Sunday, July 06, 2014

            Windy, windy, windy describes the weather here today.  Glade and I took a walk outside anyway and were happy to have some activity and some sun.  I played for Relief Society and since there was no one prepared to play for Sacrament Meeting, I did that, too.  The choir had its last practice for Ward Conference next week after Sacrament Meeting—well, actually the director wants another practice next Saturday at 7:00 p.m., but it was nearly the last.

Every time I’m asked to play, gratitude washes over me for all the hours, days, months and years of practicing and accompanying that prepared me for so much impromptu participation.  So, here is a thought to share today:  keep your gifts and talents polished as much as possible so that when you are needed, you can step up to the plate and provide.  Careers and child-rearing take precedence, of course.  No one knows that better than I; but nonetheless, do what you can.

"Because of our development in the pre-mortal life, each of us comes to earth with a unique combination of talents and abilities. . . .  When we pass from pre-existence to mortality, we bring with us the traits and talents there developed."

"To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby" (D&C 46:11-12).

"I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God.  And their are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them."  Moroni 10:8

"One of the great tragedies of life, it seems to me, is when a person classifies himself as someone who has no talents or gifts.  When, in disgust or discouragement, we allow ourselves to reach depressive levels of despair because of our demeaning self-appraisal, it is a sad day for us and a sad day in the eyes of God.  For us to conclude that we have no gifts when we judge ourselves by stature, intelligence, grade-point average, wealth, power, position, or external appearance is not only unfair but unreasonable. ...

"God has given each of us one or more special talents.  ... It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given.  We must remember that each of us is made in the image of God, that there are no unimportant persons.  Everyone matters to God and to his fellowmen. ...

"...Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important . . . :

"...The gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holly Ghost.

"We must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.  It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them: (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20)

"neglect not the gift that is in thee."  1Timothy 4:14

Commit to your highest self.  Commit to your dreams.  Commit to your potential.

Then God will move, too.

"Until you commit and start, there will be so many things that will never happen, that would have if you would have just begun!

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do--begin it.

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

Begin it now.  Reach your potential.  

You were born for glory.

Commit to reaching your potential."

--Andy Proctor

I just started looking for ideas on “polishing our talents” to include the vast arena of myriads of talents people have and found so many good things.  This wasn’t meant to turn into a “sermon” by I liked the ideas and just had to include a few.  Here is one final little story:

"My husband's first counselor in his last bishopric had a life-altering experience when he nearly died.  He was absolutely positive that his life was divinely preserved because he hadn't accomplished what it was the Lord had sent him to do.  He knew every day was a gift.  A contractor of modest means, he petitioned the Lord to reveal His plan for him.  Little by little, all the pieces of a very unexpected enterprise fell into place.  He began a humanitarian foundation that takes young adults, teenagers, and whole families down to the very poorest parts of Mexico at their own expense to build bathrooms, put in floors, roof houses, and [teach] the Gospel by example.  Every one of the dozens I have ever known who have gone on one of his expeditions has had his or her life changed forever.  They thought they were there to help the Mexicans.  But in every case, they were given priceless spiritual experiences in return.  They were given Living Water with their selfless service, and one of the properties of such a gift is that it replenishes itself.  When we give from pure motives, we are always sanctified by the gift, and become more and more consecrated to the Lord."--G.G.Vandagriff

I know Heavenly Father has blessed each of you with precious gifts and talents.  Search for them and nurture them.  They will bless your life beyond measure.