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

2024-04-003-sat-evening.mp3.txt

[00:00.000 --> 00:06.280]  Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
[00:06.280 --> 00:07.560]  will conduct this session.
[00:25.000 --> 00:29.640]  Brothers and sisters, welcome to the Saturday evening session
[00:29.880 --> 00:33.360]  of the 194th Annual General Conference
[00:33.360 --> 00:37.760]  of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[00:37.760 --> 00:40.640]  President Russell M. Nelson, who is viewing this session
[00:40.640 --> 00:44.960]  from home, has asked me to conduct this session.
[00:44.960 --> 00:46.920]  We welcome all who are participating
[00:46.920 --> 00:51.240]  in these proceedings by radio, television, the Internet,
[00:51.240 --> 00:54.040]  or satellite transmission.
[00:54.040 --> 00:55.720]  The music for this session will be
[00:55.720 --> 00:58.920]  provided by the Utah Valley Institute Choir
[00:59.200 --> 01:02.800]  under the direction of Matt Johnson and Marshall McDonald,
[01:02.800 --> 01:07.240]  with Linda Margetts and Joseph Peoples at the organ.
[01:07.240 --> 01:10.320]  The choir will open this meeting by singing
[01:10.320 --> 01:12.840]  The Lord is My Light.
[01:12.840 --> 01:15.560]  The invocation will then be offered by Elder Alfred
[01:15.560 --> 01:18.440]  Kyungu of the Seventy.
[01:18.440 --> 01:21.520]  After the prayer, the choir will sing
[01:21.520 --> 01:23.360]  Oh, What Songs of the Heart.
[01:28.840 --> 01:42.840]  The Lord is my light, and why should I fear?
[01:42.840 --> 01:47.840]  By day and by night His presence is near.
[01:48.160 --> 01:52.640]  He is my salvation from sorrow and sin.
[01:52.640 --> 01:57.120]  This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring.
[01:57.120 --> 02:02.120]  The Lord is my light.
[02:02.120 --> 02:07.600]  He is my joy and my song.
[02:07.600 --> 02:16.080]  By day and by night He leads, He leads me along.
[02:25.080 --> 02:28.080]  The Lord is my light.
[02:28.080 --> 02:33.080]  Though clouds may arise, made stronger than sight,
[02:33.080 --> 02:35.560]  looks up through the skies.
[02:35.560 --> 02:40.040]  May Jesus forever in glory doth reign.
[02:40.040 --> 02:44.520]  Then how can I ever in darkness remain?
[02:44.520 --> 02:49.520]  The Lord is my light.
[02:49.520 --> 02:55.000]  He is my joy and my song.
[02:55.400 --> 03:02.880]  By day and by night He leads, He leads me along.
[03:07.880 --> 03:10.880]  The Lord is my light.
[03:10.880 --> 03:13.360]  The Lord is my strength.
[03:13.360 --> 03:18.360]  I know in His might I'll conquer and claim.
[03:18.360 --> 03:23.360]  My weakness and my sin He covers with power
[03:23.720 --> 03:28.200]  and walking by faith I am blessed every hour.
[03:36.680 --> 03:42.680]  The Lord is my light, my all and in all.
[03:42.680 --> 03:48.160]  There is in His sight no darkness at all.
[03:48.440 --> 03:53.440]  He is my Redeemer, my Savior and King.
[03:53.440 --> 03:58.920]  With saints and with angels His praises I'll sing.
[03:58.920 --> 04:04.400]  The Lord is my light.
[04:04.400 --> 04:09.880]  He is my joy and my song.
[04:10.080 --> 04:19.560]  By day and by night He leads, He leads me along.
[04:29.040 --> 04:32.520]  The Lord is my light.
[04:32.520 --> 04:35.520]  With angels I'll sing.
[04:35.520 --> 04:43.000]  He is my Redeemer, my Savior and King.
[04:50.480 --> 04:53.480]  My King.
[04:54.200 --> 04:55.200]  My King.
[05:05.200 --> 05:07.900]  Dear Father in Heaven, how grateful
[05:07.900 --> 05:11.820]  we are this evening to gather together
[05:11.820 --> 05:14.400]  to attend this wonderful session.
[05:14.400 --> 05:19.000]  We thank Thee for Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior.
[05:19.000 --> 05:22.200]  We are so grateful for His life, His teaching,
[05:22.280 --> 05:27.280]  and His example and His atoning sacrifice.
[05:27.280 --> 05:30.080]  We are so grateful for President Russell Nelson,
[05:30.080 --> 05:34.520]  our beloved prophet, for President Oaks and President
[05:34.520 --> 05:38.160]  Eyring, and all the members of the Community of Apostles
[05:38.160 --> 05:40.840]  that we sustain and love so much.
[05:40.840 --> 05:42.680]  We pray for them.
[05:42.680 --> 05:44.920]  We pray for their leadership.
[05:44.920 --> 05:47.280]  We pray for their health.
[05:47.280 --> 05:50.240]  We pray for all our missionaries and their leaders
[05:50.240 --> 05:52.800]  all over the world.
[05:52.800 --> 05:54.760]  Bless them with more courage as they
[05:54.760 --> 05:59.120]  are going out to invite others to come unto Thee
[05:59.120 --> 06:02.280]  and to the Savior, Jesus Christ.
[06:02.280 --> 06:04.320]  We are so grateful for this opportunity
[06:04.320 --> 06:08.040]  we have to be part of the Guardian of Israel
[06:08.040 --> 06:11.080]  in both sides of the veil.
[06:11.080 --> 06:15.880]  We ask Thee, Father, to bless us with Thy Spirit
[06:15.880 --> 06:18.560]  so that we may continue to learn from Thee,
[06:18.560 --> 06:22.640]  to the teachings and messages that we will hear this evening.
[06:22.640 --> 06:25.080]  Bless all the speakers so that we
[06:25.080 --> 06:30.240]  may be inspired, so that we may increase our desire to save Thee
[06:30.240 --> 06:32.840]  and to save our neighbors.
[06:32.840 --> 06:34.280]  We are so grateful for the blessings
[06:34.280 --> 06:38.680]  that we have and all the miracles that
[06:38.680 --> 06:41.320]  are happening in our lives.
[06:41.320 --> 06:43.240]  We love Thee, Father.
[06:43.240 --> 06:45.720]  We love Thy Son, Jesus Christ.
[06:45.720 --> 06:50.800]  And we say these things in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
[06:50.800 --> 06:51.300]  amen.
[06:51.360 --> 06:51.860]  Amen.
[06:51.860 --> 06:52.360]  Amen.
[06:52.360 --> 06:52.860]  Amen.
[06:52.860 --> 06:53.360]  Amen.
[06:59.340 --> 07:13.340]  Oh, what songs of the heart we shall sing all the day,
[07:13.820 --> 07:24.300]  when again we assemble at home, when we meet near to heart
[07:24.300 --> 07:31.780]  with the blessed, for the way there no more from our loved
[07:31.780 --> 07:35.260]  wants to roam.
[07:35.660 --> 07:43.140]  When we meet near to heart, oh, what songs of the heart
[07:43.140 --> 07:48.620]  we shall sing in our beautiful home.
[07:55.100 --> 08:02.060]  Through our rapture and bliss, there's no song can express.
[08:02.340 --> 08:03.820]  We will shout.
[08:03.820 --> 08:09.300]  We will sing o'er and o'er.
[08:09.300 --> 08:14.780]  As we greet with a kiss and with joy,
[08:14.780 --> 08:24.260]  we caress all our loved ones that passed on before.
[08:24.460 --> 08:30.460]  As we greet with a kiss in our rapture
[08:30.460 --> 08:35.940]  and bliss all our loved ones that passed on before.
[08:43.420 --> 08:50.900]  All the visions we'll see in that home of the blessed.
[08:51.020 --> 08:53.020]  There's no word.
[08:53.020 --> 08:58.500]  There's no thought can impart.
[08:58.500 --> 09:04.500]  But our rapture will be all the soul
[09:04.500 --> 09:13.980]  can attest in the heavenly songs of the heart.
[09:13.980 --> 09:19.980]  But our rapture will be in the vision
[09:20.060 --> 09:26.540]  we'll see best expressed in the songs of the heart.
[09:41.460 --> 09:46.460]  Oh, what songs will employ.
[09:46.460 --> 09:54.420]  Oh, what welcome we'll hear when our transports of love
[09:54.420 --> 09:55.420]  are complete.
[09:58.420 --> 10:06.900]  As the heart swells with joy, it embraces most dear
[10:06.900 --> 10:11.900]  when our heavenly parents we meet.
[10:12.820 --> 10:20.820]  As the heart swells with joy, oh, what songs will employ
[10:20.820 --> 10:27.300]  when our heavenly parents we meet.
[10:42.780 --> 11:02.780]  As the heart swells with joy, oh, what songs will employ
[11:03.140 --> 11:11.140]  when our heavenly parents we meet.
[11:19.140 --> 11:24.620]  We will meet.
[11:33.700 --> 11:46.540]  We'll now be pleased to hear from Elders Shane M.
[11:46.540 --> 11:50.580]  Bowen and Stephen R. Bangeter of the Seventy.
[11:50.580 --> 11:53.140]  Following their remarks, the choir
[11:53.140 --> 11:56.180]  will sing Count Your Blessings.
[11:56.180 --> 12:00.140]  We'll then hear from Sister Andrea M. Spinaus, who
[12:00.140 --> 12:02.980]  serves as Second Counselor in the Young Women General
[12:02.980 --> 12:04.300]  Presidency.
[12:04.300 --> 12:07.860]  She'll be followed by Elder Matthew L. Carpenter
[12:07.860 --> 12:08.860]  of the Seventy.
[12:21.180 --> 12:24.460]  Many today say that miracles no longer exist,
[12:24.460 --> 12:27.900]  that angels are fictional, and that the heavens are closed.
[12:28.260 --> 12:33.020]  I testify that miracles have not ceased, angels are among us,
[12:33.020 --> 12:35.380]  and the heavens are truly open.
[12:35.380 --> 12:37.540]  When our Savior, Jesus Christ, was on the earth,
[12:37.540 --> 12:40.980]  He gave priesthood keys to His Chief Apostle, Peter.
[12:40.980 --> 12:43.500]  Through these keys, Peter and the other Apostles
[12:43.500 --> 12:47.020]  led the Savior's Church, but when those Apostles died,
[12:47.020 --> 12:50.180]  the keys of the priesthood were taken from the earth.
[12:50.180 --> 12:53.220]  I testify that the ancient keys of the priesthood
[12:53.220 --> 12:54.860]  have been restored.
[12:54.860 --> 12:58.140]  Peter, James, and John, and other ancient prophets,
[12:58.140 --> 13:01.580]  appeared as resurrected beings, bestowing upon the Prophet
[13:01.580 --> 13:04.260]  Joseph Smith what the Lord described
[13:04.260 --> 13:07.980]  as the keys of my kingdom and the dispensation
[13:07.980 --> 13:09.740]  of the gospel.
[13:09.740 --> 13:15.580]  Those same keys have been passed from prophet to prophet
[13:15.580 --> 13:16.820]  until today.
[13:16.820 --> 13:20.420]  The 15 men we sustain as prophets, seers,
[13:20.420 --> 13:24.180]  and revelators use them to lead the Savior's Church.
[13:24.500 --> 13:27.740]  As in ancient times, there is one Senior Apostle
[13:27.740 --> 13:31.860]  who holds and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys.
[13:31.860 --> 13:34.700]  He is President Russell M. Nelson,
[13:34.700 --> 13:38.460]  prophet and president of the Restored Church of Christ
[13:38.460 --> 13:43.140]  in our day, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[13:43.140 --> 13:45.020]  Through the Savior's Church, we receive
[13:45.020 --> 13:48.540]  the blessings of the priesthood, including the power of God
[13:48.540 --> 13:50.300]  to help us in our lives.
[13:50.300 --> 13:52.380]  Under authorized priesthood keys,
[13:52.380 --> 13:56.460]  we make sacred promises to God and receive sacred ordinances
[13:56.460 --> 13:58.860]  that prepare us to live in His presence.
[13:58.860 --> 14:01.700]  Beginning with baptism and confirmation
[14:01.700 --> 14:04.300]  and then in the temple, we move forward
[14:04.300 --> 14:08.540]  on a path of covenants that leads us back to Him.
