I tried to focus more on making space to receive personal revelation by taking regular time to ponder and meditate. Here are a few of my favorite quotes that I found for my talk:
'If a quiet hour ever opens up in my busy schedule, I’ll use it.’ This approach is certain to fail. Instead, firmly commit a definite hour each week, find a quiet place, and hang a sign on the door: ‘Worries and Trifles Not Allowed.” - Elder Bruce D. Porter
"Frantic, heedless busyness often crowds out contemplation and leaves no room for renewal.” - Elder Neal A. Maxwell
We sometimes “feel that the busier we are, the more important we are—as though our busyness defines our worth; however, noise and busyness can actually crowd out the still small voice of the Spirit.” - Elder Joseph B. Worthlin
"There seems to be little evidence that the Creator of the universe was ever in a hurry. Everywhere, on this bounteous and beautiful earth … there is evidence of patient purpose and planning and working and waiting.” - Elder Richard L. Evans
“Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord.” - President David O. McKay
Rebecca focused on the process of using personal revelation as a tool for progression. Here are a few of my favorite quotes that she shared in her talk:
"The companionship of the Holy Ghost makes what is good more attractive and temptation less compelling. That alone should be enough to make us determined to qualify for the Spirit to be with us always. Just as the Holy Ghost strengthens us against evil, He also gives us the power to discern truth from falsehood. The truth that matters most is verified only by revelation from God. Our human reason and the use of our physical senses will not be enough. We live in a time when even the wisest will be hard-pressed to distinguish truth from clever deception." - President Henry B. Eyring
"For those who are struggling with the high standard needed to qualify for the gift of the Spirit's companionship, I offer this encouragement. You have had times when you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost. It may have happened for you today. You can treat those moments of inspiration like the seed of faith that Alma described (see Alma 32:28). Plant each one. You can do that by acting on the prompting you felt. The most valuable inspiration will be for you to know what God would have you do. If it is to pay tithing or to visit a grieving friend, you should do it. Whatever it is, do it. When you demonstrate your willingness to obey, the Spirit will send you more impressions of what God would have you do for Him. As you obey, the impressions from the Spirit will come more frequently, becoming closer and closer to constant companionship. Your power to choose the right will increase." - President Henry B. Eyring
"The Holy Ghost doesn't tell us to improve everything at once. If He did, we would become discouraged and give up. The Spirit works with us at our own speed, one step at a time, or as the Lord has taught, 'line upon line, precept upon precept, ... and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, ... for unto him that receiveth I will give more.'" - Elder Larry R. Lawrence
Rebecca's talk was excellent and several people mentioned to both of us how great hers was. Instructors even brought up things she included in her talk several times in their lesson. One instructor did mention mine, but I don't think it was on purpose. She was trying to emphasize a point of how you feel a bond with the people in your church ward. She then said that it is just so much more interesting to hear someone from your ward speak than listen to a complete stranger :)
Rebecca and I are just hoping that if we are asked to give a talk soon in our new ward it will also be about personal revelation.
Here are some pictures of the girls in their church dresses today.
This was the face I got when I asked her to smile.
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