The Conference Center, SLC Utah
It is impossible to give true justice to a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a mere summary. However, for the sake of my many readers who may not have had the opportunity to watch or hear the conference yet, or for those who would like my perspective – here are a few of my personal observations and highlights from the recent October 2011 Conference weekend: Continue reading
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Saturday September 24th was the global 2011 Relief Society Annual General Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah and broadcast by radio, satellite transmission and online streaming to the world. I was priveldged to be able to watch it by satellite. Each talk was inspiring and made me feel better about myself and glad to be alive. The most “unforgettable” talk was, as usual, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the LDS First Presidency who delighted us with a modern parable centered on the tiny blue forget-me-not flower. Each of the 5 petals of the flower represent a guiding principle that he hopes women everywhere never forget. This talk is sure to rank right up there with the late President Gordon B. Hinckley’s beloved, and equally unforgettable, “6 Be’s” Talk from Jan. 2000.
Created by Jocelyn at beinglds.blogspot.com
“You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine!”
President Uchtdorf’s talk could not have come at a more appropriate time for me personally. Our family has been experiencing some difficult trials over the past month, and I have definitely struggled with discouragement. One of the overriding themes of this women’s conference was Continue reading
This Saturday and Sunday, Mormons throughout the world will be gathering to listen to the 180th Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Conference is always a very special event, which is anticipated with great excitement! Continue reading
President Thomas S. Monson
Happy ”Valentine’s Eve”! I would like to share the following story about love shared by President Thomas S. Monson,of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Continue reading
One of the most memorable talks given by President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints was given in November of 2000, and entitled “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth“. But LDS Church members know it as “The 6 B’s“; which stand for “Be Grateful, Be Smart, Be Clean, Be True, Be Humble, Be Prayerful”. Later on, he added 3 more (‘Positive’, ‘Still’, and ’Involved’), for a total of 9 B’s. 
Mormons love this talk. It was an instant hit. It was masterful in it’s wisdom, but simple enough for a child. It was easy to memorize. And, crafty Mormon women everywhere, (and a few savvy marketers) were thrown into a creative frenzy with the whole B’s = Bees (as in Bumble Bees & Beehives). A darling little quick-read book was eventually published entitled “Way To Be: 9 Ways To Be Happy And Make Something Of Your Life“. (I highly recommend it)
Bottom Line: B’s are a “popular letter” in Mormonism.
But, what about the T’s?
I didn’t know about them until today. There’s Four – and I’m afraid they’ve been sadly overshadowed by the B’s. So, I aim to bring them out of obscurity!
I stumbled on the T’s in a First Presidency message published in the September 1997 church Ensign. It was written by then-apostle, now current LDS President Thomas S. Monson.
The title says it all: ”Tears, Trials, Trust, Testimony“.
OK – I don’t know about you, but those four T’s pretty much sum up my life!
The article is good reading. I recommend it. The message is filled with some compelling stories of Mormon pioneer sacrifice and faith; including one of the miracles during the construction of the St. George Tabernacle in 1863 which I had forgotten and brought tears to my eyes.
Here’s the core message President Monson desired us to learn from the Four T’s:
President Monson
“Faith forged in the furnace of trials and tears is marked by trust and testimony. Only God can count the sacrifice; only God can measure the sorrow; only God can know the hearts of those who serve Him—then and now.” Ensign Message, 1997
It’s very poetic, isn’t it? Certainly worth re-reading. Maybe the T’s are not quite as memorable as the B’s. And, all our poor crafty Mormon folk might have a little more challenge (T’s = Golf Tees? T-Shirts? TeePees?). I still really like those 4 T’s, though. I relate to them. They resonate with my reality. Not that I stand around suffering and crying all day! I just agree with the outlook that life is hard, and it seems that after we get done dealing with one trial, we usually get the ‘opportunity’ to tackle a new one. I also agree that our faith and testimony grows when we succeed. I thought I’d share the T’s with you, because maybe you can relate to them as well. Perhaps you’d even like to dust them off and set them beside the B’s. Everyone can use a little spiritual encouragement.
Nice to keep it as simple as A-B-C..and T.
TRUE TO THE FAITH
There are many names and titles for Jesus Christ. One of them is ”The Light“. He is referred to multiple times in the scriptures as “The Light of the world“, ”The Light of Men” and “The True Light“.
In addition to Jesus being the light, those who choose to follow him are promised to receive a portion of his light individually and collectively, and thus also become a light to the world.
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Although we cannot see Jesus physically right now, we can feel the warmth and power of his presence within us. 
