My thoughts on Elder Wirthlin's talk "The Great Commandment"
I read this in sacrament meeting on Sunday and his words have raced through my head and now they are all jumbled up. I hope I can articulate what I’m thinking.
I have a Visiting Teaching breakfast I have to do for my ward in about 30 days. I’ve had this assignment for about 2 months and every suggestion that I was given by my RS president just didn’t sit well with me. I didn’t want to mock the VT program and I didn’t want to play a guilt trip on those sisters who through no fault of their own struggle with the assignments given to them. After reading this talk I know what I’m going to do. Visiting Teaching is about LOVE.
He says:
Brethren and sisters, as you prayerfully consider what you can do to increase harmony, spirituality, and build up the kingdom of God, consider your sacred duty to teach others to love the Lord and their fellowman. This is the central object of our existence. Without charity—or the pure love of Christ—whatever else we accomplish matters little. With it, all else becomes vibrant and alive.
When we inspire and teach others to fill their hearts with love, obedience flows from the inside out in voluntary acts of self-sacrifice and service. Yes, those who go home teaching out of duty, for example, may fulfill their obligation. But those who home teach out of genuine love for the Lord and for their fellowman will likely approach that task with a very different attitude.
(Of course change the word “home” to “visit”)
Now it how do we show that love? I believe it starts at home and becomes a habit. That is what we are going to work on at our house. We are going to work on showing love to our fellow family members. Hopefully that will extend to those we home and visit teach.
That will be hard, but we are going to do it!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Faith, Family, Facts and Fruits
My thoughts on Elder Ballards talk, "Faith, Family, Facts and Fruits"
I really enjoyed this talk. Maybe it was because I read it shortly after Mitt Romney’s speech where he talked just a little about religion and our family followed it up with some huge discussions on religion and what “freedom of religion” means. We have also been doing a mini unit on the Constitution as two of my boys are doing their Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
I don’t know if you have ever been asked to share your religious beliefs with someone, but once I was. She is a devote Catholic, goes to mass often, had her husband convert and her two boys do the youth thing at their church. Her best friend (our mutual acquaintance) shared a bunch of Mormon stuff with her, but one day after book club she asked the question, “Tell me a little about your church.” I don’t know if she knew she asked us realizing that out of the 6 in the room she was the only non-Mormon there. We did tell her a “little” about the church, but she already knew much of the “little” stuff. Thankfully we had numbers on our side so we could remember it all. But oh, it sure would have been nice to pull this talk out and have her read it!
I think after Christmas FHE are over I will pull this one out and we will go over the four F’s of Mormonism.
As I was reading this talk I was thinking what a great “teaser” it was for the full meal deal. Of course I like the “full meal deal” but not everyone is ready for it. I loved how he separated this into four different areas: Facts, Faith, Family and Fruits.
Just the other day my therapist (who has a partner who does the “dirty” work and is Mormon) asked me about birth control and our faith. I had to laugh as she thought that my husband and I didn’t do it because I stopped having children and it was against my religion to use birth control. I told her that how many children we had was up to us: God, Steve and myself.
As I have been reading many editorials in the newspaper lately about our faith (Mitt sure has brought it to the forefront) I’m amazed at that misinformation that is out there. One author (who was a professor of religion at a local college) said that there were many “strands of Mormonism” out there and was disappointed that Mitt didn’t tell us what one he belonged to. I’m not sure what he was referring to, but I was wondering if he meant ward. As a member who attends weekly (sometimes it seems daily) church services I’m not aware of “strands” of membership. ~chuckle~
Just the other day the boys and I were talking about some of the fruits he listed. One in particular was the longer life. Eventually we got to the discussion on how it takes a few years (decades?) before science and scientist come around to conclusions that Heavenly Father revealed long ago. We talked about how all the social scientist are now talking about how important it is for families to take a night and have dinner and reconnect by having a “council” or family game night. WOW! and to think we have been doing this FOREVER!
Just two days ago there was a letter to the editor in our newspaper from someone who went down to help the flood victims in the Lewis County area of Washington. She was amazed at a bunch of kids who came in with buckets, seemed to be happy and even sang songs while working. She asked them who they were and they said they were “Mormons” (they had on some yellow shirts—the ones the church hands out to the volunteers who help in these types of things). She was so impressed it was going to make her look at Mitt Romney again. If he believes in a “church that young people sing and help then maybe he can help heal our nation.” I thought what an interesting comment. Mitt sure has made the nation sit up and take notice of us. I honestly hope that I’m showing forth the goodness and fruits of the gospel so it can change someone’s life. We are being noticed!!!!
As Elder Ballard says, “…there is no problem with those who are personally acquainted with our members. But there are millions upon millions who are not acquainted with any member of our faith.” Those are the ones we need to “let our lights so shine.”
I really enjoyed this talk. Maybe it was because I read it shortly after Mitt Romney’s speech where he talked just a little about religion and our family followed it up with some huge discussions on religion and what “freedom of religion” means. We have also been doing a mini unit on the Constitution as two of my boys are doing their Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
I don’t know if you have ever been asked to share your religious beliefs with someone, but once I was. She is a devote Catholic, goes to mass often, had her husband convert and her two boys do the youth thing at their church. Her best friend (our mutual acquaintance) shared a bunch of Mormon stuff with her, but one day after book club she asked the question, “Tell me a little about your church.” I don’t know if she knew she asked us realizing that out of the 6 in the room she was the only non-Mormon there. We did tell her a “little” about the church, but she already knew much of the “little” stuff. Thankfully we had numbers on our side so we could remember it all. But oh, it sure would have been nice to pull this talk out and have her read it!
I think after Christmas FHE are over I will pull this one out and we will go over the four F’s of Mormonism.
As I was reading this talk I was thinking what a great “teaser” it was for the full meal deal. Of course I like the “full meal deal” but not everyone is ready for it. I loved how he separated this into four different areas: Facts, Faith, Family and Fruits.
Just the other day my therapist (who has a partner who does the “dirty” work and is Mormon) asked me about birth control and our faith. I had to laugh as she thought that my husband and I didn’t do it because I stopped having children and it was against my religion to use birth control. I told her that how many children we had was up to us: God, Steve and myself.
As I have been reading many editorials in the newspaper lately about our faith (Mitt sure has brought it to the forefront) I’m amazed at that misinformation that is out there. One author (who was a professor of religion at a local college) said that there were many “strands of Mormonism” out there and was disappointed that Mitt didn’t tell us what one he belonged to. I’m not sure what he was referring to, but I was wondering if he meant ward. As a member who attends weekly (sometimes it seems daily) church services I’m not aware of “strands” of membership. ~chuckle~
Just the other day the boys and I were talking about some of the fruits he listed. One in particular was the longer life. Eventually we got to the discussion on how it takes a few years (decades?) before science and scientist come around to conclusions that Heavenly Father revealed long ago. We talked about how all the social scientist are now talking about how important it is for families to take a night and have dinner and reconnect by having a “council” or family game night. WOW! and to think we have been doing this FOREVER!
Just two days ago there was a letter to the editor in our newspaper from someone who went down to help the flood victims in the Lewis County area of Washington. She was amazed at a bunch of kids who came in with buckets, seemed to be happy and even sang songs while working. She asked them who they were and they said they were “Mormons” (they had on some yellow shirts—the ones the church hands out to the volunteers who help in these types of things). She was so impressed it was going to make her look at Mitt Romney again. If he believes in a “church that young people sing and help then maybe he can help heal our nation.” I thought what an interesting comment. Mitt sure has made the nation sit up and take notice of us. I honestly hope that I’m showing forth the goodness and fruits of the gospel so it can change someone’s life. We are being noticed!!!!
As Elder Ballard says, “…there is no problem with those who are personally acquainted with our members. But there are millions upon millions who are not acquainted with any member of our faith.” Those are the ones we need to “let our lights so shine.”
Friday, December 7, 2007
Mrs. Patton--the Story Continues
My thoughts on President Monson's talk "Mrs. Patton--the Story Continues"
President Monson bears testimony so strongly and so profoundly. I remember listening to this talk and thinking of my sister. She too will live again and I will get to see her.
President Monson bears testimony of the Atonement. I understand it so incompletely, but I have faith and hope in it and its promises. I truly cannot comprehend a love on both the Father’s and the Son’s side that they would do this for me, but being a parent gives some insight into that kind of love. OH, how I wish I could give my children a glimpse of that. How often I say a silent prayer and say, “Father please forgive me for my years as a teen and please give my mother an extra notch on the ladder to Heaven because she raised such an ungrateful soul who knew better than she, or so I thought.”
The best thing about this talk is the warm feeling is gives me. How do I pass that to my children—well, you can’t. You can only bear witness and hopefully the Spirit will touch their hearts.
President Monson bears testimony so strongly and so profoundly. I remember listening to this talk and thinking of my sister. She too will live again and I will get to see her.
President Monson bears testimony of the Atonement. I understand it so incompletely, but I have faith and hope in it and its promises. I truly cannot comprehend a love on both the Father’s and the Son’s side that they would do this for me, but being a parent gives some insight into that kind of love. OH, how I wish I could give my children a glimpse of that. How often I say a silent prayer and say, “Father please forgive me for my years as a teen and please give my mother an extra notch on the ladder to Heaven because she raised such an ungrateful soul who knew better than she, or so I thought.”
The best thing about this talk is the warm feeling is gives me. How do I pass that to my children—well, you can’t. You can only bear witness and hopefully the Spirit will touch their hearts.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?
My thoughts on Elder Uchtdorf's talk "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?"
I’m sort of glad we saved this for the week. As I have spent the week putting up my Christmas decorations I’ve had reason to rejoice!
Like I said in an earlier email, I’ve had to watch this week’s national evening news and it can be a bit depressing. Along with that I’ve been previewing some Shakespeare tragedies. Boy I’m glad Christmas was going up because I would really be depressed. Too much murder and mayhem for my liking. ~smile~
I’m not going to rehash his talk (you read it instead) but I want to talk about two of his points.
1. Enduring to the end.
As I watched my sister physically endure to the end, it was gut wrenching and heart breaking. As I watch my mom endure to the end, it doubles the wrenching and breaking. But those are a physical endurances, what about their spiritual enduring. These two women have every human right to be angry with a God who allowed a physical aliment to ruin their bodies and mind. (My sister passed away after a 5 year battle with brain cancer and my mother is in the throes of Alzheimer’s.) It reminds me of Job. Contrast this with a friend who was in a horrible auto accident (this isn’t me) who was never healed and therefore has decided that the priesthood and the gospel are false because it didn’t heal her. She forgot to endure to the end.
As humans we live in time that ticks and seams long, but God doesn’t and this truly is “but a moment.”
How many of us have had trials that have swallowed us up and then spit us back out? Or did we allow ourselves to “give up” and become digested? I know that is gross, but I live with five sons and that was the analogy we came up with one evening.
Elder Uchtdorf says is perfectly when he says “Enduring to the end implies ‘patient continuance in well doing’, striving to keep the commandments, and doing the works of righteousness.” I think we sometimes forget to finish the fight and just roll over. I know it is hard, but that brings us to point number 2
2. Jesus Christ wants us to succeed
And why wouldn’t he! As parents we want what is best for our children and we want them to succeed. We love them and want to give them the world. We would do it all for them if there was a possibility of us FOR SURE knowing we would outlive them, but we don’t and we would hinder their progression if we did it all. Therefore, just like Christ, we have lessons to learn and trials to solve as we try to succeed in this mortal world. BUT he truly can give us rest. He truly wants us to “come unto him.” Just like we want to do when our children are struggling with physical, emotional and spiritual troubles.
And for that we have every reason to rejoice!!!!
So my challenge is to be more patient in my trials, to go to my Father in prayer and tell him all, and rejoice because He loves me and wants me to succeed.
I’m sort of glad we saved this for the week. As I have spent the week putting up my Christmas decorations I’ve had reason to rejoice!
Like I said in an earlier email, I’ve had to watch this week’s national evening news and it can be a bit depressing. Along with that I’ve been previewing some Shakespeare tragedies. Boy I’m glad Christmas was going up because I would really be depressed. Too much murder and mayhem for my liking. ~smile~
I’m not going to rehash his talk (you read it instead) but I want to talk about two of his points.
1. Enduring to the end.
As I watched my sister physically endure to the end, it was gut wrenching and heart breaking. As I watch my mom endure to the end, it doubles the wrenching and breaking. But those are a physical endurances, what about their spiritual enduring. These two women have every human right to be angry with a God who allowed a physical aliment to ruin their bodies and mind. (My sister passed away after a 5 year battle with brain cancer and my mother is in the throes of Alzheimer’s.) It reminds me of Job. Contrast this with a friend who was in a horrible auto accident (this isn’t me) who was never healed and therefore has decided that the priesthood and the gospel are false because it didn’t heal her. She forgot to endure to the end.
As humans we live in time that ticks and seams long, but God doesn’t and this truly is “but a moment.”
How many of us have had trials that have swallowed us up and then spit us back out? Or did we allow ourselves to “give up” and become digested? I know that is gross, but I live with five sons and that was the analogy we came up with one evening.
Elder Uchtdorf says is perfectly when he says “Enduring to the end implies ‘patient continuance in well doing’, striving to keep the commandments, and doing the works of righteousness.” I think we sometimes forget to finish the fight and just roll over. I know it is hard, but that brings us to point number 2
2. Jesus Christ wants us to succeed
And why wouldn’t he! As parents we want what is best for our children and we want them to succeed. We love them and want to give them the world. We would do it all for them if there was a possibility of us FOR SURE knowing we would outlive them, but we don’t and we would hinder their progression if we did it all. Therefore, just like Christ, we have lessons to learn and trials to solve as we try to succeed in this mortal world. BUT he truly can give us rest. He truly wants us to “come unto him.” Just like we want to do when our children are struggling with physical, emotional and spiritual troubles.
And for that we have every reason to rejoice!!!!
So my challenge is to be more patient in my trials, to go to my Father in prayer and tell him all, and rejoice because He loves me and wants me to succeed.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises
My thoughts on Elder Condie's talk "Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises"
Faith!
I was helping a son prepare FHE last night and he made the off comment that we only have a one more time when we get to do the baptism lesson I prepared a long time ago. My heart sank but my reply to him is that since it was the first principle of the gospel we will review it many times over. I guess until the apostles stop talking about it we will be reviewing it over and over. My mom use to tell me to listen for what the apostles and other GA stop talking about; you will know you have perfected that concept or principle. Guess we as a body of saints haven’t perfected too much ~smile~.
Every notice how the first principle isn’t just “faith” but “faith IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Have you pointed this out to your children? There is a lot of ways to approach faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but it all starts with a hope in what happened to Joseph Smith was true. I honestly believe that is the key to my faith.
This is where I start to claim my blessings.
Here is something fun for you to read about claiming blessings. Go to the Bible Dictionary and read the entry for Prayer. Better yet, let me copy over the part I want you to read.
“As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7: 7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.”
We have to work for our blessings! But they are earmarked for us, we just have to ask. That is the hard part. Feeling worthy to receive the blessings my heart wants and do I dare say deserve. We have to look at this as a father-daughter (or son) relationship. Think about our own relationships with our children and then with our parents. Yes, they are human and have flaws (we do too), but it does start us to see that relationship as a parent-child relationship. Being a parent sheds new light on this relationship, but we also can’t forget what it feels like to be that child. I think that is why we are asked to have childlike qualities about us. How many 5 year olds pray with unwavering faith for “things.”
Ok, the hardest part I have with this definition is the aligning my will. Nuf said—WORK ON IT! If we go back to Elder Condie’s talk he said it well with these words:
“The Lord also promised that “whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you” (3 Nephi 18:20). We are promised that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion when we “let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly” (see D&C 121:45–46). We can claim the spiritually liberating promise of fasting, which will “loose the bands of wickedness,” undo our “heavy burdens,” and “break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6).”
“…which is right…” I think is code words for “aligning your will, my lovely daughter, with mine.” Guess this child has a lot to learn. (When do you stop beating your head against a brick wall? My mom use to say, “When you notice that he replaced the bricks with pillows.”
My hardest part of life right now is “seeing the promises afar off.” When we constantly struggle with family prayer and scripture and other commandment driven habits, I wonder where the blessings are. How can a family who has faithfully read the scriptures now for 18 plus years and added family prayer before and/or after struggle as we do? How can that same family who consistently holds FHE still have the level of contention that we do? HOW? Where are my blessings for giving up so much of my time and effort? Well, my annuity hasn’t fully vested yet. I honestly believe we have to look through celestial eyes to see/reap the blessings of our hard work. That makes it very hard because we live in a here and now society! OH SO HARD! Especially when you deal with it daily. That takes faith. Faith in the promises and blessings. Faith to wake up and face the music again. Faith to deal with a child who doesn’t want to scripture study, “You can’t make me.” Faith to stick to your guns when it would be easier to turn Monday Night Football on and just slip into a hot bath with a good book!
Faith!
