My thoughts on Elder Perry's talk Let Him Do It with Simplicity
Four things. How simple and yet how complex.
Food! At our house food comes and goes like it was water. My kids are never satisfied unless I make something and then I hear choruses of "I’m not hungry." Feeding a family of six, most of which are teens, is hard work. I feel like I should give up most days as I'm never going to get ahead.
Clothing! We don't have the modesty fight at our house, thankfully. We have the pick them up off the floor fight! And the "that's MINE!" fight.
Shelter! Staying within your means is hard--especially when you are home educating your kids. I try so hard to stay within our budget but it so hard. Who doesn't get music lessons? Who doesn't get extra? Who gets short changed? BUT, we have been warned and those who didn't heed are in trouble. Thankfully we think we can weather this financial storm, but of course my children may not like the food they eat during that time. Oh, well, they are feed, shelter and clothed.
Fuel! With a teen driver boy has our gasoline bill shot up! Of course he is very good about where he drives, because he has to fill the tank up too. Thankfully the prices are falling finally but it will never be enough. But Elder Perry wasn't talking about fuel for the car or home, but for our souls.
Just as our cars need fuel to get from point A to point B our bodies need the proper fuel to get back to our Heavenly Father. Just like at the gas station, we must first pay for that fuel. But unlike the gas station the charge is our will. I think that is harder to give up than money, but we must give it as it is the only way to pay. "We must acquire knowledge of God’s eternal plan and our role in it, and then by living righteously, surrendering our will to the will of the Lord, we receive the promised blessings."
Monday, October 27, 2008
Welcome to the Conference
My thoughts on President Monson's talk Welcome to the Conference
This is a welcome address but yet it speaks of the gospel. He enlightens us on the miracles that have happened surrounding the Lord's temples and his faithful children. The miracle of holding off the rain for the people of Brazil is truly amazing. What quiet faith and love President Monson has for those people. The Lord hears and answers the prayers of few for the many.
I can't believe there is going to be a temple in Rome. The capital of the Catholic church is going to have a temple. To me that is almost as amazing as temples in Eastern Europe. Of course this didn't happen over night and it has taken decades for things like this to happen, but that they are happening is a miracle.
I can only hope that miracles continue in my life.
This is a welcome address but yet it speaks of the gospel. He enlightens us on the miracles that have happened surrounding the Lord's temples and his faithful children. The miracle of holding off the rain for the people of Brazil is truly amazing. What quiet faith and love President Monson has for those people. The Lord hears and answers the prayers of few for the many.
I can't believe there is going to be a temple in Rome. The capital of the Catholic church is going to have a temple. To me that is almost as amazing as temples in Eastern Europe. Of course this didn't happen over night and it has taken decades for things like this to happen, but that they are happening is a miracle.
I can only hope that miracles continue in my life.
Happiness, Your Heritage
My thoughts on President Uchtdorf's talk Happiness, Your Heritage
My husband cooks very similar to President Uchtdorf. Since we have only known President Uchtdorf for a few years I love to see the humor and humility when he starts a talk off like this. He seems almost human.
Weary! That's me. I feel like every morning I wake up, put on my fightin' clothes and go 18 rounds/hours and then hit the hay to rest up. The rest up is never enough time to let old wounds heal and muscles to stop shaking. I feel like I’m very weary, discouraged and very inadequate to deal with the problems that are facing my little family.
He hit the nail on the head for me:
I am not suggesting that we can simply flip a switch and stop the negative feelings that distress us. This isn’t a pep talk or an attempt to encourage those sinking in quicksand to imagine instead they are relaxing on a beach. I recognize that in all of our lives there are real concerns. I know there are hearts here today that harbor deep sorrows. Others wrestle with fears that trouble the soul. For some, loneliness is their secret trial.
But he gives us hope.
God's Happiness--"Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we as His spirit children can and should emulate."
Creating: So then why am I so tired and weary in this work? Why do my teenagers cause such anxiety in my breast? Why am I so nervous every time they leave the house? Why am I so wracked with grief that I screwed up? Why can't they treat their siblings and parents with kindness and love? WHY? WHY?
And the other things I create? The world doesn't value them and likewise neither does my family. My only hope is that like with my mother, when I'm gone they will see only the good creations of my hands and appreciate them. I love writing, but never had time. I love sewing but never have time (except right before the next pack meeting or court of honor). I love taking pictures, but they stay locked up in my computer. I would love to water color more, but I'm not good and it makes such a mess.
Compassionate: I think I have lost my compassionate bone. I don't even know where to go and find it. I just hope that I'm ready when called upon. I hope that my instrument is in tune when called upon.
My husband cooks very similar to President Uchtdorf. Since we have only known President Uchtdorf for a few years I love to see the humor and humility when he starts a talk off like this. He seems almost human.
Weary! That's me. I feel like every morning I wake up, put on my fightin' clothes and go 18 rounds/hours and then hit the hay to rest up. The rest up is never enough time to let old wounds heal and muscles to stop shaking. I feel like I’m very weary, discouraged and very inadequate to deal with the problems that are facing my little family.
He hit the nail on the head for me:
I am not suggesting that we can simply flip a switch and stop the negative feelings that distress us. This isn’t a pep talk or an attempt to encourage those sinking in quicksand to imagine instead they are relaxing on a beach. I recognize that in all of our lives there are real concerns. I know there are hearts here today that harbor deep sorrows. Others wrestle with fears that trouble the soul. For some, loneliness is their secret trial.
But he gives us hope.
God's Happiness--"Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we as His spirit children can and should emulate."
Creating: So then why am I so tired and weary in this work? Why do my teenagers cause such anxiety in my breast? Why am I so nervous every time they leave the house? Why am I so wracked with grief that I screwed up? Why can't they treat their siblings and parents with kindness and love? WHY? WHY?
And the other things I create? The world doesn't value them and likewise neither does my family. My only hope is that like with my mother, when I'm gone they will see only the good creations of my hands and appreciate them. I love writing, but never had time. I love sewing but never have time (except right before the next pack meeting or court of honor). I love taking pictures, but they stay locked up in my computer. I would love to water color more, but I'm not good and it makes such a mess.
Compassionate: I think I have lost my compassionate bone. I don't even know where to go and find it. I just hope that I'm ready when called upon. I hope that my instrument is in tune when called upon.
Now Let Us Rejoice
My thoughts on Sister Thompson's talk Now Let Us Rejoice
Sister Thompson said:
Let’s devote ourselves to Relief Society, as advised by President Boyd K. Packer: “Service in the Relief Society magnifies and sanctifies each individual sister. . . . When you devote yourself to the Relief Society and organize it and operate it and participate in it, you sustain the cause that will bless every woman who comes within its influence.”
How easily do we magnify and sanctify our calling as a visiting teacher?
I'm over Visiting Teaching in my ward and it is so hard to get my own visiting teaching done. Granted I have a hard list--I write to the very inactive sisters--the ones who don't want any contact with the church. It has been very hard because I have no relationship with these sisters. If I ran into them at the grocery store I wouldn't know them from Eve. But I faithfully do my calling.
Now, I'm not sure what to think about the teaching comments she made. I don't mean to sound puffed up, but I'm a dang good teacher--I do it every day, and yet, I'm behind the piano in primary. Likewise my husband is behind the computer doing scouting stuff. I sometimes think the Lord truly doesn't need nor want us in this ward. I know that sound conceited, but that's how I feel.
She said:
Sisters, now more than ever, we need women to step up and be strong. We need women who declare the truth with strength, faith, and boldness. We need women to set an example of righteousness. We need women to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause.” We need to live so that our lives bear witness that we love our Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ and that we will do what They have asked us to do. We need to rescue “all that is finest down deep inside of [us]” so that as daughters of God we can do our part to build the kingdom of God. We will have help to do this. As Joseph declared, “If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.”
I can't but once a month in fast and testimony meeting declare with boldness, neither my husband. Of course I do it daily with my family and hopefully my actions at all times, in all things and in all places say that, but I don't "declare" when behind a piano.
I truly feel like an ace player sitting on the bench, rested, waiting for my turn to play and the coach keeps passing me by. I guess I just need to be ready for when I'm called upon.
Sister Thompson said:
Let’s devote ourselves to Relief Society, as advised by President Boyd K. Packer: “Service in the Relief Society magnifies and sanctifies each individual sister. . . . When you devote yourself to the Relief Society and organize it and operate it and participate in it, you sustain the cause that will bless every woman who comes within its influence.”
How easily do we magnify and sanctify our calling as a visiting teacher?
I'm over Visiting Teaching in my ward and it is so hard to get my own visiting teaching done. Granted I have a hard list--I write to the very inactive sisters--the ones who don't want any contact with the church. It has been very hard because I have no relationship with these sisters. If I ran into them at the grocery store I wouldn't know them from Eve. But I faithfully do my calling.
Now, I'm not sure what to think about the teaching comments she made. I don't mean to sound puffed up, but I'm a dang good teacher--I do it every day, and yet, I'm behind the piano in primary. Likewise my husband is behind the computer doing scouting stuff. I sometimes think the Lord truly doesn't need nor want us in this ward. I know that sound conceited, but that's how I feel.
She said:
Sisters, now more than ever, we need women to step up and be strong. We need women who declare the truth with strength, faith, and boldness. We need women to set an example of righteousness. We need women to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause.” We need to live so that our lives bear witness that we love our Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ and that we will do what They have asked us to do. We need to rescue “all that is finest down deep inside of [us]” so that as daughters of God we can do our part to build the kingdom of God. We will have help to do this. As Joseph declared, “If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.”
I can't but once a month in fast and testimony meeting declare with boldness, neither my husband. Of course I do it daily with my family and hopefully my actions at all times, in all things and in all places say that, but I don't "declare" when behind a piano.
I truly feel like an ace player sitting on the bench, rested, waiting for my turn to play and the coach keeps passing me by. I guess I just need to be ready for when I'm called upon.
Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants
My thoughts on Sister Allred's talk Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants
As I read this talk I was filled with joy that we have always had a temple near by. When I was little, the Salt Lake Temple was only 12-14 hours away and my parents tried to get there once a year. Then in 1980 the Seattle Temple was built and dedicated. My parents tried to attend more often. Ten years later I moved here with my sweet husband and tried very hard to attend but having babies and raising a young family made it hit and miss for me--miss more times than hit.
Now that I'm in the throes of raising teens it has been even harder to make it to the temple. But I need the blessings of attending. I hate going by myself but my husband is so busy. I really need to make an effort this month to get there. Maybe I just need to sit down with the calendar and put it on and --wait for it--not let anything knock it off.
As I read this talk I was filled with joy that we have always had a temple near by. When I was little, the Salt Lake Temple was only 12-14 hours away and my parents tried to get there once a year. Then in 1980 the Seattle Temple was built and dedicated. My parents tried to attend more often. Ten years later I moved here with my sweet husband and tried very hard to attend but having babies and raising a young family made it hit and miss for me--miss more times than hit.
Now that I'm in the throes of raising teens it has been even harder to make it to the temple. But I need the blessings of attending. I hate going by myself but my husband is so busy. I really need to make an effort this month to get there. Maybe I just need to sit down with the calendar and put it on and --wait for it--not let anything knock it off.
Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society
My thoughts on Sister Beck's talk Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society.
I've felt kind of distant from Relief Society as well as from the other sisters in the ward because of my calling: primary pianist. It is hard to have that interaction that one gets from contact with others. I sit behind a piano for two hours every Sunday and have very little interaction with the sisters. But this isn't a pity party and I know the importance of Relief Society even to those who sit behind a piano every Sunday.
Sister Beck gives a little history lesson and that is good-we need it every now and then. Why was this organization put together? It is one of the oldest ones in the church's history (oldest if you don't count priesthood quorums). Our purpose "is to organize, teach and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life." What a cool purpose! I wish I remembered that every time I grumbled about going to a meeting.
How do you keep that purpose in your fore mind?
Our responsibilities:
Increase in faith and personal righteousness
What do you do to accomplish this?
I do a lot with my family, but what do I do personally? I do attend a weekly Women's Study Group, but I'm not always prepared for the discussion. My personal scripture study is very lacking-maybe 4 out of the 7 days. My prayers-well my goal is to NOT fall asleep while on my knees. Trying to get to the temple-even though it is only 18 miles away is even more difficult because I homeschool, have a job, serve on non-profits, coach soccer and have SIX KIDS! I'm thankful if I can get there once a quarter. I do tell myself at least I'm doing better now that I'm done being pregnant and nursing babies ~smile~.
