July 4, 2011

So as you may know already, us missionaries get the Ensigns a month later. I just finished reading through the conference edition and I have a lot of thoughts about what I have read. A lot of advice I guess you would call it, but I would have each of you go back and read those. There were some I was not able to hear. It just happens that way with being a missionary in England and having a bedtime. Can't break the rules to even hear from the prophet. I really liked Elder Richard G. Scott's talk about marriage.

The Eternal Blessings of Marriage

Richard G. Scott Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Close Video

The temple sealing has greater meaning as life unfolds. It will help you draw ever closer together and find greater joy and fulfillment.

You can watch it, listen to it, read it, but whatever you do study it. Does the Lord know the situation of His children? I have never been to a General Conference or ever listened to one where Marriage was such a hot topic. Why? Why did almost half the speakers feel that they needed to speak on the importance of marriage and of deciding on the temple as the place and the way that marriage should take place? It is called revelation. The only true and living church receives revelation and if you do not know how it is done read Elder Hollands talk about General Conference. He will tell you in better words than I can. Satan has done and is doing a traumatic job on even the Elect and Correct marriages of the church. He is getting his little wedge shaped toe in the door and not letting up until we just let him in. Keep him out. You are stronger. And if you can't find your strength, pray for angels and the help of heaven. They will come in the help of friends and heavenly messengers when needed.

This isn't the whole quote but it is all I remember from Joseph Smith:

"What do we hear from the gospel we have received? Truth out of the ground. Mercy from Heaven."

God Loves us and wants to help us. We are the ones that hold him at arms length and keep those blessings from coming down. Let him come. The key to do that is by humbling ourselves to ask for help from the Lord's annointed and from our Father in Heaven. Asking anyone for help will show some degree of humility. Just look for the true messengers that are sustained.

I love you and pray for you,

Elder Blackburn