Dry Canyon 7/17/11 (Never given )

Congratulations to Elder Christiansen –

One of my Favorite activities in stake leadership is when missionaries come home and report to the Stake Presidency and High Council about their opportunity to serve the Lord as a missionary.

Their spirit – enthusiasm and smiles are contagious as they speak about those individuals with whom they have served, sacrificed for and loved. The Lord allowed them to be His personal and special witness – testifying of the divinity and truthfulness of this wonderful work. All of us that have had the opportunity to serve, and any of us that have been a part of someone’s conversion – know that there is no better feeling than to see the light of the gospel ignited in the soul of someone that they love.

Indeed the Lords words in D&C 18: 15 – have great meaning

And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my father!

These people will be eternally grateful – but perhaps the greatest conversion or the most important person to come unto Christ for our salvation is ourselves.

As a missionary I had the opportunity to see many souls come to knowledge of the truth and enter the waters of baptism – but none had greater manifestations of the spirit and a change of heart more than I did.

Indeed as Alma states – I desire “to sing the song of redeeming love.” The greatest part of the story is the answer to his next question – “do you feel so now?” The answer is a resounding yes! And even at a greater magnitude than when I returned from my mission.

Now – before you start thinking that I’m planning to be translated – I like the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians – “have been given thorns in the flesh, the messenger(s) of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” All of us have bought’s of discouragement, a lack of gratitude, and way too often we feel alone and have to search for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. But, my testimony and knowledge is stronger than any other time in my life. – For which I am grateful.

Not to insinuate that this will happen to Elder Christensen – but, why do some missionaries / or for that matter any faithful member of the church – with responsibilities lose this fire – take a vacation or sabbatical from it’s teachings and the covenants that we have made? Is it a conscience choice – or did it just happens over time – others claim they never really believe it in the first place?

In order to understand our testimonies, we need to know what they are and how we get one. “A testimony is a manifestation of the spirit of the truthfulness of a principle – or doctrine of the gospel – or a manifestation of the existence or reality that God lives and Jesus is the Christ. The receiving of these witnesses or manifestations is revelation.

In our last General Conference, Elder Bednar spoke about the Spirit of Revelation and how it works in each of our lives. He used two examples of light – to explain how revelation can come to each of us.

I quote -

The first experience occurred(s) as we entered a dark room and turned on a light switch. Remember how in an instant a bright flood of illumination fill(s) the room and caused the darkness to disappear. What previously had been unseen and uncertain became clear and recognizable. This experience was characterized by immediate and intense recognition of light.

The second experience (takes) place as we watch night turn into morning. Do you recall the slow and almost imperceptible increase in light on the horizon? In contrast to turning on a light in a dark room, the light from the rising sun (will) not immediately burst forth. Rather, gradually and steadily the intensity of the light increased, and the darkness of night (is) replaced by the radiance of morning. Eventually, the sun did dawn over the skyline. But the visual evidence of the sun’s impending arrival (are) apparent hours before the sun actually appeared over the horizon. This experience was characterized by subtle and gradual discernment of light.

Brothers and sisters - these are common occurrences that happen to us each day. Elder Bednar cont…

Some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are recognized gradually and subtly. The two experiences with light I described help us to better understand these two basic patterns of revelation.

A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once. Many of us have experienced this pattern of revelation as we have been given answers to sincere prayers or been provided with needed direction or protection, according to God’s will and timing. Descriptions of such immediate and intense manifestations are found in the scriptures, recounted in Church history, and evidenced in our own lives. Indeed, these mighty miracles do occur. However, this pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common.

The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare.

Chances are that most of us have had both methods of revelation in our lives. But those moments of intense manifestations will be fleeting if they are not followed up with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Laman and Lemual we’re visited by angels – Cain walked and talked with God. Oliver Cowdrey and Martine Harris both fell away from the church after all they had seen and heard.

The scriptures also tell us that the seeds of truth always perform better when they are planted in fertile ground. That’s one of the blessings of a missionary as they contact someone that has never heard or felt the truths of the gospel. I know Elder Christensen loves to ski – it’s kind of like coming upon fresh power that has never been touched. These feeling are new and make a huge impart on the pure in heart that are seeking the Savior and His will in their lives.

Now lets talk about these wonderful returned missionaries – what have they been doing for the past two years? They have been preparing the soil that the seeds of truth have being planted in – they have been nurturing and watering these truths with selfless service – continual prayer and scripture study - then the greatest tool - love. Each of these acts is like powerful fertilizers that stimulate the soul and testify of the divinity of God and this wonderful work.

One difficulty in the church is that not all new converts continue to be active – this is also the same for some of us old guys – why? Because we forget to continue to fertilize our testimonies, or we take offence with someone or something that we can’t control. No wonder President Hinckley said that all new converts in the church need a friend, a calling and nurturing in the gospel of Christ. Being offended is an interesting event for me – I will admit that I’m sure I’ve offended far more people than have offended me.

What if the Savior wouldn’t have fulfilled his assignment because someone had treated Him unfairly?

