weeds and flowers

The Holy Ghost makes an ideal traveling companion. If we are humble and teachable, He will take us by the hand and lead us home. However, we need to ask the Lord for directions along the way. We have to ask some difficult questions, like “What do I need to change?” “How can I improve?” “What weakness needs strengthening?”

What Lack I Yet? By Elder Larry R. Lawrence

1 john 1:8-10

Jude 1:4

Just as people can "creep in unawares", sin can easily creep in and slowly grow in us.  

John bytheway told a story about weeds taking over a little section of ground by the sidewalk. He plowed it all under and was very happy with his work. Soon, more weeds grew. He realized that although he'd removed the weeds, he'd left the ground bare and ready for whatever seeds happened to fly by. He cleared the little plot again but this time, he planted and nurtured grass. The grass kept weeds from growing. If some little weed managed to squeeze it was easy to pull it out.  

You get it. Sins and weeds. Good habits and lawn or flowers. 💐

a wise heart

Come follow me manual

nov 27-dec 3, 2023

Pray for your class members. Just as the Savior prayed for Peter (see Luke 22:32), you should pray by name for those you teach, seeking to understand their specific needs. As you do so, Heavenly Father will “prepare their hearts” (Alma 16:16) and help you know what to teach in order to meet their needs (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 6).

Alma 16:16 And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time of his coming

I've been praying for the hearts of others more lately. I pray for my heart too. There's little (some big) stoney bits in there. The world is hard and getting harder. Sometimes people call it being jaded. (Jaded-tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something. Often used as cynical or apathetic).  

It's one thing to be careful and aware. That can slip over into pessimistic and cynical fairly easy though. Make sure you're praying for the hearts of those around you but also for your own. Pray for a wise heart that can be strong, careful, firm, and steady but also kind, merciful, and meek.  

reach and teach individually

When we seek revelation to love as God does, we are guided to reach and teach each student individually. The result is very, very personal. The Lord demonstrated this personal approach with Nephi when he sought to obtain the plates. Nephi testified, “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. Nevertheless I went forth.” (1 nephi 4:6-7)

Laban stood between Nephi and the plates. Nephi was instructed of the Lord to kill Laban. With great anguish, he obeyed. That same night Zoram also stood between Nephi and the plates. So why didn’t Nephi apply the same revelation to Zoram that he had received regarding Laban? Why didn’t Nephi unsheathe the sword once more?

The Lord knew Zoram, and Nephi knew the Lord and trusted in the guidance of the Spirit. The Lord knew that Zoram would be a “true friend unto … Nephi.” (2 nephi 1:30) Aren’t we grateful that in the beginning, Nephi sought individual revelation and was “led by the Spirit”? (1 nephi 4:6)

In the Light of His Love

Bonnie H. Cordon

Church Educational System Training Broadcast • June 12, 2019

love one another

1 john 1:7

1 john 2:9-11

1 john 4:7-8, 11, 20-21

1 john 5:2

As I have loved you,

Love one another.

This new commandment:

Love one another.

By this shall men know

Ye are my disciples,

If ye have love

One to another.

- Love One Another, hymn 308

I found some interesting quotes on loving one another. They aren’t all beautiful but they are worthy of contemplating all the same.

Our maturity will be judged by how well we are able to agree to disagree and yet continue to love one another, to care for one another, and cherish one another and seek the greater good of the other.

-Desmond Tutu

You can always make a lot of people love one another so long as there are a smaller number outside the group for them to kick.

- Sigmund Freud

We are obliged to love one another. We are not strictly bound to 'like' one another. Love governs the will: 'liking' is a matter of sense and sensibility. Nevertheless, if we really love others it will not be too hard to like them also.

- Thomas Merton

For one human being to love another; that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation.

- Rainer Maria Rilke

light and love

1 john 1:5-6 cross reference to 1 Nephi 8:7-8, 23-24

God is light. The mists of darkness (of the world/media/etc) put us in shadow but the light is still there. Holding to the rod / word of God and listening when we can't see, or holding to what we do know will keep us heading in the right direction. The sun will come out, the mist will not always cover you, night will turn to day.  

Oh, how praying rests the weary!

Prayer will change the night to day.

So, when life gets dark and dreary,

Don’t forget to pray.

- Did You Think to Pray?, hymn 140

It's not easy to continue in the dark. It wouldn’t be a test if it was easy. We may get distracted by the voices and disco lights at the great and spacious party. We must continue to shift our focus back on the true light of God. You can still dance by the tree but you have to get there and stay there. Don't worry. The mist isn’t forever. Hold tight to the rod (hymn 274) and press forward "With hope’s bright flame alight in heart and mind" (hymn 81)

You can do it. I believe in you and God believes in you.

the temple and ten virgins

Since we're going to the temple tomorrow, I thought I'd look for some temple scriptures.

The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation  

By President Russell M. Nelson

Oct 2021

As I listened to this talk, it stiuck out to me that he said, "Should distance, health challenges, or other constraints prohibit your temple attendance for a season, I invite you to set a regular time to rehearse in your mind the covenants you have made." Temples were just reopening after covid at the time.  We had experienced first hand being unable to visit the temple.

In the footnotes of this talk, he outlines some other times that the temple was inaccessible. The temple built by Solomon was destroyed and rebuilt several times with extended "closures" to the people.

The nephites were without a house of the Lord until they built one in the promised land. 2 Nephi 5:16

Even if you can't go often, soak up as much as you can when you're there. 

Matt 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

I sometimes think of temple covenants when I get dressed. It's mentally putting on my armour. Ephesians 6:10-18

That way I can "go forth with power" even if I can't go forth from the temple as often as I'd like.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:15, 22-23

rejoice in accountability

Mosiah 29:30-34, 38

We read this for family scriptures tonight. I thought about the willingness to be answerable for yourself. I always teach that you are responsible for your choices no matter what anyone else does. It's easy to blame others, whether following the crowd or returning similar behavior.  

We've always lived where we had religious freedom. We've never had to hide our beliefs like alma's people* or daniel** and his comrades***.  

*Mosiah 24:8-12

**Daniel 6:10-14

***Daniel 3:4-6, 14-18

Maybe it's harder to be responsible for your choices when your friends are the bad influence than when it's a ruler of some sort. It might be easier to rejoice in religious freedom than it is to appreciate our accountability. 

"As we look into the future, we are going to need to be stronger and more responsible for our choices in a world where people “call evil good, and good evil.” We do not choose wisely if we use our agency in opposition to God’s will or to priesthood counsel. Tomorrow’s blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today."

- Choices  

By President James E. Faust

simple progress

"You are good enough, you are loved, but that does not mean that you are yet complete."

Matt 5:48

3 Nephi 12:48

"Our entire mortal experience is about progression, trying, failing, and succeeding."

Doctrine and Covenants 93:12-17

"By focusing deeply on one needed attribute, as you progress in obtaining that attribute, other attributes begin to accrue to you. Your significant efforts to gain one attribute become the tide that raises all boats in the harbor."

3 Nephi 17:3

Becoming like Him  

By Elder Scott D. Whiting

Perfect is overwhelming but I can do this much. Remember, "The Lord loves effort." - Russell M Nelson

turn on/to the Light

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

John 1:4-5

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

We compare Jesus to light all the time. I haven't really thought about how satan is compared to darkness. Fear of the dark is really common. I think about all of the big scary portrayals of satan. Fear is power. Fear is satan's tool.  

45% or more of children are afraid of the dark, 11% of adults. We learn to not fear the dark. With Christ’s light, we learn to not fear satan. I love Moses just calling satan out. "Who are you? You're nothing. Go away!"

My dad told me about his stubbornness while walking around the house at night. He kept tripping over a certain little foot stool. Even if he made sure to put it under a table, it would be in the middle of the floor and he'd trip. He finally humbled himself and would turn on a light. He said it was God giving him, and his posterity an object lesson.  

Don't stumble through the dark. Turn to the light of Jesus Christ. You can't do this in the dark. You must come into the Light.

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” - Dumbledore 

love is the essence of the gospel

1 John 4

"Love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. His life was a legacy of love...

There are many attributes which are manifestations of love, such as kindness, patience, selflessness, understanding, and forgiveness."

Love—the Essence of the Gospel  

By President Thomas S. Monson

He then quotes a poem:

I have wept in the night 

For the shortness of sight 

That to somebody’s need made me blind;

But I never have yet 

Felt a tinge of regret 

For being a little too kind.

- unknown

1 John 4 a few of my favorites :

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

rejoice together

John 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

"And we as his agents are not alone to declare his word, but to represent him in doing unto the least of his brethren that which he himself would do were he now here." - “My Specialty Is Mercy” By Elder Marion D. Hanks, October 1981

small and simple

Small and simple 

Alma 37:6

2 kings 5:2-3

A "little maid" / young girl was taken captive and served the wife of naaman who was a hot shot in the army. He came down with leprosy. This young girl, a slave, testified that the prophet could heal naaman.  

