Tested, Proved and Polished

President Henry B. Eyring always been one of my favourite apostles that given speech during General Conference, because I can always easily feel the Spirit during his talk. Honestly, it was quite a challenge to listen once only when I would like to get a better view of how was his talk.

Tested, Proved and Polished

by President Henry B. Eyring

President Eyring started his talk with his childhood experience of pulling weeds with his mother in his family’s backyard garden. His mother taught him that life is supposed to be hard, because it is a test.

“… God’s purpose in the Creation of this world…. was to give His children the opportunity to prove themselves able and willing to choose the right when it is hard. In so doing, their natures would be changed and they could become more like Him. He knew that would require unshakable faith in Him.”

We “accepted the invitation to be tested and to prove that we would choose to keep the commandments of God when we would no longer be in the presence of our Heavenly Father.”

One third of Heavenly Father’s children did not accept the invitation.

“Those of us who accepted the plan did so because of our faith in Jesus Christ, who offered to become our Savior and Redeemer. We must have believed then that whatever mortal weaknesses we would have and whatever evil forces would be against us, the forces of good would be overwhelmingly greater.”

Sometimes it is indeed hard for me to go through all those trials alone and wonder why it is so hard?

“God has the power to make our way easier… You might reasonably wonder why a loving and all-powerful God allows our mortal test to be so hard. It is because He knows that we must grow in spiritual cleanliness and stature to be able to live in His presence in families forever.”

“The Father’s plan of happiness has at its center our becoming ever more like His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. In all things, the Savior’s example is our best guide. He was not exempt from the need to prove Himself.”

“When you wonder how much pain you can endure well, remember Him.”

“You are being nourished and comforted by a loving Savior, who knows how to succor you in whatever tests you face.”

“We can receive succor from Jesus Christ as we always remember Him and come unto Him by feast upon His words, to exercise faith unto repentance, to choose to be baptized and confirmed by His authorized servant, and then to keep your covenants with God. He sends the Holy Ghost to be your companion, comforter, and guide.”

“As you live worthy of the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Lord can direct you to safety even when you cannot see the way.”

“The greatest blessing that will come when we prove ourselves faithful to our covenants during our trials will be a change in our natures. By our choosing to keep our covenants, the power of Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement can work in us. Our hearts can be softened to love, to forgive, and to invite others to come unto the Savior. Our confidence in the Lord increases. Our fears decrease.”

“In addition, we must notice the tribulation of others and try to help. That will be especially hard when we are being sorely tested ourselves. But we will discover as we lift another’s burden, even a little, that our backs are strengthened and we sense a light in the darkness.”

All those above are the quotes that I love in this talk. President Eyring reminds me that I still have a loving Heavenly Father and the Savior to look up to, whenever I think of my challenges. I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

“Yet the Prophet Joseph Smith, one of the greatest of His prophets, suffered in prison and was taught the lesson we all profit from and need in our recurring tests of faith: “And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”⁴”

The Healing Power of Jesus Christ

I personally like Sister Cristina B. Franco use the piano metaphor to describe the brokenness.

The Healing Power of Jesus Christ

by Sister Cristina B. Franco

Unlike the piano, we have plenty to repent of and to change through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. However, there is a lot of our brokenness that stems from things beyond our control: the genes that we inherited, the culture that we were raised in, and the actions of others are a few examples. It doesn’t matter why we are broken!

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has the ability to heal it all in a way that will make us better than when we started! Our job is to learn of Christ and meekly follow Him. As we do so, we will be healed, even if the things He asks us to do, do not seem to relate to the problem.

“… aren’t we all like this piano, a little broken, cracked, and damaged, feeling like we will never be the same again? However, as we come unto Jesus Christ by exercising faith in Him, repenting, and making and keeping covenants, our brokenness—whatever its cause—can be healed. This process, which invites the Savior’s healing power into our lives, does not just restore us to what we were before but makes us better than we ever were. I know that through our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can all be mended, made whole, and fulfil our purpose, just like a beautiful-sounding, brand-new piano.”

I also like when Sister Franco’s husband asked the manager to just fix the piano and bring it over, surprisingly the manager said, “The wood is broken, and once the wood is broken, it can never sound the same. You will get a new piano.”

In the case of the piano, this is a bad thing. Perhaps parts of the piano could be salvaged, but the piano as it was has been ruined and cannot be satisfactorily be repaired. In our case, deepen our conversion and commitment to the Savior will make us better and better — and that is why we will never be the same again, and we will become anew.

“To heal brokenness by coming unto Him, we need to have faith in Jesus Christ. “Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power … and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. Because He has experienced all our pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties.”²

“As we come unto Him, “we can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is [hard and challenging] about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”³ He has counselled us, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36).”

I am grateful for His healing power whenever I feel so down and despair because of my challenges, He is always there and help me feel as He is always there, no matter how broken I was.

I feel differently whenever after I walked out from that brokenness because of all those trials and challenges that taught me something new. It is just like the old Japanese art of Kintsugi. It is the golden repair or joinery that repair the pottery.

Jesus Christ is just like the master of Kintsugi. He makes the most of what we already are, highlights the beauty of what we have, flaws and all, rather than leaving us eternally grasping for more, different, other, better.

After all, our cracks are what give us experience and shaped our characters. And, Jesus Christ heal us and make us whole and shine like the polished gold on those pottery.

Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity

“Righteousness and unity are profoundly significant.¹ When people love God with all their hearts and righteously strive to become like Him, there is less strife and contention in society. There is more unity.”

Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity

by Elder Quentin L. Cook

Basically what I learned from Elder Quentin L. Cook’s talk that righteousness and unity work together. When we choose to be righteous, we become unified with one another. and the most important thing is when we love God with all our heart, we will love our neighbor as ourselves.

When we follow this, there is an increase in unity in our homes, church, and in our society. Another thing I learned is that:

“With our all-inclusive doctrine, we can be an oasis of unity and celebrate diversity. Unity and diversity are not opposites. We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity.”

Elder Cook shared about his experiences during he was served in the San Francisco California Stake Presidency. This reminds me of my first experience during when I joined the Church Christmas party long go before I became the member of the Church.

I was quite surprised that all those ‘white people’ were so friendly, even we look different from each other and I was not treated like a foreigner or an outsider. I can feel the love, righteousness and unity among the members.

This type of feeling continue during when our family were baptized into the Church, and even we attended sacrament meeting in the different country such as in Philippines and Vietnam.

I feel grateful as my children able to grow up in this harmonious environment, and both of them have been live in even our small branch composed of people from many racial and cultural backgrounds.

It is actually not new to us as we are Malaysia and we comes from different races such as Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kardazans and other minor ethics. Instead, we find comfort from each other on how to cope up with different cultures.

Another thing that strike my eyes is the Oneness.

“[Jesus Christ] prayed for His disciples and for those who would believe in Christ: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.”²⁹

“Oneness is what Christ prayed for prior to His betrayal and Crucifixion.”

Keep the Change

Keep the Change

by Sister Becky Craven

“[Jesus Christ] gives us much, much more than the value of what we can ever return to Him. So, what can we give to Him, who paid the incalculable price for our sins? We can give Him change. We can give Him our change.

… So, unlike the purchaser at the market who would take back the change we offer, our gracious Savior beckons us to keep the change. …”

One illustration particularly stood out to me in this talk, is followings:

“When I was younger, I visualized myself walking along an upward, vertical path toward my goal of eternal life. Each time I did or said something wrong, I felt myself sliding down the path, only to start my journey all over again. It was like landing on that one square in the children’s game Chutes and Ladders that slides you down from the top of the board back to the beginning of the game! It was discouraging! But as I began to understand the doctrine of Christ⁵ and how to apply it daily in my life, I found hope.”

This resonated with me so much, because I have felt the same way. It is like life that I am constantly climbing, try to get higher. When I make a mistake, I feel like I slide back down to the bottom of the hill and have to start all over.

It gives me a kind of feeling as like I am forever climbing a hill. And, it is so tiring whenever I think that the forever summit of the hill is so far away from what I currently stand now.

But as I was growing in the Church, I recognize that this is a silly thought of mine. Instead of seeing life’s quest as climbing a hill, look at it as a path I am on. If I stray from the path, I can just move back on. I do not have to go all the way back to the beginning of the path and start over. When I think of my mistakes this way, I realize that I do not need to beat myself up; I just need to move back over and onto the path.

“Jesus Christ has given us a continuous pattern for change. He invites us to exercise faith in  Him, which inspires us to repent. As we repent and turn our hearts to Him, we gain a greater desire to make and live sacred covenants. We endure to the end by continuing to apply these principles throughout our lives and inviting the Lord to change us.

“Enduring to the end means changing to the end. I am not starting over with each failed attempt, but with each try I am continuing my process of change.”

“Small but steady, deliberate changes will help us improve. Do not become discouraged. Change is a lifelong process. I am grateful that in our struggles to change, the Lord is patient with us.”

“Through Jesus Christ, we are given the strength to make lasting changes. As we humbly turn to Him, He will increase our capacity to change.”

This way of seeing my personal growth gives me more hope. Being mortal, I will deviate from the path, but I can quickly repent and get back on track.

By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power with God

I was not surprised when this topic was talked during the October 2020 General Conference. This world seems to be increasingly filled with hatred, division, and isolation. This is especially happened in many parts of the world including United States and Malaysia.

Sister Eubank gave three areas of focus on: How can we understand people around us better? How can we create that “union of feeling” when all are so different? What power from God might we access if we are just a little bit more unified with others?

Have Mercy: Sister Eubank encourages us to be free with our mercy.

“We often think of substance in terms of food or money, but perhaps what we all need more of in our ministering is mercy.”

Make Your Boat Swing:

“Differences can be turned to advantage instead of disadvantage. Only then will it feel as if the boat is moving on its own. Only then does pain entirely give way to exultation. Good “swing” feels like poetry.⁴”

We can be united in our hearts and our purpose that we each adjust our efforts to each other and work together in perfect harmony. It may seem like a hard thing to do, but I know from experience that with God all things are possible.

Clear Away the Bad as Fast as the Good Can Grow: We can just clear away the ground to the dirt, weeds are going to spring up. The quote Sister Eubank uses refers to growing olive trees, but the idea is the same.

“Unity doesn’t magically happen; it takes work. It’s messy, sometimes uncomfortable, and happens gradually when we clear away the bad as fast as the good can grow.”

There are few more quotes that I love in Sister Sharon Eubank talk:

“Each of us is going to have deeply wounding experiences, things that should never happen. Each of us will also, at various times, allow pride and loftiness to corrupt the fruit we bear. But Jesus Christ is our Savior in all things. His power reaches to the very bottom and is reliably there for us when we call on Him.”

“But if we are one—if we can spare a piece of our pie or fit our individual talents so the boat can swing in perfect unison—then we are His. And He will help clear away the bad as fast as the good does grow.”

“We may not yet be where we want to be, and we are not now where we will be. I believe the change we seek in ourselves and in the groups we belong to will come less by activism and more by actively trying every day to understand one another.”

“As covenant women, we have broad influence. That influence is applied in everyday moments when we are studying with a friend, putting children to bed, talking to a seatmate on the bus, preparing a presentation with a colleague. We have power to remove prejudice and build unity.”

Sister Eubank offer this following invitations to the sisters of the Church, to be part of a collective force that changes the world for good:

• Our covenantal assignment is to minister
• to lift up the hands that hang down
• to put struggling people on our backs or in our arms and carry them.

“The women of this Church have unlimited potential to change society. I have full spiritual confidence that, as we seek union of feeling, we will call down the power of God to make our efforts whole.”

I personally like her quote this the most, or it is the most appropriate that describe me the most at this time:

“It isn’t complicated to know what to do, but it often goes against our selfish interests, and we have to try.”

So, let’s remind myself try and try each time!

Sisters in Zion

“As the beloved daughters of Heavenly Father, and as the daughters of the Lord Jesus Christ in His kingdom,¹ you will play a crucial part in the grand times ahead.”

President Eyring is one of my favourite speakers during General Conference. This is his talk during the General Women Conference. He mentioned that the women of this gospel dispensation will be led by the Lord to become prepared like the City of Enoch in the Bible.

“You sisters, your daughters, your granddaughters, and the women you have nurtured will be at the heart of creating that society of people who will join in glorious association with the Savior. You will be an essential force in the gathering of Israel and in the creation of a Zion people who will dwell in peace in the New Jerusalem.”

The people of Zion are of one heart and one mind and God’s daughters have a gift to diminish contention and promote righteousness, President Eyring said.

“The Lord has, through His prophets, made a promise to you. In the early days of the Relief Society, the Prophet Joseph Smith said to the sisters, “If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.”³”

“That marvelous potential lies within you, and you are being prepared for it.”

President Eyring quoted from the prophets:

“President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

“You sisters … do not hold a second place in our Father’s plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children. You are an absolutely essential part of that plan.

“Without you the plan could not function. Without you the entire program would be frustrated. …

“Each of you is a daughter of God, endowed with a divine birthright.”⁴

“Our current prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, has given this description of the part you play in preparation for the Savior’s coming:

“It would be impossible to measure the influence that … women have, not only on families but also on the Lord’s Church, as wives, mothers, and grandmothers; as sisters and aunts; as teachers and leaders; and especially as exemplars and devout defenders of the faith.

“This has been true in every gospel dispensation since the days of Adam and Eve. Yet the women of this dispensation are distinct from the women of any other because this dispensation is distinct from any other. This distinction brings both privileges and responsibilities.”⁵

President Eyring said he has seen the influence of faithful women in the church to love, lift, and care for each other. He shared his experiences taught him that “Heavenly Father’s daughters have a gift to allay contention and to promote righteousness with their love of God and with the love of God they engender in those they serve.”

“If the past is prologue, at the time of the Savior’s coming, the daughters who are deeply committed to their covenants with God will be more than half of those who are prepared to welcome Him when He comes. But whatever the numbers, your contribution in creating unity among the people prepared for that Zion will be far greater than half.”

“Sisters, you were given the blessing of being daughters of God with special gifts. You brought with you into mortal life a spiritual capacity to nurture others and to lift them higher toward the love and purity that will qualify them to live together in a Zion society. It is not by accident that the Relief Society, the first Church organization specifically for Heavenly Father’s daughters, has as its motto “Charity Never Faileth.”

“Charity is the pure love of Christ. And it is faith in Him and the full effects of His infinite Atonement that will qualify you, and those you love and serve, for the supernal gift to live in that sociality of a long-looked-for and promised Zion. There you will be sisters in Zion, loved in person by the Lord and those you have blessed.”

Lastly, he closed his talk by his witness and testimony that always being so comforting to us, especially during this challenging time: 

“… I promise you that the Lord will lead you by the hand, through the Holy Ghost. He will go before your face as you help Him prepare His people to become His promised Zion.”

From all the October 2020 General Conference talks, General Women Conference talks was the one I firstly listened among all the rest of the sessions. I feel uplifted as it is specifically dedicated to women of the world.

It always reminds me of the role and responsibilities as daughter of God that I should do the work: as a daughter, as a mother, as a wife and as a woman as general. It always reminds me of my divine identity and the love that Heavenly Father has for me.

Sisters in Zion

by President Henry B. Eyring

Enduring Power

Elder Kelly R. Johnson of the Quorum of the Seventy spoke about the power of God. He talked about how President Russell M. Nelson has taught about the principle of power — specifically God’s power — and how to access it.

Enduring Power

by Elder Kelly R. Johnson

And how he knows and learned that “to access God’s power in our lives is not easy but it is doable by studying it out in our minds and praying for the Holy Ghost to enlighten us”, as how Elder Richard G. Scott defined the power of God as the “power to do more than we can do by ourselves.”

“Filling our heart and even our soul with the word of God and the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ is crucial to drawing upon the power of God to help us in these challenging times.

Without getting the word of God and faith in Jesus Christ deep into our hearts, our testimonies and faith may fail, and we may lose access to the power God wants to give us.

Superficial faith is insufficient. Only faith and the word of God that fill our inner soul are sufficient to sustain us—and to allow us to access His power.”

Elder Johnson shared a story about how his daughter once accidentally set their microwave oven on fire after leaving it on for 20 minutes, mistaking it for a timer instead.

He compared the burning microwave to individuals with nothing inside them to help absorb what “flames” might be thrown their way in life.

“Likewise, those who have faith and the word of God deep in their hearts will be able to absorb and overcome the fiery darts that the adversary will surely send to destroy us.¹⁰ Otherwise, our faith, hope, and conviction may not endure, and like the empty microwave oven, we could become a casualty.”

Unlike the microwave, which caught fire after nothing was inside it to absorb the energy, Elder Johnson said those with faith and the word of God deep in their hearts will be able to overcome trials.

Having the word of God deep in the soul, coupled with faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, allows individuals to draw upon the power of God to overcome the adversary.

“As we face challenges, we can rely upon the promise of the Lord taught by Paul: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind’ ” (1 Timothy 1:7).

“Through preparation, the Savior grew in power and was able to resist all of Satan’s temptations.¹⁵ As we follow the Savior’s example and prepare through studying the word of God and deepening our faith, we also can draw upon the power of God to resist temptations.”

While regular temple attendance is impossible right now,

“There is no expiration date associated with the power God bestows upon those who make and keep temple covenants, nor is there a restriction from accessing that power during a pandemic. His power diminishes in our lives only if we fail to keep our covenants and do not live in a way that allows us to continually qualify to receive His power.”

During this time of temples being closed,

“Have we each relied upon the covenants we made in the temple to set a clear, unchanging course of direction in our lives? These covenants, if kept, give us vision and expectations regarding the future and a clear determination to qualify to receive all that the Lord has promised through our faithfulness.”

This talk have give me a brand new perspective of the basic foundation that “Only faith and the word of God that fill our inner soul are sufficient to sustain us—and to allow us to access His power.”

And to access and draw the power of God through Holy Ghost is to diligently search and ponder the word of God which spoken by Him or by His servants.

Recommended to the Lord

During when I browsing for more insights about this talk, I came across a blog that that the author of the blog misinterpreting about what Elder Ronald A. Rasband have taught.

I respect what the author had said and his opinions but my opinion is he is using his limited worldly knowledge and his researches on the Church’s talks to counter strike whatever Elder Ronald A. Rasband talked.

I think the author is ‘looking beyond the mark’ even though his whole article was talking about Jesus Christ and all the scripture versus quoted from the Holy Bible.

Recommended to the Lord

by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Elder Ronald A. Rasband began his talk with his sharing his temple assignment in South Africa.

“…Every Latter-day Saint temple in the world—all 168 of them—stand as testaments to our faith in eternal life and the joy of spending it with our families and our Heavenly Father. Attending the temple increases our understanding of the Godhead and the everlasting gospel, our commitment to live and teach truth, and our willingness to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

“On the outside of every temple in the Church are the fitting words “Holiness to the Lord.” The temple is the Lord’s house and a sanctuary from the world. His Spirit envelops those who worship within those sacred walls. He sets the standards by which we enter as His guests.”

After which Elder Ronald A. Rasband related to the experience that he had with his father-in-law, Blaine Twitchell about his temple recommend interview with his bishop.

The phrase “recommended to the Lord” puts additional perspective on being interviewed regularly by Church leaders.

