Sorry it has been too long.  I have been out of town and well I guess I need to get in a better habit of updating this blog on a more frequent basis.  Last Thursday I had the opportunity to travel for an interview for pharmacy school.  A few things ran through my mind through out the trip.  The scripture I'd like to post today comes from the book of Matthew in the New Testament.  One way the Lord liked to teach His followers was by using parables.  These parables were short stories that the people of the time could relate to and contained many gospel truths.  The scripture I'd like to use for today's blog is Matthew 25:14-30.

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful aservant: thou hast been bfaithful over a few things, I will make thee cruler over many things: enter thou into the djoy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

One thing I noticed about the city I visited on my trip was how bad the economy was in that town.  Granted there were some nice buildings and places, but the overall feeling I got was one of struggle.  There were many people who looked like they have fallen on hard times.  It made me think of all the blessings I have and continue to receive.  While I know each one of us will have struggles, I couldn't help but think how happy a home I had come from and how many opportunities I have been given.  I truly don't deserve the abundance of blessings God has given to me, but rather know its an act of love and mercy.  I have often had the chance to question why I have been given much.  There are way kinder, more faithful people in the world.  There are way more people with more patience, forgiveness and dedication than I.  This parable has not explained to me way I have been given what I have, but it has given me instruction, which I for one need to do better in following.  In this parable the master gives to his servants different amounts of money.  To each he gave a different amount.  On returning from his trip he comes to his servants to see what they have done with the money given.  Two of the servants had doubled their earnings while the third, afraid to use what he had been given, decided to hide the money so as not to loose it.  I have always found it interesting that the master was just as pleased with the servant who had two talents as with the servant who had been given five.  He was upset at the man given one.  Not because the amount given, but because the servant hid the talent instead of using it to become profitable.  I know our Father in Heaven and the Lord feel the same way.  We have all been given skills, talents, and even resources.  Some of us maybe have a lot of money, some of us may struggle financially.  Some of us may have skills in the arts, music, science, or building things.  I often fall into the trap of looking over at someone with 20 talents and comparing them to my 5.  The Lord only cares what I do with the opportunities and blessings I have been given.  I have a unique set of talents and skills.  I have been born into circumstances that are far more favorable than many around the world.  Does this mean I am better than another?  Absolutely not!  Does this mean the Lord will hold me accountable for what I do and accomplish from what I have been given?  Absolutely!  The Lord loves every single one of us infinitely.  His sacrifice was the ultimate expression of love.  I know that if we turn to the Lord He will help us use the talents we have been given.  I am always amazed at stories in history where someone who has been brought up in very difficult circumstances has gone on to do some very amazing things.  They have definitely multiplied their talents.  Often it involves a lot of hard work, but I know we all can use what we have been given, despite feeling limited sometimes, and accomplish great things.  I know through prayer, diligence, service and other Christ centered activities the Lord will help us expand what we have been given and we can use that to promote good.  I know the Savior lives and that His whole mission is to uplift us.  We were sent here to grow and develop.  I know it can be scary sometimes to put ourselves out there or to try things we feel we might fail in.  But I know all of this will lead to an increased amount of happiness and greater peace.  I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ.