Your Happily Ever After

Today I could feel Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ talked to me through the talks by the assigned speakers. Sister Leeza was giving a talk “Your Happily Ever After” by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf who was the Second Counselor in the First Presidency in April 2010.

I feel as if I needed the most to hear words like this now and it is so inspiring and comforting words. Sister Leeza shared what President Uchtdorf in his talk that all the mothers and leaders that everyone desires to be heroes and heroines in their own stories, to triumph over adversity, experience life in all its beauty, and live happily ever after. He taught that Heavenly Father offers to us the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of our own “happily ever after.”

President Uchtdorf asked the young women to think back to their favorite fairy tale.

"In that story, the main character may be a princess or a peasant; she might be a mermaid or a milk maid, a ruler or a servant," he said. "You will find one thing all have in common — they must overcome adversity."

“Sandwiched between their “once upon a time” and “happily ever after,” they all had to experience great adversity. Why must all experience sadness and tragedy? Why could we not simply live in bliss and peace, each day filled with wonder, joy, and love?”

“The scriptures tell us there must be opposition in all things, for without it we could not discern the sweet from the bitter.”   

2 Nephi 2:11, 15

11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.

15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.

“In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy.”

I feel like Heavenly Father is listening to me. My prayers were heard by him. He wants me to become the daughter He wants me to be because He is aware of everything I am going through and everything I have experienced thus far.

Heavenly Father is aware of my abilities and potential. He never fails to tell me that I am God's daughter and have divine potential that I simply must discover.

“My dear young sisters, you need to know that you will experience your own adversity. None is exempt. You will suffer, be tempted, and make mistakes. You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges come growth and strength.”

“It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop.”

This actually what Annabelle and Issac trying to tell me about, that I might fall to the Satan’s trap if I ever continue to dwell in my own misery and blaming this or that. Satan enjoys casting filthy and cruel thoughts into our minds. He wants us to think about these things and then act upon them. Satan takes great pleasure in our discouragement. He wants us to think that the things that are depressing us will always be there. That is what he is trying to do now unto me.

I was astounded, and this message seems to be Heavenly Father speaking to me. He is the one who knows me the best—even I know myself. Rather than continuing to live in my own misery, he is urging me to look at my adversity in a different perspective – His perspectives.

“If you ever feel your burden is too great to bear, lift your heart to your Heavenly Father, and He will uphold and bless you. He says to you, as He said to Joseph Smith, “[Your] adversity and [your] afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if [you] endure it well, God shall exalt [you] on high.” 

“Enduring adversity is not the only thing you must do to experience a happy life. Let me repeat: how you react to adversity and temptation is a critical factor in whether or not you arrive at your own “happily ever after.”

All I have to do now is focus on my areas of weakness and move in that direction because I'm so touched! I love Him so much and am so grateful of what He wants me to know. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Let God Prevail

It was my intention to read and study President Nelson’s talks just before the upcoming General Conference which will be happening this weekend. And I planned this talk to be the last.

Let God Prevail

by President Russell M. Nelson

President Russell M. Nelson shared his experience studying the doctrine of the gathering of Israel for 36 years and has increased his knowledge. He explained his new insight of the word Israel.

“I learned that one of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.” Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul!”

He recalled the crucial turning point in the life of Jacob. He explained that the inspiration he received and recalling Jacob's life can add meaning to our commitment to follow God and our role in the gathering of Israel.

President Russell M. Nelson told us that by choosing to let God prevail, the Hebraic interpretation of Israel can be of help to us in many ways. He emphasized several ways this interpretation can help us.

“The word willing is crucial to this interpretation of Israel. We all have our agency. We can choose to be of Israel, or not. We can choose to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not.”

He showed us what will happen if we desire to let God prevail in our choices in life. He asked, how does the Lord feel when people let God prevail? And what is the Lord willing to do for Israel?

“With the Hebraic definition of Israel in mind, we find that the gathering of Israel takes on added meaning. The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives.”

“Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?”

“If you are married to a companion who has broken his or her covenants, your willingness to let God prevail in your life will allow your covenants with God to remain intact. The Savior will heal your broken heart. The heavens will open as you seek to know how to move forward. You do not need to wander or wonder.”

“If you have sincere questions about the gospel or the Church, as you choose to let God prevail, you will be led to find and understand the absolute, eternal truths that will guide your life and help you stay firmly on the covenant path.”

“When you are faced with temptation—even if the temptation comes when you are exhausted or feeling alone or misunderstood—imagine the courage you can muster as you choose to let God prevail in your life and as you plead with Him to strengthen you.”

“When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. So many issues become nonissues! You know how best to groom yourself. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and with whom to associate. You know what you want to accomplish. You know the kind of person you really want to become.”

“Now, my dear brothers and sisters, it takes both faith and courage to let God prevail. It takes persistent, rigorous spiritual work to repent and to put off the natural man through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It takes consistent, daily effort to develop personal habits to study the gospel, to learn more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and to seek and respond to personal revelation.”

“During these perilous times of which the Apostle Paul prophesied, Satan is no longer even trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan. Emboldened evil abounds. Therefore, the only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel.”

He closed his talk with an invitation to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. Following his promise and testimony.

Sometimes when I face my unique challenges, I tend to complain silently. Especially when I wrestled with my emotions. I asked the Lord of many whys. I realized that at that moment, I only think or care about what is happening and I was not able to clearly see God's will.

I also gain new insight from President Russell M. Nelson's talk. I now understand it more to let God prevail is my willingness to choose God to be the most powerful influence in my life. Thus, I want to practise my skill and better prepare myself to “hear Him” during the upcoming general conference.

I listed down my questions in mind, pray to look for the specific answers for my worries and concerns that trouble me at the moment. I want to hear and record down what answers from the Lord that He will send me through His servants during general conference.

