2024 April General Conference - Saturday Morning Session (transcription by whisper)

2024-04-001-sat-morning.mp3.txt

[00:00.000 --> 00:03.120]  Presidency of the Church will conduct this session.
[00:10.080 --> 00:13.400]  Brothers and sisters, we welcome you
[00:13.400 --> 00:19.280]  to the Saturday morning session of the 194th Annual General
[00:19.280 --> 00:23.120]  Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
[00:23.120 --> 00:24.360]  Saints.
[00:24.360 --> 00:28.600]  We extend a warm welcome to members and friends
[00:28.600 --> 00:33.800]  participating in the conference throughout the world.
[00:33.800 --> 00:37.800]  President Russell M. Nelson, who is viewing this session
[00:37.800 --> 00:43.920]  from home, has asked me to conduct this session.
[00:43.920 --> 00:46.800]  We acknowledge the General Authorities and General
[00:46.800 --> 00:49.200]  Officers who will be in attendance
[00:49.200 --> 00:52.200]  throughout the conference.
[00:52.200 --> 00:55.880]  We note the passing of our dear friend and associate,
[00:55.880 --> 00:58.560]  President M. Russell Ballard.
[00:58.560 --> 01:02.920]  His strong leadership, loving service in the Church,
[01:02.920 --> 01:06.600]  and deep commitment to the Lord are legendary.
[01:06.600 --> 01:09.920]  We extend our heartfelt condolences
[01:09.920 --> 01:15.480]  to the Ballard family at this tender time.
[01:15.480 --> 01:17.280]  During the conference, you will note
[01:17.280 --> 01:20.880]  that members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
[01:21.120 --> 01:26.160]  have been invited to conduct three of the five sessions.
[01:26.160 --> 01:30.640]  We are grateful for their assistance.
[01:30.640 --> 01:32.440]  The music for this session will be
[01:32.440 --> 01:37.480]  provided by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
[01:37.480 --> 01:42.240]  under the direction of Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy,
[01:42.240 --> 01:48.280]  with Brian Mathias and Andrew Unsworth at the organ.
[01:48.280 --> 01:50.200]  We are pleased to have individuals
[01:50.200 --> 01:54.000]  from outside the United States joining the choir
[01:54.000 --> 01:56.000]  during the conference.
[01:56.000 --> 02:04.280]  They live in Argentina, Austria, Chile, Denmark, England, France,
[02:04.280 --> 02:09.520]  Ghana, Guatemala, Sweden, and South Korea.
[02:09.520 --> 02:13.560]  We welcome you, brothers and sisters,
[02:13.560 --> 02:16.160]  and appreciate your participation.
[02:18.320 --> 02:20.440]  The choir opened this meeting with
[02:20.440 --> 02:24.080]  Come, We That Love the Lord and will now favor us
[02:24.080 --> 02:26.120]  with the morning breaks.
[02:26.120 --> 02:30.280]  The invocation will then be offered by Elder S. Gifford
[02:30.280 --> 02:32.040]  Nielsen of the Seventy.
[02:48.280 --> 02:50.760]  The morning breaks!
[02:50.760 --> 02:54.240]  The shadows flee!
[02:54.240 --> 02:59.720]  The Zion's standard is unfurled!
[02:59.720 --> 03:05.720]  The dawning of a brighter day!
[03:05.720 --> 03:12.200]  The dawning of a brighter day!
[03:12.600 --> 03:18.080]  The church synchronizes all the world.
[03:29.560 --> 03:42.040]  The clouds of clarity disappear before the rays of truth divine.
[03:42.880 --> 03:48.880]  The glory bursting from above!
[03:48.880 --> 03:55.360]  The glory bursting from above!
[03:55.360 --> 04:01.360]  Why, o'er the nations, who now shine!
[04:12.840 --> 04:20.320]  To all the speech that earthly live!
[04:20.320 --> 04:26.320]  And gentle nations turn and live!
[04:26.320 --> 04:32.800]  His mighty arm is making bare!
[04:32.800 --> 04:39.280]  His mighty arm is making bare!
[04:39.520 --> 04:45.000]  His covenant people to receive!
[04:58.960 --> 05:05.960]  Angels from heaven and truth from earth
[05:06.120 --> 05:12.600]  Are bettered o'er the breaker borne.
[05:12.600 --> 05:20.080]  The Zion's light is bursting forth!
[05:20.080 --> 05:27.080]  The Zion's light is bursting forth!
[05:27.080 --> 05:34.080]  To bring the ransomed children home!
[05:36.560 --> 05:42.560]  To bring the ransomed children home!
[05:57.560 --> 05:58.560]  Amen!
[06:05.960 --> 06:06.960]  Amen!
[06:18.080 --> 06:22.920]  Our Heavenly Father, with gratitude in our hearts,
[06:22.920 --> 06:26.240]  we humbly come before Thee as we begin
[06:26.240 --> 06:29.360]  this beautiful general conference.
[06:29.360 --> 06:32.760]  We are gathered here in the Conference Center
[06:33.240 --> 06:36.960]  and throughout the world in various locations
[06:36.960 --> 06:40.520]  as we have a chance to be strengthened, uplifted,
[06:40.520 --> 06:42.040]  and edified.
[06:42.040 --> 06:46.760]  We are so grateful to serve under the leadership
[06:46.760 --> 06:50.720]  of our dear prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.
[06:54.000 --> 06:55.320]  We love him.
[06:55.320 --> 06:59.360]  He is not with us physically, but joining us
[06:59.360 --> 07:05.240]  through technology, we ask Thee to bless him and support him
[07:05.240 --> 07:06.480]  and sustain him.
[07:06.480 --> 07:08.880]  We sustain him.
[07:08.880 --> 07:12.200]  We're grateful for the other members of the First Presidency
[07:12.200 --> 07:14.680]  and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
[07:14.680 --> 07:17.840]  So thankful for them, we will have a chance
[07:17.840 --> 07:20.560]  to hear them in the next two days.
[07:20.560 --> 07:24.120]  We're especially grateful at this time
[07:24.840 --> 07:28.880]  that Thou hast preserved the life of the Acting
[07:28.880 --> 07:31.680]  President of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Jeffrey R.
[07:31.680 --> 07:32.720]  Holland.
[07:32.720 --> 07:36.440]  We love Elder Holland, and we're grateful that he is still
[07:36.440 --> 07:37.680]  with us.
[07:37.680 --> 07:41.320]  May we take the counsel that we receive from them
[07:41.320 --> 07:45.800]  and others who have been assigned to speak to us
[07:45.800 --> 07:48.360]  to deepen our testimonies.
[07:49.040 --> 07:54.200]  May we listen to the words that are given
[07:54.200 --> 07:57.880]  and the beautiful music that will be rendered,
[07:57.880 --> 08:01.240]  and we invite the Holy Ghost to be with us,
[08:01.240 --> 08:05.920]  to be strengthened to do what we have been asked to do,
[08:05.920 --> 08:10.520]  and that is to invite all of Thy children
[08:10.520 --> 08:17.000]  to understand the beauties of Thy plan.
[08:17.000 --> 08:19.800]  Now, in this session, we ask Thee
[08:19.800 --> 08:23.000]  to bless all those who will participate,
[08:23.000 --> 08:28.680]  that they will feel the warmth of Thy loving arms around them,
[08:28.680 --> 08:34.880]  and that we might all be rejoiced and edified together.
[08:34.880 --> 08:36.960]  We love Thee.
[08:36.960 --> 08:41.000]  We're so grateful for Thy plan of joy and happiness,
[08:41.000 --> 08:46.360]  so grateful for our Savior, for His life, His ministry,
[08:46.720 --> 08:51.840]  and His Atonement to help us heal and to negotiate
[08:51.840 --> 08:54.000]  this mortal existence.
[08:54.000 --> 08:56.640]  What a privilege it is to serve Thee
[08:56.640 --> 08:58.680]  and to be here at this time.
[08:58.680 --> 09:04.560]  In the sacred name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
[09:05.280 --> 09:05.780]  Amen.
[09:16.080 --> 09:18.440]  Brothers and sisters, it will now
[09:18.440 --> 09:23.080]  be my privilege to present the General Authorities, Area
[09:23.080 --> 09:26.720]  Seventies, and general officers of the Church
[09:26.720 --> 09:29.120]  for your sustaining vote.
[09:29.120 --> 09:32.760]  Please express your support in the usual way.
[09:33.200 --> 09:36.240]  If there are those who oppose any of the proposals,
[09:36.240 --> 09:40.640]  we ask that you contact your stake president.
[09:40.640 --> 09:44.920]  It is proposed that we sustain Russell Marion Nelson
[09:44.920 --> 09:49.280]  as prophet, seer, and revelator and President
[09:49.280 --> 09:53.080]  of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
[09:53.080 --> 09:56.640]  Dallin Harris Oaks as First Counselor
[09:56.640 --> 10:01.120]  in the First Presidency, and Henry Bennion Eyring
[10:01.120 --> 10:04.680]  as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
[10:04.680 --> 10:06.920]  Those in favor may manifest it.
[10:10.000 --> 10:14.000]  Those opposed, if any, may manifest it.
[10:14.000 --> 10:18.200]  It is proposed that we sustain Dallin H. Oaks as President
[10:18.200 --> 10:22.680]  of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Jeffrey R.
[10:22.680 --> 10:26.400]  Holland as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve
[10:26.400 --> 10:27.240]  Apostles.
[10:27.240 --> 10:28.840]  Those in favor, please signify.
[10:31.440 --> 10:34.920]  Any opposed may manifest it.
[10:34.920 --> 10:37.480]  It is proposed that we sustain the following
[10:37.480 --> 10:41.960]  as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
[10:41.960 --> 10:48.320]  Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar,
[10:48.320 --> 10:54.520]  Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L.
[10:54.520 --> 11:02.080]  Anderson, Ronald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson, Dale G.
[11:02.080 --> 11:08.840]  Renlund, Garrett W. Gong, Ulisses Soares, and Patrick
[11:08.840 --> 11:09.840]  Kieran.
[11:09.840 --> 11:14.960]  Those in favor, please manifest it.
[11:14.960 --> 11:18.400]  Any opposed may so indicate.
[11:18.400 --> 11:21.200]  It is proposed that we sustain the counselors
[11:21.200 --> 11:25.000]  in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
[11:25.000 --> 11:28.040]  as prophets, seers, and revelators.
[11:28.040 --> 11:32.080]  All in favor, please manifest it.
[11:32.080 --> 11:36.440]  Contrary, if there be any, by the same sign.
[11:36.440 --> 11:38.400]  The following General Authorities
[11:38.400 --> 11:41.840]  will be released from their assignments
[11:41.840 --> 11:49.120]  and given emeritus status, effective August 1, 2024.
[11:49.120 --> 11:58.360]  Elders Ian S. Ardern, Shane M. Bowen, Paul V. Johnson,
[11:58.360 --> 12:12.080]  S. Gifford Nielsen, Brent H. Nielsen, Adrian Ochoa, Gary B.
[12:12.080 --> 12:17.760]  Sabin, and Evan A. Schmutz.
[12:17.760 --> 12:20.000]  Those who wish to express gratitude
[12:20.000 --> 12:22.480]  to these Brethren and their wives
[12:22.480 --> 12:26.680]  for their years of dedicated service throughout the Church
[12:26.680 --> 12:29.120]  may do so by the uplifted hand.
[12:32.640 --> 12:35.960]  We also release Elder Carlos A. Godoy
[12:35.960 --> 12:40.560]  from serving as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy,
[12:40.560 --> 12:46.040]  effective August 1, 2024.
[12:46.040 --> 12:49.160]  Those who wish to express appreciation to Elder Godoy
[12:49.160 --> 12:52.040]  for his service in this capacity may do so.
[12:55.880 --> 12:59.080]  We note with gratitude the Area Seventies
[12:59.080 --> 13:03.040]  who will complete their service and whose names can be found
[13:03.040 --> 13:05.360]  on the Church's website.
[13:05.360 --> 13:10.600]  Those who wish to join in expressing appreciation
[13:10.600 --> 13:13.400]  to these Brethren and to their families
[13:13.400 --> 13:17.440]  for their years of selfless service may manifest it.
[13:21.120 --> 13:26.200]  We extend releases to the Sunday School General Presidency,
[13:26.200 --> 13:31.440]  effective August 1, 2024, as follows.
[13:31.440 --> 13:37.560]  Mark L. Pace as President, Milton Camargo as First
[13:37.560 --> 13:42.600]  Counselor, and Jan E. Newman as Second Counselor.
[13:43.240 --> 13:46.200]  All who wish to join in expressing appreciation
[13:46.200 --> 13:49.000]  to these Brothers for their devoted service
[13:49.000 --> 13:50.240]  may manifest it.
[13:54.360 --> 13:59.360]  It is proposed that we sustain the following as members
[13:59.360 --> 14:03.840]  of the Presidency of the Seventy.
[14:03.840 --> 14:08.920]  Elder Marcus B. Nash, effective immediately,
[14:09.680 --> 14:16.880]  and Elders Michael T. Ringwood, Arlenufo Valenzuela,
[14:16.880 --> 14:25.200]  and Edward Dubé, who will begin their service on August 1,
[14:25.200 --> 14:27.800]  2024.
[14:27.800 --> 14:32.560]  Those in favor may manifest it.
[14:32.560 --> 14:34.520]  Any opposed may manifest it.
[14:35.120 --> 14:40.320]  It is proposed that we sustain the following
[14:40.320 --> 14:45.680]  as General Authority Seventies.
[14:45.680 --> 14:58.480]  David L. Buckner, Gregorio E. Casillas, R. Olde B. Cavao
[14:58.480 --> 15:13.400]  Conci, I. Raymond Egbo, D. Martin Gurry, Carl D. Hurst,
[15:13.400 --> 15:25.880]  Christopher H. Kim, Sandino Roman, Stephen D. Shumway,
[15:26.720 --> 15:35.520]  Michael B. Strong, and Sergio R. Vargas.
[15:35.520 --> 15:37.600]  All in favor, please manifest it.
[15:40.240 --> 15:44.480]  Those opposed, by the same sign.
[15:44.480 --> 15:48.200]  We note that 64 new Area Seventies
[15:48.200 --> 15:51.960]  were sustained during the general conference leadership
[15:51.960 --> 15:57.320]  meetings on Thursday, April 4 and then announced
[15:57.320 --> 15:59.520]  on the Church's website.
[15:59.520 --> 16:03.040]  We invite you to sustain these Brethren
[16:03.040 --> 16:05.360]  in their new assignments.
[16:05.360 --> 16:10.200]  Those in favor, please manifest it.
[16:10.200 --> 16:12.000]  Any opposed, by the same sign.
[16:14.520 --> 16:17.440]  It is proposed that we sustain the following
[16:17.440 --> 16:21.880]  as the new Sunday School General Presidency
[16:21.880 --> 16:26.400]  to be effective August 1, 2024.
[16:26.400 --> 16:35.440]  Paul V. Johnson as President, Chad H. Webb as First Counselor,
[16:35.440 --> 16:40.800]  and Gabrielle W. Reed as Second Counselor.
[16:40.800 --> 16:45.640]  Those in favor, may manifest it.
[16:45.640 --> 16:49.520]  Any opposed, may so signify.
[16:49.520 --> 16:51.600]  We note that Brother Reed is currently
[16:51.600 --> 16:56.160]  serving as President of the Australia-Sydney Mission
[16:56.160 --> 16:59.760]  and is therefore not in Salt Lake City for the conference.
[17:02.480 --> 17:06.560]  It is proposed that we sustain the other General Authorities,
[17:06.560 --> 17:10.320]  Area Seventies, and General Officers
[17:10.320 --> 17:12.680]  as presently constituted.
[17:13.120 --> 17:18.080]  All in favor, may do so by the uplifted hand.
[17:18.080 --> 17:19.360]  Those opposed, if any.
[17:22.040 --> 17:25.280]  Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your continued faith
[17:25.280 --> 17:30.800]  and prayers on behalf of the leadership of the Church.
[17:30.800 --> 17:35.400]  We now invite the new General Authorities and General
[17:35.400 --> 17:38.440]  Officers to take their place on the rostrum.
[17:42.680 --> 17:43.680]  Thank you.
[18:12.680 --> 18:27.440]  Brother Jared B. Larson, Managing Director
[18:27.440 --> 18:32.040]  of Church Auditing Department, will now read the Church Audit
[18:32.040 --> 18:36.440]  report for 2023.
