My thoughts on President Uchtdorf's talk "Of Things that Matter Most"
The more this man talks, the more I love him. I see why the Lord trusts him to be one of His Apostles, Prophets and Seers. We truly need to listen and study his words.
"Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions."
Slow down? HOW?
"This is a simple but critical lesson to learn. It may seem logical when put in terms of trees or turbulence, but it’s surprising how easy it is to ignore this lesson when it comes to applying these principles in our own daily lives. When stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be."
I have been made to slow down. It truly was counter to all I thought I knew. I've learned to stop, take a breath and then begin again.
I think this next paragraph can sum up my life:
"Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives."
Am I of worth if I'm not doing something? What about the saying, "Idle hands are the devil's playground"? If I'm not scheduled then I won't know what to do.
When I started chemotherapy, I had to cancel almost EVERYTHING. It was interesting to see what happened to my life and how it turned out. I like the down time. It was nice to think for myself for once.
"There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions."
WOW! That makes you pause and think. Pens don't work in space, but pencils do. My kids don't need a three course dinner, but they need a healthy dinner. The Plan of Happiness is truly the path--we don't need to come up with a new plan. Stop wasting time figuring it all out.
President Uchtdorf then talks about fundamentals and basics. I know that while I was in treatment (and even today) I go back to the basics. Sometimes a successful day is a day you just make it through. Not the day you make five wedding cakes, decorate the cultural hall and plan the next four YW lessons. It is the day you stop and enjoy the blessings of the scriptures, the Prophets' words, the smile of a child and the delight of a PB&J. That's what a successful day looks like.
"My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.”"
Here are the basics:
1. our relationship with our Savior.
What do we do to cultivate this? Very simple answers: scriptures and prayers.
2. our relationship with our families.
What do we do to make these relationships stronger? Do we spend time? Do we look for the positive? Do we hold FHE? Do we study the scriptures together? Do we have wholesome recreational activities together? I have an easy time with the people who live in my house, but those who don't--boy it is hard.
3. our relationship with our fellowmen.
"We build this relationship one person at a time—by being sensitive to the needs of others, serving them, and giving of our time and talents."
4. our relationship with ourselves.
"It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential."
He ends with these two helps for us:
"Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most."
"Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace."
May we all strive to simplify our lives so that we can have a life of meaning, gladness and peace.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Reflections on a Consecrated Life
My thoughts on Elder Christofferson's talk "Reflections on a Consecrated Life"
"...our life on earth is a stewardship of time and choices granted by our Creator."
Gut check time! The five elements of a consecrated life: purity, work, respect for one's physical body, service and integrity. This equals a "pure life." So I ask myself, "Am I living a pure life?"
Purity:
It may not be perfectly pure, but I'm striving each day to make myself just a little better than the day before. I'm trying! The natural man is so easy to wear. He is comfortable and he fits so nicely!
Work:
"A consecrated life is a life of labor." I can only think of my mom. "Jesus as about His Father's business". So what have I been asked to do by the Father? Am I doing it? What am I doing with my "spare time"? I know I've had a LOT of down time trying to get my strength up. I wish that chemo brain hadn't happened to me as I could have learned a lot during those hours in bed. But alas, I was so whacked out on drugs I don't even remember the TV I watched. I can't say I wasted that time, but I sure wish I could have been more productive. I do know that I've created some bad habits that I need to shake. I enjoyed the napping and the programs I watched and it is hard not to just go climb in my bed and fall back on doing something easy with my afternoons.
Respect for one's body:
Eighteen months ago I would have answered this one totally different. I don't even know where to begin with this one. I'll leave most of this to another day, but if it wasn't for the physical body and its death we would be like the children of Satan--stuck! We need to do all that we can to keep it as clean as possible and along with it will go our spiritual body and mind.
Service:
Are we just checking off the hours or are we doing true service? How do we serve the Lord? Are we truly His hands here are earth?
Integrity:
"We see it in the father and mother whose demonstrated first priority is to nourish their marriage and ensure the physical and spiritual welfare of their children. We see it in those who are honest."
