1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:11,000 [♪ Music playing and video game music playing. 2 00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:14,720 Welcome to Closer to Christ through General Conference, where two friends who love Jesus 3 00:00:14,720 --> 00:00:18,300 share our own approach to studying the most recent General Conference talks. 4 00:00:18,300 --> 00:00:19,600 This is Abbey and Amy. 5 00:00:19,600 --> 00:00:21,020 Let's jump into it. 6 00:00:21,020 --> 00:00:25,060 [♪ Music playing and video game music playing. 7 00:00:25,060 --> 00:00:29,860 Today we're talking about Simple is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ by President Henry V. Eyring, 8 00:00:29,860 --> 00:00:32,360 second counselor in the first presidency. 9 00:00:32,360 --> 00:00:35,360 Can you believe this puts us at the end of the Sunday morning session? 10 00:00:35,360 --> 00:00:36,360 It's amazing. 11 00:00:36,360 --> 00:00:38,280 It's flying by for us. 12 00:00:38,280 --> 00:00:44,360 We would love to hear your feedback on the podcast if you feel so impressed to take a 13 00:00:44,360 --> 00:00:45,360 moment. 14 00:00:45,360 --> 00:00:48,340 You can catch us if you comment on YouTube. 15 00:00:48,340 --> 00:00:52,500 If you wanted to put it under this talk, then we would know where to find suggestions. 16 00:00:52,500 --> 00:00:56,760 And what we're looking for is your ideas or suggestions that we might be able to take 17 00:00:56,760 --> 00:00:57,840 into consideration. 18 00:00:57,840 --> 00:01:01,840 If we need to, if you feel like there's a change that needs to be made, we're always 19 00:01:01,840 --> 00:01:05,040 open to those suggestions. 20 00:01:05,040 --> 00:01:08,760 If you're enjoying the podcast, we would really appreciate it if you take a moment to like, 21 00:01:08,760 --> 00:01:09,760 rate and subscribe. 22 00:01:09,760 --> 00:01:11,640 It really helps us out. 23 00:01:11,640 --> 00:01:14,640 And just want to thank you again for taking the time to listen. 24 00:01:14,640 --> 00:01:16,920 We appreciate the time that you've given to this. 25 00:01:16,920 --> 00:01:19,800 So with that, Amy, now let's jump right in. 26 00:01:19,800 --> 00:01:23,100 All right, Abbey, he opened so well. 27 00:01:23,100 --> 00:01:25,240 We have to just echo his words here. 28 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:29,560 He says, all of us have family members we love who are being tempted and tried by the 29 00:01:29,560 --> 00:01:35,000 seemingly constant forces of Satan, the destroyer, who would make all God's children miserable. 30 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:37,520 For many of us, there have been sleepless nights. 31 00:01:37,520 --> 00:01:41,520 We have tried to surround the people who are at risk with every force for good. 32 00:01:41,520 --> 00:01:43,220 We have pled in prayer for them. 33 00:01:43,220 --> 00:01:44,400 We have loved them. 34 00:01:44,400 --> 00:01:47,200 We have set the best example we could. 35 00:01:47,200 --> 00:01:48,560 That's heartfelt, isn't it? 36 00:01:48,560 --> 00:01:49,900 It was very heartfelt. 37 00:01:49,900 --> 00:01:53,720 You can feel the gentleness, the tenderness of this man in his voice as you listen to 38 00:01:53,720 --> 00:01:56,040 this, as you listen back to it. 39 00:01:56,040 --> 00:02:01,040 And I love from him that he's saying, you're watching loved ones turn away. 40 00:02:01,040 --> 00:02:04,400 You're watching Satan constantly bear down on everybody. 41 00:02:04,400 --> 00:02:07,800 But sometimes it affects some family members more than others, and it's caused deep pain 42 00:02:07,800 --> 00:02:09,440 and sleepless nights. 43 00:02:09,440 --> 00:02:10,880 He's really feeling that. 44 00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:16,720 But we see it doesn't stop him from doing the things that he's able to do, the things 45 00:02:16,720 --> 00:02:18,560 that are within his control. 46 00:02:18,560 --> 00:02:24,200 And what he said, what I pulled out of there, he said prayers they still love and still 47 00:02:24,200 --> 00:02:25,560 are setting an example. 48 00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:27,040 And I like that too often. 49 00:02:27,040 --> 00:02:33,440 I think sometimes we think it's our job that we need a lecture and we can cast shame. 50 00:02:33,440 --> 00:02:37,040 I don't know that anybody's ever been successful in turning somebody back to the Savior doing 51 00:02:37,040 --> 00:02:38,040 it in that way. 52 00:02:38,040 --> 00:02:42,480 I love his suggestions because they're actionable and something that we're able to perform and 53 00:02:42,480 --> 00:02:48,440 complete even in a one sided relationship until possibly that person chooses to take 54 00:02:48,440 --> 00:02:51,880 actions into their own lives and make some changes. 55 00:02:51,880 --> 00:02:52,880 Yes. 56 00:02:52,880 --> 00:02:57,680 As we face the challenges of loved ones turning from the truth, it does something to know 57 00:02:57,680 --> 00:03:00,560 that we are in the company of Elder Eyring. 