[14:08.540 --> 14:10.900]  With hands laid on our heads, we also
[14:10.900 --> 14:15.340]  receive priesthood blessings, including direction, comfort,
[14:15.340 --> 14:20.260]  counsel, healing, and the power to follow Jesus Christ.
[14:20.260 --> 14:23.500]  Throughout my life, I have been blessed by this great power.
[14:23.500 --> 14:26.260]  As revealed in scripture, we refer to it
[14:26.260 --> 14:29.340]  as the power of the holy Melchizedek Priesthood.
[14:29.340 --> 14:32.700]  In my youth, I gained a great respect for this power,
[14:32.700 --> 14:36.100]  especially as it was manifest in priesthood blessings.
[14:36.100 --> 14:38.900]  While serving as a young missionary in Chile,
[14:38.900 --> 14:42.540]  my companion and I were arrested and separated.
[14:42.540 --> 14:44.300]  We were never told why.
[14:44.300 --> 14:47.140]  It was a time of great political upheaval.
[14:47.140 --> 14:49.660]  Thousands of people were taken into custody
[14:49.660 --> 14:53.180]  by the military police and never heard from again.
[14:53.180 --> 14:57.180]  After being interrogated, I sat alone in a jail cell,
[14:57.180 --> 15:00.300]  not knowing if I would ever see my loved ones again.
[15:00.300 --> 15:03.660]  I turned to my Heavenly Father, fervently pleading,
[15:03.660 --> 15:07.420]  "'Father, I have always been taught that thou watchest
[15:07.420 --> 15:09.020]  over thine missionaries.
[15:09.020 --> 15:11.980]  Please, Father, I am nothing special,
[15:11.980 --> 15:16.540]  but I have been obedient, and I need thy help tonight.'"
[15:16.540 --> 15:20.180]  The seeds of this help had been planted many years earlier.
[15:20.180 --> 15:22.420]  After my baptism, I was confirmed
[15:22.420 --> 15:25.740]  a member of the Church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[15:25.740 --> 15:29.660]  As I prayed, alone behind bars, the Holy Ghost
[15:29.660 --> 15:32.100]  immediately came to me and comforted me.
[15:32.100 --> 15:34.860]  He brought to my mind a very special passage
[15:34.860 --> 15:37.260]  from my patriarchal blessing, which
[15:37.260 --> 15:39.500]  is another blessing of the priesthood.
[15:39.500 --> 15:42.980]  In it, God promised me that through my faithfulness
[15:42.980 --> 15:46.180]  I would be able to be sealed in the temple for time
[15:46.220 --> 15:50.740]  and eternity to a woman full of beauty and virtue and love,
[15:50.740 --> 15:54.860]  that we would become the parents of precious sons
[15:54.860 --> 15:57.940]  and daughters, that I would be blessed and magnified
[15:57.940 --> 15:59.660]  as a father in Israel.
[15:59.660 --> 16:02.460]  Those inspired words about my future
[16:02.460 --> 16:04.300]  filled my soul with peace.
[16:04.300 --> 16:07.780]  I knew that they had come from my loving Heavenly Father, who
[16:07.780 --> 16:09.860]  always keeps His promises.
[16:09.860 --> 16:12.380]  In that moment, I had the assurance
[16:12.380 --> 16:14.300]  that I would be released and live
[16:14.300 --> 16:17.420]  to see those promises fulfilled.
[16:17.420 --> 16:19.420]  About a year later, Heavenly Father
[16:19.420 --> 16:22.940]  did bless me with a wife who is full of beauty and virtue
[16:22.940 --> 16:23.740]  and love.
[16:23.740 --> 16:26.260]  Lynette and I were sealed in the temple.
[16:26.260 --> 16:29.900]  We were blessed with three precious sons
[16:29.900 --> 16:31.820]  and four precious daughters.
[16:31.820 --> 16:35.580]  I became a father, all according to God's promises
[16:35.580 --> 16:40.820]  and the patriarchal blessing I received as a 17-year-old boy.
[16:40.820 --> 16:43.660]  Wherefore, my beloved brethren and sisters,
[16:43.660 --> 16:46.340]  have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended
[16:46.340 --> 16:47.420]  into heaven?
[16:47.420 --> 16:50.260]  Nay, neither have angels ceased to minister
[16:50.260 --> 16:52.340]  unto the children of men.
[16:52.340 --> 16:55.500]  I testify that miracles and ministrations
[16:55.500 --> 16:58.620]  are continually occurring in our lives,
[16:58.620 --> 17:01.780]  often as a direct result of priesthood power.
[17:01.780 --> 17:05.060]  Some priesthood blessings are fulfilled immediately
[17:05.060 --> 17:07.500]  in ways we can see and understand.
[17:07.500 --> 17:10.420]  Others are unfolding gradually and will not
[17:10.500 --> 17:14.180]  be fully realized in this life, but God keeps all
[17:14.180 --> 17:18.460]  of His promises always, as illustrated in this account
[17:18.460 --> 17:20.780]  from our family history.
[17:20.780 --> 17:23.220]  My paternal grandfather, Grant Reese Bowen,
[17:23.220 --> 17:24.940]  was a man of great faith.
[17:24.940 --> 17:28.020]  I vividly remember hearing him recount
[17:28.020 --> 17:31.380]  how he received his own patriarchal blessing.
[17:31.380 --> 17:34.020]  In his journal, he recorded,
[17:34.020 --> 17:36.580]  The patriarch promised me the gift of healing.
[17:36.740 --> 17:39.900]  He said, The sick shall be healed,
[17:39.900 --> 17:43.620]  yea, the dead shall be raised under your hands.
[17:43.620 --> 17:46.220]  Years later, Grandfather was piling hay
[17:46.220 --> 17:49.060]  when he felt prompted to return to the house.
[17:49.060 --> 17:52.580]  He was met by his father coming toward him.
[17:52.580 --> 17:56.740]  Grant, your mother has just passed away, his father said.
[17:56.740 --> 17:59.620]  I quote again from Grandfather's journal.
[17:59.620 --> 18:01.980]  I didn't stop but went hurrying into the house
[18:01.980 --> 18:04.620]  and out on the front porch where she lay on a cot.
[18:04.820 --> 18:06.940]  I looked at her and could see that there was
[18:06.940 --> 18:09.020]  no sign of life left in her.
[18:09.020 --> 18:12.300]  I remembered my patriarchal blessing and the promise
[18:12.300 --> 18:15.700]  that if I were faithful, through my faith,
[18:15.700 --> 18:18.620]  the sick would be healed and the dead would be raised.
[18:18.620 --> 18:22.100]  I placed my hands on her head, and I told the Lord
[18:22.100 --> 18:26.180]  that if the promise that he had made to me by the patriarch
[18:26.180 --> 18:29.340]  was true, to make it manifest at this time
[18:29.340 --> 18:31.660]  and raise my mother back to life.
[18:31.660 --> 18:33.620]  I promised him if he would do this,
[18:33.620 --> 18:36.860]  I should never hesitate to do all in my power
[18:36.860 --> 18:39.300]  for the building up of his kingdom.
[18:39.300 --> 18:42.820]  As I prayed, she opened her eyes and said,
[18:42.820 --> 18:44.820]  Grant, raise me up.
[18:44.820 --> 18:48.900]  I have been in the spirit world, but you have called me back.
[18:48.900 --> 18:51.620]  Let this always be a testimony to you
[18:51.620 --> 18:54.260]  and to the rest of my family.
[18:54.260 --> 18:56.380]  President Russell M. Nelson has taught
[18:56.380 --> 18:58.660]  us to seek and expect miracles.
[18:58.660 --> 19:02.180]  I testify that because the priesthood has been restored,
[19:02.340 --> 19:05.580]  the power and authority of God are upon the earth.
[19:05.580 --> 19:10.580]  Through callings and counsels, men and women, young and old,
[19:10.580 --> 19:12.780]  can participate in priesthood work.
[19:12.780 --> 19:16.180]  It is a work of miracles attended by angels.
[19:16.180 --> 19:20.940]  It is the work of heaven, and it blesses all God's children.
[19:20.940 --> 19:24.860]  In 1989, our family of seven was returning from a ward outing.
[19:24.860 --> 19:25.940]  It was late.
[19:25.940 --> 19:28.820]  Lynette was expecting our sixth child.
[19:28.820 --> 19:31.900]  She felt a strong prompting to fasten her seat belt, which
[19:32.020 --> 19:33.580]  she had forgotten to do.
[19:33.580 --> 19:37.780]  Shortly thereafter, we came around a bend in the road.
[19:37.780 --> 19:40.180]  A car crossed the line into our lane.
[19:40.180 --> 19:42.820]  Going about 70 miles an hour, I swerved
[19:42.820 --> 19:45.020]  to avoid hitting the oncoming car.
[19:45.020 --> 19:47.980]  Our van rolled, skidded down the highway,
[19:47.980 --> 19:51.340]  and slid off the road, finally coming to a stop,
[19:51.340 --> 19:54.180]  landing with the passenger side in the dirt.
[19:54.180 --> 19:57.300]  The next thing I remember hearing was Lynette's voice,
[19:57.300 --> 20:00.380]  Shane, we need to get out through your door.
[20:00.620 --> 20:03.140]  I was hanging in the air by my seat belt.
[20:03.140 --> 20:05.820]  It took a few seconds to get oriented.
[20:05.820 --> 20:08.780]  We started lifting each of the children out of the van
[20:08.780 --> 20:12.700]  through my window, which was now the ceiling of the van.
[20:12.700 --> 20:15.580]  They were crying, wondering what had happened.
[20:15.580 --> 20:18.580]  We soon realized that our 10-year-old daughter, Emily,
[20:18.580 --> 20:19.700]  was missing.
[20:19.700 --> 20:22.900]  We yelled her name, but there was no response.
[20:22.900 --> 20:25.820]  Ward members who were also traveling home
[20:25.820 --> 20:28.340]  were at the scene, frantically looking for her.
[20:28.340 --> 20:30.100]  It was so dark.
[20:30.420 --> 20:32.740]  I looked in the van again with a flashlight,
[20:32.740 --> 20:35.860]  and to my horror saw Emily's tiny body
[20:35.860 --> 20:37.460]  trapped under the van.
[20:37.460 --> 20:39.660]  I called out desperately, we have
[20:39.660 --> 20:41.780]  to lift the van off of Emily!
[20:41.780 --> 20:44.100]  I grabbed the roof and pulled back.
[20:44.100 --> 20:46.140]  There were only a few others lifting,
[20:46.140 --> 20:49.420]  but the van miraculously flipped onto its wheels,
[20:49.420 --> 20:52.620]  exposing Emily's lifeless body.
[20:52.620 --> 20:54.100]  Emily was not breathing.
[20:54.100 --> 20:56.740]  Her face was the color of a purple plum.
[20:56.980 --> 21:00.340]  I said, we need to give her a blessing.
[21:00.340 --> 21:03.260]  A dear friend and ward member knelt with me,
[21:03.260 --> 21:06.220]  and by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood,
[21:06.220 --> 21:10.220]  in the name of Jesus Christ, we commanded her to live.
[21:10.220 --> 21:14.500]  In that moment, Emily took a long, raspy breath.
[21:14.500 --> 21:17.740]  After what seemed like hours, the ambulance finally arrived.
[21:17.740 --> 21:19.900]  Emily was rushed to the hospital.
[21:19.900 --> 21:23.460]  She had a collapsed lung and a severed tendon in her knee.
[21:23.460 --> 21:26.100]  Brain damage was a concern because of the time
[21:26.100 --> 21:27.900]  she was without oxygen.
[21:27.900 --> 21:30.860]  Emily was in a coma for a day and a half.
[21:30.860 --> 21:33.500]  We continued to pray and fast for her.
[21:33.500 --> 21:36.260]  She was blessed with a full recovery.
[21:36.260 --> 21:38.780]  Today Emily and her husband, Kevin,
[21:38.780 --> 21:41.500]  are the parents of six daughters.
[21:41.500 --> 21:45.060]  Miraculously, everyone else was able to walk away.
[21:45.060 --> 21:47.700]  The baby Lynette was carrying was Tyson.
[21:47.700 --> 21:52.780]  He, too, was spared any harm and was born the next February.
[21:53.140 --> 21:56.460]  Eight months later, after receiving his earthly body,
[21:56.460 --> 21:58.980]  Tyson returned home to Heavenly Father.
[21:58.980 --> 22:01.380]  He is our guardian angel's son.
[22:01.380 --> 22:03.780]  We feel his influence in our family
[22:03.780 --> 22:06.700]  and look forward to being with him again.
[22:06.700 --> 22:09.620]  Those who lifted the van off of Emily
[22:09.620 --> 22:12.900]  observed that the van seemed to weigh nothing.
[22:12.900 --> 22:16.540]  I knew that heavenly angels had joined with earthly angels
[22:16.540 --> 22:19.140]  to lift the vehicle off of Emily's body.
[22:19.140 --> 22:22.380]  I also know that Emily was brought back to life
[22:22.660 --> 22:25.900]  by the power of the holy priesthood.
[22:25.900 --> 22:28.460]  The Lord revealed this truth to His servants.
[22:28.460 --> 22:31.100]  For I will go before your face, I
[22:31.100 --> 22:33.580]  will be on your right hand and on your left,
[22:33.580 --> 22:35.700]  and my spirit shall be in your hearts,
[22:35.700 --> 22:39.140]  and mine angels round about you to bear you up.
[22:39.140 --> 22:42.100]  I testify that the holy priesthood,
[22:42.100 --> 22:44.140]  after the order of the Son of God,
[22:44.140 --> 22:47.900]  the Melchizedek Priesthood, with its keys, authority,
[22:47.900 --> 22:50.220]  and power, has been restored to the earth
[22:50.220 --> 22:51.900]  in these latter days.
[22:52.220 --> 22:55.380]  I know that while not all circumstances turn out
[22:55.380 --> 22:59.540]  like we may hope and pray for, God's miracles will always
[22:59.540 --> 23:04.380]  come according to His will, His timing, and His plan for us.
[23:04.380 --> 23:06.940]  If you desire the blessings of the priesthood,
[23:06.940 --> 23:09.900]  including miracles and the ministry of angels,
[23:09.900 --> 23:12.860]  I invite you to walk the path of covenants God has
[23:12.860 --> 23:14.740]  made available to each of us.
[23:14.740 --> 23:17.500]  Members and leaders of the Church who love you
[23:17.500 --> 23:19.900]  will help you take the next step.
[23:19.900 --> 23:23.100]  I testify that Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
[23:23.100 --> 23:26.860]  lives and leads His Church through living prophets who
[23:26.860 --> 23:29.620]  hold and exercise priesthood keys.
[23:29.620 --> 23:31.500]  The Holy Ghost is real.
[23:31.500 --> 23:34.140]  The Savior gave His life to heal us,
[23:34.140 --> 23:37.140]  reclaim us, and bring us home.
[23:37.140 --> 23:41.660]  I witness that miracles have not ceased, angels are among us,
[23:41.660 --> 23:43.380]  and the heavens are open.
[23:43.380 --> 23:46.100]  And oh, how open they are!
[23:46.100 --> 23:48.460]  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[23:49.900 --> 24:00.660]  This evening I speak to the youth
[24:00.660 --> 24:04.380]  of the Church, the rising generation of young men
[24:04.380 --> 24:06.820]  and young women who are the standard-bearers
[24:06.820 --> 24:08.940]  for the next generation.
[24:08.940 --> 24:14.220]  In October 2013, our beloved prophet, President Russell M.
[24:14.220 --> 24:16.820]  Nelson, declared, quote,
[24:17.340 --> 24:21.340]  Your Heavenly Father has known you for a very long time.
[24:21.340 --> 24:24.100]  You, as His son or daughter, were
[24:24.100 --> 24:29.180]  chosen by Him to come to the earth at this precise time
[24:29.180 --> 24:34.020]  to be a leader in His great work on earth.
[24:34.020 --> 24:36.780]  Two years ago, President Nelson continued,
[24:36.780 --> 24:40.220]  Today I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has
[24:40.220 --> 24:45.380]  asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve
[24:45.420 --> 24:46.380]  a mission.
[24:46.380 --> 24:49.220]  For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service
[24:49.220 --> 24:51.300]  is a priesthood responsibility.
[24:51.300 --> 24:54.620]  You young men have been reserved for this time
[24:54.620 --> 24:58.580]  when the promised gathering of Israel is taking place.
[24:58.580 --> 25:02.020]  For you young and able sisters, a mission
[25:02.020 --> 25:06.100]  is also a powerful but optional opportunity.
[25:06.100 --> 25:10.060]  Pray to know if the Lord would have you serve a mission,
[25:10.060 --> 25:14.940]  and the Holy Ghost will respond to your heart and mind.
[25:14.940 --> 25:17.420]  Close quote.
[25:17.420 --> 25:19.580]  Our prophet's references to the Lord
[25:19.580 --> 25:22.740]  holding the youth of our day in reserve for this time
[25:22.740 --> 25:25.980]  in the gathering of Israel and His invitation
[25:25.980 --> 25:28.860]  to pray to know what the Lord would have you do
[25:28.860 --> 25:34.380]  are, in part, references to the life you lived and blessings
[25:34.380 --> 25:39.860]  you received from God before you were ever born on this earth.
[25:39.860 --> 25:42.420]  All of us who are born on this earth
[25:42.420 --> 25:46.700]  first lived with our Heavenly Father as His spirit children.
[25:46.700 --> 25:49.420]  The Lord declared to Moses,
[25:49.420 --> 25:54.100]  I, the Lord God, created all things spiritually
[25:54.100 --> 25:58.500]  before they were naturally upon the face of the earth.
[25:58.500 --> 26:01.740]  When He created you spiritually, He
[26:01.740 --> 26:04.940]  loved you as His spirit sons and daughters
[26:04.940 --> 26:08.820]  and embedded within each of you a divine nature
[26:08.820 --> 26:10.900]  and eternal destiny.
[26:11.460 --> 26:14.660]  During your premortal life, you developed your identity
[26:14.660 --> 26:18.420]  and increased your spiritual capabilities.
[26:18.420 --> 26:21.780]  You were blessed with the gift of agency,
[26:21.780 --> 26:25.260]  the ability to make choices for yourself,
[26:25.260 --> 26:28.180]  and you did make important decisions,
[26:28.180 --> 26:31.660]  such as the decision to follow our Heavenly Father's plan
[26:31.660 --> 26:36.180]  of happiness, which is to obtain a physical body
[26:36.180 --> 26:40.860]  and gain earthly experience to progress and ultimately
[26:41.180 --> 26:46.860]  realize your divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.
[26:46.860 --> 26:50.820]  This decision affected your life then, in your premortal life,
[26:50.820 --> 26:54.860]  and it continues to affect your life now.
[26:54.860 --> 26:59.180]  As a child of God living in your premortal life,
[26:59.180 --> 27:05.140]  you grew in intelligence, and you learned to love the truth.
[27:05.140 --> 27:07.780]  Before you were born, God appointed each of you
[27:07.780 --> 27:11.260]  to fulfill specific missions during your mortal life
[27:11.260 --> 27:14.060]  upon this earth.
[27:14.060 --> 27:16.740]  If you remain worthy, the blessings
[27:16.740 --> 27:18.860]  of that premortal decree will enable
[27:18.860 --> 27:24.060]  you to have all kinds of opportunities in this life,
[27:24.060 --> 27:26.300]  including opportunities to serve in the Church
[27:26.300 --> 27:30.300]  and to participate in the most important work happening
[27:30.300 --> 27:34.900]  on the earth today, the gathering of Israel.
[27:34.900 --> 27:37.140]  Those premortal promises and blessings
[27:37.140 --> 27:40.980]  are called your foreordination.
[27:40.980 --> 27:43.660]  The doctrine of foreordination applies
[27:43.660 --> 27:46.580]  to all members of the Church.
[27:46.580 --> 27:48.540]  Foreordination does not guarantee
[27:48.540 --> 27:51.820]  that you will receive certain callings or responsibilities.
[27:51.820 --> 27:54.060]  Those blessings and opportunities
[27:54.060 --> 27:58.220]  come in this life as a result of your righteous exercise
[27:58.220 --> 28:02.140]  of agency, just as your foreordination
[28:02.300 --> 28:06.620]  in your premortal life came as a result of righteousness.
[28:06.620 --> 28:10.740]  As you prove yourself worthy and progress along the covenant
[28:10.740 --> 28:13.580]  path, you will receive opportunities
[28:13.580 --> 28:17.300]  to serve in your Young Women class or priesthood quorum.
[28:17.300 --> 28:20.460]  You will be blessed to serve in the temple,
[28:20.460 --> 28:23.620]  to become a ministering brother or sister,
[28:23.620 --> 28:29.140]  and to serve a mission as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
[28:29.140 --> 28:32.740]  Why does it matter to seek to know and understand
[28:32.740 --> 28:35.700]  your foreordination?
[28:35.700 --> 28:40.660]  In a day when questions abound, when so many seek
[28:40.660 --> 28:47.460]  to know their true identity, the fact that God knows and has
[28:47.460 --> 28:49.820]  blessed each one of us individually
[28:49.820 --> 28:52.100]  before we were ever born on this earth
[28:52.100 --> 28:57.820]  with essential characteristics of premortal, mortal,
[28:57.980 --> 29:03.180]  and eternal identity and purpose brings sweet peace
[29:03.180 --> 29:07.180]  and assurance to our mind and our heart.
[29:07.180 --> 29:09.780]  Knowing who you are begins with understanding
[29:09.780 --> 29:13.580]  God's foreordained blessings bestowed upon you before you
[29:13.580 --> 29:15.700]  were ever born on this earth.
[29:15.700 --> 29:18.900]  Our Heavenly Father desires to reveal to you
[29:18.900 --> 29:21.620]  your personal foreordination, and He
[29:21.620 --> 29:26.620]  will do so as you seek to learn and follow His will.
[29:26.620 --> 29:30.180]  I love to read President Nelson's Instagram posts.
[29:30.180 --> 29:33.900]  One of my favorites was on July 20, 2022.
[29:33.900 --> 29:35.380]  He wrote,
[29:35.380 --> 29:38.940]  I believe that if the Lord were speaking to you directly,
[29:38.940 --> 29:42.580]  the first thing He would make sure you understand
[29:42.580 --> 29:44.660]  is your true identity.
[29:44.660 --> 29:46.820]  My dear friends, you are literally
[29:46.820 --> 29:48.780]  spirit children of God.
[29:48.780 --> 29:51.140]  Make no mistake about it.
[29:51.140 --> 29:53.420]  Your potential is divine.
[29:53.420 --> 29:56.100]  With your diligence seeking, God will give you
[29:56.100 --> 30:00.220]  glimpses of who you may become.
[30:00.220 --> 30:03.100]  May I share with you how my Earthly Father taught
[30:03.100 --> 30:09.460]  me to discover my identity and God's plan in my life?
[30:09.460 --> 30:12.220]  One Saturday morning when I was 13 years old,
[30:12.220 --> 30:15.620]  I was mowing the grass as part of my weekly chores.
[30:15.620 --> 30:18.420]  When I finished, I heard the door
[30:18.420 --> 30:21.660]  close at the back of our house and looked
[30:21.660 --> 30:25.700]  to see my Father calling me to join Him.
[30:25.700 --> 30:28.540]  I walked to the back porch, and He invited
[30:28.540 --> 30:31.140]  me to sit with Him on the steps.
[30:31.140 --> 30:33.220]  It was a beautiful morning.
[30:33.220 --> 30:37.260]  I still recall Him sitting so close
[30:37.260 --> 30:39.380]  that our shoulders were touching.
[30:39.380 --> 30:42.860]  He began by telling me He loved me.
[30:42.860 --> 30:45.780]  He asked me what my goals were in life.
[30:45.780 --> 30:48.540]  I thought, well, that's easy.
[30:48.540 --> 30:50.980]  I knew two things for sure.
[30:51.340 --> 30:57.420]  I wanted to be taller, and I wanted to go camping more.
[30:57.420 --> 30:59.860]  I was a simple soul.
[30:59.860 --> 31:02.460]  He smiled and paused for a moment and said,
[31:02.460 --> 31:06.980]  Steve, I'd like to share something with you that's
[31:06.980 --> 31:08.980]  very important to me.
[31:08.980 --> 31:13.780]  I have prayed that our Heavenly Father will cause what I say
[31:13.780 --> 31:19.660]  now to be indelibly imprinted on your mind and on your soul
[31:19.820 --> 31:22.500]  so that you'll never forget.
[31:22.500 --> 31:25.580]  My Father had my full attention in that moment.
[31:25.580 --> 31:31.020]  He turned to me, looked me in the eyes, and said,
[31:31.020 --> 31:37.780]  Son, protect the private times of your life.
[31:37.780 --> 31:40.620]  There was a long pause as He let the meaning sink deep
[31:40.620 --> 31:41.980]  into my heart.
[31:41.980 --> 31:45.260]  He then continued, you know those times when you're
[31:45.260 --> 31:48.500]  the only one around and no one else knows what you're doing,
[31:48.820 --> 31:52.140]  those times when you think, whatever I do now doesn't
[31:52.140 --> 31:56.180]  affect anyone else, only me.
[31:56.180 --> 32:00.820]  Then He said, more than any other time in your life,
[32:00.820 --> 32:04.540]  what you do during the private times of your life
[32:04.540 --> 32:08.460]  will have the greatest impact on how you confront challenges
[32:08.460 --> 32:10.980]  and heartache you will face.
[32:10.980 --> 32:14.100]  And what you do during the private times of your life
[32:14.100 --> 32:18.300]  will have a greater impact on how you confront successes
[32:18.300 --> 32:21.940]  and joy you will experience than any other time
[32:21.940 --> 32:23.100]  in your life.
[32:23.100 --> 32:27.500]  My Father received the wish of His heart.
[32:27.500 --> 32:31.300]  The sound and cadence of His voice,
[32:31.300 --> 32:35.220]  the love I felt in His words, were indelibly
[32:35.220 --> 32:39.420]  imprinted in my mind and on my soul that day.
[32:39.420 --> 32:42.260]  I have learned over the years that the greatest
[32:42.260 --> 32:45.620]  miracle of that day on the steps of my childhood home
[32:45.820 --> 32:49.580]  was that, in the private times of my life,
[32:49.580 --> 32:54.540]  I could go to God in prayer to receive revelation.
[32:54.540 --> 32:56.980]  My Father was teaching me how I could
[32:56.980 --> 32:59.460]  learn of God's foreordained blessings.
[32:59.460 --> 33:01.500]  In those private moments, I learned
[33:01.500 --> 33:04.340]  the Book of Mormon is the word of God.
[33:04.340 --> 33:09.060]  I learned God had foreordained me to serve a mission,
[33:09.060 --> 33:13.100]  and I learned that God knows me and He hears and answers
[33:13.100 --> 33:14.100]  my prayers.
[33:14.340 --> 33:18.300]  I learned that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior,
[33:18.300 --> 33:22.580]  and our Redeemer, though I have made many mistakes
[33:22.580 --> 33:26.220]  since that memorable day with my Father.
[33:26.220 --> 33:29.260]  Striving to protect the private times of my life
[33:29.260 --> 33:31.860]  has remained an anchor amid the storms of life
[33:31.860 --> 33:34.540]  and has enabled me to seek safe haven
[33:34.540 --> 33:38.540]  and the healing, strengthening blessings of our Savior's love
[33:38.540 --> 33:40.580]  and atoning sacrifice.
[33:40.580 --> 33:42.820]  My young brothers and sisters, as you
[33:42.820 --> 33:45.020]  protect the private times of your life
[33:45.020 --> 33:48.860]  with wholesome recreation, listening to uplifting music,
[33:48.860 --> 33:52.580]  reading the scriptures, having regular meaningful prayer,
[33:52.580 --> 33:55.100]  and making efforts to receive and ponder
[33:55.100 --> 33:58.820]  your patriarchal blessing, you will receive revelation.
[33:58.820 --> 34:01.460]  In President Nelson's words, your eyes
[34:01.460 --> 34:03.540]  will become wide open to the truth
[34:03.540 --> 34:05.820]  that this life really is the time when
[34:05.820 --> 34:10.580]  you get to decide what kind of life you want to live forever.
[34:10.980 --> 34:14.620]  Our Heavenly Father will answer your prayers, especially
[34:14.620 --> 34:18.700]  your prayers offered during the private times of your life.
[34:18.700 --> 34:22.380]  He will reveal to you your foreordained gifts, talents,
[34:22.380 --> 34:23.580]  and blessings.
[34:23.580 --> 34:26.380]  You will feel His love envelop you
[34:26.380 --> 34:31.940]  if you will sincerely ask and genuinely desire to know.
[34:31.940 --> 34:34.020]  As you protect the private times of your life,
[34:34.020 --> 34:37.420]  your participation in the ordinances and covenants
[34:37.420 --> 34:39.860]  of the gospel will be more meaningful,
[34:40.300 --> 34:42.820]  and you will more fully bind yourself
[34:42.820 --> 34:45.220]  to God in the covenants you make with Him,
[34:45.220 --> 34:48.140]  and you will be lifted to have greater hope, faith,
[34:48.140 --> 34:51.860]  and assurance in the promises God has made to you.
[34:51.860 --> 34:55.020]  Do you want to know God's plan for you?
[34:55.020 --> 34:57.700]  I bear witness He wants you to know,
[34:57.700 --> 35:00.140]  and He has inspired His prophet to the world
[35:00.140 --> 35:03.500]  to invite you to pray and receive this eye-opening
[35:03.500 --> 35:04.660]  experience.
[35:04.660 --> 35:07.300]  I bear witness of the truth of these things
[35:07.300 --> 35:09.420]  and the reality of Jesus Christ.
[35:09.420 --> 35:12.380]  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[35:37.300 --> 35:41.780]  When you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged,
[35:41.780 --> 35:46.780]  thinking all is lost, count your many blessings,
[35:46.780 --> 35:51.260]  name them one by one, and it will surprise you
[35:51.260 --> 35:53.260]  what the Lord has done.
[35:58.260 --> 36:02.740]  Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
[36:02.740 --> 36:04.220]  Does the cross seem heavy?
[36:04.220 --> 36:07.220]  You are called to bear.
[36:07.620 --> 36:12.100]  Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
[36:12.100 --> 36:15.580]  and you will be singing as the days go by.
[36:20.060 --> 36:24.540]  Count your blessings, name them one by one.
[36:24.540 --> 36:29.500]  Count your blessings, see what God has done.
[36:29.500 --> 36:34.500]  Count your blessings, name them one by one.
[36:34.780 --> 36:40.780]  Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[36:50.260 --> 36:55.260]  When you look at others with their lands and gold,
[36:55.260 --> 36:59.740]  think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.
[36:59.940 --> 37:04.420]  Count your many blessings, money cannot buy.
[37:04.420 --> 37:09.420]  Your reward in heaven, or your home on high.
[37:14.420 --> 37:18.900]  Count your blessings, name them one by one.
[37:18.900 --> 37:23.900]  Count your blessings, see what God has done.
[37:23.900 --> 37:28.900]  Count your blessings, name them one by one.
[37:29.060 --> 37:35.540]  Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[37:47.500 --> 37:52.980]  So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
[37:52.980 --> 37:58.460]  do not be discouraged, God is over all.
[37:58.500 --> 38:03.980]  Count your many blessings, angels will attend.
[38:03.980 --> 38:09.460]  Help and comfort give you till your journey's end.
[38:13.940 --> 38:18.940]  Count your blessings, name them one by one.
[38:18.940 --> 38:23.940]  Count your blessings, see what God has done.
[38:23.940 --> 38:28.940]  Count your blessings, name them one by one.
[38:28.940 --> 38:37.420]  Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[38:42.420 --> 38:47.900]  See what God has done.
[38:53.940 --> 38:59.420]  See what God has done.
[39:12.420 --> 39:14.460]  Dear young friends, today I would
[39:14.460 --> 39:18.620]  like to speak directly to you, the youth of the Church.
[39:18.620 --> 39:22.140]  It's been a year since our Young Women General Presidency
[39:22.140 --> 39:26.980]  was called, and how much has happened in this past year.
[39:26.980 --> 39:30.140]  We have met many of you and have studied
[39:30.140 --> 39:32.340]  the teachings of Christ together.
[39:32.340 --> 39:35.180]  We have sung songs, made new friends,
[39:35.180 --> 39:37.900]  and served with you in our communities.
[39:37.900 --> 39:42.020]  We have been strengthened by listening to your testimonies
[39:42.020 --> 39:45.140]  at youth conferences and world events,
[39:45.140 --> 39:49.220]  and we have worshiped together in the house of the Lord.
[39:49.660 --> 39:51.940]  Each time we have shared a message
[39:51.940 --> 39:53.900]  from our Lord, Jesus Christ.
[39:53.900 --> 39:56.220]  Tonight will not be different.
[39:56.220 --> 39:58.740]  I have a message for you, the youth
[39:58.740 --> 40:01.980]  of the Church of Jesus Christ.
[40:01.980 --> 40:04.220]  Have you ever wondered how you can
[40:04.220 --> 40:08.180]  be faithful to God while living in a world of sin?
[40:08.180 --> 40:12.340]  Where do you get the strength to go forward and continue
[40:12.340 --> 40:13.300]  doing good?
[40:13.300 --> 40:16.260]  How do you experience true joy?
[40:16.780 --> 40:21.460]  I think the experience of David and Goliath can help.
[40:21.460 --> 40:25.220]  In the Old Testament, the army of the Philistines
[40:25.220 --> 40:28.980]  was battling the Israelites, and every morning
[40:28.980 --> 40:33.540]  and every evening a giant Philistine named Goliath
[40:33.540 --> 40:37.420]  challenged any Israelite to fight him.
[40:37.420 --> 40:43.540]  Among the Israelite people lived David, a young shepherd much
[40:43.580 --> 40:48.580]  smaller than Goliath but with a giant faith in Jesus Christ.
[40:48.580 --> 40:51.460]  David volunteered to fight.
[40:51.460 --> 40:54.740]  Even the king tried to dissuade him,
[40:54.740 --> 40:59.420]  but David chose to put his trust in Jesus Christ.
[40:59.420 --> 41:03.860]  Previously, David had fought a lion and also a bear.
[41:03.860 --> 41:08.860]  From his experience, he knew that God had protected him
[41:08.860 --> 41:11.260]  and made him victorious.
[41:11.740 --> 41:16.740]  To David, the cause of God was the most important cause.
[41:16.740 --> 41:21.660]  So, full of faith in a God who would not abandon him,
[41:21.660 --> 41:26.460]  he gathered five smooth stones, took up his sling,
[41:26.460 --> 41:29.900]  and went to face the giant.
[41:29.900 --> 41:34.540]  The scriptures tell us that the first stone David threw
[41:34.540 --> 41:40.100]  hit Goliath's forehead, ending his life.
[41:40.100 --> 41:44.060]  While David used only one stone to kill Goliath,
[41:44.060 --> 41:46.420]  he was prepared with five.
[41:46.420 --> 41:47.900]  With five!
[41:47.900 --> 41:52.620]  This made me think about how I can prepare myself
[41:52.620 --> 41:55.500]  to face the world.
[41:55.500 --> 41:59.940]  What if each of David's stones represented a strength
[41:59.940 --> 42:03.460]  we need to be triumphant in our lives?
[42:03.460 --> 42:07.700]  What could those five stones be?
[42:07.700 --> 42:10.140]  I thought of these possibilities.
[42:10.140 --> 42:15.740]  The stone of my love for God, the stone of my faith
[42:15.740 --> 42:19.900]  in our Savior, Jesus Christ, the stone of the knowledge
[42:19.900 --> 42:25.140]  of my true identity, the stone of my daily repentance,
[42:25.140 --> 42:29.980]  and the stone of my access to God's power.
[42:29.980 --> 42:34.060]  Let's talk about how we are blessed by these strengths.
[42:34.620 --> 42:37.620]  First, the stone of my love for God.
[42:37.620 --> 42:41.220]  Loving God is the first great commandment.
[42:41.220 --> 42:43.420]  The For the Strength of Youth guide
[42:43.420 --> 42:46.820]  teaches us, God loves you.
[42:46.820 --> 42:48.580]  He is your Father.
[42:48.580 --> 42:52.940]  His perfect love can inspire you to love Him.
[42:52.940 --> 42:55.540]  When your love for Heavenly Father
[42:55.540 --> 42:59.140]  is the most important influence in your life,
[42:59.140 --> 43:02.580]  many decisions become easier.
[43:03.100 --> 43:06.700]  Our love for God and our close relationship with Him
[43:06.700 --> 43:11.020]  give us the strength we need to transform our hearts
[43:11.020 --> 43:15.380]  and more easily overcome our challenges.
[43:15.380 --> 43:20.260]  Second, the stone of my faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
[43:20.260 --> 43:24.780]  When Jesus Christ came to earth, He suffered for our sins,
[43:24.780 --> 43:30.020]  and He took upon Himself our sorrows, our pains,
[43:30.300 --> 43:35.180]  our weaknesses, and our physical and mental illnesses.
[43:35.180 --> 43:39.300]  That's why He knows how to help us.
[43:39.300 --> 43:42.140]  Having faith in Jesus Christ means
[43:42.140 --> 43:47.220]  to fully trust His wisdom, His timing, His love,
[43:47.220 --> 43:50.340]  and His power to atone for our sins.
[43:50.340 --> 43:52.580]  The stone of faith in Jesus Christ
[43:52.580 --> 43:56.060]  will defeat any giant in our lives.
[43:56.460 --> 43:59.100]  We can overcome this fallen world
[43:59.100 --> 44:02.900]  because He overcame it first.
[44:02.900 --> 44:08.260]  Number three, the stone of the knowledge of my true identity.
[44:08.260 --> 44:11.620]  Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson,
[44:11.620 --> 44:15.460]  taught us that our most important identities are
[44:15.460 --> 44:18.820]  as children of God, children of the covenant,
[44:18.820 --> 44:21.460]  and disciples of Jesus Christ.
[44:21.980 --> 44:26.620]  Everything changes when I know who I really am.
[44:26.620 --> 44:29.940]  When I doubt my abilities, I often
[44:29.940 --> 44:33.500]  repeat to myself in my mind or out loud,
[44:33.500 --> 44:35.540]  I am a daughter of God.
[44:35.540 --> 44:38.860]  I am a daughter of God as many times
[44:38.860 --> 44:45.500]  as I need until I again feel confident to keep going.
[44:45.500 --> 44:48.700]  Four, the stone of my daily repentance.
[44:48.940 --> 44:52.460]  In For the Strength of Youth, we read,
[44:52.460 --> 44:56.140]  "...repentance isn't punishment for sin.
[44:56.140 --> 45:00.100]  It is the way the Savior frees us from sin.
[45:00.100 --> 45:05.180]  To repent means to change, to turn away from sin
[45:05.180 --> 45:06.660]  and toward God.
[45:06.660 --> 45:10.460]  It means to improve and receive forgiveness.
[45:10.460 --> 45:14.540]  This kind of change is not a one-time event.
[45:14.540 --> 45:18.540]  It's an ongoing process."
[45:18.580 --> 45:23.660]  Nothing is more liberating than feeling God's forgiveness
[45:23.660 --> 45:28.740]  and knowing that we are clean and reconciled with Him.
[45:28.740 --> 45:34.660]  Forgiveness is possible for everyone.
[45:34.660 --> 45:39.380]  The fifth stone is the stone of my access to God's power.
[45:39.380 --> 45:42.980]  The covenants we make with God, such as those
[45:42.980 --> 45:45.420]  we make in the ordinance of baptism,
[45:45.700 --> 45:49.020]  give us access to the power of godliness.
[45:49.020 --> 45:55.580]  God's power is a real power that helps us face challenges,
[45:55.580 --> 45:58.980]  make good decisions, and increase our capacity
[45:58.980 --> 46:01.740]  to endure difficult situations.
[46:01.740 --> 46:07.140]  It's a power with which we can grow in the specific abilities
[46:07.140 --> 46:08.420]  that we need.
[46:08.420 --> 46:10.700]  The For the Strength of Youth guide
[46:10.700 --> 46:15.980]  explains, "...covenants connect you to Heavenly Father
[46:15.980 --> 46:17.180]  and the Savior.
[46:17.180 --> 46:21.420]  They increase God's power in your life."
[46:21.420 --> 46:23.780]  Let's talk about that connection.
[46:23.780 --> 46:27.940]  Remember when Christ taught the difference between a house
[46:27.940 --> 46:30.700]  built on rock and one on sand?
[46:30.700 --> 46:33.900]  Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained,
[46:33.900 --> 46:37.260]  "...a house doesn't survive in a storm
[46:37.260 --> 46:39.660]  because the house is strong.
[46:40.060 --> 46:44.740]  It also doesn't survive just because the rock is strong.
[46:44.740 --> 46:49.580]  The house survives the storm because it is firmly
[46:49.580 --> 46:52.300]  attached to that strong rock.
[46:52.300 --> 46:55.140]  It's the strength of the connection
[46:55.140 --> 46:58.660]  to the rock that matters."
[46:58.660 --> 47:01.660]  Our personal connection to Jesus Christ
[47:01.660 --> 47:04.020]  will give us the courage and confidence
[47:04.020 --> 47:09.020]  to move forward amid people who do not respect our beliefs
[47:09.100 --> 47:10.980]  or who bully us.
[47:10.980 --> 47:16.180]  Christ invites us to keep Him in our thoughts constantly.
[47:16.180 --> 47:21.700]  He tells us, "...look unto me in every thought."
[47:21.700 --> 47:26.940]  Thinking about the Savior gives us clarity of mind
[47:26.940 --> 47:32.220]  to make decisions, to act without fear,
[47:32.220 --> 47:37.580]  and to say no to what is contrary to God's teachings.
[47:37.580 --> 47:42.300]  When my day is difficult and I feel like I can't take any more,
[47:42.300 --> 47:47.580]  thinking about Christ brings me peace and gives me hope.
[47:47.580 --> 47:52.220]  How can we draw upon this power of Jesus Christ?
[47:52.220 --> 47:55.380]  Obeying our covenants and increasing our faith
[47:55.380 --> 47:58.780]  in Jesus Christ are key.
[47:58.780 --> 48:03.300]  I actually wish David had had one more stone.
[48:03.300 --> 48:07.060]  That would be the stone of my testimony.
[48:07.500 --> 48:11.580]  Our testimony is built by personal spiritual experiences
[48:11.580 --> 48:16.300]  in which we recognize the divine influence in our lives.
[48:16.300 --> 48:20.780]  No one can take that knowledge from us.
[48:20.780 --> 48:25.540]  Knowing what we know from having lived our spiritual experiences
[48:25.540 --> 48:27.260]  is priceless.
[48:27.260 --> 48:31.180]  Being true to that knowledge gives us freedom.
[48:31.180 --> 48:32.860]  It gives us joy.
[48:32.860 --> 48:36.300]  If we love the truth, we will seek it.
[48:36.340 --> 48:41.300]  And once we find it, we will defend it.
[48:41.300 --> 48:44.500]  Just as I chose stone number six,
[48:44.500 --> 48:48.540]  I invite you to meet with your class, quorum, or family
[48:48.540 --> 48:52.900]  and think about what other strengths we need to acquire
[48:52.900 --> 48:59.220]  to remain faithful to God and, therefore, overcome the world.
[48:59.220 --> 49:03.700]  Dear friends, Christ is eager to accompany us
[49:03.820 --> 49:06.340]  on the journey of our lives.
[49:06.340 --> 49:11.700]  I promise you, as you hold onto the iron rod,
[49:11.700 --> 49:15.860]  you will walk hand in hand with Jesus Christ.
[49:15.860 --> 49:20.100]  He will be guiding you, and He will be teaching you.
[49:20.100 --> 49:23.940]  By His hand, you will be able to bring down
[49:23.940 --> 49:28.740]  every goliath that appears in your life.
[49:28.740 --> 49:32.740]  I testify that there is joy in praying every day,
[49:32.980 --> 49:35.980]  in reading the Book of Mormon every day,
[49:35.980 --> 49:39.500]  in partaking of the sacrament every Sunday,
[49:39.500 --> 49:43.820]  and in going to seminary, even in the early morning.
[49:43.820 --> 49:46.660]  There is joy in doing good.
[49:46.660 --> 49:51.380]  There is joy in being faithful to the God of the universe,
[49:51.380 --> 49:55.500]  the Savior of the world, the King of kings.
[49:55.500 --> 50:00.580]  There is joy in being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
[50:00.580 --> 50:02.500]  God is our Father.
[50:02.500 --> 50:07.700]  He knows your heart's desires and your possibilities,
[50:07.700 --> 50:10.580]  and He trusts you.
[50:10.580 --> 50:13.380]  Dear youth, Jesus Christ will help
[50:13.380 --> 50:16.100]  you to be faithful to the end.
[50:16.100 --> 50:18.940]  Of this truth, I bear my testimony
[50:18.940 --> 50:21.620]  in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[50:31.580 --> 50:40.140]  As a young boy, I loved fresh, ripe peaches.
[50:40.140 --> 50:44.500]  To this day, the idea of biting into a juicy, ripe peach
[50:44.500 --> 50:47.940]  with its tangy flavor makes my mouth water.
[50:47.940 --> 50:50.940]  When fully matured peaches are picked,
[50:50.940 --> 50:54.020]  they last two to four days before they spoil.
[50:54.020 --> 50:58.180]  I have fond memories of joining with my mother and my siblings
[50:58.220 --> 51:01.700]  in our kitchen as we would preserve harvested peaches
[51:01.700 --> 51:04.820]  for the coming winter by sealing them in bottles.
[51:04.820 --> 51:07.740]  If we preserved the peaches correctly,
[51:07.740 --> 51:11.220]  this delicious fruit would last several years, not just two
[51:11.220 --> 51:12.540]  to four days.
[51:12.540 --> 51:15.660]  For peaches, if properly prepared and heated,
[51:15.660 --> 51:19.780]  the fruit is preserved until the seal is broken.
[51:19.780 --> 51:22.580]  Christ directed us to go and bring forth fruit
[51:22.580 --> 51:25.180]  that your fruit should remain, but He
[51:25.180 --> 51:27.300]  wasn't speaking about peaches.
[51:27.780 --> 51:31.980]  He was talking about God's blessings to His children.
[51:31.980 --> 51:34.660]  If we make and keep covenants with God,
[51:34.660 --> 51:37.060]  the blessings associated with our covenants
[51:37.060 --> 51:40.180]  can extend beyond this life and be sealed upon us
[51:40.180 --> 51:43.500]  or preserved forever, becoming fruit
[51:43.500 --> 51:46.380]  that remains for all eternity.
[51:46.380 --> 51:48.380]  The Holy Ghost, in His divine role
[51:48.380 --> 51:51.540]  as the Holy Spirit of promise, will seal each ordinance
[51:51.540 --> 51:54.500]  upon those who are faithful to their covenants
[51:54.820 --> 51:59.140]  so that they will be valid after mortality.
[51:59.140 --> 52:01.820]  Having the Holy Ghost seal our ordinances
[52:01.820 --> 52:04.060]  is essential if we want to have the promised
[52:04.060 --> 52:09.660]  blessings for all eternity becoming fruit that remains.
[52:09.660 --> 52:13.420]  This is particularly important if we want to be exalted.
[52:13.420 --> 52:16.300]  As President Nelson has taught,
[52:16.300 --> 52:18.660]  we should begin with the end in mind.
[52:18.660 --> 52:23.460]  Surely for each of us, the end we would most like to achieve
[52:23.460 --> 52:27.300]  is to live forever with our families in an exalted state
[52:27.300 --> 52:30.700]  where we will be in the presence of God, our Heavenly Father,
[52:30.700 --> 52:35.220]  and His Son, Jesus Christ."
[52:35.220 --> 52:37.020]  President Nelson has also said,
[52:37.020 --> 52:40.700]  Celestial marriage is a pivotal part of preparation
[52:40.700 --> 52:42.340]  for eternal life.
[52:42.340 --> 52:47.940]  It requires one to be married to the right person
[52:47.940 --> 52:51.580]  in the right place by the right authority
[52:51.900 --> 52:55.540]  and to obey that sacred covenant faithfully.
[52:55.540 --> 52:58.540]  Then one may be assured of exaltation
[52:58.540 --> 53:00.860]  in the celestial kingdom of God.
[53:00.860 --> 53:03.900]  What are the blessings of exaltation?
[53:03.900 --> 53:07.060]  They include dwelling in God's presence for eternity
[53:07.060 --> 53:11.380]  together as husband and wife, inheriting thrones, kingdoms,
[53:11.380 --> 53:15.260]  principalities, and powers, and a continuation of the seeds
[53:15.260 --> 53:21.020]  forever and ever, receiving all that God the Father has.
[53:21.700 --> 53:24.020]  The Lord revealed through Joseph Smith,
[53:24.020 --> 53:28.260]  in the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees,
[53:28.260 --> 53:31.740]  and in order to obtain the highest,
[53:31.740 --> 53:34.500]  a man must enter into this order of the priesthood,
[53:34.500 --> 53:37.620]  meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage.
[53:37.620 --> 53:40.900]  And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.
[53:40.900 --> 53:44.940]  He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom.
