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

Priesthood Administration Table

My dad hand-wrote a similar table earlier this year when we were talking about priesthood power.  I typed it up tonight.  Love it.

Let's Discuss: "Precious Gifts from God," by M. Russell Ballard

"Precious Gifts from God"

By President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
31 March 2018, Saturday Morning Session

Hymn Recommendations:
95  Now Thank We All Our God
146  Gently Raise the Sacred Strain
167  Come, Let Us Sing an Evening Hymn
241  Count Your Blessings

Favorite quote:

Elder George A. Smith remembered some advice the Prophet Joseph Smith gave to him: “He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last.”

Something to put on the board:

"The Lord Jesus Christ is our most precious of all gifts from God."  - President M. Russell Ballard

One-sentence Synopsis:
Let us have faith, appreciate, and be blessed by receiving the many precious gifts God sends to us.

Talk and Discussion Questions:

My first thought when starting to study this talk was pondering the title.  What "precious gifts" does this title refer to?  I resolved to find out!  I made a list as I went through.  In a classroom setting, I might put the list on the board as we reached the items in the talk.  I'll go ahead and put the full list here first.  They are NOT in order of importance!

     Precious Gifts from God

1. Orderly way we have begun a new chapter in church history
2. Knowledge of Philippians 4:13 (that we can do all things through Christ)
3. "Many, many more"
4. Sabbath day
5. Sacrament
6. Service to others
7. The Savior
8. Church membership

Now let's begin.  Emphasis my own except where indicated:

My brothers and sisters, we have just participated in a solemn assembly, a practice that can be traced back to the Bible when ancient Israel gathered to feel the Lord’s presence and celebrate His blessings.1 We are privileged to live in a time when this ancient practice has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.2 I urge you to record in your personal journal what you felt regarding this most sacred occasion in which you have taken part.

Did you take his advice?  Did you record your feelings from the solemn assembly?  Let's share with each other!  Would anyone share their feelings?  I made a separate blogpost with my reaction to conference.  Here is a quote from my "journal:"

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

Share your thoughts in the comments.  Or record them in your journal if you have not.

Recently, we said goodbye to our dear friend and prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. Although we all miss him, we are deeply grateful the Lord has called a new prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, to preside over His Church. In an orderly way we have now begun a new chapter in our Church history. This is a precious gift from God.

So, since I was looking for "precious gifts," I could see that President Ballard was trying to be very clear in his talk.  (Sometimes, I think it would be nice to have the titles before they start talking, so that we have clues of what to listen for.  Although, being taught by the Spirit is something I cherish from live conference, too.)  This is the first item in the list.  I couldn't quite tell which part he was referring to, though.  Is the procedure (the way) the gift?  the new chapter?  the new prophet?  the "orderly" or priestly or organizational way?  I suppose it could be all of those...  What do you think?  Am I missing something?

As we each sustained President Nelson by our uplifted hands, we stood as witnesses before God and acknowledged that he is President Monson’s rightful successor. With our raised hands, we promised to hearken unto his voice as he receives direction from the Lord.

Did you feel the import during the solemn assembly?  This sounds serious!  Keywords such as "witnesses,"  we "acknowledged" and "promised."  How will we do this?  How will you do this?

The Lord has said:
“Thou shalt give heed unto all his [meaning the President of the Church] words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them … ;
“For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.”3

I have known our new prophet-president for over 60 years. I have served with him in the Quorum of the Twelve for 33 years, and I am a witness that the hand of the Lord has been preparing him to become our presiding apostle and prophet to administer all the keys of the holy priesthood on the earth. May each one of us completely sustain him and his counselors and follow their direction. We also warmly welcome Elder Gong and Elder Soares as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

All the above almost seems introductory, although he weaves it into his talk by mentioning the precious gift.  I wonder how Presidents Nelson and Ballard have known each other since their 20s/30s or so.  Does anyone know?

After Jesus’s Resurrection, an event we celebrate this glorious Easter weekend, He appeared to His disciples and said, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”4 Notice a twofold action—God sends His Son. The Son sends His servants—mortal men and women—to accomplish Their work.

I am interested in this pattern.  God sends His Son, the Son sends His servants.  Where are WE in this pattern?  Are we helping God and Jesus accomplish Their work?  Are we His servants?  Is He our Master?  Anyway, I'm not sure where I'm going with this - but my ears perked up a bit when I heard this, because we see this same pattern in the temple, and on earth, and I had been thinking about it recently.

We should not be surprised to know that those individuals called to do the Lord’s work are not humanly perfect. Stories in the scriptures detail incidents about men and women who were called of God to accomplish a great work—good sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father called to serve in their assignments in the Church, striving to do their best, but none of them yet perfect. The same is true of us today.

