RYSA 2007

CALAPE DISTRICT

ACQUIRING SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE

ACQUIRING SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE
By Elder Richard G. Scott

The following personal experience... occurred some time ago when I had responsibilities in Mexico and Central America that were far beyond my personal capacity to fulfill. I spent much sincere effort in seeking guidance and understanding from the Lord in study, prayer, fasting, and anxious service. Help came unexpectedly one Sunday as I attended a meeting where a humble... priesthood leader struggled to communicate truths of the gospel identified in his lesson manual....

...Love, sincerity, and purity of intent permitted a spirit to envelop the room. I was so touched that in addition to receiving again a witness of the truths he presented, I began to receive some personal impressions as an extension of those principles taught by the humble instructor. These impressions, intended for me personally, were related to my assignments in the area. They came in answer to my prolonged efforts to learn.

As each impressions came, I wrote it down. I was given precious truths needed for me to be more effective. The specific counsel began with this impression: "Continue to build the Church on the foundation of true principles, but with increased expression of love and appreciation for the great Lamanite people. "There followed matters of great benefit to me....

This experience...created an environment where strong impressions flowed. I wrote them down. One paragraph began,"Testify to instruct, edify, and lead others to full obedience, not to demonstrate anything of self. All who are puffed up shall be cut off." Another signaled, "You are nothing in and of yourself, Richard."That was followed with some specific counsel on how to be a better servant. The impressions became so personal that I felt it inappropriate to record them in the midst of a...class. I sought a more private location. There I continued to write the feelings that flooded into my mind and heart as accurately and as faithfully as possible. After each powerful impressions was recorded, I meditated upon it and pondered the feelings I had received to determine if I had accurately interpreted them. Then I studied their meaning and application in my own personal life.

Subsequently I prayed, expressing to the Lord what I thought I had felt. There came a feeling of peace and serenity when it was confirmed. I asked if there was yet more that I should be given to understand. There came further impressions, and the process was repeated until I received the most precious, specific direction for which I will ever be grateful.
-Brigham Young University 1992-93 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1993], 155-56

A VOICE OF GLADNESS

A VOICE OF GLADNESS

Disappointments, death, losses, or failures are real and difficult to manage but should never cause us to have barbed tongues, lasting resentment, or negative attitudes. The gospel encourages us to develop the capacity to learn from the past and present and see the opportunities that can be ours in the days to com.

-Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-1994)

SERVICE

SERVICE

"As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to care for and serve our brothers and sisters. In relating the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus Christ not only confound His enemies but also taught a great lesson to all who sought to follow Him. We need to enlarge the circle of our influence. Our service to others should be independent of race, color, standing, or relationships. After all, the commandment to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees"3 did not come with qualifications."
-Elder Michael J. Teh "Out of Small Things"

PRESIDENT SPENCER W. KIMBALL TAUGHT:

PRESIDENT SPENCER W. KIMBALL TAUGHT:

"The possession of riches does not necessarily constitute sin. But sin may arise in the acquisition and use of wealth...'For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.'(1 Tim. 6:1--11)

ELDER WILLIAM R. BRADFORD

"Selflessness is righteousness. It embraces the true spirit of companionship. It is the very essence of friendship. It is the portrayer of true love & oneness in humanity. Its reward is the freeing of the soul, a nearness of divinity, a worthiness for the companionship of the spirit. Every requirement that God's plan for our salvation places upon us is based on the giving of one's self."
-Elder William R. Bradford