Sleigh Ride: Brian Stokes Mitchell and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Temple Square Moving Toward Environmentally Friendly Holiday Display

When the switch is flipped the day after Thanksgiving, hundreds of thousands of lights will illuminate Temple Square and some of them will be energy-conserving LED (light emitting diode) lights. Within the next three to five years, all of the trees and greenery on Temple Square will be lit with LED lights.

The LED lights are low energy, according to Eldon Cannon, group manager for Temple Square’s Ground Services. “They do not use nearly as much electricity, and as a result we will be saving energy and saving costs.”

Compared to traditional incandescent lights, LED lights not only save energy but are cooler in temperature, protecting the trees from harmful heat.

(To read the whole article, click here)

Angel Statue is Placed Atop Philippines' Second Temple

Activities in the busy street of Gorordo in Cebu City temporarily halted as people witnessed the installation of the statue of angel Moroni on the Cebu Philippines Temple on Thursday, Nov. 5. People on the street applauded after the statue was placed atop the spire of the temple.

(To read the whole article, click here)

Only A Stone Cutter

This is a true story told by Elder Uchtdorf during the October 2008 General Conference.

John Rowe Moyle was one of the stonemasons who worked on the Salt Lake Temple. Every Monday morning he walked twenty miles from his home to the temple site. He worked on the temple all week, and then on Friday he walked twenty miles home to take care of his farm. Brother Moyle was injured in an accident and his leg had to be removed, but he made himself a wooden leg. He practiced walking on the leg until he could endure the pain it caused. Then he walked on his wooden leg to Salt Lake City to continue working on the temple. He carved the words Holiness to the Lord on the east side of the temple.

Repent ... That I May Heal You

Years ago, I was asked to meet with a man who, long before our visit, had had a period of riotous living. As a result of his bad choices, he lost his membership in the Church. He had long since returned to the Church and was faithfully keeping the commandments, but his previous actions haunted him. Meeting with him, I felt his shame and his deep remorse at having set his covenants aside. Following our interview, I placed my hands upon his head to give him a priesthood blessing. Before speaking a word, I felt an overpowering sense of the Savior’s love and forgiveness for him. Following the blessing, we embraced and the man wept openly.

I am amazed at the Savior’s encircling arms of mercy and love for the repentant, no matter how selfish the forsaken sin. I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins. Except for the sins of those few who choose perdition after having known a fulness, there is no sin that cannot be forgiven.¹⁵ What a marvelous privilege for each of us to turn away from our sins and to come unto Christ. Divine forgiveness is one of the sweetest fruits of the gospel, removing guilt and pain from our hearts and replacing them with joy and peace of conscience. Jesus declares, “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?”¹⁶

(To read the whole talk, click here)

The Sacred Role of Mothers

Apostle's wife felt comfort despite attack

The wife of Elder Russell M. Nelson said she felt a comforting peace that helped her remain calm during an attack by armed robbers last spring.

Sister Wendy Watson Nelson described the experience Friday during a speech to 3,300 women at the Time Out for Women event in Salt Lake City. The robbery occurred in May at an LDS mission home in Mozambique.

"The four armed robbers had one intention," Sister Nelson said, "to (harm) my husband and to take me hostage."

(To read the whole article, click here)

The Martyrdom: The Prophet Seals His Testimony with His Blood

• God protected Joseph Smith until his earthly mission was complete.

In June 1844, the prophet said: "I do not regard my own life. I am ready to be offered a sacrifice for this people; for what can our enemies do? Only kill the body, and their power is then at an end. Stand firm, my friends; never flinch. Do not seek to save your lives, for he that is afraid to die for the truth, will lose eternal life. Hold out to the end, and we shall be resurrected and become like Gods, and reign in celestial kingdoms, principalities, and eternal dominions.

• Before his death, Joseph Smith conferred upon the Twelve Apostles every priesthood key and power that the Lord had sealed upon him.

"Upon the shoulders of the Twelve must the responsibility of leading this church henceforth rest until you shall appoint others to succeed you. Your enemies cannot kill you all at once, and should any of you be killed, you can lay your hands upon others and fill up your quorum. Thus can this power and these keys be perpetuated in the earth.'...

• The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum lived great and died great for their testimonies of the gospel.

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city,and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!

• Joseph Smith fulfilled his earthly mission and sealed his testimony with his blood.

