Decisions for Eternity

Sister Hole has given me a challenge today as she used this talk from the Oct. 2013 general conference but incorporated another talk that blended seamlessly. No wonder she offered me (and all the other sisters) a treat at the end of the lesson!
Decisions Determine Destiny is also the talk given by Pres. Monson a while ago in 1980, but some things don't change.

"Important to remember is the solemn truth: Obedience to God’s law will bring liberty and eternal life, whereas disobedience will bring captivity and death.

It has been said by one, years ago, that history is influenced by seemingly small decisions, and so are people’s lives. Our lives will depend upon the decisions which we make—for decisions determine destiny." Each day we get up and have a myriad of decisions to make, most small but eventually have an influence on how we live our lives. That scripture that says we will go and do the things the Lord commands comes into play here. Do we really do the things the Lord commands? We have our agency to choose and do so with each moment of each day. I doubt anyone scores 100% often which is why the plan of salvation is so important.

Think of any situation or place in time and ponder some of those decisions made.

1. a 14 year old boy prays in a grove of trees

2. a battle is won in the dead of winter

3. Noah

4. Laman and Lemuel and Nephi, etc.

What did I say today and how did I say it? Did I prepare well for - - - -  Did I visit my assigned sisters this month?  Perhaps you don't think any of these decisions are monumental but how have they shaped your life? How will you be blessed for the decisions you have made today?

From Elder Nelson's talk about eternal decisions, he says, "The wise use of your freedom to make your own decisions is crucial to your spiritual growth, now and for eternity. You are never too young to learn, never too old to change. Your yearnings to learn and change come from a divinely instilled striving for eternal progression." Isn't that why we came to earth?

Elder Nelson, a physician, comments on the wonders of the body; the ability to see, hear, smell, taste, think, and reason. Our hearts pump blood without us being aware while the body protects itself constantly. The gift of this body is a grand gift indeed. When we become ill or someone in our family becomes ill, it is not punishment but merely a challenge. " Lord said, “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; … for if they humble themselves … and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." Some outstanding spirits dwell in imperfect bodies. If the family rises to the challenge for a special needs child, they will all be blessed for their service and love.

Now here comes one thing that Sister Hole mentioned that I noticed this A.M. as I got ready for church. The aging process is also a gift from God. Had you ever thought of wrinkles quite like that before? Well, as we proceed down the  path of earthly life, we age and get a bit closer to our Father in heaven. It is through death that our spirit is allowed to be released from the aging body and returns to Him. Elder Nelson is very smart in telling us that each day as we look in the mirror, we should see our body as our temple. If we do this act, it can affect how we live that day and what our outlook can be. Our decisions can and do determine our destiny. We need to care for our bodies and take every opportunity to develop our spiritual attributes.

I love this paragraph so must include it. "Your Heavenly Father has known you for a very long time. You, as His son or daughter, were chosen by Him to come to earth at this precise time, to be a leader in His great work on earth.¹⁹ You were chosen not for your bodily characteristics but for your spiritual attributes, such as bravery, courage, integrity of heart, a thirst for truth, a hunger for wisdom, and a desire to serve others." Did you know this, truly know it?

"A pivotal spiritual attribute is that of self-mastery—the strength to place reason over appetite. Self-mastery builds a strong conscience. And your conscience determines your moral responses in difficult, tempting, and trying situations. Fasting helps your spirit to develop dominance over your physical appetites. Fasting also increases your access to heaven’s help, as it intensifies your prayers. Why the need for self-mastery? God implanted strong appetites within us for nourishment and love, vital for the human family to be perpetuated.²² When we master our appetites within the bounds of God’s laws, we can enjoy longer life, greater love, and consummate joy." Each of us makes mistakes but it is what we do then that matters. Do we learn from the errors and then correct them?

There is a wonderful story told in the talk that Pres. Monson gave (July 1980) which I hope you will take time to read as it was pre U Tube. I know there will probably be one electronic device that will not receive what I attach but you can go to lds.org and find both of these talks.

Carry onward, continue to learn and never give up.

Your persistent but imperfect bloggess,

Janice