Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light

Thomas S. Monson, October 1986 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Doctrine and Principles

• Patriarchal blessings are personal
• Patriarchal blessings can guide your way with warnings, and blessings
• A patriarch is a man of purity, love, judgement and compassion

Favorite Quotes

“The prophet Alma explained that this “Liahona,” as it was called, was a compass prepared by the Lord. It worked for them according to their faith and pointed the way they should go (see Alma 37:38–40).”

“The gift to which I refer is known as your patriarchal blessing. Every worthy member of the Church is entitled to receive such a precious and priceless personal treasure.”

“A patriarch holds an ordained office in the Melchizedek Priesthood. The patriarchal office, however, is one of blessing—not of administration.”

“Patriarchs are humble men. They are students of the scriptures. They stand before God as the means whereby the blessings of heaven can flow from that eternal source to the recipient on whose head rests the hands of the patriarch. He may not be a man of letters, a possessor of worldly wealth, or a holder of distinguished office. He, however, must be blessed with priesthood power and personal purity.”

“A patriarchal blessing literally contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities.”

“How far is heaven?

It’s not very far.

When you live close to God,

It’s right where you are.”

“Your patriarchal blessing is your passport to peace in this life. It is a Liahona of light to guide you unerringly to your heavenly home.”

Why This Matters to Me

I chose to read this talk because I am giving a lesson on patriarchal blessings in church. I read things I already knew, and I was able to find out new things. I really appreciated the description of what a patriarch the man is and what that office in the priesthood is. I also loved the reminder that the blessing is to be read frequently. I used to be better at reading my blessing frequently, but life helps you forget things that are important. As I read this talk and my own patriarchal blessing this week, I was reminded that many of the blessings mentioned are currently being fulfilled. Its also a reminder of the things promised that have not yet come to pass.

Until We Meet Again

Thomas S. Monson, April 2013 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Doctrine and Principles

• Importance of studying the conference talks
• We should be good citizens and neighbors
• Trust in the Lord during difficulties
• Express gratitude for those who serve

Favorite Quotes

“May we long remember what we have heard these past two days. I urge you to study the messages further when they are printed in coming issues of the Ensign and Liahona magazines.”

“The Savior brought to this earth a message of love and goodwill to all men and women. May we ever follow His example.”

“As this conference now concludes, I invoke the blessings of heaven upon each of you. May your homes be filled with peace, harmony, courtesy, and love. May they be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. May you nurture and nourish your testimonies of the gospel, that they will be a protection to you against the buffetings of Satan.”

Why this matters to me

This talk at the conclusion of conference reminds me of the importance of conference. The talks are given and copies sent out in the Ensign and Liahona magazines so that there can be physical copies of the words of the prophets in our homes. We can be blessed to learn more as we study the words again after conference. I also really liked the quote above where President Monson invokes blessings on each of us. I had to look up the word in the dictionary to know that it meant he was asking the Lord to send us these blessings. It’s not common for a prophet to invoke blessings, or even curses, based on my study of this topic in the scriptures and past conferences. This is important for not just me, but all the church and the world, to live up to the blessings the prophet and president of the church has sent us.

Obedience Brings Blessings

Thomas S. Monson, April 2013 General Conference, http://www.lds.org

Key Doctrine and Principles

• Obedience leads to greater truth and knowledge
• Commandments protect us

Favorite Quotes

“A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.”

“There are rules and laws to help ensure our physical safety. Likewise, the Lord has provided guidelines and commandments to help ensure our spiritual safety so that we might successfully navigate this often-treacherous mortal existence and return eventually to our Heavenly Father.”

“Declared President Joseph F. Smith in October 1873, “Obedience is the first law of heaven.””

“The Savior demonstrated genuine love of God by living the perfect life, by honoring the sacred mission that was His. Never was He haughty. Never was He puffed up with pride. Never was He disloyal. Ever was He humble. Ever was He sincere. Ever was He obedient.”

Why this Matters to me

This talk is a great reminder that we can and should be more like our Savior Jesus Christ. Christ was the ultimate example. Our choices will help us grow, or take us further from the light. I am also reminded of the hymn: Keep the commandments…in this there is safety and peace. The commandments guide us by keeping us away from dangers and leading us toward greater truth and light.  As I am more faithful at keeping the commandments, I have seen my testimony grow and strengthened. If I continue on this path, I know that the greater strength that has been promised will come to pass.