Gospel Topic # 7: The Potential of Us, as Children of God

It is our responsibility to give them opportunities to live as they should. We can help them to overcome their shortcomings. We must develop the capacity to see men not as they are at present but as they may become when they receive testimonies of the gospel of Christ.

President Thomas S. Monson, "See Others as They May Become", General Conference October 2012

Every person is different and has a different contribution to make. No one is destined to fail. As you seek revelation to see gifts God sees in those you lead in the priesthood—particularly the young—you will be blessed to lift their sights to the service they can perform. With your guidance, those you lead will be able to see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God’s kingdom.

President Henry B. Eyring, "Help Them Aim High", General Conference October 2012

Our Heavenly Father sees our real potential. He knows things about us that we do not know ourselves. He prompts us during our lifetime to fulfill the measure of our creation, to live a good life, and to return to His presence.

Why, then, do we devote so much of our time and energy to things that are so fleeting, so inconsequential, and so superficial? Do we refuse to see the folly in the pursuit of the trivial and transient?

Would it not be wiser for us to “lay up for [ourselves] treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal”?⁵

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Regrets and Resolutions", General Conference October 2012

It was understood from the beginning that in mortality we would fall short of being perfect. It was not expected that we would live without transgressing one law or another.

“For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord.”. . . 

A Mediator, a Redeemer, was chosen, one who would live His life perfectly, commit no sin, and offer “himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.”⁴

President Boyd K. Packer, "The Atonement", General Conference October 2012

We can be delivered from the ways of evil and wickedness by turning to the teachings of the holy scriptures. The Savior is the Great Deliverer, for He delivers us from death and from sin.

Elder L. Tom Perry, "The Power of Deliverance", General Conference April 2012

We can combat fears by strengthening our faith. Let your faith be focused on our loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

God will heed your sincere and heartfelt prayers.

Keep all the commandments of God. . . 

Remember, God’s holy angels are ever on call to help us. When we are faithful, God and His angels will help us.

Many blessings will be yours in this life.

Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Face the Future With Faith", Ensign May 2011

To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being. For example, eternal beings forgive all who have wronged them. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves. And they love all of God’s children. If this seems too difficult—and surely it is not easy for any of us—then we should begin with a desire for such qualities and call upon our loving Heavenly Father for help with our feelings.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Desire", General Conference April 2011

But whoever you are and wherever you find yourself as you seek your way in life, I offer you “the way … and the life” (John 14:6). Wherever else you think you may be going, I ask you to “come unto him” as the imperative first step in getting there, in finding your individual happiness and strength and success.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Come Unto Me", Ensign April 1998

We need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. We live in a world where there is much turmoil. Many people are both angry and afraid. The Savior taught us to love even our enemies (see Matthew 5:44). This is especially true when we disagree. The moral basis of civility is the Golden Rule. It is taught in most religions and particularly by the Savior. . .

In a general conference address I pointed out that “there are some who feel that venting their personal anger or deeply held opinions is more important than conducting themselves as Jesus Christ lived and taught. … How we disagree is a real measure of who we are and whether we truly follow the Savior. It is appropriate to disagree, but it is not appropriate to be disagreeable. … If we show love and respect even in adverse circumstances, we become more like Christ.”

Eder Quentin L. Cook, "Restoring Morality and Religious Freedom", Ensign September 2012

God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration.

No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God!

For what we love determines what we seek.

What we seek determines what we think and do.

What we think and do determines who we are —and who we will become.

We are created in the image of our heavenly parents; we are God’s spirit children. Therefore, we have a vast capacity for love—it is part of our spiritual heritage. What and how we love not only defines us as individuals; it also defines us as a church. Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God", General Conference October 2009

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My Position Statement:

I know that we are all Children of God, and that we have the potential to become like Him. This Earth is a preparatory and testing time for us. We must be ever diligent in knowing right from wrong, and always striving to become better. We have divine potential, and we must be constantly seeking to improve and fulfill it. 

Tara

Diamond in the Rough

She was strong, that’s for sure. And her heart was of Gold.

Nobody knew what her future could hold.

All except her, that is, for she knew.

The things in her future she was destined to do.

She may have tried to tell them, but they wouldn’t believe.

From tauntings and teasings there was no reprieve.

But she knew what she wanted, she didn’t care what they said.

What really mattered was what happened in the end.

When she was knocked down, nobody picked her up.

Every lonely step was the size of a jump.

Perhaps they didn't mean to make it so rough.

But her by herself wasn't always enough.

She was hard on herself, she had great expectations.

The pleasures life had were even greater temptations.

She held onto herself though, knowing soon she’d succeed.

Like everyone else though, there was something she’d need.

When the chance came along, and the person to help her,

The God-given gift was a miracle for sure.

She didn't let go, and he helped her along.
For once life became such a beautiful song.

She knew she could make it probably all on her own.

But with someone to help her, distance was unknown.

She just needed a push, encouragement, and trust.

And that was the magic, the fairy-tale dust.

She became the greatest, and so did her friend.

Towards the progression there’s never an end.

Her friend was the key to unlock all she had.

Just like a brother, or kind, loving dad.

Tara J. Howard



Copyright 2014

Gospel Topic # 6: Serving an LDS Mission

Sisters, while you do not have the same priesthood responsibility as do the young men to serve as full-time missionaries, you also make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome your service.

To the mature brothers and sisters of the Church, I remind you that the Lord needs many, many more of you to serve as full-time missionaries. If you are not yet at the season of life to serve a couples mission, I urge you to prepare now for the day when, as your circumstances allow, you and your spouse might do so. There are few times in your lives when you will enjoy the sweet spirit and satisfaction that come from giving full-time service together in the work of the Master.

Now, some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to the call to serve. Remember that this is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. The Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it.

President Thomas S. Monson, "The Lord Needs Missionaries", Liahona January 2011

God will put prepared people in the way of His prepared servants who want to share the gospel. You have had that happen in your own life. How often it happens depends on the preparation of your mind and your heart.

President Henry B. Eyring, "Sharing the Gospel Heart to Heart", Ensign September 2012

When I speak to our young missionaries, I often tell them they are in the middle of their missions. Whether they just arrived the day before or are to depart for home the day after, I ask them to think of themselves as always being in the middle.

New missionaries may feel they are too inexperienced to be effective, and so they delay speaking or acting with confidence and boldness. Seasoned missionaries who are close to completing their missions may feel sad their missions are coming to a close, or they may slow down as they contemplate what they will do after their missions.

Whatever the circumstances and wherever they serve, the truth is that the Lord’s missionaries are daily sowing countless seeds of good tidings. Thinking of themselves as always being in the middle of their missions will embolden and energize these faithful representatives of the Lord. As it is with full-time missionaries, so it is with all of us.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Always in the Middle", Ensign July 2012

All of us—leaders, teachers, missionaries, and parents—have a lifelong challenge from the Lord to both teach and learn the doctrines of the gospel as they have been revealed to us.

President Boyd K. Packer, "Principles of Teaching and Learning", Ensign June 2007

Viewed in this light, member missionaries—both you and I—are the shepherds, and the full-time missionaries, like the search and rescue team, are trying to do something almost impossible for them to do alone. Certainly the full-time missionaries will continue to do the best they can, but wouldn’t it be better if you and I stepped up to do a job that is rightfully ours and for which we are better suited since we know personally those who are lost and need to be rescued?

Elder L. Tom Perry, "Bring Souls Unto Me", General Conference April 2009

All missionaries, younger and older, serve with the sole hope of making life better for other people.

The decision to serve a mission will shape the spiritual destiny of the missionary, his or her spouse, and their posterity for generations to come. A desire to serve is a natural outcome of one’s conversion, worthiness, and preparation.

Elder Russel M. Nelson, "Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You!", General Conference October 2012

The purpose of our missionary work is to help the children of God fulfill a condition prescribed by our Savior and Redeemer. We preach and teach in order to baptize the children of God so that they can be saved in the celestial kingdom instead of being limited to a lesser kingdom. We do missionary work in order to baptize and confirm. That is the doctrinal basis of missionary work.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Why Do We Do Missionary Work?", New Era September 2009

It would be difficult to imagine anything more exciting to do as a young man, woman, or couple in the world today than to be a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The message of the restored gospel we share is absolutely vital. It is from God our Eternal Father for every one of His children on earth and is centered in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. When that message is understood and lived, it can replace turmoil with peace, sorrow with happiness and provide solutions to life’s persistent challenges.

Elder Richard G. Scott, "Now is the time to Serve a Mission!", General Conference April 2006

With all that there is to do along the path to eternal life, we need a lot more missionaries opening that gate and helping people through it.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "We Are All Enlisted", General Conference October 2011

You and I, today and always, are to bear witness of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the Restoration. You and I, today and always, are to invite all to receive the ordinances of salvation. Proclaiming the gospel is not a part-time priesthood obligation. It is not simply an activity in which we engage for a limited time or an assignment we must complete as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rather, missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage. We were foreordained in the premortal existence and born into mortality to fulfill the covenant and promise God made to Abraham. We are here upon the earth at this time to magnify the priesthood and to preach the gospel. That is who we are, and that is why we are here—today and always.

Elder David A. Bednar, "Becoming a Missionary", General Conference October 2005

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My Position Statement:

Missionary Work is so important. When we truly have a testimony of God and the Gospel, we will naturally want to share it with others. It is a joyful message, and one that can bring so much happiness into the lives of others. We shouldn't just keep it to ourselves, but should constantly be looking for ways that we can share it with everyone around us.

I CAN!!!!

I CAN do Great things with my life.

I CAN be someone amazing.

I CAN decide my future and what I want to be.

I CAN believe in myself.

I CAN ignore what the people around me are saying about me.

I CAN learn to control myself. 

I CAN change myself. 

I CAN be horribly afraid and still come out conquerer. 

I CAN live with negativity around me and still be positive, happy, and amazing. 

I CAN become everything I hope to become. 

I CAN pick my friends, and especially the ones I want to be closest to.

I CAN push myself another mile again and again.

