1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:14,800 Welcome to Closer to Christ through General Conference, where two friends who love Jesus 2 00:00:14,800 --> 00:00:18,240 share our own approach to studying the most recent General Conference talks. 3 00:00:18,240 --> 00:00:19,880 This is Abbey and Amy. 4 00:00:19,880 --> 00:00:20,880 Let's jump into it. 5 00:00:20,880 --> 00:00:26,800 Today we're discussing the talk, The Wind Did Never Cease to Blow by Elder Alaraldo 6 00:00:26,800 --> 00:00:28,880 B. Cavalcanti of the Seventy. 7 00:00:28,880 --> 00:00:34,600 So Abbey, just the title alone, I really, really love that because we're in that part 8 00:00:34,600 --> 00:00:36,400 of the Book of Mormon right now. 9 00:00:36,400 --> 00:00:40,680 So he starts by saying, and we're going to jump into that in just a second, but he starts 10 00:00:40,680 --> 00:00:46,480 out his talk by talking about, in 2015, 62 members of the J. Ruben Clark Law Society 11 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:52,680 partnered with the State Prosecutor's Office in Pernambuco, Brazil, sorry about that, to 12 00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:56,800 address the legal challenges of elderly residents in four different nursing homes. 13 00:00:56,800 --> 00:01:02,160 It took over five hours of interviews with over 200 residents who'd been largely forgotten 14 00:01:02,160 --> 00:01:03,400 by society. 15 00:01:03,400 --> 00:01:08,000 They uncovered cases of abandonment, mistreatment, and financial exploitation, leading to charges 16 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:10,520 being filed against the offenders. 17 00:01:10,520 --> 00:01:15,660 Then he ties it to this active service embodied King Benjamin's teaching that serving others 18 00:01:15,660 --> 00:01:17,080 is serving God. 19 00:01:17,080 --> 00:01:21,780 Though the resident struggles weren't fully resolved, the event reminded them of their 20 00:01:21,780 --> 00:01:24,440 worth in God's eyes. 21 00:01:24,440 --> 00:01:29,240 Like Amy said, if you're listening to the podcast pretty close to the release date that 22 00:01:29,240 --> 00:01:33,400 we put them out, then you too have been taking a deep dive into these chapters in the ether 23 00:01:33,400 --> 00:01:36,720 that tell about the rise and fall of the Jaredite people. 24 00:01:36,720 --> 00:01:42,880 But definitely the beginning of their story starts with people that are covenant confident, 25 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:47,840 they're enjoying the blessings of following Jesus Christ. 26 00:01:47,840 --> 00:01:52,440 I think it would be useful in a Relief Society lesson, because we're in a Book of Mormon 27 00:01:52,440 --> 00:01:58,960 cycle this year, to give the sisters, brothers a chance to discuss the lessons that they're 28 00:01:58,960 --> 00:02:02,080 learning from this Jaredite story. 29 00:02:02,080 --> 00:02:03,080 We would agree. 30 00:02:03,080 --> 00:02:04,080 It's full of symbolism. 31 00:02:04,080 --> 00:02:05,080 Oh yeah. 32 00:02:05,080 --> 00:02:10,000 Symbolism of enduring trials and relying on the Lord, similar to the challenges that we 33 00:02:10,000 --> 00:02:11,360 face in our day. 34 00:02:11,360 --> 00:02:13,320 So I'll ask you that question. 35 00:02:13,320 --> 00:02:17,280 What symbolism have you drawn in your study of ether this year or previous years? 36 00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:19,200 Okay, so I really liked it this week. 37 00:02:19,200 --> 00:02:20,200 It was so cute. 38 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:25,160 When we were doing a scripture study at night and he was in seminary that day and we were 39 00:02:25,160 --> 00:02:28,040 just kind of talking back and forth and he said, you know, can I take this? 40 00:02:28,040 --> 00:02:29,040 Can I ask questions? 41 00:02:29,040 --> 00:02:30,360 You know, like what do the barges represent? 42 00:02:30,360 --> 00:02:31,680 What do the stones represent? 43 00:02:31,680 --> 00:02:35,360 And it was just kind of fun to see him, you know, do that. 44 00:02:35,360 --> 00:02:39,680 As far as the barges, Abby, we know they were tight, like under a dish, like it says in 45 00:02:39,680 --> 00:02:41,120 Ether 6-7. 46 00:02:41,120 --> 00:02:45,240 They were designed to withstand the mountain waves of the sea. 47 00:02:45,240 --> 00:02:49,920 And then their construction teaches us that our lives, when fortified by faith and obedience 48 00:02:49,920 --> 00:02:53,520 to God's commandments, can endure life storms. 49 00:02:53,520 --> 00:02:56,960 Now the second one would be that I would think of as the stones. 50 00:02:56,960 --> 00:03:02,000 The glowing stones provided light in the barges, symbolizing the constant presence and guidance 51 00:03:02,000 --> 00:03:05,360 of Jesus Christ, even in moments of darkness. 52 00:03:05,360 --> 00:03:09,040 Just as the stones illuminated their journey, Christ's light can guide and comfort us in 53 00:03:09,040 --> 00:03:11,120 our struggles all throughout our lives. 54 00:03:11,120 --> 00:03:12,120 I love that. 55 00:03:12,120 --> 00:03:18,400 And this year in particular, I loved how my studies had me focusing on the idea that the 56 00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:21,760 brother of Jared is the one that came up with the solution to his problem. 57 00:03:21,760 --> 00:03:26,320 He decided on the stones being the path that he would try to get light. 58 00:03:26,320 --> 00:03:30,940 And he worked those stones, he made them shiny and clear as glass. 59 00:03:30,940 --> 00:03:33,980 The best chance of getting light is possible, but that still wasn't enough. 60 00:03:33,980 --> 00:03:37,760 And then he presented that to the Lord, who was then able to touch them and give the light 61 00:03:37,760 --> 00:03:39,080 that he was seeking for his family. 62 00:03:39,080 --> 00:03:40,840 And what a noble thing. 63 00:03:40,840 --> 00:03:42,880 They don't know how long they're going to be on this journey. 64 00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:45,280 And they certainly don't want to do that in the darkness. 65 00:03:45,280 --> 00:03:49,080 And this was a beautiful answer to something that was deep in his heart. 66 00:03:49,080 --> 00:03:54,880 So I loved the idea of doing the best that we can, presenting it to the Lord, and then 67 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:58,920 Him consecrating our efforts, magnifying them, and then making them perfect. 68 00:03:58,920 --> 00:03:59,920 Right. 69 00:03:59,920 --> 00:04:02,040 I love that too, Abby. 70 00:04:02,040 --> 00:04:03,040 Like the loaves and fishes. 71 00:04:03,040 --> 00:04:06,800 Okay, so now the winds, which this talk talks about. 72 00:04:06,800 --> 00:04:12,080 The winds, as the record says, the Lord caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon 73 00:04:12,080 --> 00:04:15,280 the face of the water towards the promised land. 74 00:04:15,280 --> 00:04:16,880 That's in Ether 6.5. 75 00:04:16,880 --> 00:04:22,240 While these winds created hardship, they were also divinely directed to push the Jaredites 76 00:04:22,240 --> 00:04:26,640 toward their destination, which is kind of what hardship does in our lives pretty much. 77 00:04:26,640 --> 00:04:27,640 Right? 78 00:04:27,640 --> 00:04:30,360 It's hardship, but the Lord can consecrate it. 79 00:04:30,360 --> 00:04:36,240 The Lord knows where those winds, those trials are designed to direct us. 80 00:04:36,240 --> 00:04:37,240 For sure. 81 00:04:37,240 --> 00:04:39,280 And all things work together for those that love God. 82 00:04:39,280 --> 00:04:42,720 The trials and challenges we face in this life can act as these winds pushing us closer 83 00:04:42,720 --> 00:04:46,720 to Christ and our eternal goals when we trust in His guidance. 84 00:04:46,720 --> 00:04:47,920 That's the key right there. 85 00:04:47,920 --> 00:04:48,920 Yes. 86 00:04:48,920 --> 00:04:54,960 So the winds, as the talk is titled, that never cease to blow for the Jaredites, very 87 00:04:54,960 --> 00:04:57,680 much parallel modern trials that we feel. 88 00:04:57,680 --> 00:04:59,840 Sometimes it's just relentless. 89 00:04:59,840 --> 00:05:04,280 We don't feel like we get a break from the hard things that we're dealing with. 90 00:05:04,280 --> 00:05:08,960 However, just as those winds were essential for progress, our challenges often are what's 91 00:05:08,960 --> 00:05:11,360 refining us and bringing us closer to God. 92 00:05:11,360 --> 00:05:14,760 The Jaredites had no control over the winds or the waves. 93 00:05:14,760 --> 00:05:17,480 They had to completely trust in the Lord. 94 00:05:17,480 --> 00:05:20,920 So that's the lesson that we're learning from them in our own lives. 95 00:05:20,920 --> 00:05:25,200 If we completely trust in the Lord, we may not be able to control the circumstances around 96 00:05:25,200 --> 00:05:26,200 us. 97 00:05:26,200 --> 00:05:34,160 But if we know and believe that Jesus Christ came for us, that He atoned for us, that His 98 00:05:34,160 --> 00:05:39,200 grace and guidance can, again, lead us back to our Heavenly Father. 99 00:05:39,200 --> 00:05:43,560 So I think we'd all agree, it's a great thing to study. 100 00:05:43,560 --> 00:05:47,760 It's a great thing to come back to time and time again because it really does mirror the 101 00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:50,920 spiritual journey that we're on ourselves. 102 00:05:50,920 --> 00:05:54,440 And the winds might seem like a challenging thing, but really without the winds, they 103 00:05:54,440 --> 00:05:57,640 literally would have just sat on those barges and gone nowhere. 104 00:05:57,640 --> 00:05:58,640 Seriously. 105 00:05:58,640 --> 00:06:03,200 Also, I think a lot of times of the 344 days they were on the ocean. 106 00:06:03,200 --> 00:06:04,560 But they didn't know it was going to be 344. 107 00:06:04,560 --> 00:06:06,200 I was just going to say that. 108 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:10,720 How would you feel on day maybe 10, maybe 50, maybe 100? 109 00:06:10,720 --> 00:06:12,240 I can't take this anymore. 110 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:16,920 And then what if on day 343 you were like, that's it, I'm done. 111 00:06:16,920 --> 00:06:18,540 You didn't know you had one more day. 112 00:06:18,540 --> 00:06:20,080 Anyone can do something for one day. 113 00:06:20,080 --> 00:06:21,600 Well, mostly, right? 114 00:06:21,600 --> 00:06:25,800 And I can't think of exactly what verse it was, but it talked about them singing songs 115 00:06:25,800 --> 00:06:26,800 of rejoicing. 116 00:06:26,800 --> 00:06:27,800 Oh yeah. 117 00:06:27,800 --> 00:06:28,800 You know, mid-journey. 118 00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:29,800 That's pretty impressive. 119 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:32,800 They really entered those ships of prepared people. 120 00:06:32,800 --> 00:06:34,120 And a consecrated people. 121 00:06:34,120 --> 00:06:40,000 I agree, Abby. 122 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:43,960 This is where he reminds us of the trials the nursing home residents were facing and 123 00:06:43,960 --> 00:06:47,400 referenced a man whom he called to be a counselor in the bishopric. 124 00:06:47,400 --> 00:06:48,920 That was a funny story. 125 00:06:48,920 --> 00:06:49,920 I know, right? 126 00:06:49,920 --> 00:06:50,920 Mr. Sunglasses. 127 00:06:50,920 --> 00:06:51,920 Yes. 128 00:06:51,920 --> 00:06:55,840 Who many misjudged because he wore his sunglasses and they didn't see his face. 129 00:06:55,840 --> 00:07:00,720 And then he explains that we can be the wind that did never cease to blow, bringing hope 130 00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:03,920 in guiding others to the covenant path. 131 00:07:03,920 --> 00:07:04,920 So a little twist on the story. 132 00:07:04,920 --> 00:07:08,760 I don't think I've ever heard of somebody talking about the winds as not being the trials 133 00:07:08,760 --> 00:07:09,760 in our lives. 134 00:07:09,760 --> 00:07:10,760 Same. 135 00:07:10,760 --> 00:07:11,760 So we started a lesson. 136 00:07:11,760 --> 00:07:15,160 We would kind of see where the brothers or sisters that were maybe teaching or discussing 137 00:07:15,160 --> 00:07:20,400 this talk with, you know, take the idea of that, the winds never did cease to blow. 138 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:27,040 But I do like this, let's call it a twist on how to consider the winds. 139 00:07:27,040 --> 00:07:29,400 I think he could have made that same application though. 140 00:07:29,400 --> 00:07:34,480 We can be part of, what he's going to talk about is how we can propel people. 141 00:07:34,480 --> 00:07:42,480 We can be a soft, gentle gust to help direct people on the covenant path when they're undergoing 142 00:07:42,480 --> 00:07:43,480 trials. 143 00:07:43,480 --> 00:07:47,320 But I was thinking like we could really consider our small part in helping people fortify their 144 00:07:47,320 --> 00:07:48,320 barges. 145 00:07:48,320 --> 00:07:51,600 If we see in our children, people that we rub shoulders with, maybe kind of a leaky 146 00:07:51,600 --> 00:07:54,840 part of their vessel and we know that it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. 