A few weeks ago in church, a speaker gave an analogy about an orange. He said that when you squeeze an orange, you expect orange juice to come out of it, not apple juice or watermelon juice. He then said something to the extent that when you squeeze, you get what is put into the fruit. He then likened this analogy to Laman, Lemual, and Nephi. When trials came for them, what they put in is what they got out. Laman and Lemual were complainers, so when trials came, they naturally complained about it. Nephi sought the Lord in his life and strove to follow Him, so when trials came, he naturally sought direction from God and submitted to His will.
Yesterday, I was pondering what I can be doing to be a better person. I felt prompted that I should seek to be more careful about what I put in--into myself and into others. If I put in kind words, compliments, faith, and testimony, that is what will come out when trials come.
I was able to attend Women's Conference last week, and one of my favorite talks was titled "Speak Up and Speak Out," by Sister Pearce, based on a talk from President Nelson. She quoted President Nelson:
"We need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world. We need women who are devoted to shepherding God’s children along the covenant path toward exaltation; women who know how to receive personal revelation, who understand the power and peace of the temple endowment; women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families; women who teach fearlessly."
I love this quote and think it applies for both men and women: as we "Speak Up and Speak Out," we will put in truth, confidence, kindness, power, and charity. When trials come, we will have God's help and know how to act and know what to say. As we follow Him, He will guide us and strengthen us.
