"The Finest Homes," by Elder L. Whitney Clayton

"The Finest Homes," by Elder L. Whitney Clayton

Lesson by Tina Gregoire

The Savior is the perfect engineer, builder, and interior designer. His project is the perfection

and eternal joy of our souls.

Elder Clayton begins his talk by asking the question: what is a finest home? He then gives us four

observations about fine homes.

First: “From the Lord’s perspective, establishing the finest homes has everything to do with the

personal qualities of the people who live there. The finest characteristic of any home is the

image of Christ reflected in the home’s residents…..Christlike attributes adorn the lives of those

who strive to live with goodness.”

Second: “Residents in the finest homes make time to study the scriptures and the words of

living prophets. President Nelson has invited us to “transform” and “remodel” our homes

through gospel study. His invitation recognizes that fine homes house the tender, vital work of

personal growth and remodeling our weaknesses.”

Third: “Fine homes follow the blueprint created by the Lord for His finest home, the

temple…..As we continue in faith, the Lord gradually changes us . We receive His image in our

countenance and begin to reflect the love and beauty of His character. As we become more like

Him, we will feel at home in His house.”

Fourth: “The finest homes are refuges from the storms of life. The Lord has promised that those

who keep the commandments of God ‘prosper in the land’. God’s prosperity is the power to

press forward despite the problems of life.”

Elder Clayton ends his talk on this note: “Wherever you live, whatever your house looks like, and

whatever the composition of your family you can help build the finest home for your family.

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ provides the plans for that home.”

As we navigate this “new normal” that is life right now, I am grateful for a living prophet that has

prepared us for Home Centered, Church Supported Learning and in all ways to strengthen

ourselves and our family from our own homes

I testify that as we try to live Christlike lives, study the scriptures, be worthy for and attend the

temple and keep the Lord’s commandments, our faith will be strengthened every day and our

homes will be “fine” for The King.

"Spiritually Defining Memories," by Neil L. Andersen

SPIRITUALLY DEFINING MEMORIES

Elder Neil L. Andersen (Summary - Barb Hoffman)

“Eighteen years after the First Vision, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote an extensive account of

his experience, persecution, harassment, threats, and brutal attacks. Yet he continued to

boldly testify of his First Vision”. ‘I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw

two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for

saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true. …I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I

could not deny it’.

Sisters—think about the point or times in your life that you have received a witness through the

Holy Spirit that Joseph Smith did indeed see what he testified of, and never denied, even unto

death. I find it to be a sacred experience and blessing that each time I read his words, the truth

is re-affirmed in my heart! I have been to the Sacred Grove several times, and each time, once

again, the strong witness has come. Have you shared your personal witness experience with

your children and| or written it down?

“Along with the peaceful direction we receive from the Holy Ghost, from time to time, God

powerfully and very personally assures each of us that He knows us and loves us and that He is

blessings us specifically and openly. Then, in our moments of difficulty, the Savior brings these

experiences back into our mind. Think of your own life. God knows and loves each of us and

that He eagerly desires to reveal Himself to us. These experiences may come at pivotal times in

our lives or in what may at first seem as uneventful happenings, but they are always

accompanied by an exceptionally strong spiritual confirmation of the love of God.”

Sisters—I echo the Prophet Joseph because of my spiritually defining memories, when he

declared: “What I received was from heaven. I know it, and I know that God knows that I know

it.”

Elder Andersen gives us 4 faith-promoting miracles in this message. I invite you to read each of

them and think about or re-read from your journal or other writings, experiences that you have

had in your life that were messages just for you. Elder Andersen states at the end of the

message he had as a young missionary: “I prayed, Heavenly Father, please help me to never

forget what I have just felt. I never have. These spiritually defining moments come at different

times and in different ways, individualized for each of us. While we cannot choose the timing

of receiving these defining moments, Pres. Henry B. Eyring gave this counsel in our preparation:

“Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send

a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my family? Faith,

obedience, humility, and real intent open the windows of heaven.”

Elder Andersen’s promise: “I promise that as you willingly acknowledge and carefully treasure

the spiritually defining events in your life, more and more will come to you. Heavenly Father

knows you and loves you!

Sisters—With love to each of you, I believe firmly in his promise, and testify of the truthfulness

of his message.