruction and approaches decisions with deep insight into their possible effects on the Church and its people.”  Elder Russell M. Nelson says, “The Book of Mormon has had a profound effect on Boyd Packer’s life. ... Without the Book of Mormon, Elder Packer couldn’t be the prophet he is ... He is a gifted seer. ... Often, when the Quorum is weighing a problem, Elder Packer will search his mind for relevant teachings from the Book of Mormon and apply them to the discussion.”

Many times, when I have wrestled with difficult questions about life and the purpose of my existence, I have found specific and detailed answers in the sermons, parables and also in the example of Boyd K Packer. His example of tenacity and persistence in trying to continually improve and learn encourages me. I have often felt comforted and sustained by his teachings and have written several quotes in the front of my scriptures.

I learned:

President Packer comes from a great family. Although they experienced many hardships and trials, including illness, accidents, and the death of a daughter, they always persevered, and these experiences drew them closer together. Their children were deeply affected by their examples.

Boyd’s childhood was full of love, adventure, and hardship. His sister Donna remembers him as a “happy child with plenty of smiles, and a bit of mischief.” Shortly after his 5th birthday, Boyd came down with a high fever. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. After the illness had apparently run its course, he had to learn to walk again. He did this by crawling on the floor, then pulling himself up to a chair. Later in life, he would learn that what had been thought to be pneumonia had actually been polio. As a young boy, while listening to President George Albert Smith in conference, he received a witness and knew that was a man of God.

He has raised many birds, including peacocks, golden pheasants, and pigeons. He is also a gifted artist. His Danish mother, spread newsprint on the floor where he would sprawl and draw. He has a great love for the outdoors, animals, and birds. He started by drawing them upside down - he says first the feet and then the legs and down from there. Soon he began carving animals out of wood using a coping saw. Art gave him confidence. This helped compensate for his lack of physical prowess. He had natural aptitude, keen powers of observation, and an imaginative approach to play or work, and developed these talents by diligent, patient persistence. As a young boy, he was encouraged to read, and study the world around him. [1]

President Packer was a key participant in developing the LDS scriptures, putting all together in one with footnotes, maps, cross references, and other study aids. The initial “Bible Aids Committee,” as it was first known, included Elder Thomas S. Monson as chairman, Elder Boyd K. Packer, and Elder Marvin J. Ashton. Later, Elder Ashton was reassigned and Elder Bruce R. McConkie joined the committee.

He teaches:

“Stand steady. Keep your faith. I bear witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. God lives and directs this work. The Church [of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints] is on the right course. It is on schedule. And I bear witness that it is righteously led by a prophet of God.” [2]

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[1] gapages.com/packer, Boyd K. Packer: A Watchman on the Tower by Lucile C. Tate

[2] (Ensign, May 1979, p. 81.)  

DEITER FRIEDRICH UCHTDORF Summary

BORN: 6 November 1940, Moravská Ostrava (in German: Mährisch-Ostrau ),
A Nazi-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia—now Ostrava, Czech Republic.

FATHER: Karl Albert Uchtdorf

MOTHER: Hildegard Else Opelt Uchtdorf

ELDER DEITER F UCHTDORF 

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

Key Doctrines:

 President Uchtdorf is a talented pilot and often speaks with awe of the sky and the expanse of the universe.  The sky, with its cycles of light and dark, are very symbolic of the teachings and principles of the gospel.  Although he is an experienced commercial pilot with extensive knowledge of flight and airplanes that knowledge seems small compared to his knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His German accent belies his literacy in multiple languages. He teaches capably all the doctrines and principles of the gospel. 

I learned why President Uchtdorf often urges us to spend quality time with loved ones, making memories with our families. He knows first hand the terrible tragedies of war and the terror of losing loved ones. He joined the church as a young boy when invited by an older “grandmotherly” woman. As a boy he worked to help with the hardship his family experienced as he grew up in post war Germany.

He is very tall (6' 5").

Learning about President Uchtdorf has given me many things to ponder. I am particularly struck by the love and forgiveness that we all must have for each other. I remember a time when the German people, and anything to do with Germany were not very popular because of war atrocities. President Uchtdorf has experienced a side of life that I pray to never know. His goodness and example remind us that every person, in every nation, and in every station is a son or daughter of God, and God remembers and loves us all alike. We may all "come" to the Savior.  

He taught recently, when speaking of hope and light, "Even though we may feel lost . . . God promises the hope of his light. He promises to illuminate the way before us and show us the way out of darkness. . . . God's light is real. It is available to all. . . . It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night . . . . How do we open our eyes to the hope of God's light? First start where you are. ... We don't have to be perfect to experience the blessings and gifts of our Heavenly Father. We don't have to wait to cross the finish line to receive God's blessings. In fact the heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take towards the light." [1] (My emphasis.)

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[1] Elder DEITER F UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, "The Hope of God’s Light," 182th  Annual General Conference, April 7, 2013 

HENRY BENNION EYRING Summary

BORN: 31 May1933

PLACE OF BIRTH: Princeton, New Jersey, United States

FATHER: Henry Eyring 

MOTHER: Mildred Bennion Eyring

ELDER HENRY B EYRING

First Counselor in the First Presidency

Key Doctrines:

I often hear President Eyring talk about prayer, how we communicate with each other, and with Heavenly Father. He also regularly mentions how the things we write down, like personal journals and study journal notes enlarge our memory, help us respond to promptings and repent as we remember and recognize the blessings given to us. He keeps a journal by his bedside to record his gratitude for the blessing of God in his life.

President Eyring reassures us that God knows us, is aware of us personally and loves each and every one of his children.  He stresses avoiding contention, and being kind to each other—living in harmony and unity. When we are kind and unified we are more likely to be able to discern the quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

I learned:

I was very impressed with the level of education that both President Eyring and his wife have obtained. He loves languages and speaks German and French. She does also, and both have a lively sense of humor. They occasionally travel with President Uchtdorf and his wife. Sister Uchtdorf may find herself challenged to keep up with Sister Eyring as, with a twinkle in her eye, she switches back and forth between the two languages.

He was raised in an atmosphere of hands-on learning with only chairs and a green chalkboard in their living room and continues to keep learning. His father was a scientist. His father's sister, Camilla Eyring, married Spencer W. Kimball. He has learned to do wood carving from President Packer. Brother and Sister Eyring, both very capable and intelligent in every way, have put the Lord and serving him first in their lives. They seek to do His will and to keep the spirit with them.

Elder Eyring questions, 

“How can you and I remember, always, the goodness of God, that we can retain a remission of our sins?” and answers that we remember through the Holy Ghost (John 14:26). “One of the ways God teaches us is with his blessings; and so, if we choose to exercise faith, the Holy Ghost will bring God’s kindnesses to our remembrance. You could test that in prayer today. You could follow the command, ‘Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.’ (D&C 59:7).” [1] 

 He explains, “Remembrance is the seed of gratitude which is the seed of generosity. Gratitude for the remission of sins is the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ. And so God has made possible for you and me this blessing, a change in our very natures . . .’ And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love . . .’ (Moro. 8:26.)” [Emphasis mine.] [2]

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[1] Elder HENRY B EYRING,  First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, “Remembrance and Gratitude,” 159th Annual General Conference, October 1989, Ensign, February 2000, 2–7

[2] Ibid

THOMAS SPENCER MONSON summary

BORN: 21 August 1927, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

FATHER: G. (George) Spencer Monson

MOTHER: Gladys Condie Monson

Thomas Spencer Monson
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Key Doctrines:

President Monson, unfailingly, encourages a questioning search for true answers to the universal questions: “Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do we go after this life?” He promises that as we “believe, obey, and endure . . .our prayers are heard, knowledge of truth and answers to our greatest questions can be ours . . .[and] the Lord will make up the difference.” We can communicate with God, be heard and answered. He testifies, “The empty tomb . . . [is] the answer to [all our] questions (He is Risen! Ensign May 2010, page 87).”

President Monson suggests we focus on truth instead of trauma and drama, diligently remember to follow the obedient example of Jesus Christ, and look for blessings through personal revelation and service. “Gospel guidance” teaches we have agency—the power to act to willingly serve. This blesses our lives and the lives of others. “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved,” he instructs. (See Finding Joy in the Journey, October 2008.)  Our “decisions do determine our destiny (The 3 Rs of Choice, November Ensign 2010, page 67).” 

President Monson teaches that sincere gratitude “unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.  . . . To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven. (The Divine Gift of Gratitude, November Ensign 2010, page 87).”

I learned:

His parent’s example of kindness and diligence shaped Thomas S. Monson to be a powerful example of service. We can see his example; we can hear his words—we can hear the Lord! I love it! Can I pledge my life and my heart to pray, and serve and love like Thomas S Monson? I want to follow his example.

He prays continually, and always has - anytime, anywhere. God is real to him. The Savior is real to him. I can hear it in his voice. I can see it in his eyes. I am not dependent on witnesses, third party reports, or print. I can hear it and see for myself because of the technology available to us. The prophet can talk face to face with people any time he chooses – in their wards, in their homes, and in their hearts - if we choose to hear him. We have the right and responsibility to make choices. There is no middle ground. We can not be neutral. We will receive the results of our choices - consequences or blessings.

He teaches, 

“Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch. Each of us can be true for just one day—and then one more, and then one more after that, until we’ve lived a lifetime guided by the Spirit, a lifetime close to the Lord, a lifetime of good deeds and righteousness. The Savior promised: ‘Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life’ (3 Nephi 15:9).

“For this purpose have you come into mortality . . . here is nothing more important than [that] goal . . . even eternal life in the Kingdom of your Father. (Believe, Obey, and Endure, Ensign May 2012, page 126).”

FINAL: WRITE 15 SUMMARIES

PROPHET and APOSTLE SUMMARIES:

Bring together all you have learned from the General Authority Presentations. Write a mini-essay (two paragraphs) indicating the following:

• What are the key doctrines that the general authority has focused on?
• What are some things you have learned about the general authority’s life? 

Use the information you have learned from the Apostle Spotlight Presentations or the apostle readings to write these essays. Each essay should be about 200-250 words.* The presentations are still available if you would like to review them for this assignment. 

* These instructions changed several times. The instructions above are the "average" size of the various summary requests. 

WHAT THINKS CHRIST OF ME? Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Sunday afternoon, 1 April 2012, or Ensign, May page 111

Key Doctrines and Principles:  

Elder Anderson reminds us that the apostle “Paul said, ‘We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10).’ At that day the important question for each of us will be, ‘What thinks Christ of me?’” Elder Anderson lists 14 scriptural instances that share examples of what the Savior said about all kinds of people, good and evil. How do I see myself compared to those examples?

Elder Anderson  promises, “As you love Him, trust Him, believe Him, and follow Him, you will feel His love and approval. . . . By His grace He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself.”

Favorite Quotes:

“Jesus’s call “Come, follow me” (Luke 18:22) is not only for those prepared to compete in a spiritual Olympics. In fact, discipleship is not a competition at all but an invitation to all. Our journey of discipleship is not a dash around the track, nor is it fully comparable to a lengthy marathon. In truth, it is a lifelong migration toward a more celestial world.”

“Wherever you now find yourself on the road of discipleship, you are on the right road, the road toward eternal life.”

"As we trust in the Savior, promised miracles will occur. Whether in this life or the next, all will be made right. The Savior declares: 'Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid'(John 14:27).”

“With great love and admiration for the many disciples of Jesus Christ who are not members of this Church, we humbly declare that angels have returned to the earth in our day. The Church of Jesus Christ as He established it anciently has been restored, with the power, ordinances, and blessings of heaven. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.”

So What?

“His invitation is a call to daily duty. Jesus said: “If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15) .”  . . . Wherever you now find yourself on the road of discipleship, you are on the right road, the road toward eternal life.”