I was helping a son prepare FHE last night and he made the off comment that we only have a one more time when we get to do the baptism lesson I prepared a long time ago. My heart sank but my reply to him is that since it was the first principle of the gospel we will review it many times over. I guess until the apostles stop talking about it we will be reviewing it over and over. My mom use to tell me to listen for what the apostles and other GA stop talking about; you will know you have perfected that concept or principle. Guess we as a body of saints haven’t perfected too much ~smile~.
Every notice how the first principle isn’t just “faith” but “faith IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Have you pointed this out to your children? There is a lot of ways to approach faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but it all starts with a hope in what happened to Joseph Smith was true. I honestly believe that is the key to my faith.
This is where I start to claim my blessings.
Here is something fun for you to read about claiming blessings. Go to the Bible Dictionary and read the entry for Prayer. Better yet, let me copy over the part I want you to read.
“As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7: 7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.”
We have to work for our blessings! But they are earmarked for us, we just have to ask. That is the hard part. Feeling worthy to receive the blessings my heart wants and do I dare say deserve. We have to look at this as a father-daughter (or son) relationship. Think about our own relationships with our children and then with our parents. Yes, they are human and have flaws (we do too), but it does start us to see that relationship as a parent-child relationship. Being a parent sheds new light on this relationship, but we also can’t forget what it feels like to be that child. I think that is why we are asked to have childlike qualities about us. How many 5 year olds pray with unwavering faith for “things.”
Ok, the hardest part I have with this definition is the aligning my will. Nuf said—WORK ON IT! If we go back to Elder Condie’s talk he said it well with these words:
“The Lord also promised that “whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you” (3 Nephi 18:20). We are promised that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion when we “let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly” (see D&C 121:45–46). We can claim the spiritually liberating promise of fasting, which will “loose the bands of wickedness,” undo our “heavy burdens,” and “break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6).”
“…which is right…” I think is code words for “aligning your will, my lovely daughter, with mine.” Guess this child has a lot to learn. (When do you stop beating your head against a brick wall? My mom use to say, “When you notice that he replaced the bricks with pillows.”
My hardest part of life right now is “seeing the promises afar off.” When we constantly struggle with family prayer and scripture and other commandment driven habits, I wonder where the blessings are. How can a family who has faithfully read the scriptures now for 18 plus years and added family prayer before and/or after struggle as we do? How can that same family who consistently holds FHE still have the level of contention that we do? HOW? Where are my blessings for giving up so much of my time and effort? Well, my annuity hasn’t fully vested yet. I honestly believe we have to look through celestial eyes to see/reap the blessings of our hard work. That makes it very hard because we live in a here and now society! OH SO HARD! Especially when you deal with it daily. That takes faith. Faith in the promises and blessings. Faith to wake up and face the music again. Faith to deal with a child who doesn’t want to scripture study, “You can’t make me.” Faith to stick to your guns when it would be easier to turn Monday Night Football on and just slip into a hot bath with a good book!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Why Are We Members of the Only True Church?"
My thoughts on Elder Falabella's talk "Why Are We Members of the Only True Church?"
Elder Falabella asks a very important question.
Have you ever sat down and figured out why you are a Mormon? What about your children? Why do you? Why do they?
Have you ever had your children sit down and figure out why they keep going to church? (this is different than being a Mormon)
That might be an interesting FHE.
Here are some of my reasons:
My week goes better when I recharge my spiritual batteries.
Partake of the sacrament because I’m a covenant keeper.
I have a job to fulfill.
I have a need to great my friends and speak to them at least once a week in person.
I need the blessings.
I believe.
Here are some reasons I would skip going to church:
I want to sleep in.
Too much stuff to do at home and I could use those three hours very productively at home.
Hate the fight with kids on the bench.
Don’t want to.
Didn’t do my job and don’t want to face the music.
Why I have a testimony:
(BTW—there won’t be a why I don’t have a testimony)
One day when I asked, I was told it was true. And I’m a person of conviction.
I have a testimony of prayer, fasting, restoration, priesthood power, tithing, Joseph Smith, Pres. Hinckley.
That burning in my bosom really happened.
I have felt His love for me and know that I’m a daughter of God.
Because when I was a little girl my mom took me to church and taught me how to find my own testimony.
Elder Falabella asks a very important question.
Have you ever sat down and figured out why you are a Mormon? What about your children? Why do you? Why do they?
Have you ever had your children sit down and figure out why they keep going to church? (this is different than being a Mormon)
That might be an interesting FHE.
Here are some of my reasons:
My week goes better when I recharge my spiritual batteries.
Partake of the sacrament because I’m a covenant keeper.
I have a job to fulfill.
I have a need to great my friends and speak to them at least once a week in person.
I need the blessings.
I believe.
Here are some reasons I would skip going to church:
I want to sleep in.
Too much stuff to do at home and I could use those three hours very productively at home.
Hate the fight with kids on the bench.
Don’t want to.
Didn’t do my job and don’t want to face the music.
Why I have a testimony:
(BTW—there won’t be a why I don’t have a testimony)
One day when I asked, I was told it was true. And I’m a person of conviction.
I have a testimony of prayer, fasting, restoration, priesthood power, tithing, Joseph Smith, Pres. Hinckley.
That burning in my bosom really happened.
I have felt His love for me and know that I’m a daughter of God.
Because when I was a little girl my mom took me to church and taught me how to find my own testimony.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Strengthen Home and Family
My thoughts on Sister Cook's talk "Strengthen Home and Family"
There is someone out there who is fighting against my home and my family. He does it in such subtle ways that I don’t even know when he is doing it. Other times it is obvious and I still get snuckered!
Sister Cook points out four ways for us all (children included) to combat this bad guy!
1. Pray. I’m going to start asking myself “Who in my family could benefit from my personal prayers?” and I’m going to ask that question before it is my turn to prayer during family prayers. I have a strong testimony of prayer, but it was great to be reminded again.
2. Study! We not only need to study the scriptures (oh, I love the Duty to God stuff) but we also need to study the words of modern Prophets. We also need to be aware of the tools Satan is using today so that we can defend our families. We need to use the tools the world and the spirit has given us. Use the rating systems and then search online to see if movies are appropriate for you and your children. Even PG rated movies are full of filth. Book reviews and other such things help us pick the best of books to read. Knowing the fashion trends helps us pick clothing that will be in fashion today as well as tomorrow AND be modest. Knowing how to use your net nanny to block the ugliness of the internet. Having other electronic safe guards in place on tv’s and computer. Yes, it takes some time, but so does polishing weapons when going to war. And as my mom use to say, “You can either spend the time to do it right the first time or twice the time to clean up and do it right the first time. I have a dear friend who thought she had all the safe guards on but a friend’s son showed her son how to go around them and now her “clean up” time is spent visiting him in a detention home. We either fight now or spend forever trying to fix damage that is very hard to repair. It isn’t impossible, but doing it right the first time is best!
3. Pay your Tithing. AMEN! The Lord’s math sure doesn’t add up and I don’t think any mortal brain has been able to figure out how everything gets paid when you sit down to write the checks and before you figure out what tithing is, every cent is accounted for but there is always just enough to pay it!
4. Attend your meetings. How else can we “endure together” and endure to the end if we don’t have support and love from those around us! This is very important for our children to see. I know Sister Cook was sort of speaking to the youth, so she didn’t say “temple” but we as parents need to set that example. While I was growing up the nearest temple was 800 miles away, but every time we went to Utah, my parents attended a session. Now I live with a temple 15 minutes away and I have a hard time finding 3 hours to go. Maybe I need to fix that!
Yes, one can make the difference—BE THAT ONE TODAY!
There is someone out there who is fighting against my home and my family. He does it in such subtle ways that I don’t even know when he is doing it. Other times it is obvious and I still get snuckered!
Sister Cook points out four ways for us all (children included) to combat this bad guy!
1. Pray. I’m going to start asking myself “Who in my family could benefit from my personal prayers?” and I’m going to ask that question before it is my turn to prayer during family prayers. I have a strong testimony of prayer, but it was great to be reminded again.
2. Study! We not only need to study the scriptures (oh, I love the Duty to God stuff) but we also need to study the words of modern Prophets. We also need to be aware of the tools Satan is using today so that we can defend our families. We need to use the tools the world and the spirit has given us. Use the rating systems and then search online to see if movies are appropriate for you and your children. Even PG rated movies are full of filth. Book reviews and other such things help us pick the best of books to read. Knowing the fashion trends helps us pick clothing that will be in fashion today as well as tomorrow AND be modest. Knowing how to use your net nanny to block the ugliness of the internet. Having other electronic safe guards in place on tv’s and computer. Yes, it takes some time, but so does polishing weapons when going to war. And as my mom use to say, “You can either spend the time to do it right the first time or twice the time to clean up and do it right the first time. I have a dear friend who thought she had all the safe guards on but a friend’s son showed her son how to go around them and now her “clean up” time is spent visiting him in a detention home. We either fight now or spend forever trying to fix damage that is very hard to repair. It isn’t impossible, but doing it right the first time is best!
3. Pay your Tithing. AMEN! The Lord’s math sure doesn’t add up and I don’t think any mortal brain has been able to figure out how everything gets paid when you sit down to write the checks and before you figure out what tithing is, every cent is accounted for but there is always just enough to pay it!
4. Attend your meetings. How else can we “endure together” and endure to the end if we don’t have support and love from those around us! This is very important for our children to see. I know Sister Cook was sort of speaking to the youth, so she didn’t say “temple” but we as parents need to set that example. While I was growing up the nearest temple was 800 miles away, but every time we went to Utah, my parents attended a session. Now I live with a temple 15 minutes away and I have a hard time finding 3 hours to go. Maybe I need to fix that!
Yes, one can make the difference—BE THAT ONE TODAY!
Enduring Together
My thoughts from Bishop Edgley's talk "Endurign Together"
I’ve always thought the call of “Presiding Bishop” was a funny calling, but as I’ve gotten older I have noticed what kinds of talks members of the Presiding Bishopric give. They give talks like any bishop would. They tell us as members of the church how to act and behave in our ward families. Bishop Edgley gave such a talk.
I don’t live in Utah, but understand how geographically small some of the wards can be. I remember living in Orem just after I got married and our ward was about three square blocks. We don’t have that luxury here. We visit teach people a few miles away. I do have a friend in Montana who visit teaches someone who lives in the next county and it takes her 90 minutes to get to her house. They do a lot of phone visiting teaching. ~smile~
I have been the recipient of such service. (boy this is hard!) It has been almost exactly five years ago when I was in such an auto accident that rallied the ward members around my family. It happened in the very early hours of the morning: 5:30 and when my husband got the call he called one member of the ward to come be with the kids when they woke up and found no parents there because one was in the hospital and the other was with her. Because it was the start of the day, he called a seminary teacher. She came long enough for Steve to leave and the next sister to get there before she headed off to do her duty. By the time I got home about five hours later, I think I had five sisters walk through my home, picking things up, getting kids ready for the day (their ages were 2-11), hold family prayer (my kids reported that every sister who came made them say a prayer for me) and then within five minutes of the car pulling up I had two Priesthood holders at my home to give me a blessing.
For the next three months, meals were delivered magically, sisters showed up when I had to run to doctor appointments and somehow the house stayed clean. I know the insurance company paid for maid service, but they only came once a week and still my house stayed clean.
I wish I hadn’t had a concussion so I could have sent all those sisters thank you cards, but I honestly don’t remember much from the accident to new year’s Eve six weeks later. But I don’t know who brought dinner or cleaned my house.
It was a year ago this month that I got a phone call from a dear friend, my visiting teacher and she told me that her mother had just been killed in an auto accident. Of course the wheels were set in motion and dinner was brought over (my kids LOVE taking dinner over!) and her home was taken care of. Of course many of the travel arrangements she had to make, but she knew that what was left at home would be taken care of (dog, food that will spoil, dirty clothes piled in heaps, etc.) We literally stole the front door key from her and took care of her home while she was away.
Enduring together is a very good way of bonding a ward. When I was a young girl my best friend was in and out of the hospital a lot with cystic fibrosis and I remember how the ward would rally around the family. I remember when a family was in a horrible auto accident and two of their children were killed, how we rallied around them.
Here is a thought from someone who is constantly asked, “Is there anything I can do for you.” My answer will be no, even if my heart says, “yes.” Don’t ask if you can do the laundry, just do it. Don’t ask if you can do the dishes, just come and do them. I will not ask you to do my jobs. In a time of need, I won’t ask for help. I’m in too much shock or embarrassment, or will let pride stand in my way of accepting help. Just bring the dinner, bring the willing hands and endure with me. I don’t need to suffer in silence but I will turn you away because I do not know how to ask for help.
I’ve always thought the call of “Presiding Bishop” was a funny calling, but as I’ve gotten older I have noticed what kinds of talks members of the Presiding Bishopric give. They give talks like any bishop would. They tell us as members of the church how to act and behave in our ward families. Bishop Edgley gave such a talk.
I don’t live in Utah, but understand how geographically small some of the wards can be. I remember living in Orem just after I got married and our ward was about three square blocks. We don’t have that luxury here. We visit teach people a few miles away. I do have a friend in Montana who visit teaches someone who lives in the next county and it takes her 90 minutes to get to her house. They do a lot of phone visiting teaching. ~smile~
I have been the recipient of such service. (boy this is hard!) It has been almost exactly five years ago when I was in such an auto accident that rallied the ward members around my family. It happened in the very early hours of the morning: 5:30 and when my husband got the call he called one member of the ward to come be with the kids when they woke up and found no parents there because one was in the hospital and the other was with her. Because it was the start of the day, he called a seminary teacher. She came long enough for Steve to leave and the next sister to get there before she headed off to do her duty. By the time I got home about five hours later, I think I had five sisters walk through my home, picking things up, getting kids ready for the day (their ages were 2-11), hold family prayer (my kids reported that every sister who came made them say a prayer for me) and then within five minutes of the car pulling up I had two Priesthood holders at my home to give me a blessing.
For the next three months, meals were delivered magically, sisters showed up when I had to run to doctor appointments and somehow the house stayed clean. I know the insurance company paid for maid service, but they only came once a week and still my house stayed clean.
I wish I hadn’t had a concussion so I could have sent all those sisters thank you cards, but I honestly don’t remember much from the accident to new year’s Eve six weeks later. But I don’t know who brought dinner or cleaned my house.
It was a year ago this month that I got a phone call from a dear friend, my visiting teacher and she told me that her mother had just been killed in an auto accident. Of course the wheels were set in motion and dinner was brought over (my kids LOVE taking dinner over!) and her home was taken care of. Of course many of the travel arrangements she had to make, but she knew that what was left at home would be taken care of (dog, food that will spoil, dirty clothes piled in heaps, etc.) We literally stole the front door key from her and took care of her home while she was away.
Enduring together is a very good way of bonding a ward. When I was a young girl my best friend was in and out of the hospital a lot with cystic fibrosis and I remember how the ward would rally around the family. I remember when a family was in a horrible auto accident and two of their children were killed, how we rallied around them.
Here is a thought from someone who is constantly asked, “Is there anything I can do for you.” My answer will be no, even if my heart says, “yes.” Don’t ask if you can do the laundry, just do it. Don’t ask if you can do the dishes, just come and do them. I will not ask you to do my jobs. In a time of need, I won’t ask for help. I’m in too much shock or embarrassment, or will let pride stand in my way of accepting help. Just bring the dinner, bring the willing hands and endure with me. I don’t need to suffer in silence but I will turn you away because I do not know how to ask for help.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The Weak and Simple of the Church
My thoughts from President Pakcers, "The Weak and Simple of the Church"
I remember listening to this one because it was right after President Eyring was put in the First Presidency and Elder Cook was put in as an apostle. And I was digesting the information when President Packer in his unique and distinctive voice stood up and spoke.
My first thought was, “why not President Eyring be the next speaker?” Then I thought, “No, the acting President of the of the Quorum needs to give this talk.” Of course I didn’t think that until I knew what the talk was about.
One of my favorite quotes about men being called to high positions in the church was asked of a prophet’s wife (I want to say, Sister Kimball, but I can’t be positive). The question was, “How does it feel to be married to the Prophet?” Her reply was so profound, “When I married him he was an Elder.”
I’m not sure why I love that quote so much, but it has always stuck with me when I look at the men who lead this church. When President Packer told us of how he was called to be an Apostle, I again thought of this quote (probably misquoted knowing me). I too just married an Elder. He too just married an ordinary member in good standing. And since that day some 18 plus years ago we have both grown in testimony and conviction. My testimony is still the same the day I was married to now, it has just grown and become full. It is like a rose. It was once small and beautiful, it is now full and beautiful with the potential to bloom even more as I grown in faith and knowledge.
His talk also explains to me why we send 19 year old young me on missions. As someone who is preparing five (with a six waiting also) to serve missions and one is 3 years away from submitting papers I KNOW that the Lord sends the “weak and simple” to stand before the “kings and rulers” to preach the gospel. There is beauty in that and wisdom. But for a mother it is scary and I have to have faith that the Lord knows what he is doing.
I will admit I do covet one calling in the church and oh, how I wish I had it: primary pianist. I know I shouldn’t but I do. I wish they had YM pianist so that I could go and sit in their meetings and listen there too. I covet it because it is the one job I don’t mind preparing for, but usually don’t have to do much preparing since I play the songs all the time. AND I get to hear what my children are learning and then come home and reinforce it. Oh, how I love that calling!