• How can or what can I do to keep my body healthy and keep an physical exercise goal?
• How can I do better in my calling as Relief Society President?
• How can I being a better wife?
• How can I be a better cook and improve my cooking?
• How can I being a better mother for 2 teenage children?
• How can I manage my time between family, job, daily personal scripture study and my BYU-Pathway study?
• How can I increase my income?
• How can I improve my financial situations?

And, I am most eager to hear from the Lord speaks through His prophet and apostles. He may have other things that He wants to tell me. I am prepare to open to any messages that He may have for me.

“If you pray to Him and genuinely ask for help in hearing and recognizing His voice, He will help you find those messages meant for you during general conference.”

Embrace the Future with Faith

At the time of this writing, my mind is so blank and cannot think of anything else. My car had been involved in an accident this morning, during on my way to office. It was a rainy morning, from morning 8.00am till almost noon.

We were in the Maybank Puchong Jaya to open saving accounts for both Issac and Annabelle. It took us so long time from 9.30am till it is almost 11.30am then just done.

After I sent Alvin back to his office, then I sent both kids back home. Both Alvin and I were late to office. I cannot deny my eagerness that wanted to reach office as soon as possible, and what happened was after I cut into the lane and slowed down. The outcome is the back of my car had been banged by the car behind as the driver couldn't stop his car in time.

After the whole saga, the driver agreed to pay me RM350.00 for settlement, for the cost of making good and reinstate to of my car bumper. I am glad that I got the help and monies that I need for this accident.

Lately, my mind is cluttered with a lot of stuffs – my exercise goal that stopped, cooking and prepare bento for both kids to bring to school, my up-coming BYU-Pathway class that is going to start soon, my current salary that still not up and back to before Covid-19 pandemic time, my Come Follow Me programme that I should follow and study every week, my general conference talks that need to catch up before this coming Easter 2021 General Conference, my photos that need to be tidy up and digitalised, my blog that need to update, my calling that need to work on it more, and so many other things!

I am unable to focus at one thing at a time. This week supposing that I should read President Nelson’s 2 most important talks last October 2020. My life seems like so messy! I feel it is because I do not feel security of the my future.

In the Women Session of General Conference, President Nelson lovingly reiterated the love that he and our Heavenly Father have for the women of this Church.

Embrace the Future with Faith

by President Russell M. Nelson

“How are we to deal with both the sober prophecies and the glorious pronouncements about our day? The Lord told us how with simple, but stunning, reassurance: “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”

“If preparation is our key to embracing this dispensation and our future with faith, how can we best prepare?”

“For decades, the Lord’s prophets have urged us to store food, water, and financial reserves for a time of need. The current pandemic has reinforced the wisdom of that counsel. I urge you to take steps to be temporally prepared. But I am even more concerned about your spiritual and emotional preparation.”

He continued to speak of spiritual preparation by referencing Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon.

Principle Number One: Create Places of Security

“…As turmoil rages around us, we need to create places where we are safe, both physically and spiritually. When your home becomes a personal sanctuary of faith—where the Spirit resides—your home becomes the first line of defense.”

“Likewise, the stakes of Zion are “a refuge from the storm” because they are led by those who hold priesthood keys and exercise priesthood authority. As you continue to follow the counsel of those whom the Lord has authorized to guide you, you will feel greater safety.”

“The temple—the house of the Lord—is a place of security unlike any other. There, you sisters are endowed with priesthood power through the sacred priesthood covenants you make. There, your families are sealed for eternity. Even this year, when access to our temples has been seriously limited, your endowment has given you constant access to God’s power as you have honored your covenants with Him.”

“Simply said, a place of security is anywhere you can feel the presence of the Holy Ghost and be guided by Him. When the Holy Ghost is with you, you can teach truth, even when it runs counter to prevailing opinions. And you can ponder sincere questions about the gospel in an environment of revelation.”

“I invite you, my dear sisters, to create a home that is a place of security. And I renew my invitation for you to increase your understanding of priesthood power and of temple covenants and blessings. Having places of security to which you can retreat will help you embrace the future with faith.”

Principle Number Two: Prepare Your Mind to Be Faithful to God

“Just as the physical foundation of the Salt Lake Temple must be strong enough to withstand natural disasters, our spiritual foundations must be solid. Then, when metaphorical earthquakes rock our lives, we can stand “steadfast and immovable” because of our faith.”

“The Lord taught us how to increase our faith by seeking “learning, even by study and also by faith.” We strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ as we strive to keep His commandments and “always remember him.” Further, our faith increases every time we exercise our faith in Him. That is what learning by faith means.”

“…few things build faith more than does regular immersion in the Book of Mormon. No other book testifies of Jesus Christ with such power and clarity. Its prophets, as inspired by the Lord, saw our day and selected the doctrine and truths that would help us most. The Book of Mormon is our latter-day survival guide.”

“Of course, our ultimate security comes as we yoke ourselves to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! Life without God is a life filled with fear. Life with God is a life filled with peace. This is because spiritual blessings come to the faithful. Receiving personal revelation is one of the greatest of those blessings.”

“The Lord has promised that if we will ask, we may receive “revelation upon revelation.” I promise that as you increase your capacity to receive revelation, the Lord will bless you with increased direction for your life and with boundless gifts of the Spirit.”

Principle Number Three: Never Stop Preparing

“The adversary never stops attacking. So, we can never stop preparing! The more self-reliant we are—temporally, emotionally, and spiritually—the more prepared we are to thwart Satan’s relentless assaults.”

“I am not saying that the days ahead will be easy, but I promise you that the future will be glorious for those who are prepared and who continue to prepare to be instruments in the Lord’s hands.”

“My dear sisters, let us not just endure this current season. Let us embrace the future with faith! Turbulent times are opportunities for us to thrive spiritually. They are times when our influence can be much more penetrating than in calmer times.”

“I promise that as we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us.”

Although this talk already 6 months ago, the counsels, invitations and promises that President Nelson extended are never expired and still in force if we keep on trying our best to do it!

It is just about time for me to prioritise and focus on what is truly important, and seek the best way to balance each one of the my needs according to His will.