Who in the scriptures fits this description?  "Great work" almost feels like a codeword to me - like the "great and marvelous work."  I thought immediately of Ammon and his brethren - Ammon relates that they were "made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work" Alma 26:3.  Who else?  Well, Moses.  "Moses was commanded of the Lord to do that great work..." 1 Nephi 17:26.  What other scripture examples?  I searched the scriptures for "great work," and got also Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:3), Joseph Smith and his contemporaries "laying the foundation of a great work" (Doctrine & Covenants 64:33), a "great work to be done in the temples of the Lord" (Doctrine & Covenants 138:48).  Interesting!  So what are we called to do?

Given the reality of our human weaknesses and shortcomings, how do we move forward in supporting and sustaining each other? It begins with faith—real, sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in the Savior is the first principle of the doctrine and gospel of Christ.

Well, President Ballard implies at least part of our commission is to move forward in supporting and sustaining each other in our callings - just like we sustained a new prophet.  It begins with FAITH.

Several years ago I was visiting the Holy Land. As we drove by a mustard plant, the director of the BYU Jerusalem Center asked if I had ever seen a mustard seed. I hadn’t so we stopped. He showed me the seeds from the mustard plant. They were surprisingly small.

I then remembered Jesus’s teachings: “For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”5

If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt in the tasks ahead of us as we serve with God’s children, including family members, Church members, and those who are not yet members of the Church.

I really like the idea of removing mountains fo discouragement and doubt.  What obstacles are hindering us from realizing our potentials?

Brothers and sisters, life can be filled with faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love when we exercise the smallest amount of real faith in Christ—even a mustard seed of faith.

Sign me up!  I want these fruits!

Elder George A. Smith remembered some advice the Prophet Joseph Smith gave to him: “He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last.”6

This really moved me.  I was just reminded of an acronym for HOPE I saw recently - Hang On, Pain Ends.

We should remember Paul’s declaration: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”7 Knowing this is another precious gift from God.

Here we have item number 2 on the list of precious gifts from God.  How is knowledge a gift from God?  Share your insights.  I would say Spirit-borne testimony is always a divine gift.  But knowing we can do all things through Christ - and knowing He can strengthen us is a special witness.

In addition to the gifts I have mentioned, there are many, many more. I speak now of just a few—the gift of the Sabbath day, the sacrament, service to others, and the matchless gift from God of our Savior.

So here we have a sort of outline of the rest of President Ballard's talk.  These are items 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.   First, the Sabbath:

The power of the Sabbath day is to experience in church and at home the delight, the joy, and the warmth of feeling the Spirit of the Lord without any kind of distraction.

Are we taking advantage of the Sabbath day?

Too many allow themselves to almost live online with their smart devices—screens illuminating their faces day and night and earbuds in their ears blocking out the still, small voice of the Spirit. If we do not find time to unplug, we may miss opportunities to hear the voice of Him who said, “Be still, and know that I am God.”8 Now, there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of the advances in the technologies inspired by the Lord, but we must be wise in their use. Remember the gift of the Sabbath day.

Are we living too much online?  Do you unplug on the Sabbath?  Any comments on gratitude or blessings from observing the Sabbath?

Next the sacrament:

The blessing of receiving the sacrament in sacrament meeting must never become routine or just something we do. It is only 70 minutes in a whole week when we can pause and find more peace, joy, and happiness in our lives.

 Partaking of the sacrament and renewing our covenants is a sign by us to the Lord that we do always remember Him. His Atonement is a gracious gift from God.

President Ballard almost sneaks in the gift of Christ's Atonement here, but will talk more of Christ in a bit.  How is the sacrament a "sign by us to the Lord?"

Next service to others:

The privilege of service to Heavenly Father’s children is another opportunity to follow the example of His Beloved Son by serving one another.

Some service opportunities are formal—in our family, our Church callings, and our participation in community service organizations.

Church members—both men and women—should not hesitate, if they desire, to run for public office at any level of government wherever they live. Our voices are essential today and important in our schools, our cities, and our countries. Where democracy exists, it is our duty as members to vote for honorable men and women who are willing to serve.

I think this may be the first time I have ever heard encouragement to run for public office stated in conference.  How can we use our voice today in our schools, cities, countries?

Many opportunities to serve are informal—without assignment—and come as we reach out to others we meet in life’s journey. Remember Jesus taught the lawyer that we should love God and our neighbor as ourselves using the good Samaritan as an example.9

President Ballard makes a distinction between formal service and informal service.  Why do you think he does that?  How does the service you do in your life fall into these two categories?

Service opens a window by which we understand the life and ministry of Christ. He came to serve, as the scriptures teach, “even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”10

I love this paragraph!  How has service helped you better understand Christ?  I have felt the love of God for people I have served, for example, in callings.  I have also felt the love God has for me.  I feel this stronger when I am helping others on His behalf.  It's almost a feeling of divine approval.  He loves when we help each other!  Just like as a mom, I love when my children help each other.

Peter may have given the best description of the Savior’s mortal ministry in five words when he referred to Jesus, “who went about doing good.”11

How do we follow this example?  How can we go about doing good?

