Tag Archives: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Unforgettable Forget-Me-Not Talk

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Relief Society

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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 →

Archuleta Sings Celtic Pat-A-Pan

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David Archuleta attending his American Idol Ho...

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“Pat-a-pan” is a French Christmas carol originally written in the dialect of Burgundy, and later adapted into English. The song was written by Bernard de La Monnoye (1641–1728) and tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from the perspective of shepherds playing simple instruments such as flutes and drums. In this enjoyable video, Mormon pop singer, and former American Idol, David Archuleta performs a lively rendition of Pat-a-Pan with Celtic singer, Orla Fallon. Continue reading →

Knowing Who We Really Are

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“God has given again in these Latter-days the truth about where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. Much of the confusion we experience in this life comes from simply not understanding who we are.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf Continue reading →

God’s Love: The Infinite Valentine

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We continue this week’s theme of love with a masterful sermon given on the subject by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This message was delivered at the 179th Semi-Annual General Conference on October 3, 2009.

President Uchtdorf

“Our Father in Heaven has given us, His children, much more than any mortal mind can comprehend. Under His direction the Great Jehovah created this wondrous world we live in. God the Father watches over us, fills our hearts with breathtaking joy, brightens our darkest hours with blessed peace, distills upon our minds precious truths, shepherds us through times of distress, rejoices when we rejoice, and answers our righteous petitions.”

The entire text, entitled “The Love of God”  is worth careful study. I have included a video clip of the last half of this powerful message for you to ponder and enjoy. May we never forget;

” Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely….Since “God is love,”the closer we approach Him, the more profoundly we experience love.”

Happy Valentines Week!

 

Haiti, Hold On A Little Longer

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By now nearly all the world is aware of the devastating 7.0 earthquake hitting Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday. It’s been heart-wrenching to see the images and stories of destruction and desperation through media report . It’s hard to resist the intense desire to just rush to the airport, and book the next flight to HELP somehow!! Ironically, this generous spirit of charity has actually caused problems. As Haiti Aid Begins to Arrive, it is proving too much, and too fast for the poor Haitian airport and ground support to handle. What an agonizing Catch 22! It is nice to have trusted sources providing simple ways to get involved, such as LDS Philanthropies, or the Red Cross  (including - Texting “Haiti” to 90999). 

Rescued

Amid all of this chaos and heartbreak, thankfully there have been stories of survival and hope, adding a positive perspective. I was particularly touched to hear that large groups are gathering and singing songs of praise together! What a beautiful testament to the faith and heart of the people of Haiti. We were also relieved to learn that All LDS Missionaries In Haiti Are Safe - and that LDS Church Humanitarian Aid mobilized and shipped within 12 hours - with aid continuing to progress. This gives balm to the troubled heart. I know from past experience with large-scale tragedy, there will be many more miraculous and heartwarming stories to hear in the future. But, during these beginning stages of disaster, the negative usually far outweighs positive. Being able to see the whole picture is filtered through a slow motion lens. 

Pres. Uchtdorf

I have reflected on the most recent lead article in the January issue of the LDS Liahona Magazine. This publication is the church’s globally distributed magazine – a sister publication to the North American ‘Ensign Magazine’. The First Presidency Message for the month of January 2010 is interstingly enough entitled Hold On A Little Longer written by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. 

His message of hope seems especially appropriate, and even prophetic. I would like to direct his words specifically to all suffering due to the Haiti tragedy: 

“…hold on a little longer—even when things look bleak. Know and remember this: the Lord loves you. He remembers you. And He will ever sustain those who “endure in faith to the end” (D&C 20:25). 

You are continually in my thoughts and my prayers. May you each find peace amid the chaos. May you hold tight to your faith, and feel strength in singing praise and hymns together. May you feel the Savior’s love for you individually, and experience tender mercies. May those who are desperately and tirelessly working to send aid reach you as quickly as possible! And may God work His mighty miracles in this hour of great need. 

This is my prayer – Your sister, MoSop 

video courtesy Libera.uk.org

New Optimism

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OptimismOn today’s Wordpress home page there is a simple poll. The question reads:

“Are you optimistic for 2010?”

The 24-hr. vote shows that the answer “Yes” garnered 84%. Wow! It is nice to know that despite a world filled with troubles, we can still find a majority filled with optimism.

This knowledge makes me feel more cheerful and more optimistic, seeing that vote of confidence!

After consulting two online-dictionaries for the word “Optimism“, here are a couple of definitions I enjoyed: 

1. “Having a state of positive beliefs”

2. “The belief that the universe is improving and that good will ultimately triumph over evil.”

 

Take a minute to read some other words in the family of optimism:

anticipation, assurance, brightness, buoyancy, calmness, certainty, cheer, confidence, easiness, elation, enthusiasm, exhileration, expectation, good cheer, happiness, idealism, positivism, sureness, trust…

And one my personal favorites … Hope!

It is my hope that reading those words filled you up with as much positive energy as it did for me! Today, I join with you in sharing New Optimism for our New Year!

The Power of HOPE

LDS Christmas Devotional 2009

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The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds a Christmas Devotional on the first Sunday of each December.  The December 6, 2009 Christmas Devotional is now available online. You may choose to watch the entire event, or choose from individual selections. This year, messages were given by President Thomas S. Monson, and his counselors Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Pres. Henry B. Eyring. Music was provided by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square under the direction of Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy. The devotional is available in over 30 languages for free MP3 download here, as several languages are available on video. To view in English, click on this photo:

CLICK HERE - 2009 LDS First Presidency Christmas Devotional

A Matter of a Few Degrees

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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

PROPHECY: World Destruction, Change, Fear, and Hope

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This video highlights prophetic words of modern Latter-day prophets and apostles spoken over the past 30 years, up to the present. Our world is undergoing rapid change, much of which is destructive, catastrophic and devastating. People everywhere are suffering pain, discouragement and fear. However, there is HOPE, even in these dark and troubled times. God desires to lead each of us to higher ground. Listen to these timely and prophetic words of warning, love and peace. Remember, The Lord has promised;

“If Ye Are Prepared, Ye Shall Not Fear” D&C 38:30

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“For God Hath Not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” - 1 Tim 1:7

An Unbroken Chain

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“With the light of a new dawn, we move forward”

Unfortunately, this post comes as “old news” to most, however I have been recovering from a bad virus and I have not had the strength to post this important announcement. Continue reading →