Reflections on Becoming an Apostle and Navigating Life's Journeys

Initial Reaction to the Call

• Overwhelmed with emotion and a sense of inadequacy.
• Belief in divine support from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
• Counting on divine help to fulfill the role of an Apostle.
• Relating to individuals feeling stretched in their own lives.

Importance of Faith

• Reference to God's guidance even in unforeseen circumstances.
• Necessity of growing and learning to become a better servant.
• Emphasis on the patience of Heavenly Father, grace of Jesus Christ, and guidance from the Holy Ghost.

Address to Graduates

• Congratulations on their achievements and recognition of the unknown future ahead.
• Inspiration from the poem by Minnie Louise Haskins.
• Encouragement to serve others, following Christ's counsel that the greatest are servants.
• Reminder of God's love and the reality of the Restoration.

Personal and Family Background

• Introduction of Sister Jen Kieron, her education and service in the Church.
• Elder Patrick Kieron's background, church service, and professional experiences.
• Their marriage and family life, including the loss of their son and the lessons learned.
• Continuous movement and the faith and adaptability required from their children.

Lessons from Life Experiences

• Story from teenage years about helping flood victims, resulting in a realization of the joy in serving others.
• Reinforcement of the call to minister and the joy it brings, both for the giver and the receiver.
• Reflection on personal experiences and the realization that helping others is an antidote to self-obsession.
• Example of following the Savior's call, with references to Peter and the importance of serving others.

Themes of Ministering and Service

• Experiences in Europe with refugees and the importance of service in the Church.
• The transformative effect of spiritual guidance in family history work.
• Importance of feeling connected to both heaven and earth through sacred service.

Overcoming Exclusion and Self-Doubt

• Encouragement to remember one's worth as a child of God.
• Patience with others and oneself during the journey of faith.
• The importance of fresh starts and continuous improvement.

Embracing the Holiday Spirit

• Simplifying Christmas to focus more on the Savior.
• Temple service and meaningful activities during Christmas.
• Importance of lifting others and focusing on Jesus Christ's teachings.

Healing Through Christ

• Personal testimony of Jesus Christ's atonement and its power to heal and provide hope.
• Encouragement to turn to Christ for healing, regardless of personal struggles and challenges.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on serving and following Christ as a path to true discipleship.
• Reinforcement of the importance of seeking Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Amen.