Mormon Life - Blessings tag

Thoughts on the Next Big Birthday

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:35:00 -0600

source: segullah.org/blog/

Mormon Life says: A great post on aging and loving ourselves. What are some goals you want to accomplish by your next big birthday? I am turning thirty this week. Really. Finally. And I haven’t dreaded it at all. I don’t fear wrinkles. I’m not scared of being older than I have been. I like to think I am the type of person to embrace it. I like myself ever so much more at thirty than I did at fifteen, nineteen or twenty-three. And I am beginning to realize why. I know myself better now than I did then.

At one point I dreaded aging because I was afraid of being unsatisfied with myself. I feared that I would reach a milestone and only see what I hadn’t done, what I wished I would have done, and felt miserable at the waste of time. How I should’ve taken those art and guitar classes I have always wanted to. I could’ve gone to graduate school, learned to crochet, and gotten over the asthmatic anxiety that snorkeling gives me. I didn’t do any of those things.

Instead of marking achievements and the lack thereof, I am learning to look at who I have become rather than just what I have done.

Young Men Lesson 36: Patriarchal Blessings

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:03:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Our own special spiritual experiences . . . will bring us conviction and reassurance of a caring, loving Father in Heaven." -Ronald A. Rasband

Discussion Questions
    • What is a patriarchal blessing?
    • Why would you want to receive a patriarchal blessing?
    • What can you do to prepare to receive a patriarchal blessing?

Supplement from "Special Experiences," by Elder Ronald A. Rasband, April 2008 General Conference

I would like to add my testimony and witness on this special day that President Thomas S. Monson is the Lord’s prophet on the earth. I am grateful to have this privilege to speak in general conference.

I am grateful, as you are, for the experience we have in this historic conference as we sustain, in an orderly and patterned way, our new prophet, First Presidency, and other leaders of the Church.

This kind of experience fortifies our testimonies and increases our faith in the knowledge that this is indeed the Lord’s true and living Church.

Our personal journey through life provides us with many special experiences that become building blocks of faith and testimony. These experiences come to us in vastly different ways and at unpredictable times. They can be powerful spiritual events or small enlightening moments. Some experiences will come as serious challenges and heavy trials that test our ability to cope with them. No matter what the experience may be, each gives us a chance for personal growth, greater wisdom, and, in many cases, service to others with more empathy and love. As the Lord stated to the Prophet Joseph Smith in a reassuring way during one of his most significant trials at Liberty Jail, “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7).

To read the full talk, click here.

November 2010 Sharing Time: Blessings in the Scriptures

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:01:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: This sharing time will help the children think about some of the ways they can serve others.

Preparation

Prepare ten slips of paper with one of the following acts of service on them. Raking leaves, setting the table, reading a story to a younger child, giving a gift to someone, taking dinner to someone sad or in need, cleaning up litter, visiting an elderly or lonely person, donating money to a charity, giving unneeded clothes or toys to Deseret Industries, sharing a treat with a friend.

Obtain a large pad of paper and markers, or chalkboard and chalk.

Presentation

Explain to the children that Jesus often helped others. Tell them you are going to play a game to help them think of some ways they can also help others.

Have a child come up and select a slip of paper. Let the child choose to act out (charades style) or draw (on the pad or chalkboard) clues so the rest of the Primary children can guess which act of service they have selected.

After the children guess the service, briefly review how the children could perform this service. Occasionally, sing a song that will help reinforce the message, such as: “Give, Said the Little Stream,” Children’s Songbook, 236; “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus,” CS 78; “A Happy Helper,” CS, 197; “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam,” CS, 60; and “When We’re Helping,” CS 198.

Testify that Heavenly Father loves us very much. He has provided many blessings for us and we should share our blessings with others.

FHE: Priesthood Blessings

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "In these times of worldwide turmoil, more and more persons of faith are turning to the Lord for blessings of comfort and healing. We have this priesthood power, and we should all be prepared to use it properly." - Dallin H. Oaks Conference Talk: For more information on this topic read "Healing the Sick," by Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 2010, 47-50.

Thought: In these times of worldwide turmoil, more and more persons of faith are turning to the Lord for blessings of comfort and healing. We have this priesthood power, and we should all be prepared to use it properly.

(Dallin H. Oaks, "Healing the Sick," Ensign, May 2010, 47-50.)

Song: "The Priesthood of Our Lord" Hymns, #320.

Scripture: They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:18)

Object Lesson: Show your family a tool (such as a hammer or wrench). Ask what it is used for. Explain that using the tool makes it much easier to drive a nail or tighten a nut.

Tell them that priesthood blessings are a tool for healing the sick. In combination with faith, the priesthood of God gives power to priesthood holders as they give blessings. The sick are healed, the lame walk, and evil spirits are cast out.

Story: Shortly after my call to the Council of the Twelve, one of my assignments was to direct missionary labors in the missions of the West Coast of North America.

I held a meeting one day in San Mateo, California, and as I listened to the testimonies of the missionaries, I noted that one elder had a terribly scarred face. The mission president, Howard Allen, advised me that Elder Nichols had been thrown through the windshield of his automobile in a terrible accident just a few months earlier. He then pointed out that Elder Nichols' parents were nonmembers and were threatening to sue the Church due to the injury. Doctors had despaired of the boy ever again regaining a pleasing appearance and felt that plastic surgery could do but little in his particular case.

I felt the strong impression to give to Elder Nichols a blessing. President Allen and I took him aside and gave him such a blessing. The spirit was surely present.

In the fall of 1969 my wife, Frances, and I were looking at carpeting in a store in Salt Lake City. The young man handling the carpet came forward and asked if I remembered him. I told him that he looked vaguely familiar, but that I couldn't quite place his name. He then stepped over and sat behind a lamp so that the light of the lamp cast its brilliance upon his face. He said, "Look closely at my face and then see if you can remember."

As I examined his face, I noted thin, scarcely discernable scars running across his nose, forehead, and cheeks. It was then that I realized this was Elder Nichols, the horribly scarred boy who had received a blessing in San Mateo while serving as a missionary in the Northern California Mission.

When I identified him, he smilingly said, "Brother Monson, even the plastic surgeons have called my case a miracle. I told them it was the intervention of Divine Providence through a priesthood blessing coupled with faith."

Elder Nichols was among the most handsome of young men.

(Thomas S. Monson, Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994], p. 126)

Activity: Give each person a paper and pencil. Place a variety of household tools in a box. Have one family member take one of the tools out of the box without the rest of the family seeing what the tool is.

Instruct the others that they should guess what the tool is. Each person may ask one question that can be answered "yes" or "no." They cannot ask directly if it is a certain tool. For example, they can't say, "Is it a hammer?"

After everyone has asked his question, have each write on his piece of paper what he thinks the tool is. When this has been done, have the person show the tool. Next have each person tell one thing the tool can be used for. Begin with the person who had the tool.

The next person takes a new tool out of the box. Be sure the other players don't see it and repeat the game. At the conclusion of the game, see who guessed the most tools correctly.

(adapted from Allan K. Burgess and Max H. Molgard, Fun For Family Night: New Testament Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1995], 105.)

Refreshment Layered Cookies

1/4 pound butter or margarine
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup nuts
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Melt butter in 9x13-inch pan. Sprinkle remaining ingredients over butter, in layers. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Immediately after removing from oven, cut cookies away from sides of pan. Cut in squares while still warm.

(Lion House Classics, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 108.)

Click here to download the PDF version of this lesson.

The Blessings of General Conference

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Paul V. Johnson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Decide now to make general conference a priority in your life. Decide to listen carefully and follow the teachings that are given. It is a sacred responsibility to address you in this general priesthood meeting. I always look forward to attending these priesthood sessions with my sons. I have great memories of sitting by them in our stake center as we listened to the teachings of the General Authorities. These meetings made a difference in my life when I was a young man, and they continue to make a difference in my life now. I know they have been an influence on my sons and on millions of Aaronic Priesthood holders around the world.

I speak to you Aaronic Priesthood holders tonight. We live in an exciting and wonderful time. The fulness of the gospel has been restored and is spreading across the earth. The keys of the priesthood are on the earth, and saving ordinances are available to those worthy of them. There are millions of good people on the earth striving to do what is right in their lives and in their families and in their communities.

This wonderful time in which we live is also filled with peril. You live in challenging times where many temptations and dangers await you. You have already been exposed to some of those temptations and dangers. You may have even seen individuals whose lives have been damaged by succumbing to some of the evils so prevalent in the world.

How can you, as an Aaronic Priesthood holder, be safe in these challenging times so you can fully do your part in this great work and find true happiness in this life and the life to come?

It is not surprising that in the face of tremendous evil and temptation the Lord does not leave us to find our way on our own. In fact, there is more than enough guidance available to each of us if we will listen. You have received the gift of the Holy Ghost to direct and inspire you. You have the scriptures, parents, Church leaders and teachers. You also have the words of the prophets, seers, and revelators who live in our day. There is so much guidance and direction available that you won't make major mistakes in your life unless you consciously ignore the guidance you receive.

Tonight I would like to focus on one of these sources of guidance--the living prophets, seers, and revelators that we sustained today. In fact, I would like to focus on one of the main ways we get direction from them--general conference.

Conferences have been part of the Church since the beginning of this dispensation. The first conference was held just two months after the Church was organized. We meet twice a year to be instructed by the General Authorities and general officers of the Church. The proceedings of these conferences are available through various means, both print and electronic.

My mother loved general conference. She always tuned in the radio and TV and turned the volume loud enough that it was difficult to find a place in the house where conference couldn't be heard. She wanted her children to listen to the talks and would ask us from time to time what we remembered. Once in a while I went outside with one of my brothers to play ball during a Saturday conference session. We would take a radio with us because we knew our mother might quiz us later. We would play ball and occasionally take a break to listen carefully so we could report to Mom. I doubt my mother was fooled when we both happened to remember the same thing from an entire session.

That is no way to listen to conference. I have since repented. I have grown to love general conference, I'm sure partly because of my mother's love for the words of the living prophets. I remember listening to the sessions of a particular conference all alone in an apartment while I was in college. The Holy Ghost witnessed to my soul that Harold B. Lee, the President of the Church at that time, was truly a prophet of God. This happened before I went into the mission field, and I was excited to testify of a living prophet because I had come to know for myself. I have had that same witness about each of the prophets since that time.

When I was in the mission field, the Church didn't have the satellite system, and the country where I served did not have broadcasts of general conference. My mother sent me audiotapes of the sessions, and I listened to them over and over again. I grew to love the voices and the words of the prophets and apostles.

Recently I was reading the journal of my great-grandfather, Nathaniel Hodges, who was called on a mission to England in 1883. He told of coming to Salt Lake City to be set apart for his mission and attending conference while he was there. Listen to his description of that conference: "Went to meetings in large Tabernacle all day. There were splendid instructions given. The remarks of Joseph F Smith and George Q Cannon and President John Taylor were particularly powerful. I heard some of the oldest inhabitants say they never attended a more powerful and Spiritual Conference."

I think the members of the Church have similar feelings about each general conference. It seems that each is more powerful and spiritual than the last.

In order for the messages of general conference to change our lives, we need to be willing to follow the counsel we hear. The Lord explained in a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith "that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know ... how to act upon the points of my law and commandment." But knowing "how to act" isn't enough. The Lord in the next verse said, "Ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me." This willingness to take action on what we have learned opens the doors for marvelous blessings.

A year ago in the priesthood session of conference President Hinckley spoke about the dangers of pornography. I don't think I've heard a more direct prophetic warning to members of the priesthood. You young brothers who listened and heeded his words have already been blessed and will be blessed more than you can now understand. Your future family will reap great blessings because of your obedience. Imagine how the world would be impacted if every priesthood holder blocked pornography from his life in response to the prophet's counsel.

Every time we are obedient to the words of the prophets and apostles we reap great blessings. We receive more blessings than we can understand at the time, and we continue to receive blessings long after our initial decision to be obedient.

On the day the Church was organized, Joseph Smith received a revelation that included an important principle for all Church members. Speaking to the Church about Joseph Smith the Lord said, "Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you ... for his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth."

Now listen to the blessings promised to those who heed: "For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good."

Those are powerful promises that can keep us safe in these treacherous times. We need them, and the Lord will give them to each of us if we are willing to follow the prophets, seers, and revelators.

Decide now to make general conference a priority in your life. Decide to listen carefully and follow the teachings that are given. Listen to or read the talks more than once to better understand and follow the counsel. By doing these things, the gates of hell will not prevail against you, the powers of darkness will be dispersed from before you, and the heavens will shake for your good.

I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and has a perfect plan for His children. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that He lives. I testify that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. We have true prophets, seers, and revelators on the earth today who have "the words of eternal life." To this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Young Women Lesson 13: Patriarchal Blessings

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Julie B. Beck
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: You can learn more about your life and mission on earth by preparing to receive and then studying your patriarchal blessing. This past year I have seen the light of God shining in the faces of you young women so many times. I have seen it in large devotionals from Brazil to the Dominican Republic. I have seen it as you have pulled handcarts on pioneer treks. I have seen your light as I have sung and played games with you at camp. I have seen that light of God shining in the faces of girls in the baptistries of temples from Mexico to Utah. Your light has made a difference to me and many others. You have light because you are literally spirit daughters of Deity, "offspring of exalted parents" 1 with a divine nature and an eternal destiny. 2 You received your first lessons in the world of spirits from your heavenly parents. 3 You have been sent to earth to "prove" yourselves. 4

You are in a season of your life when you are making some of your most important decisions. Because you are being bombarded with so many incorrect messages about who you are, you need some additional guidance. You can learn more about your life and mission on earth and the light that is in you by preparing to receive and then studying your patriarchal blessing.

You are never too young to start learning about patriarchal blessings. 5 I am glad I received my blessing before I was too heavily influenced by the confusing and incorrect messages in the world. I came away from that experience with the comforting assurance that the Lord loved me and knew me, and from that day onward I began to think more often in terms of eternity than popularity.

This is the season for young women to prepare and then receive their patriarchal blessing. Your bishop and parents can help you decide when the right time is for you, because the age and readiness are different for each person. 6 When you understand the meaning and purpose of a patriarchal blessing and have a sincere desire to do the work of the Lord, you should be mature enough to receive your blessing. 7 Sometimes people wait longer than is needed to receive their blessing, thinking that they need to qualify for it in some special way. If you can qualify to receive a recommend to do baptisms at the temple, then you should be able to qualify for a patriarchal blessing. It is important to prepare for your blessing with fasting and prayer so that your spirit is humble and teachable. Your personal preparation is very important.

When you receive your blessing, you get a glimpse of eternity. You begin to see a picture of what lies ahead for you because your blessing will refer to your eternal purpose and journey. The patriarch who gives you your blessing does not know what your blessing will be until he gives it. He depends on the Spirit to tell him what to say. In your blessing, you are told about your ancestry in the house of Israel. That's your family line and your family line is sometimes called a tribe. All of the tribes go back to the great patriarch Abraham. Your lineage is important. It means that you are included in the promises given to Abraham that through him all the nations of the world would be blessed. 8

Your lineage is a "blood relationship." 9 That makes you literally "children of the prophets" 10 with a noble birthright. That is why we often say that you are "youth of the noble birthright" 11 and belong to a royal, "chosen generation." 12

A friend of mine said: "When I joined the Church at age 16, I began to learn about my identity. I received my patriarchal blessing and was told I was of the house of Israel. At the time, I did not know what that meant, but over the years I have come to learn that I have a great privilege to be directly descended from the prophets. I have a precious heritage and the best opportunities."

Like Abraham, you seek a blessing so you can possess greater knowledge and receive instructions from the Lord. 13 When you receive your blessing, you will discover that the Lord knows you by name. In the early days of the Church, many people wanted Joseph Smith to ask the Lord for a specific direction in their lives. Some of those revelations are now part of the Doctrine and Covenants. Just like the early Saints, you can regard your patriarchal blessing as your own "personal scripture." 14 You should keep it sacred and not share it outside of your immediate family. 15

The patriarch can foresee the development and conditions of your life and can give you a blessing that relates to those. As one young woman told me, "There were things said about me in my blessing that even my parents did not know." President James E. Faust said that each patriarchal blessing is inspired, "personal revelation from God." Each is "a star to follow, . . . an anchor to our souls." They reveal our capabilities and potential. 16

President Packer says that our blessings are a "[paragraph] from the book of [our] possibilities." 17 President Monson calls our blessing "a Liahona of light." 18

Because a patriarchal blessing is not meant to be a prediction of all that will occur in the life of the recipient, we should seek and follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost to receive greater understanding for our course in life. The teachings of the gospel are always a guide to a full understanding of our destiny and privileges. For example, patriarchal blessings may not mention that a person will be married or have children, but we are taught in the gospel to marry in the temple and have families. We can follow these gospel teachings on our own, without specific personal direction.

When I was in high school, a counselor read the results of my test scores and told me she did not think I would do well in college. But after I prayerfully studied my patriarchal blessing, I felt I should not abandon my lifelong goal. So, because I had insight into the Lord's plan for me, I had hope in my heart, and I was able to move ahead confidently. I discovered that I was successful in that setting, and I earned a university diploma. When we know who we are and what we are supposed to do, it is easier to make important decisions about education, careers, and marriage. It is easier to shine our light in our families, with our friends, and in all other places.

The Savior said: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

"Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house;

"Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." 19

When you know who you are and what you should be doing with your life, you don't want to hide your light.

For instance, you would not want to "hide your light" by wearing clothing that diminishes your royal potential. You would not use improper language or stories or mar your body with tattoos or other procedures debasing for a daughter of royal birth. You would not cheapen your birthright by taking into your body any substance that is harmful or addictive. Neither would you view or participate in any behavior which is immoral and lowers your noble stature. You seek all that is praiseworthy and virtuous and lovely and of good report 20 because you know you have a noble heritage.

You are treasured children of the promise. If you will keep the Lord's statutes and commandments and hearken to His voice, He has promised that He will make you high above the nations in name and honor and praise. 21 Your patriarchal blessing should inspire you to make changes in your life when they are needed. It contains promises that you can receive only through your faithfulness. If you are not faithful, you cannot plan on your blessing being fulfilled.

Sometimes young women think that because they have made mistakes, they are not worthy to receive a patriarchal blessing or that they have disqualified themselves from the blessing they have already been given. Remember, the foundational teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ is faith in Him and His power to atone for our sins. "Satan wants you to think that you cannot repent, but that is absolutely not true." 22 When we take the sacrament each week, we commit to change our lives for the better. We should always be trying to become a new person who is more like our Savior Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul calls this "[walking] in newness of life." 23 If you have made serious mistakes that could disqualify you from your noble birthright, be willing to take your tears of sorrow to your bishop. He is your friend in the repentance process and is set apart to act as a judge here on earth in the place of the Savior, who is the Eternal Judge. Repentance is like a giant eraser, and it can erase permanent ink! It is not easy, but it is possible. 24 The Lord said, "He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." 25

Young women, your patriarchal blessing will help you know that you have a noble birthright. As you get older, you will see the prophecies in your blessing taking shape in your life. The Lord has important and exciting things for you to do. This is your time to "arise and shine forth, that [your] light may be a standard for the nations." 26 "Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." 27 In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Notes 1. Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. (1966), 589.

2. See "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102.

3. See D&C 138:56.

4. See Abr. 3:25; Bible Dictionary, "Election," 662.

5. See "Teaching Children about Patriarchal Blessings," Ensign, Oct. 1987, 54. President Spencer W. Kimball taught: "Do you prepare your children for [their patriarchal blessings], or do you let them just happen on to it? . . . I would think that every mother would begin to talk about patriarchal blessings to her children when they get just a few years old, so that they will be prepared for it" (in Conference Report, Manchester England Area Conference, June 1976, 23).

6. See Ezra Taft Benson, Sermons and Writings of President Ezra Taft Benson (2003), 149.

7. See Ensign, Oct. 1987, 55.

8. See Gen. 26:4; Abr. 2:9.

9. Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. (1954-56), 3:248-49.

10. 3 Ne. 20:25.

11. "Carry On," Hymns, no. 255.

12. 1 Pet. 2:9.

13. See Abr. 1:2-3.

14. Sermons and Writings of President Ezra Taft Benson, 149.

15. See True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference (2004), 113.

16. In Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 81-82; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 63.

17. "The Stake Patriarch," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 44.

18. In Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 83; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 67.

19. 3 Ne. 12:14-16.

20. See A of F 1:13.

21. See Deut. 26:17-19.

22. For the Strength of Youth (2001), 30.

23. Rom. 6:4.

24. See True to the Faith, 132-35.

25. D&C 58:42.

26. D&C 115:5.

27. 3 Ne. 12:16.

Young Women Lesson 12: Fathers' Blessings

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Dallin H. Oaks
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Do not be hesitant to ask for a priesthood blessing when you are in need of spiritual power. In the spring of 1866, during what is called the Black Hawk War, our pioneers were struggling to beat back deadly Indian attacks on many settlements in southern Utah. Two of President Heber C. Kimball's sons were called into military service for a three-month expedition against the Indians. Before they left he gave them a priesthood blessing. Apparently concerned that his sons might shed the blood of their Lamanite brothers, he first counseled them about the great promises God has made to this branch of the house of Israel. He then blessed his sons and promised them they would not see a single Indian on their campaign. His sons, full of fight and eager to smell gunpowder, were disappointed at this promise, but the blessing was fulfilled. When they returned three months later, they reported:

"We . . . rode hundreds of miles, following the tracks of different bands of hostile Indians, and were close upon them a great many times. They were attacking settlements all around us, killing the settlers and driving off stock." But the company did not see a single Indian. (Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, an Apostle, 2d ed., Salt Lake City: Stevens and Wallis, 1945, p. 429).

In a priesthood blessing a servant of the Lord exercises the priesthood, as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, to call upon the powers of heaven for the benefit of the person being blessed. Such blessings are conferred by holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which has the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the Church (see D&C 107:18, 67).

There are many kinds of priesthood blessings. As I give various examples, please remember that priesthood blessings are available for all who need them, but they are only given on request.

Blessings for the healing of the sick are preceded by anointing with oil, as the scriptures direct (see James 5:14-15; Mark 6:13; D&C 24:13-14; D&C 42:43-48; D&C 66:9). Patriarchal blessings are conferred by an ordained patriarch.

Persons desiring guidance in an important decision can receive a priesthood blessing. Persons who need extra spiritual power to overcome a personal challenge can receive a blessing. Expectant mothers can be blessed before they give birth. Many LDS families remember a sacred occasion where a worthy father gave a priesthood blessing to a son or daughter who was about to be married. Priesthood blessings are often requested from fathers before children leave home for other purposes, such as school, service in the military, or a long trip.

Newly called missionaries often request a father's blessing before they depart. I have a friend who is blind. He remembers how his father blessed him that despite his physical disability he would be able to complete the mission, be successful in his calling, and develop a great love for the people. I am a witness to the fulfillment of that blessing in the life of a wonderful Latter-day Saint.

Blessings given in circumstances such as I have just described are sometimes called blessings of comfort or counsel. They are usually given by fathers or husbands or other elders in the family. They can be recorded and kept in family records for the personal spiritual guidance of the persons blessed.

Over ten years ago a teenage boy requested a blessing from President Ezra Taft Benson. Even though the boy's father was not an active elder, President Benson asked, "How would you like to talk to him at an opportune time and ask him if he would be willing to give you a father's blessing?" Though doubtful, the young man agreed to try. He later reported:

"Brother Benson, that's the sweetest thing that has happened in our family. . . . He gave me one of the most beautiful blessings you could ever ask for. . . . When he got through there was a bond of appreciation and gratitude and love between us that we have never had in our home" (Ensign, Nov. 1977, p. 32).

Priesthood blessings are also given in connection with a priesthood ordination or with the setting apart of a man or woman for a calling in the Church. These are probably the most frequent occasions for priesthood blessings.

Many of us have requested a priesthood blessing when we were about to embark upon a new responsibility in our employment. I received such a blessing many years ago and felt its immediate comfort and long-term guidance.

In setting Dr. Russell M. Nelson apart as a stake president, a General Authority blessed him with power to meet the extremely demanding time requirements of his profession as a heart surgeon. Elder Nelson has described how that blessing was fulfilled by significant reductions in the risk of certain heart operations and in the time required for postoperative care. Eight years later, the man who had blessed him became his patient. Elder Spencer W. Kimball was scheduled for a complex heart operation. Presidents Harold B. Lee and N. Eldon Tanner blessed Dr. Nelson "that the operation would be performed without error, that all would go well, and that [he] need not fear for [his] own inadequacies, for [he] had been raised up by the Lord to perform this operation" (Ensign, May 1984, p. 88). That blessing was realized. A little over a year later, his fully recovered and vigorous patient became President of the Church and gave leadership through events and growth that will never be forgotten.

What is the significance of a priesthood blessing? Think of a young man preparing to leave home to seek his fortune in the world. If his father gave him a compass, he might use this worldly tool to help him find his way. If his father gave him money, he could use this to give him power over worldly things. A priesthood blessing is a conferral of power over spiritual things. Though it cannot be touched or weighed, it is of great significance in helping us overcome obstacles on the path to eternal life.

Remember how the Savior intervened to assure that the little children could come unto him. And then "he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them" (Mark 10:16). When the risen Lord visited the people on this continent, "he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them" (3 Ne. 17:21).

It is a very sacred responsibility for a Melchizedek Priesthood holder to speak for the Lord in giving a priesthood blessing. As the Lord has told us in modern revelation, "My word . . . shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (D&C 1:38). If a servant of the Lord speaks as he is moved upon by the Holy Ghost, his words are "the will of the Lord, . . . the mind of the Lord, . . . the word of the Lord, . . . [and] the voice of the Lord" (D&C 68:4).

But if the words of a blessing only represent the priesthood holder's own desires and opinions, uninspired by the Holy Ghost, then the blessing is conditioned on whether it represents the will of the Lord.

Worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders can give blessings to their posterity. The scriptures record many such blessings, including Adam's (see D&C 107:53-57), Isaac's (see Gen. 27:28-29, 39-40; Gen. 28:3-4; Heb. 11:20), Jacob's (see Gen. 48:9-22; Gen. 49; Heb. 11:21), and Lehi's (see 2 Ne. 1:28-32; 2 Ne. 4).

When Joseph Smith, Sr., was dying, his children gathered to receive his final blessing. After first blessing his wife, Father Smith began with Hyrum, his eldest, and gave each child what he called a "dying blessing" (see Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1956, pp. 308-13; Pearson H. Corbett, Hyrum Smith, Patriarch, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1963, pp. 240-41).

In modern revelation, parents who are members of the Church are commanded to bring their children "before the church," where the elders "are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name" (D&C 20:70). This is why parents bring babies to a sacrament meeting, where an elder--usually the father--gives them a name and a blessing.

If any of the young men in this priesthood meeting has thought he has never received a priesthood blessing, I hope he has now realized that he has already received at least two and perhaps more.

Priesthood blessings are not limited to those blessings spoken as hands are laid on the head of one person. Blessings are sometimes pronounced on groups of people. The prophet Moses blessed all the children of Israel before his death (see Deut. 33:1). The Prophet Joseph Smith "pronounced a blessing upon the sisters" working on the Kirtland Temple. He also blessed "the congregation" (History of the Church, 2:399). As recently as last April conference President Benson blessed the Latter-day Saints and "good people everywhere . . . with increased power to do good and to resist evil," and "with increased understanding of the Book of Mormon" (Ensign, May 1986, p. 78).

Priesthood blessings are also pronounced on places. Nations are blessed and dedicated for the preaching of the gospel. Temples and houses of worship are dedicated to the Lord by a priesthood blessing. Other buildings may be dedicated when they are used in the service of the Lord. "Church members may dedicate their homes, . . . as sacred edifices where the Holy Spirit can reside" (General Handbook of Instructions, p. 11-5). Missionaries and other priesthood holders can leave a priesthood blessing upon homes where they have been received (see D&C 75:19; Alma 10:7-11). Young men, within a short time you may be asked to give such a blessing. I hope you are preparing yourselves spiritually.

In the time that remains, I will mention some other examples of priesthood blessings.

About a hundred years ago, Sarah Young Vance qualified as a midwife. Before she began serving the women of Arizona, a priesthood leader blessed her that she would "always do only what was right and what was best for the welfare of her patients." Over a period of forty-five years Sarah delivered approximately fifteen hundred babies without the loss of a single mother or child. "Whenever I came up against a difficult problem," she recalled, "something always seemed to inspire me and somehow I would know what was the right thing to do" (L. J. Arrington and S. A. Madsen, Sunbonnet Sisters: True Stories of Mormon Women and Frontier Life, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1984, p. 105).

In 1864, Joseph A. Young was called on a special mission to transact Church business in the East. His father, President Brigham Young, blessed him to go and return in safety. As he was returning, he was involved in a severe train wreck. "The whole train was smashed," he reported, "including the car I was in to within one seat of where I sat, [but] I escaped without a scratch" (Letters of Brigham Young to His Sons, ed. Dean C. Jessee, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, p. 4).

As a boy, I was inspired by a story of courage in Nauvoo, which involved my grandfather's uncle. In the spring of 1844, some men were plotting against the Prophet Joseph Smith. One of the leaders, William Law, held a secret meeting at his home in Nauvoo. Among those invited were nineteen-year-old Dennison Lott Harris and his friend, Robert Scott. Dennison's father, Emer Harris, who is my second great-grandfather, was also invited. He sought counsel from the Prophet Joseph Smith, who told him not to attend the meeting but to have the young men attend. The Prophet instructed them to pay close attention and report what was said.

The spokesmen at this first meeting denounced Joseph Smith as a fallen prophet and stated their determination to destroy him. When the Prophet heard this, he asked the young men to attend the second meeting. They did so, and reported the plotting.

A third meeting was to be held a week later. Again the Prophet asked them to attend, but he told them this would be their last meeting. "Be careful to remain silent and not to make any covenants or promises with them," he counseled. He also cautioned them on the great danger of their mission. Although he thought it unlikely, it was possible they would be killed. Then, the Prophet Joseph Smith blessed Dennison and Robert by the power of the priesthood, promising them that if their lives were taken, their reward would be great.

In the strength of this priesthood blessing, they attended the third meeting and listened to the murderous plans. Then, when each person was required to take an oath to join the plot and keep it secret, they bravely refused. After everyone else had sworn secrecy, the whole group turned on Dennison and Robert, threatening to kill them unless they took the oath also. Because any refusal threatened the secrecy of their plans, about half of the plotters proposed to kill these two immediately. Knives were drawn, and angry men began to force them down into a basement to kill them.

Other plotters shouted to wait. Parents probably knew where they were. If they didn't return, an alarm would be sounded and a search could reveal the boys' deaths and the secret plans. During a long argument, two lives hung in the balance. Finally, the group decided to threaten to kill the young men if they ever revealed anything that had occurred and then to release them. This was done. Despite this threat, and because they had followed the Prophet's counsel not to make any promises to the conspirators, Dennison and Robert promptly reported everything to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

For their own protection, the Prophet had these courageous young men promise him that they would never reveal this experience, not even to their fathers, for at least twenty years. A few months later, the Prophet Joseph Smith was murdered.

Many years passed. The members of the Church settled in the West. While Dennison L. Harris was serving as bishop of the Monroe Ward in southern Utah, he met a member of the First Presidency at a Church meeting in Ephraim. There, on Sunday, 15 May 1881, thirty-seven years after the Prophet Joseph Smith had sealed his lips to protect him against mob vengeance, Dennison Harris recited this experience to President Joseph F. Smith (see Verbal Statement of Bishop Dennison L. Harris, 15 May 1881, MS 2725, Historical Department, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City; the account was later published in the Contributor, Apr. 1884, pp. 251–60). Dennison Harris's posterity includes many notable Latter-day Saints, including Franklin S. Harris, long-time president of Brigham Young University.

As I speak of priesthood blessings, I have a flood of memories: I remember my sons and daughters asking for blessings to help them through the most stressful experiences of their lives. I rejoice as I recall inspired promises and the strengthened faith that came when they were fulfilled. I feel pride in the faith of a new generation when I think of a son, apprehensive about a professional examination and unable to reach his faraway father, seeking a priesthood blessing from the most accessible priesthood holder in his family, the husband of his sister. I remember a confused young convert to the Church seeking a blessing to help him change the self-destructive pattern of his life. He received a blessing so unusual I was astonished when I heard the words I spoke.

Brethren, young and old, do not be hesitant to ask for a priesthood blessing when you are in need of spiritual power. Fathers and other elders, cherish and magnify the privilege of blessing your children and the other children of our Heavenly Father. Be prepared to give priesthood blessings under the influence of the Holy Ghost whenever you are requested in sincerity and faith.

This is the true church of our Savior. I testify of the saving mission of Jesus Christ. We are bearers of his priesthood. God bless us to exercise that priesthood under his direction, for the blessing of his children. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Old Testament Lesson 10: Birthright Blessings; Marriage in the Covenant

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:00:00 -0700

by Ted L. Gibbons
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: No episode in the Bible teaches the importance of marriage in the covenant better than the experiences of Isaac and Rebekah. *The material posted here is meant only as a SUPPLEMENT to gospel doctrine study and should NOT be used as a replacement to the lessons or as a guide for gospel doctrine teachers. Follow the lesson manual. It is our hope that you will follow the Church's guidelines with respect to this: "If you have been called to teach a quorum or class . . . do not substitute outside materials, however interesting they may be. Stay true to the scriptures and the words in the book." (Gospel Principles, p. 2)

Introduction Somewhere in the passage of time, millions have mislaid a correct understanding of what marriage is all about. But the voice of the scriptures and the prophets is clear on this matter, and some of the clearest teachings appear in Genesis.

In fact, no episode in the Bible teaches the importance of marriage in the covenant better than the experiences of Isaac and Rebekah. These are followed closely in the text by the accounts of the marriages of Jacob and Esau, which also teach powerful lessons about this subject.

I. ABRAHAM EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF MARRIAGE IN THE COVENANT (ETERNAL MARRIAGE). Brigham Young said,

There is not a young man in our community who would not be willing to travel from here to England to be married right, if he understood things as they are; there is not a young woman in our community, who loves the Gospel and wishes its blessings, that would be married in any other way; they would live unmarried until they could be married as they should be, if they lived until they were as old as Sarah before she had Isaac born to her. (Discourses of Brigham Young, p.195-96)

Abraham understood this principle. When Isaac was 40 (Gen. 25:20), Abraham made the most careful of arrangements for his son's marriage. He called his trusted servant, Eliezer, and put him under oath to insure by every precaution that his son married someone worthy to continue the covenant blessings the Lord had promised him and his posterity.

The oath included these provisions.

"Thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell" (Gen 24:2)

"Thou shalt go unto my country" (24:4)

"Thou shalt go . . . to my kindred" (24:4)

"Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again" (24:6)

And the servant put his hand under the hand of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter (Gen 24:9, JST).

If we were to begin a list of the marriage decisions that matter most, based on this account, our first entry would be this one: FIND A SPOUSE WORTHY OF THE COVENANT. No matter how many other qualities one might find in a prospective mate, if this one is missing, the others are less lasting than water on a summer sidewalk.

For the journey, the servant took ten camels. Since they are important in this story, let me say a word about them. The distance to be traveled from Hebron to Haran was probably over 400 miles, perhaps as many as 450. Camels average about 3 miles per hour for about 8 hours a day. So we may assume that the trip would take 18 days of travel each way, and two additional days for Sabbath observance without travel. So the round-trip time, not counting the time in Haran, would have been about 40 days.

When Eliezer arrived in Haran, he stopped at the city well and prayed.

And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master (Genesis 24:12-14).

Following Abraham's offer to sacrifice Isaac, the Lord had promised him, "In blessing I will bless thee . . ." (Gen 22:17 ). Eliezer asks for this blessing on that basis--the righteousness of his master whom the Lord has blessed in all things (see Gen. 24:1).

And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known the like unto her. . . (Gen. 24:15,16, JST).

There is a statement in these verses about the beauty of Rebekah: she "was very fair to look upon." But I have not and will not include external beauty in my list of important characteristics in a spouse. The media has nearly ruined the ability of our youth to think clearly and logically about such things. We are bombarded constantly with messages about chemistry, about physical attraction. Physical beauty is thin and temporary, but the other qualities suggested by this story are thick and eternal.

I have sometimes taught the encounter at the well between Rebekah and Abraham's servant with this caption: JOHNNY LINGO, EAT YOUR HEART OUT! Rebekah is not an 8-cow wife, but she is a 10-camel woman! A thirsty camel can drink up to 25 gallons of water. There are ten camels to be watered, and she must do it with whatever jar or container she has with her. The record calls it a pitcher (24:18,20). And note the location of the well. Genesis 24:16 and 45 both indicate that this water in this well is in a deep hole, probably reached by descending a spiral path or stairs. Rebekah "went down to the well, filler her pitcher, and came up." Archaeologists uncovered a well of this sort at Gibeon. The water level was 80 feet below ground level (see Atlas of the Bible, p. 97). And note that she hasted (24:18,20) to serve this stranger.

We can now add a second quality to our list of important attributes. WE OUGHT TO SEEK A SPOUSE WHO IS WILLING TO SERVE. There is another quality implied here. IT WILL BE A GREAT BLESSING TO HAVE A SPOUSE WHO KNOWS HOW TO WORK.

Eliezer needed to know if the Lord had answered his prayer so suddenly, and asked Rebekah about her family.

And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor (Gen. 24:24).

Abraham had sent his servant to find a wife among his kindred. This woman qualified. Abraham had two brothers, Nahor and Haran. Nahor had a son named Bethuel, and Rebekah was his daughter. When Eliezer learned this, he immediately "bowed down his head, and worshipped the Lord" (24:26).

In his prayer of gratitude, he teaches another important lesson about finding a spouse: "And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren (24:27)."

Eliezer found a bride for Isaac because he looked for her in the right place. "I being in the way . . ." he says. This is another lesson worth teaching to the unmarried youth of Zion. AS YOU SEEK A WORTHY, ETERNAL COMPANION, STAY IN THE WAY--the strait and narrow way. That is where you are most likely to find a person worthy of the covenant. Chances of success in this diminish at dance clubs and rock concerts and undisciplined parties.

Eliezer went to the home of Rebekah and explained his mission to her father and her brother Laban. When he had finished his recitation, he said, "And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left (Gen. 24:49)."

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said "The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken (Gen. 24:50,51)."

Upon hearing this, the servant again bowed his head in thanksgiving before the Lord (see Gen. 24:52). There were two questions yet to be answered. Would Rebekah be willing to accompany him? and when could Eliezer begin his return journey to Hebron?

Rebekah's relatives were understandably reluctant to bid her farewell at once. They said, "Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go" (24:55). But Eliezer knew that Abraham was very old ("well stricken in age" Gen 24:1), and he also knew that Isaac wasn't getting much sleep for worry and anticipation.

And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master. (24:56)

To resolve the difference in opinion, they determined to ask Rebekah. Would she be willing to travel over 400 miles with a man she had just met to marry a man she did not know because she believed the Lord wanted her to? She said, "I will go" (24:58). Her response is every whit as impressive as that of Nephi when asked to get the plates from Laban. "I will go . . ." (1 Nephi 3:7)

Here is another lesson in seeking an eternal companion. FIND SOMEONE DISPOSED TO OBEY THE LORD.

The priesthood blessing given to Rebekah by her relatives suggests that they knew of the Abrahamic covenant: "Be thou the mother of thousands of millions . . ." (24:60)

We are told that on the day the travelers arrived in Hebron, "Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide" (24:63). Does anyone wonder what he is meditating about? I wonder what he thought when he saw the camels coming.

I do not mean to overemphasize the sequence in the final verse of Genesis 24, but it is important.

And Isaac (1) brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and (2) took Rebekah, and she became his wife; (3) and he loved her . . . (24:67)

The love came last. I know this is not a popular thing to say, but I believe it is true. What I feel for my wife is not what I felt for her almost 38 years ago. I thought I loved her then. I guess I did love her. But 60,000 dirty diapers and 27 cars and 13 homes and 24 vacuum cleaners have shown me what love really means. What I felt then and what I feel now are perhaps the same thing, but they are not the same amount. If my love was water, 33 years ago it would have been a puddle. Today it is the Pacific Ocean.

II. ESAU SELLS HIS BIRTHRIGHT TO JACOB. Rebekah was without children for the first 20 years of her marriage (see Gen. 25:20,26). But her husband prayed for her (and blessed her?) and she conceived. Something about the pregnancy troubled her and she prayed to understand.

And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger (Gen 25:23).

Rebekah knew something about her sons that even her husband seemed not to know. The younger of the two would preside. One would think she would have told him. Perhaps she did but he did not listen to his wife. What a mistake that would be, for all of us.

These two sons were men of different interests. There is nothing wrong with that. But there was something wrong with Esau's attitude about spiritual things. His willingness to give up the birthright responsibilities and opportunities for a bowl of red pottage (25:30), and the announcement that "Esau despised his birthright" (25:34) show us quite clearly why the Lord had determined before the birth of the twins that the birthright should go to Jacob. At least he wanted it.

Rebekah made preparations to insure that Jacob got the birthright blessing. It seems that she was not sure the Lord could handle it himself. However, the blessing that came to Jacob from Isaac was reiterated by the Lord (see Gen. 28:10-15).

When Esau was 40 (the age at which his father married) he took matters into his own hands and married two wives. Neither were of the covenant, and they were therefore "a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah" (26:34,35), both of whom knew from personal experience the power and blessings of the covenant. (Esau would later take a wife from the descendants of Abraham. The account is in Gen. 28:8,9).