[53:44.940 --> 53:48.300]  He cannot have an increase.
[53:48.300 --> 53:51.300]  We learn here that one can be in the celestial kingdom
[53:51.300 --> 53:54.740]  or dwell in the presence of God and be single.
[53:54.740 --> 53:57.620]  But to be exalted in the highest degree
[53:57.620 --> 53:59.780]  of the celestial kingdom, one must
[53:59.780 --> 54:03.140]  enter into marriage by the proper authority
[54:03.140 --> 54:08.420]  and then be true to the covenants made in that marriage.
[54:08.420 --> 54:10.540]  As we are faithful to these covenants,
[54:10.540 --> 54:14.060]  the Holy Spirit of promise can seal our marriage covenant.
[54:14.500 --> 54:18.180]  Such sealed blessings become fruit that remains.
[54:20.860 --> 54:23.060]  What is required to faithfully keep
[54:23.060 --> 54:26.580]  the new and everlasting covenant of marriage?
[54:26.580 --> 54:28.860]  President Russell M. Nelson has taught
[54:28.860 --> 54:30.900]  that there are two types of bonds
[54:30.900 --> 54:33.860]  when we enter into this eternal marriage covenant,
[54:33.860 --> 54:37.100]  a lateral bond between husband and wife
[54:37.100 --> 54:40.540]  and a vertical bond with God.
[54:40.540 --> 54:43.580]  To have the blessings of exaltation sealed upon us
[54:43.620 --> 54:46.660]  and remain after this life, we must
[54:46.660 --> 54:50.900]  be true to both the lateral and the vertical bonds
[54:50.900 --> 54:53.380]  of the covenant.
[54:53.380 --> 54:55.700]  To keep the lateral bond with your spouse,
[54:55.700 --> 54:59.820]  God has counseled us to love your wife or husband
[54:59.820 --> 55:05.220]  with all your heart and cleave unto her or him and none else.
[55:05.220 --> 55:09.380]  For those who are married, to cleave unto her or him
[55:09.380 --> 55:12.820]  and none else means you counsel together in love.
[55:13.340 --> 55:15.140]  You love and care for each other.
[55:15.140 --> 55:19.100]  You prioritize time with your spouse over outside interests,
[55:19.100 --> 55:24.380]  and you call upon God to help you overcome your weaknesses.
[55:24.380 --> 55:27.740]  It also means there is no emotional intimacy
[55:27.740 --> 55:32.380]  or sexual relations of any kind outside of your marriage,
[55:32.380 --> 55:37.900]  including flirting or dating, and there is no pornography
[55:37.900 --> 55:41.460]  which engenders lust.
[55:41.460 --> 55:43.700]  To keep the lateral bond in the covenant,
[55:43.700 --> 55:47.340]  each partner must desire to be in the marriage.
[55:47.340 --> 55:50.420]  President Dallin H. Oaks recently taught,
[55:50.420 --> 55:54.620]  we also know that He, God, will force no one
[55:54.620 --> 56:00.260]  into a sealing relationship against his or her will.
[56:00.260 --> 56:02.260]  The blessings of a sealed relationship
[56:02.260 --> 56:05.140]  are assured for all who keep their covenants
[56:05.140 --> 56:09.940]  but never by forcing a sealed relationship on another person
[56:10.100 --> 56:14.540]  who is unworthy or unwilling.
[56:14.540 --> 56:18.220]  What is the vertical bond referred to by President Nelson?
[56:18.220 --> 56:21.900]  The vertical bond is one we make with God.
[56:21.900 --> 56:24.420]  To keep the vertical bond with God,
[56:24.420 --> 56:26.420]  we are true to the temple covenants
[56:26.420 --> 56:30.380]  we have made regarding the laws of obedience, sacrifice,
[56:30.380 --> 56:34.460]  the gospel, chastity, and consecration.
[56:34.460 --> 56:38.340]  We also covenant with God to receive our eternal companion
[56:38.340 --> 56:42.980]  and to be a righteous spouse and parent.
[56:42.980 --> 56:46.340]  As we keep the vertical bond, we qualify
[56:46.340 --> 56:49.380]  for the blessings of being part of the family of God
[56:49.380 --> 56:52.420]  through the Abrahamic covenant, including
[56:52.420 --> 56:57.540]  the blessings of posterity, the gospel, and the priesthood.
[56:57.540 --> 57:03.940]  These blessings are also the fruit that remains.
[57:03.940 --> 57:06.900]  While we hope that all who enter into the new and everlasting
[57:06.900 --> 57:10.460]  covenant remain true and have the blessings sealed upon them
[57:10.460 --> 57:16.380]  for all eternity, sometimes that ideal seems beyond our reach.
[57:16.380 --> 57:19.100]  Throughout my ministry, I have encountered
[57:19.100 --> 57:22.220]  members who make and keep covenants,
[57:22.220 --> 57:24.580]  but their spouse does not.
[57:24.580 --> 57:27.380]  There are also those who are single,
[57:27.380 --> 57:31.060]  never having the opportunity to marry in mortality.
[57:31.060 --> 57:34.260]  And there are those who are not faithful to their marriage
[57:34.260 --> 57:35.300]  covenants.
[57:35.660 --> 57:40.740]  What happens to individuals in each of these circumstances?
[57:40.740 --> 57:43.460]  If you remain faithful to the covenants you have made
[57:43.460 --> 57:48.140]  when you were endowed, you will receive the personal blessings
[57:48.140 --> 57:53.180]  promised to you in the endowment even if your spouse has broken
[57:53.180 --> 57:58.100]  his or her covenants or withdrawn from the marriage.
[57:58.100 --> 58:00.260]  If you are sealed and later divorced
[58:00.260 --> 58:02.820]  and if your sealing is not canceled,
[58:03.220 --> 58:05.300]  the personal blessings of that sealing
[58:05.300 --> 58:10.500]  remain in effect for you if you remain faithful.
[58:10.500 --> 58:14.980]  Sometimes, due to feelings of betrayal and very real hurt,
[58:14.980 --> 58:18.340]  a faithful spouse may want to cancel their sealing
[58:18.340 --> 58:22.700]  with their unfaithful spouse to get as far away as possible
[58:22.700 --> 58:26.780]  from them, both on earth and for eternity.
[58:26.780 --> 58:28.900]  If you are concerned that you will somehow
[58:28.900 --> 58:31.820]  be tied to an unrepentant former spouse,
[58:31.820 --> 58:35.700]  remember you will not.
[58:35.700 --> 58:39.660]  God will not require anyone to remain in a sealed relationship
[58:39.660 --> 58:42.580]  throughout eternity against his or her will.
[58:42.580 --> 58:44.900]  Heavenly Father will ensure that we
[58:44.900 --> 58:50.060]  will receive every blessing that our desires and choices allow.
[58:50.060 --> 58:55.220]  However, if a cancellation of sealing is desired,
[58:55.220 --> 58:57.620]  agency is respected.
[58:57.620 --> 59:00.500]  Certain procedures can be followed,
[59:00.900 --> 59:05.380]  but this should not be done casually.
[59:05.380 --> 59:07.380]  The First Presidency holds the keys
[59:07.380 --> 59:09.260]  to bind on earth and in heaven.
[59:09.260 --> 59:11.620]  Once a sealing cancellation has been
[59:11.620 --> 59:15.420]  granted by the First Presidency, the blessings related
[59:15.420 --> 59:18.060]  to that sealing are no longer in force.
[59:18.060 --> 59:22.660]  They are canceled both laterally and vertically.
[59:22.660 --> 59:25.660]  It is important to understand that to receive
[59:25.660 --> 59:29.420]  the blessings of exaltation, we must demonstrate
[59:29.420 --> 59:33.380]  that we are willing to enter into and faithfully keep
[59:33.380 --> 59:35.500]  this new and everlasting covenant,
[59:35.500 --> 59:39.420]  either in this life or the next.
[59:39.420 --> 59:42.700]  For those who are single members of the Church,
[59:42.700 --> 59:46.300]  please remember that in the Lord's own way and time,
[59:46.300 --> 59:50.140]  no blessing will be withheld from His faithful Saints.
[59:50.140 --> 59:53.300]  The Lord will judge and reward each individual
[59:53.300 --> 59:58.340]  according to heartfelt desires as well as deed.
[59:58.340 --> 01:00:01.620]  If you have not remained faithful to temple covenants,
[01:00:01.620 --> 01:00:02.980]  is there hope?
[01:00:02.980 --> 01:00:04.500]  Yes!
[01:00:04.500 --> 01:00:07.700]  The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of hope.
[01:00:07.700 --> 01:00:10.140]  That hope comes through Jesus Christ
[01:00:10.140 --> 01:00:13.020]  with sincere repentance and obediently following
[01:00:13.020 --> 01:00:14.980]  Christ's teachings.
[01:00:14.980 --> 01:00:18.780]  I have seen individuals make grave mistakes
[01:00:18.780 --> 01:00:20.820]  breaking sacred covenants.
[01:00:20.820 --> 01:00:25.420]  On a regular basis, I see those who sincerely repent,
[01:00:25.700 --> 01:00:29.740]  are forgiven, and return to the covenant path.
[01:00:29.740 --> 01:00:33.580]  If you have broken your temple covenants,
[01:00:33.580 --> 01:00:36.860]  I urge you to turn to Jesus Christ,
[01:00:36.860 --> 01:00:42.220]  counsel with your bishop, repent, and open your soul
[01:00:42.220 --> 01:00:45.020]  to the mighty healing power available because
[01:00:45.020 --> 01:00:48.540]  of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
[01:00:48.540 --> 01:00:51.500]  Brothers and sisters, our loving Heavenly Father
[01:00:51.500 --> 01:00:54.700]  has given us covenants so that we may have access
[01:00:54.700 --> 01:00:57.100]  to all that He has in store for us.
[01:00:57.100 --> 01:01:00.580]  These sacred blessings from God are more delicious
[01:01:00.580 --> 01:01:02.860]  than any earthly fruit.
[01:01:02.860 --> 01:01:06.340]  They can be preserved for us forever,
[01:01:06.340 --> 01:01:09.940]  becoming fruit that remains as we
[01:01:09.940 --> 01:01:12.540]  are faithful to our covenants.
[01:01:12.540 --> 01:01:15.180]  I testify that God has restored the authority
[01:01:15.180 --> 01:01:17.740]  to bind on earth so it is bound in heaven.
[01:01:17.740 --> 01:01:20.940]  That authority is found in The Church of Jesus Christ
[01:01:20.940 --> 01:01:22.220]  of Latter-day Saints.
[01:01:22.420 --> 01:01:24.780]  It is held by the First Presidency and Quorum
[01:01:24.780 --> 01:01:27.620]  of the Twelve and is exercised under the direction
[01:01:27.620 --> 01:01:29.940]  of President Russell M. Nelson.
[01:01:29.940 --> 01:01:34.140]  Those who enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage
[01:01:34.140 --> 01:01:37.900]  and keep that covenant can become perfected
[01:01:37.900 --> 01:01:39.740]  and eventually receive the fullness
[01:01:39.740 --> 01:01:43.300]  of the glory of the Father, regardless of circumstances
[01:01:43.300 --> 01:01:44.940]  beyond their control.
[01:01:44.940 --> 01:01:48.220]  These promised blessings appertaining to our covenants
[01:01:48.220 --> 01:01:51.460]  can be sealed upon us by the Holy Spirit of promise
[01:01:51.620 --> 01:01:56.380]  and become fruit that remains forever and ever.
[01:01:56.380 --> 01:01:59.980]  I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:02:09.140 --> 01:02:12.860]  We're grateful for all who have spoken to us this evening
[01:02:12.860 --> 01:02:16.860]  and for the truly beautiful music that's been provided.
[01:02:16.860 --> 01:02:20.500]  We remind you that the nationwide broadcast
[01:02:20.500 --> 01:02:24.020]  of Music and the Spoken Word will air tomorrow morning
[01:02:24.020 --> 01:02:26.100]  from 930 to 10 a.m.
[01:02:26.100 --> 01:02:27.940]  Mountain Daylight Time.
[01:02:27.940 --> 01:02:30.580]  The Saturday morning session of conference
[01:02:30.580 --> 01:02:33.660]  will immediately follow.
[01:02:33.660 --> 01:02:36.020]  Our concluding speaker for this session
[01:02:36.020 --> 01:02:39.060]  will be Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum
[01:02:39.060 --> 01:02:40.780]  of the Twelve Apostles.
