Helaman's Army

Prayer is one of the most basic and important foundational building blocks of our faith and character. Through prayer we are able to express our gratitude, love, and devotion to God. Through prayer we can submit our will to His and in return receive the strength to conform our lives to His teachings. Prayer is the avenue we can follow to seek His influence in our lives, even revelation. DeanM. Davies, A Sure Foundation, 2013 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/a-sure-foundation?lang=eng

Gives a brief introduction to the principles in the plan of salvation through words, pictures, and music. Essentially a remake of "Man's Search for Happiness."

Ask the right kind of questions, and listen to what your sons have to say each time you have a few minutes together. You need to know—not to guess but to know—what is going on in your son’s life. Don’t assume that you know how he feels just because you were young once. Your sons live in a very different world from the one in which you grew up. As they share with you what’s going on, you will have to listen very carefully and without being judgmental in order to understand what they are thinking and experiencing. M. Russell Ballard, 2009 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A child who sings is a happy child. This is another motto my wife mentions frequently. ... How touching it is to hear the song of a little one who has been taught by his or her parents to sing, “I am a child of God.” EnriqueR. Falabella, The Home: The School of Life, 2013 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/the-home-the-school-of-life?lang=eng

Alma 31:34–35 34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ. 35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee. Read by Eduardo Gavarret, Returning Home, 2008 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/returning-home?id=p12-p13&lang=eng#p12

If our people want to be safely guided during these troublous times of deceit and false rumors, they must follow their leaders and seek for the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord in order to avoid falling prey to clever manipulators who, with cunning sophistry, seek to draw attention and gain a following to serve their own notions and sometimes sinister motives. Harold B. Lee, Admonitions for the Priesthood of God, 1972 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1972/10/admonitions-for-the-priesthood-of-god?id=p38&lang=eng#p38

"While we are in the world, we must not be of the world. Any attempts being made by the schools or places of entertainment to flaunt sexual perversions, which can do nothing but excite to experimentation, must find among the priesthood in this church a vigorous and unrelenting defense through every lawful means that can be employed." Harold B. Lee, Admonitions for the Priesthood of God, 1972 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1972/10/admonitions-for-the-priesthood-of-god?id=p49&lang=eng#p49

A narrator examines life's greatest questions, such as "Who am I?", "Where did I come from?", "Why am I here?", and "Where am I going?". Actors, primarily depicting one family, pass through scenes spanning from premortality through this life and into the eternities. Many consider this to be the most important film the LDS Church has ever produced; it at least proved a milestone and a turning point in Church film production. Created for the 1964 World's Fair in New York, it was the first film done by the BYU Motion Picture Studio in 35mm, their first done for a primarily non-LDS audience, and their first depicting premortality. Despite its short length it was one of their most expensive and difficult films up to that point. It was immensely successful at the Fair, showing to an estimated five million people, and it later played for years at Temple Square and was distributed extensively on 16mm film, especially in a version that contained Fair footage as well, called The Mormon Pavilion. It prompted an increase in the Church's efforts to dub its films into foreign languages, and it was even remade in 1970 in a Japanese version. Another remake, retaining the original narration, was done in 1987.

Hope Comes from Faith in Jesus Christ - Wilford W. Anderson "Hope comes from faith in Jesus Christ. He has already overcome the world and has promised that He will wipe away our tears if we will only turn to Him and believe and follow. Some who at this very moment feel desperate or discouraged may wonder how they can possibly regain hope. If you are one of those, remember that hope comes as a result of faith. If we would build our hope, we must build our faith." Wilford W. Andersen, The Rock of Our Redeemer, April 2010 General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/the-rock-of-our-redeemer?lang=eng

Johnny Lingo, one of the sharpest traders in the south pacific islands decides to bargain for a wife, and offers a record price of eight cows for Mahana, a plain girl who shuns contact. This causes quite a sensation on the island. A year later Johnny and his wife return for the first time since the marriage, and all find that something miraculous has occurred to Mahana. Johnny explains that by paying eight cows he proved that she was worth more to him than any other woman on the island. He gave her a great gift, that of self-worth.

