Lynn G. Robbins

What They Said: 

Which Way Do You Face?

By Elder Lynn G. Robbins

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

Trying to please others before pleasing God is inverting the first and second great commandments.

“Which way do you face?” President Boyd K. Packer surprised me with this puzzling question while we were traveling together on my very first assignment as a new Seventy. Without an explanation to put the question in context, I was baffled. “A Seventy,” he continued, “does not represent the people to the prophet but the prophet to the people. Never forget which way you face!” It was a powerful lesson.

Trying to please others before pleasing God is inverting the first and second great commandments (see Matthew 22:37–39). It is forgetting which way we face. And yet, we have all made that mistake because of the fear of men. In Isaiah the Lord warns us, “Fear ye not the reproach of men” (Isaiah 51:7; see also 2 Nephi 8:7). In Lehi’s dream, this fear was triggered by the finger of scorn pointed from the great and spacious building, causing many to forget which way they faced and to leave the tree “ashamed” (see 1 Nephi 8:25–28).

This peer pressure tries to change a person’s attitudes, if not behavior, by making one feel guilty for giving offense. We seek respectful coexistence with those who point fingers, but when this fear of men tempts us to condone sin, it becomes a “snare” according to the book of Proverbs (see Proverbs 29:25). The snare may be cleverly baited to appeal to our compassionate side to tolerate or even approve of something that has been condemned by God. For the weak of faith, it can be a major stumbling block. For example, some young missionaries carry this fear of men into the mission field and fail to report the flagrant disobedience of a companion to their mission president because they don’t want to offend their wayward companion. Decisions of character are made by remembering the right order of the first and second great commandments (see Matthew 22:37–39). When these confused missionaries realize they are accountable to God and not to their companion, it should give them courage to do an about-face.

At the youthful age of 22, even Joseph Smith forgot which way he faced when he repeatedly importuned the Lord to allow Martin Harris to borrow the 116 manuscript pages. Perhaps Joseph wanted to show gratitude to Martin for his support. We know that Joseph was extremely anxious for other eyewitnesses to stand with him against the distressing falsehoods and lies being spread about him.

Whatever Joseph’s reasons were, or as justified as they may appear, the Lord did not excuse them and sharply rebuked him: “How oft you have transgressed … and have gone on in the persuasions of men. For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God” (D&C 3:6–7; emphasis added). This poignant experience helped Joseph remember, forever after, which way he faced.

When people try to save face with men, they can unwittingly lose face with God. Thinking one can please God and at the same time condone the disobedience of men isn’t neutrality but duplicity, or being two-faced or trying to “serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24; 3 Nephi 13:24).

While it certainly takes courage to face perils, the true badge of courage is overcoming the fear of men. For example, Daniel’s prayers helped him face lions, but what made him lionhearted was defying King Darius (see Daniel 6). That kind of courage is a gift of the Spirit to the God-fearing who have said their prayers. Queen Esther’s prayers also gave her that same courage to confront her husband, King Ahasuerus, knowing that she risked her life in doing so (see Esther 4:8–16).

Courage is not just one of the cardinal virtues, but as C. S. Lewis observed: “Courage is … the form of every virtue at the testing point. … Pilate was merciful till it became risky.”¹ King Herod was sorrowful at the request to behead John the Baptist but wanted to please “them which sat with him at meat” (Matthew 14:9). King Noah was ready to free Abinadi until peer pressure from his wicked priests caused him to waver (see Mosiah 17:11–12). King Saul disobeyed the word of the Lord by keeping the spoils of war because he “feared the people, and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24). To appease rebellious Israel at the foot of Mount Sinai, Aaron crafted a golden calf, forgetting which way he faced (see Exodus 32). Many of the New Testament chief rulers “believed on [the Lord]; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42–43). The scriptures are full of such examples.

Now listen to some inspiring examples:

• First, Mormon: “Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16; emphasis added).
• Nephi: “Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world” (1 Nephi 6:5).
• Captain Moroni: “Behold, I am Moroni, your chief captain. I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country” (Alma 60:36).

Moroni had such great courage in remembering which way he faced that it was said of him, “If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:17).

Prophets through the ages have always come under attack by the finger of scorn. Why? According to the scriptures, it is because “the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center” (1 Nephi 16:2), or as President Harold B. Lee observed, “The hit bird flutters!”² Their scornful reaction is, in reality, guilt trying to reassure itself, just as with Korihor, who finally admitted, “I always knew that there was a God” (Alma 30:52). Korihor was so convincing in his deception that he came to believe his own lie (see Alma 30:53).

The scornful often accuse prophets of not living in the 21st century or of being bigoted. They attempt to persuade or even pressure the Church into lowering God’s standards to the level of their own inappropriate behavior, which in the words of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, will “develop self-contentment instead of seeking self-improvement”³ and repentance. Lowering the Lord’s standards to the level of a society’s inappropriate behavior is—apostasy. Many of the churches among the Nephites two centuries after the Savior’s visit to them began to “dumb down” the doctrine, borrowing a phrase from Elder Holland.⁴

As you listen to this passage from 4 Nephi, look for parallels in our day: “And it came to pass that when two hundred and ten years had passed away there were many churches in the land; yea, there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner of wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been forbidden because of unworthiness” (4 Nephi 1:27).

Déjà vu in the latter days! Some members don’t realize they are falling into the same snare when they lobby for acceptance of local or ethnic “tradition[s] of their fathers” (D&C 93:39) that are not in harmony with the gospel culture. Still others, self-deceived and in self-denial, plead or demand that bishops lower the standard on temple recommends, school endorsements, or missionary applications. It isn’t easy being a bishop under that kind of pressure. However, like the Savior who cleansed the temple to defend its sanctity (see John 2:15–16), bishops today are called upon to boldly defend the temple standard. It was the Savior who said, “I will manifest myself to my people in mercy … if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house” (D&C 110:7–8).

