Deseret News | Think swan, not ugly duckling, Pres. Uchtdorf says

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Think swan, not ugly duckling, Pres. Uchtdorf says

Awesome | 11:51 p.m. Nov. 1, 2009

Wow! Pres. Uchtdorf was awesome! Does he make anybody else out there want to be happy and hopeful all the time? Easier said than done, but listening to him and listening to any of our leaders helps me think that being happy all the time is possible. Loved it!

Henry | 7:01 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Just listen to this man speak. He offers a message of comfort, peace, and optimism. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

I'll line up with him anytime.

Maren | 7:31 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

It's really no wonder he's my favorite Apostle! I felt so loved, appreciated, and like he was talking JUST for me. He always seems to have that affect on me though. He's the reason I started coming back to church 4 years ago! Thank you President Uchtdorf! You're truly inspirational!

Comments continue below

Lost in Utah | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I often wonder why the leadership of the church don't tell the young people to look outward and not inward. Stop worring about yourself and think of others and that is how you have inner peace and feel good about yourself.

The minute you start thinking about others and service to others instead of yourself is when you become truly one of God's children.

Your depression leaves you, your future becomes bright and your prayers will be answered.

Don't marry someone just to be married. You don't need to find the perfect spouse. (There was only one of those and she is married to me) but find someone you fit with.

Some that you have peace with. That you can talk to. That respects you. Find someone that thinks of others. That does things for others and you will be very happy because he or she will have a good self image based not on looks or money or fame but on the peace that God gives those that truly serve others and thereby serve him.

JanSan | 8:43 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

As a single grandmother I ended up also watching this talk. I did not get the first of it but got in about 1/2 through (On BYU Broadcasting on the internet). My son went with his university ward to watch it also. I loved what I heard and would recomeend it to anyone to listen to. I think that what he said (at least that which I heard - is as applicable to senior singles ans it is to the younger singles

J. Mark Smedley | 8:56 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Good advise and delivered with sincere love. You have to think his early tough years helped prepare him for what he is doing now. I wonder how many people we pass by who may have lost everything, refugees of war or poverty, who will devlope into great position.

Eichendorff | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I think it's remarkable that President Uchtdorf is able to connect with his listeners and express himself in such an inspirational, seeing that English is not his native language.

I worked for Lufthansa myself during the time he was Chief Pilot. He found out about me and my Church membership and invited me to his office. We had a very nice chat for about 30 minutes. He didn't have to do that and I respect him very much for taking the time to visit with me.

President Uchtdorf is a leader who will make his mark on the development of the Church in years to come, if he hasn't done it already.

Eichendorff | 9:02 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Sorry about the typo. I meant to say "in such an inspirational way."

David in CA | 9:34 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Saw President Uchtdorf's Fireside address over the BYU-TV channel last night. A GREAT Inspirational
Message to focus on the Positive and Move in Positive
Directions. Thanks BYU-TV for making the broadcast
available live.

Hope that most who watched and listened either by electronic means or those who were actually there in the Marriott Center got the same Positive message and
Motivation.

There's lots of negative stuff out there in our World today. It's Great to Balance that out some. More Choices...

Thanks President Uchtdorf for a Well Prepared Address!!

PS: When I was a student at BYU, the Sunday night Firesides were some of the Great Highlights of the BYU experience. AND, President Uchtdorf, I generally took a "date" to those Firesides back then.

God Bless...

katamb | 11:51 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

A message even 50 year olds need to hear! Thanks Pres. Uchtdorf! Love ya!

To "Lost in Utah" | 3:32 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

You said: "I often wonder why the leadership of the church don't tell the young people to look outward and not inward. Stop worring about yourself and think of others and that is how you have inner peace and feel good about yourself."

I've heard several different General Authorities say that very same thin many, many times to all different age groups.

I haven't seen this fireside, but I'll hazard to guess that very message was a part of Elder Uchtdorf's remarks.

Thomas | 5:50 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

President Uchtdorf is a very special individual and a very inspiring leader. However, with regard to the comments about Depression, it has biological causes as well as psychological. Those who suffer from this malady many times need professional help to overcome it. If you know you have Depression, do not be afraid to seek professional help. Overcoming Depression can lead to a better you that is more confident and more attractive to others.

Californian #1@94131 | 5:51 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

** "I often wonder why the leadership of the church don't tell the young people to look outward and not inward. Stop worring about yourself and think of others and that is how you have inner peace and feel good about yourself." **

One of President Hinckley's favorite messages was that the antidote for misery was to serve others.
Similar counsel is given often, in General Conference, to young adults, Relief Society sisters, youth, and others.

It is put it out there by countless Church leaders, to be heard by "those who have ears to hear,"

A Great Man | 6:06 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

President Uchtdorf is a very inspiring leader and I feel such a privilege to hearken to his counsel as well as the counsel of the other leaders of this church. President Monson had many great men to chose from to be his counselors and I'm glad that he chose President Uchtdorf b/c now I get to listen to him twice per conference. Even though I could listen to them all twice per conference.

There are prophets in the land!

To Thomas | 7:39 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

You are absolutely right about depression, and I'm sure Pres. Uchtdorf would agree with you. And based on the tone of your post, I'm sure you know he's aware of that also. Alexander B. Morrison, an Emeritus General Authority, wrote a significant book about depression. The name escapes me right off. The goal of his book was to help people understand that depression, specifically clinical depression, is a real illness. In discussing the topic, he was trying to de-stigmatize depression. There is no instant cure to anxiety or depression. Certainly the "Sunday School answers" help, but sometimes it takes more than that--even professional help.

About Depression | 9:24 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

Yes, there is a biological element to depression. And yes there are medications that can help, when needed. And you also need to know it can take a lot of time to find the right ones that will work for you, sometimes. It doesn't always come easy. And you have to work at being happy, it doesn't come naturally to depressed people. But there is hope. If I can survive 15 years of waiting for the right medication, there is hope for others.

Anonymous | 9:26 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

He is so great and one of my favorites to listen to. Yes, about 20 percent of the population suffer in one degree or another from chemical problems that need medication, and then there are emotional problems from the traumas of life...early childhood, war, abuse, etc. etc. There should be no stigma, and yes, get help if you are feeling this depressed.

Anonymous | 8:19 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

Why do the "prophets, seers, and revelators" rehash and plagiarize ideas from Danish writers?

The Danish writers have given us enough great ideas already! Why can't the LDS leaders come up with their own original material?

Ona | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

Repeating truth from any source (Danish or otherwise) will touch someone, somewhere, sometime. Perhaps others, especially new members of the Church, have not heard this counsel before. Is it not better to "rehash" or "repeat" truth, no matter how many times it may be said, to inspire, uplift, and encourage others towards the greater good in their lives? Don't be negative. Look for the good in everything. (continued below)

Ona | 9:08 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I wouldn't mind anyone sharing anything good that I say. Is that "plagiarism?" I promise you, from my own experience, that LDS leaders have an EXTRAORDINARY amount of ideas on their own, but the world rejects them, because they are known as "revelations." By the time we finish hearing their words, we forget, and need to be reminded, over and over and over again. How many years did Noah preach the same thing about "the rain is coming!" How many people did not listen to him, made fun of him, and ignored him. So, even repeating truth over, and over, and over - some people just don't listen. Hope that you don't become one of them. (continued)

Ona | 9:10 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

(conclusion)Glean from the talk those good things that you can find, and if you don't want to accept a "Danish" idea, then dismiss. Pres. Uchtdorf's obligation is to "declare" and your obligation is to "accept or reject" what he has declared to you. It's that simple - if you don't want to accept his goodness and counsel, you are free to reject it. With all choices are consequences - for good or bad. Your choice. We call that AGENCY. Bye.

from dust to glory | 9:12 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

"look outward not inward" not a bad start,How about also looking vertical not horizonatal. "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection...."(Phillippians 3:10)

Ernest T. Bass | 9:43 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

He is awesome!! He is the best apostle out there!

Abe Lincoln | 10:05 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

to: Anonymous | 8:19 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

just because something is not new, it doesn't mean it isn't good. i suppose the declaration of independence should be thrown out the window because it wasn't original ideas, just a collection of the greatest philosophy of freedom? it's not plagrism to concur with something, and to reject truth simply to find something new is the dumbest attack i have ever heard. i have no problem with debate, but please, think before posting.

and to thomas:
he did tell people with depression to seek out help. maybe not directly, but he said to speak to your leadrers. if it is the severe depression that requires treatment, it is alredy the obligation of the leader to counsel the person suffering to seek out proffesional help. just thought you'd like to know.

Sharon Snyder | 9:32 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009

I usually do not listen to young adult firesides but I can't get enough of President Uchtdorf and his great spirit and inspiration. I have a son on a mission in Germany and he looks up to President Uchtforf with such respect and admiration. Thank you for your example.

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