Small and Simple Things
Small and Simple Things
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
June 9th, 2025
Hello! I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy. Sister Quinn and I enjoyed visiting the Ukiah, Fairfield, Vacaville, and Woodland Zones last week for interviews. It was a delight meeting and seeing you! We look forward to interviews this week in Napa, San Rafael, and Santa Rosa.
I have recently begun taking more time to exercise each week. My busy schedule as a mission leader the last two years has limited my time to exercise. I am working to make more time for exercise each week. Before our mission, I ran five miles 3-4 times a week. Running provides me time to think and recharge physically, mentally, and spiritually. Four weeks ago, I began running again. I am back up to running four miles three times a week. I am not setting any speed records, but I am enjoying the time outdoors exercising and stretching myself physically. I am also finding my endurance and speed increasing with each run. I am amazed at my body’s ability to gain strength and endurance as I make these small efforts to exercise regularly.
This week I focus my message on Alma’s teaching to his son Helaman, recorded in the Book of Mormon:
“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).
Alma is teaching us that small and simple daily practices to grow our spiritual strength will yield long-term benefits. Just as my recent efforts to exercise regularly have grown my muscles and endurance, so too does daily spiritual exercise grow our spiritual muscles – increasing our strength and endurance. For missionaries this exercise includes, but is not limited to scripture study, prayer, study of Preach my Gospel, obedience to missionary standards, etc. President Oaks has articulated the blessings that come from doing small and simple things each day to build our spiritual strength:
“Though … practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because … small and simple things invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth...” (Small and Simple Things, April 2018 General Conference)
The promise of enjoying the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to “enlighten us and guide us to truth” should prioritize our daily activities and schedules. This promise should motivate us to exercise daily obedience in all things – small, simple, and significant. No one needs the guidance of the Holy Ghost more than you do working to fulfill your missionary purpose of inviting and helping others discover and live the Doctrine of Christ.
I invite you to examine your daily activities, and if necessary, to make necessary corrections to be more obedient to missionary standards. Can you exercise more discipline and obedience in doing the daily “small and simple” things asked of you as a missionary? Please spend some time pondering and considering how you can deepen your discipleship to Jesus Christ as a missionary and how you can daily practice the Doctrine of Christ. I promise that obedience to all the missionary standards will bless you in your missionary service. Your obedience will increase the strength and depth of your discipleship to Jesus Christ. I testify you will be blessed with the uplifting presence of the Holy Ghost to inspire and direct you. What a blessing!
Sister Quinn and I pray for your safety and success. Please reach out to us if there is anything we can do for you.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
