What Callings in the Church Mean to Me

When we are called to serve, we are given the privilege of acting in the Lord's behalf, doing some task for Him. All of the things we do in his service also help our fellow man, for his purpose is the immortality and eternal life of man.

In serving God and others, it allows us to change our focus from self to those around us, and we thus become more like Him. This is one of the main purposes for our callings; to enable our own growth through service.

Often in our callings, we work together with other servants of the Lord. These good people become fast friends, examples for good, and the support us much in our efforts to live well and faithfully.

Also, the Lord helps us in our callings by providing inspiration through his spirit, which helps us know how best to meet our responsibilities. All those who serve faithfully and who keep themselves worthy of this spirit receive this help, and it spill over into other aspects of their lives. I testify that when I have served to the best of my ability, the guidance of the spirit has helped me an all parts of my life, and not just in my callings.

Through our callings we teach our children by example that we love the Lord and that He is important in our lives.

All of these blessings, and others not mentioned here, come to us through faithful service to the Lord's church, in what-ever calling comes our way.

What the Meetings and Organizations of the Church Mean to Me

One day, a few years ago when Shana was graduating from High School, I was very worried about her health. I prayed very hard for comfort. That Sunday a youth speaker quoted D&C 101:16, suggesting that we insert our own name in place of the word "Zion". If you put in Shana's name it reads, "Therefore, let your heart be comforted concerning Shana; for a flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God." This hit me with great force; the spirit touched me and brought comfort.

At a later meeting, Bishop Tarbet bore testimony about the miraculous preservation of a group of soldiers from Cedar City during an 18 month tour of duty in Iraq. The spirit was strong. During the closing prayer, I was brought to tears of appreciation as the ward prayed for Shana's health and strength.

I have felt the spirit and received comfort in other church meetings also.

These are blessings that come from church meetings.

And of course, the opportunity to renew covenants through the Sacrament is the most important thing provided by our Sunday meetings.

These meetings give opportunity for the saints to support and strengthen one another. As one who has received that support and strength, I believe it to be a very important function of the church.

Also, I am very grateful for the organizations of the church, both because of what they do for me, and because of what they do for my family. We have benefited greatly over the years from Primary, Young Women, Young Men and scouting, Relief Society and Priesthood. They have all helped in the growth and development of my family. I am especially thankful to have been a member of the ward choir over the years. Good spiritual music gives me a boost that helps for the entire week.

These are only a few of the many benefits I have seen come from the meetings of the church and from its organizations and activities.

Thoughts on How I Will Benefit from LDS General Conference

I have really enjoyed the conference yesterday and today. I am grateful to have this opportunity to hear and see the instruction from apostles and prophets.

However, they give instruction on so many different subjects that I find it a bit overwhelming. Since I want to do what the Lord has suggested to me through his servants, and I don't feel capable of suddenly living up to all of the instruction that has been given (too many changes to handle all at once), I have decided that I will try the following approach;

1. Prayerfully select a subject that was discussed in conference, asking Heavenly Father what he would have me change or improve on at this time.
2. Study the talks that were given on that subject, and pray and ponder about how the Lord wants me to apply that instruction in my life.
3. Take the appropriate action or start the appropriate habit to follow the promptings received in step 2.
4. When I am satisfied for the time being (I may come back to it again, later) with my progress on that subject, it will be time to repeat the process.

Hopefully this will allow me to take the fullest advantage of the conference in learning and in improving my life and in serving those around me, in a way that I can handle, without taking on more than I am able at one time.