Revisiting Elder Bednar’s analogy of light – I believe those that lose their testimonies most of the time do it the same way that they received it small pieces at a time. At first imperceptible degrees of change – They set their heart on the things of the world and the honors of men. They stop sincere prayer and searching the scriptures. These are replaced with repetitive quick prayers – have you ever said a prayer and right after not remembered what you just said. Our study becomes casual and at the last minute in order to be ready for the class we are assigned to teach. I couldn’t count the number of time I has seen individual preparing their lesson during sacrament meeting. Good thing we have sacrament meeting first. We allow the filth of the world to creep in through the Internet – movies – and television; they start out slow and can become addictions.

These and countless other examples are like turning the dimmer switch on the lights of our testimonies little by little until we find our selves and darkness and despair. This is when the buffeting of Satan allows us to be critical of our leaders and take offence because of the imperfections of men.

Now it’s going to be impossible for Elder Christensen – or any of us to continue to participate as fully in the things of the spirit as a full time missionary does. Work, school, family and just the trials of life seem to dull or spiritual senses. But, when we continue to put the things of God first in our lives the Lord will make up the differences. As we do the little things each day - we are preparing our soil or souls so that the seeds of faith can grow and flourish.

I would like to invite each of you to take a moment of reflection. Ask yourselves how is the strength of my testimony at this time of my life? Is it stronger than it has been before – do I have questions and concern that are bothering me? Is it strong enough that I could share it at any time no matter what the cost? We should remember the greatest bearing of our testimonies is in the way we live our lives.

When the children of Israel were being led out of Egypt and journeyed to the Promised Land the Lord tested their resolve. Because they had hardened their hearts he sent fiery serpents among them. And after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many that perished.

Because of complacency or laziness do we fail to do the simple things – or as the Israelites do they seem too trivial – that we don’t humble ourselves to be strictly obedient to all the words of God. Indeed by small and simple thing are great things brought to pass.

Perhaps the most used missionary scripture is a formula to receive revelation. Not only is it the promise to find out if the Book of Mormon is true – but it can be used to find the truth of all things and the assistance we all need as we forge this wilderness of life.

Moroni 10:3-5

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

What a great promise – does it seem simple and direct? Let’s remember how much the Lord has done for us – and that He loves each of us. Evaluate out standing and act on the things we know we need to correct.

Testimony -

Oath and Covenant - Priesthood leadership

Brethren there is an oft-used scripture that all of us know in the D&C that states:

There is a law, irrevocably decreed in the heaven before the foundation of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated –

And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

We as Latter-day Saints are a covenant making people. The gospel is a covenant!

I hope that all of you read President Romney’s talk on the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood.

We started our covenant making while in the pre-existence, then on this earth in the waters of baptism, when we partake of the sacrament, received the priesthood and entered the temples of God.

A covenant in a promise between God and ourselves. (Do we really understand its importance and the responsibilities that come with it?)

(STORY)

(I love to watch basketball – to a fault. One day I wanted to see a certain basketball game - I found out what network it was suppose to be on. I sat down on my bed with the remote to see if I could find it. I found out that it wasn't part of my viewing options.

But on the station that was right next to it was something that caught my interest. There was a televangelist that made me think I was at a Aggie basketball game - he was standing behind the pulpit jumping up and down - with his arm out stretched saying I believe. His congregation wasn't as in sink like the Aggies student section - a few of them had their hands in the air and were saying Amen.

After he was done he pulled out a large key ring about six inches in diameter and some large skeleton keys on it. He started to shake them - and said these represent the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. He proceeded to say that they are give to all followers of Christ and those that believe in the Bible. HE then pulled out a small plastic set of keys (baby's toy) and shook them and said they represent the keys that Satan holds.)

I'm sure he got his reference from Matt 16:19

I give unto you the key of the Kingdom of Heaven.

He didn’t quote the rest of the verse or those before it, that put it into context.

These words were spoken by the Savior to Peter the chief Apostle. After the Savior asked who do men say that I am? Peter answered – “Thou art the Christ the Son of the Living God.” The Savior told him he received that knowledge by revelation.

He then told him he would give unto him the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.

This was the man that would be at the head of the Church – that would be given all the authority and responsibility after the death of the Savior.

When each of us gets our Temple recommend we are asked the question –

Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator – and the only person on the earth that holds and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?

Brethren, not only was this authority given to Peter, but has also been given to President Thomas S. Monson. These keys are then delegated through the lines of authority to those called to exercise them.

President Larsen has the Keys for this stake –

Each of the Bishops hold the Keys for the individual Wards –

Elders Presidents, Teacher and Deacons Presidents are given authority for their individual Quorums.

Each of us has callings and responsibilities that have come under the direction of these Keys.

- With these callings come promises, blessings and covenants between each of us and God.

Unlike the televangelist said – this power and authority doesn’t come to all professors or followers of Christ or because of one belief in the Bible.

- Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money.

Saying, “give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.”

I think that on occasions we don’t understand or appreciate what having the priesthood means or can do for yourself and our families.

Is it because every young man in the Church receives it – and that it is commonplace or seems like a formality?

Numerous Prophets have told us that those that receive the Priesthood were foreordained to receive such. Is it a coincidence that you were born into a covenant home and the area in which we live – or that you received the missionaries message and knew of its truthfulness?

Those that are holders of the priesthood are in the extreme minority.

- There is great responsibility that is given.

- But, there is even great promised blessing.

Those faithful to the lesser priesthood are promised to the ministering of Angels.

President Romney reading from the 84 sections of the D&C told us that it is also available to the Melchizedek Priesthood as well.

As we magnify it - our blessing are: Sanctification, Renewing of our Bodies, we can become Princes and Kings, Members of his Church and Kingdom, the Elect of God and are given all that the Father has.

Who wouldn’t want those blessings?

We must magnify that priesthood to receive the promised blessings.

President Romney stated that we must do three things to magnify our priesthood:

1) That we obtain the knowledge of the gospel.

2) That we comply in our personal living with the standards of the gospel.

3) That we give dedicated service.

We must learn our duty – live in accordance with that knowledge – and serve diligently.

All throughout the scriptures there are wonderful examples of the results of Truly Dedicated Service.

- Angels were sent to help them, hearts were softened, seemingly impossible tasks were accomplished, and mountains were moved before them.

President Romney stated -

The nature of this service is spelled out in detail in the revelations and by the living prophets. The burden of it the Lord has laid upon his priesthood. It can be done properly only by men who are magnifying their priesthood—who know the gospel, conform their lives to its standards, and enthusiastically give dedicated service in the spirit of the divine proclamation that “men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in them” (D&C 58:27–28).

Elder Perry has asked us to do curtain things – that if accomplished can save hundreds of souls for eternity – many more missionaries will be sent throughout the world to bring truth and righteousness to a troubled world.

We all know the blessing that will come from bringing one soul unto God – lets start with the one closest to us – our own, by magnifying the priesthood opportunities we have been given.

Stake Conf. 2011 - Sunday morning

Brother and sisters – it’s great to be here. This session of conference is the first for many of you – as it has replaced your primary, Sunday school, YM & YW today. I would like to welcome each of you young people with your parents. Others of you this is the second or third session of our stake conference that you have been invited to attended. Now whether you attended those sessions is another matter.

Some of you may think you have to listen to the members of the stake presidency quite often. I hope that what I have prepared today will be beneficial to each of you and give you some direction and help in strengthening your testimonies.

All of us have had individuals in our lives that have strengthened – taught and helped us in our times of need. Many of these people in my life have come from the pages of the scriptures.

I don’t know how it worked in the preexistence, what events in the history of the world we were able to witness or participate in, or if that was even possible. We know from the scriptures that at the birth of the Savior there was heavenly host singing praise to God – if my voice in the preexistence was the same as it is now – I may not have been invited. What would it have been like to see the children of Israel leave Egypt, Elisha calling fire down from heaven to witness the existence of the true and living God. To be there and see the faith of the stripling warriors fighting for the liberty of mothers.

If we were allowed to see some of these events as they had transpired, which ones would have been at the top of your list – most of us would have included any event where the Savior was present? His birth, His appearance to the Nephite’s – His atoning sacrifices. That one may have been hard for us to see – knowing that it was our actions that caused His suffering. But understanding the great plan of salvation - I’m sure we would have known that the price had been paid and that the gate had been opened.

We know that during His suffering the Savior was able to see His seed - or those of us that would make the atonement effective in their lives. I’m sure that gave Him straight during His time of need – He knew it was necessary for all of us. With this act, we now have the opportunity to return and live with God. What a waste it would be if we failed to make it effective in our lives.

Another event that would be on MY list was the last address of King Benjamin gave to the people with whom he served and loved.

His sermon was so powerful that all the people believed his words – the scripture states

“ They all cried with one voice, saying: Yea we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us;”

Then it tells what the spirit did to them –

“Has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.”

Can you imagine how powerful the spirit must have been, to have such an impact on the whole kingdom?

Like most of the ancient prophets - we know very little about Benjamin’s youth, his trials, challenges and victories. But we do know a little more about his father. He was the first King Mosiah – a prophet, seer and revelator. He translated ancient records. He was the one that received the revelation from the Lord for himself and his people to leave the land of Nephi or be destroyed by the Lamanites. It appears to me that they didn’t know where they were going when they left, as the scriptures say –

(They) “Harkened unto the voice of the Lord and they were led by many preaching and prophesying…and they were led by the power of his arm.”

We don’t know how old Benjamin was at that time – was he in primary, perhaps even scared that they were leaving their homes and not knowing where they were going. On that journey they were led to the land of Zarahemla and to the people of Mulek – who had also been brought out of Jerusalem around the time of Lehi. These people were more numerous than the Nephities but had forgotten their God and the language of their fathers.

Mosiah set up the means whereby they started to teach them their language and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Was Benjamin a young man at this time and had an opportunity to serve as a missionary preaching the gospel? Is this when he started to learn to love these people, or were these events the beginning of Benjamin’s religious education and the strengthening of his testimony? When did Benjamin receive his testimony – was it at the feet of his prophet father – was it a manifestation of peace and safety that came from these experiences? I’m sure it was all of these – line upon line, precept on precept - just as each of us today have the opportunity to receive ours.

After Benjamin was made King – they had many wars and much bloodshed. Under his leadership the Lamanities were driven out of the land. These are the things we know about Benjamin before his sermon. Then he reiterated things that were common knowledge among his people. He had served them without receiving personal gain – he always had done the things of God first –

“When you are in the service of your fellow beings you are only in the service of your God.”

Something that is important to point out is that his father, a prophet of God – set him apart also as a prophet seer and revelator, and consecrated him as their king. Given the keys of the priesthood and the kingdom of God. After doing the best he could – which apparently was amazing. Now he was giving his last declaration, testimony and instruction to those with whom he had been given responsibility to serve. He didn’t seek that responsibility, but it was given to him from the Lord,

Where did he receive that message –why was it so important? He received it from and angel of God – it was the message that the Lord wanted to give to the people at that time. That is the responsibility of all prophets – it’s also the responsibility of all followers of Christ that are given the opportunity to teach or lead in the kingdom of God. Revelation can and should be apart of every church calling as it relates to the responsibilities of that call. This is also true when it come to the workings of a righteous family.

Brother and sisters – a patriarchal blessing is a very personal and sacred thing. One of the greatest blessings I received in mine was the promise that the angels of God know me and will administer to my needs. Unlike Benjamin – I haven’t had an angel appear to me and give the content of my talk today – but I have fasted and prayed for the guidance of the Lord and the spirit and power of the Holy Ghost to know what I should say. Like the rest of the stake presidency I too haven’t sought this responsibility. Shortly we will hear from President Hislop and President Larsen.

President Larsen holds the keys of authority for this stake - he is the one, with our support that receives revelation for the events related to the church in this area. Those that are chosen by the Lord to serve in these positions and also as general authorities – have another thing in common with Benjamin – he stated,

“ But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind.”

Occasionally some people have problem with the church and lose their testimony because of the weaknesses of its members – leaders or not. He without sin cast the first stone. I’ve on occasion offended some of you, for which I am sorry. Please forgive me and anyone else that is standing in the way of you receiving the spirit of the Lord and the direction you need in your life.

Twice a year we have general conference – where we receive instruction from the general authorities of the church. At this time it is similar to King Benjamin’s discourse – these men are the ones that we sustain as prophets, seers and revolators. I’m sure that their messages are prepared with much fasting – prayer and revelation from the Savior on what He wants His people to know at this time.

Some of us might rightly say that they talk about the same subjects over and over – How great would it be if we had the same reaction that Benjamin’s people did and actually started following the counsel so they wouldn’t have to repeat themselves.

--All of you primary children – would you please do me a favor? Would you please remind your parents each day to read the scriptures together and have family prayer? Would you please make sure that each of your families has Family Home Evening every Monday night.

--To the youth of the stake – would you please make sure that you or any of your friends never use the Lord’s name in vain – or any other swear words. Would you please - at all cost remain morally clean and make sure your not the one to causes someone else to break that sacred commandment.

--To the holders of the priesthood – would you please promise me that you will always live worthy of that sacred responsibility? So if asked you could use that priesthood to help those in need. Also promise the Lord today that you will never / or never again look at pornography – that demeans the sacred covenants of marriage, belittles your mothers – wife’s – sisters and daughters.

--To the women of the stake, would you please understand how you dress effects the choices you and those around you - are and will make. Understand that you are of great worth – Satan desires you to believe you need to look a curtain way and that you need to be successful in the eyes of the world in order to be happy. These are lies.

--To everyone here today – would you please be nice to each other. Open up your circles of friendships to include those that need help and feel so alone. Would all of us forgive those that have made mistakes – and not hold it against them for the rest of their life? If I recall that would include everyone here. Share your faith and love of the Savior with those around you – trust in Him, stop being so negative.

Brothers and sisters – the list could go on and on. These are all things that we have heard from those given responsibility to guide and direct us. But I would venture to say that more that one of these requests is needed for every one of us.

In Oct. Conference – Elder Duncan – 70’s said:

Surely one of the crowning blessings of membership in this church is the blessing of being led by living prophets of God…. The prophet and President of the church today Thomas S. Monson receives Gods word for the entire membership of the church and for the world, in addition, we sustain as prophets, seers, and revolators the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Brothers and sisters, the words of the prophets aren’t always popular or what the world or the learned think that is correct – but it will always be what is best for our eternal progression and personal happiness.

As Elder Duncan stated the prophet speaks for the Lord to the members of the church and to the world. The question is are we listening and following that counsel?