But that hasn’t been my calling for many, many years. I’ve bounced around from callings and am now the Visiting Teaching supervisor and I don’t like that calling. There is too much work to do. But I humble myself and do it. In fact I today is the day I call everyone and make sure they have done their jobs and then report tonight while waiting for scouts to be over. It is a necessary job and I do it and I need to pray that my attitude will change.
Get this, one calling that shocked me when I was called to it was Activities Director. I’m not a party person and at the time the ward had an activity every first Friday. What a job, but I grew to love it and cried when I was released. Another calling that shocked me when I was called was RS president. That morning I found out I was pregnant with baby #6 which was a TOTAL shock and then to sit in the Bishop’s home that evening with my husband and be asked to be RS president almost made me want to faint.
The scripture Pres. Packer quotes: “The Lord Himself was very plain: ‘And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant’” was NOT this case. I was not chief among the sisters. I was a primary pianist who loved her job and cried so many tears when released to be put in YW. I was a mom to five little boys and didn’t want to be chief. But I was. I served all of one month in YW and then was called to be RS President. I’m not sure how high this frog jumped but I was truly “weak and simple.”
One thing it did let me see what the inner workings of the ward council. I truly came to understand that power of the mantle resting upon those who have callings. I saw it. I felt it. I knew it.
When I got home from the Bishop’s home that January night in 2000 after being asked to fill some pretty big shoes, I called my mom. I remember asking her how to do the calling. She told me something that President Packer is telling us now too. The only qualification you need to fill any job is to be a member with a testimony of the Savior. As she told me that, I remember the interview from the bishop just minutes before. As I sat on his couch, he looked at me and asked me to bear my testimony. I personally thought it odd that he would ask me that question as I thought I was going to be ward choir director which he vacated weeks before to become the Bishop. I just chocked it up to being a new bishop and maybe “going by the book.”
I wrote this post this morning and then had to run my son to seminary, get a workout in and then fix breakfast for the kids. Then comes scriptures and we are reading the account of Ammon in King Lamoni’s land. There was a missionary who was weak and simple and changed a nation!
I remember listening to this one because it was right after President Eyring was put in the First Presidency and Elder Cook was put in as an apostle. And I was digesting the information when President Packer in his unique and distinctive voice stood up and spoke.
My first thought was, “why not President Eyring be the next speaker?” Then I thought, “No, the acting President of the of the Quorum needs to give this talk.” Of course I didn’t think that until I knew what the talk was about.
One of my favorite quotes about men being called to high positions in the church was asked of a prophet’s wife (I want to say, Sister Kimball, but I can’t be positive). The question was, “How does it feel to be married to the Prophet?” Her reply was so profound, “When I married him he was an Elder.”
I’m not sure why I love that quote so much, but it has always stuck with me when I look at the men who lead this church. When President Packer told us of how he was called to be an Apostle, I again thought of this quote (probably misquoted knowing me). I too just married an Elder. He too just married an ordinary member in good standing. And since that day some 18 plus years ago we have both grown in testimony and conviction. My testimony is still the same the day I was married to now, it has just grown and become full. It is like a rose. It was once small and beautiful, it is now full and beautiful with the potential to bloom even more as I grown in faith and knowledge.
His talk also explains to me why we send 19 year old young me on missions. As someone who is preparing five (with a six waiting also) to serve missions and one is 3 years away from submitting papers I KNOW that the Lord sends the “weak and simple” to stand before the “kings and rulers” to preach the gospel. There is beauty in that and wisdom. But for a mother it is scary and I have to have faith that the Lord knows what he is doing.
I will admit I do covet one calling in the church and oh, how I wish I had it: primary pianist. I know I shouldn’t but I do. I wish they had YM pianist so that I could go and sit in their meetings and listen there too. I covet it because it is the one job I don’t mind preparing for, but usually don’t have to do much preparing since I play the songs all the time. AND I get to hear what my children are learning and then come home and reinforce it. Oh, how I love that calling!
But that hasn’t been my calling for many, many years. I’ve bounced around from callings and am now the Visiting Teaching supervisor and I don’t like that calling. There is too much work to do. But I humble myself and do it. In fact I today is the day I call everyone and make sure they have done their jobs and then report tonight while waiting for scouts to be over. It is a necessary job and I do it and I need to pray that my attitude will change.
Get this, one calling that shocked me when I was called to it was Activities Director. I’m not a party person and at the time the ward had an activity every first Friday. What a job, but I grew to love it and cried when I was released. Another calling that shocked me when I was called was RS president. That morning I found out I was pregnant with baby #6 which was a TOTAL shock and then to sit in the Bishop’s home that evening with my husband and be asked to be RS president almost made me want to faint.
The scripture Pres. Packer quotes: “The Lord Himself was very plain: ‘And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant’” was NOT this case. I was not chief among the sisters. I was a primary pianist who loved her job and cried so many tears when released to be put in YW. I was a mom to five little boys and didn’t want to be chief. But I was. I served all of one month in YW and then was called to be RS President. I’m not sure how high this frog jumped but I was truly “weak and simple.”
One thing it did let me see what the inner workings of the ward council. I truly came to understand that power of the mantle resting upon those who have callings. I saw it. I felt it. I knew it.
When I got home from the Bishop’s home that January night in 2000 after being asked to fill some pretty big shoes, I called my mom. I remember asking her how to do the calling. She told me something that President Packer is telling us now too. The only qualification you need to fill any job is to be a member with a testimony of the Savior. As she told me that, I remember the interview from the bishop just minutes before. As I sat on his couch, he looked at me and asked me to bear my testimony. I personally thought it odd that he would ask me that question as I thought I was going to be ward choir director which he vacated weeks before to become the Bishop. I just chocked it up to being a new bishop and maybe “going by the book.”
I wrote this post this morning and then had to run my son to seminary, get a workout in and then fix breakfast for the kids. Then comes scriptures and we are reading the account of Ammon in King Lamoni’s land. There was a missionary who was weak and simple and changed a nation!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Goal #3
My thoughts on President Monson's talk "Three Goals to Guide You"
President Monson is so wonderful! I’m being called to repentance in the nicest way!
I’m so weary. I feel all I do is serve. That is the lot of a mother. I’m not sure you believe in the “Love Languages” theory but I do and I’m very strong on service. You want to show me you love me, don’t bring me gifts, don’t tell me, do something for me that makes it one less thing I have to do. Therefore, I show love best by service. I see little things that I can do for others. I see little things that others can do for me. And that my friends is a two edge sword. Why? Because I know how much time and effort goes into serving someone so I tend to deny people the opportunity to serve me.
Just after my auto accident the RS had dinners coming in because I wasn’t able to do them. I stopped them too soon because I know how difficult it was to get people to sign up and then call and remind them. I knew how hard it was on these moms to get dinner to my house, especially with the ward layout. I was so wrong to stop them. I couldn’t cook for my family. That is the awful side of the sword!
On the other side, I made a couple good friends as one sister signed up for every Monday and was a regular at my house Monday afternoon. She then started to come early to talk. How wonderful. I’m just sorry she moved and we have lost touch. That’s the good side.
How do you teach your children to serve because it is the right thing to do? Not because it is fun, but because it is just the thing to do?
I’m sure I don’t paint the best picture for them by example as sometimes I mumble when service isn’t convenient. I know I am sometimes angry and short with them when I ask them to do me a favor and they don’t. I’m not sure I’m doing the best I can. I need to do better.
President Monson is so wonderful! I’m being called to repentance in the nicest way!
I’m so weary. I feel all I do is serve. That is the lot of a mother. I’m not sure you believe in the “Love Languages” theory but I do and I’m very strong on service. You want to show me you love me, don’t bring me gifts, don’t tell me, do something for me that makes it one less thing I have to do. Therefore, I show love best by service. I see little things that I can do for others. I see little things that others can do for me. And that my friends is a two edge sword. Why? Because I know how much time and effort goes into serving someone so I tend to deny people the opportunity to serve me.
Just after my auto accident the RS had dinners coming in because I wasn’t able to do them. I stopped them too soon because I know how difficult it was to get people to sign up and then call and remind them. I knew how hard it was on these moms to get dinner to my house, especially with the ward layout. I was so wrong to stop them. I couldn’t cook for my family. That is the awful side of the sword!
On the other side, I made a couple good friends as one sister signed up for every Monday and was a regular at my house Monday afternoon. She then started to come early to talk. How wonderful. I’m just sorry she moved and we have lost touch. That’s the good side.
How do you teach your children to serve because it is the right thing to do? Not because it is fun, but because it is just the thing to do?
I’m sure I don’t paint the best picture for them by example as sometimes I mumble when service isn’t convenient. I know I am sometimes angry and short with them when I ask them to do me a favor and they don’t. I’m not sure I’m doing the best I can. I need to do better.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Gaol #2
My thoughts on President Monson's talk "Three Goals to Guide You"
Pray Earnestly!
I fall way down on this one! I honestly do not believe I’m reaching heaven. I know I have, but right now I’m not feeling it. And like the old saying goes, “if you feel like God has moved away from you, check where you are standing.” I’ve checked and I think I’ve moved away. I need to rededicate my efforts in my evening prayers and REALLY say my morning prayers.
OH! I just remember something; my husband’s birthday is coming up and I have to do a month of only thankful prayers in the evening! I’m sure to repent now!
President Monson calls us all to repentance in such a gentle way. “Perhaps there has never been a time when we had greater need to pray and to teach our family members to pray.” AMEN!
Prayer is by example and I’m not quite sure the example I’m setting and maybe I just have to wait a bit more to set that one. As a child, I too, caught my mother in prayer when I was coming home from dates and other activities. My children aren’t doing that and by the time I go to bed they are supposed to be in bed so they wouldn’t catch me praying. I do need to make it a point of them catching me in prayer.
Of course my children know how important prayer is for me. I have born my testimony about it over and over and over to them. As a child I depended on prayer to make it through awful and scary stuff. My mom always joke that our cars ran on gas and Doreen’s prayers.
I’m very proud to write the next couple of paragraphs, but it isn’t pride in the ugly sense and I think you will agree.
Last year it was my turn to run a little girls carpool to a music class my daughter was in. The class was about a mile from the grocery store and it only lasted about an hour so I was going to get my grocery shopping done while I waited. I dropped the girls off went to the grocery store and found that I didn’t have my purse or my phone. I had an hour and I could have easily gone to the class and parked in the driveway and slept that hour. With early morning seminary and late soccer practices that sounded WONDERFUL! But I thought better of it and went home. As I drove up to the house there was a white van parked across the street with a man in it. He was looking at my house.
Now you need to understand that there had been a few reported child abductions reported in the news and the guy was in a light colored mini-van, just like the one across the street from my house. But, they were always reported to be in the South Sound and I live in the North Sound. But as I put the van into reverse I didn’t feel right. I looked at him and he quickly turned his head away from me. I backed up and jumped out of the car and pretended to go for the mail. Our mail box was directly across the street from the van. As I quickly got up there the van burnt rubber, spit rocks and was out of there and I go that ugly feeling deep in my soul.
As I surveyed where my boys were, one was down in the sport courts (it is in our front side yard) shooting hoops with the music turned up loud. Three were jumping on the trampoline on the other side yard and the other one was in the house with the door wide open. I gathered my children together and told them that we were leaving because I didn’t like the feeling I had. I explained to them about the van and the man. My basketball playing son, Kray, said that he was there just after I left and had been watching the house. He thought he was a work man waiting for his partner. I said that I thought maybe he was an assessor and was taking our houses picture because we recently bought it and the house down the street was just sold. But it still didn’t matter we were all going to leave.
I sent one kid to make sure all the basement doors were locked and windows closed and another upstairs to do the windows. I personally got the back door locked and the front Kray got. As that child came back from locking the front door he said, “mom, let’s say a prayer.”
“DUH!”
I still didn’t feel right, but I felt better.
On our way to Yellowstone this summer we had a tire blow out. Thankfully the Lord was watching over us and on this small little road we blew out near one of the places that would safely allow us to change our tire without being in the traffic. We pulled over and I ran to get our tire out of the middle of the road. As I returned to the van that very same son, greeted me and said that he had dutifully gotten the children out of the car (I know better than to put my husband under a jacked up car with little children in the car moving around—especially a 15 passenger van loaded for a week’s camping trip. He had them standing by the van and said mom, “While you help dad, I’m going to have us say a prayer.”
“DUH!”
President Monson says, “My dear sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of you tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle.”
BTW—take a look at the Bible Dictionary heading under Prayer. It is an eye opener. I love the part that goes from the bottom of the page to the top of the next page and talks about the blessings. I need to call upon a couple for me.
Pray Earnestly!
I fall way down on this one! I honestly do not believe I’m reaching heaven. I know I have, but right now I’m not feeling it. And like the old saying goes, “if you feel like God has moved away from you, check where you are standing.” I’ve checked and I think I’ve moved away. I need to rededicate my efforts in my evening prayers and REALLY say my morning prayers.
OH! I just remember something; my husband’s birthday is coming up and I have to do a month of only thankful prayers in the evening! I’m sure to repent now!
President Monson calls us all to repentance in such a gentle way. “Perhaps there has never been a time when we had greater need to pray and to teach our family members to pray.” AMEN!
Prayer is by example and I’m not quite sure the example I’m setting and maybe I just have to wait a bit more to set that one. As a child, I too, caught my mother in prayer when I was coming home from dates and other activities. My children aren’t doing that and by the time I go to bed they are supposed to be in bed so they wouldn’t catch me praying. I do need to make it a point of them catching me in prayer.
Of course my children know how important prayer is for me. I have born my testimony about it over and over and over to them. As a child I depended on prayer to make it through awful and scary stuff. My mom always joke that our cars ran on gas and Doreen’s prayers.
I’m very proud to write the next couple of paragraphs, but it isn’t pride in the ugly sense and I think you will agree.
Last year it was my turn to run a little girls carpool to a music class my daughter was in. The class was about a mile from the grocery store and it only lasted about an hour so I was going to get my grocery shopping done while I waited. I dropped the girls off went to the grocery store and found that I didn’t have my purse or my phone. I had an hour and I could have easily gone to the class and parked in the driveway and slept that hour. With early morning seminary and late soccer practices that sounded WONDERFUL! But I thought better of it and went home. As I drove up to the house there was a white van parked across the street with a man in it. He was looking at my house.
Now you need to understand that there had been a few reported child abductions reported in the news and the guy was in a light colored mini-van, just like the one across the street from my house. But, they were always reported to be in the South Sound and I live in the North Sound. But as I put the van into reverse I didn’t feel right. I looked at him and he quickly turned his head away from me. I backed up and jumped out of the car and pretended to go for the mail. Our mail box was directly across the street from the van. As I quickly got up there the van burnt rubber, spit rocks and was out of there and I go that ugly feeling deep in my soul.
As I surveyed where my boys were, one was down in the sport courts (it is in our front side yard) shooting hoops with the music turned up loud. Three were jumping on the trampoline on the other side yard and the other one was in the house with the door wide open. I gathered my children together and told them that we were leaving because I didn’t like the feeling I had. I explained to them about the van and the man. My basketball playing son, Kray, said that he was there just after I left and had been watching the house. He thought he was a work man waiting for his partner. I said that I thought maybe he was an assessor and was taking our houses picture because we recently bought it and the house down the street was just sold. But it still didn’t matter we were all going to leave.
I sent one kid to make sure all the basement doors were locked and windows closed and another upstairs to do the windows. I personally got the back door locked and the front Kray got. As that child came back from locking the front door he said, “mom, let’s say a prayer.”
“DUH!”
I still didn’t feel right, but I felt better.
On our way to Yellowstone this summer we had a tire blow out. Thankfully the Lord was watching over us and on this small little road we blew out near one of the places that would safely allow us to change our tire without being in the traffic. We pulled over and I ran to get our tire out of the middle of the road. As I returned to the van that very same son, greeted me and said that he had dutifully gotten the children out of the car (I know better than to put my husband under a jacked up car with little children in the car moving around—especially a 15 passenger van loaded for a week’s camping trip. He had them standing by the van and said mom, “While you help dad, I’m going to have us say a prayer.”
“DUH!”
President Monson says, “My dear sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of you tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle.”
BTW—take a look at the Bible Dictionary heading under Prayer. It is an eye opener. I love the part that goes from the bottom of the page to the top of the next page and talks about the blessings. I need to call upon a couple for me.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Three Goals to Guide You ~ Goal #1
My thoughts on President Monson's talk "Three Goals to Guide You"
I’m a poor goal setter and even worse keep of the goals. I’m still overweight and go to bed too late. But Pres. Monson gives us some great goals to strive for. I have to pat myself on the back and that I’m doing these as best I can. Amidst the commotion of raising six kids, I’m doing the best I can. But of course Pres. Hinckley always tells us to do “just a little better,” so somehow I have to do better!
As an aside—I love his joke about the book titled “Man, the master of women” I was reading this during sacrament meeting and had to stifle a real out loud laugh.
