My thoughts on Pres. Monson's talk "Finding Joy in the Journey"
I've always had a hard time with the changing of Presidents in the Church. Not that it has happened all that much in my life time, but it just seems it takes me a good two or three years before I truly love the new president as much as I did the last one. I'm not sure if it is because I have heard President Monson my entire life, love his down home stories, because I'm more mature (that is up for debate) or if this constant study of his words has made that transition smoother, faster or whatever. Nevertheless, I've grown to love this man faster than I thought and definitely fast than the last transition between Presidents. I just find that curious.
This talk was for me. I'm glad the rest of you enjoyed it, but he was speaking to me and me alone. When I heard it I cried. When I read it I cried. When I reread it I cry again. In the past eight years there has been a lot in my life that just hasn't gone right--no that's not the correct phrase. It is more honest to say, "the way I wanted it to go and had planned for it to go." Those of you who know me well, know most of the reasons why I might say something like that, but long ago my mom taught me that despite all the reasons why you could reasonably be justified in being angry, depressed or upset at the world--you have no ground to stand on if you have food, shelter, water and love.
I haven't lost any of those things--in fact they have only gotten better, so I shouldn't feel down. But life happens as we lose perspective. We just need an "eye exam" to set us straight. This was my "eye exam".
"Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes."
This is the one principle of science I understand all to well every morning when my alarm goes off and the bags are still under my eyes and the wrinkles are just a bit deeper. DANG is all i have to say. ~smile~
"I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."
I could quit typing now and just say, "AMEN!"
You do collect yesterdays waiting for tomorrow.
"My brothers and sisters, there is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today."
I guess I will stop saying, "Leave me alone, we can do that tomorrow." I need to stop and do it today. I have to remember that story about Arthur Gordon and his father. "But childhood doesn't [keep coming back]."
"Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future."
YEP!
"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us."
This statement reminds me of Elder Oaks' talk "Good, Better, Best". We need to remember what is best in our life--our family and the memories we are building today. We can't change the memory we gave them for yesterday, but we can made a new memory for today. I hate to bring up my business in this forum, but that is why I named my business what I did: Sunshine Memories. We need to catch the memories while the sun is shining in our lives. While we are alive and vibrant. We need to make memories today because one thing that will happen to us all is we will leave this world. If we don't make memories now....
"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." My new motto as I deal with my teens. Now if only it will get embedded in my thoughts. Maybe I need to repeat that every morning (where are my post-it notes?).
If you had just 25 words, what would they be?
I have to think about that one and get back to you.
Here is my big epiphany for the day: "Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings."
You can tell exactly what is important to a child by listening to their prayers. Their "blesses" and "thank you's" can tell you a lot about what is important to them. I will have to listen closely tonight to my own prayer.
"Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."
As a homeschooling mom I do fill my life with that which matters the most to me: my children. I never pray (except in public) without thanking my Father in Heaven for my children. They were not easy to get, hard to get out and sometimes a pain to raise, but I wouldn't do it any other way. I love them and am so thankful they are mine. I'm sure someday when they are older and wiser they will thank their Father in Heaven for letting me be their mother. I know it took me way too long to figure that one out. I knew it, but I don't think I ever said it out loud until I was older--much to old.
Now I need to go find my "joy" they are around here somewhere--probably making a mess and I'm going to find joy in cleaning it up. It would be sad if I didn't have a mess to clean up ~smile~.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Truth of God Shall Go Forth
My thoughts on Elder Ballard's talk "The Truth of God Shall Go Forth"
The older I get the more I love hearing these history lessons from our General Authorities. I didn't highlight much of the talk, but it brought a lot of thoughts to my mind.
My family was persecuted when they first joined the Church back in Norway. As my mom's books tell the story, My great-great-great-grandfather was a good mason and very well respected until they joined the church. Work then dried up. I don't know if they ever went to bed thinking "Is this worth it" or not, but I can testify that 170 years later there is a grand-daughter who says, "Yes, grandfather! It is worth it."
That same family had hardship after hardship as they tried desperately to get everyone to the Salt Lake Valley. In fact it took some 20 years for them to all meet up again in the Valley. I don't know what that reunion was like, but I know what the reunion will be like when I greet them. I will wrap my arms around them and say, "Thank you!"
