Today during general conference I shared the experience of my nephew’s son, Trey, who was born with life-threatening heart complications. Trey was blessed to survive well past these days of his infancy, growing into an exceptional young man who was full of hope and faith.
As I
Your faith in Jesus Christ is not in vain. You will see Him again. All the world will know He is the Son of God. I have come to know Him and feel His presence. I witness with certainty that He lives, that He is resurrected, and that His love for us is beyond description.
I promise you that as you willingly acknowledge and carefully treasure the spiritually defining events in your life, more and more will come to you. Heavenly Father knows you and loves you!
#HearHim
#GeneralConference
I want to say to all those whose lives don't fit neatly into The Family: A Proclamation to the World that the Lord loves you. He will be with you. You will feel His love.
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As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. As we share the light we have received from Him, His light and His transcendent saving power will shine on those willing to open their hearts.
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With general conference approaching, I would like to share three suggestions to enhance your experience:
1. Be prayerful.
2. Don’t be casual about your attendance.
3. Record your impressions.
Look forward. Your troubles and sorrows are very real, but they will not last forever. You are a valiant child of God, and with His help, you can triumph in the battles of this fallen world. You have done it before and you can do it again.
We in the Quorum of the Twelve have had the blessing of seeing the Lord’s mantle rest squarely upon President Russell M. Nelson. What a blessing for the Church to be able to sustain him and to hear direction from the Lord's prophet! Please join us for general conference.
Make it a priority to look for miracles in your life. Be confident in your future and in who you are. Have faith. Not just faith in the Savior, but faith in what the Savior will do for you and what you will become with His influence upon you.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
In our times of uncertainty, let us be faithful. Jesus is the Savior of the world. He lives, and "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in [Him] tonight." Our sorrow will be made right in Him, the beloved Son of God.
Our Heavenly Father loves His spirit children, and I believe very strongly that our welcoming them, caring for them, and loving them is one of the most important things we can do.
#GeneralConference
Each of you has a spiritual destiny. You are on a journey through mortality, with a specific mission to accomplish here on earth unique to you.
In this new year, you will face challenges. However, you are a son or daughter of God, made in His image. He made your spirit strong
Be worthy to hear the still, small voice as it speaks to you and turns you toward the right. As you listen, as you are worthy and have the guidance of the Holy Ghost, it will keep you safe, guide you in the way you should go, and bring peace to your life.
Have you wondered why the Lord would direct His prophet to now dot the earth with His holy houses, His temples? Why would He, at this specific time, give the needed prosperity to His people that through their sacred tithes, hundreds of houses of the Lord could be built? Why now?
May we always remember that each spirit child of God is coming to earth on his or her own personal journey. May we welcome them, safeguard them, and always love them.
Ask God to guide you in the many decisions you have to make. I testify to you that Heavenly Father hears your prayers and will answer you. Sometimes in the most unexpected moments, the revelation you need will come.
Precious Rose with a statue of Jesus this past Friday night.
Jesus said, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14).
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Oh, come, let us adore him,
A phrase I was very intrigued with from President
@NelsonRussellM
's recent talk in general conference was “seek guidance from voices you can trust.”
Who could we trust more than President Nelson? Of course, he’s the Lord’s prophet—he’s the president of the Church—but even if he
As disciples of Christ, we willingly share with those around us because we understand that all we have and all we are comes from God. The only permanent solution to the poverty of this world is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings that come from living the law of tithing.
I too know for myself of the living reality of the resurrected Savior. Because of Him, we will live again. He is central to all human history. As we come unto Him, He heals us from our sins and the wounds of the heart. No effort to increase our faith in Him is in vain.
The Lord stands at the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As modern-day Apostles of Jesus Christ, the message we share today is the same that Apostles shared long ago—that God lives and Jesus is the Christ.
I know Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. Every time we speak of Him, every time we testify of Him, and every time we help someone understand Him, not only does our testimony of Jesus Christ grow but also our assurance that He will be there for us.
Have you wondered why the Lord would direct His prophet to now dot the earth with His holy temples? Why would He, at this specific time, give the needed prosperity to His covenant people that through their sacred tithes, hundreds of houses of the Lord could be built?
One reason
Today, Kathy and I are departing to Brazil to prepare for the dedication of the Brasília Brazil Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am very thankful for this assignment from President Russell M. Nelson and the First Presidency to dedicate this special
However deep the wounds of your soul, whatever their source, and for how short or how long they persist, you are not meant to perish spiritually. You are meant to survive spiritually and to live and grow in your faith and trust in God.
#GeneralConference
The Savior once gave a beautiful statement when He said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). This statement gives us reassurance that defending the Savior will always be worth it.
Anchoring our souls to the Lord Jesus Christ requires listening to those He sends. Following the prophet in a world of commotion is like being wrapped in a soothing, warm blanket on a freezing cold day.
As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is my privilege to meet with friends of other faiths across the globe and share my testimony of Jesus Christ.
