{"id":8378,"date":"2016-04-19T08:30:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-19T14:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ldswomenofgod.com\/?p=8378"},"modified":"2016-04-19T08:41:48","modified_gmt":"2016-04-19T14:41:48","slug":"spiritual-manifestations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reliefsocietywomen.com\/blog\/2016\/04\/19\/spiritual-manifestations\/","title":{"rendered":"Spiritual Manifestations"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I first started writing for the General Conference Odyssey, I thought it would be interesting to read through past talks, perhaps share a few thoughts and insights, but I never realized the process would invoke so much spiritual manifestation in me. This particular session, Sunday morning, April 1972, just may be my favorite session so far. I cannot possibly pick just one address to talk about. I want to be able to refer to this session over and over again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Elder David B. Haight–\u201cA Foundation Whereon Men Cannot Fall.<\/a>\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I believe our families are in grave danger, and here Elder Haight adds his warning\u00a044 years ago. He said,<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe evidence is overwhelming and the need so critical for a strong bond of respect and admiration in our homes. The trend is growing more acute daily. Latter-day Saint parents must analyze the foundation on which their homes are being built, for the rains of evil are descending.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"house-built-on-sand\"<\/a>He referred to the Savior\u2019s warning in Matt. 7:24-27<\/a>, where we must not build our houses on sand, but only on a firm foundation, which we know to be Jesus Christ and His gospel. Can you imagine what our families would be like if all of us were better at teaching the gospel in our homes early on, and that we taught with consistency, and love? He closed his remarks with a promise given by President Joseph F. Smith. \u201cIf you will gather your children around you once a week and instruct them in the gospel, they will not go astray.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s never too late to start today. Never give up on your family. We can gather our children around us, teach them, love them, and humbly testify to them anytime, but starting early is better. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harold B. Lee–\u201dA Time of Decision.<\/a>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He opens his talk with these words:<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the beginning of an intense political activity, when men of every persuasion in the political arena will be clamoring for attention and acceptance by the electorate. There will be controversy, debate, conflict, and contention, which seem to be the order of a political campaign.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"vote-21\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hello, Deja Vu!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure many of us, in the United States, have wondered what to do this election year. Harold B. Lee remembered some advice he was given at a critical time. \u201cVote for that which in your heart you feel is right. We would rather many times over that you would make a mistake doing that which you felt was right, than to vote for policy sake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This talk is definitely worth reading if you are seeking guidance in this troubled world.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marion D. Hanks–\u201dJoy Through Christ.<\/a>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He said one thing that I want to always remember.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"christ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe cannot permit the mistakes of others to mislead us from our own joy, nor can we disqualify ourselves because of our own mistakes. Jesus died for our personal sins. He is the Savior and Redeemer to whom we belong.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

There are many paths to follow, if we choose, but why would we ever choose to veer from the path of happiness? Life was meant to give us joy, even through our struggles, and that can only be achieved if we let go of the world, and follow Jesus Christ. Therein lies our happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Boyd K. Packer–\u201dWhy Stay Morally Clean.<\/a>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A teacher asked his class, \u201cWhy is Chastity so important?\u201d The room\"<\/a> full of adults sat silent. Many confessed later to knowing it was important, but were unable to put it into words. Elder Packer has put it into words so that we can all understand clearly just how important it is to stay morally clean.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe power of creation–or may we say procreation–is not just an incidental part of the plan: it is essential to it. Without it the plan could not proceed. The misuse of it may disrupt the plan. Much of the happiness that may come to you in this life will depend on how you use this sacred power of creation. The fact that you young men can become fathers and that you young women can become mothers is of utmost importance to you. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI repeat, this power to act in the creation of life is sacred. You can some day have a family of your own. Through the exercise of this power you can invite children to live with you–little boys and little girls who will be your very own–<\/span><\/em>created, in a way, in your own image. You can establish a home, a dominion of power and influence and opportunity. This carries with it great responsibility.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

This is the very reason Satan is attacking the family so viciously today. He is doing everything in his power to destroy the plan of our Father in Heaven, which is to create eternal families and give them the opportunity of exaltation. I\u2019ve underlined much of this talk, so that I can refer to it often. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bruce R. McConkie–\u201dThe Testimony of Jesus.<\/a>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Elder McConkie introduced his poem to the world for the very first time, called \u201cI Believe in Christ.\u201d Now we can enjoy the spirit of these words in a beautiful hymn.<\/span><\/p>\n