Conference started a bit early for me this year. I've been reading a lot of talks, devotionals, and scriptures this week and have sensed a theme. Simplicity. Go back to the simply primary answers to all my doubts, questions, and fears. Since I am not the most eloquent with my words, I will let the prophets speak for themselves. Each quote has changed my perspective lately.
Elder Todd F. Christofferson:
We do not live in the future—we live in the present. It is day by day that we work out our plans for the future; it is day by day that we achieve our goals. It is one day at a time that we raise and nurture our families. It is one day at a time that we overcome imperfections. We endure in faith to the end one day at a time.
The Spirit can guide us when to look ahead and when we should just deal with this one day, with this one moment. If we ask, the Lord will let us know through the Holy Ghost when it may be appropriate for us to apply in our lives the commandment He gave His ancient Apostles: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.”
Christine S. Packard:
There is a difference between accepting a feeling as legitimate and real and being defined by that feeling. Often, real feelings deepen and expand when they are minimized or ignored. When singles experience feelings of loss, if they and those close to them will acknowledge and accept the feelings as simply real, singles can more readily transcend the pain and avoid defining themselves by their marital status or their feelings.
Elder Jeffery R. Holland:
God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go. Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away.
In the process of revelation and in making important decisions, fear almost always plays a destructive, sometimes paralyzing role. Of course our faith will be tested as we fight through these self-doubts and second thoughts. Some days we will be miraculously led out of Egypt--seemingly free, seemingly on our way--only to come to yet another confrontation, like all that water lying before us. At those times we must resist the temptation to panic and to give up. At those times fear will be the strongest of the adversary's weapons against us.
If God has told you something is right, if something is indeed true for you, he will provide the way for you to accomplish it.
President Dieter F. Utchdorf:
We would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most.
Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better.
Let us simplify our lives a little.
President Henry B. Eyring:
You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song, and prayer in this conference, you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you.
Joseph Fielding McConkie:
It is not the design of heaven that we be rescued from all difficult situations. Rather, it is the Lord’s will that we learn to handle them.
I can't wait for conference! So much more to be learned!
