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.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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.
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