LDS HIGHLIGHTS show

LDS HIGHLIGHTS

Summary: This podcast was created to highlight the key parts of the greatest and most important talks ever given in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. All of these talks were given by LDS/Mormon General authorities including Prophets, Apostles and Seventies. It also includes women from the General Relief Society and Primary leadership of the church. Please Leave comments at: LDSHighlight@hotmail.com

Join Now to Subscribe to this Podcast
  • Visit Website
  • RSS
  • Artist: True Believer
  • Copyright: Feel free to share these beautiful & inspired talks with everyone & anyone. Thank you!

Podcasts:

 The Law Of Tithing-Daniel L. Johnson | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:34

Wow! This is a great talk by Daniel L. Johnson about the law of tithing and that there is never an excuse not to pay it, EVER. Also, that if we don't pay it we will lose temporal and spiritual blessings, so it's very critical, as I've mentioned here in the other audio clips of talks about tithing. He said: "There are many reasons that are used to not pay tithing, such as medical emergencies, debts, car or home repairs, educational expenses, and insurance. These reasons and others like them are very real and are lived and dealt with every day by many, if not most, of us. These tax our limited financial resources and, if we are not wise stewards of these resources, may result in the inability to meet our tithing obligation to the Lord." He then says: "A lack of compliance with this eternal law is not to be taken lightly and can not only seriously impair our spiritual growth and development, but it can also limit the physical and temporal blessings that we could otherwise enjoy." Like he says; this eternal law is not to be taken lightly and not only seriously impairs our spiritual growth....but it can also limit our blessings, both physically and temporally and we will lose blessings. Those windows of heaven are up there folks. God has his hand on the lever and wants to open them so badly, but can't, unless you are paying your FULL tithing. If you aren't, he will withhold blessings from you in every way he can, to punish you for your disobedience. Daniel then says: As President Spencer W. Kimball once said: "The Lord herein makes clear that tithing is his law and is required of all his followers. It is our honor and privilege, our safety and promise, our great blessing to live this law of God. To fail to meet this obligation in full is to deny ourselves the promises and is to omit a weighty matter. It is a transgression, not an inconsequential oversight." So, there it is, in the words of a great Prophet; it is a TRANSGRESSION to not pay tithing, not an inconsequential oversight." So, the next time you decide to pay medical bills, gas, phone, put gas in your car, buy food for your family, instead of paying your tithing; you are TRANSGRESSING and losing blessings. Is it worth it? So, ask yourself this; would you rather feed your family and have electricity, and the necessary things you need to live, but know that you are transgressing and sinning against God; or would you rather pay your tithing, know that you're being obedient and let the cards fall where they may? I know that I'd rather have bill collectors tracking me down and suing me, no food and be homeless and bankrupt, before I'd stop paying my tithing. Better to be in jail, for defaulting on my creditors, then it would be to default on God and lose my Eternal blessings. Prison on earth, doesn't hold a candle to spirit prison in heaven. I'm so grateful for talks like this, that remind us all that tithing is always first, like Lynn G. Robbins said, even before feeding our families. Now, that's true inspiration and a God that loves us all and always has our best interests in mind. This talk was originally given in the October 2006 General Conference.

 The Law Of Tithing-Daniel L. Johnson | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:34

Wow! This is a great talk by Daniel L. Johnson about the law of tithing and that there is never an excuse not to pay it, EVER. Also, that if we don't pay it we will lose temporal and spiritual blessings, so it's very critical, as I've mentioned here in the other audio clips of talks about tithing. He said: "There are many reasons that are used to not pay tithing, such as medical emergencies, debts, car or home repairs, educational expenses, and insurance. These reasons and others like them are very real and are lived and dealt with every day by many, if not most, of us. These tax our limited financial resources and, if we are not wise stewards of these resources, may result in the inability to meet our tithing obligation to the Lord." He then says: "A lack of compliance with this eternal law is not to be taken lightly and can not only seriously impair our spiritual growth and development, but it can also limit the physical and temporal blessings that we could otherwise enjoy." Like he says; this eternal law is not to be taken lightly and not only seriously impairs our spiritual growth....but it can also limit our blessings, both physically and temporally and we will lose blessings. Those windows of heaven are up there folks. God has his hand on the lever and wants to open them so badly, but can't, unless you are paying your FULL tithing. If you aren't, he will withhold blessings from you in every way he can, to punish you for your disobedience. Daniel then says: As President Spencer W. Kimball once said: "The Lord herein makes clear that tithing is his law and is required of all his followers. It is our honor and privilege, our safety and promise, our great blessing to live this law of God. To fail to meet this obligation in full is to deny ourselves the promises and is to omit a weighty matter. It is a transgression, not an inconsequential oversight." So, there it is, in the words of a great Prophet; it is a TRANSGRESSION to not pay tithing, not an inconsequential oversight." So, the next time you decide to pay medical bills, gas, phone, put gas in your car, buy food for your family, instead of paying your tithing; you are TRANSGRESSING and losing blessings. Is it worth it? So, ask yourself this; would you rather feed your family and have electricity, and the necessary things you need to live, but know that you are transgressing and sinning against God; or would you rather pay your tithing, know that you're being obedient and let the cards fall where they may? I know that I'd rather have bill collectors tracking me down and suing me, no food and be homeless and bankrupt, before I'd stop paying my tithing. Better to be in jail, for defaulting on my creditors, then it would be to default on God and lose my Eternal blessings. Prison on earth, doesn't hold a candle to spirit prison in heaven. I'm so grateful for talks like this, that remind us all that tithing is always first, like Lynn G. Robbins said, even before feeding our families. Now, that's true inspiration and a God that loves us all and always has our best interests in mind. This talk was originally given in the October 2006 General Conference.

