Luke 2 Reading and Testimony

 Luke 2 Reading and Testimony | Celebrating the Light of the World

Celebrating the Light of the World

 Celebrating the Light of the World | A Christmas on Temple Square Performance

Pure Love of Christ

“Charity is the pure love of Christ.”—Moroni 7:47.

Spirit of Christ

“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil." (Moroni 7:16)

Come unto Christ and Be Perfected in Him

“Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness.” (Moroni 10:32)

Obedience Born of Faith in God

"Faith in the Lord can help us live the commandments with a willing heart and receive countless blessings." ("Obedience Born of Faith in God, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, Chapter 13")

Becoming the Pure in Heart

This talk by President Kimball is probably the one I remember when I was a child. I remember a lot of "Do It" in the talk so it probably is this talk. It has stuck in my mind for a very long time. I just always remember, "Do It".

"No matter what the cost in toil or sacrifice, we must 'do it.' That is one of my favorite phrases: 'Do It.'"

(Spencer W. Kimball, "Becoming the Pure in Heart", April 1978)

2020 First Presidency's Christmas Devotional

President Russell M. Nelson: 2020 First Presidency's Christmas Devotional

2020 First Presidency's Christmas Devotional: President Russell M. Nelson

Do Things That Make a Difference

“Spend your energy on things that make a difference.”—Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Do Things That Make a Difference", June 1983)

Lose Ourselves in Service

“Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives.” (President Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone Today?”,  October 2009)

Faith in Jesus Christ

“There is only One in whom your faith is always safe, and that is in the Lord Jesus Christ.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Let Your Faith Show”, April 2014)

Light the World Christmas 2020

"When Jesus Christ was born, angels proclaimed, 'On earth peace, good will toward men' (Luke 2:14). This December, the promise remains the same. As we love and serve each day the way Jesus did, we can end 2020 on a hopeful note."

Light the World Christmas 2020 --This also includes a daily service calendar, videos, ways to serve, and more.

How to Feel the Healing Power of Gratitude

1. Turn social media into your own gratitude journal

2. Say a prayer of thanks.

3. Build your relationship with Jesus

More information located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Thank God for Everything

I posted this on my Facebook page on November 17, 2020. I will share it on my blog too.

This is in Spanish but I'll mention the most important part of it. Pray to God everyday. "Gracias a Dios por todo". And for that he was happy. No matter what the sitation was he said, Thank you God for everything. Y por lo tanto volió a ser feliz y cambió lo que le quedaba de vida. ... And so he was happy again and changed what was left of his life. 

This bird was thankful for everything no matter what. If we remember to be like this little bird and not give up in life. Make life happy. Change what our life is like to make something happy in it. Find the positive in everything no matter how sad or frustrating it might be. If we are negative then we won't be happy but if we are positive then we will be happy and everyone else will be happy too. Trust me, it is hard but worth the effort. Just remember to thank our Heavenly Father for everything everyday and he will bless you. He will make it a bit easier to handle. He will help you through your hard times. This world will be a better place with happiness radiating from one person, to another person, and then to everyone around us. Remember to pray, be happy, and make someone happy today!!!

You can find the video on a Facebook page.

Children of Christ's Light - Gracias Dios por todo!

Gratitude Challenge Day #1

Day #1

I am grateful for flowers. Flowers are something that always lifts my day. When I see beautiful flowers it totally changes how I feel, from going from sad to happy. Thank you Jesus Christ for creating flowers.

Find the challenge on Facebook at #GiveThanks, #GiveThanksChallenge, and many more hashtags.

Gratitude Provides Greater Perspective of Life

"Gratitude provide us with a greater perspective on the very purpose and joy of life." (Healing Power of Gratitude Challenge, Russell M. Nelson, November 20, 2020)

Find the challenge on Facebook at #GiveThanks, #GiveThanksChallenge, and many more hashtags.

Healing Power of Gratitude Challenge

Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, spoke to us yesterday morning. He spoke about gratitude and how to heal the world and our hearts. He challenged us to flood social media with gratitude.

