Blessed and Happy Are Those Who Keep the Commandments of God by Elder Von G. Keetch

General Conference October 2015 study notes

"Blessed and Happy Are Those Who Keep the Commandments of God" by Elder Von G. Keetch Sunday afternoon session
 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/blessed-and-happy-are-those-who-keep-the-commandments-of-god?lang=eng

 


Favorite teachings:

     We show our love for God—and our faith in Him—by doing our very best every day to follow the course that He has laid out for us and by keeping the commandments that He has given to us. We especially manifest that faith and love in situations where we don’t fully understand the reason for God’s commands or the particular path He is telling us to take.

     As we trust in the Lord, exercise our faith, obey His commandments, and follow the course He has charted for us, we become more the person the Lord wants us to become. It is this “becoming”—this conversion of the heart—that is all-important. As Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught us: “It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.”

     True obedience, therefore, is giving ourselves entirely to Him and allowing Him to chart our course both in calm waters and in troubled ones, understanding that He can make more of us than we could ever make of ourselves.

Meme-worthy:

Don't be too critical of the barrier. It's the only thing that's keeping you from being devoured.

The Holy Ghost as Your Companion by Pres. Henry B. Eyring

General Conference 2015 Study Notes

The Holy Ghost as Your Companion by Pres. Henry B. Eyring Sunday morning Session
 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/blessed-and-happy-are-those-who-keep-the-commandments-of-god?lang=eng
 

IF action...THEN blessing:

IF we partake of the sacrament THEN the Holy Ghost will be able to protect us and those we love from the temptations that come with increasing intensity and frequency.

IF we make a constant quest for the Spirit to be with us THEN we will never lack for knowledge of the truth, never be in doubt or in darkness, and our faith will be strong, our joy...full.

WHEN our hearts are full of charity and WHEN virtue garnishes our thoughts unceasingly THEN the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion.

WHEN you demonstrate your willingness to obey THEN the Spirit will send you more impressions of what God would have you do for Him. AS you obey, THEN the impressions from the Spirit will come more frequently AND your power to choose the right will increase.

By the reception of the Holy Ghost, we be sanctified.


Most important points for me:

---The most valuable inspiration will be for you to know what God would have you do.

---You can know when these impressions to act for Him are from the Spirit rather than from your own desires. When the impressions square with what the Savior and His living prophets and apostles have said, you can choose to obey with confidence. Then the Lord will send His Spirit to attend you.

My Heart Pondereth Them Continually by Elder Devin G. Durrant

General Conference October 2015 Study Notes:

My Heart Pondereth Them Continually by Elder Devin G. Durrant Sunday Afternoon session
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/blessed-and-happy-are-those-who-keep-the-commandments-of-god?lang=eng



He asked us to:
   -save money each week
   -"ponderize" one verse of scripture each week
   -never let ponderizing replace scripture study

Promised blessings:
   -we will have:
     -a deeper understanding of gospel principles
     -an  uplifting place for our thoughts to go
     -new spiritual perspectives
     -words and phrases written on our hearts
     -added revelation
     -opportunities to assist others financially
   -memorization will take place easily and naturally
   -we will always remember Him--no room for filth and trash in our minds

Ask yourself:
   -Is there something you need to be doing today to prepare yourself spiritually for future opportunities to teach and bless your family and others?

Meme-worthy:
   -Don't be deterred. Hard can be good.
   -Exercise your faith, discipline yourself, and do it.