I love serving in the Elders Quorum

It is easy to look at the Elders Quorum as a bowl of leftovers.

Likely there are insufficient active members to cover home teaching assignments. Adult male converts often move away or can’t be located. Prospective elders often outnumber the active elders. Faithful elders often travel or move for employment or educational reasons. Some are called as high priests or receive major assignments outside the quorum. - Elder Dale E Miller

I love working in the Elders Quorum. Many of the men there have enormous potential that is waiting to be unlocked, men who "are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it" (D&C 123:12). They want to be good but think it's hard or don't understand what to do next. These men just need someone to love them and show them the way.

Visit them. Teach them. Talk to them. Love them. Many of them will respond.

I have seen it happen. The men are usually quiet in church, if they are there. They have testimonies but the flames are small. I have seen them go to the temple; I have seen them turn into bishopric counselors; I have seen them become faithful home teachers; I have seen them become better fathers.

And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also. - D&C 84:106

Dedication to God

I've attended two baptismal ceremonies recently. I didn't speak at either of them, but if I had been asked to speak I would've shared two scriptures I have read recently.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. - Colossians 3:1-2

You have decided to follow Christ and are showing your intentions through the covenant of baptism. Baptism is symbolic of the death of your old life and the birth of a new life; you are going to be raised by Christ. You ought to keep your sights on heaven. Remember the promises of salvation and being raised again with Christ in the last day. Don't let your sights be pulled down to the things of the earth.

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. - 1 Thessalonians 2:12

You will be given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It is an astounding privilege to have the Spirit of God as your constant companion. It will fill your life with light, hope, peace, and knowledge, and guide you back home to Heavenly Father. Be worthy of it's companionship -- always. You will do your self a terrible disservice if you ever put yourself in a situation that offends the Spirit. Walk worthy of God and He will bring you home.

Guidance In My Profession

Yesterday I needed to brainstorm and design some significant changes to a project I work on. It included some technical challenges which I had intentionally avoided in the past. I was having trouble focusing in my office at home so I went outside and sat in a field near a pond. Inspiration came, a design was found, and the technical challenges were overcome. I closed my eyes to pray and presented the plan which He helped me form. The response came, "That's good but I need you to set it aside for now. You need to work on this other thing first." It is gratifying to have His guidance even in my professional pursuits.