Talk of the Week Club

Week 45: The Divine Gift of Gratitude

2011-11-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

As I considered what to share this month, I found this wonderful talk by President Monson from last year's October Conference. As we begin the Thanksgiving Season, we have an opportunity to focus on our many blessings and encouraging our families to also practice recognizing blessings. I just spoke with a mom who plans to challenge her children to write a thank you note each day to someone they know.

President Monson shares many wonderful insights. Here are a couple of my favorites:

--Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.

--Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had—and a miracle followed. (The 7 loaves and a few fishes miracle. Gratitude was expressed for the little they had.)

-- If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

--Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His words. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.

I am grateful for the inspiring story of Corrie & Betsie ten Boom from "The Hiding Place." They learned to thank God for the fleas in their prison room, for the fleas kept the guards away and allowed the sisters to conduct forbidden Bible study meetings. We don't usually have to look so hard or find things so unpleasant to be grateful for.

I would like to add my testimony that gratitude is a divine gift. Through it we open ourselves to feel the Spirit and Heavenly Father's love for us. The more we exercise this character trait, the more readily we see and feel gratitude for our countless blessings. Gratitude is one of our most meaningful forms of worship. You might like saying a gratitude only prayer.

A marvelous Season of Gratitude and Thanksgiving to each of you!

Much Love,

The Divine Gift Of Gratitude

President Thomas S. Monson

Text

Watch

Listen

Week 41: Opportunities to do Good

2011-10-13T20:17:00.002-06:00

Dear friends,

I hope you have enjoyed your week and that all is well with you. Today's message is from the Mormon Messages site. It is a wonderful example of how we can serve others in a time of need and how miracles can and do happen.

Have a blessed week,

*For best results in viewing, pause the music player on the right sidebar before watching the message*

Week 40: President Thomas S. Monson: Taking Temples to All the World

2011-10-07T00:02:00.002-06:00

Hello Friends!

I hope you had an amazing Conference Weekend. If you didn't yet get to hear Elder Holland's talk from the Priesthood Session, I highly recommend it. A friend recently sent some notes from Brother Coburn's Devotional at BYU-I titled "President Thomas S. Monson: Taking Temples to All the World." It was delightful to hear Brother Coburn's insights as President of the Temple Department. His personal stories of President Monson and details we don't often hear were a real treat for me.

He challenged us to write in our journals about this time of miraculous temple building and I realized I have come to expect that at each General Conference, and often in between, 3, 4 or 5 new temples are being announced. I never want to take for granted the miracle it is to witness the fulfillment of prophecy that temples will dot the earth. President Brigham Young promised there would be "hundreds of temples" throughout the earth! And in a time of economic uncertainty for the rest of the world, what a miracle that each of these is built to the highest specifications and fully paid for before it is dedicated.

Other things Brother Coburn challenged us to do are:

--read President Monson's Biography

--always have the temple in our sights

--attend often.

How grateful I am for a living Prophet who speaks to us and builds His holy temples.

Much love to each of you,

President Thomas S. Monson: Taking Temples to All the World

Thomas E. Coburn

MP3 Link

Text Link

Week 37: Agency and Love in Marriage

2011-09-15T21:45:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love it when someone sends you a message that contains exactly what YOU needed to hear? This past week a friend forwarded the following talk to me. It was wonderful to receive such a sweet message during a time when I needed answers. It was humbling however to recognize the things I need to do better to show Christ like love to my spouse and others. I hope you to will enjoy this message. If you are in need of further information on strengthening your marriage I recommend that you review the September 2011 Ensign magazine. It has many great articles on marriage and family.

Have a great week!

Agency and Love in Marriage

No Audio

Text link

Week 35: Teach Them to Understand

2011-09-01T21:40:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends,

I love the new start we get at the end of summer as we begin a new year of school and schedules. I often feel more energized to make changes and improvements in my life at this time than in the cold and dreariness of January. I discovered this gem by Elder Bednar and hope it will be as inspiriing and insightful for you as it has been for me. I am grateful for Elder Bednar's gifts as a teacher, a preacher really, as you will see by this devotional talk he gave in 1998 at the Ricks College Education Week.

His teaching has caused me to consider what I might do to better create an environment where we as parents invite the Spirit into our home. The Spirit is the master teacher for our children.Elder Bednar teaches that in our homes, we cannot hide from who we really are. This produces a desire for us to be better. Within a Christ-centered home, love, trust, and confidence invite the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. He explains that as children truly understand, action will follow. This will not be out of a desire to please us or stay out of trouble, but motivated by a desire to obtain promised blessings and fulfill pre-ordained missions. Why do we teach of the necessity of daily pray and scripture reading? Not to mark off our to do list, but to invite the Spirit and put us in a position to receive the daily revelation necessary for us to thrive each day in the world in which we live. His question to parents of "Please help me understand what it is in your life that is so important that you cannot make time for these spiritually essential activities" is still working in me as I plan and ponder and clear schedules to create the time we must have together as a family.

Enjoy! Love and Blessings to each of you as we begin a new Season,

Teach Them to Understand

David A. Bednar

Text Link

Audio Link

Week 31: To Always Remember Him

2011-08-04T21:21:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends,

As I read and pondered this devotional talk by Elder Christofferson, I once again felt great gratitude for the blessing of living Prophets and Apostles on the earth. Elder Christofferson teaches brought new insights and determination to me and increased my love for and understanding of the Savior's role. Truly, as we seek to know and remember our Savior more, we can always reach and stretch a little more.

Much Love,

To Always Remember Him- Text

Audio

Video

Week 23: A Father Indeed

2011-06-09T22:00:00.000-06:00

While in conversation, the other day with some friends, we started talking about family responsibity's. I listed all the things I do with my childen and how I am very much independent because my husband works long hours. When he is home, will soon find someone in need of help and go to the rescue, spend his time in our garage fixing a neighbor's car, or working on the upkeep of our home. While explaining this to our friends they brought up that my husband also helps with the children. I then related all the things he does for and with them. He tucks them in, he has changed diapers, fed them, coaches them in sports, and finds time to tease and play with them too. He has been such a wonderful example to me. Even on the late nights when the children have been put to bed before he has gotten home, soon after arriving home he will sneak into their rooms and kiss them goodnight. He has sacrificed and spent hours doing sidework to provide for us and to take us to Disneyland at least yearly. From this conversation I was reminded how important fathers are.

I remembered this Mormon Message from a few years ago. It has had such an impact on how I see my own father and husband. I am so grateful for the wonderful men in my life who have shown me how to love and be selfless. These men who have held me while I cried and cheered me on with great pride. They have been my strength and my examples. Thank you to you fathers who do so much. You are so very important and are so very much loved.

Have a blessed week,

Week 22: Your Potential, Your Privilege

2011-06-02T20:01:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends,

This week's Talk of the Week is "Your Potential, Your Privilege"
President Uchtdorf from the April 2011 General Conference Priesthood
Session. This month, our talks are focusing on Fatherhood and the roles
of the Priesthood. When I receive the Conference issue of the Ensign,
the Priesthood sessions are the first I read. I find much in them that
is applicable and helpful for me. I am grateful for President
Uchtdorf's masterful teaching and insights.

President Uchtdorf teaches that the blessings of the priesthood
transcend our ability to comprehend and that the fact that Heavenly
Father entrusts this power and responsibility to man is evidence of His
great jove for us and a foreshowing of our potential. He challenges
that we partake of the abundant feast available to us through Priesthood
opportunities. He encourages that our "do it" switch does not get
rotated to the "do it later" position and challenges that not a day goes
by without doing something to act on the promptings of the Spirit. He
encourages us to seek personal revelation and teaches that the
Priesthood is a channel through which the Almighty reveals Himself to
His children. If we do not seek to use this channel of revelation, we
are living beneath our privileges. He continues, "Think of what a
glorious thing it is to reach beyond our earthly limitations, to have
the eyes of our understanding opened and receive light and knowledge
from celestial sources!" He encourages that we feel the bliss that comes
from daily, practical priesthood service and that we may find true joy
in daily service.

A joyful June to you!

Much love,

Your Potential, Your Privilege

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Audio

Text

Week 21: What Have I Done For Someone Today?

2011-05-26T21:59:00.001-06:00

Back in March I told you of a wonderful, spiritual experience I had at my Stake Conference. I learned a lot, took many notes as the spirit prompted me, and I have begun to apply those things in my life more fully. It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today as this is all that is left of my beautiful stake center...

I live in the Joplin Missouri Stake and as many of you have already heard in news report after news report Joplin has suffered a devastating tornado which has left this beautiful city in shambles. Joplin has been reduced to rubble, even our dear sweet Stake President Creed Jones was unable to escape the devastation. However, with eternal perspective in mind his family is together, safe and sound. Right now that's what matters most.

In thinking about what occurred in Joplin on Sunday afternoon I felt like there were 2 things I could share with you this week.

The first is the website www.ldstornado.org

This is the website the church uses to assign out work orders in helping the victims of this horrific tornado. If you are able to help in anyway possible please check this website first.

The second is a beautiful talk by our Prophet President Thomas S. Monson which reminds us that our hands are the Lord's hands. Have you done any good today?

Read the talk HERE

I would like to challenge you this next week to remember those that are down trodden, those that have lost their homes, clothes, pets, friends, family members, schools, meetinghouses and so much more. Though far or near the people of Joplin could use your prayers and your service. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

Week 19: Daughters of God

2011-05-12T16:04:00.002-06:00

This week my grandfather passed away. With the emotions from that I haven't really felt up to finding a talk for the week. I was thinking about my memories of him though and remembered how he always seemed to be a champion for women. My grandmother passed away 18 years ago. He has always shared how much he loved and missed her. I remember each time I saw him while I was pregnant he seemed to be particularly gentle and at awe. This memory of him has helped me feel more self confident and important as a woman, mother and wife. I appreciate and will always remember his love and care for our family. I posted the following talk a few years ago and thought it was perfect for the topic of the importance of womanhood.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and be sure to give your loved ones a special hug and kiss.

(I found this and had to share it today as well)

I have been learning a lesson this past year about motherhood. In a conversation with my mother this past week I mentioned to her that I am finally seeing that being, "just a mom" is enough. In fact I feel that to be the mother I want to be, being a mother is all I can and want to do. There is no room for a much more. This has been a very hard lesson to learn. Heavenly Father has been trying to teach me this for a very long time! I am in no way saying that I have perfected this lesson. I am saying that I am finally seeing a slice of the big picture and this big picture is one that at times is hard for me to grasp!

I stumbled across this talk yesterday and have to admit that when I first heard it I felt a little frustrated. I realize now that my feelings stemmed from my own personal self doubt and even pride thinking that being a mother was not enough. As the years go by I get busier and busier with all sorts of good things. I am noticing that the things that bring me the most peace and joy are the things that relate to motherhood. Who knew that washing and folding laundry could bring a sense of peace and calm to ones heart! Well, let me tell you that it has for me. As much as I dread doing the mundane tasks of motherhood when I finally make time for them and I do so with a grateful or willing heart I feel wrapped up in a joy that feels as though heavenly arms are surrounding me, reassuring me that these tasks do in fact matter.

I hope you will enjoy this talk and I pray that you will listen to it with a grateful and willing heart so you can hear the things that are meant for you. Even if you are a husband, child, or mother of grown children this talk has a special message for all to hear.

Have a wonderful week enjoying the blessed tasks of mortality.

All my Love,
Shauntell

MP3 Link

Daughters of God
Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.

Week 18: Nourishing and Protecting the Family

2011-05-06T19:28:00.000-06:00

Happy Mother's Day friends! I hope this weekend will be a sweet time for each of you. As I was pondering and searching for a talk to share about motherhood and the roles of nurturing, I came across this wonderful talk from Sister Beck given at the 2009 BYU Women's Conference. Each time I hear Sister Beck speak, I think of the scripture "for such a time as this." She teaches us with such courage and clarity. How grateful I am for her insights and wisdom.

I am grateful for the specific teachings Sister Beck gives in this talk:

She reiterates that The Creation, The Fall and The Atonement are the three pillars of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Families are the key of our doctrine--families being established before the world was.
Male and Female spirits complete each other and are both needed to raise children.
Those who do not have the opportunity to bear children, will have every blessing in the next life.
At 17, the Prophet Joseph knew about the blessings of eternal families.
She calls on us to stand up and defend the family as the social restraints that once preserved and protected it have been removed.
Fight-fight against the power of the adversary against our families.

She quotes Joseph F. Smith"Whenever...temptations became most alluring and most tempting to me, the first thought that arose in my soul was this: remember the love of your mother." What an insight to us as mothers to keep trying! She teaches ."we will need the Spirit of the Lord with us in greater abundance in times to come than we have ever had. We need to be the ones seeking every day to qualify for the Spirit, to recognize the voice of the Spirit, and to follow the voice of the Spirit because other voices will lead us in the wrong ways." Difficult challenges are coming, but through our challenges we grow and will have eternal joy.

I hope Sister Beck's talk brings you much joy and that your Mother's Day is delightful for you.

Much love,

Nourishing and Protecting the Family

Julie Beck

MP3 HERE

Go HERE for the Text of this talk

Watch a video HERE

Week 17: None Where With Him

2011-04-28T21:03:00.000-06:00

This week I would just like to add my testimony to the beautiful, heartfelt testimony of Elder Holland, a true apostle of the Lord.
I KNOW that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I KNOW that He lives and that He loves us. I KNOW that despite all my shortcomings he loves me and he provided a way so that I could return to live with him once more.

I declare today that I will stand with the savior Jesus Christ at all times and in all things and in all places....even unto death. I'm so grateful for His atoning sacrifice. As the words in one of my favorite hymns says, "Oh it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me! Oh it is wonderful! Wonderful to me!"

Love,

Week 16: Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Repost

2011-04-21T09:31:00.000-06:00

Hey there!

As I read and listened to this talk - these words pierced me ... "If I had lived in the days of these prophets of old, would I have believed on their words? Would I have had faith in the coming of our Savior?"
WOULD I?
Would you?
“To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.“To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.” 3

Enjoy this talk! May we all come to deeply believe and then KNOW that HE is the Son of God and our personal Savior!

Your Sister in Christ -

MP3 Link

Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Robert D. Hales

Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement can bring us peace, hope, and understanding.

Believing in the Savior and His mission is so essential that it is the first principle of the gospel: “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 What is faith? In his epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul taught that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 2 And how do we gain faith? How do we gain evidence of our Savior, whom we have not seen? The scriptures teach us:
“To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
“To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.” 3
From the beginning of time, prophets have known that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, of His mortal mission, and of His Atonement for all mankind. Sacred records give the prophecies of thousands of years, not only of the first coming of our Savior but also of the Second Coming—a glorious day that will most assuredly come.
If we had lived in the days of these prophets of old, would we have believed on their words? Would we have had faith in the coming of our Savior?

Read the rest of this talk HERE

Week 15: I Know HE Lives

2011-04-14T22:18:00.001-06:00

Over the past few weeks I have pondered what I could and should say about my personal testimony of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have thought of how I first came to know He loved me. I have thought about how over the years I have seen His tender mercies. I am reminded of the times that as I have sinned I have plead for forgiveness and have felt His peace. I recall how recently during the loss of my pregnancy I felt Him beside me, looking upon me with compassion and offering His holy comfort. I have tried to narrow down a single talk that has helped me develop my knowledge of the Christ but the task still comes up short. There are too many to be shared in one email or blog post. So many moments that I can witness He lives. Instead I share with you my heart and though I am but one small, regular person in this universe, I know I am not alone in my personal tesitmony of Jesus Christ.

I know that my Redeemer, your Redeemer, our Savior lives.

I found a Mormon Message video from His appostles to share today so you don't have to just take my word for it. (before you play video please pause the music play on the right)

May you all feel and accept His love this week,

If you want to learn more about Jesus Christ please visit this site, Jesus Christ, The Son of God

Week 14: The Purifying Power of Gethsemane

2011-04-09T14:24:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

I am excited for the opportunity to focus on testimony of the Savior this month. As I pondered what to share, I remembered the powerful experience I had listening to Elder Bruce R. McConkie bear his last testimony of the Redeemer. I found these tender insights from his wife as shared by ward member Jane P. Merrill, which I believe only deepen the significance of his testimony:

The "I Believe in Christ Legacy" by Jane P. Merrill (Read the account from Sister McConkie by going to THIS link and a reference of the account mentioned is also found HERE)

I hope Elder McConkie's testimony blesses you as it has me. I am grateful that we continue to benefit from his powerful witness as we worship by singing the Hymn "I Believe in Christ."

Love and Blessings,

The Purifying Power of Gethsemane

Bruce R. McConkie

No Audio

Go HERE for the text

Here are YouTube Videos

Week 13: The Holy Ghost

2011-03-31T09:21:00.000-06:00

I have found that having the Holy Ghost as a Constant Companion is something that I have sometimes taken for granted. In light of the work that I need to do to prepare myself and my family to return to Heavenly Father, I have recommitted myself to live up to my "privilege of having the Holy Ghost with me at all times. I want the blessings that Joseph Smith promised the Sisters in the first Relief Society meeting:

“If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates. “

Here are two of my favorite talks on the Holy Ghost. Enjoy!

"Receive the Holy Ghost", David A. Bednar, Nov. 2010 Ensign, pg 94

Read HERE

          MP3

   2.    Rise to Your Call” November 2002 Ensign by Henry B. Eyring.

           Read HERE

           NO MP3

Week 12: Don't Leave for Tomorrow What You Can Do Today

2011-03-24T20:44:00.002-06:00

Recently, my husband and I were blessed to attend an adult session of our Stake Conference. I say blessed because finding a babysitter for 6 children on a night when everyone else would also be needing a babysitter is a big feat. I entered into the stake building, and found a seat towards the very front of the chapel. There were many people in attendance and I wanted to make sure I heard every word that was spoken, grasped every small detail, and that I could truly feel the spirit as it whispered truth into my soul. Of course, I know that I didn't need to be right upfront to accomplish this, but somehow it made me focus harder and listen longer. Much of the conference focused on the family, on rearing children in righteousness, and bringing them up in truth and light. Basically, they pounded the principle that “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.” (Family: A Proclamation to the World, 1995)

I took so many notes! I wrote down ideas as they came to me, little treasures that stood out to me in each talk, and quiet whisperings of the spirit.

I won't share all of my notes, that's a whole post all by itself, however a few of the most important things were:

"Being a mother is the highest calling I can have!!!!!!!!!" (Yes, I put that many exclamation points in my notes...)

Go forth with faith (maybe put a sign on the door that says this, so the kids see this it as they leave the house each day)<---this was a little bit of inspiration I received as I listened

Agency is not the right to do as we please but the right to do what is right

The home is the basis of righteous living.

I went home so filled with inspiration, with thoughts and ideas. I was filled to the brim with love for my children and love for the gospel. Then I got home. Somehow in the few short weeks since Stake Conference I've kind of forgotten the urgency I had to get home and put some of the thoughts I had into practice. I just keep putting of till tomorrow! To reinforce those thoughts, I decided to make the topic of my post this month, Family, more specifically raising children in light and truth and bringing our families to the gospel. I must have have read over a dozen talks trying to find just the right one to share with all of you, I finally chose the talk "Don't Leave for Tomorrow What You Can Do Today" given by Claudio R. M. Costa of the Seventy in the October 2007 General Conference. While the title of this talk may not sound like it's about family, it truly is. He explains the urgency we have to teach our children today, to offer acts of love and kindness to our family today because we never know what tomorrow might bring.

Don't Leave for Tomorrow What You Can Do Today

Claudio R. M. Costa

Read HERE

MP3 Link

Watch

Week 9: Follow the Prophet

2011-03-03T21:38:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends!

As I have pondered what to share for this Week's Talk of the Week, I felt impressed to share two brief talks from the October 2010 General Conference which both emphasized President Benson's "Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet ." I have thought it significant that two of the Seventy felt impressed to repeat what an earlier Apostle and future Prophet of the Church, Elder Ezra Taft Benson, taught about living prophets. Elder Duncan spoke at our Stake Conference just a couple of weeks before the October Conference and knew that he and Elder Costa would both be sharing the same "14 Fundamentals," yet the impression and urgency to testify of these truths burned within him. This past week, our missionary son began teaching a new investigator. As they showed him pictures of the Prophets of this Dispensation the man exclaimed about President Monson, "And he is living?!!"

As I have pondered these talks, I have wondered what I might do to better follow every word of the Prophet and how to prepare to quickly follow what future things he may ask us to do. I am grateful to know that "surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) Elder Duncan teaches that one of the crowning blessings of membership in this Church is being led by living prophets of God. I think the title of his talk is also significant "Our Very Survival."

"For his work ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

"For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory." (D & C 21:5-6)

How grateful I am for living Prophets and Apostles who teach us all things that are needful for us to know for our particular time and circumstances. I know that they speak for God and that as we heed their words we will be safe.

Love and Blessings,

Obedience to the Prophets

Claudio Costa

Listen HERE

Our Very Survival

Kevin R. Duncan

Listen HERE

Week 7: World Wide Leadership Training

2011-02-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

This week we have a special treat. Not only will you find a link for the MP3 version of the choosen talk but also you will find a link for a message from our contributor Sarah.

Sarah's message to you:
Click here

World Wide Leadership Training February 2011

Discussion on the Priesthood

Week 6: My Peace I Give Unto You

2011-02-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Since last month the topic of peace has been on my mind. I was planning on sharing something regarding peace this month and then I had an experience where I was granted the gift of peace during a trial that many women face and I wondered why I was so blessed. While listening to this talk I learned two specific things for me. First, how we arrive to peace doesn't matter and second, peace is rooted and comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I want to add my personal testimony that through our faith and hope in the Lord, Jesus Christ we can have peace in our hearts for even the most troubling personal issues. Turn to Him in prayer, seek for Him in scripture, look for the good He is giving you now and in the darkness of pain you will find Him. He will give you light, He will replace the pain with joy and He will give you peace. I know by personal experience that this is true. I have felt the Savior's caring and healing touch. I KNOW He lives.

May you be able to see your blessings,

My Peace I Give Unto You

Elder David A. Bednar

Mp3 Link

Transcript

Week 5: Unleashing the Dormant Spirit

2011-02-03T14:52:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends!

A friend shared this wonderful YouTube clip with me which inspired me to
further study Elder Busche's devotional talk "Unleashing the Dormant
Spirit." My greatest quest as a mother, wife, and disciple of Jesus
Christ is the constant companionship and recognition of the promptings
of the Holy Ghost in my life. I am grateful for Elder Busche's teaching
about this great gift that is to be ours every minute of every day. What
is it that I am holding back or unwilling to completely sacrifice that
removes me from this privilege? How do I awaken and deepen my desire
for this gift so that it overcomes all obstacles? Elder Busche gives a
wonderful, detailed checklist of questions we can ask ourselves to help
in our quest for the constant guidance of the Holy Ghost. He promises
that we will rejoice every day if we take the Holy Spirit as our guide.
It is through this gift that we will "abide the day" and will not be
deceived ( D & C 45:56-57) as we prepare for and participate in the
Second Coming of the Savior.

Much love to each of you,

MP3 and Transcript Link

Week 4: The Best is Yet To Be

2011-01-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

We're four weeks into a brand new year. 27 days down....648 hours...38,880 minutes. As you read this, seconds are ticking into the past. The New Year for me always signifies a fresh start, a new day, an exciting look towards the future. I recently read something that said, "Do you know why a car's windshield is so large and the rearview mirror is so small? It's because what's behind us isn't as important as what's ahead of us...so look ahead, move on and enjoy the journey" We are going through some major transitions in our home right now. We're adjusting to a new baby, 6 kids, a new city, a new home (8 people in a small 3 bdrm duplex), my husband returning to school for his Master's and living as "students" but with a huge family. With all these changes bring uncertainty, I don't know what lies ahead for us. I'd rather not admit it but I've spent the better part of the month wishing for yesterday. Wishing I could turn back the hands of time and change the last 4 months of craziness. Somedays I go farther back and dwell in the glory of days past and wallow in self pity of where I stand now. As I searched for comfort and prayed for guidance I found these words by Jeffrey R. Holland, "...faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives." I realize I need to exude more faith in the Lord. More faith in his plan for me and my family. More faith in the fact that he guided us here and we are in his hands. I need to stop doubting the Lord's ability to give me something more, something better than I've already had. In his time. I'm starting to feel like my future is bright...the best is yet to be.

My contribution this week is two part. First, please watch this Mormon Message entitled "New Year's: Look Not Behind Thee". Then listen to or read Jeffrey R. Holland's talk entitled, "The Best is Yet to Be"

**Before you play the video be sure to pause the music player on the right side of the blog**

MP3 and PDF text here

Text of talk here

Week 3: Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart and I Shall Heal You

2011-01-20T20:32:00.001-07:00

This week's talk is from the Priesthood Session October 2010. Yes, I love Elder Kearon's accent, but I also love the impact his talk has had on my life as well as that of my oldest son. Elder Kearon reminds all of us that when we come unto the Savior with FULL purpose of heart we can be healed. We have to listen and obey the council of those who are leading us (that means not wearing flip flops in the desert among other things). We must not respond with laziness and rebelliousness when it comes to living the gospel.

Have you been stung by a scorpion? If so, return to HIM for healing and peace.

MP3 Link

Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You

Elder Patrick Kearon

Tonight I would like to share a message of comfort and healing with any of you who feels alone or forsaken, has lost peace of mind or heart, or feels that you have thrown away your last chance. Complete healing and peace can be found at the feet of the Savior.....

Read the rest HERE

Week 2: Fundamental To Our Faith

2011-01-13T18:45:00.002-07:00

I recently read this weeks talk choice from the January 2011, Ensign Magazine. As I read the address given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks to the faculty and students of Harvard Law School, I was amazed at his courage! I can't imagine speaking to those of our faith about this topic let alone try to educate very educated people about our beliefs.

What I loved most about this article was the simplicity of the message as well as the description of our beliefs. I loved how he put everything in a way that would be easy to understand as well as easy for us to use in our conversations to those who want to know more about who we really are and what we really believe.

One of my most favorite lines is found in the section on "The Purpose of Mortal Life". It explains why families are so important to our religion. I have personally grown in understanding and testimony of the importance of a complete family, meaning a mother, father and the children during the past six months as we have had the unique opportunity to help a child without this blessing. I even wondered why I was feeling so passionate about my newly developed testimony. This line helped me to understand what I was feeling as a truth of the Lord's plan of happiness.

We look on the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God’s plan and a sacred duty of those given the power to participate in it. We believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity. And we believe that we must contend for the kind of mortal families that provide the best conditions for the development and happiness of children—all children.

Notice how it says "we must contend" for this kind of family? Elder Oaks also explains that this desire to have a family is extended to ALL children. Knowing and understanding this truth has given me a greater desire to have a close mortal family as well as a challenge to look for those whom we could help. I know that with prayerful consideration the Lord will guide us to those whom we can help as well as ways to help them.

Lastly the Ensign gives a challenge that I think is worth taking. We are challenged to share this article with those who could benefit. From the link I share below you will be taken to the site of the article. There is an easy way to share just by clicking on the "share" button.

May your week be abundantly blessed!

MP3 Link

Fundamental To Our Faith

Dallin H. Oaks

....I have chosen three clusters of truths to present as fundamental premises of the faith of Latter-day Saints:

1. The nature of God, including the role of the three members of the Godhead and the corollary truth that there are moral absolutes.

2. The purpose of life.

3. The threefold sources of truth about man and the universe: science, the scriptures, and continuing revelation—and how we can know them......

Go HERE to read the entire article.

Volume III Week 1: A Gift Worthy of Added Care

2011-01-06T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! Happy New Year!

As I look to the year ahead and consider changes I need and want to make in my life, spiritual changes are those I most desire. I was very impressed by "A Gift Worthy of Added Care," by Elder Neil L. Andersen in the December 2010 Ensign. I am grateful that the Ensign provides a medium for us to frequently read from Prophets and Apostles. I appreciate Elder Anderson's witness that the Holy Ghost:

enlightens our minds and fills our souls with joy
shows us what we should do
sanctifies us
can influence seekers of truth
is a gift for all if we diligently seek our way back to our heavenly home.

Elder Andersen counseled us to make the gift of the Holy Ghost a conscious, daily, prayerful part of our lives. He encouraged us that even in our weaknesses, we can feel him and that we must pray, ask, and seek and then not be afraid when answers come into our mind and heart. We need to keep our hearts open to this gift. Elder Anderson cautions us to be vigilant about what we allow to influence our spirits and to provide quiet, reflective times for us and our children. He counseled us more than once to never postpone a prompting. He quotes the Lord, in speaking of His Second Coming, who emphasized that the gift of the Holy Ghost must be powerfully active among His Saints: "For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived--verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day" (D&C 45:57) He closes with a promise that as evil increases in the world, there will be a compensating power of the gift of the Holy Ghost for the righteous.

Wonderful promises and blessings for each of us,

MP3 Link

A Gift Worthy of Added Care

Neil L. Andersen

It has been more than 50 years, but I vividly remember Christmas morning 1959. With childish anticipation, I hoped desperately for a new bicycle. My older brother and sister and I shared the same bicycle, a 24-inch (61 cm) antique we had each used to learn to ride. It had long been less than stylish, and I had appealed to my parents for a new bicycle. Looking back, I am a little embarrassed that I did not have more sensitivity to the cost of such a present to a family with limited income.

Christmas morning came, and I leaped up the stairs from our basement bedroom. Running into the living room, I looked in vain for a bicycle. My heart dropped as I noticed a small present under my stocking, and I tried to control my disappointment.

As we sat as a family in the living room, my father asked me to get a knife from the adjoining kitchen so we could open a box holding a present for my brother. I walked into the small kitchen and fumbled for the light switch to find my way. As the light illuminated the room, my excitement soared. Right before me stood a beautiful black 26-inch (66 cm) bicycle! For many years I rode that bicycle, took care of it, watched over it, and befriended it—a gift long appreciated and treasured.

Read the rest HERE

Week 50: Holiday Greetings

2010-12-16T22:21:00.001-07:00

With the holiday season well in full swing I thought it would be fun to share some of my current favorite Mormon Messages. I just love these little videos. They are great for a pick me up and they aren't too long either. These three were some I watched recently that were full of christmas spirit. I hope you enjoy them too!

Love and blessings,

**Before you play them be sure to pause the music player on the right side of the blog**

Week 49: A Prayer for the Children

2010-12-09T19:39:00.001-07:00

This talk was inspired by a repentant heart, mine. Have you ever gone somewhere with your children that you thought was harmless only to reflect later on the eternal implcations that it might produce. That happened to me this week.

I am recommitted to looking at all aspects of my choices - Who will be there? What will it look like to others? What will my kids think of the experience? and on and on!

I am grateful for new beginnings and the Atonement and I pray that my children will make great choices in their life!

MP3 Link

A Prayer for the Children

Jeffery R. Holland

At the close of His first day teaching among the Nephite faithful, the resurrected Jesus turned His attention to a special audience which often stands just below the level of our gaze, sometimes nearly out of sight.
The sacred record says: “He commanded that their little children should be brought [forward]. . . .
“And . . . when they had knelt upon the ground, . . . he himself also knelt . . . ; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed cannot be written, . . . so great and marvelous [were the] things . . . [He did] speak unto the Father. . . .
“. . . When Jesus had made an end of praying . . . , he arose; . . . and . . . wept, . . . and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and [again] prayed unto the Father for them.
“And when he had done this he wept again; . . . [saying] unto the multitude, . . . Behold your little ones.”

We cannot know exactly what the Savior was feeling in such a poignant moment, but we do know that He was “troubled” and that He “groaned within himself” over the destructive influences always swirling around the innocent.1 We know He felt a great need to pray for and bless the children.
Read the rest HERE.

Week 48: That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior

2010-12-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

Happy December! I hope this Christmas Season will be one of joy and peace for you. As I have looked forward to sharing this month, I reviewed Sister Cheryl C. Lant's April 2010 Conference Talk "That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior." Is there anything we want more for ourselves or our children than to see the face of the Savior? Christmastime gives us a unique opportunity to remember and seek Him more as we are given extra daily reminders of our Savior and His love for us. I have two friends who have recently shared ideas about remembering Him during this season-- one adorns her tree with pictures of the Savior, another's daughter found their ornament of the baby Jesus and asked where they should place in on their tree--then responded, "Right in Front!" Isn't that where we want the Savior to be now and always?

I appreciate Sister Lant's insights on what we can do to see the face of the Savior. She teaches that coming to Christ and eventually seeing His face, comes only as we draw close to Him through our faith and our actions. It comes from a lifetime of effort. As we seek to bring our children to the Savior, we also bring ourselves. First, we must Love the Lord with all our hearts and we must love our Children. Second, we must be a worthy example by continually seeking the Lord and striving to live the Gospel. Third, we must teach our children the Gospel and how to live its teachings.

She asks, "What do my children see when they look at my face? Do they see the image of the Savior in my countenance because of how I live my life?...we are the ones given a sacred, noble stewardship ...to encircle today's children with love and the fire of faith and and understanding of who they are...we are the angels that Heavenly Father has sent today to bless the children...we can help them see the face of the Savior as we teach principles of the gospel and fill our homes with the joy of living them. "

May this be a wonderful season of seeking the Savior for each of us.

Much love,

Noni

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Week 46: The Divine Gift of Gratitude

2010-11-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Design by www.shabbyprincess.com

A very fitting topic for this month and our upcoming holiday next week, Gratitude. The talk I featured today is from the most recent General Conference. I read it to my family last night and truly felt gratitude for this great man, President Thomas S. Monson. His simple way of story telling really helps to bring his message straight to one's heart. There were several quotes from this talk that I loved below is one of them.

"A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don’t get around to it. Someone has said that “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

I made a handout above as a reminder to learn to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. I hope you can have a great Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy this message too.

MP3 Link

The Divine Gift of Gratitude

Thomas S. Monson

...My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.

My beloved friend President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.”

In the book of Matthew in the Bible, we have another account of gratitude, this time as an expression from the Savior. As He traveled in the wilderness for three days, more than 4,000 people followed and traveled with Him. He took compassion on them, for they may not have eaten during the entire three days. His disciples, however, questioned, “Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?” Like many of us, the disciples saw only what was lacking.

“And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And [the disciples] said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

“And [Jesus] commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

“And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.”

Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had—and a miracle followed: “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.”

We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings. Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Read the complete talk HERE.

Week 45: For God Did Send Me

2010-11-11T22:42:00.002-07:00

This week's talk is one I used for a talk I gave in my ward a few weeks ago. One of my favorite parts is the analogy of a puzzle and how our lives are just like one.

"Our lives are a little like a jigsaw puzzle. The Lord has the finished picture on the box, but we don’t. We can begin turning pieces over and putting in place the corners and edges that make up the framework already revealed to us through the words of prophets, ancient and modern. Then we might start to guess at how the middle pieces should go together. If we get our mind set on the picture we envision, we may completely miss the picture the Lord intends. Although we can do much to discover which pieces fit where, we need His guidance to complete the picture. As we work on the puzzle and struggle trying pieces together for a fit, He guides us as he helps us see a fit here or there that we hadn’t noticed before. Occasionally He will show us that an entire section of the puzzle fits at the top of the picture, not at the bottom as we had imagined. Then we keep working."

I've had so many questions come up lately in my own mind. Questions like why are my finances not as blessed as so and so, why have I had to have so much struggle in my life, even why am I not famous yet! :) Today I had a very humbling experience as I went to a Single Mothers Seminar as a guest. As I listened to the stories of these dear single mothers I felt gently chastised and was humbly reminded of all that I DO have. My puzzle according to me was not fitting together well but God knew exactly how beautiful my puzzle was and tonight He showed me that I needed to rearrange some of my pieces or the way I thought about my life experiences to match the picture on the box He created for me.

I dare say we all go through moments like this, where we question our life's path. I can say that the Lord does answer our questions. I know He sends each of us EXACTLY where we need to be, gives us exactly the challenges or blessings we need to DO the work or fill the empty spot in someone elses puzzle. I am so grateful for this knowledge and for all of you who have been a piece of my puzzle, completing the beauty and complexity of my life. I am also so grateful to have a loving Father in Heaven and Savior who are so patient with my stubborness and so gently encourage me to rearrange my puzzle pieces now and then.

All my love and prayers,

NO MP3

For God Did Send Me

Casey Hurley

Read the Talk HERE

Week 44: The Constitution--A Glorious Standard

2010-11-04T16:23:00.000-06:00

This week's talk is "The Constitution--a Heavenly Banner" a devotional given by President Ezra Taft Benson 16 September 1986. I recently read this talk and felt there is much more I must do to follow a prophet of God. Here are a few points that especially impressed me. The following are quotes from President Benson:

The war that began in heaven over this issue (agency) is not yet over. The conflict continues on the battlefield of mortality. And one of Lucifer's primary strategies has been to restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments.

Freedom as we know it has been experienced by perhaps less than one percent of the human family.

In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Savior declared, "I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose" (D&C 101:80). These were not ordinary men, but men chosen and held in reserve by the Lord for this very purpose.

The Lord approved the Constitution.

A constitution was therefore designed to limit government to certain enumerated functions, beyond which was tyranny.

"Our constitution," said John Adams (first vice-president and second president of the United States), "was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

In the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer, given on March 27, 1836, the Lord directed the Prophet Joseph to say: "May those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever" (D&C 109:54).

For the past two centuries, those who do not prize freedom have chipped away at every major clause of our Constitution until today we face a crisis of great dimensions.

We are fast approaching that moment prophesied by Joseph Smith when he said:

Even this Nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the Staff up[on] which the Nation shall lean and they shall bear the constitution away from the very verge of destruction.

Will we be prepared?

Will we be among those who will "bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction"? If we desire to be numbered among those who will, here are some things we must do:

1. We must be righteous and moral. We must live the gospel principles--all of them.

2. We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then abide by its precepts. Have we read the Constitution and pondered it? Are we aware of its principles? Could we defend it? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound?

3. We must become involved in civic affairs.

4. We must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, and our advice.

I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. But it will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church--men and women who will subscribe to and abide by the principles of the Constitution.

We, the blessed beneficiaries, face difficult days in this beloved land, "a land which is choice above all other lands" (Ether 2:10). It may also cost us blood before we are through. It is my conviction, however, that when the Lord comes, the Stars and Stripes will be floating on the breeze over this people. May it be so, and may God give us the faith and the courage exhibited by those patriots who pledged their lives and fortunes that we might be free..." (End President Benson's quotes.)

I am grateful for Prophets of God and pray that each of us might step up to protect the Constitution.

Much love,

The Constitution--A Glorious Standard

President Ezra Taft Benson

Read the article HERE

Week 42: What is Your Calling in Life?

2010-10-21T14:51:00.001-06:00

My Top 5 Takeaways from this talk were:

1. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause...for the POWER is in them! D&C 58:27-28

2. Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in capacity. Just because they are not listed in D&C 46:11-12 does not mean that you do not have a certain gift or that you can not seek to develop a gift. Come to KNOW yourself and define yourself by your gifts and not by the JOB that you do or the title you hold. Develop and show others the VALUE of your gifts. Serve others.

3. Some days will be full of sacrifice.

4. KNOW that the world may not take notice of the work you have been called to do. That does not mean that God does not notice. Live and work to glorify God and amplify your gifts.

5. Meaningfulness at work MUST NOT distract us from the more important things of eternal value.

Hugs -

MP3 Link

What is Your Calling in Life?

Jeffery Thompson

Read the talk HERE.

Week 39: Charity Never Faileth

2010-09-30T16:30:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends,

This Week's talk is President Monson's talk from the 2010 General Relief Society Meeting. As I watched this talk, I realized how much I have come to love and revere our Prophet. It is amazing to me that he can bring us all to laughter without saying a word as he begins his talk. I am grateful for his powerful reminder of something I need much improvement with. He is a master teacher. His visual parables have given me much to ponder as I seek to apply his counsel. What powerful stories he shared! I appreciate his quote from Mother Teresa that "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." I also appreciate his insights about charity as it applies to how we look at each other.

How blessed we are to have a Prophet of God who speaks to us of things significant and applicable today. I think the Relief Society meeting is the perfect segway to prepare our hearts and minds to receive more direction from the Savior this coming weekend. I know as we prayerfully consider and prepare, answers will come and testimonies will be strengthened. Truly, we have the opportunity to sit at the feet of the Savior and be taught by the Spirit as we listen to Prophets and Apostles.

A wonderful Conference weekend to you,

Charity Never Faileth

President Thomas S. Monson

MP3 Link

Our souls have rejoiced tonight and reached toward heaven. We have been blessed with beautiful music and inspired messages. The Spirit of the Lord is here. I pray for His inspiration to be with me now as I share with you some of my thoughts and feelings.

I begin with a short anecdote which illustrates a point I should like to make.
A young couple, Lisa and John, moved into a new neighborhood. One morning while they were eating breakfast, Lisa looked out the window and watched her next-door neighbor hanging out her wash.
“That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t know how to get clothes clean!”
John looked on but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, Lisa would make the same comments.
A few weeks later Lisa was surprised to glance out her window and see a nice, clean wash hanging in her neighbor’s yard. She said to her husband, “Look, John—she’s finally learned how to wash correctly! I wonder how she did it.”
John replied, “Well, dear, I have the answer for you. You’ll be interested to know that I got up early this morning and washed our windows!”
Tonight I’d like to share with you a few thoughts concerning how we view each other. Are we looking through a window which needs cleaning? Are we making judgments when we don’t have all the facts? What do we see when we look at others? What judgments do we make about them?
Said the Savior, “Judge not.”1 He continued, “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”2 Or, to paraphrase, why beholdest thou what you think is dirty laundry at your neighbor’s house but considerest not the soiled window in your own house?
None of us is perfect. I know of no one who would profess to be so. And yet for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others. We make judgments concerning their actions or inactions.
There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. Thus the commandment: “Judge not.” Read the rest HERE.

Week 38: When My Prayers Seem Unanswered

2010-09-23T21:01:00.002-06:00

I have shared this talk before but recently I have been hearing about this topic again. I wanted to share this talk once more because of its wonderful counsel and help in understanding the way the Lord answers our prayers.

I recently experienced an answer to a prayer that I have been asking for more than 18 years! While traveling alone from an appointment. In the solitude of my van the Lord answered my hearts prayer peacefully and quietly. I felt overwhelmed by the simplicity of the answer. Then as if to prove further the answer was true, my mind was filled with memories of experiences I have had over the past years that have prepared me to receive and accept the words sent to my heart and mind at this time. Little did I know that over the years, my prayers were indeed being answered by the Lord. He was preparing a "holding place in my heart to put the answer". I will never be able to look at my past again without deep gratitude and humility.

I know the Lord Jesus Christ lives! I know He loves us. I know that more than anything He wants to rescue us from our mortal strife and He has through his atoning sacrifice. Never ever give up. When things get to where they seem to hard to bear remember that somewhere somehow He is answering your prayer and that you are deeply and personally known and loved.

All my love,

MP3 Link

When My Prayers Seem Unanswered

S. Michael Wilcox

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Week 37: Blessings Upon our Heads

2010-09-16T19:34:00.002-06:00

Hello Friends,

This week's talk is "Blessings Upon our Heads" by John S. Tanner,
husband of Susan W. Tanner and author of the text for Hymn 138 "Bless
Our Fast.". The start of the school year is a second new beginning for
us. We set goals in January, but also enjoy a new start in the Fall as
our family returns to a bit more of a schedule and we try more
diligently to incorporate things we hope will bless our family. I love
the Hymns and have a testimony of their power to lift, inspire, and
comfort. Now we are striving to use them even more frequently to bless
our family. Throughout my days, it is often the words of hymns that come
to mind as I ponder solutions to challenges or seek encouragement. I
know of no faster way to invite the Spirit than through listening to
sacred music.

Our family enjoys singing a Hymn as we begin our scripture study. This
consistently gives me a spiritual and emotional boost. We sing through
the Hymn book and it has been wonderful to become familiar with each of
the Hymns. They are powerful teachers of truth. I love the promise that
the song of the righteous is a prayer and will be answered with a
blessing upon our heads. (D&C 25:12) I feel those blessings!

I am grateful for the medium Hymns provide us to worship as they best
communicate my feelings for our Father and His Son. I appreciate
Brother Tanner's teaching that "music doubles the delight and deepens
the power of words to teach...music brings the message home to our
hearts." Truly the Hymns do bring blessings upon our heads.
How grateful I am for the them--for their power to teach, elevate and
edify.I am especially grateful for the medium they provide for us to
express our adoration for Our Heavenly Father and for the Savior.

Love and Blessings,

Note: Hymns can be downloaded on-line at THIS link or CD's of the Hymns can be

purchased through distribution centers. Giving a Hymnbook and the Hymn

CD's have become my favorite wedding gifts to share.

NO MP3 link

Blessing Upon our Heads

John S. Tanner

In the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord declares that He delights “in the song of the heart” and that He will answer “the song of the righteous … with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C 25:12). The Lord has surely showered blessings upon me and my family as we have sung hymns to Him with all our hearts. Through hymns, I have taught and been taught lasting and life-changing gospel lessons. The hymns have moved me to “repentance and good works,” strengthened my “testimony and faith,” comforted me, consoled me, and deepened my determination to endure. 1 I have felt the Spirit through the hymns in powerful ways. Indeed, some of my sweetest and most tender spiritual experiences are associated with hymn singing.

I recall a precious family experience on a Sunday evening not long ago, when my wife, Susan, and I spontaneously gathered around the piano with our teenage children and a few of their friends to sing the songs of Zion. This scene has been repeated often in our family. On this occasion, I went to the living room by the piano and started to sing. Soon I was joined by Susan, who sang with and accompanied me. One by one our children joined us. One daughter brought her friends. As we sang, the Spirit came tangibly into the room, filling our hearts with love for the Lord and for each other. We each chose favorite hymns. The texts let us speak of truths that lay close to our hearts, while the music let us express tender feelings of testimony and joy which, in contemporary culture, parents and teenage children rarely share so openly or without embarrassment.

As I looked around the room, my heart swelled with joy, and I felt the urge to seize this precious moment in time, for “the fugitive moment refuses to stay.” 2 So I fixed the scene in my mind as a treasure for future reflection, like Wordsworth’s jocund daffodils, 3 and will remember always that tender tableau of loved ones gathered around the piano, fervently singing hymns from our hearts as the sun cast its soft, fading glow on a peaceful Sabbath. Surely this moment was a taste of heaven on earth and a foretaste of what joys await us in heaven when we shall sing a new song before the throne of God (see Rev. 5:9; Rev. 14:2–3). We lifted our hearts in song to God, and He answered with a blessing upon our heads.
Read the rest HERE.

Week 34: Christlike Attributes-The Wind Beneath Our Wings Repost

2010-08-26T06:10:00.019-06:00

**Reposted from THIS week**

As I thought about what I should share with you this week I was completely at a loss until my October Ensign arrived on Monday afternoon. As if an answer to my prayer I began to read it hoping to receive some direction. I was so happy when I found President Dieter Uchtdorf’s talk entitled “Christ-like Attributes-the Wind Beneath our Wings,” which was originally given in the October 2005 session of general conference. THIS WAS IT!

In July, I was asked to give a talk in Sacrament meeting in front of my brand new ward (in a brand new state) on the topic of DEVELOPING CHRIST-LIKE ATTRIBUTES. I was excited, I was scared, and I was an emotional wreck! I am a fairly good writer but when speaking in front of large groups I sometimes find it hard to put two sentences together without stumbling over my words. Along with the Preach My Gospel manual I used the above-mentioned talk to help guide me through what I needed to say. Through much prayer and preparation the thoughts came easily and I was able to deliver my talk.

After reading it again, listening to the mp3 and re-watching it on my computer through lds.org (don’t you just love the internet?!) I felt doubly impressed to share it with all of you as you too strive to live according to the basic gospel principles and develop Christ-like attributes.

CHALLENGE: This week I suggest choosing a specific attribute you would like to work on. Write it down and include a definition and a description of the attribute. Search your scriptures for passages that teach about the attribute you are working on. Apply that in your life and pray for the Lord to help you more fully draw closer to Christ as you develop the attribute. As you do so, it will become easier to emulate Christ in all your doings. Remember, that learning to be Christ-like is a lifelong pursuit!!!! : )

MP3 Link

Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

My dear brothers and sisters, my dear friends:

During my professional life as an airline pilot, I sometimes had passengers visit the cockpit of my Boeing 747. They asked about the many switches, instruments, systems, and procedures and how all this technical equipment would help such a huge and beautiful airplane fly.

As with all pilots, I enjoyed the fact that they were impressed by the apparent complexity of this plane and that they wondered what kind of magnificent and brilliant person it takes to operate it! At this point of my story, my wife and children would kindly interrupt and say with a twinkling in their eyes, "Pilots are born with a great measure of natural humility!"

To the visitors in my cockpit, I would explain that it takes a great aerodynamic design, many auxiliary systems and programs, and powerful engines to make this flying machine equal to the task of bringing comfort and safety to those joining the flight.

To simplify my explanation by focusing on the basics, I would add that all you really need is a strong forward thrust, a powerful upward lift, and the right aircraft attitude, and the laws of nature will carry the 747 and its passengers safely across continents and oceans, over high mountains and dangerous thunderstorms to its destination.

In recent years, I have often contemplated that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites us to ask similar questions. What are the basics, the fundamental principles of our membership in the kingdom of God on earth? After all is said and done, what will really carry us at times of greatest need to our desired eternal destination?
Read the rest HERE.

Week 33: Zion is the Pure in Heart

2010-08-19T06:00:00.002-06:00

I heard this talk and just had to share it!

Have a loving and blessed week,

MP3 Link

Zion Is the Pure in Heart

Elaine S. Dalton

It is a privilege to stand before you this evening. I want to thank everyone in the choir for that beautiful music. Thank you so much for the spirit that you brought. And thank you for the beautiful prayer. I am happy and humbled to be here, and I pray that tonight each of you will know how much the Lord loves you. I want you to know how deeply I love you.

I am happy that my husband, Steve, and members of my family are also here. I love my husband. He and I attended Brigham Young University, and it is here where we made the decision to marry. I think it is interesting that I am standing before you on our wedding anniversary. Happy anniversary, dear! You know, we have been married as long as it took to build the Salt Lake Temple! Or for the children of Israel to wander in the wilderness! And everything we have to show for it is sitting right here on the front row. Our children are our treasures. I love them. I love being their mother. I have watched them grow in the gospel and be tutored from pulpits of the Church. And I am grateful that they have chosen to heed the counsel of prophets, seers, and revelators.

I have watched the youth of the Church grow in the gospel. I have a unique and special connection with the young women because of the years in which I have served as a member of the Young Women general presidency. We have essentially gone through the Young Women years together. We’ve earned our Young Women medallions together. We have stood every week and repeated the words of the Young Women theme together: “We are daughters. … We will ‘stand.’ … We believe … , we will be prepared.”1 I think of you as my young women. And I have seen many of you young men as you have received and advanced in the priesthood, honored your covenants and priesthood power, and prepared for and served missions throughout the world. I have met many of you in your mission fields. You are my heroes! You are amazing in your strength and courage and desire for righteousness.
Read the rest HERE.

Week 32: To Know and be Known of God Repost

2010-08-12T05:53:00.003-06:00

**Reposted from this week**

Dear Friends,

I am so excited about this weeks talk and the subject matter. While I was researching for the talk I had an experience that prompted a thought that I should study and get to know the Savior better. I decided that by the law of attraction if I where to study the Savior and His characteristics that maybe just maybe I would attract some of those into my life and I would be a better wife and mother. It is amazing how these thoughts started and how the ways were given to begin my study. I want invite you all on my journey, "To Know and to Be Known of God". Over the next few weeks I will study some of the characteristics of Christ. I thought I would base my studies on these scriptures found in Alma 9:26-27 "...the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, equity, and truth, full of patience, mercy, and long suffering, quick to hear the cries of His people and to answer their prayers. And behold, He cometh to redeem those who will be baptized unto repentance, through faith on His name." If you have a great talk or insight on any of these characteristics please feel free to share!

Here is one of my favorite quotes from this weeks talk. I think it sums up why it is so important for us all to come unto the Savior and to know Him and and be known of Him. "The more we know of Jesus, the more we will love Him. The more we know of Jesus the more we will trust Him. The more we know of Jesus, the more we will want to be like Him and to be with Him by becoming the manner of men and women that He wishes us to be." [Neal A. Maxwell, "Plow in Hope", Ensign, May 2001, 60]

Enjoy the journey,

Shauntell

MP3 link:

To Know and to Be Known of God

MARY WILLIAMS

In a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith to David Whitmer, we are told that eternal life "is the greatest of all the gifts of God" (D&C 14:7). When we understand that the entire work and glory of the Savior is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39), a most significant question for us is "How do we obtain eternal life?" The Savior provided the key in His great intercessory prayer recorded by John, the beloved apostle: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). The key, then, to eternal life is to know God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Read the rest HERE.

Week 31: Sister Julie B. Beck

2010-08-05T17:40:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends,

I have been anxiously awaiting the posting of this talk by Sister Beck so that I could share it with you. I hope it lifts and inspires you as it has me. I am so grateful for Sister Beck's leadership at this critical time and for her willingness to teach and counsel us so clearly. I know that she has been foreordained to lead us at this pivitoltime in the earth's history. She speaks with urgency about holding emergency meetings, gaining more fromour temple worship, and details how we can qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation--the single most important ability we can acquire in this life. I know as we study and ponder her words and work to apply them, great and eternal blessings will come to each of us and our families.

Love and Blessings,

Video Link

BYU Women's Conference

Juile B. Beck

As I have thought about this meeting, I have had the Spirit confirm to me that this—like many other meetings that I have enjoyed while visiting South America, Central America, Mexico, and other parts of the world this past year, and that I have felt every time I meet with the sisters of the Church—is an emergency meeting and a training meeting, a time for us to learn. I feel a great urgency for the daughters of God to do all they need to do to strengthen and lift not only themselves, their families, sisters who are in their wards, but also the world. I feel that the sisters in this Church who know and understand their covenants will be a significant force in helping this world, which seems to have lost its moral moorings.

If the sisters who have made covenants with God know what they are supposed to do, that they are in for the long haul, and that they are in with all their faith, then this world will be okay and we will be all right. The theme of the conference is, “Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you. Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.”1 What a beautiful theme.

As we visit today I will cover three things. What it means to choose to serve the Lord, what that spirit is that is put upon us, and how we walk with the Lord. Read the rest HERE.

Week 30: Good, Better, Best

2010-07-29T09:35:00.002-06:00

Today is another 5th week, so the talk comes from one of our club members, Becky Church. She shares this:

I thought I would send one of my all time favorite talks. It was given in the October 2007 Conference. It is by Elder Dallin H. Oaks called "Good, Better, Best". This talk is dear to my heart. As a mother of 5 children I struggled to find a way to decide what kinds of activities to have my kids involved in...and as you know there are more activities than time. Anyway, this talk was a real inspiration in helping me realize what is really important and then prioritize the rest. I don't know if you have already used it...but here it is...one of my favorites...

Becky Church

Thanks for sharing with us Becky! Remember if you run across a talk that you just love and would like to share you can email a little message and the talk title or link to the talk to talkoftheweek@gmail.com and we will take care of the rest!

MP3 Link

Good, Better, Best

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.
Most of us have more things expected of us than we can possibly do. As breadwinners, as parents, as Church workers and members, we face many choices on what we will do with our time and other resources.
I.
We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.

Jesus taught this principle in the home of Martha. While she was "cumbered about much serving" (Luke 10:40), her sister, Mary, "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word" (v. 39). When Martha complained that her sister had left her to serve alone, Jesus commended Martha for what she was doing (v. 41) but taught her that "one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (v. 42). It was praiseworthy for Martha to be "careful and troubled about many things" (v. 41), but learning the gospel from the Master Teacher was more "needful." The scriptures contain other teachings that some things are more blessed than others (see Acts 20:35; Alma 32:14–15).

A childhood experience introduced me to the idea that some choices are good but others are better. I lived for two years on a farm. We rarely went to town. Our Christmas shopping was done in the Sears, Roebuck catalog. I spent hours poring over its pages. For the rural families of that day, catalog pages were like the shopping mall or the Internet of our time.

Something about some displays of merchandise in the catalog fixed itself in my mind. There were three degrees of quality: good, better, and best. For example, some men’s shoes were labeled good ($1.84), some better ($2.98), and some best ($3.45).1

As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.

Read the rest HERE

Week 28: Continue in Patience

2010-07-14T09:41:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends,

Is it just me or do you WANT WHAT YOU WANT and YOU WANT IT NOW? Patience is sometimes - ok more often than not - hard for me! Among other things President Uchdorf's talk taught me that patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. It is ACTIVE - working, hoping, exercising faith even when the desires of our heart to not come when we want them too. The character traits of Godly patience will help us in our leadership in callings, parenting, and in the service to the people in our sphere of influence. I pray that I will employ in my life the things he taught in this talk - especially not giving up on myself or on those we love most.

Enjoy your week!

MP3 Link

Continue in Patience

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

In the 1960s, a professor at Stanford University began a modest experiment testing the willpower of four-year-old children. He placed before them a large marshmallow and then told them they could eat it right away or, if they waited for 15 minutes, they could have two marshmallows.

He then left the children alone and watched what happened behind a two-way mirror. Some of the children ate the marshmallow immediately; some could wait only a few minutes before giving in to temptation. Only 30 percent were able to wait.

It was a mildly interesting experiment, and the professor moved on to other areas of research, for, in his own words, “there are only so many things you can do with kids trying not to eat marshmallows.” But as time went on, he kept track of the children and began to notice an interesting correlation: the children who could not wait struggled later in life and had more behavioral problems, while those who waited tended to be more positive and better motivated, have higher grades and incomes, and have healthier relationships.

What started as a simple experiment with children and marshmallows became a landmark study suggesting that the ability to wait—to be patient—was a key character trait that might predict later success in life.
Read the rest HERE

Week 27: Mothers and Daughters

2010-07-08T23:04:00.001-06:00

This month at Talk of the Week we are going to share our favorite conference talks from April. I chose this talk today because I remember so distinctly listening to it. I especially remember these two line from it;

"Popular culture today often makes women look silly, inconsequential, mindless, and powerless. It objectifies them and disrespects them and then suggests that they are able to leave their mark on mankind only by seduction—easily the most pervasively dangerous message the adversary sends to women about themselves."

"For example, they need to understand that when they wear clothing that is too tight, too short, or too low cut, they not only can send the wrong message to young men with whom they associate, but they also perpetuate in their own minds the fallacy that a woman’s value is dependent solely upon her sensual appeal. This never has been nor will it ever be within the righteous definition of a faithful daughter of God."

Yes, this talk is titled "Mothers and Daughters" but it is addressed to any and all God fearing women of the church or the world for that matter. These two lines really gave me strength as a woman of God. I felt the lies that Satan has been perpetuating, even in my own life, were brought to light. Laid before my mind's eye to see the ugliness and the falsehood of the world's view of women. I felt as if scales came off my eyes and I was shown what the true beauty of God's daughters looks like. I have felt the idea behind these lines come to my mind many times over the past few months. There are many more beautiful truths in this talk but these lines keep coming to my mind so much I just feel it is so important to have the courage to teach it to our daughters, friends, neighbors and our own hearts.

One final thought that I really loved was this; "A mother-daughter relationship is where a daughter learns how to nurture by being nurtured. She is loved. She is taught and experiences firsthand what it feels like to have someone care about her enough to correct her while continuing to encourage and believe in her at the same time"
May we all look at our relationships with the mothers and daughters in our lives and have the desire to follow this beautiful advice to teach one another about nurturing, loving, correcting, encouraging and believing in each other. Our power is great as people of God and especially as women.

May you all have a beautifully blessed week,

MP3 Link

Mothers and Daughters

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Brothers and sisters, six months ago I spoke in the priesthood session of general conference to fathers and sons. As you might expect, my 5 daughters, 24 granddaughters, and ever-increasing number of great-granddaughters have been asking for equal time. So today I will speak primarily to the mothers and daughters of the Church.

My dear wife, Barbara, has had an eternally significant influence on our daughters and granddaughters—and they, in turn, on her. Mothers and daughters play a critical role in helping each other explore their infinite possibilities, despite the undermining influences of a world in which womanhood and motherhood are being corrupted and manipulated.

Speaking to the women of the Church nearly a century ago, President Joseph F. Smith said: “It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the . . . women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and . . . purifying to the children of men” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 184).

Sisters, we, your brethren, cannot do what you were divinely designated to do from before the foundation of the world. We may try, but we cannot ever hope to replicate your unique gifts. There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman.

Read the rest HERE.

Week 26: Honorably Hold a Name and Standing

2010-07-01T23:49:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends,

This week's Talk of the Week is Elder Bednar's April 2009 Conference Talk "Honorably Hold a Name and Standing." ThisConference talk is one I frequently reflect on. What does it mean to honorably hold a name and standing? What does it mean to worship as we attend the temple? As I have pondered and sought teaching on these ideas, it has been interesting the insights that have come and the increase in love and appreciation for temples and for our Heavenly Father and our Savior. I love the words of Hymn 70 and the insights that have come as I have pondered and sung this wonderful hymn.

I am grateful for Elder Bednar's teaching about the significance of temples and the opportunities and blessings that come as we allow the "fire of the covenant" to burn within us. I am grateful for the protection and the power that come to us as we attend the temple and ponder on the covenants and blessings we receive there. I think there is much for us to understand about the protections and blessings that come that we do not yet grasp. At the BYU Women's Conference, Sister Beck counseled us to attend the temple more frequently and to PAY ATTENTION to who blessings are given by and what powers are given each of us. I have found it helpful to consider 3 Nephi 17:3 in light of temple attendance:

1/ Go unto your homes
2/ ponder
3/ ask—pray
4/ prepare minds for the morrow
5/ come again

I testify that great blessings come from committing to attend and attending the temple as frequently as we are able. I know that our abilities to complete necessary tasks and be more efficient with our time is a blessing that comes as we commit to attend the temple more often. I have increased patience and greater insights into the responsibilities and challenges I face as I increase my temple attendance. The temple is the place we can come to know the Savior better and understand more fully our relationship to Him. It truly is the House of the Lord. How grateful I am to be a witness of this marvelous season of accelerated temple building! It is magnificent to see the work of the Lord rolling forward in significant ways.

Much love,

MP3 Link

Honorably Hold a Name and Standing

Elder David A. Bednar

Shortly after I was called to serve as a stake president in 1987, I talked with a good friend who recently had been released as a stake president. During our conversation I asked him what he would teach me about becoming an effective stake president. His answer to my question had a profound impact upon my subsequent service and ministry.

My friend indicated he had been called to serve as a temple worker soon after his release. He then said: “I wish I had been a temple worker before I was a stake president. If I had served in the temple before my call to serve as a stake president, I would have been a very different stake president.”

I was intrigued by his answer and asked him to explain further. He responded: “I believe I was a good stake president. The programs in our stake ran well, and our statistics were above average. But serving in the temple has expanded my vision. If I were called today to serve as a stake president, my primary focus would be on worthiness to receive and honor temple covenants. I would strive to make temple preparation the center of all that we did. I would do a better job of shepherding the Saints to the house of the Lord.”

That brief conversation with my friend helped me as a stake president to teach relentlessly about and testify of the eternal importance of temple ordinances, temple covenants, and temple worship. The deepest desire of our presidency was for every member of the stake to receive the blessings of the temple, to be worthy of and to use frequently a temple recommend.

My message today focuses upon the blessings of the temple, and I pray the Holy Ghost will illuminate our minds, penetrate our hearts, and bear witness of truth to each of us.

Read the rest HERE

Week 25: The Blessings of the Temple

2010-06-24T18:04:00.004-06:00

Most of my life I have been, for lack of a better word, spoiled, as
far as the Temple is concerned. My family joined the church in New
York City when I was 8 years old and the temple was several hours
away, but at that point it didn't really affect me as I couldn't
enter. At the age of 11 we moved to Provo, Utah just minutes from
the Provo Temple. The year after we moved, I was sealed to my
parents for time and all eternity in that very same temple. It was
then that I first truly witnessed the plan of happiness in action
and the beautiful blessings we can receive there. Since then I've
had the opportunity to live several miles or minutes from a temple
wherever I've lived.

Until now.

2 years ago, on a prompting of the spirit and personal revelation
received in the temple we gathered our family and moved to Kansas.
We'd never lived in the Midwest, had no family here and neither of
us had ever been here before moving. We just knew that we needed to
be here. I know that we made the right choice but there is one thing
I truly miss...my ability to frequently attend and receive the
blessings of the temple. Our closest temple is roughly 4 hours away
and I've realized that it's much easier to "neglect" your temple
attendance when you live so far away. You begin to put up excuse
after excuse, it is much more of a sacrifice. The same could be
said about living close as well, you take for granted what you have
because it's always there. I make a valiant effort to attend the
temple as often as I can and being further away from the temple has
given me a better opportunity to reflect on what is that I do there
and why it is that I go. What we all need to remember is the
blessings of the temple are true. The covenants and promises we
make are so important to our eternal progression. Through the
temple families are sealed and bound forever, ancestors are brought
to Christ's true church. "The teachings of the Temple of
beautifully simple....and simply beautiful."

I am happy to announce that on May 8th the groundbreaking for the
new Kansas City Temple took place. I am excited to know that in a
few short years I will again be close enough to attend the temple
more regularly. I hope that what we can all remember is that the
temple truly is the house of the Lord and an incredible blessing in
our lives.

For better viewing please pause the music on the right before starting this message.

Week 24: What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends

2010-06-17T13:22:00.001-06:00

I have had the opportunity to spend some time each week “dark” and early with a good friend of mine. We pray for each other, for our husbands and for God’s direction in our lives. This has been such a huge blessing in my life. When I heard this talk, I knew that I had to share it because I find so much joy in having Christlike friends in my life. I pray that you will find great friends who lift you, love you and help bring you to Christ!