Am I honest?
"Hypocrisy is terribly destructive, not only to the hypocrite but also to those who observe or know of his or her conduct, especially children. It is faith destroying, whereas honor is the rich soil in which the seed of faith thrives."
I have a child who throws around this word like it was air. I often wonder how he can look himself in the mirror and then I stop short and ask myself, how I can look myself in the mirror and claim to be a member of Christ's church.
How thankful that this life is about proving and perfecting not being perfect. I have much to learn and much to prefect.
"...our life on earth is a stewardship of time and choices granted by our Creator."
Gut check time! The five elements of a consecrated life: purity, work, respect for one's physical body, service and integrity. This equals a "pure life." So I ask myself, "Am I living a pure life?"
Purity:
It may not be perfectly pure, but I'm striving each day to make myself just a little better than the day before. I'm trying! The natural man is so easy to wear. He is comfortable and he fits so nicely!
Work:
"A consecrated life is a life of labor." I can only think of my mom. "Jesus as about His Father's business". So what have I been asked to do by the Father? Am I doing it? What am I doing with my "spare time"? I know I've had a LOT of down time trying to get my strength up. I wish that chemo brain hadn't happened to me as I could have learned a lot during those hours in bed. But alas, I was so whacked out on drugs I don't even remember the TV I watched. I can't say I wasted that time, but I sure wish I could have been more productive. I do know that I've created some bad habits that I need to shake. I enjoyed the napping and the programs I watched and it is hard not to just go climb in my bed and fall back on doing something easy with my afternoons.
Respect for one's body:
Eighteen months ago I would have answered this one totally different. I don't even know where to begin with this one. I'll leave most of this to another day, but if it wasn't for the physical body and its death we would be like the children of Satan--stuck! We need to do all that we can to keep it as clean as possible and along with it will go our spiritual body and mind.
Service:
Are we just checking off the hours or are we doing true service? How do we serve the Lord? Are we truly His hands here are earth?
Integrity:
"We see it in the father and mother whose demonstrated first priority is to nourish their marriage and ensure the physical and spiritual welfare of their children. We see it in those who are honest."
Am I honest?
"Hypocrisy is terribly destructive, not only to the hypocrite but also to those who observe or know of his or her conduct, especially children. It is faith destroying, whereas honor is the rich soil in which the seed of faith thrives."
I have a child who throws around this word like it was air. I often wonder how he can look himself in the mirror and then I stop short and ask myself, how I can look myself in the mirror and claim to be a member of Christ's church.
How thankful that this life is about proving and perfecting not being perfect. I have much to learn and much to prefect.
Gospel Learning and Teaching
My thoughts on Brother McConkie's talk "Gospel Learning and Teaching"
"A successful teacher and author said: “What matters most in learning is attitude. The attitude of the teacher.” "
As I'm not a "teacher" in church (I play piano in primary) I have taken this to my homeschooling. What is my attitude in teaching my children. Do I just want to get it done to check off a box, or do I really want my kids to know what I'm teaching? Do I want them to learn something that will help them? I have to ask this same questions when the teens start acting up when I'm trying to do family home evening or scripture study. Is this just another check on my "to do" list? What is MY attitude?
"Successful gospel teachers love the gospel. They are excited about it. And because they love their students, they want them to feel as they feel and to experience what they have experienced. To teach the gospel is to share your love of the gospel."
Amen to this statement! I know often I get excited about what I've learned and yet, I don't share it because I know it will not be received well. As a learner, I wonder if the teacher is holding back because of my attitude towards her? Is she sharing everything?
Brother McConkie talks a little bit about "reading the handbook". How often do I not read the handbook. But then I also think, "But I am reading the handbook, I just don't know where to read to find the answer. Please guide me." So first immerse yourself in the scriptures.
Second, "apply in your life the things you learn." I think of a son who constantly calls us hypocrites. Do I truly apply the things I have learned? Is there room for a sinner to repent and change her ways?
Third, "seek heaven's help." Don't forget he loves those we teach as more than we do. Do we seek for His guidance?
Fourth, "exercise our agency and act... with the spiritual promptings we receive." I often fall short here.
How good of a teacher am I? How good of a learner am I? Do I seek the Lord's help in both areas?
"A successful teacher and author said: “What matters most in learning is attitude. The attitude of the teacher.” "
As I'm not a "teacher" in church (I play piano in primary) I have taken this to my homeschooling. What is my attitude in teaching my children. Do I just want to get it done to check off a box, or do I really want my kids to know what I'm teaching? Do I want them to learn something that will help them? I have to ask this same questions when the teens start acting up when I'm trying to do family home evening or scripture study. Is this just another check on my "to do" list? What is MY attitude?
"Successful gospel teachers love the gospel. They are excited about it. And because they love their students, they want them to feel as they feel and to experience what they have experienced. To teach the gospel is to share your love of the gospel."
Amen to this statement! I know often I get excited about what I've learned and yet, I don't share it because I know it will not be received well. As a learner, I wonder if the teacher is holding back because of my attitude towards her? Is she sharing everything?
Brother McConkie talks a little bit about "reading the handbook". How often do I not read the handbook. But then I also think, "But I am reading the handbook, I just don't know where to read to find the answer. Please guide me." So first immerse yourself in the scriptures.
Second, "apply in your life the things you learn." I think of a son who constantly calls us hypocrites. Do I truly apply the things I have learned? Is there room for a sinner to repent and change her ways?
Third, "seek heaven's help." Don't forget he loves those we teach as more than we do. Do we seek for His guidance?
Fourth, "exercise our agency and act... with the spiritual promptings we receive." I often fall short here.
How good of a teacher am I? How good of a learner am I? Do I seek the Lord's help in both areas?
Obedience to the Prophets
My thoughts on Elder Costa's talk "Obedience to the Prophets"
We are so blessed to live in a time when prophets walk the earth. How sweet it is!
"We are told that “surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). We learn from this scripture that the Lord will reveal to His prophets absolutely anything that He feels is necessary to communicate to us. He will reveal His will to us, and He will instruct us through His prophets."
This was a scripture mastery when I was in 10th grade. I've taken this to heart in two ways. One: when the prophets speaks as a prophet, he is speaking God's will to us. Two: the prophets know a heck of a lot more than I do and I should listen to them.
I remember when the prophet asked us to wear only one pair of earrings. I don't recall who it was or when it was, but I had two sets in my ears. The first was my right of passage to womanhood (at age 14) and the second set had a significance to me. At 16 my mom and I got my left ear pierce and the jewel was a pearl. As I was dating and thinking about leaving my father's home (left ear--hint, hint) I was to remember that I was a "Pearl of Great Price". When I was engaged I got my right ear pierced (after finding the Right man) and put a diamond in that ear symbolizing our marriage. I wore mismatched earrings for a few years and then the prophet asked us to wear only one pair of modest earrings.
I was crushed. I still cry about it. My second set of holes is still there. They haven't closed up and I think it has been close to 20 years ago, because it was just after I got married (22 years ago). I never was over the top in my choice of jewelry, even today with very short hair (remember I lost it all during chemo) with ears that stick out, I still go very simple--posts most of the time. But I obeyed. I don't know that blessings that will come from this, but I sure hope there is a blessing sometime because my heart broke the day I pulled my pearl and diamond out.
One of my favorite scriptures is D&C 1:38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; ...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
Elder Costa has some great reasons to obey the prophets. Fourteen in fact. I testify that we live a better life when obeying than when we think we know what is best. Sometimes we don't know why, but the blessings of obedience are sometimes better than the blessing of law.
We are so blessed to live in a time when prophets walk the earth. How sweet it is!
"We are told that “surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). We learn from this scripture that the Lord will reveal to His prophets absolutely anything that He feels is necessary to communicate to us. He will reveal His will to us, and He will instruct us through His prophets."
