Getting Out of Our Comfort Zone

ChurchofJesusChrist.org IglesiadeJesucristo.org

Hello beloved sisters and brothers,

Powerful Youth

Last Sunday evening a number of our youth had the opportunity to attend the recording of the Worldwide Devotional for Youth which will air this coming Sunday. Bishop Jasper of the Taylors Grove Ward shared this photo of the youth from his ward. What a blessing for them to be in the conference center with Elder and Sister Gong.

Year in Review Videos

The links to the two videos we showed at the conclusion of the Saturday evening session of stake conference are now posted on the stake website video page.

Upcoming Special Events

On Saturday, February 4 at 10 am we will hold a Stake Women’s Conference. All young women and sisters are invited. Please invite a friend or loved one to attend with you. The conference will focus on the temple and will feature President and Sister Wakefield as well as other stake members sharing their temple experiences and testimonies.

Weekly Message: Getting Out of Our Comfort Zone

We often hear people say that to grow and progress in life we need to change our habits… try new things. This is often referred to as, “getting out of our comfort zone”.

I believe this is true. And I think President Nelson has been kindly inviting us to get OUT of OUR comfort zone and get INTO THE SAVIOR’S comfort zone…(Matthew 11:28,29)

I’d like to take a few moments and consider together a few ways we can get INTO the Savior’s comfort zone.

Gospel Study

This year, through our consistent and prayerful study of the New Testament, I believe we will find that His teachings are just as relevant and vital TODAY…for us… as they were to those he taught during his earthly ministry. The scriptures can help us receive the Savior’s guidance, healing and strengthening power.

Express Love to Others

One of the Savior’s most notable characteristics was His ability to help those around Him feel loved. (Matthew 25:40) As we reach out in love to our sisters and brothers, we will feel the Savior’s warmth; our hearts and souls grow to be more like Him.

May we be found more faithfully and frequently in the service of our sisters and brothers.

Share the Gospel

Our daily living of gospel principles is the single most effective way we can “preach” His gospel.(Mark 16:15)

Have a Temple Focus

In the temple, we perform sacred, life-saving ordinances that help those who are dead receive the blessings of the gospel. But the temples are just as important to the living. As we regularly attend the temple, we are reminded of our own sacred temple covenants and our relationship to our Father. We are strengthened and protected against the temptations of the adversary.

There is so much we can learn through regular temple attendance and if circumstances permit, please consider becoming a temple worker.

Be Intentional

There are innumerable activities and options competing for our hearts, our minds, and our time. President Nelson has taught,

“There is nothing easy or automatic about becoming …powerful disciples. Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel. It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought. But when we do, our doubts and fears flee.”

What are we willing to leave behind in our old comfort zone… in order to get into the Savior’s Comfort Zone?

Placing the Savior at the center of our lives is the key to unlimited joy in this life and the life to come.

Work Together

Moving forward on the covenant path is much better with friends and loved ones. It is also much more fun!

So let’s do this together. We can all invite someone to “come and see”.

Who will you invite?

Jesus Christ is our Hope

Jesus Christ is our perfect example. He invites us to trust Him…to follow Him…to get INTO HIS comfort zone and He will be with us through any affliction or difficulty we may encounter.

I pray that this year, each of us will strive to “place the Savior at the center of our lives”; that we will strive to make our homes sanctuaries of gospel learning; that we will make our daily routines and interactions with others more and more consistent with our discipleship to the Son of God.

May we seek Him like never before by:

stepping out of our comfort zone and
stepping into His comfort zone

Is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

I love you,

President Gardner