58 00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:03,080 But he also pointed us to the scriptures for an example. 59 00:03:03,080 --> 00:03:07,000 Alma, a wise prophet from ancient times faced similar trials. 60 00:03:07,000 --> 00:03:11,440 The people he led and loved were frequently under attack by a ferocious enemy, yet they 61 00:03:11,440 --> 00:03:15,000 were still trying to rear righteous children in a world of wickedness. 62 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:20,740 Alma felt his only hope of victory was a force which at times we underestimate and often 63 00:03:20,740 --> 00:03:22,180 use too little. 64 00:03:22,180 --> 00:03:24,240 He pled for God's help. 65 00:03:24,240 --> 00:03:25,240 Right. 66 00:03:25,240 --> 00:03:28,160 It's constantly being brought to battle. 67 00:03:28,160 --> 00:03:34,000 But the answer to their dilemma isn't battle strategies and ways to eliminate their enemy. 68 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:38,680 The answer was often coming as he was pleading out in prayer. 69 00:03:38,680 --> 00:03:42,440 The answer to his pleadings were to encourage those who followed him to repent. 70 00:03:42,440 --> 00:03:46,120 Don't you think it's beautiful to think that this message over so many others would come 71 00:03:46,120 --> 00:03:47,520 to this prophet? 72 00:03:47,520 --> 00:03:51,720 Alma, a man who we used to refer to as Alma the Younger, when in his past life he along 73 00:03:51,720 --> 00:03:55,760 with his friends went about making poor decisions, turning people away from teachings of his 74 00:03:55,760 --> 00:03:57,240 own father. 75 00:03:57,240 --> 00:04:00,640 And we know he knows something about the process of repentance. 76 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:01,640 Absolutely. 77 00:04:01,640 --> 00:04:06,360 I love that this hard one lesson is what the Lord impressed upon his mind as he was considering 78 00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:10,440 what he could do to help his people. 79 00:04:10,440 --> 00:04:12,800 The Book of Mormon describes it this way. 80 00:04:12,800 --> 00:04:17,120 And now as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that, 81 00:04:17,120 --> 00:04:21,480 which was just, yea, it had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the 82 00:04:21,480 --> 00:04:25,160 sword or anything else which had happened unto them. 83 00:04:25,160 --> 00:04:29,360 Therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of 84 00:04:29,360 --> 00:04:30,360 God. 85 00:04:30,360 --> 00:04:31,880 I've always loved that wording, Abby. 86 00:04:31,880 --> 00:04:36,160 In fact, it kind of makes me giggle a little bit because he's saying, you know what, this 87 00:04:36,160 --> 00:04:37,400 is really the best way to do it. 88 00:04:37,400 --> 00:04:38,400 Let's move forward. 89 00:04:38,400 --> 00:04:42,560 Yeah, let's talk about that for a minute on what the word of God is. 90 00:04:42,560 --> 00:04:45,960 The word of God is the doctrine taught by Jesus Christ and his prophets. 91 00:04:45,960 --> 00:04:50,160 And Alma knew that the words of doctrine would have greater power for the people at this 92 00:04:50,160 --> 00:04:53,840 time and that advice is timeless. 93 00:04:53,840 --> 00:05:01,240 It's the same message that applies to us in our day. 94 00:05:01,240 --> 00:05:08,760 If we're, I mean, maybe not up to battle necessarily, but if we're fighting some sort of battle, 95 00:05:08,760 --> 00:05:13,280 an internal battle or have external forces at us, it's the same thing that we need to 96 00:05:13,280 --> 00:05:16,520 benefit the challenges and trials of our day. 97 00:05:16,520 --> 00:05:17,800 Agreed, agreed. 98 00:05:17,800 --> 00:05:22,360 In the 18th section of the DNC, the Lord reveals the foundation of his doctrine. 99 00:05:22,360 --> 00:05:25,980 This podcast should air really close when you're getting ready to dive into the chapter 100 00:05:25,980 --> 00:05:27,380 with Come Follow Me. 101 00:05:27,380 --> 00:05:31,760 So rather than read the section as Elder Eyring did, let's provide the context. 102 00:05:31,760 --> 00:05:32,760 Abby? 103 00:05:32,760 --> 00:05:36,560 Okay, the context, this revelation was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. 104 00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:38,640 It was 1829. 105 00:05:38,640 --> 00:05:42,120 And in it, they focused on the importance of missionary work and the role of the priesthood 106 00:05:42,120 --> 00:05:43,580 in spreading the gospel. 107 00:05:43,580 --> 00:05:47,080 In this section, the Lord instructed Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer about the mission 108 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:53,080 that they were going to endeavor on to gather souls and build up the church. 