Strengthening A Testimony

"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it."

I was thinking that I should be going to bed but I just read this talk and I wanted to write down my favorite parts. It was spoken back in 1974 by President Spencer W. Kimball at a General Conference. It is called, Ocean Currents and Family Influences .   "It is important for us also to cultivate in our own family a sense that we belong together eternally, that whatever changes outside our home, there are fundamental aspects of our relationship which will never change." "How long has it been since you took your children, whatever their size, in your arms and told them that you love them and are glad that they can be yours forever? How long has it been since you husbands or wives purchased an inexpensive gift as a surprise for your spouse for no other reason than just to please? How long has it been since you brought home a rose or baked a pie with a heart carved in the crust or did some other thing to make life more aglow with warmth and affection? If there is to be a co...

It has been way too long since I've posted anything. I came across this quote last night and thought I'd share. It is from John A. Widtsoe. "Knowledge made alive and useful, that is intelligence; and intelligence in action, that is power." It is from a talk he gave called "Temple Worship" and it first appeared in Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine , April 1921. I have only gotten through half of the talk and it is very good so far. It has given me more insight of the purpose of the temple and why it is so important. I already knew this but it goes deeper. I love seeing the temple. It is something that I love to stare at and be amazed by how beautiful and sacred it is. I was attending the temple a couple times a month before I moved and I haven't been able to go since November. I miss it and can't wait to get there soon. It's a little less convenient here. Before I was only 15 minutes away. Now it would take an hour or more, depending on tr...

President Gordon B. Hinckley, our latter-day prophet wrote a book called Standing For Something. In this book there are 10 virtues that we can obtain to heal our hearts and homes. In one of the last chapters "We can save our nation by saving our homes" he starts with saying, “Society’s problems arise, almost without exception, out of the homes of the people. If there is to be a reformation, if there is to be a change, if there is to be a return to old and sacred values, it must begin in the home.” Within this chapter he lists 10 things that he says can change the problems that are arising in society. 1.) Accept responsibility for our role as parents and fulfill our obligations to our children. 2.) Get married and stay married. 3.) Put the father back at the head of the home. 4.) Recognize and value the supreme importance of mothers. 5.) Celebrate and treat children as our most priceless treasures. 6.) Discipline and train children with love. 7.) Teach values to children. 8...

One thing that we believe as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is that there is a prophet on the earth right now. There were many prophets on the earth who we know from the Bible. There is a prophet in our day and his name is President Thomas S. Monson. Before him was Gordon B. Hinckley.  We also have twelve apostles who are witnesses of Jesus Christ that work with the Prophet. The church is organized just like when Jesus organized it when He was alive. When we have General Conference twice a year we are able to listen to them speak through inspiration. I was reading one talk by one of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland,  and wished that so many people would read it so they could understand a little bit better about our church. I have problems expressing my thoughts and feelings so I'll be quoting a lot from what Elder Holland said. There are a few things that I really liked and wanted to share.  The main focus of Elder Holland's talk was to...

I am troubled by what is going on in our county. I know that Heavenly Father must look down at us and feel very sad. I was reading and watching something online and a talk from this last General Conference came into my mind. It was from  Elder Robert D. Hales . We sat and watched it and it made me happy to know that we can turn to the Prophet and the Apostles for direction, and that direction comes from our Heavenly Father. I wanted to put a quote from Elder Hales's talk that I thought was something I should remember.  "As true disciples, our primary concern must be others’ welfare, not personal vindication. Questions and criticisms give us an opportunity to reach out to others and demonstrate that they matter to our Heavenly Father and to us. Our aim should be to help them understand the truth, not defend our egos or score points in a theological debate. Our heartfelt testimonies are the most powerful answer we can give our accusers. And such testimonies can only be borne in ...

"But make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions.(see 1 kings 18:21) President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.' "This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. "Resistance to abortion ...