147 00:07:54,840 --> 00:07:55,880 It's just a small leak. 148 00:07:55,880 --> 00:08:00,360 But that if a real trial were to come their way, that could accumulate to something that 149 00:08:00,360 --> 00:08:01,360 could sink them. 150 00:08:01,360 --> 00:08:02,360 It can sink you, yeah. 151 00:08:02,360 --> 00:08:07,120 If you can see that in somebody and you know, you might have been put on their path to point 152 00:08:07,120 --> 00:08:11,560 out, hey, you know, maybe that's inviting them to the temple with you. 153 00:08:11,560 --> 00:08:14,560 Maybe that's bringing them along to mutual activity or something. 154 00:08:14,560 --> 00:08:15,560 Totally. 155 00:08:15,560 --> 00:08:24,160 So being somebody that magnifies the light of Christ, you know, that's the way light 156 00:08:24,160 --> 00:08:25,160 can be shared. 157 00:08:25,160 --> 00:08:27,160 It doesn't take away from you to be able to share light. 158 00:08:27,160 --> 00:08:31,800 So it's not like handing somebody your own stones, but it's like if you have something 159 00:08:31,800 --> 00:08:35,920 good to share about our Savior Jesus Christ and then you bear that testimony, that in 160 00:08:35,920 --> 00:08:38,080 its way is sharing light with others. 161 00:08:38,080 --> 00:08:40,060 And then we talked about the wins. 162 00:08:40,060 --> 00:08:44,920 We may consider it as trials, but we may look at it as helping push people along in subtle, 163 00:08:44,920 --> 00:08:47,280 small ways in helping them. 164 00:08:47,280 --> 00:08:48,280 Right. 165 00:08:48,280 --> 00:08:52,140 You know, Abby, it is an interesting idea to think of the small and simple things we 166 00:08:52,140 --> 00:08:55,240 do for others to give them that forward momentum toward God. 167 00:08:55,240 --> 00:08:58,640 I always like when I'm asked to do small and simple things. 168 00:08:58,640 --> 00:08:59,640 Not big. 169 00:08:59,640 --> 00:09:00,640 Not the big ones. 170 00:09:00,640 --> 00:09:01,680 Labor, laborious. 171 00:09:01,680 --> 00:09:06,520 We can act as instruments in God's hands to help others progress toward His blessings. 172 00:09:06,520 --> 00:09:12,440 Okay, so how can we serve as humble gust of wind in the Lord's hands? 173 00:09:12,440 --> 00:09:17,200 This is where he spends a lot of time talking about efforts as missionaries. 174 00:09:17,200 --> 00:09:20,840 And so I think he had some good points on that. 175 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:23,360 So I think we should kind of go over what he said. 176 00:09:23,360 --> 00:09:27,240 He quoted President Russell M. Nelson, who made an exciting and inspiring invitation 177 00:09:27,240 --> 00:09:31,140 to the youth, saying, I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked each worthy, able 178 00:09:31,140 --> 00:09:33,680 young man to prepare for and serve a mission. 179 00:09:33,680 --> 00:09:37,540 Every day thousands of young men and women answer the Lord's prophetic call by serving 180 00:09:37,540 --> 00:09:38,660 as missionaries. 181 00:09:38,660 --> 00:09:46,400 And I was thinking the little small and simple miracles that missionaries witness over their 182 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:53,760 time in service, they really get a chance to see that it doesn't take much to recognize 183 00:09:53,760 --> 00:09:56,320 that God's involved in the details of our lives. 184 00:09:56,320 --> 00:10:05,620 When you knock a certain street, make a certain contact, sit on the bus by somebody, you can 185 00:10:05,620 --> 00:10:10,840 recognize that as a coincidence, or you can see that it's God's miracle in putting somebody 186 00:10:10,840 --> 00:10:13,960 in your path that was really prepared for the message that you have to share. 187 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:15,760 For sure, Abby. 188 00:10:15,760 --> 00:10:17,680 What else did he share was cute? 189 00:10:17,680 --> 00:10:23,480 Oh, he said this, choosing to be a missionary does not mean that you will be the best version 190 00:10:23,480 --> 00:10:27,240 of yourself the moment you step foot in the missionary training center. 191 00:10:27,240 --> 00:10:31,200 I think a lot of missionaries go with the best of intentions, but the person that walks 192 00:10:31,200 --> 00:10:36,400 off the plane is a very different version than the person that walked on the plane. 193 00:10:36,400 --> 00:10:38,840 And then the Lord, He's happy with, you know- 194 00:10:38,840 --> 00:10:39,840 Because there was lots of wind. 195 00:10:39,840 --> 00:10:40,840 Yeah, whatever you have. 196 00:10:40,840 --> 00:10:46,720 Yes, we'd be lying if we didn't say missions, we'd be the hardest time of your life for 197 00:10:46,720 --> 00:10:47,720 sure. 198 00:10:47,720 --> 00:10:48,720 Up to that point. 199 00:10:48,720 --> 00:10:49,800 Up to that point. 200 00:10:49,800 --> 00:10:56,440 He reminded us that the prophet Jeremiah was insecure, saying, I cannot speak for I am 201 00:10:56,440 --> 00:10:59,120 a child, so you might feel that way. 202 00:10:59,120 --> 00:11:02,440 Like I don't even know what I'm going to say to people, but the Lord consecrated Jeremiah's 203 00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:04,840 efforts and he was able to speak. 204 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:08,640 You might be like Moses, oh my Lord, I am not eloquent, but I am slow as speech and 205 00:11:08,640 --> 00:11:10,920 of a slow tongue. 206 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:14,720 It would be very natural for you to have any one of these doubts yourself, but you can 207 00:11:14,720 --> 00:11:16,760 find comfort that the Lord has answered. 208 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:21,120 Say not I am a child for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee. 209 00:11:21,120 --> 00:11:24,040 Any promises therefore go and I will be with thee. 210 00:11:24,040 --> 00:11:27,120 I will be thy mouth and I will teach thee what thou shalt say. 211 00:11:27,120 --> 00:11:31,280 And I've seen missionary after missionary testify of that, the words that they're speaking 212 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:32,560 are from themselves. 213 00:11:32,560 --> 00:11:37,640 It's definitely, they're definitely just being an instrument and propelling people. 214 00:11:37,640 --> 00:11:39,600 Agreed, agreed. 215 00:11:39,600 --> 00:11:44,600 I like how he really isolated the purpose of a missionary or to say that in a different 216 00:11:44,600 --> 00:11:48,000 way, what a mission can do for a missionary. 217 00:11:48,000 --> 00:11:52,200 So quoting this, your transformation from your natural to spiritual self will occur 218 00:11:52,200 --> 00:11:58,440 line upon line, precept upon precept, as you earnestly strive to serve Jesus Christ in 219 00:11:58,440 --> 00:12:03,120 the mission field through, and then he says daily repentance, faith, exact obedience and 220 00:12:03,120 --> 00:12:08,160 hard work to find constantly teach repentance and baptize converts. 221 00:12:08,160 --> 00:12:12,760 And then he says, though you are a name tag, sometimes you may feel unrecognized or forgotten. 222 00:12:12,760 --> 00:12:17,360 However, you must know that you have a perfect heavenly father who knows you personally and 223 00:12:17,360 --> 00:12:18,960 a savior who loves you. 224 00:12:18,960 --> 00:12:22,720 You will have mission leaders who despite their imperfections will serve you as the 225 00:12:22,720 --> 00:12:27,140 wind that did never cease to blow in guiding you along your journey of personal conversion. 226 00:12:27,140 --> 00:12:31,040 So again, just talking to the missionaries, and then this is really good in the way that 227 00:12:31,040 --> 00:12:34,760 he does in a way demystify a mission. 228 00:12:34,760 --> 00:12:37,960 I know when I went, I didn't really have a lot of information. 229 00:12:37,960 --> 00:12:41,760 I just knew that quote, it was the best two years or for me a year and a half and that 230 00:12:41,760 --> 00:12:46,600 my brothers and sisters had all gone before me and that it was really hard. 231 00:12:46,600 --> 00:12:49,560 And they cried a lot when they got my sisters cried when they get off the plane. 232 00:12:49,560 --> 00:12:52,720 But I mean, I just like that he's saying these things like, I feel like we are preparing 233 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:57,800 our missionaries in a better way and in more ways, like emotionally and mentally. 234 00:12:57,800 --> 00:13:01,200 That is also part of the mission because guess what, it's part of your body that means you 235 00:13:01,200 --> 00:13:02,200 carry it with you. 236 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:04,160 Like that's going to be there too. 237 00:13:04,160 --> 00:13:07,720 You don't leave your mental capacities and your challenges behind you. 238 00:13:07,720 --> 00:13:08,720 It all goes. 239 00:13:08,720 --> 00:13:10,600 So I like that he is talking about this part. 240 00:13:10,600 --> 00:13:11,600 Love that. 241 00:13:11,600 --> 00:13:15,080 I love that he kind of sets the expectation to say, obviously we should prepare for our 242 00:13:15,080 --> 00:13:19,000 missions, but fully expect that a lot of the learning and lessons are going to happen in 243 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:21,400 real time on that mission. 