November 21, 2019

Elders,

It has been a little while since I last wrote to you. I always have great intentions but then life happens. I hope that I’m not the only one in that boat. I always worry about being caught up in the “thick of thin things”. Am I spending my time and energy in the most effective manner? Some days I’m not quite sure.

I think that we all fall into the trap of perfectionism at one time or another. We try and try to do everything and be everything to everybody. We even accomplish many good things. However it always comes with an asterisk because we didn’t get it all done. Sometimes we are able to look at our situation rationally and realize our accomplishments, other times we listen to the natural man within us and start to punish ourselves for our imperfections – this leads to a spiral of discontentment and discouragement.

What do you do in this kind of situation? How hard is it to pull ourselves out of our self-defeating thoughts and actions? Where do you turn and how do you get out? Are you able to confide in a spouse, friend, co-worker, or ministering brother? Does prayer help? A trip to the temple? A hike in the mountains? 

The adversary tries to get at us in so many ways. As we realize the subtleties of the attacks and see them for what they are, we can get the better of them. God knows that we can’t be perfect here in this lifetime. He wants us to grow and change a little each day, take care of any backsliding, and move forward. President Nelson has encouraged us to repent daily and move forward. We shouldn’t fault ourselves for failing to run faster than we can. 

Elders, we are all in this together. Thank you for all that you do, for lifting other’s burdens, and being great examples of good.

This Sunday Eric Oliver will lead our discussion on Elder Christofferson’s conference talk last April titled “Preparing for the Lord’s Return” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/44christofferson?lang=eng. I’m looking forward to discussing it with all of you.

Our stake presidency reminded us of the Light the World One by One campaign https://youtu.be/WlGiX33ZK84 – The Light the World programs have been an integral part of the Christmas season for me and I encourage you to visit the website https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world and sign up for daily reminders to help you find ways to serve other “ones” during the fast-approaching Christmas season.

Check your email (from Christine Pitts) or Facebook for other general announcements. 

Elders – I love being part of your quorum and I appreciate the support and strength you provide, even if you don’t realize it. 

Thanks again,

President Oldroyd
801-573-6828