Trust in The Lord/ Called of Him

There's was a big push in missionary efforts in general conference and we've heard it also in our stake conference. "Hastening the work" is the new favorite phrase of leaders. 

I like the Pres Spencer Kimball quote Elder Ballard shared 

   "..the scriptures are repleat with commands and promises and calls and rewards for teaching the gospel. I use the word command deliberately for it seems to be an insistent directive from which we, singly and collectively, cannot escape".

Elder Funk shares how we can effectively share the gospel:

   "I order to have the sororal powe necessary to open the door of the kingdom of God... you must be humble and obedient and have te ability to hear and follow the Spirit."

We've had several conversations in our house lately about how difficult it is forthe  youth of the church today to be truly humble and obedient. For the last few years we've heard a lot about how awesome the youth are, how great they are, how special they are. And although that is true, I don't think we don't emphasize enough that a lot of hard work is involved in living up to the potential of the youth of the latter-days. Being obedient and humble isn't something that is stressed a lot.  Should the message be more of how great and awesome the promises are for them if they're humble and obedient- that those are the things that will make them awesome and great. 

   "If you are humble, you will want to be obedient. If you are obedient, you will feel the Spirit. The Spirit is essential, for without the Spirit, you will never succeed regardless of your talent and ability."

Small and Simple Things/ What We Have

We're thoroughly enjoying the small and simple things this holiday season.  So much so I forgot about posting this week. :)  But I did read the talks!

These talks were wonderful.  I love that the gospel is so simple and easy to understand and live.  Elder Valenzuela's talk was a great reminder of the small and simple things we can do to reach out to those around us.

"As members of the Church, we are able, through our own small and simple things, to '[convince] many of the error of their ways' and help bring 'them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls'."

 "I testify that many of those who need our help are there waiting for us. They are ready for their valiant brothers and sisters to reach out to them and rescue them through small and simple means. I have personally spent many hours visiting less-active members of the Church whose hearts have already been softened by the Lord, who are now ready to receive our testimonies and our sincere expressions of love. When we reach out and invite them, they will return to the Church without hesitation."

 Sister Stevens talk was very much inline with Elder Valenzuela's.

"When you love, watch over, and serve others in small and simple ways, you are actively participating in the work of salvation."

 I loved the experience of her grandson Porter and his attention to his great-grandmother and the love he has for her.

I think this will be my New Years resolution.  I don't ever make them because inevitably I break them, but this could be one to try hard to keep.