What is a Latter-day Saint?

In President Boyd K. Packers recent General Conference address entitled, Guided by the Holy Spirit, Elder Packer discusses the idea of what a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should represent, what we believe, and what we stand for. I found this talk to be powerful and insightful to the life of a member belonging to the LDS faith.

Elder Packer explains:
 "A Latter-day Saint is quite an ordinary individual. We are now everywhere in the world, 14 millions of us. And this is only the beginning. We are taught to be in the world but not of the world (see John 17:14–19). Therefore, we live ordinary lives in ordinary families mixed with the general population.

We are taught not to lie or cheat or steal (see Exodus 20:3–17). We do not use profanity. We are positive and happy and not afraid of life.

We are “willing to mourn with those that mourn . . . and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9).

If someone is looking for a church that requires very little, this is not the one. It is not easy to be a Latter-day Saint, but in the long run it is the only course."

An Attitude of Gratitude

"Mercies and blessings come in different forms--sometimes as hard things. Yet the Lord said, 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things' (D&C 59:7). All things means just that: good things, difficult things--not just some things. He has commanded us to be grateful because He knows being grateful will make us happy. This is another evidence of His love."

-Bonnie D. Parkin

Jesus Christ and the 10 lepers.



In the book of Luke, chapter 17, we read:

“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

“And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

“And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

“And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

“And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

“There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

“And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”

Lessons I Learned as a Boy

Life Is A Highway

Thomas S. Monson once said:

"The past is behind--we must learn from it. The future is ahead--we must prepare for it. The present is now—we must live in it."

Have you ever heard the expression 'life is like a highway' before? I know I have, but up until recently I have never really thought about the significance of this statement. Life really is like a highway - there are unexpected, turns, twists, and obsticles that lie in our path. In order to sucessfully navigate the roads that lie ahead in our lives we must rely on someone who can see the entire road, from start to finish.

Neil L. Andersen once said: "A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare [you] for the challenges you will most surely face." Placing our faith in the Savior will allow us to overcome any obsticle that lies ahead. In John 14:16 the Savior explains: “I am the way, the truth and the life.”

181st General Conference

In 2nd Nephi 32:3 we read: “Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”

 It's hard to believe that six months have already passed since the last General Conference. Every time that General Conference gets close I get excited because we have the opportunity to hear and 'feast' upon the words of Christ through His servants. Those who will be speaking to us are the Lords representatives and have been chosen to share messages with us that will allow us to improve and enhance the quality of our lives.

An article about General Conference published by Church News and Events says: "For two days, Church members around the globe will gather in various locations to hear counsel from Church leaders, including President Thomas S. Monson and each member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as well as other General Authorities and auxiliary leaders of the Church (Check Out The Article Here)." The words of theses leaders give us the council, guidance, and direction that we need in our lives. I know that through General Conference many of my own personal concerns have been answered through the words that were shared and I have been able to see things more clearly in my life through the council that was offered.