‘A Way of Life’ Archives
A Return to Virtue
A Way of Life, Sister Elaine S. Dalton Last April, two days after general conference, we held our first meeting as a newly sustained presidency. We hiked to the top of Ensign Peak, and as we looked on the valley below, we saw the temple with the angel Moroni shining in the sun. For each of us, it was clear. The vision for our presidency was the [...]
Finding Joy in the Journey
A Way of Life, President Thomas S. Monson My dear brothers and sisters, I am humbled as I stand before you this morning. I ask for your faith and prayers in my behalf as I speak about those things which have been on my mind and which I have felt impressed to share with you. I begin by mentioning one of the most inevitable aspects of our [...]
You Always Have a Choice
A Way of Life, Boyd K. Packer This matter of gender is of great concern to the Brethren, as are all matters of morality. A few of you may have felt or been told that you were born with troubling feelings and that you are not guilty if you act on those temptations. Doctrinally we know that if that were true, your agency would have been erased, [...]
The Truth of God Shall Go Forth
A Way of Life, Elder M. Russell Ballard Many people, including Latter-day Saints, forget that Joseph Smith was very much aware that the Church would eventually be relocated to the great American West. In August of 1842 he prophesied “that the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains, many [...]
God Loves and Helps All of His Children
A Way of Life, Bishop Keith B. McMullin One of the overarching truths of the Restoration is that God lives and dwells in His heavens, that He is an exalted man with “a body of flesh and bones,” 1 and that He is yesterday, today, and forever the same unchangeable God, 2 the fountain of all virtue and truth. Adam and Eve were the first [...]
Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship
A Way of Life, Elder Robert D. Hales We have gathered together as one, we have taken upon us the name of Jesus Christ, and we are Christians. One of the questions we would ask: why then, if we have that love of the Savior, would someone want to be an antagonist or to attack us? Recently a group of bright, faithful young Latter-day Saints [...]
Our Hearts Knit as One
A Way of Life, President Henry B. Eyring My beloved brothers and sisters, it is a joy to be gathered with you on this Sabbath morning. We live in many different circumstances. We will come from every nation and many ethnic backgrounds into the kingdom of God. And that prophesied gathering will accelerate. We see increased conflict between [...]
To Learn, to Do, to Be
A Way of Life, President Thomas S. Monson I had an experience I think they may be interested in, and you may find it interesting also. Many years ago I had a desperate call from the head of the missionary training center. He said, “President Monson, I have a missionary who is going home. Nothing can prevent him from quitting.” I replied, [...]
O Ye That Embark
A Way of Life, President Henry B. Eyring My dear brethren, tonight I wish to encourage priesthood holders who at times feel overwhelmed with their responsibilities. That is a challenge I have spoken of before. I return to it because it returns so often in the lives of those I love and serve. Most of you have discovered that your priesthood [...]
Lift Where You Stand
A Way of Life, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Some years ago in our meetinghouse in Darmstadt, Germany, a group of brethren was asked to move a grand piano from the chapel to the adjoining cultural hall, where it was needed for a musical event. None were professional movers, and the task of getting that gravity-friendly instrument through the [...]
Arms of Safety
A Way of Life, Elder Jay E. Jensen I speak this evening about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its relevance to the administration of the sacrament by the holders of the Aaronic Priesthood, taught so powerfully and so beautifully by Elder Oaks this morning. I will use a short scripture phrase that helps me visualize the Savior’s mercy. It is [...]
Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well
A Way of Life, Elder Richard G. Scott I wonder, brethren, how many of us seriously ponder the inestimable value of holding the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. When we consider how few men who have lived on earth have received the priesthood and how Jesus Christ has empowered those individuals to act in His name, we should feel deeply [...]
Pray Always
A Way of Life, Elder David A. Bednar Principle #1. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37). Simply stated, prayer is communication to Heavenly Father from His sons and daughters on earth. “As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our [...]
Come to Zion
A Way of Life, Elder D. Todd Christofferson The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired [...]
The Way
A Way of Life, Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” 1 He said, “I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world.” 2 He said, [...]
Even a Child Can Understand
A Way of Life, Elder Gérald J. Caussé Parents are often taken aback by the replies their children make to questions from grown-ups. One evening, when my wife and I were away, our children’s babysitter, intrigued by the prayer she heard them saying, asked them this question: “But what is the difference between your religion and mine?” [...]
The Ministry of Angels
A Way of Life, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland When Adam and Eve willingly stepped into mortality, they knew this telestial world would contain thorns and thistles and troubles of every kind. Perhaps their most challenging realization, however, was not the hardship and danger they would endure but the fact that they would now be distanced from God, [...]