109 00:05:53,080 --> 00:05:56,940 In this section, there's an emphasis on the worth of souls and the need for diligent efforts 110 00:05:56,940 --> 00:05:58,160 in missionary work. 111 00:05:58,160 --> 00:06:02,400 It includes a specific instruction on how to conduct oneself in the work of the Lord, 112 00:06:02,400 --> 00:06:06,200 outlining the importance of repentance, baptism, faith in Jesus Christ. 113 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:09,200 Additionally, it speaks about the role of the priesthood in establishing the church 114 00:06:09,200 --> 00:06:14,000 and the need for those who hold it to be called of God. 115 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:17,960 The Lord also calls upon individuals to seek the truth and support the work of the restoration 116 00:06:17,960 --> 00:06:21,160 through faith and commitment, encouraging the saints to share the gospel with others 117 00:06:21,160 --> 00:06:23,580 and to build a strong foundation for the church. 118 00:06:23,580 --> 00:06:27,120 So in short, we could say Section 8 is a call to both personal righteousness and an urgent 119 00:06:27,120 --> 00:06:30,120 need for missionary work in the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 120 00:06:30,120 --> 00:06:31,200 Saints. 121 00:06:31,200 --> 00:06:36,320 And you heard from that summary, very simple, straightforward, basic gospel principles. 122 00:06:36,320 --> 00:06:39,760 We're not delving into the side tangents things can get to. 123 00:06:39,760 --> 00:06:43,360 So to be effective in his work, that's as simple as it needs to be. 124 00:06:43,360 --> 00:06:44,360 Danielle Pletka Agreed, Abby. 125 00:06:44,360 --> 00:06:49,400 I love this because this is the Savior himself giving us the perfect example of how we should 126 00:06:49,400 --> 00:06:50,820 teach his doctrine. 127 00:06:50,820 --> 00:06:55,200 Like you said, as simply as it can be said, the doctrine is that faith in the Lord Jesus 128 00:06:55,200 --> 00:07:00,400 Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the 129 00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:03,880 end really blesses all of God's children. 130 00:07:03,880 --> 00:07:06,680 Abby Right there in this talk, it's really where 131 00:07:06,680 --> 00:07:11,320 he gets into emphasizing the importance of keeping the doctrine of Christ simple. 132 00:07:11,320 --> 00:07:14,600 He said, as we teach these principles to those we love, the Holy Ghost will help us to know 133 00:07:14,600 --> 00:07:17,080 the truth because we need the promptings of the Holy Ghost. 134 00:07:17,080 --> 00:07:21,600 We must avoid speculation on personal interpretation that goes beyond teaching true doctrine. 135 00:07:21,600 --> 00:07:22,840 I like that part. 136 00:07:22,840 --> 00:07:26,160 There's maybe a time for that, like on a walk with a friend, if they're like delving into 137 00:07:26,160 --> 00:07:29,440 the same thing, you can have some chat about that. 138 00:07:29,440 --> 00:07:30,440 But really- 139 00:07:30,440 --> 00:07:33,080 Danielle Pletka Teaching doctrine is different. 140 00:07:33,080 --> 00:07:35,800 Abby It is different because you can let the Spirit 141 00:07:35,800 --> 00:07:39,260 and the Holy Ghost impress upon people by keeping it simple. 142 00:07:39,260 --> 00:07:42,200 You can help them to know what things that they want to learn more about. 143 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:47,040 You get up there and you just spout your opinion about something that's not backed by either 144 00:07:47,040 --> 00:07:49,200 any real sources. 145 00:07:49,200 --> 00:07:53,520 It's more of a stumbling block and a place to cause confusion because they're maybe not 146 00:07:53,520 --> 00:07:56,880 in quite the same place ready to learn what you have learned. 147 00:07:56,880 --> 00:07:59,560 Danielle Pletka Even if we think that they are, that's why 148 00:07:59,560 --> 00:08:00,960 the Spirit is so necessary. 149 00:08:00,960 --> 00:08:04,280 Abby I've probably mentioned it on this podcast 150 00:08:04,280 --> 00:08:08,960 quite a bit, but a lot of times I'll be studying Come Follow Me for myself. 151 00:08:08,960 --> 00:08:13,280 And what it seems to do more than anything is to give me a chance to have talking points 152 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:16,600 with my own children as they bring up questions throughout the week. 153 00:08:16,600 --> 00:08:23,360 I'm in my 40s and I find joy in diving into historical context. 154 00:08:23,360 --> 00:08:26,940 And sometimes my mind will have a question and it'll take me down a rabbit hole that 155 00:08:26,940 --> 00:08:31,240 eventually leads me to whatever's been on my mind. 156 00:08:31,240 --> 00:08:35,040 But when it comes to teaching my children the doctrine, do I share all of that knowledge 157 00:08:35,040 --> 00:08:37,800 that I've gained? 