Welcome to the Talk Of The Week Club. I began this club as a way to share my love of learning and growing in the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My hope and desire is for you to learn and grow in your faith and love of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Each Thursday a new talk will be posted, come back, open your heart and mind, allow yourself to receive and I promise you will be spiritually fed.
As I considered what to share this month, I found this wonderful talk by President Monson from last year's October Conference. As we begin the Thanksgiving Season, we have an opportunity to focus on our many blessings and encouraging our families to also practice recognizing blessings. I just spoke with a mom who plans to challenge her children to write a thank you note each day to someone they know.
President Monson shares many wonderful insights. Here are a couple of my favorites:
--Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.
--Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had—and a miracle followed. (The 7 loaves and a few fishes miracle. Gratitude was expressed for the little they had.)
-- If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
--Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His words. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.
I am grateful for the inspiring story of Corrie & Betsie ten Boom from "The Hiding Place." They learned to thank God for the fleas in their prison room, for the fleas kept the guards away and allowed the sisters to conduct forbidden Bible study meetings. We don't usually have to look so hard or find things so unpleasant to be grateful for.
I would like to add my testimony that gratitude is a divine gift. Through it we open ourselves to feel the Spirit and Heavenly Father's love for us. The more we exercise this character trait, the more readily we see and feel gratitude for our countless blessings. Gratitude is one of our most meaningful forms of worship. You might like saying a gratitude only prayer.
A marvelous Season of Gratitude and Thanksgiving to each of you!
We're four weeks into a brand new year. 27 days down....648 hours...38,880 minutes. As you read this, seconds are ticking into the past. The New Year for me always signifies a fresh start, a new day, an exciting look towards the future. I recently read something that said, "Do you know why a car's windshield is so large and the rearview mirror is so small? It's because what's behind us isn't as important as what's ahead of us...so look ahead, move on and enjoy the journey" We are going through some major transitions in our home right now. We're adjusting to a new baby, 6 kids, a new city, a new home (8 people in a small 3 bdrm duplex), my husband returning to school for his Master's and living as "students" but with a huge family. With all these changes bring uncertainty, I don't know what lies ahead for us. I'd rather not admit it but I've spent the better part of the month wishing for yesterday. Wishing I could turn back the hands of time and change the last 4 months of craziness. Somedays I go farther back and dwell in the glory of days past and wallow in self pity of where I stand now. As I searched for comfort and prayed for guidance I found these words by Jeffrey R. Holland, "...faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives." I realize I need to exude more faith in the Lord. More faith in his plan for me and my family. More faith in the fact that he guided us here and we are in his hands. I need to stop doubting the Lord's ability to give me something more, something better than I've already had. In his time. I'm starting to feel like my future is bright...the best is yet to be.
My contribution this week is two part. First, please watch this Mormon Message entitled "New Year's: Look Not Behind Thee". Then listen to or read Jeffrey R. Holland's talk entitled, "The Best is Yet to Be"
**Before you play the video be sure to pause the music player on the right side of the blog**
This Week's talk is President Monson's talk from the 2010 General Relief Society Meeting. As I watched this talk, I realized how much I have come to love and revere our Prophet. It is amazing to me that he can bring us all to laughter without saying a word as he begins his talk. I am grateful for his powerful reminder of something I need much improvement with. He is a master teacher. His visual parables have given me much to ponder as I seek to apply his counsel. What powerful stories he shared! I appreciate his quote from Mother Teresa that "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." I also appreciate his insights about charity as it applies to how we look at each other.
How blessed we are to have a Prophet of God who speaks to us of things significant and applicable today. I think the Relief Society meeting is the perfect segway to prepare our hearts and minds to receive more direction from the Savior this coming weekend. I know as we prayerfully consider and prepare, answers will come and testimonies will be strengthened. Truly, we have the opportunity to sit at the feet of the Savior and be taught by the Spirit as we listen to Prophets and Apostles.
Our souls have rejoiced tonight and reached toward heaven. We have been blessed with beautiful music and inspired messages. The Spirit of the Lord is here. I pray for His inspiration to be with me now as I share with you some of my thoughts and feelings.
I begin with a short anecdote which illustrates a point I should like to make.
A young couple, Lisa and John, moved into a new neighborhood. One morning while they were eating breakfast, Lisa looked out the window and watched her next-door neighbor hanging out her wash.
“That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t know how to get clothes clean!”
John looked on but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, Lisa would make the same comments.
A few weeks later Lisa was surprised to glance out her window and see a nice, clean wash hanging in her neighbor’s yard. She said to her husband, “Look, John—she’s finally learned how to wash correctly! I wonder how she did it.”
John replied, “Well, dear, I have the answer for you. You’ll be interested to know that I got up early this morning and washed our windows!”
Tonight I’d like to share with you a few thoughts concerning how we view each other. Are we looking through a window which needs cleaning? Are we making judgments when we don’t have all the facts? What do we see when we look at others? What judgments do we make about them?
Said the Savior, “Judge not.”1 He continued, “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”2 Or, to paraphrase, why beholdest thou what you think is dirty laundry at your neighbor’s house but considerest not the soiled window in your own house?
None of us is perfect. I know of no one who would profess to be so. And yet for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others. We make judgments concerning their actions or inactions.
There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. Thus the commandment: “Judge not.” Read the rest HERE.
Today is another 5th week, so the talk comes from one of our club members, Becky Church. She shares this:
I thought I would send one of my all time favorite talks. It was given in the October 2007 Conference. It is by Elder Dallin H. Oaks called "Good, Better, Best". This talk is dear to my heart. As a mother of 5 children I struggled to find a way to decide what kinds of activities to have my kids involved in...and as you know there are more activities than time. Anyway, this talk was a real inspiration in helping me realize what is really important and then prioritize the rest. I don't know if you have already used it...but here it is...one of my favorites...
Becky Church
Thanks for sharing with us Becky! Remember if you run across a talk that you just love and would like to share you can email a little message and the talk title or link to the talk to talkoftheweek@gmail.com and we will take care of the rest!
We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.
Most of us have more things expected of us than we can possibly do. As breadwinners, as parents, as Church workers and members, we face many choices on what we will do with our time and other resources.
I.
We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.
Jesus taught this principle in the home of Martha. While she was "cumbered about much serving" (Luke 10:40), her sister, Mary, "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word" (v. 39). When Martha complained that her sister had left her to serve alone, Jesus commended Martha for what she was doing (v. 41) but taught her that "one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (v. 42). It was praiseworthy for Martha to be "careful and troubled about many things" (v. 41), but learning the gospel from the Master Teacher was more "needful." The scriptures contain other teachings that some things are more blessed than others (see Acts 20:35; Alma 32:14–15).
A childhood experience introduced me to the idea that some choices are good but others are better. I lived for two years on a farm. We rarely went to town. Our Christmas shopping was done in the Sears, Roebuck catalog. I spent hours poring over its pages. For the rural families of that day, catalog pages were like the shopping mall or the Internet of our time.
Something about some displays of merchandise in the catalog fixed itself in my mind. There were three degrees of quality: good, better, and best. For example, some men’s shoes were labeled good ($1.84), some better ($2.98), and some best ($3.45).1
As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.
Is it just me or do you WANT WHAT YOU WANT and YOU WANT IT NOW? Patience is sometimes - ok more often than not - hard for me! Among other things President Uchdorf's talk taught me that patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. It is ACTIVE - working, hoping, exercising faith even when the desires of our heart to not come when we want them too. The character traits of Godly patience will help us in our leadership in callings, parenting, and in the service to the people in our sphere of influence. I pray that I will employ in my life the things he taught in this talk - especially not giving up on myself or on those we love most.
In the 1960s, a professor at Stanford University began a modest experiment testing the willpower of four-year-old children. He placed before them a large marshmallow and then told them they could eat it right away or, if they waited for 15 minutes, they could have two marshmallows.
He then left the children alone and watched what happened behind a two-way mirror. Some of the children ate the marshmallow immediately; some could wait only a few minutes before giving in to temptation. Only 30 percent were able to wait.
It was a mildly interesting experiment, and the professor moved on to other areas of research, for, in his own words, “there are only so many things you can do with kids trying not to eat marshmallows.” But as time went on, he kept track of the children and began to notice an interesting correlation: the children who could not wait struggled later in life and had more behavioral problems, while those who waited tended to be more positive and better motivated, have higher grades and incomes, and have healthier relationships.
What started as a simple experiment with children and marshmallows became a landmark study suggesting that the ability to wait—to be patient—was a key character trait that might predict later success in life.
Read the rest HERE
I have had the opportunity to spend some time each week “dark” and early with a good friend of mine. We pray for each other, for our husbands and for God’s direction in our lives. This has been such a huge blessing in my life. When I heard this talk, I knew that I had to share it because I find so much joy in having Christlike friends in my life. I pray that you will find great friends who lift you, love you and help bring you to Christ!
A few weeks ago my husband and I attended a temple session. As we entered, we were greeted by a temple worker, a dear friend from our ward. That greeting began a remarkable experience for us. We were met and served, more than any time I remember, by many people we knew: friends from previous wards, friends from the community, men and women we had served with in various callings. The last person I encountered was a young woman I didn't recognize. She was lovely, and when she began to speak, I immediately remembered: Robin, one of the young women in my Laurel class when I was first a Young Women president. As we visited and exchanged memories and life updates, she told me how much that time had meant to her. I felt the same way. I left the temple feeling moved by so much kindness, aware how important friends have been to me throughout my life. The Lord has touched my spirit time and again, and more often than not, His touch has reached me through the hand of a friend. Read the rest HERE...
I have heard this talk before many times. For whatever reason, this time it impacted me more than ever before. I hope you enjoy it and I hope that it encourages you to "find joy in the journey".
Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.
My dear brothers and sisters, I am humbled as I stand before you this morning. I ask for your faith and prayers in my behalf as I speak about those things which have been on my mind and which I have felt impressed to share with you.
I begin by mentioning one of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth, and that is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.”
Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly.
Hello Friends, A very Happy Mother's Day to each of you. I hope the day is great for you and that as you ponder on your motherhood, you can focus on the great things you are doing right! Motherhood gives us the greatest opportunities to lift and bless others. Truly a process which helps us become like Our Heavenly Father. Our motherhood experiences mold and purify us as nothing else can. I would like to share something a little different this week--a wonderful Mormon Message.
As I have read Stephanie's blog over the past year and a half, I have been completely changed by her passion for mother and wifehood. Her clear vision of who she is and the significance of her role is blessing thousands of lives--even helping some to find the Gospel. As you watch this video, I hope you will feel renewed and empowered to continue on in the missions you are sent to complete.
Much love and a very sweet Mother's Day to you,
*Before playing video Be sure to pause the embeded radio on the right side of the blog.
For spring break we took a trip to visit my inlaws in Utah and Wyoming. On the long drive home (did I mention it was long....like 14 hours long) my kids began to get a little out of hand. They were tired of sitting, tired of being next to the sibling they were next to, done with the movies, done with the stories, done with the treats....well basically they were just done. It's an incredibly difficult task to keep 5 kids happy in a mini-van for 14 hours while you, yourself are confined to the front seat, believe me I know. I was out of things to entertain them with when my husband, the wonderful priesthood holder that he is suggested that we turn on the October 2009 General conference sessions he had saved on his Blackberry. At first, my children thought it was a punishment, torture really, but after the opening hymns by the choir and a few short messages everyone seemed to quiet down and begin to enjoy the spirit that filled the car. Being able to re-listen to those conference talks was so powerful. I'd almost forgotten about the amazing talk given by Elder Holland where he bore his testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, or the talk given by Bishop H. David Burton on Virtues and letting virtue direct your thoughts always. There was one talk in specific that inspired me, lifted me, made me think of ways I could change and I just KNEW this was the talk that I was to share with you this week. This talk was "What Have I Done for Someone Today?" given by President Thomas S. Monson during the Sunday Morning session. As you listen to this talk I challenge you to ask yourself, What Have I done for someone today? My hope is that we may find ways to serve others throughout the next week, and throughout our lives.
The needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone.
My beloved brothers and sisters, I greet you this morning with love in my heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for each of you. I am grateful for the privilege to stand before you, and I pray that I might effectively communicate to you that which I have felt prompted to say.
A few years ago I read an article written by Jack McConnell, MD. He grew up in the hills of southwest Virginia in the United States as one of seven children of a Methodist minister and a stay-at-home mother. Their circumstances were very humble. He recounted that during his childhood, every day as the family sat around the dinner table, his father would ask each one in turn, “And what did you do for someone today?”1 The children were determined to do a good turn every day so they could report to their father that they had helped someone. Dr. McConnell calls this exercise his father’s most valuable legacy, for that expectation and those words inspired him and his siblings to help others throughout their lives. As they grew and matured, their motivation for providing service changed to an inner desire to help others.
Besides Dr. McConnell’s distinguished medical career—where he directed the development of the tuberculosis tine test, participated in the early development of the polio vaccine, supervised the development of Tylenol, and was instrumental in developing the magnetic resonance imaging procedure, or MRI—he created an organization he calls Volunteers in Medicine, which gives retired medical personnel a chance to volunteer at free clinics serving the working uninsured. Dr. McConnell said his leisure time since he retired has “evaporated into 60-hour weeks of unpaid work, but [his] energy level has increased and there is a satisfaction in [his] life that wasn’t there before.” He made this statement: “In one of those paradoxes of life, I have benefited more from Volunteers in Medicine than my patients have.”2 There are now over 70 such clinics across the United States.
Of course, we can’t all be Dr. McConnells, establishing medical clinics to help the poor; however, the needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone. Read the rest HERE
As I read and listened to this talk - these words pierced me ... "If I had lived in the days of these prophets of old, would I have believed on their words? Would I have had faith in the coming of our Savior?" WOULD I?
Would you?
“To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.“To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.” 3
Enjoy this talk! May we all come to deeply believe and then KNOW that HE is the Son of God and our personal Savior!
Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement can bring us peace, hope, and understanding.
Believing in the Savior and His mission is so essential that it is the first principle of the gospel: “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 What is faith? In his epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul taught that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 2 And how do we gain faith? How do we gain evidence of our Savior, whom we have not seen? The scriptures teach us: “To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. “To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.” 3 From the beginning of time, prophets have known that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, of His mortal mission, and of His Atonement for all mankind. Sacred records give the prophecies of thousands of years, not only of the first coming of our Savior but also of the Second Coming—a glorious day that will most assuredly come. If we had lived in the days of these prophets of old, would we have believed on their words? Would we have had faith in the coming of our Savior?
