Let's Discuss: "Our Campfire of Faith," by Gerrit W. Gong

"Our Campfire of Faith"

By Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Saturday afternoon session, 6 October 2018

Hymn recommendations:
81  Press Forward, Saints
97  Lead, Kindly Light

One-sentence Synopsis:
Focus on the "campfire" of your faith until the "dawn" of faith comes or returns.

Favorite quote:

When righteous patterns and spiritual yearnings join, time and eternity come together. Spiritual light and life come when regular religious observance draws us closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. When we love the spirit and letter of the law, the things of eternity can distill upon our souls like the dews from heaven. With daily obedience and refreshing living water, we find answers, faith, and strength to meet everyday challenges and opportunities with gospel patience, perspective, and joy.

Something to put on the board:

As we face the light and warmth of a campfire, we leave the darkness and uncertainty behind us.

Talk and Discussion:
(Emphasis in original except where text size is changed.)

I am glad I took the opportunity to analyze this conference talk.  When I first listened to it, I didn't quite understand why the "campfires of faith" were "encouraging us" to various things.  I did not really follow the analogy, or felt I missed something, although there were good messages interspersed.  On a closer examination, I found the key to unlocking the talk, so I'm going to go ahead and put that first, then get into the talk in order.

As we painted, we talked about faith—how as we face the light and warmth of a campfire, we leave the darkness and uncertainty behind us—how on sometimes long, lonely nights, our campfire of faith can give hope and assurance. And the dawn does come. Our campfire of faith—our memories, experiences, and heritage of faith in God’s goodness and tender mercies in our life—has strengthened us through the night.

There is the key.  The campfire of faith is what we can choose to focus on, to put darkness and uncertainty behind us - it is our hope and assurance as we patiently await the "dawn."  Once I understood this, Elder Gong's talk became more powerful and even artistic.  He will mention 5 ways our campfire of faith can encourage us, and each of these ways seems to build on the previous - which reminded me of Doctrine & Covenants 50:24  "24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."  I think this "perfect day" is the same as the "dawn of faith" Elder Gong will urge us to seek.

One other thought before we dive in, and that is - not long after this talk, there was a literal "Camp Fire" - the name given to a wildfire that started near the Camp River in California, which devastated the city of Paradise, California.  I had to wonder at least for a moment if Elder Gong was being prophetic.  The painting, with its oranges and yellows, even almost looks like some of the pictures of the event.  I will probably watch his future talks a little, to see if a pattern emerges.  I just wanted to point it out here, because it's my blog.  ;)  Now, let us begin.

Dear brothers and sisters, isn’t it marvelous to receive continuing revelation from heaven through President Russell M. Nelson and our Church leaders that invites us to live in new and holier ways,1 at home and at church, with all our heart, mind, and strength?

Many speakers in Oct 2018 quoted from Russell M. Nelson from the previous conference.  Elder Gong is pointing out in particular the invitation to live in new and holier ways, which goes right along with the campfire of faith encouraging us "brighter and brighter."  What other invitations have we been given to live in new and holier ways?  You might think of Come Follow Me the new home study curriculum, or the new 2-hour Sunday block of church to encourage, the emphasis to make an appointment at the temple with the Lord, or invitations to abstain from social media, or read the Book of Mormon daily.  Missionaries can now text or phone home every P-day.  There are new types of missions where missionaries serve without leaving home.  President Nelson has even hinted that there will be more changes and invitations in the future.  Who else is excited for conference in April?!

Have you ever had opportunity to do something for which you felt unprepared or inadequate but that you were blessed for trying?

He will come back to this, so consider it now.  What comes to your mind?  This may be how growth works at its finest.

I have. Here’s one example.

Some years ago, Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, kindly invited, “Gerrit, would you like to watercolor with me?”

Elder Scott said painting helped him observe and create. He has written: “Attempt to be creative, even if the results are modest. … Creativity can engender a spirit of gratitude for life and for what the Lord has woven into your being. … If you choose wisely, it doesn’t have to absorb a lot of time.”2

I like this idea of observing and creating.  What helps you observe and create?  I love to play the piano, and in a sense, create consonant sound waves where there was none.  I love to create these blog posts.  They organize my thoughts on general conference and other scripture insights.  That is creation.  I strengthen family relationships through loving, nurturing, and serving my family - that creates tighter family bonds.  In our "consumer" culture, we often have to be creative looking for creative outlets, where we are creating instead of consuming.  God's way is of creation - out of matter unorganized, order.  The adversary destroys and breaks apart into disorder or chaos.  We have a divine ability and desire to create.  We can be inspired by observing, and in creating, we can honor the Lord's creations.  The next few paragraphs are some quotes on artistic creation.

President Henry B. Eyring describes his artistic meditations as motivated by “a feeling of love,” including “the love of a Creator who expects His children to become like Him—to create and to build.”3 President Eyring’s creative works provide a “unique, spiritual perspective on testimony and faith.”4

President Boyd K. Packer’s artwork illustrates a fundamental gospel message: “God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all things that are in them, that all nature bears testimony of that divinely directed creation, and that there is [a] complete harmony between nature, science, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.”5

Alma testifies, “All things denote there is a God.”6 Our Primary children sing, “Whenever I hear the song of a bird or look at the blue, blue sky, … I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world Heav’nly Father created for me.”7 Author Victor Hugo celebrates the “miraculous relationships between beings and things; in this inexhaustible whole, from sun to aphid. … All the birds that fly hold the thread of eternity in their claws. … A nebula is an anthill of stars.”8

And that brings us back to Elder Scott’s invitation.

“Elder Scott,” I replied, “I would like to become more observant and creative. I thrill to imagine Heavenly Father paints with billowing clouds and every hue of sky and water. But”—here was a long pause—“Elder Scott,” I said, “I have no skill to watercolor. I worry it may frustrate you to try and teach me.”

Elder Scott smiled and arranged for us to meet. On the appointed day, he prepared the paper, paints, and brushes. He sketched some outlines and helped wet the paper for me.

We used as a model his beautiful watercolor titled Campfire at Sunset. As we painted, we talked about faith—how as we face the light and warmth of a campfire, we leave the darkness and uncertainty behind us—how on sometimes long, lonely nights, our campfire of faith can give hope and assurance. And the dawn does come. Our campfire of faith—our memories, experiences, and heritage of faith in God’s goodness and tender mercies in our life—has strengthened us through the night.

When he mentioned "hope and assurance," I immediately thought of two well-known scriptures on faith (and I'm sure this was a tacit reference to them).  Hope from Alma 32:21 and Assurance from JST Hebrews 11:1

In a classroom setting, I might write down a list of some of the attributes of faith as we reach them.  Here I would add to my FAITH list:

• Leaves darkness and uncertainty behind
• Gives hope and assurance

We will add to this list as we go.

My testimony is—for those who seek, allow, and live for it—the dawn of faith, sometimes gradually, will come or can return. The light will come when we desire and seek it, when we are patient and obedient to God’s commandments, when we are open to God’s grace, healing, and covenants.

What does Elder Gong mean by "the dawn of faith?" I mentioned some of my thoughts on this earlier, that this may be the same as "the perfect day" from Doctrine & Covenants 50:24. The dawn of faith could also be the mighty change of heart (baptism of fire) the Book of Mormon teaches about.  The dawn of faith could also be the Second Comforter, having Jesus Christ manifested to you (for some this happens in life, and for some this happens after they die).

As we began painting, Elder Scott encouraged, “Gerrit, even with one lesson you will paint something you will want to keep and remember.” Elder Scott was right. I treasure the watercolor of our campfire of faith Elder Scott helped me paint. My artistic ability was and remains limited, but the remembrance of our campfire of faith can encourage us in five ways.

In a classroom setting, I might write down the 5 ways as we discuss them.  The only problem with writing his five ways is that they are LONG.  Maybe it would be better to pre-print them and hang them up!  Here's NUMBER 1:

First, our campfire of faith can encourage us to find joy in wholesome creativity.

I really like how Elder Gong brought in creativity to his talk.  It was a new way to think about faith for me.  We do not often think of creativity as an attribute or result of faith, but truly, as we seek to act in faith, we create something with the Spirit, even if it is just within ourselves.  This can also be artistic creation like painting or making music, or it can be something like strengthening a friendship.  It is creation.  It is godly.  It is good.

How does creativity help you leave darkness and uncertainty behind?  Remember these campfires of faith are what bring us through the darkness before the dawn.  Gardening, journaling, coloring with children or the elderly, family history/indexing, all these things are creative (as opposed to destructive) and give us a purpose and allow us to leave some of our struggles behind for a moment, as we focus on the creation of something instead of on despair or disease.  In my Relief Society class today, someone mentioned that one of their elderly relatives in a nursing home enjoys adult coloring books, because it gives her some purpose - something she CAN do, instead of focusing on what she CANNOT.  Creation helps us focus on what we CAN do.  That is huge.

