Zion Is the Pure in Heart ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional, and it is called "Zion Is the Pure in Heart" by Sister Elaine S. Dalton. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. 

Sister Dalton has mentioned; "Return to Virtue Could Save a Nation

... Faith without virtue would soon languish and die because without virtue there is no purity. Without virtue there is no strength. And without virtue there is no spirituality. It is clear that once you really understand who you are, you must be pure because purity precedes spiritual power. ... The power and strength of which I am speaking has everything to do with virtue, which is chastity and sexual purity. 

We live in a world that is concerned about cleanliness and purity the cleanliness of our air and the cleanliness of our environment, our water, and even our food. ... Yet society tolerates moral pollution in the form of pornography on billboards, television, and the Internet and in entertainment and other media. ... I believe that the lack of virtue in our society is directly responsible for many of our social, financial, and governmental ills. ... And I believe that a return to virtue could save an entire nation.

... What will your generation be known for? Will you be known as the tolerant generation, the consumer generation, Generation X or Y? Will you be known as the generation who was seduced into living your lives virtually instead of virtuously? Or will you, could you, be known for your purity and virtue and for your courage and strength in leading the rest of the world in a return to virtue a return so stunning that the very purity of your lives and the strength of your conviction change the course of society and change the world?

You are preparing for the Savior’s return. You must abhor sin. You must position and prepare yourselves now to be “more fit for the kingdom.” ...

Be Guardians of Virtue

In order to do this, each of us must be guardians of virtue. Young women, guard your personal virtue. ... You are daughters of God. You carry within yourselves the sacred power to create mortal life and to become mothers of Heavenly Father’s choice and pure spirits. It is one of God’s greatest gifts to His precious daughters. Safeguard that power by living the standards, dressing and acting modestly, and remaining virtuous. 

Safeguard your power through purity of thought and action. Do not allow anyone to tamper with your God-given gifts. By so doing, you, your family, and the generations that follow will be strengthened and blessed. Young men, you too are guardians of virtue. You hold priesthood power - the power to bless and to act for God here on the earth. 

The Lord has said to all priesthood holders, “Practise virtue and holiness before me” (D&C 38:24). Guard your personal virtue, your thoughts, what you view, what you say, and your actions. Do not allow pornography to diminish your personal power. Remain pure so that you can exercise the power of the priesthood with which God has entrusted you. ... Young men, priesthood men, keep yourselves pure so that you may be able to use your priesthood power at a moment’s notice.

"The WORK OF ZION commences in the heart OF
EACH person." - Brigham Young.

Remain Virtuous in a Toxic World

I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world! But before we can change the world, we must change ourselves. 

President Boyd K. Packer said we live in an environment that “is becoming toxic, poisonous to the spirit.” So what are some of the things that we can do right now in order to remain virtuous in a toxic world?

First, repent. I am very aware that there are some listening tonight who don’t feel virtuous or who have made mistakes. That is why a return to virtue is so important. You must know that you can return. You can change. ... A return is always possible because of the Savior’s Atonement. 

President Monson has said to each of us who have made mistakes: If any of you has slipped along the way, there are those who will help you to once again become clean and worthy. Your bishop or branch president is anxious and willing to help and will, with understanding and compassion, do all within his power to assist you in the repentance process, that you may once again stand in righteousness before the Lord.

... The Savior suffered not only for our sins and imperfections, but He also took upon Himself our sorrows (see Alma 7:11). Through His infinite Atonement He will heal you and give you peace. ... Because of our Savior’s Atonement, God the Father will hear your prayers. He will answer through the Holy Ghost and others who will be placed in your path.

Second, be careful about your choice of friends. In today’s technological society, we may spend more time with nonhuman companions than we do with our peers. While we may be very careful about our human companions, sometimes we give little thought to the other companions that we allow to influence us. ... We have all been given three precious gifts for our mortal experience. These include our body, our agency, and our time. 

... Seek the companionship of virtuous friends, not virtual friends. Remember, “virtue loveth virtue [and] light cleaveth unto light” (D&C 88:40). ... In your pursuit of friendships and an eternal marriage partner, you cannot just make a list of all the qualities you are looking for in another or in an eternal companion. You must be your list at all times and in all things and in all places.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy 18th Birthday Bek

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

My youngest sister Rebekah turns eighteen years old today therefore it is her birthday today. I can hardly believe that she is considered as an adult as of today. I felt that there has been days when time goes slow and other days when time goes fast. I remembered video chatting with Bek on her previous birthday last year, she was able to receive her birthday presents from my husband and I through my Mum. 

I miss having opportunities of spending some time with Bek. If it was between Bek or Sam (my brother) to spend some time with me, Bek always choose to spend some time with me and Sam would normally refuses to spend some time with me for going to places that wasn't staying at home. 

I remembered when I was living away from my family whilst living in Australia; Bek had multiple opportunities to spend some time with me prior to when I leave home to go to work. I remembered that I would make homemade dinner meals for both of us that would last for several days for duration of her stays and I remembered one time for one particular evening after I come home from work, I was surprised that she finished more than one dinner meal whilst I was working. 

I was okay with that because at least I know it wasn't going to waste although a manager that I had was able to allow me to have FREE food at work which was good especially during long shifts. I missed having conversations with Bek. I wouldn't have a clue to remember much about what we would talk about in the car as I was driving to places, what we would talk about at home, and so forth. I am grateful for Bek for having confidence and allowed me to give opportunities to take photos of her which helped me to build my photography portfolio.

I know that there has been multiple times when I do my best to be there for Bek, especially at times when she relied on me for picking her up from wherever she may be to take her home. Indeed I remembered one time when I would just finish work, and she would contact me to come and pick her up, and take her home which was such a good timing because I was heading home. 

I remembered during my teen years; Bek and I was having a conversation about we can be in Young Single Adults (YSA) together if I was still single. I have been so blessed to not be in YSA no more ever since I've gotten married to my husband last year. Although I strongly hope that Bek can return back to church, become a strong active church member, and I hope she would be able to go to YSA activities, YSA dances, YSA devotionals, and so forth. 

I know that she would have a blast in YSA. I remembered having many great memories in during my time in YSA prior to meeting my husband, I learned so much in YSA, I have taken many notes during Devotional Evenings amongst other YSAs, I have made many friends in YSA, I had an opportunity to graduate institute while I was in YSA, and so forth. 

I don't have much else to say, although I am on progress of making a vlog for Bek's birthday. Well if Bek has the opportunity to read this post, I would like to wish you a Happy Birthday and I hope you had a great day. I look forward to talking to you sometime today.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Zion Is the Pure in Heart ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional, and it is called "Zion Is the Pure in Heart" by Sister Elaine S. Dalton. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. 

Sister Dalton has mentioned; "... I have a unique and special connection with the young women because of the years in which I have served as a member of the Young Women general presidency. We have essentially gone through the Young Women years together. We’ve earned our Young Women medallions together. We have stood every week and repeated the words of the Young Women theme together: “We are daughters. . . . We will ‘stand.’ ... We believe . . . , we will be prepared.” 

I think of you as my young women. And I have seen many of you young men as you have received and advanced in the priesthood, honored your covenants and priesthood power, and prepared for and served missions throughout the world. I have met many of you in your mission fields. You are my heroes! You are amazing in your strength and courage and desire for righteousness.

The Lord Will Help You Make Important Decisions

Each one of you has embarked on a journey as a Latter-day Saint, and you are in the most critical time of life. This is the time for you to form eternal habits and make lasting decisions. ... You have been reserved “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). You will be presented with opportunities that far surpass your greatest expectations, and you will be blessed, as I was, with defining moments that will influence and affect this decade of decisions.

... I learned: As you exercise your faith through prayer, the Lord will help you make defining decisions in defining moments. He will hear and answer your prayers through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. You will not be left alone. You have been given the blessing to be able to receive the guidance of the Holy Ghost. 

In Doctrine and Covenants section 8, the Lord promises each of us, “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart” ... I bear witness that the Lord hears and answers our prayers and that He will guide and direct us as we seek to do His will and keep His commandments. This is the process of receiving personal revelation. ... I pray that this message will take root in your heart and that it will become very personal to you. 

I pray that the Holy Ghost will impress upon you the importance of this simple message so that you might be able to incorporate it into the important decisions that you will make during the defining moments of your life.

Lead the World in a Return to Virtue

The message I bring this evening is a clarion call for you, the young adults of this chosen generation, to lead the world in a return to virtue. What is virtue? Why is it important? And how can each of us join together in this noble and sacred cause?

... Each of you is on a journey to Zion, ... what the Lord has said applies: “Awake, and arise, ... come forth, and [do] not tarry” (D&C 117:2), for Zion is not only a place Zion is “the pure in heart” (D&C 97:21). And purity of heart must be your goal in order to reach that final destination! Never before has there been a generation quite like yours. 

You are better prepared and better equipped. You have what it takes, and now is the time for the run of your life your run to Zion! President Thomas S. Monson and those before him have shown us the way. The path is clearly marked, and the pace is steady and strong. .. You may not have to give up all your earthly possessions, but the journey to Zion requires that you give up all of your sins so that you may come to know Him the true and living Christ. 

You may even be asked to run to the point of exhaustion, but by doing so, the warmth of the Lord’s love will preserve you for the great work yet to come. What you are being asked to do is the same thing the Lord asked when He named His Church The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

... Zion was then, and is now, the goal. It is the cause of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. And now is the time, as Mormon and Moroni exhorted, to “be faithful in Christ” (Moroni 9:25) and to “lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing” (Moroni 10:30). ... Now is the time to return to virtue!

A Return to Virtue Is a Return to Purity

Virtue means purity. It begins in the heart and in the mind. “It is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.” At the very core of virtue is chastity meaning sexual purity. Virtue and chastity are inseparably connected. You cannot have one without the other. A return to virtue is a return to purity. Some have said that virtue means being kind or honest or having integrity. 

But the center of a virtuous life is chastity, and one simply cannot be honest or possess integrity in the absence of sexual purity. It is impossible. One cannot tamper with the divine spirit and precious body the eternal soul of another and be deemed as possessing any kind of virtue or be virtuous. To do this compromises the very agency we fought for in our premortal life. ... Thus virtue does not just apply to women but to all.

... As Elder Russell M. Nelson taught, the temple is really the reason for everything we do in the Church: “Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church points to the Lord and His holy house.” ... We must be worthy to enter the Lord’s holy temple and make and keep sacred covenants and to do the work we have been prepared and foreordained to do. No unclean thing can enter into His house. 

“Ye Are a Chosen Generation”

Each of you has a great work to do. What you do and what you decide matters because you matter. You are “choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein” (D&C 138:53–54).

No wonder Satan has increased the intensity of his attacks. If you can be distracted, delayed, or disqualified from entering into the temples and doing the very work you have been prepared and reserved to do, he wins. What becomes clear is that you must be pure and worthy in order to receive the promptings from the Holy Ghost that you need for the decisions you are making now. What also becomes clear is that you must remain worthy to enter the Lord’s holy temples.

All the sacrifice and work of all the prior generations have led to this moment. ... Peter said of you, “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). Never before has so much been expected. Never before has so much been given: prophets, scriptures, priesthood, ordinances and covenants, temples, the Book of Mormon, and the gospel in its fulness. You have been prepared, called, and chosen. 

This is your time. ... To accomplish the tasks you have been foreordained to do, your faith must be firmly centered on our Savior, Jesus Christ. You must remember that faith is not only a principle of power but of action. You must act on the faith you already possess. ... Young men, you were prepared to receive the priesthood, which would enable you to exercise the power of God while here on the earth. 

Young women, you were given the noble gift and responsibility to nurture others and become mothers to other choice spirits. You were entrusted with the very powers of godliness to create a mortal life. Virtuous people are committed to the sanctity of life. They respect God’s counsel on how life is to be conceived, protected, and nurtured. There is no strength that is greater than the strength of virtue nor any confidence that is more sure 

than the confidence of a virtuous life.

In the premortal realm you participated in a war. You fought with your faith and testimony to accept and sustain the plan that was presented by God the Father. You knew it was right, and you knew that the Savior would do what He said He would do because you knew Him! There were no neutral spirits in the War in Heaven, and there can be no neutral positions now where choices between right and wrong are to be made. 

The Lord Himself said, “He that is not with me is against me” (Matthew 12:30). You stood with Him! You were eager for your assignment. You knew what was going to be required of you. You knew how difficult it would be, and yet you were confident you could not only accomplish your divine mission but that you could make a difference. 

As one prophet said of you and your day: For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the Second Coming of the Lord. ... God has saved for the final inning some of his strongest children, who will help bear off the Kingdom triumphantly. And that is where you come in, for you are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God.

All through the ages the prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it you are a marked generation."

Stay Tuned until next time.

You Matter to Him ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a October 2011 General Conference talk, and it is called "You Matter to Him" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. This post is part two. I would like to share with you sme highlights whilst I was reading the talk, and I hope that you would be able to learn something new while reading through this post. 

Elder Uchtdorf has mentioned; "The Last Shall Be First

The Lord doesn’t care at all if we spend our days working in marble halls or stable stalls. He knows where we are, no matter how humble our circumstances. He will use in His own way and for His holy purposes those who incline their hearts to Him.

God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history. They are the blessed, humble souls who emulate the Savior’s example and spend the days of their lives doing good. ...

"You matter to him." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

You Matter to Him

My dear brothers and sisters, it may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember you matter to Him! 

If you ever doubt that, consider these four divine principles: First, God loves the humble and meek, for they are “greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Second, the Lord entrusts “the fulness of [His] gospel [to] be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world.” He has chosen “the weak things of the world [to] come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones” and to put to shame “the things which are mighty.”

Third, no matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities, how ordinary your appearance, or how little your calling in the Church may appear to you, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. ...

Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him. Have hope and faith in that promise. 

Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed. Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love. God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season. He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him. May we ever believe, trust, and align our lives so that we will understand our true eternal worth and potential. May we be worthy of the precious blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for us ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/10/you-matter-to-him

Stay Tuned until next time.

You Matter to Him ~ Part One

 Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,
this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a October 2011 General Conference talk, and it is called "You Matter to Him" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. This post is part one. I would like to share with you sme highlights whilst I was reading the talk, and I hope that you would be able to learn something new while reading through this post. 

Elder Uchtdorf has mentioned; "... We Are Less Than We Suppose

The more we learn about the universe, the more we understand at least in a small part what Moses knew. The universe is so large, mysterious, and glorious that it is incomprehensible to the human mind. “Worlds without number have I created,” God said to Moses. The wonders of the night sky are a beautiful testimony of that 

truth. ...

We Are Greater Than We Suppose

But even though man is nothing, it fills me with wonder and awe to think that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” And while we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, “What is man in comparison to the glory of creation?” God Himself said we are the reason He created the universe! 

His work and glory the purpose for this magnificent universe is to save and exalt mankind. In other words, the vast expanse of eternity, the glories and mysteries of infinite space and time are all built for the benefit of ordinary mortals like you and me. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as His sons and daughters.

This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God. While against the backdrop of infinite creation we may appear to be nothing, we have a spark of eternal fire burning within our breast. We have the incomprehensible promise of exaltation worlds without end within our grasp. And it is God’s great desire to help us reach it.

"It may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the UNIVERSE. 
At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember you matter
to HIM." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf. 

The Folly of Pride

The great deceiver knows that one of his most effective tools in leading the children of God astray is to appeal to the extremes of the paradox of man. To some, he appeals to their prideful tendencies, puffing them up and encouraging them to believe in the fantasy of their own self-importance and invincibility. ... He leads them to conclude that they are therefore not subject to anyone else’s rules and not to be bothered by anyone else’s problems.

... Disciples of Jesus Christ understand that compared to eternity, our existence in this mortal sphere is only “a small moment” in space and time. They know that a person’s true value has little to do with what the world holds in high esteem. They know you could pile up the accumulated currency of the entire world and it could not buy a loaf of bread in the economy of heaven.

Those who will “inherit the kingdom of God” are those who become “as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love.” ... Such disciples understand also “that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

We Are Not Forgotten

Another way Satan deceives is through discouragement. He attempts to focus our sight on our own insignificance until we begin to doubt that we have much worth. He tells us that we are too small for anyone to take notice, that we are forgotten especially by God.

Let me share with you a personal experience that may be of some help to those who feel insignificant, forgotten, or alone.

Many years ago I attended pilot training in the United States Air Force. I was far away from my home, a young West German soldier, born in Czechoslovakia, who had grown up in East Germany and spoke English only with great difficulty. I clearly remember my journey to our training base in Texas. I was on a plane, sitting next to a passenger who spoke with a heavy Southern accent. 

I could scarcely understand a word he said. I actually wondered if I had been taught the wrong language all along. I was terrified by the thought that I had to compete for the coveted top spots in pilot training against students who were native English speakers.

When I arrived on the air base in the small town of Big Spring, Texas, I looked for and found the Latter-day Saint branch, which consisted of a handful of wonderful members who were meeting in rented rooms on the air base itself. The members were in the process of building a small meetinghouse that would serve as a permanent place for the Church. Back in those days members provided much of the labor on new buildings.

Day after day I attended my pilot training and studied as hard as I could and then spent most of my spare time working on the new meetinghouse. ... I spent so much time working on the meetinghouse that the branch president who also happened to be one of our flight instructors expressed concern that I perhaps should spend more time studying.

My friends and fellow student pilots engaged themselves in free-time activities as well, although I think it’s safe to say that some of those activities would not have been in alignment with today’s For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. For my part, I enjoyed being an active part of this tiny west Texas branch, practicing my newly acquired carpentry skills, and improving my English as I fulfilled my callings to teach in the elders quorum and in Sunday School.

At the time, Big Spring, despite its name, was a small, insignificant, and unknown place. And I often felt exactly the same way about myself insignificant, unknown, and quite alone. Even so, I never once wondered if the Lord had forgotten me or if He would ever be able to find me there. 

I knew that it didn’t matter to Heavenly Father where I was, where I ranked with others in my pilot training class, or what my calling in the Church was. What mattered to Him was that I was doing the best I could, that my heart was inclined toward Him, and that I was willing to help those around me. I knew if I did the best I could, all would be well. And all was well." 

Stay Tuned until next time.

On Being Worthy ~ Part Two

  Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,
this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a April 1989 General Conference talk, and it is called "On Being Worthy" by Elder Marvin J. Ashton. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk. 

Elder Ashton has mentioned; "... President N. Eldon Tanner gave us some wise counsel: “With all this evil present in the world today, it is most important that those who are responsible conduct proper interviews. “Let us always remember that our main purpose, assignment, and responsibility is to save souls. “It is important that those we interview realize that they are spirit children of God and that we love them, and let them know that we love them and are interested in their welfare and in helping them succeed in life. 

“It is a great responsibility for a bishop or stake president to conduct a worthiness interview. There is equal responsibility, however, upon the member who is interviewed. Careful, searching interviews need to be conducted always individually and privately. ... “Let [the member] know that if there is something amiss in his life, there are ways to straighten it out. ere is a great cleansing power of repentance.

... “You bishops and stake presidents might approach an interview for a temple recommend something like this: 

“‘You have come to me for a recommend to enter the temple. I have the responsibility of representing the Lord in interviewing you. At the conclusion of the interview there is provision for me to sign your recommend; but mine is not the only important signature on your recommend. Before the recommend is valid, you must sign it yourself.’ 

"To be WORTHY does not mean to be
PERFECT." - Gerrit W. Gong.

... “And so it is. The Lord gives the privilege to members of the Church to respond to those questions in such interviews. en if there is something amiss, the member can get his life in order so that he may qualify for the priesthood advancement, for a mission, or for a temple recommend.” (Ensign, Nov. 1978, pp. 41–42.) 

... Sometimes there is a great need for us to be chastised, disciplined, and corrected in a spirit of love, help, and hope. Guidance and suggestions should be offered in a loving way, but most of us have a tendency to rebel or be dismayed when someone suggests that our conduct is less than it should be. 

As Benjamin Franklin once said: “ Those things that hurt, instruct. It is for this reason that wise people learn not to dread but welcome problems.” 

... It is up to us to look for that assistance so we can understand the rules and strengthen ourselves as we receive direction from the sources available. ... When we dwell on our own weaknesses, it is easy to dwell on the feelings that we are unworthy. Somehow we need to bridge the gap between continually striving to improve and yet not feeling defeated when our actions aren’t perfect all the time. 

We need to remove unworthy from our vocabulary and replace it with hope and work. ... It is my hope and prayer that we will learn individually and collectively the importance of the process of becoming worthy. We are entitled to the help of others not only in assessing our worthiness but also in making the classi cation of “worthy” available to each of us. 

As we measure our worthiness, let us no longer put limitations upon ourselves. Rather, let us use those strengths and powers that are available to make us worthy to gain great heights in personal development. Thus we will reap the joy that comes to those who desire to improve and move forward with determination and eðectiveness as they practice self-discipline and refuse to judge themselves as unworthy. ..." 

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1989/04/on-being-worthy

Stay Tuned until next time.

On Being Worthy ~ Part One

 Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,
this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a April 1989 General Conference talk, and it is called "On Being Worthy" by Elder Marvin J. Ashton. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk. 

Elder Ashton has mentioned; 

"... We do not have to be hindered by self-judgment. All of us have the benefit and added wisdom of a bishop and a stake president to help us determine our worthiness and, if necessary, to assist us to begin the process of becoming worthy to accomplish whatever goal we wish to achieve. When we take it upon ourselves to pass self-judgment and simply declare, “I am not worthy,” we build a barrier to progress and erect blockades that prevent our moving forward. 

We are not being fair when we judge ourselves. A second and third opinion will always be helpful and proper. It occurs to me that there are probably hundreds or even thousands who do not understand what worthiness is. Worthiness is a process, and perfection is an eternal trek. We can be worthy to enjoy certain privileges without being perfect. Perhaps it is reasonable to conclude that personal measurement or judgment often times may be severe and inaccurate. 

... All of us are particularly aware of our shortcomings and weaknesses. Therefore, it is easy for us to feel that we are unworthy of blessings we desire and that we are not as worthy to hold an office or calling as someone next door. All through life we meet some people who tell of their weaknesses with great enthusiasm and unreasonable prejudice. They may not report untruths, but they may leave out truths or they may not be fair with themselves. Misjudgments can be made. To move forward wisely and think clearly, all sides of the story must be reviewed. 

When we feel inadequate, capable and loving friends can help us realize our strengths and potential. ... Worthy and lasting changes can only be made when actions are based upon the light of truth. Very often, people become comfortable in their self-declared unworthiness status. Possibly the hardest guidelines for us to follow are those we set for ourselves. To analyze our fears, our dreams, our goals, our motives can be soul-wrenching. We need others to help us. We may nd that we fear failure so much that we won’t take a risk. 

Often our self-esteem is bruised by criticism. Many other facts about ourselves can be brought to light if we really want to know. Perhaps we all live under some misconceptions when we look at each other on Sundays as we attend our meetings. Everyone is neatly dressed and greets each other with a smile. It is natural to assume that everyone else has his life under control and doesn’t have to deal with dark little weaknesses and imperfections. 

ere is a natural, probably a mortal, tendency to compare ourselves with others. Unfortunately, when we make these comparisons, we tend to compare our weakest attributes with someone else’s strongest. 

... We need to come to terms with our desire to reach perfection and our frustration when our accomplishments or behaviors are less than perfect. ... Elder Joseph Fielding Smith oðers this counsel: “Salvation does not come all at once; we are commanded to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect. It will take us ages to accomplish this end, for there will be greater progress beyond the grave, and it will be there that the faithful will overcome all things, and receive all things, even the fulness of the Father’s glory. 

“I believe the Lord meant just what he said: that we should be perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect. at will not come all at once, but line upon line, and precept upon precept, example upon example, and even then not as long as we live in this mortal life, for we will have to go even beyond the grave before we reach that perfection and shall be like God.” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56, 2:18–19.) 

I am also convinced of the fact that the speed with which we head along the straight and narrow path isn’t as important as the direction in which we are traveling. at direction, if it is leading toward eternal goals, is the all-important factor. ... As we said in the beginning, it is a wonderful strength and a needful process to be able to go to a bishop or a stake president and discuss our worthiness."

Stay Tuned until next time.

A Virtuous Life - Step by Step ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a April 2009 General Conference talk, and it is called "A Virtuous Life - Step by Step" by Sister Mary N Cook. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new while reading through this post. 

Sister Cook has mentioned; "They were ashamed and caved into peer pressure. ... Young women, we must be united in righteousness so that we may stand strong when others mock our actions and beliefs. One way we can withstand the pressures of the world is to “stand … in holy places, and be not moved” (D&C 87:8). Stay away from situations where you are likely to be tempted, mocked, and scorned. 

A commitment to remain virtuous will give you strength to withstand peer pressure. As we’re advised in For the Strength of Youth: “Have the courage to walk out of a movie or video party, turn off a computer or television, change a radio station, or put down a magazine if what is being presented does not meet Heavenly Father’s standards” ([2001], 19).

"Virtue is the fount whence honour springs." 
- Christopher Marlowe.

... What will help you to press forward and continually hold fast to the iron rod? Center your life on the Savior and develop daily habits of righteous living. Come to know the Savior and all He has done for you. 

... Remember, it is the cleansing power of the Atonement that makes it possible for us to be virtuous. We all make mistakes, but “because the Savior loves you and has given His life for you, you can repent. Repentance is an act of faith in Jesus Christ. … The Savior’s atoning sacrifice has made it possible for you to be forgiven of your sins. 

... Determine to partake worthily of the sacrament each week and fill your life with virtuous activities that will bring spiritual power. As you do this, you will grow stronger in your ability to resist temptation, keep the commandments [remain clean], and become more like Jesus Christ” (Young Women Personal Progress [insert, 2009], 3). 

Daily habits of righteous behavior will also help you to continually hold fast to the rod. ... to develop three daily habits: First, pray to your Father in Heaven, morning and night, every day.

Second, read the Book of Mormon for at least five minutes every day.

And third, smile! Why? We have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, which brings us true happiness.

Now, you must remember that you are not alone on this journey. When you were baptized and confirmed, you were given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide you in all aspects of your life. You will need that guidance. Virtuous living “at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) qualifies us for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Sometimes you may feel that you are the only one who is walking this path. Just as loved ones surrounded you when you came into this world, there are many around you now who can influence you for good - your parents, brothers and sisters, Young Women leaders, priesthood leaders, wholesome friends, and even “angels [will be] round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88).

... These are your examples of the believers. Learn from them, and, young women, you can be an example of the believers to them and others. ... We must unite and help one another fill our lives with those things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report” (Articles of Faith 1:13).  ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/a-virtuous-life-step-by-step

Stay Tuned until next time.

A Virtuous Life - Step by Step ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a April 2009 General Conference talk, and it is called "A Virtuous Life - Step by Step" by Sister Mary N Cook. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new while reading through this post. 

Sister Cook has mentioned; "... Now you must establish patterns of virtue that will keep you on this path throughout your life. Seek out “example[s] of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12) who can be at your side to support and help you live a life of virtue. ... Virtue brings peace, strength of character, and happiness in this life. 

Our Heavenly Father knew that we would be faced with many choices and challenges, and virtuous living would prepare us to succeed. For many of you, the day you were blessed was a first step on your journey of a virtuous life. Your choice to be baptized, confirmed, and given the gift of the Holy Ghost and your efforts to worthily partake of the sacrament and renew your baptismal covenant each week are critical forward steps in living a life of virtue. 

Your next step on this journey is to prepare yourself to be worthy to enter the temple, where you will make additional sacred covenants and receive sacred temple ordinances, including that of celestial marriage. This will require you to be virtuous. ... we are reminded of the difficulty of staying on the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life. Father Lehi described to his sons the challenges facing different groups of people seeking the tree of life, “whose fruit was desirable to make one happy” (v. 10). This tree represented the love of God (see 1 Nephi 11:21–22).

The first group started along the strait and narrow path, but they did not take hold of the iron rod that would keep them on the path, and they got lost in the mists of darkness (see 1 Nephi 8:21–23). Some of these mists of darkness, or temptations that Satan uses to obscure the path to eternal life, are specifically directed at women. 

He makes chastity and moral purity appear old-fashioned. He has made motherhood seem less important. He has been successful in confusing women about their roles in the Lord’s divine plan. To navigate through these mists of darkness we need the iron rod, which represents the word of God (see 1 Nephi 15:23–24). We must study and understand the truths and commandments found in the scriptures. 

"Try the virtue of the word of God." - Alma 31:5

We must listen carefully to the words of our latter-day prophets, whose teachings will give us guidance, direction, and protection. And we must hold to the standards found in For the Strength of Youth. Those in the second group of people Lehi saw were clinging to the iron rod. 

They continued in the right direction, and they were able to partake of the fruit of the tree. They tasted true happiness, but unfortunately their happiness did not last long because as they looked around, they saw those who were making fun of them. (See 1 Nephi 8:24–27.) 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts

  Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This week focuses on two topics; the first topic is Virtue, and the second topic is Worthiness. 

Have you ever heard the saying "Let virtue garnish your thoughts" before?

This post focuses on a October 2009 General Conference talk and it is called "Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts" by H. David Burton. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk. Presiding Bishop Burton has mentioned, "... “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45). 

... “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul. We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Articles of Faith 1:13).

... I wish to speak about personal traits we call virtues. Virtuous traits form the foundation of a Christian life and are the outward manifestation of the inner man. The spelling in English of many individual virtues concludes with the letters ity: integrity, humility, charity, spirituality, accountability, civility, fidelity, and the list goes on and on. ...  We need only look around us to see what is taking place in our communities to realize that personal traits of virtue are in a steep decline. 

Reflect on the behavior of drivers on crowded highways; road rage happens all too often. Civility is all but absent in our political discourse. As countries around the world face financial and economic challenges, fidelity and honesty seem to have been replaced with greed and graft. A visit to a high school will often subject you to crude language and immodest dress.

... On occasion our generosity in support of good causes wanes as our appetite to acquire more than we need prevails. ... If we follow the world in abandoning Christian-centered virtues, the consequences may be disastrous. Individual faith and fidelity, which have eternal consequences, will diminish. Family solidarity and spirituality will be adversely impacted. Religious influence in society will be lessened, and the rule of law will be challenged and perhaps even set aside.

... We need to stand tall and be firmly fixed in perpetuating Christlike virtues, even the “ity” virtues, in our everyday lives. Teaching virtuous traits begins in the home with parents who care and set the example. A good parental example encourages emulation; a poor example gives license to the children to disregard the parents’ teachings and even expand the poor example. A hypocritical example destroys credibility.

"Virtue is its own rewards."

President James E. Faust suggested that integrity is the mother of many virtues. ... He also suggested that “integrity is the light that shines from a disciplined conscience. It is the strength of duty within us” (“Integrity, the Mother of Many Virtues,” in Speaking Out on Moral Issues [1998], ..). 

It is difficult for a person to display virtuous traits if he or she lacks integrity. Without integrity, honesty is often forgotten. If integrity is absent, civility is impaired. If integrity is not important, spirituality is difficult to maintain. ...

President Thomas S. Monson reminded us a few years ago that “most people will not commit desperate acts if they have been taught that dignity, honesty and integrity are more important than revenge or rage; if they understand that respect and kindness ultimately give one a better chance at success” (“Family Values in a Violent Society,” Deseret News, Jan. 16, 1994, A12).

... Virtuous traits, especially the “ity” virtues, must never be forgotten or set aside. If forgotten or set aside, they will inevitably become the “lost virtues.” If virtues are lost, families will be measurably weakened, individual faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will soften, and important eternal relationships may be jeopardized. Traits of virtue broadly practiced can loosen Satan’s firm grip on society and derail his insidious plan to capture the hearts, minds, and spirits of mortal men.

Now is the time for us to join in rescuing and preserving that which is “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” As we allow virtue to garnish our thoughts unceasingly and we cultivate virtuous traits in our personal lives, our communities and institutions will be improved, our children and families will be strengthened, and faith and integrity will bless individual lives. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/let-virtue-garnish-your-thoughts

Stay Tuned until next time.

Understandings of the Heart ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take five to eight minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on BYU Devotional in March 1988, and it is called "Understandings of the Heart" by Presiding Bishop Robert D. Hales. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. I hope that you would be able to learn something new while reading through this post. 

Presiding Bishop Hales has mentioned the following; 

"... Our hurts, as difficult as they are to endure and as unbearable as they may seem to us in the present tense of time, are, in the Lord’s eternal perspective, but “a small moment.” The test is whether we endure the adversity and affliction well, without losing our faith and breaking commandments. ... How important it is during troubled times, when we are tested, that we do not do anything to lose the Holy Ghost’s gentle persuasions, comfort, and peace that will give us assurance to make the correct choices in life in order to weather the storm and bring us closer to God’s ways not man’s ways. 

... Our friends are important at all times, especially in times of need when we are depressed with feelings of loneliness and despair. Choosing our friends wisely is important. In times of trouble, do your friends stand by you? What kind of a friend or companion are you?

Often we choose our friends by their physical appearance and personalities. ... The first test of friendship and companionship is knowing that in their company it is easier to live according to the commandments you have been taught and know are important to happiness. The second test of real friendship and companionship is whether you are asked as a condition of their friendship or companionship to choose between their way and the Lord’s way. ... 

When we are marred spiritually or physically, our first reaction is to withdraw into the dark shadows of depression, to blot out hope and joy the light of life that comes from knowing we are living the commandments of our Father in Heaven. This withdrawal will ultimately lead us to rebellion against those who would like to be our friends, those who can help us most, even our family. 

But worst of all, we finally reject ourselves. Those who are alone and lonely should not retreat to the sanctuary of their private thoughts and chambers. ... What can you do to prepare yourself during your college years for the tests and trials of your life?

1. You must learn to work hard toward your goals, to pray for strength and guidance in your daily decisions, always acknowledging “Thy will be done.”

2. Study the scriptures, history, biographical literature, and psychology to give you an insight into how others have met life’s challenges and, with a testimony, endured to the end.

3. Select friends and an eternal companion from whom you can seek counsel and who will lift you and make it easier to live the commandments by just being together.

4. Learn to be of service and of help to others in their tests no matter how busy you are or how much you are hurting from your own tests and trials of faith.

5. Learn that even in a perfect life the tests and trials will come, but remember that you can bring affliction upon yourself and those near you through your own actions. Be willing to accept the consequences that come and don’t blame them on God.

6. Learn that when you have made a mistake, regrets are not enough. Feeling sorry is not enough unless your sorrow brings about a remorse of conscience and a change of heart resulting in true repentance.

7. Learn that true education is not only test scores and grade point averages, but also gaining wisdom through life’s experiences, listening to sound counsel, gaining an understanding in your heart, and caring for others less fortunate. Then, no amount of temptation, testing, trials, or coercion can make you depart from the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life.

8. Learn that in mortal probation you are here for tests and trials even though you live a perfect life.

9. Learn to know yourself while you are at the university. You are in a laboratory that simulates the world with individual competition and the inner stress of learning. There will never be a better time in your life to have the contemplation and introspection needed to know yourself. Take time to ponder who you are and act accordingly. 

General education requirements are given not only to give you a well-rounded education, but also to give you an opportunity to assess your intellectual and spiritual strengths and weaknesses. What are your God-given gifts and talents? (see D&C 46)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie, ... has said: Spirits developed an infinite variety and degree of talents while yet in preexistence. Being subject to law, and having their agency, all the spirits of men, while yet in the Eternal Presence, developed aptitudes, talents, capacities, and abilities of every sort, kind, and degree. During the long expanse of life which then was, an infinite variety of talents and abilities came into being. As the ages rolled, no two spirits remained alike. 

... The Lord endowed us all with agency; he gave us laws that would enable us to advance and progress and become like him; and he counseled and exhorted us to pursue the course leading to glory and exaltation. He himself was the embodiment and personification of all good things. Every desirable characteristic and trait dwelt in him in its eternal fullness. 

All of his obedient children started to become like him in one way or another. There was as great a variety and degree of talent and ability among us there as there is among us here. Some excelled in one way, others in another. The Firstborn excelled all of us in all things. [Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, Book 1

(Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1979), ... see also D&C 46]

Have you given yourself an honest chance to develop your natural skills, or are you limiting your development to the requirements for graduation or a profession without assessing how you will make the greatest contribution and be the happiest during your sojourn on earth? ... Your university educational experience should be a microcosm of life. 

For this reason, if the opportunity presents itself, serving on committees in student government, social committees, or interacting with the faculty and university administration will simulate civic involvement in your future life. Your social committees and social awareness and interactions are all part of the laboratory in which you are privileged to participate.

... Dr. Edwin A. Lee said: ... You are here for the eternal perspective of learning, to enable you to stand on higher ground to lift, to serve, and to care for those in need around you, both in your family and in the communities in which you reside. “Thee lift me and I’ll lift thee, and we will ascend together.”

Please remember to give before you leave this unique institution of learning appreciation and deserved praise to members of the faculty and staff for their dedication to the eternal principles of learning. Sincere recognition of your teachers’ contributions to your life is small payment for their sacrifices in sharing their gifts and talents with many who pass through without acknowledgment of their service.

Stewardship

... Let me assure you, Brethren, that someday you will have a personal priesthood interview with the Savior, Himself. If you are interested, I will tell you the order in which He will ask you to account for your earthly responsibilities.

First, He will request an accountability report about your relationship with your wife. Have you actively been engaged in making her happy and ensuring that her needs have been met as an individual?

Second, He will want an accountability report about each of your children individually. He will not attempt to have this for simply a family stewardship but will request information about your relationship to each and every child.

Third, He will want to know what you personally have done with the talents you were given in the pre-existence.

Fourth, He will want a summary of your activity in your Church assignments. He will not be necessarily interested in what assignments you have had, for in his eyes the home teacher and a mission president are probably equals, but He will request a summary of how you have been of service to your fellowmen in your Church assignments.

Fifth, He will have no interest in how you earned your living, but if you were honest in all your dealings.

Sixth, He will ask for an accountability on what you have done to contribute in a positive manner to your community, state, country and the world. [From Notes of Fred A. Baker, Managing Director, Department of Physical Facilities]

May we be able to meet these tests with affirmative answers and receive a loving welcome home from the Lord, who we hope will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” It is my fervent desire that each of us will use our God-given intelligence to gain the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in our hearts to meet life’s tests and trials and to endure to the end. ..."

Feel free to read the whole devotional either now or in your own time. Here's the link to the devotional below.

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/robert-d-hales/understandings-heart

Stay Tuned until next time.

Understandings of the Heart ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on BYU Devotional in March 1988, and it is called "Understandings of the Heart" by Presiding Bishop Robert D. Hales. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. I hope that you would be able to learn something new while reading through this post. 

Presiding Bishop Hales has mentioned the following; "... The Purpose of Life

You are preparing to meet the tests of mortal life. We voluntarily came from the presence of God the Father to this mortal probation with free agency, knowing we would have opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11). Our objective is .. to endure to the end, and to be worthy to stand and live in the presence of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ for all eternity to achieve what is called eternal life.

Preparation for the Tests of Life

Most of you are in your third decade of learning. The first two decades were years of development and growth in preparation for this third critical decade of learning. This is a period of your life to prepare for the tests of future years. How do you prepare for the tests to come? 

“With All Thy Getting Get Understanding” ... We are taught that basic intelligence (which is innate) and worldly knowledge (which is learned) are the beginnings for our attainment of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom [and knowledge]. [Proverbs 9:10; see also Proverbs 1:7] .. From wisdom, if we will listen to wise counsel and take the teachings to our hearts, we will gain an understanding in our hearts. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding. [Proverbs 1:2] 

... The difference between intelligence and knowledge at the lower end of the hierarchy of learning and wisdom which comes through life’s experiences ... There is a great deal of difference between raw intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, and finally, the understanding with which the Lord established the heavens. ... It recognizes knowledge through your courses of study and then the attainment of wisdom recognizing obedience to laws, ordinances, and commandments ultimately leading to an understanding in your hearts of true gospel principles that far exceed the teachings of men. 

This education leads us to use our gifts and talents in selfless service by helping others and caring for the needy. The importance of understanding in one’s heart is that our faith in believing becomes a full knowledge of understanding, and it causes us to control our actions. In three decades of counseling I have become aware of many ways we may be tested. 

Here are but a few tests that those assembled here today may have to face in their lives. Will you be prepared? How will you respond?

1. The test for some will be being single and lonely. Are you prepared to be self-sufficient and productive, and are you prepared to be of help to others?

2. The test for some will be being married to the wrong person, resulting in abuse and divorce. 3. Then, the test may be to provide for a family without a partner’s support.

4. Some will have the test of not being able to have children. The test may come even when you have lived faithfully, abiding by moral laws and commandments of chastity, faithfulness, fidelity, and love to an eternal companion. ... Do not base your testimony on one goal and allow bitter disappointment to prevent you from enjoying your companionship and the greater goal of eternal progression.

5. The test for some will be having the children who can both be the joy and the trial of your life.

6. Some will have the test of being widowed or will experience the death of a loved one. Do not become angry and blame your departed loved one for leaving you alone. Do not blame God for allowing it to happen or yourself for having done something to cause the death.

"We must listen to understand, not
just to reply."

7. Some will have the test of illness and poor health. 8. Some will have friends and companions betray their trust. 9. For some the test will be having financial woes of employment failure, economic depression, or unwise investments.

Invulnerability Wouldn’t we all like to avoid the tests and trials of this mortal probation? ... Wouldn’t every mother like to find the secret of protecting her children, making them invulnerable from the fiery darts of the adversary?

Unfortunately, we cannot protect ourselves from the slings and arrows of misfortune. In fact, we are told to carry the shield of faith to protect us from the fiery darts of the adversary. 

... A basic reason for our learning experiences in this life is to enable us to endure to the end. Our challenges, learning experiences, and the opposition we come up against are supposed to strengthen us, not defeat or destroy us."

Stay tuned until next time.

How Can I Understand ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a April 2019 General Conference talk, and it is called "How Can I Understand?" by Elder Ulisses Soares. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk.

Elder Soares has mentioned the following; 

"Brothers and sisters, that doesn’t happen by chance. Attuning ourselves to the highest influences of godliness is not a simple matter; it requires calling upon God and learning how to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the center of our lives. If we do so, I promise that the influence of the Holy Ghost will bring truth to our heart and mind and will bear witness of it, teaching all things. 

The Ethiopian’s question, “How can I [understand], except some man should guide me?” also has a special meaning in the context of our individual responsibility to put the principles of the gospel we have learned into practice in our lives. In the Ethiopian’s case, for example, he acted upon the truth he learned from Philip. He asked to be baptized. 

... Brothers and sisters, our actions must reflect what we learn and teach. We need to show our beliefs through the way we live. The best teacher is a good role model. Teaching something that we truly live can make a difference in the hearts of those we teach. 

If we desire people, whether that be family or not, to joyfully treasure up the scriptures and the teachings of living apostles and prophets of our day, they need to see our souls delighting in them. ... As the well-known American saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” 

Maybe some of you are at this exact moment asking yourselves, “Elder Soares, I have been doing all these things and have been following this model both individually and as a family, but unfortunately, some of my friends or dear ones have distanced themselves from the Lord. What should I do?” 

"I can explain it to you but I
can't understand it for you."

For those of you who are right now experiencing these feelings of sadness, agony, and maybe regret, please know that they are not totally lost because the Lord knows where they are and is watching over them. Remember, they are His children too! It is hard to understand all the reasons why some people take another path. 

The best we can do in these circumstances is just to love and embrace them, pray for their well-being, and seek for the Lord’s help to know what to do and say. Sincerely rejoice with them in their successes; be their friends and look for the good in them. We should never give up on them but preserve our relationships. 

Never reject or misjudge them. Just love them! The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that when children come to themselves, they often desire to come home. 

If that happens with your dear ones, fill your hearts with compassion, run to them, fall on their neck, and kiss them, like the father of the prodigal son did. Ultimately, keep living a worthy life, be a good example to them of what you believe, and draw closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. He knows and understands our deep sorrows and pains, and He will bless your efforts and dedication to your dear ones if not in this life, in the next life. Remember, brothers and sisters, always that hope is an important part of the gospel plan.. ..."

I would like to encourage you to watch the whole talk either now or in your own time. Here's the link below.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/11soares

Stay Tuned until next time.

How Can I Understand? ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a April 2019 General Conference talk, and it is called "How Can I Understand?" by Elder Ulisses Soares. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk.

Elder Soares has mentioned the following; 

"... Our purpose as we seek to learn and to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ must be to increase faith in God and in His divine plan of happiness and in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice and to achieve lasting conversion. Such increased faith and conversion will help us make and keep covenants with God, ... This transformation will bring us a more happy, productive, and healthy life and help us to maintain an eternal perspective. 

Isn’t this exactly what happened to the Ethiopian eunuch after he learned about the Savior and was converted to His gospel? The scripture says that “he went on his way rejoicing.” The commandment to learn the gospel and teach it to one another is not new; it has been constantly repeated from the beginning of human history.

"Sometimes the only person that 
understands you is yourself."

... God’s prophets have consistently instructed that we need to raise our families “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” and “in light and truth.” 

... Brothers and sisters, the warning of our beloved prophet is a further reminder of our individual responsibility to seek to learn and to teach our families that there is a Father in Heaven who loves us and who has developed a divine plan of happiness for His children; that Jesus Christ, His Son, is the Redeemer of the world; and that salvation comes from faith in His name. 

Our lives need to be rooted upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, which might help us individually and as families to have our own spiritual impressions engraved in our hearts, helping us to endure in our faith ... 

Likewise, when we accept the Savior’s invitation to “come and see,” we need to abide in Him, immersing ourselves in the scriptures, rejoicing in them, learning His doctrine, and striving to live the way He lived. Only then will we come to know Him, Jesus Christ, and recognize His voice, knowing that as we come unto Him and believe in Him, we shall never hunger nor thirst. We will be able to discern the truth at all times, as occurred to those two disciples who abode with Jesus that day."

Stay Tuned until next time. 

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

In what ways that you can think of that you CAN earn the trust of the Lord? 

In what ways that you can think of that you CAN earn the trust of your family? 

This post focuses on October 2017 General Conference talk. and it is called "Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family" by Elder Richard J. Maynes. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk, and I hope that you would be able to learn something new while you're reading this post. 

Elder Maynes has mentioned the following;

"... perhaps there is no greater compliment we could receive from the Lord than to know He trusts us to be worthy priesthood holders and great husbands and fathers. One thing is for certain: earning the Lord’s trust is a blessing that comes through great effort on our part. Trust is a blessing based on obedience to God’s laws. 

Earning the Lord’s trust comes as a result of being true to the covenants we have made in the waters of baptism and in the holy temple. When we keep our promises to the Lord, His trust in us grows. ... Men who have “integrity

of heart” are men to be trusted because trust is built on integrity. Being a man of integrity simply means your intentions, as well as your actions, are pure and righteous in all aspects of your life, both ... 

With each decision we make, we either merit more of God’s trust or diminish His trust. ... As husbands and fathers, we have received a divine charge from modern-day prophets, seers, and revelators in the document “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” This document teaches us that (1) “fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness,” (2) fathers “are responsible to provide the necessities of life,” and (3) fathers are responsible to protect their families.

For us to earn God’s trust, we will need to accomplish these three divinely appointed responsibilities to our families in the Lord’s way. As further stated in the family proclamation, the Lord’s way is to fulfill these responsibilities together with our wives “as equal partners.” To me, this means we do not move forward with any significant decision regarding these three responsibilities without total unity with our wives. 

"Trust is earned when actions meet words." 
- Chris Butler.

The first step in our quest to earn the Lord’s trust is to place our trust in Him. ... Nephi was fully committed to doing the Lord’s will. ... Because Nephi first trusted in God, God put great trust in Nephi. 

The Lord blessed him with great outpourings of the Spirit that blessed his life, the lives of his family, and the lives of his people. Because Nephi presided in love and righteousness and provided for and protected his family and people, he records, “We lived after the manner of happiness.”

In order to represent a woman’s perspective on this subject, I asked my two married daughters to help me. I asked if they would provide a sentence or two on how they viewed the importance of trust as it affects their marriage and family life. ...

First, Lara: 

“One of the most important things to me is knowing that as my husband goes about his day, he is making choices that show respect and love toward me. When we can trust each other in this way, it brings peace to our home, where we can enjoy raising our family together.”

Now Christina’s thoughts: 

“Having trust in someone is similar to having faith in someone. Without that trust and faith, there’s fear and doubt. For me, one of the greatest blessings that come from being able to fully trust my husband is peace - peace of mind knowing that he actually does what he says he will do. Trust brings peace, love, and an environment where that love can grow.”

... It is so interesting to me that both of them independently considered the blessing of peace in the home to be a direct consequence of having a husband they could trust. As illustrated by my daughters’ examples, the principle of trust plays an extremely important role in the development of a Christ-centered home.

I was also able to enjoy that same Christ-centered culture growing up in a home where my father honored his priesthood and gained the trust of the entire family due to “the integrity of his heart.” ... Brethren, it is my prayer this evening that we might all first place our trust in the Lord, as Nephi exemplified, and then, through the integrity of our hearts, earn the trust of the Lord, as well as the trust of our wives and children. ... We will also succeed in presiding in our families with love and righteousness, providing the necessities of life, and protecting our families from the evils of the world. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/earning-the-trust-of-the-lord-and-your-family

Stay Tune until next time.

Trust in God, Then Go and Do

 Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 
this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish. 

This week focuses on two different topics; the first topic is Trust and the other topic is Understanding. 

This post is focuses on October 2010 General Conference talk and it is called, "Trust in God, Then Go and Do" by Henry B. Eyring. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Elder Eyring mentioned, "Your needs are great and varied. Each of you is a unique child of God. God knows you individually. He sends messages of encouragement, correction, and direction fitted to you and to your needs. To discover what God would have me add to this conference, I read the messages of His servants in scripture and in past conferences. 

I am to build trust in God and His servants enough that we will go out and obey His counsel. He wants that because He loves us and wants our happiness. And He knows how a lack of trust in Him brings sadness. That lack of trust has brought sorrow to Heavenly Father’s children from before the world was created. 

We know through the revelations of God to the Prophet Joseph Smith that many of our brothers and sisters in the premortal world rejected the plan for our mortal life presented by our Heavenly Father and His eldest Son, Jehovah.

We don’t know all the reasons for Lucifer’s terrible success in inciting that rebellion. However, one reason is clear. Those who lost the blessing of coming into mortality lacked sufficient trust in God to avoid eternal misery.

The sad pattern of lack of trust in God has persisted since the Creation. I will be careful in giving examples from the lives of God’s children since I do not know all the reasons for their lack of faith enough to trust Him. Many of you have studied the moments of crisis in their lives.

"Trust in God, then go and do" - Henry B. Eyring.

The young Nephi in the Book of Mormon stirs in us a desire to develop trust in the Lord to obey His commandments, however hard they appear to us. Nephi faced danger and possible death when he said these words of trust that we can and must feel steadily in our hearts: “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

That trust comes from knowing God. More than any other people on earth, we have, through the glorious events of the Restoration of the gospel, felt the peace that the Lord offered His people with the words “Be still, and know that I am God.” My heart is filled with gratitude for what God has revealed about Himself that we might trust Him.

... It was in the depths of what we now call the Great Depression. Thousands were out of work and homeless. ... The Lord did not run the city, but He changed a part of it for the better. He called one tiny woman alone who trusted Him enough to find out what He wanted her to do and then did it. Because of her trust in the Lord, she was able to help in that city hundreds of Heavenly Father’s children in need.

That same trust in God can bless nations. I have come to know that we can trust God to fulfill the promise of Alma that “behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have.” God does not rule in nations, but He is mindful of them. He can and does place people in positions of influence who want what is best for the people and who trust in the Lord."

I encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time. Here's the link below.

www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/trust-in-god-then-go-and-do