Described as light, the power of Christ encompasses feelings and emotions which Continue reading
At the October 1981 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Elder Neal A. Maxwell gave his first talk over the pulpit as a newly ordained apostle. It was entitled: “O, Divine Redeemer“. Elder Maxwell was known for his keen intellect, and love for poetry and alliteration. Each talk became a scriptural masterpiece of literature, devotion and instruction. He served for twenty-three years as a witness of Jesus Christ before succumbing to Leukemia in 2004.
I thank SethAdam Smith for creating this beautiful video highlighting Elder Maxwell’s powerful testimony, “O Divine Redeemer“. A Mormon Witness of Christ.
Learn more about The Mormons and Jesus Christ, at www.Jesus.lds.org
A 20-year-old Harvard junior from Idaho named Rachel Esplin is capturing the attention of both the Mormon and non-Mormon community with this six-month-old video. Esplin is the president of the Harvard Latter-day Saint Student Association, and was chosen to represent the Mormon religion during a University ”Day of Faith” Panel moderated by journalist Sally Quinn. On March 6, 2009 The Boston Globe ran a feature article on the video, and included a follow-up interview. The article had received nearly 300 comments as of this posting.
Esplin is asked a series of questions that could be considered “tricky” for members to answer in a private setting, and certainly challenging in the public arena. However, she delivers a poised and candid interview. Questions range from whether she wears sacred undergarments, why the temple is secret, who Joseph Smith was and why he is important, and how she reacts to allegations that Mormonism is a cult. She is also asked to respond to the often negative perception of the role of women in the church. Concluding questions deal with her personal relationship with Jesus, and her plans for the future.
You will notice that this interview lasted 21 minutes, but don’t let that put you off. This is well worth your time! It is a fine representation of a young Latter-day Saint perspective, and informative for those who may have curiosity of our beliefs. It also stands as a great example to Latter-day Saints themselves, on how to answer the “tough questions” with grace, honesty, and humor.
“Esplin is …an East Asian Studies major who is planning to get married this summer and expects to graduate in December; she hopes eventually to go to law school.” -from Boston Globe
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, an apostle and Second Counselor to the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints once gave powerful spiritual counsel using a modern airline analogy. Prior to Pres. Uchtdorf’s calling to the LDS apostleship on February 3, 2008, he was a former German Airforce pilot, and held several executive positions, including head of the airline pilot school, director of in-flight services, and head of cockpit crews with Lufhansa Airlines. I thank DrewSRail who created this lovely clip illustrating Uchtdorf’s inspirational message:
“…by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.” – Alma 37:6
When Nick Vujicicwas born, his Australian Christian parents held a tiny child with no arms or legs. Despite the crushing odds Nick faced, he has turned his trial into triumph. He now spends his life speaking to groups all around the world. His message is one of hope and joy. No matter what we face in life, we never face it alone. Nick is a living testimony, that with God, everything is possible!
“Circumstances do not have to change for you to become victorious.”- Nick Vujicic
This weekend was our Stake Conference. [Translation: An LDS Stake is a group of local area Congregations who meet all together twice per year – this is similar to a ‘diocese’ in other religions). The leadership of our Stake was being reorganized, which only occurs each nine years, so there was much excitement and anticipation. During a Stake Conference Weekend, there is typically an Adult Meeting on Saturday evening, and then a combined meeting, where entire families attend together, on Sunday morning. This brings me to the subject of my post.
During the Saturday adult session an invited speaker named Brother Johnson shared the story of his recent surgery. He explained that the bones of his knee had become diseased, and essentially worn away. The result was Continue reading
A very historic and sacred event in history was commemorated this weekend. In June 1978 the Priesthood was extended to “every worthy male” member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I remember that prophetic day. I would have been 12 years old. My mother picked me up from school and told me that it had just been announced that day that “all worthy male” members of the church could be ordained to the Priesthood. I specifically thought of the large congregations of faithful Latter-day Saint members in Africa who had been praying fervently for this day. I remember feeling goosebumps from head to toe. I knew that I was now a living witness of this life-changing event.
I add my witness. I firmly believe this was a revelation coming directly from Jesus Christ to His living prophet on earth, at that time Spencer W. Kimball. President Kimball then declared these prophetic words to every child of God upon the earth. I felt the Holy Spirit confirm this to my soul. It was a day of miracles that I will never forget.
Heaven opened every door, and calls for all to enter in.
I rejoice in the beauty of the Gospel.
We are united in our diversity and strength as brothers and sisters!
“He Inviteth Us All” – Come Unto Him:
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SALT LAKE CITY 9 June 2008 Close to 3,000 people packed the Salt Lake Tabernacle last night to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ action in June 1978 to extend its lay priesthood to men of all races.
Church leaders and members, including many who are African American, spoke to those attending the gathering. The celebration also featured musical selections from a choir led by Mormon Tabernacle Choir music director, Mack Wilberg, and soloist Alex Boye.