There is joy in imagining, learning, doing worthwhile new things. This is especially true as we deepen faith and trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. We cannot love ourselves enough to save ourselves. But Heavenly Father loves us more and knows us better than we love or know ourselves. We can trust the Lord and lean not unto our own understanding.9

We know we need to be going about doing good, acting on our good thoughts, ideas, and promptings.  I just never really thought about this being creation before!  Lovely.  This next bit confused me at first, until I realized he is trying to demonstrate this point

Have you ever been the only one not invited to someone’s birthday party?

Have you ever been chosen last, or not chosen, when teams were selected?

Have you prepared for a school test, a job interview, an opportunity you really wanted—and you felt you failed?

Have you prayed for a relationship that, for whatever reason, has not worked out?

Have you faced chronic illness, been abandoned by a spouse, agonized for family?

Our Savior knows our circumstances. As we exercise God-given agency and engage all our faculties in humility and faith, our Savior, Jesus Christ, can help us meet life’s challenges and joys. Faith includes a desire and choice to believe. Faith also comes from obeying God’s commandments, given to bless us, as we follow His covenant path.

Here we will add to our FAITH list:

• Leaves darkness and uncertainty behind
• Gives hope and assurance
• Includes a desire and choice to believe
• Comes from obeying God's commandments
• Leads us along His covenant path

Our campfire of faith gives us purpose during what may feel like a failure.  We may have to add another log on the fire to get us through.  We may have to consciously choose faith, when doubt and despair desperately tempt us.  Every trial is an opportunity for growth - we may have to come up with new solutions, or new paradigm shifts, or new attitudes ... this is all CREATION again!

When we have felt, or feel, uncertain, alone, frustrated, angry, let down, disappointed, or estranged from God and His restored Church, it may take an extra measure of effort and faith to enter again on His covenant path. But it is worth it! Please come, or come again, unto the Lord Jesus Christ! God’s love is stronger than the cords of death—temporal or spiritual.10 Our Savior’s Atonement is infinite and eternal. Each of us strays and falls short. We may, for a time, lose our way. God lovingly assures us, no matter where we are or what we have done, there is no point of no return. He waits ready to embrace us.11

Pausing in my analysis somewhat to point out that here and in the next above quote, Elder Gong references the "covenant path," so beloved by our prophet.  I was almost shocked at how often the "covenant path" was mentioned in Oct 2018 conference, whereas before 2018, it was more rare.  President Oaks gave me a clue that President Nelson often likes to reference the covenant path.  So I almost feel like everyone is picking it up from him, and disseminating it to us.  What a great reminder that we are a covenant people, and there is still path to go.

Now for way NUMBER 2:

Second, our campfire of faith can encourage us to minister in new, higher, and holier Spirit-filled ways.

How does new ministering help us leave darkness and uncertainty behind?  Building on the last campfire encouragement... How does observing and creating help us in MINISTERING?  We no longer have to wonder if we are bugging people, or wait for an assignment.  If we have a prompting, we may act on it without worry of stepping on toes, or thinking someone's home teachers will take care of something, or whatever doubt may creep in.

Such ministering brings miracles and the blessings of covenant belonging—where we feel God’s love and seek to minister to others in that spirit.

Not long ago, Sister Gong and I became acquainted with a father and family blessed by a faithful priesthood brother who came to their bishop and asked if he (the priesthood brother) could be a home teaching companion with the father. The father was not active and not interested in home teaching. But as the father’s heart changed, he and this loving priesthood brother began visiting “their” families. After one such visit, his wife—herself not then attending church—asked her husband how things had gone. The father admitted, “I may have felt something”—then he went to the kitchen to get a beer.12

But one thing followed another: tender experiences, ministering service, changing hearts, temple preparation class, coming to church, being sealed as a family in the holy temple. Imagine how grateful the children and grandchildren are to their father and mother and to the ministering brother who came as a friend and companion with their father to minister to and love others.

I love the example Elder Gong shares above.  In part, I love this, because this was his ministering companion - not his ministering assignment.  There are no limits to our righteous influences.  The brother was observant that this fellow was inactive.  He was creative in asking to be paired with him as a companion.  He may have been more creative in getting him to actually go ministering with him.  Whatever the details, he acted on promptings, and generations are now blessed.

NUMBER 3:

A third campfire of faith encouragement: creative gospel joy and blessings come when we seek to love the Lord and others with all our hearts and souls.

This one even more naturally builds on the last one.  How does higher and holier ministering lead us to greater love for God and others?  How does greater love for the Lord and others help us to leave darkness and uncertainty behind?  When we focus on others, and serve others, our own problems become smaller.  Sometimes they even seem to resolve themselves.  When we focus on love for our Savior, there is nothing we cannot endure.  He will even carry the burden for us.

Someone mentioned in class today was that as our light, or campfire, grows bigger, others are attracted to it, and we are able to nourish others, and encourage others, much as we are nourished and encouraged.

The scriptures invite us to place all we are and are becoming on the altar of love and service. In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy enjoins us to “love the Lord thy God” with all our heart, soul, and might.13 Joshua exhorts, “Love the Lord your God, … walk in all his ways, … keep his commandments, … cleave unto him, and … serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”14

In the New Testament, our Savior states the two great commandments: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, … and thy neighbour as thyself.”15

In the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, King Benjamin labored “with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul” and established peace in the land.16 In the Doctrine and Covenants, as every missionary knows, the Lord asks us to serve Him with all our “heart, might, mind and strength.”17 When the Saints entered Jackson County, the Lord commanded them to keep the Sabbath holy by loving “the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.”18

Interesting that Elder Gong makes a point to share scriptures from various dispensations and quarters of the earth to demonstrate this point.

We rejoice in the invitation to devote our whole souls to seeking higher and holier ways to love God and those around us and to strengthen our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in our hearts and in our homes and at church.

Do you rejoice in the new invitations the Lord has extended to us through His prophet?  How?  What has changed for you?

Way NUMBER 4:

Fourth, our campfire of faith encourages us to establish regular patterns of righteous living that deepen faith and spirituality.

Wow.  Building from the last point, How does greater love for God and others help us establish regular patterns of righteous living?  I think when we start seeing the good we can do, when we experience being an instrument in the hands of God, we will desire more of it.  We will desire to dedicate our lives more wholly to His cause, to be worthy of His Spirit at all times, etc.  I also think that the world will lose its hold on us more and more.  For example, a tv show that maybe we used to enjoy will start to make us cringe.  We may start to recognize more the negative influences that we can root out of our lives, such as toxic relationships, or negative social media friends that drag others down.  I think we will spend more time with the Lord, taking time to be holy with Him every morning and(/or?) evening.

How do regular patterns of righteous living help us leave darkness and uncertainty behind?

These holy habits, righteous routines, or prayerful patterns may include prayer; scripture study; fasting; remembering our Savior and covenants through the ordinance of the sacrament; sharing gospel blessings through missionary, temple and family history, and other service; keeping a thoughtful personal journal; and so on.

When righteous patterns and spiritual yearnings join, time and eternity come together. Spiritual light and life come when regular religious observance draws us closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. When we love the spirit and letter of the law, the things of eternity can distill upon our souls like the dews from heaven.19 With daily obedience and refreshing living water, we find answers, faith, and strength to meet everyday challenges and opportunities with gospel patience, perspective, and joy.

Righteous patterns and spiritual yearnings - this reminds me of greater obedience (also known as observance) and greater creativity.

How can we love the spirit and letter of the law?  What does that even mean?  It is choosing the right for the right reasons.  It is joyfully obeying and trusting the Lord.

Now for point NUMBER 5.  You can see Elder Gong tying several together here:

Fifth, as we keep the best of familiar patterns while seeking new and holier ways to love God and help us and others prepare to meet Him, our campfire of faith can encourage us to remember perfection is in Christ, not in ourselves or in the perfectionism of the world.

How can regular patterns of righteous living help us remember that perfection is in Christ?  These patterns should help us focus on Him.  Everything that is good persuadeth to believe in Christ, right? (Moroni 7:16).

How can remembering that perfection is in Christ help us leave darkness and uncertainty behind?  Add your comments below.  I love the idea that we are not alone.  He will help us as much as He can (which is often as much as we will let Him - He respects our agency highly).  Not only are we not alone, we cannot make it alone.  We are a fallen people, and need a Savior.  He is the best Savior we could ask for.  He is a good Savior.  He is kind.  He is praiseworthy.  He is Love.