244 00:13:21,400 --> 00:13:24,320 You can never anticipate all of the things that are going to happen. 245 00:13:24,320 --> 00:13:29,600 And I feel like having not served a mission, I feel like you can get lessons. 246 00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:33,640 You can get some of those lessons that missionaries get, but I've personally witnessed 18 year 247 00:13:33,640 --> 00:13:39,000 old boys, 19 year old women come home in a year and a half. 248 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:44,040 Obviously day after day, they're experiencing things that it's maybe taken me quite a few 249 00:13:44,040 --> 00:13:46,920 more years to do. 250 00:13:46,920 --> 00:13:51,080 And in fairness, I mean, it's 24 hours a day of service. 251 00:13:51,080 --> 00:13:52,080 You're always on. 252 00:13:52,080 --> 00:13:58,200 But you're really opening yourself up for tons of life lessons learned in that compact 253 00:13:58,200 --> 00:13:59,200 time. 254 00:13:59,200 --> 00:14:02,680 So good compensation for as hard as it is, it is also such a payoff. 255 00:14:02,680 --> 00:14:07,200 They will still remember it as some of the best times of their life. 256 00:14:07,200 --> 00:14:11,120 You know, missions, like you said, year and a half sisters, two years, maybe three if 257 00:14:11,120 --> 00:14:15,320 you're mission president or something like that. 258 00:14:15,320 --> 00:14:21,320 But what I liked as I was listening to this talk is thinking mission or no mission, you 259 00:14:21,320 --> 00:14:24,760 know, the lessons, I think he really wants us to think about the lessons that we can 260 00:14:24,760 --> 00:14:28,600 learn on them about ministering. 261 00:14:28,600 --> 00:14:32,440 Understanding that this friend you're in contact with or this friend, they all need kind of 262 00:14:32,440 --> 00:14:33,440 something specific. 263 00:14:33,440 --> 00:14:40,200 They need a specific experience that's going to help them remember the plan of salvation 264 00:14:40,200 --> 00:14:42,200 they'd been introduced to before they came to earth. 265 00:14:42,200 --> 00:14:46,200 And then kind of a light goes off as they recognize like, oh, that is truth. 266 00:14:46,200 --> 00:14:47,200 And I know that to be true. 267 00:14:47,200 --> 00:14:48,200 What's this going to take? 268 00:14:48,200 --> 00:14:51,120 It's going to take some covenant making. 269 00:14:51,120 --> 00:14:56,520 But I think the best missionaries come home, the best ministers for the rest of their life. 270 00:14:56,520 --> 00:14:59,520 It's not just like I've done this time and now it's done. 271 00:14:59,520 --> 00:15:04,000 They can take those lessons and then apply it in their ministering efforts. 272 00:15:04,000 --> 00:15:09,120 And so I thought that's like part of being the wind that never did cease to blow. 273 00:15:09,120 --> 00:15:13,320 When we recognize people that we have assignments over or when we're looking kind of outside 274 00:15:13,320 --> 00:15:18,520 of that, we can really try to pinpoint those who are unrecognized or forgotten. 275 00:15:18,520 --> 00:15:19,520 He talked about that. 276 00:15:19,520 --> 00:15:21,760 Yes, he did. 277 00:15:21,760 --> 00:15:25,780 Because sometimes they're sitting in there and to the point that they're immobilized 278 00:15:25,780 --> 00:15:30,460 and they don't really know which direction to go, they're looking for a person to help 279 00:15:30,460 --> 00:15:32,880 direct them in their paths. 280 00:15:32,880 --> 00:15:38,880 And so I would say it's not often huge assignments, ones that you get a lot of recognition for. 281 00:15:38,880 --> 00:15:41,360 Sometimes he just asks you to reach out to his children. 282 00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:46,240 And we talked about small and simple ways, especially when we let the spirit be part 283 00:15:46,240 --> 00:15:52,600 of that decision on what we can do for that person. 284 00:15:52,600 --> 00:15:56,320 I always like when he gives me an impression to do something for somebody that's small 285 00:15:56,320 --> 00:16:01,500 and simple because it comes across big to them. 286 00:16:01,500 --> 00:16:05,040 They're really happy that you reached out on a birthday or that you thought to sit by 287 00:16:05,040 --> 00:16:11,160 somebody or that's not a huge thing, but it doesn't take much to be recognized. 