With the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope on Christmas Day, we will soon be able to get an even better glimpse of God's vast creation.
I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name;
for I am without beginning of days or end of years;
and …my works are without end
Moses 1:3-4
In October 2018 General Conference, President Oaks said:
Modern revelation defines truth as a “knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24). That is a perfect definition for the plan of salvation and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”
Then he spoke of truth:
We live in a time of greatly expanded and disseminated information. But not all of this information is true. We need to be cautious as we seek truth and choose sources for that search. We should not consider secular prominence or authority as qualified sources of truth. We should be cautious about relying on information or advice offered by entertainment stars, prominent athletes, or anonymous internet sources. Expertise in one field should not be taken as expertise on truth in other subjects.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World came at a critical time in earth's history. Look at these other quotes about the time in which we live.
But, we need not fear.
In our Come, Follow Me reading this week, the Lord declared that the ignorant may "learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear; For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite...." (Doctrine and Covenants 136:32-33).
President Nelson taught this again in our last General Conference with a specific warning for our time.
If most of the information you get
comes from social or other media,
your ability to hear the whisperings
of the Spirit will be diminished.
If you are not also seeking the Lord
through daily prayer and gospel study,
you leave yourself vulnerable
to philosophies that may be intriguing
but are not true.
Even Saints who are otherwise faithful
can be derailed by the steady beat
of Babylon’s band.
--Russell M. Nelson
Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear; For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite….
Doctrine and Covenants 136:32-33
From this week's Come, Follow Me reading.... I know the Lord loves us, carries us through our afflictions which he felt, and redeems us.
In all their afflictions he was afflicted. And the angel of his presence saved them; and in his love, and in his pity, he redeemed them, and bore them, and carried them all the days of old
From experience I have learned, as did Joseph, that the Lord is powerful to deliver us from peril.
And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me … for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth. Doctrine and Covenants 127:2
To me, one of the great lessons of Section 124 (in our Come, Follow Me reading) is that the purpose of priesthood offices is to minister to our brothers and sisters as would Christ, whose priesthood it is.
offices I have given unto you ... for the work of the ministry and the perfecting of my saints.
Doctrine and Covenants 124:143
I am grateful for Joseph's testimony in Liberty Jail that we can rely on Jesus Christ for our deliverance.
I'm grateful for Jesus Christ who warns of coming storms and for Zion and her stakes where we can gather for refuge.
"The gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm"
Doctrine and Covenants 115:6
I'm grateful for temples where we can be endowed with and feel the power of God to endure the trials of mortality and carry on His work.
"All people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord’s house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness."- Doctrine and Covenants 109:13
From this week's Come, Follow Me reading, comes hope and a path to testimony.
"Every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am."
Doctrine and Covenants 93:1
One of my favorite scriptures from our Come, Follow Me reading this week. It gives me such hope and peace.
Search diligently,
pray always,
and be believing, and
all things
shall work together
for your good,
if ye walk uprightly and
remember the covenant
wherewith ye have covenanted
one with another.
Jesus Christ, the Creator, knows all of His creation.
He comprehendeth all things,
and all things are before him,
and all things are round about him;
and he is above all things,
and in all things,
and is through all things,
and is round about all things;
and all things are by him, and of him,
even God, forever and ever.
What does it mean to stand in holy places? For me, it includes staying on the covenant path. I'm grateful we can stand in holy places wherever we are.
Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.
Doctrine and Covenants 87:8
"I have fallen quite a few times in my journey through the American landscape as I traverse the paths toward my goals. I have picked myself up and looked toward the frontier. Not once has America disappointed me!"
-- Jason D. Hill
A quote from Red, White, and Black, a great collection of essays edited by Robert L. Woodson Sr. (https://1776unites.com/library/)
#1776Unites
I am grateful for light and truth given to us as we diligently heed the words of a loving Savior. These verses in Doctrine and Covenants 84:43-46 bring me hope that hearkening to the word of God can bring me greater enlightenment, so needed in this darkening world.
Give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.
For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.
What are commandments? We used to live in South Riding, Virginia near a street with tons of street signs, and I love the perspective in Doctrine and Covenants 82:8-9 about commandments from the Lord. It may seem like commandments are restrictive or controlling, but from the Lord, they are directions that turn us to salvation.
I give unto you a new commandment,
that you may understand my will concerning you;
Or, in other words, I give unto you directions
how you may act before me,
that it may turn to you for your salvation.
The Lord's invitation to us in D&C 78 and His promised blessings are so beautiful and inspiring. They give me hope and perspective.
God's Invitation- 2: listen to the counsel of him who has ordained you from on high, who shall speak in your ears the words of wisdom
- 3: establish... the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people
- 4: advance the cause ... to the salvation of man
- 5: be equal in the bonds of heavenly things, yea, and earthly things also
- 7: prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you
- 11: prepare and organize yourselves by ... everlasting covenant that cannot be broken
- 19: receiveth all things with thankfulness
- 22: a faithful and wise steward
God's Promise
- 2: salvation may be unto you
- 7: I give unto you a place in the celestial world
- 12: and shall be delivered [from] the buffetings of Satan
- 15: you may come up unto the crown prepared for you, and be made rulers over many kingdoms
- 17: how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you
- 18: be of good cheer, for I will lead you along
- 18: The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours
- 18: the riches of eternity are yours
- 19: shall be made glorious
- 19: the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more
- 22: shall inherit all things
Above all, we are brothers and sisters, children of a loving Heavenly Father. Let us speak and think that way.
Delete from our personal vocabulariesnames that segregate and hyphens that separate.Paul taught that“there is neither Jew nor Greek,there is neither bond nor free,there is neither male nor female:for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”President Russell M. Nelson
Independence Day....
I saw this beautiful sunset yesterday over the mountains west of the Salt Lake valley. The beauty of the earth is a sign of God's love.
On the same day I read D&C 67:9, I also saw this quote from President Nelson:
Wisdom is to be found in pure intelligence—in that divine light which can guide people in all countries, all climes, and all continents.
I love the imagery of light and how it can guide us to righteousness and wisdom.
"that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights."
I love this message from our Come, Follow Me reading....
The world needs more forgiveness. As we forgive others, including our enemies and those who may have wronged us, healing and love can fill our hearts. This is Jesus Christ.
Wherefore, I say unto you,
that ye ought to forgive one another;
for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses
standeth condemned before the Lord;
for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive,
but of you it is required to forgive all men.
Looking up to God has always enabled me to grow and see life with a more eternal perspective.
Trees reach up for the lightand grow in the process.So do weas sons and daughtersof heavenly parents.Facing upward providesa loftier perspective….Russell M. Nelson
As I pondered the curious verses about water in Doctrine and Covenants 61, I wondered how I might apply them to me. They seemed so specific to the brethren at that time and place, but then a thought came to mind. Perhaps they can serve as a metaphor for mortality. Just as the journeys of Lehi's family and the friends and family of Jared across the great waters can symbolize our mortal experience, so perhaps can these verses.
What other lessons have you learned from these verses? I would love to hear what you all think.
3: it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief.
4: there are many dangers upon the waters6: all flesh is in mine hand, and he that is faithful among you shall not perish15-16: the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters. And it shall be said in days to come that none is able to go up to the land of Zion upon the waters, but he that is upright in heart.19: the destroyer rideth upon the face thereof
I saw this amazing scene at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park today, Memorial Day, 31 May 2021, while taking pictures of graves in response to requests on Find A Grave.
I'm so grateful for agency and the Savior's invitation to use it to do good! I feel like the more people recognize that they are free to act--to bring about good in the world--and not simply subject to the challenges of life and the choices of others, society would be transformed.
Men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause,
and do many things of their own free will,
and bring to pass much righteousness;
For the power is in them, wherein
they are agents unto themselves.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:27-28
Maintaining an eternal perspective and trusting in God has helped me through much tribulation. I have also made an effort to recognize when the design of God has been realized in my life, which has strengthened my faith. What have others done to trust and recognize the design of God?
"Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time,
the design of your God
concerning those things which shall come hereafter,
and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation."
Doctrine and Covenants 58:3
Today in EQ, we studied the General Conference talk, Our Personal Savior, by Elder Michael John U. Teh. I love this quote from the talk:
Just as the Savior
came forth from His stone grave,
may we
awake from our spiritual slumber
and rise above
the clouds of doubt,
the clutches of fear,
the intoxication of pride, and
the lull of complacency.
Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father live.
From this week's Come, Follow Me reading (D&C 51-57) comes this truth that brings me such comfort:
Be patient in tribulation until I come;
and, behold, I come quickly,
and my reward is with me,
and they who have sought me early
shall find rest to their souls.
Doctrine and Covenants 54:10
This is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and as I think about my many friends whose ancestors called Asian and Pacific nations home, I'm reminded of my love for them. This month also reminds me how grateful I am to live in a country whose people forgive and help even those who sought to oppress and destroy us.
In WWII when the Japanese Empire attacked the United States and many of its Asian neighbors and imprisoned, mistreated, enslaved, tortured, and killed millions, the U.S. and its allies sent many from the Greatest Generation to defeat Japan and restore freedom to Japan's Asian neighbors and even to the Japanese people themselves. Hundreds of thousands of America's youth never got to live the lives they had imagined but gave them up for their brothers and sisters around Asia and the Pacific.
After victory, the U.S. helped to rebuild Japan and its economy, gave the Japanese their freedom, and even defended Japan from other military aggressors. A few generations later, Americans look at Japan with a kinship and fondness that could only come from forgiveness.
That's what Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month reminds me of.
Yesterday, we saw this dust devil near the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple which is under construction.
From our Come, Follow Me reading this week (D&C 49-50):
That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
Doctrine and Covenants 50:24
How do we want to be remembered? I found these while visiting the Utah State Veterans Memorial Park yesterday. This gives me perspective that can help me become the person these people were.
"Forgive your worst enemy. It will heal your soul and it will set you free."
- Eva Mozes Kor, an Auschwitz survivor, who forgave Josef Mengele, the "Angel of Death" who conducted medical experiments on her and her twin sister
This is an amazing story of forgiveness of one's former oppressor and the surprise felt at the freedom and peace that resulted:
If our faith is anchored in the foundation of Jesus Christ, our Rock, we can weather the storms of life (Matthew 7:24-27). This knowledge has been a blessing in my life.
The foundation of one’s individual faith, if anchored firmly to eternal truth, allows each of us to reach upward with an eternal perspective. That faith will give hope when there is no hope. It will give us joy here and eternal life hereafter.
Russell M. Nelson
In this week's reading, we learn a recipe for truth that's critical for our time. Doctrine & Covenants 46:7-8 says,
"that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men" and "that ye may not be deceived":
Our Father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son.
Russell M. Nelson
As we read and study Doctrine & Covenants 45 this week, look at the invitations to hear Jesus Christ:
"Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled."
Doctrine and Covenants 45:35
I take great comfort in this verse and in President Nelson's invitation to study the promises made to Covenant Israel. As we witness the many signs of the times, we can know with certainty that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us. Such promises include these:
Intolerance seeds contention; tolerance supersedes contention. Tolerance is the key that opens the door to mutual understanding and love.
Russell M. Nelson
"Today we have a little more time to bless others—time to be kinder, more compassionate, quicker to thank and slower to scold, more generous in sharing, more gracious in caring."
Russell M. Nelson
From our Come, Follow Me reading this week (Doctrine and Covenants 45) comes this invitation to hear Jesus Christ, who created all things. Our mortal perspective is so tiny compared to His vast view. Wise we would be to listen, trust, and obey.
Hearken ye and give ear to him
who laid the foundation of the earth,
who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof,
and by whom all things were made
which live, and move, and have a being.Doctrine and Covenants 45:1
May we all be more quick to forgive those who wrong us.