 True to the Faith-Thomas S. Monson-Part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:22

This is part 2 of one of the more amazing and powerful talks I've ever heard. In Part 2, Thomas S. Monson, the next great Prophet of God, deals with the horrible problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Thomas S. Monson said: "Drugs and alcohol cloud thinking, remove inhibitions, fracture families, shatter dreams, and shorten life. They are everywhere to be found and are placed purposely in the pathway of vulnerable youth." I have struggled greatly with the reason why The First Presidency and Apostles of God, have decided to allow alcohol to flow and be sold in The Church of Jesus Christ's new malls, in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. At least they agreed to be closed on Sunday, in order to "keep the Sabbath day holy." It is extremely troubling to me and after much anguish and soul searching, I cannot find the answer. Even my Bishop could not explain it to me and told me not to worry about it. However, with what Thomas Monson just said, about alcohol and how it "clouds thinking, removes inhibitions, fractures families, shatters dreams, and shortens life"; one has to ask why these inspired men of God, would allow it to be served in their malls, which are really the Lord's malls now. Jesus must be very disappointed with this decision by his current Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley and I hope that there will be some type of supernatural intervention, since we are promised that they will not and cannot, ever lead us astray. To recap, Thomas S. Monson said, in referring to alcohol and drugs: "They are everywhere to be found and are placed purposely in the pathway of vulnerable youth." So, I ask; why would Thomas S. Monson and Gordon B. Hinckley, want to be a part of the "alcohol is everywhere" worldly ways of Satan? It just doesn't make sense! Are they not, through their actions, "purposely placing alcohol in the pathway of vulnerable youth?" Is that not what Satan does, according to Thomas S. Monson? He says that it is "purposely placed" meaning that Satan is doing it, right? Now they are doing it too, just like Satan? I just can't stop asking why and it truly torments my soul to the very core. I asked a best friend about this the other day and he explained it this way: "There is opposition in all things and the church is just placing opposition in people's paths, so that they can overcome the temptation and prove their love for God." He also said: "Our leaders can never lead us astray and so the decision to allow alcohol to be served, in the church's malls, came directly from Jesus Christ to Gordon B. Hinckley, through direct and inspired revelation. We are taught to follow the Prophets and Apostles and support them in all things, at all times and if we don't support the church's malls serving alcohol; then we don't belong in the church and we should be excommunicated for our rebellion or resign immediately." But, excommunication for what? For upholding a value and belief, that I was taught since birth and even in the April 2006 General Conference, by Prophets, Apostles and my parents, that alcohol is evil and destroys families and individuals? For holding God's Prophets, Seers and Revelators, to the same standards that I'm supposed to keep? Now, I'm supposed to just turn a blind eye? Can anyone explain this to me and help me out here? I just don't know how we can believe and teach one thing as a church and members and then go out and do the exact opposite. Isn't that hypocrisy? Sadly, I'm beginning to think the only reason they did it was for money, but I hope that's not the answer. I'll say the same thing to the church, that I say to the Marriotts: If you can't maintain your standards in the businesses you own and can't be "in the world, but not off the world", practicing what you preach, then you should sell the businesses and get out immediately and not sell your soul to the devil. This talk was originally given in the April 2006 General Conference.

 True to the Faith-Thomas S. Monson-Part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:22

This is part 2 of one of the more amazing and powerful talks I've ever heard. In Part 2, Thomas S. Monson, the next great Prophet of God, deals with the horrible problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Thomas S. Monson said: "Drugs and alcohol cloud thinking, remove inhibitions, fracture families, shatter dreams, and shorten life. They are everywhere to be found and are placed purposely in the pathway of vulnerable youth." I have struggled greatly with the reason why The First Presidency and Apostles of God, have decided to allow alcohol to flow and be sold in The Church of Jesus Christ's new malls, in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. At least they agreed to be closed on Sunday, in order to "keep the Sabbath day holy." It is extremely troubling to me and after much anguish and soul searching, I cannot find the answer. Even my Bishop could not explain it to me and told me not to worry about it. However, with what Thomas Monson just said, about alcohol and how it "clouds thinking, removes inhibitions, fractures families, shatters dreams, and shortens life"; one has to ask why these inspired men of God, would allow it to be served in their malls, which are really the Lord's malls now. Jesus must be very disappointed with this decision by his current Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley and I hope that there will be some type of supernatural intervention, since we are promised that they will not and cannot, ever lead us astray. To recap, Thomas S. Monson said, in referring to alcohol and drugs: "They are everywhere to be found and are placed purposely in the pathway of vulnerable youth." So, I ask; why would Thomas S. Monson and Gordon B. Hinckley, want to be a part of the "alcohol is everywhere" worldly ways of Satan? It just doesn't make sense! Are they not, through their actions, "purposely placing alcohol in the pathway of vulnerable youth?" Is that not what Satan does, according to Thomas S. Monson? He says that it is "purposely placed" meaning that Satan is doing it, right? Now they are doing it too, just like Satan? I just can't stop asking why and it truly torments my soul to the very core. I asked a best friend about this the other day and he explained it this way: "There is opposition in all things and the church is just placing opposition in people's paths, so that they can overcome the temptation and prove their love for God." He also said: "Our leaders can never lead us astray and so the decision to allow alcohol to be served, in the church's malls, came directly from Jesus Christ to Gordon B. Hinckley, through direct and inspired revelation. We are taught to follow the Prophets and Apostles and support them in all things, at all times and if we don't support the church's malls serving alcohol; then we don't belong in the church and we should be excommunicated for our rebellion or resign immediately." But, excommunication for what? For upholding a value and belief, that I was taught since birth and even in the April 2006 General Conference, by Prophets, Apostles and my parents, that alcohol is evil and destroys families and individuals? For holding God's Prophets, Seers and Revelators, to the same standards that I'm supposed to keep? Now, I'm supposed to just turn a blind eye? Can anyone explain this to me and help me out here? I just don't know how we can believe and teach one thing as a church and members and then go out and do the exact opposite. Isn't that hypocrisy? Sadly, I'm beginning to think the only reason they did it was for money, but I hope that's not the answer. I'll say the same thing to the church, that I say to the Marriotts: If you can't maintain your standards in the businesses you own and can't be "in the world, but not off the world", practicing what you preach, then you should sell the businesses and get out immediately and not sell your soul to the devil. This talk was originally given in the April 2006 General Conference.

 True to the Faith-Thomas S. Monson-Part 1 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:02:28

This is part 1 of this great talk, by this great and powerful man, with an incredible gift of speaking, in which he describes the dangers of pornography. At the end of this clip, he states: "Avoid any semblance of pornography. It will desensitize the spirit and erode the conscience. We are told in the Doctrine and Covenants, "That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness."5 Such is pornography." One can only hope that J. Willard Marriott Jr. is listening to and learning from this powerful advice from the next Prophet, Seer and Revelator of God, Thomas S. Monson. I don't know how or why the Marriotts sell and profit from hardcore pornography in their hotels or how they justify it, but it has to end now. J. Willard Marriott Jr. is currently an Area Authority Seventy who talks at many Stake Conferences and somehow I don't think selling hardcore pornography in your hotels, is keeping with the spirit of his calling, beliefs or church and it sets a horrible example to the world of Mormonism and makes us all look like hypocrites. Quite honestly, I'm embarrassed and angered by it and I hope he doesn't pay tithing on this money. In the April 2006 General Conference, Richard G. Scott referenced J. Willard Marriott Jr. and what a positive influence he had on his daughter, as a Bishop, in encouraging her to serve a mission: "As she sat down before a choice bishop, she asked, "What do you think of my serving a full-time mission?" The bishop jumped from his chair, clapped his hands on the desk, and said, 'That is the greatest thing I could imagine for you.' That comment tipped the scales." "Mary Lee served a most effective mission in Spain that unveiled hidden capacities, matured her spiritual development, and caused to flower capabilities that have blessed her as a wife and mother. The bishop that had such a profound influence in my daughter's life is J. Willard Marriott Jr., currently an Area Seventy. But we remember him most for what he did for our daughter Mary Lee...." Let's all hope that he will continue to be that great example and realize the grave and great error of his ways, by ceasing to sell and profit from hardcore pornography in his hotels. I wish he'd clap his hands on the desk and shout, "no more hardcore pornography in my motels." He owes all of us members a big apology for his actions. If he has no power at the top and can't stop it from being sold, due to the tremendous revenue it is generating for the shareholders; then he needs to get out now and repent quickly, before it is too late for him and the sins of everyone watching it are on his hands. The estimates are in the hundreds of millions of dollars, that the Marriott hotel chain profits each year, from this "darkness" and filth, that "desensitizes the spirit and erodes the conscience", according to the next great Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. Just remember everyone that we must be examples to the world, like a light that cannot be hid. We can't say one thing and then go out and do another and not expect to be called hypocrites, by those that we want to convert to "the one and only true church on earth." We must live our religion, not just preach it. We can't talk about the incredible dangers of pornography and then go out and sell it all day long, all over the world, unless you are J. Willard Marriott Jr. of course. Let's hope he will make the right decision. Let me end with Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley's words about the destructiveness of pornography, from the October 2000 General Conference, that Thomas S. Monson quotes: President Gordon B. Hinckley has said: "I fear this may be going on in some of your homes. It is vicious. It is lewd and filthy. It is enticing and habit-forming. It will take [you] down to destruction as surely as anything in this world. It is foul sleaze that makes its exploiters wealthy, its victims impoverished." This was a General Conference talk given in April 2006.

 True to the Faith-Thomas S. Monson-Part 1 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:02:28

This is part 1 of this great talk, by this great and powerful man, with an incredible gift of speaking, in which he describes the dangers of pornography. At the end of this clip, he states: "Avoid any semblance of pornography. It will desensitize the spirit and erode the conscience. We are told in the Doctrine and Covenants, "That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness."5 Such is pornography." One can only hope that J. Willard Marriott Jr. is listening to and learning from this powerful advice from the next Prophet, Seer and Revelator of God, Thomas S. Monson. I don't know how or why the Marriotts sell and profit from hardcore pornography in their hotels or how they justify it, but it has to end now. J. Willard Marriott Jr. is currently an Area Authority Seventy who talks at many Stake Conferences and somehow I don't think selling hardcore pornography in your hotels, is keeping with the spirit of his calling, beliefs or church and it sets a horrible example to the world of Mormonism and makes us all look like hypocrites. Quite honestly, I'm embarrassed and angered by it and I hope he doesn't pay tithing on this money. In the April 2006 General Conference, Richard G. Scott referenced J. Willard Marriott Jr. and what a positive influence he had on his daughter, as a Bishop, in encouraging her to serve a mission: "As she sat down before a choice bishop, she asked, "What do you think of my serving a full-time mission?" The bishop jumped from his chair, clapped his hands on the desk, and said, 'That is the greatest thing I could imagine for you.' That comment tipped the scales." "Mary Lee served a most effective mission in Spain that unveiled hidden capacities, matured her spiritual development, and caused to flower capabilities that have blessed her as a wife and mother. The bishop that had such a profound influence in my daughter's life is J. Willard Marriott Jr., currently an Area Seventy. But we remember him most for what he did for our daughter Mary Lee...." Let's all hope that he will continue to be that great example and realize the grave and great error of his ways, by ceasing to sell and profit from hardcore pornography in his hotels. I wish he'd clap his hands on the desk and shout, "no more hardcore pornography in my motels." He owes all of us members a big apology for his actions. If he has no power at the top and can't stop it from being sold, due to the tremendous revenue it is generating for the shareholders; then he needs to get out now and repent quickly, before it is too late for him and the sins of everyone watching it are on his hands. The estimates are in the hundreds of millions of dollars, that the Marriott hotel chain profits each year, from this "darkness" and filth, that "desensitizes the spirit and erodes the conscience", according to the next great Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. Just remember everyone that we must be examples to the world, like a light that cannot be hid. We can't say one thing and then go out and do another and not expect to be called hypocrites, by those that we want to convert to "the one and only true church on earth." We must live our religion, not just preach it. We can't talk about the incredible dangers of pornography and then go out and sell it all day long, all over the world, unless you are J. Willard Marriott Jr. of course. Let's hope he will make the right decision. Let me end with Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley's words about the destructiveness of pornography, from the October 2000 General Conference, that Thomas S. Monson quotes: President Gordon B. Hinckley has said: "I fear this may be going on in some of your homes. It is vicious. It is lewd and filthy. It is enticing and habit-forming. It will take [you] down to destruction as surely as anything in this world. It is foul sleaze that makes its exploiters wealthy, its victims impoverished." This was a General Conference talk given in April 2006.

 Free Agency and Freedom-Dallin H. Oaks | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:00:44

Everyone is always wondering if the General Authorities have ever condemned caffeine, which they clearly have, no matter how people try to justify it, in order to feel better about their addiction to it. There is a reason people, that you can't buy caffeinated drinks on BYU's campus. If it was allowed, you could buy them at BYU, plain and simple. In this talk, Dallin H. Oaks says: "We should avoid any behavior that is addictive. Whatever is addictive compromises our will. Subjecting our will to the overbearing impulses imposed by any form of addiction serves Satan's purposes and subverts our Heavenly Father's. This applies to addictions to drugs (such as narcotics, alcohol, nicotine, or CAFFEINE), addiction to practices such as gambling, and any other addictive behavior. We can avoid addictions by keeping the commandments of God." If this isn't clear, then I don't know what is? Summarizing this clip, Dallin H. Oaks clearly says that anything addictive, "compromises our will." Also, that anything addictive "serves Satan's purposes and subverts our Heavenly Father's." Now that's powerful, isn't it? Do we really want to subject ourselves unto Satan? I hope not. Also, he clearly refers to CAFFEINE as a DRUG, which it is and a highly addictive drug of Satan, to try and hook us and take away our will and free agency. So, the next time you want to drink a Pepsi or Coke, or drink some hot chocolate or even eat a chocolate candy bar; please remember the pleadings of Dallin H. Oaks, an inspired Prophet, Seer and Revelator of God, to avoid anything "addictive" or you will find yourself subject unto the devil. Try to always find yourself "keeping the commandments of God" and you'll be just fine and be able to overcome the temptation and/or addiction, if you already have it. This talk was originally given at a fireside address at Brigham Young University on October 11, 1987.

 Free Agency and Freedom-Dallin H. Oaks | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:00:44

Everyone is always wondering if the General Authorities have ever condemned caffeine, which they clearly have, no matter how people try to justify it, in order to feel better about their addiction to it. There is a reason people, that you can't buy caffeinated drinks on BYU's campus. If it was allowed, you could buy them at BYU, plain and simple. In this talk, Dallin H. Oaks says: "We should avoid any behavior that is addictive. Whatever is addictive compromises our will. Subjecting our will to the overbearing impulses imposed by any form of addiction serves Satan's purposes and subverts our Heavenly Father's. This applies to addictions to drugs (such as narcotics, alcohol, nicotine, or CAFFEINE), addiction to practices such as gambling, and any other addictive behavior. We can avoid addictions by keeping the commandments of God." If this isn't clear, then I don't know what is? Summarizing this clip, Dallin H. Oaks clearly says that anything addictive, "compromises our will." Also, that anything addictive "serves Satan's purposes and subverts our Heavenly Father's." Now that's powerful, isn't it? Do we really want to subject ourselves unto Satan? I hope not. Also, he clearly refers to CAFFEINE as a DRUG, which it is and a highly addictive drug of Satan, to try and hook us and take away our will and free agency. So, the next time you want to drink a Pepsi or Coke, or drink some hot chocolate or even eat a chocolate candy bar; please remember the pleadings of Dallin H. Oaks, an inspired Prophet, Seer and Revelator of God, to avoid anything "addictive" or you will find yourself subject unto the devil. Try to always find yourself "keeping the commandments of God" and you'll be just fine and be able to overcome the temptation and/or addiction, if you already have it. This talk was originally given at a fireside address at Brigham Young University on October 11, 1987.

  Heartfelt and Willing Obedience-David A. Bednar | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:02:47

First off, I want to apologize for the audio quality, as it's pretty bad on this one, but it's the best there is, that I could find. I just really felt the need to share this talk, because it re-visits the incredibly important earring issue one more time. This talk was in 2002 and he references the story his wife told in 2001 and that he re-told in 2005, at BYU-Provo. He shares a letter from a young woman who was so inspired by that talk, given by his wife Susan K. Bednar, that she went home and took out her 3 earrings, that she had in each ear, so that she wasn't like the girl in the story. She said that she was also "more cautious about the skirts she wore, making sure she would not show any skin." Thank You on behalf of all men! David A. Bednar then quotes the girl as saying: "But something more important happened as a result of listening to Sister Bednar's talk and following her counsel. I became more susceptible to the Spirit." The spirit was just waiting to contact her and help her and God wanted to bless her abundantly, but just couldn't do it, as long as she kept those darn earrings in her ears. Once removed, the spirit moved in and filled those extra holes, so to speak. He then tells everyone that "this young woman presently is serving as a full-time missionary." He says to "note how her initially conforming and complying obedience developed into heartfelt and willing obedience and led her into a remarkable opportunity to serve and to assist in building the Kingdom." It's just so amazing isn't it? I mean, if she hadn't heard that speech by Susan K. Bednar and been inspired to "heed a Prophet's pleading" and remove her 3 earrings in each ear; she most certainly wouldn't have been worthy to serve a full-time mission and would have lost the "remarkable opportunity to serve and to assist in building the Kingdom." What a blessing! David A. Bednar, then says, "Brigham Young University-Idaho is a set apart and sacred place where young men and women, with a remarkable capacity to obey." To me, the most powerful part of the speech, is when he says, "The true Spirit of Ricks is about progressing to and through "letter of the law" obedience to public and institutional commandments and toward the spirit of devoted discipleship and a private, personal, and individual change of heart. The letter from this young woman provides a powerful example of the impact of the Spirit of Ricks." It not about the spirit of the law folks, and never has been, at any point, rather "the letter of the law." I mean think about it. Even though he said last year at BYU-Provo, that it wasn't about the earrings; I think he was just making a different point, because it was all about the earrings and removing those 3 earrings in each ear, has helped this young woman for all eternity, to be "obedient to the letter of the law." That's what it's all about! If she hadn't simply and obediently removed those earrings; no mission and no eternal blessings would have been received. She may have even left the church, become rebellious and "kicked against the pricks", and lost her eternal family, who knows? From simple things(obedience), great things come to pass and miracles happen. I hope that all women out there will weigh whether it is worth throwing away your eternity, for some stupid earrings and a rebellious, reckless, irresponsible attitude? Please heed the Prophet's pleading and get those earrings out of your ears! Also, you men out there, should heed Susan K. and David A. Bednar's council and end any relationships you currently have with women that have more than one earring in each ear. It doesn't matter how much you love them or what wedding plans you may have. If they won't heed a "prophet's pleading", they are not the one for you, plain and simple, end of story. This talk was given at a devotional at BYU-Idaho, on June 27, 2002.

 Reverencing Womanhood-Susan Bednar-Part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:08:13

Here in part 2, Susan Bednar starts off by telling women how to pick out their clothes and test them, to see if they are modest or not. She describes what she does each time she gets dressed. She then tells a story about a young lady who bore here testimony and "professed her love for the Savior, and her desire for a temple marriage" but "in a terribly immodest and inappropriate outfit" and what a hypocrite the girl was to do this and that she really couldn't "love the Savior and dress immodestly." This young woman also wouldn't "qualify" for a temple marriage due to her immodesty, according to Susan Bednar and I would have to agree with this assessment, whole heartedly. Then, Susan Bednar surprised me, by sharing the same exact story(about a girl who wouldn't remove her extra earrings), that her husband David A. Bednar shared last year at BYU-Provo, May 10, 2005, called "Quick to Observe." In fact, it was the very first LDS Highlight podcast, back on July 31, 2006 and one of my favorites talks of all time. I had no idea that this was actually a story that his wife had shared 4 years before he did. He wouldn't have shared it too, and again, unless it was very important and something we needed to pay close attention and head to. What's amazing, is the almost word for word accuracy of the following statement, used by both Susan and David Bednar, 4 years apart. Susan and David both said: "This young man waited patiently for several weeks for the young woman to remove her extra earrings, but she didn't take them out. Her message of noncompliance to a prophet's pleading was a valuable piece of information for this young man." Susan Bednar then says: "he was looking for a girl who had the courage to follow the prophet. 'No decent man admires an immodest woman.'" So, she is saying that this young woman didn't have "the courage to follow the Prophet Hinckley's "pleading", which is so sad and unfortunate. I'm glad that young man dumped her, if that was her attitude, because he deserves much better than her. Susan then mentions that the wearing of additional earrings is Immodest, because, "'No decent man admires an immodest woman.'" It's interesting that when David A Bednar shared this same, exact story at BYU, he said, "The issue was not earrings!" Susan Bednar makes it very clear, that it was all about the earrings and immodesty; so it leaves me a little confused, but I can see the big picture. This man did the right thing ending the relationship and one can only hope that this young woman learned how to be modest and follow a "prophet's pleading", by removing her additional earrings, that had no business being in her ears. Susan then goes on to say, "We live in an evil world. Satan is alive and well in the fashion industry." She talks about some young LDS women, that had the courage to take on the fashion industry, to counter Satan and what he is trying to do, by leading young women astray with styles of clothes. One can only hope that when the LDS church's malls open up in about 5 years, that they will be wise and never cater to that latest trends or have sexy or immodest dresses in their malls, that are for young girls or any women for that matter. They can set the standards for the world and show everyone how it is done. Susan Bednar then says: "...If we desire the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we must invite it by dressing modestly. If we desire a temple marriage, we must prepare now by dressing modestly." So, if women dress immodestly, they will not have the companionship of the Holy Ghost or be able to have a temple marriage. I call that pretty darn important, don't you? Dress modestly women and you will be blessed richly. This talk was originally given at a 6 Stake Fireside, on September 16, 2001, 5 days after the 911 attacks in New York. I'm so glad that Susan Bednar was able to stick to the most important things, during those very difficult days.

