What Are Your Talents, Skills, and Gifts?

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Young Women session of the April 2001 conference.

"Spirituality is learning how to listen to the Spirit and then letting it govern our lives." So said Sister Carol B. Thomas, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency. It brought to my mind President Nelson's Let God Prevail in Your Life talk.

I feel frustrated when I hear sisters in the church say they can't do this or that when talking about spirituality and gospel knowledge as if it is gifted to us fully developed. The fruits of the Spirit, and knowledge of the gospel come to us gradually as we work at developing them just as we would any other talent or skill such as playing an instrument, speaking another language, or being proficient at a sport.

I know this to be true because of what I have experienced in my own life. Most recently, at the first of this year I felt an urgency to get back to more serious prayer and scripture study after slacking off for a time. There was no one to blame except myself and letting other things interfere. It was a struggle to remember prayer in the morning; it was hard to know what to say in the evening. (I often feel like I'm whining and begging, something I abhor.) But I kept at it, even if I just knelt by my bed and tried to form words. It got easier. I kept up the habit of writing in my gratitude journal each night. Some days I could hardly think of anything special to be grateful for (I know, how unobservant of me). But I kept the habit going. I made a greater effort to read the scriptures and follow the Come Follow Me lessons. I found a YouTube channel that resonated with my learning style to learn things new to me and understand deeper meanings and connections in the scriptures. General Conference at the beginning of April was wonderful. I concentrated on spiritual preparation rather than the usual lavish physical preparations. I felt that I was making progress moving off a plateau I'd been on for a long while.

Then the crisis came. Our son took his life and we were devastated. That first night was totally sleepless; but as I tossed and turned for hours I felt wave after wave of gratitude. It was an intensely spiritual experience. The habits paid off and I benefited from the "talent" I'd developed. First I felt so grateful for a Savior and Redeemer. Then I'd feel a wave of thanksgiving for the privilege of being James's mother. It was a horrible, joyful night. I believe those feelings were a gift from God after all the preparation of the preceding months. I had practiced gratitude, and I had studied the life of the Savior in greater detail than I ever had, since my missionary days.

Sister Thomas said, "Now that you have learned how the Spirit works and how you as young women can use it to bless your families, it is our prayer that you will let spirituality become you. Heavenly Father is eager to unleash this great power."

I'm grateful for the unleashing of God's power when I needed it most. My hope is that I can be a light to others in their time of need.

Fasting

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the April 2001 conference.

Intermittent fasting is a practice currently gaining popularity. The benefits are touted, and the practice is explained in numerous videos, on many websites, and in plenty of books. This practice almost seems like a cure-all for different medical conditions. None of the sources though, that I know of, include the practice of fasting and prayer and giving an offering to the needy.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "Some look at the overwhelming need in the world and think, What can I do that could possibly make a difference?  I will tell you plainly one thing you can do. You can live the law of the fast and contribute a generous fast offering."

Having been both a giver and a receiver I know this is true.

Fasting is hard. Sometimes is it not recommended to fast from food and drink, such as during pregnancy and nursing, or with certain medical conditions. While serving in the South as a missionary our president advised us to think of something else to fast from, such as reading our mail, or recreating on preparation day, etc. so we wouldn't risk dehydration in the hot humid summers. I believe Heavenly Father understands and accepts our efforts to fast by denying ourselves of something pleasurable to show our humility and discipline. Whatever we fast from, we can still give a generous offering. 

Elder Wirthlin ends with his ". . . testimony and promise along with the great apostles that have preceded us that those who live the law of the fast will surely discover the rich blessings that attend this holy principle."

"You Can't Pet a Rattlesnake"

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2001 conference.

For the past three weeks my prayers have been intense, and filled with gratitude. One time, into my head, and out of my mouth came, "I'm so thankful for the commandments!" I guess my thoughts were that if only our son had obeyed the Word of Wisdom he would still be with us. The commandments keep us safe and out of Satan's power.

Elder David E. Sorensen of the Presidency of the Seventy spoke of sin (specifically pornography) as a deeply poisonous, deceptive snake that lies coiled up [everywhere]. "Often the world makes these dangers look harmless--even exciting and interesting. But petting such snakes fills the mind with poison--poison that drives away the Holy Spirit." Some sins also can literally poison the body and allow evil in.

Whenever we sin, in whatever way, we drive away the Holy Spirit. And the more we continue in sin the harder it is to get back to worthiness to have the Spirit with us.

Our son was trying to come back, he was working with his bishop and attending AA meetings, sometimes. But the hold alcohol had on him was stronger than he could resist, and each wrong choice led to more wrong choices. He hid so much from us, and then it was too late.

Elder John H. Groberg said, "Remember, the sand castles we build on the beaches of mortality, no matter how elaborate, will eventually be washed away by the tide. Only purity of hand, heart, and mind will allow us to tap into the ultimate power of the priesthood to truly bless others and eventually be able to build eternal mansions more beautiful and lasting than we can presently imagine."

My heart is filled with gratitude for the Savior and His great plan of mercy to allow us to repent and be cleansed from sin, and rescued from death. We each are on a trek from Babylon to the Promised Land with dangers on every side. There are casualties and hardships all along the way, but we must never give up or give in. We must press forward with steadfastness in Christ, relying wholly on Him to guide and succor us along the way.

Comforting Voices

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2000 conference.

Listening to this session of conference was comforting to me during a week of personal upheaval. Just hearing the voices, some familiar, others not, comforted my churned up heart. It didn't matter what the subject, comforting as each was, it was the voices of calm, loving men speaking words of wisdom and encouragement that was most comforting.

President Boyd K. Packer's gravelly voice spoke of much needed truths about the sacredness of our bodies, which would heal so many if his counsel was heeded today. "There is in your body the supernal power to create life. Boys grow up to be men and may become fathers; girls grow up to be women and may become mothers. Natural and good feelings draw men and women together." Not at all what current, strident voices want us to believe. The world needs prophets and apostles more than ever!

I appreciated Elder H. Aldridge Gillespie's talk on The Blessings of Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. It was a good reminder to refrain from worldly pursuits, and to be more active doing the Lord's work on His day. This has always been a struggle in our family because my husband was raised in a different faith, and was not associated with any faith when we met and married. Old habits die hard when there is no understanding of a gospel principle and little commitment to change. It was good to hear another testimony!

Elder Robert C. Oaks' talk on Sharing the Gospel hit a nerve with me. I live a fairly secluded life. I don't "go to work" ever, our children are all grown so I don't have a reason to meet with any other parents. I'm not a member of any organization or group other than church. I've tried to be active in the community, but nothing seems to work for me and I haven't been able to make any friends in our town. Sharing the gospel is difficult when I don't know any non-members. That's not a good excuse though, and I need to find a way that is normal and natural to me. This talk was a good reminder to seek the Spirit to help me.

Lead, Kindly Light

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the October 2000 conference.

In the second area I served in as a missionary we walked much of the time to save miles on the mission car. We covered three towns, the branch was in the middle town and the other two were about thirty miles away to the north and south. As we'd walk home in the dark we often sang the hymn Lead, Kindly Light to calm our (my) nervous souls. I loved that hymn before my mission, I loved it while serving, and I've come to love it even more in the many years since I served. 

Sister Virginia U. Jensen, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency used this hymn as the theme of her talk. 

The light of Jesus Christ is stronger than any darkness we face in this life, if we have faith in Him, seek after Him, and obey Him.

 

I remember a line Lord of the Rings from Gandalf, referring to a darkness spreading over the land. When I heard it in the film I thought it perfectly described the last days when the wickedness and power of Satan would cover the world. We seem to be there.

 

We can find ourselves in places of darkness from time to time. We may wander into dark, spiritual caverns when we make foolish choices, admit harmful influences into our lives, or turn away from the light of the gospel to embrace the world just a little longer. It may seem harmless at first--just a little exploring, that's all. Before we know it, we become separated from the light and left in darkness alone. Why do we remain in darkness when such rescuing light awaits us? Let us bask in the warm and illuminating light provided by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let the Savior's kindly light lead us one step at a time. Let covenants and commandments keep us safe as we follow the gospel pathway to our heavenly home.

With the world's path darkening by the day, and perversions and sin celebrated in the media, the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ shines more brightly than ever. We can be safely led through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil by following the Good Shepherd's light to our eternal home.

We have children who have turned off the path, or are struggling to stay on the path, lured by the ways of the world. It grieves my heart when they turn from the light and blunder into the dark. I cling to the promise of the prophets and apostles that there is no one so far away in the dark that the light of the Savior's Atonement can't reach. 

Sister Jensen began her talk with a story about a ten year old boy who spent five days trapped in the pitch-black darkness of an abandoned mine. Now at the time of the talk he was Elder Dennis in Honduras "sharing a message of hope, salvation, and light."

What he teaches every day is the paradox he experienced as a young boy lost in a mine: that amidst the encircling gloom, amidst the darkest possible circumstances, it is possible to feel hope, peace, and comfort--all because of the light which is stronger than all darkness, the light of Jesus Christ.

 

Three Themes I Heard in General Conference

We just finished the spiritual feast of General Conference, and what a feast it was; the talks, the music, even the prayers!

Listening to, and taking brief notes of each talk I heard three themes repeated over and over.

1. Repent! Sometimes explicitly, often implicitly. 

2. Ministering! For those on both sides of the veil we need to do better, much better.

3. Becoming one in Christ! A Zion people is to be of one heart and one mind, and that heart and mind are Christ's. We are not only to follow Him, but to work constantly to become like Him. A tall order, but necessary for us to be ready to receive Him when He comes again.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson - Celebrate Easter with the same fervor and enthusiasm as Christmas.

Bonnie H. Cordon - Create muscle memory of discipleship.

