Opposition in all things

This morning I went on a three mile walk. I've been doing HIIT workouts and was still sore so thought a walk would provide a nice change and stretch. While I walk, I listen to General Conference talks. This morning the one that stood out to me was Elder Oaks talk from the April 2016 conference titled, "Opposition in All Things.". He states in that talk, "Wherefore,” the Father said, “because that Satan rebelled against me, … I caused that he should be cast down” (Moses 4:3) with all the spirits who had exercised their agency to follow him (see Jude 1:6; Revelation 12:8–9; D&C 29:36–37). Cast down as un-embodied spirits in mortality, Satan and his followers tempt and seek to deceive and captivate the children of God (see Moses 4:4). This hit me. Now bear with me a minute, because it requires some explanation. We believe that God being just, loves all of his children, provides a way for all to hear, accept and have the necessary ordinances done entitling them to return to his presence. For those who have died without that opportunity, the work is done vicariously. Meaning someone alive does it for someone who is now dead. Ok, now back to my morning epiphany. Elder Oaks says,"Satan's followers tempt and seek to deceive and captivate the children of men." The thought that came to my mind and heart was that because they will never have bodies of flesh and bones, they live vicariously through us when we succumb to temptation and are deceived. Whoa! I'm still thinking about it. As we yield to Satan and turn away from the light and life of Christ, we become Satan's followers if only for a short time. I don't know about you, but I don't ever want to be recognized as one of Satan's anything. So that leads me into the next talk that touched me. Elder Holland's talk, "Tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." It coupled nicely with Elder Oaks's talk. "Only the adversary, the enemy of us all, would try to convince us that the ideals outlined in general conference are depressing and unrealistic, that people don’t really improve, that no one really progresses. And why does Lucifer give that speech? Because he knows he can’t improve, he can’t progress, that worlds without end he will never have a bright tomorrow. He is a miserable man bound by eternal limitations, and he wants you to be miserable too. Well, don’t fall for that. With the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the strength of heaven to help us, we can improve, and the great thing about the gospel is we get credit for trying, even if we don’t always succeed." This is what it is all about. This points out that we have two voices at all times in our heads, the Spirit, or Holy Ghost, whose roll is to testify of truth, comfort, guide and communicate God's will to us and Satan, who as Elder Holland points out, "wants you (me) to be miserable too." I choose to listen the spirit. It comes as a still small voice, which means we must provide opportunity to hear it. That means making sure we pause after our prayers to see if God is going to answer straight way. It also means having quiet times throughout the day, providing opportunity for the spirit to convey God's answers and direction to us. I am far from perfect. Throughout my life, my experiences with deity bear witness that God is real, my literal Heavenly Father and that he loves me in an incomprehensible way. Like the Father, so is the Son. He demonstrated his love by atoning for our sins, overcoming physical death and providing us a way to return and live with him and the Father. My daily life now compromises reminders and pondering upon these things. Doing this brings me happiness, hope and increased faith. I choose happiness.