2014-05-00-ensign-eng

The revelations promise that “whateverprinciple of intelligence we attainunto in this life, it will rise with us inthe resurrection” and that “knowledgeand intelligence [are gained] through. . . diligence and obedience” (D&C130:18–19).One eternal truth that I have cometo know is that God lives. He is ourFather. We are His children. “Webelieve in God, the Eternal Father, andin His Son, Jesus Christ, and in theHoly Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:1).Of all the other titles that He couldhave used, He chose to be called“Father.” The Savior commanded,“After this manner therefore prayye: Our Father who art in heaven”(3 Nephi 13:9; see also Matthew 6:9).His use of the name “Father” is a lessonfor all as we come to understandwhat it is that matters most in this life.Parenthood is a sacred privilege,and depending upon faithfulness, itcan be an eternal blessing. The ultimateend of all activity in the Churchis that a man and his wife and theirchildren can be happy at home.Those who do not marry or thosewho cannot have children are notexcluded from the eternal blessingsthey seek but which, for now, remainbeyond their reach. We do not alwaysknow how or when blessings willpresent themselves, but the promiseof eternal increase will not be deniedany faithful individual who makes andkeeps sacred covenants.Your secret yearnings and tearfulpleadings will touch the heart ofboth the Father and the Son. You willbe given a personal assurance fromThem that your life will be full andthat no blessing that is essential willbe lost to you.As a servant of the Lord, actingin the office to which I have beenordained, I give those in such circumstancesa promise that there will benothing essential to your salvationand exaltation that shall not in duetime rest upon you. Arms now emptywill be filled, and hearts now hurtingfrom broken dreams and yearningwill be healed.Another truth I have come toknow is that the Holy Ghost isreal. He is the third member of theGodhead. His mission is to testify oftruth and righteousness. He manifestsHimself in many ways, includingfeelings of peace and reassurance.He can also bring comfort, guidance,and correction when needed. Thecompanionship of the Holy Ghost ismaintained throughout our lives byrighteous living.The gift of the Holy Ghost is conferredthrough an ordinance of thegospel. One with authority lays hishands on the head of a new memberof the Church and says words such asthese: “Receive the Holy Ghost.”This ordinance alone does notchange us in a noticeable way, but ifwe listen and follow the promptings,we will receive the blessing of theHoly Ghost. Each son or daughterof our Heavenly Father can come toknow the reality of Moroni’s promise:“By the power of the Holy Ghostye may know the truth of all things”(Moroni 10:5; emphasis added).A supernal truth that I have gainedin my life is my witness of the LordJesus Christ.May 201495