BAPTISM

Baptism is the first ordinance of the Gospel. It is the first step towards Eternal Life. By being baptized we show Heavenly Father that “we are willing to come into His kingdom and keep His commandments” (Elder Ballard, The Covenant of Baptism, Oct. 2000). In the Book of Mormon we are reminded that baptism is a covenant (which is a promise) to “stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places (Elder Ballard, The Covenant of Baptism, Oct. 2000).

What does it mean to stand as a witness of God?

There are three parts to standing as a witness of God. First, we covenant (or promise) to take upon us Christ’s name, which means we will become followers of Christ. Second, we promise that we will remember Jesus Christ. And third, we promise to keep the commandments even when it is difficult. There are several examples in the scriptures of prophets who have kept their baptismal covenant. One of my favorite examples is the example of Abinadi.  Abinadi was a prophet who was called to testify of Jesus Christ to the wicked people of King Noah. King Noah and his wicked priests did not like the words of Abinadi. King Noah told Abinadi that he would kill Abinadi unless he  took back what he had said against the people of King Noah. Abinadi continued to testify of Christ—he would not recall his words, and he was put to death.  As Abinadi died, he again warned the people to repent and to come unto Christ. Abinadi gave his life as a witness of the truth. I love the example of Abinadi! I love that He kept his baptismal covenants even unto death! Of all the prophets in the Book of Mormon, I have always wanted to be just like Abinadi! We may not be called to testify as Abinadi, but his example teaches us that we must choose the right even when it is difficult—that is the baptismal covenant. That is what we are promising when we are baptized!

A covenant is a two-way promise, so just like we promise to keep the commandments; Heavenly Father also makes a promise. He promises us to forgive us when we repent, to give us the gift of the Holy Ghost, and He promises that if we do this, we can live with Him again.

When we are baptized our sins are washed away.

This old tarnished penny represents what happens to us when we sin, or make mistakes. Each sin, no matter how small, adds darkness to our spirits. If we keep sinning, and don’t repent, eventually our spirits will turn as dark and ugly as this penny.

Heavenly Father loves us! And because he loves us, he has provided a way for us to forsake our sins and find a way back to Him. Through baptism, our tarnish or sins are removed.

The new penny represents us after baptism.  Baptism makes it possible for our sins to be forgiven and our “tarnish” to be removed. After baptism, we are as clean as this shiny penny.

Eight is the age of accountability, so each of you are still fresh and clean; however, there will come a time when you may get a few tarnishes. Because Jesus Christ died for us, we can repent, and every Sunday we can renew our baptismal covenant through the sacrament. It is like being baptized all over again!

Baptism is so important that Jesus Christ was baptized. Jesus didn’t need to have His “tarnish” removed, because He was perfect. He didn’t sin. Because He wanted to keep His Father’s commandments, and because He wanted to set the example for us—He too, was baptized.

As I was preparing for this talk, I wanted to know about my baptism, so I searched through my journals, and found the page in which I described my baptism. In my journal I had written one line. It reads: “I am happy I am a member of the Church.”  I am happy I am a member of this Church! Because of that choice I made many years ago, I have had so many blessings.  Today, as you get baptized, I challenge each of you to record how you feel. Remember how clean and pure you are, and then on Sunday as you renew your covenants through the sacrament, strive for those same feelings. President Monson said, “Decisions determine DESTINY”…. The decision that each of you are making, is one that will lead you on His path—it is the first step on the path to Eternal Life! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true!

MY POINT: PREPARE EVERY NEEDFUL THING

In August I was released as the YW’s president in my ward. When my Bishop first called me as YW’s president, he informed me that I would be busier than I had ever been before. I already had a time intensive calling, and felt that there was no way I could be any busier. I soon found out the folly of my thoughts. I was busier. However, through prayer—I felt the Lord’s hand magnify me not only in my calling at church, but also in my calling at home. When I was released my mind focused on spending more time with my children. More time that I thought would come easily. However, I soon found that I was just as busy as I had been previously, and my aspirations of “more time” were not happening. My mind was troubled by this realization, and I prayed for guidance. I received an impression while visiting teaching. As I was about to knock on a sister’s door, a scripture came into my mind, which reads, “Organize yourself, prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;…”(D &C 88:119).  I felt that the Lord was answering my prayer. He was helping me magnify my call as a MOTHER. As I have studied the scripture, my mind has focused on the word, “Organize”, and the phrase “Prepare Every Needful Thing…”  Questions have been my constant companion as I have pondered these words.  Questions like: What should I prepare?  What is every needful thing? And, how should I fulfill this instruction?

