Momentarily Stagnant

I have been feeling lately like I need to be better, like I reached a point of stagnancy. For several Sundays I went to church and pondered on this; what about me could I realistically improve? This Sunday night, I got in bed and began my weekly planning session (some things from the mission don't leave you), and I realized I missed reading the Ensign. You see, in every house on the mission there are a collection of old ensigns (yes, english) and I would perpetually have a stack by my bed which I would study at night, as a brief respite. And without fault, I would be uplifted, enlightened, and comforted by what I read. In light of this remembrance, I set the goal to read three talks this week from general authorities, and my first one I read last night.

            E' Douglas Callister gave a devotional address in 1996 to BYU "Your Refined Heavenly Home" and I found it absolutely inspiring. He talks about our divine inheritance and our earthly pursuit of refining ourselves so that one day we will be comfortable in the company of angels in our heavenly home. I was filled with light as I went over this talk. He quotes President Brigham Young saying "Let us show to the world that we have talent and taste and prove to the heavens that our minds are set on beauty and true excellence, so that we can become worthy to enjoy the society of angels." I was motivated deeply by this talk to renew my effort to be a refined daughter of God. And, thus, I have new direction and purpose.

A really great quote from E' Callister: "Dear daughters of God, you are the crown jewels of all His creations. There has never been a sunset, symphony or work of art as lovely as you. May you catch the vision that you are destined to be a refined and regal queen, and honored by an uncountable posterity, worlds without end." Brilliant