Saturday Morning
Elder Ronald A. Rasband counseled:
Whatever is on your to-do list, give _____ time, not spare time, to the Lord . . .
EQUAL
Full quote: Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal 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 equal time.
Elder S. Mark Palmer told a story of his giant willow tree that fell down in a storm. What was the fate of the tree?
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.
Bonus quote: 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 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.
WORSHIP
Bonus quote: Worshipping together as “the body of Christ” has unique power and benefits as we teach, serve, and sustain one another. Interestingly, one recent study found that those who view their spiritual lives as entirely private are less likely to prioritize spiritual growth, or to say their faith is very important, or to have regular devotional time with God. As a community of Saints, we strengthen each other in worship and in faith.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong talked about Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah returning priesthood keys and authority at the newly dedicated Kirtland Temple.
Complete the following: Restoration that day fulfilled prophecy by occurring both on _______ and _______.
EASTER and PASSOVER
Bonus quote: Easter in Jesus Christ helps us mend, reconcile, make right our relationships, on both sides of the veil. Jesus can heal grief; He can enable forgiveness. He can free us and others from things we or they have said or done that otherwise bind us captive.
Elder Scott D. Whiting told the story of his first campout as a deacon. The older boys wanted to play a prank on his father who was a quorum leader. They had Scott get his father's car keys. What was the prank that they played? What happened to Scott as he ran to hide in a nearby patch of bushes?
He wedged a stick between the driver's seat-back and the car horn and then locked the door so the horn would blare and the leaders couldn't stop it. As he ran to hide, he sat upon a prickly pear cactus. His screams of pain were drowned out by the blaring horn, and he had to confess his "sins" and seek medical attention.
Bonus quote: If you incur a physical injury, your condition will deteriorate and may become life-threatening if you don’t seek proper medical attention. That is true for spiritual wounds as well. Only, untreated spiritual wounds may threaten your eternal salvation. Don’t hide from those who will love and support you; rather, run to them. Good bishops, branch presidents, and leaders can help you access the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
What parable was first shared by President Camille N. Johnson and then later shared in other conference talks as well?
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Bonus quote: To be whole 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 whole 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 whole.
Which apostle shared the story of bringing his friend to church and then feeling the need to apologize, but his friend loved the services. She was impressed with the love of the people in the church to each other.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Bonus quote: 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 Jesus Christ. 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. That is what Christ's true Church is all about.
Who was the choir for the Saturday Evening Session?
A combined choir from Brigham Young University.
Sister Tamara W. Runia used her two hands as an object lesson with one hand staying raised in the air and the other moving up and down. What did the two hands represent?
Bonus question: What color was Sister Runia's dress?
The upraised hand represents worth. The moving hand represents obedience. (and her dress was pink)
Bonus quote: Your worth isn’t tied to obedience. Your worth is constant; it never changes. It was given to you by God, and there’s nothing you or anyone else can do to change it. Obedience brings blessings; that is true. But worth isn’t one of them. Your worth is always “great in the sight of God,” no matter where your decisions have taken you.
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.
REVERENCE
Bonus quote: My dear brothers and sisters, as sophisticated as modern technology has become, it simply cannot simulate the wonder, awe, and amazement found in the kind of reverence born from the influence of the Holy Ghost. As followers of Christ, we need to be careful not to weaken our connection with God and His Son by using AI-generated content and images inappropriately.
Elder Quentin L. Cook talked about the handcart pioneers and their rescue and compared it to what?
The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the ultimate rescue from the trials we face in this life.
Bonus: His three recommendations -
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.
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.
LIFE
Bonus quote: Let us speak more often with faith and compassion to our youth in our homes, and with each other in our Relief Society and elders quorum meetings, about the Lord’s law of chastity, the sanctity of life, and the care of the unborn and their mothers.
What aquatic animals did Elder Sergio R. Vargas use to teach the following?
Deep inside each of us is a desire to return to our heavenly home, and Jesus Christ is our heavenly guidance system.
SALMON
Bonus quote: We can all return one day to the heavenly home from where we came. And like the salmon, we have our own magnetic map, or Light of Christ, to guide us there. Jesus taught His disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
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 what three miraculous experiences?
1. The First Vision.
2. The translation and publication of The Book of Mormon.
3. The restoration of Priesthood keys.
Bonus quote: The Savior’s restored Church is being established throughout the world and is the instrument by which God will “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”
Elder Patrick Kearon taught about gift giving as having three parts to it. What are the three parts?
1. The giving of the gift.
2. The accepting and opening of the gift.
3. The receiving of the gift.President Jeffrey R. Holland shared the story of Easton Jolley, a new deacon, in his talk about becoming as a little child. Give a brief summary of Easton's story.
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 congenital muscular dystrophy.
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.
Bonus quote: ... 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.
Steven J. Lund gave a talk that included the story of a deacon's quorum visiting and helping an elderly neighbor named Alan who wasn't a member of the Church. Over the years, he softened and wanted to be baptized but passed away before it happened. Later, one of the deacons, then a priest, was baptized for him in the temple.
What is Steven J. Lund's calling in the church?
Young Men General President (until his release which will be effective on August 1st)
Bonus quotes: These ordinations launch these young men into lifetimes of service as they will find themselves in consequential times and places where their presence and prayers and the powers of the priesthood of God they hold will profoundly matter.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson mentioned some of the symbolism of the Church symbol including the name of the church being contained within a cornerstone, and the Savior's outstretched arms representing his love. What is another element of the Church symbol that he said many are not aware of?
Jesus Christ stands under the arch. This represents the resurrected Savior emerging from the tomb and that we celebrate the resurrected, living Christ.
Bonus quote: Easter allows us to honor both the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the literal and joyous Resurrection of Him. Our hearts are heavy as we imagine the Savior’s suffering in the garden and upon Calvary, but our hearts rejoice as we envision the empty tomb and the heavenly decree “He is risen!”
President Dallin H. Oaks spoke of four helps to guide us through our mortal journey. Name two of the four helps.
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.
Bonus quote: 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.
In President Russell M. Nelson's talk "Confidence in the Presence of God", he talked about two key attributes that will helps us gain confidence before God. What are the two attributes?
CHARITY and VIRTUE
Bonus quote: Regular worship in the house of the Lord increases our capacity for both virtue and charity. Thus, time in the temple increases our confidence before the Lord. Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not know the day or the hour of His coming. But I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that “great and dreadful day.”
Who shared the following:
When I was young, the sacrament was offered during an evening meeting. I can still remember one specific night, more than 75 years ago, when it was dark and cold outside. I remember a feeling of light and warmth as I realized that I had kept the commandment to gather with the Saints to partake of the sacrament, covenanting with our Heavenly Father to always remember His Son and keep His commandments.
President Henry B. Eyring
Bonus quote: 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.
Elder Dale G. Renlund shared the message of an old Finnish poem "Farmer Paavo" that his parents shared repeatedly in his childhood. Describe what happened to Farmer Paavo.
Farmer Paavo was a poor farmer who had his crops destroyed several years in a row. He would tell his wife to mix bark with the flour from the meager harvest to feed the family. The year that they finally harvested a rich crop, he told his wife to mix bark with the flour so that they could help their devastated and destitute neighbor.
Bonus quote: ... we are to use the gifts we have been given—time, talents, and blessings—to serve Heavenly Father’s children, especially the most vulnerable and needy.
Sister Amy A. Wright told the story of her son interviewing with one of his top choices for law school. What was the final question her son was asked and what was his answer?
They asked him "Where do you derive your moral compass?" He stated that throughout history humankind has derived systems of morality by patterning their lives from archetypes. The archetype of morality he strived to pattern his life from was that of Jesus Christ.
Bonus quote: 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.
Bishop Gérald Caussé told of serving in the French Air Force as a 22 year old and wanting to hear Elder Neal A. Maxwell speak at a conference in Paris. Something happened that delayed his arrival at the conference. What happened and how much of Elder Maxwell's talk did he hear?
He received orders to drive a senior officer to the airport at the exact time the conference was set to take place. Afterwards he rushed to the conference and arrived five minutes before the meeting ended, just in time to hear Elder Maxwell say, "I will now give you an apostolic blessing."
Bonus quote: What I experienced that day was a small yet powerful manifestation of a comforting aspect of God’s plan for His children: When circumstances beyond our control prevent us from fulfilling the righteous desires of our hearts, the Lord will compensate in ways that allow us to receive His promised blessings.
There were 15 new temples announced. Without any wrong guesses, and excluding Utah, name 5 of the new temples by country or state.
Reynosa, Mexico
Chorrillos, Peru
Rivera, Uruguay
Campo Grande, Brazil
Porto, Portugal
Uyo, Nigeria
San Jose del Monte, Philippines
Nouméa, New Caledonia
Liverpool, Australia
Caldwell, Idaho
Flagstaff, Arizona
Rapid City, South Dakota
Greenville, South Carolina
Norfolk, Virginia
Spanish Fork, Utah