Elder Carl B. Cook - "Let's do it again sometime!"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong - Our wards (and branches) are a spiritual ecosystem.

Elder Quentin L. Cook - Prepare for gathering to our heavenly home.

Elder Allen D. Haynie - Repent! Begin again to follow the prophet.

Pres. Henry B. Eyring - Seek for the Savior's peace, "I will not leave you comfortless."

Elder Dale G. Renlund - There is power in covenants, and protection from the adversary, when the temple is an important part of our life.

Elder Peter F. Meurs - We have access to the saving, redeeming, healing power of Jesus Christ.

Elder Randall K. Bennett - Patriarchal Blessings!

Elder Craig C. Christensen - We were created to have joy. Repentance is the pathway to joy because it leads us to the Savior.

Elder Evan A. Schmutz - Trust the doctrine of Christ and build your life on the rock!

Elder Benjamin de Hoyos - Temples and Family History!

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Daily bread is best prepared and consumed at home.

Elder Mark A. Bragg - Be a good man in a storm, develop spiritual, mental and physical poise.

Milton daRocha Camargo - The Savior solves problems! The more we focus on Jesus Christ, the more sin loses its appeal.

Elder K. Brett Nattress - Do we remember Father in Heaven and love Him?

Elder Juan A. Uceda - The Good, the Beautiful, the Magnificent Shepherd, Jesus Christ. With the Savior's help we can love and minister to each other. (This was one of my favorites!)

Elder D. Todd Christofferson - The only way to be unified is to become like Christ. Bend our efforts to the common cause.

Camille N. Johnson - Jesus Christ is relief!

Elder Ulisses Soares - Hearts knit together in unity and love; cease from contention; clothe ourselves in the bond of charity.

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita - Patriarchal blessings are personal counsel from the Lord to you.

Elder Neil L. Andersen - Catch hold of the thought of Jesus Christ to be saved and healed.

Elder Kevin R. Duncan - In this mortal life we can never escape the war, but we can escape the adversary through worship in the temple.

President Russell M. Nelson - Be peacemakers now and always! Anger never persuades, contention never builds. Disciples of Christ should be examples of how to treat others. Charity is the antidote to contention. As we follow the Prince of Peace we become His peacemakers on earth.

President Dallin H. Oaks - We believe in Christ!

Elder M. Russell Ballard - Following the promptings of the spirit is one of the things that matters most in our relationships. A testimony of the Savior matters most! Testify often of what you know and believe, not just what you're thankful for.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband - Fill your "bucket list" with the oil of hearing and acting on the Doctrine of Christ.

Elder Vern P. Stanfill - Good enough! Perfectionism vs. Perfected in Christ.

Elder W. Mark Bassett - Learn from the story of Lazarus that there are things that we can and must do, then Christ can do for us what only He can do.

Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt - Learn for yourself the answer to the question "Why did Jesus have to die?" through studying the Plan of Salvation.

Elder David A. Bednar - Abide in and walk with the Son of God. Is the Word in us? Is the tree of Christ growing in us?

President Russell M. Nelson - Come unto the Savior and He can heal you! Jesus is the reason we build temples, they are His houses.

For dessert we had carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

Not So Subtle Anymore

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 2000 conference.

While I was growing up in the 1960's and 1970's (I graduated from high school in 1975 for reference) we were taught in church that Satan was very subtle and we needed the power of discernment to see and understand his wilily ways. Now, several generations later Satan is about as subtle as a foghorn, easily heard and seen.

Bishop Richard C. Edgley, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, titled his talk "Satan's Bag of Snipes". 

. . . there is another 'snipe hunt' going on all around us, and we may be the naive victims. It is not a practical joke, and it will not end with a good laugh and a little warm fellowship. Satan is the great deceiver, liar and enemy to all that is good, including our happiness and our well-being. His great desire is to thwart our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness and make us 'miserable like unto himself' (2 Ne. 2:27). Being the very author and perpetrator of deceit, he in effect would invite us to join him in his snipe hunt, to fill our bags with excitement, fun, popularity, and the so-called 'good life'. But his promises are as illusionary as the nonexistent snipe. What he really offers are lies, misery, spiritual degradation, and loss of self-worth.

 

The latest news from Nashville, Tennessee bears this out. Following Satan's lies brings nothing but misery to the individual as well as many others who are innocent.

We've been given eternal truths by which we can discern Satan's lies in The Family, A Proclamation to the World. We don't have to wonder what is right and wrong. We don't have to go along with what Babylon teaches.

Bishop Edgley concluded with this stirring testimony:

Because of His priesthood, we are empowered. We are royalty. And we have the power to discern between Satan's snipes and God's true principles of happiness. Because we know who we are and because we are endowed with the Holy Spirit and empowered with His priesthood, we have the power to just say no. "No, Satan, I will not be a victim of your deceitful, vicious, and often deadly snipe hunt." I testify that 'wickedness never was happiness' (Alma 41:10) and wickedness never will be happiness. I further testify that happiness and self-worth will come only from living the principles of Him who created the plan of happiness.

 

What a blessing to have modern seers, prophets and revelators to guide us in these latter-days.

Righteous Traditions

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the October 2000 conference.

When most of our children were teenagers I asked them if they could tell what was most important to me. They answered almost in unison, "The Gospel." (In voices that also said, "Duh, what a dumb question.") I was surprised and pleased at the same time. And I realized that my efforts were working.

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Seventy said

Of all the traditions we should cultivate within ourselves and our families, a "tradition of righteousness" should be preeminent. Hallmarks of this tradition are an unwavering love for God and His Only Begotten Son, respect for prophets and priesthood power, a constant seeking of the Holy Spirit, and the discipline of discipleship which transforms believing into doing. A tradition of righteousness sets a pattern for living which draws children closer to parents, and both to God, and elevates obedience from a burden to a blessing.

While some of our children have strayed from the Gospel Path, I know that they had a strong foundation while growing up, and that they feel loved, accepted, and encouraged in their (righteous) endeavors now. I am hopeful that someday they will feel the pull of the Savior's love and return to the righteous traditions of the Gospel and their family.

Noble (oldest) & Me

Me with (next oldest) Lt. Lehi and his wife Miss Pasta

JET (middle child) and Me

Me and Mr. Movie (fourth in line)

Me and Dandylion (baby of the family)

Some other posts where I share how I taught my children:

Reverence, Family Home Evening, Nineteen Year Training Program

(Yes, I'm the shrimp of the family. I'm 5'7", Noble is 5'9", the boys range from 6'2" to 6'4".)

What Kind of Women Do We Need?

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the October 2000 conference.

In less than two months our daughter will graduate (debt free) with a Masters degree in Creative Writing. It's been a delight to have her live with us for the past four years. We regularly discuss books and writing and such. Learning from her as she learns has been tremendous fun. She also teaches a section of "Freshman English" each semester, so we hear about the current state of students too.

A phenomenon in recent years has been the rise of the "strong woman" protagonist in stories, books and films. This strong woman doesn't need a man to rescue her, she is doing the rescuing, battling males with aplomb and leading armies to victory, etc., etc. 

Our daughter grew up with four brothers so she is not entirely drawn in by the myth of the strong woman. She understands that a woman's strength is more in the emotional and spiritual realms rather than the physical. (Although I will say that she and I regularly move furniture and heavy boxes, open jars and doors, and fix things around the house in the absence of any males.)

In this session of conference Sister Margaret D. Nadauld, Young Women General President, spoke of The Joy of Womanhood. She said so many profound things! The best of all was this:

Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.

 

Our daughter, who I call Noble on my blogs, served in the USAF for four years, and has now gone to college for seven. She stills lives up to her name, Noble, because she is the kind of woman Sister Nadauld describes. We need more like her!

Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings of Heaven

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the April 2000 conference.

In our most recent Relief Society meeting an announcement was made about an upcoming Family Search Open House. On the invitation there were three dates at three different buildings in the stake. Everyone wanted to know which was closest and there was some talk about not wanting to drive very far to get there. Which is fairly common in our branch. Few are willing to drive to stake functions because the stake center is about two hours away. Not to toot my own horn, but I have found that there are many blessings awaiting those who go the distance and physically attend stake meetings, rather than just watching the broadcast in the branch building.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke of not forgetting the Lord in our abundance. He recounted many of the early saints and their sacrifices toward building the Kingdom of God. As I listened to the stories I thought of the sisters in Relief Society and wondered if they realized the great blessings they are depriving themselves and their families of by complaining about distances and then not attending meetings or even the temple which is two to three hours away (depending on where you live in the branch boundaries). I know I have had many tender mercies and grand blessings from sacrificing the time and money to travel to meetings held in far off stake centers. 

Elder Holland told the touching story of Brother John R. Moyle walking 22 miles from Alpine to Salt Lake City to work on the temple, including chiseling the declaration "Holiness to the Lord".  A film was made of his story called Only A Stonecutter. 

He concluded, May we do as much with the blessings we have been given as they did out of the deprivations so many of them faced. In such abundance many we never "forget the Lord" nor "go after other gods," but always be "an holy people unto the Lord." If we do so, those that hunger and thirst for the word of the Lord will continue to come "as doves to [our] windows." They will come seeking peace and growth and salvation. I we live our religion they will find all of that and more.

Finding A Safe Harbor

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the April 2000 conference.

The past five years we've seen an acceleration of changes in the church which is great; and an acceleration of the proliferation of evil in the world, which is dreadful. If we focus too much on what's happening in the world we can be overcome by the evil and feel helpless to move forward with anything positive.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin spoke of turning to the Savior, as the ancient disciples did when caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. The Savior is the one who can say, "Peace, be still" and can calm either the storms in our lives, or calm us in the midst of the storms.

