"With great joy I humbly testify our Heavenly Father loves us, Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith restored the fulness of the everlasting gospel, and the Book of Mormon testifies of these truths. We are led by a living prophet today.” —M. Russell Ballard (1928-2023)

Following a wonderful and inspiring general conference, last week I suddenly found myself in the hospital with respiratory issues. However, I have since been released from the hospital and returned home where I am attending to duties as I am able.

I did not read a prepared address today at general conference. My eyes are getting dim as I approach 95 which makes it more difficult to see the teleprompter. However, I didn’t want to allow this obstacle to keep me from sharing my testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. I declare

The Savior is more interested in our personal growth than our mistakes. Repentance helps us become true and faithful sons and daughters of God. We are only eventually made perfect only through Jesus Christ and His perfect atonement.

If you’re unsure of the next step in your path, act “as if” you were the person you would like to be. As you do that, you will grow into that kind of person. Ultimately, your very actions, your attitude, will lead you toward being the kind of person you want to be.

If you’re around those who believe differently than you, the most powerful thing to do is to always be warm and kind. Be champions of other faiths. Share your positive experiences of the living gospel. When we love God, we love His children, despite differences we might have.

Today is the 179th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum—my great-great grandfather. Their courage and faith combined with their dedication to serve Jesus Christ and fulfill their earthly missions are traits I have learned from and

Strive to keep the Holy Ghost as your constant companion, even during dark times. He will help you stay on the covenant path and keep you focused on the simple, significant gospel of Jesus Christ.

Even on the tough days, never lose sight of Jesus Christ. Never lose sight of Gethsemane. I promise that as you keep your focus on the Savior and what He did for you and for me, your burdens will be lifted and He will help you.

I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He lives.

I've learned what matters most are our relationships with Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, our families, our neighbors, and allowing the Spirit of the Lord to guide us in those relationships so we can testify of the things that matter most and last longest. #GeneralConference

We can expect to have divine inspiration and direction for the mighty responsibilities of life when we counsel with the Lord. As we live worthy with our focus on the Savior, we can have utmost confidence in our futures.

Everything of eternal consequence and importance is focused on the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Your knowledge of and faith in Him will grow as you serve in the temple. You will feel His infinite love for you and experience joy and spiritual power throughout your life.

Jesus Christ lives. “He is … a light that is endless, that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9). He is our light, our life, and our way—yesterday, today, and forever. May we be steadfast in following Him and shining His light before the world.

We cannot fully comprehend—or appreciate—Jesus Christ and His gospel when we lose His light and truth. But as we repent and obey, serve, and worship Him, we conquer darkness. His light returns and removes the shadows of the world from our midst and our minds.

The Lord's birth was the beginning of an inspiring earthly ministry. Throughout His life, He brought countless souls to the gospel. He has asked us to do the same. Find ways to get yourself and others closer to Christ this Christmas. That is the best gift you can give.

I testify that there is hope and peace in Christ. He can carry us today through difficult times.

No matter what we may do, we will never be lost to our Savior. With the blessing of repentance, we can turn to Him. He will help us learn, grow, and change as we strive to stay on the covenant path.

We have trails to walk, we have hills—and sometimes mountains—to climb. Although the trials today are different than those of the early pioneers, they are no less challenging for us. Let us follow Jesus Christ with faith in every footstep. #GeneralConference #HearHim

How would you respond to the Savior’s question, “Lovest thou me more than these?” I pray that you may answer as Peter did so long ago: “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee,” and then, show it by loving and serving God and all those around you.