288 00:16:11,160 --> 00:16:12,160 Right. 289 00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:14,720 Especially if they were wishing for that thing or hoping for it. 290 00:16:14,720 --> 00:16:19,160 You know, needing a little extra something, then it is a big deal when it's exactly what 291 00:16:19,160 --> 00:16:20,160 they needed. 292 00:16:20,160 --> 00:16:21,160 Yeah. 293 00:16:21,160 --> 00:16:24,680 So looking again, he talks about the forgotten ones. 294 00:16:24,680 --> 00:16:28,400 So looking for the forgotten ones in our wards, but maybe more importantly in our general 295 00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:31,760 surroundings, in our communities, in our neighborhoods. 296 00:16:31,760 --> 00:16:37,040 Though some may wait a long time for relief, for they have no man that can help them, the 297 00:16:37,040 --> 00:16:40,940 Lord Jesus Christ has taught us that no one is ever forgotten by Him. 298 00:16:40,940 --> 00:16:44,880 On the contrary, He was a perfect example of seeking out the one in every moment of 299 00:16:44,880 --> 00:16:45,880 His mortal ministry. 300 00:16:45,880 --> 00:16:51,160 Abby, I think it's awesome that you're doing a tie, you know, tying quilts tomorrow. 301 00:16:51,160 --> 00:16:56,760 I noticed that you haven't just invited people from the ward, but it's also from the community 302 00:16:56,760 --> 00:16:59,360 and there'll be lots of people there helping. 303 00:16:59,360 --> 00:17:00,860 So I think that's going to be a good thing. 304 00:17:00,860 --> 00:17:03,700 Looking forward to that. 305 00:17:03,700 --> 00:17:07,240 It's good to have something to invite people to because it's always nice to get together, 306 00:17:07,240 --> 00:17:11,880 like to have multiple little events and try to make sure that you reach all your friends 307 00:17:11,880 --> 00:17:12,880 is difficult. 308 00:17:12,880 --> 00:17:20,040 This one's kind of like a cheater way to be like, hey, your friend, let's eat some pie, 309 00:17:20,040 --> 00:17:22,520 let's make some quilts. 310 00:17:22,520 --> 00:17:26,880 And I'm looking forward to friends and friends and friends. 311 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:28,320 I'm hoping friends are friends. 312 00:17:28,320 --> 00:17:33,040 I'm hoping there are people that I don't know yet that I'll get to know. 313 00:17:33,040 --> 00:17:37,920 I was thinking, it wasn't really mentioned in this talk, but I think it would come up 314 00:17:37,920 --> 00:17:42,760 if we were discussing this in a Relay Society about the work that we're doing in our homes 315 00:17:42,760 --> 00:17:51,040 as being the opportunity to be propelling gusting winds or whatever, teaching our children 316 00:17:51,040 --> 00:17:58,720 to love and trust Heavenly Father and trust our Savior Jesus Christ. 317 00:17:58,720 --> 00:18:02,080 Little moments every day can be just subtle gusts of tailwinds. 318 00:18:02,080 --> 00:18:05,760 So I was thinking, what opportunities are we taking with Come Follow Me? 319 00:18:05,760 --> 00:18:07,640 Are we doing family home evening? 320 00:18:07,640 --> 00:18:09,560 Are we having family councils? 321 00:18:09,560 --> 00:18:11,920 Do we take the time to have family dinners? 322 00:18:11,920 --> 00:18:13,800 Are there projects we're working on together? 323 00:18:13,800 --> 00:18:15,580 Do we do service together? 324 00:18:15,580 --> 00:18:17,440 Can we attend the temple? 325 00:18:17,440 --> 00:18:20,640 All of these things I see as directional tailwinds. 326 00:18:20,640 --> 00:18:24,200 Families do for each other what's difficult to accomplish just on our own. 327 00:18:24,200 --> 00:18:29,640 And if we aren't providing a healthy foundation in the relationships in our homes, then I 328 00:18:29,640 --> 00:18:34,400 feel like it just opens up those little spirits that we were trusted with to let something 329 00:18:34,400 --> 00:18:36,540 else direct them. 330 00:18:36,540 --> 00:18:40,920 Maybe like a much higher chance of the adversary capturing them when the difficulties and 331 00:18:40,920 --> 00:18:43,680 the winds of life are crashing down. 332 00:18:43,680 --> 00:18:44,680 That's true. 333 00:18:44,680 --> 00:18:46,880 I guess the winds caused the waves and the waves crashed down. 334 00:18:46,880 --> 00:18:47,880 But you know what I'm saying. 