Counsel that Grandpa Loves...
I have been reflecting on a talk by Elder Cecil O Samuelson - on holding on to our testimonies during these last days and through the trials we experience and will yet experience.
Elder Samuelson shares 10 observations and suggestions to hold onto a testimony. He says that "unfortunately, and especially at times of our own struggle and distress, we may temporarily forget or discount their applicability to us personally.
First, everyone has worth because we are all children of God. He knows us, loves us, and wants us to succeed and return to Him. We must learn to trust in His love and in His timing rather than in our own sometimes impatient and imperfect desires.
Second, while we believe fully in the mighty change of heart described in the scriptures (see Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:12–14, 26), we must understand it often occurs gradually, rather than instantaneously or globally, and in response to specific questions, experiences, and concerns as well as by our study and prayer.
Third, we need to remember that a fundamental purpose of life is to be tested and stretched, and thus we must learn to grow from our challenges and be grateful for the lessons learned that we cannot gain in an easier way.
Fourth, we must learn to trust the things that we believe in or know to sustain us in times of uncertainty or with issues where we struggle.
Fifth, as Alma taught, gaining a testimony is usually a progression along the continuum of hoping, believing, and finally knowing the truth of a specific principle, doctrine, or the gospel itself (see Alma 32).
Sixth, teaching someone else what we know strengthens our own testimony as we build that of another.
Seventh, we must do the little but necessary things daily and regularly. Prayers, scripture and gospel study, attendance at Church meetings, temple worship, fulfilling visiting teaching, home teaching, and other assignments all strengthen our faith and invite the Spirit into our lives. When we neglect any of these privileges, we place our testimonies in jeopardy.
Eighth, we should not have higher standards for others than we do for ourselves. Too often we may let the mistakes or failures of others, especially leaders or Church members, influence how we feel about ourselves or our testimonies. Other people’s difficulties are not an excuse for our own deficiencies.
Ninth, it is good to remember that being too hard on yourself when you make a mistake can be as negative as being too casual when real repentance is needed.
And tenth, we must always be clear that the Atonement of Christ is fully and continuously operative for each of us when we allow it to be so."
I add my testimony to Elder Samuelson's. I know this is the way to true peace and happiness.
I lost my first London hat in Plymouth when it was blown off my head by a gust of wind that took it over a cliff into the ocean. My good friend, Elder Madden, bought me this one to take its place.
Peaceful night walk around the temple. It is beautiful here.
Farnham, England- This is the Saint Andrew's Church in Farnham, England. This is the home of many of the Burningham line of our family - Grandpa Leo Parkin's mother's (Eliza Ann Burningham) family. (Family tree-KWCC-X83) We were able to visit this site while in town delivering supplies and mail to sister missionaries living nearby.
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| St, Andrew's Church |
I love to visit these sites where our ancestors walked and worshiped. Here they developed the roots of their faith in Christ to prepare them to recognize the restored word of God when it was delivered to them by wonderful missionaries.