"This martyrdom has always been an inspiration to the people of the Lord. It has helped them in their individual trials; has given them courage to pursue a course in righteousness and to know and to live the truth, and must ever be held in sacred memory by the Latter-day Saints who have learned the great truths that God revealed through His servant, Joseph Smith."

(To read the full lesson, click here)

Marriage and Divorce

Elder Ballard: Single Adults, Magnify the Spirit

Elder Ballard emphasized conference attendees should take time to consider where they are spiritually. He implored them to stay away from pornography. "Avoiding pornography will help remove those things in your lives that dull your spiritual side," he counseled.

"If there is anything in your lives that is bothering you or you know you are not doing or you are neglecting to do, make a resolve to fix them today," Elder Ballard advised. "May Heavenly Father bless you this morning to have the courage and the spiritual power to be able to repent and to keep your life in focus, moving in the right direction."

Elder Ballard included this promise to the single adults: "Take comfort in the fact that you can work and study the gospel and gain a witness and testimony of the gospel, strong enough that your Spirit will be able to withstand any adversity that may come into your life."

He concluded his remarks with some advice on marriage. "I know you probably want me to talk about marriage," he said. "That's pretty simple. Just find somebody and get married. That's not a hard thing — just do it! Just remember one other thing in the pursuit of that — that none of you are perfect. You're not going to find the exact perfect person. Don't just hang out. Visit with each other. Go on dates."

(To read the whole article, click here)

Updated Gospel Principles Manual

The Gospel Principles manual contains information on 47 core principles of the gospel for personal study and teaching. In 2010 and 2011, this manual will be used in Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society classes, as well as the Gospel Principles class for investigators and new members. The manual is available online in multiple media formats.

Sisters, this manual will be used every Sunday in the Gospel Principles class. In Relief Society, it will only be used on the second and third Sundays of the month. These manuals will be distributed just before the new year begins so, remember to bring your own manuals after you get them.

(To read the contents, click here)

Joseph Smith's Feelings about His Prophetic Mission

It is remarkable that while the Prophet was enduring so much persecution and was pressured by the constant demands of the growing Church, he found time to show that he cared for each Church member as an individual. Many Saints in later years remembered the love and kindness the Prophet Joseph showed to them.

Aroet L. Hale recalled: “The Prophet … frequently used to come out of the Mansion [House] and play ball with us boys, his son Joseph being near my age. [The Prophet] Joseph would always conform to the rules. He would catch till it came his turn to take the club, then, being a very stout [strong] man, would knock the ball so far that we used to holler to the boy that was going for the ball to take his dinner. This used to make the Prophet laugh. Joseph was always good natured and full of fun.”4

Margarette McIntire Burgess recalled another experience with the Prophet in Nauvoo: “My older brother and I were going to school, near to the building which was known as Joseph’s brick store. It had been raining the previous day, causing the ground to be very muddy, especially along that street. My brother Wallace and I both got fast in the mud, and could not get out, and of course, child-like, we began to cry, for we thought we would have to stay there. But looking up, I beheld the loving friend of children, the Prophet Joseph, coming to us. He soon had us on higher and drier ground. Then he stooped down and cleaned the mud from our little, heavy-laden shoes, took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped our tear-stained faces. He spoke kind and cheering words to us, and sent us on our way to school rejoicing. Was it any wonder that I loved that great, good and noble man of God?”5

• Prophets teach what God reveals to them; we strive to understand and give heed to their words.

“I enjoin for your consideration—add to your faith virtue, love, etc. I say, in the name of the Lord, if these things are in you, you shall be fruitful [see 2 Peter 1:5–8]. I testify that no man has power to reveal it but myself—things in heaven, in earth and hell. … I commend you all to God, that you may inherit all things; and may God add His blessing.”10

• Although prophets are men with human frailties, they are called of God to teach and lead His people.

“Although I do wrong, I do not the wrongs that I am charged with doing: the wrong that I do is through the frailty of human nature, like other men. No man lives without fault. Do you think that even Jesus, if He were here, would be without fault in your eyes? His enemies said all manner of evil against Him—they all watched for iniquity in Him.”13

• Despite opposition, prophets fulfill the missions given to them by God.

