"Focus not on what I can’t do but rather on what I can do!"

Our Stake is having a Special Stake Conference at the end of this month.  On Sunday we found out who was coming for the Conference.  We have the special privilege of hosting Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve.

I decided that I better listen to Elder Stevenson's talk from the last General Conference so that I could get to know him a little better.  What a powerful talk and testimony!  I cannot even imagine what he had gone through that week of General Conference up until that talk.  He explains about feeling inadequate and nervous about the call to be an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and how he was beginning to overcome those feelings.

How often do we feel inadequate?  With so many things going on in our lives I am sure that we have all felt that way before and we will for sure feel that way in the future at some point.  I absolutely felt that way just last month when I was called to be the Ward Mission Leader for my Ward.  I was nervous and still now feel a little inadequate in doing a good job.

As I was listening to Elder Stevenson's talk this morning he said something very profound.  He said that he received a "distinct impression which both chastened and comforted" him.  He felt "to focus not on what I can't do but rather on what I can do."  What great wisdom!  If we just focus on what we can do in our daily lives rather on what we can't do, how much more can we accomplish?

I feel that this wise council can be used in every aspect of our lives.  I know that life is hard.  I know that at times we feel we do not even have the energy to take one more step.  I also know that if we do our best everyday and stay close to the Lord he will carry us and help us to become more.

I am going to try and live my life with this wise council from an Apostle of the Lord.  I am going to focus on what I can do each and everyday and leave the rest up to the Lord.

Service is a Gift

I love this time of year.  I love Christmas lights and Christmas music and Christmas treats.  I love spending time with family and watching Christmas movies.  It is a wonderful time of year!

At times I feel that I get caught up in the business of Christmas.  Do we have all the presents ready?  Do we have all the treats cooked and prepared?  Do we have all the parties planned and crafts ready to go?

This is not a bad thing in my mind, however at times I feel I need to slow down.  I feel that I need to look out for those that are in need.  The church always has great videos around this time of year that help put things in perspective.  Here is a great video to help remember to find ways to serve and be kind to others: What Shall We Give?

I love this video so much.  To me it shows that no matter where we are in life we can find ways to serve others and uplift those in need.  It also taught me that no matter how busy or inconvenient it might be for us we need to take these opportunities to serve.

What shall we give this Christmas season?  I hope that we can find those in need and do our part to help them.  Let's all learn to follow the service of Jesus Christ and serve our fellow men.

3 Levels of Christmas

In our last fast and testimony meeting, one of the counselors in our Stake Presidency got up and bore his testimony.  This man is a wonderful teacher and speaker and he spoke about the 3 Levels of Christmas.

The first level of Christmas is "The Santa Claus Level".  This is the level of Christmas Trees and presents and everything else that is mainstream.  This is a level that I think we all enjoy, however it is not the most important part of the season.

The second level of Christmas is "The Silent Night or Baby Jesus Level".  The is the level that Jesus is still a baby.  We celebrate his birth and realize what Christmas is really about.

The third level of Christmas is "The Adult Christ Level".  This is the level that He Lives!  That he came to the earth and preached, performed miracles, served and ultimately died for each one of us.  This is the level where we celebrate not only that he was born, but that he still lives in all of us and we can try to be more like him.

I had never heard of these 3 Levels of Christmas before, but it was a powerful testimony of what we should make Christmas all about in our lives.  I know that I for sure get caught up in all the mainstream Christmas activities, but I hope that this year I can celebrate the Adult Christ more and teach my children how important the third level is.

I hope that everyone can reflect on the Adult Christ and what He means to  you not only in this wonderful Christmas season, but throughout the whole year.

The Long Line of the Lonely

A couple of weeks ago our Elders Quorum President shared this video in class.  It is a talk that Thomas S. Monson delivered in 1981.  It is a little long, but it is so powerful.  Click Here to see the video: The Long Line of the Lonely

I can honestly say that there is no man on this earth that I know that understands and lives his life serving others more that Thomas S. Monson.  He is such a great example to me of how to serve and help those in need.

I had never heard this talk before a couple of weeks ago, but it truly depicts the life of this great man.  I can only hope that one day I can achieve his love for serving others and uplift those that I encounter.

This time of year is a great time to find ways to serve others.  Find someone in need.  Find someone that needs a little happiness in their lives.  Be that person that impacts someones life for the good.  I challenge you all to be more kind and help those in need.

My Testimony

I would like to share my testimony of the church or Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the only true church on the earth today.  I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in a vision and was chosen in this day and age to restore the church to earth.  I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon which is the most true book on earth today and that those that read and study it will come closer to God.  I know that Jesus Christ died for me.  His sacrifice for me helps me to be able to learn and grow and repent of my mistakes and allows me to return back to him in the next life.  I know that we have a prophet on the earth today that speaks to God and Jesus Christ and leads the church.  Thomas S. Monson in our prophet today and in the mouthpiece for the Lord today.  I am so grateful to have such a great example to look to and try to pattern my life after.

I do not just know these things because I was taught them my whole life.  I know these things because I have prayed and received confirmation of these things by the Holy Ghost.  I am so grateful to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.  It gives me peace and helps me try to achieve more in all areas of my life.  I know that those that seek for the truth and want to learn more can study and pray and will receive a confirmation for themselves.  I invite all that want this peace and love in their lives to learn more and gain this knowledge for themselves.