  Heartfelt and Willing Obedience-David A. Bednar | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:02:47

First off, I want to apologize for the audio quality, as it's pretty bad on this one, but it's the best there is, that I could find. I just really felt the need to share this talk, because it re-visits the incredibly important earring issue one more time. This talk was in 2002 and he references the story his wife told in 2001 and that he re-told in 2005, at BYU-Provo. He shares a letter from a young woman who was so inspired by that talk, given by his wife Susan K. Bednar, that she went home and took out her 3 earrings, that she had in each ear, so that she wasn't like the girl in the story. She said that she was also "more cautious about the skirts she wore, making sure she would not show any skin." Thank You on behalf of all men! David A. Bednar then quotes the girl as saying: "But something more important happened as a result of listening to Sister Bednar's talk and following her counsel. I became more susceptible to the Spirit." The spirit was just waiting to contact her and help her and God wanted to bless her abundantly, but just couldn't do it, as long as she kept those darn earrings in her ears. Once removed, the spirit moved in and filled those extra holes, so to speak. He then tells everyone that "this young woman presently is serving as a full-time missionary." He says to "note how her initially conforming and complying obedience developed into heartfelt and willing obedience and led her into a remarkable opportunity to serve and to assist in building the Kingdom." It's just so amazing isn't it? I mean, if she hadn't heard that speech by Susan K. Bednar and been inspired to "heed a Prophet's pleading" and remove her 3 earrings in each ear; she most certainly wouldn't have been worthy to serve a full-time mission and would have lost the "remarkable opportunity to serve and to assist in building the Kingdom." What a blessing! David A. Bednar, then says, "Brigham Young University-Idaho is a set apart and sacred place where young men and women, with a remarkable capacity to obey." To me, the most powerful part of the speech, is when he says, "The true Spirit of Ricks is about progressing to and through "letter of the law" obedience to public and institutional commandments and toward the spirit of devoted discipleship and a private, personal, and individual change of heart. The letter from this young woman provides a powerful example of the impact of the Spirit of Ricks." It not about the spirit of the law folks, and never has been, at any point, rather "the letter of the law." I mean think about it. Even though he said last year at BYU-Provo, that it wasn't about the earrings; I think he was just making a different point, because it was all about the earrings and removing those 3 earrings in each ear, has helped this young woman for all eternity, to be "obedient to the letter of the law." That's what it's all about! If she hadn't simply and obediently removed those earrings; no mission and no eternal blessings would have been received. She may have even left the church, become rebellious and "kicked against the pricks", and lost her eternal family, who knows? From simple things(obedience), great things come to pass and miracles happen. I hope that all women out there will weigh whether it is worth throwing away your eternity, for some stupid earrings and a rebellious, reckless, irresponsible attitude? Please heed the Prophet's pleading and get those earrings out of your ears! Also, you men out there, should heed Susan K. and David A. Bednar's council and end any relationships you currently have with women that have more than one earring in each ear. It doesn't matter how much you love them or what wedding plans you may have. If they won't heed a "prophet's pleading", they are not the one for you, plain and simple, end of story. This talk was given at a devotional at BYU-Idaho, on June 27, 2002.

 Reverencing Womanhood-Susan Bednar-Part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:08:13

Here in part 2, Susan Bednar starts off by telling women how to pick out their clothes and test them, to see if they are modest or not. She describes what she does each time she gets dressed. She then tells a story about a young lady who bore here testimony and "professed her love for the Savior, and her desire for a temple marriage" but "in a terribly immodest and inappropriate outfit" and what a hypocrite the girl was to do this and that she really couldn't "love the Savior and dress immodestly." This young woman also wouldn't "qualify" for a temple marriage due to her immodesty, according to Susan Bednar and I would have to agree with this assessment, whole heartedly. Then, Susan Bednar surprised me, by sharing the same exact story(about a girl who wouldn't remove her extra earrings), that her husband David A. Bednar shared last year at BYU-Provo, May 10, 2005, called "Quick to Observe." In fact, it was the very first LDS Highlight podcast, back on July 31, 2006 and one of my favorites talks of all time. I had no idea that this was actually a story that his wife had shared 4 years before he did. He wouldn't have shared it too, and again, unless it was very important and something we needed to pay close attention and head to. What's amazing, is the almost word for word accuracy of the following statement, used by both Susan and David Bednar, 4 years apart. Susan and David both said: "This young man waited patiently for several weeks for the young woman to remove her extra earrings, but she didn't take them out. Her message of noncompliance to a prophet's pleading was a valuable piece of information for this young man." Susan Bednar then says: "he was looking for a girl who had the courage to follow the prophet. 'No decent man admires an immodest woman.'" So, she is saying that this young woman didn't have "the courage to follow the Prophet Hinckley's "pleading", which is so sad and unfortunate. I'm glad that young man dumped her, if that was her attitude, because he deserves much better than her. Susan then mentions that the wearing of additional earrings is Immodest, because, "'No decent man admires an immodest woman.'" It's interesting that when David A Bednar shared this same, exact story at BYU, he said, "The issue was not earrings!" Susan Bednar makes it very clear, that it was all about the earrings and immodesty; so it leaves me a little confused, but I can see the big picture. This man did the right thing ending the relationship and one can only hope that this young woman learned how to be modest and follow a "prophet's pleading", by removing her additional earrings, that had no business being in her ears. Susan then goes on to say, "We live in an evil world. Satan is alive and well in the fashion industry." She talks about some young LDS women, that had the courage to take on the fashion industry, to counter Satan and what he is trying to do, by leading young women astray with styles of clothes. One can only hope that when the LDS church's malls open up in about 5 years, that they will be wise and never cater to that latest trends or have sexy or immodest dresses in their malls, that are for young girls or any women for that matter. They can set the standards for the world and show everyone how it is done. Susan Bednar then says: "...If we desire the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we must invite it by dressing modestly. If we desire a temple marriage, we must prepare now by dressing modestly." So, if women dress immodestly, they will not have the companionship of the Holy Ghost or be able to have a temple marriage. I call that pretty darn important, don't you? Dress modestly women and you will be blessed richly. This talk was originally given at a 6 Stake Fireside, on September 16, 2001, 5 days after the 911 attacks in New York. I'm so glad that Susan Bednar was able to stick to the most important things, during those very difficult days.

 Reverencing Womanhood-Susan Bednar-Part 1 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:08:37

Susan Bednar really chastises women in this talk, but with the spirit of course, while telling them how their inappropriate attire, leads men to have impure thoughts and actions. She quotes a letter from Emily Eyring Robertson(probably the daughter of Henry B. Eyring) that states: "Rather than being disappointed or confused by girls who dress immodestly in spite of the Honor Code, I find myself getting angry at them. They subject my husband, other women's husbands, and men in general who are trying to stay clean, to seeing more than they want to of something that is naturally hard for them to avoid...they contribute to the breakup of marriages and families. It seems like a drastic conclusion, but that's what it comes down to.." Wow, I agree with everything Emily said. Men always try to be on their best behavior, but it's so hard, when women dress so immodestly. Susan Bednar then says: "You can't believe all the female students I've walked past who were sitting in a chair, and when I looked down I could see their underwear or even worse. I think you know what I mean. I'm sorry to be so blunt. I'm just telling you what I saw." and: "These past few weeks I've been shocked by all the low-rise jeans, short tops, and navels I have seen on campus. Ladies, your pants just barely cover the private areas of your bodies. They are so revealing....for more than a year now, I've been so disappointed by all the tight-fitting, low-cut tops I've seen.....Some of the tops you wear show every bump and every curve on your breast. They fit you like a wet swimming suit with no padding..." Then, the best part of this talk is when she tells girls how to sit properly when wearing a dress and how to cross their legs so that you can't see everything under the dress. She said: "A few months ago I was sitting on the stand in this building when I counted the girls on the front row who were wearing dresses for devotional, and then I noted how many of them were sitting modestly. There were just a few. Now you might say, "Sister Bednar, come on, lighten up. They wore dresses. Give them a break." But girls, when you wear a dress, you need to sit with your legs together, close together. When you are sitting up in the bleachers, put your feet down in front of you, not up on the next bleacher; you'd be amazed at what you can see. You need to make sure that when you cross your legs your dress isn't so short that you can see to high heaven! I felt sorry for the priesthood leaders on the stand with me that day....You would have been embarrassed, too." I just thought it was interesting when she said that she could see to "high heaven", when looking up the girl's dresses. I'm not sure why she is looking up girl's dresses and walking around campus noticing "how revealing their clothes are", how she could see their "navel" and "underwear or even worse", and how they show "every bump and every curve on their breast", as it feels a little strange and odd to me, but I understand the point she's making. At least as the wife of an Apostle, she is no longer subjected to such awful things and sites, on a daily basis and having to look at the panties and "high heaven", of the girls sitting on the front row, up in the balcony. Then again, if they ever go to BYU to speak again, she may have to look up more dresses, which I hope she doesn't. Hopefully the girls learned from this talk not to show their "high heaven" anymore. I'm sure that this talk helped a lot of young women in attendance that day, to know how to keep their legs together when wearing a dress and to not put impure thoughts into the heads of good men. Despite the seriousness of this talk, Susan Bednar did get quite a few big laughs from the girls. This talk was originally given a 6 Stake Fireside, on September 16, 2001, 5 days after the 911 attacks in New York. I'm so glad that Susan Bednar was able to stick to the most important things, during those very difficult days.

 Reverencing Womanhood-Susan Bednar-Part 1 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:08:37

