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.

What a day yesterday! The house was full and it was great. I really appreciate everyone's effort to be here and to be together. It was a lot of fun. I really appreciate those who worked so hard in the kitchen to put food on the table. It was all delicious! My diet was totally ruined and it'll sure be hard to go back to counting points tomorrow. Good thing there is lots of good food in the fridge and others ate so many cookies. :-)

I am so grateful for all of you and the good lives that you live. May the Lord bless you with peace and happiness in all of your difficult trials. Love ya all!

Sisters, such a lovely relationship. Through the years I have found that the most important thing I can do is to forgive them and say I'm sorry when things get too contentious. Honestly, I had the most lovely time going to Aunt Jean's funeral. Helped keep Mom and Dad from straying too far from the crowd and enjoyed a lovely visit with my sister.

When I left for home, it was time to come home. We Clarkes simply don't always think about how offensive what we say is so it was time to come home.

As for my brothers, the spoiled one was simply rude.

Aunt Jean was the oldest living daughter and was 12 when Mom and Aunt Erna were born. She took care of them and all the younger children. Mom said when she started working outside the home she always provided Christmas for them. Mom never forgot Aunt Jeans care. And that's what she continued to do all of her life. She cared for people and fed them. She was always kind to us and always was hospitable. It was important for Mom to honor her sister by going to the funeral so we did.

As we sat there it was clear to see that she was loved by her posterity and will be missed greatly.

So this week I bought new copies of the conference issue (cause I lost ours) and began reading again. This time I got out my note book and began taking notes of each talk. Sister Herbert shared how she studied the talks and I thought what a good idea. She studies them like scripture(which they are) and looked up the notes at the end.

Elder Bednar's talk on RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST was really insightful. My understanding of this gift increased. I broke it down into a few notes but the one I want to record here is found in Moroni 8:26. This is the process whereby we get in tune with the spirit. First repentance brings meekness and lowliness of heart, then cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost which comforter filleth with hope and perfect love.

Once we feel this love we are faced with the challenge of keeping it. This happens through diligence in prayer until the end. We must pray always. We must keep the Lord in remembrance always.

Next, how do we receive the Holy Ghost?

1. sincerely desire the companionship of the Holy Ghost

2. Appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives.

a. prayer of faith. D&C 42:14

b. making and keeping covenants

c. searching the scriptures diligently

d. strengthening appropriate relationships with family and friends

e. seeking after virtuous thoughts, actions, and language

f. worshipping in our homes, temples, at church

3. Faithfully obey

. . . .everything the Savior's gospel teaches us to do and become is to bless us with the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

...We primarily gather together in unity to seek the blessings of and instruction from the Holy Ghost.

4. Testimony

. . . .keep hearts open to conviction so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it.

We have a great gift given to us at baptism. Let us work hard to be in tune with the Holy Ghost so that our lives will be guided in wisdom and truth. So important.

Today in SS we looked at Ezekiel 47:1-12 which I was always taught was about the literal healing of the dead sea. Today it was taught as a parable as how going to the temple increases our understanding and spiritual strength each time we go. Lee thinks both interpretations are good. It was cross referenced to Revelations 22:2 which talked about a river of pure living water flowing through a river lined with 12 trees whose leaves would heal the nations. The symbolism there is pretty obvious. Twelve being the twelve tribes of Israel taking the gospel to the world the thousand years when Christ will reign here upon the earth. I'm sure it's deeper and richer than I am explaining it but I found it very exciting seeing something new in these verses.

What struck me was just how important it is to go as often as possible. There is real strength there and we are made stronger for going. It helps bring peace to our hearts in these times we are living through.

OUR VERY SURVIVAL

When I had my first child I was scared to death cause I hadn't a clue on how to raise him. I began listening very carefully to what was said in General Conference and glean advice on raising children. Elder Kevin R. Duncan gave a talk on having the wisdom to trust in and follow the counsel of the living prophets and apostles. We can't do that unless we know what they are saying.

Times are a changing and the Lord has provided so many resources to help us come through them clean and worthy to return and live with Him as eternal families. Elder Duncan said, "Trusting in and following the prophets is more than a blessing and a privilege. President Ezra Taft Benson declared that 'our very salvation hangs on following the prophet."

What I know after all these years is we really are blessed to have true and living prophets guiding us today and their messages are so important for us to study and read and implement in our lives.