#and now i am observing earth from above through this heavenly lens

[64yrsold]

by americalikesher on twitter wowee

[livingprophets-blog]

Obtaining Spiritual Gifts

Position: Many latter-day saints have been told that we are blessed with certain spiritual gifts like charity, recall, or integrity of heart in our patriarchal blessings. Alternatively, many have been told to seek these gifts out. At a BYU-Idaho devotional in Fall 2017, a speaker charged us with the mission of obtaining spiritual gifts, which has weighed upon my mind ever since. Prophets and Apostles alike exhort us to seek out spiritual gifts, and lend advice on how we might obtain them. One common theme pervades this advice, which is to pray earnestly for them and work ceaselessly on acquiring them.

“Spiritual gifts do not come visibly, automatically, and immediately to all who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that most such gifts are “not visible to the natural vision, or understanding of man,” and that it “require[s] time and circumstances to call these gifts into operation.” Spiritual Gifts - Elder Dallin H. Oaks - September 1986

“Your leader in the Lord’s Church may seem to you weak and human or may appear to you strong and inspired. The fact is that every leader is a mixture of those traits and more. What helps servants of the Lord who are called to lead us is when we can see them as the Lord did when He called them. The Lord sees His servants perfectly. He sees their potential and their future. And He knows how their very nature can be changed. He also knows how they can be changed by their experiences with the people they will lead.” The Lord Leads His Church - President Henry B. Eyring - October 2017

“In the Doctrine and Covenants we read, “The word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” This profound insight—that light is spirit, which is truth, and that this light shines upon every soul who comes into the world—is as important as it is hopeful. The Light of Christ enlightens and saturates the souls of all who hearken to the voice of the Spirit. The Light of Christ fills the universe. It fills the earth. And it can fill every heart.” Bearers of Heavenly Light - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - October 2017

“Brothers and sisters, when I speak of seeing through gospel glasses, please know that I am not suggesting that we do not acknowledge or discuss the challenges we face or that we walk blissfully ignorant of the traps and evils the enemy has placed before us. I am not speaking of wearing blinders—but just the opposite. I am suggesting that we look at challenges through the lens of the gospel. Elder Dallin H. Oaks observed that “perspective is the ability to see all relevant information in a meaningful relationship.” A gospel perspective expands our sight to an eternal view.” Spiritual Eclipse - Elder Gary E. Stevenson - October 2017

“The spiritual gift referred to as the “word of wisdom” (see D&C 46:17; Moro. 10:9; 1 Cor 12:8) has been explained as the wise application of knowledge. I would call this judgment. This is a precious gift for any field of knowledge, but judgment in applying spiritual knowledge is a quality of eternal worth.” Spiritual Gifts - Elder Dallin H. Oaks - September 1986

“God knows our gifts. My challenge to you and to me is to pray to know the gifts we have been given, to know how to develop them, and to recognize the opportunities to serve others that God provides us. But most of all, I pray that you will be inspired to help others discover their special gifts from God to serve.” Help Them Aim High - President Henry B. Eyring - October 2012

“Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.” The Tender Mercies of The Lord - Elder David A. Bednar - April 2005

“I now realize that in the Church, to effectively serve others we must see them through a parent’s eyes, through Heavenly Father’s eyes… Only when we see through Heavenly Father’s eyes can we be filled with ‘the pure love of Christ.’” Through God’s Eyes - Elder Dale G. Renlund - October 2015

“For generations, the religious-based virtue of humility and the civic virtues of modesty and understatement have been the predominant standard. In today’s world, there is an increased emphasis on pride, self-aggrandizement, and so-called “authenticity,” which sometimes leads to a lack of true humility. Some suggest the moral values for happiness today include “be real, be strong, be productive—and most important, don’t rely on other people … because your fate is … in your own hands.” The scriptures advocate a different approach. They suggest that we should be true disciples of Jesus Christ. This entails establishing a powerful feeling of accountability to God and a humble approach to life. King Benjamin taught that the natural man is an enemy to God and advocated that we need to yield ourselves “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit.” He explained, among other things, that this requires becoming “submissive, meek, humble, patient, [and] full of love.” The Eternal Everyday - Elder Quentin L. Cook - October 2017

“The way to optimism as we go forward was given by the Lord: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36). President Monson told us how to do that. We are to ponder and apply the Book of Mormon and the words of prophets. Pray always. Be believing. Serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We are to pray with all the energy of our hearts for the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ (see Moroni 7:47–48). And above all, we are to be consistent and persistent in following prophetic counsel.” Fear Not to Do Good - President Henry B. Eyring - October 2017