Goal #1 Study Diligently:
“It is our responsibility to fortify and protect them” (“Them” is our children).
Yesterday as we sat around the table for family scripture time (we are studying Alma right now) I seriously looked at my husband and asked, “And this is supposed to bring us blessings?” How many of you struggle with reverence, attention and lack of seriousness when your family studies the scriptures? Man what a struggle. I almost want to give up. My only worry is that I’m afraid of what will happen if we stop, but it sure isn’t spiritual or fun. I have to tell the children for the thousand time to put the dog down, don’t clip your nails, read along, no spoofing (passing gas), pay attention, etc, etc. I’m so frustrated.
But I preserve on and get more and more depressed because we aren’t “studying” the scriptures. It is a test of patience and endurance and somehow my children seem to make me bite my tongue to the point it bleeds.
He says, “To an alarming extent, our children today are being educated by the media, including the Internet. In the United States, it is reported that the average child watches approximately four hours of television daily, much of the programming being filled with violence, alcohol and drug use, and sexual content. Watching movies and playing video games is in addition to the four hours. And the statistics are much the same for other developed countries. The messages portrayed on television, in movies, and in other media are very often in direct opposition to that which we want our children to embrace and hold dear. It is our responsibility not only to teach them to be sound in spirit and doctrine but also to help them stay that way, regardless of the outside forces they may encounter. This will require much time and effort on our part—and in order to help others, we ourselves need the spiritual and moral courage to withstand the evil we see on every side.”
“Time and effort” I’m so worn out and my battle isn’t half as hard as the other mothers in the ward. My children do not have the peer pressure to conform and be like their school mates. But I’m so tired of the battle. I feel like I’m perpetually in the “endure to the end” part of this. That wouldn’t be bad, but I have at least another 10 years of this and who knows who’s children will be living with me in 10 years ~smile~
“Required is the courage to hold fast to our standards despite the derision of the world.” I’m doing this and I do have to say it isn’t nearly as hard when your children (and you) don’t know all the “derision” of the world.
He also says, “I urge you to pursue your education” “secular learning is also essential.”
One of these days I want to go over the talks from the last 10 or so years and high light the First Presidencies bidding, urging and desire that we as women and that our children “get an education.” I’m not sure if it because I’m studying the talks more or if I’m in the field of education that I have noticed lately their push for children and women to become educated. I love this push. I truly wish I could hang a diploma on my wall. I can’t right now because I’m educating my children, but I have learned more from that than in a regular class room. I finally get science and history is coming alive because I don’t have to memorize dates and names! I finally know how to spell!!!! I love reading books and discussing them because a grade isn’t hanging on it. I love to write and do it! But, no paper on my wall—maybe someday. I tell everyone I’m going to go to school with my youngest and we are going to graduate together!
I say amen to this: “Your talents will expand as you study and learn.” I’m not sure my “talents” have expanded but I know I have had a better education outside of a real classroom then the 15+years inside. In fact I look over that time and I learned to read because my mom taught me. I Never really understood math until my brother sat me down and cut an apple apart. I was a great test taker but still didn’t understand it (whatever “it” was) until later in my life.
I’m a poor goal setter and even worse keep of the goals. I’m still overweight and go to bed too late. But Pres. Monson gives us some great goals to strive for. I have to pat myself on the back and that I’m doing these as best I can. Amidst the commotion of raising six kids, I’m doing the best I can. But of course Pres. Hinckley always tells us to do “just a little better,” so somehow I have to do better!
As an aside—I love his joke about the book titled “Man, the master of women” I was reading this during sacrament meeting and had to stifle a real out loud laugh.
Goal #1 Study Diligently:
“It is our responsibility to fortify and protect them” (“Them” is our children).
Yesterday as we sat around the table for family scripture time (we are studying Alma right now) I seriously looked at my husband and asked, “And this is supposed to bring us blessings?” How many of you struggle with reverence, attention and lack of seriousness when your family studies the scriptures? Man what a struggle. I almost want to give up. My only worry is that I’m afraid of what will happen if we stop, but it sure isn’t spiritual or fun. I have to tell the children for the thousand time to put the dog down, don’t clip your nails, read along, no spoofing (passing gas), pay attention, etc, etc. I’m so frustrated.
But I preserve on and get more and more depressed because we aren’t “studying” the scriptures. It is a test of patience and endurance and somehow my children seem to make me bite my tongue to the point it bleeds.
He says, “To an alarming extent, our children today are being educated by the media, including the Internet. In the United States, it is reported that the average child watches approximately four hours of television daily, much of the programming being filled with violence, alcohol and drug use, and sexual content. Watching movies and playing video games is in addition to the four hours. And the statistics are much the same for other developed countries. The messages portrayed on television, in movies, and in other media are very often in direct opposition to that which we want our children to embrace and hold dear. It is our responsibility not only to teach them to be sound in spirit and doctrine but also to help them stay that way, regardless of the outside forces they may encounter. This will require much time and effort on our part—and in order to help others, we ourselves need the spiritual and moral courage to withstand the evil we see on every side.”
“Time and effort” I’m so worn out and my battle isn’t half as hard as the other mothers in the ward. My children do not have the peer pressure to conform and be like their school mates. But I’m so tired of the battle. I feel like I’m perpetually in the “endure to the end” part of this. That wouldn’t be bad, but I have at least another 10 years of this and who knows who’s children will be living with me in 10 years ~smile~
“Required is the courage to hold fast to our standards despite the derision of the world.” I’m doing this and I do have to say it isn’t nearly as hard when your children (and you) don’t know all the “derision” of the world.
He also says, “I urge you to pursue your education” “secular learning is also essential.”
One of these days I want to go over the talks from the last 10 or so years and high light the First Presidencies bidding, urging and desire that we as women and that our children “get an education.” I’m not sure if it because I’m studying the talks more or if I’m in the field of education that I have noticed lately their push for children and women to become educated. I love this push. I truly wish I could hang a diploma on my wall. I can’t right now because I’m educating my children, but I have learned more from that than in a regular class room. I finally get science and history is coming alive because I don’t have to memorize dates and names! I finally know how to spell!!!! I love reading books and discussing them because a grade isn’t hanging on it. I love to write and do it! But, no paper on my wall—maybe someday. I tell everyone I’m going to go to school with my youngest and we are going to graduate together!
I say amen to this: “Your talents will expand as you study and learn.” I’m not sure my “talents” have expanded but I know I have had a better education outside of a real classroom then the 15+years inside. In fact I look over that time and I learned to read because my mom taught me. I Never really understood math until my brother sat me down and cut an apple apart. I was a great test taker but still didn’t understand it (whatever “it” was) until later in my life.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
I Will Stregthen Thee, I will Help Thee
My thoughts on Sister Allred's talk "I Will Stregthen Thee, I Will Help Thee."
I will admit that I don’t know Sister Allred at all, so it was nice getting to know her.
WOW what a talk! Full of great wisdom and information.
I am asking the same question, “What is happening to families?” What is happening to MY family?
Just recently a 13 year old boy was shot twice in the leg by a police officer up here in Seattle. What is awful is that the questions are being thrown at the police officer not the boy. See the circumstances around this shooting are this: it was 3AM and the boy and his other young teen friend were in “bad” part of town tagging buildings. The officer told them to raise their hands and the boy reached into his pocket (can’t remember if it was pants or jacket) to grab his cell phone. Well, the officer didn’t think twice but shot the boy in the leg. Now the family (and media) is up in arms that a police man would shoot such a young boy. I’m upset that the parents haven’t punished him worse than the law! What boy, especially a 13 year old boy needs to be out on a school night (yes, in the middle of the week) tagging buildings at 3AM. The only people awake at 3AM should be the bakers! Where are the PARENTS!!!!!????????!!!!!!
Satan has done a great job at ruining families and we have to stop him at our door and not let him in.
Sister Allred said, “Satan is working overtime to attack the family. He tells us that marriage is not important, that children do not need a father and a mother, and that strong families are not important. He tells us that moral values are old-fashioned and silly. When challenges come, Satan tells us to abandon our beliefs and go with the ways of the world. He entices us with fame and fortune and tells us where to find the easy life. He attacks our faith in God and tries to discourage even the strongest and most loving families. Satan is delighted when we give in—even just a little.”
I feel it, do you?
Is your family stable? Sister Allred’s definition of a stable family is one that has a plan, an anchor a core set of values and standards that set their course. Have you taken time to define these for your family? Might make for a great FHE lesson. I see images of a boat here. Maybe I will get creative tonight.
Simple things she says, HA! This is where Satan does his best in trying to get in our family. Putting my arms around my boys, “that’s sissy stuff.” Kind words? I don’t think they have been spoken since we have had a teen. Show examples of hard work. Done every day, but they aren’t watching! Teach them to pray—every other FHE lesson is on prayer and they still don’t get it. Read to my children---at least I’m doing that one—but it is “school” and so it doesn’t count right? “You have to do that mom, you’re the teacher.” Scriptures are done daily (except weekends) and I’m not sure they get it. In one ear out the other. Guilty? I have more than my share of it! Apologize, tried and done. Forgiveness seems to be missing in my house.
Well, at least I can do one things she lists: “Change your ways and move on.” (Dang if every talk isn’t a call to repentance for me this time!)
I think I need that time out, but every time I leave the room (or home) I come back and within minutes every bit of patience I went out to find is gone! Please someone lie and tell me this happens at their house too. I think I even lose more patience when I deal with them and their school work. How do you get the patience you need to deal with teens? She says, “It takes a lot of patience to raise a child.” I have six and I don’t have enough patience for the “I know it all” teens. I’m struggling here and drowning. I’m really tired of the lazy attitude of these boys. I’m tempted to throw them in the cesspool of PS just so they have busy work!
Providing relief to families. I love the fact that she says this and I wish MORE and MORE people inside the church would get this: “…the first responsibility for teaching children and strengthening the family lies with the parents.” Why don’t we understand this! It is our job! Could it be that we are letting the philosophies of men seep into our homes and corrupt what we know is right? It is after this that the Lord can back us up! And this is why I pray for the best men to be my boys’ priesthood leaders. I don’t want the best men in the bishopric—no I want them as the YM’s leaders! I pray for them. I pray that they will back me up and support what I’m teaching at home. I open a line of communication so they know what we are dealing with at home and they can help me out and support me in their meetings. This isn’t an option for me. It is difficult enough to deal with the teen attitude at home, but just maybe if I have back up it will change.
With that, comes my responsibility to do likewise. It is my responsibility to back up other parents’ teaching and helping them stress what they are teaching in their home. Unfortunately at this time, I don’t have a church job that allows that so my connection with the youth has to be sought out. I hope that I do do that.
Sister Allred says, “As Relief Society sisters we can help one another to strengthen families. We are given opportunities to serve in many capacities.” Visiting teachers comes to mind and I’m repenting.
She says, “You older sisters have much good advice and experience to share with younger mothers.” As my mom goes through the ravages of Alzheimer’s oh how I crave this advice. We just don’t have opportunities to share like we use to. We are all just too busy.
I will have to hit my knees harder to become humble, “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee…”
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Feed My Sheep
My thoughts on Sister Allred's talk "Feed My Sheep"
I wasn’t able to attend Women’s Conference as soccer takes my whole day (we are almost done) so I’m just getting acquainted with these talks. I don’t know if that matters anyway. I remember a lot of the talks, but for the most part it was a stew—all mixed up and very meaty, but I forget the individual parts. I know I LOVED conference this year, but again, it was all mixed up. Now is the time for me to sort the different flavors and talks out in my mind as I study. This talk stung me.
Sister Allred asks a very important question, “So how do we go about feeding His sheep?” My first reading through this I made the sheep my kids. They are my first responsibility and that is what I’m working on daily feeding. We are holding family prayer and scriptures study, FHE and making sure they go to YM/scouts (YW will happen in 5 years), do their HT etc. Visiting Teaching never entered my mind. And I’m very embarrassed and sorry to say that I groaned when she said, “visiting teaching.”
Why? Because I want nothing more than to be left alone and not do mine. As it is my time with my children to teach them is very limited. It seems that once I thrown in VT in the mix I lose two whole days of teaching because I let my very faithful VT’s come and I have to accommodate the sisters I teach.
Now let’s pour salt into my wounded and pierced heart; I’m our wards VT coordinator! OUCH! I’m an ex-RS president. Double OUCH! I should know better.
I work full-time as a teacher to six children, but the ward and others don’t see that. Yes, we can hold class at 8pm and right now we are holding a science class then (I can’t wrap my mind around it so my wonderful husband is teaching it), BUT I WORK FULL-TIME!
How do you fit it in?
How do I change my attitude about it? I go at it like it is an annoyance and I don’t like going. I also grudgingly let my sisters come. It truly is about the only time they talk to me—yes we are sort of friends, but not really. I call on them when I need something because they live closer than any other sisters in the ward, yes I would call them friends, but every second Monday at 9:30 I feel like I have to stop my school and let them come in.
She quotes Pres. Packer “…give to Relief Society service precedence over all social and other clubs and societies of similar kinds.” Am I not doing this by not wanting to do it or have them come?
I know the blessings so very well. I have a testimony of VT, I just see it as an intrusion right now that is so hard to fit into my schedule. I guess it also doesn’t help that I’m bounced around between partners and sisters. I’m the one that gets moved as we discuss changes as sisters move in and out. I’m the easy one because I’m the one having the conversation with the RS president. I really don’t like that.
I want to make one thing clear. I would drop everything the minute one of my sisters (even if I don’t VT them) needed me. I would even bring my army to help out. Not because I was the one who needed help then and there, but because it is the right thing to do. But the monthly too long visit is just too much.
I guess I need to hit my knees and repent. Thankfully I have a faithful companion who even though our schedules don’t match at all, she rearranged her to match mine this month.
I wasn’t able to attend Women’s Conference as soccer takes my whole day (we are almost done) so I’m just getting acquainted with these talks. I don’t know if that matters anyway. I remember a lot of the talks, but for the most part it was a stew—all mixed up and very meaty, but I forget the individual parts. I know I LOVED conference this year, but again, it was all mixed up. Now is the time for me to sort the different flavors and talks out in my mind as I study. This talk stung me.
Sister Allred asks a very important question, “So how do we go about feeding His sheep?” My first reading through this I made the sheep my kids. They are my first responsibility and that is what I’m working on daily feeding. We are holding family prayer and scriptures study, FHE and making sure they go to YM/scouts (YW will happen in 5 years), do their HT etc. Visiting Teaching never entered my mind. And I’m very embarrassed and sorry to say that I groaned when she said, “visiting teaching.”
Why? Because I want nothing more than to be left alone and not do mine. As it is my time with my children to teach them is very limited. It seems that once I thrown in VT in the mix I lose two whole days of teaching because I let my very faithful VT’s come and I have to accommodate the sisters I teach.
Now let’s pour salt into my wounded and pierced heart; I’m our wards VT coordinator! OUCH! I’m an ex-RS president. Double OUCH! I should know better.
I work full-time as a teacher to six children, but the ward and others don’t see that. Yes, we can hold class at 8pm and right now we are holding a science class then (I can’t wrap my mind around it so my wonderful husband is teaching it), BUT I WORK FULL-TIME!
How do you fit it in?
How do I change my attitude about it? I go at it like it is an annoyance and I don’t like going. I also grudgingly let my sisters come. It truly is about the only time they talk to me—yes we are sort of friends, but not really. I call on them when I need something because they live closer than any other sisters in the ward, yes I would call them friends, but every second Monday at 9:30 I feel like I have to stop my school and let them come in.
She quotes Pres. Packer “…give to Relief Society service precedence over all social and other clubs and societies of similar kinds.” Am I not doing this by not wanting to do it or have them come?
I know the blessings so very well. I have a testimony of VT, I just see it as an intrusion right now that is so hard to fit into my schedule. I guess it also doesn’t help that I’m bounced around between partners and sisters. I’m the one that gets moved as we discuss changes as sisters move in and out. I’m the easy one because I’m the one having the conversation with the RS president. I really don’t like that.
I want to make one thing clear. I would drop everything the minute one of my sisters (even if I don’t VT them) needed me. I would even bring my army to help out. Not because I was the one who needed help then and there, but because it is the right thing to do. But the monthly too long visit is just too much.
I guess I need to hit my knees and repent. Thankfully I have a faithful companion who even though our schedules don’t match at all, she rearranged her to match mine this month.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Part 4
My thoughts on Sister Beck's talk "What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable"
Leaders:
This is so near and dear to my heart. I’ve been called a natural leader. I’m someone who sees a hole and will fill it. I see a need for something to be done and I’m there! I have the philosophy that if I want something for myself of for my kids, I had better have enough energy to put into leading and supporting the other leaders or I shouldn’t do it. That is totally the truth. Because of that, I have been my son’s soccer coach for the past four or five years and before that I assistant coached an older son’s team (couldn’t do the whole thing because I had babies that were still too tiny). I lead our state LDS support group, our local LDS support group, lead the teen group in our area (all homeschooling), sit on the national LDS-NHA board and give up much of my time to homeschooling. AND THAT is just for homeschooling. Church is a whole other story, but the results are the same. If I want something I will support it with my leadership skills.
Now this wasn’t to pat myself on the back, but to show you how much I believe in leaders. I have a lot to learn in my leadership skills, but I’m trying. I’m not the best leader (just ask a local group that I just came in and stepped on everyone’s toes—wow was that a learning experience) and I’m not the best follower (ask the same group). I’m a weary leader and a burnt out leader, but I pray for guidance because I strongly believe in the causes that I’m leading.
I know Sister Beck was talking specifically to the leaders of RS groups around the globe, but I think it applies to us all. Are we leaders in our local ward or do we sit back and wait for someone else to do it? Are we leaders in our homeschooling community? Are we leaders in our civic community? Do we have the skills to be leaders? What can we do to acquire them? And then here is the big question: Where does the Lord need me to serve now?
“Every leader knows that families are being hit hard by the storms of this world, storms such as addictions, debt, unfaithfulness, and disobedience. … it is essential that the women of this Church take hold of their responsibility to be prepared in all things.”
My husband and I co-lead our family. This is not an easy task. He is a first born natural leader and I’m a first born natural leader. Talk about fireworks! And to top it off our almost 16 year old son is also a first born leader. That is usually the match that sets off the fireworks. BUT over the years we have learned to squash the fireworks and make them explode when we want and for the party.
Contrary to what many people think, I do not lead because of some ego boost, no way! I honestly do not like to be center stage! I lead because Heavenly Father gave me a talent to lead and like those who were given the talent in the New Testament, I do not want to lose all because I didn’t use the ones he gave me. Leading is not an ego boost for me. I want to make that very clear. In the last few years I have been accused of leading for an ego boost and I just want to publicly state that is NOT THE REASON I LEAD! I lead because of the blessings it brings to my family. I lead because when I was on my knees the Lord told me to get up and move and do something about what I was praying for. I lead because I believe in the cause or class or sport or more important the child that my leading will support. I don’t coach because I want to be on the top run with a gold medal around my neck. (If that was the case then I picked the wrong team to coach, my two teams have 3 wins and over 15 losses this season). I coach because NO ONE ELSE stepped forward! I coach because I love my children so much I will give up 10-20 hours a week for them! I love them enough to set aside “fun” things so I can be with them, strengthen them and make sure that they are safe. I lead because I need to and my children depend on me to be there for them.
Now that I’ve stepped off my soapbox (it is a sore subject right now), I also want to tell you how many Christ-like attributes one learns from leading. Agency is one of the first that comes to mind. You cannot MAKE anyone do something, even if you are the leader. And if they do it, it will be different than what you envisioned, and that is a guarantee! You need to learn to delegate (my worse part of leadership!) or no one else will learn to lead. When you fail, take a step back, look, learn and move forward.
These skills are vital for our children to learn.
Many years ago when I was called to be the RS President (that was the day the bishop WAS NOT listening to inspiration) I learned a lot about leadership. One of my councilors who happened to be my VT partner and I commented the morning before the call came to me that we were really good Indians abut horrible chiefs. As I left the Bishop’s office that evening and the call had been extended, my first thought was to call her to be my first councilor. Later that week she called me and told me that she was ready to be a good Indian. I chuckled and told her I really needed her to be a co-chief. She and I happened to do alright for the next couple of years. We learned how to be chiefs. We learned a lot about being Indians as well. Our children are usually pretty good Indians, but we need to teach them to be chiefs. If the gospel is to flood the earth then the Lord is going to need some chiefs to lead the way. Not for glory purposes do I hope that my kids are the chiefs, but because they have the skills the Lord needs and the testimony to support it.
Well, I better go now.
Leaders:
This is so near and dear to my heart. I’ve been called a natural leader. I’m someone who sees a hole and will fill it. I see a need for something to be done and I’m there! I have the philosophy that if I want something for myself of for my kids, I had better have enough energy to put into leading and supporting the other leaders or I shouldn’t do it. That is totally the truth. Because of that, I have been my son’s soccer coach for the past four or five years and before that I assistant coached an older son’s team (couldn’t do the whole thing because I had babies that were still too tiny). I lead our state LDS support group, our local LDS support group, lead the teen group in our area (all homeschooling), sit on the national LDS-NHA board and give up much of my time to homeschooling. AND THAT is just for homeschooling. Church is a whole other story, but the results are the same. If I want something I will support it with my leadership skills.
Now this wasn’t to pat myself on the back, but to show you how much I believe in leaders. I have a lot to learn in my leadership skills, but I’m trying. I’m not the best leader (just ask a local group that I just came in and stepped on everyone’s toes—wow was that a learning experience) and I’m not the best follower (ask the same group). I’m a weary leader and a burnt out leader, but I pray for guidance because I strongly believe in the causes that I’m leading.
I know Sister Beck was talking specifically to the leaders of RS groups around the globe, but I think it applies to us all. Are we leaders in our local ward or do we sit back and wait for someone else to do it? Are we leaders in our homeschooling community? Are we leaders in our civic community? Do we have the skills to be leaders? What can we do to acquire them? And then here is the big question: Where does the Lord need me to serve now?
“Every leader knows that families are being hit hard by the storms of this world, storms such as addictions, debt, unfaithfulness, and disobedience. … it is essential that the women of this Church take hold of their responsibility to be prepared in all things.”
My husband and I co-lead our family. This is not an easy task. He is a first born natural leader and I’m a first born natural leader. Talk about fireworks! And to top it off our almost 16 year old son is also a first born leader. That is usually the match that sets off the fireworks. BUT over the years we have learned to squash the fireworks and make them explode when we want and for the party.
Contrary to what many people think, I do not lead because of some ego boost, no way! I honestly do not like to be center stage! I lead because Heavenly Father gave me a talent to lead and like those who were given the talent in the New Testament, I do not want to lose all because I didn’t use the ones he gave me. Leading is not an ego boost for me. I want to make that very clear. In the last few years I have been accused of leading for an ego boost and I just want to publicly state that is NOT THE REASON I LEAD! I lead because of the blessings it brings to my family. I lead because when I was on my knees the Lord told me to get up and move and do something about what I was praying for. I lead because I believe in the cause or class or sport or more important the child that my leading will support. I don’t coach because I want to be on the top run with a gold medal around my neck. (If that was the case then I picked the wrong team to coach, my two teams have 3 wins and over 15 losses this season). I coach because NO ONE ELSE stepped forward! I coach because I love my children so much I will give up 10-20 hours a week for them! I love them enough to set aside “fun” things so I can be with them, strengthen them and make sure that they are safe. I lead because I need to and my children depend on me to be there for them.
Now that I’ve stepped off my soapbox (it is a sore subject right now), I also want to tell you how many Christ-like attributes one learns from leading. Agency is one of the first that comes to mind. You cannot MAKE anyone do something, even if you are the leader. And if they do it, it will be different than what you envisioned, and that is a guarantee! You need to learn to delegate (my worse part of leadership!) or no one else will learn to lead. When you fail, take a step back, look, learn and move forward.
These skills are vital for our children to learn.
Many years ago when I was called to be the RS President (that was the day the bishop WAS NOT listening to inspiration) I learned a lot about leadership. One of my councilors who happened to be my VT partner and I commented the morning before the call came to me that we were really good Indians abut horrible chiefs. As I left the Bishop’s office that evening and the call had been extended, my first thought was to call her to be my first councilor. Later that week she called me and told me that she was ready to be a good Indian. I chuckled and told her I really needed her to be a co-chief. She and I happened to do alright for the next couple of years. We learned how to be chiefs. We learned a lot about being Indians as well. Our children are usually pretty good Indians, but we need to teach them to be chiefs. If the gospel is to flood the earth then the Lord is going to need some chiefs to lead the way. Not for glory purposes do I hope that my kids are the chiefs, but because they have the skills the Lord needs and the testimony to support it.
Well, I better go now.
Part 3
My thoughts on Sister Beck's talk "What Latter-day Women Do Best: Stand Stron and Immovable"
Because of a major wind storm that may be going through our little town I’m going to try to get this out before our power goes off, but I only have five minutes. (Oh my goodness, I started this and then walked away.)
“…most important work for the women of the Church still lies ahead.” SIGH. I guess the righteous never get a rest. This brings me back to the VT message for the month of October. We truly need to be ready for the second coming and we need to be physically prepared to offer relief and comfort as well as spiritually prepared.
Like many things, I want to make sure that my house is in order before I go and take care of others. Our stake has started doing an “emergency preparation” day for FHE in September. What a blessing it has been to once a year participate in a mock emergency drill. It makes us question if we are prepared. Now of course every general conference our family goes through and assess what we have and what we still need since our needs are constantly changing. Because of a few months where we were pinching pennies, I have let our 3 month of non “food storage” items dwindle. Plainly, I was using them. I noticed that we could survive for a year or two on the food storage (wheat, flour, sugar, noodles etc.) that I have stored, but the “daily” pantry was pretty dry. I’m still pinching pennies, but I have just replenished it. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to have that store back up. I’m still missing a few items (need a costco trip) but there is a weight off my shoulders.
Last night the Pacific Northwest had a big storm and the stores were PACKED! People were buying batteries, milk and bread. Of course I went to the store to stock up, but I was stocking up on their sell items. The bread isle was pretty bare and the milk was pretty thins as well. The gas station also had a line.
Admittedly I also plunked in a few batteries, grabbed an extra loaf of bread and filled my car up, but I wasn’t panicking like everyone else. In fact my panic my car battery died! I had to have my home teacher come jump me and then make a beeline to the battery store. But what a relief it was to know that *IF* I needed to leave the area, I had a battery to start my car, gas to get me there and food for us to survive. WHEW!
Because of a major wind storm that may be going through our little town I’m going to try to get this out before our power goes off, but I only have five minutes. (Oh my goodness, I started this and then walked away.)
“…most important work for the women of the Church still lies ahead.” SIGH. I guess the righteous never get a rest. This brings me back to the VT message for the month of October. We truly need to be ready for the second coming and we need to be physically prepared to offer relief and comfort as well as spiritually prepared.
Like many things, I want to make sure that my house is in order before I go and take care of others. Our stake has started doing an “emergency preparation” day for FHE in September. What a blessing it has been to once a year participate in a mock emergency drill. It makes us question if we are prepared. Now of course every general conference our family goes through and assess what we have and what we still need since our needs are constantly changing. Because of a few months where we were pinching pennies, I have let our 3 month of non “food storage” items dwindle. Plainly, I was using them. I noticed that we could survive for a year or two on the food storage (wheat, flour, sugar, noodles etc.) that I have stored, but the “daily” pantry was pretty dry. I’m still pinching pennies, but I have just replenished it. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to have that store back up. I’m still missing a few items (need a costco trip) but there is a weight off my shoulders.
Last night the Pacific Northwest had a big storm and the stores were PACKED! People were buying batteries, milk and bread. Of course I went to the store to stock up, but I was stocking up on their sell items. The bread isle was pretty bare and the milk was pretty thins as well. The gas station also had a line.
Admittedly I also plunked in a few batteries, grabbed an extra loaf of bread and filled my car up, but I wasn’t panicking like everyone else. In fact my panic my car battery died! I had to have my home teacher come jump me and then make a beeline to the battery store. But what a relief it was to know that *IF* I needed to leave the area, I had a battery to start my car, gas to get me there and food for us to survive. WHEW!
Part 2
My thoughts on Sister Beck's talk "What Latter-day Saint Women do Best: Standing Strong and Immovable" continued.
AMEN!
“They can and should do families better than anyone else.”
I think this statement goes along with her Sunday afternoon talk, but I have to wait to talk about that one ~smile~
Again I’m going to pick three of her nine points.
4. maintain strong marriages. As we know Satan is working over, over time trying to destroy the foundation of families and is doing a fabulous job! You just need to go through the grocery store check out stand to see how he is doing it. Two things I observe when I go through the line. 1. Women are NEVER thin enough, fat enough, pretty enough, nice enough, mean enough, ugly enough, rough enough, gentle enough, etc, etc. to hold on to “their man.” 2. Marriage is an outdated practice and there is no sanctity in it. I could quote headlines here, but I won’t. It doesn’t matter if we are married or not, supporting and sustaining the idea of marriage is what we must do. I know of many marriages that are broken and that is sad, but those that I’m intimately connected with all have very good reasons to be broken. So I support the institute of marriage. I also try to strengthen my own marriage, which at times can be hard. I just gave the RS lesson on marriage and it seemed that when we broke down the basic view of marriage from the world’s point of view the main cause was SELFISHNESS and on the Lord’s side of the line was UNSELFISHNESS. Again, I was called to repentance. I’m not a unselfish person, quite the opposite. I’m very selfish and that has to change.
6. express love for and nurture family members. It seems that is all I do all day long, but I’m not doing it with 100% love. “it’s my job!” is not longer good enough for me. “I do it because I love you.” Will have to be the better statement for me. I need to get back to the basic in my home. I have to take seriously my role in the home. I do think I’m kind of lazy in this fashion and take the easy way out and that needs to change.
7. accept responsibility to prepare a righteous rising generation. It is MY responsibility to raise my children. Not the scout masters, not the primary teacher. NO it is MINE! I hope I NEVER forget that. It is my responsibility to be passing along the gospel with a back up of the ward members who are leaders and guides to my children.
“…raising your voice in defense of the doctrine of the family is critical to the strength of families the world over.” (See why I started with “amen”?)
She talks about how we are to defend the divine role of women in the world and how we are bombarded with false messages. AMEN to that one too! I could put what I wrote about the marriage right her as well. I’m not good enough, I’m not bad enough and on and on and on. Satan is very effective in his pulling down women and with her comes the family.
I love how she tells us the only place to learn this is “in this Church and its doctrines.” You sure aren’t going to find it in the latest self-help books, mid-day tv shows or other media outlets.
“Women find true happiness when they understand and delight in their unique role within the plan of salvation.”
Well, if that is where I should find it then I had better start BEING happy. I bet it is because I haven’t done what she says “embrace those roles with all [my] heart.”
“Families mean work, but they are our great work—and we are not afraid of work.”
Once again I’m called to repentance.
AMEN!
“They can and should do families better than anyone else.”
I think this statement goes along with her Sunday afternoon talk, but I have to wait to talk about that one ~smile~
Again I’m going to pick three of her nine points.
4. maintain strong marriages. As we know Satan is working over, over time trying to destroy the foundation of families and is doing a fabulous job! You just need to go through the grocery store check out stand to see how he is doing it. Two things I observe when I go through the line. 1. Women are NEVER thin enough, fat enough, pretty enough, nice enough, mean enough, ugly enough, rough enough, gentle enough, etc, etc. to hold on to “their man.” 2. Marriage is an outdated practice and there is no sanctity in it. I could quote headlines here, but I won’t. It doesn’t matter if we are married or not, supporting and sustaining the idea of marriage is what we must do. I know of many marriages that are broken and that is sad, but those that I’m intimately connected with all have very good reasons to be broken. So I support the institute of marriage. I also try to strengthen my own marriage, which at times can be hard. I just gave the RS lesson on marriage and it seemed that when we broke down the basic view of marriage from the world’s point of view the main cause was SELFISHNESS and on the Lord’s side of the line was UNSELFISHNESS. Again, I was called to repentance. I’m not a unselfish person, quite the opposite. I’m very selfish and that has to change.
6. express love for and nurture family members. It seems that is all I do all day long, but I’m not doing it with 100% love. “it’s my job!” is not longer good enough for me. “I do it because I love you.” Will have to be the better statement for me. I need to get back to the basic in my home. I have to take seriously my role in the home. I do think I’m kind of lazy in this fashion and take the easy way out and that needs to change.
7. accept responsibility to prepare a righteous rising generation. It is MY responsibility to raise my children. Not the scout masters, not the primary teacher. NO it is MINE! I hope I NEVER forget that. It is my responsibility to be passing along the gospel with a back up of the ward members who are leaders and guides to my children.
“…raising your voice in defense of the doctrine of the family is critical to the strength of families the world over.” (See why I started with “amen”?)
She talks about how we are to defend the divine role of women in the world and how we are bombarded with false messages. AMEN to that one too! I could put what I wrote about the marriage right her as well. I’m not good enough, I’m not bad enough and on and on and on. Satan is very effective in his pulling down women and with her comes the family.
I love how she tells us the only place to learn this is “in this Church and its doctrines.” You sure aren’t going to find it in the latest self-help books, mid-day tv shows or other media outlets.
“Women find true happiness when they understand and delight in their unique role within the plan of salvation.”
Well, if that is where I should find it then I had better start BEING happy. I bet it is because I haven’t done what she says “embrace those roles with all [my] heart.”
“Families mean work, but they are our great work—and we are not afraid of work.”
Once again I’m called to repentance.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable
My thoughts on Sister Beck's talk "What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable"
What a powerful talk! Now I wish I would have gone. I’m sure the spirit was HUGE in the chapels across the world as she spoke.
Things that stood out to me:
“Within the plan of the Lord there are specific things Latter-day Saint women must do because they are daughters of God, chosen to come to the earth at a time which has been called “a very difficult season in the history of the world.”
