The Challenges Nature Presents
Our planet has always been unpredictable. From hurricanes and earthquakes to wildfires and tsunamis, Mother Nature’s wrath knows no bounds. While these natural disasters pose threats to life and property, they have also presented us with countless opportunities. Opportunities to come together, to rally as communities, and to extend a hand to those in dire need.
The Ever-Present Winds of Change
The concept of change is as timeless as the universe itself. From the shifting sands of deserts to the evolving contours of societies, change is a constant companion in our journey. With every sunrise and sunset, we see reflections of transformation in both nature and our personal lives. While these changes, especially the unforeseen ones, might seem daunting, Elder Jacob de Jager offers a profound perspective on embracing them and harnessing their potential.
Today’s inspiration is drawn from President Ezra Taft Benson’s talk in October 1983. As we delve into the depths of what it means to live a Christlike life, let’s reflect on the words of the Apostle Paul: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Fatherhood: More than a Role, an Eternal Bond
Fatherhood is a journey, one filled with challenges, lessons, and moments of unadulterated joy. It is a role that has been celebrated, contemplated, and, at times, criticized throughout human history. The bond between a father and his child is a testament to life’s most profound relationships. Elder Hammond’s poignant account, set amidst the backdrop of a fishing expedition with his son, brings to light the responsibilities, concerns, and the undying love of fatherhood.
Navigating Life’s Choices
Life presents us with choices each day—some small, some major. With so many options before us, how do we know which to pursue? As Christians, we can look to eternal principles to guide our decisions. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The Sanctity of Choice: Our existence is underpinned by the myriad of decisions we make. Every day, every hour, choices big and small weave the narrative of our lives. Within this fabric, some decisions stand out, echoing the deeper values and beliefs we hold. Central to our life’s journey is the gift of free will – the ability to choose our paths, actions, and reactions. It’s through this freedom that we grow, learn, and come closer to our Creator. Our choices are a testament to our relationship with God, a reflection of our commitment to His teachings, and an indicator of the depth of our faith. They silently, yet powerfully, speak of our spiritual alignment, our hopes, and our aspirations.
Every one of us, at some point or another, has been in a situation where we’re trying to offer comfort, but in return, we’re the ones who receive it. This phenomenon isn’t just a coincidence; it’s deeply rooted in the power of gratitude and perspective. This idea was beautifully presented by Bishop Henry B. Eyring in his talk titled “Remembrance and Gratitude.” Let’s delve into its essence and understand how it resonates with each one of us.
Life is filled with blessings from God that can bring us joy, faith, and peace if we open our hearts to receive them. In a recent talk, President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of these precious gifts available to all of God’s children. Focusing on them can anchor our testimonies of faith even amidst life’s difficulties.
Learning from Mistakes
As Elder Lynn G. Robbins explained in his October 2022 general conference talk “Until Seventy Times Seven,”, failures and mistakes can actually help us grow. When we try again after failing, it builds our faith, helps us develop Christlike attributes, and allows us to experience God’s grace. Think of learning any new skill – playing the piano, speaking a foreign language, sports, etc. You have to make countless mistakes before you become proficient. Failure is part of the learning process. As Thomas Edison said about inventing the lightbulb, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” God allows us to make mistakes and fail so we can learn and grow from the experience. Failure helps us develop faith, patience, humility and other Christlike qualities. It teaches us to rely on God’s grace. The opposition we face in life refines us and helps perfect us. As the scriptures say, it’s through much tribulation that we enter God’s kingdom (Acts 14:22).
Why I Created God’s Wisdom Now
Prayer and seeking God’s voice have always been my go-to methods for seeking clarity. In moments of doubt or decision-making, I often find myself turning to scripture, hoping for a random page to offer insights into my situation. It was from these personal experiences that the idea of “God’s Wisdom Now” was born.