Come What May, and Love It
A Way of Life, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin When I was young I loved playing sports, and I have many fond memories of those days. But not all of them are pleasant. I remember one day after my football team lost a tough game, I came home feeling discouraged. My mother was there. She listened to my sad story. She taught her children to trust in [...]
The Infinite Power of Hope
A Way of Life, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Hope is one leg of a three-legged stool, together with faith and charity. These three stabilize our lives regardless of the rough or uneven surfaces we might encounter at the time. The scriptures are clear and certain about the importance of hope. The Apostle Paul taught that the scriptures were [...]
Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament
A Way of Life, Elder Dallin H. Oaks We live in the perilous times prophesied by the Apostle Paul (see 2 Timothy 3:1). Those who try to walk the straight and narrow path see inviting detours on every hand. We can be distracted, degraded, downhearted, or depressed. How can we have the Spirit of the Lord to guide our choices and keep us on the [...]
Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon
A Way of Life, Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis I consider June 2, 1940, to be a very important day in the history of my family. On this day my father was baptized into this Church. Writing to his father, Elder Jack McDonald, one of the missionaries who baptized my father, described the day with these words: “Last Sunday was an especially [...]
You Know Enough
A Way of Life, Elder Neil L. Andersen While there are many experiences like the one we are having today, full of spiritual power and confirmation, there are also days when we feel inadequate and unprepared, when doubt and confusion enter our spirits, when we have difficulty finding our spiritual footing. Part of our victory as disciples of [...]
Go Ye Therefore
A Way of Life, Silvia H. Allred The Lord taught that “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” 1 Baptism is, therefore, essential for our salvation. Before the resurrected Savior ascended to heaven, He instructed His disciples, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them [...]
Let Him Do It with Simplicity
A Way of Life, Elder L. Tom Perry Those of us who have been around a while—and Elder Wirthlin and I have been around for a long time—have recognized certain patterns in life’s test. There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an [...]
Welcome to Conference
A Way of Life, President Thomas S. Monson Brothers and sisters, our missionary force, serving throughout the world, continues to seek out those who are searching for the truths which are found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church is steadily growing; it has since its organization over 178 years ago. It has been my privilege during the [...]
May You Have Courage
A Way of Life, President Thomas S. Monson My dear young sisters, what a glorious sight you are. I realize that beyond this magnificent Conference Center many thousands are assembled in chapels and in other settings throughout much of the world. I pray for heavenly help as I respond to the opportunity to address you. We have heard timely, [...]
Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord
A Way of Life, Elaine S. Dalton One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, “How does a mother of five sons and only one daughter qualify to be the Young Women general president?” My reply is always the same: “It’s because I have one perfect daughter, and I know all the boy secrets!” Tonight my sons have given me permission to [...]
A Virtuous Life—Step by Step
A Way of Life, Mary N. Cook One of the choicest moments of a mother’s life is when she receives her newborn baby girl in her arms and realizes that this pure spirit has just come from our Father in Heaven. It is a sweet reminder that we are daughters of our Heavenly Father, and having just left His presence, a child comes to earth pure and [...]
Until We Meet Again
A Way of Life, President Thomas S. Monson My brothers and sisters, may we strive to live closer to the Lord. May we remember to “pray always lest enter into temptation.” 2 To you parents, express your love to your children. Pray for them that they may be able to withstand the evils of the world. Pray that they may grow in faith and [...]
“Bring Souls unto Me”
A Way of Life, Elder L. Tom Perry Many years ago I was driving along University Avenue near the mouth of Provo Canyon when I saw ahead of me the traffic slowing down. Up ahead there were police cars with their lights flashing, a fire truck, and several search and rescue vehicles all huddled together, blocking the road into Provo Canyon. At [...]
His Servants, the Prophets
A Way of Life, Elder F. Michael Watson During my growing-up years in the small farming community of Spring City, Utah, an opportunity afforded itself each summer to be with my father alone for two weeks herding sheep in the mountain range of the Manti-La Sal. On one occasion the fog rested heavily in the area to the extent that you could not [...]
Gifts to Help Us Navigate Our Life
A Way of Life, Elder José A. Teixeira Our Heavenly Father has a plan for us, a plan of happiness. His plan is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ will enable us to understand more fully our part in that plan. In the first chapter of the book of Moses, we find a short but [...]
Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples
A Way of Life, Elder Gary E. Stevenson I remember a warm, sunny afternoon when spring was trying to nudge its way through a long winter in Cache Valley, Utah. My father, whose Saturdays were always filled with chores for his grandsons, stopped by our home with an offer to “go for a ride.” Always happy to ride in Grandpa’s truck, our four- [...]
