Like Most Who Officiate in Healing Blessings, I Have Often Struggled With Uncertainty of the Words I Should Say

Another part of a priesthood blessing is the words of blessing spoken by the elder after he seals the anointing. These words can be very important, but their content is not essential and they are not recorded on the records of the Church. In some priesthood blessings—like a patriarchal blessing—the words spoken are the essence of the blessing. But in a healing blessing it is the other parts of the blessing—the anointing, the sealing, faith, and the will of the Lord—that are the essential elements.

Ideally, the elder who officiates will be so in tune with the Spirit of the Lord that he will know and declare the will of the Lord in the words of the blessing. Brigham Young taught priesthood holders, “It is your privilege and duty to live so that you know when the word of the Lord is spoken to you and when the mind of the Lord is revealed to you.” ¹³ When that happens, the spoken blessing is fulfilled literally and miraculously. On some choice occasions I have experienced that certainty of inspiration in a healing blessing and have known that what I was saying was the will of the Lord. However, like most who officiate in healing blessings, I have often struggled with uncertainty on the words I should say. For a variety of causes, every elder experiences increases and decreases in his level of sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit. Every elder who gives a blessing is subject to influence by what he desires for the person afflicted. Each of these and other mortal imperfections can influence the words we speak.

Fortunately, the words spoken in a healing blessing are not essential to its healing effect. If faith is sufficient and if the Lord wills it, the afflicted person will be healed or blessed whether the officiator speaks those words or not. Conversely, if the officiator yields to personal desire or inexperience and gives commands or words of blessing in excess of what the Lord chooses to bestow according to the faith of the individual, those words will not be fulfilled. Consequently, brethren, no elder should ever hesitate to participate in a healing blessing because of fear that he will not know what to say. The words spoken in a healing blessing can edify and energize the faith of those who hear them, but the effect of the blessing is dependent upon faith and the Lord’s will, not upon the words spoken by the elder who officiated.

Dallin H. Oaks, "Healing the Sick", Ensign, May 2010, 47–50

People Bound by the Chains of True Addictions Often Need More Help Than Self-Help

Acknowledge that people bound by the chains of true addictions often need more help than self-help, and that may include you. Seek that help and welcome it. Talk to your bishop. Follow his counsel. Ask for a priesthood blessing. Use the Church’s Family Services offerings or seek other suitable professional help. Pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you.

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul", Ensign, May 2010, 44–46

Blast a Crater In Their Brains Forever

Most days we all find ourselves assaulted by immoral messages of some kind flooding in on us from every angle. The darker sides of the movie, television, and music industry step further and further into offensive language and sexual misconduct. Tragically, the same computer and Internet service that allows me to do my family history and prepare those names for temple work could, without filters and controls, allow my children or grandchildren access to a global cesspool of perceptions that could blast a crater in their brains forever.

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul", Ensign, May 2010, 44–46

The Seeds of Alienation and Transgression Had Begun With an Attraction to Pornography

As Sister Holland and I recently disembarked at a distant airport, three beautiful young women getting off the same flight hurried up to greet us. They identified themselves as members of the Church, which wasn’t too surprising because those not of our faith usually don’t rush up to us in airports. In a conversation we hadn’t expected, we soon learned through their tears that all three of these women were recently divorced, that in each case their husbands had been unfaithful to them, and in each case the seeds of alienation and transgression had begun with an attraction to pornography.

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul", Ensign, May 2010, 44–46

The Tuition of Diligence and of Learning by Study and Also by Faith Must Be Paid To Obtain and Personally "own" [A Testimony]."

The spiritual understanding you and I have been blessed to receive, and which has been confirmed as true in our hearts, simply cannot be given to our children. The tuition of diligence and of learning by study and also by faith must be paid to obtain and personally “own” such knowledge. Only in this way can what is known in the mind also be felt in the heart. Only in this way can a child move beyond relying upon the spiritual knowledge and experiences of parents and adults and claim those blessings for himself or herself. Only in this way can our children be prepared spiritually for the challenges of mortality.

