Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the sure rock of personal revelation

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (July 29, 1915–April 19, 1985) served as a Seventy from 1946-1972 when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve.  He served in that assignment until his death from cancer at age 69.

"If we build our house of salvation on the rock of personal revelation, if we build it on the revealed reality that Jesus is the Lord, if we build it on him who is the Eternal Rock—it will stand forever.

"If we are guided by the spirit of inspiration while here in mortality, we will be able to withstand all of the floods and storms that beat upon us.

"If we are founded upon a rock, we worship the Father in the name of the Son by the power of the Holy Ghost.

"If we are founded upon a rock, we know that salvation comes by the grace of God to those who believe the gospel and keep the commandments.

"If we are founded upon a rock, we forsake the world, flee from carnal things, and live upright and godly lives.

"If we are founded upon a rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against us. As long as we remain in our house of faith, we shall be preserved when the rains of evil fall, when the winds of false doctrine blow, and when the floods of carnality beat upon us.

"Thanks be to God that we, as Latter-day Saints, are founded upon a rock. And so it is that the faithful among us hear a calm voice of quiet certainty saying: 'If ye shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you....

"'Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.' (D&C 18:5, 17.) ...

"God grant that we may be true to Him by whose name alone salvation comes. He is our Friend, our Lord, our King, our God, and our Rock."

- Bruce R. McConkie, "Upon this Rock," General Conference April 1981
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder McConkie had the gift of boldly and confidently declaring the doctrine of the Restoration, and this is a good example of that. He described "the rock of personal revelation" as one of the great keys to a successful life:

The Lord promised that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against you" when we are built on the Rock of our Redeemer. Certainly that applies to our ultimate destiny in eternity, but Elder McConkie's witness is that it also applies to this life and its challenges. We can truly find safety and peace through Him.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Gary E. Stevenson on maintaining balance in life's challenges

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (b. August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"In the midst of your very personal and diverse needs, to balance life's pursuits and challenges along with your spirituality, you will come to realize that balance is achievable. The Lord does not require you to do something that you cannot accomplish....

"Brothers and Sisters, as daunting as keeping this balance may seem, let me promise you, one of the greatest miracles of your mortal existence, given your appropriate focus and effort will be your ability to find balance between your spirituality and your other important life roles. This will take place in a way that will not just maintain your spirituality and life’s important roles at status quo, but will allow you to grow and develop in both of these very important areas.

"The main reason this is possible is because the Lord is the fulcrum. He is the absolute center point of balance. And He has divine interest in each one of you personally as one of His children. Please note that this outcome is predicated on your appropriate focus and effort to find balance.

"From my observation and personal experience, it seems that we have a tendency throughout our life to tip more heavily one way or the other. To remain balanced in our lives requires our constant effort and care. Actively choose to stay steady."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "A Gospel Perspective," BYU-Hawaii devotional, September 19, 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

How do we find balance in life, particularly when both spiritual and temporal demands compete for time and attention in a very busy life? Elder Stevenson promises that it is possible, but he uses the word "miracle" to describe the process of achieving that balance. And of course, miracles occur when the Savior is at the center of the challenge:

It does, of course, require our participation and focus in order to realize that miracle. Elder Stevenson counsels that we must "actively choose to stay steady" as we balance on that fulcrum. But the great key is to find, and focus on, the Lord as the balance point in our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on unexpected blessings of service to others

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"In addition to true fulfillment and happiness, a devotion to service will give balance to your life.  If there is ever-present in your soul a desire to be of service, it will keep other virtuous motivations from becoming vices, as sometimes happens.  For example, in some people the desire to make a comfortable living for themselves and their family has evolved over time into greed, and that greed when unchecked has manifested itself in unethical, even criminal conduct.  Motivation toward self-improvement or self-fulfillment if taken to the extreme can morph into selfishness and narcissism.  Service will be your antidote against selfishness and the sense of entitlement that more and more afflict societies around the world.  The desire to serve people will act as a governor over other motivations keeping those that are good in their proper channel and eliminating those that are unworthy.  Your service will bless others, but it will also protect you."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Service and Fulfillment," LDSBC 2012 Commencement Address, April 13, 2012
Click here to read the complete talk

Elder Christofferson shares an interesting perspective on the benefits of serving others.When we are blessed with success and prosperity, it's easy to lose perspective and have the acquisition of wealth or influence become a dominating motivator. But turning our focus to others can help us to retain the proper perspective in life:

We are not used to the term "governor" in this context. A governor is a mechanical device that was invented to control the speed of a machine; they were used in windmills and early steam engines, and even on more modern engines and motors. Elder Christofferson suggests that service can function in this way, to regulate and control our activities so they are properly directed. Service then becomes the "antidote against selfishness and the sense of entitlement" that can direct our lives in the proper way, allowing our blessings to be used for good in God's hands.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Spencer W. Kimball on living the gospel life

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"If we live in a way that permits us to be more accepted of God, we should not be surprised if we are rejected by the world, or surprised if its ways seem more and more alien to us. The gospel offers us not only the prospect of eternal life, but provides us a whole way of life in mortality. Whereas so many in the world see death as the end and the loss of hope, we testify to the reality of the resurrection. Just as immortality and eternal life stand in such sharp contrast to the world’s lack of purpose, so the righteous way of life stands in sharp contrast to the ways of the world. Let us make certain there is oil in our own lamps. Let us live our lives so we can have the gift of the Holy Ghost operating evermore constantly in our lives.

"Let us remember, too, that greatness is not always a matter of the scale of one’s life, but of the quality of one’s life. True greatness is not always tied to the scope of our tasks, but to the quality of how we carry out our tasks whatever they are. In that attitude, let us give our time, ourselves, and our talents to the things that really matter now, things which will still matter a thousand years from now."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "A Gift of Gratitude," Liahona December 1977
Click here to read the full article

President Kimball suggests that anyone living in a way that pleases God will notice two things: the world's ways will begin to seem alien to us, and we will feel rejection from the world. It's been over 40 years since these thoughts were published, and we can only assume that the world's way has diverged even further from the gospel path. We would benefit from pondering ways in which we see this dichotomy between our own path and the world's way of life. We should see that "the righteous way of life stands in sharp contrast to the ways of the world."

As we consider gospel standards in contrast to the world and its standards, this is a good example of the contrast. What does it really mean to achieve greatness? President Kimball reminds us that the important thing is quality of life, not necessarily scale of influence. His criterion for evaluating our activities and priorities is a great one: will that thing matter a thousand years from now?

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on having integrity in following Christ

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"How would you describe your integrity to the cause of Jesus Christ? The Lord said of Hyrum Smith, the Prophet Joseph’s brother, 'And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.' (D&C 124:15.)

"I assure you, no accumulation of wealth, recognition, position, or popularity can supplant a heart full of love for the Lord’s ways and God’s children. 'Lovest thou me?' the Savior asked His disciples when they had gone 'a fishing.'

"Peter responded, 'Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.'

"And the Lord said, 'Feed my sheep.... Feed my sheep.' (John 21:16–17)

"Integrity of purpose to the Lord’s work is to love as He loved, essentially to feed His sheep with kindness.

"When Jesus called from the shore to the disciples, who had returned to fishing, He told them to throw their nets on the right side. (See John 21:6.) So it is with us. We are most successful when we do things the Lord’s way, as He has told us. We are here to feed His sheep. You have people who depend on you, who need you, and who will be blessed by your attention. Leave here today recognizing that your morality, your ethics, and your honesty are driven by the way you treat people."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Integrity of Heart," BYU devotional, March 13, 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The Lord's tribute to Hyrum Smith, quoted by Elder Rasband, has always been very moving to me. To be loved by the Lord because of the "integrity of [your] heart" would be a incomparable tribute. That verse elaborates that the integrity lies in the fact that Hyrum "loveth that which is right before me." When our personal focus is so fixed on the things of eternal importance, we too will receive the blessings from God that are promised to those who love Him above all else. Truly, "Integrity of purpose to the Lord’s work is to love as He loved, essentially to feed His sheep with kindness."

Part of the test of integrity is whether we truly are willing to "do things the Lord's way" in every instance where we have instruction or guidance. That applies particularly to our efforts to minister to one another in love. So much is demonstrated "by the way you treat people." That is what Christian discipleship is all about.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President James E. Faust on the abundant life and continuing to learn

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"The Savior said, 'I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.' (John 10:10.) How is the abundant life to be obtained? The abundant life involves an endless search for knowledge, light, and truth....

"We gain knowledge from two sources. One is the divine and the other is secular. Rex E. Lee has referred to them as the 'rational process and the extrarational process.' (BYU Speeches 1981-82, p. 131.) We are all more familiar with the rational process that we learned in school and through lifelong study. The extrarational, or divine source, is less common. This source is, however, more sure. Both sources may be available to us. Fortunately, we do not have to choose one to the exclusion of the other. Brother Lee continues, 'We should feel equally at home in the academy and in the temple. We should regard each as a center of learning.' (Speeches, p. 132.)

