Latter Day Saint Keep on Trying

"Jesus has overcome the abuses of this world to give you power to not only survive but one day, through Him, to overcome and even conquer." Elder Kearon has been a general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since 2010 and a member of the Presidency of the Seventy since 2017. On August 1, 2020, Elder Kearon became the Senior President of the Seventy.

"However halting our steps are toward him—though they shouldn't be halting at all—his steps are never halting toward us. May we have enough faith to accept the goodness of God and the mercy of his Only Begotten Son." Jeffrey R. Holland is an American educator and religious leader. He served as the ninth President of Brigham Young University and is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"God “rewards those who earnestly seek him,” so we need to keep knocking ... don't give up. Seek God with all your heart." Dieter F. Uchtdorf is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the time of this talk, ELder Uchtdorf was serving as Second Counsellor to President Monson in the church's First Presidency.

"All of us, at some time or another, will feel like we are sinking - whether emotionally, spiritually or physically. We like Peter will cry out "Lord, save me!" As painful as those times may be, they may be among the most significant learning periods of our lives and the most powerful evidences of the Lord's grace and tender mercies." Brent L. Top is a professor of Church history and doctrine at BYU. Brent L. Top has worked for the Church Educational System as a seminary teacher, institute teacher, administrator, as associate dean of Religious Education and held for two years the endowed professorship in moral education. In 2009, he was appointed department chair of Religious Education, the college where he currently serves as dean. He is the author of several LDS books and has published numerous articles in academic journals.

"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God." Elder Neil L. Andersen was serving as the senior president in the Presidency of the Seventy when he was called in 2009 to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. With that increased authority and daunting responsibility came the reminder that although he didn't know everything, he knew enough. His firm testimony of the Saviour Jesus Christ and His gospel provides all he needs to know to bless and uplift members worldwide.

"Feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost works both ways: the Holy Ghost only dwells in a clean temple, and the reception of the Holy Ghost cleanses us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. You can pray with faith to know what to do to be cleansed and thus qualified for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the service of the Lord." President Henry B. Eyring was sustained and set apart as second counsellor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2018. Prior to this, he served as a counsellor to President Thomas S. Monson from 2008 to 2018 and to President Gordon B. Hinckley from 2007 to 2008. He was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1995 and served as a General Authority since April 1985. President Eyring previously served as a first counsellor in the Presiding Bishopric, Church commissioner of education, and was president of Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. Elder Eyring is known for sharing his experiences to teach and bless others all over the world. His words are eagerly anticipated for their spiritually powerful insight and for the sweet emotion with which he shares them.

"Do you have faith that your Heavenly Father knows you so well that He knows under what circumstances you will emerge as a stronger, albeit wounded, healer so that you will become a valuable instrument in His hands, able to do His work and comfort His children?" Beth Luthy is an assistant professor in the BYU College of Nursing and a family nurse practitioner in Utah County. Beth Luthy is a member of NAPNAP (National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners) and the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines of the Health Resources and Services Administration. She is involved in the Utah County Immunization Coalition as an active proponent of increasing immunization rates and overall health in the community. She has received several local and national grants to fund her research involving infant, child, and adolescent immunizations. In 2009, she was awarded the Utah Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. One of Luthy's favorite activities is volunteering to teach girls' maturation in elementary schools. Her husband is a veteran police officer, and together they have two sons.

"We must be grounded on the rock of revelation, and although we may not know the answer to every question, we must know the answers to the primary questions. And if we do, the gates of hell shall not prevail against us and we will stand forever." Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2008 until 2019 when he was released and given emeritus status.

"As we exercise our faith in the Savior, He will lift us up and carry us through all of our trials and, ultimately, save us in the celestial kingdom." Evan A. Schmutz was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2016 and currently serves as first counsellor in the Utah Area Presidency with concurrent assignments in the Church Communication and Correlation Departments.

This talk was given by S. Michael Wilcox at the 2005 BYU Campus Education Week. With powerful insights into why heaven can sometimes feel silent, S. Michael Wilcox explains how we can always feel and be sure of God's love, even in those times when we might not be able to feel Him close. S. Michael Wilcox is an author and speaker on aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as found in the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a retired instructor with the Church Educational System, having taught classes at the institute of religion adjacent to the University of Utah.

"We all make mistakes. … It is then in our nature to feel guilt and humiliation and suffering, which we alone cannot cure. That is when the healing power of the Atonement will help." Boyd K. Packer was an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-saints from 1970 until his death in 2015. He served as acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1994 -2008 and President from 2008 until his death. An educator by profession, his career included service as supervisor of seminaries and institutes of religion for the Church, Elder Packer was known for his ability to teach gospel principles and his steadfastness in following them. Elder Packer's love of, and use of, the scriptures in leadership roles influenced the direction of the entire Church.

"Once in my life, I had the feelings of being left out. I now share the companionship of incomparable brotherhood and sisterhood, a feeling of belonging, of being useful, and I recognize that it comes only from sincere striving to live the commandments of the Lord." Richard G. Scott was an American scientist and religious leader who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Scott was a noted speaker, known for his compassion and understanding, often expounding on topics such as repentance, change, and the forgiveness.

"The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ … is available for every affliction in mortality." Dallin H. Oaks is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a former jurist and educator who since 2018 has been the first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is currently the second most senior apostle by years of service and President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

"You simply must understand this, because you were born to lead by virtue of who you are, the covenants you have made, and the fact that you are here now in the 11th hour." Sheri Drew is an American author, publisher, businesswoman, and inspirational speaker. Sister Dew served as a counsellor in the general Relief Society presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1997-2002, the first unmarried woman called to this position. As an author, she was the authorized biographer for three church presidents: Ezra Taft Benson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Russell M. Nelson.

"Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays. But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come." Joseph B. Wirthlin was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was sustained to the Twelve on October 4, 1986, and ordained an apostle by Thomas S. Monson following the death of President Spencer W. Kimball.

"I plead with each one of us to stay permanently and faithfully in the choir." Jeffrey R. Holland is an American educator and religious leader. He served as the ninth President of Brigham Young University and is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"You've likely read the scripture in 2 Nephi 25:23 that says, “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." But who is the "we"? Does it simply refer to me and you? Or does the word "we" represent something more?" This talk was given at 2009 BYU Campus Education Week. Brad Wilcox is an associate professor in the Department of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University. Brother Wilcox has served as a member of the Sunday School General Board of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was sustained as the second counsellor in the Young Men general presidency on April 4, 2020.

"You don't have to experience the sorrow caused by sin, the pain caused by others' actions, or the painful realities of mortality—alone." Carole M. Stephens was named as the First Counsellor in the Relief Society general presidency in 2012, serving alongside Linda K. Burton and Linda S. Reeves. As one of Sister Stephens' first speaking assignments, she participated in an open discussion with Sister Burton and Sister Reeves at the 2012 BYU Women's Conference, discussing how difficult life experiences have strengthened them, including topics such as unemployment, cancer, drug addiction, miscarriages, infertility, death, twins, divorce, adoptions, disability, financial loss, depression, alcohol addiction, and pornography. “These experiences have strengthened our testimonies, and they have created opportunities for us to rely on, and be strengthened through the atoning power of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” Sister Stephens told the group.

"Healing is much more than “getting better” or “having our problems go away.” Healing is growth, development, and maturation. In a word, healing is change. It takes time and energy and struggle, but healing teaches us." Jonathan G. Sandberg, PhD, is a professor in the BYU School of Family Life, where his primary teaching responsibility is training marriage and family therapy graduate students.

"Keeping covenants unlocks the power of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice to provide strength and even joy to you who suffer." Anthony D. Perkins was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 1, 2006 and currently serves at Church headquarters as executive director of the Correlation Department and as a member of the Correlation Executive Committee. He also serves on the Middle East / Africa North Area desk.

"As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed." David A. Bednar is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An educator by profession, Bednar was president of Brigham Young University-Idaho from 1997 to 2004.

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, if we choose to repent and turn our hearts fully to the Saviour, He will heal us spiritually. Matthew L. Carpenter currently serves as General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Latter-day Saints should have all the genuine excitement others have in the traditional adventure of learning, including learning secular truths—and we, of all people, should have a little more! Neal A. Maxwell was an American scholar, educator, and religious leader who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1981 until his death in 2004.

Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges. Dieter F. Uchtdorf is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Called as an apostle in 2004, he served as Second Counselor to President Monson in the church's First Presidency from 2008 until 2018.

To all such of every generation, I call out, “Remember Lot's wife.” Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the “high priest of good things to come.” Jeffrey R. Holland is an American educator and religious leader. He served as the ninth President of Brigham Young University and is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If you will really try and will not rationalize or rebel—repenting often and pleading for grace—you positively are going to be “good enough. Elder J. Devn Cornish was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 2, 2011. Elder Cornish was granted emeritus status on October 2, 2021.

... dwelling obsessively on what we do wrong is one of the greatest sources of interference to maximizing our potential. Self-doubt is dangerous. Dr. Craig Manning is a Human Performance Consultant and the bestselling author of The Fearless Mind: Five Essential Steps to Higher Performance. An Adjunct Professor of Performance Psychology at Brigham Young University for over fifteen years, he is also a Mental Strength Coach for the University's athletic department.

Because of His Atonement, the Savior has the power to succor—to help—every mortal pain and affliction. Dallin H. Oaks is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a former jurist and educator who since 2018 has been the first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is currently the second most senior apostle by years of service and President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

I have learned that healing is a process of restoring and becoming whole. Elaine S. Marshall is dean of the College of Nursing at BYU. She studied at the University of Utah and served a mission to Colombia. Her clinical research has focused on children's stress and families with children with disabili­ties. She has served as a member and chair of a general Relief Society and Church curricu­lum writing committee.

The tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us. David A. Bednar is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An educator by profession, Bednar was president of Brigham Young University-Idaho from 1997 to 2004.

We can notice how false these comparisons most often are...That is worth noting, worth confronting, and worth ­constantly reminding ourselves. J.B. Haws is an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU and author. His PhD from the University of Utah is in American History. He is also interested in interfaith dialogue; he served as the coordinator of BYU's Office of Religious Outreach from 2016-2018.

Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. Jeffrey R. Holland is an American educator and religious leader. He served as the ninth President of Brigham Young University and is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Grace is not achieved somewhere down the road. It is received right here and right now. It is not a finishing touch; it is the Finisher's touch. Brad Wilcox was serving as a member of the Sunday School General Board of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as a BYU associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education in the David O. McKay School of Education when this devotional address was given on 12 July 2011. Brad Wilcox was sustained as the second counselor in the Young Men general presidency on April 4, 2020.