President David O. McKay on the power of little things

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"Little things are but parts of the great. The grass does not spring up full grown by eruption. It rises up and increases as noiselessly and gently as not to disturb an angel's ear, perhaps is invisible to an angel's eye. The rain does not fall in masses but in drops; the planets do not leap in their orbits, but inch by inch and line by line they circle the orbits. Intellect, feeling, habit, character, all become what they are through the influence of little things, and in morals and religion, it is by little things, by little actions, that every one of us is going—not by leaps, yet surely by inches—either to life or death eternal.

"The great lesson to be learned in the world today is to apply in the little acts and duties of life the glorious principles of the Gospel. Let us not think that, because some of the things may seem small and trivial, they are unimportant. Life, after all, is made up of little things. Our life, our being, physically, is made up of little heart beats. Let that little heart stop beating, and life in this world ceases. The great sun is a mighty force in the universe, but we receive the blessings of his rays because they come to us as little beams, which, taken in the aggregate, fill the whole world with sunlight. The dark night is made pleasant by the glimmer of what seem to be little stars; and so the true Christian life is made up of little Christ-like acts performed this hour, this minute—in the home, in the quorum, in the organization, in the town, wherever our life and acts may be cast."

- David O. McKay, "True to the Faith," p. 153

This is a beautiful thought from President McKay. We sometimes expect grand and glorious events, dramatic progress, spectacular achievements, leaps in understanding. But in almost every case, it's the "little things" that really indicate progress, now and eternally.

All of life is "made up of little things," from the physical beats of each individual's heart, to the rays of sunlight that provide life sustenance, to the Christ-like acts that make life meaningful. What a valuable reminder!

Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. (Alma 37:6)

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
September 7, 2015

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the simplicity of the Gospel

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"Are we making our discipleship too complicated?

"This beautiful gospel is so simple a child can grasp it, yet so profound and complex that it will take a lifetime—even an eternity—of study and discovery to fully understand it.

"But sometimes we take the beautiful lily of God’s truth and gild it with layer upon layer of man-made good ideas, programs, and expectations. Each one, by itself, might be helpful and appropriate for a certain time and circumstance, but when they are laid on top of each other, they can create a mountain of sediment that becomes so thick and heavy that we risk losing sight of that precious flower we once loved so dearly.

"Therefore, as leaders we must strictly protect the Church and the gospel in its purity and plainness and avoid putting unnecessary burdens on our members.

"And all of us, as members of the Church, we need to make a conscientious effort to devote our energy and time to the things that truly matter, while uplifting our fellowmen and building the kingdom of God."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "It Works Wonderfully!", General Conference, October 2015, Saturday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

This is a message that we need to hear over and over. The gospel is beautiful and simple. When life gets frustrating or overwhelming, it's always valuable to go "back to the basics" and remember what the things are that really matter.

While programs and activities can be helpful, they must not distract us from the purity and simplicity of the true Gospel message: "uplifting our fellowmen and building the kingdom of God."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
October 11, 2015

Elder Gary E. Stevenson on keeping the Gospel simple

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (born August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"It has been said that the gospel of Jesus Christ is 'simply beautiful and beautifully simple' (Elder Matthew Cowley). The world is not. It is complicated, complex, and filled with turmoil and strife. We are blessed as we exercise care not to allow complexity, so common in the world, to enter into the way we receive and practice the gospel.

"President Dallin H. Oaks observed: 'We are taught many small and simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, those seemingly small things bring to pass great things.' (General Conference April 2018.) Jesus Christ Himself describes that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt 11:30). We should all strive to keep the gospel simple—in our lives, in our families, in our classes and quorums, and in our wards and stakes."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Simply Beautiful—Beautifully Simple," General Conference October 2021, Saturday afternoon

Click here to read or watch the full talk

Elder Stevenson's remarks focused on two overarching principles: we all have "divinely appointed responsibilities" in being a part of Heavenly Father's work of salvation and exaltation; and in achieving or fulfilling those responsibilities, we must remember to keep the Gospel, and our lives, simple and focused on the things that matter most.

They key is discovering HOW to keep things simple! I think it follows when we prioritize carefully, choosing the things that matter most, and remembering not to complicate and elaborate on the fundamental principles. Elder Stevenson gave some wonderful examples in his message on how members have been able to do that.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

President Henry B. Eyring on persuading others of gospel truths

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"You have at your best followed the example of Joseph Smith, as described by Arthur Henry King, in a talk published in his book, _The Abundance of the Heart_. In that book, Professor King recounted his experience in first reading of the First Vision as it appears in the Pearl of Great Price. Arthur Henry King reminds us that he was not a member of the Church at that time and that his education had taught him to be critical. He thus represents the very people to whom you may be most helpful. This is what he said:

"'I wasn't inclined to be impressed. As a stylistician, I have spent my life being disinclined to be impressed. So when I read his story, I thought to myself, this is an extraordinary thing. This is an astonishingly matter-of-fact and cool account. This man is not trying to persuade me of anything. He doesn't feel the need to. He is stating what happened to him, and he is stating it, not enthusiastically, but in quite a matter-of-fact way. He is not trying to make me cry or feel ecstatic. That struck me, and that began to build my testimony, for I could see that this man was telling the truth' (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1986, pp. 200-201).

"A clear declaration of the truth is powerful enough, because truth exists and there is a Spirit of truth to confirm it. Because you believe that, your writing shows a trust in the clear declarative statement, without jargon, that would bless scholars and their readers in every field.

"Your work of highest value is to lead the children of God to discover the true origin of the Book of Mormon and thus let its message of Jesus Christ change their lives. Because of that, my hope would be that you will keep your focus on that scripture and on the aspects of it which are significant to the question: 'Should I pray to know if this book is truly the word of God, written and abridged by prophets on plates delivered by an angel to a boy who could only have translated them by the power of God?'

"Joseph Smith's account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is miraculous. The only place to go to verify a miracle is to God. I pray that your work and your example will lead many to go to Him in the earnest prayer of faith."

- Henry B. Eyring "The Marketplace of Ideas," annual F.A.R.M.S. banquet, 13 October 1994
Click here to read the full address

President Eyring was speaking in this address to members of the "Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies" (FARMS) organization. He encouraged their use of the Book of Mormon to help bring interest and conversion. He also taught of the power of pure and simple testimony in reaching out to those who are sincere in heart.

I heard Dr. King speak about the matter Elder Eyring references. King was a brilliant British scholar, a renowned Shakespearean expert, who understood language. He compared Oliver Cowdery's flowery, educated description of the translation process, contained in a footnote of the Pearl of Great Price, with Joseph's simple and pure narrative. It was a profound lesson to me of the power of pure and simple testimony.

Leading others to Christ through the Book of Mormon is an important and powerful message, one we need to remember and implement.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President M. Russell Ballard on the blessings of small and simple things

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"We must never ignore or pass by the prompting of the Spirit to render service to one another.

"Great and marvelous events seem to motivate us, but small things often do not hold our attention. Noting that the Liahona worked by faith, Alma stated, 'Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means … [the people of Lehi] were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey.' (Alma 37:41.)

"Is our journey sometimes impeded when we forget the importance of small things? (See Alma 37:46.) Do we realize that small events and choices determine the direction of our lives just as small helms determine the direction of great ships? (See James 3:4; D&C 123:16.) Are we ever like Naaman, the leper, expecting some great thing before we will pay attention to prophets? (See 2 Kgs. 5:1–14.)

"May the Lord bless each one of us to follow the counsel of our prophets. We need to have family and personal prayers; study the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon; hold family home evenings; follow the admonition of the Savior to love one another; and be thoughtful, kind, and gentle within the family. Through these and other similar small and simple things, we have the promise that our lives will be filled with peace and joy."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Small and Simple Things," General Conference April 1990
Click here to read or listen to the full talk 

There's no question that we have an easier time paying attention to the "great and marvelous" things that might happen in our lives, or listening to the profound promptings. President Ballard counsels us to also pay attention to the more simple and quiet things that can come. A simple prompting to give service to another can have profound and dramatic impact.