We as members of the Church are a weird or odd lot - of course some of us are weirder than others. We profess that our priesthood leaders can receive revelation and guidance to show us the way. We believe there are prophets, seers and revolator that can give us information that will bring us peace, direction and hope in these uncertain times. But statistically only a third of our members show up to stake conference - we don't know what percentage watches general conference. Or are we just excited it's a week off from our responsibilities. Do we know what they are saying?

Now I know I'm saying this to the ones that showed up - not the ones that decided to stay home and sleep-in. But is the Ensign that reprints the prophets words sitting on our end table unopened or is it tattered and torn as you search it's pages wanting to know what the prophets have told us at this time.

I've hear on many occasions members concerns about the world in general and how hard thing are or are becoming. In our last conference there was a lot of council on this matter. Bishop Edgley looked at it with a different perspective in his sermon entitled "How faith is a choice" - He stated:

"We live in one of the greatest dispensations of all times - a time former prophets looked forward to, prophesied of, and, I believe, yearned for. However with all the heavenly blessings bestowed upon us, Satan, ever so real, is ever so active, and conflicting messages are continually bombarding all of us."

Brother and sisters from these comments we can see where those feelings of doom, gloom and fear are coming from - when in reality we are privileged to live in one of the greatest time in the history of the world.

Elder Neal Anderson - of the Twelve gave us hope when he stated:

"The Lord has not left us alone in our quest to return to him. Listen to his warning words alerting us to the danger ahead: Take ..heed, watch and pray. Beware lest ye... be deceived. Be watchful and careful. Beware lest ye also .. fall from your own stedfastness."

Perhaps my favorite comment in our last conference - relating to this matter was given by Elder Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve when he stated:

"God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires, Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you, when it will yield the greatest advantage. Be thankful that some times God lets you struggle for a long time before the answer comes. That causes faith to increase and your character to grow."

"If you have determined to live righteously, don't become discouraged, life my seem difficult now, but hold tight to that iron rod of truth, You are making better progress than you realize. Your struggles are defining character, discipline and confidence."

Brother and sisters, that quote is full of wonderful and difficult information. He says that God many times doesn't immediately reward us - He lets us struggle for a long time - life may be difficult.

But the positives in his comments far out weigh the negatives. God will respond according to His eternal plan what is best for each of us - when it will yield the greatest advantage. He told us the answer will come - your faith, character, discipline and confidence will grow. You are making better progress than you realize.

Those are great words that can give us strenght. But among his words is a responsibility and challenges - what we must do to make these promises come true.

Be thankful- God allows us to struggle, but we should also have gratitude for all of our blessings as well. Be determined to live rigthously. Don't be discouraged. Hold tight to the iron rod of truth.

We've learned the iron rod is the word of God - we find that word through our teachers and leaders - through the words of the living prophets - and in the Scriptures that we should be studying daily. Then the greatest manifestations of His word comes to each of us through revelation and the power of the Holy Ghost - confirming those sources and the fact that God lives and Jesus is the Christ.

Those that know me very well - know that I don't have much of a fashion sense - today I'm wearing a beautiful gold tie - which also happens to be the color of the Young Women's new value of virtue. This tie was given to me as a present from our stake Young Women's presidency because I was able to complete the challenge they gave to all the youth of our stake - to read the Book of Mormon and underline all the references to the Savior Jesus Christ - I also included any reference that had anything to do with any member of the Godhead.

As great as this tie is - it nothing compared to the other gift I received. I received further witness that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ. That he loves me and is guiding and directing my life. This manifestation has also come to me as I have read the words of the living prophets testifing of the truthfulness of this great work - and trying to follow their teachings.

Jan 2011 - Saturday night

A short time ago I had a conversation with an individual that was wondering how much influence the Lord really has in his life. It’s because of that conversation I want to address that topic.

I testify that those that are righteous have and will always be given assistance in their times of need. Far too often we think we know what is best in our lives and for our eternal progression – not always understanding what the Lord knows and how it could give us the strenght, growth and faith that is required to reach our full potential.

To the Prophet Joseph Smith the Lord stated:

And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. (D&C 122:7)

Brothers and sisters - I don’t know about you – but I don’t see these things as being for my good. But they would defiantly be unforgettable experiences.

This is the same young man that at the age of seven was faced with the amputation of his leg - there was a possibility that it could be saved.

Was it a coincidence that Doctor Nathan Smith the only man in America who could have saved his leg - lived less than eight miles from his home? This was in an area of the country where there were still friontier type of conditions. Shortly after this event both of them moved to different parts of the country.

The operation was difficult and extremely painful – it is a testimony of the resolve and courage of the young Joseph Smith.

The Smith family moved a few miles west to the state of Vermont. It’s interesting to learn from the history of that area, that after they arrived, there were three winters in a row where the snowfall was far above normal, making farming difficult and almost nonproductive, this failure, causing the Smith family to move west to up state New York to the Palmyra area, where they hoped to better their condition. This brought Joseph to the Hill Cumorah area, where he needed to be.