The Story behind My Global Prayer of Gratitude

#GiveThanks is an invitation to heal the world—and our hearts—through gratitude to God. Join in. 

Find the challenge on Facebook at #GiveThanks, #GiveThanksChallenge, and many more hashtags.

I Am a Child of God

This is one of my favorite songs. 

How Great Thou Art

What a powerful song!

You Are My Hands

“As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger.” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “You Are My Hands”, April 2010)

The Path to Peace

 The Path to Peace -- Thomas S. Monson, April 1994

We Believe in Being Positive

What We Believe We Believe in Being Positive 

Living the Abundant Life

“So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment. … We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.” (President Thomas S. Monson, “Living the Abundant Life,” Ensign, Jan. 2012)

Be Thou Humble Song

This song came into my mind, "Be Thou Humble".

Let Us Be Like Jesus

I wrote this poem as I was listening to the song,  "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" in my previous post.

Let Us Be Like Jesus

(Written October 21, 2020)

Let us try to be like Jesus. 

Let us be kind to others. 
Let us love others as Jesus loves us. 
Let us be an example to others. 
Let us strive to be like Jesus every day our lives. 
Let us be there for others. 
Let us be be like Jesus.

© Barbara Pratt 2020

I'm Trying to Be like Jesus Song

I love the song, "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus".

Come Unto Jesus Song

This in such a beautiful song ("Come Unto Jesus"). Let us come unto Jesus. He will help us in everything that we do. We can do this by reading the scriptures, praying, serving others, and following the example of Jesus Christ. He is is elder brother and he will help us return to Our Heavenly Father and our loved ones who are in heaven.

God prevail in your life?

Here is a quote that President Nelson said in the Sunday morning General Conference session on October 4, 2020.

"Are you willing to let God prevail in your life?" (President Russell M. Nelson, October 2020)

Do the Right Things Now

 “Don't live your life in despair, feeling sorry for yourself because of the mistakes you have made. Let the sunshine in by doing the right things—now.” (Elder Richard G. Scott, “Finding the Way Back”, April 1990)

The Wise Man and Foolish Man

 This is one of my favorite songs.

Sing Along

March 9-15 (Jacob 1-4), "Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon"

September 21–27 (3 Nephi 12–16), "Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon"

“The Wise Man and Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281)

Jesus Christ Is the Rock

 “Jesus Christ is the rock upon which we must build our foundation.” (Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, “How Firm A Foundation”, CES Devotional for Young Adults, November 2, 2014)

Built on the Rock

In the Come, Follow Me, 3 Nephi 12-16, for September 21-27, one part talks about the wise man and the foolish man. Here is a poster and article I found that goes perfectly for the lesson.

Built on the Rock, New Era, July 2004

Make Waves, New Era, July 2004

"Even if you feel like a small pebble dropped into a big pond, your choices create eternal ripples. Make a splash by choosing the right." (See 3 Nephi 12:14–16.)

Stay in the Scriptures

 Here is another quote by Elder Holland.

“Stay in the scriptures.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Face to Face with President Eyring and Elder Holland”) The image was created by Jenae Nelson.

Article Faith 8 states "We believe the Bible to be the bword of God as far as it is translated ccorrectly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."

Because of Jesus

“Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “None Were with Him”, April 2009)

“Be With and Strengthen Them” and Ministering

This particular general conference talk, “Be With and Strengthen Them”, by Elder Holland is one that I rememember quite clearly. It talks about the new ministering that began in April 2018. Presidend Russel M. Nelson introduced the Ministering concept in the previous talk. It also talks about a dear sister that I use to visit teach when their family was in our ward. Elder Holland talks about her experience with cancer and her passing on January 14, 2018. I didn't go to her funeral services because I felt like I was fight a cold or something and I didn't want to spreat it to others. If I had went I would have seen Elder Holland at the services.

Remember we need to help others all the time. It is hard to do but I need to start doing it more often to my ministering sisters and others. May we remember to minister one another as Jesus did years ago when he lived upon this Earth.

Fourth Floor, Last Door

God “rewards those who earnestly seek him,” so we need to keep knocking. Sisters, don’t give up. Seek God with all your heart. 

...Again, no one would listen. The third floor was the same. And so was the fourth—that is, until they knocked on the last door of the fourth floor. When that door opened, a young girl smiled at them and asked them to wait while she spoke with her mother.

The story goes on. The young woman that answered the door was Harriet. Dieter F. Uchtdorf married Harriet years later. You can read more of the story.

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Fourth Floor, Last Door", October 2016)

Building Deep and Loving Relationships

“We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner … and just by having fun together.” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Of Things That Matter Most”, October 2010)

Your Mind is a Cupboard

I remember Thomas S. Monson saying the following quote years ago in General Conference. Let us remember this in our daily lives.

I like this thought: “Your mind is a cupboard, and you stock the shelves.” Let us make certain that our cupboard shelves, and those of our family members, are stocked with the things which will provide safety to our souls and enable us to return to our Father in Heaven. Such shelves could well be stocked with gospel scholarship, faith, prayer, love, service, obedience, example, and kindness." 

(Thomas S. Monson, "Constant Truths for Changing Times", April 2005)

The Rock of Our Redeemer

This is a scripture found in the Book of Mormon and in this lesson. 

Come, Follow Me August 17-23 (Helaman 1-6)

Helaman 5:12

We Are Not Alone & Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease

“We are not and never need be alone. We can press forward in our daily lives with heavenly help.” (Elder David A. Bednar, “Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease", April 2014)

The story in this General Conference talk is one that I remember in Elder Bednar's talk. We are never alone. Our Heavenly Father will help us in all that we do. Pray, prayer is the answer. It may not come right away but it will sometime even it it takes years. Let us learn from those experiences we may have when our answers to our prayers do come. If it doesn't then there is a reason. Let us be strong and remember Our Heavenly Father loves us no matter what.

Families Can Be Together Forever

Our Heavenly Father loves us so very much that he gave us a way that families can be forever. I know I can be with my family forever and ever. This is one of my favorite children's songs.

Families Can Be Together Forever Song

Families Can Be Together Forever

 

Latter-day Saint Leaders Honor Pioneers of Past and Present

"Each July 24th, Latter-day Saints in Utah and around the world celebrate Pioneer Day, an official holiday that the U.S. state celebrates to commemorate the first group of the faith’s pioneers that arrived in the Salt Lake Valley nearly 175 years ago." 

Source: Latter-day Saint Leaders Honor Pioneers of Past and Present, July 22, 2020

Testify of Our Faith

“Our lives should be a confession of Christ, and together with our words testify of our faith in and devotion to Him.” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Saving Your Life”, September 14, 2014)

Choose Committing to Christ Over Fear of Missing Out, Elder Christofferson Tells Young Adults

Don’t let “FOMO” — the fear of missing out — delay the choice to commit to the Savior and His gospel path (D. Todd Christofferson, Choose Committing to Christ Over Fear of Missing Out, Elder Christofferson Tells Young Adults, 13 January 2020)

How to overcome ‘FOMO’ and commit to the Savior, Elder Christofferson explains

Integrity: Psalm 26: 1, 11

Psalm 26 

1 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide. 

11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

When We Put God First

Daily Quote: When We Put God First  

"When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives." (Ezra Taft Benson, The Great Commandment — Love the Lord, April 1988)

If We Put God First Video

If We Put God First - "A young woman facing adversity shares how she was strengthened by setting aside the things of the world and putting God first."

What is Faith? - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Video: What is Faith? 

Joseph B. Wirthlin talks about faith. He reads Hebrews 11:1.

("Shall He Find Faith on the Earth?," October 2002)

Faith - Alma 32:21

“If ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.”—Alma 32:21

Here is the entire scripture from the Book of Mormon

"And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye bhope for things which are not seen, which are true."

Be Faithful, Not Faithless

"We must deliberately take time each day to disconnect from the world and connect with heaven." (Stephen W. Owen,  "Be Faithful, Not Faithless" , October 2019)

Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice

In the conference talk, Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice talks about faith and the importance of it. It is is found in July 13-19 Come, Follow Me Lesson, Alma 32-35. "Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it." (Neil L. Andersen, "Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice", October 2015)

This scripture is found in July 13-19 lesson. It is found on the bottom of the page with a beautiful image of a tree with fruit.