Following the counsel of prophets is a good example of this principle. We often look for dramatic counsel or changed directions, and can easily neglect the ongoing counsel for basic and fundamental obedience to principles and commandments. The simplest things can truly bring the greatest peace and joy.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Neil L. Andersen on the need for quiet time in our lives

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"I have thought at times how different my children’s lives are from my own growing up on a small family farm in southern Idaho in the 1950s and 1960s. Long days building a fence with my father, silent hours of moving irrigation pipe in potato fields, a home with one television that received only three channels, no computer, no MP3s, no mobile phones, few trips beyond nearby towns, few distractions, and much time with family—these were the building blocks of many of my generation.

"In today’s world we must provide quiet, reflective times for our children and teach them how to listen to the still, small voice. With all the blessings our modern age has given to us, let us not give up the things that promote the workings of the Holy Ghost: time alone to pray, ponder, meditate, and read the scriptures; and time with family undisturbed by noise, distractions, and too many activities."

- Neil L. Andersen, "A Gift Worthy of Added Care," Ensign, December 2010 pp. 32-33
Click here to read the full article

Life truly has become far more complex in the recent generation. Like Elder Andersen, I remember the quieter, simpler times of the past when there were far fewer distractions and much more time to think and to listen. It's a subtle but dangerous trend that makes us think we have to fill every moment with noise, stimulation, activity, or entertainment. I love to hike to find my quiet time, but I'm often distressed to see young people with music blaring loudly from speakers attached to their packs even in that setting!

And as Elder Andersen notes, back then we tended to have "much more time with family" than now, which is perhaps the most damaging trend of all.

So how do we combat these negative influences?

It takes effort, commitment, scheduling, and cooperation to make this happen—to "provide quiet, reflective time" in our homes and families. We must not stop trying. This "time alone" with the Spirit truly can bless us far more than any technology or modern distraction.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President James E. Faust on the blessings of fundamentals

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"The work of the Church depends upon basics such as paying tithes; taking care of family and priesthood duties; caring for the poor and the needy; having daily prayer, scripture study, and family home evening; home teaching; participation in quorum activity; and attending the temple. If called upon by the President of the Church, we would be ready, able, and willing to do 'some great thing,' such as working on the Nauvoo temple, but many are not quite so anxious to do some of these basics. 

"We are all familiar with the Old Testament story of Naaman, the captain of the Syrian hosts, who was a leper. A little Israelite servant told Naaman’s wife that there was a prophet in Israel who could heal him. Naaman came with his chariot and horses to the house of Elisha, who sent a messenger to instruct Naaman, 'Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.' (2 Kings 5:10.)

"You younger boys know how it is when you show your hands to your mother: she’ll tell you to go and wash! But Naaman was not a young boy. He was the captain of the Syrian hosts, and he was offended by Elisha’s instruction to wash in the Jordan. So he 'went away in a rage.' (2 Kings 5:12.) One of Naaman’s servants with a wise head remonstrated with him and said: 'If the prophet had bid thee [to] do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?' (2 Kings 5:13.) Naaman then repented and followed the counsel of the prophet. The leprosy disappeared, and 'his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.' (2 Kings 5:14.) 'Some great thing' in this instance was extraordinarily simple and easy to do....

"In the parable of talents, the one who had increased his talents was told, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.' (Matt. 25:23.) May we all be faithful in doing the day-to-day, ordinary things that prove our worthiness, for they will lead us to and qualify us for great things."

- James E. Faust, "Some Great Thing," General Conference October 2001
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The Old Testament story of Captain Naaman shares such a great and timeless message. We get a little caught up in our pride and self-importance at times, expecting for the chance to be involved in "some great thing" to demonstrate our abilities or prove our faithfulness. But much more frequently, it's the basic tasks of life that bring both growth and happiness.