Strengthen Families and homes
It seems as if EVERYONE is against this even those who live inside our own homes. At least that is how it is at my house. I feel like for everything that moves us forward there are 10 that pull us backwards. I often feel like giving up. Sometimes I have to settle for the "good" because the"better" and the "best" just won't happen. I'm just banking on intent of the programs we have in place not the execution. We have family scriptures and prayers and hold FHE and let the Home Teachers come, but there is so much missing. I just hope that is enough and that the Lord will look upon my desires and understand what I had to deal with in the execution of those desires.
What are you doing?
Serve the Lord and His children
Now there is a loaded responsibility for a mom, woman and wife. Isn't that what we do all day? There is a song from the movie "Robin Hood" that is sung by Bryan Adams called "Everything I do I do it for you." That is my song to my children. Going to the gym isn't for me-oh, no! I would rather sleep in that hour. I go because I want to play with them, have a healthy heart and eventually play with their children and stay away from the operating table! In fact I cook only because I have a responsibility to feed those children! I HATE COOKING!!! So why would I do it unless I had to. If it was just me, I could live on apples, carrot sticks, toast and milk and be just fine. (I'd throw in some chocolate and ice cream, but those are ready made at thes tore.) Outside my home I serve as well. I don't want to sound like a braggart so Iwill stop with just my family.
What do you do?
I've felt kind of distant from Relief Society as well as from the other sisters in the ward because of my calling: primary pianist. It is hard to have that interaction that one gets from contact with others. I sit behind a piano for two hours every Sunday and have very little interaction with the sisters. But this isn't a pity party and I know the importance of Relief Society even to those who sit behind a piano every Sunday.
Sister Beck gives a little history lesson and that is good-we need it every now and then. Why was this organization put together? It is one of the oldest ones in the church's history (oldest if you don't count priesthood quorums). Our purpose "is to organize, teach and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life." What a cool purpose! I wish I remembered that every time I grumbled about going to a meeting.
How do you keep that purpose in your fore mind?
Our responsibilities:
Increase in faith and personal righteousness
What do you do to accomplish this?
I do a lot with my family, but what do I do personally? I do attend a weekly Women's Study Group, but I'm not always prepared for the discussion. My personal scripture study is very lacking-maybe 4 out of the 7 days. My prayers-well my goal is to NOT fall asleep while on my knees. Trying to get to the temple-even though it is only 18 miles away is even more difficult because I homeschool, have a job, serve on non-profits, coach soccer and have SIX KIDS! I'm thankful if I can get there once a quarter. I do tell myself at least I'm doing better now that I'm done being pregnant and nursing babies ~smile~.
Strengthen Families and homes
It seems as if EVERYONE is against this even those who live inside our own homes. At least that is how it is at my house. I feel like for everything that moves us forward there are 10 that pull us backwards. I often feel like giving up. Sometimes I have to settle for the "good" because the"better" and the "best" just won't happen. I'm just banking on intent of the programs we have in place not the execution. We have family scriptures and prayers and hold FHE and let the Home Teachers come, but there is so much missing. I just hope that is enough and that the Lord will look upon my desires and understand what I had to deal with in the execution of those desires.
What are you doing?
Serve the Lord and His children
Now there is a loaded responsibility for a mom, woman and wife. Isn't that what we do all day? There is a song from the movie "Robin Hood" that is sung by Bryan Adams called "Everything I do I do it for you." That is my song to my children. Going to the gym isn't for me-oh, no! I would rather sleep in that hour. I go because I want to play with them, have a healthy heart and eventually play with their children and stay away from the operating table! In fact I cook only because I have a responsibility to feed those children! I HATE COOKING!!! So why would I do it unless I had to. If it was just me, I could live on apples, carrot sticks, toast and milk and be just fine. (I'd throw in some chocolate and ice cream, but those are ready made at thes tore.) Outside my home I serve as well. I don't want to sound like a braggart so Iwill stop with just my family.
What do you do?
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