Writing Him on My Heart

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.