A week ago our family took a vacation to the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland. We had perfect weather and perfect crowds. It truly seemed like the happiest place on earth with all the smiles and laughter coming from everyone. My husband and I love that place and were discussing why on our long car trip back to Utah. We noticed that everyone there wants to be there. Most people have worked hard and saved a lot of money to come and want to make the most of their experience. I made the comment that it is a place of non reality were you can escape your troubles. When we wondered further what makes us feel this way we recalled two things. First the impeccable cleanliness and second the kindness almost everyone expresses. From the ticket sales to the grounds keepers and guests most people are so kind. Experiencing so much kindness can fill ones heart with such joy and love no wonder it is hard to leave.
There is another kingdom where kindness is paramount; the celestial kingdom. "Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes...Kindness is the essence of a celestial life." Joseph B. Wirthlin. When I this week's talk it appeared to me that the non-reality of Disneyland can become a reality in our lives as we daily treat others with kindness. I believe that to the degree of kindness we show others we will be treated the same. Sometimes the kindness we show must start within ourselves. How can we see the good in others and the world around us if we cannot be kind to ourselves or to those in our most intimate circle, the home? Elder Wirthlin also said this, "Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes." I am grateful to those who have been kind to me and who have taught me by their example how to be kind. I am excited to realize that I don't have to go to the Magic Kingdom to experience kindness!
CHALLENGE: Follow Elder Wirthlin's advice and let kindness permeate all of your words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes this week. Enjoy life by being kind. Smile more and criticize less. Give hugs freely and point out the good you see in others to them. Notice how it feels when you allow kindness to be central in your course of action each day. Encourage your family and friends to take on the challenge with you. Feel free to comment on this blog post any experiences you've had.
Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others.
Many years ago, when I was called as a bishop, I had a desire for the bishopric to visit those who were less active in the Church and see if there was anything we could do to bring the blessings of the gospel into their lives.
One day we visited a man in his 50s who was a respected mechanic. He told me the last time he had been to church was when he was a young boy. Something had happened that day. He had been acting up in class and was being noisier than he should when his teacher became angry, pulled him out of class, and told him not to come back.
He never did.
It was remarkable to me that an unkind word spoken more than four decades earlier could have had such a profound effect. But it had. And, as a consequence, this man had never returned to church. Neither had his wife or children.
I apologized to him and expressed my sorrow that he had been treated that way. I told him how unfortunate it was that one word spoken in haste, and so long ago, could have the effect of excluding his family from the blessings that come from Church activity.
"After 40 years," I told him, "it's time the Church made things right."
I did my best to do so. I reassured him that he was welcome and needed. I rejoiced when this man and his family eventually returned to church and became strong and faithful members. In particular, this good brother became an effective home teacher because he understood how something as small as an unkind word could have consequences that extend throughout a lifetime and perhaps beyond.
Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.
This week's talk is "Remember Lot's Wife," a devotional given by Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland in January 2009 at BYU. I appreciate Elder Holland's
insights about how to move forward with faith and the dangers of living
in the past. He counsels us to reach forth for things which are
beyond. Let go of past hurts and shortcomings. God has great things in
store for each of us and the best is yet to be. I especially enjoyed
his recounting of his lack of courage as he was a BYU student. Somehow
it gives me greater courage to do hard things, knowing he struggled too.
"Faith builds on the past, but never longs to stay there." May our faith
and confidence in the future grow as we "trust that God has great things
in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the 'high priest of
good things to come.' "
The start of a new year is the
traditional time for us to take stock of our
lives and see where we are going
measured against the backdrop of where
we have been. However, I don’t want to
talk to you about New Year’s resolutions
per se because you only made five of
them and you have already broken four. (I
give that remaining one about another
week.) But I do want to talk to you today
about the past and the future, not so
much in terms of New Year’s
commitments, but more with an eye
toward any time of transition and change,
and those moments come virtually every
day of our lives.
I have a little tile plaque on my shelf with the vinyl words, "Find Joy in the Journey." I pass it everyday as I come down the stairs, into my living room and I often don't give it a second glance. Today, however, those words spoke more clearly to me then anything I've heard or seen all week! With 5 children and #6 on the way, I haven't really been feeling myself lately. Morning sickness (okay let's be honest--it's ALL DAY sickness) has struck me harder this pregnancy than any of my past pregnancies. The laundry feels like it's piled up to the sky, there are toys in places I didn't know toys could be, and all I want to do is take a nap. I'll admit that this particular "journey" is not one that I'm finding any joy in.
My beautiful little 4 year old thinks she is a princess, there isn't many places that she goes without a crown placed upon her head and those clippity-clappity plastic princess shoes upon her feet. This afternoon a well meaning friend of the family brought over several boxes of dress up clothes and in an INSTANT they were all over the living room. Dresses, clippy clapp shoes, and accessories were all strewn about carelessly. I couldn't wait to pick it all up and put it away....but then my 4 year old looked up at me with those big beautiful brown eyes and said, "Mommy, will you play dress ups with me?" NO! I thought...I need to do laundry, make lunch, pick all this up, clean the room, go grocery shopping, I'll play with you tomorrow when there isn't so much to do.... But then I caught a glimpse of that plaque that said "Find Joy in the Journey" and I remembered the words of President Monson when he said "...be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly." I knew right then that the chores could wait, what I needed right now was to play with my daughter and soak up every moment today because one day I'll run out of tomorrows. I'm so happy to share this amazing, inspirational talk with you this week. I'm sure many of you remember it, and that it touched your heart deeply as it did mind. Above all else remember to always find joy in your journey.
Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.
My dear brothers and sisters, I am humbled as I stand before you this morning. I ask for your faith and prayers in my behalf as I speak about those things which have been on my mind and which I have felt impressed to share with you.
I begin by mentioning one of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth, and that is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.”
Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly.
Read the rest HERE .
As I was pondering what to share this month, I came across this
wonderful talk by Wendy Watson Nelson from the BYU-Idaho Women's Meeting
this January entitled "Becoming Holy Amid the Increasing Turmoil." Have
you felt the power of increasing,very specific direction coming from our
Church leaders? How grateful I am for their guidance as we navigate
through these Last Days. I loved Sister Nelson's invitation to "invite
more holiness into our lives." Isn't that what each of us want for
ourselves and those we love? She teaches that what was once sufficient,
no longer will be with the tide of evil ever growing. We need to
increase the intensity of our holiness to counteract what is happening
all around us. I was inspired by her three day challenge and look
forward to living it.
I especially appreciated her assurance that we can become more holy
through our Savior. How grateful I am for His love, encouragement, and
personal call to "Come, follow me." He will help us become what we can
and must be as we make preparations for His return. Hasten the Day!
Much love,
No Audio/Video/Transcript-Click on the title below to read notes from The Church News
As we welcome the Christmas Season, I have pondered how I can keep my focus on the Savior and make it one where I am filled with the Spirit and spiritually nurtured each day. I want so much to hear those quiet promptings to assist others and to feel connected with My Heavenly Father each day. I was deeply touched by Elder Kikuchi's article "Opening the Heavens" in the August Ensign. His insights and testimony are inspiring and encouraging. I also appreciate his tender sharing of Elder Melvin J. Ballard's sacred dream. How I have come to treasure those early morning minutes when I can enjoy my own "Sacred Grove" to drink deeply from the scriptures and the words of Apostle's and Prophets. I have found the early morning hours to be the time I am least distracted by the cares of the day. How grateful I am that we have the sweet privilege and opportunity of praying to our Father in Heaven without restriction or limitation. I testify that He does rush to answer every earnest prayer and that our Savior lives and He stands by to lift and succor us. How grateful I am for the Gift of the Holy Ghost in our lives to teach, testify, comfort, and sanctify us.
Do you want to feel the love of God more powerfully in your life? Do you want to feel more in tune with His Spirit? Do you want to have the heavens opened to you daily?
There is a way you can feel a daily renewal of God’s everlasting love and drink from “the fountain of living waters” (1 Nephi 11:25). It follows a pattern set by the Prophet Joseph Smith when he went to a grove of trees early one morning in 1820 seeking answers to his questions. I speak of a morning devotional time spent in prayer, meditation, and scripture study. If you have a devotional every morning, even if only for a few minutes, you will be deeply blessed. I know this to be true.
Yesterday I got a letter in the mail from a friend. She spoke of how the last year has been a year of trials for her. She spoke of how the thing that helped her stay afloat through all the turmoil was to remember her blessings and to focus on them. Inside was a blank list called “50 Things I am most Grateful for…”. It really inspired me to start thinking of all the things I am grateful for. When I woke early this morning I decided to continue my study of gratitude and happened upon this talk after listening to many others. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. I recreated the Gratitude list and have included it for your own personal list. May we all be blessed with the abundance God has in store for us as we focus on the things we are most grateful for. I testify that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to open the windows of heaven for us! Have a wonderful week! I am off to search for our family “Blessing Basket”!
Sarah
Challenge: Fill out this 50 things I am grateful for list. (December is a great time to continue in Thanksgiving!)
Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God.
This afternoon I am honored to represent those Relief Society leaders who, here in this very Tabernacle, shared the doctrines of the kingdom, emphasized the significance of women's roles in the home and family, called each other to charitable service, and reminded their sisters of the joy that comes from righteous living.
From this pulpit in 1870, Eliza R. Snow asked thousands of women a question that I'd like to repeat today: "Do you know of any place on the face of the earth, where [a] woman has more liberty, and where she enjoys such high and glorious privileges as she does here, as a Latter-day Saint?"1 I bear witness that the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do enjoy grand and glorious privileges.
Blessing Basket
Let me share a sweet story with you. A family was going through a difficult time. It was hard for them not to focus on their challenges. The mother wrote: "Our world had completely crumpled, so we turned to Heavenly Father for guidance. Almost immediately we realized that we were surrounded by goodness and were being cheered on from every side. We began as a family to express our gratitude to each other as well as to the Lord daily. A close friend pointed out to me that our family's 'blessing basket' was overflowing. From that conversation came a sort of game, which my children and I grew to love. Before family prayer each night we would talk about how our day had gone and then share with each other all of the many blessings that had been added to our 'blessing basket.' The more we expressed gratitude, the more there was to be grateful for. We felt the love of the Lord in a significant way as opportunities for growth presented themselves."2
What would a "blessing basket" add to your family?
A Spirit-Filled Principle
Gratitude requires awareness and effort, not only to feel it but to express it. Frequently we are oblivious to the Lord's hand. We murmur, complain, resist, criticize; so often we are not grateful. In the Book of Mormon, we learn that those who murmur do not know "the dealings of that God who . . . created them."3 The Lord counsels us not to murmur because it is then difficult for the Spirit to work with us.
Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence. "Live in thanksgiving daily," said Amulek, "for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."4
Mercies and blessings come in different forms—sometimes as hard things. Yet the Lord said, "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."5 All things means just that: good things, difficult things—not just some things. He has commanded us to be grateful because He knows being grateful will make us happy. This is another evidence of His love.
How do you feel when someone expresses gratitude to you? One Sunday I sat next to a sister in Relief Society and got to know her a little better. A few days later I received an e-mail: "Thank you for sitting next to my daughter in Relief Society. You put your arm around her. You will never know how much that meant to her and to me."6 This mother's words surprised me and brought me happiness.
How do you feel when you express gratitude to another? I'd like to express gratitude to someone who cares about my grandchildren. A few months ago, while visiting in Texas, I asked six-year-old Thomas to tell me about his bishop. He said, "Oh, Grandmother, you will know him. He wears a dark suit, a white shirt like Papa, and he has shiny shoes and a red tie. He wears glasses and always has a smile." I recognized Thomas's bishop as soon as I saw him. My heart was filled with gratitude for him. Thank you, Bishop Goodman, and thank you, all you wonderful bishops.
An Expression of Faith
Luke chapter 17 records the experience of the Savior when He healed 10 lepers. As you recall, only one of the cleansed lepers returned to express his appreciation. Isn't it interesting that the Lord did not say, "Your gratitude has made you whole"? Instead, He said, "Thy faith hath made thee whole."7
The leper's expression of gratitude was recognized by the Savior as an expression of his faith. As we pray and express gratitude to a loving but unseen Heavenly Father, we are also expressing our faith in Him. Gratitude is our sweet acknowledgment of the Lord's hand in our lives; it is an expression of our faith.
Gratitude in Tribulations: Hidden Blessings
In 1832 the Lord saw the need to prepare the Church for coming tribulations. Tribulations are frightening. And yet the Lord said: "Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious."8
The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord—even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace.
When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?
President David O. McKay observed, "We find in the bitter chill of adversity the real test of our gratitude . . . , which . . . goes beneath the surface of life, whether sad or joyous."9
Conclusion
To my remarkable, faithful sisters of the Church, I thank you for the ways you extend the Lord's love through your service: your care for families at the death of a loved one, your watchcare as you visit teach, your willingness to build testimonies in children as you serve in Primary, your time preparing young women for womanhood. Thank you for your devotion. I have experienced the love of the Lord through your faithfulness. I have been blessed to serve among you; my heart is brimming over with gratitude and love for each of you. I have deep gratitude for the priesthood brethren with whom I've served.
My most profound gratitude is for my Savior—an obedient Son, who did all that His Father asked and atoned for every one of us. As I remember Him and acknowledge His goodness, I desire to be like Him. May we be blessed to feel of His love in our lives daily. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."10 In His sacred name, Jesus Christ, amen.
NOTES
1. In Jill C. Mulvay, "Eliza R. Snow and the Woman Question," Brigham Young University Studies, winter 1976, 251. 2. Personal correspondence. 3. 1 Nephi 2:12. 4. Alma 34:38. 5. D&C 59:7; emphasis added. 6. Personal correspondence. 7. Luke 17:19; emphasis added. 8. D&C 78:18–19; emphasis added. 9. Pathways to Happiness, comp. Llewelyn R. McKay (1957), 318. 10. 2 Corinthians 9:15.
This week I was late on posting but I believe it was for the best. Yesterday I was feeling very tormented about some things that are not within my control. Some things that have more to do with someone elses' agency than me fixing myself or the situation. Being in the spot of no control is a huge challenge for me.
While I was feeling the terrible weight of my concerns. I took a moment to pray and to listen. What came to my mind was these words, "Be Still and Know That I am God". I then felt prompted to listen to my favorite hymn " Be Still, My Soul", Hymn Number 124. These too messages brought me so much peace as I realized that God is my Heavenly Father and that his Son, my Savior will both lift me and lighten the burdens I am required to carry in his service.
I found this beautiful talk given at BYU and can testify that the things she suggests to do can bring peace to our souls.
As I pondered this week's talk, President Julie Beck's "Mothers Who Know" from the October 2007 General Conference kept coming to mind. As I had the privilege to hear President Beck speak not too long ago, the Spirit bore witness to me that she is indeed the one raised up by the Lord to direct us at this time. I was enlightened and encouraged by her insights, her enthusiasm, and her clarity of vision. I was filled with gratitude that she has been prepared "for such a time as this" to lead and direct us. "Mothers Who Know" gives us powerful and clear insights for our roles as mothers. I am grateful for President Beck's simple and detailed direction for how we can optimize our influences as mothers. I am grateful for the sweet privilege of being a mother in Israel during the winding up scenes. I know that what you and I do daily in our homes is truly on the front lines of the battle we are winning. Our living of the Gospel in our homes is essential for the exaltation of our children and ourselves. Our homes are where our influence is most needed and most profoundly felt. May you feel empowered by the Lord as you do His work in your home.
