OF THINGS THAT MATTER MOST

We were talking the other night about why the Church has been studying gospel principles this past year and this year. We had the usual conclusions of getting everyone on the same page. Then Friday afternoon I was reading Elder Uchtdorf's talk, OF THINGS THAT MATTER MOST when this passage jumped out at me: "Yet amidst the multitude of voices and choices, the humble Man of Galilee stands with hands outstretched, waiting. His is a simple message: "Come, follow me." And He does not speak with a powerful megaphone but with a still, small voice. It is so easy for the basic gospel message to get lost amidst the deluge of information that hits us from all sides.

The holy scriptures and the spoken word of the living prophets give emphasis to the fundamental principles and doctrines of the gospel. The reason we return to these foundational principles, to the pure doctrines, is because THEY ARE THE GATEWAY TO TRUTHS OF PROFOUNDS MEANING. They are the door to experiences of sublime importance that would otherwise be beyond our capacity to comprehend. These simple basic principles are the key to living in harmony with God and man. They are the keys to opening the windows of heaven. They lead us to the peace, joy, and understanding that Heavenly Father has promised to His children who hear and obey Him."

What an answer, so much beyond the usual thought of getting everyone on the same page. No, it opens doors of understanding and spiritual clarity that we can not receive on our own. The gospel of Jesus Christ is wonderful and brings great peace and joy when we come unto Christ, even in the midst of great turmoil, hurt and pain.

I know this to be true.

All I can think of is the cold. I can't seem to get warm. But I still made it out to the fitness center this morning and was able to read the conference talks. Just finished President Monson's talk on Charity that he gave to the sisters in the General Relief Society meeting. I loved his story about the woman who criticized her neighbor's wash every week until the day her husband got up early and washed the windows and then let his wife know. If we criticize we can't love someone. If we love we forgive their mistakes and look with rose tinted glasses at their faults.

Another favorite story of mine is in the January Ensign that is a 40 year favorite of readers. It's the grapefruit story how the young wife reads an article about sitting down as a couple and discussing each others faults. She had plenty to discuss so she got her husband to participate. She brought up all of his and then asked him to bring up all of hers and he said, "Well, to tell the truth, I can't think of anything I don't like about you, Honey." Gasp. I love that. We should all be that way.

Yes, I know I'm not but I have been working to change for a long time and am better about it for the most part. I do know that when I feel Christ's love I feel better about everyone else. I much prefer that feeling and keep working everyday to be better.