“Because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, … behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious” (Alma 32:42).

"I Will Go and Do"

The Youth Theme 2020 for the Young Men and Young Women is go and do. 

Here are some resources to go along with this theme.

2020 Youth Theme Poster Go and Do

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” 1 Nephi 3:7

I Will Go and Do Sheet Music

Come, Follow Me 1 Nephi 1–7 “I Will Go and Do”

Funstuff: I Will Go and Do - Match these individuals in the Book of Mormon with their actions.

Young Women — Titles of Liberty

I just this wonderful talk by Sharon G. Larsen, Second Counselor, Young Women General Presidency. It is called Young Women — Titles of Liberty. It mentions about peace, love, serving your family, not to be selfish, and more important things to be like Christ.

Here are two parts of the talk. Make sure to read the entire talk and learn what we all should do to become better people.

1. "Young women, you are like titles of liberty as you strive to protect your families from such intruders as selfishness, harshness, anger, and strife. Your banner stands for peace and love and service to your families."

2. "You don’t have to be Captain Moroni to make a difference. Our Father in Heaven needs you to be who you are, in your family. He planned it that way. Your family wouldn’t be the same without you. You are very important."

Pioneer Day 2020

It is July 24, 2020. Let us remember the pioneers that crossed the plains so many years ago. They sacrificed a lot for the church. There are pioneers in our time too. Let us remember them too. Happy Pioneer Day!

The above photos were taken on July 24, 2003 at the

Mormon Trail Center At Historic Winter Quarters.

Articles

10 Latter-day Saint pioneers whose influence spans the decades and the globe | Church News

Remembering the pioneers on a Pioneer Day altered by a pandemic | Deseret News

Books

ARIZONA PIONEER MORMON: David King Udall: His Story and His Family, 1851 - 1938

Pioneer Stories

“Humor on the Plains” Stories Show New Side of Pioneers

Learning from the Latter-day Saint Pioneer Story Video

Selected Handcart Stories for Youth Treks

Devotionals

These Noble Pioneers Gordon B. Hinckley

Pioneer Music

Come, Come Ye Saints

Come, Come, Ye Saints - Mormon Tabernacle Choir | YouTube

Faith in Every Footstep - Tabernacle Choir | YouTube

I'm a Pioneer Too

Little Pioneer Children

Pioneer Children Sang As They Walked

Pioneer Children Were Quick to Obey

Pioneer Courageous

To Be A Pioneer

To Be a Pioneer: Sheet Music Faith in Every Footstep 1847–1997

When I Hear of Pioneer Children Video

Whenever I Think About Pioneers

Funstuff

Following the Pioneers

Funstuff: Detective Corner

Recipes

A Melting Pot of Pioneer Recipes

Cook Like a Pioneer

Pioneer Recipes

Videos & Thoughts

M. Russell Ballard: Pioneer Day is a Celebration of Jesus Christ Video | Facebook

Neil L. Andersen Pioneers | Facebook

Pioneer Resources

Handcart Trek Planning and Preparation Resources | Handcart-trek.org

What to Wear on the Trek | Handcart-trek.org

Place of Faith - President Henry B. Eyring

You will find some of your greatest joys in your efforts to make your home a place of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a place that is permeated with love, the pure love of Christ.
(President Henry B. Eyring, "A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells”, October 2019)

Follow Christ - Sister Neill F. Marriott

“The more we follow Christ, the more we will feel His love and direction.”(Sister Neill F. Marriott, “What Shall We Do?”, April 2016)

Formula of Success - President Thomas S. Monson

“May I suggest a formula that will ensure our success: first, search the scriptures with diligence; second, plan your life with purpose …; third, teach the truth with testimony; and fourth, serve the Lord with love.” (President Thomas S. Monson, “Come, All Ye Sons of God”, April 2013)

