I am so grateful for the youth of the Church. There is so much of evil everywhere. Temptation, with all its titillating influences, is about us everywhere. We lose some to these destructive forces, unfortunately. We sorrow over every one that is lost. We reach out to help them, to save them, but in too many cases our entreaties are spurned. Tragic is the course they are following. It is the way which leads down to destruction.

But there are so many, many hundreds of thousands of our young people who are faithful and true, who are straight as an arrow and as strong as a great wave of the sea in following the course they have mapped out for themselves. It is a course of righteousness and goodness, a course of accomplishment and achievement. They are making something of their lives, and the world will be so much the better for them. (President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

President Hinckley loved the youth of the Church and they loved him right back.

I don't say it often enough, but I too am so proud of our Mormon youth. They are such wonderful young people. Their many examples of faith are truly awesome to behold, and the world is indeed so much better for them. They aren't perfect, of course, but then who is? They are typical teenagers in many ways, yet, also quite atypical. I mean where else can you find teenagers who get up at 5:30 every weekday morning so they can attend Seminary to study the life and teachings of Jesus Christ?

If you'd like to learn more about the Seminary program of the Church, please read Laurie Walker's post on "Mormon Seminary is For Youth." The fact that Mormon youth attend seminary early in the morning before heading to school has received a lot of press. Katie Parker wrote about one of these stories in her post titled, "Michigan Mormon Teens Start Day with Seminary."

This past week with the passing of President Hinckley, Mormon youth took it upon themselves to spread the word and organize their own tribute. In fact, we learned about President Hinckley's passing through the "teen express." A friend of our teenage son who lives in Utah (we live in Pennsylvania) sent a text message to our son within seconds of hearing the news about President Hinckley.

During the memorial services for President Hinckley this past Saturday, Bishop H. David Burton (Presiding Bishop of the Church) paid a special tribute to the youth of the Church. He pointed out that news of President Hinckley's passing spread rapidly throughout the world because the youth took it upon themselves to spread the word through text messages. He also thanked them for honoring President Hinckley through their examples.

You see the youth of the Church didn't stop at just sending text messages with the news of President Hinckley's death. Using text messages for the most part, they went on to organize a tribute for their beloved prophet. The following Monday morning the youth of the Church turned up in school all over the country dressed in Sunday best.

Other Mormon youths found other ways to pay tribute to President Hinckely. Some shared their testimonies in Church, with school mates, and on YouTube. Here is a video of Mormon teens paying tribute to President Hinckley.

These past several days, I saw again the tremendous faith and courage of our youth. They are a powerful force for good, taking a stand for good and sharing their testimonies with the world. A familiar hymn that we sing in Church speaks about the faith of these remarkable Mormon youth:

Shall the youth of Zion falter, In defending truth and right?
While the enemy assaileth, Shall we shrink or shun the fight?
No! True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the faith for which martyrs have perished,
To God's command, soul, heart, and hand,
Faithful and true we will ever stand.

Recently I have read or heard the words “be true” a lot. Be true to yourself. Be true to your faith. Be true to your friends and associates. Be true to your family. President Gordon B. Hinckley, the late President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or the Mormon Church as it is commonly known) spoke often on being true. I found a wonderful talk given by him in a General Young Women meeting, in which he spoke to the young women of the Church. Since this phrase has been appearing in my life time and again lately, I thought I would like to learn more of what it means, and perhaps how being true could help me live a happier, more fruitful life.

Mormon beliefs can be summed up in thirteen points of doctrine, or articles of faith, as we call them. The thirteenth article of faith states:

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

First, we must be true to ourselves. Each of us has a conscience that speaks to us and helps us discern the difference between right and wrong. When we do the wrong thing, we can feel it. Likewise, when we do the right thing, we experience feelings of happiness and peace with ourselves. President Hinckley said, “To be true to ourselves meaning being an example of righteous living in all situations and circumstances” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Stand True and Faithful,” Ensign, May 1996, 91.)

Being true to ourselves, also means being honest. In school, at work, or in our dealings with our fellow man, we must never cheat or steal. The old adage goes “honesty is the best policy” and it is as true today as when the wise person first said it. Even the finger of the Lord wrote on tablets of stone: “Thou shalt not steal. … Thou shalt not covet” (Ex. 20:15, 17.)

President Hinckley also suggests that we must be true to ourselves in matters of personal virtue. In the Doctrine of Covenants, a collection of modern day revelation, the Lord said by way of commandment, “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly” (D&C 121:45.) The Lord knows that we cannot even think about immoral things because evil thoughts lead to evil deeds. However, if we will keep our thoughts, and our actions clean, we will be worthy of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, and we can stand with confidence in the presence of our God. Think what happiness it would bring your heart, your soul, to know that God can look upon you and be pleased because you have nothing of which to be ashamed.

“Be true to yourselves and the best you have within you” President Hinckley said. We are children of a Heavenly God. We are his royal children. Be true to your divine heritage. If we can remember who we are, that we have an intimate relationship with God because He is a loving Heavenly Father, we can finally claim the happiness that is rightfully ours as His heirs. Be true to all that you were created to be. Be true … and be happy.

At the death of Gordon B. Hinckley, the world leader of the Mormon Church, many people wondered two things. The first was a “who” question: who would be the next leader?

That was settled Monday, February 4th when the Church announced that Thomas S. Monson would be the next world leader.

However, there is another question. It is the omnipresent “how” question: How does one man run a church with thirteen million members?

This question was also answered at this same press conference. President Thomas S. Monson called Presidents Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf as counselors. He also called Boyd K. Packer to be the president of the Council of Twelve Apostles.

Notice what the top organization of the Mormon Church is: it is not one man—or even one superman—but a body of men who serve in councils. This system of small bodies of men, rather than one glowing superstar, has so many advantages over other systems.

For example, and by contrast, the Pope has a College of Cardinals with 199 members. This is a rather bulky and unwieldy body, which is why the college has its own subdivisions—cardinal dean, cardinal vice dean, the order of priests and the order of deacons. But you see the problem when you have a “board of directors” with a 1:199 ratio to the "president."

Or take the cabinet of the United States president. There are fifteen secretaries. Additionally there are other bodies called “cabinet level positions,” which include the vice president, the chief of staff, the OBM, the EPA, the National Drug Control Policy, and the US Trade Representative. The total is 21, which is a better ratio (1:21 as opposed to 1:199), but it too can be cumbersome.

Right from the beginning Joseph Smith proposed a different system. When he organized the Mormon Church, he was set apart as the First Elder. But he also called Oliver Cowdery to be the Second Elder. Mormons believe that God guided Joseph Smith to do this because it would be impossible for one man to run the church as a solo act.

Any man, no matter how talented and gifted—or even a man called of God for that matter—needs help and support. When Moses took the children of Israel into the wilderness, he did the “one man show” approach to managing problems. His father-in-law, however, suggested another approach.

"The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone."

"Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do."

"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee."

"If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace." (Exodus 18:17-23)

By spreading the workload among capable men, Moses increased his efficiency and his effectiveness as a leader. Simply put, he delegated. This is the genius of councils: the leader is empowered by empowering others. President Monson can do much more with Presidents Eyring and Uchtdorf assuming part of the workload. What they cannot do, the Twelve can.

Also, using a council system helps in case of absence or emergency. Think of what happens when a US president is incapacitated. Of course the duties devolve upon the vice president, as stated in the 25th Amendment. But in this system of councils, the first and second counselor can step in without a “constitutional crisis.” This backup system also works when the leader is on vacation, or needs to be in two places at once. A counselor has been meeting with the leader and is up to speed on decisions, programs, and polices.

So Joseph Smith began with First and Second Elders, and six members. Over time church membership grew. As the membership grew, so did the church organization. The First Presidency (the supreme governing body) consisting of three members was organized in March 1832. Then the Council of Twelve Apostles (the second highest governing body) was organized on February 14, 1835. The Quorums of the Seventy (the third highest body) were organized a few days later on February 28, 1835.

Keep in mind that Church membership in 1835 was not 13 million. Yet at that time Joseph Smith was laying the foundation for a church that would eventually grow into the millions. Even so, over time this upper organization has remained relatively intact. There have been increases in the number of the lower councils, but the two top-tier ranks have been the same.

Having been in presidencies and on similar-type councils, I am impressed how well it works on a practical level. You have people who can assume delegated roles at hand. Two people can step in for you. And you have other people you can turn to for advice. If two heads are better then one, then three heads must be even better. It works much better than running the thing as a lone wolf.

