Yesterday I was privileged to go to a forum at BYU-I by artist J. Kirk Richards entitled – Entrepreneurship in the Arts: How covenants brought me a career of creativity and service  (which was such an intriguing title, I had to make time for it!)

Here is a sample of his work, Cherubim and a Flaming Sword –

Which you can purchase at the BYU store along with many other amazing pieces.

Unfortunately, I had to come late to the speech, however I was able to catch the last half and the Q&A. I wanted to share a few notes that truly impressed me with any of my thoughts in italics –

• God cares about our desires to make a difference in the world [D&C 4:3]
• The difference that you make may not be the one that you expect/want, but it will be what God wants/needs. [And what a privilege to feel that you are wanted/needed by God!]
• Quote by Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Strengthen One Another in the Lord, BYU Women’s Conference, May 2018 –

Our covenants connect us to God and to each other. Meant to be eternal, our covenants include God our Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Eternal covenants can bring the power of God’s love—to give hope and increase love; to lift and transform; to edify and sanctify; to redeem and exalt.

In the revelation of our true, divine selves through our covenants with God, we learn to recognize and love our brothers and sisters as He does. This deepening love and knowledge invites, empowers, and sanctifies us to know and, in our own way, to become more like Him.

[I need to study this talk in tandem with some personal revelation and his October 2018 General Conference talk, Our Campfire of Faith .]

• Quote by Chieko Okasaki, (General Relief Society Presidency 1990-1997) from her book Lighten Up! –

“Only you know your circumstances, your energy level, the needs of your children, and the emotional demands of your other obligations. Be wise during intensive seasons of your life. Cherish your agency, and don’t give it away casually. Don’t compare yourself to others — nearly always this will make you despondent. Don’t accept somebody else’s interpretation of how you should be spending your time. Make the best decision you can and then evaluate it to see how it works.”

• Draw Near  (D&C 88:63)

I will add more (about the Q&A ) another time, out of time for today. I would love to hear from any readers your thoughts, insights impressions on the above.

Thanks!