Shoreview Ward

04/05/2026

03/31/2026

03/15/2026

Yesterday a session of the stake conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Paul, Minnesotawas held. We had the opportunity to listen to our stake president, who explained in a simple and clear way principles of the gospel that apply to our lives today.

As I listened, I was reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul in Epistle to the Ephesians 4:11–12, where he teaches that the Lord established apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers to perfect the saints and to build up the Church of Christ. In the same way, today the Lord continues to guide His people through leaders who are called and assigned to preside and teach within each area.

Our stake president, acting under the authority and priesthood keys that have been delegated to him, shared principles and exhortations that help us understand what the Lord expects from us in this time. His message was directed to everyone who lives within this area: individuals, families, members of the Church, and also those who are not members but who desire to strengthen their spiritual lives and draw closer to God.

During his message, he reminded us of recent teachings from the Lord’s prophets, including the warnings given by Russell M. Nelson and Dallin H. Oaks, who have taught that in the days ahead it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the constant influence of the Holy Ghost. This warning reminds us of the reality of the world we live in today—a world filled with distractions, confusion, and spiritual deception—where each person must develop a closer relationship with God in order to discern truth.

Building on that prophetic teaching, the stake president emphasized several key principles and values that we should strengthen in our lives. Among them was the importance of seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost daily, cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and dedicating time to personal worship through prayer, scripture study, and spiritual reflection.

He also emphasized the importance of progressing along the covenant path, reminding us that each person is at a different point in their spiritual journey, yet everyone can continue moving forward by partaking of the sacrament, attending the temple, and strengthening faith through sacred ordinances and commitments.

Another principle that was highlighted was the value of service. We were reminded that it is not necessary to have a formal calling to serve, because service is a natural expression of living the gospel and a way to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.

In addition, individuals and families were invited to center their lives more fully on Jesus Christ, especially as they prepare spiritually to celebrate Easter and remember His sacrifice and resurrection. This invitation helps us maintain our focus on the Savior in a world full of distractions and challenges.

The overall message was a clear invitation to strengthen our faith and spiritual lives in order to be prepared for the times in which we live. We were reminded that Jesus Christ lives, that He knows each of us individually, and that He understands our circumstances and challenges. It was also testified that as we draw closer to the Savior and seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we can receive direction, comfort, and strength to face the challenges of life.

In summary, this message was a clear invitation to deepen our relationship with God, to live the principles of the gospel more intentionally, and to develop a stronger spiritual life. As these principles are applied, individuals, families, and our entire community can find greater peace, direction, and hope in the midst of the challenges of our time.

https://youtube.com/.paulminnesotastake9488?si=SmG5qwe-lniF7ePf

02/12/2026

Recently, following a large youth devotional, I was visiting amidst a happy swirl of wonderful young men and women. A young man came up.

With great earnestness, he asked, “Elder Gong, can I still go to heaven?”

He was ashamed of some things he had done. He wondered if there was any hope for him. I listened carefully, invited him to talk with his bishop, and gave him a big hug.

I think my response may have surprised him: “Trust God and repent, and I promise you can still go to heaven.”

Repentance and forgiveness through Jesus Christ’s Atonement can be real for each of us. Every glorious blessing in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is meant personally for you.

02/10/2026

02/08/2026

Matthew 11:28–30

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

02/06/2026

I was recently at a sacrament meeting for a branch comprising those who have been released from prison and are now transitioning back into normal life.

We discussed how, because of the Savior’s infinite Atonement, forgiveness of sin is absolutely available. At times, the Lord requires our patience and humility as we wait upon His full approval “by degrees” (Mosiah 21:16).

While the power of the Savior is so present in the forgiveness of sin, the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the spiritual miracle needed to heal the serious wounds caused by the sins of others. Forgiveness and relief from the pain of injustice are both found in Jesus Christ.

For you who have been unfairly injured by the serious sins of another, I long to share the Savior’s love and compassion, His comfort and peace.

The sadness you have felt, the heartbreak, the loss, the suffocating feeling of betrayal, the upending of your life as you imagined it to be—I give you my absolute assurance, the Savior knows you and loves you.

Reach out to Him. He is your comfort and strength; He will send His angels to bear you up. When will your pain be gone, your grief subdued, the unwanted memories forgotten? I do not know.

But this I do know: Jesus Christ has the power to bring beauty from the ashes of your suffering (see Isaiah 61:3).

02/05/2026

During the winter, days can feel heavy and gray.

As a regular part of their work before flights, pilots do outside checks of their aircraft. During cold and rainy days, this is not their favorite part of the job.

But one of my favorite experiences as a pilot on a day like that came after taking off and climbing through dark clouds when, suddenly, the aircraft climbed into the clear, brilliant, and beautiful sunlight—leaving behind dark clouds, rain, and slush.

That instant contrast taught me that when we focus our eyes on heaven, we can emerge into light—even during the seemingly darkest of days.

However thick the clouds, the sun is always there, waiting to shine on us as we rise toward heaven.

If you feel weighed down and troubled, please don’t lose heart. Keep moving forward and upward with faith, prayer, and trust in the Lord. His light is always there to lead and comfort us.

01/23/2026