Tag Archives: trials

GCBC Week 20: All Things Work Together for Good

Posted in General Conference Book Club by

General Conference Book Club, Week 20:

“All Things Work Together for Good” by Elder James B. Martino of the Seventy

When we are in the midst of challenges, it is difficult to see the purpose in our struggles.  We sometimes fear that the trial is bigger than our ability to bear it.  Even Joseph Smith, in a dark time during his imprisonment, cried out to the Lord, “O God, where art thou?” (D&C 121:1), to which he received this reassurance:  “… Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”

In this conference talk, Elder Martino testifies:

“Our trials come in many forms, but each will allow us to become more like the Savior as we learn to recognize the good that comes from each experience. As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father’s love. We may never know in this life why we face what we do, but we can feel confident that we can grow from the experience.”

What insights do you gain about facing trials as you study this talk?

Go here to find the media versions of the talk (audio, video, mp3, etc.).  If this is your first visit to the General Conference Book Club,  click here to learn more about it.

GCBC Week 15: Turn to the Lord

Posted in General Conference Book Club by

General Conference Book Club Week 15:

In the Sunday morning session of General Conference, Elder Donald L. Hallstrom taught a message called  “Turn to the Lord.”

“In the most difficult circumstances of life, there is often only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, extends His grace with the invitation “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He further promises, “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27).”

He gives some great advice about how to deal with conflict, disappointment and heartache without becoming bitter or losing faith in the Lord.  What do you like about this talk?

Go here to find the media versions of the talk (audio, video, mp3, etc.).  If this is your first visit to the General Conference Book Club,  click here to learn more about it.

GCBC Week 4: The Rock of Our Redeemer

Posted in General Conference Book Club by

What I love about Elder Andersen’s talk is the juxtaposition of broken hearts and strong spirits.  He declares:

I testify that those who keep His commandments will grow in faith and hope. They will be given strength to overcome all of life’s trials.

It is easy to fall victim to the line of thought that when our current trials or concerns are over, we will be in a better position to do what we should do. In this talk, we are reassured that “hope, with its attendant blessings of peace and joy, does not depend upon circumstance.” It is possible to find strength and power even in, maybe especially in, the hard spots of life.

How has your testimony of the Savior rescued you from dark times?  What stands out to you from this talk?

Go here to find the media versions of the talk (audio, video, mp3, etc.).  If this is your first visit to the General Conference Book Club,  click here to learn more about it.

General Conference Book Club Week 23: Elder Clayton and Elder Renlund

Posted in General Conference Book Club by

THREE weeks left until General Conference!!  Only two more GCBC weeks to go, and then we’ll start all over again.  Woo hoo!

(Is anybody up for that?)

We have five talks left to read, so we’ll look at two of them this week so that we can finish up on time.

Both of these talks address trials:  the first focuses on the why of burdens and suffering, and the second discusses how to endure well.

Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy spoke at the Saturday morning session of conference.  His message was “That Your Burdens May Be Light.”

“Burdens provide opportunities to practice virtues that contribute to eventual perfection.”

“No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others, or our own mistakes and shortcomings, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress. Our unique individual experiences can help us prepare to return to Him.”

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Seventy spoke during the Sunday afternoon session of conference, and he taught how preserving our faith and maintaining our obedience is the best way to endure our challenges well.  He also cautions us against complacency.  His talk was “Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change.“

“Enduring to the end can be challenging because the tendency of the natural man is to reject the spiritually changed heart and allow it to harden.”

“To endure to the end, we need to be eager to please God and worship Him with fervor.”

So, enjoy these talks.  Just share some of your thoughts and insights as you read and study them.  I always love to hear what stands out to you and how it is meaningful in the circumstances of your lives.

You can go here to find the links to watch, or listen to these talks.  And here you will find more information about the GCBC if you’re curious how it works.

General Conference Book Club Week 17: Elder Cook

Posted in General Conference Book Club by

02_05_cook

Thank you to all of you who rejoined GCBC in full force last week.  It made me happy to know people were still participating.  (I really didn’t mean to guilt people into commenting, but I thought no one was still reading along with the Conference talks.  I’m over it now.  Thanks.)

This week we will study the talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  The talk is called “Our Father’s Plan– Big Enough for All His Children,” (click here to read it), and was part of the Saturday afternoon session of Spring General Conference.  This tagline seemed to be a good transition from last week’s talk by Elder Eyring:

Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious.

And perhaps because I just returned from Nauvoo, that line makes me think of the hymn, “Come, come ye Saints.”  I don’t know if you’ve already seen this video based on a previous message from Elder Dallin H. Oaks, but it highlights the sweet balance of trial, courage, testimony, and blessings: