Elder Quentin L. Cook

I found this story about young Elder Cook on lds.org and I loved it so much I have to share it with all of you.

It was fire drill day at an elementary school in Logan, Utah. Fire drill captain Joe Cook, a stalwart sixth-grade student leader, was determined to post a good time. He was pleased when, at the ringing of the alarm, students rapidly evacuated the building. Then, just as a record-breaking time seemed likely, Joe heard the announcement: “Someone is still in the building. The building is not clear.”
As the clock ticked on, Joe finally saw his first-grade brother, Quentin, walk out of the building.
Fuming, Joe barked, “What on earth were you doing?”
Quentin held up a pair of large, worn boots and said, “Joe, you know that [and he mentioned a friend’s name] sometimes has to wear hand-me-down shoes that are too big for him. When the fire drill rang, he took off running and ran right out of these. He didn’t want to ruin the drill, so he left them and ran outside barefoot. I went back to get his boots for him because I didn’t want his feet to be cold in the snow.” What Are Prophets and Apostles? Elder Quentin L. Cook

Elder Cook has a great way of showing compassion for those who are going through difficulties in life. I love this video below, where he teaches that while we will all suffer, we can all turn to our Savior Jesus Christ for comfort and peace.

Recommended Talks:

The Songs They Could Not Sing: October 2011
LDS Women Are Incredible! April 2011
“Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time”: October 2008

Elder David A. Bednar

I remember when Elder Bednar was called as an apostle. I was 15 and I was immediately impressed by the way he explains doctrine. He has a very clear way of expressing himself which I really appreciate.
This video is his explanation and testimony of the restoration of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. I know that what he shares is true.



Recommended Talks:

Ye Must Be Born Again: April 2007
The Tender Mercies of the Lord: April 2005
In the Strength of the Lord: October 2004

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Elder Jeffery R. Holland has an incredible power whenever he speaks, so rather than share typed out quotes I invite all to listen to his words about our Savior Jesus Christ and the evidence that His church has been restored to the earth again. I know that Elder Holland is an apostle called of God to teach and direct all the world to Jesus Christ.




Recommended Talks:

An Ensign to the Nations: April 2011
Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul: April 2010
None Were with Him: April 2009

Elder Robert D. Hales

"To respond in a Christlike way cannot be scripted or based on a formula. The Savior responded differently in every situation. When He was confronted by wicked King Herod, He remained silent. When He stood before Pilate, He bore a simple and powerful testimony of His divinity and purpose. Facing the moneychangers who were defiling the temple, He exercised His divine responsibility to preserve and protect that which was sacred. Lifted up upon a cross, He uttered the incomparable Christian response: 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34). 

"Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to 'love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]' (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage." Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship: October 2008 

One of the things that I am most grateful for about the Apostles is how they teach us to follow Jesus Christ. I love the way Elder Hales explained how to be Christlike in our treatment of others, especially when they are not being Christlike in the way they treat us.

Below is a video of Elder Hales testimony of Jesus Christ, in it he continues to talk about how the Savior was a perfect example for us.

Recommended Talks:

Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done: October 2011

Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually: April 2009

Elder Richard G. Scott

"A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth." Finding Joy in Life: May 1996

“Please learn that as you wrestle with a challenge and feel sadness because of it, you can simultaneously have peace and rejoicing”  Trust in the Lord: October 1995.

The quotes above (and many others like them) have helped me really trust in the Lord more and to find "joy in the journey." I am so excited to hear what he has to share with all of us in a few weeks for General Conference.

I really enjoy listening to Elder Scott because of how much I can feel the love he has for all of us and especially the love he has for the Savior. There is powerful conviction in his voice as he declares what he knows to be true. An example of this is below is his April 2010 General Conference address, He Lives! All Glory to His Name!

Other Recommended Talks
The Power of Scripture: October 2011

The Eternal Blessings of Marriage: April 2011 

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Elder Ballard wrote a book that we study as missionaries, it is called Our Search for Happiness. It is all about what we believe as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love that book because it is written for people who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so they can understand what we believe.

Here is an excerpt from his book.

“[O]ne of the most cherished tenets of our faith has to do with honoring religious diversity. As our Church’s first president, Joseph Smith, taught: ‘We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.’ (Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11.)
“We really do believe that. Just as we claim the right to worship as we choose, we believe [others] have the right to worship—or to not worship—as [they] see fit. All of our interpersonal relationships should be built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and appreciation. But that shouldn’t prevent us from sharing deeply held religious feelings with each other. Indeed, we may find that our [religious and] philosophical differences add flavor and perspective to our relationships, especially if those relationships are built on true values, openness, respect, trust, and understanding. Especially understanding.” M. Russell Ballard

I am grateful for the efforts of Elder Ballard in building understanding with those of other faiths. I appreciate the example that he is of showing respect for all people because I know that that was what the Savior taught.

Below is a video excerpt from one of his General Conference addresses, in it he talks about his love for the Bible and for the Savior, I know that as I listen to his words my testimony of the Savior is strengthened.

Recommended Talks

Finding Joy through Loving Service: April 2011

The Truth of God Shall Go Forth: October 2008