Trusting in the Lord Through a Lifetime

This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.

Image from LDS.org. Used with permission.

by Jannelle L. LaFontaine 

Prayer and personal revelation are a very private and sacred part of our lives. Even on a daily basis, we are engaged in these covenant privileges. In Doctrine and Covenants 90:24 we are taught to search, pray, believe, walk uprightly, and remember our covenants.

I would like to share a story with you that I believe exemplifies these principles, especially prayer and personal revelation.

In a small rural farming community in Aroostook County, Maine, it was 1956. One afternoon, two young missionaries from Utah knocked on the door of Bob and Marian and asked if they knew anything about the Mormon church. Their answer was no, and thus began their conversion. Bob was a very quiet man and Marian was incredibly curious. She asked a lot of questions, and the answers rang true to both of their hearts. They were baptized. That was that!

My Reliance on the Lord Is Stronger Than Ever

by Renee Packer
When I think back on lessons I have learned that have caused a significant change in my life, I am most grateful for a recent experience during a very stressful time that has blessed me. I am currently in my mid-50s, and a few years ago it was revealed to me that the Lord desired me to go back to school full time.

Even though I had an Associate’s degree, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Choral Conducting would be a five-year process. I began my preparation a whole year prior to my first semester back at school. It was an exhilarating time as I felt such guidance from the Lord as to how to use my time for preparation. I was blessed with a drive that was beyond my own, and I knew that if I was indeed going forward with my plans, I would need to be 100% committed. I stopped my two small home-based businesses and put aside the “fluff” in my life. I also focused my efforts on areas where I needed help academically and musically.

As a consequence of my preparation—and with my faith in Jesus Christ—I was able to receive a scholarship that strengthened my confidence in moving forward. 

At the beginning of this process, I reread my patriarchal blessing. As I studied it, one specific point stood out to me. I read that my school work would become easier if I would live the gospel. I felt I was already living the gospel, but I decided right then and there that I would increase my study and really put forth all of my efforts in relying upon the Lord. I knew I would need the Lord’s help during this scary and daunting experience.

I saw the Lord’s blessings pour over me as I increased my devotion to Him and had faith that He was in charge. I gained a testimony that all things are possible with the Lord. As a consequence of all of my preparation efforts—and with my faith in Jesus Christ—I was able to receive a wonderful vocal scholarship that strengthened my confidence in moving forward.