God’s invitations are full of love and possibility because Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life.”20 To those who feel burdened, He invites, “Come unto me,” and to those who come to Him, He promises, “I will give you rest.”21 “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, … love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ.”22

In this assurance “by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ” is also the comfort, peace, and promise that we can continue forward with faith and confidence in the Lord even when things do not go as we hope, expect, or perhaps deserve, through no fault of our own, even after we have done our best.

Now we're coming back to Elder Gong's initial question:

In various times and ways, we all feel inadequate, uncertain, perhaps unworthy. Yet in our faithful efforts to love God and to minister to our neighbor, we may feel God’s love and needed inspiration for their and our lives in new and holier ways.

With compassion, our Savior encourages and promises we can “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.”23 The doctrine of Christ, our Savior’s Atonement, and our whole-souled following of His covenant path can help us know His truths and make us free.24

I testify the fulness of His gospel and His plan of happiness are restored and taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in holy scripture, and by prophets from the Prophet Joseph Smith to President Russell M. Nelson today. I testify His covenant path leads to the greatest gift our loving Heavenly Father promises: “Ye shall have eternal life.”25

May His blessings and enduring joy be ours as we warm our hearts and hopes and commitment at our campfire of faith, I pray in the sacred and holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Let's Discuss: "Choose You This Day," by Dale G. Renlund

"Choose You This Day"

By Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Sunday afternoon session, October 7, 2018



Hymn recommendations:
117  Come Unto Jesus
239  Choose the Right
240  Know This, That Every Soul Is Free

Favorite quote:

"So, choose faith in Christ; choose repentance; choose to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost; choose to conscientiously prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament; choose to make covenants in the temple; and choose to serve the living God and His children.  Our choices determine who we are and who we will become."

Something to put on the board:

"Our choices determine who we are and who we will become." - Dale G. Renlund

One-sentence synopsis:
Choose the right for the right reason - because we are becoming like Christ.

Talk and Discussion
(emphasis in original except colors and text-size changes)
Elder Renlund begins his talk with some quotes from "Mary Poppins."  There are 3 points he is going to use to make comparisons, so I colored them, Red, Orange, and Green, along with their counterparts.

The fictional character Mary Poppins is a typical English nanny—who happens to be magical.1 She blows in on the east wind to help the troubled Banks family of Number 17, Cherry Tree Lane, in Edwardian London. She is given charge of the children, Jane and Michael. In a firm but kind manner, she begins to teach them valuable lessons with an enchanting touch.

Jane and Michael make considerable progress, but Mary decides that it is time for her to move on. In the stage production, Mary’s chimney sweep friend, Bert, tries to dissuade her from leaving. He argues, “But they’re good kids, Mary.”

Mary replies, “Would I be bothering with them if they weren’t? But I can’t help them if they won’t let me, and there’s no one so hard to teach as the child who knows everything.”

Bert asks, “So?”

Mary answers, “So they’ve got to do the next bit on their own.”2

Brothers and sisters, like Jane and Michael Banks, we are “good kids” who are worth bothering about. Our Heavenly Father wants to help and bless us, but we do not always let Him. Sometimes, we even act as if we already know everything. And we too need to do “the next bit” on our own. That is why we came to earth from a premortal, heavenly home. Our “bit” involves making choices.

How do we know that we are "good kids" worth bothering about?  Our doctrine teaches that we are children of God, and that we lived premortally, and agreed to come to the Earth, which was created for us.

How is it that we do not always let Heavenly Father help and bless us?  Some answers I thought of were pride, shame, and false beliefs.  Can you think of some examples?

How can we "let" Heavenly Father help and bless us more?  This might involve more sincere prayer - inviting Him in.  It may also involve a change of perspective:  For example, the Pharisees believed they were "whole" - Christ (the Physician) came to help not the whole, but the sick.  We may have to acknowledge our nothingness, our daily dependence on the Lord.  I think part of the reason we study the Fall of Adam so often is to remind us that we are fallen - none of us can make it alone; we need our Savior.

That said, how are we "alone" on earth? and how are we never alone?  Elder Renlund will go into this later, but we can consider our separation from our heavenly home and veil of forgetfulness as a way of being alone

Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right and ultimately become like Him. If He simply wanted us to be obedient, He would use immediate rewards and punishments to influence our behaviors.

This is the difference once again between Father's plan and Lucifer's.  It is not enough to choose right - it is to choose right because we want to choose right - for the right reason - because we are becoming like Christ.

But God is not interested in His children just becoming trained and obedient “pets” who will not chew on His slippers in the celestial living room.3 No, God wants His children to grow up spiritually and join Him in the family business.

I really liked footnote 3.  I'm going to quote part of it here:  "I want men and women that are strong because it is right to be strong. I don’t want weaklings who are righteous only because they have to be righteous."  Why is it such a test to choose righteousness?

What pattern does this form of parenting set for us as mortal parents?  Does our discipline align with Heavenly Father's teaching our children to choose right because they want to choose right?

God established a plan whereby we can become heirs in His kingdom, a covenant path that leads us to become like Him, have the kind of life He has, and live forever as families in His presence.4 Personal choice was—and is—vital to this plan, which we learned about in our premortal existence. We accepted the plan and chose to come to earth.

The phrase "covenant path" was in many, many conference talks last October.  I plan to put all the references together in a future blogpost.  I just wanted to point it out here.  Here, Elder Renlund equates the covenant path to the plan of salvation, as it involves covenants we make along the way.

To ensure that we would exercise faith and learn to use our agency properly, a veil of forgetfulness was drawn over our minds so we would not remember God’s plan. Without that veil, God’s purposes would not be achieved because we could not progress and become the trusted inheritors He wants us to be.

If you feel more distant than God for a while, it may be that the veil has actually become a little thicker - it may be time for more growth!  We can thank God for the times He feels close - AND we can thank Him for the times He feels more distant (it's an illusion - a veil - He is there).

The prophet Lehi said: “Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other.”5 At a fundamental level, one option is represented by Jesus Christ, the Firstborn of the Father. The other option is represented by Satan, Lucifer, who wants to destroy agency and usurp power.6

These options Elder Renlund talks about reminds me of the scripture that says lay hold upon every good gift and touch not the evil gift (Moroni 10:30).  Jesus Christ and His servants offer us the good gifts or option.  Satan and his minions offer the evil gifts or option.  Every moment is a choice - the test or the question is, "What do we want?"  Really. Simply.  I happened to listen to a podcast this week (Saints Ep. 15 from the Mormon Channel, I think) and one of the commentators said something like, "The good thing is, He will let us have exactly what we want; the bad thing is, He will let us have exactly what we want."

In Jesus Christ, “we have an advocate with the Father.”7 After completing His atoning sacrifice, Jesus “ascended into heaven … to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men.” And, having claimed the rights of mercy, “he advocateth the cause of the children of men.”8

Christ’s advocacy with the Father in our behalf is not adversarial. Jesus Christ, who allowed His will to be swallowed up in the will of the Father,9 would not champion anything other than what the Father has wanted all along. Heavenly Father undoubtedly cheers for and applauds our successes.

I really liked that Elder Renlund brought this up, because this understanding - this truth - was a key to helping me understand the Holy Spirit in my life.  Christ does not accuse us.  The Holy Spirit produces fruits of the spirit - fills us with hope.  The Adversary tries to make us feel hopeless.  But I'm getting ahead of Elder Renlund; he puts it beautifully...

Christ’s advocacy is, at least in part, to remind us that He has paid for our sins and that no one is excluded from the reach of God’s mercy.10 For those who believe in Jesus Christ, repent, are baptized, and endure to the end—a process that leads to reconciliation11—the Savior forgives, heals, and advocates. He is our helper, consoler, and intercessor—attesting to and vouching for our reconciliation with God.12

In stark contrast, Lucifer is an accuser or prosecutor. John the Revelator described Lucifer’s ultimate defeat: “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.” Why? Because “the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.”13

Lucifer is this accuser. He spoke against us in the premortal existence, and he continues to denounce us in this life. He seeks to drag us down. He wants us to experience endless woe. He is the one who tells us we are not adequate, the one who tells us we are not good enough, the one who tells us there is no recovery from a mistake. He is the ultimate bully, the one who kicks us when we are down.

If Lucifer were teaching a child to walk and the child stumbled, he would scream at the child, punish him, and tell him to quit trying. Lucifer’s ways bring discouragement and despair—eventually and always. This father of lies is the ultimate purveyor of falsehood14 and cunningly works to deceive and distract us, “for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”15

Phew.  If we are hearing this sort of "voice" in our head - we can know its source is evil.

This may also be another spot where we might look at our parenting, and see if we have fallen into some of these unrighteous traps.  For example, bullying, unfortunately, begins in the home.