“A recommend is not a checklist, a hall pass, or a ticket for special seating. It has a much higher and holier purpose.”

I had been touched by the idea of using interviews as a time of reflection for me to measure my spiritual growth.

“In your interview you have the opportunity to search your soul about your personal faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. You have the blessing to express your testimony of the restored gospel; your willingness to sustain those whom the Lord has called to lead His Church; your faith in the doctrine of the gospel; your fulfilment of family responsibilities; and your qualities of honesty, chastity, fidelity, obedience, and observance of the Word of Wisdom, the law of tithing, and the sanctity of the Sabbath day. Those are bedrock principles of a life devoted to Jesus Christ and His work.”

“Your temple recommend reflects a deep, spiritual intent that you are striving to live the laws of the Lord and love what He loves: humility, meekness, steadfastness, charity, courage, compassion, forgiveness, and obedience. And you commit yourself to those standards when you sign your name to that sacred document.”

“To be “recommended to the Lord” is to be reminded of what is expected of a covenant-keeping Latter-day Saint.”

“Consider when Moses climbed Mount Horeb and the Lord Jehovah appeared to him in a burning bush. God told him, “Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”²

“Putting off our shoes at the door of the temple is letting go of worldly desires or pleasures that distract us from spiritual growth, setting aside those things which side-track our precious mortality, rising above contentious behaviour, and seeking time to be holy.”

To be “recommended to the Lord,” means we strive to be like Him.

“Begin the process now to become “recommended to the Lord” so that His Spirit will be with you in abundance and His standards will bring you “peace of conscience.”¹⁰

“… this scripture spoken by the Lord about the Nauvoo Temple: “Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts.”¹²

“Our work in the temple is tied to our eternal reward. Recently we have been put to the test. The Lord has called us to work in the temples with “diligence, … perseverance, and patience.”¹³ Being “recommended to the Lord” requires those qualities. We must be diligent in living the commandments, persevere in our attention to our temple covenants, and be grateful for what the Lord continues to teach about them and be patient as we wait for temples to reopen in their fullness.”

Remaining worthy to qualify for a temple recommend suggests that I am “Work in Progress” – always progressing in the purpose or role that the Lord has installed for me, assisting to build the kingdom of God on the earth, proclaim his gospel, offer salvation to individuals on both sides of the mortal veil, and lift and help anyone I can.

At that instance, I am feeling grateful for the knowledge that I have, and it helps me and strengthen my testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Eyes to See

Eyes to See

by Sister Michelle D. Craig

Seeing God’s Hand

Sister Craig started her talk by sharing what we commonly learn about the story in the scripture – about a young man helping the prophet Elisha. The young man was worried because their city was surrounded by the enemy and it did not look like there was any way to survive the upcoming battle. The prophet Elisha said to the young man,

“Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”

Isn’t that reassuring? I feel so overwhelmed with all the battles I take on and face during the day. Some pretty nasty battle wounds and some defeats hurt more than others. Often times I forgot that I am not fighting these battles alone.

Some battles don’t even need to be fought! As I gain ore experience, I am learning it is important to pick my battles. When I stand firm and choose the right and stand firm at the beginning as what Elder Bednar talked in his talk “We Will Prove Them Herewith” what has Elder Holland counselled to young adults, “Choices have to be made. Not making a choice is a choice. Learn to choose now.”

I am also learning that I do not have to fight alone because I have family and friends on both sides of the veil that will help me.

However she has opened her eyes with a new lesson to learn:

“There may be times when you, like the servant, find yourself struggling to see how God is working in your life—times when you feel under siege—when the trials of mortality bring you to your knees. Wait and trust in God and in His timing, because you can trust His heart with all of yours. But there is a second lesson here. My dear sisters and brothers, you too can pray for the Lord to open your eyes to see things you would not normally see.”

This is the question or prayer that I had never think about. What are the things that I can pray for the Lord to see the things I do not normally see?

Then the answers were Sister Craig explanations on the following;

Seeing Ourselves as God Sees Us

“Perhaps the most important things for us to see clearly are who God is and who we really are—sons and daughters of heavenly parents, with a “divine nature and eternal destiny.”²

“Ask God to reveal these truths to you, along with how He feels about you. The more you understand your true identity and purpose, soul deep, the more it will influence everything in your life.”

There were so many times that the Lord reminds me in the midst of my challenges that I am a daughter of God. All those moments brought peace and comfort to me. And gave me strength to press forward even not knowing what would be placed in front of me.

One thing I know is that: The Lord shall prepare a way that I may accomplish the thing because He knows I can handle it. He put the trust in me that I can do it, even I do not have such faith and trust in myself.

Seeing Others

“Understanding how God sees us prepares the way to help us see others as He does. Columnist David Brooks said: “Many of our society’s great problems flow from people not feeling seen and known. … [There is a] core … trait that we all have to get … better at[, and that] is the trait of seeing each other deeply and being deeply seen.”³

“Jesus Christ sees people deeply. He sees individuals, their needs, and who they can become. Where others saw fishermen, sinners, or publicans, Jesus saw disciples; where others saw a man possessed by devils, Jesus looked past the outward distress, acknowledged the man, and healed him.⁴”

“Even in our busy lives, we can follow the example of Jesus and see individuals—their needs, their faith, their struggle, and who they can become.⁵”

“As I pray for the Lord to open my eyes to see things I might not normally see, I often ask myself two questions and pay attention to the impressions that come: “What am I doing that I should stop doing?” and “What am I not doing that I should start doing?”⁶

I realised that I do not have much experiences on seeing others, most of the time I was too concern about my own trials and challenges that made me lost sight about the people around me. I only consider my sufferings and pains, my eyes would not be able to see others around me.

Suddenly I have a thought that: there is a reason why my calling as Relief Society President came along. The Lord wants me to learn to open my eyes to see things and seeing others when I serve the sisters in the Church.

When I get to know the each sister in the Church, I started to learn that not only me whom struggle with my own challenges, sisters that I serve to also have their own trials and afflictions.

Some struggled with mental illness and depression. Some are single and others had large families, while still others struggled with infertility or divorce. Some are fluent speakers and impressively literate, while others struggled to put together a coherent sentence.

But there is one thing in common that I recognize, is that they all are committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to build the kingdom of God. I can see the faith in their daily doings, in the things they make with their hands and the relationships they develop with every sisters in the branch and with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

When I worried about children’s future education, certain sisters would came into my mind and reminded me of think of ways to improve the children studies.

When I saddened and felt heartache with my relationship, certain sisters reminded me that I still can hope and trust the Lord that everything is in His good hand and He knows what is the best for me and my family.

When I was nearly give up for my calling, certain sisters stood next to me, helping me and teaching me to expand my heart and ability to love and serve, just as they had done to others.

Little did I know, Relief Society sisters strengthen me just like how they strengthen each other.

I know that this is only a very small part of how I seeing others, but may be not deeply enough.

Seeing God’s Errand for Me

“As with all gifts the Father so willingly offers, seeing deeply requires us to ask Him—and then act. Ask to see others as He does—as His true sons and daughters with infinite and divine potential. Then act by loving, serving, and affirming their worth and potential as prompted.”

“As this becomes the pattern of our lives, we will find ourselves becoming “true followers of … Jesus Christ.”⁸ Others will be able to trust our hearts with theirs. And in this pattern we will also discover our own true identity and purpose.”

One of the reason being called is to run God’s errand. Most of the time I think I am just like the priest or the Levite on the road to Jericho – one who looks and passes by.

Seeing others as Jesus sees them deeply and seeing God's errand for me is something I have to pray for the Lord for myself. I like how Sister Craig ended her talk:

“I witness that Jesus Christ loves us and can give us eyes to see—even when it’s hard, even when we’re tired, even when we’re lonely, and even when the outcomes are not as we hoped.”

“Through His grace, He will bless us and increase our capacity. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, Christ will enable us to see ourselves and see others as He does.”

“With His help, we can discern what is most needful. We can begin to see the hand of the Lord working in and through the ordinary details of our lives—we will see deeply.”

I am grateful for the General Conference study plan that I found on internet, that it indeed guide me and direct me to know the things that I need to focus in each talk at one time, and at the designated period what I have going through.

Sustainable Societies

Elder Christofferson began his talk with some remarks about “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” adopted by United Nations in 2015.

“What are the fundamentals that sustain in a flourishing society, one that promotes happiness, progress, peace, and well-being among its members? We have scriptural record of at least two such thriving societies. What can we learn from them?”

Sustainable Societies

by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Elder Christofferson's talk remind me of what in Chinese we said 大同. 大同 is an ancient Chinese ideology. It refers to the ideal world that mankind can finally reach, and represents mankind's beautiful vision for the future society.

The basic characteristics are that everyone loves and helps each other, every family lives and works in peace, there is no difference, no war. This state is called "the world of great harmony", and this kind of world is also called "the world of great harmony."

Although 大同 thought is a Chinese ideology, some other concepts such as religions, Western utopias, modern socialism and the global village also have great similarities with 大同.

The concept of 大同 has now joined the global political, economic, technological and cultural integration ideas. It also emphasized the importance of "equal opportunities", such as all people are born equal, etc..

However, he felt more concerned with sustainable societies and mentions his thought on this:

“The societies in these two examples were sustained by the blessings of heaven growing out of their exemplary devotion to the two great commandments: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” and “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself…”

“…Sustainability is not guaranteed, and a thriving society can fail in time if it abandons the cardinal virtues that uphold its peace and prosperity. In this case, yielding to the temptations of the devil, the people “began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ.”

“Reflecting on this and other examples of once flourishing societies that later foundered, I think it safe to say that when people turn from a sense of accountability to God and begin to trust instead in the “arm of flesh,” disaster lurks…”

What can we do for this? It is actually bounds back to the basic unit of the society:

“The institutions of family and religion have been crucial for endowing both individuals and communities with the virtues that sustain an enduring society. These virtues, rooted in scripture, include integrity, responsibility and accountability, compassion, marriage and fidelity in marriage, respect for others and the property of others, service, and the necessity and dignity of work, among others.”

“Nevertheless, when secularization separates personal and civic virtue from a sense of accountability to God, it cuts the plant from its roots. Reliance on culture and tradition alone will not be sufficient to sustain virtue in society. When one has no higher god than himself and seeks no greater good than satisfying his own appetites and preferences, the effects will be manifest in due course.”

“In contrast, our joyous message to our children and to all humanity is that “the truth of God” points a better way, or as Paul said, “a more excellent way,”¹⁸ a way to personal happiness and community well-being now and to everlasting peace and joy hereafter.”

“The truth of God refers to the core truths that underlie His plan of happiness for His children. These truths are that God lives; that He is the Heavenly Father of our spirits; that as a manifestation of His love, He has given us commandments that lead to a fullness of joy with Him; that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Redeemer; that He suffered and died to atone for sins on condition of our repentance; that He rose from the dead, bringing to pass the Resurrection of all humankind; and that we will all stand before Him to be judged, that is, to account for our lives.”

As Elder Christofferson closed his talk, he included a quote which, if applied, will lead us all to more sustainable societies:

“There is much we can do as neighbours and fellow citizens to contribute to the sustainability and success of the societies we live in, and surely our most fundamental and enduring service will be to teach and live by the truths inherent in God’s great plan of redemption…”

“If enough of us and enough of our neighbours strive to make our decisions and guide our lives by the truth of God, the moral virtues needed in every society will abound.”

That would be how a God should be and should feel about His children, and that was the God once I knew! When the missionaries came to our family and talk with us, the feeling that I had is just like the things that they taught had been inside me and in my subconscious mind since the day I was born.

And the missionaries just worked in the Lord’s hand to trigger the button in me and the truth  are all revealed out in me. I am so grateful that I do not need to go to a lot of churches to look for Jesus Christ. It is a blessing to me that I came to the true Church of Jesus Christ!

In conclusion, Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught that, a truly wonderful life (even with all of the trials that come because of the purpose of living a mortal life) can be had by anyone who comes unto Christ and truly tries to live the standards and principles taught by our Saviour. As we spread this message, we can assist in the creation of communities of peace and joy throughout the world.

We Will Prove Them Herewith

“The year 2020 has been marked, in part, by a global pandemic that has proved, examined, and tried us in many ways. I pray that we as individuals and families are learning the valuable lessons that only challenging experiences can teach us. I also hope that all of us will more fully acknowledge the “greatness of God” and the truth that “he shall consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain.”⁴”

“Two basic principles can guide and strengthen us as we face proving and trying circumstances in our lives, whatever they may be:

(1) the principle of preparation and (2) the principle of pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ.”

We Will Prove Them Herewith

by Elder David A. Bednar

These are among of so many things that Elder David A. Bednar had spoken in his talk. It is indeed kind of strike my mind, and it continue to amaze me for what the Lord would want me to know. It had started from the first talk that I was trying to keep up with a study community group.