“I speak boldly and faithfully and with authority. … I know what I say; I understand my mission and business. God Almighty is my shield; and what can man do if God is my friend? I shall not be sacrificed until my time comes; then I shall be offered freely. … I thank God for preserving me from my enemies; I have no enemies but for the truth’s sake. I have no desire but to do all men good. I feel to pray for all men.”16

• Prophets love those they serve and desire to lead them well, even if doing so requires reproving them.

“The Saints need not think because I am familiar with them and am playful and cheerful, that I am ignorant of what is going on. Iniquity of any kind cannot be sustained in the Church, and it will not fare well where I am; for I am determined while I do lead the Church, to lead it right.”22

(To read the whole lesson, click here)

'I Know My Savior Lives' is 2010 Primary theme

The booklet — titled "I Know My Savior Lives" — is a "resource to help leaders and parents know what to teach the children and how to teach the children in order to increase their faith and testimony in their Savior Jesus Christ," said Sister Cheryl C. Lant, Primary general president.

Sister Lant said that while living on earth, the Savior directed that the children be brought to Him.

"We are under the same commitment today to bring the children to the Savior so that they might know Him."

Children today need to know that their Savior lives, she said. "If they can have that in their hearts they will be OK."

(To read the whole article, click here)

Free Song Download

Sisters, are you in a Christmas mood? If so, here's a free song download, courtesy of Deseret Book. This song is not available anywhere else or on any CD. The song is "Simple Gifts" sung by Hilary Weeks.

Enjoy!

(To download, click here)

The Great Commandment -- Love the Lord

The great test of life is obedience to God. “We will prove them herewith,” said the Lord, “to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abr. 3:25).

The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it.

The great commandment of life is to love the Lord.

“Come unto Christ,” exhorts Moroni in his closing testimony, “… and love God with all your might, mind and strength” (Moro. 10:32).

This, then, is the first and great commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30; see also Matt. 22:37; Deut. 6:5; Luke 10:27; Moro. 10:32; D&C 59:5).

To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is all-consuming and all-encompassing. It is no lukewarm endeavor. It is total commitment of our very being—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—to a love of the Lord.

The breadth, depth, and height of this love of God extend into every facet of one’s life. Our desires, be they spiritual or temporal, should be rooted in a love of the Lord. Our thoughts and affections should be centered on the Lord. “Let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord,” said Alma, “yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever” (Alma 37:36).

Why did God put the first commandment first? Because He knew that if we truly loved Him we would want to keep all of His other commandments. “For this is the love of God,” says John, “that we keep his commandments” (1 Jn. 5:3; see also 2 Jn. 1:6).

We must put God in the forefront of everything else in our lives. He must come first, just as He declares in the first of His Ten Commandments: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Ex. 20:3).

When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities.

We should put God ahead of everyone else in our lives.

The Lord said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37). One of the most difficult tests of all is when you have to choose between pleasing God or pleasing someone you love or respect—particularly a family member.

The scripture says, “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Ex. 20:12; see also Mosiah 13:20). Sometimes one must choose to honor Heavenly Father over a mortal father.

We should give God, the Father of our spirits, an exclusive preeminence in our lives. He has a prior parental claim on our eternal welfare, ahead of all other ties that may bind us here or hereafter.

God our Father, Jesus, our Elder Brother and our Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost, the Testator, are perfect. They know us best and love us most and will not leave one thing undone for our eternal welfare. Should we not love them for it and honor them first?

There are faithful members who joined the Church in spite of the objections of their mortal relatives. By putting God first, many later became the instruments to lead those loved ones into the kingdom of God.

Jesus said, “I do always those things that please [God]” (John 8:29).

What is the condition in our homes? Are we striving to put the Lord first and to please Him?

You mothers who are especially charged with the righteous rearing of the youth of Zion, are you not putting God first when you honor your divine calling by not leaving the homefront to follow the ways of the world? Our mothers put God first when they fill their highest mission within the walls of their own homes.

If someone wants to marry you outside the temple, whom will you strive to please—God or a mortal? If you insist on a temple marriage, you will be pleasing the Lord and blessing the other party. Why? Because that person will either become worthy to go to the temple—which would be a blessing—or will leave—which could also be a blessing—because neither of you should want to be unequally yoked (see 2 Cor. 6:14).

You should qualify for the temple. Then you will know that there is no one good enough for you to marry outside the temple. If such individuals are that good, they will get themselves in a condition so that they too can be married in the temple.

