President Thomas S. Monson on the blessings of the temple

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.

"As I think of temples, my thoughts turn to the many blessings we receive therein. As we enter through the doors of the temple, we leave behind us the distractions and confusion of the world. Inside this sacred sanctuary, we find beauty and order. There is rest for our souls and a respite from the cares of our lives.

"As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart....

"Such peace can permeate any heart—hearts that are troubled, hearts that are burdened down with grief, hearts that feel confusion, hearts that plead for help....

"In our lives we will have temptations; we will have trials and challenges. As we go to the temple, as we remember the covenants we make there, we will be better able to overcome those temptations and to bear our trials. In the temple we can find peace."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Blessings of the Temple," General Conference, April 2015, Sunday morning session
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President Monson is continuing the great work of building temples and teaching about their importance, established by his predecessor, President Gordon B. Hinckley. In the most recent general conference, he shared these beautiful thoughts as part of a talk about the blessings that come from service and worship in the temples.

Among the promised blessings of temple service and worship is the peace that comes to our hearts. President Monson described his own peace after the passing of his lifelong companion Frances. And he invites us to feel that strength and help in our own lives:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 17, 2015

President Henry B. Eyring on coping with busy lives by putting God first

President Henry B. Eyring (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. These remarks were part of a CES fireside presented in Moscow, Idaho, on May 6, 2001:

"I realize that there are some, perhaps many, for whom my urging to capture leisure time cuts like a knife. You feel overwhelmed by the lack of time. You have left unfinished tasks in your Church calling. You've carried your scriptures all day but still have not found a moment to open them. There is someone in your family who would be blessed by your thoughtful attention, but you haven't gotten to them yet. You will go to a job tomorrow that barely pays enough to keep food on your table and pay your bills. Rather than finding ways to capture leisure time for learning, you are trying to decide what to leave undone.

"There is another way to look at your problem of crowded time. You can see it as an opportunity to test your faith. The Lord loves you and watches over you. He is all-powerful, and He promised you this: 'But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you' (Matt. 6:33).

"That is a true promise. When we put God's purposes first, He will give us miracles. If we pray to know what He would have us do next, He will multiply the effects of what we do in such a way that time seems to be expanded. He may do it in different ways for each individual, but I know from long experience that He is faithful to His word."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Education for Real Life," CES fireside in Moscow, Idaho, on 6 May 2001; see Ensign, Oct 2002, pp. 14-21
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President Eyring had been encouraging wise use of leisure time in this talk. I love his acknowledgement that "some, perhaps many" feel so overwhelmed by life's challenges that the thought of wise use of free time is far from their minds. I've certainly felt that way, with the "To Do List" growing out of control!

It's so easy to think of those busy periods as our own shortcoming, evidence of poor planning, or even a manifestation of incompetence. Gentle President Eyring asks that we consider them as a trial of faith: will I be willing to turn to God for help? Will I claim the promises of assistance, of magnification, of deliverance?

President Eyring summarizes God's promises to us in a powerful way:

This is a hopeful promise: we truly can pray to receive help, guidance, inspiration, and even miracles in our life. I find especially fascinating the thought that "time seems to be expanded" when we see God intervene in the things we do.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

April 14, 2015

Elder David A. Bednar on prayers of gratitude

Elder David A. Bednar (1952- ) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2004.

"The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests. As I am blessed now to pray with apostles and prophets, I find among these modern-day leaders of the Savior's Church the same characteristic that describes Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon: these are men whose hearts swell with thanksgiving to God for the many privileges and blessings which He bestows upon His people (see Alma 48:12). Also, they do not multiply many words, for it is given unto them what they should pray, and they are filled with desire (see 3 Nephi 19:24). The prayers of prophets are childlike in their simplicity and powerful because of their sincerity.

"As we strive to make our prayers more meaningful, we should remember that 'in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments' (D&C 59:21). Let me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask for nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation with all the energy of our hearts."