When a storm washes a canoe bearing an infant boy ashore upon a small South Pacific island, he is at first well-received as a gift from the heavens, even to the point of the tribal chief adopting him as a successor.

Throughout the history of the world, women have always been teachers of moral values. That instruction begins in the cradle and continues throughout the lives of their children. Today our society is bombarded with messages about womanhood and motherhood that are dangerously and wickedly wrong. Following these messages can put your daughters on the path to sin and self-destruction. Your daughters may not understand that unless you tell them or, better, unless you show them how to make good choices. M. Russell Ballard, Mothers and Daughters, 2010 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-and-daughters?id=p6&lang=eng#p6

"The main effects of these depreciating attitudes about the sanctity of marriage are the consequences to families—the strength of families is deteriorating at an alarming rate. This deterioration is causing widespread damage to society. I see direct cause and effect. As we give up commitment and fidelity to our marriage partners, we remove the glue that holds our society together." L. Tom Perry, Obedience to Law Is Liberty, 2013 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/obedience-to-law-is-liberty?lang=eng&id=p24#p24

It is, unfortunately, all too easy to illustrate the confusion and distortion of womanhood in contemporary society. Immodest, immoral, intemperate women jam the airwaves, monopolize magazines, and slink across movie screens—all while being celebrated by the world. The Apostle Paul spoke prophetically of “perilous times” that will come in the last days and specifically referenced something that may have seemed particularly perilous to him: “silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts” (2 Timothy 3:1, 6). Popular culture today often makes women look silly, inconsequential, mindless, and powerless. It objectifies them and disrespects them and then suggests that they are able to leave their mark on mankind only by seduction—easily the most pervasively dangerous message the adversary sends to women about themselves. And so, my dear young women, with all my heart I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors. Please look to your faithful mothers for a pattern to follow. Model yourselves after them, not after celebrities whose standards are not the Lord’s standards and whose values may not reflect an eternal perspective. Look to your mother. Learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness. Listen to her. She may not be a whiz at texting; she may not even have a Facebook page. But when it comes to matters of the heart and the things of the Lord, she has a wealth of knowledge. As you approach the time for marriage and young motherhood, she will be your greatest source of wisdom. No other person on earth loves you in the same way or is willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and help you find happiness—in this life and forever. Love your mother, my young sisters. Respect her. Listen to her. Trust her. She has your best interests at heart. She cares about your eternal safety and happiness. So be kind to her. Be patient with her imperfections, for she has them. We all do. M. Russell Ballard, Mothers and Daughters, 2010 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-and-daughters?id=p6&lang=eng#p6

Depicts a young mother who dies, but whose family is comforted by the knowledge that families can be forever through proper temple ordinances.

Scriptures can communicate different meanings at different times in our life, according to our needs. A scripture that we may have read many times can take on nuances of meaning that are refreshing and insightful when we face a new challenge in life. Richard G. Scott, The Power of Scripture, Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/10/the-power-of-scripture?id=p17&lang=eng#p17

Mosiah 4:29-30 29 And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them. 30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not. Read by Henry B. Eyring, As A Child, 2006 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/as-a-child?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4?id=p29-p30&lang=eng#p29

"Sisters, we, your brethren, cannot do what you were divinely designated to do from before the foundation of the world. We may try, but we cannot ever hope to replicate your unique gifts. There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman." M. Russell Ballard, Mothers and Daughters, 2010 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-and-daughters?id=p6&lang=eng#p6

Psalm 24:1–5 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ps/24?id=p1-p5&lang=eng#p1 Read by Richard G. Scott, The Power of Scripture, 2011 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/10/the-power-of-scripture?lang=eng