If Christ were teaching a child to walk and the child stumbled, He would help the child get up and encourage the next steps.16 Christ is the helper and consoler. His ways bring joy and hope—eventually and always.

This is the "voice" we need to listen for.  How can we believe this voice even when we've done something wrong?

How can we be more like Christ in our parenting?  If you are not a parent, then how can we be more Christlike in our relationship building?

God’s plan includes directions for us, referred to in the scriptures as commandments. These commandments are neither a whimsical set nor an arbitrary collection of imposed rules meant only to train us to be obedient. They are linked to our developing the attributes of godliness, returning to our Heavenly Father, and receiving enduring joy. Obedience to His commandments is not blind; we knowingly choose God and His pathway home. The pattern for us is the same as it was for Adam and Eve, wherein “God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption.”17 Though God wants us to be on the covenant path, He gives us the dignity of choosing.

How are God's commandments linked to our developing the attributes of godliness?
How does choosing for ourselves give us dignity?

Indeed, God desires, expects, and directs that each of His children choose for himself or herself. He will not force us. Through the gift of agency, God permits His children “to act for themselves and not to be acted upon.”18 Agency allows us to choose to get on the path, or not. It allows us to get off, or not. Just as we cannot be forced to obey, we cannot be forced to disobey. No one can, without our cooperation, take us off the path. (Now, this is not to be confused with those whose agency is violated. They are not off the path; they are victims. They receive God’s understanding, love, and compassion.)

But when we get off the path, God is saddened because He knows that this eventually, but invariably, leads to diminished happiness and forfeited blessings. In the scriptures, getting off the path is referred to as sin, and the resultant decrease in happiness and forfeited blessings is called punishment. In this sense, God is not punishing us; punishment is a consequence of our own choices, not His.

We sometimes tend to think of sin as only sins of commission.  But anything - including a distraction - that gets us off the path is sin.

When we discover that we are off the path, we can stay off, or because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can choose to reverse our steps and get back on. In the scriptures, the process of deciding to change and return to the path is referred to as repentance. Failure to repent means that we choose to disqualify ourselves from the blessings God desires to give. If we are “not willing to enjoy that which [we] might have received,” we will “return … to [our] own place, to enjoy that which [we] are willing to receive”19—our choice, not God’s.

I like how Elder Renlund starts this paragraph with "when we discover that we are off the path."  It is possible to get off the path without realizing we are off the path!  This makes sense when you remember that the mist of darkness obscures the path in Lehi's vision of the tree of life (1 Nephi 8).  The important thing is what we choose to do when we realize it.  Repentance is key - not just for the telestial sinners.  How is failure to repent a choice?

No matter how long we have been off the path or how far away we have wandered, the moment we decide to change, God helps us return.20 From God’s perspective, through sincere repentance and pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ, once back on the path, it will be as if we were never off.21 The Savior pays for our sins and frees us from the looming decrease in happiness and blessings. This is referred to in the scriptures as forgiveness. After baptism, all members slip off the path—some of us even dive off. Therefore, exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, receiving help from Him, and being forgiven are not onetime events but lifelong processes, processes that are repetitive and iterative. This is how we “endure to the end.”22

I really liked the scripture in footnote 20, which is Alma 34:31 (emphasis mine) "Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you."  Repentance in this light sounds great, doesn't it?  Isn't this what we want?  Isn't this what we are here for?

We need to choose whom we will serve.23 The magnitude of our eternal happiness depends on choosing the living God and joining Him in His work. As we strive to “do the next bit” on our own, we practice using our agency correctly. As two former Relief Society General Presidents said, we should not be “babies that need petting and correction all the time.”24 No, God wants us to become mature adults and govern ourselves.

Whether we are aware of it or not, we are serving - whether the true God, or an idol, principality, hero, or whatever.  We are serving Someone.

How can we make sure we are choosing the correct Master?

How can we "govern ourselves?"

Choosing to follow the Father’s plan is the only way we can become inheritors in His kingdom; only then can He trust us to not even ask for that which is contrary to His will.25 But we need to remember that “there’s no one so hard to teach as the child who knows everything.” So we need to be willing to be tutored in the Lord’s ways by the Lord and His servants. We can trust that we are beloved children of Heavenly Parents26 and worth “bothering about” and be assured that “on our own” will never mean “alone.”

As the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob said, I say with him:

“Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren [and sisters], reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil … ; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.”27

So, choose faith in Christ; choose repentance; choose to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost; choose to conscientiously prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament; choose to make covenants in the temple; and choose to serve the living God and His children. Our choices determine who we are and who we will become.

I conclude with the rest of Jacob’s blessing: “Wherefore, may God raise you from … everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God.”28 In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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

"Truth and the Plan"

By President Dallin H. Oaks
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Saturday Morning Session, 6 October 2018

Hymn recommendations:
4  Truth Eternal
271  Oh, Holy Words of Truth and Love
272  Oh Say, What Is Truth?
300  Families Can Be Together Forever

Favorite quotes:

"...the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity."

and

"Satan’s most strenuous opposition is directed at whatever is most important to God’s plan."

One-sentence synopsis:
Our doctrine, in particular regarding families, is based on revealed truth with no motivation other than eternal joy, so we preach and live accordingly.

Talk and discussion questions:
(large text emphasis mine, other emphasis original)
Well, I liked this talk fine.  I might not have chosen it as a discussion talk, but I felt its importance and timeliness.  It is what we are discussing tomorrow in Relief Society, so I'm having a go.

While he is talking about truth and the plan, you may have noticed, as did I, that President Oaks brings up gender several times throughout this talk.  I've made a list at the end of the different points he makes about gender.

Modern revelation defines truth as a “knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24). That is a perfect definition for the plan of salvation and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”

How is this scripture a perfect definition for the plan of salvation and The Family Proclamation?  Be speci You may notice that the proclamation talks about who we were in the premortal realm, the importance of our families and the greatest chance for happiness while we are here, and the potential we have in the eternities, to return to the presence of God and to live together in families.  Pretty amazing, really, that it is all encapsulated in this proclamation. 

We live in a time of greatly expanded and disseminated information. But not all of this information is true. We need to be cautious as we seek truth and choose sources for that search. We should not consider secular prominence or authority as qualified sources of truth. We should be cautious about relying on information or advice offered by entertainment stars, prominent athletes, or anonymous internet sources. Expertise in one field should not be taken as expertise on truth in other subjects.

This seems to be perfect common sense.  And yet... are we not prone to read and subsequently follow advice from questionable sources?  Facebook feeds and tweets?  Anonymous comments and trolls?  Are our sources trustworthy?  Any other comments?

We should also be cautious about the motivation of the one who provides information. That is why the scriptures warn us against priestcraft (see 2 Nephi 26:29). If the source is anonymous or unknown, the information may also be suspect.

Interesting that he brings up priestcraft here.  From the definition in the scripture: "men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion."  How can we screen information in the information age?  This might even be a warning to us not to set ourselves up for gain and praise...  How can we be sure we are seeking the welfare of Zion in, say, our social media use?

Our personal decisions should be based on information from sources that are qualified on the subject and free from selfish motivations.

That sounds so easy when he puts it like that.  What personal decisions do you think he is talking about here?  How do you make your personal decisions?  God, of course, is the perfect Source we can rely on.  We learned from April's conference that good information makes good revelation, too.  All right - thus far has been introduction.  Let's see where President Oaks takes us next:

I.When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search: prayer, the witness of the Holy Ghost, and study of the scriptures and the words of modern prophets. I am always sad when I hear of one who reports a loss of religious faith because of secular teachings. Those who once had spiritual vision can suffer from self-inflicted spiritual blindness. As President Henry B. Eyring said, “Their problem does not lie in what they think they see; it lies in what they cannot yet see.”1

I was really struck by the power of the idea of "self-inflicted spiritual blindness."  HOW can we avoid that trap?  I don't think he's saying that secular teachings are necessarily bad, but that they should be taken for what they are.

The methods of science lead us to what we call scientific truth. But “scientific truth” is not the whole of life. Those who do not learn “by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118) limit their understanding of truth to what they can verify by scientific means. That puts artificial limits on their pursuit of truth.

Which do you favor:  Learning by STUDY or by FAITH?  How can we improve the other?  How can they work together?

President James E. Faust said: “Those who have been [baptized] put their eternal soul at risk by carelessly pursuing only the secular source of learning. We believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the fulness of the gospel of Christ, which gospel is the essence of truth and eternal enlightenment.”2

We find true and enduring joy by coming to know and acting upon the truth about who we are, the meaning of mortal life, and where we are going when we die. Those truths cannot be learned by scientific or secular methods.

Every time I hear of joy recently, I think of the fruit of the tree of life ("most joyous to the soul").  This paragraph was no exception.  And it fits perfectly.  This fruit is not "learned" by scientific or secular methods, but by exercising faith, by planting and nourishing the word of God, and sometimes even waiting with patience (see Alma 32).

This first section seems to be summed up in the idea that spiritual truth cannot be found (at least in entirety) in secular or scientific teachings.  The next section is a list of truths President Oaks invites us to consider carefully.

II.I will now speak of restored gospel truths that are fundamental to the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please consider these truths carefully. They explain much about our doctrine and practices, perhaps including some things not yet understood.

There is a God, who is the loving Father of the spirits of all who have ever lived or will live.

Gender is eternal. Before we were born on this earth, we all lived as male or female spirits in the presence of God.

See gender references below, #1.

We have just heard the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan.”3 That is the plan God established so that all of His spirit children could progress eternally. That plan is vital to each of us.

Under that plan, God created this earth as a place where His beloved spirit children could be born into mortality to receive a physical body and to have the opportunity for eternal progress by making righteous choices.

To be meaningful, mortal choices had to be made between contesting forces of good and evil. There had to be opposition and, therefore, an adversary, who was cast out because of rebellion and was allowed to tempt God’s children to act contrary to God’s plan.
The purpose of God’s plan was to give His children the opportunity to choose eternal life. This could be accomplished only by experience in mortality and, after death, by postmortal growth in the spirit world.

I like the wording of having the opportunity to CHOOSE eternal life.  It reminds me of 2 Nephi 2:27.  Choosing eternal life is choosing Jesus Christ.  How is Jesus Christ a choice?

President Oaks also teaches us that there is postmortal growth in the spirit world.  What is this referring to?  (You may remember in Doctrine & Covenants 138, we learn that the righteous dead preach the gospel to the dead in spirit prison.)  What a wonderful truth that we know that our kindred dead have more opportunities for growth in the spirit world.

In the course of mortal life, we would all be soiled by sin as we yielded to the evil temptations of the adversary, and we would eventually die. We accepted those challenges in reliance upon the plan’s assurance that God our Father would provide a Savior, His Only Begotten Son, who would rescue us by a universal resurrection to an embodied life after death. The Savior would also provide an atonement to pay the price for all to be cleansed from sin on the conditions He prescribed. Those conditions included faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and other ordinances performed by priesthood authority.

God’s great plan of happiness provides a perfect balance between eternal justice and the mercy we can obtain through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It also enables us to be transformed into new creatures in Christ.

A loving God reaches out to each of us. ...

I love this imagery.  I think again of the vision of the tree of life - justice and mercy of God guarding the way.  He wants to receive us (thus the reaching out), but there must be a mutual receiving of Him (starting with His Spirit) on our end.

...We know that through His love and because of the Atonement of His Only Begotten Son, “all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of [His] Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3; emphasis added).

President Oaks is reiterating that ALL are invited to partake of the Atonement of Christ.  This is important for what is coming up shortly.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is properly known as a family-centered Church. ...

 I have seen posts and comments that say we hate "love," but this is so false - we are SO pro-family.

...But what is not well understood is that our family-centeredness is focused on more than mortal relationships. Eternal relationships are also fundamental to our theology. “The family is ordained of God.”4 Under the great plan of our loving Creator, the mission of His restored Church is to help the children of God achieve the supernal blessing of exaltation in the celestial kingdom, which can be attained only through an eternal marriage between a man and a woman (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–3). We affirm the Lord’s teachings that “gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose” and that “marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.”5

See Gender references #2 below.

Also, here he is reminding us that to attain the highest glory of the celestial kingdom, we encourage marriage between a man and a woman - as part of God's Plan.

Finally, God’s love is so great that, except for the few who deliberately become sons of perdition, He has provided a destiny of glory for all of His children. “All of His children” includes all who are dead. We perform ordinances for them by proxy in our temples. The purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ is to qualify His children for the highest degree of glory, which is exaltation or eternal life. For those who do not desire or qualify for that, God has provided other, though lesser, kingdoms of glory.

While not strictly a gender reference, I'm counting this.  See Gender references #3 below.

I LOVE this.  President Oaks is trying to remind us that although we teach marriage between a man and a woman WE DON'T teach that all others are going to hell.  If you do not desire or qualify for it - THAT'S OK - if you know what I mean.  I am pretty sure we are the only Christian church who teaches that those who do not obey God's law STILL RECEIVE an inheritance of glory!

Anyone who understands these eternal truths can understand why we members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints think as we do and do as we do.

III.I will now mention some applications of these eternal truths, which can be understood only in light of God’s plan.

6 Truth Applications follow.  These could make a good list on the board, with discussion as well. 

First, we honor individual agency. Most are aware of the restored Church’s great efforts to promote religious freedom in the United States and across the world. These efforts do not promote just our own interests but, according to His plan, seek to help all of God’s children enjoy freedom to choose.

Second, we are a missionary people. We are sometimes asked why we send missionaries to so many nations, even among Christian populations. We receive the same question about why we give many millions of dollars of humanitarian aid to persons who are not members of our Church and why we do not link this aid to our missionary efforts. We do this because we esteem all mortals as children of God—our brothers and sisters—and we want to share our spiritual and temporal abundance with everyone.

I like this - proselyting is spiritual humanitarian work.  We preach because we love.  Just like we give humanitarian aid to any who need it - not just members.

Third, mortal life is sacred to us. Our commitment to God’s plan requires us to oppose abortion and euthanasia.

Very timely with NY's recent bill allowing full-term abortion.

Fourth, some are troubled by some of our Church’s positions on marriage and children. Our knowledge of God’s revealed plan of salvation requires us to oppose current social and legal pressures to retreat from traditional marriage and to make changes that confuse or alter gender or homogenize the differences between men and women. We know that the relationships, identities, and functions of men and women are essential to accomplish God’s great plan.

See Gender reference #4 below.

Fifth, we also have a distinctive perspective on children. We look on the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God’s plan and a joyful and sacred duty of those given the power to participate in it. In our view, the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity. Therefore, we must teach and contend for principles and practices that provide the best conditions for the development and happiness of children—all children.

President Oaks and Elder Rasband BOTH mentioned - in the same session of conference even - the idea of continuing to have children.  I thought this was a great double-witness of inviting children to mortality.

Finally, we are beloved children of a Heavenly Father, who has taught us that maleness and femaleness, marriage between a man and a woman, and the bearing and nurturing of children are all essential to His great plan of happiness. Our positions on these fundamentals frequently provoke opposition to the Church. We consider that inevitable. Opposition is part of the plan, and Satan’s most strenuous opposition is directed at whatever is most important to God’s plan. He seeks to destroy God’s work. His prime methods are to discredit the Savior and His divine authority, to erase the effects of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, to discourage repentance, to counterfeit revelation, and to contradict individual accountability. He also seeks to confuse gender, to distort marriage, and to discourage childbearing—especially by parents who will raise children in truth.

See Gender references #5 below.

Are there other instances where we can see the strenuous opposition of Satan?  What does that mean for importance to God?  I was thinking about how through much of history, women have been considered inferior to men.  Could that be due to the strenuous opposition of Satan?

IV.The work of the Lord is going forward despite the organized and constant opposition that confronts us as we strive to practice the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For those who falter under that opposition, I offer these suggestions.

Now we have one more list - a list of suggestions for those who are feeling the strain - or the allure? -of the opposition.   1:

Remember the principle of repentance made possible by the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell urged, don’t be among those “who would rather try to change the Church than to change themselves.”6
As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland urged:
“Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. …
“… In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know.”7

I love this, too.  President Oaks is acknowledging that additional revelation may come, and "change" things (policies, verbiage, etc.).  But until that comes, we stick with what we have been given.  2:

Exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the first principle of the gospel.

3:

Finally, seek help. Our Church leaders love you and seek spiritual guidance to help you. We provide many resources such as you will find through LDS.org and other supports for gospel study in the home. We also have ministering brothers and sisters called to give loving assistance.

Our loving Heavenly Father wants His children to have the joy that is the purpose of our creation. That joyful destiny is eternal life, which we can obtain by pressing forward along what our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, often calls “the covenant path.” Here is what he said in his first message as President of the Church: “Keep on the covenant path. Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.”8

Ahh - more tree of life vision imagery.  Joy - the fruit of the tree.  Pressing forward along the covenant path - holding the iron rod to follow the path.  Also, I noticed many, MANY references to the "covenant path" during this session of conference.  President Oaks makes it clear why that is - it is because President Nelson often refers to the covenant path.  Everyone is picking it up from him.  It is resonating with church leadership, and being passed along to us.