Elder Dallin H. Oakes, in a recent general conference taught ways in which we can PREPARE EVERY NEEDFUL THING. He said, “In choosing how we spend time as a family, we should be careful not to exhaust our available time on things that are merely good and leave little time for that which is better or best….Parents should act to preserve time for family scripture study, family home evening, and the other precious togetherness and individual one-on-one time that binds a family together and fixes children’s values on things of eternal worth. Parents should teach gospel priorities through what they do with their children.” (Dallin H. Oakes, Ensign, 2007) Elder Oakes points out that parents’ must “ACT”. If we are to follow the counsel of our leaders, we must make a plan to follow through with the “NEEDFUL THINGS”. In focusing on Every Needful thing, I would like to focus on the three areas Elder Oakes mentioned.

First, Daily Family Scripture Study is Preparing Every Needful Thing:

I have found that as I study the scriptures, I am instructed more fully of the trials that beset me and my children, and I have stronger foundation to withstand the adversary. In the Book of Mormon we learn of Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. From that vision we learn that by holding to the rod, which is the word of God, we can traverse through Satan’s temptations, and partake of God’s love or in other words—eternal life. Through this vision, we have been given a formula/a handbook for true happiness. Sister Cooke, in a recent general conference, spoke to parents’ in their role of holding to the rod. She said, “In today’s world, complete with temptations, holding fast can be challenging. As Satan, in his conniving ways, tries to pull us away from God’s ways—if we have one hand on the rod, and one hand in the world we put our children and youth in danger of losing their way on the path. If our example is confusing than in Jacob’s words—we lose the confidence of our children because of our bad examples. Our message must be clear; clarity can only result from having both hands on the rod, and from living by the truths found in the scriptures and taught by latter-day prophets.” (Cook, Be an Example of the Believers, 2010) By studying the scriptures every day, we are keeping both of our hands on the iron rod.

Sometimes as a mother, I question whether or not our family scripture study is effective.  There have been times I do not feel that my influence is making the difference.  After we study the scriptures we take a few minutes to work on memorizing scriptures. This past year, we memorized Helaman 5: 12. During the process of memorizing this scripture, my five-year old son seemed to not be listening. He never would recite with us; in fact, he spent most of his time seemingly absorbed in other things. I felt that he was present in body, but not in spirit. One day, my son surprised me by reciting to me the entirety of Helaman 5:12. I was shocked that my son had heard. Our everyday teaching moments were making a difference.

When my oldest daughter started school, I felt impressed to have early morning scriptures study prior to her leaving to school. Because my husband left for work earlier than the children arose from their beds, we also had scripture study in the evening so as to include him in FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY. Just recently, my husband felt impressed that he too should be a part of early morning scriptures study, which meant that the children needed to arise earlier from their beds. Through this simple sacrifice, I have felt the Lord’s hand directing our family, and protecting our children from the temptations that surround them every day.

Nephi taught that “whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.” (1 Ne. 15:24) For our instruction in these latter-days, we cannot afford to be casual in our scripture study. By choosing to spend time in daily family scripture study, we encircle ourselves and our families with safety from the adversary, and we are preparing every needful thing.

Second, Family Home Evening is Preparing Every Needful Thing.

