WEBVTT 00:00:07.140 --> 00:00:09.560 Welcome to Closer to Christ the General Conference 00:00:09.560 --> 00:00:11.960 where two friends who love Jesus share our own 00:00:11.960 --> 00:00:13.679 approach to studying the most recent General 00:00:13.679 --> 00:00:16.539 Conference talks. This is Abby and Amy. Let's 00:00:16.539 --> 00:00:29.269 jump into it. Happy Easter! Today we're talking 00:00:29.269 --> 00:00:32.170 about As a Little Child by President Jeffrey 00:00:32.170 --> 00:00:34.149 R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of 00:00:34.149 --> 00:00:37.649 the Twelve. I love the opening, so I'm just going 00:00:37.649 --> 00:00:39.530 to go ahead and read it word for word. He says, 00:00:55.439 --> 00:00:57.340 When he said that, it touched my heart so much 00:00:57.340 --> 00:00:59.280 with gratitude to seeing those leaders kind of 00:00:59.280 --> 00:01:01.979 spread across the stage and to know that they've 00:01:01.979 --> 00:01:03.979 been able to rub shoulders for decades upon decades 00:01:03.979 --> 00:01:05.900 with each other. Right. When he puts it that 00:01:05.900 --> 00:01:08.000 way, you're like, wow, we're so blessed to like 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:10.659 have known this. Their lives, they've had the 00:01:10.659 --> 00:01:12.620 scriptures to get to know the Savior, their whole 00:01:12.620 --> 00:01:14.939 lives. The Gospels and their heart. And the association 00:01:14.939 --> 00:01:17.219 with each other as they've served the Lord in 00:01:17.219 --> 00:01:19.700 this consecrated way. And yeah, they're still 00:01:19.700 --> 00:01:22.290 ordinary men. But they've been able to do extraordinary 00:01:22.290 --> 00:01:24.269 things on behalf of the Savior and the kingdom 00:01:24.269 --> 00:01:27.129 for decades because of their associations with 00:01:27.129 --> 00:01:30.609 each other. Totally. So I love that. The title 00:01:30.609 --> 00:01:32.930 of this talk, As a Little Child, really brings 00:01:32.930 --> 00:01:36.189 a bunch of thoughts. We have said this before 00:01:36.189 --> 00:01:38.849 of Elder Holland. He's able to take one little 00:01:38.849 --> 00:01:41.730 scripture phrase and dazzle with such a deep 00:01:41.730 --> 00:01:44.430 understanding of that phrase. And this talk is 00:01:44.430 --> 00:01:47.730 no different. Where do we first see record of 00:01:47.730 --> 00:01:54.489 this idea in scripture? So, um, he, he says this, 00:01:54.590 --> 00:01:56.670 he teaches this lesson when he sees the total 00:01:56.670 --> 00:01:59.109 apostles arguing and you know, he knows that 00:01:59.109 --> 00:02:01.129 it's time short and he's like, I can't have them 00:02:01.129 --> 00:02:03.530 bickering with each other. So when he asks them 00:02:03.530 --> 00:02:04.829 what, you know, what are you fighting about? 00:02:05.069 --> 00:02:07.129 He's a little bit embarrassed because it really 00:02:07.129 --> 00:02:08.789 wasn't a big deal, what they were arguing over. 00:02:08.930 --> 00:02:10.050 So they're going to try to hide the feelings 00:02:10.050 --> 00:02:12.889 from him, but he's a guy you can't hide your 00:02:12.889 --> 00:02:14.770 feelings from. He perceives even their very thoughts. 00:02:15.110 --> 00:02:17.310 And so he realizes that a little price creeping 00:02:17.310 --> 00:02:20.240 in. to this relationship. The scripture say this, 00:02:20.379 --> 00:02:22.719 he called a little child unto him and said, Verily 00:02:22.719 --> 00:02:25.060 I say unto you, accept ye be converted and become 00:02:25.060 --> 00:02:27.400 as a little child, ye shall not enter into the 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:29.699 kingdom of heaven, whosoever therefore shall 00:02:29.699 --> 00:02:32.599 humble himself as this little child, the same 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:35.860 is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I love 00:02:35.860 --> 00:02:39.939 that, Abby. In King Benjamin's final address, 00:02:40.729 --> 00:02:43.689 He said the natural man is an enemy to God and 00:02:43.689 --> 00:02:46.870 will be forever and ever unless he becomeeth 00:02:46.870 --> 00:02:48.990 a saint through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, 00:02:50.069 --> 00:02:53.090 the Lord, and becomeeth as a child, submissive, 00:02:53.490 --> 00:02:56.129 humble, full of love, even as a child responds 00:02:56.129 --> 00:02:59.990 to his father. And it is interesting to note 00:02:59.990 --> 00:03:02.030 that this was taught before the birth of our 00:03:02.030 --> 00:03:04.810 Savior in another land, so it's age -old advice. 00:03:05.189 --> 00:03:07.469 Absolutely. Also, Abby, what came to my mind 00:03:07.469 --> 00:03:13.030 when I was listening to this talk, is how quick 00:03:13.030 --> 00:03:17.689 are we to put off the humble, submissive child 00:03:17.689 --> 00:03:20.409 and to put on the natural man? Do you know what 00:03:20.409 --> 00:03:23.370 I mean? Like it is where it's just kind of second 00:03:23.370 --> 00:03:25.650 nature to do that. How many people do you know 00:03:25.650 --> 00:03:28.750 that are like little children who can laugh readily, 00:03:28.750 --> 00:03:31.590 who can play and don't feel like, I don't have 00:03:31.590 --> 00:03:33.189 time for that. I'm an adult. Do you know what 00:03:33.189 --> 00:03:36.870 I mean? I really feel like the pressures of this 00:03:36.870 --> 00:03:39.330 world make us grow into a person that thinks 00:03:39.330 --> 00:03:41.990 that we have to shrug off those things. I feel 00:03:41.990 --> 00:03:43.550 like it beats the life out of us. Yeah, this 00:03:43.550 --> 00:03:46.349 talk reiterates time and time again that if we 00:03:46.349 --> 00:03:48.990 can figure out what he's talking about when he 00:03:48.990 --> 00:03:51.490 says to be like a little child, narrow in on 00:03:51.490 --> 00:03:54.650 those qualities, bottle those up and have them 00:03:54.650 --> 00:03:58.289 ready to be our first inclination to act as a 00:03:58.289 --> 00:04:00.810 child, but in any given scenario. The one that's 00:04:00.810 --> 00:04:02.949 converted, the one that's submissive, the one 00:04:02.949 --> 00:04:05.909 that's humble. Yes. So it kind of sounds like 00:04:05.909 --> 00:04:08.009 we're making a mental list of what it means to 00:04:08.009 --> 00:04:10.629 be a child. And I heard a few things, you know, 00:04:10.669 --> 00:04:13.349 and what you had mentioned. So he talked about 00:04:13.349 --> 00:04:16.189 being converted, which correct me if I'm wrong, 00:04:16.350 --> 00:04:19.300 but a turning to the Lord. Absolutely, and yeah, 00:04:19.319 --> 00:04:21.620 you can see children like you teach them something 00:04:21.620 --> 00:04:23.939 about their heavenly parents or Jesus Christ 00:04:23.939 --> 00:04:26.259 and like they're all ears and they're ready to 00:04:26.259 --> 00:04:29.360 absorb that and take that in yeah from from the 00:04:29.360 --> 00:04:33.500 get -go and I heard the humility of a child like 00:04:33.500 --> 00:04:36.759 you just pointed out meaning I mean children 00:04:36.759 --> 00:04:39.240 come to earth pretty helpless they require a 00:04:39.240 --> 00:04:42.220 lot of help from the adults in their lives there 00:04:42.220 --> 00:04:45.279 and They're not really bothered by asking for 00:04:45.279 --> 00:04:47.620 assistance. If that's the meals that mom and 00:04:47.620 --> 00:04:51.300 dad are making or helping with tying shoes, every 00:04:51.300 --> 00:04:54.360 basic need of life is completely required upon 00:04:54.360 --> 00:04:59.139 by somebody other than yourself. And do we get 00:04:59.139 --> 00:05:02.480 comfortable doing things independently? So independently 00:05:02.480 --> 00:05:06.060 that we miss opportunities to reach out for help 00:05:06.060 --> 00:05:08.660 when something that we're being faced with is 00:05:08.660 --> 00:05:10.560 really above our own ability. Yeah, that's a 00:05:10.560 --> 00:05:14.959 really good question. Yeah. I heard submissive, 00:05:15.160 --> 00:05:16.959 I heard humble, and I heard full of love in the 00:05:16.959 --> 00:05:19.000 Book of Mormon reference that you gave us. And 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:20.540 we could dissect each of those words, but like 00:05:20.540 --> 00:05:23.000 you said in the opening, the phrase just brings 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:25.399 a lot of emotion, a lot of thoughts that come 00:05:25.399 --> 00:05:27.139 to our mind. As we've interacted with children, 00:05:27.259 --> 00:05:29.279 we're past that stage and we have to kind of 00:05:29.279 --> 00:05:30.620 think back or we have to look at the children 00:05:30.620 --> 00:05:33.379 that are around us in our lives and see how they're 00:05:33.379 --> 00:05:37.120 navigating this life. And we all know we would 00:05:37.120 --> 00:05:41.100 agree children are the best of us. They learn 00:05:41.100 --> 00:05:45.250 so much. So quickly and us watching them in that 00:05:45.250 --> 00:05:48.250 process like it's pretty inspiring to watch how 00:05:48.250 --> 00:05:50.870 that goes over the years Yeah, and it's such 00:05:50.870 --> 00:05:52.430 an incredible amount of growth that they managed 00:05:52.430 --> 00:05:56.089 in such a short time that I Mean we can all think 00:05:56.089 --> 00:05:57.750 of just tender moments that it's just been a 00:05:57.750 --> 00:06:01.009 sweet to watch Watched the children around us. 00:06:01.069 --> 00:06:05.129 I totally agree Abby Sweet and sometimes a bit 00:06:05.129 --> 00:06:08.689 salty. The story of, oh my gosh, I love this 00:06:08.689 --> 00:06:11.110 so much. Gave me a good laugh. But the story 00:06:11.110 --> 00:06:12.610 of Elder Holland's three -year -old grandson 00:06:12.610 --> 00:06:15.610 who bit the five -year -old granddaughter, it 00:06:15.610 --> 00:06:18.329 was funny and relatable. Lessons on forgiveness 00:06:18.329 --> 00:06:20.889 were taught. And the conclusion that the little 00:06:20.889 --> 00:06:22.990 brother probably didn't even know how it felt 00:06:22.990 --> 00:06:26.310 to be bit until a minute and a half later, from 00:06:26.310 --> 00:06:28.290 the bedroom came a cry. I know I laughed at the 00:06:28.290 --> 00:06:31.410 timetable. It didn't take long to get that lesson 00:06:31.410 --> 00:06:33.990 across. came a cry in the words of the five -year 00:06:33.990 --> 00:06:38.189 -old proudly proclaiming that now he knew what 00:06:38.189 --> 00:06:42.490 it felt to be bit. Now he knows. He probably 00:06:42.490 --> 00:06:43.870 didn't even know what it felt like to be bit. 00:06:44.189 --> 00:06:47.829 Now he does. That's how that went. I kind of 00:06:47.829 --> 00:06:52.569 when I heard that I kind of kind of I misheard 00:06:52.569 --> 00:06:54.209 what he said, and I kind of thought that the 00:06:54.209 --> 00:06:56.509 son -in -law, who he was telling the story about 00:06:56.509 --> 00:06:59.170 years ago, lightly bites the kid to be like, 00:06:59.250 --> 00:07:01.009 this is what it feels like to bite. And then 00:07:01.009 --> 00:07:03.089 when I put it together, I'm like, no, this is 00:07:03.089 --> 00:07:04.730 the little sister from the other room. It was 00:07:04.730 --> 00:07:09.310 so funny. So this highlights the tricky side 00:07:09.310 --> 00:07:11.589 of being a child. I know I'm raising my own children. 