“Discipleship is believing Him in seasons of peace and believing Him in seasons of difficulty, when our pain and fear are calmed only by the conviction that He loves us and keeps His promises (Mark 5:36).”

“In a future day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess . . . Christ. (See Romans 14:11)  On that day, our concern will not be, ‘Do others consider me Christian?’ At that time, our eyes will be fixed on Him, and our souls will be riveted on the question, ‘What thinks Christ of me?’ He lives.”

IT'S A MIRACLE Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Sunday morning, 7 April 2013

   

  

Key Doctrines and Principles:

Elder Anderson asks us to “imagine the scene of the eleven Apostles . . . when the risen Lord came to them and said: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them’ (Matthew 28:19)” . . . ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature’ (Mark 16:15).”

“ ‘All nations’? ‘All the world’? ‘Every creature’? Was it possible? . . . (Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:17–18).  Faith overcame doubt, and Peter lifted his voice, saying: . . . ‘This Jesus … God [hath] raised up, [and] we all are witnesses.’ (Acts 2:14, 22–23, 32)”

This is the scope of the work to which all followers of Christ are called. Time has not altered the Savior’s instruction. We are to teach and baptized all—every creature! We also must rely on faith and heavenly help to overcome doubt and accomplish so great a task.

Favorite Quotes:

"Today we have congregations in 189 of the 224 nations and territories of the world. We are few in number, just as Nephi foretold (1 Nephi 14:12).  But at the same time, you and I are eyewitnesses of Daniel’s prophetic words: the ‘stone … cut … without hands … [is filling] the whole earth.’ (Daniel 2:34–35) . . . Our day is a remarkable time of miracles." [Emphasis mine.]

“We are witnessing the miracles of the Lord as His gospel is spreading across the world.”

“If you’re not a full-time missionary with a missionary badge pinned on your coat, now is the time to paint one on your heart—painted, as Paul said, ‘not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God.’(2 Corinthians 3:3).”

“I promise you, as you pray to know with whom to speak, names and faces will come into your mind. Words to speak will be given in the very moment you need them. (See Doctrine and Covenants 84:85; 100:6). Opportunities will open to you. Faith will overcome doubt, and the Lord will bless you with your very own miracles.”

“Pray to your Heavenly Father. This is His sacred work. He will guide you in what to do. He will open doors, remove roadblocks, and help you overcome obstacles. The Lord declared, “The voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, … and none shall stay them (Doctrine and Covenants 1:4–5).”

So what?

“President Thomas S. Monson has said: ‘We take most seriously the Savior’s mandate … , “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them . . .’ (Thomas S. Monson, “Welcome to Conference,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 5). ‘… No force in the entire world can stop the work of God’  (Thomas S. Monson, “As We Gather Once Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 4).

Often we do not take the words of prophets personally and apply them. Elder Anderson specially addresses each individual that follow professes to follow Jesus:

“As surely as the Lord has inspired more missionaries to serve, He is also awakening the minds and opening the hearts of more good and honest people to receive His missionaries. You already know them or will know them. They are in your family and live in your neighborhood. They walk past you on the street, sit by you in school, and connect with you online.

                 “You too are an important part of this unfolding miracle. . . . The Lord needs you now more than ever to be an instrument in His hands. All of us have a contribution to make to this miracle. . . .  “You can help answer their questions. In your everyday conversations you can add to their faith in Christ.

                 “(The Prophet Joseph Smith said: ‘Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, etc., any truth? Yes. … We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up” (History of the Church, 5:517). “We don’t ask any people to throw away any good they have … ; we only ask them to come and get more.’)”

                

“We must be a friendly people. We must recognize the good in all people. We don’t go about tearing down other churches. We preach and teach in a positive and affirmative way. We say to those of other faiths, ‘you bring with you all the good that you have and let us see if we can add to it.’ That is essentially the essence of our great missionary program and it yields results” (“Messages of Inspiration from President Hinckley,” Church News, Nov. 7, 1998, 2; see ldschurchnews.com).

