Fest I Nord 2009 - Great Leaders Speak- Elder Robert C. Oaks

Every night we gathered in the auditorium for an uplifting fireside. On Tuesday night we met Elder and Sister Robert C. Oaks of the second quorum of the Seventy. He opened Fest I Nord with the first message focused on our theme-- "Choose The Right."

Elder Oaks is the President of the Europe Area. This was his last assignment as President before returning to the United States. President Oaks is the first LDS Four Star General for the United States Air Force and was a fighter pilot during his long career. He and his wife have moved 33 times in the past 50 years. He has been a traveling general authority for

9 1/2 years.

If you click on this article from the LDS Church News, you will discover that this man has spent his life focused on making quick, decisive choices.

He is a man who knows what it means to "Choose the Right."

The President spoke to us about the consequences if we decide to choose the wrong. He asked the question, "What's the big deal about choosing the right? Why not choose the wrong?"

He reminded us that choosing the right is choosing joy and happiness in this life and through the eternities. He said: "If you want something to really get tough, watch what happens when you-Choose the Wrong."

He quoted Romans 6: 18-23 ..."For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.. the wages of sin is death (spiritual death) but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord."

Proverbs 5: 22-23 - When someone chooses the wrong-"..he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction and in his folly he shall go astray."

Jeremiah 5: 21-29 "Hear now this, O foolish people...without understanding

(you) have eyes and see not, (and) ears and hear not.. Your iniquities have turned away these things and your sins have withholden good things from you."

These cactus flowers waited to bloom until we moved into our little room for Fest I Nord. The windows collected just enough moisture to water the delicate plants and the sunlight warmed the window sill enough to open their petals. President Oaks reminded us that the windows of heaven are waiting to bless us even if the weather has been difficult and we continue to "choose the wrong."

He quoted Malachi 3: 7-12. "...Ye have gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you...

prove me now here with, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out blessings, that there shall not be room enought to receive it."

President Oaks concluded his talk by asking this haunting question: "Do you really want to say 'Lord, shut the windows of heaven?" We are so grateful to be surrounded by these young adults who are gathered here because they are trying to make good choices. Thank you, President and Sister Oaks, whose bags are packed and ready to return to the states,

for taking the time to remind us all to "Choose the Right...not the wrong."