talent? who me?

A little late and off schedule today....I've received some fantastic revelation on my new science series over the last several weeks. It is strange that these revelations did not come until after I had applied myself in a different direction for quite some time. Nevertheless, after mulling things over in my mind and doing lots of research, I finally wrote my first chapter in my Discovering Creation series. Since God organized the elements in His creation, that is where my series begins. Writing and researching is going to be a lot of work but ever so much fun.  This project combines some of my favorite activities, scripture study and academic exploration.

Matthew 25:14–30

In our society, people mistake The Declaration of Independence and the Parable of the Talents. Men were created with equal rights but not equal talents or equal blessings. When we choose to magnify our talents and count our blessings, they are added upon. We can sit back and moan in our entitlement minded way, or we can make the best of things. Making the best of things, people also attain happiness. Working hard to sing the most beautifully composed music in the choir, read the most thoughtfully written books, appreciate the artistic capacities, intelligence, and physical abilities of others, and succeed in our own ways, we progress in many ways.

But many stop here and forget an important point. It is our duty to share our talents to build the kingdom. Not all gifts are blatantly evident. “Let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable. Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost” (Marvin Ashton, Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20).