[18:36.440 --> 18:38.320]  Following Brother Larson, the choir
[18:38.320 --> 18:41.800]  will sing, Did You Think to Pray?
[18:41.800 --> 18:45.240]  We will then be blessed to hear from President Jeffrey R.
[18:45.240 --> 18:50.440]  Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
[18:50.440 --> 18:55.200]  He will be followed by Sister J. Annette Dennis, who
[18:55.200 --> 18:59.200]  serves as First Counselor in the Relief Society General
[18:59.200 --> 19:00.600]  Presidency.
[19:00.600 --> 19:06.320]  Elder Alexander Dushku of the Seventy will then address us.
[19:11.800 --> 19:18.920]  To the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ
[19:18.920 --> 19:21.480]  of Latter-day Saints, dear brethren,
[19:21.480 --> 19:25.320]  directed by revelation as recorded in section 120
[19:25.320 --> 19:27.840]  of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Council
[19:27.840 --> 19:29.800]  on the Disposition of the Tithes,
[19:29.800 --> 19:32.040]  composed of the First Presidency,
[19:32.040 --> 19:34.120]  the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
[19:34.120 --> 19:37.920]  and the presiding bishopric, authorizes the expenditure
[19:37.920 --> 19:39.240]  of Church funds.
[19:39.560 --> 19:42.320]  Church entities disperse funds in accordance
[19:42.320 --> 19:46.400]  with approved budgets, policies, and procedures.
[19:46.400 --> 19:50.160]  Church auditing, which consists of credentialed professionals
[19:50.160 --> 19:54.640]  and is independent of all other Church departments and entities,
[19:54.640 --> 19:57.480]  has responsibility to perform audits
[19:57.480 --> 20:01.240]  for the purpose of providing reasonable assurance regarding
[20:01.240 --> 20:04.360]  contributions received, expenditures made,
[20:04.360 --> 20:06.960]  and safeguarding of Church assets.
[20:07.320 --> 20:10.200]  Based upon audits performed, Church auditing
[20:10.200 --> 20:13.840]  is of the opinion that in all material respects,
[20:13.840 --> 20:17.480]  contributions received, expenditures made,
[20:17.480 --> 20:21.400]  and assets of the Church for the year 2023
[20:21.400 --> 20:24.440]  have been recorded and administered in accordance
[20:24.440 --> 20:27.880]  with Church-approved budgets, accounting practices,
[20:27.880 --> 20:29.280]  and policies.
[20:29.280 --> 20:31.800]  The Church follows the practices taught
[20:31.800 --> 20:36.120]  to its members of living within a budget, avoiding debt,
[20:36.320 --> 20:38.440]  and saving against a time of need.
[20:39.200 --> 20:42.320]  Respectfully submitted, Church Auditing Department,
[20:42.760 --> 20:45.040]  Jared B. Larson, managing director.
[21:06.480 --> 21:20.880]  Did you think to pray in the name of Christ our Savior?
[21:20.880 --> 21:32.320]  Did you sue for loving favor as achieved today?
[21:36.480 --> 21:44.480]  O how brave a soul, hear me!
[21:44.480 --> 21:51.960]  Prayer will change the night to day.
[21:51.960 --> 22:00.440]  So when life gets dark and dreary,
[22:00.760 --> 22:05.760]  don't forget to pray.
[22:13.240 --> 22:20.240]  When our heart was filled with anger,
[22:20.240 --> 22:24.240]  did you think to pray?
[22:25.040 --> 22:32.040]  Did you plead for grace, my brother,
[22:32.040 --> 22:46.040]  that you might forgive another who had crossed your way?
[22:46.840 --> 22:53.840]  O how brave, rest the weary!
[22:53.840 --> 23:01.840]  Prayer will change the night to day.
[23:01.840 --> 23:09.840]  So when life gets dark and dreary,
[23:10.640 --> 23:15.640]  don't forget to pray.
[23:23.640 --> 23:31.640]  When sore trials came upon you,
[23:31.640 --> 23:37.640]  did you think to pray?
[23:38.440 --> 23:44.440]  Did you plead to pray?
[23:44.440 --> 23:52.440]  When your soul was full of sorrow,
[23:53.240 --> 24:04.240]  how unyielding did you grow at the deeds of day?
[24:09.240 --> 24:17.240]  O how brave, rest the weary!
[24:18.040 --> 24:25.040]  Prayer will change the night to day.
[24:25.040 --> 24:34.040]  So when life gets dark and dreary,
[24:34.040 --> 24:39.040]  don't forget to pray.
[24:39.840 --> 24:48.840]  So when life gets dark and dreary,
[24:48.840 --> 24:57.840]  don't forget to pray.
[25:09.040 --> 25:29.840]  Amen.
[25:29.840 --> 25:34.840]  Brothers and sisters, I've learned a painful lesson
[25:35.640 --> 25:41.640]  since I last occupied this pulpit in October of 2022.
[25:41.640 --> 25:47.640]  That lesson is, if you don't give an acceptable talk,
[25:47.640 --> 25:50.640]  you can be banned for the next several conferences.
[25:56.640 --> 26:00.640]  You can see I'm assigned early in the first session of this one.
[26:01.440 --> 26:09.440]  What you can't see is that I'm positioned on a trapdoor
[26:09.440 --> 26:11.440]  with a very delicate latch.
[26:14.440 --> 26:16.440]  If this talk doesn't go well, I won't see you
[26:16.440 --> 26:17.440]  for another few conferences.
[26:22.440 --> 26:26.440]  Actually, in the spirit of that beautiful, beautiful hymn
[26:26.440 --> 26:29.440]  with this beautiful, beautiful choir,
[26:30.240 --> 26:32.440]  I have learned some lessons recently
[26:32.440 --> 26:37.440]  that, with the Lord's help, I wish to share with you today
[26:37.440 --> 26:44.040]  that will make this a very personal talk.
[26:44.040 --> 26:47.840]  The most personal and painful of all
[26:47.840 --> 26:52.240]  has been the passing of my beloved wife, Pat.
[26:52.240 --> 26:56.640]  She was the greatest woman I have ever known.
[26:57.440 --> 27:02.640]  A perfect wife and mother, to say nothing of her purity,
[27:02.640 --> 27:06.640]  her gift of expression, her spirituality.
[27:06.640 --> 27:11.000]  She gave a talk once titled, Fulfilling
[27:11.000 --> 27:13.240]  the Measure of Your Creation.
[27:13.240 --> 27:15.800]  It seems to me that she fulfilled
[27:15.800 --> 27:20.160]  the measure of her creation more successfully than anyone
[27:20.160 --> 27:22.120]  could have dreamed possible.
[27:22.960 --> 27:25.560]  She was a complete daughter of God,
[27:25.560 --> 27:28.840]  an exemplary woman of Christ.
[27:28.840 --> 27:32.920]  I was the most fortunate of men to spend
[27:32.920 --> 27:35.400]  60 years of my life with her.
[27:35.400 --> 27:38.960]  Should I prove worthy, our sealing
[27:38.960 --> 27:44.240]  means I can spend eternity with her.
[27:44.240 --> 27:50.480]  Another experience began 48 hours after my wife's burial.
[27:51.200 --> 27:53.960]  At that time, I was rushed to the hospital
[27:53.960 --> 27:57.360]  in an acute medical crisis.
[27:57.360 --> 28:00.840]  I then spent the first four weeks
[28:00.840 --> 28:06.200]  of a six-week stay in and out of intensive care
[28:06.200 --> 28:10.240]  and in and out of consciousness.
[28:10.240 --> 28:13.320]  Virtually all my experience in the hospital
[28:13.320 --> 28:17.720]  during that first period is lost to my memory.
[28:18.480 --> 28:22.120]  What is not lost is my memory of a journey
[28:22.120 --> 28:25.120]  outside the hospital, out of what
[28:25.120 --> 28:29.800]  seemed the edge of eternity.
[28:29.800 --> 28:33.440]  I cannot speak fully of that experience here,
[28:33.440 --> 28:37.880]  but I can say that part of what I received
[28:37.880 --> 28:44.440]  was an admonition to return to my ministry with more urgency,
[28:44.920 --> 28:49.320]  more consecration, more focus on the Savior,
[28:49.320 --> 28:53.360]  more faith in His word.
[28:53.360 --> 28:56.800]  I couldn't help but feel I was receiving
[28:56.800 --> 29:01.240]  my own personal version of a revelation given
[29:01.240 --> 29:05.680]  to the Twelve nearly 200 years ago.
[29:05.680 --> 29:07.720]  Thou shalt bear record of my name
[29:07.720 --> 29:12.360]  and send forth my word unto the ends of the earth,
[29:12.720 --> 29:17.080]  morning by morning and day after day.
[29:17.080 --> 29:22.200]  Let thy warning voice go forth, and when the night cometh,
[29:22.200 --> 29:24.400]  let not the inhabitants of the earth
[29:24.400 --> 29:27.720]  slumber because of thy speech.
[29:27.720 --> 29:36.000]  Arise, take up your cross, and follow me."
[29:36.000 --> 29:40.880]  My beloved sisters and brothers, since that experience,
[29:41.040 --> 29:45.800]  I have tried to take up my cross more earnestly,
[29:45.800 --> 29:49.560]  with more resolve, to find where I
[29:49.560 --> 29:54.560]  can raise an apostolic voice of both warmth and warning
[29:54.560 --> 29:59.320]  in the morning, during the day, and into the night.
[30:01.840 --> 30:04.640]  That leads me to a third truth that
[30:04.640 --> 30:09.480]  came in those months of loss and illness and distress.
[30:10.120 --> 30:14.200]  It was a renewed witness of and endless gratitude
[30:14.200 --> 30:19.400]  for the resolute prayers of this Church,
[30:19.400 --> 30:24.640]  your prayers, of which I've been the beneficiary.
[30:24.640 --> 30:30.000]  I will be eternally grateful for the supplication
[30:30.000 --> 30:35.480]  of thousands of people who, like the importuning widow,
[30:35.800 --> 30:40.680]  repeatedly sought heaven's intervention in my behalf.
[30:40.680 --> 30:43.680]  I received priesthood blessings.
[30:43.680 --> 30:47.880]  I saw my high school class fast for me,
[30:47.880 --> 30:51.840]  as did several random wards across the Church.
[30:51.840 --> 30:56.480]  And my name must have been on the prayer roll of virtually
[30:56.480 --> 31:00.240]  every temple in the Church.
[31:00.240 --> 31:02.840]  In my profound gratitude for all this,
[31:03.040 --> 31:07.280]  I join G.K. Chesterton, who said once that thanks
[31:07.280 --> 31:10.400]  are the highest form of thought, and gratitude
[31:10.400 --> 31:13.600]  is happiness doubled by wonder.
[31:13.600 --> 31:18.280]  With my own happiness doubled by wonder, I thank all of you
[31:18.280 --> 31:22.800]  and thank my Father in Heaven, who heard your prayers
[31:22.800 --> 31:25.800]  and blessed my life.
[31:25.800 --> 31:29.960]  Brothers and sisters, I testify that God hears every prayer
[31:29.960 --> 31:32.960]  we offer and responds to each of them
[31:32.960 --> 31:36.840]  according to the path He has outlined for our perfection.
[31:36.840 --> 31:41.960]  I recognize that at roughly the same time so many were praying
[31:41.960 --> 31:44.080]  for the Restoration of my health,
[31:44.080 --> 31:47.120]  an equal number, including me, were
[31:47.120 --> 31:50.480]  praying for the Restoration of my wife's health.
[31:50.480 --> 31:53.360]  And I testify that both of those prayers
[31:53.360 --> 31:58.320]  were heard and answered by a divinely compassionate Heavenly
[31:58.320 --> 32:02.000]  Father, even if the prayers for Pat
[32:02.000 --> 32:05.640]  were not answered the way I asked.
[32:05.640 --> 32:08.120]  It's for reasons known only to God
[32:08.120 --> 32:11.800]  why prayers are answered differently than we hope.
[32:11.800 --> 32:16.520]  But I promise you they are heard and they
[32:16.520 --> 32:21.040]  are answered according to His unfailing love
[32:21.040 --> 32:24.720]  and cosmic timetable.
[32:24.720 --> 32:28.480]  Now, if we ask not amiss, there are no limits
[32:28.480 --> 32:32.680]  to when, where, or about what we should pray.
[32:32.680 --> 32:36.680]  According to the revelations, we are to pray always.
[32:36.680 --> 32:41.000]  We are to pray, Amulek said, for those who are around you
[32:41.000 --> 32:45.520]  with the belief that fervent prayer of a righteous people
[32:45.520 --> 32:47.360]  availeth much.
[32:47.360 --> 32:51.160]  Our prayers ought to be vocal when we have the privacy
[32:51.160 --> 32:52.760]  to so offer them.
[32:53.040 --> 32:55.280]  If that is not practical, they should
[32:55.280 --> 32:59.280]  be carried as silent utterances in our heart.
[32:59.280 --> 33:05.600]  We sing that prayers are motions of a hidden fire,
[33:05.600 --> 33:12.040]  always to be offered according to the Savior Himself,
[33:12.040 --> 33:15.320]  to God the Eternal Father, in the name
[33:15.320 --> 33:18.360]  of His Only Begotten Son.
[33:18.360 --> 33:22.400]  My beloved friends, our prayers are our sweetest hour,
[33:22.600 --> 33:27.880]  our most sincere desire, our simplest, purest form
[33:27.880 --> 33:29.120]  of worship.
[33:29.120 --> 33:32.800]  We should pray individually, in our families,
[33:32.800 --> 33:35.360]  and in congregations of all sizes.
[33:35.360 --> 33:38.960]  We are to employ prayer as a shield against temptation,
[33:38.960 --> 33:42.600]  and if there be any time we feel not to pray,
[33:42.600 --> 33:45.960]  we can be sure that hesitancy does not
[33:45.960 --> 33:50.480]  come from God, who yearns to communicate with His children
[33:50.680 --> 33:53.200]  at any and all times.
[33:53.200 --> 33:56.640]  Indeed, some efforts to keep us from praying
[33:56.640 --> 33:59.240]  come directly from the adversary.
[33:59.240 --> 34:03.640]  When we don't know how or exactly for what to pray,
[34:03.640 --> 34:10.040]  we should begin and continue until the Holy Spirit guides us
[34:10.040 --> 34:12.840]  into the prayer we should be offering.
[34:12.840 --> 34:15.640]  This approach may be the one we have
[34:15.640 --> 34:19.320]  to invoke when praying for our enemies
[34:19.720 --> 34:23.960]  and those who despitefully use us.
[34:23.960 --> 34:26.400]  Ultimately, we can look to the Savior's example,
[34:26.400 --> 34:28.680]  who prayed so very, very often.
[34:28.680 --> 34:31.960]  But it has always been intriguing to me
[34:31.960 --> 34:35.000]  that Jesus felt the need to pray at all.
[34:35.000 --> 34:37.080]  Wasn't He perfect?
[34:37.080 --> 34:39.720]  About what did He need to pray?
[34:39.720 --> 34:44.320]  Well, I've come to realize that He too, with us,
[34:44.680 --> 34:49.520]  wanted to seek the Father's face, believe His word,
[34:49.520 --> 34:51.960]  and trust His grace.
[34:51.960 --> 34:56.120]  Time after time, He retreated from society
[34:56.120 --> 34:59.960]  to be alone before piercing heaven with His prayers.
[34:59.960 --> 35:03.320]  At other times, He prayed in the company
[35:03.320 --> 35:05.320]  of a few companions.
[35:05.320 --> 35:07.840]  Then He would seek heaven on behalf
[35:07.840 --> 35:11.240]  of multitudes who would cover a hillside.
[35:11.800 --> 35:14.680]  Sometimes prayer glorified His clothing.
[35:14.680 --> 35:18.360]  Sometimes it glorified His countenance.
[35:18.360 --> 35:21.440]  Sometimes He stood to pray.
[35:21.440 --> 35:25.640]  Sometimes He knelt, and at least once He
[35:25.640 --> 35:29.320]  fell on His face in prayer.
[35:29.320 --> 35:33.720]  Luke describes Jesus' descent into His expiation
[35:33.720 --> 35:37.840]  as requiring Him to pray more earnestly.
[35:38.200 --> 35:44.120]  How does one who was perfect pray more earnestly?
[35:44.120 --> 35:46.840]  We assume that all of His prayers were earnest.
[35:46.840 --> 35:50.720]  Yet in fulfilling His atoning sacrifice
[35:50.720 --> 35:55.840]  and through the pain that attended its universal reach,
[35:55.840 --> 36:00.440]  He felt to pray ever more pleadingly,
[36:00.440 --> 36:05.360]  with the weight of His offering finally bringing blood
[36:05.960 --> 36:06.960]  from every pore.
[36:13.880 --> 36:19.360]  Against that backdrop of Christ's victory over death
[36:19.360 --> 36:24.440]  and His recent gift to me of a few more weeks or months
[36:24.440 --> 36:28.600]  in mortality, I bear solemn witness
[36:28.600 --> 36:33.240]  of the reality of eternal life and the need for us
[36:33.240 --> 36:37.880]  to be serious in our planning for it.
[36:37.880 --> 36:43.800]  That serious needs to exist when Christ comes because He
[36:43.800 --> 36:48.880]  needs to recognize us, not as nominal members listed
[36:48.880 --> 36:53.960]  on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed,
[36:53.960 --> 36:57.800]  faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples.
[36:58.080 --> 37:02.720]  This is an urgent matter for all of us,
[37:02.720 --> 37:06.840]  lest we ever hear, with devastating regret,
[37:06.840 --> 37:13.080]  I never knew you or, as Joseph Smith translated that phrase,
[37:13.080 --> 37:16.640]  you never knew me.
[37:16.640 --> 37:21.240]  Fortunately, we have help for this task, lots of help.
[37:21.240 --> 37:24.560]  We need to believe in angels and miracles
[37:24.560 --> 37:27.080]  and the promises of the holy priesthood.
[37:27.280 --> 37:29.680]  We need to believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost,
[37:29.680 --> 37:32.320]  the influence of good families and friends,
[37:32.320 --> 37:34.640]  and the power of the pure love of Christ.
[37:34.640 --> 37:38.920]  We need to believe in revelation and prophets, seers,
[37:38.920 --> 37:40.000]  and revelators.
[37:40.000 --> 37:42.360]  And President Russell M. Nelson, we
[37:42.360 --> 37:44.760]  need to believe with prayer and pleading
[37:44.760 --> 37:47.520]  and personal righteousness, we really
[37:47.520 --> 37:52.520]  can ascend to Mount Zion, the city of the living God,
[37:52.520 --> 37:55.720]  the heavenly place, the holiest of all.
[37:57.120 --> 38:01.320]  Brothers and sisters, as we repent of our sins
[38:01.320 --> 38:04.720]  and come boldly to the throne of grace,
[38:04.720 --> 38:07.520]  leaving before Him there our alms
[38:07.520 --> 38:11.040]  and our heartfelt supplications, we
[38:11.040 --> 38:16.560]  will find mercy and compassion and forgiveness
[38:16.560 --> 38:20.880]  at the benevolent hands of our Eternal Father
[38:20.880 --> 38:24.400]  and His obedient, perfectly pure Son.
[38:25.120 --> 38:31.120]  Then, with Job and all the refined faithful,
[38:31.120 --> 38:38.360]  we will behold a world too wonderful to understand.
[38:38.360 --> 38:41.760]  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[38:54.400 --> 39:03.960]  As my two youngest children were growing,
[39:03.960 --> 39:07.840]  I discovered books that were entertaining and engaging
[39:07.840 --> 39:11.400]  but also used symbolism in their stories.
[39:11.400 --> 39:13.760]  As we read together in the evenings,
[39:13.760 --> 39:17.360]  I loved helping my children understand the symbolism
[39:17.360 --> 39:21.680]  the author was using to teach deeper principles, even
[39:21.680 --> 39:23.480]  gospel principles.
[39:23.920 --> 39:27.280]  I knew this was sinking in one day when my younger son was
[39:27.280 --> 39:28.960]  in his early teens.
[39:28.960 --> 39:33.360]  He had started a new book and just wanted to enjoy the story,
[39:33.360 --> 39:37.840]  but his mind kept trying to find the deeper meaning in everything
[39:37.840 --> 39:39.120]  he was reading.
[39:39.120 --> 39:44.400]  He was frustrated, but I was smiling inside.
[39:44.400 --> 39:47.760]  Jesus taught through stories and symbols,
[39:47.760 --> 39:50.960]  a mustard seed to teach the power of faith,
[39:51.320 --> 39:54.240]  a lost sheep to teach the worth of souls,
[39:54.240 --> 39:58.840]  a prodigal son to teach the character of God.
[39:58.840 --> 40:01.320]  His parables were symbols through which
[40:01.320 --> 40:05.920]  He could teach deeper lessons to those who had ears to hear.
[40:05.920 --> 40:11.040]  But those not seeking the deeper meaning would not understand,
[40:11.040 --> 40:15.120]  just as many who read those same books I read to my children
[40:15.120 --> 40:19.000]  never knew there were deeper meanings and so much more
[40:19.000 --> 40:21.880]  to get out of those stories.
[40:21.880 --> 40:25.360]  When God the Father offered His Only Begotten Son
[40:25.360 --> 40:30.000]  as a sacrifice for us, Jesus Christ Himself
[40:30.000 --> 40:34.960]  became the highest symbol of our Father in Heaven's undying love
[40:34.960 --> 40:36.200]  for each of us.
[40:36.200 --> 40:40.400]  Jesus Christ became the Lamb of God.
[40:40.400 --> 40:42.240]  We have the privilege and blessing
[40:42.240 --> 40:45.960]  of being invited into a covenant relationship with God
[40:46.240 --> 40:48.680]  in which our own lives can become
[40:48.680 --> 40:51.000]  a symbol of that covenant.
[40:51.000 --> 40:53.840]  Covenants create the kind of relationship
[40:53.840 --> 40:57.560]  that allows God to mold and change us over time
[40:57.560 --> 41:00.880]  and lift us to become more like the Savior,
[41:00.880 --> 41:04.920]  drawing us closer and closer to Him and our Father
[41:04.920 --> 41:09.400]  and eventually preparing us to enter Their presence.
[41:09.400 --> 41:14.280]  Each person on earth is a beloved son or daughter of God.
[41:14.800 --> 41:17.680]  When we choose to be part of a covenant,
[41:17.680 --> 41:22.200]  it enhances and deepens our relationship with Him.
[41:22.200 --> 41:25.360]  President Russell M. Nelson has taught
[41:25.360 --> 41:28.560]  that when we choose to make covenants with God,
[41:28.560 --> 41:32.040]  our relationship with Him can become much closer than it
[41:32.040 --> 41:35.640]  was before our covenant, and it enables
[41:35.640 --> 41:40.320]  Him to bless us with an extra measure of His mercy and love,
[41:40.680 --> 41:45.600]  a covenantal love referred to as chesed in the Hebrew language.
[41:45.600 --> 41:49.600]  The covenant path is all about our relationship
[41:49.600 --> 41:53.720]  with God, our chesed relationship with Him.
[41:53.720 --> 41:56.680]  Our Father wants a deeper relationship
[41:56.680 --> 42:01.480]  with all His sons and daughters, but it is our choice.
[42:01.480 --> 42:03.960]  As we choose to draw nearer to Him
[42:03.960 --> 42:06.520]  through a covenant relationship, it
[42:06.520 --> 42:12.560]  allows Him to draw nearer to us and more fully bless us.
[42:12.560 --> 42:15.000]  God sets the conditions and obligations
[42:15.000 --> 42:16.680]  of the covenants we make.
[42:16.680 --> 42:20.160]  When we choose to enter into that relationship,
[42:20.160 --> 42:23.880]  we witness to Him through the symbolic actions
[42:23.880 --> 42:27.080]  of each covenant that we are willing to abide
[42:27.080 --> 42:29.680]  by the conditions He has set.
[42:29.680 --> 42:32.480]  Through honoring our covenants, we
[42:32.480 --> 42:36.160]  enable God to pour out the multitude of promised blessings
[42:36.200 --> 42:40.480]  associated with those covenants, including increased power
[42:40.480 --> 42:43.960]  to change and become more like our Savior.
[42:43.960 --> 42:48.440]  Jesus Christ is at the center of all covenants we make,
[42:48.440 --> 42:51.280]  and covenant blessings are made possible because
[42:51.280 --> 42:54.760]  of His atoning sacrifice.
[42:54.760 --> 42:57.520]  Baptism by immersion is the symbolic gate
[42:57.520 --> 43:01.280]  through which we enter into a covenant relationship with God.
[43:01.280 --> 43:04.600]  Being immersed in the water and coming up again
[43:04.800 --> 43:08.520]  is symbolic of the Savior's death and Resurrection
[43:08.520 --> 43:10.000]  to new life.
[43:10.000 --> 43:14.040]  As we are baptized, we symbolically
[43:14.040 --> 43:17.880]  die and are born again into the family of Christ
[43:17.880 --> 43:21.840]  and show we are willing to take His name upon us.
[43:21.840 --> 43:25.800]  We ourselves embody that covenant symbolism.
[43:25.800 --> 43:27.920]  In the New Testament, we read,
[43:27.920 --> 43:31.760]  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ
[43:32.000 --> 43:33.800]  have put on Christ.
[43:33.800 --> 43:38.640]  With our baptism, we symbolically put on Christ.
[43:38.640 --> 43:42.600]  The ordinance of the sacrament also points to the Savior.
[43:42.600 --> 43:45.400]  The bread and water are symbolic of Christ's flesh
[43:45.400 --> 43:47.120]  and blood shed for us.
[43:47.120 --> 43:50.000]  The gift of His Atonement is symbolically
[43:50.000 --> 43:53.640]  offered to us each week as a priesthood holder,
[43:53.640 --> 43:58.600]  representing the Savior Himself, offers us the bread and water.
[43:58.600 --> 44:01.480]  As we perform the action of eating and drinking
[44:01.480 --> 44:03.840]  the emblems of His flesh and blood,
[44:03.840 --> 44:07.680]  Christ symbolically becomes a part of us.
[44:07.680 --> 44:13.600]  We again put on Christ as we make a new covenant each week.
[44:13.600 --> 44:16.760]  As we make covenants with God in the house of the Lord,
[44:16.760 --> 44:20.120]  we further deepen our relationship with Him.
[44:20.120 --> 44:24.000]  Everything we do in the temple points to our Father's plan
[44:24.000 --> 44:27.400]  for us, at the heart of which is the Savior
[44:27.400 --> 44:29.800]  and His atoning sacrifice.
[44:30.280 --> 44:32.560]  The Lord will teach us line upon line
[44:32.560 --> 44:35.760]  through the symbolism of the ordinances and covenants
[44:35.760 --> 44:38.720]  as we open our hearts and prayerfully
[44:38.720 --> 44:42.240]  seek to understand the deeper meanings.
[44:42.240 --> 44:44.640]  As part of the temple endowment, we
[44:44.640 --> 44:48.560]  are authorized to wear the garment of the holy priesthood.
[44:48.560 --> 44:54.280]  It is both a sacred obligation and a sacred privilege.
[44:54.280 --> 44:57.120]  In many religious traditions, special outer clothing
[44:57.120 --> 45:00.560]  is worn as a symbol of a person's beliefs and commitment
[45:00.560 --> 45:03.720]  to God, and ceremonial clothing is often
[45:03.720 --> 45:06.600]  worn by those leading worship services.
[45:06.600 --> 45:10.240]  Those sacred vestments carry deep meaning
[45:10.240 --> 45:11.800]  for those who wear them.
[45:11.800 --> 45:15.200]  We read in scripture that in ancient times,
[45:15.200 --> 45:17.800]  sacred ceremonial clothing was also
[45:17.800 --> 45:21.280]  worn in conjunction with temple rituals.
[45:21.280 --> 45:24.400]  As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
[45:24.400 --> 45:27.080]  Saints, those of us who have chosen
[45:27.080 --> 45:30.040]  to make covenants with God in the house of the Lord
[45:30.040 --> 45:33.120]  wear sacred ceremonial outer clothing
[45:33.120 --> 45:36.800]  during temple worship, symbolic of the clothing worn
[45:36.800 --> 45:39.000]  in ancient temple rituals.
[45:39.000 --> 45:42.640]  We also wear the garment of the holy priesthood,
[45:42.640 --> 45:47.640]  both during temple worship and in our everyday lives.
[45:47.640 --> 45:49.360]  The garment of the holy priesthood
[45:49.360 --> 45:53.840]  is deeply symbolic and also points to the Savior.
[45:54.360 --> 45:56.720]  When Adam and Eve partook of the fruit
[45:56.720 --> 45:58.760]  and had to leave the Garden of Eden,
[45:58.760 --> 46:02.800]  they were given coats of skins as a covering for them.
[46:02.800 --> 46:05.840]  It is likely that an animal was sacrificed
[46:05.840 --> 46:09.840]  to make those coats of skins, symbolic of the Savior's
[46:09.840 --> 46:12.800]  own sacrifice for us.
[46:12.800 --> 46:16.400]  Kephar is the basic Hebrew word for atonement,
[46:16.400 --> 46:20.120]  and one of its meanings is to cover.
[46:20.680 --> 46:24.600]  Our temple garment reminds us that the Savior
[46:24.600 --> 46:26.960]  and the blessings of His Atonement
[46:26.960 --> 46:30.120]  cover us throughout our lives.
[46:30.120 --> 46:34.360]  As we put on the garment of the holy priesthood each day,
[46:34.360 --> 46:39.360]  that beautiful symbol becomes a part of us.
[46:39.360 --> 46:41.280]  In the New Testament Book of Romans,
[46:41.280 --> 46:45.520]  we read, "...the night is far spent, the day is at hand.
[46:45.520 --> 46:49.480]  Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness,
[46:49.680 --> 46:52.840]  and let us put on the armor of light.
[46:53.840 --> 46:58.560]  Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ."
[46:58.560 --> 47:00.880]  I am so grateful for the privilege
[47:00.880 --> 47:03.600]  of wearing the garment of the holy priesthood
[47:03.600 --> 47:07.520]  to remind me that the Savior and the blessings
[47:07.520 --> 47:11.400]  of His infinite Atonement constantly cover me
[47:11.400 --> 47:13.560]  throughout my mortal journey.
[47:13.560 --> 47:17.600]  It also reminds me that as I keep the covenants I have made
[47:17.640 --> 47:21.360]  of God in the house of the Lord, I have symbolically
[47:21.360 --> 47:26.560]  put on Christ, who Himself is an armor of light.
[47:26.560 --> 47:31.600]  He will protect me from evil, give me power and increased
[47:31.600 --> 47:34.480]  capacity, and be my light and guide
[47:34.480 --> 47:38.600]  through the darkness and difficulties of this world.
[47:38.600 --> 47:41.800]  There is deep and beautiful symbolic meaning
[47:41.800 --> 47:43.760]  in the garment of the holy priesthood
[47:43.760 --> 47:46.560]  and its relationship to Christ.
[47:46.960 --> 47:51.040]  I believe that my willingness to wear the holy garment
[47:51.040 --> 47:54.040]  becomes my symbol to Him.
[47:54.040 --> 48:00.000]  It is my own personal sign to God, not a sign to others.
[48:00.000 --> 48:03.280]  I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.
[48:03.280 --> 48:08.160]  His atoning sacrifice for us became the greatest symbol
[48:08.160 --> 48:11.400]  of His and our Father in Heaven's infinite love
[48:11.400 --> 48:12.720]  for each of us.
[48:13.000 --> 48:17.080]  With the tangible symbols of that love and sacrifice,
[48:17.080 --> 48:20.640]  the marks in the Savior's hands, feet,
[48:20.640 --> 48:25.520]  and side remaining even after His Resurrection.
[48:25.520 --> 48:30.040]  By keeping my covenants and obligations with God,
[48:30.040 --> 48:33.400]  including wearing the garment of the holy priesthood,
[48:33.400 --> 48:37.440]  my very life can become a personal symbol
[48:37.720 --> 48:42.800]  of my love and deep gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ,
[48:42.800 --> 48:48.000]  and my desire to have Him with me always.
[48:48.000 --> 48:50.720]  If you have not yet done so, I invite
[48:50.720 --> 48:53.640]  you to choose a deeper relationship with God
[48:53.640 --> 48:57.000]  by making covenants with Him in the house of the Lord.
