Urban Poly Princess

When I first got up this morning I was REALLY missing my friend. I am such an idiot. I thought we'd be married right now because of that freaky impression I got when I was moving. I kept worrying about marrying someone I wasn't in love with. I know I love him very much BUT I never thought I crossed that line BUT how I was feeling this morning, I've sooo crossed it AND it's highly possible I'll NEVER see him again despite ANY online clues real or imagined.

BUT I can't dwell on that now. I still have a lesson to prepare.

Obedience Brings Blessings - President Thomas S. Monson
Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come. ...
The Spirit of Truth is of God. ...
"And no man receiveth a fulness UNLESS he keepeth his commandments.
"He that keepeth [God's] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth ALL things.

There is no need for you or for me, in this enlightened age when the fulness of the gospel has been restored, to sail uncharted seas or to travel unmarked roads in search of truth. A loving Heavenly Father has plotted our course and provided un unfailing guide -- EVEN OBEDIENCE.

A knowledge of truth and answers to our greatest questions comes to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.

There are rules and laws to help ensure our physical safety. Likewise, the Lord has provided guidelines and commandments to help ensure our spiritual safety so that we might successfully navigate this often-treacherous mortal existence and return eventually to our Heavenly Father.

Centuries ago to a generation steeped in the traditions of animal sacrifice, Samuel boldly declared, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

In this dispensation, the Lord revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith that He requires "the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat of the good of the land of Zion in these last days."

Abraham had been tried and tested, and for his faithfulness and obedience the Lord gave him this glorious promise, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice."

Declared President Joseph F. Smith in October 1873. "Obedience is the first law of heaven."

Said President Gordon B. Hinckley, "The happiness of the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day Saints, the progress of the latter-day saints, the prosperity of the latter-day saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the counsels of ... God."

Obedience is the hallmark of prophets; it has provided strength and knowledge to them throughout the ages. It is essential for each of us to realize that we, as well, are entitled to this source of strength and knowledge. It is readily available to each of us today as we obey God's commandments.

My brothers and sisters, the great test of this life is obedience. "We will prove them herewith," said the Lord, "to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."

Declared the Savior, "For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world.

No greater example of obedience exists than that of our Savior. Of Him Paul observed

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."

The Savior demonstrated genuine love of God by living the perfect life, by honoring the sacred mission that was His. Never was he haughty. Never was he puffed up with pride. Never was he disloyal. Ever was He humble. Ever was He sincere. Ever was He obedient.

The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord's commandments. I quote once again the words of the Lord: "He that keepeth [God's] commandments receiveth truth and light until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things."

It is my humble prayer that we may be blessed with the rich rewards promised to the obedient. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, amen.

This makes so much sense. I often wonder why I'm always told things and know things even when I don't ask. I know now it's because I keep the commandments. That is such an obvious and simple concept. Why is the aha light only going off now? I've read this talk so many times but I've usually thought about the examples and stories he shares to illustrate his points. I wanted to incorporate Jeffrey R. Holland's powerful examples so I specifically looked for President Monson's main point which IS we receive instruction and guidance through obedience. HELLO!!! The line upon line, precept on precept thing is definitely in full effect. Why do I have to keep learning this over and over again. I've never thought that I was keeping the commandments so I could know the will of the Lord or that he shares this light and truth with me BECAUSE I am obedient. I have reaped these rewards consistently without really making a connection.

We will be given the specific instruction we need BECAUSE we are obedient. There is a direct connection that has been made OVER and OVER again. We are all familiar with the Lord being bound when we do what he says, I've never thought to include light and knowledge in that. To know truth. I have constantly felt I've been blessed with an assurance of truth even when it doesn't make intellectual sense, ESPECIALLY when it doesn't. I NEEDED TO STUDY AND TEACH THIS LESSON TODAY!!!

Now to incorporate Jeffrey R. Holland and get ready for church so I get there for the sacrament.