I’m back, so we might even have actual links this week. 🙂 I picked two talks this time because they seemed a good fit to study together.
“Followers of Christ”
by Elder Walter F. González
Of the Presidency of the Seventy
and
“The Essence of Discipleship”
by Sister Silvia H. Allred
First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
I thought it was really interesting to read each talk’s emphasis on different characteristics of discipleship. The two things that stood out to me (and were consistent in both talks) were covenant keeping and charitable kindness.
I’d love to hear your thoughts as you study these talks. What were the highlights for you? What are some practical ways you feel like you can apply these principles in your life? Please share your ideas in the comments below.
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Diapers and Divinity 
Oh I needed those reminders!! I think I know what FHE is tomorrow…Brother Gonzalez’s talk.
I have also been blessed by this truth: “Heavenly Father loves us and knows our unique circumstances and abilities. Although we seek His help daily through prayer, it is usually through another person that He meets our needs.”
~Shari
The theme of love that runs through these talks stood out to me. I think the Lord is trying to teach me to stop looking at my life as a list of things to be accomplished and instead to focus on love–love for Him and for the people around me. Doing that really changes the way we approach things and how we respond to the things that happen in our lives. I think our lives will be measured less by what we “got done” and more by the love we have developed and shared with others.
Both great talks and great reminders to love, to serve, to keep covenants. Enjoyed both comments as well.
I know I’m late with this, but better than never right?
I love the talk by Elder Gonzalez because it really lends itself to introspection and pondering. I found that he seemed to be asking me to examine the following questions:
What do I need to forsake?
What things do I need to withstand (both adversity and temptation fronts)
In what ways can I improve my treatment to others?
He also inspired me to come up with a plan for some temple attendance. We have a four month old but we can figure out a way to get to the temple. The quote ‘the power of our covenants is great than any challenge we face or may face’ is absolutely inspiring. I want that power more fully in my life.
I also feel humbled by the great love of my Savior. I do love Him in return, and I know I can more fully show that love if I really take this talk to heart.
I read the other talk but as my comment is long as is I think I’ll end there.
Here’s another “better late than never” reply, but I made a commitment to myself to do this, and I want to keep it. I have been reading throughout the summer, just not posting. Anyway, my personal “theme” for the year is service, so I loved Sister Allred’s talk reminding us of the importance of this principle. I loved her idea: “To think that a humble sister or brother with a Church calling can go into a home where there is poverty, sorrow, sickness, or distress and can bring peace, relief, and happiness is astonishing.” The more self-reliance we gain, the more we can help others. That’s another wonderful principle.
My favorite phrase from Elder Gonzalez’ talk was “Truly loving Christ provides the required strength to follow Him.” It’s not always easy being a disciple, yet it’s by loving and serving others that we gain the strength to love and serve others. What a paradox!