"YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER," by M. Russell Ballard, Deseret Book, $22.99, 182 pages (nf)
A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has authored a new book with additional insights from his two grandfathers, both of whom also served as apostles for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Drawing upon a collection of previously unpublished talks and messages gathered over 38 years as a general authority, Elder M. Russell Ballard has added doctrinal statements from his grandfathers, Elder Hyrum Mack Smith and Elder Melvin J. Ballard, to produce a new book "Yesterday, Today and Forever."
Elder Smith served as an apostle from 1901-1918 and Elder Melvin J. Ballard served in the Quorum of the Twelve from 1919-1939. In studying the writings and ministries of his grandfathers, Elder M. Russell Ballard said he was reminded of this truth in Mormon 9:9 in the Book of Mormon: "God is the same yesterday, today and forever."
"What I have taught is largely an echo of what was taught by my grandfathers and other church leaders many decades ago," Elder M. Russell Ballard wrote in the book's preface. "I thought, therefore, that it might be interesting to delve into the teachings of these two Apostles and share some of their words alongside my own as a further witness of the eternal truth of these principles."
The 11 chapters include ones on being faithful and building bridges of understanding to how trials can strengthen faith and keeping an eternal perspective. There are also chapters on the importance of each soul, building kinder and gentler homes and on being happy.
The quotations from Elder Ballard's grandfathers come from general conference reports, church magazines, family files and letters and are highlighted in gray boxes throughout the book. There is a quote on practically every page.
Elder M. Russell Ballard, called as an Apostle in 1985, is also a descendent of Hyrum Smith, brother of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and President Joseph F. Smith. Elder Ballard said in the book's preface that he wrote the book to honor his family heritage and strengthen the testimonies of readers.
"The doctrine of the gospel is timely and timeless," Elder Ballard wrote. "It is forever relevant to disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Email: ttoone@deseretnews.com Twitter: tbtoone