[48:57.000 --> 49:00.520]  Study the talks of our prophet, including
[49:00.520 --> 49:04.120]  the beautiful teachings in the footnotes of his talks,
[49:04.120 --> 49:06.560]  which most conference talks have.
[49:07.000 --> 49:10.520]  He has spoken repeatedly about covenants for years
[49:10.520 --> 49:14.400]  and especially since becoming President of the Church.
[49:14.400 --> 49:18.720]  Learn from his teachings about the beautiful blessings
[49:18.720 --> 49:21.360]  and increased power and capacity that
[49:21.360 --> 49:26.760]  can be yours through making and keeping covenants with God.
[49:26.760 --> 49:29.080]  The general handbook states that it is not
[49:29.080 --> 49:32.320]  required to have a mission call or be engaged to be married
[49:32.320 --> 49:34.240]  to make temple covenants.
[49:34.520 --> 49:37.320]  A person must be at least 18 years old,
[49:37.320 --> 49:40.600]  no longer be attending high school or the equivalent,
[49:40.600 --> 49:43.880]  and be a member of the Church for at least one year.
[49:43.880 --> 49:48.200]  There are also standards of personal holiness required.
[49:48.200 --> 49:51.640]  If you have the desire to deepen your relationship
[49:51.640 --> 49:54.320]  with your Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ
[49:54.320 --> 49:57.800]  by making sacred covenants in the house of the Lord,
[49:57.800 --> 50:01.200]  I invite you to speak with your bishop or branch president
[50:01.200 --> 50:03.600]  and let him know of your desires.
[50:04.000 --> 50:08.800]  He will help you know how to prepare to receive and honor
[50:08.920 --> 50:09.920]  those covenants.
[50:10.720 --> 50:13.000]  Through a covenant relationship with God,
[50:13.720 --> 50:18.440]  our own lives can become a living symbol of our commitment
[50:18.560 --> 50:23.320]  and deep love for our Father in Heaven, our chesed for Him,
[50:23.960 --> 50:26.640]  and our desire to progress and eventually become
[50:26.640 --> 50:31.840]  like our Savior, being prepared to one day enter Their presence.
[50:32.600 --> 50:36.560]  I testify that the great blessings of that covenant
[50:36.560 --> 50:39.280]  relationship are well worth the price.
[50:39.840 --> 50:42.000]  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[50:54.880 --> 50:57.840]  My message is for those who worry about their testimony
[50:58.320 --> 50:59.920]  because they haven't had overwhelming
[50:59.920 --> 51:01.560]  spiritual experiences.
[51:02.200 --> 51:05.200]  I pray that I can provide some peace and assurance.
[51:06.080 --> 51:08.240]  The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ
[51:08.240 --> 51:11.040]  began with an explosion of light and truth.
[51:11.720 --> 51:13.520]  A teenage boy in upstate New York,
[51:13.880 --> 51:16.800]  with the very ordinary name of Joseph Smith,
[51:17.400 --> 51:19.400]  enters a grove of trees to pray.
[51:20.400 --> 51:23.880]  He's worried about his soul and his standing before God.
[51:24.360 --> 51:26.640]  He seeks forgiveness for his sins,
[51:26.640 --> 51:29.280]  and he's confused about which Church to join.
[51:29.920 --> 51:31.600]  He needs clarity and peace.
[51:32.040 --> 51:33.880]  He needs light and knowledge.
[51:34.560 --> 51:36.600]  As Joseph kneels to pray and offer up
[51:36.600 --> 51:40.440]  the desires of his heart to God, a thick darkness envelops him.
[51:40.960 --> 51:43.720]  Something evil, oppressive, and very real
[51:44.040 --> 51:48.640]  tries to stop him, to bind his tongue so he cannot speak.
[51:49.720 --> 51:51.840]  The forces of darkness get so intense
[51:52.240 --> 51:54.440]  that Joseph thinks he's going to die.
[51:55.240 --> 51:58.320]  But he exerts all his powers to call upon God
[51:58.600 --> 52:01.120]  to deliver him out of the power of this enemy,
[52:01.120 --> 52:03.200]  which has seized upon him.
[52:03.680 --> 52:06.680]  And then, at the very moment when he's ready to sink
[52:06.680 --> 52:09.920]  into despair and abandon himself to destruction,
[52:09.920 --> 52:13.360]  when he doesn't know if he can hang on any longer,
[52:14.440 --> 52:16.600]  a glorious brilliance fills the grove,
[52:17.320 --> 52:20.520]  scattering the darkness and the enemy of his soul.
[52:22.120 --> 52:25.400]  A pillar of light, brighter than the sun,
[52:25.400 --> 52:27.080]  gradually descends upon him.
[52:27.800 --> 52:30.480]  One personage appears, and then another.
[52:31.280 --> 52:34.440]  Their brightness and glory defy all description.
[52:35.080 --> 52:38.600]  The first, our Heavenly Father, speaks His name,
[52:38.960 --> 52:40.520]  pointing to the other.
[52:40.520 --> 52:44.880]  Joseph, this is My Beloved Son. Hear Him.
[52:45.760 --> 52:48.720]  And with that overwhelming burst of light and truth,
[52:48.720 --> 52:50.720]  the Restoration has begun.
[52:50.720 --> 52:52.880]  A veritable flood of divine revelation
[52:52.880 --> 52:54.480]  and blessings will follow.
[52:54.480 --> 52:57.480]  New scripture, restored priesthood keys,
[52:57.480 --> 53:00.680]  apostles and prophets, ordinances and covenants,
[53:00.680 --> 53:03.960]  and the reestablishment of the Lord's true and living Church,
[53:03.960 --> 53:07.360]  which will someday fill the earth with the light
[53:07.360 --> 53:10.360]  and witness of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
[53:11.360 --> 53:16.840]  All that and much more began with a boy's desperate prayer
[53:17.920 --> 53:19.520]  and a pillar of light.
[53:20.920 --> 53:23.040]  We, too, have our own desperate needs.
[53:23.840 --> 53:26.840]  We, too, need freedom from spiritual confusion
[53:27.440 --> 53:29.120]  and worldly darkness.
[53:29.120 --> 53:31.600]  We, too, need to know for ourselves.
[53:31.600 --> 53:33.640]  That is one reason President Russell M. Nelson
[53:33.640 --> 53:36.240]  has invited us to immerse ourselves
[53:36.240 --> 53:38.680]  in the glorious light of the Restoration.
[53:39.480 --> 53:42.080]  One of the great truths of the Restoration
[53:42.080 --> 53:44.080]  is that the heavens are open,
[53:44.080 --> 53:47.960]  that we, too, can receive light and knowledge from on high.
[53:47.960 --> 53:49.480]  I testify that is true.
[53:50.480 --> 53:53.880]  But we must be wary of a spiritual trap.
[53:55.760 --> 53:58.720]  Sometimes faithful Church members become discouraged
[53:58.720 --> 54:00.120]  and even drift away
[54:00.120 --> 54:02.160]  because they haven't had overwhelming
[54:02.160 --> 54:04.240]  spiritual experiences,
[54:04.240 --> 54:06.760]  because they haven't experienced, as it were,
[54:06.760 --> 54:08.960]  their own pillar of light.
[54:08.960 --> 54:11.280]  President Spencer W. Kimball warned
[54:11.280 --> 54:14.400]  that always expecting the spectacular,
[54:14.400 --> 54:17.680]  many will miss entirely the constant flow
[54:17.680 --> 54:19.200]  of revealed communication.
[54:19.840 --> 54:21.840]  President Joseph F. Smith recalled,
[54:21.840 --> 54:24.800]  The Lord withheld marvels from me when I was young
[54:25.360 --> 54:28.440]  and showed me the truth line upon line,
[54:28.920 --> 54:32.960]  precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.
[54:34.120 --> 54:37.560]  That is the Lord's typical pattern, brothers and sisters.
[54:38.160 --> 54:41.040]  Rather than sending us a pillar of light,
[54:41.960 --> 54:44.680]  the Lord sends us a ray of light
[54:45.520 --> 54:47.440]  and then another and another.
[54:48.440 --> 54:50.320]  Those rays of light are continuously
[54:50.320 --> 54:52.080]  being poured down upon us.
[54:52.080 --> 54:54.240]  The scriptures teach that Jesus Christ
[54:54.240 --> 54:56.680]  is the light and life of the world,
[54:56.680 --> 54:59.200]  that His Spirit giveth light to every man and woman
[54:59.200 --> 55:00.880]  that cometh into the world,
[55:00.880 --> 55:04.120]  and that His light fills the immensity of space,
[55:04.120 --> 55:06.280]  giving life to all things.
[55:06.280 --> 55:10.160]  The light of Christ is literally all around us.
[55:10.840 --> 55:13.680]  If we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost
[55:13.680 --> 55:15.640]  and are striving to exercise faith,
[55:16.120 --> 55:18.640]  repent, and honor our covenants,
[55:19.080 --> 55:23.640]  then we are worthy to receive these divine rays constantly.
[55:24.640 --> 55:26.960]  In Elder David A. Bednar's memorable phrase,
[55:27.440 --> 55:29.720]  we are living in revelation.
[55:31.280 --> 55:34.040]  And yet, every one of us is different.
[55:34.960 --> 55:38.120]  No two people experience God's light and truth
[55:38.120 --> 55:39.560]  in exactly the same way.
[55:40.480 --> 55:42.920]  Take some time to think about how you experience
[55:42.920 --> 55:45.080]  the light and Spirit of the Lord.
[55:46.200 --> 55:48.080]  You may have experienced these bursts of light
[55:48.080 --> 55:52.000]  and testimony as peace spoken to your mind
[55:52.000 --> 55:53.840]  concerning a matter that has worried you
[55:54.760 --> 55:58.040]  or as an impression, a still small voice,
[55:58.040 --> 56:00.120]  that settled in your mind and in your heart
[56:00.120 --> 56:03.680]  and urged you to do something good, such as help someone.
[56:04.800 --> 56:08.720]  Perhaps you've been in a class at church or at a youth camp
[56:09.280 --> 56:12.120]  and felt a strong desire to follow Jesus Christ
[56:12.120 --> 56:13.600]  and stay faithful.
[56:13.600 --> 56:17.160]  Maybe you even stood and shared a testimony
[56:17.160 --> 56:20.720]  that you hoped was true and then felt it was.
[56:21.840 --> 56:25.200]  Or maybe you've been praying and felt a joyful assurance
[56:25.200 --> 56:27.360]  that God loves you.
[56:27.360 --> 56:30.760]  You may have heard someone bear testimony of Jesus Christ
[56:30.760 --> 56:33.600]  and it touched your heart and filled you with hope.
[56:34.600 --> 56:36.920]  Perhaps you were reading in the Book of Mormon
[56:36.920 --> 56:38.720]  and a verse spoke to your soul
[56:38.720 --> 56:40.760]  as if God had put it there just for you,
[56:41.600 --> 56:44.000]  and then you realized that He had.
[56:45.120 --> 56:47.240]  You may have felt the love of God for others
[56:47.240 --> 56:49.320]  as you served them.
[56:49.320 --> 56:52.720]  Or maybe you struggled to feel the Spirit in the moment
[56:52.720 --> 56:55.200]  because of depression or anxiety
[56:56.000 --> 56:58.960]  but have the precious gift and the faith to look back
[56:58.960 --> 57:01.640]  and recognize past tender mercies of the Lord.
[57:02.720 --> 57:05.440]  My point is that there are many ways
[57:05.440 --> 57:07.760]  to receive heavenly rays of testimony.
[57:08.640 --> 57:10.440]  These are just a few, of course.
[57:11.200 --> 57:13.000]  They may not be dramatic,
[57:13.000 --> 57:16.640]  but all of them form part of our testimonies.
[57:18.200 --> 57:21.880]  Brothers and sisters, I have not seen a pillar of light,
[57:23.040 --> 57:26.000]  but like you, I have experienced many divine rays.
[57:26.720 --> 57:29.840]  Over the years, I've tried to treasure such experiences.
[57:29.840 --> 57:34.120]  I find that as I do, I recognize and remember even more of them.
[57:35.080 --> 57:37.000]  Here are some examples from my own life.
[57:37.600 --> 57:39.640]  They may not be very impressive to some,
[57:40.640 --> 57:42.240]  but they are precious to me.
[57:43.640 --> 57:46.120]  I remember being a rowdy teenager at a baptism.
[57:46.880 --> 57:48.600]  As the meeting was about to begin,
[57:48.600 --> 57:51.800]  I felt the Spirit urge me to sit down and be reverent.
[57:52.520 --> 57:55.480]  I sat down and stayed quiet the rest of the meeting.
[57:56.560 --> 57:58.880]  Before my mission, I was afraid my testimony
[57:58.880 --> 58:00.760]  wasn't strong enough.
[58:00.760 --> 58:02.880]  No one in my family had ever served a mission,
[58:03.760 --> 58:05.560]  and I didn't know if I could do it.
[58:06.320 --> 58:08.480]  I remember studying and praying desperately
[58:08.480 --> 58:11.200]  to receive a more certain witness of Jesus Christ.
[58:12.080 --> 58:14.920]  And then one day, as I pled with Heavenly Father,
[58:15.440 --> 58:18.120]  I felt a powerful sense of light and warmth,
[58:18.680 --> 58:21.120]  and I knew, I just knew.
[58:22.560 --> 58:25.240]  I remember being awakened one night years later
[58:25.240 --> 58:28.040]  by a feeling of pure intelligence telling me
[58:28.040 --> 58:30.040]  I would be called to serve in the elders quorum.
[58:30.960 --> 58:33.000]  Two weeks later, I was called.
[58:33.400 --> 58:37.240]  I remember a general conference where a beloved member
[58:37.240 --> 58:38.680]  of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
[58:38.680 --> 58:41.360]  spoke the exact words of testimony
[58:41.600 --> 58:43.600]  I had told a friend I hoped to hear.
[58:45.440 --> 58:47.480]  I remember kneeling with hundreds of brethren
[58:48.360 --> 58:51.840]  to pray for a dear friend who lay unconscious
[58:51.840 --> 58:54.520]  on a ventilator in a small, faraway hospital
[58:54.880 --> 58:56.480]  after his heart had stopped.
[58:57.720 --> 59:00.800]  As we united our own hearts to plead for his life,
[59:01.280 --> 59:04.080]  he woke up and pulled the ventilator out
[59:04.080 --> 59:05.080]  of his own throat.
[59:06.040 --> 59:09.560]  He serves today as a magnificent stake president.
[59:11.120 --> 59:14.320]  And I remember waking up with strong spiritual feelings
[59:14.680 --> 59:17.640]  after a vivid dream of a dear friend and mentor
[59:17.640 --> 59:19.440]  who passed away far too early,
[59:20.320 --> 59:22.600]  leaving an enormous hole in my life.
[59:23.560 --> 59:25.200]  He was smiling and joyful.
[59:26.160 --> 59:27.160]  I knew he was OK.
[59:27.160 --> 59:28.560]  These are some of my rays.
[59:29.520 --> 59:31.120]  You've had your own experiences,
[59:31.720 --> 59:34.320]  your own light-filled bursts of testimony.
[59:35.520 --> 59:39.440]  As we recognize, remember, and gather these rays together
[59:39.440 --> 59:43.440]  in one, something wonderful and powerful begins to happen.
[59:43.680 --> 59:45.720]  Light cleaveth unto light.
[59:46.080 --> 59:47.720]  Truth embraceth truth.
[59:48.120 --> 59:51.320]  The reality and power of one ray of testimony
[59:51.480 --> 59:54.120]  reinforces and combines with another
[59:54.120 --> 59:55.920]  and then another, and then another.
[59:55.920 --> 59:59.040]  Line upon line, precept upon precept,
[59:59.480 --> 01:00:02.160]  hear a ray and there a ray.
[01:00:02.320 --> 01:00:06.360]  One small, treasured spiritual moment at a time,
[01:00:06.360 --> 01:00:09.800]  there grows up within us a core of light-filled
[01:00:09.800 --> 01:00:11.360]  spiritual experiences.
[01:00:12.360 --> 01:00:17.320]  Perhaps no one ray is strong enough or bright enough
[01:00:17.320 --> 01:00:19.200]  to constitute a full testimony.
[01:00:20.360 --> 01:00:23.160]  But together, they can become one.
[01:00:23.840 --> 01:00:27.000]  But together, they can become a light
[01:00:27.360 --> 01:00:30.440]  that the darkness of doubt cannot overcome.