335 00:18:47,880 --> 00:18:48,880 All of it works together. 336 00:18:48,880 --> 00:18:49,880 Yes. 337 00:18:49,880 --> 00:18:54,440 Also, when you said families do for each other what is difficult to accomplish on our own, 338 00:18:54,440 --> 00:18:56,720 that is exactly why we're in family units. 339 00:18:56,720 --> 00:18:57,720 You know what I mean? 340 00:18:57,720 --> 00:19:02,400 It's not necessarily a school or whatever. 341 00:19:02,400 --> 00:19:03,680 A method of disbursement. 342 00:19:03,680 --> 00:19:04,680 Yes. 343 00:19:04,680 --> 00:19:09,080 For the Lord to show us that when you're in constant contact with people, you tend to 344 00:19:09,080 --> 00:19:11,080 get to know them quicker. 345 00:19:11,080 --> 00:19:14,560 And also things that are a little bit difficult tend to come out or whatever, but you really 346 00:19:14,560 --> 00:19:17,960 learn how to deal with the things of life. 347 00:19:17,960 --> 00:19:21,320 So yeah, that is perfect. 348 00:19:21,320 --> 00:19:26,300 That is where our best work is being done right now is moms. 349 00:19:26,300 --> 00:19:29,920 And if you don't have the opportunity to, maybe you weren't sent to a strong family 350 00:19:29,920 --> 00:19:34,280 unit like that, like you're navigating these things on your own, you'll maybe reflect on 351 00:19:34,280 --> 00:19:35,280 your life. 352 00:19:35,280 --> 00:19:38,080 What people did you surround yourself that provided that safety net for you? 353 00:19:38,080 --> 00:19:42,320 Or did you not have the opportunity to have that guidance and it is easy for you to see 354 00:19:42,320 --> 00:19:47,600 you were tossed and turned about the things that life had to offer, really hit you like 355 00:19:47,600 --> 00:19:53,040 a ton of bricks until you found the gospel of Jesus Christ that's given you the direction 356 00:19:53,040 --> 00:19:54,040 that you need. 357 00:19:54,040 --> 00:19:55,040 About the Abbey. 358 00:19:55,040 --> 00:19:58,280 I've seen a lot of people listening to this and thinking of the scenario that they have 359 00:19:58,280 --> 00:20:02,000 for themselves and like, yeah, that's where I'm at on this and that would have been nice 360 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:08,600 or oh, I can make this adaption and consider the things that I'm doing to be like not just 361 00:20:08,600 --> 00:20:14,400 monotonous and mundane, but important in helping those that are ourselves and those that are 362 00:20:14,400 --> 00:20:15,400 around us. 363 00:20:15,400 --> 00:20:16,400 Yes. 364 00:20:16,400 --> 00:20:17,400 I love that, Abby. 365 00:20:17,400 --> 00:20:20,840 What do you have for us for an action item? 366 00:20:20,840 --> 00:20:23,920 Probably just reiterate what we talked about when you're considering the winds that never 367 00:20:23,920 --> 00:20:29,120 did cease to blow, maybe you think of those as the trials that you've experienced in your 368 00:20:29,120 --> 00:20:35,160 life or kind of anticipate that there's going to be more and whether you have taken those 369 00:20:35,160 --> 00:20:39,000 as growing opportunities or whether you will allow those to be growing opportunities for 370 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:41,480 yourself to get you closer to your heavenly father. 371 00:20:41,480 --> 00:20:48,120 And then I think I would add to that because the talk really wanted to make this focus 372 00:20:48,120 --> 00:20:54,640 when others are facing their own storms and trials, what guiding hand might you be able 373 00:20:54,640 --> 00:21:00,000 to offer to give them the momentum towards God that they could use in that time of need? 374 00:21:00,000 --> 00:21:01,000 That's awesome, Abby. 375 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:02,000 Thank you. 376 00:21:02,000 --> 00:21:07,400 So this was a short and sweet one, but again, we hope that you kind of reflect on what's 377 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:11,680 come to your heart as you've studied the Jaredites. 378 00:21:11,680 --> 00:21:12,680 It's good stuff. 379 00:21:12,680 --> 00:21:13,680 It's a good life lesson. 380 00:21:13,680 --> 00:21:14,680 Yes, it's a good life lesson. 381 00:21:14,680 --> 00:21:21,080 And I think we can all do our parts and pieces to help in this. 382 00:21:21,080 --> 00:21:22,080 So that's it for today. 383 00:21:22,080 --> 00:21:23,080 Thanks for being with us. 384 00:21:23,080 --> 00:21:49,680 Catch you in the next one.