I was talking with Elder Tolbert this week about how
important the language that we use is. I have been obsessed with how often the
scriptures use the words "speak," (in all it's forms)
"word" and others meaning the same thing. I mark all of them
with the same color that I use for power because they are always referred to in
using the power of God especially in testifying of God.
Anyways I feel like it is so widespread to use self
defeating language. I feel like it is so much more powerful to use language
like "I will not drink alcohol" rather than "I can't
drink." When we stand up for our beliefs I hope we remember that we use
our agency to obey God's commandments. My Bishop from back home just sent me an
amazing quote from President Packer that says,
"Latter-day Saints are not obedient because they are
compelled to be obedient. They are obedient because they know certain spiritual
truths and have decided, as an expression of their own individual agency, to
obey the commandments of God... We are not obedient because we are blind, we
are obedient because we can see."
We have such power within us and I feel like if we knew how
powerful we really are, we would set our expectations for ourselves and we
would achieve much more. God sees us for the power that we have and he loves us
for it and I'm sure that he is so excited to see us come to grasp that power!
I hope you are appreciating the wonderful spirit that is
surrounding us this time of year, I am!
With much love,
Elder Mark Howland
Shopping for ugly sweaters...with Elder Tolbert.
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