I’m the missionary portion of the program – apparently when the return missionaries run out they ask auxiliary leaders to fill in the void. Of course they didn’t tell me that when called me to be an auxiliary leader.

Last week the stake leaders were invited to attend the Crockett Ward for their ward conference. This year’s theme is enduring to the end. Bishop Akina in his remarks quoted a scripture that like happens too many of us were so familiar I knew instantly where it was. It is so failure to me that in my mind I began to quote the words from the two verses being read. But then something happened – he began to apply the scripture in an area that it had never crossed my mind that this scripture would apply.

Instantly the spirit began to flow and testified to me of the great lesson that I was learning – as it applied to a problem that has been pestering me for some time. The problem has not disappeared nor will it be easy to rectify, but I came away with a new outlook and vision on some of the things I need to do on my part.

I remember many years ago as a missionary in New Mexico tracking and meeting so many people who were confused on the questions of where we came from. Why we are here? And where we are going after this life? These are some of the basics of the plan of salvation. And superficially almost everyone in this room would be able to answer these questions.

The problem many of us have is that despite the fact we know why we are here – at times we lack the faith to trust in the Lord that He will guide and protect us in our times of need. Do we believe the Lord is leading us and giving us the opportunities necessary to progress?

Elder Eyring – CES Fireside 5/6/01

“Your life is carefully watched over as was mine. The Lord knows both what he will need you to do, and what you will need to know. He is kind and He is all knowing. So you can expect with confidence that He has prepared opportunities for you to learn in preparation for the service you will give. You will not recognize those opportunities perfectly, as I did not. But, when you put the spiritual things first in your life you will be blessed, to feel directed toward certain learning and you’ll be motivated to work harder. You will then recognize later that your power to serve was increased and you will be grateful. Your service may not be in what the world would recognize as a lofty calling. When the real value of service become clear in the judgment of God. Some people who worked in quiet anonymity will be the real hero’s. Many of them, perhaps most of them will be the underpaid, under recognized people, who nurtured others.”

The key to this quote is that “when you put the spiritual things first in your life you will be blessed.” I love when a prophet of God makes a promise – because whether by his own voice or the voice of his servants it is the same.

Ether 3: 11-12

And the lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak?

And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou art

a God of truth, and canst not lie.

As Elder Eyring stated: you can be confident the Lord is preparing circumstances designed for your special needs – he knows what you need to know and have. Many wonder where God is or if he has abandoned them in their times of need. Others question if there is a God – if there was how he could allow so many things happen to his innocent children.

An experience that testifies of this guiding and preparation began for me more than 25 years ago as a missionary –

- transfer – middle of the month, area with problems

- cleaning up area, know things very few would ever know

- as Bishop 18 years latter, comment made to a few ward members in passing –

- women in group made a comment to see if I knew a situation happening in that area

- when she told someone they didn’t believe her

The Lord began to prepare away for her to feel clean and find peace 18 years in advance – why so long? Why in this manor? Are questions I’m unable to answer.

Elder Bednar – Quorum of the Twelve, in our last general conference called these the tender mercies of God.

1 Nephi 1: 20

But behold, I, Nephi , will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith , to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

Elder Bebnar –

“The Lord’s tender mercies are very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving kindnesses, consolation, support, spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly the Lord suits his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.”

Those tender mercies so many times come through the kindness and love of a neighbor, friend and even a stranger that has no idea the impact or the service they have rendered.

As Elder Eyring stated: “real hero’s – most of them will be the underpaid under recognized people who nurture others.” What a great blessing it is to be worthy or able to be an instrument in the hand of the All Mighty – to bless another’s life.

All of us have experienced events or times in our lives when in hind sight we can recognize a power or series of blessings that are not mere coincidences, but if humbly evaluated can only be attributed to divine intervention. But all of us have also had times when we may ask why we have been abandoned.

Such a time happen for the Prophet Joseph Smith – in the Liberty Jail. This is possibly one of the hardest times of his life. In section 121 of the D&C he pleads with the Lord.

1) O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?

2) How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?

3) Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?

Then in verse 7 the Lord begins his answer –

7) My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

8) And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

His answers continues from sec. 121 –sec.123.

Then in his time of trail the last verse the Lord gives states:

Therefore , dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

It’s our responsibility to do everything that is possibly in our power and also to live worthily in order to receive the salvation of the Lord. Then we can with assurance call upon the arm of the Lord for assistance. Then in the Lords time and for our eternal good the “Almighty will pour down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the righteous.”

In the church and in this congregation there are a number of people that are struggling with their testimonies or with a major difficulty in their lives. Many of us have become complacent and thinking all is well and make little or no effort to strengthen our testimonies.

This complacency is like the 10 virgins, talked about in the New Testament by the Savior. They all knew who the bride groom was and that he was going to come – but half didn’t have sufficient oil in their lamps.

Elder Neil A Maxwell used the analogy of sins being like stones or boulders – he stated that many members of the church are unable to push boulders or large sins from their path because they are slipping and sliding on the pebbles beneath their feet.

The preparation of removing the pebbles and boulders of sin and having sufficient oil in our lamps are the same –

Omni 1: 26

And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his resurrection,. Yea come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.

It’s to come unto Christ, offer your whole soul unto him – his will and purpose become more important then yours. This is done by repenting and act like He acts. I think many of us have a hard time offering our whole soul to God – we continue to hold on tight to our favorite sins or vices.

This past year a young man that is very dear to me has been excommunicated from the church because of his addiction to pornography. For many years his problem was unnoticed by his family and friends – but the hidden addiction started to consume his soul and surfaced in some actions that were unacceptable to God and society. He then faced losing everything that was important to him – his membership in the church and his small family.

When we offer our souls to the Savior, nor only does he show us our weaknesses but he helps us overcome them.

Ether 12:27

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness, I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Brothers and sisters it's a pleasure to be here today. My enthusiasm is accelerated by the fact that it is the Christmas season. I love Christmas - I love the songs that we sing in church every December - the spirit of giving and reaching out to express our love and appreciation for our family and friends whom we love. Those that have the Spirit of Christ or Christmas don't stop with just those with whom they love - but reach out to all those in need no matter their situation.

But as with everything that is wonderful and good, Satan tries to manipulate the events around Christmas and influence us to be selfish, greedy and forget the reason we should be celebrating in the first place. The majority of references of Christmas in the media and entertainment - are not Christ centered. Advertisements and many programs concentrate on the need for expensive trinkets and self-filling gratification. How he does this and his purposes aren't the topic of my remarks today - and are obvious to all of us.  Instead I would like to talk about the wondrous plan, life and sacrifice of our Savior and Redeemer - even Jesus the Christ.

In our heavenly home we rejoiced as our Father laid out His eternal plan of salvation. All of his children would have the opportunity to come to earth and receive a physical body and to prove themselves worthy to become as He is and receive Eternal Life and Exaltation. During this time we would be tried and tested - we would be free to choose what path we would follow. Each of us were given the light of Christ as our guide - and the promise of receiving additional light, knowledge and wisdom as we live righteously and seek the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Many of us as members of the church mistakenly take this promise for granted. The Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith stated: For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it-- Others that may have found it, are like those in Lehi's dream, And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Still others are like the foolish virgins that know the bridegroom is coming, but through laziness or complacency just didn't take the time to fill their lamps with the needed oil or righteousness.

No matter which group we fall into - we need the knowledge and wisdom of God to forge our ways through difficulties, sorrow and pain to return back to our heavenly home. We were told that all of us would make mistakes and fall short on occasion. But there would be a way set up for us to get back on track and accomplish the task we were about to undertake. But because of the demands of justice - the price for our sins and mistakes needed to be paid. A Savior - redeemer - someone needed to pay the debt. Two of Gods spirits stepped forward -

One was willing to take that role, but only if he received the glory and honor - his plan would take away the agency of man and force us to remain faithful, but he assured us that no one would be lost in the process. He then would receive the honor and glory to himself, he thought to put himself before God.  But then our older brother - faithful and obedient, offered his life to fulfill the plan of our Eternal Heavenly Father. And one answered like unto the Son of Man said Here am I, send me.  (Abraham 3:27). He would pay the price - open the gate - make a way possible for our return. Fulfilling his fathers will - the only plan that would truly work.

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink--

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
(D&C 19:16-19)

Brothers and sisters - our responsibility is to live by his conditions - repent of our sins and accept His Atoning sacrifice that has been offered.

Elder Bruce R McConkie stated -

"His atonement is the most transcendent event that ever has or ever will occur from Creation’s dawn through all the ages of a never-ending eternity.

It is the supreme act of goodness and grace that only a god could perform. Through it, all of the terms and conditions of the Father’s eternal plan of salvation became operative.

Through it are brought to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Through it, all men are saved from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment.

And through it, all who believe and obey the glorious gospel of God, all who are true and faithful and overcome the world, all who suffer for Christ and his word, all who are chastened and scourged in the Cause of him whose we are—all shall become as their Maker and sit with him on his throne and reign with him forever in everlasting glory."(End quote)

Moments ago we partook of the Sacrament - renewing the covenant that we make in the waters of baptism. Taking upon us the name of Christ - promising to always remember him - keep his commandment - bare one another burdens that they may be light. Indeed we are promising to live the true principles of Christmas everyday of our lives. We all promised to accept his conditions to receive the promised blessing or reward.