“President Monson has asked that we pray for “those areas where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely. (Thomas S. Monson, “Welcome to Conference,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 6).” As we earnestly and unitedly petition our Father in Heaven, the Lord will continue to open important doors for us.”

“We also pray for our own opportunities to share the gospel. The Apostle Peter said, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh … a reason [for] the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). The Savior said: “Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up (3 Nephi 18:24).”

NEIL L ANDERSON

Activity Instructions: 

General Conference: 

Read all of the talks given by Elder Neil L Anderson 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 Neil L Anderson 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 DIVINE GIFT OF REPENTANCE Summary

181st Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Saturday afternoon, April 2011

Key Doctrines and Principles:

Elder Christofferson teaches the concept of repentance as a valued divine gift powerfully, with his witness of the love and mercy manifest in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He tutors, “Repentance exists as an option only because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is His infinite sacrifice that “bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance” (Alma 34:15). Repentance is the necessary condition, and the grace of Christ is the power by which ‘mercy can satisfy the demands of justice’ (Alma 34:16).

He instructs, “Five aspects of this fundamental gospel principle [are:]

      First, the invitation to repent is an expression of love . . .  

      Second, repentance means striving to change. . . .  

      Third, repentance means not only abandoning sin but also committing to obedience . . .

      Fourth, repentance requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to persevere, even through pain. . . . Any pain entailed in repentance will always be far less than the suffering required to satisfy justice for unresolved transgression.

      Fifth, whatever the cost of repentance, it is swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness.

Favorite Quotes:

 -

“ The invitation to repent is an expression of love . . . inviting all who [will] to qualify to join [Jesus] ‘and enjoy . . . eternal life [itself] in the world to come” (Moses 6:59). If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty. . . . Guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring (see D&C 121:43–44).” (Emphasis mine.)

“With repentance we can steadily improve in our capacity to live the celestial law, for we recognize that ‘he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory’ (D&C 88:22).”

“Only through repentance do we gain access to the atoning grace of Jesus Christ and salvation. Repentance is a divine gift, and there should be a smile on our faces when we speak of it. It points us to freedom, confidence, and peace.” (Emphasis mine.)

“Repentance means not only abandoning sin but also committing to obedience. . . . Without this covenant, repentance remains incomplete and the remission of sins unattained. . . . [Scriptures] speaks repeatedly of . . . ‘baptism of or unto repentance’ [referencing] baptism with its covenant of obedience [as] the capstone of repentance. With full repentance, including baptism, one is qualified for the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and it is by the Holy Ghost that one receives the baptism of the Spirit (see John 3:5) and forgiveness of sins . . . (2 Nephi 31:17).” (Emphasis mine.)

So What?   

“We live in a time not long before the advent of Jesus Christ—in our case, the time of preparation for His Second Coming. . . . When prophets come crying repentance, it ‘throws cold water on the party.’ But in reality . . . [they] should be received with joy. Without repentance, there is no real progress or improvement in life. Pretending there is no sin does not lessen its burden and pain. Suffering for sin does not by itself change anything for the better. Only repentance leads to the sunlit uplands of a better life. . . . Rather than interrupting the celebration, the gift of repentance is the cause for true celebration.”

"We all need to continuously strive to accept this divine gift Elder Christofferson teaches. It “requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to persevere, even through pain, [but] . . . any pain entailed in repentance will always be far less than the suffering required to satisfy justice for unresolved transgression.”

“With faith in the merciful Redeemer and His power, potential despair turns to hope. One’s very heart and desires change, and the once-appealing sin becomes increasingly abhorrent. A resolve to abandon and forsake the sin and to repair, as fully as one possibly can, the damage he or she has caused now forms in that new heart.”

“The incomprehensible suffering, death, and Resurrection of our Lord ‘bringeth to pass the condition of repentance’ (Helaman 14:18). The divine gift of repentance is the key to happiness here and hereafter. . . . In accepting [the Savior’s] invitation (‘repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’ Matthew 4:17), you will find joy both now and forever.”