1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:13,200 Welcome to Closer to Christ, their General Conference. 2 00:00:13,200 --> 00:00:17,160 For two friends who love Jesus, share our own approach to studying the most recent General 3 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:18,160 Conference talks. 4 00:00:18,160 --> 00:00:19,920 This is Abby and Amy. 5 00:00:19,920 --> 00:00:22,520 Let's jump into it. 6 00:00:22,520 --> 00:00:25,000 Today we're talking about Days Never to Be Forgotten. 7 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:28,480 This is by Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve. 8 00:00:28,480 --> 00:00:33,200 Now it is the year of the Doctrine and Covenants, and maybe more so than any other year, this 9 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:37,840 is our opportunity to watch the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 10 00:00:37,840 --> 00:00:43,720 unfold in how it's been restored and is also being restored in this dispensation. 11 00:00:43,720 --> 00:00:48,920 Experience after experience of how God's hand has been involved in commanding this work. 12 00:00:48,920 --> 00:00:52,960 He talks about the decade from the spring of 1820 that began when the Prophet Joseph Smith 13 00:00:52,960 --> 00:00:58,920 experienced in the Sacred Grove, and then when he saw God the Father and his son Jesus 14 00:00:58,920 --> 00:01:05,080 Christ, continuing until April 6, 1830, when Christ's Church was once again organized in 15 00:01:05,080 --> 00:01:07,800 this dispensation, and it was truly miraculous. 16 00:01:07,800 --> 00:01:12,320 Abby, what are some of the key moments of that decade? 17 00:01:12,320 --> 00:01:18,640 There are so many, but let's start with the young prophet conversing with the angel Moroni. 18 00:01:18,640 --> 00:01:22,880 Reciprocation of the ancient scripture that goes on plates, eventually culminating in 19 00:01:22,880 --> 00:01:26,240 the publishing of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek 20 00:01:26,240 --> 00:01:30,840 priesthoods, and then like you said, that blessed day April 6th when the Church was 21 00:01:30,840 --> 00:01:32,520 organized once again on this earth. 22 00:01:32,520 --> 00:01:34,240 Love that. 23 00:01:34,240 --> 00:01:38,600 It's no wonder that we have recorded Oliver Cowdery describing that era so well by saying 24 00:01:38,600 --> 00:01:41,120 these were days never to be forgotten. 25 00:01:41,120 --> 00:01:42,560 That's always been one of my favorite things. 26 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:46,480 I think the whole thing is how he said, we stood at the Prophet's feet that these were 27 00:01:46,480 --> 00:01:48,400 days never to be forgotten. 28 00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:52,120 It paints a beautiful picture. 29 00:01:52,120 --> 00:01:55,760 And I'm sure like every day you're kind of waking up like, what new thing do they have? 30 00:01:55,760 --> 00:01:58,120 And then how long is it going to take for that information to disseminate? 31 00:01:58,120 --> 00:01:59,200 But you're just reading it. 32 00:01:59,200 --> 00:02:01,640 This talk, it repeats that phrase multiple times. 33 00:02:01,640 --> 00:02:04,880 And Elder Stevenson is going to make us a promise that he thinks that we've entered 34 00:02:04,880 --> 00:02:09,920 another decade that we'll be able to say these days were never to be forgotten. 35 00:02:09,920 --> 00:02:12,480 And I'm filling that phrase right now. 36 00:02:12,480 --> 00:02:13,920 Just you reading it back to me. 37 00:02:13,920 --> 00:02:22,120 And I was like, don't we kind of wait a conference, even aside from just conference announcements, 38 00:02:22,120 --> 00:02:26,600 but conference in particular, like what is the Prophet going to reveal for the next six 39 00:02:26,600 --> 00:02:27,600 months? 40 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:31,040 Especially as soon as President Nelson got in, I was always like, all right, what's next? 41 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:32,560 It was boom, boom, boom, boom. 42 00:02:32,560 --> 00:02:38,800 Running shoes, it's like it's hard to keep up with how fast things are moving for him. 43 00:02:38,800 --> 00:02:43,400 So I can definitely see why Elder Stevenson kind of got the idea of that. 44 00:02:43,400 --> 00:02:46,240 Miraculous events did not cease in 1830. 45 00:02:46,240 --> 00:02:48,840 They have continued on in small and big ways. 46 00:02:48,840 --> 00:02:53,040 Like I was thinking in a personal way, miracles have been happening churchwide. 