Elder Richard Maynes of the First Quorum of the Seventy spoke at the MTC Devotional on Tuesday, May 20, along with his wife. She preceded him at the pulpit and relayed her missionary conversion story. As a non-member until she was 25 years old, she felt an emptiness in her life and prayed for guidance. The next day, Elder Maynes a returned missionary came inn to her life, taught her the gospel and "light turned on in her [my] life!" She was baptized a few months later, married Elder Maynes one year later and 'life has never been the same!"

Elder Maynes, a former successful businessman, stated that the same skills that can make you a successful missionary will make you a successful returned missionary. He related the following points:

• He asked, "Why are you here?" Hopefully, your answer is the right reason: "To serve the Lord."
• "Are you motives pure?" See John 14:15
• The love of the Lord is a worthy reason.
• In our cry to the world for repentance, we need to examine ourselves and ask if we are truly repentant? We must first have experienced repentance before we encourage our investigators!
• He spoke about the six steps for a Standard of Excellence which is the pathway to success.

(1) Our motives need to be pure: we serve because we love the Lord and want to serve.

(2) The Love of the Lord prompts us to repentance (to become worthy)

(3) Personalize gospel knowledge! We need to gain gospel knowledge, e.g. study, understand, internalize, apply basic gospel knowledge (See D&C 11:21). The Spirit will guide us only after first obtaining the word of God (John 14:26). The Holy Ghost will bring all things to our remembrance (see pg. 17 of PMG.). We must develop a habit of gospel study--this is an invaluable asset to self and to investigators. This helps us customize our teachings.

(4) Obedience empowers us with moral authority!! We need to be free from sin and guilt so we can concentrate our efforts--we will then be empowered with moral authority! See Mosiah 2-4, King Benjamin's admonition. DO IT! Serve Him and keep ALL His commandments. Obedience illustrates our love for the Lord.

(5) Hard Work: labor with all your might, mind, and strength so you can stand blameless at the last day. See D&C 58:26-28. Then the choice is yours as we are agents unto ourselves. The Secret of work is work!! Homesickness will not be experienced if you work hard. There is not substitute for work!! Mediocrity is not in fashion in the gospel.

(6) Positive Attitude: Do not let weather, food, disappointments, etc. control your attitude!! Lamen and Lemuel murmured-Nephi said, "I will go and do the things..." Nephi was favored of the Lord because he didn't murmur.

All here can learn and internalize and apply the principles taught here!" What a sweet and practical guide to our lives. The Spirit was felt by all!!