28 October 2012

Ward Conference

Bishop Zalanka

You never know the impact you have on people. You are constantly being watched by others whether you know it or not, so you must be a good representative of Christ's church; be approachable so that if people have questions, they feel comfortable coming to you to ask. 

Look to the leaders of our church for advice. Recently we just got to listen to the Apostles and Prophet's words of wisdom; go back and read their words for answers to questions. Have a thankful heart for all that they do for us. Their words are truly inspired by God--they are for US!

Sister Wilkinson

Have my shoes taken me anywhere that I might be able to bear testimony of Christ? Your feet take you many places--school, church, work, the temple, or to do your home/visiting teaching, etc. 

In the Bible, Christ washed His Apostles feet to show that He was willing to do anything for them and that He expected them to do the same for Him. Mary washed Christ's feet with her tears. 

Will our feet be calloused in the last days because of our efforts to serve others? Will we have done all we were asked to do? 

President Wilkinson

Are we valiant in our testimony of Christ? Those in the Terrestial kingdom will have been valiant in their testimony's of Christ, but not of the Father. They will have paid their tithing, gone to church, etc. To reach the Celestial kingdom, we must have courage in every day life--a fundamental courage. Have faith in the Lord in big things, as well as the little things. 

We have a need for courage; we receive feedback on all things from the world but nothing for spiritual nourishment. If you were to go and look at the Top 40 Music Hits right now, you would be hard-pressed to find any song with lyrics that are appropriate. Now short of cutting all worldly things out of our lives, we can learn to balance worldly things with spiritual things. After watching a television show, ask everyone to whip out their phones/scriptures and read a scripture on something that might have been presented (Word of Wisdom, benefits of keeping the law of chastity, etc.) Have the courage to suggest watching the Bible videos on LDS.org or something along those lines) Take the opportunity to bear your testimony whenever possible; have the courage for the little things (for those are what truly matter). 

President Robinson

Improve spiritually by being modest and by being sexually pure (Stake goal)

The Lord misses us, He wants all of us to come home to Him. Are we doing all that we can do to return to the Lord? It's the little things that we need to focus on continually. God is in the details of our lives; we do not need to wait until something major is going on in our lives to ask for His help. Instead we should be asking Him for help in all that we do, literally in every little thing. He loves us and wants to know what is happening in our lives at all time!

We are loved; our Bishoprics are in constant contact with the Stake Presidency about what is going on in our lives. They love and care for us; we must remember to return the favor. 

14 October 2012

Sacrament Meeting

If we exercise even a particle of faith, our testimony will grow. The Lord will sometimes push your faith to the limit before fulfilling promised blessings. We must continue to nourish our faith; read your scriptures, pray, follow the prompting of the Holy Ghost. 

Look for the good in others, stop wasting time by tearing other people down. Remember what is truly important in life; is being a successful career woman (not that there is anything wrong with being a successful career woman) important or is being there for your kids/raising the next generation important. Do not allow things or events dictate your happiness. If you are going to school, love it! Do not bash on it saying that you can't wait to graduate, but rather enjoy every experience that you have while going. If you are single, don't be down and melancholy about it, but rather enjoy all the things that you can do. "Don't count the days, make the days count." If you go through life counting the days, you will never stop to truly enjoy them, whereas if you were to wake up each day and try to do something meaningful or worthwhile, your days will be completely different. External circumstances should not dictate our happiness, we dictate our happiness (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

October 2012 General Conference Sunday Session

Elder Robert D. Hales
A Christian has faith in Christ, and believes in His Atonement. To be a Christian, you must take upon you the name of Christ, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands.

Remember that the Godhead is composed of three separate beings (God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost) that are all united in one purpose; helping us receive exaltation.

As Christians today, we are called upon to forsake our nets as Peter and Paul did and go spread forth the gospel. We must forsake our sins; repent and leave them at the door. In times of hardships, we must have faith and NOT return to our old habits. Come, recognize and follow the Lord's voice. "Feed my lands, feed my sheep." We feed his lands by praying, reading our scriptures, and following His commandments; we feed his sheep by completing our home/visiting teaching, serving missions, fulfilling callings, etc.