The basic things in life really are, usually, "extraordinarily simple and easy to do" if we commit to doing them faithfully and regularly. But President Faust testifies that those are exactly the things that will "lead us to and qualify us for great things." How important it is that we each regularly evaluate our performance in the fundamental, essential tasks of life and of the Gospel!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Henry B. Eyring on being nourished by the good word of God

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"Just as pondering the scriptures invites the Holy Ghost, so does daily pleading in prayer. If we do not ask in prayer, He will rarely come, and without our petition He is not likely to linger. 'And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach' (D&C 42:14). Heartfelt, constant pleading for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, with the pure intent to nourish our Father’s children, will surely bring blessings to us and to those we love and serve.

"The good word of God with which we must nourish is the simple doctrine of the gospel. We need not fear either simplicity or repetition....

"It takes a childlike heart to feel the promptings of the Spirit, to surrender to those commands, and to obey. That is what it takes to be nourished by the good word of God."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Feed My Lambs," General Conference October 1997
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This tender talk by President Eyring was addressed to the new converts in the Church, those who are lambs instead of sheep. "The Saints of God have always been under covenant to nourish each other spiritually, especially those tender in the gospel." How do we best care for one another? He suggests that as we sincerely plead for the Lord's spirit, we will be blessed with the Holy Ghost that will aid us in our ministering. And then we can pass that gift on to the tender lambs in our midst:

The phrase "nourished by the good word of God" which President Eyring uses throughout the talk ,was first used by Jacob as he expounded on the parable of the vineyard—see Jacob 6:7. But much later, Moroni used the same words to describe how new believers should be cared for:

"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith." (Moroni 6:4, emphasis added)

What a beautiful description that is of how we should love and sustain one another! As we learn to focus on "the simple doctrine of the gospel" without concern about repetition or simplicity, we will find continuing blessings for ourselves and for those we strive to serve.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on simplifying our gospel understanding

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (b. November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"We human beings have a strange tendency to complicate simple things. We set up rules, laws, bylaws, processes, and subprocesses. Eventually, we pile up load after load until we end up under a huge weight of expectations that are so complicated it is difficult to keep track of them, let alone meet them.

"This is one of the reasons Paul said, 'The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life' (2 Corinthians 3:6).

"Too often, we complicate the beauty and simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ with endless lists of meticulous expectations. However, when we focus on the 'why' of the gospel, much of the confusion fades away. Why are we here? Why are we asked to obey the commandments? Why is the Atonement of Jesus Christ of such value to us?

"The proper 'why' questions will lead us to the proper 'who,' 'what,' 'when,' 'where,' and 'how' decisions."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Acting on the Truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Worldwide Leadership Training, February 2012
Click here to read the full article

President Uchtdorf has spoken on several occasions about the importance and blessing of simplifying our approach to life or to the Gospel; for example, here and here.

In this excerpt, he warns not only about the ways we complicate our lives at times, but also how we can make "the beauty and simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ" unnecessarily complicated. The key to avoiding this trap is to carefully consider the purposes and motivations of our beliefs and expectations—the "why" questions that lead to greater understanding.

Asking the right questions leads to the right actions and decisions. That is because the right questions create a foundation of understanding on which appropriate actions can be built. I love this reminder, and will be asking myself more appropriately-probing "why" questions about my own life!

Elder Marvin J. Ashton on the blessings of plainness

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-1994) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1971 until his death in 1994 at age 78.

"'For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men.' (2 Ne. 31:3.) 'I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.' (2 Ne. 33:6.) 'My soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn.' (2 Ne. 25:4.) Through this great prophet Nephi, along with other leaders and wise teachers, we come to realize that we learn more readily if principles are taught and explained in plainness. Brigham Young once said that if he could do but one thing to bless the Saints, he believed it would be to give them 'eyes with which to see things as they are.' (Journal of Discourses, 3:221.)