There is eternal influence and power in motherhood.
In the Book of Mormon we read about 2,000 exemplary young men who were exceedingly valiant, courageous, and strong. "Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him" (Alma 53:21). These faithful young men paid tribute to their mothers. They said, "Our mothers knew it" (Alma 56:48). I would suspect that the mothers of Captain Moroni, Mosiah, Mormon, and other great leaders also knew.
The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they "wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).1 However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.
Mothers Who Know Bear Children
Mothers who know desire to bear children. Whereas in many cultures in the world children are "becoming less valued,"2 in the culture of the gospel we still believe in having children. Prophets, seers, and revelators who were sustained at this conference have declared that "God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force."3 President Ezra Taft Benson taught that young couples should not postpone having children and that "in the eternal perspective, children—not possessions, not position, not prestige—are our greatest jewels."4
Faithful daughters of God desire children. In the scriptures we read of Eve (see Moses 4:26), Sarah (see Genesis 17:16), Rebekah (see Genesis 24:60), and Mary (see 1 Nephi 11:13–20), who were foreordained to be mothers before children were born to them. Some women are not given the responsibility of bearing children in mortality, but just as Hannah of the Old Testament prayed fervently for her child (see 1 Samuel 1:11), the value women place on motherhood in this life and the attributes of motherhood they attain here will rise with them in the Resurrection (see D&C 130:18). Women who desire and work toward that blessing in this life are promised they will receive it for all eternity, and eternity is much, much longer than mortality. There is eternal influence and power in motherhood.
Mothers Who Know Honor Sacred Ordinances and Covenants
Mothers who know honor sacred ordinances and covenants. I have visited sacrament meetings in some of the poorest places on the earth where mothers have dressed with great care in their Sunday best despite walking for miles on dusty streets and using worn-out public transportation. They bring daughters in clean and ironed dresses with hair brushed to perfection; their sons wear white shirts and ties and have missionary haircuts. These mothers know they are going to sacrament meeting, where covenants are renewed. These mothers have made and honor temple covenants. They know that if they are not pointing their children to the temple, they are not pointing them toward desired eternal goals. These mothers have influence and power.
Mothers Who Know Are Nurturers
Mothers who know are nurturers. This is their special assignment and role under the plan of happiness.5 To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. Therefore, mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes. Another word for nurturing is homemaking. Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home. Home is where women have the most power and influence; therefore, Latter-day Saint women should be the best homemakers in the world. Working beside children in homemaking tasks creates opportunities to teach and model qualities children should emulate. Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth. Growth happens best in a "house of order," and women should pattern their homes after the Lord's house (see D&C 109). Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women.
Mothers Who Know Are Leaders
Mothers who know are leaders. In equal partnership with their husbands, they lead a great and eternal organization. These mothers plan for the future of their organization. They plan for missions, temple marriages, and education. They plan for prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. Mothers who know build children into future leaders and are the primary examples of what leaders look like. They do not abandon their plan by succumbing to social pressure and worldly models of parenting. These wise mothers who know are selective about their own activities and involvement to conserve their limited strength in order to maximize their influence where it matters most.
Mothers Who Know Are Teachers
Mothers who know are always teachers. Since they are not babysitters, they are never off duty. A well-taught friend told me that he did not learn anything at church that he had not already learned at home. His parents used family scripture study, prayer, family home evening, mealtimes, and other gatherings to teach. Think of the power of our future missionary force if mothers considered their homes as a pre–missionary training center. Then the doctrines of the gospel taught in the MTC would be a review and not a revelation. That is influence; that is power.
Mothers Who Know Do Less
Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power.
Mothers Who Know Stand Strong and Immovable
Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and daughters? Latter-day Saint women will do this—women who know and love the Lord and bear testimony of Him, women who are strong and immovable and who do not give up during difficult and discouraging times. We are led by an inspired prophet of God who has called upon the women of the Church to "stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord."6 He has asked us to "begin in [our] own homes"7 to teach children the ways of truth.
Latter-day Saint women should be the very best in the world at upholding, nurturing, and protecting families. I have every confidence that our women will do this and will come to be known as mothers who "knew" (Alma 56:48). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
NOTES 1. See Gordon B. Hinckley, "Standing Strong and Immovable," Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 21. 2. James E. Faust, "Challenges Facing the Family," Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 2. 3. "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102. 4. To the Mothers in Zion (pamphlet, 1987), 3. 5. See "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." 6. Gordon B. Hinckley, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 20. 7. Gordon B. Hinckley, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 20.
