Love it.

I got a lot of the same things out of this talk as Kerri. But here is the rest that was for me.

"Any believing Latter-day Saint is an optimist about what lies ahead for him or her, however difficult the present may be, [because] we can BECOME like the Savior, who is perfect." I struggle with getting discouraged. I would often turn that around in my mind to read "be like the Savior, who is perfect." I like that he discussed this as a process of becoming.

Also to start out a talk about love with "however difficult the present..." I feel that is quite sensible.

I liked how the children had "to be like Him was their fixed goal...They expected to succeed." I often feel like that second part is my hurdle. I know how utterly imperfect I am therefore I will fail. I need to look at it more from the perspective of the atonement and realize that I will succeed as long as I continually turn to my Savior and repent.

Wouldn't it be interesting if the Websters definition of LOVE was: finding joy in putting the welfare of another above one's self.

"My hope today is to suggest some choices which may seem difficult, but that would assure you that you have qualified for there to be no empty chairs in your family in the world to come."

How this translated to me...you want Eternal life with your family? Here's the road map. Then he discusses prayer for your love in your marriage, leading your children to Heavenly Father, honoring your parents, care for others genuinely, and being pure and obedient like a child.

And for those of us who get discouraged he left us with "I leave you my blessing that you may feel the assurance and the approval you felt as a child." = HOPE!

We can and must expect to become better as long as we live

My new mantra: "Try to show kindness in all that you do." I'm getting this feeling that life is all about service, love, & kindness.

"The joys come from putting the welfare of others above our own. That is what love is. And the sorrow comes primarily from selfishness, which is the absence of love." That's pretty concise.

Self-centered=sorrow
Others-centered=joy

This passage left me thinking & re-thinking. "Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion. Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make your companion's joy your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion."

Somehow, our culture has fed us this idea that love is a magical thing that just happens and endures. I think for some lucky people it is that way, but I imagine for the larger majority, love requires prayer, patience, and work. And that's okay. Often in the scriptures we're commanded to love. It's a decision we make, and effort we put forth.

One of my previous bishops taught me about the enabling power of the atonement. Not only can the atonement take away our sins, redeem us, it can help us become better. The atonement of Jesus Christ can enable me to love my husband better, stronger, deeper. This council to pray for love for our companions has motivated me. I'm going to do it & I'm going to do it repeatedly. I've done it before and I know it works. The reminder was a good one for me. I like that his council is not merely, "pray for a greater love for your spouse," but was more specific than that.

I also enjoyed this tidbit on peace. "You have felt the peace of a pure little child at times when you have tried to be like Jesus. . .These moments will come more often as you try to do the things you know Jesus would do. . .And this gift can come not only to you alone but also to the loving members of your family."

This is neat! We try to do what the Savior would--> we feel peace --> AND our family get to experience greater peace too!!!