Have a blessed week -

MP3 Link

What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends

Kathleen H. Hughes

A few weeks ago my husband and I attended a temple session. As we entered, we were greeted by a temple worker, a dear friend from our ward. That greeting began a remarkable experience for us. We were met and served, more than any time I remember, by many people we knew: friends from previous wards, friends from the community, men and women we had served with in various callings. The last person I encountered was a young woman I didn't recognize. She was lovely, and when she began to speak, I immediately remembered: Robin, one of the young women in my Laurel class when I was first a Young Women president. As we visited and exchanged memories and life updates, she told me how much that time had meant to her. I felt the same way. I left the temple feeling moved by so much kindness, aware how important friends have been to me throughout my life. The Lord has touched my spirit time and again, and more often than not, His touch has reached me through the hand of a friend. Read the rest HERE...

Week 23: Are We Not All Mothers

2010-06-10T21:42:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking a lot about my role as a mother and the influence of those who have mothered me. I have worn many hats as a mother. I've been a working mother, a work from home mother, a depressed mother, a joyful mother, a mother to a few motherless. I have even, at times had to mother myself! I don't know about you but I have often faltered in my belief of the importance of being "just a mother". The worlds views about motherhood can all too swiftly and silently enter my heart and fog up my divine understanding of the celestial role of mother.
This beautiful talk from one of the most amazing "mothers" I know really help to clear up my vision and helped me see how the many hats I wear can truly help the children of God. I loved this enpowering quote;

Never has there been a greater need for righteous mothers—mothers who bless their children with a sense of safety, security, and confidence about the future, mothers who teach their children where to find peace and truth and that the power of Jesus Christ is always stronger than the power of the adversary. Every time we build the faith or reinforce the nobility of a young woman or man, every time we love or lead anyone even one small step along the path, we are true to our endowment and calling as mothers and in the process we build the kingdom of God. No woman who understands the gospel would ever think that any other work is more important or would ever say, "I am just a mother," for mothers heal the souls of men.

So as each of us go throughout our day I hope we will keep in mind we were born to mother. Even if we have not born children to this earth our pre-mortal nature is that of nurturer, guide, love giver, testifier of truth and protector. Our hots as mothers can be many but the most important one is to look around us and mother the people who need mothering.

Have a truly blessed week and know that sometimes all around you you have mothers who love you!

NO MP3

Are We Not All Mothers?

Sheri L. Dew

“Motherhood is more than bearing children. . . . It is the essence of who we are as women.”This summer four teenage nieces and I shared a tense Sunday evening when we set out walking from a downtown hotel in a city we were visiting to a nearby chapel where I was to speak. I had made that walk many times, but that evening we suddenly found ourselves engulfed by an enormous mob of drunken parade-goers. It was no place for four teenage girls, or their aunt, I might add. But with the streets closed to traffic, we had no choice but to keep walking. Over the din, I shouted to the girls, "Stay right with me." As we maneuvered through the crush of humanity, the only thing on my mind was my nieces' safety.

Thankfully, we finally made it to the chapel. But for one unnerving hour, I better understood how mothers who forgo their own safety to protect a child must feel. My siblings had entrusted me with their daughters, whom I love, and I would have done anything to lead them to safety. Likewise, our Father has entrusted us as women with His children, and He has asked us to love them and help lead them safely past the dangers of mortality back home.

Loving and leading—these words summarize not only the all-consuming work of the Father and the Son, but the essence of our labor, for our work is to help the Lord with His work. How, then, may we as Latter-day women of God best help the Lord with His work?

Prophets have repeatedly answered this question, as did the First Presidency six decades ago when they called motherhood "the highest, holiest service . . . assumed by mankind."¹

Have you ever wondered why prophets have taught the doctrine of motherhood—and it is doctrine—again and again? I have. I have thought long and hard about the work of women of God. And I have wrestled with what the doctrine of motherhood means for all of us. This issue has driven me to my knees, to the scriptures, and to the temple—all of which teach an ennobling doctrine regarding our most crucial role as women. It is a doctrine about which we must be clear if we hope to stand "steadfast and immovable"² regarding the issues that swirl around our gender. For Satan has declared war on motherhood. He knows that those who rock the cradle can rock his earthly empire. And he knows that without righteous mothers loving and leading the next generation, the kingdom of God will fail.

When we understand the magnitude of motherhood, it becomes clear why prophets have been so protective of woman's most sacred role. While we tend to equate motherhood solely with maternity, in the Lord's language, the word mother has layers of meaning. Of all the words they could have chosen to define her role and her essence, both God the Father and Adam called Eve "the mother of all living"³—and they did so before she ever bore a child. Like Eve, our motherhood began before we were born. Just as worthy men were foreordained to hold the priesthood in mortality,⁴ righteous women were endowed premortally with the privilege of motherhood.⁵ Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us.

President Gordon B. Hinckley stated that "God planted within women something divine."⁶ That something is the gift and the gifts of motherhood. Elder Matthew Cowley taught that "men have to have something given to them [in mortality] to make them saviors of men, but not mothers, not women. [They] are born with an inherent right, an inherent authority, to be the saviors of human souls . . . and the regenerating force in the lives of God's children."⁷

Motherhood is not what was left over after our Father blessed His sons with priesthood ordination. It was the most ennobling endowment He could give His daughters, a sacred trust that gave women an unparalleled role in helping His children keep their second estate. As President J. Reuben Clark Jr. declared, motherhood is "as divinely called, as eternally important in its place as the Priesthood itself."⁸

Nevertheless, the subject of motherhood is a very tender one, for it evokes some of our greatest joys and heartaches. This has been so from the beginning. Eve was "glad" after the Fall, realizing she otherwise "never should have had seed."⁹ And yet, imagine her anguish over Cain and Abel. Some mothers experience pain because of the children they have borne; others feel pain because they do not bear children here. About this Elder John A. Widtsoe was explicit: "Women who through no fault of their own cannot exercise the gift of motherhood directly, may do so vicariously."¹⁰

^{Read the rest of this article HERE}

Week 22: The Divine Nature and Destiny of Women

2010-06-03T17:25:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends,

This week's talk is "The Divine Nature and Destiny of Women" a BYU
Devotional given by Glenn L. Pace March 9, 2010. I am grateful for Elder
Pace's inspired teaching which has helped me to see my nature and gifts
as a daughter of God with a new perspective. I found his teaching about
the Creation most insightful and his teaching about the roles of women
in marriage most encouraging. I feel newly inspired after reading and
pondering his counsel to better fulfill my roles as a woman, mother and
wife. What a sweet and tender privilege it is to be a woman during the
winding up scenes and to have the blessings and teaching of the Gospel
to direct our lives. I especially appreciated his teaching of the
essential roles of male and female and their interplay together to
achieve exaltation. I hope his words will lift and inspire you as they
have me.

A wonderful summer of creating good to each of you,

MP3 Link

The Divine Nature and Destiny of Women

Glenn L. Pace

The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states:
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.1
My focus this morning will be on the divine nature and destiny of women and the sacred role they play in the sanctification and purification of men.
I’m going to start by giving you two exclusive scoops. First, males and females are different. Second, those differences are more than physical.
I developed a love and appreciation for womanhood in my childhood. My mother, sisters, grandmas, aunts, and female cousins and friends brought immeasurable love into my young life. This set the stage for the adult relationships with my wife, daughters, and granddaughters.
All of the above have contributed to my feelings of reverence, adoration, and even veneration of righteous women. Read the rest HERE

Week 21: The Love of God

2010-05-27T22:48:00.000-06:00

During the last days of Christ's life he taught us so many important truths. For instance, he introduced the sacrament, he taught us about the Holy Spirit being our comforter, and he gave us one of the most important commandments, "Love the Lord thy God will all thy heart" and "As I have loved you, love one another...." Why was LOVE so important? The rest of the commandment says "...by this shall men know ye are my disciples." By our works THEY shall know US. Are we true disciples of Christ? Do we love God all with all our heart and with all our soul? Do our actions speak to this? Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple’s path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning, and wonder." I really enjoyed this beautiful talk given by President Uchtdorf entitled, "The Love of God," and I hope that you will too.

MP3 Link

The Love of God

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

...The Savior Himself provided the answer with this profound declaration: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”1 This is the essence of what it means to be a true disciple: those who receive Christ Jesus walk with Him.2

But this may present a problem for some because there are so many “shoulds” and “should nots” that merely keeping track of them can be a challenge. Sometimes, well-meaning amplifications of divine principles—many coming from uninspired sources—complicate matters further, diluting the purity of divine truth with man-made addenda. One person’s good idea—something that may work for him or her—takes root and becomes an expectation. And gradually, eternal principles can get lost within the labyrinth of “good ideas.”

This was one of the Savior’s criticisms of the religious “experts” of His day, whom He chastised for attending to the hundreds of minor details of the law while neglecting the weightier matters.3

So how do we stay aligned with these weightier matters? Is there a constant compass that can help us prioritize our lives, thoughts, and actions?

Read the talk HERE

Week 20: Finding Joy in the Journey

2010-05-20T11:17:00.000-06:00

I have heard this talk before many times. For whatever reason, this time it impacted me more than ever before. I hope you enjoy it and I hope that it encourages you to "find joy in the journey".

MP3 link

Finding Joy in the Journey

President Thomas S. Monson

Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.

My dear brothers and sisters, I am humbled as I stand before you this morning. I ask for your faith and prayers in my behalf as I speak about those things which have been on my mind and which I have felt impressed to share with you.

I begin by mentioning one of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth, and that is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.”

Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly.

Read the rest HERE .

Week 18: My New Life

2010-05-06T20:58:00.003-06:00

Hello Friends, A very Happy Mother's Day to each of you. I hope the day is great for you and that as you ponder on your motherhood, you can focus on the great things you are doing right! Motherhood gives us the greatest opportunities to lift and bless others. Truly a process which helps us become like Our Heavenly Father. Our motherhood experiences mold and purify us as nothing else can. I would like to share something a little different this week--a wonderful Mormon Message.

As I have read Stephanie's blog over the past year and a half, I have been completely changed by her passion for mother and wifehood. Her clear vision of who she is and the significance of her role is blessing thousands of lives--even helping some to find the Gospel. As you watch this video, I hope you will feel renewed and empowered to continue on in the missions you are sent to complete.

Much love and a very sweet Mother's Day to you,

*Before playing video Be sure to pause the embeded radio on the right side of the blog.

Week 17: Meeting Your Goliath

2010-04-29T10:14:00.002-06:00

This is the fifth Thursday of the month. This year we wanted to hear more from you readers so we asked for talk suggestions or posts to me emailed in. We got a few responses and would like to encourage you to continue sending things in. Think about all the great talks and quotes you've heard recently and how they have helped you or a family member then email the talk with a link, if possible and if you want a little snippet about how it has helped you to talkoftheweek@gmail.com. I will let you know when your talk suggestions will be shared.

Below are some great references in finding articles:
LDS.org
BYU Broadcasting

The opportunity to learn the gospel is just as important as the admonition to teach the gospel. In D&C 50: 22, we read the following: "Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." Let us teach and receive of one another so we can ALL be edified and rejoice together in the sweetness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

This week's talk was suggested by my dear friend Rebecca. Thanks for sharing this talk with all of us!

NO MP3

Meeting Your Goliath

President Thomas S. Monson

For the entire talk go HERE

....The battle for our souls is no less important that the battle fought by David. The enemy is no less formidable, the help of Almighty God no farther away. What will our action be? Like David of old, “our cause is just.” We have been placed upon earth not to fail or fall victim to temptation’s snare, but rather to succeed. Our giant, our Goliath, a.d. must be conquered.
David went to the brook and carefully selected five smooth stones with which he might meet his enemy. He was deliberate in his selection, for there could be no turning back, no second chance—this battle was to be decisive.
Just as David went to the brook, well might we go to our source of supply—the Lord. What polished stones will you select to defeat the Goliath that is robbing you of your happiness by smothering your opportunities? May I offer suggestions.
The stone of COURAGE will be essential to your victory. As we survey the challenges of life, that which is easy is rarely right. In fact, the course that we should properly follow appears at times impossible, impenetrable, hopeless.
Such did the way appear to Laman and Lemuel. When they looked upon their assignment to go unto the house of Laban and seek the records according to God’s command, they murmured, saying it was a hard thing that was required of them. Thus, a lack of courage took from them their opportunity, and it was given to courageous Nephi, who responded, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” (1 Ne. 3:7.) The stone of courage is needed.
Next, I select the stone of EFFORT—mental effort and physical effort.

The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “The Ladder of St. Augustine.”)

The decision to overcome a fault or correct a weakness is an actual step in the process of doing so. “Thrust in thy sickle with thy might” was not spoken of missionary work alone.
Then there must be in our selection the stone of HUMILITY, for haven’t we been told through divine revelation that when we are humble, the Lord, our God, will lead us by the hand and give us answer to our prayers?
And who would go forth to battle his Goliath without the stone of PRAYER, remembering that the recognition of a power higher than oneself is in no way debasing; rather, it exalts.
Finally, let us choose the stone of LOVE OF DUTY. Duty is not merely to do the thing we ought to do, but to do it when we should, whether we like it or not.
Armed with this selection of five polished stones to be propelled by the mighty sling of faith, we need then but take the staff of virtue to steady us, and we are ready to meet the giant Goliath, wherever, and whenever, and however we find him.
For the stone of COURAGE will melt the Goliath of fear. The stone of EFFORT will bring down the Goliath of indecision and procrastination. And the Goliaths of pride, of envy, of lack of self-respect will not stand before the power of the stones of HUMILITY, PRAYER, and DUTY.
Above all else, may we ever remember that we do not go forth alone to battle the Goliaths of our lives. As David declared to Israel, so might we echo the knowledge, “The battle is the Lord’s, and he will give [Goliath] into our hands.” (1 Sam. 17:47.)
But the battle must be fought. Victory cannot come by default. So it is in the battles of life. Life will never spread itself in an unobstructed view before us. We must anticipate the approaching forks and turnings in the road. We cannot hope to reach our desired journey’s end if we think aimlessly about whether to go east or west. We must make our decisions purposefully. Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty.
The vast, uncharted expanse of the Atlantic Ocean stood as a Goliath between Christopher Columbus and the New World. The hearts of his comrades became faint, their courage dimmed, hopelessness engulfed them; but Columbus prevailed with his watchword, “Westward, ever Westward, sail on, sail on.” (See Joaquin Miller, “Columbus,” in Ralph Henry and Lucile Pannell, comps., My American Heritage, New York: Rand McNally and Company, 1949, pp. 153–154.)
Carthage Jail, an angry mob with painted faces, and certain death faced the Prophet Joseph Smith. But from the wellsprings of his abundant faith he calmly met the Goliath of death. “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter,” he had said over a month earlier, “but I am calm as a summer’s morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men.” (History of the Church, 6:555.)
Gethsemane, Golgotha, intense pain and suffering beyond the comprehension of mortal man stood between Jesus the Master and victory over the grave. Yet he lovingly assured us, “I go to prepare a place for you … that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2–3.)
And what is the significance of these accounts? Had there been no ocean, there would have been no Columbus. No jail, no Joseph. No mob, no martyr. No cross, no Christ!
Should there be a Goliath in our lives, or a giant called by any other name, we need not “flee” or be “sore afraid” as we go up to battle against him. Rather we can find assurance and receive divine help from Him of whom David wrote in his inspired psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. … Yea, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” (Ps. 23:1, 4.)
Victory will be ours.

We Need Your Help

2010-04-27T09:21:00.001-06:00

Hi friends and family,

As you may recall when there is a 5th Thursday in a month at the Talk of the Week we leave it open for your comments and talk suggestions. This year we would like to request if possible, that a few of you submit by email a guest post. You can either share an experience with a talk as we do each week or you can just suggest a talk. These posts can be emailed to me at anytime at talkoftheweek@gmail.com. For this week I realize this is short notice but if any of you have a wonderful talk suggestion and could email it too me by Thursday we will get it up and out.

We want to thank you for letting us send these talks to you each week. Our personal testimonies have been strengthened as we have had the chance to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hope you have found the talks valuable in some way or another. We look forward to learning from you and want to thank you up front for your willingness to share. We know you are wonderful people and we love you very much!

Have a blessed week,

Week 16: The "S" Formula

2010-04-22T21:43:00.001-06:00

We are so lucky and so blessed to have so many opportunities to hear and/or read inspirational messages from church leaders. Not only do we have General Conference, but there are various other conferences, firesides, and devotionals, where our church leaders come together to speak to us, to edify us, to teach us and to converse with us. This week's talk was chosen from a 2001 BYU Women's Conference, in which President Thomas S. Monson, then first counselor in the first presidency delivered the closing remarks. His talk was entitled, "The "S" Formula."

President Monson states, "Now, what does God expect us to become? The way will not be easy. The path of life has its pitfalls; the battleground, its ambushes. Dear sisters, may I suggest three guidelines for our times? First, strengthen your home and family. Second, share your talents. Third, serve your God."