47 00:02:53,040 --> 00:02:55,800 We've seen miracles as a church to this very day. 48 00:02:55,800 --> 00:03:00,360 But Elder Stevenson boldly declared, he believed that we have just commenced a decade that 49 00:03:00,360 --> 00:03:04,480 may prove to be just as momentous as any other decade that has followed that unparalleled 50 00:03:04,480 --> 00:03:07,160 founding decade almost 200 years ago. 51 00:03:07,160 --> 00:03:08,280 He had me when he said that. 52 00:03:08,280 --> 00:03:10,400 I was like, okay, what is he going to say? 53 00:03:10,400 --> 00:03:11,400 So excited. 54 00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:18,440 Let's consider some of the events on the lineup for 2024 to 2034 and consider the question, 55 00:03:18,440 --> 00:03:20,880 why are these events so seminal? 56 00:03:20,880 --> 00:03:24,200 So the first was President Nelson's 100th birthday. 57 00:03:24,200 --> 00:03:28,920 The statement from a New York Times article represents the spirit of much of the international 58 00:03:28,920 --> 00:03:29,920 coverage. 59 00:03:29,920 --> 00:03:35,640 It said in the United States presidential election cycle that has promoted soul searching 60 00:03:35,640 --> 00:03:41,840 about aging and leadership, Mr. Nelson's milestone suggests that at least in his church, a triple 61 00:03:41,840 --> 00:03:44,760 digit does not merit much hand-wringing. 62 00:03:44,760 --> 00:03:50,160 He reminds a popular figure among church members who view their president not just as an executive, 63 00:03:50,160 --> 00:03:53,480 but as a prophet, seer, and revelator. 64 00:03:53,480 --> 00:03:55,240 Why was his birthday so special? 65 00:03:55,240 --> 00:03:59,520 Think of it, tens of millions of us were able to gather in celebration, but the landmark 66 00:03:59,520 --> 00:04:04,600 birthday also gave us an opportunity to introduce a global audience to a prophet of God, a celebration 67 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:05,720 never to be forgotten. 68 00:04:05,720 --> 00:04:10,040 I was definitely impressed and interested when I saw all the different people who were 69 00:04:10,040 --> 00:04:11,040 there. 70 00:04:11,040 --> 00:04:12,520 I thought, what a great opportunity that they took. 71 00:04:12,520 --> 00:04:13,520 Right. 72 00:04:13,520 --> 00:04:15,560 And leading up to it, he gave us that invitation, the 99. 73 00:04:15,560 --> 00:04:19,880 He was 99 turning one and he wanted us to do something, seek out for the one. 74 00:04:19,880 --> 00:04:20,880 So great. 75 00:04:20,880 --> 00:04:23,400 He used his birthday to make a global impact. 76 00:04:23,400 --> 00:04:24,400 Awesome. 77 00:04:24,400 --> 00:04:29,520 Then last spring, the Plaza on Temple Square was refurbished and completed. 78 00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:31,920 So it featured a display of international flags. 79 00:04:31,920 --> 00:04:35,600 If you look online, there's a great picture of it representing countries where the church 80 00:04:35,600 --> 00:04:38,640 is organized or recognized. 81 00:04:38,640 --> 00:04:42,960 The Plaza entrance is marked by a granite monument with these prophetic words, and it 82 00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:47,240 shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lord's health shall be established 83 00:04:47,240 --> 00:04:51,480 in the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills and all nations shall flow 84 00:04:51,480 --> 00:04:53,080 unto it. 85 00:04:53,080 --> 00:04:55,160 Possibly one manifestation of the prophecy in Isaiah. 86 00:04:55,160 --> 00:04:57,360 I think it's Isaiah 2, 2 being fulfilled. 87 00:04:57,360 --> 00:04:58,360 Love it. 88 00:04:58,360 --> 00:05:02,240 And we've used that scripture talking about people flowing into Utah, but something about 89 00:05:02,240 --> 00:05:06,080 hearing it right now when you're talking makes me think of Temple language, mountain 90 00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:10,160 of the Lord's house, and how now more than ever his children around the world have access 91 00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:16,040 to flow into his houses because of the restoration of the priesthood, keys that are available 92 00:05:16,040 --> 00:05:18,080 to all throughout the world. 93 00:05:18,080 --> 00:05:19,480 Love that. 94 00:05:19,480 --> 00:05:21,120 So he brings up that point next. 95 00:05:21,120 --> 00:05:25,720 The next decade marks an unprecedented number of temple open houses and dedications. 96 00:05:25,720 --> 00:05:26,720 Just think of that. 97 00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:31,400 If there's 164 temples that are going to be going and counting, then that's a lot. 98 00:05:31,400 --> 00:05:35,600 These events will invite millions of both members of our church and also our friends 99 00:05:35,600 --> 00:05:37,800 to walk through a house of the Lord. 100 00:05:37,800 --> 00:05:42,160 Then, oh my gosh, I can't wait, Abby, the rededication of the Salt Lake Temple and the 101 00:05:42,160 --> 00:05:45,680 activities that are associated with it will likely be incredible. 