OUR FAMILY: North America Southwest Conference

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

John 20:17

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto the, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 20:20-46

What does it mean: "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord?"

Elder M. Russell Ballard counseled us: "To avoid evil talk, to choose your friends wisely, to stay away from pornography and illicit drugs, to not attend evil concerts and dangerous parties, to respect your bodies and keep yourselves morally clean in every way."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scripture

DC 1:37-38

37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

Dallin H. Oaks

" What is the meaning of the scriptural cautions and commandments not to be 'of the world' or the modern commandment to 'forsake the world"? (DC 53:2)

President Thomas S. Monson summarized these teachings:

'We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God.'"

We gave Kathy a ride to the church this morning for the North American Southwest Regional Conference broadcast. Before the broadcast started President Beeler spoke to us. The title of his talk was "Safe Enough."

Where is safe enough? There is opposition in all things. The neutrality of the Garden of Eden couldn't accomplish God's purposes. Spiritual progress means we must be fully engaged. Sacred ground is found as a result of increased righteousness. We have no more desire to do evil but to do good continually. Here are some safe zones: Home, the temple, the Church, and the stake.

The temple is a blueprint for homes and families. Missionaries carry the Light of Christ to the world. Who are God's messengers:

Prophets, apostles, missionaries, and members. Satan's desire is to stop the messengers. Satan tries to convince us that apathy and indifference are okay. Minister to the one. Who do I need to serve today? There is no neutral ground, we choose our direction, God expects us to move forward in the right direction. We need to allow Christ to point us in the direction of the one.

Soutwest Regional Broadcast

Elder Cornish conducted this meeting to 263 stakes, 3 districts and 21 missions with 50 temples.

Elder T.B. Wakalolo - We need to become better at giving service.What will I do differently as a result of this conference? How can the Atonement help me?

DC 101:78 - Act in Doctrine and Principle.

JOY - J=Jesus O=Others Y=You

God is our loving Heavenly Father. Moses 1:39, John 3:16. Substitute family for world. It's all about love, love, love.

Understanding true doctrine is critical.

Sister Neill F. Marriott - "Members of the Household of Faith."

Rescue and sacrifice. She told the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:30-35. We all carry sorrows that the eye can't see. The Lord will help us as we try to submit ourselves to His ways. Do we ignore the needs of others? The is power in keeping our covenants. Remember Him. Pray to know who needs my help. What a difference remembering Jesus Christ can make.

Stranger at her door. She fed him her husbands dinner and her husband ate a peanut butter sandwich for dinner.

Do you feel a critical need to study the Book of Mormon?

President Romney's promise:

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in the wake peace, joy, and happiness."

It took Brother and Sister Marriott seven years to read the Book of Mormon with their children. As a result, the established righteous patterns.

Elder Cornish - Hurricane Harvey. 52" of rain in a day. Rescuing those in need. Thousands of volunteers in yellow vests called "Yellow Angels." Love one to another, stranger to stranger.

Christian caring begins in the hearts of each of us. Each of us can do a little better. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Doing His will is the way to true happiness.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson - Spoke about President Monson's service. President Monson still gives 100%. Parable of the Talents.

Diligent where we are and with what we have.

Honor President Monson for what he has already said.

Work in love to serve those in need. Give others something to do.

Some teachings of President Monson: 1) Missionary service - bears testimony, loves people. 2) Marriage and Family - preserving fidelity. Strict obedience to temple covenants. 3) Youth - stand firm, remain faithful. 4) Religious activity in the home is critial. Hear my voice and know my words. 5) Kindness and charity. 6) The Book of Mormon. President Monson's promise in the April 2017 General Conference:

"I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven's help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

It was a wonderful conference emphasizing living the commandments, serving, and reading the Book of Mormon.

We had chili dogs for lunch and then we both took a nap.

At 3 p.m. James has a High Priest Group meeting. I stayed home and watched Christmas movies while working on my blog, ones I've already seen before: "Christmas Cookies," "Christmas Land," and "The Christmas Pageant."

Sheri and Kim are going to read "Rescuing Wayward Children" with us and then we will discuss it on Sunday. We are starting this week with the introduction.

James and I watched a new Christmas movie, "The Perfect Christmas Present" starring Sam Page, and Tara Holt. A good message!