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

How Can We Self Improve in Our Lives?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

I know that at times in our lives that we may forget to take the chance to think about and consider of some ways for self improvement. 

We CAN self improve ourselves in our lives by any of the following;

~ We CAN aim our best to get enough sleep (seven to eight hours of sleep) each night, to help us to feel well rested for following day. ~ We CAN forgive ourselves and others (if we are ever holding on to regret, we need to decide to let it go). ~ We CAN take our time to eat, I think that we shouldn't need to feel rushed to eat when we are in hurry. 

~ We CAN be willing to work hard. "As with anything in life, if we want something, we have got to work hard to get it." ~ We CAN help others who are less fortunate than ourselves (as a suggestion, we can give a homeless a bag of several clothes that doesn't fit us anymore). ~ We CAN avoid negative people. 

~ We CAN do random acts of kindness (as a suggestion, we CAN send a handwritten letter to a friend via mail).

~ We CAN become better listeners by doing our best to not interrupt whenever someone else is talking to us.

~ We CAN travel to different places that we haven't been to before and we CAN try out new culture foods. 

"Those who seek a better life must first become a 
better person."

~ We CAN revisit our past short-term goals and long-term goals that we have not achieved yet, and we can renew and create new short-term goals and long-term goals. 

~ We CAN do our best embrace and control our emotions (as a suggestion, it is okay to feel disappointment whenever we are going through difficult challenges). 

~ We CAN learn how to deal with difficult people. ~ We CAN overcome our fears. ~ We CAN choose to learn from people who inspires us (as a suggestion, we can think about and identify who inspires us, and how or why do they inspire us). ~ We CAN quit our bad habits and create new habits. 

I know that it does take time to quit bad habits (as an experience; about over two years ago since my husband has encouraged me, supported me, helped me from stop biting my fingernails. I aimed my best to stop biting my fingernails for about a week or so, and I was able to see that I had LONG and better looking fingernails. ~ We CAN make our lunches and dinners, instead of purchasing fast foods. 

~ We CAN show kindness to ourselves and to others. ~ We CAN be charitable type of people (as a suggestion; we can go through our closets and our cupboards of clothes, and whatever clothes that doesn't fit us anymore, we can donate those clothes to non-profit organization such as second hand shops (Salvation Army, Lifeline, Goodwill, etc). 

Stay Tuned until next time.

A Gospel of Relationships ~ Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on a May 2004 BYU Devotional, and it's called "A Gospel of Relationships" by Sister Marleen Williams. This post is part two, I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. 

Sister Williams has mentioned the following; 

"... There is then no way to provide support for each other in overcoming those weaknesses and challenges. ... When you can openly discuss weaknesses and problems without fear of rejection or ridicule, you can create a “safe place” in the relationship. ... When you can let go of perfectionism, it is easier to feel emotionally close to others. ... Whether or not you have the opportunity to date, meet a romantic partner, and marry at this stage of your life, you can still progress toward that goal by learning how to have good friendships with others. 

... God’s plan for eternal marriage vs. Satan’s plan to destroy relationships. ... Learn how to be friends first, as the foundation for the relationship. Add the capstone of romantic attraction last. A relationship where you can be friends and share thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values, activities, and interests with one another is more likely to stay on fire than one that can share only physical attraction. ... Many young people fear making a commitment to marriage because they fear they cannot keep love alive.

Others may also mistakenly believe, “If I can only find the ‘right one,’ then my marriage will be perfectly happy all of the time and we will never have any problems.” How do you stay in love with someone through all of the challenges of real life, e.g., raising children, disappointments, trials, and discovering each other’s weaknesses ...? ... A person may enter marriage with the belief “If my spouse truly loves me, he or she will always think what I think, want what I want, and feel what I feel. 

"God's love is simply always there." 
- Thomas S. Monson.

Then I will know I have married the ‘right’ person.” ... In reality, all marriages have differences. People enter into marriage having different genetics, backgrounds, childhood experiences, family dynamics, traditions, and personal meanings of events. 

... In troubled marriages individuals are often quick to jump to the most condemning, negative explanations for their spouse’s behavior. You can explain most behaviors in more than one way. When multiple explanations are available, choosing with charity and compassion will strengthen goodwill in the marriage. It is helpful to communicate this goodwill and good intentions to one another. ... Often those differences between marriage partners are what attracted you to each other in the first place. 

Differences can help to fill the gaps in abilities that may be missing in our own personality and help to round out the family. ... These subtle differences between the two parents can help the child to get a more balanced experience in the family than if one parent’s style must always prevail. The child needs to learn both courage as well as tenderness. If the parents are caught in an argument over whose response is correct, the child may miss the benefit of the gifts of both parents.  When couples disagree, they often waste time and emotional energy trying to attach blame to each other. 

Each believes that the other is at fault and that convincing the spouse of his or her guilt will then solve the problem. They may also believe that nothing can change unless their spouse changes first. The argument goes back and forth like a Ping-Pong ball, but nothing ever really changes. ... In this dialog neither is willing to accept responsibility for their own need to grow, because neither will let go of what they cannot change in the other. It remains a battle of who must change first. Neither will accept the challenge to grow and become more like Christ unless the other does so first.

Accepting responsibility is the beginning of real personal power in relationships. If you can be courageous and loving with yourself, you can begin to look at your own personal areas of needed growth. You are then empowered to have a very different experience. You no longer need to consider yourself a victim who cannot grow because of another’s behavior. Even when you cannot change another, you can still choose to continue your own growth toward becoming a celestial person. ... Taking responsibility for our own growth requires both love and faith. 

When we are willing to examine our lives, we become aware of our need for the Atonement. ... As we struggle with our weaknesses, we develop empathy for how hard it is to change and we become less angry with our spouse for not being able to change as quickly as we wish. When we can acknowledge our dependence upon the Atonement, we realize how much Christ loves us. 

Christ did not wait to love us until we were perfect, had overcome all our weaknesses, or had fully developed our ability to love him. ... By drawing closer to Christ, we can build our spiritual and emotional reserves and have more love and patience to give to our spouse ... Learning how to love requires that we stretch and extend ourselves in service to another. 

... Husbands are commanded to “love [their] wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). Submitting to love means that we allow our hearts to be vulnerable to a righteous spouse. ... In the midst of the miracle of serving, we find ourselves. ... A marriage need not be perfect and without challenges to be one of great joy and peace. 

... When we struggle in important relationships and we lack the wisdom we need, these problems can bring us to our knees in prayer. The Lord can then instruct us how to learn to live more closely to an eternal model of relationships. You need not fear the challenges of marriage if you and your spouse will both commit yourselves to this process of learning how to become eternal, celestial companions. 

Elder George Q. Cannon said ...: We believe in the eternal nature of the marriage relation, that man and woman are destined, as husband and wife, to dwell together eternally. We believe that we are organized as we are, with all these affections, with all this love for each other, for a definite purpose, something far more lasting than to be extinguished when death shall overtake us. We believe that when a man and woman are united as husband and wife, and they love each other, their hearts and feelings are one, that that love is as enduring as eternity itself, and ... that it will endure through eternity. 

If you have not yet found some of these blessings in your life, do not give up. God knows the righteous desires of your heart. He has promised his children that these blessings will eventually be available to all who are faithful and put their trust in the Lord throughout the heartaches, trials, and disappointments of mortality. ... Although God has not revealed all to us in this life and we must walk by faith, He has promised us that through the infinite power of the Atonement we can come forth in the resurrection of the just. ..."

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

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/marleen-williams/gospel-relationships

Stay Tuned until next time.

A Gospel of Relationships ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take four to seven minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a May 2004 BYU Devotional, and it's called "A Gospel of Relationships" by Sister Marleen Williams. This post is part one, I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. 

Sister Williams has mentioned the following; 

"... The young adult years lay the foundation for your future. Changes in relationships are one of its most powerful challenges. Leaving the home and family environment, living with roommates, making new friends, and establishing the relational habits for eventually marrying and building a family of one’s own are challenges that become very real. ... All of God’s laws are ultimately laws of love. 

Every commandment is given out of love for you and concern for your happiness. Every commandment ultimately tests your ability to love Him and your fellowman. Just as God has a gospel of relationships, Satan proposes counterfeit principles that eventually lead to the destruction of relationships, both with God and with others. ... Satan encourages jealousy, competition, and uncharitable judgments. These keep you from feeling close and connected to others. 

God teaches you eternal progression and faith in the Atonement, while Satan teaches its counterfeit perfectionism which destroys your confidence in yourself and others. God teaches eternal marriage, where love lasts forever. Satan encourages relationships that are selfish and end when they become inconvenient. ... Look around you. Notice how much people vary. 

They vary not only in appearance but also in their personalities, life experiences, mortal challenges, and missions here on earth. When we become aware of those differences we may feel jealous of others. Yet the scriptures teach that there are reasons for our differences. ... We are all given weaknesses to teach us humility and compassion (1 Corinthians 1:27, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Ether 12:27). We also are different so that we each might have something to contribute and some way to belong (1 Corinthians 12:14–22, 25, 26). 

"When it is within our power to give love, we should never
withhold it." - Mary Ellen Edmunds. Love is a Verb.

... God teaches us to love one another, and yet you may still find yourself experiencing feelings and thoughts that are less than loving. ... Our personal experience is limited. 

It is often easy to look at another’s situation and believe that we see it accurately when, in fact, we do not. It is easy then to come to believe that you can “work out another’s salvation” for them because you know what is wrong with their life. However, we do not always know another’s private challenges, sorrows, and disappointments. Even more important, we do not know God’s unique plan for that person’s life and may risk prescribing the wrong solutions. 

When we judge uncharitably and attempt to prescribe solutions for other people’s lives, we run the risk of speaking counter to the Lord’s will for that person. 

... How does He reveal His will to an individual? 

One of the greatest gifts you have with which to work out your own salvation is the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can help each of us understand what the Lord would have us do. The Holy Ghost, however, is like the Liahona of old in that it works on condition of our obedience to commandments. ... We can trust the Holy Ghost to help us understand their words in the context of our own lives. 

We can also have more personal instruction from prayerful temple attendance, patriarchal blessings, and additional priesthood blessings. We must be careful not to interfere with these spiritual processes in each other’s lives by gossiping, judging, or giving uninspired advice that may come from our own biases, prejudices, and blind spots, however well meaning we may be. ... So many opportunities and evaluations are based on “beating out” someone else. 

The world teaches you that you have no right to self-respect unless you are first, get the highest grade, are number one, or win a competition. ... Nevertheless, you are not here to prepare to live in a telestial world. You are here to learn how to prepare yourself to obtain celestial glory. In the celestial kingdom there is room for all who qualify. Entrance is not determined by winning a competitive race (Ecclesiastes 9:11). All who enter into the covenants set by God and then keep those covenants can qualify (Mosiah 5:5–9, D&C 25:13–15, D&C 66:2, D&C 97:8). 

... What God requires of each of us is that we do whatever is our unique mission on earth to do and “stay in the race” that eventually culminates with exaltation and eternal life (1 Nephi 22:31, 2 Nephi 31:15, Omni 1:26). When we are consumed with competition, we lose sight of that which God has given to us personally. When we fail to value our own gifts and instead covet those of others, we risk losing the chance to magnify our own calling in life.

We cannot rise to the full measure of our own creation if we are continually trying to be someone else.The second pair of opposing principles is becoming perfected through Christ and the Atonement versus Satan’s counterfeit of perfectionism. Christ’s admonition “Be ye therefore perfect” is not a commandment to possess all skills, knowledge, and good qualities immediately. 

It is a commandment to enter into a covenant process that involves repentance, change, and growth. .. President Joseph Fielding Smith clarified this concept in saying, 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. [Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56), 2:18]" 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Revealing Questions ~ 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 a May 2018 BYU Devotional, and it is called "Revealing Questions" by Sister Brianna M. Magnusson. 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 whilst reading throughout this post. 

Sister Magnusson has mentioned the following; 

"Answers to Questions Come Through Personal Revelation

The answers to our questions will come to us through personal revelation. As children of God, we have the privilege of seeking revelation to direct us in our growth and decision-making. Elder Uchtdorf taught: Latter-day Saints are not asked to blindly accept everything they hear. We are encouraged to think and discover truth for ourselves. We are expected to ponder, to search, to evaluate, and thereby to come to a personal knowledge of the truth.

... our Heavenly Father expects us to read, to study, and to practice faith as we seek revelation. Learning to receive personal revelation is a process of preparation and consistent effort. Sister Julie B. Beck stated, “The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.”  

... President Nelson has taught us how to begin developing this skill: Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses - yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! 

Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.”

Answers Will Come in the Lord’s Time

Even with our best efforts, not all questions will be answered quickly, and some questions may not be fully answered until we have again passed through the veil. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once stated, “Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.”

... Answers to our spiritual questions may come in similar fashion. ... At other times, answers or guidance are slow in coming at all. Elder Hales stated: We may not know when or how the Lord’s answers will be given, but in His time and His way, I testify, His answers will come. For some answers we may have to wait until the hereafter. This may be true for some promises in our patriarchal blessings and for some blessings for family members. 

Let us not give up on the Lord. His blessings are eternal, not temporary. In situations where it seems an answer is being withheld, our Father in Heaven is asking us to trust Him, to hang on a little longer, to be faithful, to be patient to wait. The scriptures issue the invitation to wait upon the Lord. 

... Elder Hales stated: What, then, does it mean to wait upon the Lord? In the scriptures, the word wait means to hope, to anticipate, and to trust. To hope and trust in the Lord requires faith, patience, humility, meekness, long- suffering, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end. To wait upon the Lord means planting the seed of faith and nourishing it “with great diligence, and . . . patience.” ... 

So many questions on my mind, so many 
answers I can't find.

Always Remember

The opportunity for further revelation is enhanced when we humbly remember the witnesses of the Spirit that we have already received. In the sacrament prayers we witness that we will “always remember him.” Without doubt we are promising to remember the beautiful sacrifice of our beloved Savior, but I believe we should also strive to always remember the tender confirmations of the Spirit.

... Although our Heavenly Father intends for us to be happy and find joy, it is often true that our periods of significant growth will be accompanied by hard things. Spiritual strength is built in much the same way that physical strength is built: through adversity.

... Similarly, challenging circumstances in our lives and trials of faith can diminish our remembrance of previously revealed truth. Adversity comes to us all—even the most righteous among us. We must be careful not to allow adversity to erase our memory of spiritual experiences.

... In that address, Elder Holland, referring to the adversity that inevitably accompanies significant revelation, said, “Don’t panic and retreat. Don’t lose your confidence. Don’t forget how you once felt. Don’t distrust the experience you had.”

Do the Required Spiritual Work

I hope that you have had experiences with the spirit of revelation. Although you may not have seen grand miracles, I hope you have felt the tender feelings of the Holy Ghost comforting you and confirming truth to you. ... President Nelson said, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” ...

President Nelson also said: I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that though mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.” ..."

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

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/brianna-m-magnusson/revealing-questions

Revealing Questions ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This week's posts focuses on Questions, Relationships, and Self-Improvement. This post focuses on a May 2018 BYU Devotional, and it is called "Revealing Questions" by Sister Brianna M. Magnusson. 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 whilst reading throughout this post. 

Sister Magnusson has mentioned the following;

"... A university education requires that you learn about many different subjects, some of which will come naturally to you and some of which you will never quite feel confident about. Some subjects will be exciting and engaging and others you will vow never to willingly revisit. Regardless of the subject, you know from the beginning that success will require you to work usually to work hard. 

You will have an instructor to guide you in your journey, and she will provide you with things to read, assignments that make you think, and exams that allow you to prove yourself. You may have teaching assistants who can help you, and, of course, you have the assistance of the instructor.

Learning in Mortality

... Elder Robert D. Hales taught, “The purpose of our life on earth is to grow, develop, and be strengthened through our own experiences.” ... These trials allow us to prove that we are progressing in our mortal journey, and they may be particularly intense periods of growth. ...

To fulfill the purpose of learning and gaining experience, it was essential that, as we were born onto the earth, we passed through a veil. In so doing, we came to earth having forgotten all that had occurred before. This is perhaps one of the most challenging things about our lives. Because we are now restricted by mortal eyes, there is much about the eternal perspective and the purposes and timing of God that we do not understand. ...

Imperfect Knowledge and Revelation

... Spiritual knowledge may operate the same way. When we receive confirmation of truth through personal revelation, we may be met with opposition from our contemporaries because we cannot explain how or why something is. ... our understanding of spiritual truths has grown exponentially since the day when Joseph Smith knelt in the Sacred Grove. Yet, despite all that has been revealed, we know there is still more. 

The ninth article of faith says: We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. We believe He will yet reveal many great and important things. This promise of pending revelation tells us that the process of revelation is ongoing and that things we do not yet know will someday be known.

"If we stop asking questions, stop thinking, stop pondering, we can
thwart the revelations of the Spirit." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Personal revelation is the ongoing and lifelong process of thinning the veil that separates us from our Father in Heaven. Revelation increases our capacity to understand spiritual things and expands our knowledge. 

Because our Father in Heaven wants us to succeed, He has provided for us the scriptures and the teachings of the prophets to help us. 

We have peers, teachers, and Church leaders with whom we can discuss these materials. We have a living prophet, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and, most important, access to our Father in Heaven through prayer. Just like learning in a classroom, success in acquiring spiritual knowledge will require diligent and effortful work.

Questions and Uncertainty

As we strive to expand our spiritual knowledge, questions about policies, procedures, or principles come to us all. Elder Hales wrote, “As we grow in the gospel, it is natural to have questions and sometimes even doubts. Genuine questions can actually fuel our spiritual growth.”... Spiritual discovery, or revelation, also begins this way. We observe or encounter something we do not understand and we begin to ask questions. 

Questions can serve as a starting point for receiving personal revelation. Gospel questions may also arise from the influence of competing voices. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf stated: Never in the history of the world have we had easier access to more information—some of it true, some of it false, and much of it partially true. Consequently, never in the history of the world has it been more important to learn how to correctly discern between truth and error.

When we have concerns or questions about the gospel, seeking revelation on the subject should be our most important objective. Questions particularly questions that arise about the gospel can be especially trying. Questions are inherently born of uncertainty, and we as humans are vehemently opposed to uncertainty. We dislike the feeling of not knowing because we feel vulnerable. ...

Stay Tuned until next time.