00:07:12.870 --> 00:07:15.730 lessons from siblings go a long way. And I'm 00:07:15.730 --> 00:07:17.209 guessing there wasn't a whole lot more biting 00:07:17.209 --> 00:07:19.850 happening around there, at least that day. So 00:07:19.850 --> 00:07:21.769 even if it wouldn't have been appropriate for 00:07:21.769 --> 00:07:23.370 the dad to demonstrate they're not biting, it 00:07:23.370 --> 00:07:24.949 totally worked for the younger sister to step 00:07:24.949 --> 00:07:30.810 in and do that. Kids are fast learners. Since 00:07:30.810 --> 00:07:33.470 this is airing on Easter Sunday, like we said, 00:07:33.990 --> 00:07:35.910 we're going to take a little more time on this 00:07:35.910 --> 00:07:38.269 part of Elder Holland's talk. Our Savior was 00:07:38.269 --> 00:07:40.810 crucified, and during the time that passed, we 00:07:40.810 --> 00:07:43.670 have the most beautiful record in 3 Nephi of 00:07:43.670 --> 00:07:46.810 what he spent some of his time doing. After healing 00:07:46.810 --> 00:07:49.050 the sick, Jesus invited the people to bring their 00:07:49.050 --> 00:07:51.870 little children to him. He then prayed in such 00:07:51.870 --> 00:07:54.310 a manner that the people could not speak or write 00:07:54.310 --> 00:07:57.430 his words, and their souls were filled with joy. 00:07:58.089 --> 00:08:00.389 I would have loved to have been there. The Savior 00:08:00.389 --> 00:08:02.329 took the little children one by one and blessed 00:08:02.329 --> 00:08:06.089 them, like it says in 3 Nephi 1721. After blessing 00:08:06.089 --> 00:08:09.829 the children, the Savior wept and declared, Behold 00:08:09.829 --> 00:08:12.709 your little ones. Angels descended from heaven 00:08:12.709 --> 00:08:15.610 and ministered to the children as they were encircled 00:08:15.610 --> 00:08:19.459 in fire. What an amazing event to behold. or 00:08:19.459 --> 00:08:21.540 to experience? I just can't even imagine that. 00:08:22.399 --> 00:08:24.759 In the talk he paused this question, he said, 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:27.519 what was it that brought Christ himself to tears 00:08:27.519 --> 00:08:29.279 in the most tender scene in the entire Book of 00:08:29.279 --> 00:08:32.559 Mormon? And so I'm glad that you shared the kind 00:08:32.559 --> 00:08:35.240 of the deep dive into what that moment looked 00:08:35.240 --> 00:08:37.899 like in the scripture. What was Jesus teaching 00:08:37.899 --> 00:08:40.259 when he called down heavenly fire and protective 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:42.779 angels to surround those children, commanding 00:08:42.779 --> 00:08:46.330 the adults to behold their little ones? He says 00:08:46.330 --> 00:08:48.450 we don't really know what prompted that but I 00:08:48.450 --> 00:08:50.210 think we all know deep down what prompted that 00:08:50.210 --> 00:08:52.610 children are such a blessing to mankind and Whether 00:08:52.610 --> 00:08:54.450 you have children of your own or you rub shoulders 00:08:54.450 --> 00:08:56.669 with them or if it's been decades since you were 00:08:56.669 --> 00:08:58.590 raising children We all know that they're sacred 00:08:58.590 --> 00:09:01.049 and special they remind us of heaven and their 00:09:01.049 --> 00:09:04.049 innocence should be preserved at all costs and 00:09:06.930 --> 00:09:10.330 You know, it kind of makes me think I take my 00:09:10.330 --> 00:09:12.850 kids we home school I've had my kids at the zoo 00:09:12.850 --> 00:09:14.830 and we'll go by the different animals and they'll 00:09:14.830 --> 00:09:16.230 be in there because they're like an endangered 00:09:16.230 --> 00:09:18.950 species and kind of read up on them and time 00:09:18.950 --> 00:09:23.970 after time The the females will like abandon 00:09:23.970 --> 00:09:27.070 their young to protect themselves. Hmm. And so 00:09:27.070 --> 00:09:28.870 I always use that as a lesson for my kids. I'm 00:09:28.870 --> 00:09:33.269 like Endangered species warning like you protect 00:09:33.269 --> 00:09:35.889 children at all costs, you know, and I'm not 00:09:35.889 --> 00:09:38.129 saying that's like obviously mankind has done 00:09:38.129 --> 00:09:40.309 something to to endanger some of these species 00:09:40.309 --> 00:09:42.710 But it's their own placards their own information. 00:09:42.909 --> 00:09:44.889 They're like that they tell you, you know in 00:09:44.889 --> 00:09:47.149 the face of danger They'll protect themselves 00:09:47.149 --> 00:09:50.090 that only lasts so long. It's pretty easy to 00:09:50.090 --> 00:09:51.830 see why they're endangered species and behind 00:09:51.830 --> 00:09:56.029 little gates in the zoo. So I thought It's no 00:09:56.029 --> 00:09:58.330 different from from us in the human race at like 00:09:58.330 --> 00:10:01.110 what? we have to look forward to is either protecting 00:10:01.110 --> 00:10:04.509 these children and joining in that fight that 00:10:04.509 --> 00:10:06.389 Jesus Christ was inviting these angels to come 00:10:06.389 --> 00:10:08.230 and aid in protecting these children. I think 00:10:08.230 --> 00:10:15.909 we have a part and a piece in that too. I think 00:10:15.909 --> 00:10:18.149 that angels coming down does also make the point 00:10:18.149 --> 00:10:20.110 that this is a big job. We need all that that 00:10:20.110 --> 00:10:22.830 we can get. Yeah, it's all of our responsibility. 00:10:23.789 --> 00:10:26.129 So Elder Holland said, he believes it had something 00:10:26.129 --> 00:10:28.610 to do with their purity and innocence, their 00:10:28.610 --> 00:10:31.570 inborn humility and what it could bring to our 00:10:31.570 --> 00:10:34.860 lives if we retain it. Also, I had the thought 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:37.580 that if you think about it, these are the children 00:10:37.580 --> 00:10:40.840 of the parents who are there also watching. And 00:10:40.840 --> 00:10:42.940 I mean, I'm definitely one of those people who 00:10:42.940 --> 00:10:44.799 anytime there's a child and something very tender 00:10:44.799 --> 00:10:46.940 happens like on Facebook or whatever, you know, 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:48.879 you're watching it and I'm weeping and bawling. 00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:51.620 However, I'm just imagining if these were my 00:10:51.620 --> 00:10:54.100 children, just knowing that they're having this 00:10:54.100 --> 00:10:57.200 experience in their life of being ministered 00:10:57.200 --> 00:11:00.830 to by our savior that ups it. You know, I mean, 00:11:00.870 --> 00:11:04.389 that's like the deepest desire of my heart. And 00:11:04.389 --> 00:11:07.230 they had it in person. So I can only imagine 00:11:07.230 --> 00:11:10.889 how they were feeling. Is there anything sweeter, 00:11:11.070 --> 00:11:14.610 more pure or more humble than a child at prayer? 00:11:16.009 --> 00:11:18.529 It is as if heaven is in the room. God and Christ 00:11:18.529 --> 00:11:21.450 are so real. But for others later on, the experience 00:11:21.450 --> 00:11:24.549 can become more superficial. Let's repeat the 00:11:24.549 --> 00:11:27.720 powerful phrase above. what it could bring to 00:11:27.720 --> 00:11:31.120 our lives if we retain that. It could be life 00:11:31.120 --> 00:11:35.700 -changing. I think the story above where he talked 00:11:35.700 --> 00:11:37.740 about his grandchildren, the biting incident 00:11:37.740 --> 00:11:40.559 was mostly meant for entertainment. It got quite 00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:42.580 the chuckle from the crowd. But as I thought 00:11:42.580 --> 00:11:45.799 of that story, as I kept going through the talk, 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:52.460 I thought I've had children fight with each other. 00:11:52.830 --> 00:11:55.230 One second then the next second they're best 00:11:55.230 --> 00:11:56.629 friends and they're often they're playing they 00:11:56.629 --> 00:11:59.990 forget it uh -huh and I mean like the matter 00:11:59.990 --> 00:12:02.750 of minutes and I think this is a quality that 00:12:02.750 --> 00:12:05.809 particularly children possess It's a quickness 00:12:05.809 --> 00:12:08.809 to forgive and I think it's awesome because it's 00:12:08.809 --> 00:12:11.309 a parent like I've messed up. I've got this parent 00:12:11.309 --> 00:12:14.519 thing, right? I've messed up a lot. Sometimes 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:17.059 it requires an apology on my part, but my children 00:12:17.059 --> 00:12:19.059 are quick to forgive me too, which is such a 00:12:19.059 --> 00:12:22.379 blessing. Absolutely, Abby. And the Prophet has 00:12:22.379 --> 00:12:25.919 emphasized time and time again what joy and blessing 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:28.700 it is, you know, as we try to be peacemakers 00:12:28.700 --> 00:12:32.440 or if we resolve the conflict in our lives. And 00:12:32.440 --> 00:12:34.700 you know he's not talking to children when he 00:12:34.700 --> 00:12:39.059 says that. He's talking to us. he is how different 00:12:39.059 --> 00:12:42.320 our lives would look if we retained these childlike 00:12:42.320 --> 00:12:48.779 attributes they just don't hold grudges How different 00:12:48.779 --> 00:12:50.679 our lives would look if we could retain these 00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:52.860 childlike attributes? They don't hold grudges 00:12:52.860 --> 00:12:54.840 and we would agree they're way better off for 00:12:54.840 --> 00:12:57.259 it Absolutely. I think it's funny too because 00:12:57.259 --> 00:12:59.600 as a child things I feel like they live their 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:03.679 their lives moment -to -moment and Honestly like 00:13:03.679 --> 00:13:05.179 yeah, maybe that was something that happened 00:13:05.179 --> 00:13:07.820 with a sibling a few minutes ago But now it's 00:13:07.820 --> 00:13:10.279 time to play and enjoy life and laugh and they're 00:13:10.279 --> 00:13:12.059 like well. I love my siblings. So let's do that 00:13:12.059 --> 00:13:15.000 together Elder Richard L. Evans quoted some 60 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:17.700 years ago, many of us profess to be Christians, 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:20.399 yet we do not take him seriously. We respect 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:23.100 him, but we don't follow him. We quote his sayings, 00:13:23.139 --> 00:13:25.759 but we don't live by them. We admire him, but 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:28.419 we don't worship him. But children really do 00:13:28.419 --> 00:13:31.460 love him. And that love can carry over into their 00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:34.379 other relationships in the playground of life. 00:13:34.840 --> 00:13:37.080 As a rule, even in their youngest years, children 00:13:37.080 --> 00:13:40.159 love so easily, they forgive so readily, they 00:13:40.159 --> 00:13:42.820 laugh so delightfully, that part made my heart 00:13:42.820 --> 00:13:44.860 so happy. Because it's true, they're quick to 00:13:44.860 --> 00:13:47.279 laugh, whereas so many adults are like, I don't 00:13:47.279 --> 00:13:49.940 have time for that. But even the coldest, hardest 00:13:49.940 --> 00:13:53.200 heart can melt. What it could bring to our lives 00:13:53.200 --> 00:13:57.379 if we retain it? If we could just be as children, 00:13:58.000 --> 00:14:01.090 right? I think it stands out as an action item. 00:14:02.009 --> 00:14:05.570 Generally, I would observe children. Like after 00:14:05.570 --> 00:14:07.269 you listen to this talk, I would just spend some 00:14:07.269 --> 00:14:09.230 time generally observing children around you. 00:14:10.309 --> 00:14:14.049 And no matter what phase of life you're in, and 00:14:14.049 --> 00:14:16.429 take time to express gratitude to the Lord for 00:14:16.429 --> 00:14:18.750 the blessing that these children are their gifts 00:14:18.750 --> 00:14:20.669 to us. And they remind us of all things good. 00:14:21.110 --> 00:14:24.370 And then I would think of something in my own 00:14:24.370 --> 00:14:26.429 life that's maybe stalling me or blocking me 00:14:26.429 --> 00:14:29.120 or holding. holding my life up, and then I would 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:31.620 consider what that situation would look like 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:34.019 if I could approach it as a child. That's so 00:14:34.019 --> 00:14:38.279 good, Abby. Would the Savior be invited in earlier? 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:41.220 Would my prayers look more earnest and sincere? 00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:43.240 Would I accept help from others more readily? 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:48.700 Guys, it's Easter today. It's all about more 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:51.179 chances and renewal because of the Atonement. 00:14:51.419 --> 00:14:54.320 It's a fresh start. I heard so many Easter messages 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:57.100 in this conference. Sometimes it lands on Easter 00:14:57.100 --> 00:15:01.019 right specifically. Yeah, but the way the calendar 00:15:01.019 --> 00:15:03.879 landed, you know a couple a couple weeks different 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:08.059 But I thought it'd be kind of cool to do a podcast 00:15:08.059 --> 00:15:10.159 and compile all of the Easter message that we 00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:13.980 heard and as I was thinking that the spirit gently 00:15:13.980 --> 00:15:19.629 told me that because the Savior fulfilled the 00:15:19.629 --> 00:15:21.350 covenant that He said He would. We don't just 00:15:21.350 --> 00:15:23.629 celebrate Easter one day a year. We get to celebrate 00:15:23.629 --> 00:15:25.590 the message of Easter all year long our whole 00:15:25.590 --> 00:15:28.210 lives. And so we won't be doing that podcast 00:15:28.210 --> 00:15:31.250 of compilations. But as we hear Easter messages 00:15:31.250 --> 00:15:33.990 over the next six months in these talks, I think 00:15:33.990 --> 00:15:36.409 we want to really highlight what a blessing it 00:15:36.409 --> 00:15:38.870 is that we have those to study and appreciate 00:15:38.870 --> 00:15:42.690 the news that came that day. That's such a good 00:15:42.690 --> 00:15:45.399 thought, Abby. Thank you. As he shared the story 00:15:45.399 --> 00:15:47.659 of sweet Easton Jolly, oh my goodness, it was 00:15:47.659 --> 00:15:50.220 just so sweet. Passing the emblems of the sacrament 00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:52.399 for the first time as a newly ordained deacon 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:54.200 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:57.019 Saints, it became very important to keep in mind 00:15:57.019 --> 00:15:59.460 the blessing of the Atonement and the resurrection 00:15:59.460 --> 00:16:01.940 and restoration of these bodies that are prone 00:16:01.940 --> 00:16:05.360 to decay. I'll summarize the story. Easton, as 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:08.240 a young boy with muscular dystrophy, had a long 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:10.759 dream of passing the sacrament in church despite 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:14.120 his ability. debilitating condition. Knowing 