I have to admit Elder Walters and I were not able to go to this fireside because we were out of town but I got in contact with our wonderful Sister Stephenson who posted the following information about this event on her blog. I have permission to relay this on to you. It is in her words and her feelings so I must give her full credit for what you glean here today. Pres. Uchtdorf and his wife came to Germany and gave two firesides, one on Saturday in Offenback and one on Sunday in Darmstadt. We attended the Saturday evening session on the 6th. Most of the other missionary couples were also there. The building was filled with about 700 people. Pres. Uchtdorf was the President of the Frankfurt Stake at one time, so he was excited to be here among his friends.
Sister Uchtdorf spoke first, telling us they had flown in the day before and went down to the Rohmer where they were married and walked around that area looking for the cheese and sausages they missed in the states. Then later that night they went looking for a place to have dinner, but couldn't find a parking spot, so they ended up back at their hotel (sounds like experiences we've had here.) She said how good it was to be "home" and that they wished they had more time to spend with old friends. She said that wherever they travel, they feel at home with the saints. We were reminded that Heavenly Father's plan is that we return to him, and that part of the plan is that we be happy. Righteousness equals a happy life. She bore testimony that through the gospel, she has had great happiness in her life, and that when we follow the commandments we don't miss out on a thing. She talked especially to the Sisters, reminding them to be modest, righteous, administer well, make wise decisions, represent good and receive inspiration. She reminded us that we have the talents to love and strengthen families and the world. Men love your wives. She told us that her husband was not perfect yet, but he was working on it and that we are all in the same boat.
Presidnet Uchtdorf expressed how good it was to be there and that he didn't expect such a large group. With tears in his eyes, he said how good it was to see old friends. He talked for about an hour or more and seemed to hit every gospel subject he could. We sang "How Firm A Foundation" which was written by Karl G. Maeser a devout early member of the church from Dresden, Germany. He said we should rely on the firm word of God through the scriptures and the Prophet. He bore testimony that President Monson is the Prophet for our time, despite his health problems or his age, but that he makes many important decisions daily that are the will of the Lord. He also bore testimony that Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church built on this firm foundation. Below are quick notes about things he said.
Earth life is short, use it for good each day.
He has deep memories of living in Frankfurt before there was a temple and lovely buildings
to meet in. He remembers wonderful Sunday School and Young Men's lessons and the
missionaries who taught him.
This Church isn't just for Holidays or Sundays, but it is for everyday to be constantly
strengthened.
Immortality was given as a gift from our Savior. His blood was shed and the Atonement is
a gift to all.
We should talk to Heavenly Father each day and he will hear us no matter what language we
speak. Use the time the Lord gives us to pour out our hearts and find what he wants us to do.
The Restoration has come. He taught and called his Apostles and organized his church. We
don't know when the Savior will come, but we should work to be ready when he does.
The glory of God is for us to be happy. The Gospel has the answers in such a direct way that
even a child can understand them.
With each new calling he always bought new scriptures. Because he changed, he learned
new things. When he reads again, there is new structure for that part of his life.
Try to relate the scriptures to our lives now. Ask, "What do I have to change now?" Find out
within our heart what it is. The most difficult questions can be answered in the gospel.
Don't bother about those who speak against the Church. Go forward with faith about what
we know to be true. "Ye shall know them by their fruits." (By what they do) Be an example
to those who look at us.
The Joseph Smith papers are still only in English. A member gave 10 million dollars to have
all that the Prophet wrote published.
A lot of things are progressing, but the Gospel is the same. No secrets, just perfect and
transparent. Find out if you want to know the truth and if the Church is the same as when
Jesus Christ was here.
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to a searching young man, Joseph Smith, then
told him he had a mission and he could not deny it. Asked us to re-read the JS History often.
Sink yourselves into the Doctrine. Amos said that the Lord wouldn't reveal anything except
to the prophets. If that is true, God would always need prophets.
He gave us all a challenge to read 3 Nephi, all 30 chapters before Christmas.
It was sweet because he went to use the scriptures on the stand and he fumbled around trying to find a scripture. He said he was having a hard time because they were written in German. He told us when he was called to the Seventy, they kept their home in Germany hoping they would be called to labor here, but when he was called to the Twelve, they sold the home because they knew they would never be coming back to Germany again except as visitors. Twice in his talk he made reference to shopping with his wife, which impressed me. When the meeting was over, he told everyone not go go because he wanted to shake everyone's hand.
We wish we could have been there to feel the spirit.
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