Gathering the Family of God – Henry B. Eyring

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency opened the Saturday Morning Session of General Conference to speak about the gathering of the family of God that has happened since the Restoration of the Gospel.

He spoke of the ongoing efforts throughout the world of people seeking out their ancestors and gathering them into the family of God through temple ordinances. As we take part in this sacred effort, we need to rely heavily on the influence of heaven to assist us. He also highlights the increasing contribution of young people in this effort:

“In addition, many youth have discovered that giving of their time to do family history research and temple work has deepened their testimony of the plan of salvation. It has increased the influence of the Spirit in their lives and decreased the influence of the adversary. It has helped them feel closer to their families and closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. They have learned that this work saves not just the dead; it saves all of us”

For the full text : Gathering the Family of God – Henry B. Eyring

What experiences have you had as you have searched out your ancestors?
Please comment below.

Refuge From The Storm – Patrick Kearon

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Seventy told of his experiences while being assigned in Europe and spoke of the plight of hundreds of thousands of refugees arriving there from the Middle East and Africa. He encouraged all to focus on the people who have been displaced from their homes, through no fault of their own, rather than get caught up in the heated discussions around this issue. He suggested some things we can do right now and always to be of assistance.

Pray to Heavenly Father for opporunities to help, and to ask Him “How can I help?”
Lend a hand and be real friend to those you come in contact with.
Increase our awareness of world events.
Take a stand against intolerance and advocate respect and understanding across a variety of cultures and traditions.

The Savior taught:
“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
“Naked, and ye clothed me. …
“… Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:35-36,40)

For the full text : Refuge From The Storm – Patrick Kearon

Have you had any experiences relating to this talk?
Have you ever been a refugee?
Have you had opportunity to help or mentor someone who has been displaced from their home and had to adjust to a completely new or unfamiliar environment?
Please share your experiences below.

Always Remember Him – Gerrit W. Gong

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Presidency of the Seventy has taught that remembering and forgetting are a part of both our everyday life and our eternal journey.
Each week, we have the opportunity to remember the Savior as we partake of the sacrament. He has outlined 6 ways to always remember Him
1. Have confidence in His covenants, promises and assurances
2. Gratefully acknowledge His hand throughout our lives
3. Trust when the Lord assures us that He will forgive sins and “remember them no more” when we have repented
4. He invites us to remember that He is always welcoming us home.
5. On the Sabbath through the sacrament
6. Always remember Him as He always remembers us.

For the full text: Always Remember Him – Gerrit W. Gong

How do you remember Him?
Please share your experiences below.

My Peace I Leave With You – Henry B. Eyring

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency was the closing speaker in the General Women’s Session. He spoke of the universal need for all of us to feel peace in our lives. This was promised by the Savior to His disciples but that it would come in the Lord’s way, rather than in the world’s way.

The Lord’s way of providing peace is by the power of the Holy Ghost.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:26–27).

One of the greatest gifts we can have is the gift of remembrance – to remind us of those times when we have been comforted and felt close to our Heavenly Father. It is those memories of sacred experiences that can lift us when we face trials and opposition.

When have you felt the Holy Ghost comfort you recently?
We would love you to share your experiences with us.

Certain Women – Linda K. Burton

Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President taught of examples of great and noble women throughout history. She noted the phrase “certain women” numerous times in the scriptures and reminded that the term “certain” means “convinced”, “positive”, “confident”, “firm”, “definite”, “assured”, and “dependable”

She highlighted a number of groups of certain women through time:
Certain Women in the Savior’s day – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Martha and many others named and unnamed.
Certain Women at the time of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – and shared the experience of Drusilla Hendricks
Certain Women today – many women she met while visiting various parts of Asia. She also shared a touching account of Terry and Jenny, two certain women of today.

Sister Burton taught:
“May we remember the many certain women who refused to abandon our precious Savior during the excruciating experience He suffered on the cross and yet hours later were privileged to be among the certain witnesses of His glorious Resurrection. Let us be found staying close to Him in prayer and scripture study. Let us draw ourselves near to Him by preparing for and partaking of the sacred emblems of His atoning sacrifice weekly during the ordinance of the sacrament and as we keep covenants by serving others in their times of need. Perhaps then we might be part of the certain women, disciples of Jesus Christ, who will celebrate His glorious return when He comes again.”

For the full text: Certain Women – Linda K. Burton

Who are the “certain women” who have touched your life and emulated the attributes of a true disciple of the Savior? We would love to hear your thoughts below.