General Conference: “This Day”

In his talk “This Day” Elder Henry B Eyring speaks about the importance of avoiding procrastination. He opens by speaking of the danger of the “Someday” mindset, because your time may run out and you will not have accomplished the many things that you meant to do someday. Elder Eyring then stresses the importance of serving the Lord each day. He points out that service to the Lord helps you to draw closer to Him. Elder Eyring encourages each of us to begin the day with a prayer to ask the Lord where you can serve today. Elder Eyring says: … Continue reading

General Conference: “The Healing Power of Forgiveness”

In his talk “The Healing Power of Forgiveness” President James E Faust spoke about how forgiving others helps to you heals you more completely. President Faust begins his talk by sharing a story of the Amish people. A man went and attacked one of their schools injuring and killing several. The Amish freely forgave him, and even gave some of the money that people sent them to his family. He points out that this forgiveness is an example to all of us. President Faust points out that it can be difficult to forgive people right away. He acknowledges that some … Continue reading

Gospel Doctrine: The Faithful and Wise Servant

For the last blog on this week’s Sunday School lesson, I’d like to examine the parable of the servants given in JS-M 1:49-55. In this parable, the master departs, leaving a servant in charge of his household. The wise servant is anxiously engaged in doing the work the master left for him, but the evil servant is slothful and spends his time in riotous living. When the master returns, the servant receives his reward. Elder Bruce R. McConkie states in his book Doctrinal New Testament Commentary that “Jesus speaks here of his ministers, his servants, the holders of his holy … Continue reading

LDS General Conference Scripture Citation Index

Have you ever wondered what the modern church leaders have said about a particular scripture verse or story? Now you have no reason to be curious. Two BYU faculty members, Richard C. Galbraith and Stephen W. Liddle, have created an online citation database that links scriptures to Conference talks. This web site can further enhance your daily scripture study, or help you prepare for lessons or talks. Galbraith and Liddle brought their site online a few years ago and have been working constantly to improve it. Rather than searching for a General Conference talk by subject, you can click on … Continue reading

General Conference From the Past: Because She Is a Mother

In a Conference talk given in April of 1997, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke about the importance of mothers. With Mother’s Day weekend approaching this month, I thought this a good time to review! Elder Holland began his talk by speaking to women who wish to be mothers but are unable. He gently reminds them that the Lord does not withhold blessings, and urging them to nurture those who need nurturing as they wait on this divine calling. He also lets fathers know that he hasn’t forgotten them or their importance – but this … Continue reading

General Conference: “Discipleship”

In his talk “Discipleship” President James E Faust speaks about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. He opens by sharing the story of when the Savior called Peter, James and John to follow him. They left their nets behind and followed. President Faust goes on to say, “What is discipleship? It is primarily obedience to the Savior. Discipleship includes many things. It is chastity. It is tithing. It is family home evening. It is keeping all the commandments. It is forsaking anything that is not good for us. Everything in life has a price. Considering the Savior’s … Continue reading

General Conference: “O Be Wise”

In his talk “O Be Wise” Elder M Russell Ballard speaks about the importance of finding the proper balance as you strive to do your callings in the church. He shares the story of Jacob, from the Book of Mormon, who strove to teach his people all he could, and his finals word of counsel were to be wise. Elder Ballard goes on to talk about the importance of fulfilling your callings. He then talks about people who become so wrapped up in their callings that their lives become out of balance. At times people may neglect their family or … Continue reading

General Conference: “Faith, Service, Constancy”

In his talk “Faith, Service, Constancy” Elder David S Baxter speaks to the new members of the church. He briefly shares the story of his conversion, and then adds that there are three areas that are gospel fundamentals. The areas are faith, service, and constancy. Elder Baxter first speaks about the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. He says: “Faith fuels hope. Our perspective changes; our vision becomes clearer. We begin to look for the best, not the worst, in life and in others. We gain a deeper sense of life’s purpose and meaning. Despair gives way to joy. Faith … Continue reading

Lawsuits Over Birth Control Coverage Have No Merit

Recently, 43 Catholic organizations filed about a dozen lawsuits against the federal government. The groups feel that the federal requirement that all health insurance plans must cover birth control violates their religious freedom. This argument has no legal merit. There has been an ongoing battle regarding birth control. The federal government defines birth control as part of women’s preventative care. All preventative care must be covered by a health insurance plan without cost to the policyholder. Not long after this requirement was made, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops led several Catholic organizations in a series of complaints about … Continue reading

Intentional about Learning More

The year 2012 I plan on being intentional about learning more. I always admire adults who go back to school or otherwise continue their learning. I was in my late 30’s when I took some online courses, some related to childcare and others were general (such as economics). It felt so good to be learning even later in life. This past summer I had an opportunity to learn more about my field of writing by attending a writing conference in another state. It served as a way to sharpen my skills. Learning more about your field will help grow both … Continue reading