Thomas Monson

Express love, and humbled by opportunity to address us. In the last six months, there have been signs of bad things, economy is worse, financial outlook is grim. Moral footings of society continue to slip. People who are moral are ridiculed. Wars, natural disasters, misfortune.. it is easy to become cynical or fearful. If we dwell on only what is wrong, we are screwed.

Let's focus on our blessings as members of the church. God hath given us the spirit of power and love, not fear. No one makes it thru life without problems. We are here to learn and grow from such events. We will suffer and grieve, but adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy.

How can we be of good cheer? Lord will stand by us. History of the church in this dispensation has lots of experiences of those who struggled but remained steadfast by making gospel central. This will pull us through. It will enable us to meet our challenges, emerge victorious.

We face difficulties, but faith will prevail. Gospel gives us strength. Three examples of faith.

His ancestors listened to missionaries, and they were converted. Story story. Blah blah. Gathered to Zion, sold everything, came to US. Son became sick on journey, it was hard. Son died because they decided to come to zion, bu they had faith in gospel. Your children are not as important as following the prophet. Be happy cuz god has overcome the world. Aren't we happy that our ancestors came to zion and followed prophet. Let's all thank god.

Second story about a pacific island. Story story, blah blah. Blindy McGee, depression until he learned about the gospel. If you bring your life into compliance with church, you will have joy. Sacrifice for blessings of priesthood. You shouldn't care what god does, as long as it is his decision. Light of our life should be the gospel. We won't walk in darkness if we follow god; we are not alone. Hand of god is most safe.

Third story about Prussia. Story story, blah blah, Ezra Benson, tour of europe to visit LDS there. Sacrifice, story, blah blah. Faith in god and in gospel of LDS church. Struggle, fear, story story. Child died. But as long as we have faith in the church and follow the prophet, we will press on. Keep obeying. Then another child died, and she dug a grave. But still she obeyed. Wait, there goes another kid. But we are following the prophet. Now baby is dead. Tug at our heart strings. She lost whole family, every child, all her things. But GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY. We must still be grateful to and praise god. Jesus suffered way more than we have, eternal life, blah blah. But she reached the church, her destination. She was starving, but bore testimony that she was happiest because Jesus died for us. She knew that if she was faithful and obeyed, she could go to celestial kingdom. Story story, blah blah. If you endure, you will inherit kingdom of god. You will have joy.

Monson says that we will have measureless blessings. As long as we remain true to the gospel, we will be comforted and joyful. Keep the commandments. Nothing in this world can defeat us. Fear not, the future is as bright as your faith. God answers prayers. Christ redeemer.

Amen.