YUKON OKLAHOMA STAKE

Thank-you to the many individuals who participated in, and planned stake conference. It was edifying and uplifting to many.

Elder Vest asked us to prepare for stake conference by reading President Nelson's talk, "Confidence in the Presence of God" (April 2025 General Conference) In this talk, we learn that when we make and keep God's covenants, we can have confidence that is born of the Spirit. In D&C 121: 45, it reads:

 "Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."

As we continue to learn and grow in the gospel, let us remember what our priorities are and how we spend our time. If we will make Christ our priority, and spend time becoming more like Him, everything else in our lives will fall into place.

In 3 Nephi 11, the people of Nephi had gathered themselves at the temple, discussing the sign of Christ's death. As they were doing this, they heard a voice, but understood it not. After the third time, the people “opened their ears to hear” the voice of the Father introducing His beloved Son, the Savior of the world.

Once the people understood, Christ descended from heaven, and they remembered the prophecy that Christ would come to them after He had ascended to heaven. Christ ministered to, and taught the people of Nephi.

Preparation is vital to receiving the Lord’s instruction. When we physically and spiritually prepare ourselves to receive the Lord’s words, our ability to listen with spiritual ears is increased.  

Ways we can prepare to receive the Lord include partaking of the sacrament, attending the temple

and asking for guidance through heartfelt prayers.

President Nelson has taught us that when we more intentionally, hear, hearken, and heed what the Savior has taught, and what He is continuing to reveal through his prophets, we will be blessed with additional power to deal with temptation, struggles and weakness.  Miracles will be seen in our marriages, family relationships, and daily lives.  Our capacity to feel joy will increase, even if turbulence increases in our lives. (Hear Him - April, 2020 General Conference)

 We live in a choice land, abounding in prosperity and opportunity, due to the sacrifices made by our forebears. These forebears not only include the Founding Fathers, but the pioneer forefathers who sacrificed much so that we could be blessed.

President Ezra Taft Benson detailed how we might show our gratitude for those who sacrificed on our behalf:

1. Have faith in God - all our successes can be   

    attributed to God.

2. Strengthen our homes & families - work, 

     worship, play and pray together.

3. Work hard, practice thrift and be self-

     sustaining - neither the world nor the 

     government owes man his bread.

4. Preserve the freedoms granted to us by God - 

     serve God & keep His commandments.

In short, " If we truly cherish the heritage we have received, we must maintain the same virtues and the same character of our stalwart forebears—faith in God, courage, industry, frugality, self-reliance, and integrity. We have the obligation to maintain what those who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and sacred honor gave to future generations. Our opportunity and obligation for doing so is clearly upon us" (Ezra Taft Benson).