I really appreciated Sister Reeves' talk. It is a good reminder to hear "Our bodies are sacred gifts from our Heavenly Father. They are personal temples." It is important to treat them as such and to be deliberate and mindful of our choices and actions.
She warned us that just like how in Alma's day, Korihor, the anti-christ, led away the hearts of many people, "Satan has raised a Korihor-like banner in our day with increasing success. What are some of his tools? Seductive romance novels, tv soap operas, married women and old boyfriends connecting on social media, and pornography. We must be so careful, dear sisters! We cannot play with Satan's fiery darts and not get burned. I know of nothing that will qualify us for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as much as virtue." I need the companionship of the Holy Ghost and I'm certain I can do better about making sure what I read and watch is virtuous. Because, like Linda S. Reeves says, "Regardless of our age, if what we look at it, read, listen to, or choose to do does not meet the standards in For the Strength of Youth, turn it off, rip it up, throw it out, and slam the door." I have always felt this same way, but it takes courage and integrity and it's easy in today's world to let our standards slip or assume it's ok just because it is all around us now. But I think it matters.
In our world today, we often expect instant gratification and answers. "In contrast, we will be exceedingly blessed if we exercise faith and patience and go to our Heavenly Father, the source of all truth, with our concerns. So many answers and assurances can come through daily searching and studying the scriptures and with sincere and pleading prayer, but there are no such promises on the Internet." I have found in my own life that Heavenly Father loves me and He is willing and waiting to pour out understanding, answers, guidance, and inspiration. All I have to do is go to Him, even for just a few moments a day, reading scriptures, pondering, and praying. When I am sincere and patient then line upon line, He blesses me with greater understanding.
We have been given tools to help us stay virtuous and clean. There is power in the scriptures, repentance, temples, the proper wearing of the temple garment, prayer, covenants, the prophet, and the sabbath day.
There are so many blessings promised to us. Sister Reeves said, "I believe that if we could daily remember and recognize the depth of that love our Heavenly Father and our Savior have for us, we would be willing to do anything to be back in Their presence again, surrounded by Their love eternally. What will it matter, dear sisters, what we suffered here if, in the end, those trials are the very things which qualify us for eternal life and exaltation in the kingdom of God with our Father and Savior?" Like Amulek taught " 'this life is the time . . . to prepare to meet God. ' It is not the time to receive all of our blessings."
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