102 00:05:45,680 --> 00:05:48,960 And we heard mention that this will happen around 2026. 103 00:05:48,960 --> 00:05:49,960 So we're 2025 now. 104 00:05:49,960 --> 00:05:51,520 I mean, this is coming close. 105 00:05:51,520 --> 00:05:54,440 These certainly will be days never to be forgotten. 106 00:05:54,440 --> 00:05:59,200 I'm speculating here, but when there weren't so many temple dedications happening all at 107 00:05:59,200 --> 00:06:02,600 once and there was a temple was kind of in your region, but not necessarily right in 108 00:06:02,600 --> 00:06:09,640 your place, or even like we were in Twin Falls when they did that dedication, they made the 109 00:06:09,640 --> 00:06:15,240 church houses like an extension of the temple you got to recommend and we did the dedication. 110 00:06:15,240 --> 00:06:16,240 Could be the same. 111 00:06:16,240 --> 00:06:17,240 That would be amazing. 112 00:06:17,240 --> 00:06:19,560 What if around the world, we all got to participate? 113 00:06:19,560 --> 00:06:23,080 If anybody's listening, like that idea, go with that. 114 00:06:23,080 --> 00:06:24,080 They're like we've already talked about it. 115 00:06:24,080 --> 00:06:25,520 We love to participate in that. 116 00:06:25,520 --> 00:06:26,520 Wouldn't that be amazing? 117 00:06:26,520 --> 00:06:29,800 Because that temple, like of all others, like it took 40 years, right? 118 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:30,800 Right. 119 00:06:30,800 --> 00:06:31,800 The first time. 120 00:06:31,800 --> 00:06:34,640 Like a labor of love and maybe something there about temple building, like that was like 121 00:06:34,640 --> 00:06:39,280 our opportunity to learn about temples just like the children, like the Moses and the 122 00:06:39,280 --> 00:06:41,360 Israelites in the 40 year process there. 123 00:06:41,360 --> 00:06:45,680 Other temples popped up, you know, in the meantime in that process, but what's happening, 124 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:49,960 there's truly incredible and what opportunities are going to surround like they said, the 125 00:06:49,960 --> 00:06:50,960 rededication of that. 126 00:06:50,960 --> 00:06:51,960 Oh, I love that. 127 00:06:51,960 --> 00:06:54,680 I can only hold my breath and wait to see what they do with that. 128 00:06:54,680 --> 00:06:55,680 So cool. 129 00:06:55,680 --> 00:06:56,680 So exciting. 130 00:06:56,680 --> 00:06:57,680 Love that. 131 00:06:57,680 --> 00:07:01,040 So the next would be the bicentennial of the organization of the church that will happen 132 00:07:01,040 --> 00:07:02,680 in 2030. 133 00:07:02,680 --> 00:07:06,040 Certainly the events will allow us to invite family, friends, colleagues and distinguished 134 00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:10,760 guests to come and see and to better understand the powerful impact the church has in the 135 00:07:10,760 --> 00:07:13,040 lives of church members. 136 00:07:13,040 --> 00:07:17,840 Then, as we've heard, Salt Lake City will open and host the Olympics in 2034, bringing 137 00:07:17,840 --> 00:07:22,040 thousands of dignitaries, visitors and athletes from around the world. 138 00:07:22,040 --> 00:07:25,800 The eyes of the world will be upon the church and its members, affording a multitude of 139 00:07:25,800 --> 00:07:31,360 opportunities to volunteer, serve and share glad tidings through kind deeds and event 140 00:07:31,360 --> 00:07:32,360 never to be forgotten. 141 00:07:32,360 --> 00:07:33,360 Yeah. 142 00:07:33,360 --> 00:07:34,720 I think it made an impact last time around. 143 00:07:34,720 --> 00:07:36,680 That's why they got another opportunity to do it. 144 00:07:36,680 --> 00:07:40,520 The infrastructure is there and Utah really accommodated that, but I think there's like 145 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:46,240 a general feeling when you get to Utah and I think it really shows well for the church. 146 00:07:46,240 --> 00:07:52,320 It really invites people into see what the state has to offer. 147 00:07:52,320 --> 00:07:56,520 It's wonderful to be reminded why these events are so special and the reason being that really 148 00:07:56,520 --> 00:08:00,200 they provide members of the church everywhere an increased opportunity to share the glad 149 00:08:00,200 --> 00:08:05,240 tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the world, through word and deed. 150 00:08:05,240 --> 00:08:09,480 These upcoming events will provide extraordinary opportunities to serve, like you said, to 151 00:08:09,480 --> 00:08:13,920 unite members and friends and introduce people to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 152 00:08:13,920 --> 00:08:17,040 Saints to more people than ever before. 