SAT AM
Elder Ronald A. Rasband counseled:
Whatever is on your to-do list, give_____ time, not spare time, to the Lord in personal scripture study, family study of Come, Follow Me, prayer, Church callings, ministering, partaking of the sacrament, worshipping in the temple, and pondering the things of God. Our Lord and Savior has said, “Learn of me ... and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Take Him at His word. And give Him _____ time.
What is "equal"?
Elder S. Mark Palmer used this story to teach: I witness that there is rejoicing in heaven over those who return. You are needed, and you are loved. I testify that Jesus Christ is our Saviour and that He blesses all who return unto Him with greater peace and with great joy. His arms of mercy are not folded but are open and extended to you. It is not too late for you to come back.
Elder Palmer had a giant willow tree that fell down in a storm. He was going to remove it, but his neighbor showed him one root that was still in the ground and encouraged him to prop up the tree, cut off the branches, and nourish the tree so it would survive. Twelve years later, the tree is vibrant and full of life.
Elder Sergio R. Vargas used these aquatic animals to teach: Deep inside each of us is a desire to return to our heavenly home, and Jesus Christ is our heavenly guidance system
What are "salmon"?
Bishop Gérald Caussé used this personal experience to teach: My dear friends, if you ever feel limited or disadvantaged by the circumstances of your life, I want you to know this: The Lord loves you personally. He knows your circumstances, and the door to His blessings remains wide open to you no matter the challenges you face.
While serving in the French Air Force in Paris, Bishop Caussé heard that Elder Neal A. Maxwell would be speaking and wanted so much to be there. At the same time of Elder Maxwell’s talk, Bishop Caussé was assigned to drive a senior officer to the airport and worried he would miss this special opportunity. He was miraculously able to make it just in time to hear Elder Maxwell’s powerful testimony and apostolic blessing.
Elder Christopher H. Kim taught: Brothers and sisters, we’ve been given moral agency. We can choose to harden our _____, or we can choose to soften our _____. In our daily lives, we can choose to do the things that invite the Lord’s Spirit to come into and dwell in our _____. I know that in these choices, there is peace and joy.
What is "hearts"?
Elder Quentin L. Cook shared these three recommendations that are particularly relevant for our day and taught: The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the ultimate rescue from the trials we face in this life.
1. Do not underestimate the importance of doing what we can to rescue others from physical and especially spiritual challenges.
2. Gratefully accept the Savior’s Atonement.
3.Set aside consistent time to faithfully contemplate the Savior’s Atonement.
President Steven J. Lund used this example of young men to teach: The Aaronic Priesthood is called the preparatory priesthood partly because its ordinances allow them to experience the weight and the joy of being on the Lord’s errand, preparing them for future priesthood service, when they may be called upon to minister in unforeseeable ways—including pronouncing inspired blessings in times when hopes and dreams, and even life and death, hang in precarious balance.
A deacons quorum decided to start visiting and helping an elderly neighbor named Alan who wasn’t a member of the Church. He wasn’t kind at first but eventually loved them and started coming to church and going to their quorum meetings with them. He softened and asked to be baptized but passed away before that could happen. Later, one of the deacons-then a priest-was baptized for him in the temple.
Elder James A. Rasband taught: For those who sometimes struggle to feel answers to prayer, seeking the Lord’s_____ is one of the most powerful ways to feel the witness of the Holy Ghost.
What is "mercy"?
This person taught: The invitation to repent is an expression of God’s love. Saying yes to that invitation is an expression of ours... Your repentance doesn’t burden Jesus Christ; it brightens His joy.
Who is Sister Tamara W. Runia?
This person taught: I invite you to receive, either for the first time or to a greater extent than ever before, the magnificent realisation that you truly are God’s beloved child. You must undo the bow, tear off the wrapping paper, open the box, and actively receive with grateful humility a true, pure understanding of this foundational truth. The Holy Spirit can bear witness to your heart that you are indeed a child of the Most High.
Who is Elder Patrick Kearon?
President Camille N. Johnson taught: To be _____ means to be complete and full. Much like the five wise virgins who had their lamps full with oil when the bridegroom came, we can be _____ in Jesus Christ as we fill our lamps with the nourishing oil of conversion to Him. In that way, we are prepared for the symbolic wedding supper, His Second Coming...Ultimately all will be healed, physically and emotionally, in Him. And in the waiting for that healing, faith in the Master Healer will make us spiritually _____ .
What is "whole"?
This person taught: The essential lesson of this parable of the ten virgins is that we are wise when we accept the gospel, seek to have the Holy Ghost with us, and avoid deception. The five wise virgins could not help those without oil; no one can accept the gospel, take the Holy Ghost as a guide, and avoid deception on our behalf. We have to do this for ourselves... My invitation...to each of you, is to follow Jesus Christ and to trust the Holy Ghost as you would a cherished friend. Rely on those who love you and who love the Savior... In doing so, you help the world prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and you will be blessed with sufficient hope to enter the rest and joy of the Lord, now and in the future.