Each of us has burdens, pitfalls, struggles. I know that there are many times that I struggle to feel secure in my womanhood, to feel secure as a mother, as a wife, as a daughter, as HIS daughter. I go through ups and downs, through worries and doubt, through sadness and grief. I worry that I am not enough, that I am not doing all I can do to be all I can be. I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels this way. Throughout this talk I found myself laughing out loud (he tells some great stories), pondering deeply on President Monson's words and making a firm decision to follow his "S" Formula. By strengthening my home and family, sharing my talents with others, with my ward, with my family, with everyone, and by serving God to the fullest, based on my abilities, I KNOW that I will be blessed. I KNOW that the Lord knows me, He knows my heart, He knows my desires and He wants me to succeed.

I truly hope that you enjoy this talk as much as I did.

MP3 Link

The 'S' Formula

President Thomas S. Monson

Too frequently women underestimate
their influence for good. Well could you follow
the formula given by the Lord in the Doctrine
and Covenants pertinent to the construction of
the Kirtland Temple: "Establish a house, even a
house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of
faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a
house of order, a house of God" (D&C 88:119).
In such a house will be found happy, smiling
children who have been taught the truth by
precept and example. In a Latter‐day Saint
home, children are not simply tolerated but
welcomed, not commanded but encouraged,
not driven but guided, not neglected but loved.
President Heber J. Grant counseled, "If we as
parents will so order our lives that our children
will know and realize in their hearts that we are
in very deed Latter‐day Saints, that we actually
know what we are taking about, they, by
seeking after the Lord, will get that same
testimony." To read more go HERE

Week 15: The Voice of the Lord Repost

2010-04-15T13:19:00.000-06:00

The inspiration for today's talk came from some scriptures I read this week in John 10 verses 3-5 and 27. ..."and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"

I was wondering how it is that we can know the voice of the Lord. I thought about the times I have felt the promptings and wondered if when I was being called by a stranger would I not recognize the voice and scatter because I knew that it was not the voice of my Shepherd.

I learned from this talk that perhaps at times I have headed counterfeit prompting and failed to recognize the voice of the Lord. But I also learned 5 steps in determining the validity and where promptings come from. I hope that as we all try to know the voice of our Savior we will find comfort that he too knows us and leads us each personally and tenderly back to our heavenly home.

**This months Visiting Teaching Message is on personal revelation. This is a great talk to help when teaching that message.

Media Links

The Voice of the Lord

GERALD N. LUND

Today I would like to speak with you about a topic that is of the most singular importance to every person here. It is a topic that is especially important to you who are young adults and facing some of the most important decisions of your life--mission, education, career, marriage. That topic is personal revelation, or hearing the voice of the Lord.

When we are baptized and confirmed members of the Church, we are commanded to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. When you think about it, that is an incredible gift. Imagine receiving a member of the Godhead as our personal companion. We are told that our mission in life is to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him" (Moroni 10:32). But that is not a simple thing. Life is too complex to provide a rule book that covers every situation. Instead, the Lord has given us the Holy Ghost to serve as our teacher, watchman, mentor, and guide.

I believe that one of the most important challenges of our mortal probation is learning to hear, recognize, and then follow the voice of the Lord. I would like to say that again: One of the most important--if not the most important--challenges in learning how to come unto Christ and to be perfected in him is to learn to hear, to recognize, and then to follow the voice of the Lord. Read the rest HERE.

Week 14: Mormon Messages

2010-04-09T13:11:00.000-06:00

This week I have been looking for a great message to share. I noticed these great little messages on the home page of http://www.lds.org/ and I have just loved everyone I've watched. So this weeks message is more an advertisement. If you have not yet watched these Mormon Messages check them out. They are usually very short and have beautiful music and scenes that go along with some of the best talks given by the Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Week 13: None Were With Him

2010-04-01T23:21:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends,

This Easter Conference Week's talk is Elder Holland's "None were with
Him" from the April 2009 General Conference. How I am looking forward to
hearing from The Brethren this weekend! As we prepare to celebrate
Easter and I pondered what I could share this week, Elder Holland's
sweet witness came to mind. What power and conviction he shared as he
bore his tender testimony of the Savior and the Savior's love for us.
His final plea that "we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of
the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of
comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including
when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear" is a
resounding call to action. His reminder of all that we enjoy because of
the Atonement: "Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of
this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path
utterly alone, /we/ do not have to do so. [We have been given] the
merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of
this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in
heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles,
teachers, leaders, friends...Truly the Redeemer of us all said, “I will
not leave you comfortless." "

What sweet privileges and blessings we receive as members of His Church,
given access to eternal covenants and tender opportunities to be taught
at the feet of Prophets and Apostles. May the surety of our blessings
and the testimony of our Redeemer fill you with peace, joy and faith
throughout this Easter Season and the months ahead.

Much love,

MP3 Link

Currently the LDS.org Website does not have this talk available. This is the link for future reference:

http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1032-27,00.html

Week 12 :What Have I Done for Someone Today?

2010-03-25T22:42:00.003-06:00

For spring break we took a trip to visit my inlaws in Utah and Wyoming. On the long drive home (did I mention it was long....like 14 hours long) my kids began to get a little out of hand. They were tired of sitting, tired of being next to the sibling they were next to, done with the movies, done with the stories, done with the treats....well basically they were just done. It's an incredibly difficult task to keep 5 kids happy in a mini-van for 14 hours while you, yourself are confined to the front seat, believe me I know. I was out of things to entertain them with when my husband, the wonderful priesthood holder that he is suggested that we turn on the October 2009 General conference sessions he had saved on his Blackberry. At first, my children thought it was a punishment, torture really, but after the opening hymns by the choir and a few short messages everyone seemed to quiet down and begin to enjoy the spirit that filled the car. Being able to re-listen to those conference talks was so powerful. I'd almost forgotten about the amazing talk given by Elder Holland where he bore his testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, or the talk given by Bishop H. David Burton on Virtues and letting virtue direct your thoughts always. There was one talk in specific that inspired me, lifted me, made me think of ways I could change and I just KNEW this was the talk that I was to share with you this week. This talk was "What Have I Done for Someone Today?" given by President Thomas S. Monson during the Sunday Morning session. As you listen to this talk I challenge you to ask yourself, What Have I done for someone today? My hope is that we may find ways to serve others throughout the next week, and throughout our lives.

MP3 Link

What Have I Done for Someone Today?

President Thomas S. Monson

The needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone.

My beloved brothers and sisters, I greet you this morning with love in my heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for each of you. I am grateful for the privilege to stand before you, and I pray that I might effectively communicate to you that which I have felt prompted to say.
A few years ago I read an article written by Jack McConnell, MD. He grew up in the hills of southwest Virginia in the United States as one of seven children of a Methodist minister and a stay-at-home mother. Their circumstances were very humble. He recounted that during his childhood, every day as the family sat around the dinner table, his father would ask each one in turn, “And what did you do for someone today?”¹ The children were determined to do a good turn every day so they could report to their father that they had helped someone. Dr. McConnell calls this exercise his father’s most valuable legacy, for that expectation and those words inspired him and his siblings to help others throughout their lives. As they grew and matured, their motivation for providing service changed to an inner desire to help others.
Besides Dr. McConnell’s distinguished medical career—where he directed the development of the tuberculosis tine test, participated in the early development of the polio vaccine, supervised the development of Tylenol, and was instrumental in developing the magnetic resonance imaging procedure, or MRI—he created an organization he calls Volunteers in Medicine, which gives retired medical personnel a chance to volunteer at free clinics serving the working uninsured. Dr. McConnell said his leisure time since he retired has “evaporated into 60-hour weeks of unpaid work, but [his] energy level has increased and there is a satisfaction in [his] life that wasn’t there before.” He made this statement: “In one of those paradoxes of life, I have benefited more from Volunteers in Medicine than my patients have.”² There are now over 70 such clinics across the United States.
Of course, we can’t all be Dr. McConnells, establishing medical clinics to help the poor; however, the needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone. Read the rest HERE

Week 11: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

2010-03-18T17:35:00.001-06:00

Hey there!

Enjoy this talk! May we all come to deeply believe and then KNOW that HE is the Son of God and our personal Savior!

Your Sister in Christ -

MP3 Link

Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Robert D. Hales

Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement can bring us peace, hope, and understanding.

Week 10: The Virtue of Kindness

2010-03-11T08:02:00.001-07:00

A week ago our family took a vacation to the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland. We had perfect weather and perfect crowds. It truly seemed like the happiest place on earth with all the smiles and laughter coming from everyone. My husband and I love that place and were discussing why on our long car trip back to Utah. We noticed that everyone there wants to be there. Most people have worked hard and saved a lot of money to come and want to make the most of their experience. I made the comment that it is a place of non reality were you can escape your troubles. When we wondered further what makes us feel this way we recalled two things. First the impeccable cleanliness and second the kindness almost everyone expresses. From the ticket sales to the grounds keepers and guests most people are so kind. Experiencing so much kindness can fill ones heart with such joy and love no wonder it is hard to leave.

There is another kingdom where kindness is paramount; the celestial kingdom. "Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes...Kindness is the essence of a celestial life." Joseph B. Wirthlin. When I this week's talk it appeared to me that the non-reality of Disneyland can become a reality in our lives as we daily treat others with kindness. I believe that to the degree of kindness we show others we will be treated the same. Sometimes the kindness we show must start within ourselves. How can we see the good in others and the world around us if we cannot be kind to ourselves or to those in our most intimate circle, the home? Elder Wirthlin also said this, "Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes." I am grateful to those who have been kind to me and who have taught me by their example how to be kind. I am excited to realize that I don't have to go to the Magic Kingdom to experience kindness!

CHALLENGE: Follow Elder Wirthlin's advice and let kindness permeate all of your words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes this week. Enjoy life by being kind. Smile more and criticize less. Give hugs freely and point out the good you see in others to them. Notice how it feels when you allow kindness to be central in your course of action each day. Encourage your family and friends to take on the challenge with you. Feel free to comment on this blog post any experiences you've had.

Much love and many hugs,

MP3 link

The Virtue of Kindness

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others.

Many years ago, when I was called as a bishop, I had a desire for the bishopric to visit those who were less active in the Church and see if there was anything we could do to bring the blessings of the gospel into their lives.
One day we visited a man in his 50s who was a respected mechanic. He told me the last time he had been to church was when he was a young boy. Something had happened that day. He had been acting up in class and was being noisier than he should when his teacher became angry, pulled him out of class, and told him not to come back.

He never did.

It was remarkable to me that an unkind word spoken more than four decades earlier could have had such a profound effect. But it had. And, as a consequence, this man had never returned to church. Neither had his wife or children.

I apologized to him and expressed my sorrow that he had been treated that way. I told him how unfortunate it was that one word spoken in haste, and so long ago, could have the effect of excluding his family from the blessings that come from Church activity.

"After 40 years," I told him, "it's time the Church made things right."

I did my best to do so. I reassured him that he was welcome and needed. I rejoiced when this man and his family eventually returned to church and became strong and faithful members. In particular, this good brother became an effective home teacher because he understood how something as small as an unkind word could have consequences that extend throughout a lifetime and perhaps beyond.

Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.

Read the rest HERE

Week 9: Remember Lot's Wife

2010-03-04T05:04:00.003-07:00

Hello Friends,

This week's talk is "Remember Lot's Wife," a devotional given by Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland in January 2009 at BYU. I appreciate Elder Holland's
insights about how to move forward with faith and the dangers of living
in the past. He counsels us to reach forth for things which are
beyond. Let go of past hurts and shortcomings. God has great things in
store for each of us and the best is yet to be. I especially enjoyed
his recounting of his lack of courage as he was a BYU student. Somehow
it gives me greater courage to do hard things, knowing he struggled too.
"Faith builds on the past, but never longs to stay there." May our faith
and confidence in the future grow as we "trust that God has great things
in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the 'high priest of
good things to come.' "

Best Wishes,

MP3 Link

Remember Lot's Wife

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

The start of a new year is the
traditional time for us to take stock of our
lives and see where we are going
measured against the backdrop of where
we have been. However, I don’t want to
talk to you about New Year’s resolutions
per se because you only made five of
them and you have already broken four. (I
give that remaining one about another
week.) But I do want to talk to you today
about the past and the future, not so
much in terms of New Year’s
commitments, but more with an eye
toward any time of transition and change,
and those moments come virtually every
day of our lives.

Read the rest HERE.

Week 8: Finding Joy in the Journey

2010-02-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

I have a little tile plaque on my shelf with the vinyl words, "Find Joy in the Journey." I pass it everyday as I come down the stairs, into my living room and I often don't give it a second glance. Today, however, those words spoke more clearly to me then anything I've heard or seen all week! With 5 children and #6 on the way, I haven't really been feeling myself lately. Morning sickness (okay let's be honest--it's ALL DAY sickness) has struck me harder this pregnancy than any of my past pregnancies. The laundry feels like it's piled up to the sky, there are toys in places I didn't know toys could be, and all I want to do is take a nap. I'll admit that this particular "journey" is not one that I'm finding any joy in.

My beautiful little 4 year old thinks she is a princess, there isn't many places that she goes without a crown placed upon her head and those clippity-clappity plastic princess shoes upon her feet. This afternoon a well meaning friend of the family brought over several boxes of dress up clothes and in an INSTANT they were all over the living room. Dresses, clippy clapp shoes, and accessories were all strewn about carelessly. I couldn't wait to pick it all up and put it away....but then my 4 year old looked up at me with those big beautiful brown eyes and said, "Mommy, will you play dress ups with me?" NO! I thought...I need to do laundry, make lunch, pick all this up, clean the room, go grocery shopping, I'll play with you tomorrow when there isn't so much to do.... But then I caught a glimpse of that plaque that said "Find Joy in the Journey" and I remembered the words of President Monson when he said "...be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly." I knew right then that the chores could wait, what I needed right now was to play with my daughter and soak up every moment today because one day I'll run out of tomorrows. I'm so happy to share this amazing, inspirational talk with you this week. I'm sure many of you remember it, and that it touched your heart deeply as it did mind. Above all else remember to always find joy in your journey.

MP3 link

Finding Joy in the Journey

President Thomas S. Monson

Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.

My dear brothers and sisters, I am humbled as I stand before you this morning. I ask for your faith and prayers in my behalf as I speak about those things which have been on my mind and which I have felt impressed to share with you.
I begin by mentioning one of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth, and that is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.”
Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly.
Read the rest HERE .

Week 7: More Dilligent and Concerned at Home

2010-02-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

During last October's General Conference, I remember this talk so well. It touched my heart and encouraged me to work on three things as a parent and spouse; Express Love and Show It, Bear Testimony and Live It, Be Consistent. Since my first listening of this talk I have had a few great experiences where I have been able to see these three things in my family’s life. One example comes from my four year old. Lately she has been making it a point to tell me she loves me. Each day she comes up to me and asks, "Have I told you I love you today?". She then tells me she loves me and gives me a big hug. Some days I feel like her statement and act of love is all I've gotten that day! Not only does it make me feel so much better but it reminds me to reach out and to share my love with the rest of our family.
With our morning scripture reading there has been a few wonderful times when testimonies have been shared in a very natural way. It has been great to hear these testimonies, not just at the pulpit but in a quick meaningful moment within the walls of our own home.
As far as being consistent is concerned this is one we are consistently working on! Just the other night my six year old reminded me that we don't always say our evening prayers as a family. I then went on to admit to him that it is sometimes hard for me to remember and that I would appreciate his help. I love how Elder Bednar reflects on his own family experiences of the whining and grumbling but recalls that his adult sons remember more the consistently than the whining. When I heard him talk about his family I was relieved to hear that even an apostle of the Lord had children who complained.
I hope that this quick reminder will put these things in the for front of our minds and helps us all to be a little better each day at expressing love and showing love, bearing testimony and living it, and striving for consistency.

Have a wonderful week!

MP3 Link

More Diligent and Concerned at Home

Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

We can become more diligent and concerned at home as we are more faithful in learning, living, and loving the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

In 1833 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that contained a strong rebuke to several leading brethren of the Church to set their families in order (see D&C 93:40–50). A specific phrase from this revelation provides the theme for my message—“more diligent and concerned at home” (verse 50). I want to suggest three ways each of us can become more diligent and concerned in our homes. I invite you to listen both with ears that hear and with hearts that feel, and I pray for the Spirit of the Lord to be with all of us.
Read the rest HERE

Week 6: Temple Marriage: What can we learn from it?

2010-02-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

I want to tell you about a person who has been such an inspiration and example to me, my grandpa Ivan Johnson. He is 93 years old, blind, and suffers from hearing loss. He goes to the St. George temple three days a week for 6 hours at a time. I asked him the other day why he does it and he told me, "I have nothing else to do." He then went on to say, "It [the temple] is a good place to be, a good place to be found." Then of course as only a wife can do my grandma Margaret reminded, "The Lord wants him to." When I asked him what blessings he has received because of his service he told me two things, "[It has] Kept me out of mischief." and "The people have become like family." My Grandma also mentioned that a blessing she sees is that others remember his service and desire to do the same. Grandpa said that he feels all the people that have been helped and that with some imagination you can almost feel them rejoicing that their families are being brought together forever. To which grandma commented that it isn't imaginary it is real. My grandparents told me that they have been going to the temple at least once a week for over 65 years. And the last 6 years grandpa has been spending 18 hours a week there.

The picture above was taken on my last visit. Grandpa was waiting for his ride to the temple. I was impressed by his dedication and excitement to go. He was ready and waiting just as a child does when their friend is coming to play. I thought about his example here and wondered do I have such a desire and excitement to serve in the Temple? How is it that this little old man can serve the Lord even though he suffers from many disabilities? If he can do it then why can't I, an able bodied, young woman dedicate my time to the Lord and serve in His house.

I wondered what keeps me from serving. A few years ago I thought that I had to give 2 hours at a time to do an Endowment Session. It wasn't until a year and a half ago when my youngest child started preschool that I decided to follow my grandpa's example and go more often, that I realized I could do Sealing’s or Initiatory and stay for as long as I can. Another thing that has kept me from going to the temple in the past is not being able to schedule time to go with my spouse. Although it is ideal to serve together, if circumstances are difficult, I've come to learn that it is better to go alone than not at all. My grandma is not physically able to go with my grandpa but she serves by preparing his clothing and supporting him and his desire to serve. I believe that they are both blessed because of their desire to serve the Lord in the Temple.

I know that my family's life has been blessed by my service. I leave Sealing work with a greater love for my spouse and my children which in turn blesses my home with more peace as I am less tempted to yell or lose all my patience at once. I leave Initiatory with hope and courage to do what I am asked to do. I leave Endowment sessions with a sense of who I am and a great, loving testimony for the Savior and His atonement. I do not think I even know half of the blessings that are given to me for serving. I do it because I have watched a valiant man and his precious wife dedicate their lives to the Lord. I do it because I have gained my own testimony of the importance of temple work. I do it because the Lord wants me to.

I am not an ordained minister, nor do have any authority to exhort or command. I do know from personal experience however that going to the temple whether you understand it or not blesses lives. Spiritual knowledge is gained, peace is given, strength and courage are restored. A love of God and of family is obtained and secured in one's heart with faithful and consistent service in the Temple's of God the Eternal Father and the Savior Jesus Christ. If I could I would plead and beg you all to just go. Do not wait until you are old and have nothing else to do. Do not wait until all your questions are answered. Go now, you need it now, your families need it now, your children and future children need it now. Please go to the Temple.

I chose the talk this week because it went t into really good detail of why we go to the temple. I hope you will enjoy it and that you will gain a testimony for yourself by attending the temple regularly.

All my hope and love,

Temple Marriage: What can we learn from it?

Douglas Brinley

No Text this week

Listen to Audio HERE
View Video HERE

Week 5: Becoming Holy Amid the Increasing Turmoil

2010-02-04T18:20:00.002-07:00

Hello Friends,

As I was pondering what to share this month, I came across this
wonderful talk by Wendy Watson Nelson from the BYU-Idaho Women's Meeting
this January entitled "Becoming Holy Amid the Increasing Turmoil." Have
you felt the power of increasing,very specific direction coming from our
Church leaders? How grateful I am for their guidance as we navigate
through these Last Days. I loved Sister Nelson's invitation to "invite
more holiness into our lives." Isn't that what each of us want for
ourselves and those we love? She teaches that what was once sufficient,
no longer will be with the tide of evil ever growing. We need to
increase the intensity of our holiness to counteract what is happening
all around us. I was inspired by her three day challenge and look
forward to living it.

I especially appreciated her assurance that we can become more holy
through our Savior. How grateful I am for His love, encouragement, and
personal call to "Come, follow me." He will help us become what we can
and must be as we make preparations for His return. Hasten the Day!

Much love,

No Audio/Video/Transcript-Click on the title below to read notes from The Church News

Becoming Holy Amid the Increasing Turmoil

Wendy Nelson

Week 4: The Family: A Proclamation to the World

2010-01-28T20:11:00.003-07:00

I bet that at this very moment you have a "Family Proclamation" hanging on your wall. In your living room, family room, dining room, maybe even your bathroom. The Family: A Proclamation to the World was given to us by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and read by President Gordon B. Hinckley at the General Relief Soceity meeting in September 1995. It's message isn't just for the members of the church but as stated in it's title is is a proclamation for ALL THE WORLD.

Earlier this month my four-year old asked me why we had it on our wall, what it meant, was it about Jesus, where did we get the frame, who gave it to us, can we read it......and the list of questions went on. I realized in that moment that I really hadn't taken the time to familiarize myself with it's message and that although I had read it many times I really had never READ it. Sure I knew all the key points and could rattle off typically used phrases but I really, really never studied it the way scripture should be studied. This month I decided to truly study and dissect it. I realized this was something that my family really had been needing. It helped me reaffirm my meaning here as a daughter of heavenly parent and understand my duties and my goals as a mother. It reminded me how important covenants and ordinances are, and that the road to happiness in our families is through our Savior Jesus Christ. How often do we pass by the Proclamation on our wall and not even think about the beautiful truths and promises that are contained therein?

Directly before giving us the proclamation President Hinckley made a statement regarding the reason why such a Proclamation was generated. He said, "With so much of sophistry that is passed off as truth, with so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, we have felt to warn and forewarn. In furtherance of this we of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles now issue a proclamation to the Church and to the world as a declaration and reaffirmation of standards, doctrines, and practices relative to the family which the prophets, seers, and revelators of this church have repeatedly stated throughout its history."

I felt deeply inspired to choose THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD, as my my first Talk of the Week for the new year. I hope that as you listen to it and maybe even follow along with that poster on your wall (you know,the one in the beautiful frame), that you will feel impressed and inspired to "maintain and strengthen" your family.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Mp3 Link

Week 3: Cast Not Therefore Away Your Confidence

2010-01-21T18:26:00.002-07:00

Do you every feel under-qualified for the task(s) at hand? I have felt very much at way in recent months and as I have searched the scriptures, I have found that others feel that way too. Does it mean that I shouldn't keep going? That I should throw in the towel? That I should strive to accomplish a less-worthy task? No - it simply means that I should look upward and TRUST in FAITH that a God who loves me and trusts me will surely send His ministering angels both spiritual and temporal to help me accomplish the tasks he knows that I can!

You too must press on in faith, trusting that has His daughter or son He truly has give you power to succeed!

Blessings -

Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence

Jeffery R. Holland

MP3 Link

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Ensign, Mar 2000, 7
From a devotional address given at Brigham Young University on 2 March 1999.

Beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now.
There is a lesson in the Prophet Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision which virtually every Latter-day Saint has had occasion to experience, or one day soon will. It is the plain and very sobering truth that before great moments, certainly before great spiritual moments, there can come adversity, opposition, and darkness. Life has some of those moments for us, and occasionally they come just as we are approaching an important decision or a significant step in our lives.
In that marvelous account which we read too seldom, Joseph said he had scarcely begun his prayer when he felt a power of astonishing influence come over him. “Thick darkness,” as he described it, gathered around him and seemed bent on his utter destruction. But he exerted all his powers to call upon God to deliver him out of the power of this enemy, and as he did so a pillar of light brighter than the noonday sun descended gradually until it rested upon him. At the very moment of the light’s appearance, he found himself delivered from the destructive power which had held him bound. What then followed is the greatest epiphany since the events surrounding the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ in the meridian of time. The Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith, and the dispensation of the fulness of times had begun. 1
Most of us do not need any more reminders than we have already had that there is one who personifies “opposition in all things,” that “an angel of God” fell “from heaven” and in so doing became “miserable forever.” What a chilling destiny! Because this is Lucifer’s fate, “he sought also the misery of all mankind,” Lehi teaches us. 2

Read complete talk HERE

Week 2: Seven Days to a Better Marriage

2010-01-14T22:44:00.002-07:00

As part of the New Year it is customary to make goals and plan for the future. When I came across this talk I thought it was a perfect fit because it is something I think we all desire, ways to better our most important relationships, plus it was something that could be done FAST!!! I must admit I listened to this a few weeks ago and have found such strength and hope from the stories and in sight Brother Barlow shares. I hope you too will enjoy his lighthearted, speedy remedy to improving the sacred relationship of marriage.

Because there is not a transcript of this talk I have made up a worksheet showing the key principles and an action challenge for each one. I hope you will take the time either with your spouse on your own to complete the actions. I know that anyone who takes the challenge will see a better marriage and self in seven days or less.

May we all be blessed to take care of this most important aspect of our earthly and eternal lives.

All my love,

Seven Days to a Better Marriage

Brent Barlow

MP3 Link

Printable Worksheet With Action Challenges.

Volume III Week 1: Building Zion

2010-01-07T11:28:00.002-07:00

Dear Friends,

As I ponder the coming of a New Year and where I may focus my time and
energy, my heart seeks the building up of Zion. It is my greatest
desire to enjoy this blessing. As I read the account of Enoch in the
Pearl of Great Price, I want so much to enjoy the blessings of the
Savior walking with us and dwelling with us as the people of Enoch did
(see Moses 7:69.) As I searched for a "how to build Zion" guide, I
found this wonderful compilation of the teachings of the Prophet Brigham
Young that felt very applicable to our day. As we start with ourselves,
seek to inspire and teach those in our homes, and let our circle of
influence include all within our reach, I believe Zion is attainable.
Each of us as individuals can do our best to begin, and as we build,
strengthen, and love each other, we can succeed.

Much love to you and best wishes for a wonderful year ahead,

No Mp3

Building Zion

Teachings of Brigham Young

President Brigham Young’s whole soul was dedicated to establishing Zion. He oversaw the gathering of nearly one hundred thousand Latter-day Saints to the valleys of the Rocky Mountains and colonized some four hundred cities and towns. He built temples and tabernacles, organized stakes and wards throughout the western United States, and sent missionaries to nearly every corner of the earth. No one understood better the sacrifice and effort required, but, as he said, “we are not going to wait for angels, … we are going to build [Zion ourselves]” (DBY, 443).

Teachings of Brigham Young

Zion is the pure in heart.

Let me say a few words with regard to Zion. We profess to be Zion. If we are the pure in heart we are so, for “Zion is the pure in heart” [see D&C 97:21] (DBY, 118). Where is Zion? Where the organization of the Church of God is. And may it dwell spiritually in every heart; and may we so live as to enjoy the spirit of Zion always! (DBY, 118).
This is the Gospel; this is the plan of salvation; this is the Kingdom of God; this is the Zion that has been spoken and written of by all the Prophets since the world began. This is the work of Zion which the Lord has promised to bring forth (DBY, 118).
Zion will extend, eventually, all over this earth. There will be no nook or corner upon the earth but what will be in Zion. It will all be Zion (DBY, 120).

Our purpose in life should be to sanctify ourselves and build the Zion of our God.

The purpose of our life should be to build up the Zion of our God, to gather the House of Israel, bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, restore and bless the earth with our ability and make it as the Garden of Eden, store up treasures of knowledge and wisdom in our own understandings, purify our own hearts and prepare a people to meet the Lord when he comes (DBY, 88).
We have no business here other than to build up and establish the Zion of God. It must be done according to the will and law of God [see D&C 105:5], after that pattern and order by which Enoch built up and perfected the former-day Zion, which was taken away to heaven, hence the saying went abroad that Zion had fled [see Moses 7:69]. By and by it will come back again, and as Enoch prepared his people to be worthy of translation, so we, through our faithfulness, must prepare ourselves to meet Zion from above when it shall return to earth, and to abide the brightness and glory of its coming (DBY, 443).
We look forward to the day when the Lord will prepare for the building of the New Jerusalem, preparatory to the City of Enoch’s going to be joined with it when it is built upon this earth [see Moses 7:62–64]. We are anticipating to enjoy that day, whether we sleep in death previous to that, or not. We look forward, with all the anticipation and confidence that children can possess in a parent, that we shall be there when Jesus comes; and if we are not there, we will come with him: in either case we shall be there when he comes (DBY, 120). Read the rest HERE.

Let Us Rejoice Together

2009-12-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

It has been a pleasure to share our testimonies with you over the past two years. We pray for you and your families to have a wonderful new year and that you will continue to feel the Savior's love through the talks we share.

Love,
Shauntell, Noni, Sarah, and Alida

This is the fifth Thursday of the month. Which means it is time to think about all the great talks and quotes you've heard recently and share with the rest of us. How you do that is you either write about it in the comments of this post or you can email it to me at talkoftheweek@gmail.com and I will put it in the comments for you.

Below are some great references in finding articles:
LDS.org
BYU Broadcasting

The opportunity to learn the gospel is just as important as the admonition to teach the gospel. In D&C 50: 22, we read the following: "Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." Let us teach and receive of one another so we can ALL be edified and rejoice together in the sweetness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I can't wait to be edified by you wonderful friends and family.

Week 52: Gifts

2009-12-24T09:07:00.001-07:00

Recently I heard a friend complaining, “I feel guilty if I don’t buy presents for everyone and their brother. I think I am going to start boycotting presents beginning next year!”

I agree that Christmas has become commercialized and that the true reason we celebrate Christmas has been all but forgotten by the mainstream. Our need to give lavish gifts and gifts in excess has created a "gimmee, gimmee" society that is not in sync with the true meaning of “Christmas Spirit.” However, I think at the core giving gifts to the ones we love is a wonderful tradition when done meaningfully and without excess. I think we would be remiss not to acknowledge the many God-given gifts that we have been given and that endure all time. I also think it’s important to remember, as we share our love with others, the reason we do these things is in similitude of the ultimate gift that was given to us by our Heavenly Father. He sent us his Son.

This week’s talk was delivered during General Conference in April 1993 by President Thomas S. Monson and is simply entitled “Gifts”. Unfortunately, the audio has not been archived for this specific General Conference and therefore it is only available in text format. I could not pass it up. Please take the time to read it; I know you will benefit from it as much as I have.

This beautiful talk helps direct our thoughts to the gifts we’ve received from our Heavenly Father and reminds us that, as stated by President Harold B. Lee: “Life is God’s gift to man. What we do with our life is our gift to God.”

I want to wish a Merry Christmas to each of you. I pray that as you go about this week you will remember Christ in everything you do.

Gifts

Thomas S. Monson

President David O. McKay would frequently suggest the need for us to turn from the hectic day-to-day schedule filled with letters to answer, calls to be made, people to see, meetings to attend, and take time to meditate, to ponder, and to reflect on the eternal truths and the sources of the joy and happiness which comprise each person’s quest.
When we do, the mundane, the mechanical, the repetitious patterns of our lives yield to the spiritual qualities, and we acquire a much-needed dimension which inspires our daily living. When I follow this counsel, thoughts of family, experiences with friends, and treasured memories of special days and quiet nights course through my mind and bring a sweet repose to my being.
The Christmas season, with its special meaning, inevitably prompts a tear, inspires a renewed commitment to God, and provides, borrowing the words from the lovely song “Calvary,” “rest to the weary and peace to the soul.”
I reflect on the contrasts of Christmas. The extravagant gifts, expensively packaged and professionally wrapped, reach their zenith in the famed commercial catalogs carrying the headline “For the person who has everything.” In one such reading I observed a four-thousand-square-foot home wrapped with a gigantic ribbon and comparable greeting card which said, “Merry Christmas.” Other items included diamond-studded clubs for the golfer, a Caribbean cruise for the traveler, and a luxury trip to the Swiss Alps for the adventurer. Such seemed to fit the theme of a Christmas cartoon which showed the Three Wise Men traveling to Bethlehem with gift boxes on their camels. One says, “Mark my words, Balthazar, we’re starting something with these gifts that’s going to get way out of hand!”
Then there is the remembered Christmas tale of O. Henry about a young husband and wife who lived in abject poverty yet who wanted to give one another a special gift. But they had nothing to give. Then the husband had a ray of inspiration: “I shall provide my dear wife a beautiful ornamental comb to adorn her magnificent long black hair.” The wife also received an idea: “I shall obtain a lovely chain for my husband’s prized watch which he values so highly.”
Christmas day came; the treasured gifts were exchanged. Then the surprise ending, so typical of O. Henry’s short stories: The wife had shorn her long hair and sold it to obtain funds to purchase the watch chain, only to discover that her husband had sold his watch, that he might purchase the comb to adorn her beautiful long hair, which now she did not have. 1 Go HERE for the rest of this article

Week 51: Bring Him Home

2009-12-17T10:14:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone – This was a Priesthood talk so there isn’t an MP3 but I really wanted to share it with you. I really wanted to get this out to you. “I’ll be home for Christmas…” It reminded me that we all long to be HOME – to return with Heavenly Father and with our Savior. Are we doing what we need to have the light of Christ shine through us?