"We often focus on the servants who convinced Naaman to bathe in the river Jordan, as the prophet Elisha directed, but Naaman would not have even been at Elisha’s door without “a little maid.” You may be young or feel of no importance, but you can be as salt in your family, at school, and in your community.

Hearts can be changed and lives blessed as we offer a pinch of salt, a spoonful of leaven, and a ray of light." - Lessons at the Well By Susan H. Porter, April 2022

Matt 5:13 - salt

Matt 5:14 - light 

Matt 13:33 - leaven

James 3:5 - this is actually an example of how a small thing can corrupt. Taken alone, I like the imagery of words setting a huge fire. It reminds me of missionary work and setting hearts on fire. Open your mouth and the Lord will fill it.

Psalm 81:10

Moses 6:32

ask

Ask

I was listening to "Follow Him" with Hank Smith and John Bytheway, James part 1. It was pointed out that Joseph Smith being inspired by James 1:5 is a good example of repetition. Prophets tell us to ask of God in some form or another numerous times. It's James 1:5 that clicks for Joseph. For those teaching, you may feel like you're repeating yourself. It does sink in eventually. Just keep stating it.  

Here's some of the scriptures that might speak to you about asking of God:

Matt. 7:7. Ask, and it shall be given you, 

Matthew 21:22 - And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith

Mark 11:24 Ask in prayer

Luke 11:9 Ask...Seek...Knock

John 15:7 - Ask whatever you wish

John 14:13-14 - Ask in my name

John 16:24 - Ask, and you will receive

James 1:5 (JS—H 1:7–20)

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, 

 

Philippians 4:6 Let your requests be made known unto God

1 John 5:14-15 Ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us

**Because Joseph asked, *the Restoration*. Ta-da! Here's some scriptures that resurfaced as a result:

      

1 Ne. 15:11 Ask me in faith,.

  

2 Ne. 32:4. If ye cannot understand these words, it will be because ye ask not, 

   

Mosiah 4:10. Ask in sincerity of heart,.

  

Mosiah 4:21 God doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith,. 

  

Moro. 10:4. Ask God if these things are not true.

    

D&C 10:21. They love darkness rather than light; therefore, they will not ask of me

D&C 46:7 Ye are commanded in all things to ask of God,.

If you read the scriptures and mark / make notes, you’ve probably noticed that different things hit differently during subsequent reads. Repetition. It's awesome. It's necessary. It's useful.  

"Inquiry is the birthplace of testimony....Asking questions isn't a sign of weakness. It's a precursor of growth." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Reflection in the Water” Church Educational System devotional for young adults, Nov. 1, 2009

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2009-11-0050-the-reflection-in-the-water?lang=eng

don't just hold, cling

"In our world of skepticism, confusion and wickedness, to know the truth, to have a deep, humble, and solemn conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, is a very precious thing."

Behold My Beloved Son, in Whom I Am Well Pleased By Elder George P. Lee, October 1982

2 Nephi 31:20

Alma 37:47

Jeremiah 31:16-17

Hold to the rod, the iron rod; ’Tis strong, and bright, and true. The iron rod is the word of God; ’Twill safely guide us through.

The Iron Rod, hymn 274

1 Nephi 8:19, 23-24

Therefore what?

Elder Marion G Romney recounts the “Fable of the Gullible Gull,” Reader’s Digest, Oct. 1950, p. 32.

Seagulls are starving to death in an area where fishing is abundant. They aren’t starving from a lack of food but the lack of knowing how to fish for themselves. Generations of gulls depended of the shrimp boats to toss them scraps. Parents brought their young to the shrimp boats instead of teaching them to fish. The basic knowledge of fishing is lost to this grpup of birds. - The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance By President Marion G. Romney October 1982

Self reliance is both spiritual and temporal. Doctrine & Covenants 29:34-35. 

The purpose of both temporal and spiritual self-reliance is to get ourselves on higher ground so that we can lift others in need. - Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service By Elder Robert D. Hales, April 2012

Alma 32:27

As we strive to understand, internalize, and live correct gospel principles, we will become more spiritually self-reliant. The principle of spiritual self-reliance grows out of a fundamental doctrine of the Church that God has granted us—agency.

- Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings By Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2005

Mosiah 5:2

Alma 5:13-14 

It's not enough to know the Word.

It's not enough to teach the Word. 

Ephesians 4:13

How does this apply to me? How does this teaching change your life?  