[01:00:31.880 --> 01:00:34.800]  Oh, then, is not this real?
[01:00:35.200 --> 01:00:41.320]  Alma asks, I say unto you, yea, because it is light.
[01:00:42.680 --> 01:00:46.520]  That which is of God is light, the Lord teaches us,
[01:00:46.720 --> 01:00:49.880]  and he that receiveth light and continueth in God
[01:00:50.000 --> 01:00:53.760]  receiveth more light, and that light groweth brighter
[01:00:53.920 --> 01:00:56.120]  and brighter until the perfect day.
[01:00:56.840 --> 01:01:00.240]  Brothers and sisters, that means that in time
[01:01:00.440 --> 01:01:04.920]  and through great diligence, we too can have our own pillar
[01:01:04.920 --> 01:01:09.840]  of light, one ray at a time.
[01:01:12.080 --> 01:01:15.680]  And in the midst of that pillar, we too will find
[01:01:15.680 --> 01:01:18.880]  a loving Heavenly Father calling us by name,
[01:01:18.880 --> 01:01:21.080]  pointing us to our Savior, Jesus Christ,
[01:01:21.080 --> 01:01:22.640]  and inviting us to hear Him.
[01:01:24.360 --> 01:01:28.000]  I bear witness of Jesus Christ, that He is the light
[01:01:28.000 --> 01:01:32.640]  and life of the whole world and of your personal world and mine.
[01:01:33.400 --> 01:01:36.160]  I testify that He is the true and living Son of the true
[01:01:36.160 --> 01:01:38.240]  and living God and that He stands at the head
[01:01:38.240 --> 01:01:41.520]  of this true and living Church, guided and directed
[01:01:41.520 --> 01:01:44.400]  by His true and living prophets and apostles.
[01:01:45.000 --> 01:01:47.760]  May we recognize and receive His glorious light
[01:01:48.400 --> 01:01:51.040]  and then choose Him over the darkness of the world,
[01:01:51.640 --> 01:01:52.760]  always and forever.
[01:01:53.400 --> 01:01:55.760]  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:02:04.120 --> 01:02:07.560]  As directed, the congregation will join the choir
[01:02:07.560 --> 01:02:10.120]  in singing Press Forward, Saints.
[01:02:11.120 --> 01:02:14.920]  After the singing, we will hear from Elder Ulysses Suarez
[01:02:14.920 --> 01:02:17.080]  of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
[01:02:18.080 --> 01:02:22.360]  He will be followed by Elder Jack N. Gerard of the Seventy.
[01:02:34.520 --> 01:02:36.840]  This is the Saturday morning session
[01:02:36.840 --> 01:02:40.840]  of the 194th Annual General Conference
[01:02:40.840 --> 01:02:44.040]  of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[01:02:47.760 --> 01:02:55.960]  This is the Saturday morning session
[01:02:55.960 --> 01:03:04.720]  of the 194th Annual General Conference
[01:03:04.720 --> 01:03:15.960]  of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[01:03:15.960 --> 01:03:25.960]  The General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ
[01:03:25.960 --> 01:03:33.960]  of Latter-day Saints is an annual event
[01:03:33.960 --> 01:03:41.960]  organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
[01:03:41.960 --> 01:03:49.960]  for the feasting of the Word of Christ.
[01:03:49.960 --> 01:03:59.960]  Receive this day, rejoicing in his light.
[01:03:59.960 --> 01:04:08.960]  Come unto God, find everlasting light.
[01:04:08.960 --> 01:04:11.960]  Alleluia!
[01:04:11.960 --> 01:04:13.960]  Alleluia!
[01:04:13.960 --> 01:04:14.960]  Alleluia!
[01:04:19.960 --> 01:04:28.960]  Blest are they doing in the ways of Christ,
[01:04:28.960 --> 01:04:38.960]  His comfort in the days of mortal strife.
[01:04:38.960 --> 01:04:47.960]  God save our God, he hath eternal life.
[01:04:47.960 --> 01:04:50.960]  Alleluia!
[01:04:50.960 --> 01:04:53.960]  Alleluia!
[01:04:53.960 --> 01:04:54.960]  Alleluia!
[01:04:58.960 --> 01:05:09.960]  Alleluia!
[01:05:09.960 --> 01:05:13.440]  My beloved brothers and sisters, I
[01:05:13.440 --> 01:05:19.240]  pray that we may be spiritually renewed by the inspired message
[01:05:19.240 --> 01:05:22.800]  from our leaders this weekend and rejoice
[01:05:22.800 --> 01:05:27.000]  in what I love to call covenant confidence through Jesus
[01:05:27.000 --> 01:05:28.560]  Christ.
[01:05:28.560 --> 01:05:32.640]  This confidence is the quiet yet certain assurance
[01:05:32.640 --> 01:05:37.400]  of receiving the blessings that God promises for those who keep
[01:05:37.400 --> 01:05:40.800]  their covenants and is so needed amid the challenging
[01:05:40.800 --> 01:05:44.560]  circumstances of our day.
[01:05:44.560 --> 01:05:47.120]  The construction of new Houses of the Lord
[01:05:47.120 --> 01:05:50.840]  across the world under the inspired leadership
[01:05:50.840 --> 01:05:53.640]  of President Russell M. Nelson has
[01:05:53.640 --> 01:05:56.760]  caused great rejoicing among Church members
[01:05:57.000 --> 01:06:00.200]  and serves as an important symbol of the expansion
[01:06:00.200 --> 01:06:03.120]  of the Lord's kingdom.
[01:06:03.120 --> 01:06:08.720]  Reflecting on my awe experience at the dedication
[01:06:08.720 --> 01:06:11.960]  of the Feather River California Temple last October,
[01:06:11.960 --> 01:06:15.400]  I wondered if sometimes we get lost
[01:06:15.400 --> 01:06:19.040]  in the excitement of having new temples in our cities
[01:06:19.040 --> 01:06:22.720]  and communities and neglect the holier purpose
[01:06:22.720 --> 01:06:26.880]  of the sacred covenants made in the temple.
[01:06:26.880 --> 01:06:29.240]  Described on the front of each temple
[01:06:29.240 --> 01:06:33.120]  is a solemn statement, Holiness to the Lord.
[01:06:33.120 --> 01:06:37.280]  These inspired words are a clear invitation
[01:06:37.280 --> 01:06:40.240]  that when we enter the Lord's house,
[01:06:40.240 --> 01:06:43.320]  we embark on a sacred journey of learning
[01:06:43.320 --> 01:06:46.840]  to become higher and holier disciples of Christ.
[01:06:46.840 --> 01:06:50.320]  As we make covenants in holiness before God
[01:06:50.560 --> 01:06:53.400]  and commit to follow the Savior, we
[01:06:53.400 --> 01:06:57.400]  receive the power to change our hearts, renew our spirits,
[01:06:57.400 --> 01:07:00.360]  and deepen our relationship with Him.
[01:07:00.360 --> 01:07:04.760]  Such an endeavor brings sanctification to our souls
[01:07:04.760 --> 01:07:08.920]  and forms a sacred bond with God and Jesus Christ,
[01:07:08.920 --> 01:07:14.200]  who promised that we can inherit the gift of eternal life.
[01:07:14.200 --> 01:07:16.360]  The result of this sacred journey
[01:07:16.480 --> 01:07:20.600]  is that we obtain a holier and higher confidence
[01:07:20.600 --> 01:07:24.400]  for our day-to-day lives within our covenants
[01:07:24.400 --> 01:07:26.360]  made through Jesus Christ.
[01:07:26.360 --> 01:07:30.480]  Such confidence is the pinnacle of our divine connection
[01:07:30.480 --> 01:07:35.840]  with God and can help us increase our devotion to
[01:07:35.840 --> 01:07:40.360]  and gratitude for Jesus Christ and His Atonement sacrifice.
[01:07:40.360 --> 01:07:44.480]  It fortifies our ability to love and serve others
[01:07:44.680 --> 01:07:47.560]  and strengthens our souls to live
[01:07:47.560 --> 01:07:50.480]  in an unholy world that is increasingly
[01:07:50.480 --> 01:07:52.600]  dark and discouraging.
[01:07:52.600 --> 01:07:57.240]  It empowers us to overcome the seeds of doubt and despair,
[01:07:57.240 --> 01:08:02.120]  fear and frustration, heartache and hopelessness
[01:08:02.120 --> 01:08:06.480]  that the Enemy tries to drive deep into our hearts,
[01:08:06.480 --> 01:08:10.760]  especially when life is hard, trials are long,
[01:08:10.760 --> 01:08:14.000]  or circumstances are difficult.
[01:08:14.000 --> 01:08:19.640]  A biblical verse offers sound advice for each of us
[01:08:19.640 --> 01:08:25.600]  as we lean into the stiff wind of today's worldly challenges.
[01:08:25.600 --> 01:08:30.320]  Quote, "'Cast not away, therefore, your confidence.'"
[01:08:30.320 --> 01:08:36.400]  Dear brothers and sisters, those who gain genuine confidence
[01:08:36.400 --> 01:08:38.960]  in the covenants made in the house of the Lord
[01:08:38.960 --> 01:08:43.600]  through Jesus Christ possess one of the most powerful
[01:08:43.600 --> 01:08:48.600]  forces that we can access in this life.
[01:08:48.600 --> 01:08:51.000]  As we have studied the Book of Mormon in Come,
[01:08:51.000 --> 01:08:55.800]  Follow Me this year, we have witnessed how Nephi beautifully
[01:08:55.800 --> 01:09:00.520]  exemplified the power of this type of covenant confidence
[01:09:00.520 --> 01:09:05.600]  through his faithfulness when he faced setbacks and challenges
[01:09:05.600 --> 01:09:09.080]  like getting the plates as commanded by the Lord.
[01:09:09.680 --> 01:09:13.840]  Nephi, despite being exceedingly sorrowful for the fear
[01:09:13.840 --> 01:09:17.520]  and lack of faith of Laman and Lamuel,
[01:09:17.520 --> 01:09:21.200]  remained confident that the Lord would deliver the plates
[01:09:21.200 --> 01:09:22.120]  to them.
[01:09:22.120 --> 01:09:25.400]  He said unto his brothers, quote,
[01:09:25.400 --> 01:09:29.240]  "'As the Lord liveth, and as we liveth,
[01:09:29.240 --> 01:09:33.320]  we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness
[01:09:33.320 --> 01:09:37.120]  until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath
[01:09:37.120 --> 01:09:40.160]  commanded us.'"
[01:09:40.160 --> 01:09:43.440]  Because of Nephi's confidence in the Lord's promises,
[01:09:43.440 --> 01:09:47.920]  he was able to accomplish what he had been commanded to do.
[01:09:47.920 --> 01:09:52.400]  Later in his vision, Nephi beheld the influence
[01:09:52.400 --> 01:09:54.880]  of this type of confidence, writing,
[01:09:54.880 --> 01:09:58.840]  "'I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God,
[01:09:58.840 --> 01:10:03.320]  that is descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb,
[01:10:03.680 --> 01:10:06.600]  and upon the covenant people of the Lord,
[01:10:06.600 --> 01:10:09.960]  and they were armed with righteousness
[01:10:09.960 --> 01:10:15.000]  and with the power of God in great glory.'"
[01:10:15.000 --> 01:10:18.920]  I have seen firsthand the Lord's loving promises and power
[01:10:18.920 --> 01:10:21.680]  flowing into the lives of God's children,
[01:10:21.680 --> 01:10:25.400]  straightening them to face life's circumstances.
[01:10:25.400 --> 01:10:30.440]  The other day my wife came home after her worship in the temple
[01:10:30.760 --> 01:10:33.640]  and told me how deeply touched she
[01:10:33.640 --> 01:10:42.320]  was by what she experienced there.
[01:10:42.320 --> 01:10:45.040]  As she entered the house of the Lord,
[01:10:45.040 --> 01:10:50.360]  she saw a man in a wheelchair moving very slowly
[01:10:50.360 --> 01:10:54.760]  and a woman walking with great difficulty using a cane,
[01:10:54.760 --> 01:10:59.680]  both courageously coming to worship the Lord in His house.
[01:11:00.160 --> 01:11:03.640]  As my wife walked into the initiatory area,
[01:11:03.640 --> 01:11:07.840]  she saw a sweet sister who was missing one arm
[01:11:07.840 --> 01:11:11.720]  and had only part of another arm, beautifully
[01:11:11.720 --> 01:11:16.720]  and celestially performing any tasks she was given.
[01:11:16.720 --> 01:11:20.240]  As my wife and I talked about that experience,
[01:11:20.240 --> 01:11:25.800]  we concluded that only pure and heartfelt confidence
[01:11:25.800 --> 01:11:28.960]  in the eternal promises God provides
[01:11:28.960 --> 01:11:32.760]  through the holy covenants made with Him in His house
[01:11:32.760 --> 01:11:36.640]  could cause those marvelous disciples of Christ
[01:11:36.640 --> 01:11:40.320]  to leave their homes on that very freezing day,
[01:11:40.320 --> 01:11:44.840]  despite their personal life circumstances.
[01:11:44.840 --> 01:11:49.400]  My dear friends, if there is one thing we could possess
[01:11:49.400 --> 01:11:52.760]  and one thing we could pass on to our children
[01:11:52.760 --> 01:11:57.400]  and grandchildren that would help each in the tests
[01:11:57.400 --> 01:12:00.800]  and trials ahead, it would be the confidence
[01:12:00.800 --> 01:12:03.520]  in the covenants made through Jesus Christ.
[01:12:03.520 --> 01:12:06.280]  Obtaining such a divine possession
[01:12:06.280 --> 01:12:12.000]  will help them live as the Lord promised His faithful followers.
[01:12:12.000 --> 01:12:18.400]  My disciples shall stand in holy places and shall not be moved.
[01:12:18.400 --> 01:12:22.000]  How do we gain such confidence through Jesus Christ?
[01:12:22.560 --> 01:12:26.840]  It comes through humility, centering our lives
[01:12:26.840 --> 01:12:29.440]  on the Savior, living by the principles
[01:12:29.440 --> 01:12:32.200]  of the gospel of Jesus Christ, receiving
[01:12:32.200 --> 01:12:34.880]  the ordinances of salvation and exaltation,
[01:12:34.880 --> 01:12:37.520]  and honoring the covenants we make
[01:12:37.520 --> 01:12:40.640]  with God in His holy house.
[01:12:40.640 --> 01:12:44.960]  In his closing remarks at the October 2019 general conference,
[01:12:44.960 --> 01:12:49.360]  our dear prophet reminded us about an important step
[01:12:49.680 --> 01:12:53.040]  in achieving covenant confidence, saying,
[01:12:53.040 --> 01:12:58.400]  "[Individual worthiness to enter the Lord's house requires
[01:12:58.400 --> 01:13:01.000]  much individual spiritual preparation.
[01:13:01.000 --> 01:13:05.040]  Individual worthiness requires a total conversion of mind
[01:13:05.040 --> 01:13:10.560]  and heart to be more like the Lord, to be an honest citizen,
[01:13:10.560 --> 01:13:17.240]  to be a better example, and to be a holier person."
[01:13:17.240 --> 01:13:20.560]  Therefore, if we change our preparation
[01:13:20.560 --> 01:13:24.160]  to enter the temple, we will change our experience
[01:13:24.160 --> 01:13:29.040]  in the temple, which will transform our lives outside
[01:13:29.040 --> 01:13:30.120]  of the temple.
[01:13:30.120 --> 01:13:35.160]  Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God,
[01:13:35.160 --> 01:13:37.240]  and the doctrine of the priesthood
[01:13:37.240 --> 01:13:43.000]  shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."
[01:13:43.000 --> 01:13:46.760]  A bishop I know refers to the oldest class in Primary,
[01:13:47.040 --> 01:13:53.080]  not as a Primary class but as a temple-preparation class.
[01:13:53.080 --> 01:13:56.240]  In January, the bishop has the class members
[01:13:56.240 --> 01:13:58.600]  and their teachers come to his office,
[01:13:58.600 --> 01:14:02.920]  where they talk about how they will spend the entire year
[01:14:02.920 --> 01:14:05.160]  preparing to enter the temple.
[01:14:05.160 --> 01:14:08.600]  The bishop takes time to go through the applicable temple
[01:14:08.600 --> 01:14:11.920]  recommend interview questions, which are then
[01:14:11.920 --> 01:14:14.440]  included in their Primary lessons.
[01:14:14.880 --> 01:14:17.360]  He invites the children to be prepared
[01:14:17.360 --> 01:14:23.520]  so that when they come to the bishop's office in one year,
[01:14:23.520 --> 01:14:27.480]  they will be confident, covenant confident,
[01:14:27.480 --> 01:14:30.240]  ready to receive a temple recommend
[01:14:30.240 --> 01:14:32.280]  and enter the Lord's house.
[01:14:32.280 --> 01:14:35.960]  This year, the bishop had four young girls
[01:14:35.960 --> 01:14:40.400]  who were so excited, prepared, and confident to go
[01:14:40.400 --> 01:14:43.640]  to the temple that they want the bishop to print
[01:14:43.640 --> 01:14:50.480]  their recommends on New Year's Day at 12.01 a.m.
[01:14:50.480 --> 01:14:54.240]  Preparation isn't just for those going to the temple
[01:14:54.240 --> 01:14:55.840]  for the first time.
[01:14:55.840 --> 01:14:59.240]  We all should be perpetually preparing
[01:14:59.240 --> 01:15:01.360]  to go to the house of the Lord.
[01:15:01.360 --> 01:15:04.600]  One stake I know has adopted the motto
[01:15:04.600 --> 01:15:09.280]  Home-Centered, Church-Supported, and Temple-Bound.
[01:15:09.840 --> 01:15:14.520]  Bound is an interesting word in that it means focused
[01:15:14.520 --> 01:15:18.960]  on a direction, but it also means fastened or secured
[01:15:18.960 --> 01:15:22.280]  by, resolved, and determined, sure.
[01:15:22.280 --> 01:15:26.720]  So being temple-bound secures us to the Savior,
[01:15:26.720 --> 01:15:30.000]  gives us proper direction and stability
[01:15:30.000 --> 01:15:35.000]  while ensuring we have covenant confidence through Jesus Christ.
[01:15:35.520 --> 01:15:39.080]  Therefore, all of us should intentionally
[01:15:39.080 --> 01:15:43.280]  enhance such binding by having our next appointment
[01:15:43.280 --> 01:15:46.040]  scheduled with the Lord in His holy house,
[01:15:46.040 --> 01:15:50.000]  whether the temple is near or far away.
[01:15:50.000 --> 01:15:52.240]  Our dear prophet, President Russell M. Nelson,
[01:15:52.240 --> 01:15:56.800]  reminds us about these vital principles by saying,
[01:15:56.800 --> 01:16:01.480]  "...the temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith
[01:16:01.720 --> 01:16:06.360]  and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine
[01:16:06.360 --> 01:16:09.360]  are at the very heart of the temple.
[01:16:09.360 --> 01:16:12.960]  Everything taught in the temple, through instruction
[01:16:12.960 --> 01:16:16.520]  and through the Spirit, increases our understanding
[01:16:16.520 --> 01:16:18.000]  of Jesus Christ.
[01:16:18.000 --> 01:16:21.640]  His essential ordinances bind us to Him
[01:16:21.640 --> 01:16:24.480]  through sacred priesthood covenants.
[01:16:24.480 --> 01:16:30.080]  Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing,
[01:16:30.360 --> 01:16:36.000]  strengthening power and awe, how we all need His power
[01:16:36.000 --> 01:16:40.120]  in the days ahead."
[01:16:40.120 --> 01:16:44.120]  The Savior desires that we become prepared to understand
[01:16:44.120 --> 01:16:49.560]  with great clarity exactly how to act as we make covenants
[01:16:49.560 --> 01:16:52.520]  with our Heavenly Father in His name.
[01:16:52.520 --> 01:16:57.000]  He wants us to be prepared to experience our privileges,
[01:16:57.240 --> 01:17:01.040]  promises, and responsibilities, to be prepared to have
[01:17:01.040 --> 01:17:04.840]  the spiritual insights and awakenings that we
[01:17:04.840 --> 01:17:06.480]  need in this life.
[01:17:06.480 --> 01:17:12.200]  I know that when the Lord sees even a spark of desire
[01:17:12.200 --> 01:17:16.120]  or a flicker of righteous effort in our willingness
[01:17:16.120 --> 01:17:20.720]  to center our lives on Him and on the ordinances and covenants
[01:17:20.720 --> 01:17:26.040]  we make in His house, He will bless us in His perfect way
[01:17:26.320 --> 01:17:29.720]  with the miracles and tender mercies we need.
[01:17:30.760 --> 01:17:34.200]  The house of the Lord is where we can be transformed
[01:17:34.200 --> 01:17:36.640]  in higher and holier ways.
[01:17:36.640 --> 01:17:41.000]  So when we walk out of the temple, transformed
[01:17:41.000 --> 01:17:44.640]  by our hope in the promises of the covenants,
[01:17:44.640 --> 01:17:47.600]  armed with the power from on high,
[01:17:47.600 --> 01:17:52.360]  we take the temple with us into our homes and lives.
[01:17:52.880 --> 01:17:55.960]  I assure you that having the Spirit of the Lord's house
[01:17:55.960 --> 01:18:01.000]  in us changes us completely.
[01:18:01.000 --> 01:18:04.440]  We also know from the temple that if we want the Spirit
[01:18:04.440 --> 01:18:07.440]  of the Lord to be unrestrained in our lives,
[01:18:07.440 --> 01:18:11.520]  we simply cannot and must not have unkind feelings
[01:18:11.520 --> 01:18:13.000]  toward anyone.
[01:18:13.000 --> 01:18:17.600]  Giving place in our hearts or minds for unkind feelings
[01:18:17.600 --> 01:18:21.920]  or thoughts will produce unkind words and actions.
[01:18:22.200 --> 01:18:25.480]  Whether on social media or in our homes,
[01:18:25.480 --> 01:18:30.560]  causing the Spirit of the Lord to withdraw from our hearts.
[01:18:30.560 --> 01:18:35.120]  Therefore, please cast not away your confidence,
[01:18:35.120 --> 01:18:39.760]  but rather let your confidence wax strong.
[01:18:39.760 --> 01:18:42.760]  The ongoing and accelerating building of temples
[01:18:42.760 --> 01:18:46.520]  will continue to excite, inspire, and bless us.
[01:18:46.520 --> 01:18:50.640]  Yet more important, as we change our preparation
[01:18:50.640 --> 01:18:54.320]  to enter the temple, we will change our experience
[01:18:54.320 --> 01:18:58.400]  in the temple, which will transform our lives outside
[01:18:58.400 --> 01:18:59.400]  of the temple.
[01:18:59.400 --> 01:19:03.000]  May this transformation fill us with confidence
[01:19:03.000 --> 01:19:07.440]  in our holy covenants made with God through Jesus Christ.
[01:19:07.440 --> 01:19:13.280]  God lives, Jesus is our Savior, and this
[01:19:13.280 --> 01:19:15.960]  is His restored Church on earth.
[01:19:15.960 --> 01:19:18.720]  I reverently declare these truths
[01:19:18.960 --> 01:19:22.800]  in the sacred name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:19:34.360 --> 01:19:37.400]  In the closing hours of the Savior's ministry,
[01:19:37.400 --> 01:19:41.920]  He went to the Mount of Olives into a garden called Gethsemane
[01:19:41.920 --> 01:19:45.480]  and invited His disciples to wait.
[01:19:46.240 --> 01:19:49.280]  Now alone, He petitioned His Father,
[01:19:49.280 --> 01:19:54.560]  "'If thou be willing, remove this cup from me.'"
[01:19:54.560 --> 01:19:58.280]  Being in agony, His suffering caused Him,
[01:19:58.280 --> 01:20:03.640]  even God the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain
[01:20:03.640 --> 01:20:07.280]  and to bleed at every pore, and would
[01:20:07.280 --> 01:20:12.720]  that He might not drink the bitter cup and shriek.
[01:20:12.720 --> 01:20:14.800]  Yet in the moment of deep despair,
[01:20:14.800 --> 01:20:19.440]  the Savior did not shrink, but partook and finished
[01:20:19.440 --> 01:20:24.160]  His preparations unto the children of men.
[01:20:24.160 --> 01:20:26.240]  As the Only Begotten of the Father,
[01:20:26.240 --> 01:20:31.240]  Jesus Christ had power over death, pain, and suffering,
[01:20:31.240 --> 01:20:33.440]  but did not shrink.
[01:20:33.440 --> 01:20:37.200]  He fulfilled the covenant He made with His Father
[01:20:37.200 --> 01:20:41.760]  and in doing so manifest a Christlike attribute,
[01:20:42.040 --> 01:20:45.480]  increasingly important in the world in which we live,
[01:20:45.480 --> 01:20:48.840]  the attribute of integrity.
[01:20:48.840 --> 01:20:53.440]  He remained true to God, to each of us,
[01:20:53.440 --> 01:20:57.640]  and to His divine identity.
[01:20:57.640 --> 01:21:00.960]  Jesus Christ is our Exemplar.
[01:21:00.960 --> 01:21:03.920]  Living a life of integrity requires
[01:21:03.920 --> 01:21:07.320]  us to be true to God, to each other,
[01:21:07.320 --> 01:21:10.920]  and to our divine identity.
[01:21:10.920 --> 01:21:15.120]  Integrity flows from the first great commandment to love God.
[01:21:15.120 --> 01:21:20.000]  Because you love God, you are true to Him at all times.
[01:21:20.000 --> 01:21:23.520]  You understand that there is right and wrong
[01:21:23.520 --> 01:21:28.360]  and there is absolute truth, God's truth.
[01:21:28.360 --> 01:21:32.840]  Integrity means we do not lower our standards or behavior
[01:21:32.840 --> 01:21:36.480]  to impress or to be accepted by others.
[01:21:36.960 --> 01:21:41.480]  You do what is right and let the consequence follow.
[01:21:41.480 --> 01:21:46.120]  Recent revisions to the Preach My Gospel missionary manual
[01:21:46.120 --> 01:21:52.440]  notably added integrity as a Christlike attribute.
[01:21:52.440 --> 01:21:55.120]  A number of years ago, Elder Uchtdorf
[01:21:55.120 --> 01:21:58.200]  was assigned to reorganize our stake.
[01:21:58.200 --> 01:22:01.160]  During our interview, he asked me a question
[01:22:01.160 --> 01:22:03.040]  I have not forgotten.
[01:22:03.720 --> 01:22:06.160]  Has there been anything in your life
[01:22:06.160 --> 01:22:09.000]  that, if brought to the attention of the public,
[01:22:09.000 --> 01:22:13.840]  would be an embarrassment to you or the Church?
[01:22:13.840 --> 01:22:19.400]  Surprised, my mind quickly raced over my entire life,
[01:22:19.400 --> 01:22:24.080]  trying to recall those moments when I may have fallen short
[01:22:24.080 --> 01:22:29.680]  and asking myself, if others knew everything I had done,
[01:22:30.160 --> 01:22:33.560]  what would they think of me or the Church?
[01:22:33.560 --> 01:22:37.320]  In the moment, I thought Elder Uchtdorf was only
[01:22:37.320 --> 01:22:40.400]  asking about worthiness, but I have
[01:22:40.400 --> 01:22:46.040]  come to understand it was really a question about integrity.
[01:22:46.040 --> 01:22:49.480]  Was I true to what I professed?
[01:22:49.480 --> 01:22:55.680]  Would the world see consistency between my words and my deeds?
[01:22:56.200 --> 01:23:00.640]  Would others see God through my conduct?
[01:23:00.640 --> 01:23:03.320]  President Spencer W. Kimball has taught,
[01:23:03.320 --> 01:23:06.200]  integrity is our willingness and ability
[01:23:06.200 --> 01:23:10.720]  to live by our beliefs and our commitments.
[01:23:10.720 --> 01:23:14.680]  A life of integrity requires us to first and foremost
[01:23:14.680 --> 01:23:17.240]  be true to God.
[01:23:17.240 --> 01:23:19.520]  From early childhood, we learned the story
[01:23:19.520 --> 01:23:21.760]  of Daniel in the lion's den.
[01:23:22.280 --> 01:23:25.440]  Daniel was always true to God.
[01:23:25.440 --> 01:23:29.560]  His jealous peers sought to find occasion against him
[01:23:29.560 --> 01:23:34.840]  and contrived a decree mandating prayers to their gods alone.
[01:23:34.840 --> 01:23:39.400]  Daniel knew of the decree but went home,
[01:23:39.400 --> 01:23:42.960]  with his windows being opened, knelt,
[01:23:42.960 --> 01:23:48.280]  and prayed three times a day to the God of Israel.
[01:23:48.280 --> 01:23:53.640]  As a result, Daniel was cast into the lion's den.
[01:23:53.640 --> 01:23:56.240]  On the morn, the king found Daniel's god
[01:23:56.240 --> 01:24:00.480]  had delivered him and issued a new decree
[01:24:00.480 --> 01:24:05.960]  that all should tremble in fear before the God of Daniel,
[01:24:05.960 --> 01:24:09.800]  for He is the living God.
[01:24:09.800 --> 01:24:14.960]  The king came to know God through Daniel's integrity.
[01:24:14.960 --> 01:24:20.320]  Others see God through ours, words and deeds.
[01:24:20.320 --> 01:24:24.200]  Just like Daniel, being true to God
[01:24:24.200 --> 01:24:29.000]  will increasingly set us apart from the world.
[01:24:29.000 --> 01:24:31.800]  The Savior reminds us that in the world
[01:24:31.800 --> 01:24:33.880]  ye shall have tribulation.
[01:24:33.880 --> 01:24:39.440]  But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
[01:24:39.440 --> 01:24:42.840]  President Nelson counseled that overcoming the world
[01:24:43.080 --> 01:24:45.720]  means overcoming the temptation to care more
[01:24:45.720 --> 01:24:49.600]  about the things of this world than the things of God.
[01:24:49.600 --> 01:24:52.600]  It means trusting the doctrine of Christ
[01:24:52.600 --> 01:24:54.840]  more than the philosophies of man.
[01:24:54.840 --> 01:24:59.400]  Likewise, we must resist the temptation
[01:24:59.400 --> 01:25:05.240]  to walk in our own way after the image of our own God, whose
[01:25:05.240 --> 01:25:09.520]  image is in the likeness of the world.
[01:25:09.520 --> 01:25:11.480]  The oppositional pull of this world
[01:25:11.480 --> 01:25:14.760]  is an essential part of God's plan of salvation.
[01:25:14.760 --> 01:25:18.520]  How we respond to the pull is the essence
[01:25:18.520 --> 01:25:22.840]  of who we are, a measure of our integrity.
[01:25:22.840 --> 01:25:25.520]  The worldly pull can be as direct
[01:25:25.520 --> 01:25:28.320]  as to destroy fidelity in marriage
[01:25:28.320 --> 01:25:32.320]  or as subtle as posting anonymous comments critical
[01:25:32.320 --> 01:25:34.720]  of Church doctrine or culture.
[01:25:34.720 --> 01:25:38.400]  Exercising integrity in our choices
[01:25:38.600 --> 01:25:41.680]  is an outward expression of an inner commitment
[01:25:41.680 --> 01:25:45.760]  to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ.
[01:25:45.760 --> 01:25:48.800]  Just as integrity flows from the first great commandment
[01:25:48.800 --> 01:25:53.400]  to love God, being true to each other's flows from the second,
[01:25:53.400 --> 01:25:56.600]  to love our neighbors as ourselves.
[01:25:56.600 --> 01:26:00.800]  A life of integrity is not a life of perfection.
[01:26:00.800 --> 01:26:03.800]  It is a life in which we strive every day
[01:26:03.800 --> 01:26:08.200]  to foremost be true to God and, within that context,
[01:26:08.200 --> 01:26:10.800]  to be true to others.
[01:26:10.800 --> 01:26:13.760]  President Oaks reminds us, our zeal
[01:26:13.760 --> 01:26:16.240]  to keep the second commandment must not
[01:26:16.240 --> 01:26:19.720]  cause us to forget the first.
[01:26:19.720 --> 01:26:23.240]  The world increasingly grapples with integrity
[01:26:23.240 --> 01:26:27.520]  by imposing codes of conduct or ethical rules that
[01:26:27.520 --> 01:26:31.520]  govern the relationships between people and institutions.
[01:26:31.520 --> 01:26:35.040]  While good, these rules are generally not
[01:26:35.040 --> 01:26:37.960]  anchored in absolute truth and tend
[01:26:37.960 --> 01:26:41.400]  to evolve based on cultural acceptance.
[01:26:41.400 --> 01:26:45.000]  Similar to the question posed by Elder Uchtdorf,
[01:26:45.000 --> 01:26:48.000]  some organizations train employees
[01:26:48.000 --> 01:26:52.360]  to consider what their decisions or decision-making process
[01:26:52.360 --> 01:26:55.720]  would look like if published online
[01:26:55.720 --> 01:26:59.760]  or on the front page of a major newspaper.
[01:26:59.760 --> 01:27:03.520]  As the Church comes out of obscurity and darkness,
[01:27:04.040 --> 01:27:09.920]  we, like Daniel, must rise above the worldly expectations
[01:27:09.920 --> 01:27:13.920]  and become the face of the true and living God
[01:27:13.920 --> 01:27:17.440]  at all times and in all places.
[01:27:17.440 --> 01:27:23.360]  Saying we have integrity is insufficient if our actions are
[01:27:23.360 --> 01:27:25.960]  inconsistent with our words.
[01:27:25.960 --> 01:27:31.960]  Likewise, Christian kindness is not a substitute for integrity.
[01:27:33.880 --> 01:27:38.400]  As a covenant people and as leaders of His Church,
[01:27:38.400 --> 01:27:43.360]  we must be beyond reproach and align with the standards
[01:27:43.360 --> 01:27:45.080]  the Lord has set.
[01:27:45.080 --> 01:27:49.240]  Acting with integrity builds faith and trust
[01:27:49.240 --> 01:27:52.680]  and reassures others that we seek only
[01:27:52.680 --> 01:27:54.560]  to do the will of the Lord.
[01:27:54.560 --> 01:27:58.760]  In our counsels, we resist outside influences
[01:27:58.760 --> 01:28:01.320]  and follow the Lord's revealed process,
[01:28:01.320 --> 01:28:05.240]  seeking insights from each woman and man
[01:28:05.240 --> 01:28:10.080]  and acting consistent with the inspired counsel received.
[01:28:10.080 --> 01:28:14.000]  Our focus is on the Savior, and we
[01:28:14.000 --> 01:28:16.920]  are careful to avoid actions that
[01:28:16.920 --> 01:28:20.400]  may be perceived as serving our own interests,
[01:28:20.400 --> 01:28:24.480]  benefiting our family, or favoring someone
[01:28:24.480 --> 01:28:26.760]  at the expense of another.
[01:28:27.280 --> 01:28:31.080]  We go out of our way to avoid any perception
[01:28:31.080 --> 01:28:34.000]  that our actions may be influenced
[01:28:34.000 --> 01:28:38.920]  by the honors of men, to receive personal recognition,
[01:28:38.920 --> 01:28:45.040]  generate more likes, to be quoted or published.
[01:28:45.040 --> 01:28:48.760]  Finally, a life of integrity requires
[01:28:48.760 --> 01:28:52.280]  us to be true to our divine identity.
[01:28:52.280 --> 01:28:56.120]  We know some who are not.
[01:28:56.120 --> 01:29:00.280]  Of particular significance is the Antichrist Korihor,
[01:29:00.280 --> 01:29:06.000]  who led away the hearts of many, appealing to their carnal mind.
[01:29:06.000 --> 01:29:11.720]  Yet in the final moments of his life, he confessed,
[01:29:11.720 --> 01:29:16.280]  I always knew that there was a God.
[01:29:16.280 --> 01:29:19.680]  President Eyring has taught that lying
[01:29:19.680 --> 01:29:24.880]  is contrary to the nature of our spirit, our divine identity.
[01:29:26.520 --> 01:29:32.480]  Korihor deceived himself, and the truth was not in him.
[01:29:32.480 --> 01:29:37.800]  In contrast, the Prophet Joseph Smith confidently proclaimed,
[01:29:37.800 --> 01:29:44.200]  I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny
[01:29:44.200 --> 01:29:45.720]  it.
[01:29:45.720 --> 01:29:48.440]  Joseph's brother Hyrum was loved by the Lord
[01:29:48.440 --> 01:29:51.000]  because of the integrity of his heart.
[01:29:51.000 --> 01:29:54.240]  He and Joseph remained true to the end,
[01:29:54.640 --> 01:29:59.160]  true to their divine identity, the light and knowledge
[01:29:59.160 --> 01:30:02.360]  they received, and true to the person
[01:30:02.360 --> 01:30:04.400]  they knew they could become.
[01:30:04.400 --> 01:30:10.400]  May we reconcile ourselves to the will of God
[01:30:10.400 --> 01:30:15.040]  and develop the Christlike attribute of integrity.
[01:30:15.040 --> 01:30:20.200]  May we follow our Exemplar, the Savior of the world,
[01:30:20.680 --> 01:30:24.400]  and not shrink but live a life that
[01:30:24.400 --> 01:30:29.400]  is true to God, to each other, and to our divine identity.
[01:30:29.400 --> 01:30:35.280]  As Job said, let me be weighed in an even balance
[01:30:35.280 --> 01:30:38.720]  that God may know mine integrity.
[01:30:38.720 --> 01:30:43.040]  In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:30:50.200 --> 01:30:56.920]  We express gratitude to the Tabernacle Choir
[01:30:56.920 --> 01:31:00.080]  at Temple Square for the beautiful music
[01:31:00.080 --> 01:31:02.400]  they have provided this morning.
[01:31:02.400 --> 01:31:05.320]  The choir will now favor us with,
[01:31:05.320 --> 01:31:08.680]  I Know That My Savior Loves Me.
[01:31:08.680 --> 01:31:12.040]  Our concluding speaker for this session
[01:31:12.040 --> 01:31:16.440]  will be President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor
[01:31:16.440 --> 01:31:18.720]  in the First Presidency.
[01:31:19.480 --> 01:31:23.040]  Following his remarks, the choir will close this meeting
[01:31:23.040 --> 01:31:27.240]  by singing, We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.
[01:31:27.240 --> 01:31:31.280]  The benediction will then be offered by Elder Mark D.
[01:31:31.280 --> 01:31:32.880]  Eddy of the Seventy.
[01:31:48.720 --> 01:31:53.720]  We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet!
[01:31:53.720 --> 01:31:58.680]  We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet!
[01:31:58.680 --> 01:32:04.160]  We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet!
[01:32:04.160 --> 01:32:10.120]  A long time ago, in a beautiful place,
[01:32:10.120 --> 01:32:15.620]  Children were gathered round Jesus.
[01:32:16.020 --> 01:32:21.020]  He blessed and taught as they felt of His love.
[01:32:21.020 --> 01:32:26.020]  Each saw the tears on His face.
[01:32:26.020 --> 01:32:33.020]  The love that He felt for His little ones,
[01:32:33.020 --> 01:32:39.020]  I know He feels for me.
[01:32:39.020 --> 01:32:45.020]  I did not touch Him or sit on His knee,
[01:32:45.420 --> 01:32:52.420]  Yet Jesus is real to me.
[01:32:52.420 --> 01:32:58.420]  I know He lives.
[01:32:58.420 --> 01:33:05.420]  I will follow faithfully.
[01:33:05.420 --> 01:33:11.420]  My heart I give to Him.
[01:33:11.820 --> 01:33:15.820]  I know that my Savior loves me.
[01:33:15.820 --> 01:33:44.820]  Now I am here in a beautiful place,
[01:33:44.820 --> 01:33:50.820]  Listening to the teachings of Jesus.
[01:33:50.820 --> 01:33:56.820]  Parents and teachers will help guide the way,
[01:33:56.820 --> 01:34:03.820]  Lighting my path every day.
[01:34:03.820 --> 01:34:09.820]  Wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love,
[01:34:09.820 --> 01:34:15.820]  I feel His gentle touch.
[01:34:15.820 --> 01:34:21.820]  Living each day I will follow His way,
[01:34:21.820 --> 01:34:28.820]  Home to my Father above.
[01:34:28.820 --> 01:34:35.820]  I know He lives.
[01:34:35.820 --> 01:34:41.820]  I will follow faithfully.
[01:34:41.820 --> 01:34:48.820]  My heart I give to Him.
[01:34:48.820 --> 01:34:52.820]  I know that my Savior loves me.
[01:34:53.820 --> 01:34:59.820]  I know He lives.
[01:34:59.820 --> 01:35:07.820]  I will follow faithfully.
[01:35:07.820 --> 01:35:14.820]  My heart I give to Him.
[01:35:14.820 --> 01:35:21.820]  I know that my Savior loves me.
[01:35:21.820 --> 01:35:28.820]  I know that my Savior loves me.
[01:35:28.820 --> 01:35:41.820]  I know that my Savior loves me.
[01:35:41.820 --> 01:35:56.820]  I know He lives.
[01:35:56.820 --> 01:36:20.820]  I know He lives.
[01:36:20.820 --> 01:36:24.700]  My beloved brothers and sisters, this session
[01:36:24.700 --> 01:36:30.900]  of general conference has been, for me, a sacred time.
[01:36:30.900 --> 01:36:34.140]  I am grateful for the assignment to speak
[01:36:34.140 --> 01:36:37.060]  to the millions of Latter-day Saints
[01:36:37.060 --> 01:36:40.860]  and our friends across the world.
[01:36:40.860 --> 01:36:46.500]  I love you, and I know the Lord loves you.
[01:36:46.500 --> 01:36:50.340]  Over 50 years ago, I had the privilege
[01:36:50.340 --> 01:36:55.860]  to serve as the president of Ricks College in Rexburg,
[01:36:55.860 --> 01:36:57.260]  Idaho.
[01:36:57.260 --> 01:37:05.180]  On the morning of June 5, 1976, my wife, Kathy,
[01:37:05.180 --> 01:37:11.180]  and I drove from Rexburg to the Idaho Falls Temple
[01:37:11.180 --> 01:37:16.540]  to attend the sealing of a close friend.
[01:37:16.580 --> 01:37:21.300]  Of course, with four young boys in our home at the time,
[01:37:21.300 --> 01:37:25.500]  our temple trip could be only accomplished
[01:37:25.500 --> 01:37:30.820]  with the help of a courageous babysitter.
[01:37:30.820 --> 01:37:34.340]  We left our precious children in her care
[01:37:34.340 --> 01:37:39.060]  and made the short 30-minute drive.
[01:37:39.060 --> 01:37:42.460]  Our experience in the temple that day
[01:37:42.780 --> 01:37:46.580]  was wonderful, as it always was.
[01:37:46.580 --> 01:37:52.060]  However, after the conclusion of the temple sealing
[01:37:52.060 --> 01:37:57.300]  and as we were preparing to return home,
[01:37:57.300 --> 01:38:03.340]  we noticed many temple workers and patrons nervously
[01:38:03.340 --> 01:38:08.820]  conversing in the lobby of the temple.
[01:38:08.820 --> 01:38:12.380]  Within moments, one of the temple workers
[01:38:12.380 --> 01:38:16.860]  told us that the newly constructed Teton
[01:38:16.860 --> 01:38:22.900]  Dam in eastern Idaho had collapsed.
[01:38:22.900 --> 01:38:27.140]  More than 80 billion gallons of water
[01:38:27.140 --> 01:38:33.060]  were flowing through the dam and into the 300 square miles
[01:38:33.060 --> 01:38:36.380]  of neighboring valleys.
[01:38:36.380 --> 01:38:41.020]  Much of the city of Rexburg was underwater,
[01:38:41.020 --> 01:38:47.940]  with homes and vehicles carried away by floodwaters.
[01:38:47.940 --> 01:38:52.660]  Two-thirds of the 9,000 residents
[01:38:52.660 --> 01:38:56.660]  were suddenly homeless.
[01:38:56.660 --> 01:39:01.860]  As you might imagine, our thoughts and concerns
[01:39:01.860 --> 01:39:06.980]  turned to the safety of our dear children,
[01:39:06.980 --> 01:39:11.620]  hundreds of college students and faculty,
[01:39:11.620 --> 01:39:16.020]  and a community we loved.
[01:39:16.020 --> 01:39:21.660]  We were less than 30 miles from home, and yet on this day,
[01:39:21.660 --> 01:39:26.500]  long before cell phones and text messaging,
[01:39:26.500 --> 01:39:30.740]  we had no way of communicating immediately
[01:39:30.740 --> 01:39:36.700]  with our children, nor could we make the drive from Idaho Falls
[01:39:36.700 --> 01:39:41.020]  to Rexburg, as all the roads had been closed.
[01:39:43.660 --> 01:39:50.620]  Our only option was to stay the night in a local motel in Idaho
[01:39:50.620 --> 01:39:52.980]  Falls.
[01:39:52.980 --> 01:39:57.620]  Kathy and I knelt together in our motel room
[01:39:57.620 --> 01:40:01.220]  and humbly pleaded with Heavenly Father
[01:40:01.220 --> 01:40:05.380]  for the safety of our dear children
[01:40:05.380 --> 01:40:12.260]  and the thousands of others affected by the tragic event.
[01:40:12.260 --> 01:40:16.540]  I recall Kathy pacing the floors into the early hours
[01:40:16.540 --> 01:40:21.860]  of the morning with worry about her children.
[01:40:21.860 --> 01:40:27.420]  To cite my own concerns, I was able to put my mind at ease
[01:40:27.420 --> 01:40:30.860]  and fall asleep.
[01:40:30.860 --> 01:40:35.900]  It wasn't long thereafter that my sweet, eternal companion
[01:40:35.900 --> 01:40:38.340]  woke me and said,
[01:40:38.340 --> 01:40:45.740]  "'Hal, how can you sleep at a time like this?'
[01:40:45.740 --> 01:40:50.940]  These words then came clearly to my heart and mind.
[01:40:50.940 --> 01:40:53.740]  And so I said to my wife,
[01:40:53.740 --> 01:40:59.900]  "'Kathy, whatever the outcome, all will be well.
[01:40:59.900 --> 01:41:05.260]  Because of the temple, we have made covenants with God
[01:41:05.260 --> 01:41:12.420]  and have been sealed as an eternal family.'"
[01:41:12.420 --> 01:41:16.620]  At that moment, it was as if the Spirit of the Lord
[01:41:16.620 --> 01:41:20.260]  confirmed in our hearts and minds
[01:41:20.260 --> 01:41:24.500]  what we both knew already to be true.
[01:41:24.500 --> 01:41:29.900]  The sealing ordinances, found only in the house of the Lord
[01:41:29.900 --> 01:41:34.380]  and administered by proper priesthood authority,
[01:41:34.380 --> 01:41:38.860]  had bound us together as husband and wife,
[01:41:38.860 --> 01:41:43.700]  and our children had been sealed to us.
[01:41:43.700 --> 01:41:48.700]  There truly was no need to fear,
[01:41:48.700 --> 01:41:55.300]  and we were grateful later to learn that our boys were safe.
[01:41:55.300 --> 01:42:00.140]  Perhaps this statement from President Thomas S. Monson
[01:42:00.140 --> 01:42:03.780]  best illustrates what Kathy and I felt
[01:42:03.780 --> 01:42:07.220]  on that unforgettable night.
[01:42:07.220 --> 01:42:08.700]  Quote,
[01:42:08.700 --> 01:42:13.660]  "'As we attend the temple, there can come to us
[01:42:13.660 --> 01:42:19.580]  a dimension of spirituality, a feeling of peace.
[01:42:19.580 --> 01:42:24.700]  We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior
[01:42:24.700 --> 01:42:27.060]  when He said,
[01:42:27.060 --> 01:42:29.100]  "'Peace I leave with you.
[01:42:29.100 --> 01:42:32.180]  My peace I give unto you.
[01:42:32.180 --> 01:42:34.620]  Let not your heart be troubled,
[01:42:34.620 --> 01:42:37.340]  neither let it be afraid.'"
[01:42:37.340 --> 01:42:40.580]  End quote.
[01:42:40.580 --> 01:42:44.380]  I have been blessed to feel that peace every time
[01:42:44.380 --> 01:42:46.100]  I enter the sacred temple.
[01:42:49.420 --> 01:42:54.340]  I recall the first day I walked into the Salt Lake Temple.
[01:42:54.340 --> 01:42:56.820]  I was a young man.
[01:42:56.820 --> 01:43:01.060]  I looked up at a high, white ceiling
[01:43:01.060 --> 01:43:05.060]  that made the room so light it seemed almost
[01:43:05.060 --> 01:43:09.180]  as if it were open to the sky.