Draw close to the Lord Jesus Christ. He bears a special love for those who suffer. He is the Son of God, an eternal king. In His mortal ministry He loved them and blessed them.

 To the meek and discouraged, His every word was one of compassion and encouragement. To the sick, He brought a healing balm. Those who yearned for hope, who yearned for a caring touch, received it from the hand of this King of Kings, this Creator of ocean, earth, and sky.

Today Jesus the Christ stands at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. Do you suppose that today He is any less inclined to aid those who suffer, who are sick, or who appeal to the Father in prayer for succor?

 

At one time in my life, when betrayed by a loved one, I called out to the Father to be comforted. I felt loving arms wrapped around me impressing upon my mind and heart the fact that I was loved and worthwhile. I didn't see anyone but felt more comfort than at any other time in my life. I know the Savior and His love for us is real!

 

Be of good cheer. The Man of Galilee, the Creator, the Son of the Living God will not forget nor forsake those whose hearts are drawn to Him. I testify that the Man who suffered for mankind, who committed His life to healing the sick and comforting the disconsolate, is mindful of your sufferings, doubts, and heartaches.

Elder Wirthlin uses the same analogy of learning to walk that I have used when trying to teach our children that they can do hard things.

What parent would say to a child, "Learning to walk is such a painful and difficult experience, you will likely stumble, you will most likely hurt yourself, you will cry many times when you fall. I will protect you from the struggle"? I have watched our youngest grandson, Seth, as he was learning to walk. Through this process of gaining experience, he now walks with confidence. Could I have said to him, "Out of my love for you, I will save you from this"? If so, because I could not bear to see him take a tumble at times, he may have never learned to walk. That is unthinkable for a loving parent or grandparent.

We have come to earth to learn from our experiences. The Savior is available to assist our learning process. Sometimes He will calm the storm, most times He will calm us, and give us the strength we need to make it through the storm. 

The gospel gives us that harbor of enduring safety and security. The living prophet and apostles today are as lighthouses in the storm. Steer towards the light of the restored gospel and the inspired teachings of those who represent the Lord on earth.

I've long said and taught that living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to all the ills of the world. It is also the answer to living in a sick world. Focusing on the Savior and building His Kingdom will help us weather the storms of life. From my vantage point of 65 years I see this more clearly than ever.

 

 

Sweet Refreshment Find

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2000 conference.

When the world gets to be too much, too divisive, too angry, too . . . worldly, listening to a General Conference session is truly sweet refreshment to a weary soul.

From Elder Richard G. Scott's address on The Sanctity of Women, to President Gordon B. Hinckley's address on The Stake President, each talk was wonderful. And important. And timely.

President James E. Faust addressed a subject I'm struggling with and working on. Still. At age 65! The Power of Self-Mastery. I want to overcome the world through the power of the Atonement and this talk gave me some more instruction and insight as to how to do that.

Self-mastery is essential to invoke the power of the priesthood of God. This is because this great, divine agency can only be exercised in righteousness. Self-mastery requires self-determination and strength of character. It enhances our own gifts and talents in a remarkable way. It is the power of noble manhood.

I don't want to be a man, but I believe this can be applied to all of us in a universal way. I don't hold the priesthood, but I have access to its power.

What fun to remember that President Faust was a redhead. Like me! I don't think my hair color was ever the source of my temper. That was always just the "natural man" making an appearance. 

Self-mastery is a challenge for every individual. Only we can control our appetites and passions. Self-mastery cannot be bought by money or fame. It is the ultimate test of our character. I requires climbing out of the deep valleys of our lives and scaling our own Mount Everests.

What I've found is that my self-control issues change over the years. I have mastery over some things, but there is always something more to overcome. 

Speaking of returned missionaries, President Faust says, "When they come home, some are criticized as being self-righteous for maintaining a decent appearance and keeping their hair trimmed neatly. I cannot understand why a returned missionary is considered self-righteous if he tries to live the standards and principles he has taught as a representative of the Lord to the people where he has served." 

I remember being teased while in Young Women's (called Mutual when I was that age) and called Sister Righteous or Goody Goody, because I wanted to be spiritual, modest, and refined. It was so confusing to me to be criticized for doing and being what leaders, from the ward level to General Authorities to the Scriptures, taught me I should do and be. This confusion led me to make some bad decisions over the years. It took me a long time to repent, and then not care what others thought, said or did. I made a conscious decision I would be obedient not matter what.

President Faust quotes President David O. McKay, "Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self, and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding and truth expanding the soul is one of life's sublimest experiences."

He ends with his testimony that ". . . through the power of self-mastery we will inherit the blessings our Heavenly Father has for his faithful sons." (And daughters!) What could be more refreshing than that.

As I work on my own self-mastery I have to remember to be patient with and give grace to others who are still working on theirs. My husband, children, fellow saints, etc. Because we are all at different places on the path it is important to give encouragement rather than criticism. This is so hard for me. I tend to ask, "Why isn't everyone else where I am?" Until I look ahead and see those who are so much further ahead than I am. Then I swallow my pride and remember that I'm still just a worm inching my way forward.

