That They May Always Have His Spirit

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Hello beloved sisters and brothers,

New Members

On Saturday, February 4, Colin Barlow, from the Taylors Grove Ward was privileged to baptize his girlfriend, Jess Pacheco. Jess has been receiving missionary lessons for some time and made the decision to be baptized. We express to Jess and Colin our heartfelt congratulations and love.

On Saturday, February 11, Leo Soberanis of the Millrace Ward was baptized by his grandfather Venus Rodriguez and confirmed by his father, Fernando. We are thrilled to welcome these new young members who have just begun their journeys on the covenant path.

Update from the Temple

President John Lundberg, of the Jordan River Temple has let us know that attendance at the temple has increased dramatically since last October when President Nelson encouraged all of us to spend more time in the temple. To avoid long wait times, he strongly encourages members to make an appointment before coming. If you need help making an appointment, talk with your ministering sisters or brothers.

Family History Work: March 2–4, 2023

RootsTech, the world’s largest family history conference, will be both an in-person event in Salt Lake City, Utah, and online to allow all who are interested to participate. Keynote addresses and classes will be available online in 11 languages both during and after the conference. All Church members and friends are invited to participate from wherever they are in the world. For more information and to register, visit www.rootstech.org.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong and his wife, Sister Susan Lindsay Gong, will share an international journey of family history and speak about the importance of uniting families during a worldwide Family Discovery Day broadcast on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 1:30 pm (MST) on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Recordings of this session will be available online in 11 languages after the live event. Families are encouraged to watch the session together.

Weekly Message: That They May Always Have His Spirit…

Last Sunday, while attending the Riverbend Ward worship services, I was touched and grateful for the two brothers who offered the sacramental prayers. Their reverence while officiating and especially while praying helped me feel the Spirit of the Lord more profoundly.

As I listened to the words of each prayer, I thought about the promise we make to,

“always remember Him”. (3 Nephi 18:7,11)

President Nelson has taught us that preparing for the sacrament through daily repentance and partaking worthily of the sacrament each Sunday are two important ways we can “remember” Him.

To the people of ancient America Jesus taught,

“And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.” (3 Nephi 18:7,11)

In other words, any effort we make to place the Savior at the center of our lives will bring the Holy Ghost’s influence more abundantly.

Elder David A. Bednar referred to this increasing abundance of the Spirit as “living in revelation”. Rather than seeking the Spirit only for large decisions, we can have His continuing and constant influence in our daily walk.

In his talk, Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives, President Russell M. Nelson taught,

“The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.

Through the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will assist us in all our righteous pursuits.”

This year, I pray that we will see Sunday worship services and partaking of the sacrament as important ways we “Gather…Together and Place the Savior at the Center of Our Lives”.

I also pray that we will seek more earnestly to have the influence of the Holy Ghost with us at all times.

He has the ability and mission to help us navigate life’s turbulent waters.

I love you all,

President Gardner

P.S.

I am including again the list of self-reliance resources from last week’s message…

Church Resources

https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/life-help/preparedness?lang=eng

https://www.byupathway.org/

https://utah.churchofjesuschrist.org/ Recursos en Espanol

Utah Resources