Family Home Evening blesses our lives. It provides an opportunity for us to bear testimony, and to lift one another in our understanding of Christ. We laugh together, we cry together, and we build lasting family relationships. When speaking about family home evening, President Joseph F. Smith said, “If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed…and they will gain power to combat the evil influence and temptations which beset them” (James R Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ, 6 vol.).  One particular family home evening stands out in mind, which I will be forever grateful. For Christmas, my family has a series of Family Home Evenings that center on Christ. One of those traditions includes giving a Christmas Jar to a family in need. We work all year to fill a jar with change, and then during the Christmas season we deliver it to someone. Last year my children were disappointed when it came time to deliver our Christmas Jar, because it only held $40. To them—it just wasn’t enough. My husband and I reassured them that the person receiving the jar would be grateful, but they were still disappointed.  After Christmas, my children were inspired by an article in the FRIEND, and they approached me with a plan. To understand their plan, I must explain another tradition in our home. In our home, we also have a rock jar, and every time I catch them doing something good, I place a rock in the jar. Once the jar is filled, we go on a family activity of their choice. The budget per jar is $20. Because of their disappointment at the lack of funds in our Christmas Jar, my children decided to give the amount of what we would have spent on an activity for the rock jar to the Christmas Jar every other time. Throughout the year, our children worked at filling our Christmas Jar.  In August, we felt that there was someone in need of our Christmas Jar. We met as a family and discussed the need, and decided that it was okay to give our Christmas Jar early. We carefully counted the jar’s contents, and to their joy, we had nearly doubled the amount of money from the previous year. Although we were excited that we were able to give the jar to someone in need, I had little hope of having a substantial amount for Christmas; however my kids were undeterred. They worked all the more at earning money for the new jar. By the time Christmas arrived, they had replenished the jar in just four months.  The anticipation was real as we delivered that jar that night. Our hearts beat in our chest, and we knew we had accomplished a great task. As we drove away; we felt the spirit bear testimony of the importance of giving. My oldest daughter asked if the spirit could feel excited and happy. We told her that it could. She said that her heart was happy for what they had done. I know that when we take time to plan and hold family home evening, we are preparing every needful thing. I know that these moments, will fortify our families as President Smith has said.

Third, One-on-One Time is Essential in Preparing Every Needful Thing.

I have a dear friend who has shown me an example of Elder Oakes’ counsel. She is one of those friends that we all need—the one that you look to for an example. In a recent conversation, she told me of how she “organizes” her life in such a way that she can find quality time with each of her seven children.  Every Sunday the Ulrich family holds “Family Council”. During these counsels they discuss the upcoming weeks’ activities, and they plan one-on-one time with each child. Their method for planning is inspiring. It takes forethought and preparation. As they discuss their weekly events, they include one-on-one time as part of the plan. Quite often one-on-one time with a younger child happens when the older children are being dropped off for mutual. Because they have seven children, three children get one-on-one time with Mom one month, and four children get one-on-one time with Dad. The next month the rotation switches, and Mom gets the four children she didn’t have the month prior, and Dad get the three. By so doing, every child spends time with both Mom and Dad on alternating months. I am humbled and grateful for the example of good friends. With only three children in my home, compared to my friends’ seven—I have no excuse for not planning and preparing valuable one-on-one time with my children.

Elder Ballard said, “One of the best tools we have as parents is the family council.” (The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood, Ensign, Mar. 2006) As an effort to follow Elder Ballard’s counsel, and to emulate the example of a friend, we have also started having family counsels. Already in just a short time, I feel the spirit guiding our family as we discuss each individual member of our family, as we plan our precious one-on-one time, and as we consider the needs of those around us. I am grateful for the time shared in Family Council and the opportunity it creates for planning every needful thing.

I have no doubt that as Mother’s it is essential for us to plan the “NEEDFUL TIME” with our children. President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Mother’s in Zion, your God-given roles are so vital to your own exaltation and to the salvation and exaltation of your family. A child needs a mother more than all the things money can buy. SPENDING TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN is the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL.” (Benson, To the Mother’s in Zion, Feb. 1987)  President Benson then listed ten ways in which we can spend time with our children…some of which we have already mentioned. He said that we should be at the Crossroads, be a Real Friend by having unrushed one-on-one time with them, Read to Your Children, Pray with Your Children, Have weekly family home evenings, Be Together at Mealtimes, Read Scriptures Daily, Do things as a family, Teach Your Children, and Truly Love Your Children.

In closing I would like to share one final experience about planning that which is needful and making time for that which is most important: The other night I left after dinner to run a few errands. When I came home, my family was sitting on the floor playing a board game, and the kitchen table was left exactly how I had left it. The milk was still on the table…along with the ranch dressing, salad, and other refrigerator items. To be honest, I found myself frustrated at my sweet companion for not taking care of those items prior to playing the game; however, the following day my thoughts were turned to the situation from the previous evening, and the Lord taught me a lesson. The lesson: spoiled milk will not affect our lives in the whole scheme of things, but family time will! Bryan was choosing to spend time with our children, and at that moment—that was what was needful. In Luke 10:38-42 it reads, “Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Elder Uchtdorf said, since “‘no other success can compensate for failure in the home’ here, we must place high priority on our families. WE build deep and loving relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is spelled T-I-M-E, time.” (Uchtdorf, Of Things that Matter Most, Oct. 2010)

In my rush of fulfilling my daily tasks, am I forgetting to that which is needful? Am I preparing every needful thing? (Is the Lord saying Carrie, Carrie…thou are troubled about many things…?)

