We Believe in Being Chaste

David A. Bednar, April 2013 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Doctrine and Principles

• Chastity is temporal and spiritual law
• Create life first great commandment
• Abstinence before marriage, fidelity within
• We are meant to develop godlike qualities and bridle passions of the flesh

Favorite Quotes

“The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females was needed to enact the plan of happiness. “Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:11). The man and the woman are intended to learn from, strengthen, bless, and complete each other.”

“We are agents blessed with moral agency and are defined by our divine heritage as children of God—and not by sexual behaviors, contemporary attitudes, or secular philosophies.”

“Every appetite, desire, propensity, and impulse of the natural man may be overcome by and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We are here on the earth to develop godlike qualities and to bridle all of the passions of the flesh.”

“Because a physical body is so central to the Father’s plan of happiness and our spiritual development, Lucifer seeks to frustrate our progression by tempting us to use our bodies improperly. One of the ultimate ironies of eternity is that the adversary, who is miserable precisely because he has no physical body, entices us to share in his misery through the improper use of our bodies. The very tool he does not have is thus the primary target of his attempts to lure us to spiritual destruction.”

“We also are promised that, as we pursue the pathway of virtue, “the Holy Ghost shall be [our] constant companion” (D&C 121:46). Thus, living the law of chastity invites some of the greatest blessings men and women can receive in mortality: appropriate spiritual confidence in the presence of family, friends, Church associates, and, ultimately, the Savior. Our innate longing to belong is fulfilled in righteousness as we walk in the light with hope.”

“Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body—a warning of danger and a protection from additional damage. From the Atonement of the Savior flows the soothing salve that can heal our spiritual wounds and remove guilt.”

Why this matters to me

Everyone has things they need to overcome physically whether they are sexual temptation or other areas. This talk, while explicitly about sexual transgressions, can apply to any struggle with our physical bodies. Using mind altering drugs, even mild ones that are not limited by our nation’s laws, is one way we can improperly use our bodies. Not eating properly is a way to not care for our bodies. It is a change in how I think, to realize the wonderful gift that is our bodies. The blessings we are promised are amazing if we keep this law. I love that Elder Bednar said we would have spiritual confidence among not only our family and friends but also the Savior. What a glorious promise! If we don’t feel that way, we can get there.  I also really liked that Edler Bednar explained guilt is a warning of danger and protection from additional damage. Everyone feels guilt. It catches up with us after we have said things we regret, done things we regret, or even thought things we regret. But, guilt is not there to bring you down. It is a reminder of what we know to be true and how we know we need to change.

The Biography of David A. Bednar

Elder Bednar loves using the scriptures to teach others. During training before he left on his mission, Elder Bednar and about 300 other missionaries met with President Harold B. Lee in the temple. They were allowed to ask President Lee any question they desired. President Lee then gave an answer from the scriptures or replied ‘I don’t know.’ At that time it became Elder Bednar’s goal to know the scriptures well enough he could always teach from them. I have noticed every conference Elder Bednar teaches about a gospel doctrine, he quotes from multiple books of scriptures and from previous conference addresses given by living apostles. The ability to teach a principle from both modern and ancient scripture texts is a wonderful gift the Lord. I have felt the importance of finding gospel truth in both the Bible, Book of Mormon, and modern addresses by the prophets. Using all these sources I can see that God’s teachings do not change, even though society changes.

The Laborers in the Vineyard

Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2012 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Doctrine and Principles

• Do not envy blessings
• The Lord offers blessings to everyone

Favorite Quotes

“We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.”

“There is no problem which you cannot overcome. There is no dream that in the unfolding of time and eternity cannot yet be realized. Even if you feel you are the lost and last laborer of the eleventh hour, the Lord of the vineyard still stands beckoning. “Come boldly [to] the throne of grace,” and fall at the feet of the Holy One of Israel. Come and feast “without money and without price” at the table of the Lord.”