153 00:08:17,040 --> 00:08:19,360 The prophet, he uses this cherished phrase. 154 00:08:19,360 --> 00:08:24,920 He says, glad tidings rings of joy and happiness, but glad tidings conveys much more than that. 155 00:08:24,920 --> 00:08:30,240 It's derived from the original Greek word, uenglion, which literally means the good news 156 00:08:30,240 --> 00:08:31,760 or the gospel. 157 00:08:31,760 --> 00:08:34,640 Happiness and joy in this life and the next are always linked with the gospel of Jesus 158 00:08:34,640 --> 00:08:35,640 Christ. 159 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:38,960 Thus the phrase glad tidings captures this double meeting in a wonderful way. 160 00:08:38,960 --> 00:08:42,840 And I think it's just wonderful to remind ourselves that these upcoming events have 161 00:08:42,840 --> 00:08:48,600 so much potential to spread the good news if we seize the opportunity. 162 00:08:48,600 --> 00:08:52,840 It's always nice to be able to have something to invite people to and these events that 163 00:08:52,840 --> 00:08:53,840 are coming up. 164 00:08:53,840 --> 00:08:59,040 Like, hopefully we're just primed and prepared to invite others to enjoy the celebration 165 00:08:59,040 --> 00:09:00,040 with us. 166 00:09:00,040 --> 00:09:01,040 Love that, Abby. 167 00:09:01,040 --> 00:09:04,960 Also it's so interesting because you know that the angels came and said, we bring you 168 00:09:04,960 --> 00:09:07,200 glad tidings of great joy. 169 00:09:07,200 --> 00:09:10,240 That's interesting because now it's the gospel of joy, great joy again. 170 00:09:10,240 --> 00:09:12,960 You've heard that in months past. 171 00:09:12,960 --> 00:09:14,520 So who better to take the charge? 172 00:09:14,520 --> 00:09:18,040 Okay, I love this, where he starts talking to the youth of the church than the rising 173 00:09:18,040 --> 00:09:19,040 generation. 174 00:09:19,040 --> 00:09:23,760 Elder Stevenson reminds the youth and young single adults, you are here on earth now 175 00:09:23,760 --> 00:09:25,800 because you are selected to be here now. 176 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:34,520 You have the strength and capacity to be disciples of Christ in an unprecedented way. 177 00:09:34,520 --> 00:09:40,800 I'm in total awe at the capacity of the youth and young single adults in this generation. 178 00:09:40,800 --> 00:09:46,080 I think we are really an excellent hands as I'm watching this generation come up. 179 00:09:46,080 --> 00:09:51,240 I know for myself that the words from President George Buchanan to be true from the talk, 180 00:09:51,240 --> 00:09:55,400 he said, God has reserved spirits for this dispensation who have had the courage and 181 00:09:55,400 --> 00:10:00,640 determination to face the world and all the powers of the evil one and to build up the 182 00:10:00,640 --> 00:10:05,120 design of our God fearless of all consequences. 183 00:10:05,120 --> 00:10:11,200 So I mean, I think you still have the same testimony of the youth. 184 00:10:11,200 --> 00:10:17,240 What you're seeing, you know, what your children are doing, what the youth in your sphere are 185 00:10:17,240 --> 00:10:18,240 up to. 186 00:10:18,240 --> 00:10:22,280 I feel like they have a different skill set than generations previous. 187 00:10:22,280 --> 00:10:23,280 What are you noticing? 188 00:10:23,280 --> 00:10:29,920 Like, well, one of them is that I just think that they're, they're very intuitive. 189 00:10:29,920 --> 00:10:34,600 They're very in tune and things might get done a different way and that's okay. 190 00:10:34,600 --> 00:10:39,000 Like I think that for generations past, it might be unsettling thinking, well, they have 191 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:43,600 new ideas and they might quote mess things up at the same time, new ideas are what needed 192 00:10:43,600 --> 00:10:45,240 or what are needed, right? 193 00:10:45,240 --> 00:10:46,600 A new way of looking at things. 194 00:10:46,600 --> 00:10:50,400 So I just think that the way that they're going to tackle the problems that will be 195 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:54,520 coming their way, that they are uniquely set up for that. 196 00:10:54,520 --> 00:10:57,920 And what I see for them is that they've always had information at their fingertips. 197 00:10:57,920 --> 00:11:00,440 They've always had these like these powerful phones. 198 00:11:00,440 --> 00:11:03,480 We used to maybe have to go to the library to do some research on something or do a little 199 00:11:03,480 --> 00:11:04,480 bit of digging. 200 00:11:04,480 --> 00:11:07,920 They have so much information at their fingertips. 201 00:11:07,920 --> 00:11:11,920 Sometimes I'll hear the youth speak something that literally I was like, maybe learned a 202 00:11:11,920 --> 00:11:12,920 few years ago. 203 00:11:12,920 --> 00:11:17,600 Like I was practically 40 when I got that and you're expressing this to me in a form of 204 00:11:17,600 --> 00:11:21,040 testimony like, you know this thing to be true. 205 00:11:21,040 --> 00:11:22,320 Half of a life away from that. 206 00:11:22,320 --> 00:11:27,880 So what potential is there if they're already there and they're just growing? 207 00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:30,680 They're just starting out in life. 208 00:11:30,680 --> 00:11:31,680 They amaze me. 209 00:11:31,680 --> 00:11:33,200 Same, Abby. 210 00:11:33,200 --> 00:11:35,440 So we asked the youth to consider the feature on our phones. 211 00:11:35,440 --> 00:11:36,440 I love this. 212 00:11:36,440 --> 00:11:39,200 That put together slideshows occasionally for him. 213 00:11:39,200 --> 00:11:43,480 And to think what the picture of the photos that their phones will bring up in 10 years 214 00:11:43,480 --> 00:11:44,480 from now. 215 00:11:44,480 --> 00:11:45,880 I love that thought too, Abby. 216 00:11:45,880 --> 00:11:46,880 It was so great. 217 00:11:46,880 --> 00:11:49,120 I was like, oh wow, we all know that feature. 218 00:11:49,120 --> 00:11:52,840 And he said, you may see yourself graduating from high school or college, receiving your 219 00:11:52,840 --> 00:11:57,400 endowment, going on a mission, getting married and having your first child. 220 00:11:57,400 --> 00:12:02,240 But then to consider rather than the next 10 years, only blessings your life, what is 221 00:12:02,240 --> 00:12:07,120 simultaneously we each strive to become a light under the world of how the glad tidings 222 00:12:07,120 --> 00:12:11,720 of the gospel of Jesus Christ can enrich and enhance not only our lives, but also those 223 00:12:11,720 --> 00:12:16,000 of our family, friends and social media followers. 224 00:12:16,000 --> 00:12:18,720 Those are like a double-edged sword. 225 00:12:18,720 --> 00:12:19,720 My phone totally does that. 226 00:12:19,720 --> 00:12:22,280 It puts the music behind it, little slideshow of things. 227 00:12:22,280 --> 00:12:28,240 And I'm at this stage where I'm like equally, man, that was a fond memory and like complete 228 00:12:28,240 --> 00:12:31,640 sadness at how fast time has gone. 229 00:12:31,640 --> 00:12:33,960 It's like my baby's face is changing drastically. 230 00:12:33,960 --> 00:12:34,960 I know. 231 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:38,800 Then I'm thinking like, you're going to shoot that to me in another 10 years and like, there'll 232 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:40,600 be grand babies in that picture. 233 00:12:40,600 --> 00:12:42,280 Which is so exciting. 234 00:12:42,280 --> 00:12:45,720 But there's also some like, wow, it's just like the speed of light. 235 00:12:45,720 --> 00:12:46,720 It is. 236 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:47,720 It's just flashing by. 237 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:48,720 Yes. 238 00:12:48,720 --> 00:12:55,440 In the next 10 years, how might we fulfill our divinely appointed responsibilities? 239 00:12:55,440 --> 00:12:59,080 The first one, Abby would be living the gospel of Jesus Christ, studying the words of the 240 00:12:59,080 --> 00:13:02,080 prophets and learn to love our Father in heaven. 241 00:13:02,080 --> 00:13:04,640 And climb your hearts to Him and strive to walk in His way. 242 00:13:04,640 --> 00:13:08,680 Be lifted by the covenant confidence that Elysees Svoros has described. 243 00:13:08,680 --> 00:13:12,600 This confidence comes from making covenants to follow Jesus Christ, knowing that the Savior 244 00:13:12,600 --> 00:13:15,200 will in turn strengthen and support you. 245 00:13:15,200 --> 00:13:20,360 This is a theme that has come over and over again, and I love that it continues to be 246 00:13:20,360 --> 00:13:22,680 brought up to be in our hearts. 247 00:13:22,680 --> 00:13:26,760 The best gospel message we can share and the greatest effort we can make as missionaries 248 00:13:26,760 --> 00:13:32,560 is simply living the gospel of Jesus Christ so that others can see the power that comes 249 00:13:32,560 --> 00:13:34,640 when we yoke ourselves with covenants. 250 00:13:34,640 --> 00:13:40,400 And not despite challenges because those will certainly come and they do come with the Lord 251 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:44,920 rather than but doing it with the Lord rather than without Him has been a huge testimony 252 00:13:44,920 --> 00:13:46,400 builder in my own life. 253 00:13:46,400 --> 00:13:48,880 I totally agree with that. 254 00:13:48,880 --> 00:13:53,440 He made the next point about our Divinely appointed responsibilities being caring for 255 00:13:53,440 --> 00:13:54,960 those in need. 256 00:13:54,960 --> 00:14:00,600 He said to the youth particularly, your generation is unusually mindful of the less fortunate. 