"Plainness is best comprehended by the humble, the teachable, the intelligent, the wise, and the obedient. Often plain truths are perverted by the pretentious, the crude, the low, the critical, the contentious, the haughty, and the unrighteous. More so than in any other time in our history, there is an urgency in today's society for men and women to step forward and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of plainness. God delights when His truths are taught clearly and understandably with no conspicuous ornamentation. Plainness in life, word, and conduct are eternal virtues. When the plainness of Christian teaching and living is lost, apostasy and suffering result. People walk in darkness when the light of plainness is taken from their lives....

"The truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ are plain, precious, and powerful. The lives of the worthy are plain, precious, and powerful."

- Marvin J. Ashton, "The Power of Plainness," Ensign, May 1977, pp. 66-68
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was one of the classic talks by Elder Ashton. Noting the powerful teachings of Nephi about the importance of plainness, he applied the concept to our modern times and situation.

I've always loved Nephi's personal expression of love for the Savior as expressed in this memorable phrase: "I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell." He spoke of "my Jesus" even though this was hundreds of years before the mortal life of the Savior; but yet Nephi already had the depth of personal understanding and conviction to recognize Jesus as his personal Redeemer and to hold Him close in esteem. This is plain and pure doctrine.

As we focus on the plain and simple truths of the Gospel, and their direct application to our lives, we are deeply blessed.

L. Tom Perry on the choice of faithful obedience

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorum.

"While some very intelligent and insightful people might believe our more complex time demands ever more complex solutions, I am far from convinced they are right. Rather, I am of the frame of mind that today's complexity demands greater simplicity....

"Too often we think of obedience as the passive and thoughtless following of the orders or dictates of a higher authority. Actually, at its best, obedience is an emblem of our faith in the wisdom and power of the highest authority, even God. When Abraham demonstrated his unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God, even when commanded to sacrifice his son, God rescued him. Similarly, when we demonstrate our faithfulness through obedience, God will ultimately rescue us.

"Those who rely solely on themselves and follow only their own desires and self-inclinations are so limited when compared to those who follow God and tap into His insight, power, and gifts. It has been said that someone who is all wrapped up in himself or herself makes a very small package. Strong, proactive obedience is anything but weak or passive. It is the means by which we declare our faith in God and qualify ourselves to receive the powers of heaven. Obedience is a choice. It is a choice between our own limited knowledge and power and God's unlimited wisdom and omnipotence."

- L. Tom Perry, "Obedience Through Our Faithfulness," Ensign, May 2014, pp. 100-103
Click here to read the full article

This could be a great motto for life: "Today's complexity demands greater simplicity." It applies to many aspects of our modern lives, including the choices we make of using our time, the possessions we surround ourselves with, and the way we approach learning and living the Gospel.

Elder Perry provides a "simple" approach to obedience and faith. It's not a "passive and thoughtless following" of the dictates of some other man, or even of God; instead, it's an evidence of our faith and trust in that God. And when we "demonstrate our faithfulness through obedience," blessings from God will follow. There is profound truth in this simple approach to life.

Ultimately, "obedience is a choice"—whether to rely on our own limited vision and understanding, or to trust in God's greater wisdom on our behalf. It's just that simple!

L. Tom Perry on finding spiritual fuel

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorum.

"The Lord has given us a beautiful plan about how we can return to Him, but the completion of our mortal journey requires spiritual fuel. We want to emulate the five wise virgins, who had stored sufficient fuel to accompany the bridegroom when he came (see Matthew 25:6-10). What is required to maintain a sufficient store of spiritual fuel? We must acquire knowledge of God's eternal plan and our role in it, and then by living righteously, surrendering our will to the will of the Lord, we receive the promised blessings....

"Just before Thoreau died, he was asked if he had made peace with God. He replied, 'I was not aware we had ever quarreled' (in Mardy Grothe, comp., Viva la Repartee [2005], 181).

"In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test--to return and live with our Heavenly Father."

- L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity," Ensign, Nov. 2008, pp. 7-10
Click here to read the full talk

There are several points that interested me in this excerpt. Elder Perry encourages us to have an adequate reserve of "spiritual fuel" for times that require it. We can obtain that fuel, and maintain our store of it, by:

• acquiring knowledge of God's eternal plan and our role in it
• living righteously, surrendering our will to the will of the Lord

In simpler words, learn and do.

