Howard W. Hunter

"If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ

and his restored Gospel, nothing can go permanently wrong"

Fun Fact: In 1939, he attended law school and graduated third of his class. Interestingly, he served as president of the Pasadena Stake in California, which is where I am from.

History: Shortly before he was called to be the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1994, he over saw the planning and construction of BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. He also dedicated the Orlando Florida Temple and presided over the creation of the Church's 2000th stake which was located in Mexico City. There were also interesting stories about his youth. One that stood out to me in particular was that Howard had extreme compassion thus it also extended to animals. There were some neighbor boys who were tormenting a kitten, soon enough came and rescued the kitten although it was lying there almost dead. Also as a teenager, he learned to play many instruments and formed his own music group, Hunter's Croonaders and it was pretty successful because they were able to provide music on a cruise ship that was headed to Asia.

The Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ Chapter 6

President Hunter and his wife's first child was diagnosed with anemia, he had to undergo surgery and discovered he had a severe intestinal problem that was causing him to lose blood and although he received surgery, there wasn't anything else the doctors could do and he passed away, but they were firm in their beliefs about the atonement. "Without the atoning sacrifice, temporal death would be no resurrection and no purpose in our spiritual lives. there would be no hope of eternal life". Because of the sacrifice the savior made for us and because of our own repentance and obedience to the commandments, we can return to our Heavenly Father's presence. The Atonement was a supreme act of love by our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Our Father in Heaven was so merciful, he sent his only begotten son to atone for our sins. It's important to remember that Jesus Christ suffered and was in excruciating pain, yet we shouldn't forget the pain Heavenly Father felt sending his own son to suffer. It was in fact a righteous purpose. The Savior took upon Himself all of our sins, infirmities, grief, and pain. We may, in fact make wrong choices, but that is where the mission and mercy of Jesus Christ comes into full force and glory. We must accept his gift, repent of those mistakes, and follow his commandments in order to take full advantage of this redemption. I think it was interesting that this sermon was centered around Easter. I don't think I have ever really thought about how memeorable that day is because our Savior redeemed us and it is why we are able to experience joy and happiness due to his atonement. We are able to gain eternal salvation as we perservere and continue down the path of righteousness. From this day on I will take that Holiday more seriously because of our Savior, we are here on this earth proving our faithfulness and it is such a blessing to know we can earn eternal happiness.

The Scriptures- The Most Profitable of All Study

As I was pondering on this talk, I noticed how often he used scripture references to get his point across. Through scripture study we can engage more profoundly in the teachings and it is also a way for you to feel the spirit by receiving a confirmation from the Holy Ghost about the truth. I think people can tell you about their experiences and tell you what is wrong or right, but it is not until you learn from it and obtain that confirmation yourself and through scripture study, you are able to obtain answers to your most personal questions. President Hunter  assures that there has never been another dispensation where the scriptures are so readily available to us.  How we choose to use up our time is really the question here because the resources are there, we simply have to be diligent in the works. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." I know for me, reading is a big issue. I would rather take less time watching a movie than taking more time to read the same thing. But, I have realized that personal revelation takes time because we must prove our faithfulness over and over again. When I take the time to read a chapter verse by verse and interpret it through my own perspective, I obtain answers beyond my comprehension. Although I have read the Book of Mormon, it is also important to read other scripture like the Doctrine and Covenants, Bible, and Pearl of Great Price. One last important statement President Hunter stated was, "Did you realize that by reading the Doctrine and Covenants you can hear the voice of the Lord through scripture? That voice of enlightenment will usually come into your mind as "thoughts" and into your heart as feelings". Because of that statement I will focus on those two aspects as I read more in depth.

image link

Ezra Taft Benson

"The most important prophet, so far as we are concerned,

is that onw who is living in our day and age."

Fun Fact: Wrote letters to Flora (his future wife) throughout his mission, but their letters were mainly of encouragement, confidence, and news.  As prophet, his two counselors were President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson.