"We are apparently part of an expanding universe. Secular knowledge is expanding very rapidly. Our knowledge of gospel truth is also expanding. Prophets continue to speak. Increased understanding of the scriptures is also possible. And so the opportunities for the abundant life increase as we pursue the quest for truth and knowledge."

- James E. Faust, "The Abundant Life," General Conference, October 1985
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The Savior taught that through Him and His mission, we might have a more abundant life. The word "might" implies that the result is not guaranteed, but only obtained when proper conditions are met. President Faust teaches that we find that abundant life when we continue to "search for knowledge, light, and truth.." Becoming stagnant in the learning process means a loss of progress and richness.

The second great truth is that we should learn both temporally and spiritually, symbolically "in the academy and in the temple." Or, in the language of the Lord, "seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118).

There is so much to learn! Temporal knowledge is expanding dramatically as our understanding of the world, the universe, science, life, etc. grows continually. And President Faust teaches that our spiritual opportunities are growing equally as there is an increase of light and understanding being offered to us through today's teachings and technologies. As we apply ourselves to take advantage of all these opportunities, we will truly discover "the abundant life"!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Russell M. Nelson on the divine law of God

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"While nominally I come to you from the science of surgery and its mother of medicine, in a truer sense, I have been forged from the stern discipline of law—not the laws of men, as mastered by our brethren of the legal profession, but the eternal and unchanging laws of our Divine Creator. The surgeon soon learns the incontrovertibility of divine law. He knows that hopes and wishes are sometimes simply powerless sham. Desired blessings come only by obedience to divine law, and in no other way. My lifetime thus far has been focused on learning those laws. Only as the laws are known, and then obeyed, can the blessings we desire be earned. To this extent, there will be little difference for me in the activities of the past and those of the future. The endless laws of the Lord are the doctrines taught by His Apostles....

"Now, I understand fully that the call to the Holy Apostleship is one of witness to the world of the divinity of the Lord Jesus the Christ. I know that salvation is centered in Him! ...

"The creation of the earth and all that dwell therein, the necessary fall that enabled man to be, and the atonement of the Lord are three fundamental components of God’s eternal plan. Without that atoning sacrifice, there would be neither immortality nor eternal life.

"His message is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ; and it is administered by the Church that bears His name. He directs the affairs of His church by the power of the priesthood and by revelation through prophets who proclaim His doctrine to all people of the world.

"The testimony that I bear is but an echo of the resounding testimonies of the eighty-four who previously have received this call to the Twelve since the spring of 1820."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Call to the Holy Apostleship," General Conference April 1984
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This excerpt is from the remarks offered by President Nelson on the day he was sustained by the Church as an apostle, 34 years ago. His explanation of his personal background in both science and law was interesting—the science of medicine but the laws of God:

What a beautiful expression: given his devotion to the law of God up to that point in his life, he didn't expect much difference in his life when he changed the focus to full-time, life-long service to the Lord and His Church.

Young Elder Nelson, who was 59 years old when this call came, then shared his witness of the Savior and His Atonement. He has never stopped sharing that witness, to the Church and to the world.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Gordon B. Hinckley on the blessings of being humble

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"Be humble. Don't be arrogant. The world is full of arrogant people. How obnoxious they are! There is no place for arrogance in our lives. There is no place for conceit. There is no place for egotism. I believe that if we are without conceit and pride and arrogance, then we can ask God to lead us by the hand. What greater thing could we ask for?

"I believe that you—yes, you—can make a difference in the world. It may be ever so small, but it will count for the greater good....

"It is precisely because we understand our divine heritage and potential that we ought to be humble about who we are. Being humble does not mean being weak. It means being teachable. It does not require us to be trampled upon. It means acknowledging where our strengths and abilities come from. It also means recognizing that we are not here on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, Way to Be!: 9 Ways to Be Happy and Make Something of Your Life [2002], pp. 92-95

President Hinckley makes several very wise points about humility. In a world where that quality seems to be diminishing ("The world is full of arrogant people") it's almost a forgotten trait. But one of the primary benefits that comes to humble people is their relationship to God—only the truly humble will, or can, ask Him to "lead us by the hand."