One last note. When we look at the Mormon Church, we usually focus on the 13 million members, the 125 temples, the 27,475 congregations, and so forth. But that is just one way of looking at things. President Boyd K. Packer, the president of the Council of Twelve Apostles, once noted:

“Often we are asked how the relatively few Apostles in the First Presidency and the Twelve can manage the Church, now more than 10 million strong. Actually the Church is no bigger than a ward.” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Bishop and His Counselors,” Ensign, May 1999, 57)

The focus of the church is at the local level—the wards (local congregations), the families, the people. Christ suffered for individuals, one by one. The church also has the same focus: it is not the 13 million; it is the one.

There are some things that we must learn with our head. There are other things that we can only learn through the heart. Spirituality is one of those things. Yes, there is an element of intellect involved. We have to study what we know about God, Jesus Christ, and the world in general and understand the beliefs of any religion we are a part of.

Still, what really holds us there has very little to do with logic or learning. It’s definitely a matter of the heart. That’s where a true testimony of our convictions comes from, that’s what holds us to a course as disciples of Christ; to be better and do better. It’s not easy, but we know it’s right. Our heart holds us to the course of happiness when our mind would have us believe a different path might be easier, or more rewarding, or what ever argument would pull us in another direction. Our heart, the feelings we have for the Savior, gives us a sense of greater purpose that is sometimes foreign to the world around us.

This point is illustrated over and over again in the scriptures.

Mormon 9:27 instructs us to come unto the Lord with all our heart.

Matthew 22:37 tells us to love the Lord with all our heart.

Proverbs 3:5 bids us to trust the Lord with all our heart.

Lastly, Matthew 6:21 cautions us that what our heart loves will be what we treasure above everything else.

A disciple’s heart will treasure the Lord. If it does not, we may not have the strength of conviction and love that will hold us to the course when the winds of the world try to lead us astray.

There is a specific example from the Book of Mormon that I’d like to share with you. It concerns a young man named Nephi and his two older brothers: Laman and Lemuel.

The Book of Mormon begins with Nephi’s words.

“I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.” 1 Nephi 1:1

Now, it is important to note that Laman and Lemuel grew up in this same household, but their perceptions of the Gospel were vastly different from Nephi’s. Though they would share many of the same spiritual experiences, including seeing angles and many miracles, Laman and Lemuel did not believe. They did not put their trust in the Lord and they often fell away from His paths. Why is that? Here is the main difference.

“Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.” 2 Nephi 4:16

Nephi’s heart was centered on the Gospel. In contrast, his brother’s closed their hearts.

“Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.

And ye also know that by the power of his almighty word he can cause the earth that it shall pass away; yea, and ye know that by his word he can cause the rough places to be made smooth, and smooth places shall be broken up. O, then, why is it, that ye can be so hard in your hearts?” 1 Nephi 17:45-46

Faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel is focused on the condition of our hearts. My favorite description regarding the nature of a disciple’s heart is found in the Book of Alma.

“And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.

And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.

And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption braised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?

I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?” Alma 5:12-16

Take a moment today to ponder the feelings and emotions that drew you to Christ. What fueled your yearning to learn His word? Where was your heart that you wanted to be like Him? Write them down, remember them. Seek out those feelings again and again as you serve Him, and enjoy the strength and testimony that follows.

“And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?” Alma 5:26

Irene Gilchrist from Calgary, Alberta, Canada has a son who is currently serving a full-time mission in Tempe Arizona. She recently shared her conversion story with me and I thought you'd enjoy it as much as I did!

A week before the missionaries came to my door, I had sent off another religious couple (not LDS) from my apartment. I was raised Roman Catholic and to this day have devoted parents to their faith.

Let me begin by letting you know, that when these two sister missionaries came knocking on my door, I was asleep not feeling very well. To my astonishment, when they told me they wanted to talk to me about Jesus Christ, I invited them inside (much to my own shock). I had not been active in my faith for many years.

Within the first 15 minutes of they're sharing the story of Joseph Smith, they invited me to a baptism. I must tell you that I had never been so touched by such an event and to this day I love pondering upon the first vision.

When we got to church (by taxi I might add, since I had lent my car to one of my brothers), the baptisms were for a fifth grade twin brother and his family. I was deeply moved by the baptism ceremony and the Spirit which dwelt in that room. That weekend was the most remarkable one in my entire life (up to that point). The missionaries invited me to attend church the next morning and I could not get enough of that warmth and peaceful feeling which permeated my entire being.

The first week of discussions were wonderful, I could not wait to hear about the next principle which I would learn about and put it into practice. Then, after speaking to some co-workers, I began to feel uneasy and scared I guess. I sent the missionaries on a bit of a goose chase. Not wanting to answer the phone or being available for appointments. Eventually letting them know that I was leaving the city. (Those poor missionaries, I must have disappointed them so much). Well Heavenly Father's hand did manifest itself in my life and within a week or so later during Fast and Testimony, I stood up and told the congregation that I wanted to be baptized.

I was baptized March 26, 1976 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. My future husband was quite involved with the missionaries and frequently asked about my journey into the church thus far. At the time, he was in the small French branch in Hull, Quebec and I had decided to attend the English ward in Ottawa instead. Although I am French-Canadian. Through some work on his part, I would help the French-speaking missionaries within the branch boundaries and eventually, we began dating - a very short while before he left for BYU-Provo to pursue his education.

Tom (my husband) completed one semester and came home (after proposing over the telephone) and we were married in April 1977. The date chosen had everything to do with his dad who had just been called as Patriarch over the Ottawa region. As we had hoped for a one year exactly after my baptism! My husband's family came from England in the 1800's and were part of the pioneers (Joseph Harker and Susannah Sneath). I am so thankful for their devotion and sacrifice, for the love which they have passed on to their posterity.

Although to this point, my family is still not interested in the church. I have no doubt in my mind and my heart that the Lord will assist us in touching their hearts when the time is right. My husband and I have been called to serve in the Young Single Adult ward (Brentwood ward in Calgary). We have five boys (2 have and 1 is presently serving his mission in Arizona Tempe Mission).

I love keeping in touch with my missionary! I actually dropped in while visiting Utah one Sunday nearly 2 years ago. She was thrilled (we both were), we hugged and remembered the special experiences we had when she was serving back in my home town of Hull, Quebec.

All together we have 5 sons, 3 daughters-in-law (one from Hyrum, Utah; one from Soda Springs, Idaho and one from Edmonton, Alberta) and 5 grandchildren. I cannot believe that the Lord's servants were able to find my rebellious soul and touched me in such a way by their sweet spirit and shared the message of the restored gospel.

What a wonderful journey! With life's ups and downs, I would not change anything for it. I love my Savior and know that he leads and guides me every day.

Following the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley, the fifteenth president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as “the Mormons”), a new president and counselors have been announced.

Thomas S. Monson, who had been serving as the first counselor to President Hinckley at the time of his passing, succeeds him as president of the Church. As his counselors in the First Presidency, he has named President Henry B. Eyring as first counselor and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf as second counselor. President Eyring had been serving as the second counselor to President Hinckley at the time of his passing. President Uchtdorf has been serving in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The First Presidency is the highest body of leadership in the Church. It is comprised of a prophet, who serves as the president. Counselors are also called to serve with him, to advise him and help carry out the work of the Church. Usually the president of the Church has two counselors, although the First Presidency may occasionally function with only one counselor. This was the case when President James E. Faust passed away in August of 2007. He had been serving as the second counselor to President Hinckley. President Henry B. Eyring was sustained to the position during the general conference of the Church held at the beginning of October 2007.

There may also be additional counselors to the president of the Church called if needed. One example of this came in 1981 under President Spencer W. Kimball. Presidents N. Eldon Tanner and Marion G. Romney were serving as his counselors, but with their age and failing health a third counselor was called to help them – a relatively young apostle by the name of Gordon B. Hinckley.

With the change in leadership, Elder Boyd K. Packer has become the senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve and will serve as president of that quorum. Previous to President Hinckley’s passing, he was serving as the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve. President Monson was actually the senior member of the Twelve, and so was president of the quorum, but his duties in the First Presidency necessitated that Elder Packer act as president.

It is important to remember that although the Church has a change in leadership, Christ stands at the head of the Church. The men who lead it for a time bring their own unique talents, experiences, and personalities, but it is Christ who stands at the head and they seek only to serve Him and do His will.

Each of these men called today has proven to be faithful to the Lord and have served Him well. How grateful I am that we have a living prophet on the earth today, and that prophetic leadership does not end simply with the passing of one prophet. I look forward to learning and serving more at the feet of these great men.

For more information on the new First Presidency, including some photos, visit the Newsroom at www.lds.org.