It was the implementation of this plan that made the birth of the Savior such a wonderful event and why we still celebrate it today. Every prophet that ever lived had foretold of his birth and the signs that would accompany it. It was such a wondrous event that angels of God announced it to the shepherds watching their sheep - heavenly choirs sang his praises from the heavens above. A new star appeared in the heavens.

Perhaps Isaiah stated it best when penned the poetic verse.

6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Amidst the turmoil of bondage and sin - a Eternal King and Savior came into the world, bringing with him the mission and capacity to free all mankind from eternal pain and damnation. Indeed he is the Prince of Peace - his gospel is the only way we can obtain true peace and happiness.  He answered the ends of the law - he paid the price, and as I read a moment ago he suffered incomprehensible pain that caused himself to bleed from every pore.

Isaiah stated it well:

4 ¶Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Brothers and sisters it's a pleasure to be here today. My enthusiasm is accelerated by the fact that it is the Christmas season. I love Christmas - I love the songs that we sing in church every December - the spirit of giving and reaching out to express our love and appreciation for our family and friends whom we love. Those that have the Spirit of Christ or Christmas don't stop with just those with whom they love - but reach out to all those in need no matter their situation.

But as with everything that is wonderful and good, Satan tries to manipulate the events around Christmas and influence us to be selfish, greedy and forget the reason we should be celebrating in the first place. The majority of references of Christmas in the media and entertainment - are not Christ centered. Advertisements and many programs concentrate on the need for expensive trinkets and self-filling gratification. How he does this and his purposes aren't the topic of my remarks today - and are obvious to all of us.  Instead I would like to talk about the wondrous plan, life and sacrifice of our Savior and Redeemer - even Jesus the Christ.

In our heavenly home we rejoiced as our Father laid out His eternal plan of salvation. All of his children would have the opportunity to come to earth and receive a physical body and to prove themselves worthy to become as He is and receive Eternal Life and Exaltation. During this time we would be tried and tested - we would be free to choose what path we would follow. Each of us were given the light of Christ as our guide - and the promise of receiving additional light, knowledge and wisdom as we live righteously and seek the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Many of us as members of the church mistakenly take this promise for granted. The Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith stated: For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it-- Others that may have found it, are like those in Lehi's dream, And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Still others are like the foolish virgins that know the bridegroom is coming, but through laziness or complacency just didn't take the time to fill their lamps with the needed oil or righteousness.

No matter which group we fall into - we need the knowledge and wisdom of God to forge our ways through difficulties, sorrow and pain to return back to our heavenly home. We were told that all of us would make mistakes and fall short on occasion. But there would be a way set up for us to get back on track and accomplish the task we were about to undertake. But because of the demands of justice - the price for our sins and mistakes needed to be paid. A Savior - redeemer - someone needed to pay the debt. Two of Gods spirits stepped forward -

One was willing to take that role, but only if he received the glory and honor - his plan would take away the agency of man and force us to remain faithful, but he assured us that no one would be lost in the process. He then would receive the honor and glory to himself, he thought to put himself before God.  But then our older brother - faithful and obedient, offered his life to fulfill the plan of our Eternal Heavenly Father. And one answered like unto the Son of Man said Here am I, send me.  (Abraham 3:27). He would pay the price - open the gate - make a way possible for our return. Fulfilling his fathers will - the only plan that would truly work.

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink--

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
(D&C 19:16-19)

Brothers and sisters - our responsibility is to live by his conditions - repent of our sins and accept His Atoning sacrifice that has been offered.

Elder Bruce R McConkie stated -

"His atonement is the most transcendent event that ever has or ever will occur from Creation’s dawn through all the ages of a never-ending eternity.

It is the supreme act of goodness and grace that only a god could perform. Through it, all of the terms and conditions of the Father’s eternal plan of salvation became operative.

Through it are brought to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Through it, all men are saved from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment.

And through it, all who believe and obey the glorious gospel of God, all who are true and faithful and overcome the world, all who suffer for Christ and his word, all who are chastened and scourged in the Cause of him whose we are—all shall become as their Maker and sit with him on his throne and reign with him forever in everlasting glory."(End quote)

Moments ago we partook of the Sacrament - renewing the covenant that we make in the waters of baptism. Taking upon us the name of Christ - promising to always remember him - keep his commandment - bare one another burdens that they may be light. Indeed we are promising to live the true principles of Christmas everyday of our lives. We all promised to accept his conditions to receive the promised blessing or reward.

It was the implementation of this plan that made the birth of the Savior such a wonderful event and why we still celebrate it today. Every prophet that ever lived had foretold of his birth and the signs that would accompany it. It was such a wondrous event that angels of God announced it to the shepherds watching their sheep - heavenly choirs sang his praises from the heavens above. A new star appeared in the heavens.

Perhaps Isaiah stated it best when penned the poetic verse.