Forgiveness is the fragrance, rare and sweet,
That flowers yield when trampled on by feetElla A. Giles
1851-1917
Often this is attributed to Mark Twain and other authors. Whoever said it, this truth is more powerful than hate and anger.
These are such great statements of faith from an early member of the Church, Phebe Carter, who we learn about in this week's Come, Follow Me reading:
"All things will work for our good if we love God supremely"
"We can pray to one God who will hear the sincere prayers of all his creatures and give us that which is best for us"
I am grateful that Christ suffered and died for us all that we must not bear the unbearable burden ourselves. All he asks is that we love Him and our brothers and sisters, that we forgive and serve as he did. Only through Him can find healing, redemption, and peace.
Under the Father’s great eternal plan,
it is the Savior who suffered.
It is the Savior who broke the bands of death.
It is the Savior who paid the price for our sins and transgressions
and blots them out on condition of our repentance.
It is the Savior who delivers us from physical and spiritual death.
Russell M. Nelson
In our Come, Follow Me reading this week, we're reminded of the beautiful promise that Christ will show us miracles if we will believe.
I am God,
and mine arm is not shortened;
and I will show
miracles, signs, and wonders,
unto all those who
believe on my name.
Doctrine and Covenants 35:8
As I ponder issues of contention, hatred, and racism, I'm more and more convinced that peace and unity begins with love, the love of God and love for our brothers and sisters. Love unites the whole human family. Efforts to end contention, hatred, and racism by any other way will fail.
Through love of God,the pain caused by thefiery canker of contentionwill be extinguished from the soul.This healing begins with a personal vow:“Let there be peace on earth,and let it begin with me.”President Russell M. Nelson
Your growing faith in Himwill move ... the mountains of miseryin your lives.President Russell M. Nelson
As I think about the sacrament, I am grateful for the promise of Eternal Life made possible by Jesus Christ.
Eternal life,made possible by the Atonement,is the supreme purpose of the Creation.
I'm grateful for this eternal perspective.
As begotten children of heavenly parents,we are endowed with the potential to become like them,just as mortal childrenmay become like their mortal parents.President Russell M. Nelson - President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
In this week's Come, Follow Me reading, I love the imagery of a mother hen gathering her baby chicks under her wings where she can protect them from predators.
This is one of the great blessings of gathering today when the Lord invites us to join weekly with the saints for the sacrament or at the temple to review our covenants or as family and friends to discuss Come, Follow Me.
Gathering enables us to stand in holy places where the Lord can protect us from the adversary.
1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins;
2 Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings....
Doctrine and Covenants 29:1-2
Listening to the word of God, the voice of the Savior, enables us to cut through all the other voices of the world and know the truth.
"Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerful" (Doctrine and Covenants 27:1).
One of my tags in Gospel Library is "Fulness of Joy". Any time I find a quote or scripture about the promise of a fulness of joy to those who look to Christ and follow Him, I tag it. I just copied them all from my Gospel Library notebook to share with my mom and thought I'd share them all here too.
Fulness of Joy
2 Nephi 9:18
18 But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.
2 Nephi 8:11
11 Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their heads; and they shall obtain gladness and joy; sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Grateful in Any Circumstances
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
April 2014 general conference
Why is this? Because we are made of the stuff of eternity. We are eternal beings, children of the Almighty God, whose name is Endless and who promises eternal blessings without number. Endings are not our destiny.
1 Nephi 11:23
23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.
Decisions for Eternity
President Russell M. Nelson
October 2013 general conference
A pivotal spiritual attribute is that of self-mastery—the strength to place reason over appetite. Self-mastery builds a strong conscience. And your conscience determines your moral responses in difficult, tempting, and trying situations. Fasting helps your spirit to develop dominance over your physical appetites. Fasting also increases your access to heaven’s help, as it intensifies your prayers. Why the need for self-mastery? God implanted strong appetites within us for nourishment and love, vital for the human family to be perpetuated. When we master our appetites within the bounds of God’s laws, we can enjoy longer life, greater love, and consummate joy.
Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity
Elder Quentin L. Cook
October 2020 General Conference
Being righteous is not dependent on each of us having every blessing in our lives at this time. We may not be married or blessed with children or have other desired blessings now. But the Lord has promised that the righteous who are faithful “may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.”
Children of the Covenant
President Russell M. Nelson
April 1995 general conference
Rewards for obedience to the commandments are almost beyond mortal comprehension. Here, children of the covenant become a strain of sin-resistant souls. And hereafter, President Hunter, Emily, other children of the covenant, and “each generation would be linked to the one which went on before … [in] the divine family of God.” Great comfort comes from the knowledge that our loved ones are secured to us through the covenants.
Protect the Spiritual Power Line
President Russell M. Nelson
October 1984 general conference
Rewards result from the righteous use of the spiritual power belonging to the priesthood! And they are so great that they are almost beyond human comprehension. To those couples who bear and share that priesthood worthily and remain faithful to the law of the everlasting covenant of eternal marriage, enduring the congested years and trials of diapers and dishes, crowded kitchen and thin pocketbook, service in the Church, education and the burning of the midnight oil, the Lord makes this promise: “Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; … and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, … [and there] shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.” (D&C 132:19; italics added.)
The Hope of Eternal Family Love
President Henry B. Eyring
August 2016 Ensign (First Presidency Message)
A prophet of God once offered me counsel that gives me peace. I was worried that the choices of others might make it impossible for our family to be together forever. He said, “You are worrying about the wrong problem. You just live worthy of the celestial kingdom, and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine.”
To all of those whose personal experience or whose marriage and children—or absence thereof—cast a shadow over their hopes, I offer my witness: Heavenly Father knows and loves you as His spirit child. While you were with Him and His Beloved Son before this life, They placed in your heart the hope you have of eternal life. With the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ working and with the Holy Spirit guiding, you can feel now and will feel in the world to come the family love your Father and His Beloved Son want so much for you to receive.
I testify that as you live worthy of the celestial kingdom, the prophetic promise that “family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine” will be yours.
Alma 22:15
15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
3 Nephi 28:9–10
9 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand.
10 And for this cause ye shall have fulness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fulness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one;
3 Nephi 17:17
17 And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.
3 Nephi 12:12
12 For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.
Helaman 10:5
5 And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.
Helaman 5:44
44 And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them; yea, they were encircled about; yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it did harm them not, neither did it take hold upon the walls of the prison; and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory.
Where Will This Lead?
President Dallin H. Oaks
April 2019 general conference
My brethren, and my sisters who may view or read what I say here, I hope you know why your leaders give the teachings and counsel we give. We love you, and our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you. Their plan for us is the “great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). That plan and Their commandments and ordinances and covenants lead us to the greatest happiness and joy in this life and in the life to come. As servants of the Father and the Son, we teach and counsel as They have directed us by the Holy Ghost. We have no desire other than to speak what is true and to encourage you to do what They have outlined as the pathway to eternal life, “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7).
Alma 41:3–8
3 And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.
4 And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them for evil. Therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame—mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption—raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one on one hand, the other on the other—
5 The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh.
6 And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
7 These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil.
8 Now, the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the way is prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved.
Alma 32:42
42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.
Alma 28:8
8 And this is the account of Ammon and his brethren, their journeyings in the land of Nephi, their sufferings in the land, their sorrows, and their afflictions, and their incomprehensible joy, and the reception and safety of the brethren in the land of Jershon. And now may the Lord, the Redeemer of all men, bless their souls forever.
Alma 27:17–18
17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.
18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.
Mosiah 2:41
41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
3 Nephi 17:18
18 And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying unto the Father, he arose; but so great was the joy of the multitude that they were overcome.
Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!
Sister Reyna I. Aburto
October 2019 general conference
I testify to you that “thru cloud and sunshine” the Lord will abide with us, our “afflictions [can be] swallowed up in the joy of Christ,” and “it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” I testify that Jesus Christ will return to the earth “with healing in his wings.” Ultimately, He “shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes; and there shall be no more … sorrow.” For all who will “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him,” the “sun shall no more go down; … for the Lord shall be [our] everlasting light, and the days of [our] mourning shall be ended.” In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
1 Nephi 11:8
8 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me: Look! And I looked and beheld a tree; and it was like unto the tree which my father had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty; and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow.
1 Nephi 8:12
12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.
1 Nephi 5:7
7 And when we had returned to the tent of my father, behold their joy was full, and my mother was comforted.
1 John 1:4
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Your Great Adventure
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
October 2019 general conference
There are many bends in this road. There are hills, valleys, and detours. There may even be metaphorical spiders, trolls, and even a dragon or two. But if you stay on the path and trust in God, you will eventually find the way to your glorious destiny and back to your heavenly home.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Tad R. Callister
April 2019 general conference
What then was its purpose? It was to make it possible for us to return to God’s presence, become more like Him, and have a fulness of joy. This was done by overcoming four obstacles:
The Infinite Power of Hope
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
October 2008 general conference
And what kind of existence can we hope for? Those who come unto Christ, repent of their sins, and live in faith will reside forever in peace. Think of the worth of this eternal gift. Surrounded by those we love, we will know the meaning of ultimate joy as we progress in knowledge and in happiness. No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9–11
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Worthy of Our Promised Blessings
Sister Linda S. Reeves
October 2015 general conference
Sisters, I do not know why we have the many trials that we have, but it is my personal feeling that the reward is so great, so eternal and everlasting, so joyful and beyond our understanding that in that day of reward, we may feel to say to our merciful, loving Father, “Was that all that was required?” I believe that if we could daily remember and recognize the depth of that love our Heavenly Father and our Savior have for us, we would be willing to do anything to be back in Their presence again, surrounded by Their love eternally. What will it matter, dear sisters, what we suffered here if, in the end, those trials are the very things which qualify us for eternal life and exaltation in the kingdom of God with our Father and Savior?
Closing Remarks
President Russell M. Nelson
October 2019 general conference
I testify that such preparatory work brings innumerable blessings in this life and inconceivable blessings for the life to come, including the perpetuation of your family unit throughout all eternity “in a state of never-ending happiness.”
Forget Me Not
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
October 2011 general conference
My dear Relief Society sisters, you are closer to heaven than you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help.
Romans 8:18
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Ephesians 1:18
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Romans 8:14–17
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
The Infinite Power of Hope
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
October 2008 general conference
And what kind of existence can we hope for? Those who come unto Christ, repent of their sins, and live in faith will reside forever in peace. Think of the worth of this eternal gift. Surrounded by those we love, we will know the meaning of ultimate joy as we progress in knowledge and in happiness. No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
John 16:21–22
21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
Mark 10:29–30
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Matthew 19:29
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?
Elder Matthew L. Carpenter
October 2018 general conference
During mortality we are tested to see if we will choose good over evil. For those who keep His commandments, they will live with Him “in a state of never-ending happiness.” To help us in our progression to become like Him, Heavenly Father has given all power and knowledge to His Son, Jesus Christ. There is no physical, emotional, or spiritual ailment that Christ cannot heal.
Mormon 8:38
38 O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?
Ether 2:7
7 And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto the land of promise, which was choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people.
2 Nephi 9:18
18 But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.
Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 (from this week's Come, Follow Me readings) reminds me of the great blessing of music in my life. I love the power of music to invite the Spirit into my life, to help me find comfort in trials, and to provide inspiration when I need it.
Using the new MyHeritage image tools, I took this art of Joseph Smith:
And colorized and animated it. The outcome is spectacular.
I wish we had a photo of Brother Joseph, but absent that, I'm grateful for little things like this which help me envision him as the real person he was.
I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.
I find this quote from President Nelson very comforting because it provides us with a path to healing and peace:
When sore trials come upon us, it’s time
- to deepen our faith in God,
- to work hard, and
- to serve others.
Then
- He will heal our broken hearts.
- He will bestow upon us personal peace and comfort.
Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