A New Normal

From his talk, we can know that President Nelson has so much optimism for the future and it gives so much hope!

A New Normal

by President Russell M. Nelson

He begin by expressing his concern for all of us:

“I have asked the Lord to help me understand what you are feeling, worrying about, or trying to resolve. I have wondered what I might say to conclude this conference that would send you forth with the optimism about the future that I know the Lord wants you to feel.”

“We live in a glorious age, foreseen by prophets for centuries. This is the dispensation when no spiritual blessing will be withheld from the righteous. Despite the world’s commotion, the Lord would have us look forward to the future “with joyful anticipation.”

“Let us not spin our wheels in the memories of yesterday. The gathering of Israel moves forward. The Lord Jesus Christ directs the affairs of His Church, and it will achieve its divine objectives.”

President Nelson knows our challenges is to make certain that each of us will achieve our divine potential.

“If you really want to embrace a new normal, I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Let that be your new normal.”

He outlines some actions steps for us to embrace our new normal:

1. Repenting daily.
2. Seek to be increasingly pure in thought, word, and deed.
3. Minister to others.
4. Keep an eternal perspective.
5. Magnify your callings.
6. And whatever your challenges, my dear brothers and sisters, live each day so that you are more prepared to meet your Maker.
7. Build and maintain yourself so you can be worthy to enter the holy temple.

I know that as I follow the Prophet and do all these things, I can gain the power to embrace the new normal that has been put upon us in these times.

He leaves a beautiful blessing upon us,

“I bless you to be filled with the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ. His peace is beyond all mortal understanding. I bless you with an increased desire and ability to obey the laws of God. I promise that as you do, you will be showered with blessings, including greater courage, increased personal revelation, sweeter harmony in your homes, and joy even amid uncertainty.”

“May we go forward together to fulfill our divine mandate—that of preparing ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.”

Moving Forward

Here is the first talk from October 2020 General Conference Saturday Session by President Russell M. Nelson.

Moving Forward

by President Russell M. Nelson

The global pandemic and other natural disasters have turn the world upside down, but it can not block the progress of the Lord’s work and His Church.

“… Amid social distancing, face masks, and Zoom meetings, we have learned to do some things differently and some even more effectively. Unusual times can bring unusual rewards.”

Missionaries have been “resourceful, resilient, and truly remarkable.” Temples were closed for a time and construction projects briefly delayed. But the family history work has been increased and new wards and stakes have been created. Church have provided pandemic humanitarian aid for 895 projects in 150 countries.

Meanwhile, increased gospel study in many homes is resulting in stronger testimonies and family relationships.

I am so amazed with President Nelson’s heart and encouragement being the servant of the Lord with such heavy burden, but still always counsels us to see things in the eternal perspective.

I know that President Nelson too, has his own challenges in his 96 years old of age and being a Prophet of God is no easy too. That is why I should not have any reason to loss faith or complaints because my prophet being an exemplar to me how to live this life!

“I pray that we as a people are using this unique time to grow spiritually. We are here on earth to be tested, to see if we will choose to follow Jesus Christ, to repent regularly, to learn, and to progress. Our spirits long to progress. And we do that best by staying firmly on the covenant path.”

“Through it all, our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love us! They care for us! They and Their holy angels are watching over us. I know that is true.”

“As we gather to hear the words the Lord has inspired His servants to deliver, I invite you to ponder a promise the Lord made. He declared that “whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning … and the wiles of the devil, and lead the [disciple] of Christ in a strait and narrow course.”

I will take his counsel for this – lay hold upon the word of God! Amen!

Love Your Enemies

President Dallin H. Oaks opening message was profound by stating the current situation in which we live in a time of anger and hatred. He was referring to the destructing protest and campaigns that were happening in the United States which is also happening in other countries of the world.

Love Your Enemies

by President Dallin H. Oaks

It is no different here in Malaysia, with the sudden changed of the government last year had resulted the hatred which was propaganda by the political statements issued by different political parties. These hatred raised among the different races and especially religions as well.

I felt blessed as I proud to be a Malaysian because Malaysia consists of all races and we live harmony despite so many different cultures, languages, and people. It is just like a big melting pot which we are respect to each other culture and live harmony. And we learn from each other.

Unfortunately the recent political changes and trends just showed to the people how certain politicians whom are greed and crazy for powers can bring so much destruction to the country’s economy and people’s living. But that is not the topic today.

Savior taught,

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”

President Gordon B. Hinckley also reminded us that loving our enemies and our adversaries is not easy.

“Most of us have not reached that stage of … love and forgiveness. It requires a self-discipline almost greater than we are capable of.”

But it must be essential, for it is part of the Savior’s two great commandments to “love the Lord thy God” and to “love thy neighbour as thyself”. And it must be possible, for He also taught, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find”.

“So, we are to follow the laws of men (render unto Caesar) to live peacefully under civil authority, and we follow the laws of God toward our eternal destination. But how do we do this—especially how do we learn to love our adversaries and our enemies?”

How do we learn to love our adversaries and our enemies?

The Savior’s teaching not to “contend with anger” is a good first step

• “The devil is the father of contention, and it is he who tempts men to contend with anger. He promotes enmity and hateful relationships among individuals and within groups.
• President Thomas S. Monson taught that anger is “Satan’s tool,” for “to be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice.”
• Anger is the way to division and enmity. We move toward loving our adversaries when we avoid anger and hostility toward those with whom we disagree. It also helps if we are even willing to learn from them.”

To understand and relate to people of a different culture

• “We should try getting to know them… In countless circumstances, strangers’ suspicion or even hostility give way to friendship or even love when personal contacts produce understanding and mutual respect.”

