A talk given by eight-year-old Michael Cleverly on Sunday, January 17, 1982, in the Primary of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward, Bountiful Utah South Stake. On Tuesday, January 26, he wrote the following account of the talk in his journal. The original spelling and punctuation have been retained. It was also published in the February 1982 issue of the Family Journal. At this time Michael was a third grader at Bountiful Elementary. He had been baptized four months earlier on Saturday, September 5, 1981. He was confirmed a member of the Church the following day.
On January 17, 1982, Sunday, I gave a talk in Primary. This how it went.
Lernzo Snow was the 5th preisdnt of the Church. When Lernzo Snow was presidnt of the Church, the Church had 2 problems. 1st the Church was in det. 2nd ther was a floud [drought] in Saint George. Lernzo Snow had been praying about both of theyes problems.
One day Hevanly Father told Lernzo Snow to go to Saint George. He did not know why he was going to Saint George. But he went Sain George. And when he got there they had a specil confnce. And Lernzo Snow got up and said, "I don't know why I came here." In his talk he read from the bible Malachi chapter 3, verses 8, 9, and 10.
(Note I am to tired to finsh my talk is continued next time.) That's all for today.
On Saturday, 6 February, Michael concluded his account of his talk:
(Finishing part of talk.) Then he stoped. Then he said “Know I know why I came here. It's to tell you two pay your tithing. If you will pay your tithing hevanly Father will open the windoes of hevan and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
So the people started to pay there tithing and hevanly Father opened the windows of heaven and it started to rain. This solved both problems there was no longer a drout and the Church was out of deat. I know these things are true in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Showing posts with label Obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obedience. Show all posts
Saturday, July 5, 2008
49. The Holy Ghost
A talk given by Michael Cleverly on Sunday, August 9, 1981, about a month before he turned eight and was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. The talk was given in the Primary of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward, Bountiful Utah South Stake, and was printed in the September 1981 issue of the Family Journal.
Today I’m going to talk about the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. It tells about the Holy Ghost in the first Article of Faith:
“We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”
And also it tells about the Holy Ghost in the fourth Article of Faith:
“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
When we are confirmed, Heavenly Father’s promise is that the Holy Ghost will be with us as long as we are righteous. Before we are baptized the Holy Ghost isn’t always with us.
I’m going to tell a story about Wilford Woodruff. One night when Wilford Woodruff was staying over at someone’s house, the Spirit—I mean the Holy Ghost—told him to go move his buggy. He could have rolled over and went back to sleep, but Wilford Woodruff had learned that when the Holy Ghost tells you to do something you’d better do it. So he got up and moved his buggy. A minute later after he moved it, a tree crashed where they buggy had been. If he hadn’t moved it like the Holy Ghost told him to, the buggy would have been smashed.
I know these things are true. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Today I’m going to talk about the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. It tells about the Holy Ghost in the first Article of Faith:
“We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”
And also it tells about the Holy Ghost in the fourth Article of Faith:
“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
When we are confirmed, Heavenly Father’s promise is that the Holy Ghost will be with us as long as we are righteous. Before we are baptized the Holy Ghost isn’t always with us.
I’m going to tell a story about Wilford Woodruff. One night when Wilford Woodruff was staying over at someone’s house, the Spirit—I mean the Holy Ghost—told him to go move his buggy. He could have rolled over and went back to sleep, but Wilford Woodruff had learned that when the Holy Ghost tells you to do something you’d better do it. So he got up and moved his buggy. A minute later after he moved it, a tree crashed where they buggy had been. If he hadn’t moved it like the Holy Ghost told him to, the buggy would have been smashed.
I know these things are true. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
36. With the Hinckleys in Rio de Janeiro
An account from my missionary journal of a meeting held on Monday afternoon, September 8, 1969, in the Brazilian North Mission home in Rio de Janeiro. Elder and Sister Gordon B. Hinckley, President and Sister Hal R. Johnson, and eight missionaries (Elders Monte Stewart, Fenton Broadhead, Dean Cleverly, Robert Bailey, Elder Merchant, Reed Nielsen, Michael Morrell, and Kent Gale) were present. The meeting was planned for all the missionaries in Rio, but none could be contacted by telephone since it was preparation day. It was a rainy day and cold. The Hinckleys had arrived from São Paulo Sunday evening at 11:00. He had presided over two stake conferences there during the day. This evening they left for Lima. It was President David O. McKay’s 96th birthday, and in the morning Elder Hinckley had sent a telegram to President McKay with birthday greetings from the 60,000 members in South America and the missionaries of the ten South American missions.
This afternoon I participated in one of the most uplifting spiritual experiences of my life. Twelve of us were sitting in a casual circle in the living room of the mission home, receiving precious insights and sharing testimonies of a special and holy nature. Among our number was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley.
President Johnson was running the show because, as Brother Hinckley had earlier pointed out while we circled the dinner table, he believed in being obedient to the mission president. However, as soon as the President had called us together and had called upon his assistant, Elder Bob Bailey, to offer the opening prayer, the time was offered to Brother Hinckley.