David A. Bednar, "Watching with All Perseverance", Ensign, May 2010, 40–43

The Safety of the Church Lies In the Members Keeping the Commandments

At the time of his appointment as President of the Church, Harold B. Lee said: “The safety of the Church lies in the members keeping the commandments. … As they keep the commandments, blessings will come.” ¹

Harold B. Lee, quoted in Stephen W. Gibson, “Presidency Meets the Press,” Church News, July 15, 1972, 3

Quoted by Bruce A. Carlson, "When the Lord Commands", Ensign, May 2010, 38–40

The Scriptures Enlarge Our Memory

The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally. None of us was present to see the Red Sea part and cross with Moses between walls of water to the other side. We were not there to hear the Sermon on the Mount, to see Lazarus raised from the dead, to see the suffering Savior in Gethsemane and on the cross, and we did not, with Mary, hear the two angels testify at the empty tomb that Jesus was risen from the dead. You and I did not go forward one by one with the multitude in the land Bountiful at the resurrected Savior’s invitation to feel the prints of the nails and bathe His feet with our tears. We did not kneel beside Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove and gaze there upon the Father and the Son. Yet we know all these things and much, much more because we have the scriptural record to enlarge our memory, to teach us what we did not know. And as these things penetrate our minds and hearts, our faith in God and His Beloved Son takes root.

D. Todd Christofferson, "The Blessing of Scripture", Ensign, May 2010, 32–35

Parents Must Bring Light and Truth Into Their Homes By One Family Prayer, One Scripture Study Session, One Family Home Evening, One Book Read Aloud...

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.

L. Tom Perry, "Mothers Teaching Children in the Home", Ensign, May 2010, 29–31

[Immodesty] Never Has Been Nor Will It Ever Be Within the Righteous Definition of A Faithful Daughter of God

Remember, sisters, God is the source of all moral and spiritual power. We gain access to that power by entering into covenants with Him and keeping those covenants. Mothers, teach your daughters the importance of making covenants, and then show them how to keep those covenants in such a way that they will desire to live worthy to go to the temple.

In today’s world this means talking to your daughters about sexual matters. Your daughters as well as your sons are coming of age in a world that openly embraces early, casual, and thoughtless promiscuity. Immodest, unchaste women are glamorized and all too often celebrated and emulated. While there are steps that we can take in our homes and families to minimize our exposure to these unsavory elements of contemporary living, your daughters cannot entirely avoid the blatant sexual messages and enticements that surround them. You need to have frequent, open discussions during which you teach your daughters the truth about these issues.

For example, they need to understand that when they wear clothing that is too tight, too short, or too low cut, they not only can send the wrong message to young men with whom they associate, but they also perpetuate in their own minds the fallacy that a woman’s value is dependent solely upon her sensual appeal. This never has been nor will it ever be within the righteous definition of a faithful daughter of God. They need to hear this—clearly and repeatedly—from your lips, and they need to see it modeled correctly and consistently in your own personal standards of dress, grooming, and modest living.

Mothers and Daughters

April 2010

2010–2019

M. Russell Ballard

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-and-daughters?lang=eng&verse=#p

April 2010

2010–2019

M. Russell Ballard

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-and-daughters?lang=eng&verse=#p

M. Russell Ballard, "Mothers and Daughters", Ensign, May 2010, 18–21

Young Women, Your Mothers Adore You

Young women, your mothers adore you. They see in you the promise of future generations. Everything you accomplish, every challenge you overcome brings them pure joy. And likewise your worries and heartaches are their worries and heartaches

M. Russell Ballard, "Mothers and Daughters", Ensign, May 2010, 18–21

Our Path of Duty Is Clearly Marked

I bear my witness that our path of duty is clearly marked by an undivided faith and belief in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the power of prayer. This path is to be traveled by all of God’s children who love Him and desire to keep His commandments. For the young, it leads to personal achievement and preparation; for adults, it leads to renewed faith and resolve; for the older generation, it leads to perspective and endurance in righteousness to the end. It equips every faithful traveler with the strength of the Lord, protects him from the evils of the day, and endows him with the knowledge that “the conclusion of the whole matter [is to] Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” ²⁶

Keith B. McMullin, "Our Path of Duty", Ensign, May 2010, 13–15

The Scriptures Are An Aid To Revelation

Many answers to difficult questions are found by reading the scriptures because the scriptures are an aid to revelation. ³ Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day. Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord’s Spirit with us. ⁴ Those who earnestly seek help through prayer and scripture study often have a paper and pencil nearby to write questions and record impressions and ideas.