To seek to understand the power of love

• “Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “it is a time-honoured adage that love begets love. Let us pour forth love—show forth our kindness unto all mankind.”
• President Howard W. Hunter taught: “The world in which we live would benefit greatly if men and women everywhere would exercise the pure love of Christ, which is kind, meek, and lowly. It is without envy or pride. … It seeks nothing in return. … It has no place for bigotry, hatred, or violence. … It encourages diverse people to live together in Christian love regardless of religious belief, race, nationality, financial standing, education, or culture.”
• President Russell M. Nelson has urged us to “expand our circle of love to embrace the whole human family.”

An essential part of loving our enemies is to render unto Caesar by keeping the laws of our various countries

• “Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.
• “Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be”

Articles of Faith 1:12

• “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honouring, and sustaining the law”

He closed this talk with his testimony that the Lord has taught him that it is possible to obey and seek to improve our nation's laws and also to love our adversaries and our enemies.

To love our enemies is not something new to me, but to love my adversaries is something caught me eyes. Most of the time, there are so many occasions or situations or may be trials that just came and I hate that moments of my personal life, that situation of my family had put me through which gave me insecure feelings. And that tried my faith to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

It is so hard to control what I think or to control my mind and heart not to get angry and feel hopeless. Most of the time, I would just swallowed and cry to release those tensions which would helps me feel a little better. Eventually, after the whole ‘episodes’ of the trials through, I would write down and at that time I would able to see how these events have brought me closer and see the Lord’s hand in my life.

Even till now while I am writing this, I am facing the shortage of some financial that I might not able to pull through by end of next month. With my pay cut after the impact of the Covid-19 still not yet fully recovered and the monthly extra monies from EPF I-Lestari have been ended last month. With the current commitment of the hire-purchase instalment, housing loan, medical insurance for both my children and myself that need to be fulfilled every month, and the food expenses that now I have reach to my bottle neck and hardly breath!

Sometimes I will think of the blessings and the windows of heaven that promised to those whom committed to pay a full tithes, I would wonder where is that little window?

But I know that I need to be patience be grateful what I have now and believe that He is there and knows what I need. I know that He lives and Jesus is the Christ and is my Redeemer! Amen.

We Talk of Christ

Like a guiding star in a clear, dark sky, Jesus Christ lights our way.

“He came to earth in a humble stable. He lived a perfect life. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He was a friend to the forgotten. He taught us to do good, to obey, and to love one another. He was crucified on a cross, rising majestically three days later, allowing us and those we love to live beyond the grave. With His incomparable mercy and grace, He took upon Himself our sins and our suffering, bringing forgiveness as we repent and peace in the storms of life. We love Him. We worship Him. We follow Him. He is the anchor of our souls.”

While this spiritual conviction is increasing within us, faith in Jesus Christ is diminishing in parts of the world.

“We have taken upon ourselves the name of the Savior. What more are we to do?”

Part of the answer comes in following President Russell M. Nelson, who has invited members to follow his example and study the 2,200 scripture references of Jesus Christ listed in the Topical Guide.

We Talk of Christ

by Elder Neil L. Anderson

A Promise for Your Preparation

“I promise you that as you prepare yourselves, as President Nelson did, you too will be different, thinking more about the Savior, speaking of Him more frequently and with less hesitation. As you come to know and love Him even more deeply, your words will flow more comfortably, as they do when you speak of one of your children or of a dear friend. Those listening to you will feel less like debating or dismissing you and more like learning from you.”

We can do a little better by:

Speaking of Christ in Our Homes

“The stories of Jesus [are] like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children.” When your children ask you questions, consciously think about teaching what the Savior taught.

“We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, … that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

Speaking of Christ in the Church

“In our worship services, let us focus on the Savior Jesus Christ and the gift of His atoning sacrifice.”

“While our subject might be about families or service or temples or a recent mission, everything in our worship should point to the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Speaking of Christ with Others

“With those around us, let us be more open, more willing to talk of Christ. President Nelson said, “True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world.”

“Let the Lord guide them as they are willing, while we think more about our responsibility to be a voice for Him, thoughtful and open about our faith.”

“Be more open on social media in talking about your trust in Christ. Most will respect your faith, but if someone is dismissive when you speak of the Savior, take courage in His promise: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you … for my sake. … For great is your reward in heaven.”

“The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. Virtually every page testifies of the Savior and His divine mission.”

And lastly - Lifting Our Desire to Speak of Christ

“Can you imagine being caught up to meet Him, whether on this side or the other side of the veil? That is His promise to the righteous. This amazing experience will mark our souls forever.”

“…let us talk of Christ, anticipating His glorious promise: “Whosoever … shall confess me before men, him will I confess … before my Father.”

I feel as I have so much to catch up on doing all these! However, I still need to put in effort and Hear Him more.

All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues

Elder Gong’s Conference talk given a lot of short stories and testimonies from the members around the world. He stands as a witness that the prophecies given when the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored and fulfilled.

Here are some quotes that I personally love about this talk.

All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues

by Elder Gerrit W. Gong

“Truly, for those with faithful hearts and eyes to see, the Lord’s tender mercies are manifest amidst life’s challenges. Faithfully met challenges and sacrifice do bring the blessings of heaven. In this mortality, we may lose or wait for some things for a time, but in the end we will find what matters most. That is His promise.”

“As we hearken to the Lord’s spirit of prophecy, we can become, in our own way, part of the fulfillment of His prophecies and promises—part of the gospel blessing the world.”

“By small and simple means—in which we are each invited to participate—great things are brought to pass.”

“as we increase our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, receive the blessings found in living restored gospel truths and sacred covenants, and study, ponder, and share about the ongoing Restoration, we participate in fulfilling prophecy.”

“We are changing ourselves and the world in a gospel pattern that blesses lives everywhere.”

“Heavenly Father invites us everywhere to feel His love, to learn and grow through education, honorable work, self-reliant service, and patterns of goodness and happiness we find in His restored Church.”

“As we come to trust God, sometimes through pleading in our darkest, loneliest, most uncertain moments, we learn He knows us better and loves us more than we know or love ourselves.”

“As we discover God, sometimes unexpected answers to prayers take us from the street, bring us to community, chase darkness from our souls, and guide us to find spiritual refuge and belonging in the goodness of His covenants and abiding love.”

“Great things often begin small, but God’s miracles are manifest daily. How grateful we are for the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and His revealed doctrine, ordinances, and covenants found in His restored Church, called in His name.”

It is the small and simple things that we faithfully do each day that care vital to build the kingdom of God in our corner of the world. Continue what you are doing, and watch for opportunities to share the blessings of the gospel that we have with others.

The Culture of Christ

When I initially listened to Elder Jackson give his conference address, I thought that it is about the different cultures of the world that he meant by that. It took me a while to figure our why different culture would be contradict with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Culture of Christ

by Elder William K.Jackson

Until Elder William K. Jackson comment the followings:

“Many of our world’s problems are a direct result of clashes between those of differing ideas and customs arising from their culture…”

We all define ourselves in many ways, including by the various cultures which brought us up during our early life.

“It may seem that culture is so heavily embedded in our thinking and behavior that it is impossible to change. It is, after all, much of what we feel defines us and from which we feel a sense of identity. It can be such a strong influence that we can fail to see the man-made weaknesses or flaws in our own cultures, resulting in a reluctance to throw off some of the traditions of our fathers. An overfixation on one’s cultural identity may lead to the rejection of worthwhile—even godly—ideas, attributes, and behavior.”

In speaking of the culture of Christ, Elder Jackson taught:

“This culture is grounded in the testimony that our Heavenly Father exists, that He is real and loves each one of us individually. We are His “work and [His] glory.”1 This culture espouses the concept of equal worth. There is no recognition of caste or class. We are, after all, brothers and sisters, spirit children of our heavenly parents—literally. There is no prejudice or “us versus them” mentality in the greatest of all cultures. We are all “us.” We are all “them.” We believe that we are responsible and accountable for ourselves, one another, the Church, and our world. Responsibility and accountability are important factors in our growth.”

Elder Jackson after listed the Culture of Christ is a culture of the followings:

• Charity, true Christlike caring, is the bedrock of this culture. We feel real concern for the needs of our fellowman, temporal and spiritual, and act on those feelings. This dispels prejudice and hatred.
• We enjoy a culture of revelation, centered on the word of God as received by the prophets (and personally verifiable to each one of us through the Holy Ghost). All humankind can know the will and mind of God.
• This culture champions the principle of agency. The ability to choose is extremely important for our development and our happiness. Choosing wisely is essential.
• It is a culture of learning and study. We seek knowledge and wisdom and the best in all things.
• It is a culture of faith and obedience. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of our culture, and obedience to His teachings and commandments is the outcome. These give rise to self-mastery.
• It is a culture of prayer. We believe that God will not only hear us but also help us.
• It is a culture of covenants and ordinances, high moral standards, sacrifice, forgiveness and repentance, and caring for the temple of our bodies. All of these bear witness to our commitment to God.
• It is a culture governed by the priesthood, the authority to act in God’s name, the power of God to bless His children. It edifies and enables individuals to be better people, leaders, mothers, fathers, and companions—and it sanctifies the home.
• True miracles abound in this, the oldest of all cultures, wrought by faith in Jesus Christ, the power of the priesthood, prayer, self-improvement, true conversion, and forgiveness.
• It is a culture of missionary work. The worth of souls is great.

• In the culture of Christ, women are elevated to their proper and eternal status. They are not subservient to men, as in many cultures in today’s world, but full and equal partners here and in the world to come.
• This culture sanctions the sanctity of the family. The family is the basic unit of eternity. The perfection of the family is worth any sacrifice because, as has been taught, “no other success can compensate for failure in the home.” The home is where our best work is done and where our greatest happiness is attained.
• In the culture of Christ, there is perspective—and eternal focus and direction. This culture is concerned with things of lasting worth! It comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is eternal and explains the why, what, and where of our existence. (It is inclusive, not exclusive.) Because this culture results from the application of our Savior’s teachings, it helps provide a healing balm of which our world is in such desperate need.

Elder Jackson exclaimed:

“What a blessing it is to be part of this grand and noble way of life! To be part of this, the greatest of all cultures, will require change. The prophets have taught that it is necessary to leave behind anything in our old cultures that is inconsistent with the culture of Christ. But that doesn’t mean we have to leave behind everything. The prophets have also emphasized that we are invited, one and all, to bring our faith and talents and knowledge—all that is good in our lives and our individual cultures—with us and let the Church “add to it” through the message of the gospel.”

To Change – is the key word. As Sister Michelle D. Craig encouraged, I can ask myself 2 questions: “What am I doing that I should stop doing?” and “What am I not doing that I should start doing?” to draw me closer to Him.

Ask, Seek, and Knock

Elder Milton Camargo relates his own personal scripture study with the Come, Follow Me about Alma’s ministry in Ammonihah suggested to ponder the great blessings God has given him.

Ask, Seek, and Knock

by Milton Camargo

Alma exemplified what it means to ask, seek and knock during his ministry to the Nephites people.

Ask

“President Russell M. Nelson, has given a similar invitation in our day. He said: “Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will ‘grow into the principle of revelation.’”

“We don’t always need to know everything or see everything… The still, small voice is reaffirming, encouraging, and comforting—and many times that’s just what we need for the day. The Holy Ghost is real, and His impressions are real—the big ones and the small ones.”

Seek

“Seeking implies mental and spiritual effort—pondering, testing, trying, and studying… When we seek, we are humbly acknowledging that we still have much to learn, and the Lord will expand our understanding, preparing us to receive more. “For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; … for unto him that receiveth I will give more” (2 Nephi 28:30).

Knock

“To knock is to act in faith. When we actively follow Him, the Lord opens the way before us.”

“We learn that prayer requires spiritual labor, and it does not always lead to the outcome we hope for. But when we feel discouraged or weighed down with sorrow, the Lord gives us comfort and strength in different ways. He may not answer all of our questions or solve all of our problems right away; rather, He encourages us to keep trying. If we then speedily align our plan with His plan, He will open the way for us, as He did for Alma.”