Started asked me to give a thought on my prayer, then console and comforted me with peace and be still in little trial that I faced. Continued with the assurance that He gave me through the difficulties or the path that I walk on, He able to do unimaginable things.

And, Elder Bednar said in this recent talk,

“Now is the time to prepare and prove ourselves willing and able to do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us.”

From the moment that I decided and determined to start getting my physical goal done, I have started to look into other areas in my life that I need to improve, such as spiritually, socially, intellectually as per what the Children and Youth Program suggested for the children and youth in the Church.

“… One of the Lord’s primary patterns for growth and development. “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; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more.”¹¹

I slowly find some small little goals to achieve, such as Pray with Purpose, Get Moving, Get Cooking, and Reading General Conference talks. I can feel some positive changes on me that I am glad. It is to me is just get going and get doing on it! Sounds like the Nike’s slogan ‘Just Do It’!

“I invite each of us to “consider [our] ways”¹² and “examine [ourselves], whether [we] be in the faith; [and] prove [our] own selves.”¹³ What have we learned during these recent months of lifestyle adjustments and restrictions? What do we need to improve in our lives spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually?”

I guess I need to face my trials with a cheerful heart and

“As disciples of the Savior, we are commanded to “prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”⁵

We also are promised that “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

“And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless.”⁶

The most important message that I learned is that:

“The process of proving ourselves is a fundamental part of Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness.”

Thus, take it positively every time and learn to embrace it with my own good. I am grateful for what I learned today.

God Will Do Something Unimaginable

I feel as it is the sequence of the General Conference talks which of the October 2020 Study Schedule which I download from Work and Wonder community in their study, has somehow related to me and by study the designated talks strengthen me for that particular days or weeks.

After the ‘Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always’ and ‘Peace, Be Still’, now I feel as it was planned that it is time to reinforce my faith by reading this talk.

God Will Do Something Unimaginable

by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Elder Uchtdorf talked about the early Latter-day Saints had to hide newly built Salk Lake Temple’s foundation from the approaching United States soldiers. The saints must be thinking why their efforts to build God’s kingdom was so frustrated.

Eventually the danger passed, and the temple foundation were excavated and inspected. It was then that the pioneer builders discovered that some of the original sandstones had cracked, making them unsuitable as a foundation.

It was hard work have to change and repair the original sandstones, but it is a blessing to build the Salt Lake Temple to last for generations.

There is something that I can learn here. There are days I feel buried alive, just like past few weeks. I can feel the pressure weighting down on me from all sides. It can form the cracks under those types of pressure.

It is easy to be a good person when I am well rested and calm, but when I am physically and emotionally tired and worn out, the cracks start to show. It is just like my foundation of faith.

I like what Elder Uchtdorf said,

“In a way, we are seeds. And for seeds to reach their potential, they must be buried before they can sprout. It is my witness that though at times we may feel buried by the trials of life or surrounded by emotional darkness, the love of God and the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will bring something unimaginable to spring forth.”

The trial I faced doesn’t have to drive us apart, I can use it to find the weaknesses in the foundations of myself, my family, or even further like our communities or our congregations.

What if this trial is helping me to identify and get rid of what does not work for me and my family so that we can build that foundation that last an eternity?

Now when I start to struggle, I asked myself, “What weaknesses are there in my foundation that this trial has shown me?”

Then I can look for stronger materials to replace my foundation with. With my family, I look for the cracks and search for better ways to do things or ways to heal relationships. At Church, I look at the many changes and the new things we were learning.

I realized that it was like Elder Uchtdorf said, “This is the Lord’s work.He invites us to find His ways of doing it, and they may differ from our past experiences.”

Instead of feeling so weighted down, I feel a level of relief and excitement as I remake my foundation. It is just as when I can hear the Spirit whispered to my ears and mind ‘Peace, Be Still’

It is the perfect example of the Lord’s promise of making weak things become strong. Just as in the Book of Mormon, Ether 12:27

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weaknesses. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and mu grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them”

Blessings Come from Hardship

“What do we learn from these examples—and the hundreds of others in the scriptures?

First, the righteous are not given a free pass that allows them to avoid the valleys of shadow. We all must walk through difficult times, for it is in these times of adversity that we learn principles that fortify our characters and cause us to draw closer to God.

Second, our Heavenly Father knows that we suffer, and because we are His children, He will not abandon us.⁸”

Just as the Jaredite boats were blown towards the Promised Land by the storm,our trials are not without purpose or direction. it is like Elder Uchtdorf said,

“… God will watch over and shepherd you during these times of uncertainty and fear. He knows you. He hears your pleas. He is faithful and dependable. He will fulfil His promises.”

“God has something unimaginable in mind for you personally and the Church collectively—a marvellous work and a wonder.”

Elder Uchtdorf continued,

“Now, this does not mean we won’t experience turbulence in our flight through mortality. It doesn’t mean there won’t be unexpected instrument failures, mechanical malfunctions, or serious weather challenges. In fact, things might get worse before they get better.

As a fighter pilot and airline captain, I learned that while I could not choose the adversity I would encounter during a flight, I could choose how I prepared and how I reacted. What is needed during times of crisis is calm and clear-headed trust.

How do we do this?

We face the facts and return to the fundamentals, to the basic gospel principles, to what matters most. You strengthen your private religious behaviour—like prayer and scripture study and keeping God’s commandments. You make the decisions based on best proven practices.

Focus on the things you can do and not on the things you cannot do.

You muster your faith. And you listen for the guiding word of the Lord and His prophet to lead you to safety.”

It has reminded me that when I face the cracks in my foundation, it is still goes back to the basic and building or repair my foundation again. It might be overwhelming sometimes, but do not feel weary, and focus one thing at a time with a willing and humble heart.

Suddenly I feel as there were so many General Conference good talks this October that speak directly to our times in overall, and speak to me personally.

I am grateful as it has brought so much peace and knowledge to me!

“God has revealed and will continue to reveal His almighty hand. The day will come when we will look back and know that during this time of adversity, God was helping us to find better ways—His ways—to build His kingdom on a firm foundation.”

Be Still, and Know that I am God

This morning as usual it was just like another Saturday morning, I was doing the laundry and household chores till Alvin called and asked if the children able to bring Ally dog down for grooming.

After we went to Puchong IOI Mall to buy some stationeries and groceries at Aeon Supermarket, we went to Alvin’s office to scan Issac’s drawing for the Family History Fireside poster.

As Alvin was sitting down at his office desk, I noticed the power point on the wall behind the other work desk behind him. It looks so familiar that the wall background itself was the same wall when he did the video call on last Wednesday night. He claimed that he was in the Client’s office that evening. It looks like he was lying to us.