[01:02:40.780 --> 01:02:43.660]  Following Elder Uchtdorf's remarks,
[01:02:43.660 --> 01:02:45.900]  the choir will close this meeting
[01:02:45.900 --> 01:02:49.220]  by singing Amazing Grace.
[01:02:49.780 --> 01:02:51.500]  The benediction will then be offered
[01:02:51.500 --> 01:02:55.180]  by Brother Milton Camargo, who serves as First Counselor
[01:02:55.180 --> 01:02:57.020]  in the Sunday School general presidency.
[01:03:06.780 --> 01:03:10.500]  I've had the great blessing of speaking at general conference
[01:03:10.500 --> 01:03:14.420]  for three decades now.
[01:03:14.420 --> 01:03:16.860]  During that time, I've been asked questions
[01:03:16.860 --> 01:03:20.300]  relating to these messages by many around the world.
[01:03:20.300 --> 01:03:24.420]  Lately, one particular question keeps coming up.
[01:03:24.420 --> 01:03:27.660]  It usually goes something like this.
[01:03:27.660 --> 01:03:31.220]  Elder Uchtdorf, I listened carefully to your last talk,
[01:03:31.220 --> 01:03:35.420]  but I didn't hear anything about aviation.
[01:03:39.420 --> 01:03:46.020]  Well, after today, I hope I hear that question no more
[01:03:46.020 --> 01:03:46.700]  for a while.
[01:03:49.700 --> 01:03:53.940]  It's hard to believe it was only 120 years ago when Wilbur
[01:03:53.940 --> 01:03:57.540]  and Orville Wright first lifted off and flew
[01:03:57.540 --> 01:04:02.940]  over the sands of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
[01:04:02.940 --> 01:04:05.660]  Four short flights on that December day
[01:04:05.660 --> 01:04:08.940]  changed the world and opened the door
[01:04:08.940 --> 01:04:11.220]  to one of the greatest inventions
[01:04:11.220 --> 01:04:13.660]  in the world's history.
[01:04:13.660 --> 01:04:16.420]  Flying was risky in those early days.
[01:04:16.420 --> 01:04:20.940]  The brothers knew this, and so did their father, Milton.
[01:04:20.940 --> 01:04:25.540]  In fact, he was so terrified of losing both of his sons
[01:04:25.540 --> 01:04:28.620]  in a flying accident that they promised him
[01:04:28.620 --> 01:04:31.220]  they would never fly together.
[01:04:31.220 --> 01:04:35.380]  And they never did, with one exception.
[01:04:35.380 --> 01:04:40.060]  Seven years after that historic day at Kitty Hawk,
[01:04:40.540 --> 01:04:44.180]  Milton Wright finally gave his consent
[01:04:44.180 --> 01:04:47.900]  and watched as Wilbur and Orville flew together
[01:04:47.900 --> 01:04:49.460]  for the first time.
[01:04:49.460 --> 01:04:52.980]  After landing, Orville convinced his father
[01:04:52.980 --> 01:04:57.620]  to take his first and only flight and to see for himself
[01:04:57.620 --> 01:04:59.260]  what it was like.
[01:04:59.260 --> 01:05:02.260]  As the plane lifted from the ground,
[01:05:02.260 --> 01:05:05.980]  the 82-year-old Milton got so caught up
[01:05:06.340 --> 01:05:12.140]  in the acceleration of flight that all fear left him.
[01:05:12.140 --> 01:05:16.580]  Orville rejoiced as his father shouted with delight,
[01:05:16.580 --> 01:05:19.340]  "'Higher, Orville, higher!'
[01:05:19.340 --> 01:05:22.220]  This was a man after my own heart."
[01:05:25.460 --> 01:05:28.740]  Perhaps the reason I speak about aviation occasionally
[01:05:28.740 --> 01:05:34.220]  is that I know something of what the Wrights felt.
[01:05:34.900 --> 01:05:39.460]  I, too, have slipped the surely bonds of earth
[01:05:39.460 --> 01:05:44.540]  and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
[01:05:44.540 --> 01:05:46.700]  The Wright brothers' first flight,
[01:05:46.700 --> 01:05:51.340]  which happened a mere 37 years before my birth,
[01:05:51.340 --> 01:05:55.860]  opened doors of adventure, wonder, and pure joy
[01:05:55.860 --> 01:05:57.140]  into my life.
[01:05:57.140 --> 01:06:03.500]  And yet, as amazing as that joy is,
[01:06:03.900 --> 01:06:07.220]  there is an even higher kind of joy.
[01:06:07.220 --> 01:06:11.540]  Today, in the spirit of Milton Wright's delighted cry,
[01:06:11.540 --> 01:06:14.300]  "'Higher, Orville, higher!'
[01:06:14.300 --> 01:06:18.580]  I would like to speak about this higher joy, where it comes
[01:06:18.580 --> 01:06:25.380]  from, how it enters our hearts, and how we can experience it
[01:06:25.380 --> 01:06:27.940]  in greater measure.
[01:06:27.940 --> 01:06:30.660]  It probably goes without saying that everyone
[01:06:30.660 --> 01:06:32.140]  wants to be happy.
[01:06:32.140 --> 01:06:35.500]  Nevertheless, it goes also without saying
[01:06:35.500 --> 01:06:38.220]  that not everyone is happy.
[01:06:38.220 --> 01:06:41.780]  Sadly, it seems that for many people,
[01:06:41.780 --> 01:06:44.820]  happiness is hard to find.
[01:06:44.820 --> 01:06:46.780]  Why is that?
[01:06:46.780 --> 01:06:52.620]  If happiness is the one thing we humans desire most,
[01:06:52.620 --> 01:06:57.860]  why are we so unsuccessful at finding it?
[01:06:57.860 --> 01:07:01.900]  To paraphrase a country song, maybe we've
[01:07:01.900 --> 01:07:04.460]  been looking for joy in all the wrong places.
[01:07:07.620 --> 01:07:10.660]  Before we discuss how to find joy,
[01:07:10.660 --> 01:07:13.500]  allow me to acknowledge that depression
[01:07:13.500 --> 01:07:18.580]  and other difficult mental and emotional challenges are real,
[01:07:18.580 --> 01:07:23.180]  and the answer is not simply, try to be happier.
[01:07:23.180 --> 01:07:26.980]  My purpose today is not to diminish or trivialize
[01:07:27.260 --> 01:07:29.460]  mental health issues.
[01:07:29.460 --> 01:07:33.740]  If you face such challenges, I mourn with you
[01:07:33.740 --> 01:07:36.060]  and I stand beside you.
[01:07:36.060 --> 01:07:39.340]  For some people, finding joy may include
[01:07:39.340 --> 01:07:42.340]  seeking help from trained mental health professionals
[01:07:42.340 --> 01:07:45.500]  who devote their lives to practicing
[01:07:45.500 --> 01:07:49.060]  their very important art.
[01:07:49.060 --> 01:07:53.020]  We should be thankful for such help.
[01:07:53.020 --> 01:07:57.900]  Now, life is not an endless sequence of emotional heists,
[01:07:57.900 --> 01:08:02.100]  for it must be that there is an opposition in all things.
[01:08:02.100 --> 01:08:08.500]  And if God Himself weeps, as the scripture affirms He does,
[01:08:08.500 --> 01:08:13.020]  then, of course, you and I will weep as well.
[01:08:13.020 --> 01:08:17.740]  Feeling sad is not a sign of failure.
[01:08:17.740 --> 01:08:21.140]  In this life, at least, joy and sorrow
[01:08:21.140 --> 01:08:24.180]  are inseparable companions.
[01:08:24.180 --> 01:08:27.500]  Like all of you, I have felt my share
[01:08:27.500 --> 01:08:31.460]  of disappointment, sorrow, sadness, and remorse.
[01:08:31.460 --> 01:08:35.340]  However, I have also experienced for myself
[01:08:35.340 --> 01:08:40.820]  the glorious dawn that fills the soul with joy so profound
[01:08:40.820 --> 01:08:43.260]  that it can scarcely be kept in.
[01:08:43.260 --> 01:08:48.740]  I have discovered for myself that this peaceful confidence
[01:08:49.180 --> 01:08:54.980]  comes from following the Savior and walking in His way.
[01:08:54.980 --> 01:08:59.780]  The peace He gives us is not like what the world gives.
[01:08:59.780 --> 01:09:01.100]  It is better.
[01:09:01.100 --> 01:09:04.260]  It is higher and holier.
[01:09:04.260 --> 01:09:06.260]  Jesus said,
[01:09:06.260 --> 01:09:10.540]  "...I am come that they might have life,
[01:09:10.540 --> 01:09:16.300]  that they might have it more abundantly."
[01:09:16.300 --> 01:09:18.020]  The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly
[01:09:18.020 --> 01:09:19.540]  the good news of great joy.
[01:09:19.540 --> 01:09:22.500]  It is a message of matchless hope,
[01:09:22.500 --> 01:09:27.940]  a message of yoke-bearing and burden-lifting,
[01:09:27.940 --> 01:09:33.460]  of light-gathering, of heavenly favor, higher understanding,
[01:09:33.460 --> 01:09:39.740]  holier covenants, eternal security, and everlasting
[01:09:39.740 --> 01:09:40.460]  glory.
[01:09:40.460 --> 01:09:44.780]  Joy is the very purpose of God's plan for His children.
[01:09:45.260 --> 01:09:50.180]  It is what you were created for, that you might have joy.
[01:09:50.180 --> 01:09:52.460]  You were built for this.
[01:09:52.460 --> 01:09:56.420]  Our Father in Heaven has not hidden the path to happiness.
[01:09:56.420 --> 01:09:57.820]  It is not a secret.
[01:09:57.820 --> 01:09:59.860]  It is available to all.
[01:09:59.860 --> 01:10:03.980]  It is promised to those who walk the path of discipleship,
[01:10:03.980 --> 01:10:06.700]  follow the teaching and example of the Savior,
[01:10:06.700 --> 01:10:09.900]  keep His commandments, make and honor
[01:10:10.140 --> 01:10:12.620]  covenants they make with God.
[01:10:12.620 --> 01:10:16.940]  What a remarkable promise!
[01:10:16.940 --> 01:10:20.580]  We all know people who say that they don't need God
[01:10:20.580 --> 01:10:24.900]  to be happy, that they are happy enough without religion.
[01:10:24.900 --> 01:10:29.380]  I acknowledge and respect these feelings.
[01:10:29.380 --> 01:10:32.260]  Our beloved Father in Heaven wants all His children
[01:10:32.260 --> 01:10:34.940]  to have as much happiness as possible,
[01:10:34.940 --> 01:10:38.420]  so He has filled this world with beautiful, wholesome
[01:10:38.460 --> 01:10:42.260]  pleasures and delights, both to please the eye
[01:10:42.260 --> 01:10:44.180]  and gladden the heart.
[01:10:44.180 --> 01:10:47.940]  For me, flying brought great happiness.
[01:10:47.940 --> 01:10:53.380]  Others find it in music, in art, in hobbies, or nature.
[01:10:53.380 --> 01:10:58.980]  By inviting everyone and sharing the Savior's good news
[01:10:58.980 --> 01:11:05.500]  of great joy, we do not discount only these sources of joy,
[01:11:05.500 --> 01:11:06.860]  any of those.
[01:11:06.860 --> 01:11:12.220]  We are simply saying that God has something more to give,
[01:11:12.220 --> 01:11:17.100]  a higher and more profound joy, a joy that transcends anything
[01:11:17.100 --> 01:11:18.220]  this world offers.
[01:11:18.220 --> 01:11:22.100]  It is a joy that endures heartbreak, penetrates sorrow,
[01:11:22.100 --> 01:11:24.540]  and diminishes loneliness.
[01:11:24.540 --> 01:11:28.340]  Worldly happiness, by contrast, does not last.
[01:11:28.340 --> 01:11:29.660]  It cannot.
[01:11:29.660 --> 01:11:35.020]  It is the nature of all earthly things to grow old, decay,
[01:11:35.020 --> 01:11:38.740]  wear out, or become stale.
[01:11:38.740 --> 01:11:47.060]  But godly joy is eternal because God is eternal.
[01:11:47.060 --> 01:11:51.140]  Jesus Christ came to lift us out of the temple
[01:11:51.140 --> 01:11:54.060]  and replace corruption with incorruption.
[01:11:54.060 --> 01:12:03.100]  Only He has that power, and only His joy is perpetual.
[01:12:03.100 --> 01:12:05.740]  If you feel there could be more of this kind of joy
[01:12:05.740 --> 01:12:07.700]  in your life, I invite you to embark
[01:12:07.700 --> 01:12:12.780]  on the journey of following Jesus Christ and His way.
[01:12:12.780 --> 01:12:19.100]  It is a journey of a lifetime and beyond.
[01:12:19.100 --> 01:12:22.340]  Please let me suggest a few beginning steps
[01:12:22.340 --> 01:12:28.900]  on this worthy journey of discovering pure joy.
[01:12:28.900 --> 01:12:33.740]  Do you remember the woman in the New Testament
[01:12:33.740 --> 01:12:38.700]  who endured a bleeding illness for 12 years?
[01:12:38.700 --> 01:12:42.020]  She had spent all she had on physicians,
[01:12:42.020 --> 01:12:44.900]  but things only grew worse.
[01:12:44.900 --> 01:12:46.900]  She had heard of Jesus.
[01:12:46.900 --> 01:12:51.900]  His power to heal was well known, but could He heal her?
[01:12:51.900 --> 01:12:55.380]  And how could she even get near Him?
[01:12:55.380 --> 01:12:58.380]  Her sickness made her unclean, according
[01:12:58.380 --> 01:13:00.580]  to the law of Moses, and therefore she
[01:13:00.580 --> 01:13:05.420]  was required to stay away from others.
[01:13:05.420 --> 01:13:08.060]  Approaching Him openly and asking for healing
[01:13:08.060 --> 01:13:11.940]  seemed out of the question.
[01:13:11.940 --> 01:13:18.260]  Still, she thought, if I may touch but His clothes,
[01:13:18.260 --> 01:13:21.420]  I shall be whole.
[01:13:21.420 --> 01:13:27.380]  At last her faith overcame her fear.
[01:13:27.380 --> 01:13:33.700]  She braved the censure of others and pressed toward the Savior.
[01:13:33.700 --> 01:13:35.860]  Finally, she was within reach.
[01:13:35.860 --> 01:13:41.580]  She extended her hand, and she was healed.
[01:13:41.580 --> 01:13:46.180]  Aren't we all somewhat like this woman?
[01:13:46.180 --> 01:13:50.460]  There may be many reasons why we hesitate
[01:13:50.460 --> 01:13:55.020]  to draw near to the Savior.
[01:13:55.020 --> 01:14:01.060]  We may face ridicule or condemnation by others.
[01:14:01.060 --> 01:14:04.620]  In our pride, we may dismiss the possibility
[01:14:04.620 --> 01:14:10.420]  of something so simple being of so much value.
[01:14:10.420 --> 01:14:15.340]  We may think that our condition somehow disqualifies us
[01:14:15.340 --> 01:14:19.660]  from His healing, that the distance is too great,
[01:14:19.660 --> 01:14:23.780]  or our sins too many.
[01:14:23.780 --> 01:14:29.340]  Like this woman, I have learned that if we draw near to God
[01:14:29.340 --> 01:14:34.660]  and reach out to touch Him, we can indeed
[01:14:34.660 --> 01:14:38.140]  find healing, peace, and joy.
[01:14:38.140 --> 01:14:42.900]  Jesus taught, "...seek, and ye shall find."
[01:14:42.900 --> 01:14:48.300]  I believe this simple phrase is not only a spiritual promise.
[01:14:48.780 --> 01:14:54.380]  I believe it is a statement of fact.
[01:14:54.380 --> 01:14:58.140]  If we seek reasons to be angry, to doubt, to be bitter,
[01:14:58.140 --> 01:15:02.380]  or alone, we will find them.
[01:15:02.380 --> 01:15:08.940]  However, if we seek joy, if we look for reasons to rejoice
[01:15:08.940 --> 01:15:14.660]  and to happily follow the Savior, we will find them too.
[01:15:14.660 --> 01:15:19.140]  We rarely find something we are not looking for.
[01:15:19.140 --> 01:15:22.540]  Are we looking for eternal joy?
[01:15:22.540 --> 01:15:26.460]  "...seek, and ye shall find."
[01:15:26.460 --> 01:15:32.060]  Jesus taught, "...it is more blessed to give than to receive."
[01:15:32.060 --> 01:15:34.820]  Can it be that in our search for joy,
[01:15:34.820 --> 01:15:39.220]  the best way to find is to bring joy to others?
[01:15:39.900 --> 01:15:46.020]  Brothers and sisters, you know and I know this is true.
[01:15:46.020 --> 01:15:50.820]  Joy is like a barrel of flour or a jar of oil
[01:15:50.820 --> 01:15:52.940]  that will never run out.
[01:15:52.940 --> 01:15:56.860]  True joy multiplies when it is shared.
[01:15:56.860 --> 01:16:01.740]  It doesn't require something grand or complicated.
[01:16:01.740 --> 01:16:05.980]  We can do simple things, like praying for someone
[01:16:05.980 --> 01:16:09.060]  with all our heart, giving a sincere compliment,
[01:16:09.100 --> 01:16:15.460]  helping someone feel welcome, respected, valued, and loved,
[01:16:15.460 --> 01:16:20.500]  sharing a favorite scripture and what it really means to us,
[01:16:20.500 --> 01:16:24.780]  or even just by listening.
[01:16:24.780 --> 01:16:27.300]  When you are in the service of your fellow beings,
[01:16:27.300 --> 01:16:30.620]  you are only in the service of your God,
[01:16:30.620 --> 01:16:35.140]  and God will repay your kindness generously.
[01:16:35.660 --> 01:16:38.620]  The joy you give to others will return to you
[01:16:38.620 --> 01:16:41.340]  in good measure, pressed down and shaken together
[01:16:41.340 --> 01:16:44.460]  and running over.
[01:16:44.460 --> 01:16:47.100]  During the coming days, weeks, and months,
[01:16:47.100 --> 01:16:51.260]  may I invite you to spend time in a sincere, full-hearted effort
[01:16:51.260 --> 01:16:52.900]  to draw near to God.
[01:16:52.900 --> 01:16:59.980]  Seek diligently for everyday moments of hope, peace,
[01:16:59.980 --> 01:17:02.260]  and joy.
[01:17:02.260 --> 01:17:06.380]  Bring joy to others around you.
[01:17:06.380 --> 01:17:08.980]  My dear brothers and sisters, dear friends,
[01:17:08.980 --> 01:17:12.940]  as you search the word of God for a deeper understanding
[01:17:12.940 --> 01:17:15.860]  of God's eternal plan, accept these invitations,
[01:17:15.860 --> 01:17:18.740]  and strive to walk in His way, you
[01:17:18.740 --> 01:17:21.940]  will experience the peace of God,
[01:17:21.940 --> 01:17:25.940]  which paths all understanding.
[01:17:25.940 --> 01:17:27.780]  Even in the midst of sorrows, you
[01:17:27.780 --> 01:17:31.660]  will feel a greater measure of God's unsurpassable love,
[01:17:32.540 --> 01:17:36.860]  swelling within your heart.
[01:17:36.860 --> 01:17:40.620]  The dawn of celestial light will penetrate
[01:17:40.620 --> 01:17:44.020]  the shadows of your trials, and you
[01:17:44.020 --> 01:17:47.260]  will begin to taste the unspeakable glories
[01:17:47.260 --> 01:17:52.820]  and wonders of the unseen, perfect, heavenly sphere.
[01:17:52.820 --> 01:17:55.740]  You will feel your spirit lifting away
[01:17:55.780 --> 01:17:58.380]  from the gravity of this world.
[01:17:58.380 --> 01:18:02.420]  And like Good Milton Wright, perhaps you
[01:18:02.420 --> 01:18:06.180]  will raise your voice in rejoicing and shout,
[01:18:06.180 --> 01:18:10.020]  "'Higher, Father, higher!'
[01:18:10.020 --> 01:18:12.660]  May we all seek and find the higher joy that
[01:18:12.660 --> 01:18:17.740]  comes from devoting our lives to our Heavenly Father
[01:18:17.740 --> 01:18:19.180]  and His Beloved Son.
[01:18:19.180 --> 01:18:23.500]  This is my earnest prayer and blessing,
[01:18:23.940 --> 01:18:27.220]  in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:18:27.220 --> 01:18:27.720]  Amen.
[01:18:38.700 --> 01:18:49.180]  Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
[01:18:49.620 --> 01:18:55.100]  That saved a wretch like me!
[01:18:59.580 --> 01:19:09.580]  I once was lost, but now am found,
[01:19:09.580 --> 01:19:16.060]  Was blind, but now I see.
[01:19:19.540 --> 01:19:27.020]  Oh, how sweet the sound!
[01:19:27.020 --> 01:19:38.500]  Grace, oh, how sweet the sound!
[01:19:38.780 --> 01:19:49.260]  The Lord has promised good to me,
[01:19:49.260 --> 01:19:55.740]  His word my hope secures.
[01:19:56.460 --> 01:20:07.460]  He will my shield and portion be,
[01:20:07.460 --> 01:20:18.460]  As long as life endures.
[01:20:18.660 --> 01:20:23.660]  As long as life endures.
[01:20:31.660 --> 01:20:42.660]  Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
[01:20:42.860 --> 01:20:49.340]  I have already come.
[01:20:54.340 --> 01:21:05.820]  His grace has brought me safe thus far,
[01:21:05.980 --> 01:21:12.460]  And grace will lead me home.
[01:21:12.620 --> 01:21:24.100]  When we've been there ten thousand years,
[01:21:24.100 --> 01:21:36.100]  Bright shining as the morning's early light,
[01:21:36.220 --> 01:21:48.220]  When we've been there ten thousand years,
[01:21:48.220 --> 01:22:00.220]  Bright shining as the sun,
[01:22:00.340 --> 01:22:13.340]  Then when we first begun,
[01:22:13.340 --> 01:22:17.820]  Amazing grace!
[01:22:17.820 --> 01:22:32.420]  How sweet, how sweet the sound!
[01:22:47.820 --> 01:22:58.540]  Our dear and kind Heavenly Father,
[01:22:58.540 --> 01:23:04.220]  we are so grateful for this blessing we had today
[01:23:04.220 --> 01:23:07.100]  and especially in this session of the conference
[01:23:07.100 --> 01:23:12.620]  to be edified and inspired by the words we have heard
[01:23:12.620 --> 01:23:15.500]  from the general leaders of Thy Church,
[01:23:15.620 --> 01:23:18.340]  from prophets, seers, and revelators.
[01:23:18.340 --> 01:23:21.900]  We are so thankful for the blessing
[01:23:21.900 --> 01:23:27.260]  we have to live the restored gospel of Jesus Christ
[01:23:27.260 --> 01:23:31.020]  and have the opportunity to raise
[01:23:31.020 --> 01:23:33.380]  our families in this gospel.
[01:23:33.380 --> 01:23:37.700]  Dear Father, we pray for the membership of the Church,
[01:23:37.700 --> 01:23:39.900]  Thy covenant people.
[01:23:40.660 --> 01:23:46.420]  We pray Thou can bless them, bless all of us
[01:23:46.420 --> 01:23:50.620]  in our challenges and trials and tribulations,
[01:23:50.620 --> 01:23:55.300]  that we can all receive the miracles we all
[01:23:55.300 --> 01:24:00.020]  need in each one of our lives.
[01:24:00.020 --> 01:24:05.540]  We pray that we can be better and serve Thee better
[01:24:06.260 --> 01:24:08.540]  and be more faithful to the covenants
[01:24:08.540 --> 01:24:11.220]  we have done with Thee.
[01:24:11.220 --> 01:24:15.900]  And we pray that we can rejoice in the gospel
[01:24:15.900 --> 01:24:20.420]  in a higher and holier way in Thy Son, Jesus Christ.
[01:24:20.420 --> 01:24:23.380]  We pray for our children, our grandchildren,
[01:24:23.380 --> 01:24:26.260]  great-grandchildren, all of the rising generation,
[01:24:26.260 --> 01:24:29.540]  that they can be touched by the Holy Ghost
[01:24:29.540 --> 01:24:34.140]  and feel they are Thy children and understand
[01:24:34.140 --> 01:24:38.900]  the mission Thou has prepared for them in this life
[01:24:38.900 --> 01:24:44.860]  and move on in their lives faithful to Thee
[01:24:44.860 --> 01:24:46.140]  and to Thy Son.
[01:24:46.140 --> 01:24:50.260]  We are so thankful for all of the blessings,
[01:24:50.260 --> 01:24:55.180]  and we pray humbly in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.