If those three years in Vermont had been productive and easy - would they have wanted to go where the Lord wanted them to be? Or would they have been as humble or prepared to receive the challenges that accompanied the restoration.

These were just the challenges of his youth – for the rest of his life he was persecuted, lies were spread about his charactor and honesty. Some of his greatest critices were those who once embrassed his message. Despite these challenges – or maybe partly because of them them – D&C 135:3. 7

“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. … He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. … Their innocent blood … is a witness to the truth of the everlasting gospel that all the world cannot impeach”

There is no doubt that the Lord guided and prepared the life and experiences of the Prophet Joseph Smith. But such preparations and assistance is the right and privilage of all followers of truth and rightousness. All men, woman and children throught the blessings and administration of the Aaronic Preisthood have the right to the administring of angels.

Not all events in our lives are guided and directed by the spirit – part of this mortal experience is for us to learn and grow through our agency or personal choices. In Nephi’s words, “the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself.” Be assured that if we remain faithful we will never have challenges greater than our capacity to overcome them – nor will the Lord forsake us, and when necessary he will take us by the hand and guide us throught the challenges we face. These events can be as miraculous as those surrounding the life the Savior and his followers throughout time.

Sometimes it's hard to explain the how’s, why’s and where’s in ours life’s, or to understand how much the Lord is guiding and directing each of us. Elder Bednar quoting Nephi, called many of these events the tender mercies of God.

More than thirty years ago I was serving as a missionary in the New Mexico Albuquerque Mission. I had only been in the mission field for a few months - when I received a phone call from the president. It was during the middle of a month – a number of weeks from a scheduled transfer. He asked me, as soon as possible, to go to a different area. When I got there I was to contact the ward mission leader and to give the president a call. I was informed there had been some problems and that he wanted me to be the district leader and to do the best I could in rectifying the situation.

This new location was hundreds of miles away. I remember during the long bus ride – I questioned why I had been assigned to take care of the situation. After reaching the area I followed my instructions and met with the ward mission leader and called the mission president. Sadly not everyone is faithful in their responsibilities in the kingdom of God, this also applies to missionaries. There were three Elders transferred and one young man was sent home because of his actions. I learned a lot about the situation and events that had taken place – most of which were of a financial nature, there had been some unique behavior from a couple of missionaries, many of their actions had become public knowledge. There is no one else that knows more about the events that had transpired than I did. I did the best I could to clean-up and restore the confidence of those in the area and the reputation of the church. But what I had done could have been done by most of the Elders in the mission - I viewed it only as an opportunity to learn and become a better missionary.

Seventeen years later I was given the opportunity to serve as a Bishop. This opportunity came because of the formation of a new ward, which took place the same day I was sustained as its Bishop. I had been serving in a singles ward at the time and didn’t know most of the member of our new ward. For our first Sunday worship we had our sacrament meeting and then because there were no teachers called for Sunday school or any other organizations - we had a linger-longer to give everyone the opportunity to get to know each other. What better way is there to allow the members to meet and greet each other than over a stack of cookies? During this time I tried to talk to as many people as possible.

I remember walking up to a group of couples that were talking about where the men had served missions. Politely they ask if I had gone on a mission and where I had been able to serve. I answered the question and told them when I was there. One young women in the group asked if I had served in a curtain area – which also happened to be the location I an talking about. I told her that I had and loved it. She then took me by surprise and asked if I knew an Elder, calling him by name. I hadn’t heard that name for more than seventeen year – it was the Elder that had many of the problems and had been sent home. With a surprised tone I told her I know more about that Elder than anyone in the world and that he was a piece of work. At that time someone called my name and I needed to go to another part of the church – I excused myself and went to where I was needed.

Brothers and sisters - Personal revelation is just that, personal and unique to each individual. Over the next week or so this young lady continued to receive manifestations from the spirit that she needed to come see her Bishop. Seventeen year earlier this woman then a young girl was living in part of the area this Elder was serving. An Elder is trusted because of his calling – he broke that trust by touching her inappropriately on more than one occasion. She was scared as any young girl would have been and tried to tell her parents – but sadly they didn’t believe her because he was a missionary. He was then sent home because of the other things that happened which I was given the responsibility to rectify. She decided at that time that she would never tell another soul about the things that had taken place during that time. Despite her silence, these events continued to haunt her for those many years. Until her new Bishop told her he knew what kind of missionary he was – and then the spirit told her that I would believe what she needed to tell me.

After a couple of weeks she made an appointment to come and see me – the spirit was so strong and helped her to feel the love of the Lord and the power of the atonement. I assured her that not only did I believe her but also it was in complete character with the other thing I knew had happened at that time. It wasn’t her fault nor was she to blame herself anymore for the things that had taken place. We ended that appointment with a priesthood blessing. After she left my office I fell to my knees and thank my Father in Heaven for the marvelous miracle that had just taken place. I envisioned seventeen years earlier a faithful mission president on his knees in humble pray – asking which of his hundreds of missionaries he should sent to take care of the problems that had developed. I even think he would have been surprised at the answer he received, perhaps even asking again. Yes there were many missionaries that could have successfully taken care of these problems – but there was only one that would someday be the Bishop of this little girl. She only lived in our ward for a short period of time. I believe that they too had been guided to this location for this very purpose. I could take that a step further – there were many individuals that could have been the Bishop of this ward at that time as well. But the Lord inspired those in authority that it was suppose to be me at that time.

