What Matters Most

The white and orange cloud billowed up from the mountainside filling the sky. I could see it an hour away from home. As I continued driving towards this cloud I couldn't help but feeling very small and helpless against the enormous forest fire.

The light became orange as the sun was covered by the smoke cloud. Ash fell from the sky in flurries, and the suffocating smell of burning pine was almost tangible. I had been driving almost 7 hours, due to traffic from fires and I had been looking forward to coming home; only to arrive in time to be told to gather supplies for 24 hours in case we would be evacuated. 

I recalled all those times when people would ask rhetorically. "If your house was on fire what would you save?" Now I had to answer this question realizing that whatever I didn't pack in the back of my car I might never see again. I was surprised at how close my hypothetical answers came to reality.

First we gathered non-perishable food items. (bread and water)

Then one pair of clothes, shoes etc.

Scriptures, letters, camera, and chargers for phone, iPad etc

First aid kit.

and then whatever else would fit into a small bag.

As we loaded all of this into the back of our car I looked back into our small apartment and looked at all the things we were leaving behind. All of the things that mattered, but everything I needed I managed to fit into one small bag.

After helping someone pack up to move I was very aware of how easy it is to accumulate "stuff", and how easy it is to worry about things rather than people.

In this Video titled "What Matters Most" President Thomas S. Monson describes how the things that matter most in life aren't really things at all, but people.

When it all boils down people are what matter most. People can be frustrating, rude, or inconvenient at times, But people are what help us give meaning to our lives, and make memories that we can cherish no matter what comes our way! 

Take some time this weekend to share one of your memories with that someone. We all have people we care about, let them know!

I promise that you will never regret the decision to share your gratitude for those you love, and always remind them that they are what Matters Most to you.

The Spirit of God

"My life has been full of stress and tumult lately. . . but I feel a sense. . . just a settling of peace here. Does anyone else feel that?"

As I heard those words I sat forward in my chair, and paused. The realization of how strongly I could feel the presence of the Holy Ghost took me by surprise. There was a piano tuner in the other room and college students laughing out in the hallway, but among all this noise I found I could feel a definite sense of peace settling in the room. I could feel the tears in the back of my eyes and, with a smile I nodded.

The sense of the Spirit, or the ability to recognize His presence and counsel is something that has taken me a long time to develop. The spirit or the Holy Ghost is the third member of the God head(which consists of
God our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost,) is what testifies of truth to all of God's Children. Those who have accepted the Truth of Christ's gospel and are Baptized receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Who then remains as our constant companion, testifies, comforts, guides, warns, and teaches us.

" 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
-John 14:26-27

As you read those words from the Savior take a minute to ask yourself, of those blessings which come from the Holy Ghost, which do you want in your life the most? How can you bring this Spirit, this Comforter, this Peace, this knowledge, this remembrance, or this separation from the world into your life?

To these questions I have three suggestions that will change your life.

1. Pray: talk to your Father in Heaven and ask for the spirit to be in your life. He wants to hear from you, and you can feel of His love for you through the Holy Ghost
2. Read your Scriptures: Either the Book of Mormon or the Bible, or any of the standard works, the Holy Ghost will testify of Truth as you read, and your understanding will increase. Also Read the words of the living prophets
3. Attend Church: What better way to feel the Spirit of the Lord than in a building that has been dedicated as a house of the Lord? 

I promise that as you begin to apply those three suggestions in your life you will feel a difference. You may have tried it before but without any success. I challenge you to go into each of these three steps with an open mind and a sincere heart. If you are willing to accept the Spirit into your life he will come into it. I know this will happen because I've tried it, and it has made all the difference.

 "...if ye shall ask with a ^csincere heart, with ^dreal intent, having ^efaith in Christ, he will ^fmanifest the ^gtruthof it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

  And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may ^aknow the ^btruth of all things."

Moroni 10:4-5