My Sacrament Meeting talk from Mother's Day 2017

The Holy Spirit has been working on me for a while to post the talk I gave last year in Sacrament meeting on Mother's Day.  I thought today would be appropriate.  Normally, I do not have my talk written out verbatim, but I pleaded with the Lord to help me have at least the majority written, so that I would not falter, because some of the subject matter is extra-emotional for me.  I added a few links to scripture references.

Enjoy!



How can our family life bring us joy and happiness?

So many possible directions for this talk.  Since I can’t go into them all, I wanted to at least list some possible venues for your personal exploration:

• Finding joy in the journey
• Experiencing joy in building Zion even in the mundane tasks 
• Creating happiness in uniting as a family
• Building family relationships that bring joy
• Founding our family on the teachings of Jesus Christ
• Nurturing our personal joy and then bringing that to the family
• Choosing joy amid trial and hardship
• Having joy in multiplying and replenishing the earth

Each of these could be a Sacrament talk.  In my scripture studies the past couple of weeks, I have read the Book of Mormon with questions regarding direction and insights for this talk - so you’ll see it’s some of some of that, and some of none of that, and I hope the spirit of what I’m trying to say comes through.

To start, as Ammon asked, I’ve been pondering:  Have we not great reason to rejoice?

In Nephi’s vision of the tree of life, after being asked the meaning of the tree of life, Nephi writes:
22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.
23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.  (1 Nephi 11)

If the love of God is most desirable above all things and most joyous to the soul, is it possible that if not the next, surely close to the next thing most desirable and joyous to the soul would be the love of and for our family members?

"the end of all activity in the Church is to see that a man and a woman with their children are happy at home, sealed together for time and for all eternity." -- Boyd K Packer, April 2015

If we are not feeling this joy - that we are designed to feel in our families - I believe there is something we can personally do that will help change that.

Part of what I’m hoping to demonstrate here is that you can look to the Book of Mormon and find personal answers to your personal questions - I have experienced this before the stake presidency gave us the challenge to read the BoM with a question, but since the challenge, I have been blown away by the amount of inspiration that has streamed into my life.

One of the scriptures that touched me deeply in studying for this talk is in Mosiah 18.  I asked the night I was studying this chapter “How can I find joy and happiness in family life?”  In verse 21 -

21 And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.
23 And he commanded them that they should observe the sabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God.
25 And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together.
30...yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever.

I got a lot!  As a family, we need to unite in worship, love, work, prayer, service, Sabbath-day observance, family get-togethers and even singing together.  I was trying to think how we can unite spiritually together, and I kept coming back to v. 21, this idea of looking forward with one eye - maybe in the vernacular we could call it sharing a family vision.  So, this week, I have been trying to focus more on our shared vision - especially reminding my children that we want our home to have a loving spirit and be a safe atmosphere for everyone - this is a vision we share - and reminders of this have helped me both being gentle in my discipline, and also helping them understand that they can and may actually want to choose to put a stop to bickering and contention.

Something the Lord has been teaching me recently is that He wants me to involve Him every day - more than just in my morning and evening prayers - in the mundane things as well as the spiritual or emotional (or even physical) emergencies.  Sometimes I think oh - I know how to handle that - and I don’t need to bother Him … but is there a better way?  Wouldn’t He like to accompany me on this diaper change?  He can always help me handle things - even things that I already know - by helping me express more grace, more love - more Christlike character.  This will then help me be more like Him, and help those I serve be better served, and the cycle will continue as they serve those around them better based on my example.

"our Heavenly Father never intended that we would deal with the maze of personal problems and social issues on our own" -- Russell M Nelson, Apr 2017

Maybe that includes diaper changes or determining lunch?!  Why not imagine Him by our side, and see how that changes us and our family happiness.

Another thing I’ve been practicing doing with my children is what we call “do-overs” (I got it from a book, can’t take credit).  When I am exasperated, my gentleness is one of the first things to go out the window … but when or once I have the wherewithal, I stop myself, apologize, and say, I’m going to do that over.  Then it might be, “I understand that you are having fun playing your game, but it is time to set the table, and as a family we help each other out.”  Or, if the kids are fighting, I might have them stop and practice communicating in kinder words or actions.  It may feel a little corny, to stand there and have them say “I understand that you want a turn with my toy; I will let you after I finish,” and then the other, of course recites, “I understand that it is your toy and you are playing with it; May I please have a turn? Or thank you for letting me have a turn.”  But the next time the situation arises … they are equipped with another choice of words to say than the first, natural-man reaction.  They have practiced their parts to be kinder and give the benefit of the doubt.  Could this apply to other family relationships, too?  Can we forgive and have do-overs when we offend or are offended?  How much peace can we create?!