Choose the Lord’s way instead of the world’s way - Elder Dallin H. Oak

“Choose the Lord’s way instead of the world’s way.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “The Plan and the Proclamation”, October 2017)

Center of Our Lives Families - L. Tom Perry

“It is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities.” (Elder L. Tom Perry, “The Importance of the Family”, April 2003)

We Are All Equal - Elder Quentin L. Cook

“We are all equal before God.”  (Elder Quentin L. Cook, “The Eternal Everyday”, October 2017)

Do what is right all the time... - Elder David F. Evans

“Do what is right all the time, regardless of who knows.” (Elder David F. Evans, “Tenacity and Discipleship", Ensign, June 2016)

Courage Is Needed - President Thomas S. Monson

“Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed.” (President Thomas S. Monson, “The Three Rs of Choice”, October 2010)

What members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles say about the implications of COVID-19

Here is an article with quotes from the apostles.
 
What members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles say about the implications of COVID-19

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

The below quote is from President Russell M. Nelson talk titled, Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives. He also talks about how received the news that President Thomas S. Monson passed through the veil into the next life.

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

With easing of COVID-19 restrictions, personal revelation is essential, says Elder Renlund

With easing of COVID-19 restrictions, personal revelation is essential, says Elder Renlund

Historic Liberty Jail

These are photos I took at the Historic Liberty Jail on July 26, 2003.

The Book of Mormon An Account written by the hands of Mormon

July 25, 2003

This is located at the Richmond Pioneer Cemetery located in Richmond, Missouri.

Love Everyone, No Matter What

I was looking at the image in the Come, Follow Me lesson (Alma 5-7). at the top of the page. It is titled, "Ye Are Not Forgotten, by Jon McNaughton. Jesus is holding a black lamb with white sheep around him. Jesus loves everyone and everything, even if they are different. We should love everyone too. In John 13:34, it reads, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

Special Witnesses of Christ

Listen and read the Special Witnesses of Christ. "The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles each bear their personal testimony about the Savior and Redeemer of the World"

Connecting Daughters of God with His Priesthood Power

This a very excellent talk. Connecting Daughters of God with His Priesthood Power

The Power of the Priesthood

The Power of the Priesthood is a talk given by Boyd K. Packer. He said, "The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families."

The Tabernacle Choir Music

Love One Another

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

There is Sunshine in My Soul Today

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square Featured Videos

Sacred Music Library Music performed by The Tabernacle Choir during sessions of General Conference in Utah.

General Conference Search - Music

Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square

The Tabernacle Choir Index Located on this blog.

The Tabernacle Choir General Conference Music

April 2020 General Conference Music

October 2019 General Conference Music

April 2019 General Conference Music

October 2018 General Conference Music

April 2018 General Conference Music

October 2017 General Conference Music

Faith Songs

Here are some faith songs that you can watch. You can sing a long with the video if you like.

Faith - October 2019 General Conference

True to the Faith - October 2019 General Conference

Let there be peace in this world

My thought when I read the news feed on Facebook about all this violence was, "Life matters". Life does matter. We are all sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves us. Let us show our love towards everyone. Life matters. Let there be peace. Let there be love. Let there be peace and love towards all mankind. Let life go back to normal and be better than before.

Duane Hiatt

In my previous post I was talking about the death of Duane Hiatt. One of his famous children's song is Follow the Prophet. He has written other songs and magazine article for the church.

Pioneering People In Tune: Brother Brigham Says

You can read articles Duane Hiatt wrote on the church website.

Story of the Song, “Follow the Prophet”

The Creator of Beloved Children’s Song “Follow the Prophet” Passes Away. Duane Hiatt passed away on May 24, 2020. He wrote the words and music to the children's song Follow the Prophet. These videos are about the history the coming about of the song, "Follow the Prophet". One part he talks about a certain pioneer, Stillman Pond and the trials he went through will crossing the trails to go to Utah. You can see the history of Follow the Prophet in text on this previous link. Brother Hiatt is a very entertaining person.

Writing "Follow the Prophet"

Follow the Prophet Show - In this video he is with his family. He loves his family. Enjoy!

Follow the Prophet Now

Duane Hiatt on YouTube

I Can Play It!: Follow the Prophet (simplified) Sheet Music 

President Henry B. Eyring & Quotes by Him

Happy birthday, President Henry B. Eyring! He was born on May 31, 1933.

President Henry B. Eyring—Picture Quotes

10 Inspiring Quotes From President Eyring to Celebrate His Birthday

Gods Creations Poem

Here is a poem I wrote while at girls camp for my daughter. I wrote in on July 22, 2015. I have made some corrections from my original poem.

Gods Creations
A squirrel that has a long tail and is so brown.
A squirrel running along the ground.
Skies so bright blue.
Trees so tall and green.
Beetles brown and green.
Rocks that are small and large, that are gray.
Mountains so tall, filled with trees that are green.
Birds that are black and white, with red underneath.
Pine cones that are brown, falling all over the ground.
Bees that buzz by, that are yellow.
Buzzing flies.
Tree trunks lying on the ground.
Winds that rush throughout the mountain.
Beautiful birds singing so beautifully.
Lizards running along the ground that are so strange looking and brown.
Stars at night so bright. You can't count them since they are so numerous.
Girls singing beautifully.
Girls chanting from camp while playing games.
God has created so many beautiful things.
I can not thank him enough for all that he has created for us all.
Thank you, dear Lord.
I love you and your creations.

© Barbara Pratt

The Holy Ghost Can Be Loud Like A Bird

This is what I thought of when I was serving in the service cabin in July 2015. We had the girls place new shoelaces into the shoes for the people in Haiti. Also, this was the last year of camp for my oldest daughter. I thought of this while talking to the girls about service. A bird was being real loud at that time. This came into my mind but it really was the Holy Ghost that told me the below thought.

The Holy Ghost Can Be Loud Like A Bird
The Holy Ghost can be loud like a bird. The still small voice can be quiet, where you need to listen carefully to what you need to do.

© Barbara Pratt

The Purifying Power of Gethsemane

Years ago I remember hearing a talk by Bruce R. McConkie. The words that I remember him speaking at a conference were, "In the coming days..." I could not remember anymore of these words so I searched and found the talk that was held on April 1985. The Purifying Power of Gethsemane is where you can here him bear his testimony of Jesus Christ. This are the words I remember in his talk to the world, "I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way." On Friday, April 19, 1985, he passed away to meet his master, Jesus Christ and felt the nail marks in his hands and in his feet. In the article Elder Bruce R. McConkie Dies you read more about him. In the church hymn book, he is the one who wrote the words for the song, I Believe in Christ. That is one of my favorite church songs. Take time to read this powerful talk by Bruce R. McConkie. Christ lives!

Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

“Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Followers of Christ”, April 2013)

Owning a smartphone does not make you smart - Brother Randall L. Ridd

“Owning a smartphone does not make you smart, but using it wisely can.” (Brother Randall L. Ridd, “The Choice Generation”, April 2014)

Meekness is Strong, Not Weak - Elder David A. Bednar

"Meekness is strong, not weak." (David A. Bednar, Meek and Lowly of Heart By Elder David A. Bednar, April 2018)

Daily Quote: Meek Is Strong

Video: The Lord Commands Lehi’s Family to Leave Jerusalem

We watched this as a family tonight.

The Lord Commands Lehi’s Family to Leave Jerusalem

Some Lessons I Learned as a Boy

This an excellent talk given by Gordon B. Hinckley on April 1993, Some Lessons I Learned as a Boy. It even includes a shoe story. That story begins at 16:18.

Here is a video of that story.
Lessons I Learned as a Boy (4:03)

A Land Called Chile

Here is an article about Chile and Elder Bruce R. McConkie a prophecy about Chile.

