Let Him Do It with Simplicity by Elder L. Tom Perry Lesson Given by Pam Henderson

"Thoreau's Cove" c.1990
In our search to obtain relief from stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives.

In an effort to separate himself from worldliness, Henry David Thoreau lived 2 years at Walden Pond in a life of simplicity. Elder Perry also went to Walden Pond to spend time in reflection and peace, helping to balance the stressful events of his life.

Thoreau determined that there were only 4 things that a man really needed: food, clothing, shelter and fuel.

Food: As members of the church, we possess sacred knowledge from revealed truth about the relationship between the body and the spirit. D&C 88:15: "The spirit and the body are the soul of man." We have the word of wisdom to give us simplicity in the food choices that we make. By living by these guidelines we will avoid the stresses of addictions, poor health and bad habits.

Clothing: A simplified life that brings spiritual blessing requires the wearing of simple and modest clothing. Our dress and grooming send a message to others about who we are and also effect the way we act.

Shelter: We have been encouraged in almost every General Conference of the Church to not live beyond our means. Our income should determine the kind of housing we can afford, not the neighbor's big home across the street.

Fuel: Spiritual fuel. We must acquire knowledge of God's eternal plan and our role in it, and then by living righteously, surrendering our will to the will of the Lord, we receive the promised blessings. Elder William R. Bradford taught: "In righteousness there is great simplicity. In every case that confronts us in life there is either a right way or a wrong way to proceed. If we choose the right way, we are sustained in our actions b the principles of righteousness, in the which there is power from the heavens. if we choose the wrong way and act on that choice, there is no such heavenly promise or power and we are alone and are destined to fail".

Just before Thoreau died, he was asked if he had made peace with God. He replied, "I was not aware we had ever quarreled."

May we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives!