Sunday, December 07, 2014

         We just finished a short mile-walk outside around the temple grounds and it felt just like a late fall night in Idaho with a cold and blustery wind.  It was refreshing, if a bit chilly, after a lot of sitting; so we kept it short. 

         The Christmas devotional messages were uplifting and the music so amazing as always.  We also watched the Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas program and loved it.  The decorations, choreography, and music were just wonderful and helped us feel the joy of this wonderful season.

         I was impressed by an article in the December Ensign about discovering and developing our spiritual gifts and talents.  Here are a few thoughts from Elder Mervyn B. Arnold of the Seventy:

         “Where are we on our journey along the covenant path to eternal life?  What gifts and talents did our Heavenly Father give us in the pre-mortal life to help us along this path?  What other gifts and talents are we to gain as we strive to become who the Lord would have us become?”

            “Father in Heaven knows who we are and what we did before we came here.  He has chosen the time and place for each of us to be born so we can learn the lessons we personally need and do the most good with our individual talents and personalities.”

            “Much of our potential is not visible on the surface and must be discovered and developed.  The Lord teaches us to ‘seek ye earnestly the best gifts;’ (D&C 46:8) and ‘that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold’ (D&C 82:18)”

“Let me review some of these less-conspicuous gifts:  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 Holy Ghost.” (Marvin J. Ashton)

            Sometimes trials “are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more.  He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion [two very important gifts] which polish you for your everlasting benefit.  To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.”

            “Yes, obtaining talents requires work, but how great shall be our joy when we hear the Lord tell us, ‘Well done.  Thy gifts and talents shall be multiplied because of thy diligence.’”

               I’m not sure why, but it felt right and important to share these thoughts tonight. 

Love to everyone!  Good Night!  And have a great week!