A Land Called Chile by Melvin Leavitt

President Nelson Tells Youth to Take a “Break from Fake” and Help Gather Israel

I was looking for how to be able to hear the Holy Ghost. I knew President Russell M. Nelson talked to the youth about this but I couldn't remember what it was. I found it. He had talked at a Worldwide Youth Devotional. This is that part I remember, "...Recently, his parents found things on his phone that were inappropriate for a follower of Jesus Christ. They insisted that he go off social media for a time." Another part I remember was, "Recently, his parents found things on his phone that were inappropriate for But if you are paying more attention to feeds from social media than you are to the whisperings of the Spirit, then you are putting yourself at spiritual risk—as well as the risk of experiencing intense loneliness and depression. You follower of Jesus Christ. They insisted that he go off social media for a time."

A summary of it is found at President Nelson Tells Youth to Take a “Break from Fake” and Help Gather Israel. The full Worldwide Youth Conference address can be located at: Hope of Israel.

Turning Off and Tuning In

This is a great article to read about turning off distractions to "have time for the most important messages available to me—the promptings of the Spirit." Make sure to read this article to find what others say.

A Child's Prayer

One of my favorite children's songs is called A Child's Prayer. In this song you can hear a girl and a man singing this beautiful song. The first verse it starts with, "Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer?" The second verse it starts with, "Pray, he is there; Speak, he is list’ning."

Sister Nelson talks about being married to President Nelson...

One part Sister Nelson said was, “What’s caught my attention about that is to see how much the people love the Lord, and therefore they’re so drawn to the prophet.” I know. It's true. They ❤️love❤️ the Lord. When I was serving as a missionary in Chile I could see the great ❤️love❤️ for the Lord. Now in Spanish: Yo sé. Es verdad. Ellos ❤️aman❤️ el Señor. Cuando estaba serviendo como misionera en Chile podía ver que ellos tienen un gran ❤️amor❤️ por el Señor.

Sister Nelson talks about being married to President Nelson and his ‘fearless’ focus on preparing for the Second Coming

From Acorn to Oak | Fulfilling a Prophecy about the Church in South America

Elder Andersen addresses ‘compensatory blessings’ amid COVID-19

Here is an article about Elder Anderson. He talks about a carving of the Savior that his son bought him. (Read about it and other things in the article.) His three old daughter, said, “Daddy, Jesus says, ‘Slow down.’”. We can learn some great things from Elder Anderson. Please take the time to read this article.

We need to slow down in life. We need to focus on not wasting our time on what really doesn't matter. We need to make the things that are most important to us, the "things" that REALLY MATTER. We need to focus on ourselves by bettering ourselves with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can do this by reading the scriptures, reading "Come, Follow Me", praying, and reading good wholesome books and poetry. We need to spend time with our family. As it states in the article, "...the need to testify of the Savior to his own family". We need to this to our family so we know we have a testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We can serve our family every minute of the day (as long as we take time for ourselves too). We need to minister to those around us just like Jesus Christ did when he was on this Earth. We need to do anything else that is important in heaven.

Mothers Teaching Children in the Home

The talk, Mothers Teaching Children in the Home, was given by L. Tom Perry in April 2010. I remember this talk as I read through it again. He said this, "I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation.". Mother's Day is this Sunday. Remember your mothers and what they do for you. Show your love to them at this special time of the year if your mother is still upon this Earth. If your mother passed away (like mine did in June 2017), remember them and the great things they did while they were here with your. I remember my mother planting sweet pea flowers. She would cut them and place them in vases in our house. They smelled so sweet, sweet like mothers, sweeter than sweet. Thank you mother for all that you taught me and what you did for me. I love you!

The Great Commandment

The Great Commandment talk was given by Joseph B. Wirthlin in October 2007. This is one part that he gave in his talk, "When we reach out to assist the least of Heavenly Father’s children, we do it unto Him.." He was 90 years old when he gave this talk. He was shaking as he was speaking to the member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (and other people who were listening to General Conference). At the very end of this talk Russell M. Nelson came and stood behind him until he finished his talk. What a perfect example of the pure love of Christ. Love, always remember to love others. Jesus loves you. Always show your love to others like Jesus Christ did while He was upon this Earth. He still shows his love to each and every one of us. Remember to love always as you minister to those around you. Help those that need it. Help those that might not need it. Serve like Jesus did. Remember this scripture, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:37–40) If we remember the example of Jesus Christ in our daily lives, we will be blessed and we can bless others.