Weekly Article

For this week, I've chosen to highlight an article from April's Ensign rather than a Conference talk. When I read it, I felt the Spirit and knew that the words I was reading were true. The Holy Ghost truly is remarkable and the very fact that the Lord can communicate directly to us through Him is a tremendous gift. I know that if we ever have a question or desire to learn, we have only to ask and search and the Lord will make the truth known to us. We can always trust that He will answer our prayers and that the Spirit will make things known to us.

The article for this week is titled, "What does the Atonement Mean to You?" by Cecil O. Samuelson Jr.

One of the quotes that really meant a lot to me from this article was:
"His Atonement does indeed cover the world and all people from the beginning to the end. Let us not forget, however, that in its comprehensiveness and completeness it is also intensely personal and uniquely crafted to fit perfectly and address perfectly each of our own individual circumstances. The Father and the Son know each of us better than we know ourselves and have prepared an Atonement for us that is fully congruent with our needs, challenges, and possibilities."

What a remarkable promise that is made to each of us! This is just a part of what makes the Atonement so incredible - that it was make for all mankind but that each of us benefit from it individually and personally; that it is so far reaching that every man and woman can enjoy the blessings and promises available because of it but also because each of us is different, the Atonement meets our very own specific needs and challenges. What an incredible blessing!

There is so much to glean from this article that I encourage you to go read it. I would love to tell you everything I thought of it and all I learned from it, but it would be neither conducive to time nor appropriate. Go read it.

Weekly Article

This weeks article is by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. In light of his recent passing, I thought it wouls be appropriate to share something he told us. I thought this talk was so amazing. I was always struck with his optimistic, loving personality, and it shines right through this talk. It is powerful; I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

Come What May, and Love it

I know that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away last year (his funeral was held December 5, 2008), so it isn't quite as recent as it was when I first wrote this (and then forgot to post it). But it is still a relevant and heart-warming talk, given by a man who truly loved life and knew how to teach others to do the same.

Weekly Article

I apologize that I have not posted as faithfully as I should on a weekly article. But here is this weeks:

Jesus Christ Is the Light, Life, and Hope of the World

This is actually the visiting teaching message for the month of December. It is short and to the point but still so very powerful and reassuring. I always knew that Jesus Christ was the Light, Life and Hope of the world, but this message explains how Christ fills those roles for us. This is a profound message and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have for this Christmas season!

This week's article

The article for this week comes from the April 2008 General Conference, during the Sunday Morning session. It is titled "The Twelve" and was given by President Boyd K. Packer.

I chose this talk because it strengthened my testimony of the blessing that members of the church have in knowing that we have living apostles upon the earth today and that they act under the authority of Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, through the Priesthood keys that were restored on this earth. What a marvelous blessing! The power that is found in the quorum of the 12 apostles is unmatched and is beautiful! I cannot express enough my love for these men and their wonderful service and to my Heavenly Father for His love in designating these wonderful men to these callings.

Article revolving around Sunday sessions of General Conference

I found this article that ties several of the talks from the Sunday session of this most recent General Conference together under the title of "LDS general conference: Stand fast, love others: LDS exhorted not to lose sight of what's important." (see link) I think it is a great article. The writer, Joseph M. Dougherty, did a great job of tying all these talks together, using quotes from the talks given and helping the reader to see just how each of the talks given revolves around members of the church being the best they can be.

My favorite quote used in this article was one by Elder M. Russell Ballard. He said, "Instead of angry mobs, we face those who constantly try to defame. Instead of extreme exposure and hardship, we face alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, all kinds of filth and sleaze, greed, dishonesty and spiritual apathy. The Lord isn't asking us to load up a handcart; he's asking us to fortify our faith. He isn't asking us to walk across a continent; he's asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbors." (italics added). I love this quote because it really shows that who we are as members of the church - what we stand for and the causes that beset us - are just as important as those that overwhelmed the pioneers in the early days of the church. But we can do it. I believe we can walk across the street to our neighbors and we can fortify our faith. I know we can. What a challenge to remember who I am and to stand up for what I believe in. Just wonderful.

First Weekly Article

The first talk/article I'll share here is from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, and is the talk where you can find the quote from the above description of this blog. The article title is:
"One Step after Another" and can be found in the November 2001 Ensign (you can also click on the link to see the article).

I've chosen this article because Elder Wirthlin really captures how we can make it. He doesn't tell us we have to be perfect now ... or even tomorrow. But he does tell us to work hard, to keep trying, and we can make it. He tells us to keep reaching for eternity, for exaltation, one step at a time.