158 00:08:37,800 --> 00:08:39,900 Or not? 159 00:08:39,900 --> 00:08:41,440 And the answer is typically no. 160 00:08:41,440 --> 00:08:44,600 I mean, sometimes it comes in handy because I'll be like, man, I just studied that. 161 00:08:44,600 --> 00:08:49,760 I'm glad that I have something to share with you, which I'm not in any way afraid to say, 162 00:08:49,760 --> 00:08:50,760 I don't know the answer to that. 163 00:08:50,760 --> 00:08:53,440 Let me look into it or we can look into it together. 164 00:08:53,440 --> 00:08:57,760 But what I'm saying is a lot of times that's for me and it's specific and the questions 165 00:08:57,760 --> 00:08:59,760 that they're asking have nothing to do with that. 166 00:08:59,760 --> 00:09:04,680 But if I've put the Come Follow Me into me, then when they ask questions, what comes out 167 00:09:04,680 --> 00:09:07,800 of me, I try to make it as simple and plain as possible. 168 00:09:07,800 --> 00:09:09,880 And then if they have a further question, then we'll go deeper. 169 00:09:09,880 --> 00:09:12,520 But I don't just like want to spout everything to them. 170 00:09:12,520 --> 00:09:15,440 An age appropriate answer in an age appropriate conversation. 171 00:09:15,440 --> 00:09:16,440 Yeah. 172 00:09:16,440 --> 00:09:19,880 Part of that, part of knowing what to share and I find useful is to figure out why they're 173 00:09:19,880 --> 00:09:21,280 asking the question they're asking. 174 00:09:21,280 --> 00:09:22,280 That is good, Abby. 175 00:09:22,280 --> 00:09:25,800 Then I can point them in the direction to their answer to help because I'm obviously 176 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:29,300 hoping that it's going to strengthen their testimony and that's best achieved if I'm 177 00:09:29,300 --> 00:09:33,200 relying on the spirit and the spirit helps me edit the information that I'm going to 178 00:09:33,200 --> 00:09:34,200 share. 179 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:35,200 So good. 180 00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:37,680 But I'm thinking in terms of starting with simple. 181 00:09:37,680 --> 00:09:38,680 Yeah. 182 00:09:38,680 --> 00:09:42,880 So President Eyring said that can be hard to do when you love the person you are trying 183 00:09:42,880 --> 00:09:43,880 to influence. 184 00:09:43,880 --> 00:09:48,680 And then this sentence really got me as I was listening, Abby, he or she may have ignored 185 00:09:48,680 --> 00:09:50,680 the doctrine that has been taught. 186 00:09:50,680 --> 00:09:56,020 It is tempting to try something new or sensational, but the Holy Ghost will reveal the spirit 187 00:09:56,020 --> 00:10:01,560 of truth only as we are cautious and careful not to go beyond teaching true doctrine. 188 00:10:01,560 --> 00:10:04,760 I love that he's essentially saying, don't reinvent the wheel. 189 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:09,880 Like it is simple for a reason and just because someone has ignored it doesn't mean that 190 00:10:09,880 --> 00:10:11,160 we need to spice it up. 191 00:10:11,160 --> 00:10:12,440 That's not what is called for. 192 00:10:12,440 --> 00:10:14,760 Like you said, why are they asking the question? 193 00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:19,040 One of the surest ways to avoid even getting near false doctrine is to choose to be simple 194 00:10:19,040 --> 00:10:20,440 in our teaching. 195 00:10:20,440 --> 00:10:23,500 Safety is gained by that simplicity and little is lost. 196 00:10:23,500 --> 00:10:27,440 It goes back to what you said again, there's value in knowing things that the Holy Ghost 197 00:10:27,440 --> 00:10:32,180 has prompted you to dive deeper into, but we are promised power in sticking to simple 198 00:10:32,180 --> 00:10:36,280 truths and letting the Holy Ghost do its job of testifying in fact truth. 199 00:10:36,280 --> 00:10:40,680 I think it's amazing to stop and think about like you're in a teaching situation and you're 200 00:10:40,680 --> 00:10:45,000 trying to encourage learning in the people that you're teaching. 201 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:50,420 And when you aren't comfortable just standing on the plain and precious simple doctrine 202 00:10:50,420 --> 00:10:55,000 of Jesus Christ and we have to sensationalize it, we really aren't inviting the Holy Ghost 203 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:56,000 into that lesson. 204 00:10:56,000 --> 00:11:01,480 So we might ask ourselves that as we're preparing lessons, what's the motivation? 205 00:11:01,480 --> 00:11:05,160 Is this to draw somebody closer to Jesus Christ or is this to be like, oh man, they are the 206 00:11:05,160 --> 00:11:09,440 smartest teacher in the world because of this knowledge that they have that really went 207 00:11:09,440 --> 00:11:11,480 off the rails? 208 00:11:11,480 --> 00:11:13,080 That's not that helpful. 209 00:11:13,080 --> 00:11:14,080 That's true. 210 00:11:14,080 --> 00:11:22,440 Amy, you're entering a stage, like a new phase of life where your children are mostly adults. 211 00:11:22,440 --> 00:11:26,680 Do you find your ability to teach your children to be different at this stage? 212 00:11:26,680 --> 00:11:33,800 I would say yes and a lot of it has to do with again, their maturity and them having 213 00:11:33,800 --> 00:11:38,120 different questions and they're just at a different level. 214 00:11:38,120 --> 00:11:39,360 So yes, it is different. 215 00:11:39,360 --> 00:11:43,720 I only have one child who will be 14 this year, the rest are adults. 216 00:11:43,720 --> 00:11:48,920 So it's wildly different than 10 years ago. 217 00:11:48,920 --> 00:11:55,120 It's just more of a discussion now and less of, not that it's meant to be lecture, but 218 00:11:55,120 --> 00:11:56,120 that's what I'm thinking. 219 00:11:56,120 --> 00:11:57,680 That's what I'm witnessing. 220 00:11:57,680 --> 00:11:59,080 It's definitely more discussion based. 221 00:11:59,080 --> 00:12:00,080 Absolutely. 222 00:12:00,080 --> 00:12:01,080 I love it. 223 00:12:01,080 --> 00:12:02,080 I really love it. 224 00:12:02,080 --> 00:12:03,080 I'm in the midst of raising children. 225 00:12:03,080 --> 00:12:06,060 I have kids ranging from ages 15 down to three. 226 00:12:06,060 --> 00:12:09,040 So this part of the talk resonated with me. 227 00:12:09,040 --> 00:12:13,200 He said, teaching simply allows us to share the saving doctrine early on while children 228 00:12:13,200 --> 00:12:17,880 remain untouched by the deceivers temptations that will later confront them. 229 00:12:17,880 --> 00:12:21,680 Long before the truth they need to learn are drowned out by the noise of social media, 230 00:12:21,680 --> 00:12:23,640 peers and their own personal struggles. 231 00:12:23,640 --> 00:12:28,200 We should seize every opportunity to share the teachings of Jesus Christ with children. 232 00:12:28,200 --> 00:12:33,120 These teaching moments are precious and are far fewer compared to the relentless effort 233 00:12:33,120 --> 00:12:34,640 of the opposing forces. 234 00:12:34,640 --> 00:12:39,000 For every hour spent instilling doctrine into a child's life, there are countless hours 235 00:12:39,000 --> 00:12:44,360 of opposition filled with messages and images that challenge or ignore those saving truths. 236 00:12:44,360 --> 00:12:50,760 I seriously, Abby, I read that sentence a couple of times and I was like, it's so true. 237 00:12:50,760 --> 00:12:56,200 I just felt like the depth of that and there was a sadness in my heart just thinking of 238 00:12:56,200 --> 00:12:57,200 all the hours that have passed. 239 00:12:57,200 --> 00:12:59,320 Cause like you said, my kids are adults now. 240 00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:00,880 Am I still working on it? 241 00:13:00,880 --> 00:13:01,880 Yes. 242 00:13:01,880 --> 00:13:06,320 Am I very aware of the adversary in all of his tactics? 243 00:13:06,320 --> 00:13:07,740 Yes. 244 00:13:07,740 --> 00:13:11,560 So it can be overwhelming to think of the obstacles and challenges our children are 245 00:13:11,560 --> 00:13:13,600 facing or going to face. 246 00:13:13,600 --> 00:13:17,840 As parents, we are constantly thinking, what do I need to do to prepare them for the world? 247 00:13:17,840 --> 00:13:21,200 And we might be thinking, I don't even have it totally figured out myself. 248 00:13:21,200 --> 00:13:23,960 Let's hear what Elder Eyring says about this. 249 00:13:23,960 --> 00:13:25,720 I really appreciate his words. 250 00:13:25,720 --> 00:13:29,640 Some of you may wonder whether it might be better to draw your children closer to you 251 00:13:29,640 --> 00:13:33,880 through having fun, or you might ask whether the child may start to feel overwhelmed by 252 00:13:33,880 --> 00:13:35,120 your teachings. 253 00:13:35,120 --> 00:13:40,600 Instead, we could consider with so little time and so few opportunities, what words 254 00:13:40,600 --> 00:13:45,360 of doctrine can I share that will strengthen them against the inevitable challenges of 255 00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:46,360 their faith? 256 00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:53,200 The words you share today could be the ones they carry with them and today will soon pass. 257 00:13:53,200 --> 00:13:57,080 So I love that because yes, today will soon pass. 258 00:13:57,080 --> 00:14:00,260 I mean, pretty soon we're going to be marching onto the future. 259 00:14:00,260 --> 00:14:05,260 And I love the part that he shares because the part where he says with so little time 260 00:14:05,260 --> 00:14:08,720 and so few opportunities, what can we really be asking ourselves? 261 00:14:08,720 --> 00:14:14,520 Again, I feel like that is asking that question is giving us as parents an opportunity to 262 00:14:14,520 --> 00:14:21,480 let the Holy Ghost guide us rather than letting fear guide us because it is a quick and slippery 263 00:14:21,480 --> 00:14:25,560 slope as soon as you start thinking in fear about what have I not taught or whatever. 264 00:14:25,560 --> 00:14:27,960 I mean, that just doesn't go over well. 265 00:14:27,960 --> 00:14:33,360 So I love that he says, reminds us what words of doctrine can I share that will strengthen 266 00:14:33,360 --> 00:14:36,560 them against the inevitable challenges to their faith? 267 00:14:36,560 --> 00:14:39,120 So good. 268 00:14:39,120 --> 00:14:40,120 He knocked it out of the park. 269 00:14:40,120 --> 00:14:41,120 I know. 270 00:14:41,120 --> 00:14:42,120 I know. 271 00:14:42,120 --> 00:14:43,120 Okay. 272 00:14:43,120 --> 00:14:45,920 He's got a story, his own personal family history story. 273 00:14:45,920 --> 00:14:47,400 Did I get that right? 274 00:14:47,400 --> 00:14:48,400 Yes, it is. 275 00:14:48,400 --> 00:14:49,400 Yeah. 276 00:14:49,400 --> 00:14:53,160 The name of the ancestor was Mary Vomeli, a Swiss convert to the Church of Jesus Christ 277 00:14:53,160 --> 00:14:54,760 of Latter-day Saints. 278 00:14:54,760 --> 00:14:57,040 And I'm going to summarize this story because I loved it so much. 279 00:14:57,040 --> 00:14:58,040 So good. 280 00:14:58,040 --> 00:15:03,880 She was a deeply devoted member sharing the gospel after being baptized. 281 00:15:03,880 --> 00:15:10,260 She moved to Berlin and here it was illegal to teach the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 282 00:15:10,260 --> 00:15:14,160 Despite that risk, she taught the gospel to those around her, sharing stories of Joseph 283 00:15:14,160 --> 00:15:16,360 Smith, the Book of Mormon and the resurrection. 284 00:15:16,360 --> 00:15:20,060 Her teachings led to her arrest, but she used the opportunity to write a powerful letter 285 00:15:20,060 --> 00:15:23,600 to the judge testifying of Jesus Christ and urging repentance. 286 00:15:23,600 --> 00:15:27,020 The charges against her were eventually dropped and she continued to share the gospel, leaving 287 00:15:27,020 --> 00:15:29,960 a lasting legacy of faith and strength for her descendants. 288 00:15:29,960 --> 00:15:33,640 This story is so much more beautiful when you listen back to it from him. 289 00:15:33,640 --> 00:15:34,640 It's so great. 290 00:15:34,640 --> 00:15:35,640 But I summarized it. 291 00:15:35,640 --> 00:15:36,640 I know. 292 00:15:36,640 --> 00:15:37,640 I summarized it for two reasons. 293 00:15:37,640 --> 00:15:41,480 One, to emphasize the point that you can be very young in the gospel. 294 00:15:41,480 --> 00:15:43,120 She was a fresh convert. 295 00:15:43,120 --> 00:15:44,480 I loved that. 296 00:15:44,480 --> 00:15:51,000 Because she was sticking to the principles of the gospel, very basic doctrines, she had 297 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:53,580 the ability to teach missionary work in a very powerful way. 298 00:15:53,580 --> 00:15:56,640 Not only that, but it was alive and on fire in her heart. 299 00:15:56,640 --> 00:15:58,640 You can barely keep your mouth shut about it. 300 00:15:58,640 --> 00:16:03,360 Even knowing that prison was possible, that threat of prison was there. 301 00:16:03,360 --> 00:16:06,220 We complicated a lot in unnecessary ways. 302 00:16:06,220 --> 00:16:11,920 The second reason I shared it was because you never know what stories and events in 303 00:16:11,920 --> 00:16:14,640 your life can have a lasting impact on your posterity. 304 00:16:14,640 --> 00:16:18,400 The only way to make that happen is by recording it in some way, sharing it, telling it, making 305 00:16:18,400 --> 00:16:19,560 it accessible to them. 306 00:16:19,560 --> 00:16:24,480 So it's quite possible that even if we're willing to testify of Jesus Christ, it could 307 00:16:24,480 --> 00:16:28,960 fall on deaf ears. 308 00:16:28,960 --> 00:16:34,720 But if it's recorded when the time is right, it's there for your ancestors. 309 00:16:34,720 --> 00:16:37,580 So I think we should ask a question here. 310 00:16:37,580 --> 00:16:42,160 What should we do when our best effort to teach those we love the doctrine of Christ 311 00:16:42,160 --> 00:16:43,680 does not resonate with them? 312 00:16:43,680 --> 00:16:45,560 Danielle Pletka So hard, Abby. 313 00:16:45,560 --> 00:16:49,320 When teaching the doctrine of Jesus Christ, doubts may arise, especially if others don't 314 00:16:49,320 --> 00:16:53,840 respond to what you thought would really land well or if the effects of your efforts seem 315 00:16:53,840 --> 00:16:54,840 minimal. 316 00:16:54,840 --> 00:16:58,380 During these times, I think it's important not to give into doubt, like I was talking 317 00:16:58,380 --> 00:17:02,160 to you before, doubt or fear, but turn to God for support. 318 00:17:02,160 --> 00:17:06,260 Teach him with humility, patience, diligence, always keeping the commandments and seeking 319 00:17:06,260 --> 00:17:09,720 his help in both spiritual and temporal matters. 320 00:17:09,720 --> 00:17:14,080 Also while expressing gratitude for the blessings received and for his help along the way. 321 00:17:14,080 --> 00:17:19,220 The gospel of Jesus Christ spoken by his own mouth wasn't even completely accepted by 322 00:17:19,220 --> 00:17:22,000 all who have heard him when he was on the earth. 