by Neill F. Marriott
First off, did you notice how well this talk went along with Elder Maynes talk right before?
I loved several things about this talk.
1. Change is possible
Letting the Lord mold us and shape us into what He deems as our best self.
". . . .personal reformation begins with a change of heart- no matter your life experiences or your place of birth."
"Some may think they have failed too many times and feel too weak to change sinful acts or worldly desires of the heart. However, as covenant Israel, we don't just try and try on our own to change. If we earnestly appeal to God, He takes us as we are- and makes us more than we ever imagined!"
image source from Pinterest
Her quote reminded me of something Elder Hales said last conference. He said:
"Whoever you are and whatever your past may be, remember this: it is not too late to make that same choice again and follow Him."
Making our way, the Lord's way, or living a Christ-centered life, will bring these necessary changes into our life.
"How do we make the Lord's ways our ways? I believe we begin by learning of Him and praying for understanding. As our trust in Him grows, we open our hearts, seek to do His will, and wait for answers that will help us understand."
2. Sister Marriott's family motto:
IT WILL ALL WORK OUT!
I love President Hinckley. He always had such encouraging things to say. Sister Marriott quotes President Hinckley who said:
"If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God. . . The Lord will not forsake us."
She then goes on to say:
"Our family motto doesn't say, 'It will all work out NOW.' It speaks of our hope in the eternal outcome - not necessarily of present results. Scripture says, 'Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good. (D&C 90:24) This doesn't mean all things are good, but for the meek and faithful, things- both positive and negative- work together for good, and the timing is the Lord's. . . .A meek heart accepts the trial and the waiting for the time of healing and wholeness to come."
For the last five years, I have watched a close family member grow farther and farther away from the gospel, from Heavenly Father, and from family teachings. This has been extremely painful to watch. I have tried everything I can possibly think of to help bring this person back to the testimony and relationships they once had. I've lost patience too many times to count. I want things to happen on my timetable. This talk was just another reminder from Heavenly Father that "It will all work out!" I just need to align my ways with His, and trust that He's got this.
Sister Marriott says:
"Can we love Jesus Christ and His way more than we love ourselves and our agenda?"
That is the challenge.
I love President Hinckley. He always had such encouraging things to say. Sister Marriott quotes President Hinckley who said:
"If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God. . . The Lord will not forsake us."
She then goes on to say:
"Our family motto doesn't say, 'It will all work out NOW.' It speaks of our hope in the eternal outcome - not necessarily of present results. Scripture says, 'Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good. (D&C 90:24) This doesn't mean all things are good, but for the meek and faithful, things- both positive and negative- work together for good, and the timing is the Lord's. . . .A meek heart accepts the trial and the waiting for the time of healing and wholeness to come."
For the last five years, I have watched a close family member grow farther and farther away from the gospel, from Heavenly Father, and from family teachings. This has been extremely painful to watch. I have tried everything I can possibly think of to help bring this person back to the testimony and relationships they once had. I've lost patience too many times to count. I want things to happen on my timetable. This talk was just another reminder from Heavenly Father that "It will all work out!" I just need to align my ways with His, and trust that He's got this.
Sister Marriott says:
"Can we love Jesus Christ and His way more than we love ourselves and our agenda?"
That is the challenge.