“My beloved brothers and sisters, to those of you who have been blessed by the gospel for many years because you were fortunate enough to find it early, to those of you who have come to the gospel by stages and phases later, and to those of you—members and not yet members—who may still be hanging back, to each of you, one and all, I testify of the renewing power of God’s love and the miracle of His grace. His concern is for the faith at which you finally arrive, not the hour of the day in which you got there.”

“So if you have made covenants, keep them. If you haven’t made them, make them. If you have made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is never too late so long as the Master of the vineyard says there is time. Please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling you right now, this very moment, that you should accept the atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the fellowship of His labor. Don’t delay. It’s getting late.”

Why This Matters to Me

In the parable Elder Holland shared, men were chosen at the beginning of the day to work for a particular wage. As the day went on the Master needed more laborers and asked more to come. At the end of the day the laborers that worked the full day, and the laborers that only worked a couple of hours received the same wage. This talk reminded me of the blessing to have been chosen as a laborer in the vineyard. I won’t gain any more than my family or friends that have not yet accepted the fellowship of His labor. It is something he offers to everyone. And, what a blessing! All are equal in the sight of God. Whether we hold a well known calling in the church or we work in the nursery with 2 year old children, our service is still needed and wanted.

Being a More Christian Christian

Robert D. Hales, October 2012 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Doctrine and Principles

• be better followers of Christ
• The way we treat others and ourselves should be a reflection of Christ

Favorite Quotes

“The word Christian denotes taking upon us the name of Christ. We do this by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by those holding His priesthood authority.”

“As Christians today, we have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their nets, and followed him.” We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions.”

“As we are made new in Christ, our very natures change and we no longer want to go back to our old ways.”

“We feed His lambs in our homes by how we live the gospel: keeping the commandments, praying, studying the scriptures, and emulating His love. We feed His sheep in the Church as we serve in priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations. And we feed His sheep throughout the world by being good Christian neighbors, practicing the pure religion of visiting and serving the widows, the fatherless, the poor, and all who are in need.”

“In His own sorrow and suffering, the Savior waited upon His Father. With patience for us, He waits upon us to come to ourselves and come home to Him.”

Why This is Important to Me

Its always good to be more like Christ. A disciple is one who follows a leader, and a Christian should be one who follows and emulates Christ.  I really liked the point he made that as we are made new in Christ we no longer want to go back to our old ways.  I remember hearing once that repentance is more than just sorrow for our wrongs. True repentance involves a complete change of the way we think and act. Its as if we have turned the way we are looking and are looking in a new direction. This is how we can become more like Christ. Not just turning away from the bad, but changing the where we look when we search for comfort, joy and peace. I also love the reminder that Christ is waiting for us to make this change. We should all accept the invitation to become more like Christ in our minds, hearts, and deed.

The Biography of Jeffrey R. Holland

Before Elder Holland served a mission he wanted to be a doctor. His mission president helped him gain a love for the scriptures and particularly the Book of Mormon. When he come home from his mission he knew he wanted to be a teacher. I thought it was really interesting how he choose his future career. He had a plan, but after gaining a new love for the scriptures he knew there was another thing that was for him. I thought this was interesting because our family is at a career impasse. My husband decided what he wanted to do for a career based on classes. He got an associates degree in the field and is currently working in the field while pursuing his bachelor’s degree. However experience leads him to think that while he is good at his job, what he truly enjoys helping and mentoring others is not really a part of that career path. Of course, I believe this education is going to teach both of us more about the church than any other educational goals we were considering.

Stand Strong in Holy Places

Robert D. Hales, April 2013 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Doctrine and Principles

• God’s doctrine will not change
• Put on the Armor of God

Favorite Quotes

“You are living in the last days. If your father wanted to get in trouble, he had to go searching for it. Not anymore! Today temptation finds you! Please remember that! Satan desires to have you, and “sin lieth at the door.”How will you resist his aggressive tactics? Put on the whole armor of God.”

“Most of us know someone who would say, “If you want to be my friend, you’ll have to accept my values.” A true friend doesn’t ask us to choose between the gospel and his or her friendship. To borrow the words of Paul, “From such turn away.” A true friend strengthens us to stay on the strait and narrow path.”

“As you discover your gifts and talents, remember that parents and mentors may assist you, but you must let the Spirit guide you.”

“Sometimes we become the lightning rod, and we must “take the heat” for holding fast to God’s standards and doing His work. I testify that we need not be afraid if we are grounded in His doctrine. We may experience misunderstanding, criticism, and even false accusation, but we are never alone. Our Savior was “despised and rejected of men.” It is our sacred privilege to stand with Him!”

“Ironically, standing strong sometimes means avoiding and even fleeing from the world.”

Why This Matters to me

I liked this talk because its based on the youth theme for 2013. As a teacher for the youth in my ward, this is important to me. He also talked about how the values of the world and the values in the church used to be pretty similar, but the gap is widening. I have noticed this is true based on what is found in media and in school now verses what things were like in the late 90s when I was a teenager. When Elder Hales was a youth he  his father used the scripture Ephesians 6:13-16 about putting on the whole armor of God to explain how we should stand when we are surrounded by unrighteousness. Sin and temptation are all around us. They are in schools, at the park, and can even make it into our own homes. Elder Hales teaches that the best way to resist is to be protected.

“Lord, I Believe”

Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2013 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Doctrine and Principles

• limited faith and believe is still faith and belief
• faith as a grain of mustard seed can still work mighty miracles

Favorite Quotes

“In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited.”

“The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know.”

“Be as candid about your questions as you need to be; life is full of them on one subject or another. But if you and your family want to be healed, don’t let those questions stand in the way of faith working its miracle.”

“In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.”

“Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with.”

“What was once a tiny seed of belief for me has grown into the tree of life, so if your faith is a little tested in this or any season, I invite you to lean on mine. I know this work is God’s very truth, and I know that only at our peril would we allow doubt or devils to sway us from its path. Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe.”

Why This Matters to Me

This talk has been particularly close to my heart lately. It’s a great reminder of the power of faith. I have faith, but it is easy to see my huge lack in some areas. I loved the reminder to not let my questions stand in the way of faith working a miracle. It is easy to think, why would I deserve a miracle over someone else. I do not know if I will even get the miracle I hope for in this life, but that does not mean I cannot ask in faith. I also love the reminder that all things are possible when we believe. It is easy to doubt or not believe because science or medicine does not have a known recovery. Even when there is known treatments that work sometimes, it is hard to understand why they do not always work. It is also to understand why I would even deserve a miracle when others do not get the miracle. Miracles are not earned or deserved depending on my perfect knowledge or perfect obedience. They are miracles after all. Heavenly Father does not wait for a perfect knowledge to help us. He wants us to ask humbly and with real intent.

Four Titles

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2013 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Principles and Doctrine

• We are children of Heavenly Father
• We are disciples of Jesus Christ
• We can heal others’ souls
• We are heirs of eternal life

Favorite Quotes

“Satan would rather that you define yourself by your sins instead of your divine potential. Brethren, don’t listen to him.”

“Our Father in Heaven mentors His children and often sends unseen heavenly help to those who desire to follow the Savior.”

“Without the Atonement of Jesus Christ, life would be a dead-end road without hope or future. With the Atonement, life is an ennobling, inspiring journey of growth and development that leads to eternal life in the presence of our Heavenly Father.”

“The restored gospel of Jesus Christ blesses lives not just when we believe it—but much more when we live it. It is in the application of gospel principles that individuals are uplifted and families are strengthened. It is our privilege and responsibility not just to talk the talk but also to walk the walk.”

“We are joint-heirs with Christ!”

“Serving God and our fellowmen will challenge us and transform us into something greater than we ever thought possible.”

“Perhaps you might think that you are not needed, that you are overlooked or unwanted, that you are nobody.