257 00:14:00,600 --> 00:14:03,840 Whenever disaster strikes and church members rush to help clear away debris and comfort 258 00:14:03,840 --> 00:14:07,880 the afflicted, it seems the majority are wearing helping hand and t-shirts. 259 00:14:07,880 --> 00:14:10,160 They're teenagers and 20-somethings. 260 00:14:10,160 --> 00:14:13,520 It's in your nature to be bare one another's burdens and comfort those that stand in need 261 00:14:13,520 --> 00:14:17,040 of comfort. By doing this, we all fulfill the law of Christ. 262 00:14:17,040 --> 00:14:21,880 A reminder to check out the JustServe website is a great place to start when you're thinking 263 00:14:21,880 --> 00:14:23,800 you want to reach out and do something for other people. 264 00:14:23,800 --> 00:14:26,600 There's always a myriad of ideas on there. 265 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:31,160 When you're concerned for others is rooted in the love of God and your desire to treat 266 00:14:31,160 --> 00:14:35,920 your neighbors as yourself, your service projects will have far reaching effects on those who 267 00:14:35,920 --> 00:14:39,760 you're serving and those who you have embedded. 268 00:14:39,760 --> 00:14:44,000 Those who maybe in a reverse situation are invited to serve you. 269 00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:50,040 They just released information, I don't know, over the last weekend about the primary children 270 00:14:50,040 --> 00:14:54,840 around the world being invited to hold a service project that's really led by the children. 271 00:14:54,840 --> 00:15:00,280 Can you just imagine the power in these communities as the little children go about filling whatever 272 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:02,520 need they find in their community? 273 00:15:02,520 --> 00:15:06,280 Maybe making blankets or picking up garbage, maybe doing something for the food banks. 274 00:15:06,280 --> 00:15:09,960 Really, this guy's the limit based on the area that they're at, what their abilities 275 00:15:09,960 --> 00:15:10,960 are. 276 00:15:10,960 --> 00:15:14,880 But just praying that we as adults don't get in the way of that, mess that up. 277 00:15:14,880 --> 00:15:17,120 That's it, it's getting in the way, right? 278 00:15:17,120 --> 00:15:21,440 Step back and let these babies take over the world. 279 00:15:21,440 --> 00:15:27,800 Abby, third, inviting all to receive the gospel. Did you know we opened 36 new missions worldwide 280 00:15:27,800 --> 00:15:31,880 to accommodate all who desired to serve full-time missions? 281 00:15:31,880 --> 00:15:36,560 In an era when many youth are opting out of formal religious activity altogether, this 282 00:15:36,560 --> 00:15:41,840 is pretty remarkable and speaks to the magnificent nature of the testimonies of the youth. 283 00:15:41,840 --> 00:15:46,120 Whatever serving or sorry, whether serving full-time or not, please realize your immense 284 00:15:46,120 --> 00:15:51,480 capacity to influence your peers as you love, share, and invite them to explore the gospel 285 00:15:51,480 --> 00:15:52,480 of Jesus Christ. 286 00:15:52,480 --> 00:15:54,440 Didn't you love just time after time? 287 00:15:54,440 --> 00:16:00,920 So step one, so two, step three, a lot of these, he's just saying, just live a life focused 288 00:16:00,920 --> 00:16:04,440 on Jesus Christ and it's going to emulate to those around you. 289 00:16:04,440 --> 00:16:07,960 They're going to see you being a particular people and unique. 290 00:16:07,960 --> 00:16:11,480 You'll stand out and they'll want to know more about it just by virtue of living your 291 00:16:11,480 --> 00:16:12,480 life. 292 00:16:12,480 --> 00:16:18,560 The last one, the fourth, let me read it right where we're doing, the fourth divinely appointed 293 00:16:18,560 --> 00:16:23,000 responsibility we have is uniting families for eternity. 294 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:26,840 The crowning event of Temple Work is sealing families together, but that work begins with 295 00:16:26,840 --> 00:16:27,840 baptism. 296 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:32,240 I had a baptism initiatory this week and I had four family names and one from somebody 297 00:16:32,240 --> 00:16:35,440 that had presented it from the stake, yeah, on the stake level. 298 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:41,800 And so I was looking, that one, it was a pretty recent name, but the family names, they were 299 00:16:41,800 --> 00:16:46,120 ones that had hit that 110-year mark, basically January 1st. 300 00:16:46,120 --> 00:16:47,520 Awesome, Abby. 301 00:16:47,520 --> 00:16:53,800 The work was done by the youth for these family names between the 2nd and 9th of January, 302 00:16:53,800 --> 00:16:56,760 ready to be moved into the initiatory process. 303 00:16:56,760 --> 00:17:02,680 I've had names that could take years, like maybe they were baptized in 2018 and then you 304 00:17:02,680 --> 00:17:08,000 do the initiatory in 2024 or whatever the case might be, but I'm maybe speculating on 305 00:17:08,000 --> 00:17:12,480 it, but what I saw was that these youth are eager to be in the temple and they're doing 306 00:17:12,480 --> 00:17:17,480 their part and they're getting this work going for these deceased ancestors and I have to 307 00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:18,760 keep up with them. 308 00:17:18,760 --> 00:17:21,560 So who did your baptisms for you? 309 00:17:21,560 --> 00:17:22,720 It's throughout the world. 310 00:17:22,720 --> 00:17:24,800 I did the temple ready names. 311 00:17:24,800 --> 00:17:28,320 So I'm just saying it from my whole file, it's pulled these, it found four names to 312 00:17:28,320 --> 00:17:32,440 pull, which also means to me that people are moving that work along too. 313 00:17:32,440 --> 00:17:36,360 That means that other people are taking these names, these kids have just recently baptized 314 00:17:36,360 --> 00:17:41,640 and confirmed and they're not ones that I have painstakingly sought out. 315 00:17:41,640 --> 00:17:46,760 These are the low lying fruit, but nonetheless, still family names in their mind, yeah, and 316 00:17:46,760 --> 00:17:49,720 are happy to participate that. 317 00:17:49,720 --> 00:17:55,480 Other seasons, other, we talked about the crowds of youth waiting at the baptistry 318 00:17:55,480 --> 00:17:56,480 line. 319 00:17:56,480 --> 00:17:58,480 He referenced young adult serving as ordinance workers. 320 00:17:58,480 --> 00:18:05,520 I've had that same, I've seen that same impressive number of youth at the baptistry, 321 00:18:05,520 --> 00:18:09,600 they do early morning, they open the temple extra early, like two different mornings 322 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:14,400 so that the kids can get in before their high school hours or whatever. 323 00:18:14,400 --> 00:18:17,960 And I've also been awestruck at the number of young adults serving in different capacities 324 00:18:17,960 --> 00:18:18,960 in the temple. 325 00:18:18,960 --> 00:18:23,520 Honestly, I would use the word jealous to describe my feelings about that. 326 00:18:23,520 --> 00:18:27,920 They're in there and immersing themselves in that work at such a much younger age. 327 00:18:27,920 --> 00:18:32,600 And I've kind of missed that opportunity and like in the middle of raising children, 328 00:18:32,600 --> 00:18:35,560 families so when I can escape and go to the temple for myself, that's great. 329 00:18:35,560 --> 00:18:40,400 But I'm like looking at these youth, I'm like, you've performed these ordinances a 330 00:18:40,400 --> 00:18:44,640 billion more, you know, like in a lifetime, they're going to get these boards in their 331 00:18:44,640 --> 00:18:49,400 hearts so much quicker, sooner than I was able to because they're just heavily involved 332 00:18:49,400 --> 00:18:50,400 in the work. 333 00:18:50,400 --> 00:18:51,400 It's amazing. 334 00:18:51,400 --> 00:18:55,560 That's why I know that we're in good hands. 335 00:18:55,560 --> 00:19:02,080 Temple attendance is a priority when you're in a place where it's feasible to do so. 336 00:19:02,080 --> 00:19:06,600 That's how I would explain like our high school is about five minutes from the temple. 337 00:19:06,600 --> 00:19:09,680 So it's something that they're able to do often, but Elder Stevenson shared a story 338 00:19:09,680 --> 00:19:13,760 about a group of youth that were 600 kids from Scotland and Ireland. 339 00:19:13,760 --> 00:19:15,720 They traveled to the Preston England temple. 340 00:19:15,720 --> 00:19:22,240 They performed 4,000 ordinances for most of which were personal deceased ancestors of 341 00:19:22,240 --> 00:19:23,240 theirs. 342 00:19:23,240 --> 00:19:27,480 My children, they've come to both of them individually have come to me asking me to 343 00:19:27,480 --> 00:19:31,240 help them with their goal and increasing their commitment to their time in the temple. 344 00:19:31,240 --> 00:19:36,240 And for me, that's, I'm not going to use the word burden, but it puts some of the pressure 345 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:37,240 on me. 346 00:19:37,240 --> 00:19:38,960 I'm their ride and their schedule learn. 347 00:19:38,960 --> 00:19:41,640 And that's something that I'm really willing to accept for them because I know that these 348 00:19:41,640 --> 00:19:45,800 temple experiences in their youth are going to have our reaching effects on them as they 349 00:19:45,800 --> 00:19:46,800 grow. 350 00:19:46,800 --> 00:19:51,440 Elder Stevenson reminded the youth of the power that comes from being engaged in family history. 351 00:19:51,440 --> 00:19:54,680 Spend time in the temple, carefully prepare yourself to be the kind of man or woman ready 352 00:19:54,680 --> 00:19:58,120 to marry on an equally worthy companion in the temple. 353 00:19:58,120 --> 00:20:03,880 Develop this pattern in your life now to make the temple a regular part of your lives. 354 00:20:03,880 --> 00:20:08,840 Adam and I are on week two of teaching temple prep to the graduating seniors. 355 00:20:08,840 --> 00:20:15,800 And I think there's a fire in them that just shows they are ready to, they're preparing, 356 00:20:15,800 --> 00:20:17,520 they're ready to make future covenants. 357 00:20:17,520 --> 00:20:18,520 It's inspiring. 358 00:20:18,520 --> 00:20:19,520 Yeah. 359 00:20:19,520 --> 00:20:21,520 Again, the youth, he's not lying. 360 00:20:21,520 --> 00:20:22,920 He's seeing the youth around the world. 361 00:20:22,920 --> 00:20:23,920 He's seen it. 362 00:20:23,920 --> 00:20:24,920 I'm seeing them in Star Valley. 363 00:20:24,920 --> 00:20:25,920 Yeah. 364 00:20:25,920 --> 00:20:26,920 They are ready. 365 00:20:26,920 --> 00:20:27,920 I love that. 366 00:20:27,920 --> 00:20:31,840 Certainly the days ahead, in the days ahead, there will be no doubt times of sorrow and 367 00:20:31,840 --> 00:20:36,240 sadness and heartache, but there are absolutely going to be exquisite moments of joy, just 368 00:20:36,240 --> 00:20:38,120 like any part of our lives, right? 369 00:20:38,120 --> 00:20:44,160 For an action item, be prepared for opportunities and upcoming moments as a member of Jesus 370 00:20:44,160 --> 00:20:48,760 Christ Church, where you will have many chances to share the glad tidings of the gospel of 371 00:20:48,760 --> 00:20:54,120 Jesus Christ through these simple activities, living, caring, inviting, and uniting. 372 00:20:54,120 --> 00:20:58,680 It doesn't seem that hard when he puts it that way. 373 00:20:58,680 --> 00:21:03,680 That's an action item, I think we hopefully will all be prepared to hear and accept. 374 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:10,440 And live your life naturally normally when these opportunities come. 375 00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:11,920 I know this for a fact. 376 00:21:11,920 --> 00:21:16,520 When the temple open house was coming, people would ask me more often, like in my work setting, 377 00:21:16,520 --> 00:21:20,080 the conversation would lend to that way, and they would give me an opening to then say, 378 00:21:20,080 --> 00:21:22,960 would you like to go through the temple open house or with my neighbors? 379 00:21:22,960 --> 00:21:28,080 They're not of our faith, they're friends in the community, and we were able to take 380 00:21:28,080 --> 00:21:33,240 multiple neighbors through the temple, and they were able to fill God's love for them. 381 00:21:33,240 --> 00:21:37,560 Like definitely one guy, he just lost his wife, and he said he felt more close to her 382 00:21:37,560 --> 00:21:39,440 in that experience than ever before. 383 00:21:39,440 --> 00:21:43,640 Now if that opportunity for the open house hadn't been there, presented itself, we would 384 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:45,520 have missed that awesome opportunity. 385 00:21:45,520 --> 00:21:49,120 And it was a normal and natural way to invite that out. 386 00:21:49,120 --> 00:21:50,120 That's great, Abby. 387 00:21:50,120 --> 00:21:51,120 Any last thoughts? 388 00:21:51,120 --> 00:21:52,120 Nope. 389 00:21:52,120 --> 00:21:55,600 All right, as I love to do, I'll share his testimony in closing. 390 00:21:55,600 --> 00:21:59,520 He said, I testify that those who approach the Lord with a sincere heart and real intent, 391 00:21:59,520 --> 00:22:03,220 those who have the name of the Savior upon their lips, the Holy Spirit in their souls, 392 00:22:03,220 --> 00:22:08,840 those who embark upon this grand and glorious pilgrimage, will discover and experience boundless 393 00:22:08,840 --> 00:22:13,520 celestial blessings and receive a witness that God hears you, knows you, and loves you. 394 00:22:13,520 --> 00:22:16,280 You will experience days never to be forgotten. 395 00:22:16,280 --> 00:22:17,680 This he did in the name of Jesus Christ. 396 00:22:17,680 --> 00:22:18,680 Amen. 397 00:22:18,680 --> 00:22:19,680 Amen, Abby. 398 00:22:19,680 --> 00:22:20,680 We'll catch you next time. 399 00:22:20,680 --> 00:22:21,680 Thanks, guys. 400 00:22:21,680 --> 00:22:22,680 See ya. 401 00:22:22,680 --> 00:22:36,680 Bye.