Christ taught that Christians cannot contend with other Christians; we must forgive others of their trespasses. Remember we have no right to judge/cast judgement upon others, that is Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's job. Every person will be justly dealt with in the eternities so do not let that hold you back.

Christians endure to the end; Christ continued to follow the Lord's commandments until the day He was crucified. We must do the same, if He could endure through all the things He did then we can surly make it through our life. Remember to call upon Them to help you, they want you to make it but we have to ask for their help.

Elder Richard G. Scott
Every prophet since Joseph Smith has stressed the importance of Family History and Temple work. Everyone can do at least one of two parts of genealogy; if you are not close to a temple then you can prepare or index names, if you are close to the temple then you need to go as often as possible to preform the work for those that have passed on.

What a shame it is for those on the other side that must wait for their ordinances to be performed after they have accepted the Gospel. If you have too many names for you to do, allow others to help you perform the work.

You don't have to be a Genealogist to do genealogical work; there are people that will help you if you need it. Be a part of this powerful work, do not shirk your duty!

 Russell Oglethorpe
We must act for ourselves and help others do so as well. Spiritual growth is not a sudden thing but rather a gradual process. It is the same learning for ones self as it is when helping others, we must apologize.

We draw on sacred texts to build up testimony's, whether for ourselves or others. The Book of Mormon works hand in hand with the Bible, The Doctrine and Covenants, Teaching: No Greater Call, etc. so we must use them. Return home and ponder on the things that we have learned and then ask the Lrod to help you understand all that was/has been taught.

Marcus B. Nash
Our mortal journey is a perilous one. We must have faith to anchor ourselves when times are rough. Faith brings us the power of the Lord when we are in need. We must remember that nothing is impossible with the Lord's power/help. The Lord will answer all our please within His time. We must take on the shield of faith; remember that fear and doubt come from Satan. Faith will succeed and overpower all.

 Look unto Christ in all things; "doubt not, fear not." Do not let fear stop you from accomplishing the impossible. The Lord will give us power and protection based on our faith. Our futures are as bright as our faith.

Daniel L. Johnson
We declared ourselves disciples of Christ by becoming baptized and confirmed members of this church. We renew this promise every week by partaking of the sacrament. This is the beginning of a lifelong challenge of trying to become like Christ. This is not an easy task' there are many forces acting against us, however we must remember that trials and hardships are given to us so that we might grow and learn.

The greatest test is what we do when we are in dire straights; do we wallow and give up or do we rely upon the Lord to help us? Do we become obedient to all that He commands us to do?

Don R. Clarke
Sacrament meeting and specifically the passing of the Sacrament is time for us to reflect and think of Christ; it is the most important meeting of the day according to Spencer W. Kimball.

When we partake of the Sacrament, we are renewing our covenants. The Sacrament prayers are a reminder of this; memorization of these prayers can allow you to understand them more readily.

We should come to Sacrament meeting with questions/problems that you need help with. Humbly ask the Lord so that He may help you, teach you. Partake of His knowledge that He is ready to share.

David A. Bednar
A testimony is a gift from God and is readily available to all those who seek one. True conversion is a change in ones very nature; anyone readily willing can achieve conversion. The Book of Mormon contains many stories of conversion (Alma the older and younger, Samuel the Lamanite) and the Bible does as well (Malachi, Simon-Peter, Saul-Paul).

Conversion requires patience and endurance. A testimony is what starts ones initial conversion, however it is not enough to withstand all trials. You must be truly converted to the gospel in order to surpass all trials. Be converted to the Lord and His doctrine wholeheartedly. Knowing the Gospel is the heart of a/your testimony while living the Gospel is the heart of a/your conversion. We must know AND live the Gospel. It is our responsibility to continue to develop your testimony as well as continue upon our conversion process.

Thomas S. Monson
Many truths have been taught and re-emphasized. Go back and read the talks that were given more thoroughly; learn all that you can. Emulate Christ's example so that you can return to live with your Father again.