00:16:14.120 --> 00:16:15.899 he would soon be in a wheelchair, Easton was 00:16:15.899 --> 00:16:18.519 determined to pass the sacrament alone, especially 00:16:18.519 --> 00:16:21.379 to his father, the bishop. On the Sunday following 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:24.259 his ordination, he bravely struggled up three 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:27.240 steps to the pulpit, refusing any help. I think 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:29.059 he had everyone in tears with this. It was just 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:33.259 such a sweet story. With immense effort and determination, 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:35.779 he completed the task and stood before his emotional 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:39.539 father. Easton's smile reflected the deep spiritual 00:16:39.539 --> 00:16:44.840 triumph. of fulfilling a sacred goal despite 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:48.240 his physical traits and trials. Faith, loyalty, 00:16:48.419 --> 00:16:51.139 purity, trust, honor, and in the end, love for 00:16:51.139 --> 00:16:54.159 that Father, he so wished to please. These and 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:57.679 a dozen other qualities make us also say, whosoever 00:16:57.679 --> 00:16:59.940 shall humble himself as this little child, the 00:16:59.940 --> 00:17:02.860 same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The 00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:04.880 members in that congregation were undoubtedly 00:17:04.880 --> 00:17:07.460 touched that day as they witnessed something 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:11.559 truly miraculous because of a little child. Then, 00:17:12.619 --> 00:17:15.880 Every member around that, the world got to feel 00:17:15.880 --> 00:17:18.220 the power of the testimony that Easton shared 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:21.519 with each grueling step when he told the story. 00:17:21.920 --> 00:17:24.680 As we partake of the sacrament this Easter, Sunday 00:17:24.680 --> 00:17:27.680 and everyone after, maybe we can remember that 00:17:27.680 --> 00:17:30.259 our Savior allowed Himself to be bruised and 00:17:30.259 --> 00:17:33.660 broken to overcome this world, even though Easton 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:36.539 will continue to deteriorate and many of us struggle 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:38.759 with physical challenges related to this earth 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:42.410 life. Our Savior has made it possible to be made 00:17:42.410 --> 00:17:45.369 whole again. Also, Abby, I noticed during this 00:17:45.369 --> 00:17:47.269 conference that there were maybe three different 00:17:47.269 --> 00:17:54.309 echoes about the sacrament becoming much more 00:17:54.309 --> 00:17:57.430 elevated. Yes, elevated. And it was all about 00:17:57.430 --> 00:18:00.670 like what touched my heart is it's all about 00:18:00.670 --> 00:18:04.309 your intent going in. That these things are made, 00:18:04.549 --> 00:18:06.569 these things when I say that an ordinance is 00:18:06.569 --> 00:18:10.019 made elevated or made perfect. It's a perfect 00:18:10.019 --> 00:18:13.920 offering when our heart is in sync with the sacrifice 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:18.259 of Jesus Christ. I was thinking back to the talk 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:23.190 with Sister Dennis and the the action item that 00:18:23.190 --> 00:18:24.670 we were doing is we would put on those garments 00:18:24.670 --> 00:18:26.549 daily that we would think about our savior and 00:18:26.549 --> 00:18:28.329 the things that he's done for us. And I'm thinking 00:18:28.329 --> 00:18:30.950 that, you know, the better practice that we are 00:18:30.950 --> 00:18:33.869 at really utilizing the sacrament to its fullest, 00:18:34.170 --> 00:18:36.329 the more that we can infuse that into our week 00:18:36.329 --> 00:18:38.289 and we can remember those covenants more readily. 00:18:39.710 --> 00:18:41.349 Any covenant that you made is renewed by the 00:18:41.349 --> 00:18:43.950 partaking of the sacrament. So it kind of goes 00:18:43.950 --> 00:18:50.250 hand in hand. It's a beautiful message to think 00:18:50.250 --> 00:18:54.789 on that young man and think on our own challenges 00:18:54.789 --> 00:18:56.710 that we're facing right now on this beautiful 00:18:56.710 --> 00:18:59.390 Easter day. Do you have any final comments or 00:18:59.390 --> 00:19:03.329 thoughts? I do not find it a coincidence, Abby, 00:19:03.609 --> 00:19:05.829 that Elder Holland began the very first talk 00:19:05.829 --> 00:19:08.049 in the first session of this Worldwide Conference 00:19:08.049 --> 00:19:11.670 with these words. Jesus began the last year of 00:19:11.670 --> 00:19:14.410 his mortal life by intensifying the training 00:19:14.410 --> 00:19:17.349 of his apostles. So when we were listening to 00:19:17.349 --> 00:19:19.750 conference, sitting down and listening when I 00:19:19.750 --> 00:19:21.730 heard these words, the Spirit spoke comfort and 00:19:21.730 --> 00:19:24.410 confirmation that this indeed is what I've been 00:19:24.410 --> 00:19:26.710 going through the past months. They've been trying 00:19:26.710 --> 00:19:29.470 to bring you to your knees kind of months, ones 00:19:29.470 --> 00:19:31.250 where I was finding very little physical relief 00:19:31.250 --> 00:19:33.230 from pain and also had a lot of questions just 00:19:33.230 --> 00:19:35.930 about my health. The months before that we're 00:19:35.930 --> 00:19:37.829 wrestling with questions and direction with our 00:19:37.829 --> 00:19:39.930 work and losing our sweet pups that have been 00:19:39.930 --> 00:19:42.920 like service dogs for my husband. since his strokes. 