- David A. Bednar, "Pray Always," General Conference October 2008
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Elder Bednar refers to the beautiful description of Captain Moroni as "a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people" (Alma 48:12). Moroni had more than his share of difficulties and frustrations in his life; but he was humble enough and wise enough to see beyond that and acknowledge the goodness of God in all things. The expression his "heart did swell with thanksgiving" is beautiful! What a marvelous quality to emulate.

And then in describing the prayers of contemporary leaders, Elder Bednar notes that they are "childlike in their simplicity and powerful because of their sincerity." That is equally insightful.

It's a wonderful reminder that we truly do have much to be thankful for, regardless of the situation or challenges of our life.

Truly, we are blessed by having a grateful heart. As we learn to feel and express that gratitude, our whole outlook on life improves, and our relationship with Divinity grows. Elder Bednar's advice to periodically focus on giving thanks will bless our lives!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 16, 2015

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on our individual relationships with God

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (1940- ) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Who is it that whispers so subtly in our ear that a gift given to another somehow diminishes the blessings we have received? Who makes us feel that if God is smiling on another, then He surely must somehow be frowning on us? You and I both know who does this—it is the father of all lies (see 2 Ne. 2:18). It is Lucifer, our common enemy, whose cry down through the corridors of time is always and to everyone, 'Give me thine honor' (Moses 4:1)....

"Brothers and sisters, I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn't measure our talents or our looks; He doesn't measure our professions or our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other. I know that if we will be faithful, there is a perfectly tailored robe of righteousness ready and waiting for everyone, (see Isa. 61:10; 2 Ne. 4:33; 2 Ne. 9:14) 'robes... made... white in the blood of the Lamb' (Rev. 7:14). May we encourage each other in our effort to win that prize."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Other Prodigal," General Conference April 2002
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Elder Holland's wonderfully descriptive language and presentation always speak to my heart. This insight speaks to the tendency we all have at one time or another to evaluate ourselves in comparison to others—their gifts, talents, blessings, life circumstances. It is enabling and powerful to recognize where these misguided compulsions to compare often come from:

To truly believe that God loves me, even with my "insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all"—what a gift that is! His standards, His priorities are so much different than the ones we often limit our perspectives to.

And the final insight: "May we encourage each other in our effort to win" God's ultimate approbation. The great secret isn't "winning" for myself. It's helping all those around me to succeed. In the end, that may be the only way for each of us to succeed ourselves.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 13, 2015

President Russell M. Nelson on the religious life

President Russell M. Nelson (b. 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, and was serving in that quorum when he shared this message. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015, and then as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

This excerpt is from an address given at the 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions, Chicago, Illinois, 2 September 1993.

"As we repent and live in accordance with the commandments of God, the Atonement of Jesus Christ becomes a force for permanent change in our lives. We become more pure in heart and true disciples of the Master. Personal prayer, contributions of tithes and offerings, honoring the Sabbath day, and partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper are all regular practices that protect us from the bondage of sin and bring us true freedom and joy.

"The daily practice of our faith is not confined solely to religious rites. We reach out to aid the communities in which we live. For example, parent-teacher associations, public schools, and similar worthy civic activities receive our support."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Combatting Spiritual Drift—Our Global Pandemic," address given at the 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions, Chicago, Illinois, 2 September 1993; see Ensign, Nov 1993, pp. 102-108
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A "Parliament of the World's Religions" was held in Chicago in 1993, the first gathering of its kind in a century. Several thousand religious leaders from around the world, from both Christian and non-Christian groups, were invited to participate in discussions about how the different sects and traditions could collaborate in addressing the world's critical issues. Elder Nelson represented the LDS Church at the event, and delivered an insightful address in which he identified elements of "spiritual drift" in the world and then explained ways the Church is attempting to confront those challenges, both in doctrine and practice.  He commented, "The dismal dusk of today’s spiritual drift provides a rare opportunity for the radiance of religion to light the way to a new tomorrow."

After providing an institutional history and doctrinal foundation of the Church, Elder Nelson shared the thoughts excerpted above in a section on "individual application." In other words, here's how the Church and Gospel can impact MY life.