Who is Elder Renlund?
This person counseled: When we tell our children we love them, are we also telling them that their Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ love them? Our love may comfort and inspire, but Their love can sanctify, exalt, and heal.
Who is Sister Amy A. Wright?
Elder Gerrit W. Gong taught: This is _____ in Jesus Christ: He answers the longings of our hearts and the questions of our souls. He wipes away our tears, except our tears of joy.
What is "Easter"?
President Russell M. Nelson taught and counseled: It is imperative that we have _____ in our discourse, both public and private... The present hostility in public dialogue and on social media is alarming. Hateful words are deadly weapons. Contention prevents the Holy Ghost from being our constant companion. As followers of Jesus Christ, we should lead the way as peacemakers. As _____ becomes part of our nature, we will lose the impulse to demean others. We will stop judging others. We will have _____ for those from all walks of life. _____ towards all men is essential to our progress. _____ is the foundation of a godly character. Let us plead with our Heavenly Father to fill our hearts with greater _____—especially for those who are difficult to love—for _____ is a gift from our Heavenly Father for true followers of Jesus Christ. The Savior is the Prince of Peace. We are to be His instruments for peace.
What is "charity"?
This person taught: As you bind up the wounds of those in need, the Lord’s power will sustain you. His arms will be outstretched with yours to succor and bless the children of our Heavenly Father. Every covenant servant of Jesus Christ will receive His direction from the Spirit as they bless and serve others for Him. Then they will feel the Savior’s love and find joy in being drawn closer to Him.
Who is Elder Eyring?
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: The unity we seek is not to have everyone stand in the same place; it is to have everyone face in the same direction—toward _____ _____.We are one not because of where we’ve been but where we are striving to go, not because of who we are but who we seek to become.
Who is Jesus Christ?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught: Most important is what we do when we gather on the Lord’s day. Of course, we dress as best we can according to our means—not extravagantly but modestly in a way to signal our respect and reverence for Deity. Our conduct is similarly reverent and respectful. We _____ by joining in prayer; we _____ by singing hymns (not just listening to but singing the hymns); we _____ by instructing and learning from one another... _____ on the Lord’s day is marked by a particular focus on the great atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
What is "worship"?
Elder David A. Bednar taught that the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 195 years ago was the culmination of these three miraculous experiences:
1. The First Vision-I testify the visitation of the Father and the Son to Joseph Smith was the initiating event in the grand “restoration of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began.
2. The translation and coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
3. Priesthood Restored-ancient prophets and apostles personally conferred priesthood authority upon Joseph Smith and committed priesthood keys to him.
Elder Ulisses Soares taught: _____ for the sacred fosters genuine gratitude, expands true happiness, leads our minds to revelation, and brings greater joy to our lives. It places our feet on holy ground and lifts our hearts to Deity
What is "reverence"?
President Jeffrey R. Holland used this story to teach: At the top of the list of the most beautiful images I know are babies and children and youth as conscientious and priceless as those we have referred to today. I testify that they are images of the kingdom of God flourishing on earth in all of its strength and beauty.
Easton Jolley, a new deacon, was so excited to pass the sacrament for the first time but very worried about falling or failing due to the challenges associated with his rare illness. After the sacrament prayer was said, he was able to maneuver up the stairs, climb to a standing position and pass the sacrament to his father who was the bishop.
Elder Neil L. Andersen taught: _____ is a most precious part of our Father’s perfect plan, and by His decree we cherish and preserve _____ ... Nurturing and protecting _____ that is yet unborn is not a political position. It is a moral law confirmed by the Lord through His prophets.
What is "life"?
Elder Gary E. Stevenson promised: I testify that all who accept the invitations from our living prophet and his counselors to more intentionally commemorate the holy events that Easter represents will find that their bond with __________ grows ever stronger.
Who is "Jesus Christ"?
President Dallin H. Oaks spoke of these four helps to guide us through our mortal journey and taught: Our part in this divine plan is to trust in God and seek and use these divine helps, most notably the Atonement of His Beloved Son, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ
1. The Light or Spirit of Christ.
2. A cluster of divine directions in the scriptures-commandments, ordinances, and covenants.
3. Manifestations of the Holy Ghost.
4. The gift of the Holy Ghost.
President Russell M. Nelson taught: Imagine the boost you will receive to any positive thought when you enhance it with _____. _____ makes everything better and happier! On the other hand, imagine what will happen when you add _____ to an impure thought, a cruel thought, or a depressing thought. _____ will drive away those thoughts. _____ will free you from anxious, troublesome thoughts. Brothers and sisters, as the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous and filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men. The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be.
What is "virtue"?