We sometimes equate being "important" with the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. But President Hinckley testifies that any individual has the capacity to make a difference in the world:

Like the parallel attribute of meekness, humility is often misunderstood by the world, where it is viewed as a weakness. But President Hinckley testifies that it really means being teachable, and recognizing the importance of our relationship to God. When we understand that connection, we will have the ability to do more good in His hands than the proud and self-important.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Thomas S. Monson on meeting the demands of our future

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley and then became Church president in 2008. He led the Church for almost a decade until his passing in January 2018.

"To meet the combined demands of the accumulated past and of the accumulating future, all of us need:

"To act—not just react.

"To innovate—not just imitate.

"To program—not just resolve.

"To accelerate—not just vacillate."

- Thomas S. Monson, “Spectrum-on-the-Road,” Bountiful, Utah, March 14, 1968; see "President Thomas S. Monson quotes: highlights of a prophet's teachings," Church News, January 3, 2018

This enthusiastic and encouraging invitation from President Monson is so typical of the attitude of his life—that we be active, productive, and growing:

We might do well to consider various aspects of our life—family, professional, church service, personal growth—and evaluate how we are doing based on this challenge. Are we truly moving forward in positive ways, or are we just hanging on and maintaining the status quo? Are we challenging ourselves to accelerate our activities and achievements? This is a worthwhile thought to ponder. President Monson suggests that this kind of attitude will be necessary to "meet the... demands... of the accumulating future."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Howard W. Hunter on self-evaluation and the real impact of our lives

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"As we evaluate our lives, it is important that we look, not only at our accomplishments, but also at the conditions under which we have labored. We are all different and unique individuals; we have each had different starting points in the race of life; we each have a unique mixture of talents and skills; we each have our own set of challenges and constraints to contend with. Therefore, our judgment of ourselves and our achievements should not merely include the size or magnitude and number of our accomplishments; it should also include the conditions that have existed and the effect that our efforts have had on others.

"It is this last aspect of our self-evaluation—the effect of our lives on the lives of others—that will help us understand why some of the common, ordinary work of life should be valued so highly. Frequently it is the commonplace tasks that have the greatest positive effect on the lives of others, as compared with the things that the world so often relates to greatness."

- Howard W. Hunter, "True Greatness," General Conference April 1982
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's almost impossible not to compare ourselves with others, in evaluating achievements and position in life. But President Hunter points out that it's very easy to evaluate ourselves unfairly, when all we see is the visible, public accomplishments. Other factors he mentions include:

• Our starting point in life, which may vary greatly from others
• The talents and stills we have to work with
• The challenges and constraints, unique to each life, that we contend with

Any judgement of achievements should include a realistic evaluation of all these aspects. And one more thing we often neglect—what has truly been the impact on others around us?

Sometimes the greatest and most eternally-significant accomplishments lie in the small, quiet impact that we might have on others as we serve, interact, share, teach, support, minister, or bless. President Hunter reminds us that often those "commonplace tasks" of life are what really matters most!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on learning to submit to God

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"Thus, the whole mortal schooling process has been so carefully structured to achieve results which could be achieved in 'no other way.' (Hel. 5:9.) We can come to know the Lord as our loving, tutoring Father and God—but not as a policeman posted at every intersection of our lives!

"Hence, our submissiveness to the Lord must be the real thing, not the equivalent of obeying the speed limit only as long as the highway patrolman is there in his pace-car. Indeed, awaiting full development is our willingness 'to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father.' (Mosiah 3:19.) This is a sobering gospel truth about submissiveness! It is a wintry declaration! This truth is not likely to evoke from us an 'Oh, goodie' response!

"During our schooling in submissiveness, we will see the visible crosses some carry, but other crosses will go unseen. A few individuals may appear to have no trial at all, which, if it were so, would be a trial in itself. Indeed, if our souls had rings, as do trees, to measure the years of greatest personal growth, the wide rings would likely reflect the years of greatest moisture—but from tears, not rainfall."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Thanks Be to God," Ensign, July 1982, p. 51
Click here to read the full article

Sometimes, we are tempted to view God as Elder Maxwell warns us: a policeman standing watch, eager and alert to catch us in any misdeed or violation and punish us swiftly and appropriately. But Elder Maxwell invites us instead to view Him as "as our loving, tutoring Father and God." Having that understanding makes a very large difference in how we interact with him. King Benjamin's wonderful comparison about how a child submits to a father in receiving guidance and training is so appropriate. As we learn to recognize the loving and tutoring nature of our Heavenly Father, we begin to understand the real meeting of submissiveness and the blessings that can flow from it.

But as we ponder the tutoring nature of our mortal experience, we have to be careful about how we view our own tutoring as compared to those around us:

Sometimes we think we are the only one being "tutored with trials." Elder Maxwell points out that there are many who bear crosses we can not see. But regardless, we need to recognize that the greatest growth and progress can come in the times when the difficulty seems the most painful and hard to bear. The call to be "as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father" (Mosiah 3:19) is never more crucial than in those precious moments.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Henry B. Eyring on seeking the divine gift of charity

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"We know that charity is essential for us to be saved in the kingdom of God. Moroni wrote, 'Except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God' (Moroni 10:21; see also Ether 12:34). 

"We also know that charity is a gift bestowed upon us after all we can do. We must 'pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ' (Moroni 7:48).

"It seems to me that we receive the Holy Spirit best when we are focused on serving others. That is why we have the priesthood responsibility to serve for the Savior. When we are engaged in service to others, we think less about ourselves, and the Holy Ghost can more readily come to us and help us in our lifelong quest to have the gift of charity bestowed upon us."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Inspired Ministering," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Eyring teaches us that charity is not necessarily something we develop; it's a gift that comes to us as we serve and obey in faithfulness. That's an important concept, since we are told charity is essential for our salvation. One of the important steps to gaining this gift, after all we can do, is to pray to God "with all the energy of heart" seeking it. That is probably a request many of us are not acting on with enough diligence.

In addressing the recent Priesthood meeting, President Eyring reminded the brethren of the Church that they have a "priesthood responsibility to serve for the Savior":

As we all learn to minister more effectively, we will open our lives to greater influence from the Holy Ghost, and better qualify ourselves for that divine gift of charity.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dallin H. Oaks on the impact of small and simple things

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"So is the powerful effect over time of the small and simple things we are taught in the scriptures and by living prophets. Consider the scripture study we’ve been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints. Consider attendance at seminary for youth or institute classes for young adults. Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth, as President Eyring has explained...

"A persuasive secular teaching of this same principle comes from former Senator Dan Coats of Indiana, who wrote: 'The only preparation for that one profound decision which can change a life, or even a nation, is those hundreds and thousands of half-conscious, self-defining, seemingly insignificant decisions made in private.' (Imprimis, 20:9, Sept. 1991, 4.)

"Those 'seemingly insignificant' private decisions include how we use our time, what we view on television and the internet, what we read, the art and music with which we surround ourselves at work and at home, what we seek for entertainment, and how we apply our commitment to be honest and truthful. Another seemingly small and simple thing is being civil and cheerful in our personal interactions.

"None of these desirable small and simple things will lift us to great things unless they are practiced consistently and continuously."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Small and Simple Things," General Conference, April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

How much do the little things matter? How much do a few minutes of scripture study or a personal prayer on any given day really impact our life? Perhaps on many days, not a lot; but cumulatively, over time, as the minutes add up to hours and the actions become habits, they matter a lot. Elder Oaks testifies that doing those small, consistent actions really does make a difference over time, because they invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, which will make a difference every day:

Private decisions may seem insignificant. Things like how we use our leisure time, who we choose to interact with, the environment we create for ourselves, what are our priorities: they really do matter as the cumulative effect becomes very great. Practiced consistently, the small things can "lift us to great things."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Ulisses Soares on the blessing of latter-day prophets

Elder Ulisses Soares (born October 2, 1958) has served as a Seventy since April 2005, and as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy since January 2013. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles on April 1, 2018.

"Isn’t it a blessing to have prophets, seers, and revelators on earth in these days in which we live, who seek to know the will of the Lord and follow it? It is comforting to know that we are not alone in the world, despite the challenges we face in life. Having prophets is a sign of God’s love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ to Their people. I have learned that through my personal experiences....

"I testify that the prophets speak by the power of the Holy Spirit. They testify of Christ and His divine mission on earth. They represent the mind and heart of the Lord and are called to represent Him and teach us what we must do to return to live in the presence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We are blessed as we exercise our faith and follow their teachings. By following them, our lives are happier and less complicated, our difficulties and problems are easier to bear, and we create a spiritual armor around us that will protect us from the attacks of the enemy in our day."