I CAN learn to control myself. 

I CAN always pick myself up again.

I CAN keep going even when everyone around me has lost hope in me.

Believe in Yourself!!! 

Believe in Your Power!!!

Believe in Your Strength!!!

Believe in YOU!!!

Tara J. Howard

The Empty Road - Poem

I started walking back down that path.

There was a sign there, it led to my past.

I remembered then all the magic.

There was so much then. Now there’s havoc.

I really loved that time of my life.

Now it’s all gone, and I wonder why.

Perhaps there are some things not meant to last.

And that’s when we have to stop looking back.

We just look to the future and hope.

Something better will come, I just know.

But right now it hurts. The loss there is felt.

But I know someday it will all turn out well.

You just have to let go, and live day by day.

Even if it just leaves you feeling empty.

When you’re empty then, there’s chance to love once more,

To fill you back up, and again open that door.

It hurts to let go. I know that. That’s true.

But one day it will all be better for you.

Tara J. Howard


Copyright 2014

Another Beginning ~ Poem

I am not a quitter,

You might not understand.

I didn’t leave because I

Was scared, hurt, or sad.

I still want to be there,

In the school that taught so much.

It was my life and lesson,

The world in which I love.

Why’d I have to leave now?
I sure don’t want to go.
There’s nothing I want more than

          

To live that life I know.

But here I go now leaving,

It’s better for us both.

If we want to be friends still,

It’s time to let it go.

It will come back, I’m sure.

The healing though takes time.

I won’t forget about it though,

Even after it dies.



Tara J. Howard



Copyright 2014

Gospel Topic # 5: The Importance of Education

Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. . . I urge you to pursue your education. . . that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such.

Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life.

~President Thomas S. Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You", October 2007 General Conference

Remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision.

~President Henry B. Eyring, "Real-Life Education", April 2009 New Era

Strive to increase your knowledge of all that is “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.”³ Seek knowledge “by study and also by faith.”⁴

In our learning, let us not neglect the fountain of revelation. The scriptures and the words of modern-day apostles and prophets are the sources of wisdom, divine knowledge, and personal revelation to help us find answers to all the challenges in life. Let us learn of Christ; let us seek out that knowledge which leads to peace and truth.

~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Learn!", September 2011 Friend

I want to tell you that which will be of most worth and most desirable. The scriptures say, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom,” and I would add, “with all [your] getting get [going!]” (Proverbs 4:7). I do not have time to waste and neither do you. So listen up!

~President Boyd K. Packer, "How to Survive in Enemy Territory", October 2012 Liahona

We find a wealth of conviction and knowledge from our scriptures: theBible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. We can find inspirational threads running through each of them. In our study we will easily recognize them.

~Elder L. Tom Perry, "The Tradition of a Balanced, Righteous Life", August 2011 Liahona

Because of our sacred regard for each human intellect, we consider the obtaining of an education to be a religious responsibility. Yet opportunities and abilities differ. I believe that in the pursuit of education, individual desire is more influential than institution, and personal faith more forceful than faculty.

Our Creator expects His children everywhere to educate themselves. 

~Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Where is Wisdom?", November 1992 Ensign

Our quest for truth should be as broad as our life’s activities and as deep as our circumstances permit. A learned Latter-day Saint should seek to understand the important religious, physical, social, and political problems of the day. The more knowledge we have of heavenly laws and earthly things, the greater influence we can exert for good on those around us and the safer we will be from scurrilous and evil influences that may confuse and destroy us.

In our quest for truth, we need to seek the help of our loving Heavenly Father. His Spirit can direct and intensify our efforts to learn and magnify our ability to assimilate truth. 

~Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Learning and Latter-Day Saints", April 2009 Liahona

As each element of truth is encountered, you must carefully examine it in the light of prior knowledge to determine where it fits. Ponder it; inspect it inside out. Study it from every vantage point to discover hidden meaning. View it in perspective to confirm you have not jumped to false conclusions. Prayerful reflection yields further understanding. Such evaluation is particularly important when the truth comes as an impression of the Spirit.

~Elder Richard G. Scott, "Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge", October 1993 General Conference

Some facts are helpful or interesting to know. Some knowledge is useful to learn and apply. But gospel truths are essential for us to understand and live if we are to become what our Heavenly Father yearns for us to become. The type of learning I am attempting to describe is not merely the accumulation of data and facts and frameworks; rather, it is acquiring and applying knowledge for righteousness.

~Elder David A. Bednar, "Learning to Love Learning", February 2010 Ensign

Decide what you want to do, and do it! Listening to your teachers, getting a good education, being willing to improve, and working hard makes this possible.

~Elder Robert D. Hales, "Friend to Friend", November 1996 Friend

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My Position Statement:

Education is of the upmost importance, especially in this world. People have got to learn everything they can. They need to get so that they can think for themselves, and make their own decisions about the things in the world. No matter where you are at in life, you need to be learning. Just read books, even, about Philosophy, Art, Science, Nature, everything. Be sure to obtain a thorough and continuous spiritual education as well, and the mysteries of God will be unfolded unto you. 

Tara

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