President M. Russell Ballard’s call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came unexpectedly. . The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles believe in you and pray for you often. Differences between the Past and the PresentThe modern world in which we now live is ever changing. “It was a devastating experience,” he said. He showed devotion to hard work early in life. That was the beginning of a courtship of eleven months. He also wants you to stand on the sidelines in today’s important and crucial battles. Good morning brothers and sisters. Here Am I, Send Me M. Russell Ballard: Author. May our Heavenly Father watch over you. “The first part of my business career it seemed like everything worked. We look forward to when temples can be opened again for all proxy ordinances. As a young man, he served a mission to England where he was a counselor in the mission presidency. But in the end the Edsel failed and the motor company, and dealers around the country, lost hundreds of millions of dollars. M. Russell Ballard: Author. “I wonder sometimes, when is it his turn? You will still have access to the scriptures, general conference talks, hymns, and manuals in the Gospel Library app, but you will not be distracted by incoming text messages or other notifications. “If you keep working at a task and try to do what’s right and honest, ultimately it works out.”. Debra is related to Richard B Russell and Doris J Russell as well as 2 additional people. SALT LAKE CITY — Barbara Ballard, wife of Latter-day Saint apostle President M. Russell Ballard, died at age 86 after a long battle with various health issues, including Alzheimer’s, according Seemingly, as our world gets brighter, louder, and busier, we have a greater challenge feeling the Spirit in our lives. He has also served as … He is the grandson of President Hyrum Mack Smith, who served in the Council of the Twelve from 1901 to 1918, and President Melvin J. Ballard, who served from 1919 to 1939. a great support.”12. But that did not happen. President M. Russell Ballard comes from a family long dedicated to service in the restored Church. She was 86 years old. As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I invite all of you within the sound of my voice, in the vast world that we now live in, to “put on the whole armor of God” and join the battle today, like the sons of Helaman did so many years ago. M. Russell Ballard: Featuring. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 28, 1951. Please take advantage to visit and talk with your parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents while they are still with you. I assure each of you that as you go to the temple or visit the temple grounds, you will walk on sacred, holy ground. President Ballard wrote more than 600 personal letters to people who needed help in gaining a testimony. He was still serving in that capacity when, in 1976, he was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy. With the global COVID-19 pandemic continuing into its second year, President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is asking local Church leaders in the United States and Canada to look for youth conference and camp opportunities in 2021, with For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences being postponed until 2022. I am grateful to be with you on this very important day in your life. It is the only place you can hear those beautiful, inspiring words. In the cities of today, it is almost impossible to see the night sky as Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Elisabeth, Jesus, and the early Latter-day Saints did. M. Russell Ballard as a toddler. When we got to the office, President Hinckley called my husband to be an Apostle. true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. Ballard attended Brigham Young College ; he graduated in 1884. Olympus and Monument Park stakes. Church LeadersI have heard that some people think the Church leaders live in a “bubble.” What they forget is that we are men and women of experience, and we have lived our lives in so many places and worked with many people from different backgrounds. “Women of Dedication, Faith, Determination, and Action” Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles _____ This address was given Friday, May 1, 2015 at the BYU Women’s Conference It seems like the world of technology cannot stand still for even a few minutes. We know that in the end the Lord will win the day and Satan will be defeated. Women & Careers Student Development 117 M. Russell Ballard, Questions and Answers (BYU Devotional, 2017) “Question: As a woman, I sometimes feel guilty for pursuing an education degree. All rights reserved. Let me emphasize that point—you will lead the Church in 10 or 20 or 30 years from now. We welcome all you young adults today—whether you are single, married, a returned missionary, or preparing to serve soon. Since then, I have been introduced to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+, Instagram, and Snapchat. He attended the University of Utah. I almost thought, ‘Please say that again. The Church has always adopted advances in technology to help push the work of the Lord forward, especially in missionary work. President Ballard treasures his marriage with his wife, Barbara. I am also concerned that excessive text messaging, Facebooking, tweeting, and Instagraming are replacing talking—talking directly one to another and talking in prayer with our Heavenly Father; and thinking about the things that matter most in life. Surely, during those few minutes you can focus on the Atonement of the Savior as you seek the Spirit of the Lord to bless you for the coming week. In all the ordinances in the house of the Lord, you will hear beautiful language, words, and promises given by the Lord to His children. When you thoughtfully consider our lives and ministry, you will most likely agree that we see and experience the world in ways few others do. Earlier this month, President Ballard, the longest serving General Authority in the Church, … The Lord Has a Work for You to Do M. Russell Ballard: Author. May you never forget, in this journey you are on, you are precious, every one of you, to the future of preparing the world for that day when Jesus Christ will say “It is enough” and will return and rule and reign as the Savior, the Lord of lords, the King of kings, the Redeemer of the world, who I testify lives. He met his wife while they were studying at the University of Utah. Barbara Bowen Ballard, wife of President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on October 1, 2018. Acting President M. Russell Ballard has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since October 6, 1985, traveling throughout the earth to instruct Church members and direct day-to-day affairs of the worldwide Church. He married Barbara Bowen in the Salt Lake Temple on August 28, 1951. Even when we are alone today, we can be tuned in with our mobile devices, laptop computers, and televisions to keep us entertained and occupied. It was a little hard convincing her. “I met her at the University of Utah ‘Hello Day Dance.’ A friend of mine thought I ought to meet her, so he tagged in to dance with her, danced over to where I was, introduced me, and I danced with her thirty seconds before I was tagged out. Smartphones provide us so many wonderful opportunities, including accessing information, getting directions, sharing photos and messages, and even once in a while actually talking to someone. Well, it is true that six of the First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles are over 80 years of age! Beaverton TBD in 2021 OR Beaverton '90. The responses he received showed how people were touched by his concern. Although we have visited leaders of nations throughout the world, we have also visited the most humble homes on earth, where we have met and ministered to the poor. April 11, 2008 . You will recall that 2,000 stripling warriors “entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites.”9 With that announcement, there are 160 dedicated temples, 8 under renovation, 22 under construction, and 40 that have been announced. He said, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”8. Pioneers of the Gospel M. Russell Ballard: Author. He has this deep reservoir of care; he just gives and gives and gives.”. In a General Authority training meeting, President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) said regarding the teaching of Church doctrine: “We cannot be too careful. Seattle TBD in 2021 WA Beaverton '80. Next, imagine that upon doing research, you come across a talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard. Both of their pictures hang on his office wall. Satan, on the other hand, does not want you to go to the temple or even to stand in the shadow of a temple. Unlocking the doors M. Russell Ballard: Author. He wants you to avoid even getting close to the temple because the temple is the house of the Lord. The phone rang, and it was President Hinckley, who asked my husband to come to the office. President M. Russell Ballard and his wife, Barbara, say the call he received to serve as an Apostle was a “sobering experience.”. M. Russell Ballard: Author. “Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.”11, You young women and young men are the modern daughters and sons of Helaman. See Also Brotherhood and Sisterhood During this pandemic, the work of temple building has not stopped. He said, “I want to help you keep the commitment you’ve just made. . LDS apostle M. Russell Ballard used his Brigham Young University devotional address Tuesday to offer pithy answers to questions about balancing work and … M Russell Ballard was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles when this was written From an address to CES religious educators on 26 February 2016 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. May it be said of you as it was said of them: “They became now at this period of time . Use of TechnologyIn 2007 and 2008, I spoke to the graduating students at BYU–Hawaii and BYU–Idaho. We all need time to ask ourselves questions or to have a regular personal interview with ourselves. Once they are, I invite you to go as often as possible and turn off your smartphones and put them away before you enter the temple grounds. In Ballard's patriarchal blessing, this was reaffirmed. We are often so busy and the world is so loud that it is difficult to hear the heavenly words “be still, and know that I am God.”3 Their use is appropriate, and they are a blessing. “Put on the whole armor of God” as Paul invited us to do. Testimony and WitnessMay the Lord bless you with wisdom beyond your years, that you will wisely realize that we are in this battle and we must stand together, young and old. Professionally, President Ballard became involved in several enterprises, including automotive, real estate, and investment businesses.  The Church needs modern stripling warriors who have made a covenant “to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.”10. The Lord needs you now! M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered this devotional address on November 14, 2017. In 1949, as a 21-year-old missionary, he was called as first counselor in the presidency of the British Mission. And recently, I have heard on the news much about TikTok. . President Ballard was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 6, 1985. After growing up in the Seattle area, he completed undergraduate degrees in both Biology and Chemistry in Montana, where he was able to take in Big Sky country for its true grandeur. The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, Read President Ballard’s biography in the, Read President Ballard’s biography from the. He was set apart as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by President Russell M. Nelson on January 14, 2018. 801-524-8100. What I have learned most in my life came from listening to those with great experience, those who had lived longer and learned many important things that I needed to know. M. Russell Ballard was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 8, 1928 to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He has been serving as an Apostle since October 6, 1985, traveling throughout the earth to instruct Church members and direct day-to-day affairs of the worldwide Church. He met his wife while they were studying at the University of Utah. We are all participating through various means of technology at this unique time in the history of the world. President M. Russell Ballard was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 8, 1928, to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He was called to be a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy on February 22, 1980. Send me the name of the person you seek to rescue, and I’ll write a letter of encouragement to him.”, Encouragement is exactly what he gave. Beaverton TBD in 2021 OR ... C.M. You cannot connect to the Spirit during the presentation of the sacrament while looking at or sending a message on your smartphone or your tablet. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (below). “The group that is most important to identify with is being the children of God,” the 91-year-old Church leader said. President Ballard’s devotion to the gospel is based on the rock of his testimony: “I have strong convictions that those who are really anchored in their faith in the Restoration and the mission of the Prophet Joseph, and in the revelations that have come to the Church through him, which confirm and declare that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that the gospel is upon the earth, will be able to handle whatever life passes to them.”. “I knew from the beginning that I wanted to marry her, but she didn’t share the same feelings. I have wondered if those who lived in the past had more opportunity than we do now to see, feel, and experience the presence of the Spirit in their lives. 9, 2014, 5. M. Russell Ballard — ‘Remember, you can be exalted without a college degree. If you do not qualify for a temple recommend right now, I invite you to prepare yourself to be worthy of a temple recommend and come to the temple as soon as you can. One of the best places to connect with the Spirit is in the temple—the house of the Lord. In 1974, he was called to preside over the Canada Toronto Mission. In 1956 he returned and took over the Ballard Motor Company from his father. My dear young friends, it is a pleasure to be at this devotional with you. You can be exalted without being slender and beautiful. 95 N. 300 W. Salt Lake City, UT 84101. While in college, his fraternity brothers called him “the bishop.” They knew that, whatever the situation, he would be true to his standards and uphold his faith. Others say we are too old. This was the core message Tuesday morning from President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, during a 25-minute speech at the Marriott Center to students at Brigham Young University. He was the top-selling salesman for his father’s car dealership when he left it in the early 1950s to pursue other business interests. ; see also Doctrine and Covenants 101:16 Then, upon returning home in 1950, he met Barbara Bowen, who would become his wife. For some of you, the adjustment will be slight; for others, it may be significant. The Church needs our young adults now. For example, one of the recipients of President Ballard’s letters wrote, “I feel that your letter was the real beginning of this fantastic change in my life, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”, “I don’t know how he cares for so many people,” said Sister Ballard. Dr. Johnson is a Pacific Northwest native. M. Russell Ballard was involved in automotive, real estate, and investment businesses, including the inheritance of the Ballard Motor Company in 1956 from his father, who he says “instilled in [me] the desire to work hard.” He also served on many civic and Church committees and boards. He served as president of the Canada Toronto Mission from 1974-1976. He served as mission president and was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1976.." May you have a desire to get a recommend and attend the temple regularly. The Lord Has a Work for You to Do M. Russell Ballard: Author. Finally, the people of earlier times experienced solitude in ways we cannot imagine in our crowded and busy world. “To me, failure is only when you quit trying,” he said. Family activities, including family home evening, are a high priority in the Ballard household of 1980. For example, currently 98% of missions throughout the world have missionaries using smartphones as part of their work. In 1974, Ballard was called to be the president of the Canada Toronto Mission of the church. Career and early church service [ edit ] I invite you to write to me when your time has come for some additional help. In February of 1980, he was called to the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy. Don’t wait until you get married or start your lifelong career or get older. President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke at Tuesday’s BYU Devotional about our … We simply have too many distractions to capture our attention, unlike any time in the history of the world. Behold Your Little Ones M. Russell Ballard: Author Michaelene P. Grassli: Author Thomas S. Monson: Author. We are not out of touch with what is happening in your lives. I want you to know that the Lord loves you and trusts you. People living in the past enjoyed an abundance of natural heavenly light and comfortable darkness, without streetlights, headlights, and light pollution found in all our cities across the world. As he spoke about accepting his call, President Ballard said that he felt a great closeness to his forefathers. I don’t know if I heard correctly.’ Russ looked at me with tears in his eyes. Using Technology to Bless LivesWe invite you to get involved and use the social media platforms you prefer to share the gospel and stand as modern sons and daughters of Helaman in the great battles of the last days. “I knew from the beginning that I wanted to marry her,” he says. When this happens, maybe you need to send a text message to them to get their attention! To you graduates, your families, and all who are here, I bring the love and greetings of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. May that peace and power be with you. Greenwood Village Aug 21, 2021 CO Chief Sealth '70. Keep practicing those important habits and don’t just stand on the sideline. . Church leaders have counseled young adults on this topic for some time. Counseling with Our Councils M. Russell Ballard: Featuring. However, when smartphones begin to interfere with our relationships with friends and family—and even more importantly, with God—we need to make a change. 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