President Thomas S. Monson
- We need to be examples to others throughout our lives
- Examples in word - we need to have respectful language
- Examples in charity - we need to serve others and find opportunities to help
- Examples in spirituality - we need to pray, read our scriptures
- Examples in cleanliness - we need to be pure and clean - this starts with our thoughts
- Being examples in these areas help us to be "lights" to those around us - we need to keep the light bright to show our love for the Lord and the Gospel
Elder Ronald S. Rasband (New Apostle)
- His call came from the Lord Jesus Christ
- 5 kids and 24 grand children
- 6th generation Mormon - ancestors from England & Denmark
- Mission President of the New York, New York North mission
- Served his mission in the "Eastern States"
- His message - "Love one another as I have loved you" - we need to reach out to our fellow man with love, service and sacrifice - we need to love them
- His faith as a child has grown to a "knowledge and a witness" of the Savior Jesus Christ
Elder Gary E. Stevenson (New Apostle)
- President Monson has been an apostle for over 50 years
- Speaks of his experience being called to be an apostle - bears a very strong testimony.
- Lost both of his parents last year - I know what that feels like - very tough
- Was previously the presiding Bishop of the church - has spoken in Conference many times
- Commented that President Monson mentioned that he looked young - I agree - he looks young, like Elder Bednar
Elder Dale G. Renlund (New Apostle)
- The Lord calls us to work through you to do the job that needs to be done
- The calling isn't about "me" (the individual) - it's about the Work, the Gospel
- (Important advice for me in my new calling as Bishop)
- To effectively serve others - we may see them through a "parent's eyes" - through Heavenly Father's eyes
- He was a heart surgeon - told a great story of losing a young man named Chad, who lived 15 years after a heart transplant, but still died too young. Elder Renlund tried to be "professional" and tuck his feelings away, but when his parents entered, he saw Chad through his parent's eyes and he wept. He ended up being comforted by Chad's parents (a major role reversal).
- Bore a strong and heartfelt testimony
Elder Russell M. Nelson
He got the tears rolling in my eyes as he remembered Elder Perry, Elder Packard and Elder Scott - such a huge loss to not have them now - but they are happier now.
He showed photos of Elder Perry and Elder Packard with their spouses - great photos - great women
Discusses how we need women - women with faith and strength and skills that are required to move the Work of the Lord forward
Told of story of how he lost 3 children from the same family to heart issues. He wanted to give up, but his wife told him to get dressed, get to work and learn more. If he didn't, others would have to painfully learn what he already knew. This lead to his pioneering efforts in developing open-heart surgery, which saved President Kimball's life in 1972.
Ties his talk back to the need of women in our church. We need women to step forward and take their righteous place in the kingdom of God.
Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer
- Awesome talk on holding to the iron rod.
- Mentioned that the great & spacious building is getting larger - the halls are filling with more people
- Discussed his concerns that those in the great and spacious building are not only mocking the true disciples of Jesus Christ, but they are actually going on the attack. They are making it "loud" and difficult to focus on becoming a disciple of Christ.
Elder Claudio M. S. Costas
- Excellent talk - but I pulled away from my notes to change diapers and help kids
Elder Henry B. Eyring
- Recites the sacrament prayers
- Highlights the glorious promise at the end of the sacrament prayers - that we will always have his Spirit with us
- The spirit guides us to do good, but also strengthens us against evil
- Gives really good advice for those that are struggling to have the spirit with them constantly in their lives - start with the moments where you do have the spirit - like "today" - and plant those like seeds of faith - they will help you to feel the spirit more consistently in your life
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