God is the Gardener

Speaking at BYU's 1968 graduation ceremony, Hugh B. Brown encouraged the recent graduates to entrust their lives to God.

Now some of you as you go forward are going to meet with disappointment, perhaps many disappointments, some of them crucial… I think I could not leave with you a better message than this: God is aware of you individually. He knows who you are and what you are and furthermore he knows what you are capable of becoming. Be not discouraged then if you do not get all the things you want just when you want them. Have the courage to go on and face your life.

Audio for this address can be found below as well as an alternate telling of President Brown's allegory of the currant bush.

God is the Gardener:
Hugh B. Brown BYU Graduation 05/31/1968

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

The difficulties we face in life are overwhelming at times. In such circumstances, it can be easy to forget that a merciful and loving Heavenly Father watches over us. David A. Bednar reminds us that during these times the tender mercies of the Lord are still manifest.

I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us... Our desires, faithfulness, and obedience invite and help us to discern His mercies in our lives.

As the happy father of a beautiful brand new baby girl I have much to be thankful for. I appreciate Elder Bednar's encouragement to recognize, remember, and acknowledge the Lord's tender mercies in my life.

The Tender Mercies of the Lord:
David A. Bednar General Conference 04/03/2005

Joseph Smith Spoke With God

In the spring of 1820, Joseph Smith, a 14-year-old farm boy, found himself surrounded by countless views on who God was and how He was to be worshiped. Looking for answers, Joseph stumbled upon the following verse in James, chapter 1 verse 5:

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Joseph believed in James' words and decided he would pray to God to know which church he should join. The following video from Mormon.org depicts his remarkable experience.

The Restoration of Truth: