It's a pleasure to be with you here this evening. As I was contemplating what I would talk about - - this week I have been reminded of some of my weaknesses and shortcomings. This remembering can be a humbling or difficult experience.  When I'm feeling sorry for myself - or throwing a pity party, I'm reminded of what was told to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail -    The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?  This kinds of puts my difficulties in a little better perspective - I haven't suffered a fraction of what Joseph Smith suffered let alone the Savior. We have been told. That these challenges are given to us to help us grow- But despite these faults, as I look back over my life, it's obvious that I have been guided, directed, uplifted at every turn, challenge or difficulty that I have faced. But because I am weak - I continue  to question my future - harbor feelings of fear and discouragement over what may be around the next corner? Occasionally I continue to beat myself up because of mistakes and sins that have long been forgiven, or over choices others have made, that I have no control over. Is it logical to think that a loving Heavenly Father would all of the sudden abandon me, when he has never done so before?  In the sacred grove the young Prophet Joseph Smith was over come by the power of the advisory to the point of despair and to abandon himself to destruction. But "just at this moment of great alarm, he saw a pillar of light exactly over his head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon him." He was not abandoned - on the contrary, after these feeling of total despair, occurred one of the greatest events in history.   This vision not only changed his life, but the lives of every soul that has lived since - the ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times. No longer were the heavens closed - the restoration of the gospel, it's priesthood, authority and the continual revelation through a living prophet of God had began. Just think what excitement and celebration should have transpired at the news that such an event. I'm sure that is what happened in the heavens. But in up-state New York, these events were met with ridicule, persecution and the desire to take his life. In his own words the Prophet Joseph Smith stated: It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself. However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision.....  I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; ( end quote) I don't know if all of you can think of someone that is  fourteen years of age - perhaps one of the young men preparing the sacrament in your ward. The only way he could have gotten through such a trial would be to have heavenly assistance.   Unlike the Prophet Joseph Smith, I have not seen a vision or heard a voice from heaven. I have not seen the resurrected Savior, but I have had many opportunities to receive manifestations or witnesses from the Holy Ghost that he lives, that the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ has in reality happened and that there are living Prophets and Apostles on the earth.  These manifestations have been so strong that it would be impossible to deny them without offending God. No my experiences would not be classified as a sure witness - I still need to exercise faith, but that faith grows stronger with each manifestation of the spirit. As we seek such experiences  - through our faithfulness, dedication and asking for truth and strength through prayer, we too can receive the perfect knowledge and eventually the eternal life and exaltation promised to all true followers of Christ. But, the process of getting there can be difficult - some of us have been discouraged, depressed and just feel tired.  Many have considered giving up or have allowed the advisory to convince them that it's just not worth it, or WORSE yet, that it's really not that important. Others lie to themselves or justify their actions because everyone else is doing it. This doesn't change the reality or truth of the gospel and the consequences of our disobedience. I understand that I'm talking at a meeting that normally the most faithful members of our stake attend.  But some of the greatest followers of Christ in the scriptures have had their times of discouragement and even times they weren't as faithful as they should have been. Did the Brother of Jared really stop praying to the Lord? Or instead did he just start praying like I do sometimes, going through the motions with a lack of sincerity and not truly seeking individual guidance - that three hour interview where he was chastened must have been a wonderful bitter-sweat experience. Both Alma the Elder and the Younger had their times of difficulty. The Prophet Joseph Smith was so discouraged in the Liberty Jail that he pled - Oh God, where art thou? Everyone of us in this room have had such experiences. All of us have also had time's where we have been closer than normal to the promptings of the Spirit. Alma's speaking to the saints in Zarahemla asked an important question: "And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" Where are each of us in our progression? What areas of concern is the spirit telling us we need to work on? I remember getting the impression that I needed to work harder at my relationship with my wife - after telling her I had that impression, there were a number or events that made things momentarily even harder. In its small way this is similar to advisory trying to stop Joseph Smiths first prayer? Hopefully she can continue to forgive me for my shortcomings.   This years theme for the Young Men and Women of the church is taken from D&C 115:5: "Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;" This is a challenge to be a little better - to live more in accordance with the Saviors teachings, to fulfill the covenants we have already made. In our last General Conference - Elder Hallstrom talked about the difference of being active in the church and active in the gospel. He stated - "Some have come to think of activity in the Church as the ultimate goal. Therein lies a danger. It is possible to be active in the Church and less active in the gospel. Let me stress: activity in the Church is a highly desirable goal; however, it is insufficient. Activity in the Church is an outward indication of our spiritual desire. If we attend our meetings, hold and fulfill Church responsibilities, and serve others, it is publicly observed. By contrast, the things of the gospel are usually less visible and more difficult to measure, but they are of greater eternal importance. For example, how much faith do we really have? How repentant are we? How meaningful are the ordinances in our lives? How focused are we on our covenants? " (end quote) The fact that you are here this evening is a wonderful thing - but is that sufficient? We need to implement the principles and prompting of the spirit. The other night I had a wonderful conversation with some dear friends that haven't been outwardly active in the church for years. But, as we met it was obvious that they are more active in the gospel than many that I see at church on a consistent basis. Some less active or members of other faiths have a hard time with supposedly active members of the church that are not honest in their dealings, or do not treat others with kindness or respect.  Those that are truly dedicated to the gospel of Christ - want to be like Him, he didn't turn away the beggar - He sat with and loved the sinner, despite their weaknesses. Those that are like the Savior are humble, submissive to the promptings of the spirit, have charity and let virtue garnish their thoughts unceasingly. These are attributes of true followers of Christ.  To my friends I would also like to add - that these Christ like qualities, when obtained, also cause us to have the desires to make covenants and promises with the Lord - which takes place with the priesthood and in sacrament meeting and in the temples of God.  Alma's question then takes on even great significance - have we felt the song of redeeming love, do we have a relationship with the Savior, have we made the Atonement effective in our lives. If we have - are we doing so now.  President Uchtdorf also addressed this issue as he talked about what real growth in the gospel.   "Real growth in the gospel of Jesus Christ are those that we can't measure as easily, such as daily prayer, scripture study, family home evening, love at home and for our neighbors, and personal experiences with Christ's Atonement. These are recorded not by a clerk in Church records but in our hearts and in heaven." (end quote) This true growth, true dedication to the gospel and to the Savior teaching - is the formula that changes lives. This testimony and dedication leads us to action - not only to raise ourselves, but also all those around us. As the storms increase around us - only those that have a firm foundation will survive. We need to focus on the principle and actions of the gospel.  Now is the time that the Lord needs each of us to be the type of saints that he can depend on, to be the pillars that others can lean on and ask for assistance. What a great opportunity we have to be here tonight and tomorrow morning - to be instructed by those that have been called and set apart to represent the Savior Jesus Christ. Let's make a resolve to evaluate our lives and to covenant once again to make the necessary changes in order to receive the manifestations of the spirit.