History: in 1921, he attended Utah agricultural College, now Utah State University. He first serves a mission in Britain and Flora serves a mission in the Hawaiian Islands. in 1926, he graduates from Brigham Young University. He gets married in the Salt Lake Temple shortly afterwards. He was employed as an agricultural economist and specialist. In 1946, he serves as president of the European Mission, helping to bring temporal and spiritual relief to Latter-day saints after the devastation of WWII. As a prophet, he put emphasis on the Book of Mormon because many Latter-day Saints were not studying it. He also urged the Saints to be consumed in Christ , to live a "Christ-centered life".

Follow the Living Prophet: Chapter 11

When he was 15 years old, he remembers that President Joseph F. Smith announced that there will be Family Home Evening will be established for all members to take part in. "At which time fathers and mothers may gather their boys and girls about them in their home and teach them the word of the Lord...If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain the power to combat the evil influences and temptations that beset them". It is so important to listen to the current prophet because they know what will be best for us during the time of his presidency. As a prophet, President Benson testified as the family as a "divine institution" and it shows the impact his family had on learning about the Gospel. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything thus he would never lead the church astray. We will be given a chance to choose between conflicting counsel giving by some which is why we must learn, and the sooner we learn, the better to keep our eye on the Prophet. The current prophet is given modern revelation. I use to wonder why principles or teachings changed over time and one day I finally understood that we learn "precept upon precept and line upon line. " The restored Gospel did not end when Joseph Smith established the Church, but it continues to be restored as the current prophet guides us, teaches us, and gives us revelation.

image link

Spencer W. Kimball

"Faith in the Lord can help us live the commandments

with a willing heart and receive countless blessings"

Fun fact: In 1972, when Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he received heart surgery from Russell M. Nelson, at the time, he was yet to be called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. "I shall never forget the feeling I had as his heart resumed beating, leaping with power and vigor. At that very moment, The Spirit made known to me that this special patient would live to become the Prophet of God on earth".  

History:
Spencer Woolley Kimball came from a big family, he was the sixth of eleven children. He had great parents who taught by example and who were his inspiration. When his mother said, he said that had to have been one of his more difficult challenges. Spencer not only learned basic hard work, but he learned to sing and lead music and became stake chorister at age 15. Although he started school late, he was able to catch up and be ahead of his class. I noticed that in his sermons, he could be both poetic and plainspoken. Late in 1956, he was diagnosed with cancer of the throat which resulted in the removal of one vocal cord and part of another. He struggled with thought, if he would ever speak again.  As president of the Church, he oversaw a significant increase in temple building. Under President Kimball, an LDS edition of the King James Bible was published in 1979 and a new edition of the triple combination, meaning the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, were published in 1981. The scriptures also became the basis for Church's Sunday School curriculum. He was also the one to introduce the three-hour block meeting schedule on Sunday. In regards to the Priesthood, he was the one to receive the revelation that wondrous blessings of priesthood extended to worthy men everywhere regardless of lineage meaning the blessings of the priesthood extended to blacks. I think it's wonderful that he wanted to be remembered as one who loves his brothers and sisters.

Obedience Born of Faith in God: Chapter 13 

President Spencer W. Kimball taught that faith motivates us to do the will of God. Faith is a willingness to accept without total regular proof and to move forward and perform works. In James 2:26 it states, "Faith without works is dead". I think what this statement meant that without faith one would lose the will to serve valiantly. It's the idea that we cannot foresee the future that tests us whether we seek diligently and expect the best outcome. President Kimball sais something that caught my attention, " The blessing will never be his unless he connects his set with the power , and turns the dial correctly. Faith manifested by prayer and works is the key.  Obedience based on faith is not blind obedience. You know what you are following, you are not doing what everyone else is doing, you know it's true and you act on your beliefs. The scriptures provide examples of obedience born of faith. Listening to the story of Adam and Eve as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I see the beauty of their faithfulness to the Lord because Adam was obedient to the commandments of the Lord. I used to think that because of Adam and Eve's transgression, we were born in sin, but in reality we ought to be punished for our own sins.  Faith precedes the miracle. I have always enjoyed the comparison of a mustard seed to faith. In faith we plant the seed and soon w see the miracle blossoming, it does not go the other way around. We must first show our faithfulness to the Lord, and based on that he may bless us. Everyone is encouraged to first perceive with the eye of faith and then through effort to express that faith in a higher nobler life.

image link

Harold B. Lee

"You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul"

"Be loyal to the royal that is in you, for you are the child of a King

Fun Fact: Harold B. Lee was called as a stake president during the Great Depression.Under his leadership, a storehouse was stocked with goods produced on stake projects or donated by Church members. Through local Church units the General Authorities gave encouragement, counsel, and support to these efforts to help meet the emergency.