Susan Bednar really chastises women in this talk, but with the spirit of course, while telling them how their inappropriate attire, leads men to have impure thoughts and actions. She quotes a letter from Emily Eyring Robertson(probably the daughter of Henry B. Eyring) that states: "Rather than being disappointed or confused by girls who dress immodestly in spite of the Honor Code, I find myself getting angry at them. They subject my husband, other women's husbands, and men in general who are trying to stay clean, to seeing more than they want to of something that is naturally hard for them to avoid...they contribute to the breakup of marriages and families. It seems like a drastic conclusion, but that's what it comes down to.." Wow, I agree with everything Emily said. Men always try to be on their best behavior, but it's so hard, when women dress so immodestly. Susan Bednar then says: "You can't believe all the female students I've walked past who were sitting in a chair, and when I looked down I could see their underwear or even worse. I think you know what I mean. I'm sorry to be so blunt. I'm just telling you what I saw." and: "These past few weeks I've been shocked by all the low-rise jeans, short tops, and navels I have seen on campus. Ladies, your pants just barely cover the private areas of your bodies. They are so revealing....for more than a year now, I've been so disappointed by all the tight-fitting, low-cut tops I've seen.....Some of the tops you wear show every bump and every curve on your breast. They fit you like a wet swimming suit with no padding..." Then, the best part of this talk is when she tells girls how to sit properly when wearing a dress and how to cross their legs so that you can't see everything under the dress. She said: "A few months ago I was sitting on the stand in this building when I counted the girls on the front row who were wearing dresses for devotional, and then I noted how many of them were sitting modestly. There were just a few. Now you might say, "Sister Bednar, come on, lighten up. They wore dresses. Give them a break." But girls, when you wear a dress, you need to sit with your legs together, close together. When you are sitting up in the bleachers, put your feet down in front of you, not up on the next bleacher; you'd be amazed at what you can see. You need to make sure that when you cross your legs your dress isn't so short that you can see to high heaven! I felt sorry for the priesthood leaders on the stand with me that day....You would have been embarrassed, too." I just thought it was interesting when she said that she could see to "high heaven", when looking up the girl's dresses. I'm not sure why she is looking up girl's dresses and walking around campus noticing "how revealing their clothes are", how she could see their "navel" and "underwear or even worse", and how they show "every bump and every curve on their breast", as it feels a little strange and odd to me, but I understand the point she's making. At least as the wife of an Apostle, she is no longer subjected to such awful things and sites, on a daily basis and having to look at the panties and "high heaven", of the girls sitting on the front row, up in the balcony. Then again, if they ever go to BYU to speak again, she may have to look up more dresses, which I hope she doesn't. Hopefully the girls learned from this talk not to show their "high heaven" anymore. I'm sure that this talk helped a lot of young women in attendance that day, to know how to keep their legs together when wearing a dress and to not put impure thoughts into the heads of good men. Despite the seriousness of this talk, Susan Bednar did get quite a few big laughs from the girls. This talk was originally given a 6 Stake Fireside, on September 16, 2001, 5 days after the 911 attacks in New York. I'm so glad that Susan Bednar was able to stick to the most important things, during those very difficult days.

 He Knows Us; He Loves Us-Sydney S. Reynolds | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:03:38

I just can't stress enough the importance of paying tithing and as we've learned, it is even more important than "feeding our families", if we have to choose between the two. This incredible talk by Sydney S. Reynolds once again shows how tithing, even when a man and his family had nothing; payed huge, life changing dividends, that wouldn't have happened otherwise. She talks about a man named John Orth, who had a terrible accident and had hot molten lead splashed onto his face and body. He lost complete vision in one eye and didn't have very good vision in his other eye. As a consequence, he lost his job, due to his poor eyesight. She says: "He was forced to go door-to-door seeking odd jobs and handouts to pay for food and rent." So, it's very clear that they had nothing. When it gets to the point that one has to "go door-to-door seeking odd jobs and handouts to pay for food and rent", things have gotten as bad as they can possibly get. other than death itself. He then went to see his Branch President, after a year of not paying tithing. The Branch President understood the situation and what a horrible time they'd been through, "but asked John to make it a matter of prayer and fasting so that he could find a way to pay his tithing." Of course, since John was out begging for food and had nothing to tithe on at all, "John and his wife, Alice, fasted and prayed and determined that the only thing of value they owned was her engagement ring—a beautiful ring bought in happier times." So, they went and pawned it out and then paid their tithing and some outstanding bills, even though it broke their hearts. It's obvious that the Bishop could not financially help a member that wasn't a full-tithe payer, no matter how much they were in need and suffering, because it just wouldn't be right or just. Well, a funny thing happened on his way to pay his tithing. As he left the Bishop's office, after paying his tithing from the ring they pawned; he ran into the Mission President, who just happened to be there and who just happened to be an eye doctor. Long story short, “President Dr. Rees” who was Sydney's Mother's Father; helped the man regain 95% vision in one eye and 15% in the other eye. As a result of this, "with his vision restored, John was never unemployed again; redeemed the ring, which is now a family heirloom; and paid a full tithing for the rest of his life. The Lord knew John Orth, and He knew who could help him." She then says: "Generations were blessed because a family decided they would pay their tithing regardless of the difficulty—and then met a man who 'happened by' and 'happened' to be an eye surgeon..." There is so much to learn here, but the bottom line is that unless this man had belonged to the LDS church and pawned off his wives engagement ring, to become a full-tithe payer, even when he had nothing and had to go door to door begging for food; he never would have regained his eyesight, or a job and would have suffered greatly, along with his family, until the day he died and probably for the rest of eternity. Just because he paid his tithing, everything changed and he was blessed for eternity instead, along with his family. Heavenly Father wanted to richly bless him and his family, but could not and would not, until he sacrificed everything and became a full-tithe payer, even when he had nothing to tithe on. Just another powerful example of how there is no excuse, or reason ever, even if we are begging on the streets for survival, to not pay our tithing. If this man, who had nothing, can pay his tithing, we can all pay our tithing and assure ourselves that we won't be "burned as stubble", like it says in the Doctrine and Covenants and like President Gordon B. Hinckley promises will happen to all of those that don't pay their tithing. What a wonderful, inspiring talk. This talk was originally given in the October 2003 General Conference.

Comments

Login or signup comment.