My heart felt as it had sunken to the bottomless hole. I really felt hurt and disappointed. It looks indeed that my instinct is correct. How I wish I was wrong to have such instinct.

The first thing I did is to cry out to Heavenly Father in my heart. Then, I remembered the talk I read about – ‘Peace, Be Still’. There was actually another BYU Hawaii Speech that caught my eyes yesterday that has the same title ‘Peace, Be Still’ but different speaker.

For that instance, I said my prayer in the heart and thank God for what He was trying to prepare me and calm me, as He is telling me, “Peace, Be Still, and Know that I am God.”

Peace, Be Still

by Sister Alison Whiting

Sister Alison Whiting pointed out 4 essentials that helped her found to help her better hear the Savior’s words, “Peace, be still.”

1. Set Apart Time for Stillness in Our Life

“… The Savior sets the example of taking time to be alone and apart, to commune with His Father. He shows us that it’s important to seek stillness regularly, but especially in times of stress or where much is required of us…”

“So, I ask you, where is your place apart? So you take time to nourish your soul? Let’s each follow the example of our Savior and find a place or activity to be “apart.”

“Create spaces where you can see beyond your classes or callings or responsibilities and where you can hear the Spirit, because it is, after all, a STILL small voice. If you invest that time, you will find that you are stronger and better able to accomplish what is ahead of you.”

2. Get to Know Your Heavenly Father and Your Savior

“President Uchtdorf said: “Our relationship with God is most sacred and vital. We are His spirit children. He is our Father. He desires our happiness. As we seek Him, as we learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we open our hearts to the influence of the Holy Spirit, our lives become more stable and secure.”

“To strengthen our relationship with God, we need some meaningful time alone with Him. Quietly focusing on daily personal prayer and scripture study, always aiming to be worthy of a current temple recommend—these will be some wise investments of our time and efforts to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Let us heed the invitation in Psalms: ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’”⁶ There it is again, Be, still.”

“Are we sometimes like Peter? We can’t see the Savior in the dark of a storm and so maybe we forget what we already know; that He’s already there? Peter jumped in, walked, fell, cried out and the Savior caught him. That sounds about right. If the Father and Savior are with us all the way, they will be with us through all of those steps. And, at least in my life, the Savior is patient with that. The Savior told Peter, “Oh thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” but I take that to be the Savior saying: I’m right here. You can trust me to stay.”

“…While it reminds me of this experience with Peter, it really more makes me think of all of us. How often do I feel “under the water” because I got scared, overwhelmed, hurt, tired or whatever? The Savior is reaching out His hand and saying, “Come.”

3. Hold On

“…Do you hear yourself in Joseph’s honest plea in Section 121? “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yeah thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people?”⁹

“And, with a heart full of understanding, the Lord answered back, in verse seven, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.”¹⁰ Peace, he says, be still. In Section 122, the Lord continues by listing many, many more hard things that Joseph had yet to go through.”

Sister Whiting quoted Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s words in his October 2013 General Conference talk – ‘Like a Broken Vessel’.

“So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love? Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. As President Monson said to the Relief Society sisters so movingly last Saturday evening: “That love never changes. … It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.”⁴

“Never, ever doubt that, and never harden your heart. Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life. Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well-being. Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings. Take the sacrament every week, and hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Believe in miracles. I have seen so many of them come when every other indication would say that hope was lost. Hope is never lost. If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Savior’s own anguished example: if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead.⁵”

“Don’t assume you can fix everything, but fix what you can. If those are only small victories, be grateful for them and be patient. Dozens of times in the scriptures, the Lord commands someone to “stand still” or “be still”—and wait.⁶ Patiently enduring some things is part of our mortal education.”

4. Simplify

“We have to take the time to listen. We have to make the space to hear His voice. Do you have expectations of yourself that are not the same as the Lord’s expectations for you? Consider the circumstances of your life right now, set priorities and then go to the Lord for guidance and confirmation. It is important for us to get really clear about what the Lord’s expectation is for us, personally. You know, I find that when I’m worked up and worried about all that I have to do, more often than not, it’s the Lord who says, “Peace, be still. Seek the Lord’s will and see what you both can do to calm the storm.”

“An easy and powerful way to find simplicity is with gratitude. Usually, I start with the smallest, most basic things: that I’m breathing in and out, that I have running water, the gospel is in my life, my daughter is safe, my family loves me, I have food to eat. These lead on and on until I am filled with a greater understanding of how blessed I am and how the arms of my Heavenly Father and Savior are wrapped around me every day. I become less stressed as I see the simple that I take for granted that are already taken care of. So, in this time of Thanksgiving, I recommend that we make an extra effort to increase our gratitude.”

My heart indeed was not really comfortable and I think was unable to hide my unhappiness or moody face. I think Alvin had noticed about it later and he behaved as very tired the whole day and I noticed it every time when he came back from his so called ‘outstation trip’ always like this.

Eventually, both of us still have the Branch Family History Fireside Rehearsal on Zoom to attend with the rest of the EQ and RS Presidency. Thus, I just put aside what was on my heart and tried to concentrate this Church activity.

My heart is grateful for the promptings and the voice that I heard and calm the storm in my heart, and it is just like what Sister Alison Whiting said,

“It is hard sometimes to endure or see the reasons why the things that we want have to wait. But, that’s life. Joseph never got to set foot in the physical Zion in the West that he saw so clearly in his visions.”

“In the end, sometimes we wait and the Lord whispers through the storm, “Peace, be still.” Trust that the God who calms the storms of the sea, will also calm the storms in our hearts.”

“We must hold on for the Lord’s timing, recognizing that, although our situation may not change, He loves us and knows the end from the beginning of our story.”

Peace, Be Still

This morning I woke up around 4.00am due to nature call as I need to go to the toilet. After came back and lay down on my bed, I felt so sad thinking about my relationship with Alvin. I just could not hold the bitterness in me and just cried out to Heavenly Father.

I felt as if I was drowning. As I was about to sink and did not know how to keep my head above water. As I started to doubt the existence and purpose of myself in this world.

I was not in a mood of preparing lunch for the day, thus I went to the regular Kopitiam to take away chicken rice for the children’s lunch.

As I was driving to workplace, a though came into my mind that it’s time for me to listen to the 2nd talk of the week before this Sunday. This is the goal that I had been delayed since the General Conference. Supposing is a talk a week, ended up 2 talks a week just to make sure I able to catch up before next General Conference which will be on April 2021.

When I was browsing thru the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ channel on YouTube App on my phone (seriously it is not a good example to do it while driving), I scroll down to the my planned 2nd talk – Peace, Be Still.

‘Peace, Be Still’

by Lisa L. Harkness

I started to listen and suddenly I just smile while listening to the talk. I could not help but wink at my phone, realising that this is not my planned talk, but the Lord Himself!

After what had happened this morning, moments when I forgot that there is the Savior whom is the Himself to say, “Peace, Be Still.” I could not stopped but that instance my eyes were filled with tears.

This talk mentioned about the storm happened during Jesus and His disciples took a boat to pass over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee in Mark 4:37-41.

Jesus asked His loving disciples:

“Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”

Sister Lisa L. Harkness taught,

“There is a mortal tendency, even a temptation, when we find oursleves in the middle of trials, troubles, or afflictions to cry out, “Master, carest thou not that I perish? Save me.” Even Joseph Smith pleaded from an awful prison, “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?”

“Certainly, the Savior of the world understands our mortal limitations, for He teaches us how to feel peace and calm even when the winds blow fiercely around us and billowing waves threathen to sink our hopes.”

How can I forget Him that what I already know? that He is already here with me? I realised that, indeed I do not know my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ much than They know me…

Because if Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are with me all the way, They will be with me through all of these steps on my covenant path. And, They are still so patient with me on my forgetfulness and this little faith me.

“In times of turmoil our faith can feel stretched to the limits of our endurance and understanding. Waves of fear can distract us, causing us to forget God’s goodness, thus leaving our perspective short-sighted and out of focus. Yet it is in these rough stretches of our journey that our faith can be not only tried but fortified.”

Sister Lisa L. Harkness further taught that,

“Regardless of our circumstances, we can intentionally make effort to build and increase our faith in Jesus Christ. it is strengthened when we remember that we are children of God and that He loves us. Our faith grows as we experiment on the word of God with hope and diligence, trying our very best to follow Christ’s teachings. Our faith increases as we choose to believe rather than doubt, forgive rather than judge, repent rather than rebel. Our faith is refined as we patiently rely on the merits and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah.”

I love the quotes from President Russell M. Nelson in this talk from 2 different address of General Conference,

“We do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.

“Start with your children. … Let them feel your faith, even when sore trials come upon you. Let your faith be focused on our loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. … Teach each precious boy or girl that he or she is a child of God, created in His image, with a sacred purpose and potential. Each is born with challenges to overcome and faith to be developed.”²³

It is true that I should be the example to both my children. I am glad that both Issac and me shared the little silver lining and witness the promptings of the Holy Ghost that let us gained testimony and knowledge.

“Recently, President Nelson promised “that decreased fear and increased faith will follow” as we “begin anew truly to hear, hearken to, and heed the words of the Savior.”²⁶

It is true that when I take moments of Peace and Stillness to really feel Him, and think about Him, the fear will decrease and replace by increase faith even though is little.

I am grateful for what I have learned today. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always

General Conference already passed about almost 2 months ago, and my mind is just so occupied with so many daily chores and tasks. For the past few Saturdays morning, I had listened to the General Conference talks when I was mopping the floor.

I yet to have a piece of mind to sit down, read the talks one by one. I thought about making my own reading schedule, about 2 talks a week so that I still can make it before the next General Conference on April 2021.

‘Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always’

by President M. Russell Ballard

I felt inspired start by reading this talk today and indeed I think I really need this at this moment. Firstly, set a goal to pray morning and night with purpose has been an unfulfilled goal annually. Secondly, I think it is time for me to really take action and responsible for the goal that I had set for years…

I have the urge of reading this talk because of the things that happened to me recently. Negative thoughts keep on comes into my mind every time when I think of relationship between me and Alvin. Sometimes I just have a thought of,

“I think it is enough for both of us! It is useless and whatever I tried also cannot bring his heart and mind back to me. So pathetic!”

“Lord, I think I am the weakest daughter of yours among all. I still unable to comprehend the lessons that Thou wants me to learn in this relationship. I really indeed can love a man for my whole eternity life, should I just walk away from this and go experience whoever that can love me whole heartedly? I think I would be much more happy.”

My heart was sinking to the bottom of the sea when Alvin mentioned that he will be going outstation due to job purpose more often now. And tomorrow he will need to go Muadzam Shah and might stay a night or two at Kuantan as well.

Only God would know if he is telling the truth, but my instinct tell me that he is not. As I was taking my bath in the evening, I could not help but thinking of my personal challenges and feel so hopeless at that instance.

Something about the General Conference talk ‘Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always’ by President M. Russell Ballard had brought to my mind. Something caught my ears and eyes when I was listening and reading the talk:

“Sincerely praying for those who may be considered our enemies demonstrates our belief that God can change our hearts and the hearts of others. Such prayers should strengthen our resolve to make whatever changes are necessary in our own lives, families, and communities.”

“The scriptures are full of examples of people of faith who combined prayer with action to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others…”

President Ballard taught a few examples of the prophets in the Book of Mormon that had made a difference. Suddenly a thought came into my mind – how Prophet Alma had prayed to the Lord concerning his rebellious child, Alma the Younger, resulted the visit of the angel upon his son. In Mosiah 27:14, it reads

“14 And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightiest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and the authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.”

A thought that is very clear that came into my mind that, I should not have lose faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I know that the path ahead between me and Alvin might continue to grow more challenging in the coming days. One thing that for sure is the Lord is with me. President Ballard said,

“… I assure each one of you that the Lord knows you, that He is aware of your concern and anguish, and that He loves you – intimately, personally, deeply, and forever.”

“Praying for justice, peace, the poor, and the sick is often not enough. After we kneel in prayer, we need to get up from our knees and do what we can to help – to help both ourselves and others.”

“Brothers and sister, I urge you to redouble your commitment to prayer. I urge you to pray in your closets, in your daily walk, in your home, in your wards, and always in your hearts.”

“Prayer can change our own lives. Motivated by sincere prayer, we can improve and help others to do the same.”

I have not even yet exercise my faith and kneel in my own prayer, seeking His counsel in everything that I do, listening to His answers, learning to hear Him, and acting on the promptings that I receive.

I have not yet try my best in doing all those things, and what qualify me to just give up on this? But how? Pray to Him more often, and seeking His directions or approval on the things that I plan and decide to do.

I could not stop my tears at that moment. I talked to myself, “I think I have just feel the Spirit and this is what He tells me that I supposed to do next – keep on trying to become a better version of me.”