The Lord knows the beginning from the end - He is and will continue to prepare circumstances and individuals to help each of us in our times of need, sometimes we are prepared to help those with whom we will come in contact with. It’s our opportunity and responsibility to be worthy enough to be used as a tool in his hands.

Do we have the faith and confidence that the Lord will provide the means for our procession and exaltation? That it’s his time table and wisdom that is superior to ours.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught where that faith comes from.

“Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God’s laws the greater will be the endowment of faith”

As with all gifts of the spirit – they are given to those that Love the Lord and put him first in their lives. As he stated “If you love me, keep my commandments. “

The questions that we should then ask – or evaluate are

- Do I have the faith necessary to trust the Lord in all of my doing?

- Am I being obedient enough to receive the guidance, direction and faith needed to reach my full potential?

- What areas do I need to work on – to allow the spirit to be with me and my family?

- Am I accepting the gifts of the Savior to help me repent of my sins and receive the cleansing power of the atonement?

The influence and blessings of the Lord are all over our lives and circumstances. We need to take the time to look for them and express graditude and thanks for our many blessings.

A testimony is a manifestation of the Holy Ghost of the truthfulness of an event, priciple or doctrine. The most importantant function of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of God the Eternal Father and of the Savior Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest testimonies ever give, was by the Prophet Joseph Smith recorded in D&C: 76 22-24

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God”

I add my testimony to his – that God lives and loves each of us, that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world - He has paid the price for our happiness and exaltation. That we are indeed his Sons and Daughters. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ – Amen.

(stake conf. Sunday 2007) Spiritual resolutions

(stake conf. Sunday 2007)

New Year’s resolutions – According to Webster dictionary - Resolution A: act or process of reducing to simpler form. B: The act of answering or solving. C: act of determining.

We associate New Year’s resolutions with setting of goals or an opportunity to start anew - a chance to change or rededicate our efforts, a determination to do what is right or accomplish what we want.

I think some people hate New Year’s resolutions as much as others like them. One problem I see is that people set goals because deep down they know they need to do something – that many times is hard. To loss weight, exercise and much more.

Spiritually resolutions would include daily scripture reading, personal and family prayer, and temple attendance. The individual repentance of sins would very with each one of us.

These resolutions shouldn’t only be made at the beginning of a New Year. But these should be made continually – or at least weekly as we partake of the sacrament. Renewing our covenants, promises and blessing with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

There are a number of things that can help us this change – or have a resolution to do better

One of these is following the counsel of living prophets.

Gordon B. Hinckley – about Spencer W. Kimball 1985

And now, what an inspiring and delightful experience to hear again as he spoke in the days of his great vitality, our beloved leader, President Kimball. His words have stirred within us anew a resolution to lengthen our stride and quicken our pace in the awesome responsibility to carry the gospel to the world while strengthening the membership wherever there may be weakness. He himself has done that which he has asked others to do and has done it with greater devotion and energy.

I think that all of us would say that President Hinckley has done the same during his time as our beloved prophet.

When I read this quote I thought of King Benjamin – he also did what he ask his people to do. His people were stirred with anew resolution to lengthen their strides.

Mosiah 5: 1-2

And now, it came to pass that when King Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they believed the words which he had spoken unto them.

And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

What an event that must have been – just think how powerful the spirit must have been, that all that were there had no more desire to do evil, but good continually. I’ve felt the Spirit extremely strong many of times in my life. But I wish I could say it made such an impact that I had no disposition to do evil. It has affected me, and through repentance I have always had the desire to be faithful – to hold a current recommend, pay my tithes and offering and fulfill my responsibilities.

The event at King Benjamin’s time was so life changing that it was many year after that there were any major problems in the church. And then it was with the children that were too young to understand what had taken place.

Mosiah 26: 1

Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers.

We know that included in these individuals was Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah. Who once they repented and came unto the Savior, ended up as some of the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon.

As most of you know our conference theme in –

D&C 1:12

Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;

Brothers and sister, there is not just one area that we all need to prepare in – we need to prepare physically, spiritually, emotionally.

Next month as a stake there will be a preparedness day presented by the Relief Society. This will give the adults an opportunity for hands on examples of what options we have.

If we are to have a life changing events in our lives and with our testimonies - we need to spiritually prepare for such an event. How did King Benjamin’s people prepare themselves for hear his finale sermon, that made such a difference in their lives?

In Mosiah 2 we learn

– of their great Love for their leader – the people ^agathered themselves together throughout all the land, that they might go up to the ^btemple to ^chear the ^dwords which king Benjamin should speak unto them. They were so numerous that they all couldn’t hear his words.

- they came in the attitude of obedience and sacrifice - and they also took of the ^afirstlings of their flocks, that they might offer ^bsacrifice and ^cburnt ^dofferings ^eaccording to the law of Moses;

- they came with an attitude of love and thankfulness, understanding all that the Lord had done for them -and also that they might give thanks to the Lord their God, who had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, and who had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, and had ^aappointed just men to be their ^bteachers, and also a just man to be their king, who had established peace in the ^cland of Zarahemla, and who had taught them to ^dkeep the commandments of God, that they might rejoice and be filled with ^elove towards God and all men.

- they came as families, and they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his ^atent with the door thereof towards the temple.

Brother and sisters - they came prepared to hear the word of God – to sacrifice in preparation for the Atoning sacrifice of our Lord and Savior. They were thankful for what the Lord had done for them, he had brought them, delivered them, established peace and taught them. Then their family pointed their tent toward the temple.

We must prepare ourselves to have the spirit and then the Lord will allow us to have these life changing experience, that bare witness of the truthfulness of this great work. Many of these experiences are small and come piece by piece – others are earth shaking to those involved, but the preparation is vital.

At our last conference, the Stake Presidency had the opportunity to bare our testimonies. At that time I told about one of these life changing experiences that happened to me as a 12 year old boy in the sacred grove. At that time I received a witness that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ did appear to the boy prophet Joseph. That event has been an anchor and straight to me throughout my life.

I remember we knew in advance that we would have an opportunity to spend some individual time at that sacred location. I prepared, by reading the Book of Mormon and praying that such an event could happen to me.

Talking about his conversion Elder Packer stated -

I made attempts to read the Book of Mormon. I did not read it all until I was on a troop ship with other bomber crew members, headed for the war in the Pacific.

(I think that would make any of us try harder)

He continued:

I determined that I would read the Book of Mormon and find out for myself whether it is true or not. Carefully I read and reread the book. I tested the promise that it contained. That was a life-changing event. After that, I never set the book aside.

When these manifestations come it’s our opportunity or responsibility to act on them. Like Elder Packer stated – after that, he never put the book aside.

Now is the time for each of us to prepare –

Primary – now is the time for many of you to prepare to be baptized and become member of the Church. Those that have been baptized must live the promises that you have made. You young men in the primary, you need to prepare to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.

Young Man and Young Women- Now is the time to learn how to get answers to your prayers, as each of you have major decision coming up soon that will effect you for eternity. Prepare now - to go to the temple and serve full time missions. You should prepare to receive your patriarchal blessing. You should receive an education or vocational training in order to provide for your families. Most of you will have the opportunity to go to Martins Cove this summer for our youth conference. Now is the time to start preparing to feel the spirit of that sacred location, and understand the sacrifices our ancestors made for us.

Adults -Prepare for possible emergencies, financially and with needed storage or supplies. Prepare spiritually that the spirit might guide us in our time of need. For dedicated service no matter what the call might involve. Prepare to have the spirit in teaching our families about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first steps in each of these preparations are to come unto Christ – to receive or strengthen our testimonies that God lives and Jesus is the Christ. For you in the primary – read the scriptures with your family, make sure you are praying everyday, learn and follow the commandment that our Heavenly Father has given us. To those not in the primary – act like you are, become child like in our desire to know God.

In my remarks last night I used the parable of the fig tree in Matt 24, about the second coming of the Savior.

32 Now learn a parable of the ^afig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that ^ait is near, even at the ^bdoors

Brothers and sisters, the Joseph Smith translation of this chapter has just a few differences - in the second verse in stead of saying – So likewise ye, it says - So likewise mine elect shall see.

Indeed it is the elect and those that have the Spirit as their guide that will not be surprised at the coming of the Lord – these are they that will be prepared, these are they that will be excited and are taken up to meet their Savior and Redeemer. In the scriptures it talks about that day as a great and dreadful day of the Lord. Indeed those that are prepared will view it as great, but those that are not will dread their lack of faith and obedience to the commandments and covenants that they have made.

Over the years, some of my kids have played a lot of soccer. When I was younger there were no soccer leagues in Cache Valley, so I never played. I remember going to the games not understanding the rules or the strategy of the game. When our daughter Jayme was playing for Logan High, I remember toward the end of the game that all of the sudden they turned off the scoreboard clock with two minutes remaining. Apparently the referees had been keeping the time on the field and would add time when action is stalled. This would leave the rest of us to wondering how much time is actually left and when the game would end. If the score was tied or close there is an amount of anxiety or urgency to score or to stop your opponent.

This event is similar to the second coming of the Savior. We do not know the hour or the day or the exact moment the game will be over. But we do know that it will be soon. But, unlike the soccer game, we know who is going to win this game. All we need to do is pay the price and be worthy to be on the right team.

Now is the time for us to prepare to meet God – I know that my words aren’t comparable to King Benjamin’s. But I pray that we will each open our hearts to allow the spirit to bare witness of this great work as we are here today, and we too will have no more desire to do evil but good continually.