In simpler terms "Therefore, What?" Elder Jeffrey R. Holland tells of elder Packer often asking this question in the meetings of the 12. - Teaching Seminary Preservice Readings

I love the sass but I love the meaning even more. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the wording is or how much you can quote if it isn't functional. These two words have changed the way I teach and study. "Therefore what?"

o be wise

In honor of Elder Ballard graduating to the next life and his reuniting with his dear wife, Barbara.

(Where is Obi Wan's cousin mentioned in the book of Mormon?)

O Be Wise - Jacob 6:12

Elder M. Russell Ballard

May we focus on the simple ways we can serve in the kingdom of God, always striving to change lives, including our own.

May I suggest ways in which we can serve both wisely and well?

First, focus on people and principles—not on programs.  

Doctrine & Covenants 18:10

Second, be innovative.

To innovate does not necessarily mean to expand; very often it means to simplify.

Doctrine & Covenants 58:26 - (one of my favorites! The Lord wants you to learn by doing. Start. He'll tell you if it's not right. Otherwise, keep going.)

"We are here on earth to gain experience we can obtain in no other way. We are given the opportunity to grow, to develop, and to gain spiritual maturity. To do that, we must learn to apply truth. For us to grow, we need to trust our ability to make correct decisions." - Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer By Elder Richard G. Scott

Third, divide the work and delegate responsibility. There is a difference between being responsible for getting the work done and doing the work yourself.

Fourth, eliminate guilt. As mortals, we simply cannot do everything at once.

Mosiah 4:27

Fifth, we need to thoughtfully allocate our resources of time, income, and energy. There is no such thing as “done.” We just need to be wise and do the best we can.

Doctrine & Covenants 10:4

knowing is only half the battle.

Application of Welfare Principles in the Home: A Key to Many Family Problems   

By Barbara B. Smith

October 1982

“Knowing” alone is not always sufficient to bring the promised light. We have to live by every word. We speak often in our worldwide Church about translation. The translation for which we each bear personal responsibility is converting the words of the gospel into actions, attitudes, and habits.

*

The Challenge to Become By Elder Dallin H. Oaks

October 2000

Eph. 4:13

This process requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.

1 Nephi 15:3

Doctrine & Covenants 88:35

repair the prayer

Think Celestial!  

By President Russell M. Nelson

"Our prayers can be—and should be—living discussions with our Heavenly Father." Pres nelson

"Morning and evening prayers—and all of the prayers in between—are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonition to “pray always” (Luke 21:36; 3 Nephi 18:15, 18; D&C 31:12). Such meaningful prayers are instrumental in obtaining the highest blessings God holds in store for His faithful children."

Morning and Evening Prayers  

By Elder David A. Bednar

Adapted from an October 2008 general conference address

I love the point that elder bednar makes and expands in this article. Our prayers are ongoing conversations. Sometimes prayers become quick check ins repeating the same basic things. "Same stuff, different day - amen". Even though life is often the same stuff on different days, spiritual progression shouldn't be. I'm feeling pretty stuck and this is probably why. I remember elder bednar's talk where he said to plan the day with the Lord in the morning and report back in the evening. It made my days different. I think the primary answers often fall into routine so this remined me to fix up my prayers a bit. I know it will make a difference. 

truth vs the world view

Eternal Truth  

By Elder John C. Pingree Jr.

"So, what is our understanding of truth in today’s world? We are constantly bombarded with strong opinions, biased reporting, and incomplete data. At the same time, the volume and sources of this information are proliferating. Our need to recognize truth has never been more important! . . . .

The Lord has taught us in scripture that “truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24). It “was not created or made” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:29) and has “no end” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:66). Truth is absolute, fixed, and immutable. In other words, truth is eternal."

This has been a conversation in our house this week. Some friends explained their views to my teenaged son. Their views are not based in truth. We talked about it being ok to have opposing views. It doesn't make anyone bad or mean we can't be friends. It is, however, important that we remain based in truth.

I love Sister Runia's dad's version of lehi and the tree of life. "Dad exemplified Lehi’s dream. Like Lehi, he knew that you don’t chase after your loved ones who feel lost. “You stay where you are and call them. You go to the tree, stay at the tree, keep eating the fruit and, with a smile on your face, continue to beckon to those you love and show by example that eating the fruit is a happy thing!” - Ronald E Bartholomew (Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens By Sister Tamara W. Runia. October 2023)

I found a quote from pres oaks this week too. It seems to be truth week, I guess.