- Ulisses Soares, "Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Soares bore a brief testimony as his first message since being sustained as the newest member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, testifying of the blessing and power that come as we heed the counsel of inspired leaders. Particularly important is the thought, "Having prophets is a sign of God's love for His children." Through them, He sends guidance, warnings, and encouragement for us to confront "the challenges we face in life." But prophets, seers, and revelators are a blessing to us, only to the degree that we follow their teachings:

Elder Soares now assumes the weighty burden of being one of those messengers from God. We look forward eagerly to his counsel as he begins to serve and teach.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Gerrit W. Gong on the Savior's redeeming love

Elder Gerrit W. Gong (born December 23, 1953) was called as a Seventy in April 2010, then to the Presidency of the Seventy in October 2015. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in April 2018.

"This Easter Sabbath, I joyfully sing, 'Alleluia.' The song of our risen Savior’s redeeming love (see Alma 5:26) celebrates the harmony of covenants (that connect us to God and to each other) and the Atonement of Jesus Christ (that helps us put off the natural man and woman and yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit [see Mosiah 3:19]).

"Together, our covenants and our Savior’s Atonement enable and ennoble. Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together, they sweeten, preserve, sanctify, redeem....

"Everything worthy and eternal is centered in the living reality of God, our loving Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement, witnessed by the Holy Ghost. (See 2 Nephi 31:18)"

- Gerrit W. Gong, "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Gong spoke briefly after being newly sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He bore an Easter Sunday testimony of the Savior, sharing this witness of the importance of covenants that bind us to God and to one another:

While his remarks were necessarily very brief, Elder Gong's choice of words shows us that we have good things to look forward to from him in future addresses. I love the vivid complementing descriptiveness in the words enable and ennoble, followed by the contrasting phrases hold on and let go in describing the ways the Savior's Atonement blesses us. Truly, as we contemplate the power and impact of covenants and Atonement, we feel the truth of Elder Gong's witness of how our lives are sweetened and enriched by their power.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Russell M. Nelson on the importance of personal revelation

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

"My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. Let this Easter Sunday be a defining moment in your life. Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.

"With Moroni, I exhort you on this Easter Sabbath to 'come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift' (Moroni 10:30), beginning with the gift of the Holy Ghost, which gift can and will change your life."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was among the profound moments of the recent conference for me. President Nelson's talk at the conclusion of the Sunday morning session was full of insight and inspiration. But this section near the conclusion was spine-tingling as we were given a prophetic glimpse into the future, and a call to prepare:

So while we anticipate the "mighty works" to come, providing us "miraculous indications" of God's involvement in the affairs of the earthly kingdom, we know also that there will be challenges to our faith and faithfulness. We will require the "constant influence of the Holy Ghost" to "survive spiritually." The Holy Ghost will help us to see and understand those "miraculous indications"—otherwise, we will likely overlook them or dismiss them as unimportant.

What a moving thing, to have the Lord's prophet plead with us to seek to grow in our "spiritual capacity to receive revelation." If we want to "hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly" then we must "do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost." What have we done in the two weeks since this call was issued to respond to it? What will we do in the coming weeks and months?

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Dale G. Renlund on blessings from family history work

Elder Dale G. Renlund (born November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"It is breathtakingly amazing that, through family history and temple work, we can help to redeem the dead.

"But as we participate in family history and temple work today, we also lay claim to 'healing' blessings promised by prophets and apostles. These blessings are also breathtakingly amazing because of their scope, specificity, and consequence in mortality. This long list includes these blessings:

• Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice;

• Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives;

• Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding;

• Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and a clearer vision of where we are going;

• Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts;

• Increased joy through an increased ability to feel the love of the Lord;

• Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be;

• Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone;

• Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus, with the Lord’s help, serve others;

• Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary; and

• Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole.

"If you have prayed for any of these blessings, participate in family history and temple work. As you do so, your prayers will be answered. When ordinances are performed on behalf of the deceased, God’s children on earth are healed."

- Dale G. Renlund, "Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Renlund shares thoughts in this message about an interesting aspect of the service we can render. When we participate in family history work and temple service, not only do we perform precious labors to help redeem the dead, but we also receive profound blessings ourselves in the process. These include "healing" blessings in a variety of forms.

Elder Renlund's list is fascinating and worth pondering. So many blessings available to us! Many of these have been discussed previously, but others were a little unexpected to me; each could be explored in much greater detail.

I was particularly intrigued by the promise of "Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be." What family would not desire that? What parent would not sacrifice to claim those blessings?

Other individual promises such as "Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts" or "Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives" also offer precious and coveted gifts.

It seems clear to me that we would each be wise to evaluate our personal involvement in these labors and consider a commitment to increasing and improving personal efforts!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)