Brightness of Hope

Today I read a talk by Elder Maxwell from 1994. My mom suggested it to my family. She gave us this 9 week spiritual plan that we are all doing as a family. It was kind of a deep talk for me. He used a lot of scripture passages. I picked out one quote that kind of gives an idea of what it is about.

Significantly, those who look forward to a next and better world are usually “anxiously engaged” in improving this one, for they “always abound in good works” (D&C 58:27; Alma 7:24). Thus, real hope is much more than wishful musing. It stiffens, not slackens, the spiritual spine. It is composed, not giddy, eager without being naive, and pleasantly steady without being smug. Hope is realistic anticipation taking the form of determination—a determination not merely to survive but to “endure … well” to the end.

I would have to say that I never thought of Hope as this way. I like how he uses the words "anxiously engaged." I think that it is important to always be working on being better. If we really hope for things to come then we should be ready for them and living the way that the Lord would have us live. I know this is short but it is hard for me to put into words.

Healing Abuse

I shouldn't have posted this online because now you all know how terribly I am doing with my goal. Oh well, I'm just going to keep trying. Today I read Elder scott's talk on Abuse. I really think he did a great job. This isn't really my area but I did like a quote he said which I think can apply elsewhere.

"Recognize that if you have feelings that you are not loved by your Father in Heaven, you are being manipulated by Satan. Even when it may seem very difficult to pray, kneel and ask Father in Heaven to give you the capacity to trust Him and to feel His love for you. Ask to come to know that His Son can heal you through His merciful Atonement."

I just thought that this is a very powerful statement. How true.. I know that when I start to feel discouraged sometimes it is hard to get back on track, but I know that it isn't possible for us to feel like the Savior doesn't care and be true, feelings like that do come from Satan because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us unconditionally. They may not be happy with what we are doing but they always have their arms open to welcome us back into the fold.