Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
152nd operating temple
Dedicated: 18 Sep 2016
By: Henry B. Eyring
Jesus Christ, Glory of
Moses 1:39
For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
Book of Mormon
Helaman 12:1-13
New Testament Galatians: "Walk in the Spirit"
Review
General Conference
The Immediate Goodness of God
Elder Kyle S. McKay
"I bear witness that Jesus Christ is the Great Deliverer, and in His name, I promise that as you turn to Him with real intent and full purpose of heart, He will deliver you from everything that threatens to diminish or destroy your life or joy. That deliverance may take longer than you would like - perhaps a lifetime or longer. So, to give you comfort, courage, and hope, to sustain and strengthen you to that day of ultimate deliverance, I commend to you and testify of the immediate goodness of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
I finished this week's "Come Follow Me" lesson before it was time to get ready for stake conference. The session this morning started at 10 a.m. in Lakeside. We sat in the overflow in front of a family from our ward with two small children, the Bowen's.
The choir was singing "I Believe in Christ" and it sounded beautiful. Kathy Crane, Pierce Goodman, and Virgil Cooper from our ward were in the choir.
President Miles was the first speaker this morning. He quoted from 2 Timothy 3:1,13 - regarding perilous times in the last days. He said there would be many distractions and deceptions.
He said there are four primary questions that we need to ask ourselves: 1) Is there a God? 2) Is there a Savior? 3) Was Joseph Smith a prophet? 4) Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the Kingdom of God on earth today?
He said he listened to a talk given by Elder Corbridge of the Seventy at a BYU Devotional regarding the Book of Mormon. The last time he read the Book of Mormon he began with the Title page and the testimonies of the witnesses. He also read from the "Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt" regarding his testimony of the Book of Mormon. A testimony of the Book of Mormon will help with the primary questions mentioned earlier. Here are some other things regarding the Book of Mormon: 1) It is the keystone of our religion. 2) It testifies of Christ. 3) It helps us deal with today's issues. 4) It helps us to maintain our testimonies and helps us not to fall away or be deceived. 2 Nephi 25:26. Ezra Taft Benson says that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion in three different ways: As a witness of Christ, it is the keystone of the doctrine of Christ, and of our testimonies of Christ. There is power in the book to help us stay on the Covenant Path. President Miles has received a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon.
Adrian Bellagio a recent convert who is now preparing to go on a mission. He was an investigator for ten years before joining the Church. After graduating from high school he joined the Church and then fell away. He went to Eastern Arizona Junior College and got involved in institute and had some good friends. That's when he decided to go on a mission. He loves the talk by Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord I Believe." He is going to the Reno, Nevada mission.
Sister Suzy Ray of the Aspen Ward her husband was a non-member for over 30 years. He was baptized last December in Hawaii, fulfilling a 20 year dream of his. Never say never. When her husband said to her last year, "I think I'm ready to be baptized" she was very pleasantly surprised. He had two friends who helped him. Karl in Hawaii, and Brian in both Arizona and Connecticut. They also have many good friends in the Aspen ward. On December 18th, 2018, her husband was baptized in the ocean in Hawaii. Their sons participated in the baptism and confirmation.
Brother Earl Ray, a convert of almost a year Hello, I am an investigator of over 30 years. Eight years ago I had a near death experience in Connecticut and I asked my son to give me a blessing. Everything was okay. Another time here in Lakeside I wanted a blessing for health reasons and decided to call the missionaries serving in our ward. About that time there came a knock on the door. Lo and behold, it was the missionaries saying that had a feeling they should come and visit me. He told of an experience where he fast and prayed to know if he should join the Church. He had always wanted a spiritual experience similar to Joseph Smith's. Instead he got an incredible feeling of peace and he knew that was his answer.
President Wright In this talk President Wright returns to the Book of Mormon and begins to discuss the Tree of Life Vision of Lehi found in 1 Nephi 8. The fruit of the tree of life represents the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the enabling power of God. President Wright read Moroni 7:41 - And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise. He also read Ether 12:4 - Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. And, Moroni 7:44-48 - If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity. And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren and sisters, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail - But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren and sisters, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
Invitation: Find someone who is having a hard time and do something nice for them.