I love the advice Elder Joseph B. Worthlin's mother gave to him when dealing with adversity, "Come what may, and love it!" If you've read or received the Talk of the Week for some time you may have realized that I am constantly seeking to improve my home life, my family, and myself. It's a common thread that flows through each of my monthly postings. Often when faced with adversity, or when I am discouraged I tend to be disheartened, saddened, and I fail to remember that we are here to be tried and tested. We ARE here to grow and learn. Elder Worthlin says, "If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth." We need to remember to make the best of any situation thrown at us, come what may.....and LOVE IT.
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About Me: Shauntell
Second and Fifth Week
I am a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I grew up in Washington, Utah then in 1994 moved to Logan, Utah. I was married in 1995 and in 1999 I became a mother and began a whole new journey in life. Here I am 12 years later with 3 beautiful children who have been a blessing and have been the cause of much of my growth! I hope that I am a person who brings hope and happiness to others. This year I am working on just being me and serving Jesus Christ. Ever since I can remember I have enjoyed learning about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I enjoyed all the classes and opportunities I have had to learn and grow in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For many years I based a lot of my studies on knowing who I am and what I am supposed to be. I am grateful for the things I have learned and desire so much for as many people as possible to know what I know and trust in what they feel in their hearts.
Contributors: Noni
First Week
I was born in Logan, Utah and spent my school years in Snowflake, Arizona. I met my awesome husband the second month I attended Ricks College. In June of 1985, after he returned from serving a mission, we married in the Logan Temple and I graduated from BYU in December of that year. We spent 8 of our first married years in Canada-- Magrath, Alberta and Hamilton, Ontario--where 3 of our sons were born. We moved to Utah 15 years ago. I am becoming a woman of Faith. I strive to live each day with eternal goals in mind. The past three years, I have grown immensely as I have been stretched and challenged. I have learned to rely on our Father in Heaven and the Savior as never before. Most of all, I have learned to trust Them and Their perfect plan for each of us. The days I let Them steer my ship, my life is much sweeter, despite the difficulties, than the times I rely on my own strength and insights. I know as we each allow Them to guide our daily activities, we can feel the peace and joy that come from being in Their service and doing exactly what They would have us do each day. I am daily striving to be more like Them and know that our joys increase as we do this. I am also learning to better hear and heed the Spirit and I am so grateful for His direction in my life. I know our safety depends on each of us developing this Gift. Most of all, I want to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to fulfill His purposes while I have the privilege of being here on earth. I love being a wife and mother to five wonderful sons, and my desire is that each person I have contact with each day feels better for the time we have shared and that somehow I might assist in bringing the light of the Gospel to them.
Sarah
Third Week
I am a mother, wife, daughter, friend, mentor and business owner. I grew up in a small town in central NJ and then in 1992 I moved to ID to attend college. I met and fell in love with the man of my dreams and we were married in the SLC, Temple on General Conference weekend. In 1996, I graduated from USU with a Bachelor’s of Science and a few weeks later became a mother. It’s been over 16 years since I was married and I now have 3 strong-willed and valiant children. I can honestly say that the last 7 years I have been on the steepest learning curve of my whole life. I have been blessed both temporally and spiritually in ways I never dreamed. Since I was a little girl I have listened to conference talks and the scriptures. My mom would play them on a small tape recorder while she hand-washed dishes, made dinner, or even while we were driving in the car. When I started my own family we started listening to the CDs of the scriptures as well as General Conference. Now we simply put them on our IPOD. Whatever the medium of listening, I have been strengthened throughout my life to hear the voice of the God. I know he loves each of us. We are his children and because we are His he blesses us each day and encourages us to lift, heal, edify, strengthen, love, learn and more.
Alida
Fourth Week
I am the daughter of a loving Heavenly Father who has blessed me in countless ways. I am a mother to 5 beautiful children, the wife to an amazing priesthood holder, a daughter of goodly parents, a sister and a friend to many. My journey began almost 19 years ago when I was just 8 years old and two beautiful sister missionaries knocked on our door in Bayside, Queens, NY. That day my life changed forever. Two short months later I was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Our membership in the church led us to Provo, Utah when I was 12 years old. After graduating from Provo High School, I married my best friend on April 17, 1999. We were sealed together in the Bountiful, Utah Temple. Over the last 9 years, our life together has seen its share of ups and downs, including the birth of a child with Cystic Hygroma. Throughout our trials I have been able to stay close to the Lord through study and much prayer. The knowledge that we have a living prophet by which He speaks to us has sustained me. I know that I can always turn to Latter-day talks to build my faith and understanding. I always seem to find the right words at the right time when I seek to know more. Throughout this year I have been striving to learn patience and trust in the Lord and in his timing. I want to be an example of Christ-like love and to make Him the center of my home. I know that through the gospel of Jesus Christ those things are not hard to achieve if we put our faith in him. I am thankful that he guided those two sister missionaries to our house that September day in 1989 and that my parents chose to let them come in and share their message. I am dedicated to sharing that message with the world so that they to may know my JOY!
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In the Book of Mormon we read about 2,000 exemplary young men who were exceedingly valiant, courageous, and strong. "Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him" (