The final paragraph gives a series of good advice:

• We can find relief from the stress of life by simplifying our lives
• Peace comes as we comply with the counsel given to follow the plan of salvation
• We can best navigate the journey of mortality with the aid of the Holy Ghost
• The real and final purpose of all we to is to prepare to return to live with God

Dieter F. Uchtdorf on rejoicing in a simplified life

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (b. 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"Brothers and sisters, indeed we have great reason to rejoice. If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.

"Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most.

"Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most," Ensign November 2010, pp. 19-22
Click here to read the full talk

President Uchtdorf addresses some of the real-life challenges we often face—confronting "life and its rushed pace and many stresses" that can make things "difficult for you to feel like rejoicing." The key is to learn to "refocus on what matters most," and our ability to rejoice will return.

The encouragement to "simplify our lives a little" is especially valuable. As we learn to limit our priority and attention to those "things that matter most" we will find that the ability to discover and maintain joy in our lives increases. Wise counsel!

Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the simplicity of the Gospel

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (1940- ) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"Are we making our discipleship too complicated?

"This beautiful gospel is so simple a child can grasp it, yet so profound and complex that it will take a lifetime—even an eternity—of study and discovery to fully understand it.

"But sometimes we take the beautiful lily of God’s truth and gild it with layer upon layer of man-made good ideas, programs, and expectations. Each one, by itself, might be helpful and appropriate for a certain time and circumstance, but when they are laid on top of each other, they can create a mountain of sediment that becomes so thick and heavy that we risk losing sight of that precious flower we once loved so dearly.

"Therefore, as leaders we must strictly protect the Church and the gospel in its purity and plainness and avoid putting unnecessary burdens on our members.

"And all of us, as members of the Church, we need to make a conscientious effort to devote our energy and time to the things that truly matter, while uplifting our fellowmen and building the kingdom of God."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "It Works Wonderfully!", General Conference, October 2015, Saturday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

This is a message that we need to hear over and over. The gospel is beautiful and simple. When life gets frustrating or overwhelming, it's always valuable to go "back to the basics" and remember what the things are that really matter.

While programs and activities can be helpful, they must not distract us from the purity and simplicity of the true Gospel message: "uplifting our fellowmen and building the kingdom of God."

David O. McKay on the power of little things

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"Little things are but parts of the great. The grass does not spring up full grown by eruption. It rises up and increases as noiselessly and gently as not to disturb an angel's ear, perhaps is invisible to an angel's eye. The rain does not fall in masses but in drops; the planets do not leap in their orbits, but inch by inch and line by line they circle the orbits. Intellect, feeling, habit, character, all become what they are through the influence of little things, and in morals and religion, it is by little things, by little actions, that every one of us is going—not by leaps, yet surely by inches—either to life or death eternal.

"The great lesson to be learned in the world today is to apply in the little acts and duties of life the glorious principles of the Gospel. Let us not think that, because some of the things may seem small and trivial, they are unimportant. Life, after all, is made up of little things. Our life, our being, physically, is made up of little heart beats. Let that little heart stop beating, and life in this world ceases. The great sun is a mighty force in the universe, but we receive the blessings of his rays because they come to us as little beams, which, taken in the aggregate, fill the whole world with sunlight. The dark night is made pleasant by the glimmer of what seem to be little stars; and so the true Christian life is made up of little Christ-like acts performed this hour, this minute—in the home, in the quorum, in the organization, in the town, wherever our life and acts may be cast."

- David O. McKay, "True to the Faith," p. 153

This is a beautiful thought from President McKay. We sometimes expect grand and glorious events, dramatic progress, spectacular achievements, leaps in understanding. But in almost every case, it's the "little things" that really indicate progress, now and eternally.

All of life is "made up of little things," from the physical beats of each individual's heart, to the rays of sunlight that provide life sustenance, to the Christ-like acts that make life meaningful. What a valuable reminder!

Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. (Alma 37:6)