Honorably Hold a Name and Standing
A Way of Life, Elder David A. Bednar Shortly after I was called to serve as a stake president in 1987, I talked with a good friend who recently had been released as a stake president. During our conversation I asked him what he would teach me about becoming an effective stake president. His answer to my question had a profound impact upon my [...]
Unselfish Service
A Way of Life, Elder Dallin H. Oaks Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others. “If any man will come after me , let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: [...]
Be of Good Cheer
A Way of Life, President Thomas S. Monson My dear brothers and sisters, I express my love to you. I am humbled by the responsibility to address you, and yet I am grateful for the opportunity to do so. Since last we met together in a general conference six months ago, there have been continuing signs that circumstances in the world aren’t [...]
Charity Never Faileth
A Way of Life, Silvia H. Allred My husband and I recently visited the city of Nauvoo, Illinois. While there we sat in the upper room of the Red Brick Store, where the Prophet Joseph Smith had an office and a business. We listened intently to the guide, who outlined some of the historical events of the Restoration which took place there. My [...]
Cleave unto the Covenants
A Way of Life, Barbara Thompson “Lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.”1 I cannot read this scripture without feeling joy. My heart rejoices as I think of the promises and many blessings which have been part of my life as I have sought to cleave unto the covenants which I have made with my [...]
Until We Meet Again
A Way of Life, President Thomas S. Monson My brothers and sisters, I know you will agree with me that this has been a most inspiring conference. We have felt the Spirit of the Lord in rich abundance these past two days as our hearts have been touched and our testimonies of this divine work have been strengthened. We express thanks to each one [...]
The Songs They Could Not Sing
A Way of Life, Elder Quentin L. Cook Many people face significant problems or even tragedy during this mortal journey. All over the world we see examples of trials and tribulations.1 We are moved in our souls by television images of death, acute suffering, and despair. We see the Japanese struggling heroically against devastation from an [...]
The Privilege of Prayer
A Way of Life, Elder J. Devn Cornish My beloved sisters and brothers, God our Father is not a feeling or an idea or a force. He is a holy person who, as the scriptures teach, has a face and hands and a glorious immortal body. He is real, He knows each of us individually, and He loves us, every one. He wants to bless us. Jesus said: “Or [...]
Choose Eternal Life
A Way of Life, Elder Randall K. Bennett Our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has taught: “I can’t stress too strongly that decisions determine destiny. You can’t make eternal decisions without eternal consequences.”1 Each of you—as we have been taught this conference—is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly [...]
Missionaries Are a Treasure of the Church
A Way of Life, Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita One night a number of years ago, a newly called missionary named Elder Swan and his Japanese senior companion came to visit our home. Fortunately I was home, so I invited them in. When I greeted them at the door, my eyes were drawn to the coat that Elder Swan was wearing. Without thinking, I said to him, [...]
Teaching after the Manner of the Spirit
A Way of Life, Matthew O. Richardson I have learned that a key to becoming real in every aspect of our lives is our ability to teach in a way that does not restrict learning. You see, a real life requires real learning, which depends on real teaching. “The responsibility to teach is not limited to those who have formal callings as [...]
Teachings of Jesus
A Way of Life, Elder Dallin H. Oaks Jesus taught that He was the Only Begotten Son. Said He: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him [...]
Love Her Mother
A Way of Life, Sister Elaine S. Dalton No words describe the sacred occasion when a new father holds a baby daughter in his arms for the first time. This year three of our sons have become new fathers of baby girls. As I watched our rugged, strong, rugby-playing son, Jon, hold his first baby daughter in his arms, he looked at her with a [...]
The Book of Mormon—a Book from God
A Way of Life, Elder Tad R. Callister Years ago my great-great-grandfather picked up a copy of the Book of Mormon for the first time. He opened it to the center and read a few pages. He then declared, “That book was either written by God or the devil, and I am going to find out who wrote it.” He read it through twice in the next 10 days and [...]
Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done
A Way of Life, Elder Robert D. Hales On this Sabbath morning, we give thanks for and testify of the living reality of our Savior. His gospel has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is true. We are led by a living prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson. Above all, we bear solemn witness of the Atonement of Jesus [...]
A Witness
A Way of Life, Elder Henry B. Eyring I am grateful for this opportunity to speak to you on this Sabbath in a general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every member of the Church has the same sacred charge. We accepted it and promised to rise to it as we were baptized. We learn from the words of Alma, the great [...]
Covenants
A Way of Life, Elder Russell M. Nelson One of the most important concepts of revealed religion is that of a sacred covenant. In legal language, a covenant generally denotes an agreement between two or more parties. But in a religious context, a covenant is much more significant. It is a sacred promise with God. He fixes the terms. Each person [...]