Happy Valentines Day!
I wish it were Spring already.

Power in the Word

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2000 conference.

I'll be brief because I'm packing to go help our son and daughter-in-law in Iowa. 

I loved every talk! So many good things in each. I especially liked Elder L. Tom Perry's talk about the power of the word no matter what technology is used to give it to us.

One challenge remains the same from the time of King Benjamin to the time of President Grant to today--that is, the challenge of each individual and family, through personal and collective study, to internalize the messages of the gospel of our Lord and Savior. Salvation is not in the facilities or technology, but in the word. Only in the power of the word will it impact our lives and help us to live closer to our Father in Heaven.

It is wonderful to be in this beautiful new facility and to have new technology which carries conference sessions throughout the world. But it is the message we receive which, if we study and practice, will bring us the light of the gospel as further preparation in our great quest for eternal life.

That is the benefit I've found in participating in this review of General conference talks. I study and am encouraged in living the gospel and following the Savior more closely. It's not enough to just listen to conference and think, "Oh that was nice." And then go on our merry way until the next time. We must seek and learn, repent and improve, inch by inch along the path of mortal life until we graduate from this boarding school and return to our heavenly home. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the April 2000 conference.

Joseph Smith was asked, "How does your religion differ from other religions?" He replied, "All other considerations are contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk entitled The Cloven Tongues of Fire addresses this subject and contains some wonderful counsel and encouragement that is relevant to our day. (Of course it is, he was a prophet, seer, and revalator!)

He explains that this gift ". . . is awakened with prayer and cultivated 'by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.' It can be smothered through transgression and neglect. And soon we learn that the tempter--the adversary--uses those same channels of the mind and heart to inspire us to evil, to laziness, to contention, even to acts of darkness. He can take over our thoughts and lead us to mischief. But each of us has agency; ever and always light presides over darkness."

This was rather convicting to me as I read it. I am prone to laziness, especially in the depths of the dark, bitter cold winter. And I seem to neglect prayer when I'm alone, which is much of the time. So, being reminded that this comes from Satan, I can repent and renew my efforts to be more active spiritually, if not physically, during this difficult (for me) season.

I love the phrase ". . . ever and always light presides over darkness." I'm a creature of light, I crave it and struggle through the winter when the days are so short and too many are overcast and dreary. My spirit tends to be as dark as the days. What would happen if I nurtured my spirit with more spiritual light and invited the Holy Ghost to be my constant companion? Perhaps I could more gracefully endure the winters. I'm willing to try.

Elder Packer also said, "We live in troubled times--very troubled times. We hope, we pray, for better days. But that is not to be. The prophecies tell us that. We will not as a people, as families, or as individuals be exempt from the trials to come. No one will be spared the trials common to home and family, work, disappointment, grief, health, aging, ultimately death." Well, yes, thanks for that grim reminder, Elder Packer. 

But he goes on to say, "We need not live in fear of the future. We have every reason to rejoice and little reason to fear. If we follow the promptings of the Spirit, we will be safe, whatever the future holds. We will be shown what to do." 

I try, but it is often so hard to not be fearful, or at least discouraged. Perhaps the real reason it is hard is revealed in what he says next, "I fear this supernal gift is being obscured by programs and activities and schedules and so many meetings. There are so many places to go, so many things to do in this noisy world. We can be too busy to pay attention to the Spirit. The voice of the Spirit is a still, small voice--a voice that is felt rather than heard. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought put into your heart."

I stopped to think about the tempo of my life. And the choices I make. Am I crowding out the Spirit? Am I listening and feeling? There are changes I need to make, so I made a list and will work on those things during February to see if I can more finely tune my mind and heart to receiving the comfort and guidance I need and want from the Holy Ghost.

Near the end of his talk, Elder Packer said, "Despite opposition, the Church will flourish; and despite persecution, it will grow." That's encouraging! We have to remember that there will not be another period of general apostasy; the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the priesthood with all its powers and blessings, will never be taken from the world. We can press forward with steadfastness in Christ!

We live in terrible and exciting times. I often wonder if the Savior will return in my lifetime, or will it be in my children's or grandchildren's. As Babylon seems to grow in strength and power it appears that we are fighting a losing battle. But we're not and we can gird up our loins and fresh courage take, because, truly, our God will never forsake us. 

Listening to, and reading the General Conference talks bolsters my courage to face the trials of the last days, and helps me remember my blessings. 

Rozy with son, Paul, and grandson, Conrad

What's Your Identity?

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the General Relief Society session of the October 1999 conference.

In this session a new declaration of identity and purpose for the Relief Society was shared by Sister Mary Ellen Smoot, General President. Many unit Relief Societies began reciting this at the beginning of their meetings, like the Young Women. In fact, when we began attending a branch in 2016 they were still reciting it, even though it had been replaced and units had been asked to stop. (It's important to read the Conference issue of the Ensign/Liahona to get current instructions!)

