Stan Learns the Gospel: Saturday, October 31, 2029

Welcome to Stan Learns the Gospel and by gospel I mean the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today I read and listened to a talk from the 2020 October General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe I have listened to the talk before, but today when I started to read it, the Spirit touched my heart and I realized the talk is a gift from God personally to me. I was able to liken much of the talk to myself and hope I can share that experience with you.

Keep the Change

The name of the talk is Keep the Change by Becky Craven, the second counselor in the Young Women's General Presidency. 

I am going to talk about the things I have learned or that have been strengthened and brought into focus by studying this talk. Probably 99% of the words are hers; I am simply likening them to myself. See 1 Nephi 19:23.

"Through Jesus Christ, [I am] given the strength to make lasting changes. As [I] humbly turn to Him, He will increase [my] capacity to change."

"He created the heavens, the earth, and all the beauty [I] enjoy. Through His loving Atonement, He provides a way for [me] to be redeemed from sin and death. As [I] show [my] gratitude to Him by living His commandments, He immediately blesses [me], leaving [me] always in His debt." See Mosiah 3:5-12.

"He gives [me] much, much more than the value of what [I] can ever return to Him. So, what can [I] give to Him, who paid the incalculable price for [my] sins? [I] can give Him [my] change. It may be a change of thought, a change in habit, or a change in the direction [I am] headed. In return for His priceless payment for [me], the Lord asks [me] for a change of heart. The change He requests from [me] is not for His benefit but for [mine]. So, unlike the purchaser at the market who would take back the change [I] offer, [my] gracious Savior beckons [me] to keep the change."

"'True conversion depends on seeking freely in faith, with great effort and some pain. Then it is the Lord who can grant … the miracle of cleansing and change.'" See We Must Raise Our Sights.  "Combining [my] effort with the Savior's ability to change [me], [I] become new [creature]."

"Jesus Christ has given [me] a continuous pattern for change. He invites [me] to exercise faith in Him, which inspires [me] to repent—'which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart.'" See Helaman 15:7. "As [I] repent and turn [my heart] to Him, [I] gain a greater desire to make and live sacred covenants. [I] endure to the end by continuing to apply these principles throughout [my life] and inviting the Lord to change [me]. Enduring to the end means changing to the end. I now understand that I am not starting over with each failed attempt, but that with each try, I am continuing my process of change."

This is very powerful to me as I struggle to change to be a better husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle.

"'I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day.' See Young Women theme. "I pray that [I] do cherish this beautiful gift and that [I am] intentional in seeking change. ... [I] strive to refine [my] character to align [myself] with the attributes of Jesus Christ. [My] daily choices will either help or hinder [my] progress. Small but steady, deliberate changes will help [me] improve. [I will] not become discouraged. Change is a lifelong process. I am grateful that in [my] struggles to change, the Lord is patient with [me]."

It is hard for me to comprehend such patience, mercy and love.

"Through Jesus Christ, [I am] given the strength to make lasting changes. As [I] humbly turn to Him, He will increase [my] capacity to change."

"In addition to the transforming power of [my] Savior's Atonement, the Holy Ghost will support and guide [me] as [I] put forth [my] effort. He can even help [me] know what changes [I] need to make. [I] can also find help and encouragement through priesthood blessings, prayer, fasting, and attending the temple."

"The Savior can help [me] heal and change while surrounded by those who love [me]."

"As [I] travel the covenant path, sometimes [I] pick up [a stone] in [my shoe] in the form of poor habits, sins, or bad attitudes. The quicker [I] shake them from [my life], the more joyful [my] mortal journey will be."

Bad attitudes are something I really need to work on. 

"Maintaining change takes effort."

Scripture study is the critical part of this for me, it helps prayers and my repentance.

"I testify that because of Jesus Christ, [I] can change. [I] can adjust [my] habits, alter [my] thoughts, and refine [my] character to become more like [Jesus Christ]. And with His help, [I] can keep the change."

I do these things not of any worthiness of myself, but because of the worthiness that is in Christ. For "I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles [have been] wrought in [my life], for which [I] will praise his name forever.", see Alma 26:12.

Thanks Sister Craven for your wonderful talk.