History: President Harold B. Lee served as the Lord's prophet for 17 months and 19 days. During this period of change and expansion, he saw the creation of the first stakes in Chile and on the Asian mainland in Korea. He presided over the first are conferences held in Mexico City, Mexico, and Munich, Germany. He also extended the welfare services program of the Church worldwide. he died in 1973 at age 74. I thought it was interesting that "He was likewise been sensitive to the loneliness, to the fear, to the challenges facing men in military service. During the years of World War II, the Korean War, and the war in Vietnam, he directed the service men's program of the Church. 

Who am I? Chapter 2

This chapter focuses on our eternal identity and how knowledge of this identity affects our lives. He emphasizes that the fact that we are on earth with a physical body is an evidence that we were among those who kept our first estate. Since we passed the test ,we have been permitted to be here, of not then we would have been down with Satan trying to tempt the ones who had a body. Therefore we must be faithful in order to complete our foreordained missions on earth. Some of us are chosen to do greater things, but how others are not. He explains two reasons why that is. Fist, "because their hearts are set so much upon things of this world", and second, "aspire to the honors of men, that they d o not learn this one lesson- that the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven". We have free agency which  means we are free to choose good or evil. Some chosen men in the spirit world or in the first estate were chosen to fulfill a certain work here on earth, but but whether they will accept their calling here and magnify it by faithful service and good works while in mortality is a privilege to choose for himself whether he wants to fulfill it or not. I think for me, when I realized that agency is a positive thing, I became more grateful and became more conscious of my choices. I use to hate to decide because often I would feel like I would make the incorrect choice and so I would have to live with the consequences. Now I see it as a blessing because I am able to take that incorrect choicer and make the best out of it by not focusing so much on the negative aspect of it, but as to what I can do to improve and use my critical thinking skills to make better choices next time around. I really enjoyed this lesson because it reminded me that we come from a divine God who has given us a chance to prove our faithfulness to him. As we experience trials, we come closer to knowing  our  kind and gracious Heavenly Father. 

image link

quote links

history

Joseph Fielding Smith

"The blessings of the Lord are offered to the Saints and to the world through the ministrations of those who hold his holy priesthood, who represent him"

"Even in his advanced years, [he] always prayed, 'May we be true and faithful to the end'"

Fun Fact: Would often leave baseball games to continue reading the Book of Mormon

History: Joseph met Louie and their courtship had blossomed into love. Eventually, the discussed marriage, but wondered if he would be called to serve a mission. In those days, men and women did not approach bishops to be recommended for such calls. The process was done entirely through the office of the Presidency of the Church and that's why a young man never knew when he would be called to serve a mission. A year later, still no mission call and so they decided to go forth with their marriage plans and married for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple by his father Joseph F. Smith. However a year later, he was called to serve a mission. As he was interviewed by the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President Franklin D. Richards, he asked where he would like to serve his mission and he said anywhere the Lord would send him,  but President Richards insisted and so he said he would like to go to Germany, but they sent him to England instead. As I read about some of his personal experiences when he was younger, these stories were the ones that stood out to me the most. The day he had to leave for his mission, he had to say goodbye to his wife and family and just reading how devastating it was for him to leave everything behind was sorrowing, he said "Goodbye Louie, my precious. God bless you and keep you safe for me", but he also showed joy and enthusiasm to serve the Lord. It makes me wonder how it would be like if my husband were to be called to serve a mission now and it would be extremely hard for me to live through, it would definitely be a challenge, but it would also bring me joy because I know that my husband is a true disciple of Christ and he would do anything the Lord asked him to and I know he would be helping people who need the Gospel. I thought it was interesting that when Joseph Fielding Smith was released from his mission "he did not make one convert, did not have opportunity to perform one baptism, although he did confirm one convert." However, he and his companions had planted gospel seeds, helping many people find greater peace and understanding, and he especially had grown personally as a student, teacher, of the gospel and as a priesthood leader. A couple years later, his wife was suffering from a severe, unremitting illness related to the early stages of her third pregnancy. Unfortunately, she continue to worsen and died. I could not image the pain they had to go through as a family, but their faith helped them get through it and Joseph Fielding Smith was able to remarry and Ethyl Reynolds was able to help raise his two daughters. 

The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood: Chapter 12 

President Smith taught that through the priesthood, "the Lord offers to his daughters every spiritual gift and blessing that can be obtained by his sons". I think that although women don't necessarily have permission to activiely use their priesthood, a man has the responsibility to use his priesthood to help women in their time of need. God did not leave women behind, they can obtain every blessing any man can. he also said that priesthood holders have greater incentive tostrive for eternal life when they understadn their covenants. I was able to ask my husband this question since at some point in his life he wasn't actively using his priesthood power. He said that once he realized how powerful and wonderful the priesthood is, it helped him get better in life. Through the example of missionaries and others around him, it is what drove him to persue life goals and overall change his character. I think it's important for the memebers of the chuch to use their priesthood keys so that all those that surround them may receive blessings as well. "Chirst is the great prototype where priesthood is concerned" We must follow the example of Jesus Christ in our service to help others.  Through his example, we stirve to become more like him by serving those that surround us and through that, our children will see how important it is for us to be charitable.  

image link

David O. McKay

"God help us to defend the truth--better than that, to live it, to exemplify it in our homes. … God give you power so to have that influence, that your children may be true to the last, to death if necessary, to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ." 

Fun fact: Dedicated the Los Angeles California Temple and the Oakland California temple.

History: As I was reading his historical back ground I found it interesting that in his everyday life, his father taught him lessons and strengthen him and found his way as a teaching apostle. Some of the lessons his father taught him were on tithing. As they worked on a farm collecting hay, his father told him "That is the tenth load, and the best is none too good for God.” President McKay said that was the best sermon anyone had given about tithing. I think personal moments with your loved ones is when we learn the most valuable lessons. Later in his life he said, “I am grateful for the wise and careful guardianship and training of noble parents … a guardianship which kept me from turning to paths that would have opened to an entirely different kind of life! Every year increases my appreciation and love for an ever watchful, precious mother, and a noble father.” He also cared very much for women and education in general. He believed an education for everyone was important. He lived in an era where he was principal at a school where few women received an education. Student enrollment greatly increased during his tenure. 

The Noble Calling of Parents: Chapter 16 

Although I am not a parent, this talk made me think about my parents and they role they have fulfilled in my life. President McKay explains that three groups carry the responsibility of training children: First, the family; second, the Church; third, the state. The most important of these is the family. By divine edict the Lord has placed upon parents the responsibility, first to teach the doctrine of repentance; second, faith in Christ, the Son of the living God; third, baptism and confirmation; fourth, to teach children to pray; fifth, to teach children to walk uprightly before the Lord [see D&C 68:25–28]. "Parents who shirk this responsibility will have to answer for the sin of neglect." I think through our own families we see a way to find our Savior Jesus Christ and Our Heavenly Father. When I was younger, I took my family for granted and was completely disrespectful. As I grew older, I realized the sacrifices they had made for me and my sisters and began to appreciate their efforts. Religion may have not been a prominent aspect of my life growing up, but I appreciated that whenever I was in trouble they would always remind me to remember Jesus Christ and that is what got me through my hard times. Now as a member, I realize to a higher extent how important a family is! I may have not been taught those principles as a kid, but now I know whah main principles to teach my future young children. I agree with President McKay that parental example is a powerful force in the lives of children. As I came home for thanksgiving, I saw how many of my high school friends already have children and it makes me see how precious a life can be. I only hope those children grow up in a home where the parents love each other and are able to teach their children righteous principles. 

image link

George Albert Smith

"Why, of course you will be held accountable for your thoughts. That one suggestion

 has been a great blessing to me all my life, and it has enabled me upon many 

occasions to avoid thinking improperly because I realize that I would be, 

when my life's labor is complete, the product of my thoughts."