The Savior, our great Exemplar, always faced His Father. He loved and served His fellowmen but said, “I receive not honour from men” (John 5:41). He wanted those He taught to follow Him, but He did not court their favor. When He performed an act of charity, such as healing the sick, the gift often came with the request to “tell no man” (Matthew 8:4; Mark 7:36; Luke 5:14; 8:56). In part, this was to avoid the very fame which followed Him in spite of His efforts to eschew it (see Matthew 4:24). He condemned the Pharisees for doing good works only to be seen of men (see Matthew 6:5).

The Savior, the only perfect being who ever lived, was the most fearless. In His life, He was confronted by scores of accusers but never yielded to their finger of scorn. He is the only person who never once forgot which way He faced: “I do always those things that please [the Father]” (John 8:29; emphasis added), and “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30).

Between 3 Nephi chapter 11 and 3 Nephi chapter 28, the Savior used the title Father at least 150 times, making it very clear to the Nephites that He was there representing His Father. And from John chapters 14 through 17, the Savior refers to the Father at least 50 times. In every way possible, He was His Father’s perfect disciple. He was so perfect in representing His Father that to know the Savior was also to know the Father. To see the Son was to see the Father (see John 14:9). To hear the Son was to hear the Father (see John 5:36). He had, in essence, become indistinguishable from His Father. His Father and He were one (see John 17:21–22). He flawlessly knew which way He faced.

May His inspiring example strengthen us against the pitfalls of flattery from without or of conceit from within. May it give us courage to never cower or fawn at the feet of intimidation. May it inspire us to go about doing good as anonymously as possible and not “aspire to the honors of men” (D&C 121:35). And may His incomparable example help us always remember which is “the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:38). When others demand approval in defiance of God’s commandments, may we always remember whose disciples we are, and which way we face, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

1.    C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, rev. ed. (1982), 137–38.
2.    Harold B. Lee, in Mine Errand from the Lord: Selections from the     
      Sermons and Writings of Boyd K. Packer (2008), 356.
3.    Neal A. Maxwell, “Repentance,” Ensign, Nov. 1991, 32.
4.    Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Call to Be Christlike,” Ensign, June 2014, 33;
      Liahona, June 2014, 35.

© 2014 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All Rights Reserve

 What I Heard:

• The commandment to love God is the first and GREATEST commandment. The second is "like unto it", but not equal to it. Do not confuse loving your neighbor with not wanting to offend your neighbor as you stand with God on matters He has decreed are right and wrong.
• The question, "Which way do you face" does not require context; the answer does not change based on conditions.
• Forget about facing God and being free of a life of reproach. It's not going to happen. Expect the pointing finger and put on the armor of God.
• The best you might be able to do with others who try to change you with their "pressure" is to peacefully co-exist. (ponder what that means)
• When God condemns something (not a word that sounds like compassion, approval or even tolerance) no amount of complaining or arguing makes him feel guilty for what He has decreed.
• To condone is to treat something bad as acceptable or harmless. 
• Our faith is weak (and our character) when we condone what God has condemned.
• Why do we not want to offend someone who is rebellious towards God over offending God?
• There are those among us who "repeatedly importune the Lord" to change His mind about things we want changed.
• Our pure motives and good intentions are no excuse for putting man before God.
• Real courage is overcoming the fear of man (even our family); a gift of the Spirit to those who pray.
• "Courage is the form of every virtue at the testing point."
• Signs that we may be experiencing the temptation to put the fear of man before the love of God; feelings of:
• Risk; wanting to please man; wanting attention; fear; shame;  intimidation; flattered; pressure; power; authority from others; vanity; outnumbered; called "out of touch"; "bigoted"
• Signs you are putting the love of God over the fear of man; feeling:
• boldness; authority; perfect love; wanting to please God; no desire for power, attention, honor or glory; humility;  gratitude; love for freedom and the good of all mankind.
• The devil can have no power over your heart when you always put God first and do not fear man.
• Understand the source of the finger of scorn: guilt
• Understand that people can come to truly believe their own deception.
• If the church lowered the Lord's standards to the level of society's inappropriate behavior, we would be in apostasy.
• The Book of Mormon contains parallels for our day because Mormon saw our day; it was written FOR our day.
• Legalizing gay marriage is an example of "administering that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been forbidden."
• Do not ask for the local leaders to lower standards for your own benefit.
• Defend the sanctity of the Lord's standards and His temples. 
• When we stand for truth and then receive the finger of scorn, the Savior will come to us in His mercy.
• Christ loved all, but fearlessly always put God first.
• At our baptism, we took upon ourselves the name of Christ. In that moment, we became His child and He became our Father. At that moment, we chose to represent Him at all times and in all things and in all places. We must stand with Him and for Him always.
• We must stand "as one" like the Savior was one with His father. He says, "If ye are not one, ye are not mine."
• What may be coming:
• we may be asked a to make a critical choice without the benefit of context; just our prior testimony of right and wrong.
• persecution
• more division within the church 
• Our response: faith, testimony, courage

 What I Will Do:  

• Always put God first. Period. Do not fear man.
• Prepare for persecution for standing with the Lord.
• Pray for the Savior's mercy as I face it.
• Put on the WHOLE armor of God.
• Learn what it means to "peacefully coexist" with others. Love others, even if they make themselves an enemy by persecuting me.
• Don't feel guilty for standing for truth, no matter what others say or do.
• Do not try to rationalize away/condone something God has condemned.
• Pray for "real" courage.
• Recognize the emotions that precede fearing man.
• Practice defending truth with "perfect love".
• Find a way to stand with others who are standing with Christ. 
• Remember each Sunday as I take the Sacrament, that I am a representative of Christ in all that I do.
• Do good as anonymously as possible.

Pres. Boyd K. Packer

What They Said:

The Reason for Our Hope

By President Boyd K. Packer

President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A testimony of the hope of redemption is something which cannot be measured or counted. Jesus Christ is the source of that hope.

Several years ago, Sister Packer and I went to Oxford University. We were looking for the records of my seventh great-grandfather. The head of Christ’s College at Oxford, Dr. Poppelwell, was kind enough to have the college archivist bring the records. There in the year 1583 we found my ancestor’s name, John Packer.

The following year we returned to Oxford to present a beautifully bound set of the standard works for the library at Christ’s College. It seemed a bit awkward for Dr. Poppelwell. Perhaps he thought we were not really Christians. So he called for the college chaplain to receive the books.

Before handing the scriptures to the chaplain, I opened the Topical Guide and showed him one subject: 18 pages, very fine print, single-spaced, listing references to the subject of “Jesus Christ.” It is one of the most comprehensive compilations of scriptural references on the subject of the Savior that has ever been assembled in the history of the world—a testimony from the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

“However you follow these references,” I told him, “side to side, up and down, book to book, subject after subject—you will find that they are a consistent, harmonious witness to the divinity of the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ—His birth, His life, His teachings, His Crucifixion, His Resurrection, and His Atonement.”

After I shared with the chaplain some of the teachings of the Savior, the atmosphere changed, and he gave us a tour of the facility, including a recent excavation revealing murals which dated to Roman days.

Among the references listed in the Topical Guide is this one from the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: “We preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).

In His own words, the Savior has declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

And from the Book of Mormon, He declares: “Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. … In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters” (Ether 3:14).

There are many, many other references throughout the standard works which proclaim the divine role of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of all who have ever been or ever will be born into mortality.

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we are all redeemed from the Fall of man, which occurred when Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, as stated in 1 Corinthians: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

The Book of Mormon teaches, “For it is expedient that an atonement should be made … , or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement … an infinite and eternal sacrifice” (Alma 34:9–10).

We may not live perfect lives, and there are penalties for our mistakes, but before we came to earth, we agreed to be subject to His laws and to accept the punishment for violating those laws.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23–24).

The Savior wrought the Atonement, which provides a way for us to become clean. Jesus Christ is the resurrected Christ. We worship and recognize Him for the pain He suffered for us collectively and for the pain He endured for each of us individually, both in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. He bore all with great humility and with an eternal understanding of His divine role and purpose.

Those who will repent and forsake sin will find that His merciful arm is outstretched still. Those who listen to and heed His words and the words of His chosen servants will find peace and understanding even in the midst of great heartache and sorrow. The result of His sacrifice is to free us from the effects of sin, that all may have guilt erased and feel hope.

Had He not accomplished the Atonement, there would be no redemption. It would be a difficult world to live in if we could never be forgiven for our mistakes, if we could never purify ourselves and move on.

The mercy and grace of Jesus Christ are not limited to those who commit sins either of commission or omission, but they encompass the promise of everlasting peace to all who will accept and follow Him and His teachings. His mercy is the mighty healer, even to the wounded innocent.

I recently received a letter from a woman who reported having endured great suffering in her life. A terrible wrong, which she did not identify but alluded to, had been committed against her. She admitted that she struggled with feelings of great bitterness. In her anger, she mentally cried out, “Someone must pay for this terrible wrong.” In this extreme moment of sorrow and questioning, she wrote that there came into her heart an immediate reply: “Someone already has paid.”

If we are not aware of what the Savior’s sacrifice can do for us, we may go through life carrying regrets that we have done something that was not right or offended someone. The guilt that accompanies mistakes can be washed away. If we seek to understand His Atonement, we will come to a deep reverence for the Lord Jesus Christ, His earthly ministry, and His divine mission as our Savior.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was restored to move throughout the world the knowledge of the life and teachings of the Savior. This great conference is being broadcast in 94 languages by satellite to 102 countries but is also available on the Internet to every nation where the Church is present. 

We have over 3,000 stakes. Our full-time missionary force exceeds 88,000, and total Church membership has passed 15 million. These numbers serve as evidence that the “stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands” continues to roll forth and will eventually fill “the whole earth” (D&C 65:2).

But no matter how large the organization of the Church becomes or how many millions of members join our ranks, no matter how many continents and countries our missionaries enter or how many different languages we speak, the true success of the gospel of Jesus Christ will be measured by the spiritual strength of its individual members. We need the strength of conviction that is found in the heart of every loyal disciple of Christ.

A testimony of the hope of redemption is something which cannot be measured or counted. Jesus Christ is the source of that hope.

We seek to strengthen the testimonies of the young and old, the married and single. We need to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to men, women, and children, those of every race and nationality, the rich and the poor. We need the recent convert and those among our numbers descended from the pioneers. We need to seek out those who have strayed and assist them to return to the fold. We need everyone’s wisdom and insight and spiritual strength. Each member of this Church as an individual is a critical element of the body of the Church.

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body. …

“For the body is not one member, but many” (1 Corinthians 12:12–14).

Each member serves as a testimony of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We are at war with the forces of the adversary, and we need each and every one of us if we are going to succeed in the work the Savior has for us to do.

You might think, “What can I do? I am only one person.”

Certainly Joseph Smith felt very alone at times. He rose to greatness, but he started as a 14-year-old boy who had a question: “Which of all the churches should I join?” (see Joseph Smith–History 1:10). Joseph’s faith and testimony of the Savior grew as ours must grow, “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” (2 Nephi 28:30; see also D&C 128:21). Joseph knelt to pray, and what marvelous things have come about as a result of that prayer and the First Vision.

As one of the Twelve Apostles, I bear witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. He lives. He is our Redeemer and our Savior. “Through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved” (Articles of Faith 1:3). He presides over this Church. He is no stranger to His servants. As we move into the future with quiet confidence, His Spirit will be with us. There is no end to His power to bless and direct the lives of those who seek truth and righteousness. I bear witness of Him in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

© 2014 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All Rights Reserved 

WHAT I HEARD: 

• Family History work is important for everyone to be involved in.
• A great missionary tool is to show people the topical guide entry for Jesus Christ: "It is one of the most comprehensive compilations of scriptural references on the subject of the Savior that has ever been assembled in the history of the world."
• How will your children know the Savior if we don't talk about him, teach about him, or write about him?
• Jesus Christ - there is - no. other. way.
• Through the atonement ALL will live again and all MAY be forgiven of their sins.
• We agreed to the conditions of mortality before we came here.
• Jesus suffered for us collectively and individually. It is the individual suffering that makes him qualified to say he knows you.
• Christ's mercy can heal the wounded innocent.
• Nothing can stop the work of the Lord.
• Just like the Savior did "His work" one by one; the strength of the church rests on each one of us. (see the "honey bee" talk here)
• Everyone needs the gospel.
• The church needs everyone.
• Jesus Christ leads this church. 
• Christ is no stranger to His servants; any of them.
• The church will move into the future with quiet confidence.
• What may be coming and how to prepare:
• More accusations that we are not Christian
• Increase your testimony of Christ
• Judgement is coming for unrepented sins
• Repent/accept/follow Christ
• Great heartache and sorrow
• Listen to /heed the words of Christ and His prophets
• Innocent people will be wounded
• Have faith and accept Christ as the mighty healer
• Individual conviction will be tested
• Strengthen your faith in and testimony of Christ
• The war with Satan continues 
• Let your life be a testimony of Christ
• Righteousness will increase among true followers of Christ
• Christ will continue to lead the church with power as we seek His truth and righteousness

WHAT I WILL DO: 

• Set aside a regular time to do Family History research
• Read "The Infinite Atonement" to deepen my reverence for the Lord's life and mission
• Study the "honey bee" talk
• Pray to find someone to rescue and act in faith
• Grow my testimony by acting on promptings until I can say that "Christ is no stranger" to me
• Have faith that God will bless and direct my life by seeking truth and righteousness through prayer. 
• Move into the future with quiet confidence.
• Heed the words of the scriptures/prophets  

Pres. Monson

I am trying a new format this year as I study the words of General Conference, due to time constraints. My study will include three parts: 

What they actually said: (the talk as printed with parts that stood out to me highlighted in yellow)

What I heard: (meaning, what the Spirit spoke to my mind and heart as I listened to "what they said". This, of course, is personal to me and may not be what you heard or what the speaker actually intended to share. I only share as a matter of interest. It is going to be influenced by my own world view, life experience and current thinking.) 

What I will do:(This too, is personal to me, and may not be what you feel impressed to do. Again, I share as a matter of interest.)

I share in this format in the hopes that the reader will be motivated to also read what they said, hear what the Spirit teaches you personally, and most important, that you will have the desire, faith , and courage to ACT on what you have been taught. 

I invite you to comment below any post to share what you have been taught and how you have acted and what you have learned.

D&C 43:8 "and now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments which I have given." 

WHAT THEY SAID:

Welcome to Conference

By President Thomas S. Monson

As we listen, may our hearts be touched and our faith increased.

My brothers and sisters, how pleased I am to welcome you to this great world conference. We are gathered together in locations around the world to listen to and learn from the brethren and sisters whom we have sustained as General Authorities and general officers of the Church. They have sought heaven’s help concerning the messages which they will present, and they have felt inspiration regarding what will be said.

This conference marks the 90-year anniversary of radio broadcasts of general conference. During the October conference of 1924, the sessions were broadcast on the radio for the first time through Church-owned KSL. This conference also marks the 65-year anniversary of television broadcasts of conference. At the general conference held in October 1949, the sessions were first televised throughout the Salt Lake area over KSL television.

We acknowledge the blessings of modern media in allowing millions of members of the Church to watch or listen to general conference. The sessions of this weekend are being broadcast via television, radio, cable, satellite transmission, and the Internet, including on mobile devices.

During the past six months since we last met, one new temple has been dedicated and one rededicated. In May, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf dedicated the Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple. A wonderful youth cultural celebration was presented the day prior to the dedication. The following day, on Sunday, May 4, the temple was dedicated in three sessions.

Just two weeks ago it was my privilege to rededicate the Ogden Utah Temple, originally dedicated in 1972 by President Joseph Fielding Smith. A grand cultural celebration took place the day before the rededication, with so many youth participating that two separate performances were presented, with a different cast for each. In all, 16,000 youth participated. The re-dedication services took place the following day, with many of the Brethren participating, along with the auxiliary leaders and the temple president, his counselors, and their wives.

Our temple building continues in earnest. Next month the new Phoenix Arizona Temple will be dedicated, and next year, in 2015, we anticipate dedicating or rededicating at least five temples, with more possible, depending on completion.