As Elder Ballard says, "Despite all the persecution, the truth of God was indeed going forth boldly and nobly." And it continues to go forth boldly and nobly.
"This is God's work, and God's work will not be frustrated. But there is still much to be done before the Great Jehovah can announce that the work is done."
Are we going to be part of that or are we going to be a hindrance?
"We need to believe as they believed. We need to work as they worked. We need to serve as they served. And we need to overcome as they overcame."
I can only pray that my service, my work, my belief is half that of those who found the gospel in Norway in the 1840's, England in the 1870's, Georgia in the 1830's and California in the 1970's.
The hymn "Let us all Press On" is making its way through the radio in my head. Let's all hum....
The older I get the more I love hearing these history lessons from our General Authorities. I didn't highlight much of the talk, but it brought a lot of thoughts to my mind.
My family was persecuted when they first joined the Church back in Norway. As my mom's books tell the story, My great-great-great-grandfather was a good mason and very well respected until they joined the church. Work then dried up. I don't know if they ever went to bed thinking "Is this worth it" or not, but I can testify that 170 years later there is a grand-daughter who says, "Yes, grandfather! It is worth it."
That same family had hardship after hardship as they tried desperately to get everyone to the Salt Lake Valley. In fact it took some 20 years for them to all meet up again in the Valley. I don't know what that reunion was like, but I know what the reunion will be like when I greet them. I will wrap my arms around them and say, "Thank you!"
As Elder Ballard says, "Despite all the persecution, the truth of God was indeed going forth boldly and nobly." And it continues to go forth boldly and nobly.
"This is God's work, and God's work will not be frustrated. But there is still much to be done before the Great Jehovah can announce that the work is done."
Are we going to be part of that or are we going to be a hindrance?
"We need to believe as they believed. We need to work as they worked. We need to serve as they served. And we need to overcome as they overcame."
I can only pray that my service, my work, my belief is half that of those who found the gospel in Norway in the 1840's, England in the 1870's, Georgia in the 1830's and California in the 1970's.
The hymn "Let us all Press On" is making its way through the radio in my head. Let's all hum....
A Return to Virtue
My thoughts on Sister Dalton's talk "A Return to Virtue".
What a powerful talk. I'm so glad this was saved for EVERYONE and not just the young women.
I'm sorry we have to "return" to virtue. I'm sorry that we ever left. I had hoped we as a people would have stayed there, but I guess we all need to be called to repentance.
Virtue:
is a prerequisite for entrance into the temple.
is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards (I like that one)
encompasses chasity
encompasses moral purity
begins in the heart & mind
is nurtured at home
is the accumulation of 1000's of small decisions and actions.
is STRENGTH!
"Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost."
WOW what powerful words. I could say AMEN and sit down.
She quotes Pres. Monson: "“You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness—and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so.”"
I hope I get to feel "glorious" as I stand clean and with confidence at the gates of Heaven. I hope that I feel that way today and tomorrow as well. And I pray that my children will feel that way always because they live that way.
I love the story about being poisoned by degrees. We as a culture are poisoned by degrees. My husband and I love watching movies--especially old time movies. We notice that the camera stops before the clothing come off. The camera stops at the bedroom door. The actors and actresses don't show too much skin. In fact very few belly buttons are shown, if any at all. What a different world we live in. And it was by "degrees" that we got here. We as a people allowed it. But, we as a family can stop it--at least from coming into our home.
"Could it be that first we tolerate, then accept, and eventually embrace the vice that surrounds us?"
Let's not even tolerate it one bit. Never accept it and NEVER embrace it. I vow that my family will not be poisoned by degrees as long as I'm able to fight the fight and stand with my other 7 warriors against the evil that wants inside my home. And we will do that by...
"The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare." Just as the marathon winner said. To win this fight we must practice daily. No one ever ran 20 minutes on the treadmill and was 20 pounds lighter. No they did 20 months on the treadmill and then were 20 pounds lighter. It takes daily practice and daily vigilance to fight the foe.
"The course and the training program will be unique to each of us."