AMEN! My visiting teachers were over yesterday and we were just discussing this and we were talking about the VT message for the month of October which goes hand in hand with this talk. Pres. Kimball said, ““To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife”
Two things to point out. First Sister Beck says, “MUST DO BECAUSE THEY ARE DAUGHTERS” and Pres. Kimball calls it a “NOBEL CALLING” WOW!!!! We are so necessary. We are so important right now. and because of that Satan is going to work overtime to pull our families apart. We have to save home and family! We have to be strong and immovable! Do you see how we HAVE TO! Yes, we have a choice, but we don’t—our families depend upon us. Their eternal salvation depends as much on us as the earth depends on rain to water it.
Sister Beck give us three areas and today I will talk about FAITH, the first one.
How many of you have shared your testimony with your children? Do they know you know the scriptures to be true? Do they know you love the Prophet and will follow his councils? Do they know you serve them because you love your Savior? Do they know you love them because they are yours eternally? That was one thing specifically that my sister wanted to make sure her children knew before she died. She wanted them to know that the gospel is TRUE! That was a powerful journal entry to read.
She gives a great list of things for us to strive to do. We could talk about all eight but I will just touch on three.
3. Study His doctrine in the scriptures and the words of prophets.
This isn’t about me patting myself on the back because I didn’t think of this idea: it was truly inspiration from above. But we are doing that my friends. At least those who are diligently reading and studying these talks are. (I truly hope that is every one of you—even you silent ones.) Seriously, when I started this group a year ago the Spirit told me I had to study the words from conference much more diligently and I knew that to be accountable I had to set up something like this. I had no idea it would be a success, but I believe it has. I have never had the words of the latter day prophets speak so clearly to me just in every day stuff. I see their words again in my mind when facing a problem (and boy am I facing more and more every day—teens!) I’ve been blessed with a husband who believes in the power of family scriptures so we are studying as a family. I have also been blessed with a RS who has put together a RS study group and this year we are doing the book of Revelation. It is truly been a great blessing for me to follow this council. I can only imagine how pitiful my life would be if these three things weren’t in it. I sure hope that I can call upon the blessings pour out for those who follow this direction some day and I BEG Heavenly Father that they be poured out upon my children now.
6. Participate in sincere personal and family prayer.
We hold family prayer twice a day. Again I sure hope that my kids are reaping the blessings. (tears flowing) The night before Nov 24, 2002, we had our normal family prayer and my then five year old Matt blessed that “no harm or danger will befall us” like every one says in the Blanding family every morning and evening. It seems very trite, but from that day on, it will never be trite, repetitive or insincere. That next morning I was in a horrific auto accident that should have taken my life. I walked out of the hospital at 10 AM (the accident happened at 5:30am). My children never take that for granted either, or at least I hope they remember—they could have been too young. I count that as morning as a miracle and a blessing to my family for our diligence in obeying the command to pray as a family.
I have a very strong testimony of the power of prayer and as of late, I haven’t used it as well as I could. I need to repent and do better. Maybe that is my goal for the rest of the year. Maybe I need to make them more meaningful and powerful. Maybe I need to do my thankful prayers again and see what happens. I need to ponder this one a bit more.
8. Live principles of self-reliance and provident living. Why is this one under “faith?” WHY? Why is this a matter of faith? I think I know why, but I’m sure I’m wrong. But I need to do better. My husband gave me a strict budget not to many months ago. BOY was that an eye opener. I can almost say I can live within it. I’ve got to do better. I’ve cut the grocery bill down significantly, but there are a few other areas that I need to a little more help in.
She then says that those eight things (I only picked 3) are ESSENTIAL things and they must be done before all else. Once again Sister Beck, a chosen servant of our Lord, has called me to repentance. I guess I better do better!
“…these are personal practices and habits that set us apart as strong and immovable for that which is correct.” Do you hear her say “peculiar people?”
The next paragraph (I won’t quote it) made me step up and take notice of what the power of one times 5,000,000 could and SHOULD do. Guess I better put my shoulder to the wheel.
What a powerful talk! Now I wish I would have gone. I’m sure the spirit was HUGE in the chapels across the world as she spoke.
Things that stood out to me:
“Within the plan of the Lord there are specific things Latter-day Saint women must do because they are daughters of God, chosen to come to the earth at a time which has been called “a very difficult season in the history of the world.”
AMEN! My visiting teachers were over yesterday and we were just discussing this and we were talking about the VT message for the month of October which goes hand in hand with this talk. Pres. Kimball said, ““To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife”
Two things to point out. First Sister Beck says, “MUST DO BECAUSE THEY ARE DAUGHTERS” and Pres. Kimball calls it a “NOBEL CALLING” WOW!!!! We are so necessary. We are so important right now. and because of that Satan is going to work overtime to pull our families apart. We have to save home and family! We have to be strong and immovable! Do you see how we HAVE TO! Yes, we have a choice, but we don’t—our families depend upon us. Their eternal salvation depends as much on us as the earth depends on rain to water it.
Sister Beck give us three areas and today I will talk about FAITH, the first one.
How many of you have shared your testimony with your children? Do they know you know the scriptures to be true? Do they know you love the Prophet and will follow his councils? Do they know you serve them because you love your Savior? Do they know you love them because they are yours eternally? That was one thing specifically that my sister wanted to make sure her children knew before she died. She wanted them to know that the gospel is TRUE! That was a powerful journal entry to read.
She gives a great list of things for us to strive to do. We could talk about all eight but I will just touch on three.
3. Study His doctrine in the scriptures and the words of prophets.
This isn’t about me patting myself on the back because I didn’t think of this idea: it was truly inspiration from above. But we are doing that my friends. At least those who are diligently reading and studying these talks are. (I truly hope that is every one of you—even you silent ones.) Seriously, when I started this group a year ago the Spirit told me I had to study the words from conference much more diligently and I knew that to be accountable I had to set up something like this. I had no idea it would be a success, but I believe it has. I have never had the words of the latter day prophets speak so clearly to me just in every day stuff. I see their words again in my mind when facing a problem (and boy am I facing more and more every day—teens!) I’ve been blessed with a husband who believes in the power of family scriptures so we are studying as a family. I have also been blessed with a RS who has put together a RS study group and this year we are doing the book of Revelation. It is truly been a great blessing for me to follow this council. I can only imagine how pitiful my life would be if these three things weren’t in it. I sure hope that I can call upon the blessings pour out for those who follow this direction some day and I BEG Heavenly Father that they be poured out upon my children now.
6. Participate in sincere personal and family prayer.
We hold family prayer twice a day. Again I sure hope that my kids are reaping the blessings. (tears flowing) The night before Nov 24, 2002, we had our normal family prayer and my then five year old Matt blessed that “no harm or danger will befall us” like every one says in the Blanding family every morning and evening. It seems very trite, but from that day on, it will never be trite, repetitive or insincere. That next morning I was in a horrific auto accident that should have taken my life. I walked out of the hospital at 10 AM (the accident happened at 5:30am). My children never take that for granted either, or at least I hope they remember—they could have been too young. I count that as morning as a miracle and a blessing to my family for our diligence in obeying the command to pray as a family.
I have a very strong testimony of the power of prayer and as of late, I haven’t used it as well as I could. I need to repent and do better. Maybe that is my goal for the rest of the year. Maybe I need to make them more meaningful and powerful. Maybe I need to do my thankful prayers again and see what happens. I need to ponder this one a bit more.
8. Live principles of self-reliance and provident living. Why is this one under “faith?” WHY? Why is this a matter of faith? I think I know why, but I’m sure I’m wrong. But I need to do better. My husband gave me a strict budget not to many months ago. BOY was that an eye opener. I can almost say I can live within it. I’ve got to do better. I’ve cut the grocery bill down significantly, but there are a few other areas that I need to a little more help in.
She then says that those eight things (I only picked 3) are ESSENTIAL things and they must be done before all else. Once again Sister Beck, a chosen servant of our Lord, has called me to repentance. I guess I better do better!
“…these are personal practices and habits that set us apart as strong and immovable for that which is correct.” Do you hear her say “peculiar people?”
The next paragraph (I won’t quote it) made me step up and take notice of what the power of one times 5,000,000 could and SHOULD do. Guess I better put my shoulder to the wheel.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Repentance and Conversion
My thought on Elder Nelson's talk "Repentance and Conversion"
Elder Nelson, oh, one of my favorites!
After Elder Uchdorf’s talk on returning to God’s presences and then to read of this young girl’s story, even the little Elder Nelson gives us. HOPE! HOPE! HOPE! I think this is a cousin linked hand in hand with faith.
The first principle of the gospel is faith and then second is repentance. Elder Nelson tells us so well about being converted through repentance.
I love the repentance process and use it often when I get the flippant answer “I’m sorry” (say that with a teenage-know-it-all attitude). I point out that if they were truly sorry they would “forsake” their sin, but we are back again discussing what they were once “sorry” for doing and yet, the cycle starts all over.
But let’s not just pull motes out of their eyes; let’s look at us for the beams. OUCH!
The D&C 68:25 scripture he quotes is one of my favorite and use it often when eyes roll to the back of the head when we talk about behavior and other such problems that crop up in my family. I warn my children that I’m not going to let them get away with what they know is right and I’m not taking the fall for their sins and misdeeds. Of course the eyes still roll, but they have yet to overcome the “natural man” (of course I’m still overcoming her too).
Elder Nelson does something I love to do and that is get to the root of the word. Because these are translated scriptures we can sometimes go to the original word (well as close as we can get) and see what was really written. As I’m learning from translating Portuguese, not all words translate well and sometimes the meaning is lost because of sayings and culture.
So repent means to change; change our minds, knowledge and spirit. Cool thinking. Which brings us to Alma 5:14 the “change of heart” stuff; which reminds me about a broken and contrite heart. Those things are needed for true repentance and true conversion.
Again the fruits (I love fruit) are sweet.
“Repentance is the Lord’s regimen for spiritual growth.”
Here is a great cycle—instead of a cycle of sin, a cycle of happiness: “A repentant soul is a converted soul, and a converted soul is a repentant soul.”
Elder Nelson, oh, one of my favorites!
After Elder Uchdorf’s talk on returning to God’s presences and then to read of this young girl’s story, even the little Elder Nelson gives us. HOPE! HOPE! HOPE! I think this is a cousin linked hand in hand with faith.
The first principle of the gospel is faith and then second is repentance. Elder Nelson tells us so well about being converted through repentance.
I love the repentance process and use it often when I get the flippant answer “I’m sorry” (say that with a teenage-know-it-all attitude). I point out that if they were truly sorry they would “forsake” their sin, but we are back again discussing what they were once “sorry” for doing and yet, the cycle starts all over.
But let’s not just pull motes out of their eyes; let’s look at us for the beams. OUCH!
The D&C 68:25 scripture he quotes is one of my favorite and use it often when eyes roll to the back of the head when we talk about behavior and other such problems that crop up in my family. I warn my children that I’m not going to let them get away with what they know is right and I’m not taking the fall for their sins and misdeeds. Of course the eyes still roll, but they have yet to overcome the “natural man” (of course I’m still overcoming her too).
Elder Nelson does something I love to do and that is get to the root of the word. Because these are translated scriptures we can sometimes go to the original word (well as close as we can get) and see what was really written. As I’m learning from translating Portuguese, not all words translate well and sometimes the meaning is lost because of sayings and culture.
So repent means to change; change our minds, knowledge and spirit. Cool thinking. Which brings us to Alma 5:14 the “change of heart” stuff; which reminds me about a broken and contrite heart. Those things are needed for true repentance and true conversion.
Again the fruits (I love fruit) are sweet.
“Repentance is the Lord’s regimen for spiritual growth.”
Here is a great cycle—instead of a cycle of sin, a cycle of happiness: “A repentant soul is a converted soul, and a converted soul is a repentant soul.”
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Point of Safe Return
my thought on Elder Uchdorf's talk "Point of Safe Return"
I’m not sure why I remember this talk. It could be Elder Uchtdorf’s accent, or the fact that we have discussed this in RS and had the High Councilman speak on it recently, but I like this talk. It just felt good. Some make you squirm, but this talk just warmed my heart.
It is so full that I’m not sure where to start so I will start at the beginning.
I love the words he uses from the scriptures to tell us who Satan really is. I know I wouldn’t want that kind of person as my friend and confidant. Satan truly does want us to believe we are a lost cause and too many of us believe that. He twists and turns words to fit his agenda.
BUT there is hope. Hope from and in our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are never so far away from our base that we cannot return home safely. This is truly a message of HOPE!
“Following this plan has beautiful eternal consequences for us individually, for our families, for generations to come, and even for generations who went before. The plan includes divine reconciliation and forgiveness.”
In a stake conference that was broadcast from Salt Lake a few weeks ago, one of the speakers reminded us about the 13 Articles of Faith and the 10 commandments and how we needed to commit them (or recommit them) to memory. Our family is doing just that. Of course my older boys have them memorized but my younger ones (still in primary) are trying hard to learn them. Of course #2 is the easiest. Elder Uchtdorf reminds us that this statement of belief is truly the key for us to remember and call upon the Atonement to save us. “The Atonement of Jesus Christ causes each person to be accountable for his or her individual sins. We will overcome the consequences of individual sin by claiming the blessings and benefits of the Atonement.”
“True repentance, however, is the condition required so that God's forgiveness can come into our lives.”
Here comes the whopper of a question: So then how do we teach such deep doctrine to our children when we are still struggling with this doctrine?
True repentance is something I believe we as Saints want to believe we do but fall short of the mark way too often. I also believe that the Lord knows this and makes up for it most of the time as the sins aren’t grievous and He knows we are learning and that each time we repent we get closer to the mark of true repentance. I believe that is truly why we are here: to get closer to the mark each day. When we can finally say what Elder Uchdorf says, “True repentance brings us back to doing what is right. To truly repent we must recognize our sins and feel remorse, or godly sorrow, and confess those sins to God. If our sins are serious, we must also confess them to our authorized priesthood leader. We need to ask God for forgiveness and do all we can to correct whatever harm our actions may have caused. Repentance means a change of mind and heart—we stop doing things that are wrong, and we start doing things that are right. It brings us a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general.” Then we have true repentance.
I know for one that I’m not there yet with a few of the sins I have. I continue to say I’m sorry, but then emotions and feelings crop up and I’m back at the beginning. I feel like that worm in a whole that goes up 2 inches and then back 3. I get to see out of my hole but my feelings and emotions pull me back into it.
I love the fruits of forgiveness that he gives us. We get His peace and our guilt and sorrow are lifted. “Once we have truly repented, Christ will take away the burden of guilt for our sins. We can know for ourselves that we have been forgiven and made clean. The Holy Ghost will verify this to us; He is the Sanctifier. No other testimony of forgiveness can be greater.” I guess that is when I will know my repentance is total. I also think I need to read Pres. Kimball’s book. I have it, but I haven’t felt impress to read it yet.
Now the hard part; extending forgiveness! OUCH! I honestly believe this is one of the hardest lessons for me to learn. Maybe that is why I’m not feeling those fruits Elder Uchdorf talks about: peace, guiltless, God’s love.
“Each of us is under a divinely spoken obligation to reach out with pardon and mercy and to forgive one another. There is a great need for this Christlike attribute in our families, in our marriages, in our wards and stakes, in our communities, and in our nations.”
OH, if only the world would live this!
And what a call to repentance “Lip service is not enough.”
I guess I know what I need to personally work on and then maybe it will trickle down. This week, I will try harder and harder to practice forgiveness. It won’t be easy and it will probably be the hardest thing to do, but I will try.
I’m not sure why I remember this talk. It could be Elder Uchtdorf’s accent, or the fact that we have discussed this in RS and had the High Councilman speak on it recently, but I like this talk. It just felt good. Some make you squirm, but this talk just warmed my heart.
It is so full that I’m not sure where to start so I will start at the beginning.
I love the words he uses from the scriptures to tell us who Satan really is. I know I wouldn’t want that kind of person as my friend and confidant. Satan truly does want us to believe we are a lost cause and too many of us believe that. He twists and turns words to fit his agenda.
BUT there is hope. Hope from and in our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are never so far away from our base that we cannot return home safely. This is truly a message of HOPE!
“Following this plan has beautiful eternal consequences for us individually, for our families, for generations to come, and even for generations who went before. The plan includes divine reconciliation and forgiveness.”
In a stake conference that was broadcast from Salt Lake a few weeks ago, one of the speakers reminded us about the 13 Articles of Faith and the 10 commandments and how we needed to commit them (or recommit them) to memory. Our family is doing just that. Of course my older boys have them memorized but my younger ones (still in primary) are trying hard to learn them. Of course #2 is the easiest. Elder Uchtdorf reminds us that this statement of belief is truly the key for us to remember and call upon the Atonement to save us. “The Atonement of Jesus Christ causes each person to be accountable for his or her individual sins. We will overcome the consequences of individual sin by claiming the blessings and benefits of the Atonement.”
“True repentance, however, is the condition required so that God's forgiveness can come into our lives.”
Here comes the whopper of a question: So then how do we teach such deep doctrine to our children when we are still struggling with this doctrine?
True repentance is something I believe we as Saints want to believe we do but fall short of the mark way too often. I also believe that the Lord knows this and makes up for it most of the time as the sins aren’t grievous and He knows we are learning and that each time we repent we get closer to the mark of true repentance. I believe that is truly why we are here: to get closer to the mark each day. When we can finally say what Elder Uchdorf says, “True repentance brings us back to doing what is right. To truly repent we must recognize our sins and feel remorse, or godly sorrow, and confess those sins to God. If our sins are serious, we must also confess them to our authorized priesthood leader. We need to ask God for forgiveness and do all we can to correct whatever harm our actions may have caused. Repentance means a change of mind and heart—we stop doing things that are wrong, and we start doing things that are right. It brings us a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general.” Then we have true repentance.
I know for one that I’m not there yet with a few of the sins I have. I continue to say I’m sorry, but then emotions and feelings crop up and I’m back at the beginning. I feel like that worm in a whole that goes up 2 inches and then back 3. I get to see out of my hole but my feelings and emotions pull me back into it.
I love the fruits of forgiveness that he gives us. We get His peace and our guilt and sorrow are lifted. “Once we have truly repented, Christ will take away the burden of guilt for our sins. We can know for ourselves that we have been forgiven and made clean. The Holy Ghost will verify this to us; He is the Sanctifier. No other testimony of forgiveness can be greater.” I guess that is when I will know my repentance is total. I also think I need to read Pres. Kimball’s book. I have it, but I haven’t felt impress to read it yet.
Now the hard part; extending forgiveness! OUCH! I honestly believe this is one of the hardest lessons for me to learn. Maybe that is why I’m not feeling those fruits Elder Uchdorf talks about: peace, guiltless, God’s love.
“Each of us is under a divinely spoken obligation to reach out with pardon and mercy and to forgive one another. There is a great need for this Christlike attribute in our families, in our marriages, in our wards and stakes, in our communities, and in our nations.”
OH, if only the world would live this!
And what a call to repentance “Lip service is not enough.”
I guess I know what I need to personally work on and then maybe it will trickle down. This week, I will try harder and harder to practice forgiveness. It won’t be easy and it will probably be the hardest thing to do, but I will try.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Will a Man Rob God?
My thought on Elder Kikuchi talk "Will a Man Rob God?"
Well, it looks as if I’m the one to start it this week and I’m late because my schedule is so full.
I’ve been reading and pondering these talks but just don’t have a spare minute to sit and type. Even now I should be getting something cleared up on a “Keepers” email group.
Tithing, something you begin to obey out of fear and obligation and many months hate to do, but in the end find great blessings in doing so.
He quotes President Hinckley “While tithing is paid with money, more importantly it is paid with faith.” And also “This is not so much a matter of money as it is a matter of faith.” “…take the Lord at His word in this important matter.”
I can’t recall and I don’t have time to look it up, but one talk spoke to making the decision today to do something and then you never have to make that decision again. Tithing is one such decision you can make today and never have to go back on it.
This is a very important lesson to teach our children.
Well, it looks as if I’m the one to start it this week and I’m late because my schedule is so full.
I’ve been reading and pondering these talks but just don’t have a spare minute to sit and type. Even now I should be getting something cleared up on a “Keepers” email group.
Tithing, something you begin to obey out of fear and obligation and many months hate to do, but in the end find great blessings in doing so.
I also believe tithing is one of the easiest commandment to be completely obedient in. You either pay 10% or you don’t. this is a commandment that is also easily taught from a very young age. How do you teach your children to pay it? Do you let them earn some money to tithe? I believe it is very important for children to earn money early on so they know that not all that dollar bill goes in their piggy bank and that some goes to the Lord through the Bishop.
The list that Elder Kikuchi gives us is a wonderful list of things we all need to do if we want immeasurable blessings, not just tithing paying blessings. I could just list the items like:
1. Pay your tithing
2. Have family prayer and individual prayer as well
3. Family and personal scripture study
4. Keep the Sabbath day holy
5. Go to the temple
6. Sustain and follow leaders
7. Fast
But he puts in some adjectives I think are very important. His list:
1. Faithfully pay an honest tithe, both young and old.
2. Humbly hold regular individual and family prayers.
3. Devotedly have daily personal and family scripture study.
4. Thankfully keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Gratefully go to the temple often, there offering thanksgiving.
6. Willingly sustain and follow the new leaders.
7. Hold a stakewide fast, including everyone in the affected communities who would like to participate.
He quotes President Hinckley “While tithing is paid with money, more importantly it is paid with faith.” And also “This is not so much a matter of money as it is a matter of faith.” “…take the Lord at His word in this important matter.”
I can’t recall and I don’t have time to look it up, but one talk spoke to making the decision today to do something and then you never have to make that decision again. Tithing is one such decision you can make today and never have to go back on it.
This is a very important lesson to teach our children.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Who's on the Lord's Side
My thoughts on Presdient Dahlquist's talk "Who's on the Lord's Side?"
Funny thing having young men in your home.
I have found myself listening more closely to President Dahlquist more and more as I get more boys turning 12 in my home. Right now I have three young men in my home (hubby isn’t so young anymore, neither am I) and I have noticed when Pres. Dahlquist stands up and speaks. I think now that I have printed out six or seven of his talks this year to use as FHE lessons. I just find that very interesting. I wonder if I would have done the same had I had five girls instead of five boys?
I have always loved this song. I feel we don’t sing it well in church; almost always too slow, but nonetheless, it is still one of my favorite songs. (Ok, I will admit it, I have about 340 favorite songs that come from the hymnal, but who’s keeping track?) I often think we sang this song in the premortal life when we battled satan. I believe the question was asked and we in numbers we cannot imagine, sang this song. One of us held our banner high and in a rousing battle cry we asked, “Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?” and we high fived each other to show our solidarity.
Like Hannah Cornaby in England, my family had something similar happen. No stones were thrown, but hateful glances and stone cold stares were thrown a very prominent man in Oslo, Norway the day he and his wife were baptized. Their children stood on the river bank too young to join them with other saints who were waiting their turn as a mob stood behind them shouting insulting words and shooting hateful glances their way. It did not stop them for they knew the gospel was true and they knew the hardships it would bring once they stepped out of the waters. But there are thousands of people that have come from that family that call Christian and Christina Olsen their heroes, and I’m just one of them.
When my life gets hard, I often think of the trials they had to face as they tried desperately to make a living in a town that shunned them and hated them. I think of the children working till their hands bled and then handed over whatever piece of silver was given them so that dad could add it to the piggy bank. They were saving so that they could heed the prophet’s call to gather in Zion. Slowly, but surely, the family joined their oldest sister in Salt Lake City. Each one of the crossings is a story of faith, perseverance and love for the gospel. My life isn’t that hard and I should buck up and move forward if only to honor their faith and courage for saying, “I am on the Lord’s side and I will do what he has asked me to do!”
This also reminds me of the short sentence that many faithful scripture heroes have said, “Here am I, send me.” I think the answer to “Who’s on the Lord’s side?” is “Here am I! and I’m ready!”
His points:
First, never forget who you are. As our youth go through those terrible mood swings, tiffs with their friends, struggles with maturity, the fact that they are truly children of God can get shoved to the back of their mind. I know I do it and I have 20 years on them. I remember how hard it was to remember that simple song and BELIEVE it! I think it might even be harder now that the gray area (there really is not gray area, satan just makes it seem like it) has gotten bigger and bigger. In truth I think the gulf between right and wrong has just gotten larger and larger and the spacious building is fuller and has cameras and mics to broadcast 24/7. Finding “wholesome recreation” (or just plane “wholesome anything”) is harder and harder for our youth and what they are being told and told often is “you are not of value, no one cares” or just the opposite, “you are the only thing that counts, you did it, look at you!” Both are so negative and destructive.
How do you teach this to your children? I’m especially interested in knowing how you teach it to the teens.
For the Strength of Youth. What a great pamphlet! The bishop to our young singles ward puts his thumb over the “th” and says that it really should read “for the strength of YOU”. Everything in the pamphlet should be read and read by every family no matter their age! It is so powerful.
Prayer! I remember catching my mom in prayer too. That gave me great strength. I’m sorry to say my children usually aren’t awake when I’m praying. ~frown~
Second point: control your thoughts. I know this was addressed to the youth, but I think this part was for me. I’m horrible at keeping nice thoughts in my mind. I’m one who has to hash it out in my mind before I explode and say all the “mean” things so I can get rid of those thoughts and cool down. I’m not very good at controlling my thoughts. I’m one who has patience to a point and then I blow. Not a very good example for my children and I wonder why they blow up too.
Funny thing having young men in your home.
I have found myself listening more closely to President Dahlquist more and more as I get more boys turning 12 in my home. Right now I have three young men in my home (hubby isn’t so young anymore, neither am I) and I have noticed when Pres. Dahlquist stands up and speaks. I think now that I have printed out six or seven of his talks this year to use as FHE lessons. I just find that very interesting. I wonder if I would have done the same had I had five girls instead of five boys?
I have always loved this song. I feel we don’t sing it well in church; almost always too slow, but nonetheless, it is still one of my favorite songs. (Ok, I will admit it, I have about 340 favorite songs that come from the hymnal, but who’s keeping track?) I often think we sang this song in the premortal life when we battled satan. I believe the question was asked and we in numbers we cannot imagine, sang this song. One of us held our banner high and in a rousing battle cry we asked, “Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?” and we high fived each other to show our solidarity.
Like Hannah Cornaby in England, my family had something similar happen. No stones were thrown, but hateful glances and stone cold stares were thrown a very prominent man in Oslo, Norway the day he and his wife were baptized. Their children stood on the river bank too young to join them with other saints who were waiting their turn as a mob stood behind them shouting insulting words and shooting hateful glances their way. It did not stop them for they knew the gospel was true and they knew the hardships it would bring once they stepped out of the waters. But there are thousands of people that have come from that family that call Christian and Christina Olsen their heroes, and I’m just one of them.
When my life gets hard, I often think of the trials they had to face as they tried desperately to make a living in a town that shunned them and hated them. I think of the children working till their hands bled and then handed over whatever piece of silver was given them so that dad could add it to the piggy bank. They were saving so that they could heed the prophet’s call to gather in Zion. Slowly, but surely, the family joined their oldest sister in Salt Lake City. Each one of the crossings is a story of faith, perseverance and love for the gospel. My life isn’t that hard and I should buck up and move forward if only to honor their faith and courage for saying, “I am on the Lord’s side and I will do what he has asked me to do!”
This also reminds me of the short sentence that many faithful scripture heroes have said, “Here am I, send me.” I think the answer to “Who’s on the Lord’s side?” is “Here am I! and I’m ready!”
His points:
First, never forget who you are. As our youth go through those terrible mood swings, tiffs with their friends, struggles with maturity, the fact that they are truly children of God can get shoved to the back of their mind. I know I do it and I have 20 years on them. I remember how hard it was to remember that simple song and BELIEVE it! I think it might even be harder now that the gray area (there really is not gray area, satan just makes it seem like it) has gotten bigger and bigger. In truth I think the gulf between right and wrong has just gotten larger and larger and the spacious building is fuller and has cameras and mics to broadcast 24/7. Finding “wholesome recreation” (or just plane “wholesome anything”) is harder and harder for our youth and what they are being told and told often is “you are not of value, no one cares” or just the opposite, “you are the only thing that counts, you did it, look at you!” Both are so negative and destructive.
How do you teach this to your children? I’m especially interested in knowing how you teach it to the teens.
For the Strength of Youth. What a great pamphlet! The bishop to our young singles ward puts his thumb over the “th” and says that it really should read “for the strength of YOU”. Everything in the pamphlet should be read and read by every family no matter their age! It is so powerful.
Prayer! I remember catching my mom in prayer too. That gave me great strength. I’m sorry to say my children usually aren’t awake when I’m praying. ~frown~
Second point: control your thoughts. I know this was addressed to the youth, but I think this part was for me. I’m horrible at keeping nice thoughts in my mind. I’m one who has to hash it out in my mind before I explode and say all the “mean” things so I can get rid of those thoughts and cool down. I’m not very good at controlling my thoughts. I’m one who has patience to a point and then I blow. Not a very good example for my children and I wonder why they blow up too.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Mom, Are We Christians?
My thoughts on Elder Coleman's "Mom, Are We Christians?"
Have you had this question asked by your children?
I have and it is an easy answer (sort of).
If you take the definition that MOST of the world has, then the answer is no, but if you take the definition that the New Testament (the first time it shows up is during one of Paul’s missions) then YES! Without question we are Christians. Do your children know it?
As Elder Coleman said, our church is “centered on the Savior.” We are Christians, pure Christians!
The Nicene Creed sort of screwed things up, but I also believe that had it not been done then we would have lost the Bible and that would have truly messed things up. But in that Creed, the Godhead was changed and became one. Thankfully Joseph Smith saw something different and we can know for ourselves through fasting, praying and study what is truth.
Elder Coleman bares a powerful testimony. I won’t rehash earlier posts, but he does raise a question: Do our children know we are Christians?
That would be a great FHE lesson. I sure hope my children know we are Christians.
Have you had this question asked by your children?
I have and it is an easy answer (sort of).
If you take the definition that MOST of the world has, then the answer is no, but if you take the definition that the New Testament (the first time it shows up is during one of Paul’s missions) then YES! Without question we are Christians. Do your children know it?
As Elder Coleman said, our church is “centered on the Savior.” We are Christians, pure Christians!
The Nicene Creed sort of screwed things up, but I also believe that had it not been done then we would have lost the Bible and that would have truly messed things up. But in that Creed, the Godhead was changed and became one. Thankfully Joseph Smith saw something different and we can know for ourselves through fasting, praying and study what is truth.
Elder Coleman bares a powerful testimony. I won’t rehash earlier posts, but he does raise a question: Do our children know we are Christians?
That would be a great FHE lesson. I sure hope my children know we are Christians.
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Message of the Restoration
Thought on Elder Perry "The Message of the Restoration"
The First Vision:
I have been always amazed at the first vision. How it happened is truly a miracle and there is no other way to explain it. I remember as a teen trying really hard to have the same vision and one day, I must have been very brave, asking my mom why Heavenly Father and Jesus didn’t visit me when I prayed that they would. She gently explained to me that I didn’t need them to come visit me at this time and I might never need them to. But they had sent me the Holy Spirit to testify that what I was reading and studying was true. I was satisfied with that answer and I still am. As I look back on that time in my life, I can’t believe I didn’t get angry or mad at the answer. I think the Spirit was working overtime that day.
The first vision gives us a definite description of the Father and the Son and positive knowledge that they are truly two separate beings. I know we all have to find out for ourselves that the first vision happened and I remember thinking about this very thing during our seminary study of the D&C/church history year. Of course you start this year by studying the history of the church and wham-o you start with the Joseph Smith story. I remember the testimony I received when I knelt down and prayed to know for sure that the first vision happened. I was done relying on my mom’s testimony and it was time for me to get my own. I remember the feeling that totally engulfed me that night as I prayed. I can’t describe it except to say that I arose from my knees knowing that it was true and that I was supposed to move on and never question it again. I was to memorize (did that in primary) but keep it fresh in my mind the first article of faith!
The other thing that really grabbed me was that the Father knew Joseph by NAME! I wish I could tell you how that made me feel the first time I realized that. My earthly father doesn’t call me my name and it really bugs me, always has and he knows it but he still calls me “sis.” But my Heavenly Father knows my name and He has used it at time. And get this—He knows that I don’t go by my first name! I remember one night as a teen I was in the depth of despair and needed someone to love me. I remember the thought he so graciously gave me as if it was yesterday. He used my name and told me it would be OK. He didn’t say “my sweet friend” or “my dear daughter”. He used my name—he knew it then and still does!
The Book of Mormon
Both the Book of Mormon and the Bibles existence today is a miracle. The Lord preserved the Bible through history to be used by Joseph Smith to bring about the Book of Mormon as we read it today.
I have often wanted to just put EVERYTHING aside and try to read the Book of Mormon as fast as it was translated. Oh, that would be so fun, but I have such a hard time trying to finish when Pres. Hinckley gave us four months. Life just gets in the way. It truly is a testament to Joseph, Oliver and to their wives and family that it was translated so quickly. WOW!
We have been doing something fun to help us understand how both the Bible lost some of the bits and pieces of the gospel and how hard it is to translate complete meaning for the Book of Mormon. We are learning Portuguese and right now we are taking conference talks and songs and trying to translate them. As anyone knows who has learned a second language that translations just aren’t word for word. There are also idiomatic sayings that just don’t transfer into another language. Then to think of the time gap! The book of Revelation proves that. John was trying to describe some pretty awesome things and he had to use the words available to him that were from his day. We hadn’t invented words like airplane, train, email, automobile, etc. It is truly amazing that we have the scriptures we do have. I stand in awe of what Joseph did to just get the Book of Mormon translated and printed. WOW! The same goes for the Bible!