President Hinckley has pleaded that we “work at our responsibility as parents as if everything in life counted on it, because in fact everything in life does count on it.” (Hinckley, Each a Better Person, October 2002) It is our responsibility to make a plan for the “NEEDFUL”. Elder Eyring has counseled against procrastinating our time when he said, “The God who gives us each day as a treasure will require an accounting. We will weep, and He will weep if we have intended to repent and to serve Him in tomorrows which never come or have dreamt of yesterday’s where the opportunity to act was passed. This day is a precious gift of God. The thought “Someday I will” can be a thief of the opportunities of time and the blessings of eternity.” (Eyring, This Day, April 2007)

Let us not procrastinate. Let us prepare every needful thing, I pray. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Stand in Holy Places

As I have studied and pondered the theme for this year, my mind has reflected on the great battle that is before us—the battle between good and evil. In 2 Nephi 10:23 it reads, “Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life” (2 Nephi 10:23).  Every day we make choices that lead us down one of these two pathways—everlasting death, or eternal life. Our Heavenly Father desires our return; however,—there must be opposition in all things (Nephi), and the adversary will do everything in his power to prevent us from reaching our Heavenly home. In a recent conference address, Elder Holland gave a talk on the adversary. He said, “Satan, or Lucifer, or the father of lies—call him what you will—is real, the very personification of evil. His motives are in every case malicious, and he convulses at the appearance of redeeming light, at the very thought of truth… he is eternally opposed to the love of God, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the work of peace and salvation. He will fight against these whenever and wherever he can. He knows he will be defeated and cast out in the end, but he is determined to take down with him as many others as he possibly can” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “We are All Enlisted”, October 2011 General Conference). My dear youth, Satan is at war with us. He desires to have us. He will stop at nothing to ensure that he does. This contest between good and evil is a “life-and-death contest”—a life-and-death contest, because eternal life it at stake (Jeffrey R. Holland, “We are All Enlisted”, October 2011 General Conference). So, how can we “rise above the evil that encroaches upon us” when we are “bombarded on all sides by a vast number of messages we don’t want or need”? (James E. Faust, “Standing in Holy Places”, General Conference, April 2005). James E Faust said, “There is only one answer…We must follow the counsel of the Lord, who said, “It is my will that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places” (James E. Faust, “Standing in Holy Places”, General Conference, April 2005).

This year’s mutual theme is, “Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen” (D&C 87:8). Our leaders have declared that now is the time to stand—not only to stand, but to be immovable in our decision to stand. Standing in holy places is about becoming all that our Heavenly Father wants us to become. So, how do we become? How do we stand? David L Beck, the Young Men’s general president said, “You have a sacred responsibility to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands. As you pray and study the scriptures, strive to keep the commandments, and listen to the promptings of the Spirit, you will find yourself on higher ground. As a consequence wherever you are can become a holy place. Then, when situations arise, you will have the strength, courage, and the ability to help lift others. You will have the power and protection the Lord promises those who stand in holy places” (David L. Beck, “2013 Mutual Theme”, New Era, Jan. 2013).

A powerful example of this is found in the book of Daniel when Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king handpicked the finest young men from the children of Judah for the sole purpose to serve in his kingdom. It was the king’s wish that these boys be given a daily provision of meat and wine—that they might be nourished and prepared to serve. However, to partake of the king’s food would have been against Daniel’s, Shadrach’s, Meshach’s, and Abednego’s beliefs, and they were unwilling to bend. Daniel was able to convince the prince overseeing their affairs to feed them plain food, and no wine. Because they held true to their beliefs, God gave them knowledge and wisdom beyond all others. What impresses me about this story is that these young men had the courage to hold to their beliefs even though they were captives of war, and their nation had just been destroyed. These young men created a “holy place” amid their trial. They stood on “higher ground” because they were willing to keep the commandments—no matter the cost. Had their story ended there, I would have been touched by their commitment; however, the story didn’t end—and these boys continued to share their light through their examples. This time; however—the stakes were higher. This time when they were faced with a decision between God and the King the consequence for their disobedience was death. These boys had courage, and once again—they kept the commandments. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace and Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den. In both of these situations, the Lord protected his servants. Miraculously, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not harmed by the fire, nor was Daniel by the lions (Daniel 1-6). These young men consistently chose to follow the commands of God, and by so doing, they were given the strength to follow Him, and holiness was achieved.

