Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name

Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name David A. Bednar While speaking of the church in an interview with Mike Wallace, President Hinckley remarked, “Isn’t it wonderful to have a man of maturity at the head, a man of judgment who isn’t blown about by every wind of doctrine?”

Do we recognize the blessings and wisdom that come from the 1st presidency and Quorum of the 12 Apostles being in their later years? What benefits does this bring?

 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. Article of Faith #5

 Do we sustain the prophet and apostles? Do we have a testimony that they are called of God? Do we sustain our church leaders at the local level?

 If we have a testimony that these men are called of God, shouldn’t we then have a testimony of the commandments and doctrines they put in place?

 We will be going over the final testimonies from General Conference of the last six prophets and apostles that have passed on:

President James E. Faust   April 2007 

President Gordon B. Hinckley   October 2007 

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin   October 2008 

Elder L. Tom Perry   April 2015 

President Boyd K. Packer   April 2015 

Elder Richard G. Scott   October 2014 

 Below are links to their final conference addresses if you would like to read them.

 James E. Faust https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-healing-power-of-forgiveness?lang=eng 

Gordon B. Hinckley https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/the-stone-cut-out-of-the-mountain?lang=eng 

Joseph B. Worthlin https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/come-what-may-and-love-it?lang=engL. 

Tom Perry https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-and-family-matter-everywhere-in-the-world?lang=eng 

Boyd K. Packer https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-plan-of-happiness?lang=eng 

 I look forward to learning from each of your insights this coming Sunday!

 ~Natalie Buttars

Help from on High

“Perhaps no promise in life is more reassuring than that promise of divine assistance and spiritual guidance in times of need.” - Howard W. Hunter

 The learning and wisdom of the earth and all that is temporal comes to us through our physical senses in earthly, temporal ways. We touch, we see, we hear and taste and smell and learn. However, spiritual knowledge, as Paul has said, comes to us in a spiritual way from its spiritual source. Paul continues:

 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor. 2:14) - Lesson Manual, pg. 79

 What are some of the ways that spiritual knowledge has helped you?

 How do you go about building your spiritual strength?

 Let’s share observations, experiences, and best practices this Sunday in Relief Society. I look forward to learning with you.

 - Mary Reid

"My Peace I Give Unto You"

We live in a world where conflict and unrest seem to be ever present. People are longing for peace and tranquility.

 On Sunday, we will study Chapter 2 of the Teachings of Presidents: Howard W Hunter: "My Peace I Give unto You."

 "... Indifference to the Savior or failure to keep the commandments of God brings about insecurity, inner turmoil, and contention. These are the opposite of peace. Peace can come to an individual only by an unconditional surrender -- surrender to him who is the Prince of peace, who has the power to confer peace."

 What experiences have helped you come to know this truth? How can we receive this peace that Jesus offers?

 Sisters, please study this chapter and come prepared to discuss how, through the Savior, we can have peace in our lives, even during difficult times.

 I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

 Sister Marstella