I am sincerely sorry if any priesthood holder feels this way. Certainly you are not overlooked or unwanted by your Heavenly Father. He loves you. And I tell you with certainty that you are needed by your Church.”

“In the great Composer’s symphony, you have your own particular part to play—your own notes to sing. Fail to perform them, and with certainty the symphony will go on. But if you rise up and join the chorus and allow the power of God to work through you, you will see “the windows of heaven” open, and He will “pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” “

What this means to me

Even though this talk was given during the Priesthood session and many parts were directed toward men in particular, the doctrine applies to everyone. Each of us is a son or daughter of God. We should each remember that as we come to know and recognize our sins and our weaknesses. We are not perfect, but we are His. When we accept the atonement of Jesus Christ, he will lift us up. We can certainly become greater through and with Him than we could ever hope to become on our own.

We Are One

President Henry B. Eyring, April 2013 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Principles and Doctrine

• Missionary work is essential
• Keep the commandments
• The atonement offers joy

Favorite Quotes

“Since you know that the Lord always prepares a way to keep His commandments, you can expect that He will do that for each of you.”

“His home teacher loved him enough to ignore his cigar and see what God could see in him.”

“There is one way in which we are one in our charge in the priesthood. We sanctify ourselves and fulfill our individual duties to the commandment to take the gospel to all of our Heavenly Father’s children.”

“Every member a missionary!” (Quoting President David O. McKay)

“Like the sons of Mosiah, they had felt the effects of sin in their own lives and the marvelous healing of the Atonement within the Church of God. Out of love and gratitude for the Savior’s gift to them, they wanted to help everyone they could to escape the sadness of sin, feel the joy of forgiveness, and gather with them to safety in the kingdom of God.”

Why This Matters to Me

This is a wonderful talk on the cleansing power of the atonement. We can all be missionaries either with non-member neighbors, or among our family and friends. We should be willing to see the good in others, and help them experience the joy of coming closer to our Heavenly Father. I recently was called to be an adviser to the Young Women’s Program. Many of the Young Women are awesome, but they can be so much more. The Lord prepared a way for each of them to keep the commandments no matter their family background or even their current choices. They each have the potential to be better than even they can see at this time. And, I will be able to become better, purer, cleaner, when I help share the gospel with each of them.

“Come Unto Me”

President Henry B. Eyring, April 2013 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Doctrine and Principles

• Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world
• The Holy Ghost is a witness of truth
• As baptized members of the church, we are witnesses

Favorite Quotes

“This is His Church. We take His name upon us as we enter His kingdom. He is God, the Creator, and perfect. We are mortals subject to death and sin. Yet in His love for us and our families, He invites us to be close to Him.”

“At the end of the meeting we sang the hymn “Abide with Me; ’Tis Eventide,” with the words in it “O Savior, stay this night with me.” I felt the Savior’s love and closeness that evening. And I felt the comfort of the Holy Ghost.”

“I searched in the scriptures. In them, I knew I could go back again to have the Holy Ghost let me feel what two disciples of the risen Lord had felt when He accepted their invitation to come into their home and to abide with them.”

“We are under covenant both to lift up those in need and to be witnesses of the Savior as long as we live.”

“As we give devoted service to Him, He draws closer to those we love in our families.”

“My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family. But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you and your family with what is best.”

Why This Matters to me

I really liked how President Eyring remembered a small moment during the singing of a hymn when he was a youth, and how that led him to search the scriptures so that he could feel it again. It is a great reminder both that we need to be near to the Savior, and ways we can become more near. We can become more near through music, reading scriptures, and offering service. The promise President Eyring gives at the end was really strong. We may not get everything we hope for, but we will be blessed with what is best. It is a comfort to me because all the things I hope for are not happening, but I can see the Lord’s hand in my life. I know there are blessings that put into place that are not obvious until months, or even years later. But they are there, and the reminder that we will be blessed with what is best for us is nice.