323 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:25,880 So it makes me think about the Christlike attributes that follow in the process of trying 324 00:17:25,880 --> 00:17:31,460 to help a loved one or even help them through diligent and consistent effort. 325 00:17:31,460 --> 00:17:34,960 We don't get to experience the challenge of following Jesus Christ coming back into their 326 00:17:34,960 --> 00:17:40,840 lives, but there are still Christlike attributes being developed on our part. 327 00:17:40,840 --> 00:17:41,840 Yes. 328 00:17:41,840 --> 00:17:42,960 That's what we're praying for. 329 00:17:42,960 --> 00:17:44,560 We're praying for patience. 330 00:17:44,560 --> 00:17:46,960 You don't have to have patience if everything just goes right in your life. 331 00:17:46,960 --> 00:17:47,960 Right. 332 00:17:47,960 --> 00:17:48,960 I love it too. 333 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:54,480 Right now, or last week, I had a thing on my fridge that had it said, what I can control, 334 00:17:54,480 --> 00:17:55,480 what I can't control. 335 00:17:55,480 --> 00:18:00,440 And it always goes back to you can control the way you react, the way you this, the way 336 00:18:00,440 --> 00:18:03,160 you that, that's the only thing we can really control. 337 00:18:03,160 --> 00:18:04,160 Right. 338 00:18:04,160 --> 00:18:08,960 Going back to the very first paragraph of this, you don't get to decide how your loved 339 00:18:08,960 --> 00:18:13,640 ones are going to accept or treat or live the gospel. 340 00:18:13,640 --> 00:18:17,760 And you don't get to choose if they totally decide to not live it, but you can have prayers 341 00:18:17,760 --> 00:18:18,840 on their behalf. 342 00:18:18,840 --> 00:18:21,400 You can control the way that you love them. 343 00:18:21,400 --> 00:18:23,560 What was the third one? 344 00:18:23,560 --> 00:18:24,560 I lost it. 345 00:18:24,560 --> 00:18:27,160 You said we pray for them. 346 00:18:27,160 --> 00:18:28,160 Example. 347 00:18:28,160 --> 00:18:29,160 Yeah, exactly. 348 00:18:29,160 --> 00:18:30,160 The way that we're living our life. 349 00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:31,680 The way that demonstrates to them. 350 00:18:31,680 --> 00:18:33,840 I'm sad that I didn't just come out. 351 00:18:33,840 --> 00:18:36,920 I knew that was the thing. 352 00:18:36,920 --> 00:18:39,600 He said this so perfectly in his talk a little later down. 353 00:18:39,600 --> 00:18:40,600 So let me quote him. 354 00:18:40,600 --> 00:18:43,840 He said, if you pray, if you talk to God, and if you plead for His help for your loved 355 00:18:43,840 --> 00:18:48,800 ones, and if you thank Him not only for help, but for patience and gentleness that come 356 00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:53,560 from not receiving all your desire right away, or perhaps ever, then I promise you that you 357 00:18:53,560 --> 00:18:55,040 will draw closer to Him. 358 00:18:55,040 --> 00:18:57,440 You will become diligent among suffering. 359 00:18:57,440 --> 00:19:01,080 And then you can know that you have done all that you can to help those you love and those 360 00:19:01,080 --> 00:19:04,760 you pray for navigate through Satan's attempt to derail them. 361 00:19:04,760 --> 00:19:12,240 Just the thoughts of my friends who have adult children who have turned away from the teachings 362 00:19:12,240 --> 00:19:13,880 that they received in their youth. 363 00:19:13,880 --> 00:19:21,600 I watched that and I'm being totally honest, I'm anticipating that, you know, none of us 364 00:19:21,600 --> 00:19:23,440 are free from that challenge. 365 00:19:23,440 --> 00:19:27,700 But what comes from that, an opportunity to draw close to Him in another way, not because 366 00:19:27,700 --> 00:19:31,240 everything's going perfectly well, because we need Him more than ever. 367 00:19:31,240 --> 00:19:32,240 For sure. 368 00:19:32,240 --> 00:19:33,240 Love this scripture. 369 00:19:33,240 --> 00:19:36,440 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. 370 00:19:36,440 --> 00:19:38,800 They shall mount up with wings as eagles. 371 00:19:38,800 --> 00:19:42,380 They shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint. 372 00:19:42,380 --> 00:19:45,880 This reminds me of blessings I have received through temple covenants. 373 00:19:45,880 --> 00:19:49,880 And to be honest, Abby, that was one of the scriptures that got me through my cancer. 374 00:19:49,880 --> 00:19:52,680 I love the fact that it talked about walking and running. 375 00:19:52,680 --> 00:19:55,200 That was very specific to me. 376 00:19:55,200 --> 00:20:00,280 Most often I consider it a blessing to my own physical body carrying on the work I do. 377 00:20:00,280 --> 00:20:03,920 But in this context, I thought it was beautiful to consider that the same strength can come 378 00:20:03,920 --> 00:20:07,140 to us in our efforts to help those we love. 379 00:20:07,140 --> 00:20:12,520 It may seem exhausting, but with the Lord and the reminder to stick to basic truths 380 00:20:12,520 --> 00:20:15,640 and tell the Holy Ghost, the task doesn't seem to be that overwhelming. 