This is oft times a times a min by min process. There have often been struggles in my home recently as I and my husband strive to be righteous empowering parents to our teen-age son and our other two children. I was humbled by the story of Jack and his father and reflected on how I was/am doing in my parenting.As I read Emily’s story I pondered on how I am doing in being the answer to the prayers of God’s children. I asked for forgiveness and offered a plea to help me do better.

I pray that we will strive to LIVE so that we may hear the affirming words and feel the Spirit bear witness – “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Bring Him Home

President Thomas S. Monson
First Counselor in the First Presidency

Thomas S. Monson, “Bring Him Home,” Ensign, Nov 2003, 56

We can, with the Lord’s help, reach out and rescue those for whom we have responsibility.

My dear brethren, it is a humbling experience to stand before you this evening and to realize that beyond the imposing audience in this, the Conference Center, many hundreds of thousands of priesthood bearers are similarly assembled throughout the world.

While contemplating the responsibility to speak to you, I recalled a definition of priesthood authority declared by President Stephen L Richards. Said he: “The Priesthood is usually simply defined as ‘the power of God delegated to man.’ This definition, I think, is accurate. But for practical purposes I like to define the Priesthood in terms of service and I frequently call it ‘the perfect plan of service.’ ” 1

To Read More Go HERE.

Week 50: The Power and Protection of Worthy Music

2009-12-10T08:39:00.007-07:00

This is my favorite time of year. I couldn't help but to turn on Christmas music early in November. Before my family could tease me I declared to them that listening to Christmas music makes me happy. The music from this time of year is so ingrained in my mind and heart that it is the only music I can actually remember lyrics too year round! Many a late night feeding, and rocking of my children have been to the humming and singing of "Silent Night".

How blessed we are to have such beautiful music in our lives. Music has always been a powerful tool for healing in my life. I can list a song for almost every special memory that I have. Songs such as, "Be Still My Soul", "There is a Green Hill Far Away", "My Heavenly Father Loves Me", and " I am a Child of God", have at times come to my mind in answer to prayers. Beautiful music from modern LDS artist's like Jenny Phillips, Hillary Weeks, Jenny Jordan Frogley, Jon Schmidt, and Michael McLean have also given me courage and strength during great challenges and trials.

I would like to add my testimony to Elder Nelson's that worthy music does bring power and protection to our lives. May I challenge us all to review the music that we choose to listen too and remove music that does not invite worthy thoughts or the spirit to dwell in our hearts and minds. We can not be so brazen to think that listening to unclean music will not hurt us. Our minds are very tender and can be harmed by very small negative thoughts. Our only protection is to refuse to put anything that is unworthy into our ears. If you have had an experience with choosing worthy music and would like to share it with us please feel free to leave a comment.

May you all have a very blessed and enjoyable Christmas season and enjoy the precious music that testifies of our Savior, Jesus Christ's birth.

All my love,

MP3 Link

The Power and Protection of Worthy Music
Elder Russell M. Nelson

It is a joy for my wife, Wendy, and me to be with you, my dear brothers and sisters. From the BYU Marriott Center in Utah, we are broadcasting to many congregations throughout the world. Thanks to each of you for being with us.

We extend a special welcome to those who will soon be finishing high school and are attending a CES fireside broadcast for the first time. As you enroll in institutions of higher learning and continue your education, I hope you will participate in institute classes so that you may have this strong spiritual resource to balance your secular learning. You will also have opportunities to attend future CES firesides such as this. Take advantage of those occasions. They will enlighten and encourage you.

The title of my message tonight is “Power and Protection Provided by Worthy Music.” This topic is especially applicable to young adults. As you know, people of your age have made many significant contributions as writers, composers, and connoisseurs of worthy music.

Power

The power of worthy music was felt tonight as we sang these words in our opening hymn:

Come, ye children of the Lord,
Let us sing with one accord.
Let us raise a joyful strain
To our Lord who soon will reign.¹

Through music we raised our voices in powerful praise and prayer.

Such a hymn provides a pattern of worship that is pleasing to God. His prophet taught us to “praise the Lord with singing, with music, . . . and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving” (D&C 136:28). Read the entire talk HERE and a condensed version is found in the December 2009, Ensign, page 13-17.

Week 49: Opening the Heavens

2009-12-03T09:05:00.005-07:00

Hello Friends!

As we welcome the Christmas Season, I have pondered how I can keep my
focus on the Savior and make it one where I am filled with the Spirit
and spiritually nurtured each day. I want so much to hear those quiet
promptings to assist others and to feel connected with My Heavenly
Father each day. I was deeply touched by Elder Kikuchi's article
"Opening the Heavens" in the August Ensign. His insights and testimony
are inspiring and encouraging. I also appreciate his tender sharing of
Elder Melvin J. Ballard's sacred dream. How I have come to treasure
those early morning minutes when I can enjoy my own "Sacred Grove" to
drink deeply from the scriptures and the words of Apostle's and
Prophets. I have found the early morning hours to be the time I am least
distracted by the cares of the day. How grateful I am that we have the
sweet privilege and opportunity of praying to our Father in Heaven
without restriction or limitation. I testify that He does rush to
answer every earnest prayer and that our Savior lives and He stands by
to lift and succor us. How grateful I am for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
in our lives to teach, testify, comfort, and sanctify us.

A blessed Christmas Season to each of you!

Much love,

MP3 Link

Opening the Heavens
Yoshihiko Kikuchi
Ensign, Aug 2009, 34–38

Do you want to feel the love of God more powerfully in your life? Do you want to feel more in tune with His Spirit? Do you want to have the heavens opened to you daily?

There is a way you can feel a daily renewal of God’s everlasting love and drink from “the fountain of living waters” (1 Nephi 11:25). It follows a pattern set by the Prophet Joseph Smith when he went to a grove of trees early one morning in 1820 seeking answers to his questions. I speak of a morning devotional time spent in prayer, meditation, and scripture study. If you have a devotional every morning, even if only for a few minutes, you will be deeply blessed. I know this to be true.

Continue reading this article HERE

Week 48: Gratitude: A Path to Happiness Repost

2009-11-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Talk-Of-The-Week Friends,

Yesterday I got a letter in the mail from a friend. She spoke of how the last year has been a year of trials for her. She spoke of how the thing that helped her stay afloat through all the turmoil was to remember her blessings and to focus on them. Inside was a blank list called “50 Things I am most Grateful for…”. It really inspired me to start thinking of all the things I am grateful for. When I woke early this morning I decided to continue my study of gratitude and happened upon this talk after listening to many others. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. I recreated the Gratitude list and have included it for your own personal list. May we all be blessed with the abundance God has in store for us as we focus on the things we are most grateful for. I testify that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to open the windows of heaven for us! Have a wonderful week! I am off to search for our family “Blessing Basket”!

Sarah

Challenge: Fill out this 50 things I am grateful for list. (December is a great time to continue in Thanksgiving!)

MP3 Link

Gratitude: A Path to Happiness - Bonnie D. Parkin

Gratitude: A Path to Happiness
Bonnie D. Parkin
Recently Released Relief Society General President

Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God.

This afternoon I am honored to represent those Relief Society leaders who, here in this very Tabernacle, shared the doctrines of the kingdom, emphasized the significance of women's roles in the home and family, called each other to charitable service, and reminded their sisters of the joy that comes from righteous living.

From this pulpit in 1870, Eliza R. Snow asked thousands of women a question that I'd like to repeat today: "Do you know of any place on the face of the earth, where [a] woman has more liberty, and where she enjoys such high and glorious privileges as she does here, as a Latter-day Saint?"1 I bear witness that the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do enjoy grand and glorious privileges.

Blessing Basket

Let me share a sweet story with you. A family was going through a difficult time. It was hard for them not to focus on their challenges. The mother wrote: "Our world had completely crumpled, so we turned to Heavenly Father for guidance. Almost immediately we realized that we were surrounded by goodness and were being cheered on from every side. We began as a family to express our gratitude to each other as well as to the Lord daily. A close friend pointed out to me that our family's 'blessing basket' was overflowing. From that conversation came a sort of game, which my children and I grew to love. Before family prayer each night we would talk about how our day had gone and then share with each other all of the many blessings that had been added to our 'blessing basket.' The more we expressed gratitude, the more there was to be grateful for. We felt the love of the Lord in a significant way as opportunities for growth presented themselves."2

What would a "blessing basket" add to your family?

A Spirit-Filled Principle

Gratitude requires awareness and effort, not only to feel it but to express it. Frequently we are oblivious to the Lord's hand. We murmur, complain, resist, criticize; so often we are not grateful. In the Book of Mormon, we learn that those who murmur do not know "the dealings of that God who . . . created them."3 The Lord counsels us not to murmur because it is then difficult for the Spirit to work with us.

Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence. "Live in thanksgiving daily," said Amulek, "for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."4

Mercies and blessings come in different forms—sometimes as hard things. Yet the Lord said, "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."5 All things means just that: good things, difficult things—not just some things. He has commanded us to be grateful because He knows being grateful will make us happy. This is another evidence of His love.

How do you feel when someone expresses gratitude to you? One Sunday I sat next to a sister in Relief Society and got to know her a little better. A few days later I received an e-mail: "Thank you for sitting next to my daughter in Relief Society. You put your arm around her. You will never know how much that meant to her and to me."6 This mother's words surprised me and brought me happiness.

How do you feel when you express gratitude to another? I'd like to express gratitude to someone who cares about my grandchildren. A few months ago, while visiting in Texas, I asked six-year-old Thomas to tell me about his bishop. He said, "Oh, Grandmother, you will know him. He wears a dark suit, a white shirt like Papa, and he has shiny shoes and a red tie. He wears glasses and always has a smile." I recognized Thomas's bishop as soon as I saw him. My heart was filled with gratitude for him. Thank you, Bishop Goodman, and thank you, all you wonderful bishops.

An Expression of Faith

Luke chapter 17 records the experience of the Savior when He healed 10 lepers. As you recall, only one of the cleansed lepers returned to express his appreciation. Isn't it interesting that the Lord did not say, "Your gratitude has made you whole"? Instead, He said, "Thy faith hath made thee whole."7

The leper's expression of gratitude was recognized by the Savior as an expression of his faith. As we pray and express gratitude to a loving but unseen Heavenly Father, we are also expressing our faith in Him. Gratitude is our sweet acknowledgment of the Lord's hand in our lives; it is an expression of our faith.

Gratitude in Tribulations: Hidden Blessings

In 1832 the Lord saw the need to prepare the Church for coming tribulations. Tribulations are frightening. And yet the Lord said: "Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious."8

The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord—even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace.

When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?

President David O. McKay observed, "We find in the bitter chill of adversity the real test of our gratitude . . . , which . . . goes beneath the surface of life, whether sad or joyous."9

Conclusion

To my remarkable, faithful sisters of the Church, I thank you for the ways you extend the Lord's love through your service: your care for families at the death of a loved one, your watchcare as you visit teach, your willingness to build testimonies in children as you serve in Primary, your time preparing young women for womanhood. Thank you for your devotion. I have experienced the love of the Lord through your faithfulness. I have been blessed to serve among you; my heart is brimming over with gratitude and love for each of you. I have deep gratitude for the priesthood brethren with whom I've served.

My most profound gratitude is for my Savior—an obedient Son, who did all that His Father asked and atoned for every one of us. As I remember Him and acknowledge His goodness, I desire to be like Him. May we be blessed to feel of His love in our lives daily. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."10 In His sacred name, Jesus Christ, amen.

NOTES

1. In Jill C. Mulvay, "Eliza R. Snow and the Woman Question," Brigham Young University Studies, winter 1976, 251.
2. Personal correspondence.
3. 1 Nephi 2:12.
4. Alma 34:38.
5. D&C 59:7; emphasis added.
6. Personal correspondence.
7. Luke 17:19; emphasis added.
8. D&C 78:18–19; emphasis added.
9. Pathways to Happiness, comp. Llewelyn R. McKay (1957), 318.
10. 2 Corinthians 9:15.

Week 47: Famous Last Words

2009-11-19T12:42:00.002-07:00

I know I know – I always pick Sheri! Well not actually – but I do lean towards Sheri as I always feel like a righteous super heroine when I am done listening to her. I have spoken a few “famous last words” over the years and just had to share this one today. I wanted to share one on Thanksgiving but I figured we could save that one for next week.

Famous Last Words
Sheri Dew

Read this talk HERE

Week 46: Be Still and Know God

2009-11-12T09:24:00.001-07:00

This week I was late on posting but I believe it was for the best. Yesterday I was feeling very tormented about some things that are not within my control. Some things that have more to do with someone elses' agency than me fixing myself or the situation. Being in the spot of no control is a huge challenge for me.

While I was feeling the terrible weight of my concerns. I took a moment to pray and to listen. What came to my mind was these words, "Be Still and Know That I am God". I then felt prompted to listen to my favorite hymn " Be Still, My Soul", Hymn Number 124. These too messages brought me so much peace as I realized that God is my Heavenly Father and that his Son, my Savior will both lift me and lighten the burdens I am required to carry in his service.

I found this beautiful talk given at BYU and can testify that the things she suggests to do can bring peace to our souls.

May you hall have a blessed week.

All my love,

Be Still and Know God

Erin Maughan

BYU Devotional

August 2009

MP3 Link

Video Link

Be Stil, My Soul -Hymn #124

Talk of the Week Club

Week 45: The Divine Gift of Gratitude

Week 41: Opportunities to do Good

Week 40: President Thomas S. Monson: Taking Temples to All the World

Week 37: Agency and Love in Marriage

Week 35: Teach Them to Understand

Week 31: To Always Remember Him

Week 23: A Father Indeed

Week 22: Your Potential, Your Privilege

Week 21: What Have I Done For Someone Today?

Week 19: Daughters of God

Week 18: Nourishing and Protecting the Family

Week 17: None Where With Him

Week 16: Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ **Repost**

Week 15: I Know HE Lives

Week 14: The Purifying Power of Gethsemane

Week 13: The Holy Ghost

Week 12: Don't Leave for Tomorrow What You Can Do Today

Week 9: Follow the Prophet

Week 7: World Wide Leadership Training

Week 6: My Peace I Give Unto You

Week 5: Unleashing the Dormant Spirit

Week 4: The Best is Yet To Be

Week 3: Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart and I Shall Heal You

Week 2: Fundamental To Our Faith

Volume III Week 1: A Gift Worthy of Added Care

Week 50: Holiday Greetings

Week 49: A Prayer for the Children

Week 48: That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior

Week 46: The Divine Gift of Gratitude

Week 45: For God Did Send Me

Week 44: The Constitution--A Glorious Standard

Week 42: What is Your Calling in Life?

Week 39: Charity Never Faileth

Week 38: When My Prayers Seem Unanswered

Week 37: Blessings Upon our Heads

Week 34: Christlike Attributes-The Wind Beneath Our Wings **Repost**

Week 33: Zion is the Pure in Heart

Week 32: To Know and be Known of God **Repost**

Week 31: Sister Julie B. Beck

Week 30: Good, Better, Best

Week 28: Continue in Patience

Week 27: Mothers and Daughters

Week 26: Honorably Hold a Name and Standing

Week 25: The Blessings of the Temple

Week 24: What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends

What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends

Week 23: Are We Not All Mothers

Are We Not All Mothers?

Week 22: The Divine Nature and Destiny of Women

Week 21: The Love of God

Week 20: Finding Joy in the Journey

Week 18: My New Life

Week 17: Meeting Your Goliath

We Need Your Help

Week 16: The "S" Formula

Week 15: The Voice of the Lord **Repost**

Week 14: Mormon Messages

Week 13: None Were With Him

Week 12 :What Have I Done for Someone Today?

What Have I Done for Someone Today?

Week 11: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Week 10: The Virtue of Kindness

Week 9: Remember Lot's Wife

Week 8: Finding Joy in the Journey

Finding Joy in the Journey

Week 7: More Dilligent and Concerned at Home

More Diligent and Concerned at Home

Week 6: Temple Marriage: What can we learn from it?

Week 5: Becoming Holy Amid the Increasing Turmoil

Week 4: The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Week 3: Cast Not Therefore Away Your Confidence

Week 2: Seven Days to a Better Marriage

Volume III Week 1: Building Zion

Teachings of Brigham Young

Zion is the pure in heart.

Our purpose in life should be to sanctify ourselves and build the Zion of our God.

Let Us Rejoice Together

Week 52: Gifts

Week 51: Bring Him Home

Week 16: Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Repost

Week 34: Christlike Attributes-The Wind Beneath Our Wings Repost

Week 32: To Know and be Known of God Repost

Week 15: The Voice of the Lord Repost

Week 48: Gratitude: A Path to Happiness Repost