I solemnly testify that the things I have said are true, and they are made possible by the teachings and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, who makes it all possible under the great plan of God, our Eternal Father. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Gender references: 
In a classroom setting, I might ask a question of each of these, such as - what truth is President Oaks teaching here.  Or, what false or secular belief is President Oaks correcting?

1. Gender is eternal. Before we were born on this earth, we all lived as male or female spirits in the presence of God.
2. The mission of His restored Church is to help the children of God achieve the supernal blessing of exaltation in the celestial kingdom, which can be attained only through an eternal marriage between a man and a woman...  We affirm the Lord’s teachings that “gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose” and that “marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.”
3. The purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ is to qualify His children for the highest degree of glory, which is exaltation or eternal life. For those who do not desire or qualify for that, God has provided other, though lesser, kingdoms of glory.
4. Our knowledge of God’s revealed plan of salvation requires us to oppose current social and legal pressures to retreat from traditional marriage and to make changes that confuse or alter gender or homogenize the differences between men and women. We know that the relationships, identities, and functions of men and women are essential to accomplish God’s great plan.
5. we are beloved children of a Heavenly Father, who has taught us that maleness and femaleness, marriage between a man and a woman, and the bearing and nurturing of children are all essential to His great plan of happiness. Our positions on these fundamentals frequently provoke opposition to the Church. We consider that inevitable. Opposition is part of the plan, and Satan’s most strenuous opposition is directed at whatever is most important to God’s plan. ... He also seeks to confuse gender, to distort marriage, and to discourage childbearing—especially by parents who will raise children in truth.

Let's Discuss: "Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints" by Russell M. Nelson

"Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints"

By President Russell M. Nelson
7 October 2018, Sunday afternoon session

Hymn recommendations:
19  We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet
24  God Bless Our Prophet Dear
81  Press Forward, Saints
287  Rise, Ye Saints, and Temples Enter

Favorite quote:

"I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples."

One-sentence synopsis:
Study and apply conference; go to the temple.

Talk and Discussion questions:
(Emphasis in the text, font-size changes mine.)

As I studied this talk, the different types of statements he made struck out to me, so I decided to color-code them.  In a discussion setting, I might make some lists on the board.  Some of the types were comments/summaries on conference (burgandy), or a doctrinal affirmation (green).  There were several exhortations and pleadings (red).  There were also several promises (purple) and these usually followed the pleadings.  Also testimony (orange) and blessings (magenta).  There was also almost an interlude to announce new temples and temple maintenances (blue).  I think the promises are the most exciting.  There were just so many!  These are things I want for me and my family!  I thought the colors would be easier to distinguish if I bolded the text.

This has been an inspirational and historic conference. We look to the future with enthusiasm. We have been motivated to do better and to be better. The marvelous messages delivered from this pulpit by our General Authorities and General Officers and the music have been sublime! I urge you to study these messages, commencing this week.1 They express the mind and the will of the Lord for His people, today.

Please share your favorite parts of conference.  In a classroom, we might share how it has been inspirational and historic, or maybe answers to questions we may have received - the mind and will of the Lord.

The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining.

I LOVE that he talks about the "potential to unleash the power of families!"  What is the power of families???  Share your thoughts in the comments below.  I have pondered on the idea of family unity - especially between husband and wife.  Is that our power?  I've also pondered the idea of gospel teaching in the home - even though throughout the day we may separate for work or school - family teaching time can powerfully for fortifying ourselves and especially our children to live "in" the world, without being "of" it.  That is powerful, too.  I would love to hear more thoughts on this - I feel like I'm only scratching the surface.  There is power in a parent praying fervently for their children.  There is power where two or more are gathering in Christ's name.  Can this power be the power to unitedly invite the Savior into our homes?

During this conference we have strengthened our resolve to execute the essential effort to honor the Lord Jesus Christ every time we refer to His Church. I promise you that our rigorous attention to use the correct name of the Savior’s Church and its members will lead to increased faith and access to greater spiritual power for members of His Church.

Speaking of power... There is a power in simply saying the name of Jesus Christ.  That is why the ancients were careful not to repeat His name too frequently.  That is why it is important not to say His name in vain.  What insights do you have about President Nelson's attention to referring to the correct name of the Church?  This isn't the first time this has been brought up.  I remember President Hinckley counseling us to do the same.  When Mitt Romney ran for President, the Church made a statement about the correct name, asking the media to honor it, etc.  But then, it seemed like there were several campaigns/website/etc. which used the nickname Mormon (for example, I'm a Mormon, Meet the Mormons, Mormons and Gays, etc.).  Still, the power of His name, and being conscientious of our words, will undoubtedly bless us.

Now let’s turn to the topic of temples. We know that our time in the temple is crucial to our salvation and exaltation and to that of our families.

After we receive our own temple ordinances and make sacred covenants with God, each one of us needs the ongoing spiritual strengthening and tutoring that is possible only in the house of the Lord. And our ancestors need us to serve as proxy for them.

I love this.  "Each one of us needs the ongoing spiritual strengthening and tutoring that is possible only in the house of the Lord."  When I was preparing for my own endowment, one of the things my bishop said to me was that "The Lord wants a mighty people," and that one of the ways He makes us mighty is through our temple service.  It's kind of like praying or reading scriptures - if it does not seem to be working for you, keep at it!

Consider the great mercy and fairness of God, who, before the foundation of the world, provided a way to give temple blessings to those who died without a knowledge of the gospel. These sacred temple rites are ancient. To me that antiquity is thrilling and another evidence of their authenticity.2

The first sentence of the above paragraph was especially interesting to me.  It is the only imperative (command) that he used in this talk without prefacing with "I urge you to" or "I plead with you to," or some other exhorting speech.  Probably he wouldn't even consider it prophetic counsel - it is almost in passing.  Still, since he picks his wording with the precision of a surgeon, I found it interesting.

I also found President Nelson's comments on the temple's antiquity timely with an announcement made (on 2 Jan 2019) that changes periodically take place.  Here is an excerpt:  "Over these many centuries, details associated with temple work have been adjusted periodically, including language, methods of construction, communication, and record-keeping. Prophets have taught that there will be no end to such adjustments as directed by the Lord to His servants."  How do we reconcile changes with antiquity?  Footnote 4 in this talk actually provides part of an answer: "President Woodruff said: 'We have not got through [with] revelation. We have not got through [with] the work of God. … There will be no end to this work until it is perfected'"

My dear brothers and sisters, the assaults of the adversary are increasing exponentially, in intensity and in variety.3 Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your time. Invest time in your future and in that of your family. If you have reasonable access to a temple, I urge you to find a way to make an appointment regularly with the Lord—to be in His holy house—then keep that appointment with exactness and joy. I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples.

Assaults increasing exponentially!  We need to be increasing in righteousness in balance, or we will drift downwards!  Going to the temple helps us with this.

"The miracles He knows you need" - what a huge promise!

Currently we have 159 dedicated temples. The proper care and maintenance of those temples is very important to us. With the passage of time, temples are inevitably in need of refreshing and renewal. To that end, plans are now being made to renovate and update the Salt Lake Temple and other pioneer-generation temples. Details on these projects will be shared as they are developed.

This was interesting to me, because it seems like the Salt Lake temple was renovated somewhat recently.  It makes me curious.

Today we are pleased to announce plans to construct 12 more temples. Those temples will be built in the following locations: Mendoza, Argentina; Salvador, Brazil; Yuba City, California; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Praia, Cape Verde; Yigo, Guam; Puebla, Mexico; Auckland, New Zealand; Lagos, Nigeria; Davao, Philippines; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Washington County, Utah.

Building and maintaining temples may not change your life, but spending your time in the temple surely will. ...

The previous paragraph doesn't have the "I promise" preface.  It was one sentence I couldn't decide if it was promise or testimony.  Since President Nelson is the prophet, I went with promise.  ;)

To those who have long been absent from the temple, I encourage you to prepare and return as soon as possible. Then I invite you to worship in the temple and pray to feel deeply the Savior’s infinite love for you, that each of you may gain your own testimony that He directs this sacred and ageless work.4

I like that for current temple-going saints, he "pleads" and "urges," and with those who have been absent, he "encourages" and "invites."  It implies to me a continuum of duty.  It is our duty to go if we can go, and if we can't go, there is a way, and we are encouraged to work towards it.  This falls right into line with the doctrine that where much is given, much is required, and "he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation."  Doctrine & Covenants 82:3

Brothers and sisters, I thank you for your faith and sustaining efforts. I leave my love and blessing upon you, that you may feast upon the word of the Lord and apply His teachings in your personal lives. I assure you that revelation continues in the Church and will continue until “the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”5

I bless you with increased faith in Him and in His holy work, with faith and patience to endure your personal challenges in life. I bless you to become exemplary Latter-day Saints. I so bless you and bear my testimony that God lives! Jesus is the Christ! This is His Church. We are His people, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Do you believe President Nelson is a prophet of God?  With all the promises he gave us here, we can test his fruits and gain a testimony.  How will you go forward to claim the blessings he promised?  How can we help those we minister to to claim these blessings?