He remained sitting in the easy chair he was in and suggested that each of the eight young elders present take about three minutes each to express a few thoughts. Some very touching testimonies were borne during those few minutes. It is a rare privilege and opportunity to bear testimony to an Apostle.
Next Sister Johnson was called upon to speak. She brought tears to my eyes as she told of how her parents had finally caught the vision of the gospel just before they, the Johnsons, were called to Brazil and had turned from inactivity to go to the House of the Lord.
Sister Hinckley shared with us a few thoughts next. She is an able and gracious companion to her husband. She spoke of her joy in being with us and of the miracle of the great missionary system. She never worried about her sons while they were serving missions, just when they returned home did she begin to worry again.
Finally President Johnson bore his strong witness to us that he knew that this was the work and kingdom of God, expressing his overflowing gratitude and love for all those associated with him in this grand work.
Then all eyes turned to Brother Hinckley. Now it was his turn. He asked if he might remain seated because he wanted to talk casually and intimately with us, not wishing to preach. I saw true manhood and great humility as he sat there before us saying that he felt unworthy of the office of the apostleship. As he meets with missionaries across the width and breadth of the earth, he feels unworthy of the office. As he received such a warm welcome at the airport at 11:00 the evening before, he felt unworthy of the office. As he meetings in meetings of counsel with the other Brethren in the Salt Lake Temple, he feels unworthy of the office.
He shared with us a few touching and close associations he has had with our beloved prophet and leader, President David O. McKay. Just last year the Brethren of the Twelve and First Presidency met in President McKay’s apartment a few days before Christmas. As they each bore their testimonies, they expressed their love for President McKay. Tears came to his eyes and he said, “I am not worthy of your love and trust.” Now that was the Prophet speaking! There is no doubt that he is a prophet, Brother Hinckley said. It was appropriate for him to speak of the Prophet—today is President McKay’s 96th birthday.
Often we sing, “We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days.” But if we would really follow the Prophet, the Church would be twice as strong as it is, and we would be twice as blessed as a people. Brother Hinckley assured us that the Lord was preparing a successor to President McKay—a man who would have wide and deep experience, years of long service, of capable judgment, of character molded by life and tempered by the Holy Spirit of God. He felt the Lord was taking His time in preparing such a replacement. President McKay’s body is old and worn and weak, but his mind and spirit are firm and clear. When he passes away, there will be no politicking, no power plays—the Lord’s choice will be evident.
Brother Hinckley spoke of missionary work and the great miracle it is. He told us of how the Church is growing in the Far East, his responsibility for eight years, of how it is surging forward in California. He said he felt a special spirit about Brazil. Years of slow and long preparation will be giving way to a time of rich and fuller harvest. At times he feels concerned about São Paulo baptizing too fast. Twelve years ago (when President Hibbard, now president of the Brazilian Mission, was working there), São Paulo had one branch of 80 members, seven of which were active. This year over 2,000 converts will swell the wards of the two stakes there now. It is difficult to integrate so many new members.
He moved into other areas to share other missionary experiences with us, an area he has directly worked with since 1933. He mentioned a letter from their son, who was called from the North Argentine Mission to open up the missionary work in Spain. One thing that impressed me from this letter was that he mentioned their most effective missionary tools were fasting and prayer.
He closed his brief remarks—he was not really delivering a talk but just chatting—with an admonition to remain virtuous and faithful. He bore his witness, as a living Apostle, that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this is indeed His Church here upon the earth today.
Brother Hinckley is a great man. He carries with him the Spirit of the Lord. He is intense in his untiring and devoted service. The Spirit bore witness to every soul that here was indeed a servant of the Lord.
Our meeting closed with a brief word of prayer given by our district leader, Elder Michael Morrell.
Brother Hinckley walked around the circle, shaking every hand, piercing into every soul, offering his best wishes. Tight schedules and other business beckoned, but our hour and a half with this great man is an experience long to be cherished.
This afternoon I participated in one of the most uplifting spiritual experiences of my life. Twelve of us were sitting in a casual circle in the living room of the mission home, receiving precious insights and sharing testimonies of a special and holy nature. Among our number was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley.
President Johnson was running the show because, as Brother Hinckley had earlier pointed out while we circled the dinner table, he believed in being obedient to the mission president. However, as soon as the President had called us together and had called upon his assistant, Elder Bob Bailey, to offer the opening prayer, the time was offered to Brother Hinckley.
He remained sitting in the easy chair he was in and suggested that each of the eight young elders present take about three minutes each to express a few thoughts. Some very touching testimonies were borne during those few minutes. It is a rare privilege and opportunity to bear testimony to an Apostle.
Next Sister Johnson was called upon to speak. She brought tears to my eyes as she told of how her parents had finally caught the vision of the gospel just before they, the Johnsons, were called to Brazil and had turned from inactivity to go to the House of the Lord.
Sister Hinckley shared with us a few thoughts next. She is an able and gracious companion to her husband. She spoke of her joy in being with us and of the miracle of the great missionary system. She never worried about her sons while they were serving missions, just when they returned home did she begin to worry again.
Finally President Johnson bore his strong witness to us that he knew that this was the work and kingdom of God, expressing his overflowing gratitude and love for all those associated with him in this grand work.
Then all eyes turned to Brother Hinckley. Now it was his turn. He asked if he might remain seated because he wanted to talk casually and intimately with us, not wishing to preach. I saw true manhood and great humility as he sat there before us saying that he felt unworthy of the office of the apostleship. As he meets with missionaries across the width and breadth of the earth, he feels unworthy of the office. As he received such a warm welcome at the airport at 11:00 the evening before, he felt unworthy of the office. As he meetings in meetings of counsel with the other Brethren in the Salt Lake Temple, he feels unworthy of the office.
He shared with us a few touching and close associations he has had with our beloved prophet and leader, President David O. McKay. Just last year the Brethren of the Twelve and First Presidency met in President McKay’s apartment a few days before Christmas. As they each bore their testimonies, they expressed their love for President McKay. Tears came to his eyes and he said, “I am not worthy of your love and trust.” Now that was the Prophet speaking! There is no doubt that he is a prophet, Brother Hinckley said. It was appropriate for him to speak of the Prophet—today is President McKay’s 96th birthday.
Often we sing, “We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days.” But if we would really follow the Prophet, the Church would be twice as strong as it is, and we would be twice as blessed as a people. Brother Hinckley assured us that the Lord was preparing a successor to President McKay—a man who would have wide and deep experience, years of long service, of capable judgment, of character molded by life and tempered by the Holy Spirit of God. He felt the Lord was taking His time in preparing such a replacement. President McKay’s body is old and worn and weak, but his mind and spirit are firm and clear. When he passes away, there will be no politicking, no power plays—the Lord’s choice will be evident.
Brother Hinckley spoke of missionary work and the great miracle it is. He told us of how the Church is growing in the Far East, his responsibility for eight years, of how it is surging forward in California. He said he felt a special spirit about Brazil. Years of slow and long preparation will be giving way to a time of rich and fuller harvest. At times he feels concerned about São Paulo baptizing too fast. Twelve years ago (when President Hibbard, now president of the Brazilian Mission, was working there), São Paulo had one branch of 80 members, seven of which were active. This year over 2,000 converts will swell the wards of the two stakes there now. It is difficult to integrate so many new members.
He moved into other areas to share other missionary experiences with us, an area he has directly worked with since 1933. He mentioned a letter from their son, who was called from the North Argentine Mission to open up the missionary work in Spain. One thing that impressed me from this letter was that he mentioned their most effective missionary tools were fasting and prayer.
He closed his brief remarks—he was not really delivering a talk but just chatting—with an admonition to remain virtuous and faithful. He bore his witness, as a living Apostle, that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this is indeed His Church here upon the earth today.
Brother Hinckley is a great man. He carries with him the Spirit of the Lord. He is intense in his untiring and devoted service. The Spirit bore witness to every soul that here was indeed a servant of the Lord.
Our meeting closed with a brief word of prayer given by our district leader, Elder Michael Morrell.
Brother Hinckley walked around the circle, shaking every hand, piercing into every soul, offering his best wishes. Tight schedules and other business beckoned, but our hour and a half with this great man is an experience long to be cherished.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
32. Happiness, the Object of Our Existence
A bishopric message written on Monday, January 1, 2001, for publication in the January 2001 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
“Happiness,” taught the Prophet Joseph Smith, “is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it” (History of the Church, 5:134).
All of us want to be happy. It is the way we were programmed. It is our nature and our inheritance if we seek it in the right ways and in the proper places. The path that leads to happiness, the Prophet continued, “is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. . . . In obedience there is joy and peace unspotted” (History of the Church, 5:134).
At the dawn of this new year, I have no greater desire for you whom I love than the simple wish that you find true happiness, the peace and the joy that come as precious gifts from a loving Father to all the obedient. That desire is my invocation upon the year and my blessing upon you and your families, as I bear my witness that God lives, that He is our Father, that Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son, our Savior and Redeemer, and that Joseph Smith was and is His prophet, through whom the knowledge and power and authority were restored that allow us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
May that be our happy lot during this new year and always.
“Happiness,” taught the Prophet Joseph Smith, “is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it” (History of the Church, 5:134).
All of us want to be happy. It is the way we were programmed. It is our nature and our inheritance if we seek it in the right ways and in the proper places. The path that leads to happiness, the Prophet continued, “is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. . . . In obedience there is joy and peace unspotted” (History of the Church, 5:134).
At the dawn of this new year, I have no greater desire for you whom I love than the simple wish that you find true happiness, the peace and the joy that come as precious gifts from a loving Father to all the obedient. That desire is my invocation upon the year and my blessing upon you and your families, as I bear my witness that God lives, that He is our Father, that Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son, our Savior and Redeemer, and that Joseph Smith was and is His prophet, through whom the knowledge and power and authority were restored that allow us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
May that be our happy lot during this new year and always.
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