Just in the past 3 or 4 months (this last semester in
school) I have learned more about myself than I have at any other time in my
entire life. Its honestly been incredible to me as the Lord has not only shown
me my strengths, but also my weaknesses, as he hopes for me to strengthen them,
and become what he who he wants me to be. I cannot think of a better way to parent. He
always shows me in love what he wants me to change.
Elder Jeffery R. Holland is a speaker who truly MOVES me. I
love and have such a respect for all of our General Authorities, but Holland
has a way with teaching me. I think it’s because he’s straight forward, and to
the point, and tells you exactly what is wrong, and exactly what is right.
Which is exactly how I need to hear it. I’m a very straightforward person who
likes bold people. The best part about how Holland does it though is how he
does it with love. I can FEEL of the love he has, and through him the love my
Father in Heaven has for me. If my mom could be a General Authority, I’d
imagine she’d be a lot like him ;) which is maybe why I love him so much, and
he works with my personality so well.
Anyways, this past conference, he gave a talk entitled “The
Laborers in the Vineyard.” Never in my LIFE has a talk hit me so hard, or been
more specifically for me. Through this talk, Heavenly Father showed me some
things in my life that needed to be changed in order for me to progress. It was
interesting because my mom had just met my sister and I for lunch after the
first session of Saturday conference (we had been at the conference center for
it) And I was driving home with my sister. My mom then called my sister and
asked if we could pull over for a bit, for reasons I don’t even remember! So we
pulled into the parking lot, and my sister got in with my mom. As I waited in
the car Elder Holland began to speak. I’ve always loved Holland, so naturally,
I was excited. It was SO cool to me how the Lord allowed me to be in the car,
by myself, with no distractions, able to learn of the spirit, and feel of what
I needed to hear. I know that if I had been driving, I would have never gotten
what I had gotten out of this talk.
In this talk, Elder Holland tells of one of the Saviors
parables about hiring Labourers. I’m not going to go into detail because I’m
sure many of you have heard it (and if not I strongly encourage you to) but
basically it’s about being jealous and envious when others are blessed.
Some parts that struck me:
“Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?” I think
in life it is SO easy to look at another person, and think about how much they
have, or how much they’ve been given. The natural man says to be jealous, and
so sometimes, we are. I have been so guilty of this recently. Never in my life has this been a problem
until a few months ago. After I heard this line in Holland’s talk, I realized
that I was truly being jealous because He chose to be nice. How is that fair at all? When other people
receive blessings, it does not change who I am, or make me less of a person,
unless I choose to let it by letting envy into my heart.
“What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle
juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment!” This one made me laugh!
How TRUE is this. Why are we bitter when someone else receives something they
want? Why was I being bitter towards those in my life that were receiving what
they’d wanted? If anything I should be happy for them! The Lord truly WILL
(like it says in this talk) give us all he has if we are faithful. It was the natural
man inside of me that justified being bitter, but it is, was, and always will
be wrong. Nothing justifies that. So now I choose not only to be happy for
them, but happy with them! It has blessed my life so much. As i've been positive and happy towards others happy moments, i've realized how many "happy moments" I have, and how blessed I truly am. It's interesting how the adversary makes us believe that we are not being blessed, when in reality, if we look through the right eyes at our own lives, the blessings are EMENSE.
“Coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your
standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind,
and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.” I LOVE this. I
think that it speaks for itself!
“Don’t delay. It’s getting late. In the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.” I talked to my roommates about how much this small sentence affected me,
short, and to the point. We have no time left to delay, it’s getting late, the
time is now. To hear an apostle say THAT
at the very end of his talk without further explanation makes me want to change
my entire life in one day. It was so bold. It is time for Kaitlin Davies to
change what’s holding her back, so one day at a time, I strive to do just that!
I am so grateful, and my heart is so full of love to a Father in
Heaven who loves me enough to allow me to struggle, and then with his help,
change myself. It’s interesting how as life progresses, Heavenly Father gives
me weaknesses I’ve never had before just so that I can strengthen them, empathize
with people and become a better disciple. I love this Gospel and I know that it
is true. Nothing in my life has ever meant more to me!
Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday! Until next
time… J
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