I really connected with many of the talks given at General Conference. I have always been a proponent that, while delving into the "deep mysteries of God" is okay, I tend to stick with the basics. Elder Ellis' talk on the Articles of Faith inspired me to write a series on those 13 basic tenets of the gospel. 

The first article of faith says, "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost". This, the first one starts off by boldly proclaiming that the Godhead are three distinct personages , contrary to most other faiths. It is important to start off with this declaration first, because other doctrines hinge upon this fact:
  • The plan of Salvation, where our loving Heavenly Father sat in counsel with all of us. Two plans were presented for the children of God; after hearing these, God the Father said, "I will send the first". Knowing that Jesus Christ is the God mentioned throughout the Old Testament helps clear things up (for me at least).
  • The first vision, where a Joseph Smith who was confused by the religious commotion found what he needed to do via the scriptures. And as he went to pray, two personages came and stood, one pointing to the other saying, "this is my beloved Son, hear Him"
  • When Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, a dove descended, and a voice from Heaven declaring, "this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". This clearly indicates to me the separation of the Godhead.
Our Heavenly Father loves us all - every one of His beloved children. He planned this beautiful earth that we live in and all things placed on the earth are there to enhance the beauty and to bring us happiness and joy.  Through His plan, we are placed on this earth to prove ourselves.

We are His children, and we must be tested to show we are true.

He knows through His plan, that all will not return back to Him because of Lucifer's foiled plan; now Lucifers's goal is to make sure we don't return back to Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father gives us all one of the greatest gifts during our earthly sojourn - agency. We are free to choose. This is the opposite of what Lucifer wanted; to force us.

Our Saviour came to this earth, "...to fulfill all righteousness" and to "...do the will of the Father, which sent Him". Knowing that our Saviour is our elder brother makes me even more grateful for Him. Just as earthly brothers will generally stick up for each other and watch out for their well-being, our Saviour has "stuck up" for us by going through all the agony and pain He did in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. He atoned for all our sins. 

The Holy Ghost is known as the comforter, the still small voice, the dove, and "the peace of God which passeth all understanding". He testifies the truth of all things to us. He can only dwell in clean places. We have to consistently make our lives so that the Holy Ghost can dwell with us. Our minds must not be cluttered in order to hear the promptings. I have been blessed many times in my life to feel the inspiration and whisperings of the Holy Ghost. There is no sweeter feeling than the Holy Ghost confirming truth. This is why the missionaries first invite the spirit in a home so that when they read the Book of Mormon, they will feel the spirit confirming truth.

It is that same spirit that I felt this weekend, as the Holy Ghost bore witness to me of truth and the things I need to do yet. It is the same Holy Ghost that I feel as I sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

I love my Heavenly Father. I am grateful for this beautiful earth He has made for us; mountains, streams, the seasons, and the animals. I am grateful for Him sending His Son; our elder Brother, Jesus Christ to earth to show us the way back to be in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

I am eternally indebted to my Saviour, Jesus Christ, who paid for my sins and misdeeds. For Him, who is the advocate with the Father. For Him, who came to the earth as a, "meek and lowly Lamb". For Him that will return in glory.

I am grateful for the Holy Ghost in my life, and try daily to have my "temple" cleansed so that I can feel of the sweet spirit as He testifies of our Heavenly Father and Jeaus Christ.

I believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

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