As I mentioned in April, when all the previously announced temples are constructed and dedicated, we will have 170 operating temples throughout the world. Because we are concentrating our efforts on completing temples which were previously announced, we are not at the present time announcing any new temples. However, in the future, as we identify needs and locate properties, announcements of additional temples will be made.

The Church continues to grow. We are now more than 15 million strong and increasing in numbers. Our missionary efforts are going forward unhindered. We have over 88,000 missionaries serving, sharing the gospel message the world over. We reaffirm that missionary work is a priesthood duty, and we encourage all worthy and able young men to serve. We are very grateful for the young women who also serve. They make a significant contribution, although they are not under the same mandate to serve as are the young men.

Now I invite you to give your attention to the brethren and sisters who will participate today and tomorrow in our conference sessions. All who have been asked to speak feel a great responsibility in doing so. As we listen, may our hearts be touched and our faith increased, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

WHAT I HEARD:

• Pres. Monson is prophet for the world. We are gathered as the "family of God" to hear the Father's counsel for us in these Last Days.
• "Seek and ye shall find...ask, and it shall be given unto you."
• I sustained all those who will speak. In that act I committed to trust their inspired words the same as if I heard them from the Lord and to learn from them and act on them.
• These words have the ability to be heard all over the world. The gospel IS being preached in ALL the world. That prophecy has been fulfilled.
• Even though they didn't announce any new temples, we are still very much involved in temple building today and will be into the millennium. Considering Pres. Monson's caution in his Sept. First Presidency Message regarding our finances, it makes sense that they would not commit any future funds to temples until what they have committed to already is complete. The church is acting on its own counsel.
• Formal missionary service is a priesthood duty; and all members are to share the gospel in their daily lives.
• This opening talk was given on a Saturday morning. He invited us all to give our attention to the speakers. I was involved in a big project Saturday, but sat down next to the car radio with pad and pen; turning my attention to those who had prepared to speak. (This was a "better" choice; but I think "best" would have been to stay home) True...the talks are easily seen or read later, when it might be more convenient, but that is not what we were asked to do. I believe extra blessings of inspiration come to those who put their own interests aside (if at all possible) to hear the words of the Lord when first given.
• Pres. Monson prayed our hearts would be touched and our faith increased. Our hearts are the seat of feeling and emotion. We rarely act without feeling something first. When we act, that is faith...that a desired outcome will be achieved. He laid the groundwork for faith by reminding us that the speakers have taken their assignments very seriously.  

WHAT I WILL DO:

• Truly sustain the prophet as the mouthpiece for the Lord in these Latter Days in word and action.
• Continue to give my attention to all the talks. Pray for inspiration and have faith I will receive it. Record the inspiration I feel when hearing and reading them and identify the actions needed.
• Commit to act on the counsel given in either small and consistent ways, or immediate or large ways as dictated by the counsel being considered. 
• Act in faith and with courage, even when it requires sacrifice, is unpopular or inconvenient.
• Prayerfully look at the condition of my finances...what I have and what I expect to have and how I would fare if my income changed or was lost.
• Find a large online community with an interest I share and join it. Become a part of the discussion and use it to share the gospel "in all the world".
• Do not commit to expenses based on future income until I have taken care of the things I have already committed to.
• Feel the great responsibility I have to do these things I have felt inspired to do.

Are We Prepared?

https://www.lds.org/liahona/2014/09/are-we-prepared?cid=HPMO090114351A&lang=eng

Importance of this post:
If the Lord had a message that He wanted to go to EVERY member of the church, active or not, within a 30 day period, how would He do that? In theory: Home Teaching. Every month the First Presidency publishes a message that is to be taken into the homes of every member of the church by their Home Teachers. Every member of the church is assigned two Home Teachers. EVERY member. EVERY month, those two home teachers visit their assigned families and share the message of the First Presidency. In theory. 

This is more reliable than General Conference, Stake Conference, or letters read over the pulpit by the Bishop from the First Presidency, because it doesn't require the member to do anything or be anywhere. The Lord will find you...via your Home Teachers.
In theory. 

God's plans and ways are perfect. His message for us today has been delivered. The perfect way to share the message is in place. If we fail to receive the message or deliver the message, we bear the responsibility. We cannot blame God, or the prophet, or His church. I know that we struggle in fulfilling our responsibility to share God's message each month with His children. This is my humble attempt to encourage you to hear it and share it.
It matters. 

(I have highlighted and changed the format for emphasis. My comments and thoughts are in blue and are only meant to try to gain insight and understanding and do not represent the official position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Quotes from another source not sited in this talk are in red)

First Presidency Message

Are We Prepared? Notice the title is Are we prepared? and not Are you prepared? It may not make a difference, but it could mean that this is a question for the church as well as the individual and that local leaders should ask the questions for their wards and stakes and know the answer. Also, it asks "Are we prepared?" suggesting, perhaps, that we should be able to answer yes or no. This could suggest that it's no longer about whether you are doing it, or that you should start, but... have you done it? are you done?

By President Thomas S. Monson Prophet, Seer, and Revelator for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

The prophet will start his message with what sounds like a modern day parable, possibly about cleansing the church....separating the wheat from the tares...but the rest of the message is about preparedness and the summary for the children states, "President Monson has asked each of us to be prepared for hard times and to help others during their hard times." So, I am trying to understand the story from that context. I invite you to join me in  prayerfully considering it's meaning. I will share what I think it could mean. 