Julie B. Beck, "“And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit”",Ensign, May 2010, 10–12

There WIll Be Times When All That Stands as A Shield Between Your Family and The Adversary's Mischief Will Be [the Priesthood Power].

Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary’s mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood", Ensign, May 2010, 6–10

Distributing the Authority of the Priesthood Has Raced...Ahead of Distributing the Power of the Priesthood

We have done very well at distributing the authority of the priesthood. We have priesthood authority planted nearly everywhere. We have quorums of elders and high priests worldwide. But distributing theauthority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing thepower of the priesthood. The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be....Authority in the priesthood comes by way of ordination; power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honoring covenants. It is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness.

Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood", Ensign, May 2010, 6–10

We Are Who We Are, And We Know What We Know....It Is...Certain That We Will Win The Battle Against Satan

we are a tiny fraction when compared to the billions of people on earth. But we are who we are, and we know what we know, and we are to go forth and preach the gospel....We can and in due time certainly will influence all of humanity. It will be known who we are and why we are. It might seem hopeless; it is monumentally difficult; but it is not only possible but certain that we will win the battle against Satan.

Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood", Ensign, May 2010, 6–10

When A Man Holds The Priesthood It Requires Full Dedication and Loyalty

The Relief Society, the Prophet [Joseph] told us, is organized after the pattern of the priesthood. When a man holds the priesthood, … it requires full dedication and loyalty. …

Julie B. Beck, "Relief Society: A Sacred Work", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 110–14

Seeking To Be Neutral About the Gospel Is, In Reality, To Reject the Existence of God and His Authority

I have heard a few parents state that they don’t want to impose the gospel on their children but want them to make up their own minds about what they will believe and follow. They think that in this way they are allowing children to exercise their agency. What they forget is that the intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the truth, of things as they really are (see D&C 93:24). Without that, young people can hardly be expected to understand and evaluate the alternatives that come before them. Parents should consider how the adversary approaches their children. He and his followers are not promoting objectivity but are vigorous, multimedia advocates of sin and selfishness.

Seeking to be neutral about the gospel is, in reality, to reject the existence of God and His authority. We must, rather, acknowledge Him and His omniscience if we want our children to see life’s choices clearly and be able to think for themselves. They should not have to learn by sad experience that “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10).

D. Todd Christofferson, "Moral Discipline", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 105–8

The Gospel's Grow is According to Plan

The gospel has gone forth on the earth in a pattern that ensures that God’s purposes to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man are fulfilled.

Joseph W. Sitati, "Blessings of the Gospel Available to All", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 103–5

Easiness and Willingness To Believe Not Circumstance Dependant But Commtment

An examination of our lives will reveal periods when we found it easier to believe the word of God. Periods of significant change, such as marriage or the birth of a child; periods of intense service from a new calling or a mission; periods in our youth with a wonderful bishop, youth leaders, and seminary teachers; periods of trials; and periods of growth from learning for the first time about the gospel are all periods of an easiness to believe. Perhaps the most significant period is childhood. As a child I found it easy to believe the word of God taught to me by valiant parents and grandparents. No wonder we are admonished to become as little children to inherit eternal life (see3 Nephi 11:38). No wonder we are taught to “bring up [our] children in light and truth” (D&C 93:40).

If you are like me, you will find what really brought an easiness and willingness to believe were not the circumstances but the commitment to live the gospel during these periods of life. You were found more often on your knees and immersed in the scriptures during these periods. You found it easier to gather for family home evening and family prayer. You found it easy to be in church and to worship in the temple. You found it easy to pay tithes and offerings. Indeed, the daily living of the gospel brings a softness of heart needed to have an easiness and willingness to believe the word of God.

Michael T. Ringwood, "An Easiness and Willingness to Believe", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 100–102

Integrity the Mother of May Virtues

President James E. Faust suggested that integrity is the mother of many virtues. He noted that integrity can be defined “as a firm adherence to a code of moral values.” He also suggested that “integrity is the light that shines from a disciplined conscience. It is the strength of duty within us” (“Integrity, the Mother of Many Virtues,” in Speaking Out on Moral Issues [1998], 61, 62). It is difficult for a person to display virtuous traits if he or she lacks integrity. Without integrity, honesty is often forgotten. If integrity is absent, civility is impaired. If integrity is not important, spirituality is difficult to maintain.

H. David Burton, "Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 76–78

Covenant to Put Welfare and Happiness of Your Spouse at the Center

A man and a woman are to make sacred covenants that they will put the welfare and happiness of the other at the center of their lives.

Henry B. Eyring, "Our Perfect Example", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 70–73

Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood

Each of us is a holder of the priesthood of God. The oath and covenant of the priesthood pertains to all of us. To those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, it is a declaration of our requirement to be faithful and obedient to the laws of God and to magnify the callings which come to us. To those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood, it is a pronouncement concerning future duty and responsibility, that you may prepare yourselves here and now.

Thomas S. Monson, "School Thy Feelings, O My Brother", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 62, 67–69

The Thing About Work--If We Simply Keep At It--Things Will Certainly Improve

I have seen enough ups and downs throughout my life to know that winter will surely give way to the warmth and hope of a new spring. I am optimistic about the future. Brethren, for our part, we must remain steadfast in hope, work with all our strength, and trust in God.... Although our situation didn’t change overnight, it did change. That’s the thing about work. If we simply keep at it—steady and constant—things certainly will improve.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 55–58

Priesthood Leaders Became Like Their Fathers, and Leaders' Wives Became Like Their Mothers

There are two basic principles that helped these young men become like the sons of Helaman. ² Even though the boys’ mothers were not members of the Church and did not understand the words of the Lord, priesthood leaders became like their fathers, and leaders’ wives became like their mothers.

Yoon Hwan Choi, "I Love Loud Boys", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 53–55

Communicate Openly and Clearly With Your Sons About Sexual Matters...Be Positive About How Wonderful And Beautiful Physical Intimacy Can Be.

I am especially concerned that we communicate openly and clearly with our sons about sexual matters. Your sons are growing up in a world that openly embraces and flaunts early, casual, and thoughtless promiscuity. Your sons simply cannot avoid the blatant sexual imagery, messages, and enticements that are all around them. Fathers and Church leaders need to have open and frequent discussions that teach and clarify how young men of the priesthood handle this issue. Be positive about how wonderful and beautiful physical intimacy can be when it happens within the bounds the Lord has set, including temple covenants and commitments of eternal marriage. Studies show that the biggest deterrent to casual sexual activity is a wholesome attitude that connects such personal relationships with genuine commitment and mature love. Fathers, if you have not had this “big talk” with your sons, please do so, and do it soon.

M. Russell Ballard, "Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 47–50

Dads Listen to Your Sons

A one-on-one relationship should be a routine part of your stewardship with your sons. Every father needs at least one focused, quality conversation with his sons every month during which they talk about specific things such as school, friends, feelings, video games, text messaging, worthiness, faith, and testimony. Where or when this happens isn’t nearly as important as the fact that it happens....Don’t think you have to try to fix everything or solve everything during these visits. Most of the time, the best thing you can do is just listen. Fathers who listen more than they talk find that their sons share more about what is really going on in their lives. Dads, listen to your sons.

M. Russell Ballard, "Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 47–50

There Is No Other Relationship Quite Like That Which Can and Should Exist Between a Boy and His Dad.

There is no other relationship quite like that which can and should exist between a boy and his dad. It can be one of the most nurturing, joyful relationships in life, one that can have a profound impact on who boys become and also on who dads become.

You see, we’re all on a journey. Dads are a little further down the road, but none of us has yet arrived at our final destination. We are all in the process of becoming who we will one day be. Fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be.

M. Russell Ballard, "Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 47–50

The Things That We Were Sent to Earth to Endure

Do not expect to be free entirely from trouble and disappointment and pain and discouragement, for these are the things that we were sent to earth to endure.

Boyd K. Packer, "Prayer and Promptings", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 43–46

The Spiritual Remedy to Any Problem Can Be Found

The gift of the Holy Ghost operates equally with men, women, and even little children. It is within this wondrous gift and power that the spiritual remedy to any problem can be found.

Boyd K. Packer, "Prayer and Promptings", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 43–46

For Most, Repenting Is Quiet and Quite Private, Daily Seeking the Lord's Help To Make Needed Changes

Some listening today may need “a mighty change [of] heart” ¹⁷ to confront serious sins. The help of a priesthood leader might be necessary. For most, repenting is quiet and quite private, daily seeking the Lord’s help to make needed changes.

For most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event. It is not easy. To change is difficult. It requires running into the wind, swimming upstream. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” ¹⁸ Repentance is turning away from some things, such as dishonesty, pride, anger, and impure thoughts, and turning toward other things, such as kindness, unselfishness, patience, and spirituality. It is “re-turning” toward God.

Neil L. Andersen, "“Repent … That I May Heal You”", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 40–43

Outlook Dominated by Skepticism, Cynicism, Criticism...the Spirit Cannot Be With Us

When we do not do what is right or when our outlook is dominated by skepticism, cynicism, criticism, and irreverence toward others and their beliefs, the Spirit cannot be with us. We then act in a way that the prophets describe as the natural man.

Robert D. Hales, "Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 29–32

The Love of God Does Not Supersede His Laws and His Commandments

I begin with four examples which illustrate some mortal confusion between love and law.

• A young adult in a cohabitation relationship tells grieving parents, “If you really loved me, you would accept me and my partner just like you accept your married children.”
• A youth reacts to parental commands or pressure by declaring, “If you really loved me, you wouldn’t force me.”

In these examples a person violating commandments asserts that parental love should override the commandments of divine law and the teachings of parents.

The next two examples show mortal confusion about the effect of God’s love.

• A person rejects the doctrine that a couple must be married for eternity to enjoy family relationships in the next life, declaring, “If God really loved us, I can’t believe He would separate husbands and wives in this way.”
• Another person says his faith has been destroyed by the suffering God allows to be inflicted on a person or a race, concluding, “If there was a God who loved us, He wouldn’t let this happen.”

These persons disbelieve eternal laws which they consider contrary to their concept of the effect of God’s love. Persons who take this position do not understand the nature of God’s love or the purpose of His laws and commandments. The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love. The same should be true of parental love and rules.

Dallin H. Oaks, "Love and Law", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 26–29

How Can We Hear the Father's Voice

As you reach out to your Heavenly Father, as you pray to Him in the name of Christ, He will answer you. He speaks to us everywhere.

As you read God’s word recorded in the scriptures, listen for His voice.

During this general conference and later as you study the words spoken here, listen for His voice.

As you visit the temple and attend Church meetings, listen for His voice.

Listen for the voice of the Father in the bounties and beauties of nature, in the gentle whisperings of the Spirit.

In your daily interactions with others, in the words of a hymn, in the laughter of a child, listen for His voice.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 21–24

We Need to Consistently Do More of What We Know Is Right

As disciples of the Savior, we are not merely striving to know more; rather, we need to consistently do more of what we know is right and become better.

David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 17–20

Abuse and Addictions Can Make Home Anything But a Heaven On Earth For Innocent Family Members

Abuse and addictions can make home anything but a heaven on earth for innocent family members.

L. Whitney Clayton, "That Your Burdens May Be Light", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 12–14

Sin is...Blinding to Reality

Sin is addictive; self-degenerating; conducive to other strains of corruption; deadening to spirituality, conscience, and reason; blinding to reality; contagious; destructive to mind, body, and spirit. Sin is spiritually corrosive. Unrestrained it becomes all-consuming. It is overcome by repentance and righteousness.

Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 6–9

Young People Can Detect Hypocrisy As Easily As They Can Smell The Wonderful Aroma of Freshly Baked Bread

You have heard the phrase “Your actions speak so loudly, I cannot hear your words.” Our actions indeed speak volumes about us. We need to stand tall in following the counsel of the prophets to attire ourselves modestly. “Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight [form-fitting] clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire” (For the Strength of Youth [2001], 12). Clothing that is modest, neat, and clean uplifts. Immodest clothing degrades. If there is any question, ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?” (For the Strength of Youth, 13). Mothers, you can be our examples and conscience in this important matter. But remember, young people can detect hypocrisy as easily as they can smell the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread. Parents, counsel your sons and daughters and then join with them in standing tall against immodesty.


H. David Burton, "Standing Tall", Ensign, Nov. 2001, 65–66