Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave the concluding address of a weekend drenched in such inspired counsel. I feel and am better for those weekends twice yearly for the past forty-six years, and from studying the related conference Ensign magazines. (See Conference Ensign May 2016, https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng). Consistent reminders of such principles through weekly attendance in Sunday meetings enhances those same eternal principles / possibilities. I have a deeper understanding for the most recent emphasis from our leaders…the whys to keep the Sabbath day Holy and single to the Lord and His purposes. Such consistent elevation can’t help but purify and elevate motives and my life. Even when my human nature often drenches me in ‘my mortal stuff’, my weaknesses and inconsistencies, such instruction becomes that ‘pearl of great price’[ii]. So given / learned, over so many years sweetens life and clarifies that eternal destination the Lord has in mind for me, my family… all of us. kdm
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “My brothers and sisters, the first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength—that’s the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. That love is the foundation stone of eternity, and it should be the foundation stone of our daily life. Indeed it is only with that reassurance burning in our soul that we can have the confidence to keep trying to improve, keep seeking forgiveness for our sins, and keep extending that grace to our neighbor.
Now, with that majestic devotion ringing from heaven as the great constant in our lives, manifested most purely and perfectly in the life, death, and Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can escape the consequences of both sin and stupidity—our own or that of others—in whatever form they may come to us in the course of daily living. If we give our heart to God, if we love the Lord Jesus Christ, if we do the best we can to live the gospel, then tomorrow—and every other day—is ultimately going to be magnificent, even if we don’t always recognize it as such. Why? Because our Heavenly Father wants it to be! He wants to bless us. A rewarding, abundant, and eternal life is the very object of His merciful plan for His children! It is a plan predicated on the truth “that all things work together for good to them that love God.” [i] (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/13.46?lang=eng#45) So keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland…the Lord Will Do Wonders Among You (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/tomorrow-the-lord-will-do-wonders-among-you?lang=eng#note10)