The Priesthood
This subject is near and dear to my heart. I never planned for that to happen, but when half of your family is missing during the first part of sacrament meeting, it truly sinks into your heart. As my children grow up and continue to turn 12 I get the privilege of teaching them about the priesthood. It has been such a fun and special thing to do with each of them. I set aside a few months before they turn 12 and we do a little unit I have worked up. When you teach something you of course learn more than your student. Pretty soon my bench will be empty as all my five boys hold the priesthood. How fun will that be!
Of course you have read my other thoughts on this subject, so I will write about the restoration of the Priesthood.
This is like dumb soldiers; one thing brings about something else. When you knock over the first domino then next one falls. Joseph and Oliver were just going along and wham! They had a question. They had learned to ask when they have a question and the Lord answers them (and he will answer us too!). Next thing they know they are baptizing each other and getting the priesthood from an Angel—the one and only John the Baptist. Isn’t that amazing! I can only imagine what that was like. But it speaks to what we too can do. We can have a question that burns inside us, begin by pondering on it and when we get to a point, we seek out a quiet place and then kneel in prayer and ask about it. How cool is that?
The Lord is truly amazing! The gospel’s restoration is one miracle after another.
Now to teach this to my children. Maybe this is my answer to the “what am I going to do for FHE tonight” question.
The First Vision:
I have been always amazed at the first vision. How it happened is truly a miracle and there is no other way to explain it. I remember as a teen trying really hard to have the same vision and one day, I must have been very brave, asking my mom why Heavenly Father and Jesus didn’t visit me when I prayed that they would. She gently explained to me that I didn’t need them to come visit me at this time and I might never need them to. But they had sent me the Holy Spirit to testify that what I was reading and studying was true. I was satisfied with that answer and I still am. As I look back on that time in my life, I can’t believe I didn’t get angry or mad at the answer. I think the Spirit was working overtime that day.
The first vision gives us a definite description of the Father and the Son and positive knowledge that they are truly two separate beings. I know we all have to find out for ourselves that the first vision happened and I remember thinking about this very thing during our seminary study of the D&C/church history year. Of course you start this year by studying the history of the church and wham-o you start with the Joseph Smith story. I remember the testimony I received when I knelt down and prayed to know for sure that the first vision happened. I was done relying on my mom’s testimony and it was time for me to get my own. I remember the feeling that totally engulfed me that night as I prayed. I can’t describe it except to say that I arose from my knees knowing that it was true and that I was supposed to move on and never question it again. I was to memorize (did that in primary) but keep it fresh in my mind the first article of faith!
The other thing that really grabbed me was that the Father knew Joseph by NAME! I wish I could tell you how that made me feel the first time I realized that. My earthly father doesn’t call me my name and it really bugs me, always has and he knows it but he still calls me “sis.” But my Heavenly Father knows my name and He has used it at time. And get this—He knows that I don’t go by my first name! I remember one night as a teen I was in the depth of despair and needed someone to love me. I remember the thought he so graciously gave me as if it was yesterday. He used my name and told me it would be OK. He didn’t say “my sweet friend” or “my dear daughter”. He used my name—he knew it then and still does!
The Book of Mormon
Both the Book of Mormon and the Bibles existence today is a miracle. The Lord preserved the Bible through history to be used by Joseph Smith to bring about the Book of Mormon as we read it today.
I have often wanted to just put EVERYTHING aside and try to read the Book of Mormon as fast as it was translated. Oh, that would be so fun, but I have such a hard time trying to finish when Pres. Hinckley gave us four months. Life just gets in the way. It truly is a testament to Joseph, Oliver and to their wives and family that it was translated so quickly. WOW!
We have been doing something fun to help us understand how both the Bible lost some of the bits and pieces of the gospel and how hard it is to translate complete meaning for the Book of Mormon. We are learning Portuguese and right now we are taking conference talks and songs and trying to translate them. As anyone knows who has learned a second language that translations just aren’t word for word. There are also idiomatic sayings that just don’t transfer into another language. Then to think of the time gap! The book of Revelation proves that. John was trying to describe some pretty awesome things and he had to use the words available to him that were from his day. We hadn’t invented words like airplane, train, email, automobile, etc. It is truly amazing that we have the scriptures we do have. I stand in awe of what Joseph did to just get the Book of Mormon translated and printed. WOW! The same goes for the Bible!
The Priesthood
This subject is near and dear to my heart. I never planned for that to happen, but when half of your family is missing during the first part of sacrament meeting, it truly sinks into your heart. As my children grow up and continue to turn 12 I get the privilege of teaching them about the priesthood. It has been such a fun and special thing to do with each of them. I set aside a few months before they turn 12 and we do a little unit I have worked up. When you teach something you of course learn more than your student. Pretty soon my bench will be empty as all my five boys hold the priesthood. How fun will that be!
Of course you have read my other thoughts on this subject, so I will write about the restoration of the Priesthood.
This is like dumb soldiers; one thing brings about something else. When you knock over the first domino then next one falls. Joseph and Oliver were just going along and wham! They had a question. They had learned to ask when they have a question and the Lord answers them (and he will answer us too!). Next thing they know they are baptizing each other and getting the priesthood from an Angel—the one and only John the Baptist. Isn’t that amazing! I can only imagine what that was like. But it speaks to what we too can do. We can have a question that burns inside us, begin by pondering on it and when we get to a point, we seek out a quiet place and then kneel in prayer and ask about it. How cool is that?
The Lord is truly amazing! The gospel’s restoration is one miracle after another.
Now to teach this to my children. Maybe this is my answer to the “what am I going to do for FHE tonight” question.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The Things of Which I Know
Thought from President Hinckley: "The Thing of Which I Know"
In our family scripture time we are reading the book of Mosiah. King Benjamin is on his tower as I write bearing his testimony just before he dies. I couldn’t stop thinking about how many times Pres Hinckley bears his testimony in the general conference sessions. I go back and think of Brother McConkie’s last testimony and powerful that was! WOW what great men of faith and testimony the Lord has chosen for us today—just like years gone by.
This also remind me of a soapbox I’ve been standing on lately, but haven’t taken the courage to say. WRITE IN YOUR JOURNAL!
My sister, who you all know just passed away, seldom wrote in her journal. Her husband pulled out three notebooks that Nadine had started as her journal. I don’t think either notebook was filled beyond the 10th page. BUT, what was there was profound. She shared a few spiritual experiences that will be treasured by her children (and me) forever. She expressed her undying love for each of her children. What a blessing those few pages will be to her children and grand children.
I write in my journal often (usually just clip and paste emails that I have written) and at present count the word document (where my journal is kept) is over 6000 pages! My poor children—they will never get to the good parts and be bogged down with my ramblings. BUT they will know how much I love them and care for them if I should die before I edit it.
Paraphrasing a commercial “what is in your journal today?”
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you love the Lord?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you loved the scriptures?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you loved the gospel?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you loved your husband?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you loved them?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know that you prayed for them daily?
Or would they know that you complained about them, didn’t like them, didn’t pray for them, didn’t care for them? Would they hear you complain about the church leaders and know of all their faults?
I ask again, “what is in your journal today?”
What thoughts and feelings to you leave behind?
Do you leave them with knowledge that you too, like President Hinckley, know the gospel to be true?
If not, why?
If not, change it!
It will only take an hour of your time, but your children and grandchildren will rise up and call you blessed because you took an hour and told them what you believed in while here on earth and through those words they will be able to recognize you when they next see you!
As my mom once said, you are leaving “love notes hidden for those you love to find when you can’t tell them yourself.”
In our family scripture time we are reading the book of Mosiah. King Benjamin is on his tower as I write bearing his testimony just before he dies. I couldn’t stop thinking about how many times Pres Hinckley bears his testimony in the general conference sessions. I go back and think of Brother McConkie’s last testimony and powerful that was! WOW what great men of faith and testimony the Lord has chosen for us today—just like years gone by.
This also remind me of a soapbox I’ve been standing on lately, but haven’t taken the courage to say. WRITE IN YOUR JOURNAL!
My sister, who you all know just passed away, seldom wrote in her journal. Her husband pulled out three notebooks that Nadine had started as her journal. I don’t think either notebook was filled beyond the 10th page. BUT, what was there was profound. She shared a few spiritual experiences that will be treasured by her children (and me) forever. She expressed her undying love for each of her children. What a blessing those few pages will be to her children and grand children.
I write in my journal often (usually just clip and paste emails that I have written) and at present count the word document (where my journal is kept) is over 6000 pages! My poor children—they will never get to the good parts and be bogged down with my ramblings. BUT they will know how much I love them and care for them if I should die before I edit it.
Paraphrasing a commercial “what is in your journal today?”
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you love the Lord?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you loved the scriptures?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you loved the gospel?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you loved your husband?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know you loved them?
If suddenly you were to pass today would your children know that you prayed for them daily?
Or would they know that you complained about them, didn’t like them, didn’t pray for them, didn’t care for them? Would they hear you complain about the church leaders and know of all their faults?
I ask again, “what is in your journal today?”
What thoughts and feelings to you leave behind?
Do you leave them with knowledge that you too, like President Hinckley, know the gospel to be true?
If not, why?
If not, change it!
It will only take an hour of your time, but your children and grandchildren will rise up and call you blessed because you took an hour and told them what you believed in while here on earth and through those words they will be able to recognize you when they next see you!
As my mom once said, you are leaving “love notes hidden for those you love to find when you can’t tell them yourself.”
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The Miracle of the Holy Bible
My thoughts on Elder M. Russell Ballard's talk "The Miracle of the Holy Bible"
We had family scriptures and prayers this morning like "normal" and it feltso great! YEAH!Tomorrow seminary starts so it will feel even more like normal. I also feel like I will be able to devote more time to this group and partake more fully in the blessings it has given me over the year-can't believe it as almost been a year!
I LOVED this talk because I have just found out I love the Bible. I havea lways loved the stories found therein, but there was something missing. Not sure it was because everyone could read it and the stories weren't just mine like they are in the Book of Mormon, but there was something I just didn't get. Maybe it was because my testimony was built around the Book of Mormonand not the Bible. BUT I belong to a RS Women's Study Group and we have been primarily studying the Bible and my love and testimony of these sacred books has grown.
As you read Elder Ballard recount the history of the Bible it is truly amazing that we have it at all. I love history and I love to find out how things came about and when I first heard the stories, I was dumbfounded! I truly believe it was a miracle that the Bible lasted as long as it did in the form that it did. If it wasn't for this wonderful book, Joseph Smithwouldn't have had an answer to his question and wouldn't have uttered that first prayer! It truly is a miracle.
At the turn of the century when all the channels on TV were doing their top 100 this and that, Steve and I were discussing what we thought the mostimportant invention was. We also debated the top person (but we excluded Jesus and Joseph Smith-guess you could say the third place winner). I put the movable type printing press at the top of my list of inventions. If it wasn't for that then the illiterate masses wouldn't have come out of the dark ages. Ideas couldn't be easily shared. I just think of the huddled masses that lined the walls of the church desperately listening to the words of God (even those that were translated incorrectly). The Bible had finally been translated into English and the masses were dying to read the word of God and they could! Of course the price was pretty high for the books, but just think family bibles started to be bought and read around the firelight. Families would be pulled together as they listened as the only literate person in their family read the sacred words! They didn't have to take the church's word for it anymore! WOW what an eye opener it was to them! How grateful they must have been. It truly was a time of rediscovery and reawakening and rebirth-hence the word renaissance!
And it wasn't just the Bible that made the Gutenberg Press so wonderful. Doctors could now share with the masses their thoughts and feelings on how to treat illnesses. Philosophers, mathematicians, astronomers, etc could finally share their ideas and thoughts with more than those they choose to write. This was truly the beginning of the information age. And look at us now! We die when the words of the prophets aren't up the Monday after General Conference. My mom remembers waiting six weeks to get them in little old Moses Lake, Washington!
Now to people: Steve and I fought over this one. Gutenberg sure did deservea mention, Martin Luther for his defying the church, and so do the rest who Elder Ballard mentions and for those reasons and many others. And how do you pick? Each one was so needed in their area of the world for the things they did and for the life they usually gave up for their convictions. I'ms ure that Heavenly Father has a special place for those men (and women-I'm sure there were many) because they were part of moving this work forward. Steve and I still fight over it. Seven years later and I still haven't made up my mind. If it wasn't for the parameter that this person's name has to be mentioned in "renowned" history books, I would pick the name of Christian Olsen (the first member on my mom's side) to be the most important person or John Daniel Holladay, Sr. (also from my mom's side) to be that person.
But BOTH of those men were Bible believing and Bible loving men. They knew the moment the missionaries opened their mouths that the restored gospel was on the earth. What is so awesome about this is that Christian Olsen was listening to English missionaries through a translator and John Daniel waslistening through a drunken stupor. But they both knew!
Over the past 10 years as I have studied the Bible, I have come to know thatit isn't the "other" scriptures, but it is a companion to the teachings in the Book of Mormon and vice versa. We truly need both books (with the D&C and PoGP too) to form the foundation of our testimonies on. I have come to a point in my life where I don't shy away from the complexities of the Bible but rather enjoy finding out what the true meaning is and let the Spirit reach my soul while I read the words. It has been a bumpy journey, but the words no longer scare me and I enjoy reading it and not just for the stories.
Funny how tomorrow when my son goes back to seminary they will be reading the Old Testament. Maybe I should print this out for him to read.
We had family scriptures and prayers this morning like "normal" and it feltso great! YEAH!Tomorrow seminary starts so it will feel even more like normal. I also feel like I will be able to devote more time to this group and partake more fully in the blessings it has given me over the year-can't believe it as almost been a year!
I LOVED this talk because I have just found out I love the Bible. I havea lways loved the stories found therein, but there was something missing. Not sure it was because everyone could read it and the stories weren't just mine like they are in the Book of Mormon, but there was something I just didn't get. Maybe it was because my testimony was built around the Book of Mormonand not the Bible. BUT I belong to a RS Women's Study Group and we have been primarily studying the Bible and my love and testimony of these sacred books has grown.
As you read Elder Ballard recount the history of the Bible it is truly amazing that we have it at all. I love history and I love to find out how things came about and when I first heard the stories, I was dumbfounded! I truly believe it was a miracle that the Bible lasted as long as it did in the form that it did. If it wasn't for this wonderful book, Joseph Smithwouldn't have had an answer to his question and wouldn't have uttered that first prayer! It truly is a miracle.
At the turn of the century when all the channels on TV were doing their top 100 this and that, Steve and I were discussing what we thought the mostimportant invention was. We also debated the top person (but we excluded Jesus and Joseph Smith-guess you could say the third place winner). I put the movable type printing press at the top of my list of inventions. If it wasn't for that then the illiterate masses wouldn't have come out of the dark ages. Ideas couldn't be easily shared. I just think of the huddled masses that lined the walls of the church desperately listening to the words of God (even those that were translated incorrectly). The Bible had finally been translated into English and the masses were dying to read the word of God and they could! Of course the price was pretty high for the books, but just think family bibles started to be bought and read around the firelight. Families would be pulled together as they listened as the only literate person in their family read the sacred words! They didn't have to take the church's word for it anymore! WOW what an eye opener it was to them! How grateful they must have been. It truly was a time of rediscovery and reawakening and rebirth-hence the word renaissance!
And it wasn't just the Bible that made the Gutenberg Press so wonderful. Doctors could now share with the masses their thoughts and feelings on how to treat illnesses. Philosophers, mathematicians, astronomers, etc could finally share their ideas and thoughts with more than those they choose to write. This was truly the beginning of the information age. And look at us now! We die when the words of the prophets aren't up the Monday after General Conference. My mom remembers waiting six weeks to get them in little old Moses Lake, Washington!
Now to people: Steve and I fought over this one. Gutenberg sure did deservea mention, Martin Luther for his defying the church, and so do the rest who Elder Ballard mentions and for those reasons and many others. And how do you pick? Each one was so needed in their area of the world for the things they did and for the life they usually gave up for their convictions. I'ms ure that Heavenly Father has a special place for those men (and women-I'm sure there were many) because they were part of moving this work forward. Steve and I still fight over it. Seven years later and I still haven't made up my mind. If it wasn't for the parameter that this person's name has to be mentioned in "renowned" history books, I would pick the name of Christian Olsen (the first member on my mom's side) to be the most important person or John Daniel Holladay, Sr. (also from my mom's side) to be that person.
But BOTH of those men were Bible believing and Bible loving men. They knew the moment the missionaries opened their mouths that the restored gospel was on the earth. What is so awesome about this is that Christian Olsen was listening to English missionaries through a translator and John Daniel waslistening through a drunken stupor. But they both knew!
Over the past 10 years as I have studied the Bible, I have come to know thatit isn't the "other" scriptures, but it is a companion to the teachings in the Book of Mormon and vice versa. We truly need both books (with the D&C and PoGP too) to form the foundation of our testimonies on. I have come to a point in my life where I don't shy away from the complexities of the Bible but rather enjoy finding out what the true meaning is and let the Spirit reach my soul while I read the words. It has been a bumpy journey, but the words no longer scare me and I enjoy reading it and not just for the stories.
Funny how tomorrow when my son goes back to seminary they will be reading the Old Testament. Maybe I should print this out for him to read.
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