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:45.720 So just a lot of things have been compounding 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:47.519 all at once. And it's, you know, it's almost 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:49.099 like when you're going through something, you 00:19:49.099 --> 00:19:51.319 really notice that other people, and I don't 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:52.839 mean like when you just are like, Hey, how are 00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:54.599 you doing? Great. Goodbye. But when you really 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:57.880 sit down and talk with people, I feel like there 00:19:57.880 --> 00:20:01.359 are so many of us that are having facing challenges 00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:04.200 right now. And I can't help but think that these 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:07.180 words are for all of us. Listen carefully to 00:20:07.180 --> 00:20:10.250 this sentence. and see if this resonates with 00:20:10.250 --> 00:20:12.710 you. This is how the Spirit spoke it to my heart. 00:20:13.269 --> 00:20:15.769 Jesus began intensifying the training of his 00:20:15.769 --> 00:20:18.809 disciples. When you hear that, does this reframe 00:20:18.809 --> 00:20:20.710 your current challenge? Does it shift something 00:20:20.710 --> 00:20:24.269 inside of you that might be bringing you to your 00:20:24.269 --> 00:20:26.210 knees right now, something that will bring you 00:20:26.210 --> 00:20:29.309 closer to Christ as his disciple? Meaning like 00:20:29.309 --> 00:20:32.930 when you take a look at, you take a look at what 00:20:32.930 --> 00:20:35.410 it takes up to train up a disciple, it takes. 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:38.019 Something challenging something difficult something 00:20:38.019 --> 00:20:40.019 you're gonna have to turn to the Savior for mm 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:42.500 -hmm And like your favorite word intentional, 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:45.160 huh? It's not just a mishap that like things 00:20:45.160 --> 00:20:46.759 are happening right now that are really really 00:20:46.759 --> 00:20:50.700 hard We can turn them for our good as we turn 00:20:50.700 --> 00:20:53.779 to Christ you currently are Framing your challenges 00:20:53.779 --> 00:20:56.119 in the mindset of what is this doing to prepare 00:20:56.119 --> 00:20:58.460 me to teach me right now for sure? What is he 00:20:58.460 --> 00:21:00.500 preparing me for as a disciple of Jesus Christ? 00:21:01.559 --> 00:21:05.849 so I mean, kind of, I thought he was talking 00:21:05.849 --> 00:21:07.789 about himself and like the man on the stand when 00:21:07.789 --> 00:21:09.509 he was talking about that. But he's talking, 00:21:09.730 --> 00:21:11.549 you're saying he's talking to us. Every single 00:21:11.549 --> 00:21:14.049 one of us. He's training us. Yeah. That's amazing. 00:21:14.049 --> 00:21:15.509 And it's for the whole world. Like, these are 00:21:15.509 --> 00:21:19.009 words for the entire world. And also those on 00:21:19.009 --> 00:21:21.009 the other side. If we want to be better disciples 00:21:21.009 --> 00:21:23.329 of Jesus Christ, we will say like, I'm putting 00:21:23.329 --> 00:21:26.359 on my training. Yes. Like, let's. Let's learn 00:21:26.359 --> 00:21:28.640 what we need to do this job. Totally. I love 00:21:28.640 --> 00:21:31.119 it. It feels different. It's not just like life. 00:21:31.220 --> 00:21:33.200 So glad that you're circling us back to the same. 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:37.279 This is so great. Okay. So then the question, 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:40.160 the next question is why? Why are we feeling 00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:42.819 this? Why is an entire world? Does it feel like 00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:45.160 everyone's having these challenges and these 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:47.140 hard things that maybe they hadn't had before? 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:50.039 I love this. I feel like the spirit brought me 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:52.430 back. to the second sentence that was spoken 00:21:52.430 --> 00:21:55.450 in general conference. If his message and his 00:21:55.450 --> 00:21:58.670 church were to survive him, Moore had to be pressed 00:21:58.670 --> 00:22:01.890 into the hearts of 12 very ordinary men who had 00:22:01.890 --> 00:22:04.369 known him for scarcely 24 months. Your heart 00:22:04.369 --> 00:22:06.869 goes out to them when you hear that. Then I will 00:22:06.869 --> 00:22:08.890 share with you what the words that the Spirit 00:22:08.890 --> 00:22:11.349 spoke to me as I made my third pass at this talk. 00:22:11.630 --> 00:22:13.329 So not at the beginning, like I had gone through 00:22:13.329 --> 00:22:15.869 it again and was familiar with it enough where 00:22:15.869 --> 00:22:17.670 I was like, wait a second, let's go back. And 00:22:17.670 --> 00:22:19.390 this is what I think we were all looking at his 00:22:19.390 --> 00:22:21.450 face and thinking how maybe he looked and it 00:22:21.450 --> 00:22:23.609 was so good to hear from him. Yes. Like there 00:22:23.609 --> 00:22:25.950 are so many layers to this talk. Listen to it 00:22:25.950 --> 00:22:28.890 a few times. Yes. So see if you feel the shift 00:22:28.890 --> 00:22:32.029 as I bring this to the present, the second sentence, 00:22:32.569 --> 00:22:35.950 if his message, the gospel of Jesus Christ and 00:22:35.950 --> 00:22:39.529 his church were to survive his coming, more had 00:22:39.529 --> 00:22:41.890 to be pressed into the hearts of very ordinary 00:22:41.890 --> 00:22:47.200 men and women. That's you and I. So. I'll put 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:49.000 these sentences together. What if we use this 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:51.039 to reframe again our current challenge? How big 00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:53.579 or small? However stretching or crushing it feels, 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:55.900 it's not merely a challenge, but an intensified 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:59.380 training from a Savior who loves each of us. 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:03.059 Again, the first two sentences set throughout 00:23:03.059 --> 00:23:05.619 the world. I just love it. Like it rings in my 00:23:05.619 --> 00:23:08.799 heart, it resonates in my bones. Jesus began 00:23:08.799 --> 00:23:11.680 intensifying the training of his disciples. If 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:13.920 his message and his church were to survive his 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:16.880 coming, more had to be pressed into the hearts 00:23:16.880 --> 00:23:20.259 of very ordinary men and women. I will tell you 00:23:20.259 --> 00:23:22.579 the spirit bore witness to my heart that these 00:23:22.579 --> 00:23:25.180 things are indeed the guiding words for the world 00:23:25.180 --> 00:23:28.160 right now. The apostles and general leaders are 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:31.380 inspired and they help lead and guide his church 00:23:31.380 --> 00:23:34.059 upon the earth. Jesus Christ is strengthening 00:23:34.059 --> 00:23:37.519 his disciples in preparation of his second coming. 00:23:37.869 --> 00:23:41.170 He's inviting us to expand our capacity to receive 00:23:41.170 --> 00:23:43.670 him. Those are my thoughts. What do you have 00:23:43.670 --> 00:23:46.109 in closing, Abby? Let me share his beautiful 00:23:46.109 --> 00:23:48.450 testimony. He said sisters and brothers and friends 00:23:48.450 --> 00:23:50.490 at the top of the list of most beautiful things 00:23:50.490 --> 00:23:54.250 I know are babies and children and youth as conscientious 00:23:54.250 --> 00:23:57.750 and priceless as those who have referred to today. 00:23:57.990 --> 00:24:00.390 I testify that they are images of the kingdom 00:24:00.390 --> 00:24:02.950 of God flourishing on earth and all of its strength 00:24:02.950 --> 00:24:05.269 and beauty. In that same spirit of testimony, 00:24:05.470 --> 00:24:08.740 I bear witness that in this In his youth, Joseph 00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:11.279 Smith saw what he said he saw and conversed with 00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:19.079 those with whom he said he spoke. I testify that 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:22.119 a humble and pure Russell M. Nelson is God's 00:24:22.119 --> 00:24:26.140 ordained and gifted prophet and seer. And I love 00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:28.400 this line. He said, coming from a lifetime of 00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:30.480 reading, I bear witness that the Book of Mormon 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:33.059 is the most rewarding book I have ever read and 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:34.920 the keystone of my little dwelling in a kingdom 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:37.900 of many mansions. I bear witness that the priesthood 00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:40.779 and prayer are restoring my life. Christ's priesthood 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:43.819 and your prayers. I know all of this to be true 00:24:43.819 --> 00:24:45.700 and bear witness of it in the name of the most 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:48.339 loyal and humble of all God's sons, Alpha and 00:24:48.339 --> 00:24:53.319 Omega, the great I am, the crucified, the faithful 00:24:53.319 --> 00:24:56.920 witness, even the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen, 00:24:57.140 --> 00:25:00.960 Abby. He is risen. He is risen. Have a blessed 00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:02.519 day and thank you for joining us.