The key lies in allowing the Atonement to impact one's life. True freedom and joy, and protection from "the bondage of sin," come when we remember:

• Personal prayer
• Contributions of tithes and offerings
• Honoring the Sabbath day
• Partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper

I appreciated Elder Nelson's wonderful summary of the essence of the Church and the Gospel. It might be a fruitful exercise for each of us to consider what we might have said, given the opportunity that he had in that great council of religious leaders!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

April 8, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on following the examples of pioneers

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.

"It is not enough to study or reenact the accomplishments of our pioneers. We need to identify the great, eternal principles they applied to achieve all they achieved for our benefit and then apply those principles to the challenges of our day. In that way we honor their pioneering efforts, and we also reaffirm our heritage and strengthen its capacity to bless our own posterity and 'those millions of our Heavenly Father's children who have yet to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ' (Our Heritage 145). We are all pioneers in doing so.

"Many of our challenges are different from those faced by former pioneers but perhaps just as dangerous and surely as significant to our own salvation and the salvation of those who follow us. For example, as for life-threatening obstacles, the wolves that prowled around pioneer settlements were no more dangerous to their children than the drug dealers or pornographers who threaten our children. Similarly, the early pioneers' physical hunger posed no greater threat to their well-being than the spiritual hunger experienced by many in our day. The children of earlier pioneers were required to do incredibly hard physical work to survive their environment. That was no greater challenge than many of our young people now face from the absence of hard work, which results in spiritually corrosive challenges to discipline, responsibility, and self-worth. Jesus taught: 'And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell' (Matt. 10:28)."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Following the Pioneers," General Conference October 1997
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Today, July 24, is the traditional "Pioneer Day" commemoration. It's now been 174 years since the first of the Mormon advance company entered the Salt Lake valley. Each year, members of the Church in Utah and around the world remember that event with celebrations, family gatherings, parades, and pioneer reenactments. But is that enough?

Elder Oaks counsels us to do more than just study the history of the pioneers, or participate in reenactments of their challenges and accomplishments. He provides the great challenge to find "eternal principles" that helped them achieve what they did, and then "apply those principles to the challenges of our day." In doing so, we link ourselves to them and to the truths they held dear.

He then proceeds to give several examples, comparing some of the pioneer challenges to our modern circumstances. I appreciate this insight; it's a model of how we should always ponder as we read the scriptures or any historic account. We should not just be learning about the past; we should be learning lessons that can help us today!

Pioneer image, Glen Hopkinson, courtesy of lds.org

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
July 24, 2015

Elder Robert D. Hales on claiming the blessings of the spirit

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"Throughout our lives, whether in times of darkness, challenge, sorrow, or sin, we may feel the Holy Ghost reminding us that we are truly sons and daughters of a caring Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we may hunger for the sacred blessings that only He can provide. At these times we should strive to come to ourselves and come back into the light of our Savior's love.

"These blessings rightfully belong to all of Heavenly Father's children. Desiring these blessings, including a life of joy and happiness, is an essential part of Heavenly Father's plan for each one of us. The prophet Alma taught, 'Even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you' (Alma 32:27).

"As our spiritual desires increase, we become spiritually self-reliant.... We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants--through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others."

- Robert D. Hales, "Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service," General Conference April 2012
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Hales describes a process that is typical for our mortal experience:

1. We encounter "times of darkness, challenge, sorrow, or sin"
2. We "feel the Holy Ghost reminding us that we are truly sons and daughters of a caring Heavenly Father, who loves us"
3. We "hunger for the sacred blessings that only He can provide"

Those are the moments when, if we are wise, we will "strive to come to ourselves" — an interesting phrase, borrowed from the story of the "prodigal son" in Luke 15:17 — and "come back into the light of our Savior's love." This implies that we have left the light of the Savior's love; but fortunately, not so far that the Holy Ghost can't still reach out to us.  What a blessing that is.

And what is the process to return?  It lies in simple, basic, ongoing faithfulness:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 12, 2015