While we are asking and seeking, we need to continue to move forward in faith, trusting that the Lord will not allow us to wonder too far from Him.

And the most important is that process of waiting or that I consider as ‘darkest moments’ because my Savior has been there all along, bringing me up when I felt there was none left in the world for me.

And that process or journey is how Heavenly Father moulds me to become a better version of me. I know that I have a living Father and Jesus is the living Christ. Amen.

There Was Bread

“From the beginning of time, the Lord has provided direction to help His people prepare spiritually and temporally against the calamities and trials that He knows will come as part of this mortal experience. These calamities may be personal or general in nature, but the Lord’s guidance will provide protection and support to the extent that we heed and act upon His counsel.”

There Was Bread

by Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell serves as First Counsellor in the Presiding Bishopric. It is no surprise at all that he will address our temporal needs. The principles of preparation always been encouraged by the Church Leaders to the members to apply “in wisdom and order” so that in the future we might say, as did Joseph in Egypt, “There was bread”.

Bishop Waddell quoted from a resource entitled Personal Finances for Self-Reliance which was published in 2017.

“The Lord has declared, ‘It is my purpose to provide for my saints’ [Doctrine and Covenants 104:15]. This revelation is a promise from the Lord that He will provide temporal blessings and open the door of self-reliance. …

“… Accepting and living these principles will better enable you to receive the temporal blessings promised by the Lord.

“We invite you to diligently study and apply these principles and teach them to your family members. As you do so, your life will be blessed … [because] you are a child of our Father in Heaven. He loves you and will never forsake you. He knows you and is ready to extend to you the spiritual and temporal blessings of self-reliance.”

My thoughts and heart felt closer to this talk may be is because I had been studying the Personal Finances course for several months during when the coarse is newly add on into the Church Self-Reliance chapter.

This resource includes chapters devoted to creating and living within a budget, protecting your family against hardship, managing a financial crisis, investing for the future, and many more.

I joined with few other sisters in the Church to learn about it. We were having our discussions every Sunday after the Church. I gained a lot of knowledge and confirming witness of the things that I have learned through the Holy Spirit.

I am blessed to have the opportunity to study this coarse. Even though now, I am still struggling on some finances but it have helped me to set aside monies to start the emergency fund and pay my tithes every month.

“The Lord does not expect us to do more than we can do, but He does expect us to do what we can do, when we can do it. As President Nelson reminded us in our last general conference, “The Lord loves effort.”

“When considering the principle of preparedness, we can look back to Joseph in Egypt for inspiration. Knowing what would happen would not have been sufficient to carry them through the “lean” years without a degree of sacrifice during the years of abundance… It was not enough to know that challenging times would come. They had to act, and because of their effort, “there was bread.”

“A good place to begin is to understand that all things are spiritual to the Lord, “and not at any time” has He given us “a law which was temporal.” Everything, then, points to Jesus Christ as the foundation upon which we must build even our temporal preparedness.”

“Being temporally prepared and self-reliant means “believing that through the grace, or enabling power, of Jesus Christ and our own effort, we are able to obtain all the spiritual and temporal necessities of life we require for ourselves and our families.”

“Additional aspects of a spiritual foundation for temporal preparedness include acting “in wisdom and order,” which implies a gradual build up of food storage and savings over time, as well as embracing “small and simple” means, which is a demonstration of faith that the Lord will magnify our small but consistent efforts.”

The most important each Conference talk to let us see the result is to act upon on the promptings that inspired us to do and to start.

“With a spiritual foundation in place, we can then successfully apply two important elements of temporal preparedness—managing finances and home storage.”

“Key principles to manage your finances include the payment of tithes and offerings, eliminating and avoiding debt, preparing and living within a budget, and saving for the future.”

“Key home storage principles include the storage of food, the storage of water, and the storage of other necessities based on individual and family needs, all because “the best storehouse” is the home, which becomes the “most accessible reserve in times of need.”

“As we embrace spiritual principles and seek inspiration from the Lord, we will be guided to know the Lord’s will for us, individually and as families, and how best to apply the important principles of temporal preparedness. The most important step of all is to begin.”

“Elder David A. Bednar taught this principle when he said: “Taking action is the exercise of faith. … True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to action.”

I am blessed that our family still able to have food on the table and jobs during this challenging pandemic time that had seriously affect economy globally.

I can see how the Lord blessed and helped me build my spiritual reserves for a time. When I need it the most, the Lord would bring those memories into my mind and strengthen me even though He knows that I would struggle to figure it out slowly but I am not alone. He is with me all the time.

Becoming Like Him

I have a chance to watch a video from the Church website title, “Your Great Adventure: Overcoming Life’s Obstacles”. It is about an experienced runner decides to train for a 100 mile ultra marathon in a hostile dessert, he must face the daunting task of doing something that seems impossible.

Becoming Like Him

by Elder Scott D. Whiting

It relates me to the talk today by Elder Scott D. Whiting – Becoming Like Him. It is such an impossible thing to do! Elder Whiting taught,

“Over time the daunting task ultimately became achievable—step by step.”

“The first step on this path to becoming like Jesus Christ is to have the desire to do so. Understanding the admonition to be like Him is good, but that understanding needs to be coupled with a yearning to transform ourselves, one step at a time, beyond the natural man.⁷”

“To develop the desire, we must know who Jesus Christ is. We must know something of His character,⁸ and we must look for His attributes in scripture, worship services, and other holy places.”

“As we begin to know more of Him, we will see His attributes reflected in others. This will encourage us on our own quest, for if others can attain in some measure His attributes, so can we.”