Fun Fact: Upon returning from his mission, George Albert continued courting his childhood sweetheart, Lucy Woodruff, the granddaughter of President Wilford Woodruff. Although Lucy had many admirers, she wrote in her diary, "Tonight I retire with a thankful heart to God... and pray that he may give me strength to be more deserving of the love of one whom I firmly believe to be one of the best young men that was ever placed on this earth. His goodness and kindness causes tears to come to my eyes." He wrote to her, "If you are interested in marrying someone for money it would not be me, because I have long ago decided that I will not devote myself making money but toward serving the Lord and toward helping His children in this world."

History: As a young man, George Albert Smith was a remarkable man. At age 13,he begins to work in a clothing factory and five years later he begins working for a railroad company but suffers permanent damage to his eyes because of his work. I think it's so interesting that just a few weeks after his marriage to Lucy, he serves a mission in the southern U.S. In 1904, he writes his own personal creed, a list of 11 ideals he commits to live by. in 1922 he is elected vice president of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and helps locate and mark Church historic sites. In 1933, he becomes the president of the Society for the Aid of the Sightless in Utah and a couple years later he supervises the publication of the Book of Mormon in braille. Then in 1945, he is set apart as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and meets with the U.S President Harry S. Truman to discuss efforts to send aid to Europe in World War II. I also thought it was remarkable that George Albert was the first President of the Church to visit members of the Church in Mexico and presents a copy of the Book of Mormon to the President of Mexico, Manuel Avila Camacho. In 1949, he participated in the first ever televised broadcast of general conference. On his 81st birthday, he dies in Salt Lake City. 

Chapter 7: The Immortality of the Soul

One of the most important things President George Albert Smith mentions in his talk is that, "Our life is eternal, and this knowledge helps us make correct choices and comforts us in times of mourning". He begins his teaching with an experience of a loved one passing away and instead of him mourning, he wanted to thank the Lord for the ability to prosper in eternity. This talk was such a humble way to  explain things, he states that he stands with us, when perhaps tears may be flowing, his soul stands with comfort and satisfaction. Every one lives through hard times, although I may have not experienced the death of a loved one, there are still trials that sometimes are so hard to bear, but seeking comfort in the Lord is a way through get through the situation. Believing in the Gospel will not allow you to not experience pain or distraught, but our faith is what gets us through these harsh times because this mortal life is not the end, there is eternity after death. We are here on this Earth to prove our righteousness to dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father. He mentions that "Eternal life is to us the sum of pre-existence, present existence, and the continuation of life in immortality, holding out to us the power of endless progression and increase. I know that for me when I put my life and see it through an eternal perspective, I see more clearly what's important and what I should let go of or not focus too much on. I want my Heavenly Father to say "Well done, good and faithful servant". I know that because of Jesus Christ, we will be resurrected. The purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to prepare every man, woman and child for time when all those who have died will be brought forth from their graves, and when our Heavenly Father will establish his kingdom upon the earth and the righteous will dwell there and Jesus Christ will be our King and Law-giver. I know that for me, our knowledge of the immortality of the soul inspires, encourages and comforts us.

image link

Herbert J. Grant

"I pity the selfish man who has never experienced the joy which comes to 

those who receive the thanks and gratitude of the people 

whom they may have aided in the struggle of life."

Fun fact: He delivered his first radio message to the world in May 6, 1922. “I promise you, as a servant of the living God, that every man and woman who obeys the commandments of God shall prosper, that every promise made of God shall be fulfilled upon their heads, and that they will grow and increase in wisdom, light, knowledge, intelligence, and, above all, in the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ." In 1940, he suffered a stroke that impaired his speech and temporarily paralized his left side of the body. 

History: I think it's interesting that President Grant said that there is nothing more important for the Church to do than to take care of ts needy people and that we must be willing to extend our help to those people. He then Introduced the Secuirty Plan, also known as the welfare program of the church in order to help people to help themselves. 

Chapter 15: Labor for the Happiness of Others

President Grant gave a wonderful lesson about service. I understand sometimes we are hesitant to actively serve others. I remeber I had a huge prompting about doing my visiting teaching this particular week, however I didn't take action. Next relief society meeting, one of the girls that I visit teach was giving the lesson that day. She bore her testimony about a tragedy that had occured to her and I'm here thinking to myself how cruel of me to not take action. She really needed a friend and I decided not to listen to the Holy Ghost. That experience will forever lay in my heart. President Grantt mentioned that we must be lifters and nor leaners. We must be leaders and good examples to others because our positive energy rubs off on others. He tells a comical story (well at least to me it is). He says that there were two men, one had many cows and a small family, the other had fewer cows and a large family. The Prophet, Brigham Young at the time had asked for every man to donate a cow to raise money for the Saints to gather to Zion. The man with the fewer cows and large family didn't want to give his cow away and so he tried to justify it and decides not to give his cow away. But then he feels the Spirit drift away and soon realizes his mistake, he said “Mr. Devil, shut up or just as sure as I live, I will walk up to Brother Brigham’s office and give him the other cow." Sometimes we have to be firm and remember our Savior, His way is always the right way. Service is the key to happiness in life, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have the love and care from family and friends. When we serve others, we in return receive happiness when we serve others, I can only imagine the joy we must feel when we rise into heaven and have accomplished all what the Lord has asked us to do. 

image link

Joseph F. Smith

"Everywhere in nature we are taught the lessons of patience and waiting.We want things

 a longtime before we get them, and the fact that we want them a long

 time makes them all the more precious when they come"

Fun Fact: Sustained as Second Counselor for President John Taylor (1880), President Wilford Woodruff (1889),  and President Lorenzo Snow (1898). 

History: President F. Smith was the last President to have personally known the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was actually Hyrum's (Joseph Smith's brother) son, which makes Joseph Smith his uncle. It's amazing that when Joseph Smith and Hyrum dies, President F. Smith's mother had to raise him and work together to join the Saints in the West. As they journeyed, he saw his mother meet challenge after challenge with faith and was devastated when she died of an illness when he was only 13 years old. 

Chapter 15: The Salvation of Little Children 

President Joseph F. Smith taught many things, but one that stood out to me was the teaching that little children who die before they reach the years of accountability are redeemed by the blood of Christ. It breaks my heart to know that between 1869 and 1898, he buried nine little children of his own. He mentions in his journal, “I took her on a pillow and walked the floor with her, she again revived but only lingered about an hour and died in my arms at 1:40 a.m. Now God only knows how deeply we mourn. This is the 5th death in my family. All my little ones most beloved! O! God help us to bear this trial!" But through the Atonement of the Savior, he had faith that all was well. One striking experience he mentions, is that he received a vision from the Lord about his mother received his daughter with open arms. I think it's important to remember that Satan has no power over children who have not reached the years of accountability, and honestly, we must have faith that it is true. When I was younger, I attended many baptisms for newborns and sometimes the biggest parties were thrown to celebrate. Being taught this principle, brought happiness because God gave us agency and we in a sense shouldn't force our children to be baptized before they have a chance to obtain their own testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Prophet Jospeh F. Smith states, "Through Joseph Smith the prophet, in this dispensation, that in the resurrection of the dead the child that was buried in its infancy will come up in the form of the child that it was when it was laid down; then it will begin to develop. From the day of the resurrection, the body will develop until it reaches the full measure of the stature of its spirit, whether it be male or female." Also remember that if we are faithful, we will be reunited with our children beyond the veil. For some reason, children are so special to me, I love kids! They are the most innocent and funny creatures. I have a strong testimony that Heavenly Father is perfect and would not let this innocent children suffer after death and will gladly receive them with open arms in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

image link

quote link

Lorenzo Snow

"Our religion should be incorporated
within ourselves, a part of our being that cannot be laid off"

Fun Fact: In 1849-1852 Serves a mission in Italy, where he supervised the publication of the Book of Mormon in Italian. 