In speaking of standing in holy places, President Faust said, “Holiness is the strength of the soul. It comes by faith and through obedience to God’s laws and ordinances. God then purifies the heart by faith, and the heart becomes purged from that which is profane and unworthy. When holiness is achieved by conforming to God’s will, one knows intuitively that which is wrong and that which is right before the Lord” (James E. Faust, “Standing in Holy Places”, General Conference, April 2005).  As we consistently choose to be obedient to God’s laws, holiness will be achieved. M. Russell Ballard said that “there is not one great and grand thing we can do to arm ourselves spiritually. True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortifications that protects and shields from all evil” (M. Russell Ballard, “Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, Jul 2004).

Sister Sharon G. Larson stated it is “an acquired virtue that takes practice. Practice listening to the Spirit and being obedient. Practice being morally pure. Practice being reverent about sacred things. The Lord has told us to ‘come unto Him and He can make us holy (see D&C 60:7)’” (Sharon G. Larson [2^nd Counselor, Young Women General Presidency], “Standing in Holy Places”, 2002).

As I have considered what it means to be holy, and just how we are to become all that God wants of us, I have thought back on my life, and contemplated the moments of decision, the moments when I had to practice listening to the Spirit and being obedient. I remembered back to a time when I was in Junior High. At the time, I didn’t realize I was practicing being holy, but that is exactly what I was doing. Every day I use to write on my hand ways in which I could be better. Things like: smile, say “hi”, listen, try to be like Jesus, be optimistic… Then throughout the day, I would look at my hand, and I would focus on doing exactly what I had predetermined to do. We learn from the scriptures, that what we think, is what we become (Proverbs 23:7). Slowly as I was thinking about becoming better—that is exactly what was happening, and I standing in holy places.

Another time when I was given the opportunity to practice being holy, was when I was a freshman in high school. I started my freshman year associating with a group of people who I had been friends with for quite some time. I thought I had it made—I was ready for whatever life had to offer me. However, a few weeks into school, a few of my friends started making choices that made me uncomfortable. At first they were minor things—things that could easily be ignored. However, what I couldn’t ignore was the prompting I kept receiving to find a new group of friends. Listening to that prompting was a difficult decision for me—I was afraid to be alone, and yet I knew that the Lord was asking me take that step. I felt reassured that being alone was better than the alternative—no matter how difficult it was. Years later when I was a senior in High School, I had the opportunity of sitting next to someone whom I still considered a friend, but someone I hadn’t associated with since my freshman year. One day we talked about my decision to find a new group of friends. As we discussed the situation, she confessed that she wished that she had made a similar choice. I was shocked to hear of some of the decisions that I had been saved from by simply choosing a new group of friends.  As I sat in that math class, I remember feeling grateful to have listened to the Lord three years previously, and to have chosen to “stand in holy places”.

In John Bytheway’s talk “The Parable of the Marinade” he gave an example of a friend of his who chose to stand in holy places despite the difficulties. Dallyn Bayles, now a seminary teacher gave up his career as a professional singer because a mentor of his had once told him that, “Regardless of your original intention, you will eventually become what you surround yourself with” (John Bytheway, The Parable of the Marinade, 2012). Dallyn had felt that he couldn’t stay in Hollywood, and become all that Heavenly Father wanted him to be, so he left Hollywood and became a Seminary teacher in Utah.  President Hinckley said that, “all of us are the products to which we are exposed” (John Bytheway, The Parable of the Marinade, 2012). The products to which we are exposed includes our friends, our music, the TV shows we watch, and the games we play—all of the standards in the For Strength of Youth when followed will build our character, when ignored—will diminish our character. Spencer W. Kimball said, “Let go of lower things, and reach for higher. Surround yourself with the best in books, music, art, and people” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 172).

President Monson said, “Our code of conduct is definitive; it is not negotiable. It is found not only in the Ten Commandments but also in the Sermon on the Mount… It is found in the words of modern revelation… as we draw near to the Lord, ‘we will feel His Spirit in our lives, providing us the desire and the courage to stand strong and firm in righteousness—to stand…in holy places, and be not moved (D&C 87:8)’” (Thomas S. Monson, “Stand in Holy Places”, General Conference, October 2011).   Simply put: when we keep the commandments, we are standing in holy places, and we are becoming what our Father in Heaven intended us to become.

I want you to know how inspiring you are. You truly are a chosen generation. I have no doubt the Lord has held you for the last days. This last week as I was preparing my thoughts I felt prompted to contact your leaders to hear from them just how you are standing in holy places—how you are becoming. Here is what they said:

A young women’s president told me of a young woman who felt strongly that she should not read a book that was assigned to her by her English teacher. She felt impressed to talk with her teacher about it, and the teacher assigned her another book.

A young men’s president said that two young men in his ward continually come to church every week despite their families’ having no interest. One of the young men told his leader, “I just like coming and being a part of it”.  

A young women’s president told me of an experience where a young woman found the courage through prayer to ask two boys to not use inappropriate language around her. Because of her courage, they now treat her with the utmost respect.

Another youth in our stake posted on Facebook that she was attending the temple every Wednesday morning and afternoon, and she would love to give other youth a ride if they would also like to attend.

A young men’s president told of a young man who showed great love for the other members in his quorum when took several young men to the Temple Open House.

This last example I am going to quote directly from a Young Men’s president in our stake. He said: “Several priests from our ward, upon learning about my wife's health situation (she has been battling cancer), fasted and prayed for her without being asked. It is hard to put into words how much that meant to my wife and I when we learned that these good, righteous, faithful young men performed such a sweet and thoughtful act of service our behalf. Because those young men were willing to step out of the world for a brief moment and stand in the holy place of fasting and prayer, our lives were blessed and our faith was strengthened.”

These are just a few of the examples of how you—as youth—are standing. I am impressed at the determination of each of you.  In closing, I like to quote President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) when he said ‘holy places have more to do with how one lives than where one lives’ (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual: Religion 324 and 325, 2^nd ed. (Church Education System manual, 2001), 196). I know that when we choose to follow the Savior, when we choose to stand in holy places, we are becoming all that our Heavenly Father wants us to become. It is my hope that you and I will decide today to stand in holy places and be not moved, because as President Monson has said, “Decisions determine our destiny”, and one day when we meet our Savior, he will open his arms and welcome us home, because we have chosen eternal life.

STAND IN HOLY PLACES; Adult Version

As I have studied and pondered the theme for this year, my mind has reflected on the great battle that is before us—the battle between good and evil. In 2 Nephi 10:23 it reads, “Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life” (2 Nephi 10:23).  Every day we make choices that lead us down one of these two pathways—everlasting death, or eternal life. Our Heavenly Father desires our return; however,—there must be opposition in all things (Nephi), and the adversary will do everything in his power to prevent us from reaching our Heavenly home. In a recent conference address, Elder Holland gave a talk on the adversary. He said, “Satan, or Lucifer, or the father of lies—call him what you will—is real, the very personification of evil. His motives are in every case malicious, and he convulses at the appearance of redeeming light, at the very thought of truth… he is eternally opposed to the love of God, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the work of peace and salvation. He will fight against these whenever and wherever he can. He knows he will be defeated and cast out in the end, but he is determined to take down with him as many others as he possibly can” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “We are All Enlisted”, October 2011 General Conference). My dear youth, Satan is at war with us. He desires to have us. He will stop at nothing to ensure that he does. This contest between good and evil is a “life-and-death contest”—a life-and-death contest, because eternal life it at stake (Jeffrey R. Holland, “We are All Enlisted”, October 2011 General Conference). So, how can we “rise above the evil that encroaches upon us” when we are “bombarded on all sides by a vast number of messages we don’t want or need”? (James E. Faust, “Standing in Holy Places”, General Conference, April 2005). James E Faust said, “There is only one answer…We must follow the counsel of the Lord, who said, “It is my will that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places” (James E. Faust, “Standing in Holy Places”, General Conference, April 2005).This year’s mutual theme is, “Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen” (D&C 87:8). Our leaders have declared that now is the time to stand—not only to stand, but to be immovable in our decision to stand. David L Beck, the Young Men’s general president said, “You have a sacred responsibility to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands. As you pray and study the scriptures, strive to keep the commandments, and listen to the promptings of the Spirit, you will find yourself on higher ground. As a consequence wherever you are can become a holy place. Then, when situations arise, you will have the strength, courage, and the ability to help lift others. You will have the power and protection the Lord promises those who stand in holy places” (David L. Beck, “2013 Mutual Theme”, New Era, Jan. 2013).A powerful example of this is found in the book of Daniel when Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king handpicked the finest young men from the children of Judah for the sole purpose to serve in his kingdom. It was the king’s wish that these boys be given a daily provision of meat and wine—that they might be nourished and prepared to serve. However, to partake of the king’s food would have been against their beliefs, and they were unwilling to bend. Daniel was able to convince the prince, overseeing their affairs, to feed them plain food, and no wine. Because they held true to their beliefs, God gave them knowledge and wisdom beyond all others. What impresses me about this story is that these young men had the courage to hold to their beliefs even though they were captives of war, and their nation had just been destroyed. These young men created a “holy place” amid their trial. They stood on “higher ground” because they were willing to keep the commandments—no matter the cost. Had their story ended there, I would have been touched by their commitment; however, the story didn’t end—and these boys continued to share their light through their examples. This time; however—the stakes were higher. This time when they were faced with a decision between God and the King the consequence for their disobedience was death. These boys had courage, and once again—they kept the commandments. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace and Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den. In both of these situations, the Lord protected his servants. Miraculously, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not harmed by the fire, nor was Daniel by the lions (Daniel 1-6). These young men consistently chose to follow the commands of God, and by so doing, they were given the strength to follow Him, and because they were obedient to God’s laws and ordinances, holiness was achievedIn speaking of standing in holy places, President Faust said, “Holiness is the strength of the soul. It comes by faith and through obedience to God’s laws and ordinances. God then purifies the heart by faith, and the heart becomes purged from that which is profane and unworthy. When holiness is achieved by conforming to God’s will, one knows intuitively that which is wrong and that which is right before the Lord” (James E. Faust, “Standing in Holy Places”, General Conference, April 2005).  As we consistently choose to be obedient to God’s laws, holiness will be achieved. M. Russell Ballard said that “there is not one great and grand thing we can do to arm ourselves spiritually. True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortifications that protects and shields from all evil” (M. Russell Ballard, “Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, Jul 2004). I love how Elder Ballard has said that “true spiritual power lies in the numerous smaller acts woven together” (M. Russell Ballard, “Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, Jul 2004). It is the little things that we do, that will make all the difference. If we truly want to stand, if we want to be like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, then we must decide today to keep the commandments, we must follow FTSOY, and we must listen to the words of our latter-day prophets. President Monson said, “Our code of conduct is definitive; it is not negotiable. It is found not only in the Ten Commandments but also in the Sermon on the Mount, given to us by the Savior when He walked upon the earth. It is found throughout His teachings. It is found in the words of modern revelation… as we draw near to the Lord, ‘we will feel His Spirit in our lives, providing us the desire and the courage to stand strong and firm in righteousness—to stand…in holy places, and be not moved (D&C 87:8)’” (Thomas S. Monson, “Stand in Holy Places”, General Conference, October 2011).As Sister Sharon G. Larson stated it is “an acquired virtue that takes practice. Practice listening to the Spirit and being obedient. Practice being morally pure. Practice being reverent about sacred things. The Lord has told us to ‘come unto Him and He can make us holy (see D&C 60:7)’” (Sharon G. Larson [2^nd Counselor, Young Women General Presidency], “Standing in Holy Places”, 2002).As I have prepared my thoughts for this talk, I have thought back on my life, and contemplated the moments of decision, the moments when I had to practice listening to the Spirit and be obedient. I would like to share a few of those today. It is my hope that these experiences will illustrate the importance of “standing in holy places” throughout our lives. The first experience occurred when I was a freshman in high school. I remember being thrilled to be in the high school, but also I remember being a bit nervous. I started my freshman year associating with a group of people who I had been friends with for quite some time. I thought I had it made—I was ready for whatever life had to offer me. However, a few weeks into school, a few of my friends started making choices that made me uncomfortable. At first they were minor things—things that could easily be ignored. However, what I couldn’t ignore was the prompting I kept receiving to find a new group of friends. Listening to that prompting was a difficult decision for me—I was afraid to be alone, and yet I knew that the Lord was asking me take that step. I felt reassured that being alone was better than the alternative—no matter how difficult it was. Years later when I was a senior in High School, I had the opportunity of sitting next to someone whom I still considered a friend, but someone I hadn’t associated with in a long time. This person was one of my closest friends previous to my decision to find new friends. One day we talked about my decision to find a new group of friends, and she confessed that she had wished that she had made a similar choice. She told me that she had made choices she wished she could change. I was shocked to hear of some of the decisions that I had been saved from by simply choosing a new group of friends.  As I sat in that math class, I remember feeling grateful to have listened to the Lord three years previously, and to have chosen to “stand in holy places”. When speaking to the youth, President Monson said, “It may appear to you at times that those out in the world are having much more fun than you are. Some of you may feel restricted by the code of conduct to which we in the Church adhere. My brothers and sisters, I declare to you; however, that there is nothing which can bring more joy into our lives or more peace to our souls than the Spirit which can come to us as we follow the Savior and keep the commandments. That Spirit cannot be present at the kinds of activities in which so much of the world participates. (Thomas S. Monson, “Stand in Holy Places”, General Conference, October 2011). My next experience takes us to my life now. A few years ago my husband and I were ready to have another baby. As in previous pregnancies, we first prayed for the Lord’s blessings. To our surprise we received a “no” answer. After some contemplation, we felt that perhaps our timing was wrong, and that we should try praying again in a few months. Nine months later, we found ourselves once again—at the temple—seeking the Lord’s will, and once again—the answer was “no”. Not wanting to pester the Lord I decided I wasn’t to have another baby and I closed my heart to the idea; however, my husband wasn’t as easily deterred. After some time, he asked if we could pray one final time for another baby.  After preparing my heart, we chose a Fast Sunday to seek the Lord’s will. I don’t always feel that answers come easily. Most of the time I feel that I have to work to receive an answer; however, in every time that we prayed about another child—my answer was quick and unmistakable, this time was no different—I again received a “no” answer, and as I turned to my husband—I knew he had received the same. This has been a difficult revelation for me and my husband. It has brought us to our knees on more than one occasion seeking comfort. Bryan and I still do not know why it is not in our plan to have another child. What we do know is that when we listen and obey and follow our Heavenly Father’s will—we are always blessed.Mosiah 2:41 reads, “And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it,” And so it is with life—from choosing a new group of friends to listening to those promptings as an adult—we don’t always know why Heavenly Father commands the way He does, but we do know that when we listen and obey, we are promised true happiness, and we are offered the spiritual fortification to continue standing in holy places throughout our lives. As we stand in holy places, we are choosing happiness—we are choosing to overcome Satan’s temptations. I want you to know how inspiring you are. You truly are a chosen generation. I have no doubt the Lord has held you for the last days. This last week as I was preparing my thoughts I felt prompted to contact your leaders to hear from them just how you are standing. Here is what they said:A young women’s president told me of a young woman who felt strongly that she should not read a book that was assigned to her by her English teacher. She felt impressed to talk with her teacher about it, and the teacher assigned her another book. A young men’s president said that two young men in his ward continually come to church every week despite their families’ having no interest. One of the young men told his leader, “I just like coming and being a part of it”.  A young women’s president told me of an experience where a young woman found the courage through prayer to ask two boys to not use inappropriate language around her. Because of her courage, they now treat her with the utmost respect.Another youth in our stake posted on Facebook that she was attending the temple every Wednesday morning and afternoon, and she would love to give other youth a ride if they would also like to attend.

A young men’s president told of a young man who showed great love for the other members in his quorum when took several young men to the Temple Open House.

This last example I am going to quote directly from a Young Men’s president in our stake. He said: “Several priests from our ward, upon learning about my wife's health situation (she has been battling cancer), fasted and prayed for her without being asked. It is hard to put into words how much that meant to my wife and I when we learned that these good, righteous, faithful young men performed such a sweet and thoughtful act of service our behalf. Because those young men were willing to step out of the world for a brief moment and stand in the holy place of fasting and prayer, our lives were blessed and our faith was strengthened.”

These are just a few of the examples of how you—as youth—are standing. I am impressed at the determination of each of you.  President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) taught that ‘holy places have more to do with how one lives than where one lives’ (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual: Religion 324 and 325, 2^nd ed. (Church Education System manual, 2001), 196). I want you to know that I know that when we choose to follow the Savior, when we choose to stand in holy places, we are choosing happiness. It is my hope that you will decide today to stand in holy places and be not moved, because as President Monson has said, “Decisions determine our destiny”, and one day when we meet our Savior, he will open his arms and welcome us home, because we have chosen eternal life.