This means we have to be worthy to receive the instructions on how to run the course and how to train. That comes through personal revelation and recognition of the Spirit in our lives. It requires that we actively seek for guidance. Activity seek for the Spirit to dwell with us. To get that it will mean, prayer, scripture study, temple attendance and church attendance. Those aren't hard, but like my dentist brother tells me--brushing your teeth just once a week will not prevent cavities--you have to do it daily. Nor will brushing afterwards get rid of the decay once it has started--you have to be brushing BEFORE you get them. You have to attend weekly and then do the daily stuff to win the war.
We must all return to virtue. I'm going to get into training so I can win the fight, not get poisoned and be ready to stand with confidence when I meet my Savior.
What a powerful talk. I'm so glad this was saved for EVERYONE and not just the young women.
I'm sorry we have to "return" to virtue. I'm sorry that we ever left. I had hoped we as a people would have stayed there, but I guess we all need to be called to repentance.
Virtue:
is a prerequisite for entrance into the temple.
is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards (I like that one)
encompasses chasity
encompasses moral purity
begins in the heart & mind
is nurtured at home
is the accumulation of 1000's of small decisions and actions.
is STRENGTH!
"Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost."
WOW what powerful words. I could say AMEN and sit down.
She quotes Pres. Monson: "“You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness—and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so.”"
I hope I get to feel "glorious" as I stand clean and with confidence at the gates of Heaven. I hope that I feel that way today and tomorrow as well. And I pray that my children will feel that way always because they live that way.
I love the story about being poisoned by degrees. We as a culture are poisoned by degrees. My husband and I love watching movies--especially old time movies. We notice that the camera stops before the clothing come off. The camera stops at the bedroom door. The actors and actresses don't show too much skin. In fact very few belly buttons are shown, if any at all. What a different world we live in. And it was by "degrees" that we got here. We as a people allowed it. But, we as a family can stop it--at least from coming into our home.
"Could it be that first we tolerate, then accept, and eventually embrace the vice that surrounds us?"
Let's not even tolerate it one bit. Never accept it and NEVER embrace it. I vow that my family will not be poisoned by degrees as long as I'm able to fight the fight and stand with my other 7 warriors against the evil that wants inside my home. And we will do that by...
"The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare." Just as the marathon winner said. To win this fight we must practice daily. No one ever ran 20 minutes on the treadmill and was 20 pounds lighter. No they did 20 months on the treadmill and then were 20 pounds lighter. It takes daily practice and daily vigilance to fight the foe.
"The course and the training program will be unique to each of us."
This means we have to be worthy to receive the instructions on how to run the course and how to train. That comes through personal revelation and recognition of the Spirit in our lives. It requires that we actively seek for guidance. Activity seek for the Spirit to dwell with us. To get that it will mean, prayer, scripture study, temple attendance and church attendance. Those aren't hard, but like my dentist brother tells me--brushing your teeth just once a week will not prevent cavities--you have to do it daily. Nor will brushing afterwards get rid of the decay once it has started--you have to be brushing BEFORE you get them. You have to attend weekly and then do the daily stuff to win the war.
We must all return to virtue. I'm going to get into training so I can win the fight, not get poisoned and be ready to stand with confidence when I meet my Savior.
Friday, January 16, 2009
God Loves and Helps all of His Children
My thoughts on Elder McMullin's talk "God Loves and Helps all of His Children"
As a primary worker I know that the statement is true! God does love his Children and helps them more than we can even imagine. We just have to look to see it.
"The Church welfare plan embodies this divine pattern, and faithful Church members follow it. Their offerings provide succor to the widow, care to the orphan, and refuge to the suffering."
When I was a little girl our family had to use the Bishop's Storehouse more than once, actually for a few years. It was a blessing for our family. Not only did we use it, but my mother was the manager for quite a few years. It gave her the opportunity to work (money coming in) to serve (she never put down every hour she worked), know connections (how many times were there donations that were passed along to those who were truly in need by those who could help out by just having my mom say, "Brother/Sister Brown you need to talk to Brother/Sister Black and they will be able to help you with your need.) and of course we were able to benefit from her service in both our bank account as well as our tummies. Us kids even went down there and put in our own service hours. It was from there that I learned all about service. The job hours were such that she could work school hours and if she didn't, we could go to work with her. It was a great example of serve and the Lord's true love for his children. I learned a lot.
The world could learn a lot from the Church's system as well. It is interesting to see how many times our local newspaper runs a spot on the Church's welfare system and says something like, "The Mormons sure know how to take care of their own and the rest of us as well." We do, and they should learn from us.
"Welfare principles . . . do not change. They will not change. They are revealed truths."
Joseph of Egypt knew it. The Saints of the 1800's knew it and we should know it and practice it as well. In times of plenty you stock up for the lean years. These truths are universal and eternal. The Lord looks after the physical as well as the spiritual welfare of his people.
That leads right into the spiritual welfare of His children.
"Another essential way to receive God’s help is through prayer. We are commanded to pray to God, our Father, in the name of Jesus Christ. The admonition is, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened.”Heavenly Father answers all sincere prayers."
He answers our prayers and "He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face."
As the storms have hit the Blanding home we have felt his comfort and his leading both physically as well as spiritually. He truly loves us.
The power of a priesthood blessing.
I didn't receive many priesthood blessings growing up as my father was gone a lot. To this day I forget to ask for them. I have been trying to remember more and more, but it seems as if the Lord has answered my prayers and so the need for priesthood blessings haven't been needed. BUT, when they are needed, I feel the power behind them. I feel the Lord's arms wrapped around me.
In my auto accident I received a concussion and about six weeks of my life are completely blank. I don't recall much of what happened from the time the car hit me to the time I "woke up" six weeks later. I was taken to the hospital but released a few hours later. I know i went to numerous doctor appointments, drove the car, taught school, played the piano in church, made Thanksgiving dinner, etc, but I don't recall any of it. But I do remember the blessing I received upon arriving home from the hospital. I was sitting in my husband's office chair because it had a tall enough back that I could rest my head against it (my neck and head hurt so bad). I remember that the brother who came worked from home and only live a few blocks away. I remember he was in a shirt and tie (guess he had enough time to change before we got home). I remember that Steve told me he didn't know who would be coming to help give me a blessing, my visiting teacher arranged it. I remember it as short and to the point and it told me "that in due time I would no longer feel the effects of the accident." I remember thinking "due time? Honey you were to bless me to heal now."
After I woke up from my six weeks of concussion I reflected back on that blessing. I couldn't wrap my mind around why my husband said that and why he would want me to go through all this pain and torture. I still don't know all the reasons, but I have a better grasp of what the Lord wanted me to learn and the only way I could learn it was through that trial. I'm not thankful I was in the accident as the negative effects to our family will last forever, but I am thankful for the lessons I have learned, am learning and will continue to learn. I just hope that the promise my husband spoke will one day come true and that I will live righteously enough to receive the blessing of not feeling the effects of the accident.
As a primary worker I know that the statement is true! God does love his Children and helps them more than we can even imagine. We just have to look to see it.
"The Church welfare plan embodies this divine pattern, and faithful Church members follow it. Their offerings provide succor to the widow, care to the orphan, and refuge to the suffering."
When I was a little girl our family had to use the Bishop's Storehouse more than once, actually for a few years. It was a blessing for our family. Not only did we use it, but my mother was the manager for quite a few years. It gave her the opportunity to work (money coming in) to serve (she never put down every hour she worked), know connections (how many times were there donations that were passed along to those who were truly in need by those who could help out by just having my mom say, "Brother/Sister Brown you need to talk to Brother/Sister Black and they will be able to help you with your need.) and of course we were able to benefit from her service in both our bank account as well as our tummies. Us kids even went down there and put in our own service hours. It was from there that I learned all about service. The job hours were such that she could work school hours and if she didn't, we could go to work with her. It was a great example of serve and the Lord's true love for his children. I learned a lot.
The world could learn a lot from the Church's system as well. It is interesting to see how many times our local newspaper runs a spot on the Church's welfare system and says something like, "The Mormons sure know how to take care of their own and the rest of us as well." We do, and they should learn from us.
"Welfare principles . . . do not change. They will not change. They are revealed truths."
Joseph of Egypt knew it. The Saints of the 1800's knew it and we should know it and practice it as well. In times of plenty you stock up for the lean years. These truths are universal and eternal. The Lord looks after the physical as well as the spiritual welfare of his people.
That leads right into the spiritual welfare of His children.
"Another essential way to receive God’s help is through prayer. We are commanded to pray to God, our Father, in the name of Jesus Christ. The admonition is, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened.”Heavenly Father answers all sincere prayers."
He answers our prayers and "He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face."
As the storms have hit the Blanding home we have felt his comfort and his leading both physically as well as spiritually. He truly loves us.
The power of a priesthood blessing.
I didn't receive many priesthood blessings growing up as my father was gone a lot. To this day I forget to ask for them. I have been trying to remember more and more, but it seems as if the Lord has answered my prayers and so the need for priesthood blessings haven't been needed. BUT, when they are needed, I feel the power behind them. I feel the Lord's arms wrapped around me.
In my auto accident I received a concussion and about six weeks of my life are completely blank. I don't recall much of what happened from the time the car hit me to the time I "woke up" six weeks later. I was taken to the hospital but released a few hours later. I know i went to numerous doctor appointments, drove the car, taught school, played the piano in church, made Thanksgiving dinner, etc, but I don't recall any of it. But I do remember the blessing I received upon arriving home from the hospital. I was sitting in my husband's office chair because it had a tall enough back that I could rest my head against it (my neck and head hurt so bad). I remember that the brother who came worked from home and only live a few blocks away. I remember he was in a shirt and tie (guess he had enough time to change before we got home). I remember that Steve told me he didn't know who would be coming to help give me a blessing, my visiting teacher arranged it. I remember it as short and to the point and it told me "that in due time I would no longer feel the effects of the accident." I remember thinking "due time? Honey you were to bless me to heal now."
After I woke up from my six weeks of concussion I reflected back on that blessing. I couldn't wrap my mind around why my husband said that and why he would want me to go through all this pain and torture. I still don't know all the reasons, but I have a better grasp of what the Lord wanted me to learn and the only way I could learn it was through that trial. I'm not thankful I was in the accident as the negative effects to our family will last forever, but I am thankful for the lessons I have learned, am learning and will continue to learn. I just hope that the promise my husband spoke will one day come true and that I will live righteously enough to receive the blessing of not feeling the effects of the accident.
Our Hearts Knit as One
My thoughts on President Eyring's talk: "Our Hearts Knit as One"
"My message is that we are doing better. Fathers and mothers are pleading for unity in their homes, and those prayers are being answered. Families are praying together night and morning."
I'm one of those mothers. I pray for my children to be united in love and peace. With the dynamics I have in my house it sometimes feels like I'm just the judge and jury and no verdic I hand down satisfies no one. It seems like I'm losing the war. I just hope that my efforts bring about the promises they are supposed to.
"He cannot grant it to us as individuals. The joy of unity He wants so much to give us is not solitary. We must seek it and qualify for it with others. It is not surprising then that God urges us to gather so that He can bless us. He wants us to gather into families. He has established classes, wards, and branches and commanded us to meet together often. In those gatherings, which God has designed for us, lies our great opportunity. We can pray and work for the unity that will bring us joy and multiply our power to serve."
It takes two to want it to have it. Unity is a plural word in this case. Our family needs to be united in our desires, our hopes, our jobs, our religion and our happiness. He wants to much to bless us, but we first have to ask and then be worthy of it. My prayer is that our family is worthy and that we partake of it.
I love this part about revelation. "Revelation is the only way we can know how to follow the will of the Lord together. It requires light from above."
As a community that is often without power I know what it is like to be in total darkness--physical that is. It isn't fun. You feel like you can't move. You have to take some time to get use to the darkness and even then you feel like you have lost your way, even in your own familiar home. And along with this darkness comes a coldness. Our power outages usually happen during the shorten day but very cold winter. It gets darn cold. That is what I think my life would be like without personal revelation from our Father. It would be dark and cold. Now if only I can empress upon my children the necessity of keeping themselves worthy to receive that personal revelation and then use it. If only.....
Speaking well of others:
Boy does my family need this part and desperately. It starts with me and trickles on down. We need to stop murmuring and muttering. We are a very sarcastic family, but sometimes we carry it too far and feelings get hurt and that leads to a lot of contention.
"Realizing that you see others in an imperfect light will make you likely to be a little more generous in what you say. In addition to that scripture, you might remember your mother saying—mine did—”If you can’t say anything good about a person, don’t say anything at all.”"
I need to read this part again and again until it is sunk deep in my heart and my behavior changes.
"I can promise you a feeling of peace and joy when you speak generously of others in the Light of Christ."
And I wonder why we don't have peace and joy in my home....
Guess I have my next FHE lesson! Do you think they will listen? Do you think we will change?
"My message is that we are doing better. Fathers and mothers are pleading for unity in their homes, and those prayers are being answered. Families are praying together night and morning."
I'm one of those mothers. I pray for my children to be united in love and peace. With the dynamics I have in my house it sometimes feels like I'm just the judge and jury and no verdic I hand down satisfies no one. It seems like I'm losing the war. I just hope that my efforts bring about the promises they are supposed to.
"He cannot grant it to us as individuals. The joy of unity He wants so much to give us is not solitary. We must seek it and qualify for it with others. It is not surprising then that God urges us to gather so that He can bless us. He wants us to gather into families. He has established classes, wards, and branches and commanded us to meet together often. In those gatherings, which God has designed for us, lies our great opportunity. We can pray and work for the unity that will bring us joy and multiply our power to serve."
It takes two to want it to have it. Unity is a plural word in this case. Our family needs to be united in our desires, our hopes, our jobs, our religion and our happiness. He wants to much to bless us, but we first have to ask and then be worthy of it. My prayer is that our family is worthy and that we partake of it.
I love this part about revelation. "Revelation is the only way we can know how to follow the will of the Lord together. It requires light from above."
As a community that is often without power I know what it is like to be in total darkness--physical that is. It isn't fun. You feel like you can't move. You have to take some time to get use to the darkness and even then you feel like you have lost your way, even in your own familiar home. And along with this darkness comes a coldness. Our power outages usually happen during the shorten day but very cold winter. It gets darn cold. That is what I think my life would be like without personal revelation from our Father. It would be dark and cold. Now if only I can empress upon my children the necessity of keeping themselves worthy to receive that personal revelation and then use it. If only.....
Speaking well of others:
Boy does my family need this part and desperately. It starts with me and trickles on down. We need to stop murmuring and muttering. We are a very sarcastic family, but sometimes we carry it too far and feelings get hurt and that leads to a lot of contention.
"Realizing that you see others in an imperfect light will make you likely to be a little more generous in what you say. In addition to that scripture, you might remember your mother saying—mine did—”If you can’t say anything good about a person, don’t say anything at all.”"
I need to read this part again and again until it is sunk deep in my heart and my behavior changes.
"I can promise you a feeling of peace and joy when you speak generously of others in the Light of Christ."
And I wonder why we don't have peace and joy in my home....
Guess I have my next FHE lesson! Do you think they will listen? Do you think we will change?
Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship
My thoughts on Elder Hales' talk "Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship"
This was such a timely talk. Of course hind sight is 20-20. But having this come out a month before the fall out of the passing of Prop8 in California was miraculous--of course this is the LORD'S church after all.
Here are some comments I want to remember and comment on:
"Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But, to “love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]” takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage."
When I was a little girl I was picked on in my neighborhood for my beliefs. My mom told me that it didn't matter what they said or thought of me, I was a bigger person because I walked way. Any person can strike back with words or fists, but it take a man (or woman) to walk away and not say anything. "Remember no one was converted because they got a bloody nose."
Elder hales said: "... we must never become contentious when we are discussing our faith." I wholeheartedly agree as well as think that we should always seek to rid our discussions of contention no matter the topic. You can disagree without contention and I need to learn that one better. My opinion is easily offended (maybe I need to read Elder Bednar's talk from a few years ago over).
"But true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition."