 In the vicinity where I once lived and served, so maybe this is about me and where I live and work the Church operated a poultry project, church farms are a resource to provide for the poor staffed primarily by volunteers from the local wards. this could represent my ward and stake; we are all volunteers Most of the time it was an efficiently operated project, most of the time we are doing pretty good. Sometimes, in some ways, we are not...  supplying to the bishops’ storehouse thousands of fresh eggs and hundreds of pounds of dressed poultry. If this is a parable, then perhaps he's talking about "The bishops' storehouse," which is defined later in this talk as:  the time, talents, skills, compassion, consecrated material, and financial means of faithful Church members. Members of the church supply countless hours and dollars to provide for the needy. On a few occasions, from time to time however, being volunteer city farmers he's reminds us twice that this church is a collection of volunteer disciples, and added that many of us are "city farmers", at that...possibly meaning we don't really live and work full time in the Lord's church, but help out from time to time, or are called upon from time to time to help the needy with our own time, talents, skills, etc. We are not full-time providers of the poor and needy meant not only blisters on the hands blisters come because we don't work consistently to build up a protective layer (ie. callouses). When we make one great burst of effort, we are less prepared to handle the work load that may be asked of us. We have the opportunity right now to give consistently to the needy via fast offerings. If we were asked to make a large 'one-time' offering we might experience a few 'blisters' as well..  but also frustration of heart and mind. Two things I hear. One: the prophet may be frustrated, both in his heart and his mind. Why? That we are 'city'-givers? That we aren't prepared to give more if it were needed? ??? Two: We may be frustrated also, as our lack of knowledge and experience about how the Church, or more specifically, the welfare program, really works will cause us to make mistakes that have real consequences. We think we're prepared...but we're not.

For instance, I shall ever remember the time we gathered the Aaronic Priesthood young men not the High Priests, or Elder's quorum, but the young men. This might mean that the message is about the consequences of what we are teaching (or not teaching) the youth who are inexperienced in provident living or providing for the needy. Or maybe it is more directed to the priesthood as a whole. In 2007 we were told, "We call upon priesthood bearers to store sufficient so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes of life." to give the project a spring-cleaning. In this part of the story, the physical space that houses the resource (the farm houses the chickens) needs some cleaning. If the bishops' storehouse is the farm, then it is we, the members, that provide the resource, so maybe it's us that need the "spring cleaning" - our houses (physical and spiritual).  Our enthusiastic and energetic throng we have good youth who have enthusiastically and energetically responded to the call to work on the Lord's "farm" as volunteer missionaries at a younger age than ever before. Right now they are providing for the "poor in spirit" by sharing the gospel. assembled at the project and in a speedy fashion how often do you hear the word "hasten" in the church right now? The youth responded in a speedy fashion to follow the Lord's call to go into the vineyard. uprooted,  gathered, and burned large quantities of weeds and debris.This is where the parable starts to sounds like a separation of the "wheat from the tares" inside the church. Or... the "weed and debris" are not people, but the junk in our lives that is identified, collected and abandoned. Or...it represents the "work" of the church to perfect the saints coupled with our day of hastening...but in light of the message of providing for ourselves and the needy, what does this represent? Uprooting, gathering and burning weeds and debris sounds like a good thing. Those are things we don't want. If the people are the resource in the Lord's storehouse, the weeds and debris could be the things around us that clutter our lives; make us look bad; and represent things that have crept in because we have not been diligent at keeping them out or have ignored them. By the light of the glowing bonfires, we ate hot dogs and congratulated ourselves on a job well done. On the surface it appears that we have done what we were supposed to do; that we've been successful. We've gotten rid of the 'weeds and clutter and distractions' in our lives.  Our work creates a big noticeable fire (can be seen by others and creates heat). We satisfy our hunger with food that has no real nutrition; we pat ourselves on the back for what we think is our success.

However, there was just one disastrous problem. Disastrous: "causing great distress or injury; ruinous; very unfortunate; calamitous". This is no small, insignificant choice of a word.   The noise and the fires How did getting rid of those weeds and debris draw too much attention or make too much heat? so disturbed the fragile population of 5,000 laying hens If we are the hens, then why are we such a fragile population? does this refer to the converts?  Or does the 'fragile population' represent the resources we rely on to provide for the poor, like money and food and clothing?  that most of them went into a sudden whatever we are being cautioned about, the result will be swift molt and ceased laying. we will not be able to produce/function/provide as the Lord intends or needs Thereafter we tolerated a few weeds so that we might produce more eggs. Lesson learned. Is this parable teaching us that the Lord not coming in right now to "clean house"? He is the one tolerating a few "weeds" (some of us) so that He can produce more eggs (converts). Are the new members, or the testimony of existing members too fragile? Would we stop being able to gather more members in if there were to be a swift cleansing? But....the rest of this message is about preparation for the days ahead; not cleansing the church. If people leave the church it would impact the Lord's storehouse via tithes and offerings. If it's not about a cleansing within, what are the 'weeds' that are being tolerated so that we can keep providing for the needy? If they only tolerated a few weeds, it seems to imply that there was a slower, more regular pulling of the weeds that could be hauled off quietly instead of burned in big fires. They didn't stop pulling weeds altogether, but didn't ignore them and then take care of them in one great effort. That has always been the counsel with preparedness. They have told us year after year after year the same thing. We were to work at it quietly, consistently, and without one great burst of effort. We have had years to fill our pantries, to get out of debt, to build a reserve of cash - our own storehouses. That would put us in a wonderful position to provide for the poor and needy. The ones not prepared are the new converts and the young marrieds. However, if we had each stored for our own (and our children married within the church), parents could give their married children their "supply" from their own storehouse and then they would add to it as they had their own children. Only the converts would be left "without", assuming they had not learned to "lay up and store".  Unfortunately, our youth are most likely not being given these stores when they marry and are left starting from scratch. If the prophet were to say, "you need it now"...the "day of decision is next month, or next year" the youth of the church, in their enthusiasm and energy could create quite a stir. The end result could have a negative effect on the world, such that no one would be able to store anything. Is that the message?

