Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Our Life and Talents

 We all have special gifts, talents, and abilities given to us by our Heavenly Father. When we were born, we brought these gifts, talents, and abilities with us.We have a responsibility to develop the talents we have been given. Sometimes we think we do not have many talents or that other people have been blessed with more abilities than we possess. Sometimes we do not use our talents because we are afraid that we might fail or be criticized by others. We should not hide our talents. We should use them. Then others can see our good works and glorify our Heavenly Father (see Matthew 5:16).
 We all have a purpose here in life. Some people are still wondering what were here for, but I know that there is a God and he loves us and he wants us to be happy. He has given us each our on talents in life. Everyone is different so our talents are different. I love music, but I cant care a note to save my life. So I guess I'll just keep on listening to it. But some people can sign beautifully, others can pick up any sport they want and make it look like they have been playing it from the day they were born. I love sports myself, I love competition, and to try new things. That part of our talents, is we have to find what it is sometimes. If we don't try new things how do we know what we are good at and what were not good at. When we do find something we love doing or that were good at, we have to keep working on it so we can become better.
  One of my greats loves is for animals. There are people who can make a Dog fly if they wanted to. I cant and I'm not the best at training animals, but I love doing it. To take a 2 year old colt, and over time be able to do anything on him that you ask of him. Is the coolest feeling ever. It like seeing kids grow and learning new things. You see how happy they are. Your proud of them for what they just accomplished. Well its the same for all of us. WE all have to learn in Life. One of the reason were here is to learn.
   God gives us talents to help us become better. We have something we can then try to succeed at. But with our talents we can bless the life's of others we come in contact with.The Lord is pleased when we use our talents wisely. He will bless us if we use our talents to benefit other people and to build up His kingdom here on earth. Some of the blessings we gain are joy and love from serving our brothers and sisters here on earth. We also learn self-control. All these things are necessary if we are going to be worthy to live with our Heavenly Father again.
  I love this video of Stacy Westfall. This video has been one of my favorites from the day I saw it. But look at what a wonderful talent she has. Not very many people can do that. But look at what a amazing dad she had. To teach her what she know. It really hits me at the beginning when she dedicates it to her father. Look at how many people she has inspired by what she does. It makes me feel like I can work hard like she has and make my talents become better, and use them to help other. I'm grateful to know these things, and I hope these can help you  like it does me.
Elder Owen Mortenson