This was a scripture mastery when I was in 10th grade. I've taken this to heart in two ways. One: when the prophets speaks as a prophet, he is speaking God's will to us. Two: the prophets know a heck of a lot more than I do and I should listen to them.
I remember when the prophet asked us to wear only one pair of earrings. I don't recall who it was or when it was, but I had two sets in my ears. The first was my right of passage to womanhood (at age 14) and the second set had a significance to me. At 16 my mom and I got my left ear pierce and the jewel was a pearl. As I was dating and thinking about leaving my father's home (left ear--hint, hint) I was to remember that I was a "Pearl of Great Price". When I was engaged I got my right ear pierced (after finding the Right man) and put a diamond in that ear symbolizing our marriage. I wore mismatched earrings for a few years and then the prophet asked us to wear only one pair of modest earrings.
I was crushed. I still cry about it. My second set of holes is still there. They haven't closed up and I think it has been close to 20 years ago, because it was just after I got married (22 years ago). I never was over the top in my choice of jewelry, even today with very short hair (remember I lost it all during chemo) with ears that stick out, I still go very simple--posts most of the time. But I obeyed. I don't know that blessings that will come from this, but I sure hope there is a blessing sometime because my heart broke the day I pulled my pearl and diamond out.
One of my favorite scriptures is D&C 1:38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; ...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
Elder Costa has some great reasons to obey the prophets. Fourteen in fact. I testify that we live a better life when obeying than when we think we know what is best. Sometimes we don't know why, but the blessings of obedience are sometimes better than the blessing of law.
Stay on the Path
My thoughts on Sister Wixom's talk "Stay on the Path"
I've spent 90% of my adult life serving in primary and all but about three months of that was in primary music. I've always had a soft spot in my life for primary children. I love the energy of the Sunbeams, even when they won't sit still or they run around the room. I love their off the wall remarks and I love when they hit the nail on the head when asked a "difficult" question and come up with a very simple answer (usually "love one another"). I know my husband loves teaching the primary kids. There is something very special about the under 12 set of kids that rings true about love and happiness. Some Sundays you wonder if you were just a glorified babysitter and then on others you think "I was able to reach Bobby today," and you do it with a fist pump in the air, a humble heart and a smile on your face.
"Parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, Primary leaders—each of us can reach out to hold on to the children."
"No child needs to walk the path alone so long as we speak freely to our children of the plan of salvation."
As I have a child whose grasp on the Iron Rod is a bit weak, I have to thank all the leaders who have shared their testimony with him. It truly does take a village, I'm just glad I get to pick the people in my village ~smile~, to raise a child. And my constant prayer is that out there there is a grandparent, a parent, a child who will help my child grasp FIRMLY the Iron Rod once again. I'm doing my part as best I can and I just hope there is someone out there who will "reach out" and grab hold of my son.
I've spent 90% of my adult life serving in primary and all but about three months of that was in primary music. I've always had a soft spot in my life for primary children. I love the energy of the Sunbeams, even when they won't sit still or they run around the room. I love their off the wall remarks and I love when they hit the nail on the head when asked a "difficult" question and come up with a very simple answer (usually "love one another"). I know my husband loves teaching the primary kids. There is something very special about the under 12 set of kids that rings true about love and happiness. Some Sundays you wonder if you were just a glorified babysitter and then on others you think "I was able to reach Bobby today," and you do it with a fist pump in the air, a humble heart and a smile on your face.
"Parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, Primary leaders—each of us can reach out to hold on to the children."
"No child needs to walk the path alone so long as we speak freely to our children of the plan of salvation."
As I have a child whose grasp on the Iron Rod is a bit weak, I have to thank all the leaders who have shared their testimony with him. It truly does take a village, I'm just glad I get to pick the people in my village ~smile~, to raise a child. And my constant prayer is that out there there is a grandparent, a parent, a child who will help my child grasp FIRMLY the Iron Rod once again. I'm doing my part as best I can and I just hope there is someone out there who will "reach out" and grab hold of my son.
Because of Your Faith
My thoughts on Elder Holland's talk "Because of your Faith"
I remember hearing this back in October and having a tear roll down my cheek as I remembered the love I had for the sisters of my ward back when I was called as their RS president. Before I was sustained I thought, "How could the Relief Society President love me? She doesn't even know me." Well, the good Lord taught me a lesson. When you start praying for someone and they become your responsibility, you learn to love them, even when they don't want that love or think they need it. Truly when you serve someone you do love them--and I wouldn't even say, "learn to love them," you just love them.
I don't know if President Monson and the 12 know me but they do pray for the Saints everywhere. They care about us. That is why they keep changing programs: they are trying to find the perfect one for us. I find that comforting.
I also know that they kneel around the altars of the temple and that my name rests upon many of those altars and they pray for those names. Somehow that gives me great comfort as I face the nasty medical/health battles I face. I also know that they are truly praying for our youth--my five boys and "little" girl.
I also know that I've failed to express gratitude to many of those who have served and loved me and my family. I won't do it here, but there are many out there who should get a note from me. Maybe that will be my resolution.
As Elder Holland said, "seeing your example, I pledge anew my determination to be better, to be more faithful—more kind and devoted, more charitable and true as our Father in Heaven is and as so many of you already are."
That is my pledge as well.
I remember hearing this back in October and having a tear roll down my cheek as I remembered the love I had for the sisters of my ward back when I was called as their RS president. Before I was sustained I thought, "How could the Relief Society President love me? She doesn't even know me." Well, the good Lord taught me a lesson. When you start praying for someone and they become your responsibility, you learn to love them, even when they don't want that love or think they need it. Truly when you serve someone you do love them--and I wouldn't even say, "learn to love them," you just love them.
I don't know if President Monson and the 12 know me but they do pray for the Saints everywhere. They care about us. That is why they keep changing programs: they are trying to find the perfect one for us. I find that comforting.
I also know that they kneel around the altars of the temple and that my name rests upon many of those altars and they pray for those names. Somehow that gives me great comfort as I face the nasty medical/health battles I face. I also know that they are truly praying for our youth--my five boys and "little" girl.
I also know that I've failed to express gratitude to many of those who have served and loved me and my family. I won't do it here, but there are many out there who should get a note from me. Maybe that will be my resolution.
As Elder Holland said, "seeing your example, I pledge anew my determination to be better, to be more faithful—more kind and devoted, more charitable and true as our Father in Heaven is and as so many of you already are."
That is my pledge as well.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Helping Hands, Saving Hands
My thoughts on Elder Aoyagi's talk "Helping Hands, Saving Hands"
I could only cry when I read this talk. My prayer is that their is a saving hand in the life of my children. I've always hated the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child," because I thought it was promoting the giving away of responsibility of raising your own children to others, but I've come to look upon it differently. It isn't that it takes a village, it takes their support and their help especially when they are older. My honest and fervent prayer is that there is someone out there who will be the saving hands to my family. They will follow this council:
"They follow the counsel of the prophet—not out of duty or responsibility but of their own free will, anonymously and joyfully.
"Sometimes we feel that we are weak and lack the strength to rescue others, but the Lord reminds us, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40)."
I need someone to come save my family. I've done (and am doing) all I can. I too plead like President Monson:
“My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.”
I could only cry when I read this talk. My prayer is that their is a saving hand in the life of my children. I've always hated the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child," because I thought it was promoting the giving away of responsibility of raising your own children to others, but I've come to look upon it differently. It isn't that it takes a village, it takes their support and their help especially when they are older. My honest and fervent prayer is that there is someone out there who will be the saving hands to my family. They will follow this council:
"They follow the counsel of the prophet—not out of duty or responsibility but of their own free will, anonymously and joyfully.
"Sometimes we feel that we are weak and lack the strength to rescue others, but the Lord reminds us, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40)."
I need someone to come save my family. I've done (and am doing) all I can. I too plead like President Monson:
“My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.”
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