History: Lorenzo Snow's conversion is fascinating. He clearly stated that his conversion was merely a matter of reason. He understood that being baptized was the right thing to do, but he had no manifestation of the Holy Ghost, but that he expected one. “This manifestation did not immediately follow my baptism, as I expected,” he recalled. “But, although the time was deferred, when I did receive it, its realization was more perfect, tangible and miraculous than even my strongest hopes had led me to anticipate. One day while engaged in my studies, some two or three weeks after I was baptized, I began to reflect upon the fact that I had not obtained a knowledge of the truth of the work—that I had not realized the fulfillment of the promise: ‘He that doeth my will shall know of the doctrine;’ [see John 7:17] and I began to feel very uneasy. Then , he explains that the knelt and prayed to Heavenly Father and through sincere prayer, He let him know. “I had no sooner opened my lips in an effort to pray, than I heard a sound, just above my head, like the rustling of silken robes, and immediately the Spirit of God descended upon me, completely enveloping my whole person, filling me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and O, the joy and happiness I felt! No language can describe the instantaneous transition from a dense cloud of mental and spiritual darkness into a refulgence of light and knowledge, as it was at that time imparted to my understanding. I then received a perfect knowledge that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and of the restoration of the Holy Priesthood, and the fullness of the gospel. I can relate a lot to Prophet Snow conversion story. I was baptized because I knew it was the right thing to do, but I knew that I must receive a confirmation through the Holy Ghost. It was a gradual experience for me, I can't say there was one moment, but various ones that confirmed that Heavenly Father understood me. It's beautiful to remember the moment that it all made sense! Through the confirmation of the Holy Ghost, that calming and peaceful feeling one receives when the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, is an unexplainable feeling.  

Chapter 3: Lifelong Conversion: Continuing to Advance in the Principles of Truth

President Snow taught that if we desire to increase in our faith and spiritual knowledge, we must exert ourselves. By gaining a testimony of our God, it is a necessity for one to advance a little and obtain a knowledge of those things which we should more fully understand. Our testimony is ours, such as our experiences are ours and no one can take those experiences away from us. You cannot depend on your neighbor for that testimony, it has to profoundly come from you and your personal experiences from God. He compared it to playing a flute. It may not be natural at first, there had to be a great deal of  patience and labor before it became natural to go through with the tune. I really enjoyed reading Prophet Snow's talks. He made constant comparisons of his life and ordinary earthly concepts to our faithfulness to God and to me that helps me learn and understand the teachings better. Personal experiences take you a long way. They may be to help someone around you or for your future children, but there are always reasons why it happens and it is all part of God's mysterious plan. 

image link

Wilford Woodruff

"God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He 

plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm"

Fun Fact: Wilford and his two older brothers were raised by his father and stepmother, and joined the church on the same day his brother Azmon. He rejoiced when he was able to baptize his father and stepmother and later in life when he was able to do his mother's temple work. 

History:  One memorable experience in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. His companion had left home as he became discouraged. Wilford only had the Aaronic Priesthood, and as he tried to find a place to stay, he went to a tavern (inn) and asked Mr. Josiah Jackson to stay the night, which he agreed on, with one condition, he had to preach. Basically he was on his first mission, no companion, and about to preach in front of many people. He read a hymn because he said he didn't have the gift of singing, and asked others to sing, but then didn't. He decides to kneel and pray to God, and with the help from the Lord he was able to deliver an hour and a half talk and Wilson thought that was one of the his best sermons of his life. 

Teaching and Learning by the Spirit: Chapter 6 

Woodruff was very fond of the the Holy Ghost. "I need the Spirit of God to assist me, as does every man who attempts to teach the people the things of the kingdom of Heaven. He makes an outstanding point that as we teach the gospel, we must remember that the plainest and most simple truths are the most edifying. Sometimes we do make the Gospel complicated, and it's important to remember the simplicity of the Gospel. Even just a little improvement is enough and sometimes I tend to be too hard on myself and ask myself why can't I get to a certain point, either in life or spiritually as fast as some or just to a higher degree. One important thing that I loved was that he said, Preach the truth as you understand it. Do not speculate on things you know nothing about, for it will benefit no one. If you listen to false doctrine you will be led away by false spirits. Remember and observe this and you will be all right. Keep in the paths of truth, and all will be well with you". I love this quote because before I listened  to LDS talks or to general conference, I didn't know where to look for to find the Lord's Spirit for guidance. I know that when we meet to learn the gospel, we need the Spirit as much as the teacher does. I think in order to preach or to give a talk, it must come from the Spirit and although I haven't given a talk during sacrament meeting, I will definitely keep this in mind.  