Sister Virginia U. Jensen, First Counselor, introduced the new name of midweek Relief Society meeting: Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment. Most shortened it to simply Enrichment. There was to be a 15 minute spiritual lesson, followed by 60-90 minutes of learning practical skills based on the spiritual topic. The meetings were supposed to enrich and improve our lives. 

I think it is sad that some women don't ever get the vision of what Relief Society can be and all the good that could be accomplished. Some leaders are stuck in the "crafts to decorate our homes" mode, rather than helping sisters to learn skills that further our purposes of bringing sisters to Christ and serving in our communities. 

In places such as where I live, Relief Society could help raise the profile of the church in the community through service. There are many other local churches filled with good women who are doing things that make a difference. I'd like to join them in their work and let them see that we are very much like them, Christians with hearts for service. (But I'm not in the Presidency so I can't do much.)

Sister Sheri L. Dew spoke of being Women of God. "Coming unto Christ means walking away from the world. It means placing Christ and Christ only at the center of our lives." She invited ". . . each of us to identify at least one thing we can do to come out of the world and come closer to Christ." 

The world needs women who know who they are and who can be lights to guide others. Our eternal identity as children of God, followers of Jesus Christ, and members of His true church can be a firm foundation amidst the stormy confusion of false identities put forth by both Satan and those he has deceived. 

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency was the concluding speaker. His talk was titled "What It Means to Be a Daughter of God".

"Membership in Relief Society, which is a privilege for every adult woman in the Church, provides a home away from your heavenly home, where you can fellowship with others who share your beliefs and values." 

Most of the sisters in the church today do not know that in the past membership in Relief Society was not automatic. It was something you had to join, and pay dues for. I remember my mother's work as the Secretary during the annual membership drive, contacting sisters and encouraging them to join or to renew their membership. It was in 1971 that this was changed to be every adult women a member with no dues required. Hence, President Faust referring to membership as a privilege available to every sister.

Following on the themes of the other talks, President Faust says, "As daughters of God, you cannot imagine the divine potential within each of you. Surely the secret citadel of women's inner strength is spirituality. . . . This inner spiritual sense seems to give you a certain resilience to cope with sorrow, trouble, and uncertainty. . . . I urge you to enhance the natural, God-given, feminine gifts with which you have been so richly blessed."

The words of prophets are so reassuring, especially as they seem to have been written and spoken for the times we live in in the year 2023 when so many are confused and blinded by Satan's blatant attacks.

Being a daughter of God means that if you seek it, you can find your true identity. You will know who you are. This will make you free--not free from restraints, but free from doubts, anxieties, or peer pressure. . . . A conviction that you are a daughter of God gives you a feeling of comfort in your self-worth. It means you can find strength in the balm of Christ. It will help you meet the heartaches and challenges with faith and serenity.

 

He ends with this sweet hope, "May your rich womanly endowments of spiritual strength, goodness, tenderness, mercy, and kindness find full expression. This will happen as you serve the Lord, your families and your fellow beings."

I hope the women of the Relief Society will step up and show the world the blessings of following the Savior and putting Him first in our lives.

 

  

The Book of Mormon is True!

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the October 1999 conference.

It is a tender mercy to have read this session this week as I've pondered resolutions, goals, direction, and such, as part of beginning a new year.

In this session then Elder Russell M. Nelson ended his talk with this, speaking of the Book of Mormon, "In addition, this book can help with personal problems in a very real way. Do you want to get rid of a bad habit? Do you want to improve relationships in your family? Do you want to increase your spiritual capacity? Read the Book of Mormon! It will bring you closer to the Lord and His loving power."

I've never not known that the Book of Mormon is true. My family read it together several times (I don't remember how many, but it was definitely more than just once) while I was growing up. My father and his father both loved and studied the Book of Mormon throughout their lives, and often shared their insights and testimonies. 

I was over fifty before I realized what a phrase from my patriarchal blessing meant. A friend at church and I were chatting while waiting for our husbands and children to complete some business, and she said that she had observed that I have the spiritual gift of knowledge. I had never thought of that. I thought that I knew things because I had studied them. (And let me say here that sometimes I feel like this gift is more of a curse than blessing, but that is a whole other post.) My patriarchal blessing talks about my pre-mortal life and then says, "Therefore, as soon as you heard the gospel, it rang true to you and you accepted it readily." Well, folks, I was born in the covenant, raised by righteous parents and heard the gospel in infancy. I've never questioned or had doubts about the Gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And I love the Book of Mormon!

Elder Nelson's talk was a good reminder that I once again, need to read the Book of Mormon. I neglected reading it last year while studying the Old Testament. I have bad habits that I want to conquer, relationships that I want to improve, and spiritual capacity that needs increasing in these perilous times.

I was taught, and have long known, that The Book of Mormon is the handbook for our times. It teaches us of the Savior and the enabling power of His Atonement. We learn how to fight, both defensively and offensively, against Satan and his minions. We learn how to minister, how to share the gospel, and how to live in families and communities. It is a fantastic book!

