Give the Lord Something to Work With
Give The Lord Something to Work With
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
August 28th, 2023
Hello! I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy. Thank you to the Fairfield Zone for inviting us to p-day activities last week. We had a wonderful time.
We are grateful to welcome Elder and Sister Kennan to CASRM. They will be taking on several assignments in the office – among them vehicles and housing. Elder and Sister Kennan are delightful. I am confident you will love them and enjoy serving with them.
Sister Quinn and I were fortunate to meet with Elder Bednar in training sessions prior to beginning our mission. In one of the training sessions, Elder Bednar promised us the Lord would bless us with health. He encouraged us to find time each week to exercise. He counseled us, “give the Lord something to work with.” To follow this counsel, Sister Quinn and I are making time to exercise a minimum of 3 days each week.
I have pondered Elder Bednar’s counsel – “give the Lord something to work with” – several times. It is certainly good health advice but is also excellent advice for other aspects of life.
The Book of Mormon teaches this principle in the book of Ether, when the brother of Jared seeks the Lord’s assistance:
“And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord…” (Ether 3:1)
Are you able to see the things the brother of Jared did to “give the Lord something to work with”? He devises a plan, climbs a high mountain, prepares stones for the Lord to bless, and prays for the Lord’s assistance. Because of his efforts and great faith, he enjoys a miraculous experience with the Lord and is blessed in abundance. Please read this account in Ether 3.
In my own missionary service with you here in CASRM, I am “giving the Lord something to work with” by studying the scriptures and PMG each day. I have marked and recorded impressions and insights from my studies. I have found these impressions to be helpful and timely in interviews with you and in the development of training materials.
I invite you to consider ways you can “give the Lord something to work with” in fulfilling your missionary purpose. Please consider new ways and efforts in finding, teaching, studying, planning, helping your friends keep their commitments, more obedience to safeguards, enjoying more unity in your companionship, etc. I know the Lord will accept your offerings given in diligence, sincerity, and faith. Like the brother of Jared, who offered stones to the Lord, I know that if you “give the Lord something to work with” he will take your offering and magnify it. The results will be miraculous.
Please know what an inspiration you are to Sister Quinn and me. We love you and love serving with you.
Love,
President Quinn
(707) 758-6380
