My Church Talk

A few months ago, I realized I had been a victim of identity theft. This has become a huge problem in our time. Now I should clarify. My bank accounts were not affected. Neither was my house, car, phone etc. This was somewhat more of a spiritual identity theft rather than a physical, material one. And I did identify the person to blame, it was myself. I had let worldly persuits become more important than spiritual ones. I found myself so busy that I was no longer doing the simple things that bring the most spiritual growth. I was robbing myself of who I should have been becoming. In life we are given the gift of being able to get back on track.

I was asked to base my talk off of a conference talk titled “Be Your Best Self” by President Monson. This talk was given during the priesthood session of general conference last spring. While his remarks were aimed at the priesthood audience, I think it is applicable to us all.

President Monson opened the talk by stating, “Each must strive to learn his (or her) duty and then to do it to the best of his (or her) ability.” We first must seek out our duty and purpose in this life. This is by no means a small task. There has been great general direction offered to us from our prophets. However, each of us has a task and purpose in this life and we must seek it out. Patriarticle Blessings are also a great tool to use in that search. Once we have determined our purpose and duty, we must then do our best.

President Monson gives us three suggestions that will help lead us to safety and keep us on the right path. They are: 1. Study diligently 2. Pray fervently 3. Live Righteously.

Three simple steps. Three things that should be daily habits in all of our lives.

The first, study diligently. President Monson made this promise “I promise you that if you will study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased.” He emphasized the importance of DAILY scripture study. He advised that crash courses are not nearly as effective as the day-to-day reading and application of the scriptures in our lives.”

As I have prepared for this talk over the past several weeks. I have searched the scriptures and prayed that I would be able to share with you what Heavenly Father would like for me to. I found a scripture that has left an impression on my mind. I have trouble remembering things, but I have not forgotten this scripture reference since I read it. It is found in 3 Nephi chp 18 vs 15:

15 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and apray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him.


Prayer Fervently, pray always.
This has become so important to me. Heavenly Father promises us that if we seek and ask of him, he will answer. Adam Prayed Jesus prayed. President Monson said “He who notes the fall of a sparrow surely hears the pleadings of our hearts.” Most of my life I have not prayed first. I have not counseled with my Heavenly Father when making decisions. Heavenly Father has given me the opportunity several times in my life to change that. I am not saying that my choices in life were bad. I worked long hours on my “career path” when I had Keldon. I was half way through my degree and worked a lot. Heavenly Father gave me the precious gift of my son and gave me the opportunity to change my life plan. Towards the end of that career, I felt like I was swimming up stream. No matter what I did, I could not find happiness. I somehow had gotten on the wrong path. The money was not worth the time I had to spend away from my tiny newborn. With faith I moved on and knew Heavenly Father would help me find what I and my family needed. I found it. I have worked as a nanny for many years. I have been a “mother” to a foster child who did not have one. I have watched children whose parents love them, but have demanding careers and thus no time for their children. I have done my best to give what I could. I then decided to go back to school. Again, a worthy endeavor. However, it never came easy. I again felt like I was swimming up stream. I again was off track. My loving Heavenly Father knew I needed that gentle nudge to get me back on track to what my duty is in life. This time I have listened. I have learned to recognize these trials as gifts. My testimony has grown so much. I am able to seek those answers I need. I am able to be an example to my family. I am able to serve. I am able to be a mother to my children. Those things did not come first when I was taking 18 hours a semester at school. This time I am striving daily to hold to the rod. To make good decisions, that my Heavenly Father wants me to make. I pray that I stay on track this time. I pray that I will be able to find my purpose and do my best.

I take things one day at a time. When I set my goals for the day, I make sure I have time for my scripture studying. I carry a prayer in my heart throughout the day. I kneel when I need patience. I kneel when I have something troubling me. I kneel when I know others are in need. On Monday, I don’t think about Tuesday or Friday. I think about when I am going to do my scripture studying that day. I make that decision everyday. This helps keep me on track.

Think about this as you make choices everyday. I liken the idea of one degree deflection to choices we make daily. To understand this idea, visualize standing beside an archer who is in the act of drawing back his bow, arrow notched to the string. At the very instant he releases the arrow, we are going to blow a very small puff of air at it from the side. The puff is so small, the archer will not feel it on his hands or face. The effort required to release the air toward the arrow is so slight that a bystander is not apt to notice it happening. But it is enough to change the course of the arrow ever so slightly.
If the archer is able to send the arrow a thousand feet into the distance, and we have managed to deflect the arrow by even one degree, it will land many feet wide of the archer’s intended target, and toward the direction we are trying to encourage.

This also happens when we make choices. One tiny choice, although a worthy one, can send us off course again. We need to remember to Live Righteously.


A couple of suggestions that have helped me refocus on scripture studying and prayer throughout my day. Have you ever been outside during a sunrise? Now I don’t mean in your car driving to work. I don’t mean rushing kids out the door to the bus stop. I mean just sitting outside when the sun is coming up. There is something very spiritual about it. I encourage you to try it. No matter where you live. I live in a neighborhood with neighbors a stone throw away and the magic is still there. I just sit and listen. It does not take long. The quiet moments slip by quickly. But it strengthens me every time. I sometimes take my scriptures with me and take that opportunity to study.

I believe that scripture study and prayer go hand in hand. As I search the scriptures, I pray that Heavenly Father will direct me to those answers that I need to find and receive.

I try to keep a prayer in my heart throughout the day. I try to keep that connection open. It helps me to stay focused and to know I am heading in the right direction.

Again:
15 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and apray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him. 3 Nephi 18:15

President Monson said “The pathway can at times be difficult. Chart your course, be cautious, and determine to study diligently, pray fervently and live righteously. Let us never despair, for the work in which we are engaged is the work of the Lord.”

Now for the disclaimer. The personal examples used in my talk were about me and my duty in life. Not sure what your duty is? Do you feel like you are swimming upstream? Ever wonder if you are on your path doing the best you can? The only way to know is to ask your Father in Heaven.