6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Amidst the turmoil of bondage and sin - a Eternal King and Savior came into the world, bringing with him the mission and capacity to free all mankind from eternal pain and damnation. Indeed he is the Prince of Peace - his gospel is the only way we can obtain true peace and happiness.  He answered the ends of the law - he paid the price, and as I read a moment ago he suffered incomprehensible pain that caused himself to bleed from every pore.

Isaiah stated it well:

4 ¶Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:4-7)

How could such an event be physically possible - indeed he was a perfect being - a literal son of God in the flesh. We know that a angel from on high was sent to comfort and strengthen him. But it is still incomprehensible - another thing that helped him -  Isaiah mentioned a couple of verses later: "when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed," (Isaiah 53:10)

During his great atoning sacrifice he was able to see all of those whom would accept this great gift. He saw your face and mine. As he suffered every pain, infirmity and sorrow known to man he saw his seed. How else would he understand what it is that we are going through - as we languish in sin, pain and difficulty. Isn't it great to know that there is someone that has gone through it before us and understands our pain. He knows the answer to what can be done to receive the peace and happiness we need.
He has already paid the price for the redemption and relief we so desperately seek.

No wonder the heavens sang for joy when the time had come for his mission to begin. His selfless love and obedience had always been evident from his defense of the plan in the first place. All of us were given the option to follow him at that time and we have renewed that covenant to do so again when the sacrament was pasted.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - we give and receive gifts, just like the wiseman brought to the baby and his family. Over time true believers and the world has created symbols and traditions that most of us enjoy with our families and friends.  
But the greatest symbols of Christianity are in the lives of those that follow his teachings and know him personally as they have sought his spirit and redeeming love. Have thankfully made the atonement a part of their lives.

He has told us that if you love me keep my commandment - or if you have done it unto the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me.

On one occasion an inquiring lawyer came to the Savior and asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” The Savior responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

How do we demonstrate to our Heavenly Father that we love Him? Many years ago there was a popular song that said: “It’s easy to say I love you, easy to say I’ll be true; easy to say these foolish things, but prove it by the things you do.” We have a responsibility to prove to our Heavenly Father, by the things we do, that we love Him.

In short, we need to extend ourselves in service to our Heavenly Father if we are to demonstrate our love for Him.

Brothers and sister, our Prophet has asked us to hasten the work of salvation. This includes a number of areas, many of which are difficult or scary for some of us.


Of all the blessings I have had in my life, one of the sweetest is that feeling the Lord provides when I know that He has answered the prayer of another person through me. As we love the Lord, as we love our neighbor, we discover that our Heavenly Father will answer the prayers of others through our ministry.7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:4-7)

How could such an event be physically possible - indeed he was a perfect being - a literal son of God in the flesh. We know that a angel from on high was sent to comfort and strengthen him. But it is still incomprehensible - another thing that helped him -  Isaiah mentioned a couple of verses later: "when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed," (Isaiah 53:10)

During his great atoning sacrifice he was able to see all of those whom would accept this great gift. He saw your face and mine. As he suffered every pain, infirmity and sorrow known to man he saw his seed. How else would he understand what it is that we are going through - as we languish in sin, pain and difficulty. Isn't it great to know that there is someone that has gone through it before us and understands our pain. He knows the answer to what can be done to receive the peace and happiness we need.
He has already paid the price for the redemption and relief we so desperately seek.

No wonder the heavens sang for joy when the time had come for his mission to begin. His selfless love and obedience had always been evident from his defense of the plan in the first place. All of us were given the option to follow him at that time and we have renewed that covenant to do so again when the sacrament was pasted.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - we give and receive gifts, just like the wiseman brought to the baby and his family. Over time true believers and the world has created symbols and traditions that most of us enjoy with our families and friends.  
But the greatest symbols of Christianity are in the lives of those that follow his teachings and know him personally as they have sought his spirit and redeeming love. Have thankfully made the atonement a part of their lives.

He has told us that if you love me keep my commandment - or if you have done it unto the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me.

On one occasion an inquiring lawyer came to the Savior and asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” The Savior responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

How do we demonstrate to our Heavenly Father that we love Him? Many years ago there was a popular song that said: “It’s easy to say I love you, easy to say I’ll be true; easy to say these foolish things, but prove it by the things you do.” We have a responsibility to prove to our Heavenly Father, by the things we do, that we love Him.

In short, we need to extend ourselves in service to our Heavenly Father if we are to demonstrate our love for Him.

Brothers and sister, our Prophet has asked us to hasten the work of salvation. This includes a number of areas, many of which are difficult or scary for some of us.


Of all the blessings I have had in my life, one of the sweetest is that feeling the Lord provides when I know that He has answered the prayer of another person through me. As we love the Lord, as we love our neighbor, we discover that our Heavenly Father will answer the prayers of others through our ministry.