Looking Ahead: Keeping the Spirit Alive as We Close Out the Year

Brothers and sisters, as the calendar pages start to flip toward the New Year, a feeling washes over me—a mix of sweet nostalgia for the blessings of the past year, and a palpable anticipation for what the Lord has planned next. It always feels like we’re standing at a threshold, don't we? We look back at the testimonies, the baptisms, the moments when the Spirit felt so undeniably strong, and we feel that familiar, wonderful tug toward the next assignment.

It reminds me of my own time in the field. You spend so much time focused on the immediate needs—the next lesson, the next visit, the next talk. It’s easy to get caught up in the rhythm of the daily grind, the 'doing' of the work. But the most seasoned missionaries, the ones who have seen it all, they always circle back to the *why*. Why are we here? Why do we feel such a burning desire to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?

This spirit of anticipation, this excitement for what God is going to do next, is what I want us to carry into the coming year, no matter where we are. Whether you are in the MTC preparing for your first assignment, serving as a returned missionary feeling the weight of the covenant, or if you are a lifelong disciple right here in your own community, we are all disciples of the Book of Remembrance, and we are all internet missionaries.

Keeping the Spirit Alive: A Focus on the Enduring Word

I was watching a recent message from David Guzik and his family, and it struck me how much they spoke about looking forward—about what God is *going* to do. It’s a beautiful reminder that our focus shouldn't just be on the blessings we received, but on the potential blessings ahead. The gospel is dynamic; it’s not a static pamphlet we read once and file away. It’s a living, breathing power that requires us to keep feeding it.

This year, as we reflect on the resources that help us keep our knowledge—and more importantly, our hearts—fed, I was reminded of the value of consistent study. The Lord has provided so many wonderful tools, from the depth found in the scriptures to the modern resources that help us study the word in context. If you are looking for ways to deepen your personal study, I highly recommend checking out the Enduring Word resources they shared. It’s a great reminder that the tools to help us learn and share the restored gospel are always expanding their reach.

As we gather our strength for the next season, let’s commit to making our personal study a priority. Don't let the hustle of life crowd out the quiet time with the Spirit. If you’ve been wanting to deepen your knowledge of a specific book of scripture, or if you’re wrestling with a doctrinal question, remember that the resources in LivingBook, perhaps through a Book Club or even using Davee in the AI Investigator role, can guide you. We are all learning how to be Christlike, and that requires diligent study.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The Art of Listening

If I could leave you with one thing as you head into the New Year, it would be this: When you are in your next missionary discussion, or even just talking to a neighbor, practice the art of deep listening. Don't just wait for your turn to speak. Truly listen to what they are saying. What are their hesitations? What are their cultural touchpoints? Sometimes, the most profound gospel teaching isn't what *we* are prepared to say, but what the Spirit prompts us to hear from *them*.

Remember, every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. That means the mission field is wherever you are, and the work is always waiting.

If you feel the Spirit prompting you to connect with others in your local area, I encourage you to check out the HolyPlaces community or consider participating in a Disciple Challenge this week. Let's keep the momentum going!