Doctrine & Covenants 89: 18-19

"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures."

3.24.2011

Exaltation

My bishop came as talked to our young women last Sunday about exaltation. He started off the conversation by asking why Heavenly Father sent us here? He then gave us a disclaimer saying that only his answer was going to be right. So we all took a guess and ended up with some version of returning to Heavenly Father. Which wasn't the answer that Bishop was looking for.

Sometimes we get stuck on the seminary answers. Go to church, read my scriptures, say my prayers, be married in the temple. Well these are excellent goals to be sure but we can't stop there. I can see a young woman or a young man thinking - if I can just get married in the temple all will be well, I made it. However, as many of us know that is just the beginning. There is so much more to belonging to Christ's church. Bishop compared it to mountain climbing. He said that there is a mountain in Colorado that has six false peaks but you can't see the next peak until you are up and over the last one. If no one told you about those six false peaks you might find yourself on the third peak and looking up to realize that there is yet another peak. Then thinking that this surely has to be the top peak and it is just a little further, I am cold, tired and hungry. I can go just that far. Then you realize its not the top peak you would become discouraged and depressed. If we don't explain that these commandments; going to church, reading scriptures, saying prayers, being married in the temple are just steps and not the peak then are we really giving out youth the best that we have to offer?

It is easy enough to become discouraged with all the knowledge that we do have. I know how overwhelming it is to think of all the things that we need to teach them but I know with Heavenly Father's help we can do it. I know that He truly hears and answers prayers and that He knows us, our wants, our needs. He is there if you will just seek Him. I am so very grateful to be a part of this church. I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and I am grateful for church leaders who pray for us and bring us Heavenly Father's words. I am excited for General Conference coming up. Listen closely and you will find that Heavenly Father is talking directly to you. How amazing is that?