President Boyd K Packer

President Boyd K Packer was a level of master teacher - the way he presented truths and taught lessons seemed to clear the clouds from my mind, and many-a-times I would find myself enlightened by his words.

With the recent passing of President Boyd K Packer, I share here quotes of his words that have influenced my life immensely. Truly, I believe and know he was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Regarding our Heavenly Father, President Packer commented: "Of all other titles He could have used, He chose to be called Father."

"Your secret yearnings and tearful pleadings will touch the heart of both the Father and the Son."

"Just as chalk can be removed from a blackboard, with sincere repentance the effects of our transgression can be erased through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

"Fear is the opposite of faith."

"Faith is a real power, not just an expression of belief."

"Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith."

"The Spirit is a voice that one feels more than one hears."

"The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, to warn us."

"The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection."

"How supernally precious freedom is; how consummately valuable is the agency of man."

"Our whole social order could self-destruct over the obsession with freedom disconnected from responsibility; where choice is imagined to be somehow independent of consequences."

"We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see."

"Thoughts, like water, will stay on course if we make a place for them to go. As you learn to control your thoughts, you can gain courage, conquer fear and live a happy life."

"The word discipline sometimes touches a slightly rebellious chord in our natures. Remember that it comes from the word disciple."

"There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother."

"Your responsibility as a father and a husband transcends any other interest in life."

"Marriage and children are not part of the Plan of Happiness. It IS the Plan of Happiness."

"People today wonder if there is a safe place to raise children. There IS a safe place. It is in a gospel-centered home."

"Don't live so that your children go unled because of habits that leave you uninspired."

"Fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Speaking about his wife, Donna, President Boyd K Packer said, "Because of the office I hold, I have a solemn obligation to tell the truth: She's perfect."


And finally, a poem and a story.


I know that He will come anew
with power and in glory.

I know I will see Him once again
at the end of my life's story.

I'll kneel before His wounded feet;
I'll feel His Spirit glow.

My whispering, quivering voice will say,
'My Lord, my God, I know.'


World War II was a time of great spiritual turmoil for me. I had left my home in Brigham City, Utah, with only embers of a testimony, and I felt the need for something more. Virtually our whole senior class in a matter of weeks was on its way to the war zone. While stationed on the island of Ie Shima, just north of Okinawa, Japan, I struggled with doubt and uncertainty. I wanted a personal testimony of the gospel. I wanted to know!

During one sleepless night, I left my tent and entered a bunker which had been formed by lining up 50-gallon fuel drums filled with sand and placed one on top of the other to form an enclosure. There was no roof, and so I crawled in, looked up at the star-filled sky, and knelt to pray.

Almost mid-sentence it happened. I could not describe to you what happened if I were determined to do so. It is beyond my power of expression, but it is as clear today as it was that night more than 65 years ago. I knew it to be a very private, very individual manifestation. At last I knew for myself. I knew for a certainty, for it had been given to me. After some time, I crawled from that bunker and walked, or floated, back to my bed. I spent the rest of the night in a feeling of joy and awe.


Rest in Peace, till we meet (and for some of us, till we meet again),
President Boyd K Packer.