Next, the gift of Jesus Christ:

The Lord Jesus Christ is our most precious of all gifts from God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”12

 How is Jesus Christ a gift?  I am reminded that to appreciate a gift, we must receive it.  Receive is a another special word.

Nephi captured the importance of our Savior when he declared, “We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”13 We must keep Christ as the center of our lives at all times and in all places.

We should remember that it is His name that appears on our places of worship; we are baptized in His name; and we are confirmed, ordained, endowed, and sealed in marriage in His name. We partake of the sacrament and promise to take upon ourselves His name—and become true Christians. Finally, we are asked in the sacrament prayer to “always remember him.”14

As we prepare for Easter Sunday tomorrow, let us remember that Christ is supreme. He is the righteous Judge, our faithful Advocate, our blessed Redeemer, the Good Shepherd, the promised Messiah, a true Friend, and much, much more. He is indeed a very precious gift to us from our Father.

I love this part, too.  How can we make Jesus more of the center of our lives?

In our discipleship, we have many demands, concerns, and assignments. However, some activities must always be at the heart of our Church membership. “Wherefore,” the Lord commands, “be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”15 (emphasis in text)

This is the Church in action! This is pure religion! This is the gospel in its true sense as we succor, lift, and strengthen those in spiritual and temporal need! Doing so requires us to visit them and to assist them,16 that their testimonies of faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement will be anchored in their hearts.

President Ballard mentions one last gift before closing:

May the Lord help and bless us to treasure our many precious gifts from God, including our membership in His restored Church. I pray we will be filled with love for our Heavenly Father’s children and be able to see their needs and be willing to answer their questions and concerns about the gospel in clear and kind ways that will increase understanding and appreciation for one another.

Why is membership in His restored Church a gift?  How is it a gift?  Have you ever wondered why you were "lucky" enough to be born in or to find the Church?  Do you treat your membership as a prized gift?

I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior. What we will be taught at this general conference comes to us by inspiration from apostles and prophets, from General Authorities, and sister leaders who are General Officers of the Church. May the joy and peace of the Lord abide with each one is my humble prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Sidestep Compelled Humility through Meekness

Mormon teaches us "that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart," or "his faith and hope is vain."  Moroni 7:43-44

Why is that, do you think?



Here's my answer.  I think MEEKNESS means we can truly humble ourselves rather than having to be COMPELLED to be humble. When we're compelled to humility, we maybe aren't acting fully on faith, because we KNOW something needs to change. When acting in meekness, we humble ourselves because of the WORD - we act in FAITH, not knowing.

Here is my journey to this:

Moroni 6:8 "But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven."

God really wants us to repent (see also D&C 19:15-20).

Earlier this week, I reread Alma 32:
I learned that humility is the preparation state to hear the WORD, to learn WISDOM, and to REPENT. Only those that repent will find mercy. Also, one way to mercy is through afflictions.  Afflictions -> compelled humility -> word/wisdom -> repent -> mercy -> salvation.

"6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly HUMBLED them, and that they were in a PREPARATION to hear the WORD.
"7 Therefore he did say no more to the other multitude; but he stretched forth his hand, and cried unto those whom he beheld, who were truly PENITENT, and said unto them:
"8 I behold that ye are LOWLY IN HEART; and if so, blessed are ye."
...
"12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may LEARN WISDOM; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a LOWLINESS OF HEART; for ye are necessarily brought to be HUMBLE.
"13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh REPENTANCE; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find MERCY; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be SAVED."

Humility is not the same as meekness. Here's a David A. Bednar quote from April 2018:

"The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others.

"Whereas humility generally denotes dependence upon God and the constant need for His guidance and support, a distinguishing characteristic of meekness is a particular SPIRITUAL RECEPTIVITY to LEARNING both from the Holy Ghost and from people who may seem less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute."

Now, I am wondering if meekness is the lack of heart-stubbornness that is the key to humbling ourselves without being compelled to be humble. So meekness->word->humility->repentance->mercy? Back to Alma 32:

"14 And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who TRULY HUMBLE THEMSELVES because of the WORD?
"15 Yea, he that TRULY HUMBLETH HIMSELF, and REPENTETH of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much MORE BLESSED than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.
"16 Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that BELIEVETH in the WORD OF GOD, and is baptized WITHOUT STUBBORNNESS of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe."

This last bit about without being brought to know ... that makes me think our afflictions bring us to KNOW something is off - to KNOW something needs to change (repent essentially means to change or to turn back). Meekness already believes we can do better because the Spirit, the Word, nudges us - without "knowing" - so acting in it is an exercise of FAITH.

Does this mean we won't experience afflictions if we are meek?  Well, maybe.  But more importantly than avoidance, perhaps meekness allows us to accept the afflictions as God's will, glorify Him through the trials, and soar through them on His wings.  Our burdens become light, as we cheerfully submit (Mosiah 24:15).