No member of the Church who has helped provide for those in need ever forgets or regrets the experience. Clue: this story has to do with providing for those in need. The service on the farm was ultimately to provide for those in need. The chickens were the resource to do that. That resource was disturbed and the ability to provide for the poor was impacted. What impacted the resource? The energetic efforts of the youth as directed by the adults in charge? How does that tie in to the following counsel? 
Lesson two: If you are asked to or able to provide for those in need you will never regret the experience and you will never forget the experience. Ask yourself, "why"? Is it because of the relief you provide? The gratitude expressed? The peace of having "enough and to spare"? The feeling of sacrifice of one's own means for another without judgment? 

Industry, thrift, self-reliance, and sharing with others are not new to us. This is not new counsel. Here's a review of some of that counsel:
Brigham Young - RS/Prsthd Manual:"We want you henceforth to be a self-sustaining [self-reliant] people [see D&C 78:14]. Hear it, O Israel! hear it, neighbors, friends and enemies, this is what the Lord requires of this people"(DBY, 293).

Boyd K Packer, 1975

(In preface to this fireside that he said many might not like, he said, "in this case I would rather teach a few of you than entertain all of you.")The welfare handbook instructs, “(We must) earnestly teach and urge members to be self-sustaining to the fullest extent of their power. No Latter-day Saint will … voluntarily shift from himself the burden of his own support. So long as he can, under the inspiration of the Almighty and with his own labors, he will supply himself with the necessities of life.” (1952, p. 2.)
We have succeeded fairly well in establishing in the minds of Latter-day Saints that they should take care of their own material needs and then contribute to the welfare of those who cannot provide the necessities of life. If a member is unable to sustain himself, then he is to call upon his own family, and then upon the Church, in that order, and not upon the government at all. (I missed that last lesson!)

Here's a blog with a whole list of them:
http://ldsintelligentliving.org/2014/07/04/preparedness-self-reliance-quotes-words-of-wisdom/

The point is, that we have been counseled and warned to do this for a reason. And the counsel has been given over years and years for a reason, and not at the last minute with just enough time to do it.

We should remember that the best storehouse system would be for every family in the Church to have a supply of food, clothing, and, where possible, other necessities of life. Do not look to the church or your neighbor to provide for you. That is not the plan. You must have your own storehouse. The Lord’s storehouse In addition to your own storehouse, the Lord has a storehouse includes the time, talents, skills, compassion, consecrated material, and financial means of faithful Church members. These resources are available to the bishop in assisting those in need.This means, that the Bishop can call upon you (especially if you are endowed, ie. "faithful" member) to help others in need via all these ways listed.

Now listen to see if you feel a certain focus in a particular area of your "storehouse"....We urge "to press, push, or hasten (the course, activities, etc.)" all no exception Latter-day Saints to

• be prudent "Wise, sensible, thrifty" in their planning,  of your own storehouse
• to be conservative avoiding novelty or showiness; tending to be moderate or cautious in their living, and to 
• avoid excessive or unnecessary needless; unessential debt

Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had a supply of food and clothing and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have a supply of debt and are food-free.(First said in 2001, four months before 9/11, and again in 2007) I repeat what the First Presidency declared a few years ago: Pay attention when a prophet repeats himself or another prophet...
"In our own time, we have been warned with counsel of where to find safety from sin and from sorrow. One of the keys to recognizing those warnings is that they are repeated. For instance, more than once in these general conferences, you have heard our prophet say that he would quote a preceding prophet and would therefore be a second witness and sometimes even a third....One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time...(I urge you  to read the rest of this talk by Pres. Eyring)

“Latter-day Saints have been counseled for many years to prepare for adversity this can be verified quickly by a search on lds.org. The thing to note here is that he targets one aspect of that counsel in particular  by having a little money set aside. Doing so adds immeasurably to security and well-being. Every family this reaches into your extended family has a responsibility to provide for its own needs to the extent possible. It is not the church's responsibility to take care of you; nor the government, although the  government is all to happy to take you under its wing..of bondage.

“We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare for adversity "The economy is a fragile thing. A stumble in the economy in Jakarta or Moscow can immediately affect the entire world. It can eventually reach down to each of us as individuals. There is a portent ("a sign or indication of a future event, esp a momentous or calamitous one; omen") of stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed. (Pres. Hinckley) by looking to the condition of your finances. We urge you to

• be modest in your expenditures; don't too much, too big, too unnecessary...
• discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt. "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"... discipline!
• Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from this bondage. Ponder this bondage...we seem to not think too much about it anymore. 
• Save a little money regularly to gradually build a financial reserve.”¹ Based on the above emphasis, I believe the next thing he is warning us that we will have to deal with on a widespread basis has to do with the economy. Something will impact our financial lives. That "something" could be any number of things....a stock market crash, the devaluation of the dollar, a pandemic, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, etc.

• Are we prepared for the emergencies "a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action  in our lives? These "emergencies" are prophesied...they are coming. He is asking if we ARE prepared, not telling us TO prepare...

  • Doctrine and Covenants 112:24

    24 Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.
    