381 00:20:15,640 --> 00:20:22,200 It's nice to be reminded even when we don't see the outcome that we're hoping to on our 382 00:20:22,200 --> 00:20:25,240 own timeline that our efforts aren't being wasted. 383 00:20:25,240 --> 00:20:27,240 We're still developing Christ-like attributes. 384 00:20:27,240 --> 00:20:32,280 We're loving people despite the things that we would change about them if we could just 385 00:20:32,280 --> 00:20:33,440 wave a magic wand. 386 00:20:33,440 --> 00:20:34,440 That's good. 387 00:20:34,440 --> 00:20:37,920 I love that you keep saying that because it's reminding me that that's the truth. 388 00:20:37,920 --> 00:20:41,240 In referencing the scriptures to articulate this point Elder Eyring said, you can find 389 00:20:41,240 --> 00:20:43,280 hope in the scripture record of families. 390 00:20:43,280 --> 00:20:49,020 We read of those who turned away from that, what they were taught or who were wrestling 391 00:20:49,020 --> 00:20:52,360 with God for forgiveness such as Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah and Enos in 392 00:20:52,360 --> 00:20:55,840 their moment of crisis, they remembered the words of their parents, words of doctrine 393 00:20:55,840 --> 00:20:58,520 of Jesus Christ, remembering, save them. 394 00:20:58,520 --> 00:21:01,360 Your teaching of that sacred doctrine will be remembered. 395 00:21:01,360 --> 00:21:06,600 And like we already talked about in the reference about Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah, 396 00:21:06,600 --> 00:21:09,560 once the prayers of Alma's father were heard and answered and Alma the Younger made his 397 00:21:09,560 --> 00:21:13,440 own decision to repent and come back to the Lord, they were able to affect generations 398 00:21:13,440 --> 00:21:17,960 with their own missionary efforts and teachings of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 399 00:21:17,960 --> 00:21:19,440 Love that. 400 00:21:19,440 --> 00:21:23,760 And maybe he wanted to be more immediate, but it came in time that it was meant to come. 401 00:21:23,760 --> 00:21:29,960 I'm sure he wanted it to be more immediate. 402 00:21:29,960 --> 00:21:34,200 So the action item today is work with the Holy Ghost in your efforts to carry out the 403 00:21:34,200 --> 00:21:39,400 sacred work of teaching Heavenly Father's children the simple doctrine of Jesus Christ. 404 00:21:39,400 --> 00:21:43,640 Don't put more pressure on yourself than he has asked and find joy in the fact that you 405 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:48,040 are regularly demonstrating through action that you know the teachings to be true. 406 00:21:48,040 --> 00:21:50,160 That is great and sound principles. 407 00:21:50,160 --> 00:21:53,080 Any final thoughts? 408 00:21:53,080 --> 00:21:59,560 My final thought is that I feel like later on when I have posterity, more posterity, 409 00:21:59,560 --> 00:22:05,400 that I want to come back and read this because I feel like he has the gift of experience. 410 00:22:05,400 --> 00:22:11,360 I feel like everything is true and sound and it's just a great reminder to let God work 411 00:22:11,360 --> 00:22:16,880 in the life of your family because we can't do it all. 412 00:22:16,880 --> 00:22:20,640 It's definitely one that we're going to want to look back on 10 years from now, 20 years 413 00:22:20,640 --> 00:22:22,080 from now. 414 00:22:22,080 --> 00:22:30,560 My work in the primary and teaching my own children have strengthened my testimony that 415 00:22:30,560 --> 00:22:37,800 small and simple ways of teaching is the Savior's way and teaching of our Savior Jesus Christ 416 00:22:37,800 --> 00:22:43,280 is the thing that will provide safety in the storms of life more than any other thing that 417 00:22:43,280 --> 00:22:45,640 we can do for them. 418 00:22:45,640 --> 00:22:50,040 If they have ears to hear and even if they don't in the moment, it's a lovely thought 419 00:22:50,040 --> 00:22:54,440 to think that as they're grasping for the help that they need that those words might 420 00:22:54,440 --> 00:22:55,440 resurface. 421 00:22:55,440 --> 00:22:56,440 Oh, absolutely. 422 00:22:56,440 --> 00:22:57,440 I love the idea of that. 423 00:22:57,440 --> 00:22:59,960 The Spirit is so good at that. 424 00:22:59,960 --> 00:23:02,320 So I'll end with his testimony. 425 00:23:02,320 --> 00:23:06,120 Elder Eyring said, I bear witness of the sacred work of teaching Heavenly Father's children 426 00:23:06,120 --> 00:23:10,440 the simple doctrine of Jesus Christ, which allows us to be spiritually cleansed and ultimately 427 00:23:10,440 --> 00:23:15,920 be welcomed into God's presence to live with him and his Son in glory forever in families. 428 00:23:15,920 --> 00:23:17,640 In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 429 00:23:17,640 --> 00:23:41,760 Amen.