My word for the year 2019: UNION

For the past few years, I have had a "word of the year" to focus on. Union has been so impressed on my mind, that I chose it for 2019.

The week before Christmas, I started seeing the word "union" - not just see it - but it was impressed on my mind. One example was a city I came across while working on family history. Another was in a book I was reading to my children. It was one of those moments when it's like the word was highlighted with a blinking banner. Like it jumped out at me to get my attention.

A day or two later, a video on youtube popped up about people seeing unicorns everywhere right now (merchandise, movies, clothes, etc.) I know in the Bible a unicorn sometimes represents herding/gathering (uniting). The video then went into the unicorn being a symbol of the anti-Christ - trying to UNITE (there's union again) the world in one order, and other meanings, like the idea of the horn representing the pineal gland - spiritual eye/knowledge and/or connection to higher powers (connection or union with God).

The very next day, I happened to listen to a video about how the early Christian church was UNITED. United in worship, united in suffering. Suffering, the preacher (non-LDS) said, was part of their life as Christians of the time. He was talking of the need for unity in the church today if we are going to survive. So there was the theme again.

I got reflecting about how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is moving into an increase of unity through the new curriculum this coming year - we will be studying the same scriptures, the same days in some instances, the same lessons. This has an increased potential for our unity as saints.

Same day, I was also looking up a passage from a book I love called "Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ" written in the 17th century by Jeanne Guyon. I was reading a section that talk about the purging of our hearts (the part I was looking for)... to the end of Divine Union! (the part right after the part I was looking for) There it was again!

There are so many nuances to UNION - I have a lot to meditate on.

I even started thinking about union within myself. Do I believe one thing, but live another thing? Are my works in alignment with my faith? My flesh with my spirit?

Then when I went to the temple this week, family unity stood out to me.

I will be pondering more on these examples of union - my united self (faith/good works), Divine Union with God, union with my husband and family (past through temple work and present), and even union with my church family and world family.

Let's Discuss: "Small and Simple Things," by Dallin H. Oaks

"Small and Simple Things"

By President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency
1 April 2018, Sunday morning session

Hymn recommendations:
This was easy, because President Oaks quoted two hymns:
195  How Great the Wisdom and the Love
223  Have I Done Any Good?
But should you want or need additional suggestions:
216  We Are Sowing
224  I Have Work Enough to Do

Favorite quote:

We are surrounded by media influences and cultural deteriorations that will carry us downstream in our values if we are not continually resisting. To move upstream toward our eternal goal, we must constantly keep paddling. It helps if we are part of a team that is paddling together, like a rowing crew in action. To extend that example even further, the cultural currents are so strong that if we ever stop paddling, we will be carried downstream toward a destination we do not seek but which becomes inevitable if we do not constantly try to move forward.

Something to put on the board:

"None of these desirable small and simple things will lift us to great things unless they are practiced consistently and continuously."  -- President Dallin H. Oaks

One-sentence Synopsis:
It's the little things we do that make the biggest difference, ultimately strengthening our commitment to stay on our covenant path.

Talk and Discussion questions:
(Emphasis mine unless otherwise indicated.)

President Oaks's talk is split (presumably by him) into only 2 sections.  The first is short, and includes an introduction, gratitude, nod to Easter.  The second goes into his topic.  Let's dive right in.

I.

My dear brothers and sisters, like you, I have been profoundly touched and edified and inspired by the messages and music and the feelings of this time together. I’m sure I speak for you in expressing thanks to our brothers and sisters who, as instruments in the hands of the Lord, have given us the strengthening effect of this time together.

I liked the idea of "the strengthening effect of [our] time together."  Do you feel strengthened from general conference?  How can we feel more strengthened from general conference?  Are there other places you feel the strengthening effect of time together?  You ward, quorum/society, or family, perhaps?  I was reminded that we, as human beings, are designed to need and strengthen one another.  Zion is not a city of hermits.  :)

I am grateful to speak to this audience on Easter Sunday. Today we join other Christians in celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pillar of our faith.

I thought that was an interesting statement.  I started to wonder what he meant.  What does it mean to be a pillar?  I decided it might mean that some of our doctrine "rests" on it.  In fact, President Oaks is going to list 5 doctrines that rest on the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I'll list the doctrines here, then you'll see them bolded in the next paragraph.

1. Similar resurrection will come to all mortals
2. The promise of resurrection gives us "a lively hope"
3. Death is not the end, but a step onward
4. The plan also calls for a transition from mortality to immortality
5. Our glorious morning is made possible by His

Because we believe the accounts in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon about the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also believe the numerous scriptural teachings that a similar resurrection will come to all mortals who have ever lived upon this earth. That resurrection gives us what the Apostle Peter called “a lively hope” (1 Peter 1:3). That lively hope is our conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity but merely a necessary step in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan for the salvation of His children. That plan calls for a transition from mortality to immortality. Central to that transition is the sunset of death and the glorious morning made possible by the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior that we celebrate on this Easter Sunday.

Thus he ends his intro.  Next we get into his subject matter.  At the end of this discussion, I have two lists.  One is a list of small and simple things President Oaks mentions.  The other is a list of what promises we get in return that he mentions.

II.

In a great hymn whose words were written by Eliza R. Snow, we sing:

How great, how glorious, how complete
Redemption’s grand design,
Where justice, love, and mercy meet
In harmony divine!1

In furtherance of that divine design and harmony, we assemble in meetings, including this conference, to teach and encourage one another.

I thought it was interesting that he chose to quote this hymn.  This is verse 6, and seems to be rarely sung, however I feel like I've heard it in several conference talks.  (For examples, here, here, and a classic here.)  This almost doesn't seem to relate to the rest of his talk.  But as soon as I thought about it more, I realized it has everything to do with the rest of his talk.  By small and simple things, even redemption is brought to pass.  Let's see if we can tie it in by the end.

This morning I have felt to use as my text Alma’s teaching to his son Helaman, recorded in the Book of Mormon: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).

We are taught many small and simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, these seemingly small things bring to pass great things. There have been many talks on this subject by General Authorities and by other respected teachers. The subject is so important that I feel to speak of it again.

I was reminded of the power of small and simple things over time by something I saw on a morning walk. Here is the picture I took. The thick and strong concrete sidewalk is cracking. Is this the result of some large and powerful thrust? No, this cracking is caused by the slow, small growth of one of the roots reaching out from the adjoining tree. Here is a similar example I saw on another street.

See the crack in sidewalk pictures here, by the way.

I have to say that it is interesting to me that inspiration comes to the apostles in different and sometimes random ways, too.  We may expect the same.  Have you ever been taught by the Spirit as you were walking?

The thrusting power that cracked these heavy concrete sidewalks was too small to measure on a daily or even a monthly basis, but its effect over time was incredibly powerful.

So is the powerful effect over time of the small and simple things we are taught in the scriptures and by living prophets. Consider the scripture study we’ve been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints. Consider attendance at seminary for youth or institute classes for young adults. Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth, as President Eyring has explained.

Do you feel the Holy Ghost in your life?  Do you want to feel the Holy Ghost in your life?  President Oaks is spelling it out for us in simple terms!

Another source of spiritual uplift and growth is an ongoing practice of repenting, even of seemingly small transgressions. Our own inspired self-evaluations can help us see how we have fallen short and how we can do better. Such repentance should precede our weekly partaking of the sacrament. Some subjects to consider in this process of repentance are suggested in the hymn “Have I Done Any Good?”

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?2

Teaching tip - ask everybody in the class to read it looking for one that stands out to them - challenge them to pick something from this song to work on this week!  (or you could tailor it to be something from the talk)

How do we repent of seemingly small transgressions?  Why is this important?  What difference does this really make?  I truly believe it makes all the difference.  Sometimes I think of the sacrifices of the pioneers, of the ancient prophets like Abraham and others, and I think ... what can I give to the Lord?  Repenting of things like bad habits - or even changing lesser habits into better habits - is a great way to baby-step our way closer to Jesus Christ.  Especially if we are not guilty of egregious sins.  The little sins may be the only ones left (and they aren't that little - a single one keeps us out of God's presence).

Surely these are small things, but surely they are good examples of what Alma taught his son Helaman: “And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord … bringeth about the salvation of many souls” (Alma 37:7).

I love that implication.  Small means (for example, repentance of small things) bring us to salvation.

