Talents You May Not Know You Have

I am grateful that I get to teach seminary every day.  There are so many precious truths to be reminded of that are brought to light through our daily study of the scriptures.  The Spirit is so abundant and ready to teach us!

Last week we talked about gifts of the Spirit and I thought I would share with others this beautiful reminder of many lesser-known but oh, so important talents!  And we can seek for any of them :D.

The gifts of the Spirit are so important to the Lord that they are taught about in three of our four standard works (see 1 Corinthians 12, Moroni 10, and Doctrine and Covenants 46).

Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught about spiritual gifts not listed specifically in the scriptures:

“Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. …

“Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost” (“There Are Many Gifts,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20).

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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency taught:

“You may feel that there are others who are more capable or more experienced who could fulfill your callings and assignments better than you can, but the Lord gave you your responsibilities for a reason. There may be people and hearts only you can reach and touch. Perhaps no one else could do it in quite the same way” 

Let God Push You

 I loved the women's conference: not leaning unto your own understanding will help you become more holy and certain and you will find peace by doing so.   

I also loved/"swallowed with courage" the quote about how God cares more about our upward progress than our comfort.  So true.  

It reminds me of a couple of pictures from seminary this week:

We talked about how we would feel if we were the one being pushed: offended, bothered, frustrated, like fighting back

Then we looked at the next picture:

Sometimes God has to push us through trials and tribulations to get us out of greater danger.  The temporary discomfort of getting pushed outweighs the lasting effects of the danger God sees in our current location.

Lean not unto our own understanding, right?

How does it all seem to come back to trusting and knowing God?