Christ’s grace is like music lessons - Brad Wilcox Christ’s arrangement with us is similar to a mom providing music lessons for her child. Mom pays the piano teacher. How many know what I am talking about? Because Mom pays the debt in full, she can turn to her child and ask for something. What is it? Practice! Does the child’s practice pay the piano teacher? No. Does the child’s practice repay Mom for paying the piano teacher? No. Practicing is how the child shows appreciation for Mom’s incredible gift. It is how he takes advantage of the amazing opportunity Mom is giving him to live his life at a higher level. Mom’s joy is found not in getting repaid but in seeing her gift used—seeing her child improve. And so she continues to call for practice, practice, practice. If the child sees Mom’s requirement of practice as being too overbearing (“Gosh, Mom, why do I need to practice? None of the other kids have to practice! I’m just going to be a professional baseball player anyway!”), perhaps it is because he doesn’t yet see with mom’s eyes. He doesn’t see how much better his life could be if he would choose to live on a higher plane. In the same way, because Jesus has paid justice, He can now turn to us and say, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19), “Keep my commandments” (John 14:15). If we see His requirements as being way too much to ask (“Gosh! None of the other Christians have to pay tithing! None of the other Christians have to go on missions, serve in callings, and do temple work!”), maybe it is because we do not yet see through Christ’s eyes. We have not yet comprehended what He is trying to make of us. Brad Wilcox, His Grace Is Sufficient, BYU Speech, 2011-07-12 https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/brad-wilcox/his-grace-is-sufficient/

Unrepentant Sinner Won't Be Begging to Stay - Brad Wilcox But the older I get, and the more I understand this wonderful plan of redemption, the more I realize that in the final judgment it will not be the unrepentant sinner begging Jesus, “Let me stay.” No, he will probably be saying, “Get me out of here!” Knowing Christ’s character, I believe that if anyone is going to be begging on that occasion, it would probably be Jesus begging the unrepentant sinner, “Please, choose to stay. Please, use my Atonement—not just to be cleansed but to be changed so that you want to stay.” The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can go home but that—miraculously—we can feel at home there. If Christ did not require faith and repentance, then there would be no desire to change. Think of your friends and family members who have chosen to live without faith and without repentance. They don’t want to change. They are not trying to abandon sin and become comfortable with God. Rather, they are trying to abandon God and become comfortable with sin. If Jesus did not require covenants and bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, then there would be no way to change. We would be left forever with only willpower, with no access to His power. If Jesus did not require endurance to the end, then there would be no internalization of those changes over time. They would forever be surface and cosmetic rather than sinking inside us and becoming part of us—part of who we are. Put simply, if Jesus didn’t require practice, then we would never become pianists.Wilcox Brad , His Grace Is Sufficient, BYU Speech, 2011-07-12 https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/brad-wilcox/his-grace-is-sufficient/

Learning Heaven, the Piano Analogy - Brad Wilcox “But Brother Wilcox, don’t you realize how hard it is to practice? I’m just not very good at the piano. I hit a lot of wrong notes. It takes me forever to get it right.” Now wait. Isn’t that all part of the learning process? When a young pianist hits a wrong note, we don’t say he is not worthy to keep practicing. We don’t expect him to be flawless. We just expect him to keep trying. Perfection may be his ultimate goal, but for now we can be content with progress in the right direction. Why is this perspective so easy to see in the context of learning piano but so hard to see in the context of learning heaven? Brad Wilcox, His Grace Is Sufficient, BYU Speech, 2011-07-12 https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/brad-wilcox/his-grace-is-sufficient/

Film on the plan of salvation and temple work shown at the Bureau of Information at Temple Square.

Faith in the Savior requires more than mere belief. The Apostle James taught that even the devils believe and tremble. But true faith requires work. The difference between the devils and the faithful members of this Church is not belief but work. Faith grows by keeping the commandments. We must work at keeping the commandments. From the Bible Dictionary we read that “miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness.” Wilford W. Anderson, The Rock of Our Redeemer, 2010 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/the-rock-of-our-redeemer?id=p17&lang=eng#p17

Doctrine and Covenants 93:1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; Read by Ronald A. Rasband, Standing by Our Promises and Covenants, 2019 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/29rasband?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/93?lang=eng