"Love and tolerance are incomplete unless they are accompanied by a concern for truth and a commitment to the unity that God has commanded of his servants." Dallin H Oaks¹

We even ran across the concept of truth despite what others try to make you believe in our seminary lesson.  

²"In a worldwide devotional for young adults, Sister Kathy Clayton, wife of Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Seventy, shared her experience visiting a zoo in Argentina where she was able to enter the pens and interact with wild animals such as lions." She tells about these lions that were raised with dogs. The dogs were bigger when the lions were cubs. The cubs learned to be submissive to the dogs. "They were painfully unaware of their regal identity. They were stuck and limited by a mistaken notion of their potential. They thought they were small and weak, so they allowed pesky, persistent dogs to control and intimidate them." She then compares that to our divine identity and the world trying to convince us otherwise.

John 17:11,14-15

We can be in the world and accept the differing views of others without partaking of the world view ourselves.

Footnotes

1.Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall

Dallin H. Oaks

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dallin-h-oaks/strengths-can-become-downfall/

2. A Regal Identity

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/article/worldwide-devotionals/2015/01/a-regal-identity?lang=eng

try try try

Jesus Christ Is the Treasure  

By Elder Dale G. Renlund

I felt like this conference lasered in on Jesus Christ. The message seems to be that we've started focusing on all the things to do and lost sight of why. The Israelites did the same thing. That's why they didn't recognize that Jesus is the Messiah they were waiting for.

Mosiah 13:28, 30

Doctrine & Covenants 27:2

2 Nephi 25:24

Jarom 1:11

Elder Renlund says,

"He is our mark. If we incorrectly imagine that there is a need for something beyond what He offers, we deny or diminish the scope and power He can have in our lives. He has claimed the rights of mercy and extends that mercy to us. He is the ultimate “source [to whom we should] look for a remission of [our] sins.” He is our Advocate with the Father and champions what the Father has wanted all along: for us to return to Him as inheritors in His kingdom."

I remember a conference talk (maybe multiple) where we are advised to ask if a thing / action will bring us closer to Christ. (I can't find it so if you know it or run across it, please share) It's a good measuring stick to judge by. Maybe, we need to ask ourselves something else, not just "will it bring me closer" but "am I focusing on Christ"?  

Christ is the center. Our mortal, carnal, imperfect selves are easily distracted. Life is full of shiny things🐦‍⬛ and squirrels🐕. Even if it's doing good things, am I allowing it to bring me to Christ? Fortunately, we get to keep trying. We get to refocus and strive again.  

Little purple pansies, touched with yellow gold, Growing in one corner of the garden old; **We are very tiny but must try, try, try** [Chorus] Just one spot to gladden, you and I. 

2. In whatever corner we may chance to grow, Whether cold or warm the wind may ever blow, Dark the day or sunny, we must try, try, try [Chorus] Just one spot to gladden, you and I.

Little Purple Pansies - children's song book #244

service and the Holy Ghost

Our Constant Companion  

By President Henry B. Eyring

"If you want to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost, you must want it for the right reasons. Your purposes must be the Lord’s purposes. If your motives are too selfish, you will find it difficult to receive and sense the promptings of the Spirit."

This reminded me of my youngest when he was about 3 years old. He hid the shovels at Kindergarten (pre-school) so he and his friends could have them. He then prayed that no one else would find them. They weren't there the next day. When he came home and told me about it, we talked about praying for selfish things instead of good and kind things.

Pres eyring then tells of a woman making some bad decisions. Her mother and home teachers were made aware of the situation through inspiration. He then says, "The Holy Ghost had been sent to those home teachers because they were willing to serve the Lord."

1 nephi 3:7

The willingness to act is essential. 

Doctrine & Covenants 121:45-46

Power will distill upon you. It takes repeated action. Sometimes things seem to be moving very slowly or not at all. There's a reason patience is a virtue. It's difficult but necessary. 

Doctrine & Covenants 64:32-33

*Our Constant Companion

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/47eyring?lang=eng

the prodigal in all of us

The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home  

By Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Luke 15:18-32

"It wasn’t just an empty stomach that troubled him. It was an empty soul."

We watched a broadcast for the youth/ysa's of central Europe today. Some of the things they said fit perfectly with elder Uchtdorf's talk.

Elder newman said to make the decision to follow Christ and then don't stop. When you stop or look around, you feel the pull of the world more fully. Don't stop striving.

The prodigal son seems to have stopped and looked around. He was drawn away.

Elder Steven Lund asked why people leave the church and why do you stay? This could go back to Elder Newman's statements.   

Elder Lund then talks about missionary work. He said good missionaries aren't asking if they can teach someone. They are asking how a person's life is going. We can then offer them peace from the stress and chaos in their lives.   

Back to Elder Uchtdorf :"Who among us has not departed from the path of holiness, foolishly thinking we could find more happiness going our own self-centered way?"

Maybe sometimes we need to ask ourselves how we're doing. Like in elder Joni L Koch's talk, the taxi driver asked if he had done all he could to solve the situation. We might ask ourselves if there is pride, bad habits, etc that need rooted out. Then, we have to leave things in the hands of God. That's hard sometimes. We might worry or fret about something even though we've done all we can do. I think that's another way satan distracts us. We have to offer ourselves peace sometimes. 

Hebrews 4:6

Doc & Cov 6:36

Alma 58:32-33

"Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." - Come Ye Disconsolate, hymn 115

dance into joy

Be Peaceable Followers of Christ  

By Elder Quentin L. Cook

"In Doctrine & Covenants 136, the Lord emphasized two principles that continue to be applicable today. 

First, He encouraged them to “praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.” 

Second, the Lord counseled if they were “sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful.”"

Doctrine & Covenants 25:12

Psalm 66:1-2

We learn the dance steps with our minds, but we hear the music with our hearts. The dance steps of the gospel are the things we do; the music of the gospel is the joyful spiritual feeling that comes from the Holy Ghost. 

The Music of the Gospel By Elder Wilford W. Andersen (April 2015)

I've found that tired, depressed, worn out, frustrated, etc. often coincides with times I haven't been playing music during the day. The music is just the catalyst. It's the dancing that really makes a difference. 

"You've got the music in you

Don't let go, you've got the music in you

One dance left, this world is gonna pull through

Don't give up, you've got a reason to live

Can't forget, we only get what we give"

- You get what you give by New Radicals

Connect to the music. Dance until you find joy.

define missionary work

Bearing Witness of Jesus Christ in Word and Actions  

By Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella

“taking the Savior’s name upon us includes declaring and witnessing to others—through our actions and our words—that Jesus is the Christ.” - Russell M Nelson 

I'm teaching sunday school on dec 3. One of the topics is "Joy comes as we help others “walk in truth.”"  

I love that this redefines missionary work. "Help others walk in truth"

3 john 1:3-4

What are some other things that define missionary work?  

Elder Parrella say, "our conduct will be a living testimony of our Redeemer and His name. Moreover, we witness of Christ in word by sharing with others what we believe, feel, or know of Jesus Christ."

"Your role is to share what is in your heart and live consistent with your beliefs....Our role is to share, and it is the role of the Holy Ghost to testify of Jesus Christ."

Five Reminders for Sharing the Gospel  

By Victoria Alliaud

Isaiah 55:10-11

Let the Lord fill your mouth. It will fill His purpose. It doesn’t matter if you see the end result. Your part is just to open the door. Missionary work is planting seeds, not hosing people down with doctrine.

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant. 

- Robert Louis Stevenson

Kintsugi or broken people mended though Christ

Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ  

By President Emily Belle Freeman

"When the Lord called Enoch to journey through the land and testify of Him, Enoch hesitated. He was just a lad, slow of speech. How could he walk that path in his condition? He was blinded by what was broken in him. The Lord’s answer to what hindered him was simple and immediate: “Walk with me.”"

Moses 6:31-33

Matt 11:28-31

I've felt broken many times. Broken isn’t as much of a problem as it sometimes seems.  

1 Nephi 16:18, 23, 30-31

Exodus 4:10-16

Luke 15:11-20

Like a Kintsugi Bowl 

Elder Ifanomezana Rasolondraibe describes the art of Kintsugi or mending broken bowls with gold mixed into the mending compound. The belief of kintsukuroi is that the piece is more beautiful for being broken.

He then tells of a time he felt "broken" and was simply hanging on to what little faith he had left.  

He continues, "And then occurred the magic touch of the Master, demonstrating His infinite love and unfolding His immeasurable redeeming power. Figuratively mending each area of breakage of my heart, mind, and soul with His “golden lacquer of love” and resulting in my becoming a far more valuable “piece of pottery” — the very scars of which having come from that “experience, and [being] for [my] good.”"

Job 23:10

I feel like my broken pieces that have been mended or "made strong" (Ether 12:27) have made me a better person and a better disciple of Christ.