John Taylor

"I would rather have God for my friend than all 

ther influences and powers aside"

"Whoever went into his presence, either in private or in public, felt intuitively that he was he
 was in the presense of a great man, a man of honor and merit"

Fun Fact: Preaches in Cananda as a Methodist, and as Elder Parley P.Pratt arrives in Toronto, Canada, he's influences him to convert to the LDS faith.

History: John Taylor was an extraordianry missionay. He served a couple missions, one in Great Britain, France, and New York. He obtained the gift of writing, and served as editor for the Times and Seasons, the Wasp, and teh Nauvoo neighbor.He leads the Church as President in 1877, during his administration the Church membership reached over 150,000, thus the Primary orgnaization is established under him. When in California, he hears word that federal officials have ordered his arrest for practicing polygamy and so he goes into hiding for two years and dies. As President, he taught that in spite of the martydrom of teh prophet Joseph Smith, the Church would continue to grow. 

Strenghtening our relationship with God: Chapter 16:There's a short story in this chapter that stood out to me. Basically, Brother Theodore Turley, wanted to join the apostles, Elder Taylor and Woodruff in their journey to preach the Gospel, although he simply wanted to cook for them although he had no money either. It was a struggle because they didnt have the funds to make the journey with all three of them. However, the Lord provided the means, although in the moment, it seems that it would'nt be okay. Although the Spirit had wispered to him that means would be forthcoming, and with that still, small voice failed him! In that he trusted, and he did not trust in vain. Our Heavenly Father will bless us when we seek Him in humble prayer. It remarkabale that he adresses to us saints that if we want peace to seek God. To be humble and faithful and not exalted in out own strenght, but ask wisodm of God, with our families, with one another, that peace may reign in our bosoms and in our community. To me having that peaceful feeling when I seek God is my comforter. Every day before I go to work or school, I pray that God may bring peace into my heart as I face issues or whatever situation may be at my hand. I know that when I do that, I can rely on the fact that no matter what happens throughout the day, he gets me out of a difficult situation, every single time!

image link

Brigham Young

“Let us live so that the spirit of our religion will live within us, then we have peace, joy, happiness and contentment, which makes such pleasant fathers, pleasant mothers, pleasant children, pleasant households, neighbors, communities and cities. That is worth living for, and I do think that the Latter-day Saints ought to strive for this” (DBY, 204).

Fun Fact: When Mirian (his wife) contracted Tuberculosis, Brigham assumed much of her work as she bacame more bedridden, he would regularly prepare breakfast for the family, dressed his daughters, and carried his wife to the fireplace until he could return back home. 

Brigham Young was one of the original Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since the restoration of the Gospel. He accomplished many things during his ministry on earth. Although he came from a poor family, "He had the privedlge of picking up brush, chopping down trees, rolling logs, and working amonst roots, and of getting our shins, feet and toes bruised." Also, Brigham Young layed the cornerstone in the Salt Lake Temple and dedicates the St. George Temple. 

"Teaching the Family" Chapter 24- As the second President of the church, he thaught many concepts for our salvation. One of the chapters that stood out to me was in fact the one speaking about our families. He mentions that the family is a divine institution in time and in eternity. He mentions the impact and huge influence mothers and fathers have on their children. As I am married, it is valuable to take into account the teachings of the prophets so we don't fall into transgression. "How careful they should be never to impress a false idea on the mind of a child!" This reminds me of my troublesome childhood. There were many times when my father and mothe would agressively argue infron of me and my two younger sisters. In that moment, I never realized how much it was affecting me, but looking back now, I was troubled. I lied to my parents, friends, teachers, I couldnt tell anyone that I loved them or that I cared so deeply for them. As I am recently married, I hope to give my children an example that exemplifies the importance of addressing the Throne of grace, as President Young mentions. One thing that is super important to me is that my furure children get to understand the truth about heaven and to trust the Savior Jesus Christ through their trials, as that will ease their burderns when a tragedy submerges. Our children will have the love of the truth, if we but live our religion, although diffiuclties occur when we don't understand each other rightly. I like to believe that if my parents were more open with me about our feelings during a happy or frustrating moment, I think we would've understood each other a lot better and have found a solution to our problems in a more preaceful manner. 

image link