A self-described ardent sports fan, President Monson recalled a football game in which the quarterback appeared to be sacked and the game appeared lost. Then the quarterback emerged from a sea of opponents and threw a touchdown pass.

"In the game of life, a second effort is often required," he said. "The happy life ... grows upon us, year by year, little by little, until at last ... it is achieved by a body of work done so well that we can lift our heads with assurance and look the world in the eye."

President Monson assumed the presidency of the church nearly one year ago, Feb. 3. He was accompanied Sunday by his wife, Frances.

"I leave you with my blessing," he said. "I express to you my love. You are a choice generation with great expectations."

The CES will rebroadcast the fireside Sunday to thousands of locations around the world in 33 languages. For rebroadcast information, visit lds.org.

Four more CES firesides are scheduled for 2009 — March 1 (Elder Robert D. Hales), May 3 (Elder David A. Bednar), Sept. 13 (Sister Elaine S. Dalton), Nov. 1 (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf).

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