We bless our fellowmen the most when we put the first commandment first. During this testing time the righteous must continue to love God, trust in His promises, be patient, and be assured, as the poet said, that—

Who does God’s work will get God’s pay,

However long may seem the day,

However weary be the way.

No mortal hand, God’s hand can stay,

He may not pay as others pay,

In gold, or lands, or raiments gay,

In goods that perish and decay;

But God’s high wisdom knows a way,

And this is sure, let come what may—

Who does God’s work will get God’s pay.

(Anonymous)

I testify to you that God’s pay is the best pay that this world or any other world knows anything about. And it comes in full abundance only to those who love the Lord and put Him first.

The great test of life is obedience to God.

The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it.

The great commandment of life is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30).

--Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1988, 4

(To read the whole talk, click here)

E-mail from Sister Cathy

Dear Sisters,

Greetings from Salt Lake City!

Today marks exactly 1 month since I arrived here. It had been a wonderful, interesting & spiritually uplifting first month.

When I arrived on 1st October, it was simply wonderful to have the Merritts & the Millers welcome me at the airport - something that I truly appreciate. That very same evening, I joined President Larkins missionary reunion dinner where I got to meet the couple missionaries who used to serve in Singapore Mission. It was a great pleasure to meet up with the Reddishes, the Lunts, the Millers & the Merritts who send their love to all the members of KL Branch (They cared so much for our members for they remember each & every one of you & asked about you!). The next day was another missionary reunion for all the missionaries who were in Singapore Mission. This time, I got to meet with the elders & their wives & babies! Elder Hancock has twin babies & Elder Stubbs has an adorable year old boy. Among some of the others I met were Elder Woo, Elder Lamb, Elder Fox & their wives. The one who has changed the most was Elder Stubbs - I almost couldn't recognise him; he's put on a lot of weight & looking very well, thanks to his lovely wife who happens to be an excellent cook!

Oct 3rd & 4th were indeed memorable dates as I got to attend General Conference live for the first time & it was an uplifting experience for me to listen to the Prophet & General Authorities!

The following weekend was spent with the Merritts & I got to attend Sacrament Meeting at their ward. Johann & I were truly pampered by the love, kindness & generosity of the Merritts :-). They are always so loving & full of charity for everyone.

I also had the opportunity to go to 2 stake conferences on 2 consecutive weekends & heard President Monson speak for the 2nd time in one month :-).

The Millers invited me to a fireside by the BYU football team at Springville Chapel where I got to listen to one of their grandson speak. It was indeed an enlightening fireside where I gained much spiritual food!

The neigbourhood where I live in is indeed a wonderful one & I managed to get to know my neighbours within the first week of moving here. My home is less than 100m from the church & just a block or two away from the Conference Centre & Temple! The ward here is so caring & I got my first visit from the sisters within 2 days of moving here :-). The Ward Activities Chairperson lives next door & I had much pleasure helping her with the ward halloween party last evening, doing what I truly enjoy!

An amazing discovery is that Josephine (an Indonesian) who lives about 3 houses away knows members from our district & she's none other than the aunty of Lukas Subandriyo (who's Neena Ramachandram's husband). Josephine's sister is Elder Subandriyo's wife. How small the world is!

Before I moved to my own place, the Ohs (Chong Keat & Windia) made my first week's stay very comfortable with their family, & having Windia show me the ropes by taking me to the places for my grocery & necessities shopping! I certainly can never thank them enough for their hospitality!

This last week of October ended beautifully with a trip with the Millers to the Bountiful Temple yesterday afternoon & in the late evening, a performance at Temple Square. The performance at Temple Square was the Church Relief Society Music Festival which featured works from the annual Relief Society music submissions. It was indeed awesome to listen to the Relief Society choir members from the Bountiful Utah North Stake sing & to see in person great composers like Sister Sally DeFord & Sister Janice Kapp Perry (who wrote many songs like "A Child's Prayer", "I'm Trying to be like Jesus', "I Love to See the Temple" & "Love is Spoken Here") among the other Relief Society sisters who wrote beautiful songs for the Relief Society, Primary & the Church in general. What a great way to end my first month stay in Salt Lake City!

Of course, other fun things I did were to meet up with Miow Lin & her wonderful husband-to-be James (yes, he proposed to her about 3 weeks ago) & the Weists, & attending all the uplifting devotionals with Johann at LDS Business College every Tuesday.

I'm enjoying every minute of my stay here but I still think of all of you all the time!

Love,

Cathy