Taking part in the General Conference Odyssey is such a blessing to me, reading past talks that speak to today's challenges with encouragement and hope. I'll add my testimony to Elder Nelson's that I know that the Book of Mormon is indeed a true book; meaning it is not fiction, but a record of real history; there are no lies, falsehoods, or deceptions in it. It is truthful, accurate, and trustworthy.

Priesthood Power

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 1999 conference.

I thought Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's talk included counsel applicable to any member of the church. He gave five principles to live by.

1. Place God, Our Heavenly Father first in your life.

2. Come unto Christ and follow Him as your Savior and Redeemer.

3. Nurture the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

4. Love and revere Joseph Smith as the great prophet of the Restoration.

5. Love, follow, and be loyal to God's living prophet.

I can't think of any better counsel for today's members. In fact, it is close to what has been said in recent conferences. And if I had time and energy I'd look it up for you. But I'll leave it to those who are interested to do so.

President James E. Faust used the parable of the sower to illustrate various kinds of people in the church. Many have said this parable could more accurately be called the parable of the different kinds of soil. He also said something, almost in passing, that we tend to forget as we go about our busy days.

I hasten to add that scientific knowledge, the marvels of communication, and the wonders of modern medicine have come from the Lord to enhance His work throughout the world.

I've long given thanks in my prayers for the miracles of technology that we enjoy daily. To me they are the equivalent of ancient miracles, mostly because I don't understand the science, and appreciate the wonders of it all. Even something as common as running hot and cold water, and flushing toilets. I've read enough history to know that those are miraculous! And I'd hate to live without them.

President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, talked of priesthood power. He said something that made me stop and think about how casually some young men take their ordinations.

I hope with all my heart and soul that every young man who receives the priesthood will honor that priesthood and be true to the trust which is conveyed when it is conferred.

All of the talks were good, as usual. President Hinckley was open and transparent about some of the financial questions that were, and still are, asked. I miss him! 

We are so blessed to have living prophets and apostles to be the watchmen on the tower guiding us and warning us.  

 

 

Repentance and Hope

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the October 1999 conference.

I listened to all of the talks this morning while I did the dishes from yesterday. We have a vintage dishwasher, me! All of the talks were great, but I especially felt drawn to Elder Eyring's and Elder Holland's talks because of some challenges a son is facing. I think the two talks dovetail perfectly.

Elder Eyring spoke of not procrastinating our repentance. One of the reasons he gave for promptly repenting is so that we don't miss out on blessings and service. He spoke of a man who began to smoke at age 12 and after a few years left both his small hometown and the church. He worked construction jobs, married, had a family, but ended up divorced and estranged from his family. In fact, he ended up quite alone living in boarding houses and out of a single trunk.

One night as he was lightening his load he found a Book of Mormon in the bottom of his trunk. He never knew how it got there, but he read it through and knew through the Spirit that it was true. He realized that all those years ago he had walked away from the true Church of Jesus Christ. 

This now old man and a young Elder Eyring were district missionary companions. Elder Eyring was teaching a lesson and told the people of the power of the Atonement to give a new heart and wash away sins. Later the older man rebuked Elder Eyring saying: ". . .that while God was able to give him a new heart, He had not been able to give him back his wife and his children and what he might have done for them. But he had not looked back in sorrow and regret for what might have been. He moved forward, lifted by faith, to what yet might be."

That struck me as a parallel to my life for reasons I won't go into here. I have a firm testimony of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to pay for sins and to heal sorrows, but the one thing it cannot do is to change the consequences of sin. If we delay our repentance, procrastinating, or worse, refuse to repent, we will suffer the full and unalterable consequences of our sins, both in this life and the life to come.

Elder Eyring ends on such a sweet note: "Those in our families who love us, on both sides of the veil, would say as we consider whether to humble our hearts and repent, 'Please, do not delay.' That is the Savior's invitation and His plea."

Elder Holland's talk focused on the promise of the Savior's role as "An High Priest of Good Things to Come."

In the entire history of the world no one has ever loved so purely or served so selflessly--and been treated so diabolically for His effort. Yet nothing could break His faith in His Father's plan or His Father's promises. Even in those darkest hours at Gethsemane and Calvary, He pressed on, continuing to trust in the very God whom He momentarily feared had forsaken Him.

Because Christ's eyes were unfailingly fixed on the future, He could endure all that was required of Him, . . . Because He knows that for the faithful, things will be made right soon enough.

This is the talk in which he told the story of his young family moving to the east to go to graduate school and their dilapidated car breaking down twice in the same place. Such a tender story! Elder Holland ends with his testimony of the Father and the Son saying, ". . .They will sustain us in our hour of need--and always will, even if we cannot recognize that intervention."

Repentance and Hope! One leads to the other. And they are sorely needed in today's world, especially by me. 

Nana Rozy and grandbaby #3