[01:43:09.180 --> 01:43:16.540]  And in that moment, the thought came into my mind in clear words,
[01:43:16.540 --> 01:43:21.300]  I have been in this lighted place before.
[01:43:21.300 --> 01:43:26.780]  But that immediately came into my mind in my own,
[01:43:26.780 --> 01:43:30.140]  not in my own voice, these words,
[01:43:30.140 --> 01:43:34.580]  no, you have never been here before.
[01:43:34.580 --> 01:43:38.860]  You are remembering a moment before you were born.
[01:43:38.860 --> 01:43:46.820]  You were in a sacred place like this, where the Lord could come.
[01:43:46.820 --> 01:43:50.180]  Brothers and sisters, I humbly testify
[01:43:50.180 --> 01:43:52.660]  that as we attend the temple, we can
[01:43:52.660 --> 01:43:57.540]  be reminded of the eternal nature of our spirits,
[01:43:57.540 --> 01:44:02.660]  our relationship with the Father and His Divine Son,
[01:44:02.660 --> 01:44:10.100]  and our ultimate desire to return to our heavenly home.
[01:44:10.100 --> 01:44:15.980]  In recent conference addresses, President Russell M. Nelson
[01:44:15.980 --> 01:44:20.260]  taught, the safest place to be spiritually
[01:44:20.260 --> 01:44:24.540]  is living inside your temple covenants.
[01:44:24.540 --> 01:44:27.340]  Everything we believe and every promise
[01:44:27.340 --> 01:44:30.340]  God has made to His covenant people
[01:44:30.340 --> 01:44:33.620]  come together in the temple.
[01:44:33.620 --> 01:44:39.060]  Each person who makes covenants in temples and keeps them
[01:44:39.060 --> 01:44:46.420]  has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ."
[01:44:46.420 --> 01:44:51.820]  He also taught that once we make a covenant with God,
[01:44:51.820 --> 01:44:55.900]  we leave neutral ground forever.
[01:44:55.900 --> 01:44:59.020]  God will not abandon His relationship
[01:44:59.020 --> 01:45:04.300]  with those who have forged such a bond with Him.
[01:45:04.300 --> 01:45:08.420]  In fact, all those who have made a covenant with God
[01:45:08.420 --> 01:45:13.780]  have access to a special kind of love and mercy.
[01:45:16.500 --> 01:45:20.020]  Under President Nelson's inspired leadership,
[01:45:20.020 --> 01:45:21.900]  the Lord has accelerated and will
[01:45:21.900 --> 01:45:25.500]  continue to accelerate the building of temples
[01:45:25.500 --> 01:45:29.060]  across the world.
[01:45:29.060 --> 01:45:33.340]  This will allow all of God's children the opportunity
[01:45:33.340 --> 01:45:39.140]  to receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation
[01:45:39.140 --> 01:45:42.620]  and to make and keep sacred covenants.
[01:45:42.620 --> 01:45:46.900]  Qualifying to make sacred covenants
[01:45:47.260 --> 01:45:52.860]  is not a one-time effort but a lifetime pattern.
[01:45:52.860 --> 01:45:57.300]  The Lord has said it will take our full heart,
[01:45:57.300 --> 01:46:01.780]  might, mind, and strength.
[01:46:01.780 --> 01:46:06.340]  Frequent participation in the ordinances of the temple
[01:46:06.340 --> 01:46:12.020]  can create a pattern of devotion to the Lord.
[01:46:12.620 --> 01:46:16.940]  When you keep your temple covenants, you remember them.
[01:46:16.940 --> 01:46:20.660]  You invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost
[01:46:20.660 --> 01:46:24.100]  to both strengthen and purify you.
[01:46:26.940 --> 01:46:33.180]  You may then experience a feeling of light and hope,
[01:46:33.180 --> 01:46:37.340]  testifying that the promises are true.
[01:46:37.340 --> 01:46:41.860]  You will come to know that every covenant with God
[01:46:42.220 --> 01:46:46.620]  is an opportunity to draw closer to Him,
[01:46:46.620 --> 01:46:50.780]  which will then create a desire in your heart
[01:46:50.780 --> 01:46:54.180]  to keep temple covenants.
[01:46:54.180 --> 01:46:56.780]  We have been promised.
[01:46:56.780 --> 01:46:59.820]  Because of our covenant with God,
[01:46:59.820 --> 01:47:04.580]  He will never tire in His efforts to help us,
[01:47:04.580 --> 01:47:11.380]  and we will never exhaust His merciful patience with us.
[01:47:11.380 --> 01:47:14.980]  It is through the sealing covenants in the temple
[01:47:14.980 --> 01:47:17.740]  that we can receive the assurance
[01:47:17.740 --> 01:47:23.060]  of loving family connections that will continue after death
[01:47:23.060 --> 01:47:26.820]  and last for eternity.
[01:47:26.820 --> 01:47:30.460]  Honoring marriage and family covenants
[01:47:30.460 --> 01:47:35.180]  made in temples of God will provide protection
[01:47:35.180 --> 01:47:40.820]  from the evil of selfishness and pride.
[01:47:40.820 --> 01:47:45.300]  Consistent care of brothers and sisters for each other
[01:47:45.300 --> 01:47:48.740]  will come only with persistent efforts
[01:47:48.740 --> 01:47:52.620]  to lead your family in the Lord's way.
[01:47:52.620 --> 01:47:57.540]  Give children opportunities to pray for each other,
[01:47:57.540 --> 01:48:01.580]  discern quickly the beginnings of discord,
[01:48:01.580 --> 01:48:07.220]  and positively recognize acts of unselfish service,
[01:48:07.220 --> 01:48:10.100]  especially to one another.
[01:48:10.100 --> 01:48:15.020]  When siblings pray for each other and serve each other,
[01:48:15.020 --> 01:48:19.180]  hearts will be softened and turned to each other
[01:48:19.180 --> 01:48:22.580]  and to their parents.
[01:48:22.580 --> 01:48:27.060]  In part, that is what is described by Malachi
[01:48:27.060 --> 01:48:32.900]  as he foretold of the coming of the prophet Elijah.
[01:48:32.900 --> 01:48:34.620]  Quote,
[01:48:34.620 --> 01:48:38.060]  "...he shall plant in the hearts of the children
[01:48:38.060 --> 01:48:41.460]  the promises made to the fathers,
[01:48:41.460 --> 01:48:45.380]  and the hearts of the children will turn to their fathers.
[01:48:45.380 --> 01:48:48.540]  If it were not so, the whole earth
[01:48:48.540 --> 01:48:54.060]  would be utterly wasted at his coming."
[01:48:54.060 --> 01:48:57.060]  Trials, challenges, and heartaches
[01:48:57.060 --> 01:49:00.100]  will surely come to all of us.
[01:49:00.100 --> 01:49:05.660]  None of us are immune from thorns of the flesh.
[01:49:05.660 --> 01:49:11.340]  Yet, as we attend the temple and remember our covenants,
[01:49:11.340 --> 01:49:15.220]  we can prepare to receive personal direction
[01:49:15.220 --> 01:49:18.460]  from the Lord.
[01:49:18.460 --> 01:49:23.700]  When Kathy and I were married and sealed in the Logan Utah
[01:49:23.700 --> 01:49:30.620]  Temple, then Elder Spencer W. Kimball performed our sealing.
[01:49:30.620 --> 01:49:36.660]  In the few words he spoke, he gave this counsel,
[01:49:36.660 --> 01:49:43.980]  "...Hal and Kathy, live so that when the call comes,
[01:49:43.980 --> 01:49:46.660]  you can walk away easily."
[01:49:49.380 --> 01:49:52.140]  Initially, we did not understand what
[01:49:52.140 --> 01:49:55.180]  that counsel meant for us, but we
[01:49:55.180 --> 01:49:59.620]  did our best to live our lives in such a way
[01:49:59.620 --> 01:50:04.100]  that we would be prepared to leave to serve
[01:50:04.100 --> 01:50:08.500]  the Lord when the call came.
[01:50:08.500 --> 01:50:11.580]  After we had been married nearly 10 years,
[01:50:11.580 --> 01:50:16.780]  an unanticipated call did come from the Commissioner
[01:50:16.780 --> 01:50:22.380]  of Church Education, Neal A. Maxwell.
[01:50:22.380 --> 01:50:27.740]  The loving counsel given by President Kimball in the temple
[01:50:27.740 --> 01:50:34.020]  to be able to walk away easily became a reality.
[01:50:34.020 --> 01:50:38.220]  Kathy and I received a call to leave
[01:50:38.220 --> 01:50:43.060]  what seemed an idyllic family situation in California
[01:50:43.460 --> 01:50:48.140]  to serve in an assignment and in a place
[01:50:48.140 --> 01:50:50.900]  that I knew nothing about.
[01:50:50.900 --> 01:50:55.220]  However, our family was ready to leave
[01:50:55.220 --> 01:51:01.580]  because a prophet in a holy temple, a place of revelation,
[01:51:01.580 --> 01:51:09.140]  saw a future event for which we were then prepared.
[01:51:09.140 --> 01:51:12.940]  My dear brothers and sisters, I bear witness
[01:51:12.940 --> 01:51:16.620]  that there is nothing more important than honoring
[01:51:16.620 --> 01:51:22.580]  the covenants you make, or may make, in the temple.
[01:51:22.580 --> 01:51:26.220]  No matter where you are on the covenant path,
[01:51:26.220 --> 01:51:32.860]  I urge you to qualify and become eligible to attend the temple.
[01:51:32.860 --> 01:51:37.620]  Visit as frequently as circumstances will allow.
[01:51:38.060 --> 01:51:43.020]  Make and keep sacred covenants with God.
[01:51:43.020 --> 01:51:46.260]  I can assure you of the same truth
[01:51:46.260 --> 01:51:50.340]  I shared with Kathy in the middle of the night,
[01:51:50.340 --> 01:51:58.300]  nearly five decades ago, in an Idaho Falls motel room.
[01:51:58.300 --> 01:52:02.860]  No matter the outcome, all will be well
[01:52:02.860 --> 01:52:07.020]  because of the temple covenants.
[01:52:07.020 --> 01:52:11.980]  I give you my sure witness that Jesus is the Christ.
[01:52:11.980 --> 01:52:15.940]  He lives and leads His Church.
[01:52:15.940 --> 01:52:19.420]  Temples are houses of the Lord.
[01:52:19.420 --> 01:52:25.860]  President Russell M. Nelson is God's living prophet
[01:52:25.860 --> 01:52:29.140]  on the earth.
[01:52:29.140 --> 01:52:33.380]  I love him, and I love each of you,
[01:52:33.380 --> 01:52:37.700]  in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:53:03.740 --> 01:53:08.700]  To guide us in these latter days.
[01:53:08.700 --> 01:53:14.700]  We thank Thee for sending the gospel
[01:53:14.700 --> 01:53:19.700]  to lighten our minds with its rays.
[01:53:19.700 --> 01:53:24.700]  We thank Thee for every blessing
[01:53:24.700 --> 01:53:29.180]  bestowed by Thy bounteous hand.
[01:53:29.460 --> 01:53:34.460]  We feel it a pleasure to serve Thee
[01:53:34.460 --> 01:53:37.460]  and love to obey Thy command.
[01:53:46.940 --> 01:53:51.940]  When dark clouds of trouble engulf us
[01:53:51.940 --> 01:53:56.420]  and threaten our peace to destroy,
[01:53:56.620 --> 01:54:03.100]  there is hope smiling brightly before us,
[01:54:03.100 --> 01:54:08.100]  and we know that deliverance is nigh.
[01:54:08.100 --> 01:54:13.100]  We doubt not the Lord nor His goodness.
[01:54:13.100 --> 01:54:17.580]  We have proved Him in days that are past.
[01:54:17.580 --> 01:54:22.580]  The wicked will fight against us,
[01:54:22.700 --> 01:54:26.180]  and we'll surely be smitten at last.
[01:54:35.660 --> 01:54:40.660]  We'll sing of His goodness and mercy.
[01:54:40.660 --> 01:54:45.660]  We'll praise Him by day and by night,
[01:54:45.740 --> 01:54:50.740]  rejoice in His glorious gospel,
[01:54:50.740 --> 01:54:55.740]  and fast in His life-giving might.
[01:54:55.740 --> 01:55:00.740]  Thus unto eternal perfection
[01:55:00.740 --> 01:55:05.740]  be honest and faithful behold.
[01:55:05.740 --> 01:55:10.740]  While they who reject this good message
[01:55:10.820 --> 01:55:14.820]  shall never such happiness know.
[01:55:14.900 --> 01:55:19.900]  We thank Thee, O God, for the power
[01:55:19.900 --> 01:55:24.900]  to guide us in these floods of days.
[01:55:24.900 --> 01:55:29.900]  We thank Thee, O God, for the power
[01:55:29.900 --> 01:55:34.900]  to guide us in these floods of days.
[01:55:34.900 --> 01:55:39.900]  We thank Thee, O God, for the power
[01:55:39.980 --> 01:55:44.980]  to guide us in these floods of days.
[01:55:44.980 --> 01:55:51.980]  We thank Thee for serving the gospel
[01:55:51.980 --> 01:55:56.980]  to lighten our lives with His grace.
[01:55:56.980 --> 01:56:01.980]  We thank Thee forever in blessing
[01:56:01.980 --> 01:56:06.980]  bestowed by the bounteous God.
[01:56:07.060 --> 01:56:12.060]  We feel it a pleasure to serve Thee
[01:56:12.060 --> 01:56:18.060]  and all to obey Thy command.
[01:56:22.060 --> 01:56:23.060]  Thy command.
[01:56:27.060 --> 01:56:28.060]  Thy command.
[01:56:31.060 --> 01:56:32.060]  Thy command.
[01:56:37.060 --> 01:56:38.060]  Thy command.
[01:56:51.540 --> 01:56:59.540]  Our dear Heavenly Father, we unite our voices in prayer
[01:56:59.540 --> 01:57:05.540]  to Thee and express our love to Thee
[01:57:06.100 --> 01:57:09.100]  for the rich blessings that Thou hast bestowed upon us
[01:57:09.100 --> 01:57:13.100]  and for the spirit that we have felt in this session.
[01:57:13.100 --> 01:57:20.100]  We love Thee and desire to serve Thee and to do Thy will.
[01:57:20.100 --> 01:57:24.100]  We thank Thee for providing a Savior for us,
[01:57:24.100 --> 01:57:27.100]  our Savior, Jesus Christ.
[01:57:27.100 --> 01:57:32.100]  We love Him and are grateful for the example
[01:57:32.100 --> 01:57:36.500]  that He has shown and for making our return journey
[01:57:36.500 --> 01:57:40.700]  to Thy presence possible through His teachings
[01:57:40.700 --> 01:57:43.500]  and example, His life, and His atoning sacrifice.
[01:57:46.500 --> 01:57:51.980]  We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet,
[01:57:51.980 --> 01:57:58.100]  for the Prophet Joseph, the prophet of the Restoration,
[01:57:58.100 --> 01:58:02.580]  and for the continuing Restoration of Thy gospel
[01:58:02.580 --> 01:58:06.340]  through our living prophet, President Nelson,
[01:58:06.340 --> 01:58:09.420]  the First Presidency, and the Twelve.
[01:58:09.420 --> 01:58:13.620]  We pray that if it be in accordance with Thy will,
[01:58:13.620 --> 01:58:17.980]  that Thou will please preserve and bless
[01:58:17.980 --> 01:58:22.780]  and continue to sustain them.
[01:58:22.780 --> 01:58:25.940]  We're mindful of our dear missionaries, whom we love.
[01:58:26.460 --> 01:58:30.580]  We pray continuously for their safety and security
[01:58:30.580 --> 01:58:35.580]  and that their divine purpose might influence all that they
[01:58:35.580 --> 01:58:43.380]  do and that we might more effectively link arms with them
[01:58:43.380 --> 01:58:50.060]  to assist this great Latter-day work to go forward.
[01:58:50.060 --> 01:58:53.540]  We, as we conclude this session, pray for Thy Spirit
[01:58:53.540 --> 01:58:56.980]  to continue to be with us, to inspire us,
[01:58:56.980 --> 01:59:00.660]  and to comfort us across these two days of conference
[01:59:00.660 --> 01:59:03.460]  as we express our love to Thee.
[01:59:03.460 --> 01:59:07.020]  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.