III. JACOB MARRIES LEAH AND RACHEL IN THE COVENANT, AND THROUGH HIM THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT CONTINUES. Rebekah spoke to her husband about the marriage of her sons.

I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me? (Gen. 27:46)

Jacob was therefore sent to Haran to find a wife worthy of the covenant. Jacob journeyed where his grandfather's servant had journeyed before, and joined himself to Laban, the brother of his mother. In the course of 20 years (see Gen. 31:41), Jacob married four wives and had 11 sons and at least one daughter. Benjamin, the 12th son, would be born after the return of Jacob to his home.

Conclusion

Every normal young man desires a wife. Every normal young woman desires a husband. Be worthy of the mate you choose. Respect him or her. Give encouragement to him or her. Love your companion with all your heart. This will be the most important decision of your life, the individual whom you marry.
There is no substitute for marrying in the temple. It is the only place under the heavens where marriage can be solemnized for eternity. Don't cheat yourself. Don't cheat your companion. Don't shortchange your lives. Marry the right person in the right place at the right time. (Gordon B. Hinckley, "Life's Obligations," Ensign, Feb. 1999, 2)

Proper marriage is life's most important decision. I know you believe that. I believe it too. I met my wife in High School. I do not remember her, but she says she remembers me. I have occasionally reflected on the remarkable fact that I must have passed my wife hundreds of times in the halls and on the grounds of Logan High without knowing . . . I wrote a poem to her about it.
I now suppose creation Froze Each time I met you there, And growing things Stopped growing As I passed by Unaware.
And mighty suns fell soundlessly, In grief That I could pass Unseeing, By eternity, To be on time to class.
—by Ted L. Gibbons, 1969
I pray that none of us will pass unseeing by eternity for any reason.

Lesson Helps: Tithing (John Taylor Lesson 19)

Wed, 15 Oct 2003 11:43:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Here is some commentary on Tithing to supplement your study of John Taylor Lesson 19. Abraham H. Cannon on the temporal blessings of obedience:

Take, for instance, the principle of tithing. If you announced that to the world and asked them to observe it, would they not consider it one of the most burdensome taxes that could be inflicted upon them? Yet every Latter-day Saint is my witness that those who follow strictly this law of tithing among the people of God do not find it a burden, but rather find it a temporal as well as a spiritual blessing; for their property has been abundantly blessed, so that they have not missed the tithing which they have given to the work of the Lord. Take, again, the missionaries which we send into the world. If a man in the world was called to leave his business for two years or more to preach the Gospel, he would think it was ruinous to all his temporal affairs. But here are Elders who go out and spend year after year, and the very men who have spent the most time in the missionary field, and who stand at the head of the Church today, are the men who are the most prosperous and the most free from debt. And so the Lord will show forth the wisdom of the course which He presents to the people through the results which follow the efforts of the Latter-day Saints. We can do no better than to observe strictly every command that is given us by the servants of the Lord, however much they may conflict with our present ideas, and God will bless us in pursuing this course.

(Brian H. Stuy, ed., Collected Discourses, 5 vols. [Burbank, Calif., and Woodland Hills, Ut.: B.H.S. Publishing, 1987-1992], 3: .)

John A. Widtsoe on blessings from the Lord:

Obedience to the law of tithing is certain to bring blessings in return, even of a temporal character. Yet, it must ever be remembered that the blessings of life come according to the Lord's will. Material property may not be the blessing we most need. If we can trust the Lord enough to pay Him a tenth of our increase, we must trust Him to bless us according to our needs. Material, earthly property does not have the same value before God as before man. Love of property is often nothing more than covetousness, which is a deadly sin. "What is property unto me? saith the Lord." (D. & C. 117:4) Let man do his best to provide for himself and his family, gather property around him, pay his tithing, obey all other laws of God, and accept, with joy, such blessings as the Lord may vouchsafe him.

Now, after all this has been said, it is interesting to note that the very great majority of tithe payers, perhaps all, succeed in finding sufficient for their temporal welfare. The group of tithe payers within the Church are not only more spiritually active, but generally they are more prosperous than the non-tithe paying group. Tithing is not a factor that works against economic prosperity. In most cases material as well as spiritual blessings follow obedience to the law of tithing.

(John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations [Salt Lake City: Improvement Era], 293.)

Hugh Nibley on owing everything to God:

The first rule, and one never to be forgotten, is that everything you have or ever will have, individually and collectively, is a gift from God, something that he blesses you with, has blessed you with, or will bless you with—you owe it all to him. Throughout the book, the refrain is repeated at the end of almost every pronouncement: You must do this in recognition of your dependence to God, because first and foremost he has given you your lives, he rescued you from Egypt, and he redeemed you—that is, he paid the price for you that you could not pay yourself: "And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and Jehovah thy God redeemed thee [brought you free, paid the price, for nothing], . . . and therefore I command thee this thing today" (Deuteronomy 5:15). You are not to turn to any other source of life and guidance; "do not look to the sun or the moon or the stars" to represent me. "It is to me directly and to me only that you must turn: The Lord who brought you out of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 4:19- 20). Remember that he "is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible" (Deuteronomy 10:17); all persons are equal to him, and he cannot be bought. How can you make a deal with him when you have nothing to offer? "Behold, everything in heaven and earth belongs to him" (Deuteronomy 10:14).

(Hugh Nibley, Approaching Zion, edited by Don E. Norton [Salt Lake City and Provo: Deseret Book Co., Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1989], 179 - 180.)

Legrand Richards on temporal obligations to the Church:

In trying to think what I might say today that could be an encouragement or help to you, I thought I might say a few words on our financial and temporal obligations to the Church because they are many, and there are some among us who feel that they are heavy. One stake president said: "It costs a lot to be a member of this Church," and I have thought a great deal of it. I have thought of the payment of our tithing, our fast offerings, our welfare contributions, our ward budget, our great missionary work, the building of our chapels and temples and places of worship, the temple work we are doing, and genealogical work, and I feel as many of you do that when we consecrate all that we have to the building up of the kingdom of God it really is a substantial thing as far as our temporal obligations and responsibilities are concerned.

The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that he had never given a temporal commandment unto his children, that all of his commandments were spiritual, for they all have a spiritual meaning and a spiritual development and a spiritual purpose, because behind all that the Lord is attempting to do in the earth, he has indicated that

. . . this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 1:39.)

And hence, all of his commandments have been given for the achievement and the accomplishment of that great objective.

(Bishop Legrand Richards, Conference Report, October 1948, Afternoon Meeting 41.)

George H. Brimhall on Tithing:

As the Mosaic Law was "a schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ"-a means of training for the higher gospel order; so the law of tithing is a lesser law by which we may learn to conquer selfishness and prepare ourselves for the higher order of consecration and stewardship.

Are we progressing in the training?

The five articles following are distinct discussions on tithing; each writer or speaker treating the subject in his own peculiar way.

HISTORICAL ASPECT.-Tithing is older than Israel. It was practiced by Abraham, who paid tithes to Melchizedek. Jacob's first contract, after leaving his father's house, was with God, with whom he covenanted at Bethel, saying, "And of all that thou shalt give I will surely give a tenth unto thee."

Tithing as a law and ordinance was known and practiced and neglected by ancient Israel. Through his prophet Malachi, the Lord rebuked his people for neglecting the payment of their tithes. Christ recognized the existence of the law of tithing among the Jews and commended it. Jesus rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees for neglecting judgment, mercy and faith, at the same time declaring they should not leave the tithe paying undone (Matt. 23:23). The law of tithing was known to the Nephites. Tithing is essentially a part of Christian civilization.

The Law

THEOLOGICAL ASPECT.-Tithing is a law of God to man with promises of rewards and punishments. God said to ancient Israel, through Malachi, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house. Paul said to the Hebrews, "They that are of the sons of Levi who receive the office of the priesthood have a commandment to take the tithes of the people, according to the law."

Following is the revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith on this subject:

"Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my Church in Zion.

"For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my Church.

"And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people.

"And after that, those who have thus been tithed, shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.

"Verily I say unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.

"And I say unto you, if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of Zion unto you.

"And this shall be an example unto all the stakes of Zion. Even so. Amen."

In the above revelation, the use of the words "require" and "shall" leave no room for doubt that the revelation is mandatory. If tithing were a mere matter of privilege, or ethics, we might expect the use of other terms. Tithing is, first of all, one's surplus; and secondly, one-tenth of one's income thereafter. There is no room for quibbling on these points.

The law makes no provision for tithing that is less than one-tenth, either in quality or quantity. For an explanation of what one-tenth of one's interest means, we turn to the living oracles-the progressive constitution of the Church, whose decision is that one-tenth of one's interest means one-tenth of one's income. A part of one-tenth of one's income is a part tithing.

TEMPORAL BLESSINGS.-Through obedience to the law of tithing, we become the financial elect of God, or business partners with the Lord. If it is true that giving to the poor is lending to the Lord, then paying one's tithing is investing with the Lord. Jacob's covenant was a business contract with God. Was it not one of the elements of his business success? Is not the Lord's call to ancient Israel, to test tithing as a business venture, applicable to us as a people?

The words of the Prophet Malachi are of such great importance that Jesus quoted them to the Nephites, declaring them to be the words of the Father, at the same time giving a command that they be written, after which he expounded them to the people on this continent:

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

"And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts." (Mal. 3:10, 11. Also Book of Mormon, 3 Ne. 24:10, 11.)

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS.-Leaving the temporal blessings, which are not the greatest, we find tithing to be the best insurance against the worst of fires. The Lord declared to the Prophet Joseph that this is a day of tithing for his people, and that he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming (Doctrine and Covenants, 64:23). That burning may be subjective, objective, or both. The Lord said to Israel through Malachi the Prophet, "And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of Hosts."

The temple ordinances are placed within the reach of the tithe payer who is otherwise worthy of the blessings of the house of the Lord. While the living of any one law of the gospel adds to one's power to live and enjoy every other law, the living of no one law will secure salvation. Faithful tithe paying makes the humble wage earner and the drawer of large dividends equal on the Lord's ledger. Each has fulfilled the law; neither has done more. While tithe paying alone is not sufficient to keep a man in the Church, yet he cannot retain his standing to the end without it.

PENALTIES.-Neglect of tithe paying lists a man on God's books as a robber. The Father asks the question, through his prophet Malachi, "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings." Should we not try so to live that in our getting, neither God nor man can say, Ye robbed me to obtain it? The Lord declared to Joseph Smith, the Prophet, the overthrow of those who pollute their inheritances (D&C 103:14). We speak of tainted money, is not an untithed inheritance tainted?

To the investigator, be he ever so earnest and desirous to come into the kingdom, rejection of the law of tithing is a bar to his entrance. The Lord declares that the names of such are not to be found on the records of his Church (D&C 85:3).

To the non-tithe payer, the doors of the temple are closed, and the privileges of sacred ordinances cut off. On what ground can one claim the right to be trusted with the most sacred spiritual privileges of the kingdom, when one is not true to one's trust in material things? How can one claim the blessings of the temple if one refuses to help and maintain it?

Does not non-tithe paying unfit man for partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. "He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation unto himself." To be unworthy in this respect is to be conscious of one's conduct not being in harmony with the sacramental prayer, or one's part in the sacred ordinances not being a true representation of one's life. How can a member of the Church who is not willing to pay tithing partake of the bread, in which act he witnesses before God and men that he is willing to keep the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ? The sacred covenant entered into is found in the following prayer:

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

Where is the worthiness of a non-tithe payer to partake of the water, when in so doing he witnesses unto God in the presence of his fellows that he does always remember the Lord Jesus Christ? Following is the prayer on the water:

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

Is non-tithe paying a serious forgetting of the Lord?

Apostasy is the inevitable end of persistent non-tithe paying. The Lord has declared that those who abide not the law of tithing, shall not be found worthy to abide among the Saints. Who would attempt to make the Lord a liar?

Formal action of excommunication for non-tithe paying may never come. The man may not be cut off, but he will die out. The steps of decay are usually these: (1) diminution in payment of tithes; (2) excuse-hunting that does not satisfy the soul; (3) cessation of tithe paying; (4) fault-finding concerning the use of tithing one does not pay; (5) laxity in other duties; (6) general indifference concerning Church interests; (7) positive attitude against the word of the Lord. Every one may not go in just this order of retrogression, but the decline is sure and the end is certain. The Lord has declared it, and history has recorded it of individuals and communities.

SOCIAL ASPECT.-Tithe paying is the most equitable and natural distribution for public support. Behind it stands the principle enunciated by the Lord Jesus Christ, that "to whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required." Tithing is an income tax divinely assessed and paid as a free-will offering. The payment is free from all coercion, except such coercion as material, social and psychological consequences may impose.

The giving of the surplus on entering the Church is of the highest sociological value. It is a sort of new financial birth. We all come into the physical world objectively equal. We enter the Church by baptism with equal spiritual privileges before us, each one with what he needs, but no surplus. We are tithed, and enter the Lord's financial realm relatively equal. Jesus evidently wished to impress this upon the young man who boasted of common ownership of moral wealth. Then the Master put him to the test of financial leveling, a coming to the plane of needs, and this seeker of eternal life refused to be born into that life financially. His surplus owned him, and he went away sorrowing. Compare the system of providing men according to their needs with that of providing them according to their "greeds."

Tithing is a law of perfect financial liberty. Tithing to a believer is a debt of honor, the highest social and individual honor. Debts of honor are the first to be paid. The unsecured creditor is deserving first consideration. As a rule, men in the Church who will not pay their tithing do not pay their debts. Tithe paying begets communitive confidence. False to man, false to God, is true; but no more so than, true to God, true to fellowmen.

I was once approached by a non-"Mormon" gentleman of considerable wealth, who made inquiries concerning the possibility of inducing a certain "Mormon" financier to handle thirty thousand dollars. I expressed the opinion that the person referred to made it a practice of handling his own money only. However, I made inquiries as to the foundation for the unbounded confidence which the stranger expressed in my "Mormon" friend. His reply was:

"First, he is honest. I know this from the fact that he scrupulously pays his tithing. A man who is financially true to his God, whom he has not seen, will be true to his fellow-men, whom he has seen.

"Second, there is no question as to his financial ability. He has worked his way up."

"Yes," said I, "with the help of the Lord."

I had occasion to discuss "Mormon" finances with a banker who had no religious affiliations with our people. In the course of our conversation, he said:

"It is my experience that, among you people, a faithful tithe-payer is a safe man to lend money to."

Another testimony, that of an assessor, is to the effect that honest tithe payers are the most frank in listing their property, and as a class do the least grumbling about taxation.

The paying of tithing prevents the growth of egotism in the giver, and guards against humiliation in the receiver.

"How much tithing have you paid this year?" asked a non-believer of his "Mormon" neighbor.

"Two hundred dollars," was the reply.

"You are a fool," said the skeptic, "I shall get more free advertising from the distribution of one beef and a few tons of coal at Christmas time than you will from the entire amount you pay."

Now let us examine the sociological effect on the individuals in this case. One pays what he considers to be a divinely imposed obligation for the public good the distribution of which is through what the receiver recognizes as a God- planned system of public benefaction. He is helped and is grateful to the system and to its Author. He is under obligation to no individual. Man-praise is out of the question. In the other case, help is rendered in such a way as to feed the vanity of the giver, and to place the receiver under obligation. Personal honor and praise are inevitable, gratitude for a system impossible.

People who insist upon the distribution of their own tithing are either distrustful of the Lord's agents, or ultra-anxious concerning the getting of glory.

Tithe paying, or the neglect thereof, cannot fail to affect the greatest of all social units, the family. Under the law of heredity, what will be the tendency in offspring where the parents are conscious of not dealing honestly with the Lord? On the other hand, what results may parents look for in the bearing and rearing of children under the consciousness of being fair and honest in their dealings with their Father in heaven?

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT.-Tithing is a self-imposed obligation by the acceptance of the law.

It is one of the most reliable guarantees against the "greeds."

It prevents one from being owned by the external. The tithe payer owns his property, it does not own him.

Tithe paying is a source of encouragement, in that it makes possible a feeling in each individual of a financial equality before God.

It is a system of developing generosity, unalloyed by vanity.

The persistency of the pressure of tithe paying brings into play ideas, emotions, and activities of fidelity, that give strength to character and endurance of nobility in the ego, or self.

Tithing is one of the progressive activities demanding a living, increasing faith. It is an exercise of the faithfulness of the divine within to the divine without. It tests and trims one's ability to stand at the post of honor with every opportunity to desert it. It builds up an individual acquaintance with God. It brings about a sort of comradeship with Divinity, which fosters a financial faith, necessary to an ideal feeling of ease-not an inactive ease, but an energetic ease.

In the lexicon of the faithful tithe payer, there is no such word as penury. His self-reliance is so reinforced by his reliance on the Lord that his very spiritual, intellectual and financial attitude demands confidence and creates resources.

By the gate, or seeking the welfare of the kingdom, is the only way to eternal possession and increase. Knowing through doing is more than a mere knowledge of; it is an acquaintance with. It is truth tested, it is light plus warmth. It is intellectual assent transmuted by action into character fibre. The principle or law of tithing can only partly be known to the learner of the word. To know fully the doctrine, the work must be done.

The law of laws from a Latter-day Saint point of view is stated by the Prophet Joseph Smith as follows:

"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated-

"And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:20, 21.)

We want blessings.

We want this to continue to be a land of Zion unto us.

We want to be Zion-the pure in heart.

We want to succeed as a superior social unit.

We want to prove by our lives that the gospel is a God-made plan to reach the highest joy for man.

We want inheritance with unclouded titles.

We want to maintain a school system that will place us as a community, foremost in education.

We want to be a city on a hill, a candle on a candlestick, that men seeing our good works may glorify our Father which is in heaven.

We want to make history that will sublimely inspire posterity.

Tithing is one of the laws upon which each of these blessings is predicated.

(Handbook of the Restoration: A Selection of Gospel Themes Discussed by Various Authors [Independence, Mo.: Zion's Printing and Publishing Co., 1944], 426.)

Just Like Dad

Sat, 28 Sep 2002 09:27:00 -0600

by George D. Durrant
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Regardless of all the other honors we can aspire to in this life, that of Father has more meaning--and consequence--than any other.

Greetings, fellow fathers. Can you think of anything more magnificent than being a father? As far back as I can remember, I’ve longed to become a father. I dreamed of finding a beautiful wife, establishing a home together and filling it with children. One reason my desire for fatherhood may have been so strong was that, as the youngest of nine children, I didn’t have the joy of having younger brothers and sisters.

I had a friend named Herbie Pawloski, the middle child of a family of 11. Whenever I visited Herbie and his family, I'd see all the little children and become a bit jealous of him. At Christmastime, my envy would be most intense. Both Herbie and I had become too old to get toys for Christmas. But because of his little brothers and sisters, on Christmas morning his house was still filled with toys--and mine was not. I could hardly bear such inequality.

Perhaps this was one reason I had such an intense desire to grow up and beocme the father to a whole flock of small children. I could envision no greater thrill than playing with them and their Christmas toys (the ones I'd always wanted), and to hear them call me, "Daddy."

To accomplish this dream, I had to wait several long years until I was fully ready for this, the greatest of all responsibilities. As time passed, my desire to become a husband and father became even stronger.

When two rewarding years of missionary life ended, I felt ready, with the Lord’s help, to make my dreams come true. The exciting search for my future wife intensified.

I found a girl who loved me as I loved her. I asked her to marry me and she accepted. In the temple, we became eternal partners.

A few months after our wedding, I came home from work to help my wife prepare our evening meal. As I peeled the potatoes with a paring knife, she was nearby, opening a can of peas. I’ll never forget the words she spoke on that great moment in history. It was my single most fulfilling moment. She said, “I went to the doctor today. We’re going to have a baby.”

Her words put me in a state of shock. I had to quit peeling the potatoes—my hands trembled with such excitement the task became too dangerous to continue. My heart pounded within me. I jumped up and down with glee. I hugged my wife. My dream was coming true. I was going to become a father! I wanted to shout the news to the entire world.

As the time neared for the baby’s arrival, I was drafted into the army and stationed in Arkansas. I had to live on the base while Marilyn lived in town, 12 miles away.

The army doctor told us that, when Marilyn came to the base hospital to have the child, I’d be notified so I could be there. But on the night of the birth, I wasn’t notified. The next day I stood outside the army mess hall waiting for the noon meal. Someone came to me and said, “Durrant, you’re to call the hospital.” I crossed the road to a phone booth and made the call.

The nurse announced the long-awaited, magnificent message, “Private Durrant, you’re the father of a fine baby son.”

Tears of joy filled my eyes. I bounded from the phone booth with the agility of a professional athlete. I half-ran, half-jumped along as I shouted to friends who had known the even was near, “I’ve got a son! I’ve got a son! I’m a father! I’m a father!” My buddies cheered as I ran the few blocks to the post hospital. I recall thinking as I neared the hospital, “I’d like to light a new star in the sky to announce the arrival of my son.” Nothing short of that seemed adequate to express my happiness.

Dashing down the hospital hall, I saw the windows of the newborn baby room. I stopped and looked in. There, among three or four other infants, was a baby whose crib bore the name, “Durrant.” My entire soul tingled with a spiritual thrill. This was my son! I was his father!

I went to Marilyn’s room. She seemed more beautiful than ever. As we talked of the wonders of what had just happened, I said, “That little boy—he looks just like me.” She squeezed my hand and said, “I know, but let’s keep him anyway.”

Thus, our firstborn was delivered to us in an army hospital. The cost was just eight dollars. He's been worth every cent of that, and a million more.

I know that you, as a father, could tell your own exciting story about the arrival of your first child. I'm sure you'll agree when a husband and wife say, with joy, "Unto us a child is born."

Our second son was our third child. At the time, I was teaching seminary in Brigham City, Utah. It was my birthday. I was called to the phone.

Marilyn, who was nearing the time of delivery said, “I believe I have a special birthday present for you. Come home, and we’ll go to the hospital to get the gift.”

Excited, I told my students, “Teach yourselves,” and away I went. Soon we were at the hospital. She was taken away to be prepared for birth and I went to the father’s waiting room.

A half-hour or so later, I was reading a magazine when the doctor interrupted to ask, “Would you like to come into the delivery room?”

Shocked, I replied, “Well, I would—but as you can see, I’m reading this Sports Illustrated magazine.”

“Maybe you could read that later,” he kindly suggested. I stammered and said, “I’m afraid I might get a little woozy in there. I’m not too good at such things.”

Gently, he said, “Come on in. Marilyn wants you here, and I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”

Out of excuses, I followed along, praying silently that all would be well. What followed was the most unforgettable experience of my life. The doctor explained all that was happening. My heart filled with the warmth of the Spirit of the Lord. I watched in awe as the baby was born.

The doctor held him by his ankles. For a few seconds there was silence, and then the baby cried. Seeing that baby and hearing his first cries caused a sensation in my soul that was more than my emotions could bear without tears. I cried, too. I’ve never witnessed such a miracle. Birth is indeed the most glorious and wonderful of all events.

With these two births—and six others that were equally thrilling—we have been blessed to receive from heaven eight choice spirits who have become part of our family. To be co-creators with our beloved wives is an honor beyond all others, and a responsibility that dwarfs all other responsibilities. Being trusted by our Heavenly Father to receive one of his own spirit children is a most divine opportunity. To prepare that child to someday return to his or her heavenly home is a responsibility beyond description.

As I think of the honor of fatherhood, I recall that at work I was once asked to fill out a questionnaire. One of the questions was, “What honors have you received?” As I read, I though, “I’ll leave this question until later.”

After filling out all the other blanks, I returned to the words, “What honors have you received?” I could think of none. I’d never been all-state in anything, nor had I been elected to any office. Feeling slightly diminished, I left the item blank. Before sealing the envelope, I paused and then picked up my pen.

In response to the question, I wrote these glorious words, “The Melchizedek Priesthood.” My soul stirred as I considered once again the honor and thrill of being an Elder. But having written that, I knew I must write more so I added the word “husband” to the blank.

It’s an indescribable joy to be a husband, and to strive to be worthy of the honor of having a woman love and respect you. Having listed these two supreme honors, I reverently wrote the sacred word, “father.”

When seen with eyes that really see, such honors make other honors men may earn shrink and hide in the wings.

It’s a humbling experience to address all of you who share with me the sacred title of father. As someone has said, there is no word that describes a higher title, for it is by the name, “Father,” that even God has chosen to be known.

I, as you do, tremble a bit as I consider the awesome task of filling the role of father. I take comfort in two things: (1)we have to take things only one step at a time, and (2)God, our Heavenly Father and the Heavenly Father of our children, will help make us equal to the responsibility.

And so, my fellow fathers, I know that we can do it. We can receive a newborn child, and we can fulfill the responsibility of being the kind of father that child deserves. As we meet with fiath and love this mightiest of all responsibilities, we can become great. For there is none so great as he whose deepest desire is to be a good and worthy father.

Problems will arise, as they did for the great prophet and father, Lehi. Sometimes we will suffer heartache, as did he. But through it all, if we continue in our righteous desires, our children will say of us, as Lehi's did of him, "Having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught in all the learning of my father."