Sacrament Talk - Trust in the Lord

 Trust in the Lord 

When I was little, I asked A LOT of questions about everything. I recall my mom occasionally answering my questions with “don’t worry about it. It’ll all work out.” 

I’m not sure if that was her way of shutting me up or her way of getting around the fact that she didn’t know the answer to my question. Either way, I trusted her answer. 

This past week we celebrated the 4th of July.  I am sure you are all familiar with the story of the “Star Spangled Banner”.  If not, here is a quick summary.  

In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem. The poem was originally titled “The Defence of Fort M’Henry.”  It was written after Francis Scott Key witnessed the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812.  The poem was put to music and in 1931 it became America's national anthem. 

In the 4th verse it says; 

“Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation! 

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto - "In God is our trust"

The word TRUST is defined as a firm belief in the reliability or strength of someone or something. 

The youth theme for this year is found in Proverbs 3:5-6. It reads; 

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart 

and lean not unto thine own understanding. 

In all thy ways acknowledge him, 

and he shall direct thy paths.”

With our changing world right now, it is easy to feel despair and worry. With Wars. Injustice. Hate. Violence. Pandemics. Turmoil in our families. Shifting morals in society. And an ever-present sense of darkness. There’s a lot going on around us that can make us feel frustrated, depressed, and even scared. While I know it is important not to minimize the problems of our day, we also shouldn’t let them paralyze us.

One of my favorite prophet’s is President Gordon B. Hinckley. He was known for his optimism. Even though he lived through the Great Depression, two World Wars, Vietnam, the September 11 attacks, and much more, he still found ways to stay optimistic. 

He said:

“I have seen a good deal of this earth. I have been in areas where war rages and hate smolders in the hearts of people. I have seen the appalling poverty that hovers over many lands.… I have watched with alarm the crumbling morals of our society. And yet I am optimistic. I have a simple and solemn faith that right will triumph and that truth will prevail.”

Since there is so much in our world that we can’t control, I feel like President Hinckley has the right idea.  It is better to try to have a positive attitude. 

But there are also things in our lives that we can control. As youth we are faced with temptation and peer pressure. We have busy schedules with school, grades, sports, jobs, and extra activities. We strive to choose good friends and make good choices. Sometimes the stresses of all these things can overwhelm us and weigh us down. 

The scripture in Proverbs reminds us to relax. To TRUST in the one person that will never let us down. When we have faith and allow God to guide our paths, we will see that life isn’t as bad as we think it is. 

As we make big decisions, and even simple everyday choices, I hope we can keep in mind the motto from the Star Spangled Banner “IN GOD IS OUR TRUST”.  I think if we do, we will see that my mom’s simple answer to my childhood questions is actually true. “It will all work out” 

I want to close with a challenge to us all to follow President Hinckley’s counsel when he said; 

“If you do your best, it will all work out. 

Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.” 

Baptisms for the Dead

Early Morning Conversations

I am sad and so very grateful today. 
Hayden has grown up with a GREAT group of young men. 

They are good, kind & have learned to include everyone. 

Some are closer then others but when one is struggling the others are always there to support. 

Last night we learned that one of his basketball teammates, 

who is also his buddy's cousin (#4 Jaxon Lewis), 

died in a snowmobile accident. 

We both struggled to sleep. 

Hayden got up at 4 am this morning to go to the temple with his YM group. 

The temple trip got cancelled.... 

instead, Hayden and I sat in the dark, quiet, EARLY hours of the morning and talked. 

We talked about our beliefs and what his friend might be doing at that moment and about his family.
I have prayed for Jaxon's family and especially his mom ALL DAY. 

I can't imagine their heartache. 

I have also thought about this great group of young boys and the love they have for each other.
Today I am grateful for my testimony... 

for my kids ... 

for Haydens buddies ... 

and believe it or not... 

for early morning cancelled temple trips.

4th Article of Faith Primary Talk

In the Bible there's a scripture that says "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

This scripture teaches us that we must do more than just believe or have faith to be able to live with our Heavenly Father again. We have to do things or do "works" throughout our life.

The fourth article of faith is a perfect example of the things we need to do. It says: "We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are;

First faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We know that we need to have faith and believe in Jesus Christ not just once but every day.

Second repentance.
None of us are perfect. We will all make mistakes. But we have the opportunity to repent every day to be forgiven of our sins.

Third baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
We have to be baptized by someone who has the proper authority. We are only baptized once. This is an ordinance. It's the first ordinance we do.

Forth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We only do this one time as well, so this is also an ordinance.

I was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in January 2013 by my dad who has the priesthood authority.

I know that as I get older there will be more ordinances that I will need to do, like receive the priesthood and go to the temple. But for now, it's important that I have faith and repent each day so that someday I can return to heaven to live with my heavenly father and my family forever.

I know this church is true.  I am thankful for my testimony.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Primary Talk on Scriptures

The Scriptures are the Word of God

On the table side by side, the Book of Mormon and the TV guide

One is well worn and cherished with pride.

Not the Book of Mormon, but the TV guide.

One is used daily to help folks decide

Nope, not the Book of Mormon, but the TV guide.

As the pages are turned, what shall we see

Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV

So they open the book from which they confide.

Not the Book of Mormon, but the TV guide.

The word of God is seldom read

Maybe a verse here and there before falling into bed.

Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be

Not from reading the Book of Mormon but from watching TV

So back on the table, side by side

The Book of Mormon and the TV Guide.

The Plan of Salvation is full and free

But it’s found in the Book of Mormon and not the TV.

There are so many good books but the scriptures are the most important.  We need the scriptures in our lives. 

Other religions only believe in the Bible.  Our church believes that God speaks to us through prophets and has given us more.  The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price all add to what the Bible says.  They are not a replacement.  All of these scriptures are the Word of God and they are gifts to help us get back to our Father in Heaven.  

I hope we will all choose to read our scriptures every day.  I know they are true and I am thankful for them.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Primary Talk on Service

My talk today is about service. Jesus taught many lessons about serving others. One of those lessons came one day right after he had dinner with his Apostles. Jesus got a basin of water and a towel and started washing the feet of the Apostles. 

It was not unusual for people to have their feet washed in Jesus’ time, because most people wore sandals and their feet became very dusty and dirty. But usually a servant did this job. Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet because he thought it was not right for Jesus to act as a servant. Jesus explained to the Apostles that even though he was the Savior, he still served them. He wanted them to understand that they should serve each other. Jesus wants us to follow his example and serve others. 

We can all serve others by doing nice things for our family and friends, doing service projects or helping those in need. When I serve others, I feel good and know that I am following the example of Jesus. 

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Primary Program Talk

Hayden Hall Talk on Missionaries

In Doctrine and Covenants chapter 42 verse 6 it says  “And ye shall go forth... preaching my gospel two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices...declaring my word...”

Many people in my family have served missions all over the world speaking different languages. Some have served here in the United States speaking English. But it doesn’t matter where they served or language they spoke, the message was the same. They teach about Jesus Christ, scriptures, prophets, and forever families. 

I have a cousin serving in Arkansas and one in Norway. My mom and dad served in Missouri. My Grandpa Earl served in England.  And my Great Grandpa Earl served in France.  But today I want to tell you about my Great Great Great Grandpa John Frederick Ferdinand Dorius.

In 1852 he was called to serve in Norway.  He and his companion were put in jail for preaching the gospel.  After six months, they were told “if they would stop teaching about their church they would let them out of jail.”  My great-great-great grandpa said no and stayed in jail.  

There is a photo of him in jail.  He always wanted to look like a missionary and in the photo he is wearing a nice vest with a pocket watch over his jail clothes. 

He still taught people in jail about the gospel.  Many were baptized and taught their friends about the Mormons.  Hundreds of people joined the church because my great-great-great grandpa fulfilled his promise to “go forth and preach the gospel”.  

I know he changed many peoples lives. I am grateful he chose to be a missionary. I know when I am a missionary it won’t be easy but it will be worth it.  

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Primary Talk - Forgiveness

Hayden’s primary talk February 15, 2015

Parable of the Ketchup

By Meghan Decker,

Friend 

Apr 1999, 32

I want to begin with a story.

One day a mom and her two children, 9 year old Carrie and 6 year old Andy, went to the grocery store.  Carrie was teasing her brother by trying to keep the cart away from him.  He tried to grab the cart, but Carrie twisted it away, accidentally hitting a row of ketchup bottles on a shelf. Two of the bottles crashed to the floor, shattering and spraying the bright red ketchup everywhere. The two kids stared in horror at the broken glass and ketchup. 

Mom came around the corner and saw the mess on the floor and the scared look on her kids faces.  She found a clerk, who cleaned up the mess.

Carrie felt terrible. She knew it wouldn’t have happened if she hadn’t been teasing Andy. She quietly told Mom what happened.  Andy asked: 

“Are we in trouble? 

Mom hugged Andy.  

”No, I think you feel badly enough about what happened and you‘ll be more careful in the grocery store from now on. But, Carrie, what do you think you need to do to make up for the store losing those two bottles of ketchup?”

Carrie felt she needed to pay for them even though she didn’t mean to break them, it was still her fault. 

Mom thought that was a good idea. She told Carrie she would lend her the money for now, and she could pay her back at home.  Then Mom explained to the clerk that Carrie had been playing around with the cart when the bottles broke, and so she wanted to pay for them. The clerk thanked Carrie for being so honest, and Carrie felt much better.

At home, Carrie didn’t feel quite as good when she had to give her Mom part of the money she‘d been saving for an Ipod, but she was still glad she didn’t have that sick feeling in her stomach that she had felt when the bottles exploded on the floor. She worried that she would see that stain on the floor forever, reminding her of her mistake, but it had come clean with a wet mop. 

This story is like a parable. 

Sometimes we make mistakes that seem too horrible to be forgiven, but if we repent, our spirits can become clean again from sin, just as ketchup can be mopped up off a floor. 

Jesus Christ has suffered for our sins.  Because of this, we don‘t have to keep feeling guilty and bad forever. He helps us feel good again after we repent.   

John 3:16 says:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

I know that Jesus is my Savior and Redeemer.  

I know I can repent and be forgiven for my sins.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Primary Talk - Baptism

Hayden’s Talk - May 2012 Baptism

Picture 1-

The 4th Article of Faith tells us 4 things we need to do.

1st - Have Faith 

2nd - Repent

3rd - Be Baptized. 

4th - Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Faith and Repentance are things I will do my whole life.

Picture 2-

But in December, I will turn 8 years old.

I will be baptized. 

I will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  

I will make a promise with Heavenly Father.

I will promise to always try to choose the right.  

Picture 3-

Jesus came to the earth a long time ago.

He set an example of how we should act and the things we should do.   

Picture 4-  

I will have faith and repent.  

I will get baptized and listen to the Holy Ghost. 

I will always try to choose the right.

If I do the these things, I can live with Heavenly Father and Jesus again and that makes me happy. 

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.