Personal Online Journal

Monday, November 29, 2010

Talks I Picked

Update Oct 2015

Additions because I am removing them from my Google Music Play library.

We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apr 2009
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Kevin W. Pearson, Apr 2009
None Were with Him, Jeffrey R. Holland, Apr 2009
His Servants, the Prophets, F. Michael Watson, Apr 2009

Salvation and Exaltation, Russell M. Nelson, Apr 2008
To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse, Richard G. Scott, Apr 2008
“My Words . . . Never Cease”, Jeffrey R. Holland, Apr 2008
Ask in Faith, David A. Bednar, Apr 2008
Opening Our Hearts, Gerald N. Lund, Apr 2008

This Day, Henry B. Eyring, Apr 2007 "All of us will need His help to avoid the tragedy of procrastinating what we must do here and now to have eternal life."
O Remember, Remember, Henry B. Eyring, Oct 2007

Instruments of the Lords's Peace, Robert S. Wood, Apr 2006
Faith, Service, Constancy, David S. Baxter, Oct 2006

Becoming a Missionary, David A. Bednar, Oct 2005
Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady, Henry B. Eyring, Oct 2005

Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers, M. Russell Ballard, Oct 1999
Do Not Delay, Henry B. Eyring, Oct 1999

The Principle of Work, F. David Stanley, Apr 1993

Joy and Mercy, Dallin H. Oaks, Oct 1991

“Willing to Submit”, Neal A. Maxwell, Apr 1985
Taking upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ, Dallin H. Oaks, Apr 1985

Missionary Work: A Major Responsibility, Ezra Taft Benson, Apr 1974



Update Mar 2012
"The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole."  (Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Concern for the One", Apr 2008)

For a few years now I have found inspiring talks from several sources to listen to as I commute.  There are several that I have thought about since the Oct general conference.  Here are a few.

Patrick Kearon, “‘Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You’,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 50–52
Dallin H. Oaks, “Two Lines of Communication,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 83–86
Larry R. Lawrence, “Courageous Parenting,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 98–100
Juan A. Uceda, “He Teaches Us to Put Off the Natural Man,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 53–55

- Ezra Taft Benson, "What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple", Ensign, Aug. 1985, 6. From an address given at the Logan Temple Centennial, 17 May 1984.
- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Great Plan of Happiness," Ensign, Nov. 1993, 73
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Families Can Be Eternal," Ensign, Nov. 1980, 4

BYU Devotionals
Henry B. Eyring. "A Law of Increasing Returns" March 28, 1982



Worldwide Leadership Training

I have been enjoying the LDS Worldwide Leadership Training that was broadcast earlier this month.  It teaches me about some of the changes in the new Church Handbook on Instructions.  Handbook 2 is available to read online.

I am so happy to be led by inspired leaders.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Reasonable but not certain grounds

"...principles and values and ideals that we devoutly hope are true, and have reasonable but not certain grounds for believing to be true."  (Testimony of Terryl L. Givens as found from Clean Cut)

This quote highlights what I have come to understand.  That faith is a choice.  The Lord gives us reasonable grounds for believing in Him and His principles.  Yet they are not certain ground.  Our life is an exercise of our faith which begins as a desire to believe.  As Terryl said, there is also grounds for doubt.

I am reminded of Moroni where he says that I can know of spiritual truth as surely as I can distinguish between the daylight and the dark night.  I know this is true for the most important things.  The things that cause us to progress or to be damned.  I know clearly that I am to be kind to my wife and children.  I am to work hard and trust God.  I am to be meditative and prayerful.  I am to seek truth in the scriptures and from other good sources.  I am to listen to the still small voice.  I am to seek the Spirit of God and discipline myself to follow it.  So I can establish trust between my Father and I.  So I can enjoy the delicious joy He brings into my life.

We have reasonable but not certain ground to believe God.  Yet He always respects our choice.  He will force no man to heaven.  The reward is greater than any other thing.  It is worth any effort to receive it.

Monday, November 08, 2010