Church guide

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency When you walk the path of discipleship—when you move toward Heavenly Father—there is something within you that will confirm that you have heard the call of the Savior and set your heart toward the light. It will tell you that you are on the right path and that you are returning home. Since the beginning of time, God’s prophets have urged the people of their day to “hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, … keep his commandments and his statutes … , [and] turn unto [Him] with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.” The scriptures teach us a thousand reasons why we should do this. Today, let me offer two reasons why we should turn to the Lord. First, your life will be better. Second, God will use you to make the lives of others better. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/a-yearning-for-home?lang=eng

Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President Our sisters across the ages have demonstrated the faithful pattern of discipleship that we too strive for. “The New Testament includes accounts of [certain] women, named and unnamed, who exercised faith in Jesus Christ [and in His Atonement], learned and lived His teachings, and testified of His ministry, miracles, and majesty. These women became exemplary disciples and important witnesses in the work of salvation.” . . . . I have read and passed over the seemingly unremarkable expression “certain women” numerous times before, but recently as I pondered more carefully, those words seemed to jump off the page. . . . When life seems unfair, as it must have seemed to Martha at the death of her brother—when we experience the heartaches of loneliness, infertility, loss of loved ones, missing opportunities for marriage and family, broken homes, debilitating depression, physical or mental illness, stifling stress, anxiety, addiction, financial hardship, or a plethora of other possibilities—may we remember Martha and declare our similar certain witness: “But I know … [and] I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God.” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/certain-women?lang=eng

President Thomas S. Monson We are blessed to have the truth. We have a mandate to share the truth. Let us live the truth, that we might merit all that the Father has for us. He does nothing save it be for our benefit. He has told us, “This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” From the depths of my soul and in all humility, I testify of the great gift which is our Father’s plan for us. It is the one perfect path to peace and happiness both here and in the world to come. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/the-perfect-path-to-happiness?lang=eng

Elder W. Mark Bassett During last April’s general conference, Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “The Church is making great efforts to be transparent with the records we have, but after all we can publish, our members are sometimes left with basic questions that cannot be resolved by study. … Some things can be learned only by faith.” Ancient prophets taught this same principle, demonstrating that over time human nature has not changed and that the Lord’s pattern for learning is timeless. Consider this Old Testament proverb: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/for-our-spiritual-development-and-learning?lang=eng

We are imperfect human beings striving to live in mortality according to Heavenly Father’s perfect plan of eternal progression. The requirements of His plan are glorious, merciful, and rigorous. We may at times be filled with determination and at other times feel totally inadequate. We may wonder if we spiritually can ever fulfill the commandment to stand spotless before Him at the last day. With the help of the Lord and through the power of His Spirit to “teach [us] all things,” indeed we can be blessed to realize our spiritual possibilities. Ordinances invite spiritual purpose and power into our lives as we strive to be born again and become men and women of Christ. Our weaknesses can be strengthened, and our limitations can be overcome. Elder David A. Bednar https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/always-retain-a-remission-of-your-sins?lang=eng

Encourage others to make and keep the sacred covenants . . . . Why should this matter so much to each of us— . . . It is because . . . our obligation is to put our families and the families of those around us at the center of our concern. Every major decision should be based on the effect it will have on a family to qualify for life with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. . . . I have learned that the only exhortation that changes hearts comes from the Holy Ghost. . . . President Henry B. Eyring https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/eternal-families?lang=eng

What does it mean to lead—and what does it mean to follow? The world teaches that leaders must be mighty; the Lord teaches that they must be meek. Worldly leaders gain power and influence through their talent, skill, and wealth. Christlike leaders gain power and influence “by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned.” Caring adults like these see young men not just as they are but as they can become. . . . I invite you to see yourself this way. There will be times in your life when you are called upon to lead. At other times, you will be expected to follow. But my message to you today is that regardless of your calling, you are always a leader, and you are always a follower. Leadership is an expression of discipleship—it is simply a matter of helping others come unto Christ, which is what true disciples do. If you are striving to be a follower of Christ, then you can help others follow Him and you can be a leader. Your ability to lead does not come from an outgoing personality, motivational skills, or even a talent for public speaking. It comes from your commitment to follow Jesus Christ. It comes from your desire to be, in Abraham’s words, “a greater follower of righteousness.” If you can do that—even if you aren’t perfect at it, but you’re trying—then you are a leader. Stephen W. Owen, Young Men General President https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/the-greatest-leaders-are-the-greatest-followers?lang=eng

I have marveled at Jimmy and Shawn and what they were willing to do. They have become heroes to me. If I could have the wish of my heart, it would be that each man and young man in this Church would demonstrate the courage, strength, and humility of this father and son. They were willing to forgive and let go of old hurts and habits. They were willing to submit to guidance from their priesthood leaders so that the Atonement of Jesus Christ could purify and magnify them. Each was willing to become a man who worthily bears the priesthood “after the holiest order of God.” To bear means to support the weight of that which is held. It is a sacred trust to bear the priesthood, which is the mighty power and authority of God. President Russell M. Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzxZs-m-y88

It does not matter what our personal struggles are—whether they are disease or prolonged loneliness or suffering the temptations and tests of the adversary—the Good Shepherd is there. He calls us by name and says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Elder Hugo Montoya https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/tested-and-tempted-but-helped?lang=eng

"I would like to suggest that each of you participate in a spiritual exercise sometime soon, perhaps even tonight while saying your prayers. Humbly ask the Lord the following question: “What is keeping me from progressing?” In other words: “What lack I yet?” Then wait quietly for a response. If you are sincere, the answer will soon become clear. It will be revelation intended just for you." Elder Larry R. Lawrence https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/what-lack-i-yet?lang=eng

Yes, we need the Savior, born to change hearts. http://youtu.be/Ly7c9scxB9I

LDS members are encouraged to help migrants and refugees around the world. http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-members-encouraged-assist-refugees

In this conversation on temples, Elder William R. Walker offers understanding of the importance and significance of temples in our lives. http://youtu.be/vGN9Mg-KnMY

"Elder Perry had a . . . final message for church members when Elder Oaks and Elder Ballard visited him a few days before he died. It was a personal yearning to help millions of Mormons he loved and who loved him. "If I could get every member of the church to go and partake of the sacrament, and when they took the bread, they asked themselves, 'Who am I? What am I doing? How am I living? Where am I going? What should I be accomplishing?' as they renew their covenants with the Lord." deseretnews.com Elder Don R. Clarke, 2012 https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-10-5060-elder-don-r-clarke?lang=eng

"Focus on what you already know." Sister Rosemary M. Wixom https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-04-420-rosemary-m-wixom-highlights?category=april-2015-general-conference-highlights&lang=eng

"As we try, persevere, and help others to do the same, we are true Latter-day Saints. As we change, we will find that God indeed cares a lot more about who we are and about who we are becoming than about who we once were.11" Elder Dale G. Renlund, April 2015 general Conference https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-04-270-elder-dale-g-renlund-highlights?lang=eng

Hear the music to dance the dance. Elder Wilford W. Andersen https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-04-260-elder-wilford-w-andersen-highlights?category=april-2015-general-conference-highlights&lang=eng

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eMJ6ZDCAp4

http://www.lds.org/topics/christmas?lang=eng

http://www.lds.org/topics/christmas?lang=eng