TAG. You're it!

Thanks to Liz Ann, I have been tagged and am now responsible for the following:

TAG
1. Pick up the nearest book

2. Open to page 123

3. Find the 5th sentence

4. Post the next 3 sentences

5. Tag 3 people and acknowledge who tagged you

Okay, I had three books that were identically the same distance from me. The first was Strengthening Our Families, An In-Depth Book at the Proclamation on the Family. Its pg. 123 was just footnotes. The second book, A Heart Like His, Making Space For God's Love in Your Life (Our stake RS challenge to us), didn't have a pg. 123. So, that left me with my last book, Teachings of Presidents of the Church--Joseph Smith manual. It just so happens that pg. 123 is this weeks lesson for our ward. However, it is the section at the end where you have the questions to ponder. So here they are:

"What experiences in your own life have taught you that you must be worthy in order to use your spiritual gifts?

Review the secion that begins on page 117. In what ways does the Church benefit from having members with different gifts of the Spirit?"

I think I will take the liberty to answer these questions (I am going above and beyond :) :

1. First of all, spiritual gifts come from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost will not dwell with those who are living unrighteously. Consequently, in order for spiritual gifts to be manifested one must be worthy.

One spiritual gift that I have is the gift of prayer. I quote my patriarchal blessing, "The Lord gives unto you the gift of prayer...He will always be present and no matter the location or the circumstances you through this gift will be able to receive the answers that you need..."

Prayer indeed has been a gift in every sense of the word to me. However, if my mind is caught up in trivial things, I clearly feel this gift fade from me. Only when I am truly focused on the Lord and His will do I feel the guidance, inspiration, wisdom, and direction that I need. I feel true power when I atune my mind to the Savior. The Lord's presence almost feels tangible during these times.

I have called on my Father in Heaven in many circumstances and attitudes. I bear testimony that when I have filled my mind and soul with frivilous and distracting thoughts, my prayers have been unfruitful. However, the times that I have pondered and meditated on the weightier matters of life, I have been lifted, sustained, succored, and invigorated. I have been enlightened, edified, enriched, and encircled with truth and love. It is beautiful. It is rewarding. It is peaceful. It is a gift of the spirit that is only felt when I am worthy. It is utilized and magnified when I am at one with the Lord.

2. Every member of the Church has at least one gift available to them. At baptism, the Holy Ghost was confirmed to each member. This companionship marked the way for spiritual gifts to flow. Not every member will have the same gifts, but every member will have at least one. Furthermore, we should seek after these gifts, for they are ours to inherit. They are an heritage to the righteous. They are ours to embrace.

It is beneficial that we come to together and share the gifts that we posess. The scriptures list what some of these gifts are. However, it is not a comprehensive list. Elder Robert D. Hales listed some other possibilites, "The gift to ponder; looking to God for direction. The gift to hear and respond to the still, small voice. The gift to be calm, which includes the ability to curb anger and to be temperate rather than contentious. The gift to study and to listen." Marvin J. Ashton said, "Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important...the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being aggreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony" And, Bruce R. McConkie summed it up by saying, "Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety."

Think about the many gifts that are offered and available to man. It is profoundly wonderful and awesome! Now, think about the many members of the Church and the contributions that they make because of the gifts that are accompanying them. Everyone's unique disposition and qualities embellish the Church. You may see in someone else a gift that you would like to develop. The fellowship and time spent together will help build and harness every member. You see, we all have something to offer and we all have something to learn. This unified effort, when we come together, only fortifies and strengthens us all to progress to greater heights.

As a reminder: D&C 46:8 counsels, "Seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given"

And why are they given? ...
The gifts of the Spirit are always given to the saints to benefit them and also to edify others.

What gifts do you have?
What gifts do you need?

I pray that we will recognize the Lord's hand in our lives; that we will love with all holiness, and be faithful in our covenants, to live lives of shining examples, and keep moving forward with great strength. I testify that the gifts of the Spirit will help in our journey and will increase our abilities. Use them wisely. Seek them diligently.


Okay...
Hannah, Amber, and Angel
You are now tagged!