“… it is vital that we also ask our loving Heavenly Father what we are in need of and where we should focus our efforts. He has a perfect view of us and will lovingly show us our weakness.¹¹ Perhaps you will learn that you need greater patience, humility, charity, love, hope, diligence, or obedience, to name a few.¹²”

“Once you have made an honest assessment and resolved to start the hike up the mountain, you will need to repent. President Russell M. Nelson lovingly taught: “When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ.”¹⁴

“Becoming as Jesus Christ is will require changing our hearts and minds, indeed, our very character, and doing so is possible only through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.¹⁵”

Then, as Elder Whiting says, we need to prayerfully identify the most important attribute we need to acquire or improve. Prayerfully make up a plan, and then follow the plan.

“Christlike attributes are gifts from a loving Heavenly Father to bless us and those around us. Accordingly, our efforts to obtain these attributes will require heartfelt pleas for His divine assistance. If we seek these gifts to better serve others, He will bless us in our efforts.”

As Elder Whiting closes, he notes that we should record our progress, our learning and the tender mercies of the Lord as we try our best to become like Him.

“In order to see real progress, you will need to put in sustained effort. Much like climbing a mountain requires preparation before and endurance and perseverance during ascent, so too will this journey require real effort and sacrifice.”

“The commandment to be like Him is not intended to make you feel guilty, unworthy, or unloved. Our entire mortal experience is about progression, trying, failing, and succeeding.”

“You are good enough, you are loved, but that does not mean that you are yet complete. There is work to be done in this life and the next. Only with His divine help can we all progress toward becoming like Him.”

All these are exactly what the video are talking about. Like the runner, we on earth must face our own great adventure, traversing a seemingly endless array’s of like’s peaks and valleys, in our journey back to God.

But as we do so, pushing through the darkest trials and obstacles, we gain perspectives about why we are here and how to ultimately succeed become more like Him and find our way to our heavenly home.

This reminds me of my physical goal that I had set last year. I have achieved stage 1 goal, and I have stopped on stage 2 goal during this Chinese New Year festive season. I need to restart next week.

The lesson is the same either it is for exercise, or generally in life as well!

Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into ^adivers ^btemptations;

3 Knowing this, that the ^atrying of your faith worketh ^bpatience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be ^aperfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1: 2-4

Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!

by Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi

Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi highlighted these scriptures in his talk during shared about the time where he and his family were mourning about their lost and how they went through the difficult times.

The key to finding joy in the midst of trials is having patience to let trials work for one’s good.

“In our efforts to find joy in the midst of our trials, we had forgotten that having patience is the key to letting those trials work for our good.”

In Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel teaches key attributes of Christ that we can emulate:

“Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God’s will and accept His timing. When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully”

“Of all the zealous social, religious and political endeavors of our day, let ‘disciple of Jesus Christ’ be our most pronounced and affirming affiliation.”

“Just as the trying of our faith works patience within us, when we exercise patience, our faith increases. As our faith increases, so does our joy.”

COVID-19 has created an opportunity for patience to “have her perfect work”.

“…in our inability to meet in person as ward families for a season. But we count as joy our families’ faith increasing through new technology connections and Come, Follow Me study of the Book of Mormon.”

“Where we make sacred covenants with God—the temple—is temporarily closed. Where we keep covenants with God—the home—is open! We have an opportunity at home to study and ponder on the exceptional beauty of temple covenants.”

Many people have lost jobs or opportunities due to the pandemic, but joy is found in the fact that Church members have increased voluntary fast offerings and contributions to humanitarian funds.

“Be of good cheer” is the commandment from the Lord, not be of good fear (Matthew 14:27).”

Even when living righteously, it can take time and patience before one receives desired blessings.

“Sometimes we get impatient when we think we are “doing everything right” and we still do not receive the blessings we desire. Enoch walked with God for 365 years before he and his people were translated. Three hundred and sixty-five years of striving to do everything right, and then it happened! (See Doctrine and Covenants 107:49.)”

Sometimes I thought that I was and still a patience person when it come to enduring my own trial, but as Enoch had shown how he had walked with God for 365 years, my trials and challenges are a too little to be counted. I still need to work on my patience and my faith.

I know that as I hear, hearken, and heed the voice of the Lord and His living prophet, I can “let patience have her perfect work” and “count it all joy.”

The Exquisite Gift of the Son

“We must never forget that the very purpose of repentance is to take certain misery and transform it into pure bliss.”

This is what Elder Matthew S. Holland taught after he addressed the Alma’s language on the word “exquisite”.

“Thanks to His “immediate goodness,”⁸ the instant we come unto Christ—demonstrating faith in Him and a true change of heart—the crushing weight of our sins starts to shift from our backs to His…”

“Sometimes exquisite pain comes not from sin but from honest mistakes, the actions of others, or forces beyond our control.”

“Regardless of the causes of our worst hurts and heartaches, the ultimate source of relief is the same: Jesus Christ. He alone holds the full power and healing balm to correct every mistake, right every wrong, adjust every imperfection, mend every wound, and deliver every delayed blessing.”

“As you allow Him to do so, you will discover that your suffering was not in vain.”

This is so true, I have been through all those pain. It might not be as exquisite as the Savior but all those worst hurts and heartaches left scares deep inside your heart that sometimes you just do not feel dare to revisit the past.

With the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He heals the deep wounds, helps me to go back to the past and look through the whole experience again, and learn how to walk out from the past.

“…the very nature of God and aim of our earthly existence is happiness,²⁰ but we cannot become perfect beings of divine joy without experiences that test us, sometimes to our very core. Paul says even the Savior Himself was made eternally “perfect [or complete] through sufferings.”²¹ So guard against the satanic whispering that if you were a better person, you would avoid such trials.”

“I witness to you that through the staggering goodness of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement, we can escape the deserved agonies of our moral failings and overcome the undeserved agonies of our mortal misfortunes. Under His direction, your divine destiny will be one of unparalleled magnificence and indescribable joy—a joy so intense and so unique to you, your particular “ashes” will become beauties “beyond anything earthly.”²⁶ That you might taste this happiness now and be filled with it forever, I invite you to do what Alma did: let your mind catch hold on the exquisite gift of the Son of God as revealed through His gospel in this, His true and living Church.”