    
• Are our skills perfected? What "skills" is he referring to? Cooking? Medical? Gardening? Survival? Notice he asked if they ARE perfected, not "are you working on it?"...
• Do we live providently? "having or showing foresight; providing carefully for the future" Provident living is not a bunch of food in boxes or wheat in buckets that we never look at. It is living today with foresight and preparation for the future. This takes planning, practice, and diligence. He's asking if you are living that way NOW....he's not asking you to start.
• Do we have our reserve supply on hand? He didn't ask if we were "working on it". He asked if we HAVE our reserve supply on hand now. What do we have a supply of? money? food? clothes? fuel? shelter?
• Are we obedient to the commandments of God? This whole message is about obeying the commandment of God to be prepared. The question is ARE you, not will you be...
• Are we responsive to the teachings of prophets? D&C 1:38 "...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." Have you been responsive in the past? How are you going to act today? Only those who "do" the will of the Lord will enter His kingdom.
• Are we prepared to give of our substance to the poor, the needy? Ahh.....a test is coming!!! This could mean that because of impending "emergencies" there will be many many more poor and needy among us. Or maybe a rush of converts to the church will bring many more poor in need of our fast offerings or other resources we've consecrated to the Lord's Storehouse. How will we respond? Will we have the means to give because we are prepared? Will we be among the needy because we are not prepared?
• Are we square with the Lord? In financial terms, to be "square" means we have settled our debts. It also can mean honest. Are you current and honest with your tithes and offerings?  Have you repented of all that you need to that requires the Bishop's help? 

We live in turbulent "full of commotion, restless," times. Often the future is unknown; the only thing really known about the future is what has been revealed, specifically in Isaiah and Matthew 24 and Revelations...which is really quite a bit. The specifics are unknown, but we have been told what to prepare for therefore, it behooves "to your/our advantage; benefit" us to prepare for uncertainties. When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past. What is the "decision" he is referring to? The decision to set some money aside? to store food? to follow the prophet when he tells you to leave everything and gather to a place of refuge?

"As long as I can remember, we have been taught to prepare for the future and to obtain a year’s supply of necessities. I would guess that the years of plenty have almost universally caused us to set aside this counsel. I believe the time to disregard this counsel is over. With events in the world today, it must be considered with all seriousness.(I urge you to review this talk given in 1995 by Elder Perry) 

If this was said 19 years ago, do you think we have time to disregard it today? Seven years ago, we were told again, that if we hadn't begun that it was time:
"Inspired preparation rests on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, obedience, and a provident lifestyle. Members should not go to extremes, but they should begin."
Now he is asking us if we have done it. God is a God of mercy. He will warn with time to obey. Pres. Monson just warned us that the day of decision WILL arrive, and when it does, you will not have time to prepare any more than the people in Noah's day had time to start building a boat when the flood waters began to rise. You will also not be able to say that God did not warn you or give you time to prepare. I still think this is a message saying there is time...or rather.. the time is NOW. Do not delay this time. Hasten. Be able to answer yes to the above questions as quick as you are able. Many of us should already be able to answer "yes", for we have had years of counsel and prosperity to provide for ourselves and our families. Put your resources in the right place. The "day of decision" is fast approaching. At some point, sooner than later, it will be too late. The parable of the Ten Virgins teaches us that those who need to go to the store when the "time has come", find that it is too late to go and then still gather with the Lord at His table. 

So now that you are at the end of this message. What do you think?

Apostle, Ezra T Benson (of the 12 at the time, not the Prophet) in April 1965 General Conference said:
"For years we have been counseled to have on hand a year's supply of food. Yet there are some today who will not start storing until the Church comes out with a detailed monthly home storage program. Now suppose that never happens. We still cannot say we have not been told.

Should the Lord decide at this time to cleanse the Church—and the need for that cleansing seems to be increasing—a famine in this land of one year's duration could wipe out a large percentage of slothful members, including some ward and stake officers. Yet we cannot say we have not been warned. "

One thought to take from that quote is that you don't need to wait   until your ward or stake decides to emphasize preparation. They may not. Still, we've been told. It's now up to us.

Teaching from This Message

Considering the needs of those you visit, think of ways you can help them become more self-reliant in employment, finances, food storage, or emergency preparedness. Notice "food storage" is listed separately from "emergency preparedness". Think of a skill you could share with them, such as gardening or money management, that would empower them to follow President Monson’s counsel.

For ideas on teaching this message to youth and children, see page 6.

Youth

I Served Again

By Jaíne Araújo

The author lives in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

One day, after finishing a service project, I was walking past our meetinghouse and saw two sisters who were cleaning the building. My words simply came out: “Sisters, do you need some help?” "first observe, then serve" One of them smiled at me and said that I had arrived just in time because they were the only ones cleaning and they were very tired. She said that she had prayed that the Lord would send someone to help. I was very happy to be an answer to her prayer. I had just finished giving service to someone else and was also tired, but I followed my heart and offered to serve more. Be not weary in well doing...

It is a commandment to work with joy (see D&C 24:7). When we have the desire to serve at all times, we can help miracles happen in other people’s lives. Our lives become more meaningful when we serve. The Lord really does love us, He helps each of His children, I believe this is why others, even those not of our faith, are receiving promptings and dreams and visions to help get the word out that now is the time to prepare. Pres. Hinckley said, the vision of Joel has been fulfilled: Joel 2:28 ¶And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

and He will give us the strength to serve.

Children

Are You Prepared?

Answers: True, True, False, True, False

President Monson has asked each of us to be prepared for hard times and to help others during their hard times. A simple summary even a child can understand...
Take this true-or-false quiz to see if you’re ready!

I can always find someone to help. True □False □

I can be grateful for everything I already have. True □False □

I don’t have any talents to share with anyone. True □False □

Saving money for later is a good idea. True □False □

I need new toys and clothes to be happy. True □False □