I recently had a special opportunity to do so during an
How wonderful it is to celebrate the birth of our Savior and Redeemer. Jesus Christ is the central figure of all human history.
I know He lives. I know He was born. I know He has been resurrected. I know He is our Savior and Redeemer. And with you I rejoice in this beautiful
The Lord’s house is a sacred place between heaven and earth where we better come to know our Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
I was reminded of this today as I had the special privilege of being assigned by President Russell M. Nelson to dedicate the Brasilia Brazil
Our love for and faith in Jesus Christ does not shield us from the sadness and sorrow in this mortal life, but it does allow us to walk through the challenges with a strength far beyond our own.
The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us insight into who we truly are, why we are here on earth, how to continue along the covenant path, and where we can be for all eternity.
We are sons and daughters of God, here on earth to grow our faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus
I promise you that the Savior’s arms are always outstretched to you too. His fruit—His joy—is plentiful and always in season. It cannot be purchased with money, and no one is denied. As we honestly and humbly seek Him, He will come to us.
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This life is a time for becoming, not just for experiencing. It is a time of being taught from on high. As we are righteous, compensatory blessings always come—even in the most difficult times of our lives.
Tithing draws us closer to the Savior and blesses our lives forever. Tithing is not just a financial law but a tangible way to turn the desires of our hearts to Him. We have observed the blessings of tithing in our own family.
Kathy’s mother joined the Church at age 22. Martha
May we be filled with the awe, gratitude, and wonder of the Savior’s sacred Atonement. He, through His pure life and willingness to take upon Himself our sins as we repent, has rescued us from the chains of the adversary and given us a way back into the Father’s presence.
I testify to you that through sacred experiences, special moments, precious and powerful feelings, I have a sureness to my knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, that He lives, that He is resurrected. He is exactly who we proclaim Him to be.
I invite you to always speak of the incomparable gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Let us all be defenders of the faith. The Savior has promised, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).
As you shape your daily habits to include the Lord, you will feel His love. I bless you that as you increase your efforts from now through Christmas, the desire to continue these habits beyond Christmas will stay, and your progress as one of the Savior’s disciples will grow.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we must genuinely love and care for all of God’s children—just as He does—without isolating ourselves from others who believe differently.
Jesus lovingly washed the feet of His Apostles, knowing what would occur soon after. Although “he was
For me there are no words to truly describe the majesty, the power, the glory, or the love of the Son of God. Because He lives and rose from the tomb, all mankind will be resurrected. Let us forever be filled with the awe, gratitude, and wonder of the Savior’s sacred Atonement.
In this Easter season, I witness the complete and absolute truth of the Savior’s incomparable atoning sacrifice and of His glorious Resurrection. As your mind remains firmly and forever upon the thought of Jesus Christ, and as you continue to focus your life more fully on the
There are hundreds, even thousands, of teachings and experiences in the Book of Mormon that can help us in becoming who we want to be. As you open the Book of Mormon daily, you will be blessed to see those lessons you should learn.
Do everything within your reach to keep your faith growing with a brightness of hope in the redeeming love of our Savior. His outstretched hands will reach to your outstretched hands and expand your faith beyond anything you can imagine.
The decision to enter the temple for your own endowment and to make sacred covenants is a distinct marker, a transition, a passage in your life that affirms your desire and willingness to God that you consciously take the step to move into spiritual adulthood.
In our
I witness the complete and absolute truth of the Savior’s incomparable atoning sacrifice and of His glorious Resurrection. As our minds catch hold firmly and forever upon this thought and as we focus our lives on this thought, we will feel His hope, His peace, and His love.
In this week of giving thanks, I am particularly grateful for my dear friend, President M. Russell Ballard, whom I had the privilege of serving with in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for almost 15 years.
President Ballard has touched my life, counseled me, and helped me in
When I’m kneeling humbly before my Heavenly Father, and asking in the depth and sincerity, “Father, what do I need to change? Where do I need to repent?” a calm feeling comes over me, and at the appropriate time, I
#HearHim
.
This is a remarkable time to be alive, and our youth will experience unforgettable spiritual moments as they seek the Savior and keep His commandments. The future will be strong as our righteous youth embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ.
At
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I spoke about how we can be peacemakers in what is sometimes a contemptuous and a provocative world. I recorded this brief video to share with you a couple additional thoughts I had that support the message I delivered at conference.
God loves children. He loves all children.
The Savior said, “Suffer [the] little children . . . to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).
Children today find themselves in many different and complex family configurations. Kathy and I were greatly
The culture and trends of our modern world can present a perspective that, while inviting or appealing, is not eternally correct. Conversely, Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Think of the vastness of the world in which we live, the differing
In every circumstance of our life together, I have witnessed the amazing talent and capacity of my dear, sweet wife Kathy as she mothered, blessed, taught, nurtured, and helped each of our children come to know the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This Mother’s Day, I
It is an absolute blessing for me to frequently visit with followers of Jesus Christ around the world.
I currently find myself in the Philippines. Over the next several days, I would like to share with you some of our special experiences with members of The Church of Jesus
With all the difficulties, struggles, and trials we have, if we are righteous, all will be well in the end thanks to Jesus Christ. That was the central message of my Christmas devotional address last Sunday. Merry Christmas to all!
Faith in Jesus Christ changes lives.
Kathy and I are humbled by the strong faith of so many people we have met here in the Philippines. Our recent visit to the Jimenez family perfectly exemplifies the rich blessing we receive when we trust God.
We left our visit with this
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
Each time I read that verse, I am reminded of the Savior’s perfect example as a peacemaker. May we love Him and love one another. May we be peacemakers like the Savior.
Rather than being influenced by negative and carnal voices, listen to those who truly love you. Listen to the Lord's prophet and apostles. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Listen to the words of Jesus Christ. Doing so will bless your life and keep you spiritually safe.
Have you ever found it easier to forgive others than to forgive yourself?
Over the last two days, I have had the exceptional opportunity to meet with small groups of youth and young adults here in the Philippines. In both meetings, I was asked by a member of the group how we can
For the Spirit to dwell in us, we have to have time and space. Learn to put your smartphones down. Insert time when your technology is intentionally not accessible.
As disciples of Jesus Christ we embrace good men and women everywhere. One of the wonderful blessings of traveling across the nations and cultures of the world is seeing that most people are good and thoughtful. Most love their families and want to help others. Many love God,
Yesterday I had the great opportunity to dedicate the Lisbon Portugal Temple—the first temple in Portugal. I testify that as we come to the house of the Lord in the spirit of gratitude, believing in Jesus Christ and relying upon His Atonement, the answers we seek will come to us.
Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father’s plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers.
As you trust in Jesus Christ and keep His commandments, you are blessed not only with guidance but with heavenly power—power that brings strength to your covenants, peace to your difficulties, and joy to your blessings.
#GeneralConference
We thank you for your noble efforts to advance the true name of the Church. President
@NelsonRussellM
promised us ‘that our rigorous attention to use the correct name of the Savior’s Church … [would bring us] increased faith and access to greater spiritual power’.
Kathy and I had the privilege while in the Philippines to receive the grateful kindness of a modest community in Manila—Cardinal Sin Village—for a humanitarian gift from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that repaired an important water tank high above
As you allow your love for the Savior and His love for you to sink deep into your heart, I promise you added confidence and peace in your faith and in meeting the challenges of life.
#GeneralConference
#HearHim
In my most recent visit to the missionary training center in Provo, Utah, I was pleased to speak to more than 2,000 faithful missionaries—including my own granddaughter and her companion!
We are so thankful for the thousands of missionaries around the world who serve so
The Book of Mormon is a powerful testament of Jesus Christ. During our visit yesterday with Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, I invited him to read from the Book of Mormon.
We are grateful to work together with officials here to bless the lives of God’s children.
Today, I want to salute the more than 67,000 missionaries serving around the world, most being young men and young women. It is absolutely a miracle and a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ that so many young people will put their trust in Him for two years or 18
I am so impressed by this child and his knowledge of the prophets and apostles. I encourage you to hear the words of living prophets as they testify of Jesus Christ this Saturday and Sunday at
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.
The children in Africa are magnificent. Their bright eyes, beautiful faces, and trusting nature always draw me to them and always bring to memory Matthew 18: “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus said “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). We saw yesterday how selfless giving from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is blessing the lives of children in Brazil.
Being in Chile has been a thrilling experience. In a leadership meeting with the priesthood and sister leaders from 10 stakes this past Saturday, I was amazed with the spiritual depth and insights of the comments and the questions. All 10 stake presidents were returned
It was a pleasure to meet with pioneering members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and youth in Cape Verde. The efforts and sacrifices of the pioneering members to live the gospel of Jesus Christ will forever bless the rising generation and generations to come.
We should live our lives praying for and anticipating miracles. With faith in Jesus Christ all things are possible. Our Heavenly Father responds to our sincere prayers and honest faith in His Son Jesus Christ. We will see His hand in our lives as we trust Him and His Beloved Son.
What a joyful experience it was to dedicate the Praia Cape Verde Temple. Doubt, uncertainty, and challenges may meet the many citizens of Cape Verde, but this temple will be a blessing to everyone in the country whether someone is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ or not.
Even though the Brasília Brazil Temple is not yet dedicated, we feel the presence of our Savior Jesus Christ as we walk through it. We know He lives. This is His house.
As we teach and testify of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost will confirm in the hearts of our young disciples the truth of His life and teachings with a power far more lasting than the power of our own teaching.
#HearHim
When we choose to fully embrace the covenants God offers along the covenant path, our life is transformed.
Tap the link to read more about a recent Liahona magazine article I wrote about becoming a covenant person among a covenant people.
We met this week with Rosângela Lula da Silva, the first lady of Brazil. She shared her goal to help children who are hungry and lack basic needs. We were able to make a donation to help with this initiative. We look forward to continuing to work together to bless God's children.