In Conclusion - James R. Allen

No, I'm not one of the speakers but this post concludes my reading and summarizing of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of April, 2011. This is the second such effort on my part and I'm am grateful to have chosen this way to "follow the Prophets." I know that only a few have actually read or even seen this effort as we made little effort to make it known but in committing to do this, I know that both Shirlyn and I have benefited in important ways. At the bottom of the blog page is a count of the number of times people opened the blog. That number is impressive, but since there have been very few comments posted, we are not sure what it means. As we consider the next Conference which begins in a few weeks, please let us know how you might have been benefited and should we do this again? Thank You.

A Living Testimony - Henry B. Eyring

I believe that most of his talks begin with the statement of his purpose in giving it. That is the case here as he says; " My beloved young sisters, you are the bright hope of the Lord's Church. My purpose tonight is to help you believe that is so." From his vantage point in front of this congregation world wide he advises the hearers that they already have felt the spirit witness to them in various ways the reasons they were there present. It was as a result of the small choices they have made, including the one to be present.


He proclaims that; "There is need for the young daughters of Israel to get a living testimony of the truth." 
He then defines what a testimony is, using the quote from President Joseph Fielding Smith; "...is a convincing knowledge given by revelation to [a person] who humbly seeks the truth." It will not come at once but "...in pieces as parts of the whole truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ are confirmed." Of course Alma 32 was referred to and is perhaps the best sermon available to understand how that spiritual gift is obtained. Using that path, faith will result in the end as certain knowledge. 


As many struggle with faith from time to time this wisdom is pertinent: "I do not depend on what has happened in the past. To keep my living testimony of the Book of Mormon secure, I receive the promise of Moroni often. I don't take that blessing of a testimony for granted as a perpetual entitlement."


And then this warning: "There is danger in neglecting prayer. There is danger to our testimony in only casual study and reading of the scriptures. They are necessary nutrients for our testimony." 


As we serve as missionaries, we have often seen the fulfillment of this promise, even as I summarize and comment on these Conference presentations, the Spirit has confirmed and strengthened my testimony and my ability to bear this witness to the ones we serve. Our prayers each night include all of the young women of our family whatever their age and we sincerely hope their testimonies are growing through the revelations of the Spirit.

Guardians of Virtue - Elaine S. Dalton

In explaining the position of young women she used the phrase "walk in the paths of virtue" and expanded this to the walk the was done by the young women of the Alpine, Utah area 22 miles to the Salt Lake Temple. That is a long walk but represented the distance walked by John Rowe Moyle on one good leg and a wooden leg to do his part in building that edifice. The example included the instruction to be Guardians of Virtue and was magnified by using the people involved in the walk as "guardians" helping along the way and helping them protect the young women during the walk. Our young women are helped along the way to the Temple by their family, the adult leaders, the Bishop, and their faithful friends. The objective is to one day arrive at the Temple and enter worthy to receive the sealing blessings that are only available there. In reality, some will take longer than others to make this trip and the temptations and obstacles in the path will be there and must be overcome to arrive and enter. The path has been carefully laid out and explained and all of us have the opportunity to follow that path once it is explained to us.


Later in the talk she gave the young women a very definite challenge to do something. She explained that at the young age of 12 she made two lists, one a list of things she would always do and the other a list of things she would never do. The list was written. Whatever our age, we all would do well to write such a list. I remember such a list that I discussed with one of my friends at a young age. Some of the items on such a list today may require you to make changes in what you are doing now. My advice is the same that Shirlyn posted on our wall; "Just Do It." Things to consider for your list might include:

• Obey the Word of Wisdom
• Pray daily
• Pay Tithing
• Commit to never miss church
• Serve when called
• Obey the law of chastity

Of course you would also consider your role as a virtuous woman and a "guardian" of others needing your help and example.