New train of thought:  There are no sides in family.  In Mosiah chapter 20, we have the story of the priests of King Noah, who carried off the Lamanite daughters.  The Lamanites wrongly accuse the people of Limhi.  King Limhi sees the war preparation and prepares his people for war also.  Doesn’t this already sound like [it could relate to a family] argument brewing?  ...The king is found wounded among the dead, but they question him instead of slaying him, and find out about the accusation.  King Limhi offers to search among his people (which is like a self-examination for wrong-doing - maybe we do need to apologize - it never hurts to self-examine and repent where necessary).  Then Gideon suggests the true culprits - the wicked priests.  The Lamanite king and people of Limhi go without arms and the king pleads on behalf of the people of Limhi, and peace is restored.  Imagine going back to the offended without any weapons - no harsh words, no biting sarcasm, no counter-accusations?  What if we drop it all and plead - in prayer or in person on behalf of hurt.

There are no sides in family.  Before you accuse someone - remember that as a family, you are on the same side.  The true enemy is not each other (represented here by the Lamanites and people of Limhi) but the father of contention, himself, yea, that old serpent, the devil (represented here by the wicked priests).  There are no “sides” in family.

New train of thought:  From the Family Proclamation, we read:  "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Ok, so, we need to learn the teachings of Jesus Christ, and make those principles our foundation.

Or in a slightly different angle:  To have joy and happiness in our family life, we must approach the source of joy and happiness, Jesus Christ, and bring Him and His teachings into our family life.  This is kind of an individual journey - you cannot force someone else to be happy if they are determined not to be.  Case in point, Laman and Lemuel who wouldn’t go to the tree!  But we can be examples, we can focus on what we can change.

Which brings me to the next point.  We can choose happiness.  We can choose joy.  Some might think that happiness is something that happens to you.  Maybe once they have a beautiful house, car, spouse, children, THEN they’ll be happy.  Or maybe happiness is served on a silver platter.  In my experience, happiness is something we experience in spite of what we go through.

I believe happiness is something we choose - and we have the liberty to choose it through righteous living and faith.  Why is this?  We must live true to what we know - to our consciences - in order to have the peace inside which happiness is based on.  Then, come what may, we love it!

To quote President Nelson:
“Saints can be happy under every circumstance. We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year!
“My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.
“When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, ... Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”9 And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!”-- Nelson, Oct 2016

I find it interesting that Mother’s Day is in the spring, just after we’ve celebrated Easter - a time of birth and rebirth.  When I was pregnant with our 3rd child, Thomas, I was due the week after Easter.  That day, a friend called me and told me of the death of a close relative.  I remember saying to her … “but if you could choose when to die - wouldn’t Easter be the best time?  When everything around you speaks of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His victory over death?”  I had never thought of that before, but the words came to me in the moment, … and I have pondered it ever since.  Because … 3 days later, I went into labor with my fastest ever, most-complication-free, delivery.  Thomas was born blue and without a heartbeat, but an incredible staff of neonatologists were able to get his heart beating and put him on a ventilator, although a preliminary scan showed abnormal brain activity - brain damage.  We began a treatment that was to halt the brain damage.  It was decided I would go home that night, to have a comfortable bed try and sleep and come back in the morning.  We didn’t know if he would live or die.  I opened my Book of Mormon, praying for a message for me, and read these words from Alma 4:

12 Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted.
13 Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ’s sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy;
14 Looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their sins; being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead, according to the will and power and deliverance of Jesus Christ from the bands of death.

This chapter begins after a huge war - so great were their afflictions that every soul had cause to mourn. In my margins by verse 14, I had written:  "People who lost family - this was their hope - they had to do everything in v. 13"

I was in disbelief, but I had my answer.  I knew he would die.  I knew my hope would be looking forward to the resurrection.  As one by one his organs came online … his brain, which had suffered from swelling, shut down.  We had many spiritual experiences throughout his brief life and since.

The world would tell you to be devastated, and it was devastating - but more in a shock to the system, that this would be God’s will for our family.  The world would tell you you could never recover - and I do still think about my son a lot, but I not in a despondent way.  I choose happiness.  I know I will see him again.  If you knew you would see someone tomorrow, would you be so anguished at saying good-bye today?  I can practically see our reunion in my mind’s eye - I can almost taste our reunion - will not the tears of sorrow turn to rejoicing?  If I can rejoice tomorrow, can I not rejoice today?  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  In the teeniest way like Christ, for the joy set before me, I endure the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2).

If you want more happiness and joy in this life, you must choose it.  Choose to put on a smile. Choose to come unto Christ.  Choose to follow that still, small voice, which tells you to pause, bridle your passions, and act in love.  Choose to act in love (for love is an action - people don’t fall out of love - they choose not to love anymore), and you will find that love reciprocates back to you - if not in the way you want or expect, then in a way you didn’t expect.  The best love ... is Christ’s love.  "O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever" (Jacob 3:2)  I have experienced this feasting on His love, and its miraculous, healing influence.  I know He is there for us, to console us in our afflictions, and to plead our cause.

To sum up, I want to go back to the beginning of my talk.  How do we have joy and happiness in our family life?  We choose it.  We choose happiness.  Choose gratitude.  Choose love.  We choose Jesus Christ.

(Alma 26) 35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, … he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name. 36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of … [me and my family]

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Let's Discuss: "The Plan and the Proclamation" by Dallin H. Oaks

"The Plan and the Proclamation"
By Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
30 September 2017, Saturday morning Session 

Hymn recommendations:
250  We Are All Enlisted
256  As Zion's Youth in Latter Days
263  Go Forth with Faith
297  From Homes of Saints Glad Songs Arise

Favorite quote:

We must try to balance the competing demands of following the gospel law in our personal lives and teachings, even as we seek to show love for all.

One-sentence synopsis:
Our worldview is moving farther apart from the world's, still we choose the Lord's Way as outlined in the Family Proclamation.

Quotes and Discussion:

I found that Elder Oaks's talk was really easy to create discussion questions from.  His logical, laid-out style makes it easy to understand as you follow along (or easy to go back if you get lost).

As is evident in our family proclamation, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are blessed with unique doctrine and different ways of viewing the world. ...

What examples of unique doctrine and different ways of viewing the world from the Proclamation can you think of?  I thought of the doctrine of Heavenly Parents, temple ordinances, children as "an heritage of the Lord," the first commandment still being in force.  It still surprises me when I encounter people who do not want any or many children, for example.

...We participate and even excel in many worldly activities, but on some subjects we forgo participation as we seek to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Apostles, ancient and modern.

What subjects do we forgo participation of?  I thought of some Sunday activities, contraceptives?, then after reading more of his talk, I came back and added:  same-sex marriage and cohabitation!

I love that Elder Oaks sectionalizes his talks.  I try to figure out what the main theme is for each section.  Section I seems to be defining "the world" and an intro to the importance of families in God's plan.  I made a list based on my preconceptions and Elder Oaks's words for "What is the world?"  Let me know in the comments what you would add.

What is the "world?"

• Telestial-ity
• That which chokes unrooted seedlings (parable of the sower)
• Riches and worldly cares
• That which hates things of God
• Opposition to Christ's teachings
• Foolishness or vanity
• The traditions of men
• Enmity with God (natural man)
• Conformity (keep up with Joneses)
• Popularity
• Mockers, scorners (vision of tree of life)

I.
In a parable, Jesus described those who “[hear] the word” but become “unfruitful” when that word is “choke[d]” by “the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches” (Matthew 13:22). Later, Jesus corrected Peter for not savoring “the things that be of God, but those that be of men,” declaring, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:23, 26). In His final teachings in mortality, He told His Apostles, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, … the world hateth you” (John 15:19; see also John 17:14, 16).  [emphasis added]

Why can't we "coexist?"  Why does the world HATE the righteous?  Share your thoughts below.  I thought of the differences between light and dark - darkness must flee in the presence of light.  Where there is light, darkness cannot abide.  Light cleaveth unto light.  This means to me that people at different spiritual levels have a friction - a disparity of frequency, if you will.  Animal magnetism in reverse - repulsion.  Consider also John 3:20, which reads, "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."

Similarly, the writings of Jesus’s early Apostles frequently use the image of “the world” to represent opposition to gospel teachings. “Be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2), the Apostle Paul taught. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). And, “Beware,” he warned, “lest any man spoil you … after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). The Apostle James taught that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God[.] Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

First, this does not mean that we should not be friendly!  Elder Oaks is teaching us that when the scriptures speak of the world, they are often referring to the natural man - opposition or enmity to God - not individuals of other faiths, for example.  We all have to root out the natural man, or the world!  On this level, the "world" is not us against them, it is me against myself, you against yourself.

The Book of Mormon often uses this image of the opposition of “the world.” Nephi prophesied the ultimate destruction of “those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek … the things of the world” (1 Nephi 22:23; see also 2 Nephi 9:30). Alma condemned those who were “puffed up … with the vain things of the world” (Alma 31:27). Lehi’s dream shows that those who seek to follow the iron rod, the word of God, will encounter the opposition of the world. The occupants of the “great and spacious building” Lehi saw were “mocking and pointing” the “finger of scorn” (1 Nephi 8:26–27, 33). In his vision interpreting this dream, Nephi learned that this ridicule and opposition came from “the multitudes of the earth, … the world and the wisdom thereof; … the pride of the world” (1 Nephi 11:34–36).

How do we "heed not" the mocking and pointing of the world?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  I thought of humility, and keeping our focus on Christ.  If we are with Christ, scorning does not matter to us.  Charity can also change our view of the mockers - they do not have the happiness most joyous to the soul at the tree of life.  (Bonus question:  How is humility/focusing on Christ/etc. different from being unfriendly?)

What is the meaning of these scriptural cautions and commandments not to be “of the world” or the modern commandment to “forsake the world”? (D&C 53:2). President Thomas S. Monson summarized these teachings: “We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God.”1  [emphasis added]

Can you think of anything in your life that you need to reject because it does not conform to our standards?  (You don't have to answer - this is more to ponder.)  Maybe a tv show that is uncomfortably violent?  Maybe a friendship that is hurting you?

God created this earth according to His plan to provide His spirit children a place to experience mortality as a necessary step toward the glories He desires for all His children. While there are various kingdoms and glories, our Heavenly Father’s ultimate desire for His children is what President Monson called “eternal life in the kingdom of God,” which is exaltation in families. This is more than salvation. President Russell M. Nelson has reminded us, “In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; [but] exaltation is a family matter.”2

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the inspired family proclamation, which I will discuss later, are essential teachings to guide mortal preparation for exaltation. Even as we must live with the marriage laws and other traditions of a declining world, those who strive for exaltation must make personal choices in family life according to the Lord’s way whenever that differs from the world’s way.  [emphasis added]

What do you think Elder Oaks means by "a declining world?"  I was reminded of the building in Lehi's vision of the tree of life - it says that great was the fall thereof.  A "declining world" is telling me its fall has begun.

It makes sense to me that if we do not wish to fall with the world, we must do as Elder Oaks says, and "make personal choices in family life according to the Lord's way whenever that differs from the world's way."  Can you think of there aspects of "the world" that are congruent with the Lord's way?

In this mortal life, we have no memory of what preceded our birth, and we now experience opposition. We grow and mature spiritually by choosing to obey God’s commandments in a succession of right choices. These include covenants and ordinances and repentance when our choices are wrong. In contrast, if we lack faith in God’s plan and are disobedient to or deliberately refrain from its required actions, we forgo that growth and maturity. The Book of Mormon teaches, “This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God” (Alma 34:32).  [emphasis added]

 I like that.  In my notes, I wrote:  "Succession of right choices = covenants + ordinances + repentance."  We must not get bogged down by perfectionism.  We cannot do everything right all of the time!  But repentance is the right choice when we've made those mistakes and sins.

Section II is the shortest in this talk.  It seems to be the point that conflict will arise with our unique worldview.

II.
Latter-day Saints who understand God’s plan of salvation have a unique worldview that helps them see the reason for God’s commandments, the unchangeable nature of His required ordinances, and the fundamental role of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Savior’s Atonement reclaims us from death and, subject to our repentance, saves us from sin. With that worldview, Latter-day Saints have distinctive priorities and practices and are blessed with the strength to endure the frustrations and pains of mortal life.

Inevitably, the actions of those who try to follow God’s plan of salvation can cause misunderstanding or even conflict with family members or friends who do not believe its principles. Such conflict is always so. Every generation that has sought to follow God’s plan has had challenges. Anciently, the prophet Isaiah gave strength to the Israelites, whom he called “ye that know righteousness, … in whose heart is my law.” To them he said, “Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings” (Isaiah 51:7; see also 2 Nephi 8:7). But whatever the cause of conflict with those who do not understand or believe God’s plan, those who do understand are always commanded to choose the Lord’s way instead of the world’s way.  [emphasis added]

Elder Oaks is telling us that conflict always arises with differing opinions, and that it is not something to fear.  Even amidst conflict, we still want to choose the Lord's way.

Section III goes over some of the current, biggest differences between the world and LDS doctrine on families - "cohabitation without marriage, same-sex marriage, and the raising of children in such relationships."

III.
The gospel plan each family should follow to prepare for eternal life and exaltation is outlined in the Church’s 1995 proclamation, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”3 Its declarations are, of course, visibly different from some current laws, practices, and advocacy of the world in which we live. In our day, the differences most evident are cohabitation without marriage, same-sex marriage, and the raising of children in such relationships. ...

I love that Elder Oaks does not shy away from what could be an uncomfortable topic.  Straight to the crux - no guessing what he is specifically talking about.  I also love that he is not accusing or hating, here.  He is merely pointing out some differences.

...Those who do not believe in or aspire to exaltation and are most persuaded by the ways of the world consider this family proclamation as just a statement of policy that should be changed. ...

What difference does believing in and aspiring to exaltation make?
How can we increase our belief in and aspirations to exaltation?

...In contrast, Latter-day Saints affirm that the family proclamation defines the kind of family relationships where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.  [emphasis added]

Read the last sentence (in bold) above again.  What is he saying?  What do you think is the most important part of our eternal development that occurs only within these family relationships?  Comment below.  Here are some things I pondered:  As a married couple, my husband and I have had to put a large amount of selfishness aside, and consider the best for our marriage and family above what might be best for us individually.  As parents, my husband and I definitely understand better the love our Heavenly Parents have for us as we love, teach, provide opportunities for, and nurture our children.  Our children benefit from having a mother and father committed, present, and unified.  Also, "In the ordinances the power of godliness is manifest."  The highest currently available ordinance is that of the sealing of a family unit.

We have witnessed a rapid and increasing public acceptance of cohabitation without marriage and of same-sex marriage. The corresponding media advocacy, education, and even occupational requirements pose difficult challenges for Latter-day Saints. We must try to balance the competing demands of following the gospel law in our personal lives and teachings, even as we seek to show love for all.4 In doing so we sometimes face, but need not fear, what Isaiah called “the reproach of men.”

How can we achieve this balance?  We should not need to compromise our standards.  We can follow the Holy Spirit as to how to respond.  We can draw closer to the Savior.

Converted Latter-day Saints believe that the family proclamation, issued nearly a quarter century ago and now translated into scores of languages, is the Lord’s reemphasis of the gospel truths we need to sustain us through current challenges to the family. Two examples are same-sex marriage and cohabitation without marriage. ...

Can you think of other examples that specifically apply to current challenges?

...Just 20 years after the family proclamation, the United States Supreme Court authorized same-sex marriage, overturning thousands of years of marriage being limited to a man and a woman. The shocking percentage of United States children born to a mother not married to the father came more gradually: 5 percent in 1960,5 32 percent in 1995,6 and now 40 percent.7

Section IV gives an overview of some of the unique doctrines of the Family Proclamation, and also its inspired origins.

IV.
The family proclamation begins by declaring “that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” It also affirms that “gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.” It further declares “that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.”

The proclamation affirms the continuing duty of husband and wife to multiply and replenish the earth and their “solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children”: “Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.” It solemnly warns against the abuse of spouse or offspring, and it affirms that “happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Finally, it calls for the promotion of official “measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”

In 1995 a President of the Church and 14 other Apostles of the Lord issued these important doctrinal statements. As one of only seven of those Apostles still living, I feel obliged to share what led to the family proclamation for the information of all who consider it.

The inspiration identifying the need for a proclamation on the family came to the leadership of the Church over 23 years ago. It was a surprise to some who thought the doctrinal truths about marriage and the family were well understood without restatement.8 Nevertheless, we felt the confirmation and we went to work. Subjects were identified and discussed by members of the Quorum of the Twelve for nearly a year. Language was proposed, reviewed, and revised. Prayerfully we continually pleaded with the Lord for His inspiration on what we should say and how we should say it. We all learned “line upon line, precept upon precept,” as the Lord has promised (D&C 98:12).

I thought this was an interesting pattern for acting on revelation - the initial inspiration, followed by confirmation, going to work, discussion, proposal, review, revisions, pleading with the Lord throughout.

During this revelatory process, a proposed text was presented to the First Presidency, who oversee and promulgate Church teachings and doctrine. After the Presidency made further changes, the proclamation on the family was announced by the President of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley. In the women’s meeting of September 23, 1995, he introduced the proclamation with these words: “With so much of sophistry that is passed off as truth, with so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, we have felt to warn and forewarn.”9

I testify that the proclamation on the family is a statement of eternal truth, the will of the Lord for His children who seek eternal life. It has been the basis of Church teaching and practice for the last 22 years and will continue so for the future. Consider it as such, teach it, live by it, and you will be blessed as you press forward toward eternal life.

Forty years ago, President Ezra Taft Benson taught that “every generation has its tests and its chance to stand and prove itself.”10 I believe our attitude toward and use of the family proclamation is one of those tests for this generation. I pray for all Latter-day Saints to stand firm in that test.  [emphasis added]

How can we pass the test of the family proclamation?  Would anyone like to share their testimonies of the proclamation?

I close with President Gordon B. Hinckley’s teachings uttered two years after the family proclamation was announced. He said: “I see a wonderful future in a very uncertain world. If we will cling to our values, if we will build on our inheritance, if we will walk in obedience before the Lord, if we will simply live the gospel, we will be blessed in a magnificent and wonderful way. We will be looked upon as a peculiar people who have found the key to a peculiar happiness.”11 [emphasis added]

Different is not a bad thing - especially if the difference brings true happiness.  His path, guided by His iron rod leads us to happiness.

I testify of the truth and eternal importance of the family proclamation, revealed by the Lord Jesus Christ to His Apostles for the exaltation of the children of God (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4), in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Reaction to April 2018 Conference

This last weekend was the 188th annual General Conference.  Like many others, I was uplifted and amazed, energized and inspired.  When it was through I said to my husband, "This is what I've been waiting for!"  I'm not even completely sure what I meant, but I felt quickened and thoroughly satisfied through the Spirit, the messages, the announcements, and the call to living closer to the Spirit, closer to our Lord and Savior.

Favorite talks:  Elder De Feo and President Nelson both on Sunday morning!  We'll be discussing those for sure!

The solemn assembly was special.  I started crying during the opening hymn, and was sensitive throughout - it was all so SPECIAL.  I wanted to shout "Hosanna!"  I found myself drawn towards the screen, wanting to reach into it.  I remember saying, "This is what I need."  I love general conference anyway, but I was so happy to be able to participate.  The Spirit was so strong, so moving, so delicious, so wonderful and ... familiar.  I believe the Savior Himself was with us.

Priesthood session was so powerful.  When the prophet had all the Priesthood holders arise, it was electric.  I almost feel like they were taking a "Before" picture - all of these men and young men were consciously choosing to stand with the Prophet.  I think that is significant!  Almost a marshaling of the forces.  I believe that this was a testimony - perhaps of who is on the Lord's side.  Something wonderful is coming.  I was also reminded of Isaiah 52 and in searching found: Doctrine & Covenants 113

7 Questions by Elias Higbee: What is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52d chapter, 1st verse, which saith: Put on thy strength, O Zion—and what people had Isaiah reference to?
8 He had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel; and TO PUT ON HER STRENGTH IS TO PUT ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE PRIESTHOOD, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage; also to return to that power which she had lost

My 1yo even stopped playing to watch the closing song. I think he felt the power too.

Sunday morning session, Easter, the choir was spectacular in their song choices.  I noticed (the second time I listened) they changed a word in the 2nd verse of Christ the Lord Is Risen Today - instead of "Love's redeeming work is done," they sang, "Christ's redeeming work is done."  That was a lovely touch.  I loved all the talks, and the prophet's most of all.  I took the most notes from his words.  He confirmed things the Spirit has been teaching me and he inspired me.

After the changes to elders' quorum and home teaching, I felt a little amused because I had the thought that we had been given an upgrade.  I know I am not the only one.  But it felt that revolutionary.  Everything made sense as to preparing to be more of a Zion people.  Of COURSE the high priests should meet with the elders!  This will improve camaraderie, shepherding, etc. etc.  Of COURSE we need to retire visiting teaching and home teaching for ministering.  It is like they took the best of home teaching (involving the youth, etc.) and the best of visiting teaching (service more important than message, etc.) and combined them into something better.

The "good ship Zion" sails on, and I desire to be a part of it.

I plan to continue with some October 2017 discussion posts still.  I have a few outlined that I haven't written up into posts yet.