Well this past week has been rather interesting. I came to deeply understand the character of Christ this week. For each of your to better understand what I mean by that, I invite you to read the talk "Character of Christ" by Elder Bednar from the BYU Idaho Religion Symposium in January of 2003 especiall the quote "Perhaps the greatest indicator......a consistent and charitable character." I found just how difficult it is to turn outward and seek to give the exact blessings we lack and desire to those around us in the moment when it is most difficult. I can't really describe this last week any better than putting my shoulder up against a rather immovable boulder and pushing with every fiber of my being just to find that it hasn't moved.... and after some serious exertion, and a fight, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically.... I actually lost myself in the work of the Lord for at least a while. That I found my life by losing it... for my companion, for a family walking in the streets of Bolivia, for a lost sheep who hasn't attended church in months, and many others.
There is true strength, sense of achievement, and love of Christ found in turning to others when you yourself are in the greatest time of need. The Lord seems to drag me pulling nearly all the weight some days.... but this week I found more often than not how to do my part in this work.
I've been meaning to do this for a while but I thought pretty intensely about all of you during this past conference and felt particularly inspired to ask you to reread or review the following talks possibly keeping my point of view in mind. Good spiritual homework ;) at least get one in this week..... please. Here are some that I think are worth taking a second look at:
Saturday morning: Uchtdorf, Marriott, Viñas
Saturday afternoon: Holland, Oaks, Uchtdorf, Hales
Sunday morning: Holland, Lawrence
Sunday afternoon: Bednar
Separate from conference but talks I recently read and LOVED: Feed My Sheep by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Please find some time for your favorite mish in the field who loves and prays for all of you to study the words of the living prophet and apostles. :) <3
I love you all.
Elder Van Horne
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