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Editor’s note: This post is part of a collaborative effort of Mormon bloggers who are reading and writing about General Conference talks. We call it the General Conference Odyssey. [See this article at Meridian Magazine sharing more about the Odyssey, including how it came about as well as some thoughts from those of us participating in this project. One of the things I appreciate so much about being a part of this effort is to read the words of my fellow brothers and sisters. Their perspectives and experience enrich my experience engaging the words of the prophets.]

The other posts from this week’s reading, which focused on the Tuesday Afternoon Session (interesting that they did Conference on Tuesdays!) of the April 1971 General Conference, are at the bottom of the post. 

“As we journey along through life we, as individuals, come in contact with many shaded areas, twilight zones, and even dark alleys, where we, unless aided by a higher power, are not able to see clearly, to interpret correctly, and to come to sound conclusions….

“As individuals, we have some limitations when it comes to our understanding of things as they really are. We can see so far, and then the earth and the sky come together, so to speak, and we cannot see beyond. But there is something beyond. In the physical world, all we have to do to realize this is to improve our vantage point by getting on top of a building, on a mountain, or in an airplane….

“Without divine guidance, we will have difficulty in the shaded areas of life. But we need not walk alone. Our Father in heaven and his Son Jesus Christ and the prophets—both ancient and modern—have given us a well-charted course for our journey through life. We can find joy and happiness and we can arrive at our destination in safety if we will but heed the road signs and follow the directions that have been given to us….

“’For we walk by faith, not by sight.’” [2 Cor. 5:7]” ~William H. Bennett

There were some simple, sublime messages that stood out to me from the Tuesday afternoon session of the 1971 Conference. These are truths that even children can and do understand, and yet they are also deep and profound — veritable secrets to the universe. Because keys have been restored, we have the keys to understand the purpose of life.

• We are mortal. We need God.
• We are His children. He and the Savior love us.
• They want to help us.
• They speak to us through the scriptures, through prophets, and through the Holy Ghost.
• When we act in faith and in a spirit of obedience, we can see more clearly.
• The Church is true! This is why we want to share it with others.

I’m hesitant to select only a few quotes because the talks were dense with insight, but here are some that stood out to me, with some commentary of my own interspersed.

“The Holy Ghost can give us a sure conviction that man is a child of God. Altogether too frequently, when men, unaided, try to understand the relationship of man to God, they look at things through mortal eyes only and consider only mortal conditions. But this life is not the beginning, neither is it the end. To understand man’s relationship with God, we must broaden our perspective with the help of the Holy Ghost.” ~William H. Bennett

“The impressions made by the Holy Ghost can be equally deep and lasting [as rare manifestations such as those experienced by Saul/Paul or Alma]. President Joseph Fielding Smith has said, ‘Therefore, the seeing, even the Savior, does not leave as deep an impression in the mind as does the testimony of the Holy Ghost to the spirit. … the impressions on the soul that come from the Holy Ghost are far more significant than a vision. It is where spirit speaks to spirit, and the imprint upon the soul is far more difficult to erase.” (Seek Ye Earnestly [Deseret BookCo., 1970], pp. 213–14.) ~Henry D. Taylor

[That quote from President Smith may be one of my favorite quotes about the Holy Ghost.]

“The Savior, while teaching at the temple, was questioned by the Jewish teachers as to the source of his doctrine, which was astounding to them. Whence came his wisdom? they asked. Jesus answered their troubled inquiries, saying: “… my doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:16–17.) ~Henry D. Taylor 

[This scripture was also quoted by William H. Bennett— a simple, powerful second witness to the importance of action as a requirement for knowledge and understanding.]

“Joseph Smith was called by revelation, as were the prophets of old. John the Baptist restored to him and Oliver Cowdery the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, followed by Peter, James, and John, who restored the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Elijah returned in the Kirtland Temple and restored the keys of the sealing blessings for the living and the dead.

“Joseph Smith bestowed all the keys upon the Quorum of Apostles before his death. These keys of priesthood authority have been thus preserved to this day and shall continue to usher in the millennial reign of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” ~Eldred G. Smith 

[In two paragraphs, he summed up some of the most amazing truths we proclaim — prophets! angels! priesthood! keys! life and family after death! As Mormons, do we see what we have? And is it any wonder that we are urged to share these truths with others?]

Add to that Elder Richards‘ testimony:

“Malachi saw before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord when the Lord said he would send Elijah the prophet to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”(Mal. 4:6.) Just think of that statement. The Jews are still waiting for his coming….”

[Read also his tender words about what is yet to come through the Book of Mormon in bringing the Jews to Christ. I long for that day. I read the Book of Mormon sometimes with that lens, wondering what it will be like when the Jews read Nephi’s words — which were written to and for them — and find Jesus in them.]

More from Elder Richards:

“It is hardly within the capacity of an ordinary man to comprehend and understand what has happened in this world because of Elijah’s coming….” [I can only imagine what Elder Richards thinks now about all that the internet has done for the work of turning hearts of fathers to children and children to fathers!]

“[F]ollowing [Jesus’] resurrection, as he walked along the way by two of his disciples to Emmaus, and we are told that their eyes were holden, that they did not recognize him, when he heard what they had to say about him and his ministry and his crucifixion, he realized that they did not comprehend what he had been trying to teach them, so he said, “O fools, and slow of heart, to believe all that the prophets have spoken” (Luke 24:25), and commencing with Moses and the prophets, he showed them how that in all things the prophets had testified of him.” ~LeGrand Richards 

[I was struck by how even these earnest disciples could not see without the Savior’s help to open their eyes. They didn’t see the patterns in the prophets’ teachings through the ages. They did not see Him of their own ability because they weren’t well-versed in the words of the prophets. Are we not all like this? We all need heavenly help to see what may be right before us. And yet, perhaps we would see more if we did know and study and ponder the patterns in the words of the prophets.]

Also from Elder Richards: “I believe that the words of the prophets are the most sure guide we have in this world today. I believe what Jesus said: ‘Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.’ (Matt. 5:18.)….

“Trust not the wisdom of men.

“I pray that the Lord will help us to go on, still fulfilling his promises of all that he has revealed that has not yet been fulfilled. And I would like to live long enough to see a little more even of these marvelous accomplishments, as a part of this great gospel dispensation. [He lived longer than almost any apostle.]

“With all my heart and soul, I bear you my witness of the divinity of this work, that God the Eternal Father has decreed its destiny. It is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ our Lord as the chief cornerstone. And he is guiding his church today, and will continue to do so until he comes in the clouds of heaven as the holy prophets have declared….”

The closing testimony of President Joseph Fielding Smith was simple and powerful, given with great love and also directness (which is evidence of his love!)

He bore testimony of all that has been mentioned here. All that God has given us through his prophets is because of His love, pointing us to the love and grace and guidance of the Savior.

“A gracious and loving Father has in these last days spoken again from heaven to his servants the prophets.

“His voice has been one inviting all men to come to his Beloved Son, to learn of him, to partake of his goodness, to take his yoke upon them, and to work out their salvation by obedience to the laws of his gospel. His voice has been one of glory and honor, of peace in this life, and of eternal life in the world to come.”

But what of those outside our faith who love the Savior and honor God with their lives? President Smith shares one of the most important truths about why Mormonism matters:

“I am not unmindful that there are good and devout people among all sects, parties, and denominations,and they will be blessed and rewarded for all the good they do. But the fact remains that we alone have the fullness of those laws and ordinances which prepare men for the fullness of reward in the mansions above.”

And then, he extends this beautiful invitation which we have heard echoed through prophets in recent years:

“Keep all the good you have; cleave unto every true principle which is now yours; but come and partake of the further light and knowledge which that God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever is again pouring out upon his people.”

Elder Richards talked of the 14,000 missionaries that were serving at the time. Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has over 85,000 missionaries…to invite people to “come and see.“

I am grateful to be a member of this Church, to have prophets and restoration scriptures to give further light and knowledge, to help me see even more the love of God, the reality of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the purpose of prophetic patterns, and the reality and importance of laws and ordinances.

It’s true. This I know. Come and see!

If you are struggling to see, lean on God and the His methods has has given to help us see. Lean on the testimonies of others that move you. Move your feet in faith until you can come to a new vista. Trust the process. Truth does come. God is there. In His time and way, as you seek, He will make things known to you. It’s ok to wrestle. Just be sure to let the wrestle include the ways the Lord designated to help us see.

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Dear Sisters,

I would like to share with you an experience I had this week while attending my religion class as part of my Pathway program. Earlier in the semester we were asked to look within ourselves and identify a Christlike attribute that we would like to develop. Throughout the semester we have been doing projects and activities to assist our growth toward that attribute. Each week a new study skill is taught so that we are able to more fully understand and recognize the teachings of the scriptures, and utilize them in our lives along with our desired attribute.

This week however a study skill of Visualization was presented in our class to help us in our scripture study. We were asked to not only “visualize” while studying the scriptures this week, but also to recognize the influence of our selected attribute in the reading. From there we were asked to “visualize” ourselves within the scriptures, demonstrating our attribute, and visualize experiences we might have and our projected actions.

Next, we were asked to create a story board using pictures and scriptures that identify our attribute and our individual growth and feelings as we have seen ourselves act, and react, with our acquired attribute.

This process has been such a spiritual experience for me, and one that I will continue to use as I study the scriptures and try to grow and become a better Disciple of Christ.

I hope that you can find this helpful as they try to incorporate the scriptures into their lives, and teach their families of the Savior and his divine attributes.

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At the end of both days of general conference, for our scripture study time, I asked each of my children (all teens) what stood out to them. Two of the three mentioned Devin Durrant’s talk where he invited us to “ponderize.” It’s great when talks have simple memory tools that make the principles stick, especially for children and youth! (Dear Brother Durrant: It worked. So I’m going to jump on the bandwagon and use the word, too.) [As an edit to the original post, I want to reiterate that Brother Durrant himself notes that this shouldn’t be a replacement for regular scripture study. It is a supplement to it, and an example of an exercise that can build mental and spiritual well-being.]

It was a blessing for me to reflect with my children about how ponderizing has helped me in my life. I shared with them about how I will forever be grateful for the Seminary program and the Scripture Mastery scriptures I marked, memorized, and read and re-read as part of my Seminary experiences. I also am so grateful I had the opportunity to serve a mission. Even though I envy the missionaries who now have Preach My Gospel, I do feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to ponderize a set list of scriptures as a missionary in ways that were similar to what I did in Seminary.

(Now, Preach My Gospel has a lot more scriptures to read, which is great. And if I were a parent of young children, I would definitely use that as a guide for scriptures to choose. But I love that I was exposed to a short list of topically-organized scriptures, each that had a pointed purpose.)

Last night, I saw a mom ask in a Facebook group what scriptures others would recommend that she include on her list of scriptures to ponderize with her children. Of course, the best list of scriptures will be selected over time with the Spirit’s help, so ultimately God can guide even children to scriptures to focus on. I have often been amazed at how my children can so quickly and easily resonate with scriptures and speak with the tongue of angels about them. (If you are a parent of young children, don’t underestimate how much your children can learn and do.)

Still, as a starting point, it was easy for me to share my suggestions above with that mom because of the impact memorizing these scriptures as a youth/young adult (or at least being very familiar with them) still has on me 25-30 years later! Learning, marking, and repeatedly teaching and learning scriptures helped me understand and remember where key doctrines of the Plan of Salvation can be found in the scriptures. (e.g., Want to read doctrinally-dense chapters about the Atonement? Read chapters like 2 Nephi 2 and 9, or Alma 40-42.) And I have often reflected on how much ponderizing has impacted my desire and ability to teach my children the gospel from the scriptures.

I also shared with my son about how becoming so familiar with the word of God leaves a repository from which the Lord can draw from. John 14:26 says “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” The Spirit can bring things to our remembrance when we have His word in our memories!

Thanks to Elder Durrant for encouraging my children to ponderize, and for giving me an opportunity to reflect on the blessing this “small effort…sustained over time” as a youth had and continues to have on my life. (I’m grateful for those who love to ponder scriptures and gospel principles with me now that I am an adult.)

p.s. Not that my opinion matters, but given my experience, I will share this thought: My one suggestion to add to what Elder Durrant invited us to do is to invite your children to mark scriptures they want to remember. Even though digital scripture reading is so often the way we read, I think there is still value in the physical action of pulling out a red pencil and a paper copy of the scriptures and marking them. I would have never imagined that such a simple, physical action as a Seminary student and missionary would make a difference in my ability to remember doctrinal threads and remember where to find verses, but it really did. I think marking scriptures can also invite learning about the context and background of the verse, which also helps the mind and spirit make connections that can stick.

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I had the privilege of attending a class at BYU Education Week given by Stephanie at Diapers and Divinity. I was thrilled to see that she was able to share it on her blog. There is nothing like hearing her in person, but her blog post is excellent and thorough. Her presentation was both practical in nature but also inspirational. Be sure to watch the video clips she includes.

One of the ways we as Mormon women are able to tap into God’s power is simply to tap into His truth. As we seek Him through becoming devoted students of the gospel, we can find more about Him, about ourselves, about His plan, and about His Son.

p.s. I love her plea to “ask God, not Google.”

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a new digital release of an updated version of its scriptures and study aids (in English).

The last update to the Church’s English scriptures—the Holy Bible, theBook of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price—was completed in 1981. The improvements made for that edition, including the addition of extensive study helps in each book of scripture, were significant and crowned 10 years of work.

The 2013 edition includes revisions to study aids, new photos, updated maps, and adjustments to chapter and section headings.
 

The print edition of this updated version will be available in August of this year.

Read more about this updated edition of the LDS scriptures can be found here.

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We are starting a new series at Mormon Women, where students at Brigham Young University will be sharing letters and reflections on scriptures from the New Testament and the Book of Mormon.

Brigham Young University is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (while often called the “Mormon Church” we prefer the full name of the Church to be used because it captures our central belief in Jesus Christ).

As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple semesters of spiritually uplifting, stimulating religion classes.

In this series, students currently enrolled in scripture study classes will be sharing their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these letters, we fulfill the students’ desire to speak to all of us relevance, power, and beauty of the New Testament, of God’s plan of happiness for each of us, and of the Book of Mormon as a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in and cherish the Bible. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be scripture. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America.

Some of the names you will see in letters sharing Book of Mormon scriptures may be unfamiliar; these names are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ: Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and others. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.

As we share these letters here at Mormon Women, we welcome your thoughts about how the scriptures they quote (or other verses) help you in your own life. We invite you to share these letters with a friend.

And please let us know if you’d like to receive your own digital copy of the Book of Mormon.

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Ted R. Callister shared the following story:

Some years ago I attended one of our worship services in Toronto, Canada. A 14-year-old girl was the speaker. She said that she had been discussing religion with one of her friends at school. Her friend said to her, “What religion do you belong to?”

She replied, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons.”

Her friend replied, “I know that church, and I know it’s not true.”

“How do you know?” came the reply.

“Because,” said her friend, “I have researched it.”

“Have you read the Book of Mormon?”

“No,” came the answer. “I haven’t.”

Then this sweet young girl responded, “Then you haven’t researched my church, because I have read every page of the Book of Mormon and I know it’s true.”

This story often comes to mind often when people will say that they have researched our church. While I respect the fact that not everyone will choose Mormonism, I sometimes wonder if people are making such a decision relying only on what they read in news headlines, media stories or blogs, or material from those trying to persuade people from allowing missionaries to teach them more about our faith. To really research and understand Mormonism, I agree with this young woman. It’s important, even essential to understand and engage with the Book of Mormon. And we don’t just invite people to read it, we invite them to go to the Source of truth, even God, to ask Him if it’s true scripture.

I, too, have read every page of the Book of Mormon — many times over — and know it is true. I find power in its words, and get answers from God from its teachings. I use the Book of Mormon with the Bible to seek to draw closer to my Father in Heaven and to my Savior. Reading these scriptures brings God’s Holy Spirit into my life.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cherish the Bible as the word of God. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be scriptural — a record of ancient people on the American continent. The book covers a period of history from about 600 B.C. to 421 A.D. (with a record as well of a people who lived around the time of the tower of Babel, who migrated from the ancient holy land to the American continent, whose record was found by those who came to the American continent later on).

The reality of God’s dealings with His children who lived anciently on the American continent, and the teachings of ancient prophets who guided these people, gives us another testament of God’s love for all of His children, and includes powerful testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. The crowning event of the Book of Mormon is Christ’s personal visit to the people after His death and resurrection.

The Book of Mormon helps strengthen our testimony of Jesus Christ and our understanding of His divine mission. And it is the keystone of our faith — not because the Bible isn’t true or important to us, but because knowing of the truthfulness the Book of Mormon allows one to also understand that God speaks in these “latter days” to prophets. He restored Christ’s church and authority through the prophet Joseph Smith. And that authority and prophetic guidance continues today through living prophets.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explains more about the Book of Mormon in this Mormon Messages video:

Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon.

You can also read the Book of Mormon online.

The post Mormons believe in the Bible and the Book of Mormon appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Larry Richman explains more at LDS Media Talk:

The list of publications includes scriptures, general conference, and manuals for Melchizedek Priesthood, Relief Society, Aaronic Priesthood, Young Women, Primary, Sunday School, and optional courses. Other languages and other materials will be forthcoming.

There are no current plans for creating Kindle versions, but there are a number of free programs available to convert ePub books for use on Kindle.

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A: Oh, yes.

You probably won’t hear members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints call it the rapture, and you shouldn’t hear predictions of a certain day or time or year when He will come again from Mormons, but we do believe that He will come and that it’s important to live each day in a way that shows that we want to be ready for whenever that day may come.

We plan to write a little more about this soon, but in the meantime, here are some scriptures and articles from lds.org about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. (You can find nearly 10,000 results at lds.org if you search for “second coming”)

Elder recently talked about this in General Conference. Here are some of the scripture references he included in his talk:

You can find a list of other scripture references from the Bible here.

And read scriptures from the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price

• “Preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, Chapter 24
• “Preparing for the Second Coming of Christ” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, Chapter 44
• “Second Coming of Jesus Christ” Guide to the Scriptures
• “Signs of the Second Coming” Gospel Principles, Chapter 41
• “The Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord” Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, Lesson 48

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