The Exquisite Gift of the Son

by Elder Matthew S. Holland

I know that Heavenly Father and my Savior love me so much and I able to go through my path because They are always walk beside me.

Be of Good Cheer

This talk is from the Women’s Session of the General Conference held in October 2020. President Oak’s talk is a timely reminder that despite our circumstances, we have much to be thankful for and that we can find joy all around us. He also reminds us that Heavenly Father is aware of each us as individuals and that we need to trust Him.

Be of Good Cheer

by President Dallin H. Oaks

We need to remember that the Lord trusts us and is supporting us through every trial we experience. As we in turn trust Him and walk His path, we strengthen our faith and we overcome difficult challenges, persevering in the face of adversity.

“Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.

“Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God” (Doctrine and Covenants 68:5–6).

President Oaks talks about tribulation and challenges being part of the “common experiences of mortality”. He also says:

“Opposition is an essential part of the divine plan for helping us grow,² and in the midst of that process, we have God’s assurance that, in the long view of eternity, opposition will not be allowed to overcome us.

With His help and our faithfulness and endurance, we will prevail. Like the mortal life of which they are a part, all tribulations are temporary.”

It can be difficult to find joy in difficult times, but the Lord reminds us to count our blessings and look beyond our current circumstances to find joy. Where do you find joy in your life? What blessings has the Lord given you?

As we continue through our current challenges, we must remember that our trials and tribulations are temporary. There are times when they seem to go on and on, and that there is no end in sight. However, as our faith and trust in the Lord increases, so does our spiritual strength.

“In the midst of hardships, the divine assurance is always “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” (Doctrine and Covenants 78:18).”

As we ask for help and trust the Lord, we are able to overcome seemingly impossible hurdles – this comes from a partnership of trust through the trials of faith. If you look back, you will find examples of challenges and hardships you have overcome. These have prepared you for the future, building up your foundation of faith in the Lord.

“With the Lord’s promises, we “lift up [our] heart[s] and rejoice” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:13), and “with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:15), we go forward on the covenant path…”

As we remember that there is joy to be found everyday and find opportunities to express our gratitude, we will be able to recognise the blessings we receive everyday.

“There is boundless power in the doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our unshakable faith in that doctrine guides our steps and gives us joy.

It enlightens our minds and gives strength and confidence to our actions. This guidance and enlightenment and power are promised gifts we have received from our Heavenly Father.

By understanding and conforming our lives to that doctrine, including the divine gift of repentance, we can be of good cheer as we keep ourselves on the path toward our eternal destiny—reunion and exaltation with our loving heavenly parents.”

Highly Favored of the Lord

“Together we considered individuals in the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants whom the Lord blessed to accomplish greatness in adversity. All were defined more by what they were able to do with the Lord’s help than by what they could not do as a result of their confinement and restriction.”

Elder Gary E. Stevenson began his talk with his young missionary experiences that related to the disappointments and sorrows that we might be face at this pandemic time.

Then he shared how the prophets such as Nephi, or Paul and Silas, or Nephi and Lehi the the sons of Helaman, or Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah and lastly Joseph Smith.

“Each of them understood what Nephi knew: that although they had seen many afflictions in the course of their days, they were highly favored of the Lord.”

Elder Stevenson focused his talk on the ways the Lord has favored us with preparation and resources to guide us during the trials and hardships that we are currently facing. Specifically, he mentions:

• Becoming more home centred and Church supported
• Ministering in a higher and holier way
• Finding heightened joy in the return of temple ordinances.

What resonated with me were all of the examples he gave of people, ancient and modern, who have used struggles and afflictions to come closer to Christ and receive his guidance, relieve suffering, share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, make a difference in their corner of the world.

Despite of all the challenges and trials that I had been through, I should be like the ancient and modern prophets to come closer to our Savior and learn how to receive my personal revelation and gain greater faith to trust in Him, because all of us including me are highly favored of the Lord. It is because we are Heavenly Father’s children.

Highly Favored of the Lord

by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

This message came so just in time as I have studied the Doctrines and Covenants, the feeling that I had is hope and grateful for the Lord. There was one question: What evidence of the Lord’s wisdom and foreknowledge have you seen in your life?

There were so many evidence of the Lord’s wisdom and foreknowledge I have seen in my life: My marriage broken and get divorced, the process of how I was broke down alone with the children and I started to look for God’s help and allow Him to direct me to bring up both my children, the process of how I prayed to Heavenly Father in Jesus’s name that I would enter to His Church one day together with my own family but in my heart I wondered which one is His Church, the process of how I started to search for a better place for the children and how I able to purchase the house in a property auction with the amount that just what I had in the pocket to close the deal in which we live in now, the process of how Alvin and I got back together with the children, the process of started to go back to find a Church that suitable for our family, the process of coming to know His Church, getting baptized into His Church together as family, the process of going to the temple and sealed our family for all time and eternity, but it is not end just here after our temple sealing. Now and then, there were challenges that my family encounter such as the pandemic COVID-19 now and both children are blessed with the online studies and started to self-discipline in their studies. And there were and are more to come.

Elder Stevenson said,

“Times of affliction and disappointment do not change the watchful eye of the Lord as He favorably looks upon us, blessing us.”

I am blessed and I know that I just trying my best to do the promptings that comes to me and keep my commandments, my family and I will be in His good hands. We are truly highly favored of the Lord, if we sit down quietly and counting our blessings one by one.

Elder Stevenson also promised,

“… I believe that one day, each of you will look back at the cancelled events, the sadness, the disappointments, and the loneliness attendant to the challenging times we are passing through to see them overshadowed by choice blessings and increased faith and testimonies. I believe that in this life, and in the life to come, your afflictions, your Ammonihah, your Liberty Jail, will be consecrated for your gain.¹⁵I pray that, along with Nephi, we can acknowledge the afflictions in the course of our days while at the same time recognizing that we are highly favored of the Lord.”