President Steven C. Wheelwright gave an audience at Brigham Young University–Hawaii this inspired description of Alma’s teaching: “Alma confirms for his son that indeed the pattern the Lord follows when we exercise faith in Him and follow His counsel in small and simple things is that He blesses us with small daily miracles, and over time, with marvelous works.”3

President Howard W. Hunter taught that “frequently it is the commonplace tasks … that have the greatest positive effect on the lives of others, as compared with the things that the world so often relates to greatness.”4

Can you think of a time when something small inspired you greatly?  Share in the comments!

A persuasive secular teaching of this same principle comes from former Senator Dan Coats of Indiana, who wrote: “The only preparation for that one profound decision which can change a life, or even a nation, is those hundreds and thousands of half-conscious, self-defining, seemingly insignificant decisions made in private.”5

It seems that practicing choosing the right in small things will help us have the capacity to choose right in profound things.

Those “seemingly insignificant” private decisions include how we use our time, what we view on television and the internet, what we read, the art and music with which we surround ourselves at work and at home, what we seek for entertainment, and how we apply our commitment to be honest and truthful. Another seemingly small and simple thing is being civil and cheerful in our personal interactions.

Wow.  There are a lot of areas where we can repent in small things.  I used to have a long commute, and sometimes I would feel ... road rage.  I bought a Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD and started listening to it in the car.  I did not get it to help me be calm ... but I was amazed that I had a new calm!  I no longer had road rage, and it was THAT SMALL AND THAT SIMPLE.  What small and simple things have made a huge difference in your life?  Is there a tv show you could sacrifice for family history?  Would a picture of Christ gracing your home change the atmosphere of a room?  What ideas do you have?  Let's help each other!

None of these desirable small and simple things will lift us to great things unless they are practiced consistently and continuously. President Brigham Young was reported as saying: “Our lives are made up of little, simple circumstances that amount to a great deal when they are brought together, and sum up the whole life of the man or woman.”6

The power of the small and simple things is practicing consistently and continuously.

We are surrounded by media influences and cultural deteriorations that will carry us downstream in our values if we are not continually resisting. To move upstream toward our eternal goal, we must constantly keep paddling. It helps if we are part of a team that is paddling together, like a rowing crew in action. To extend that example even further, the cultural currents are so strong that if we ever stop paddling, we will be carried downstream toward a destination we do not seek but which becomes inevitable if we do not constantly try to move forward.

This last paragraph was one of my favorite quotes from this talk.  We must keep pressing forward.  It reminded me of President Uchtdorf in Oct 2017: 

"You cannot just float in the waters of life and trust that the current will take you wherever you hope to be one day. Discipleship requires our willingness to swim upstream when needed."

I just thought I'd throw that one in there.

After reciting a seemingly small event that had great consequences, Nephi wrote, “And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (1 Nephi 16:29). The Old Testament includes a memorable example of this. There we read how the Israelites were plagued by fiery serpents. Many people died from their bites (see Numbers 21:6). When Moses prayed for relief, he was inspired to make “a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole.” Then, “if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived” (verse 9). Such a small thing for such a miraculous result! Yet, as Nephi explained when he taught this example to those who were rebelling against the Lord, even when the Lord had prepared a simple way by which they could be healed, “because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished” (1 Nephi 17:41).

That example and that teaching remind us that the simplicity of the way or the easiness of the commanded task cannot mean that it is unimportant to achieve our righteous desire.

Do you ever get promptings from the Holy Ghost or from your conscience (the Light of Christ) to do something simple?  Like do the dishes, or brush your teeth?  What if we started following all the good ideas/instructions that "pop" into our heads?  To what great place will the Light of Christ eventually lead us?

Similarly, even small acts of disobedience or minor failures to follow righteous practices can draw us down toward an outcome we have been warned to avoid. The Word of Wisdom provides an example of this. Likely the effect on the body of one cigarette or one drink of alcohol or one dose of another drug cannot be measured. But over time, the effect is powerful and may be irreversible. Remember the cracking of the sidewalk by the gradual small expansions of the root of the tree. One thing is certain, the terrible consequences of partaking of anything that can become addictive, like drugs that attack our bodies or pornographic material that degrades our thoughts, is totally avoidable if we never partake for the first time—even once.

Oh the warning!  If small things can do great things for good... small things can effect great things for bad, too.  More warning quotes:

Many years ago, President M. Russell Ballard described to a general conference audience “how small and simple things can be negative and destructive to a person’s salvation.” He taught: “Like weak fibers that form a yarn, then a strand, and finally a rope, these small things combined together can become too strong to be broken. We must ever be aware of the power that the small and simple things can have in building spirituality,” he said. “At the same time, we must be aware that Satan will use small and simple things to lead us into despair and misery.”7

President Wheelwright gave a similar caution to his BYU–Hawaii audience: “It is in failing to do the small and simple things that faith wavers, miracles cease, and progress towards the Lord and His kingdom is first put on hold and then begins to unravel as seeking after the kingdom of God is replaced with more temporal pursuits and worldly ambitions.”8

To protect against the cumulative negative effects that are destructive to our spiritual progress, we need to follow the spiritual pattern of small and simple things. Elder David A. Bednar described this principle in a BYU Women’s Conference: “We can learn much about the nature and importance of this spiritual pattern from the technique of … dripping water onto the soil at very low rates,” in contrast to flooding or spraying large quantities of water where it may not be needed.

He explained: “The steady drips of water sink deep into the ground and provide a high moisture level in the soil wherein plants can flourish. In like manner, if you and I are focused and frequent in receiving consistent drops of spiritual nourishment, then gospel roots can sink deep into our soul, can become firmly established and grounded, and can produce extraordinary and delicious fruit.”

Continuing, he said, “The spiritual pattern of small and simple things bringing forth great things produces firmness and steadfastness, deepening devotion, and more complete conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.”9

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught this principle in words now included in the Doctrine and Covenants: “Let no man count them as small things; for there is much … pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things” (D&C 123:15).

In connection with the earliest attempts to establish the Church in Missouri, the Lord counseled patience for “all things must come to pass in their time” (D&C 64:32). Then He gave this great teaching: “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).

Can you think of any "small" things from the days of Joseph Smith that have yielded or been a foundation for bigger things?  What first came to my mind was the initial publication of the Book of Mormon.  How many copies have now been distributed in how many languages?  I couldn't tell you!

I believe we all desire to follow President Russell M. Nelson’s challenge to press forward “on the covenant path.”10 Our commitment to do so is strengthened by consistently following the “small things” we are taught by the gospel of Jesus Christ and the leaders of His Church. I testify of Him and invoke His blessings on all who seek to keep on His covenant path, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Two things.  First, I love that President Oaks reveals that some of his inspiration for this talk was President Nelson's message in the April Ensign!  It is here at the end, because he probably did not want to draw attention to it.  President Oaks is a wonderful example of meekly following the prophet.

Second, I hear "the covenant path," over and over recently.  Have you done a self-evaluation recently of where you are and where you are headed on the covenant path?  Just thought I'd throw that in there, too!


Small and Simple Things specifically mentioned by President Oaks:

1. Scripture study
2. Personal prayers
3. Family prayers
4. Seminary/Institute attendance
5. Ongoing repentance of even small things
1. Inspired self-evaluations
2. Should precede partaking the sacrament
3. Consider ideas from Have I Done Any Good?
1. Do good
2. Help someone in need
3. Cheer up the sad
4. Make someone feel glad
5. Share
6. Lighten others' burdens
7. Help the sick and weary
4. Bring about salvation (even our own)
6. Exercise faith
7. Follow His counsel in small things
8. Commonplace tasks
9. How we use our time
10. What we view on tv and internet
11. What we read
12. Art and music surrounding us
13. Entertainment choices
14. Honesty and truthfulness
15. Civil and cheerful interactions
16. Continually resisting media influences and cultural deteriorations
17. Following the prophet (like Moses)
18. Not partaking of ONE cigarette or ONE drink of alcohol or ONE dose of another drug
19. Receiving consistent drops of spiritual nourishment

Promises in Return specifically mentioned by President Oaks:

1. Powerful spiritual uplift and growth
2. The companionship of the Holy Ghost
3. The Holy Ghost testifies and enlightens and guides us into truth
4. Small daily miracles
5. Marvelous works (over time)
6. Great positive effect on the lives of others
7. Healing (from the snakes)
8. Achieve our righteous desire
9. Small things combine to become too strong to be broken
10. Building spirituality
11. Gospel roots sink deep into our soul - established and grounded - produce fruit
12. Firmness and steadfastness
13. Deepening devotion
14. More complete conversion to the Lord and His Gospel
15. Lay a foundation for a great work
16. Follow the covenant path