My heart overflows with gratitude for my Heavenly Father. Staying balanced is all about moving forward. They bore the strain and suffering as best they could. It means that if we want to find balance in life, and if we want the Savior to lift us heavenward, then our commitment to Him and His gospel cant be casual or occasional. Elder Uchtdorf teaches that Jesus Christ is the best guide for making choices. Good or evil? The following is a summary of what he said. Title page of the Book of Mormon; see Mormon 8:17. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. This new version of For the Strength of Youth is subtitled A Guide for Making Choices. It even takes falling down a time or two. Open your hearts to our Savior and Redeemer, no matter your circumstances, trials, sufferings, or mistakes; you can know that He lives, that He loves you, and that because of Him, you will never be alone. It is the work of loving and serving God. I realize that He has not doomed His children to stumble through mortality without hope for a bright and eternal future. It focuses on values, principles, and doctrine instead of every specific behavior. It sounds like an easy choice, doesnt it? Callings Volunteer and Serve Temples Family History. Those burdened with sin find forgiveness, liberty, and rest. After the meal, the man looked up and said, Good as always. By David W. Smith. That movement creates differences in air pressure that give the plane lift. Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. For over 50 years, For the Strength of Youth has been a guide for generations of Latter-day Saint youth. While the world was drowning in cynicism, bitterness, hatred, and fear, the example and teachings of these young people filled me with hope. May we live in thanksgiving daily18especially during the seemingly unexplainable endings that are part of mortality. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Doctrine and Covenants 59:7; see also Ephesians 5:20; 1Thessalonians 5:18; Mosiah 26:39; Alma 7:23; Doctrine and Covenants 98:1. You might be surprised to find that we have yearnings and struggles and hopes similar to yours. When we consecrate something, we dont leave it to be consumed upon the altar. For this I pray, and leave you my testimony and blessing, in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ, amen. In the hours following His Crucifixion, they were consumed with despair and grief, unable to understand what had just happened. Specific rules or applications of those principles work well in some places but not in others. Others may be facing the end of their faith, as confusing and conflicting voices in the world tempt them to question, even abandon, what they once knew to be true. Others feel they are facing the end of hopethe hope of being married or bearing children or overcoming an illness. Or will we, like Peter, hold fast to the words of eternal life? None of us is quite as Christlike as we know we should be. At the heart of Gods plan of happiness is the power to choose. Those who follow this path faithfully avoid many of the pitfalls, sorrows, and regrets of life. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gestures to conferencegoers prior to the church's 192nd Annual General Conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 2, 2022. By Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Put your trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus might point out that your covenants with Himmade when you were baptized and renewed each time you partake of the sacramentgive you a special connection with Him. 1 This morning we have had the privilege to hear the prophet of God speak to all the world. It requires letting some things go and letting other things grow. How long are they?, Oh, my, the man said. You know how best to groom yourself. Back then, in the solitude of my loneliest hours, I often wondered, Is there any hope left in the world?. On April 2-3, millions worldwide will tune into the 192nd Annual General Conferenceof The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hear messages from the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders. It can happen to anyone. It doesnt make decisions for you. In other words, Im suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstanceswhatever they may be. Believing in God is commendable, but most people want to do more than listen to inspirational sermons or dream of their mansions above.4 They want to put their faith into practice. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf speaks at the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 2-3, 2021. It takes patience. I invite you to pray, he said, to identify the debris you should remove from your life so you can become more worthy (Welcome Message, Liahona, May 2021, 7). Elder Christofferson teaches that the doctrine of belonging includes welcoming diversity, being willing to serve and sacrifice, and knowing the Saviors role. A question that creates doubt in some can, after careful investigation, build faith in others. The Savior has very high standards for those who follow Him the highest of which is the invitation to earnestly seek His will and live by His truths. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints April 2014. When the entire truth is eventually known, things that didnt make sense to us before will be resolved to our satisfaction. Our Heartfelt All | Dieter F. Uchtdorf | April 2022 General Conference General Conference 425K subscribers Subscribe 2.2K 101K views 10 months ago Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf speaks at the. Struggling? 2010-2019. Read and listen here As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-nots, I sometimes felt a little like that flowersmall and insignificant. The Church has prepared a revised version of For the Strength of Youth to point young men and young women to Christ. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivers a message Sunday morning, Oct. 3, 2021, during the 191st Semiannual General Conference held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Perhaps focusing on what we are grateful for is the wrong approach. The Apostle Paul compared it to looking through a glass, darkly.9 Theres a lot of confusion in the world about what is right and wrong. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Actually, it is not that simple. Contents General conference 1994 - present First Presidency Christmas devotionals 2009 - present CES/worldwide devotionals 2009 - present 9. Let us take this a step further. In the October 2022 general conference, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf announced an updated version of the youth standards guidebook For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices.Elder Uchtdorf explained that the booklet "has been updated and refreshed to better cope with the challenges and temptations of our day." The people of the Book of Mormon lived on the other side of the globetheir histories, cultures, and political climates were vastly different from the people Jesus taught during His mortal ministry. We are eternal beings, children of the Almighty God, whose name is Endless13 and who promises eternal blessings without number. He might say it with words, but it would also flow so stronglyjust from His presencethat it would be unmistakable, reaching deep into your heart, filling your whole soul! On the fourth day, the waiter was really determined to make the man happy. We havent even mentioned family history, youth camps, devotionals, scripture study, leadership training, youth activities, early-morning seminary, maintaining Church buildings, and of course there is the Lords law of health, the monthly fast to help the poor, and tithing., The man said, Now Im confused. When the Book of Mormon prophet Alma saw evil in the world around him, he turned to the word of God because he knew it had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto themtherefore Alma thought it was expedient [to] try the virtue of the word of God (Alma 31:5). Two hundred years ago, the Savior again returned to earth. It is loving and serving Gods children.13. Luke 5:10; 8:50; 12:7; Doctrine and Covenants 38:15; 50:41; 98:1. I testify that this is true, as I also testify that Jesus Christ is our Master, our Redeemer, and our one and only Way back to our beloved Father in Heaven. Elder Uchtdorf was quick to point out that his family joined the Church through the efforts of a member missionary while his wife's family found the truth through full-time missionaries. Elder Silva describes his conversion experience and encourages young men and young women to serve missions. I believe He would start by expressing His deep love for you. Everyones situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. In fact, it impressed Him so deeply that he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.1. Love our neighbor. Need some inspiration to lift your soul? In a way, this is what the Pharisees of Jesuss day tried to do. And that is what happens when they join with usthey have many opportunities to transform their talents, compassion, and time into good works. When we see one thingloving and serving God and His children, in a hundred different waysthen we can work on those things with joy. Like a musician rehearsing scales, we can see our missteps, flaws, and sins as opportunities for greater self-awareness, deeper and more honest love for others, and refinement through repentance. Most of all, those who succeed in balancing on a bicycle learn these important tips: Keep your eyes on the road in front of you. About Us. It was an anxious time for me, but it must have been terrifying for my beloved parents. To the Lord, the value of the donation was measured not by the effect it had on the treasury but by the effect it had on the heart of the donor. There seems to be something inside of us that resists endings. Your loving Father in Heaven knows your heart. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach? He would see right into your heart. And the invitation to earnestly seek His will and live by His truths is the highest standard possible! Throughout history, faithful Saints have sacrificed personal desires, comforts, and even their lives for the Savior. 1. This is the bull's-eye of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Weve been riding long enough that we dont even think about thatit has become normal and natural for us. He knows that you cant do everything your heart wants you to do. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Real and relatable conversations centered around the Come, Follow Me weekly lessons using the official curriculum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because we are made of the stuff of eternity. He also introduces the new For the Strength of Youth guide. But you can love and serve God. How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings. In this age of waning faithin this age when so many feel distanced from heavens embracehere you will find a people who yearn to know and draw closer to their Savior by serving God and fellowmen, just like you. When he was at the height of his professional career as a heart surgeon, he was called as stake president. Because we have no paid local clergy in our worldwide congregations, our members perform the work of ministry themselves. The gospel message they offered transcended politics, history, grudges, grievances, and personal agendas. He is not a rest stop in our journey. Have we not reason to be filled with gratitude, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? When you feel weak, Jesus Christ is your strength.. Sister Craig teaches us three truths that can help us grow as disciples and trust in the Lord through our trials. Elder Uchtdorf's conference talk is delightful and promises a memorable discussion for your group. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center, gives a thumbs up to a conferencegoer prior to the church's 192nd Annual General Conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 2, 2022. He realized that each religion had much that seemed desirable and worthy. That He speaks to prophets again; that God is among usand is personally involved in our lives and actively guiding His children. But we can choose our response. He emphasized the need for daily introspection and restoration as a spiritual landmark. The Lord, through His prophets, has always been guiding us in that direction. Elder Johnson teaches that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed of our sins and imperfections. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. Of this I testify and bear witness in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. If you define hypocrite as someone who fails to live up perfectly to what he or she believes, then we are all hypocrites. Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers, BishopsShepherds over the Lords Flock, What We Are Learning and Will Never Forget, Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains, Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution. I am also speaking to those who used to be young, even to those who cant really remember it anymore. Elder Morrison teaches us how the Lord strengthens us and helps us when we exercise faith in Him during difficult times. What is it that keeps these flying machines soaring elegantly through the sky, crossing oceans and continents? Because of Jesus Christ, our failures do not have to define us. What would that be like? Jesus taught that our offering may be large or it may be small, but either way, it must be our heartfelt all. President Uchtdorf talked about Christ's everlasting love and capability to forgive even the most lost and wandering members and shared the parable of the lost sheep. It is a starting question for us as we contemplate becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. See RussellM. Nelson, Hear Him, Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 8892. (See John 6:28.). From 1965-1996, he was a pilot, captain and corporate executive for the German airline, Lufthansa. Sometimes questions arise because we simply dont have all the information and we just need a bit more patience. This objective must remain constant and consistent, whoever we are and whatever else is happening in our lives.3. He is not a scenic byway or even a major landmark. In this talk, President Uchtdorf shares the powerful lesson that Heavenly Father will never forget us and what we can do to never forget Him. What about your weekly church services? Discipleship, like most things in life, can also be compared to flying an airplane. . He married Sister Harriet Reich in 1962 and they are the parents of two children. True gratitude is an expression of hope and testimony. In this way, we see in our lives a fulfillment of the prophecy of the Apostle Paul: In the dispensation of the fulness of times [God will] gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth: even in him (Ephesians 1:10). But some might say, What do I have to be grateful for when my world is falling apart?. The Church of Jesus Christ seems to attract the kind and the caring, the honest and the industrious. Elder Stevenson teaches about what a testimony is and the importance of keeping your testimony strong and bearing it in word and deed. When they read the holy scriptures3 and live the teachings of His prophets, they grow closer to the Savior they love so much. President Nelson recently spoke of the need for each of us to remove, with the Saviors help, the old debris in our lives. You might say the Fathers plan was designed to allow you to express your desires through your choices so that you can receive the full results of what you desire. Eternal life or spiritual death?8. So He allows you to choose: Light or darkness? Or we can choose to be like Nephi, whose grateful heart never faltered. For examples of pioneers who maintained a cheerful attitude despite intense difficulty, see AndrewD. Olsen, The Price We Paid: The Extraordinary Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneers (2006), 10, 36667. And the fulness of that gospel is taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of our dear members struggle for years with the question whether they should separate themselves from the Church. 10. But perhaps there is another way to look at it. He will lead you the right way. When his brothers tied him up on the shipwhich he had built to take them to the promised landhis ankles and wrists were so sore they had swollen exceedingly, and a violent storm threatened to swallow him up in the depths of the sea. And one day He wants you to inherit all He has.6. Another reason a principle-based approach is needed today is the increasing cultural diversity of the Lords Church. This was the question the multitude asked Jesus on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. My sins will not only be forgiven; they will not even be remembered. As disciples of Christ, we are commanded to thank the Lord [our] God in all things,1 to sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving,2 and to let [our] heart be full of thanks unto God.3. It comes from acknowledging that we do not always understand the trials of life but trusting that one day we will. Of course not. Bishop Causs teaches the duty we have to take care of Gods creations as stewards over them. 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