Sister Cox of the Scottsdale, Arizona Mission She and her husband were recently called to be the President of the Scottsdale Mission. They are from Colorado. She talked about going to Scottsdale in July and said they arranged to be in the White Mountains much of July. She bore testimony using the primary questions President Miles mentioned. She testified of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Prophet Joseph Smith. She ended her testimony by saying that she knows the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Kingdom of God on earth today.
President Cox of the Scottsdale, Arizona Mission They were in the MTC with President Shumway and his wife, our former stake president who is now the mission president in Chicago, Illinois. President Shumway told them that the White Mountain Stake would be the best stake in their mission and to send the best missionaries to the wards in the White Mountain Stake.
President Cox spoke about the importance of inviting investigators to Church activities. He also said that 50% of converts come from part-member families. The Book of Mormon is the tool we use in conversion. It contains the doctrine of Christ. Prayer is also a key to missionary work. Through prayer great miracles happen.
President Beeler, Stake President of the White Mountain Stake
The Spirit of the Lord is here. A tapestry of faith is woven by the Spirit of the Lord. He told of an experience of two boys jumping waves with their fathers. When a huge wave came his son "held on and didn't let go." The other boy did not hold on and he was driven by the waves and tossed. One boy had a great experience and learned to trust his father, the other doubted his father's love for him. Helaman 5:12 - And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. "Hold on and don't let go." Hold fast and endure well.
Alma 7:11 - And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and that that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.( President Oaks scripture, which also includes verses 12 and 13).
We swim the deep waters with Jesus Christ. Saints are not exempt from trials, nothing could be further from the truth.
Alma 36:18 - Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
Recently, when darkness came upon me, I prayed like Alma the younger. "I can't do it anymore, I'm sorry, I've got to give this to you." I was harrowed up by my trials no more. A harrow on my grandpa's farm in Idaho, is a tool to break up the ground so you can start fresh. My burdens were lifted, although they didn't disappear.
The uneasiness I have felt comes because of my priesthood keys.
Matthew 24:24 - "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
They have a form of godliness but they deny the power thereof.
Who is influencing my influencers? Personal devices can bring devices of Satan and false Christs. Satan is a great copycat.
Don't be critical of the Lord's Anointed. Don't get ahead of the Brethren. Don't do it!
Your concerns will be answered in General Conference. They are mouthpieces of God. I know God speaks today. Times will be turbulent but we know in who we can grasp.
Wow! I love President Beeler so much. He is truly inspired of God.
We did another chicken pot pie remake for lunch. Afterwards it was nap time. Later this afternoon we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. Charlie tried to say Gamma! Jared says she says everything, or at least tries to. She is going to be a talker, and eventually a walker! Scarlett calls her Teddy Bear. She really is a little teddy bear!
I worked on my blog this evening, wrote a short letter to Ben, and read a little from Aunt Dimity. The new youth and children's program came out today and most wards watched the presentation. Since we had stake conference we didn't see it. We will be seeing it on October 13th.
We listened to Dave and Emily's "Come Follow Me" Youtube presentation on the chapter of Ephesians.
Adrian Bellagio a recent convert who is now preparing to go on a mission. He was an investigator for ten years before joining the Church. After graduating from high school he joined the Church and then fell away. He went to Eastern Arizona Junior College and got involved in institute and had some good friends. That's when he decided to go on a mission. He loves the talk by Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord I Believe." He is going to the Reno, Nevada mission.
Sister Suzy Ray of the Aspen Ward her husband was a non-member for over 30 years. He was baptized last December in Hawaii, fulfilling a 20 year dream of his. Never say never. When her husband said to her last year, "I think I'm ready to be baptized" she was very pleasantly surprised. He had two friends who helped him. Karl in Hawaii, and Brian in both Arizona and Connecticut. They also have many good friends in the Aspen ward. On December 18th, 2018, her husband was baptized in the ocean in Hawaii. Their sons participated in the baptism and confirmation.
Brother Earl Ray, a convert of almost a year Hello, I am an investigator of over 30 years. Eight years ago I had a near death experience in Connecticut and I asked my son to give me a blessing. Everything was okay. Another time here in Lakeside I wanted a blessing for health reasons and decided to call the missionaries serving in our ward. About that time there came a knock on the door. Lo and behold, it was the missionaries saying that had a feeling they should come and visit me. He told of an experience where he fast and prayed to know if he should join the Church. He had always wanted a spiritual experience similar to Joseph Smith's. Instead he got an incredible feeling of peace and he knew that was his answer.
President Wright In this talk President Wright returns to the Book of Mormon and begins to discuss the Tree of Life Vision of Lehi found in 1 Nephi 8. The fruit of the tree of life represents the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the enabling power of God. President Wright read Moroni 7:41 - And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise. He also read Ether 12:4 - Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. And, Moroni 7:44-48 - If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity. And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren and sisters, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail - But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren and sisters, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
Invitation: Find someone who is having a hard time and do something nice for them.
Sister Cox of the Scottsdale, Arizona Mission She and her husband were recently called to be the President of the Scottsdale Mission. They are from Colorado. She talked about going to Scottsdale in July and said they arranged to be in the White Mountains much of July. She bore testimony using the primary questions President Miles mentioned. She testified of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Prophet Joseph Smith. She ended her testimony by saying that she knows the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Kingdom of God on earth today.
President Cox of the Scottsdale, Arizona Mission They were in the MTC with President Shumway and his wife, our former stake president who is now the mission president in Chicago, Illinois. President Shumway told them that the White Mountain Stake would be the best stake in their mission and to send the best missionaries to the wards in the White Mountain Stake.
President Cox spoke about the importance of inviting investigators to Church activities. He also said that 50% of converts come from part-member families. The Book of Mormon is the tool we use in conversion. It contains the doctrine of Christ. Prayer is also a key to missionary work. Through prayer great miracles happen.
President Beeler, Stake President of the White Mountain Stake
The Spirit of the Lord is here. A tapestry of faith is woven by the Spirit of the Lord. He told of an experience of two boys jumping waves with their fathers. When a huge wave came his son "held on and didn't let go." The other boy did not hold on and he was driven by the waves and tossed. One boy had a great experience and learned to trust his father, the other doubted his father's love for him. Helaman 5:12 - And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. "Hold on and don't let go." Hold fast and endure well.
Alma 7:11 - And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and that that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.( President Oaks scripture, which also includes verses 12 and 13).
We swim the deep waters with Jesus Christ. Saints are not exempt from trials, nothing could be further from the truth.
Alma 36:18 - Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
Recently, when darkness came upon me, I prayed like Alma the younger. "I can't do it anymore, I'm sorry, I've got to give this to you." I was harrowed up by my trials no more. A harrow on my grandpa's farm in Idaho, is a tool to break up the ground so you can start fresh. My burdens were lifted, although they didn't disappear.
The uneasiness I have felt comes because of my priesthood keys.
Matthew 24:24 - "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
They have a form of godliness but they deny the power thereof.
Who is influencing my influencers? Personal devices can bring devices of Satan and false Christs. Satan is a great copycat.
Don't be critical of the Lord's Anointed. Don't get ahead of the Brethren. Don't do it!
Your concerns will be answered in General Conference. They are mouthpieces of God. I know God speaks today. Times will be turbulent but we know in who we can grasp.
Wow! I love President Beeler so much. He is truly inspired of God.
We did another chicken pot pie remake for lunch. Afterwards it was nap time. Later this afternoon we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. Charlie tried to say Gamma! Jared says she says everything, or at least tries to. She is going to be a talker, and eventually a walker! Scarlett calls her Teddy Bear. She really is a little teddy bear!
I worked on my blog this evening, wrote a short letter to Ben, and read a little from Aunt Dimity. The new youth and children's program came out today and most wards watched the presentation. Since we had stake conference we didn't see it. We will be seeing it on October 13th.
We listened to Dave and Emily's "Come Follow Me" Youtube presentation on the chapter of Ephesians.
I love these Sunday morning girls!
This Baptist minister loves the Book
of Mormon and recommends it to his
congregation.
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
