This week on social media, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared about the power of remembering, gratitude and preparation for the house of the Lord.
For the German National Day of Remembrance, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles went to a ceremony commemorating the event.
“In preparing for this year’s ceremony, I considered if I was attending as a German, or as an American, or as a military representative, or as a Church representative. Although I am always all of those things, I decided to attend as a child of God.”
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson posted an experience of a Relief Society sister after this introduction:
“As we mentioned, we are going to start sharing stories of when YOU received relief. As you see them in our feeds, you’ll see this hand and heart icon to instantly let you know what type of post it will be. I’d love to have you share moments when you have received relief in the comments and DM!”
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Aposltes brought others into the life of an Apostle in his video post which he titled, “Day in the Life Part 2: Weekend Assignment.”
Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, started a post with this thought-provoking question, “November is the month we have an increased focus on gratitude here in the United States. But how many of you would be grateful for fleas?”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized the importance of ward boundaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“There is genius in the organization of local Church units based on geography. We don’t choose a congregation based on who we like or want to be with. Wards are chosen for us based on a reasonable geographic alignment, and we learn to live with, serve, and love people who might well be different in background, preferences, and opinions. “
Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman and Sister Tamara McFadden of the Young Women general advisory council shared a video emphasizing the ability of the youth of the Church to reach out to one another. Also emphasized was the need for adults to assist the youth in leading this effort.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed his thanks for the life and example of President M. Russell Ballard, recently deceased Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in a video post.
“President Ballard has touched my life, counseled me, and helped me in many situations. I have learned from him to be steady in the gospel and firm in my testimony of Jesus Christ.”
In talking about helping children understand the covenants they have and will make along with being ready for the temple, Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, shared a resource for parents found in the appendix of the “Come, Follow Me” manual titled “Preparing Children for a Lifetime on God’s Covenant Path.”
“This month, @thefriendmag Instagram account is sharing teaching tips, stories, and activities geared toward helping children better understand the blessings of priesthood power for both girls and boys, as well as preparation for serving in the House of the Lord and receiving the Aaronic priesthood.”
Also recognizing the impact of President Ballard was Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“President Ballard lived his 95 years on this earth as the epitome of integrity. I am one of many who can attest to this. Of course, it should be no surprise that living with integrity was so important to him. After all, it is in his bloodlines. ...
“I take great joy in knowing that because of our Heavenly Father’s wonderful plan of happiness and Jesus Christ’s Atonement, I will cross paths with my friend again.”
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recounted an experience he had with President Ballard early in Elder Soares’ service as an Apostle.
“I will always remember how welcome he made me feel to the Quorum of the Twelve when I was called. He would go out of his way to share love and appreciation for me. One simple example of this occurred on my birthday when he made his way upstairs to my office simply to wish me a happy birthday and take a photo with me.”
Young Men General President Steven J. Lund shared a special message for young men who were preparing themselves to be ordained deacons in January.