There is no such thing as bad press. I don't know about you, but I had the opportunity to talk about our belief in family and marriage in November with not only my family, but a non-member friend. She was aghast that some of her friends had picked on the Mormons because they stood up for what they believed. She came to me to get the skinny and I was able to tell her what I believe and what the church really believed. Thankfully we have the Proclamation on the family! I love that thing! Saves me in so many ways!
"We should never confuse boldness with Satan’s counterfeit: overbearance. True disciples speak with quiet confidence, not boastful pride."
I need to remember this even when I'm not confronted with doctrinal questions.
"We are always better staying on the higher ground of mutual respect and love."
Enough said!
"To be guileless is to have a childlike innocence, to be slow to take offense and quick to forgive.
"these qualities are first learned in the home and family and can be practiced in all our relationships."
I think I've fallen down in teaching my children these attributes. I think my example was/is poor and I need to repent. One of my goals is to not be easily offended at home and to forgive quickly and let it pass. Now to put it in practice.
This was such a timely talk. Of course hind sight is 20-20. But having this come out a month before the fall out of the passing of Prop8 in California was miraculous--of course this is the LORD'S church after all.
Here are some comments I want to remember and comment on:
"Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But, to “love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]” takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage."
When I was a little girl I was picked on in my neighborhood for my beliefs. My mom told me that it didn't matter what they said or thought of me, I was a bigger person because I walked way. Any person can strike back with words or fists, but it take a man (or woman) to walk away and not say anything. "Remember no one was converted because they got a bloody nose."
Elder hales said: "... we must never become contentious when we are discussing our faith." I wholeheartedly agree as well as think that we should always seek to rid our discussions of contention no matter the topic. You can disagree without contention and I need to learn that one better. My opinion is easily offended (maybe I need to read Elder Bednar's talk from a few years ago over).
"But true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition."
There is no such thing as bad press. I don't know about you, but I had the opportunity to talk about our belief in family and marriage in November with not only my family, but a non-member friend. She was aghast that some of her friends had picked on the Mormons because they stood up for what they believed. She came to me to get the skinny and I was able to tell her what I believe and what the church really believed. Thankfully we have the Proclamation on the family! I love that thing! Saves me in so many ways!
"We should never confuse boldness with Satan’s counterfeit: overbearance. True disciples speak with quiet confidence, not boastful pride."
I need to remember this even when I'm not confronted with doctrinal questions.
"We are always better staying on the higher ground of mutual respect and love."
Enough said!
"To be guileless is to have a childlike innocence, to be slow to take offense and quick to forgive.
"these qualities are first learned in the home and family and can be practiced in all our relationships."
I think I've fallen down in teaching my children these attributes. I think my example was/is poor and I need to repent. One of my goals is to not be easily offended at home and to forgive quickly and let it pass. Now to put it in practice.
Monday, January 5, 2009
To Learn, to Do, to Be
My thoughts on Pres. Monson's talk "To Learn, to Do, to Be"
"How might we merit this promise?" he asks after quoting Ezekiel 36:26-28
How do we get a new heart? Of course President Monson tell us.
1. Learn!
Learn what we should learn.
I love the verses in D&C 88 (start with 70) as they tell us what our curriculum should be and in what order. The gospel should always come first (is that why we have scriptures first?) and then all the rest.
But President Monson doesn't talk about curriculum and such. No, he talks about learning our duty.
"He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord's errand." he quotes President Lee.
"...when we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help. Remember that the Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it."
2. Do!
Do what we should do.
I think this is where Nephi's famous quote comes into play, "I will go and do the thing which the Lord commands..."
"Each priesthood holder attending this session tonight has a calling to serve, to put forth his best efforts in the work assigned to him."
Of course he is speaking to the brethren, but he also speaks to us. What callings has He asked of us?
I'm a mom.
I'm a teacher.
I'm a wife.
I'm a daughter.
I'm a pianist.
I'm a visiting teacher.
I'm a child of God.
I'm a member of the church.
I'm a member missionary.
I'm a leader.
I'm a citizen of the USA.
I'm even a soccer coach.
I have a lot of jobs, callings, and places where I have work to do.
"The old adage is ever true: “Do your duty, that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.”"
There isn't much left to leave ~smile~.
3. Be!
Be what we should be.
I am a child of God. That is what I should be. I have taken upon myself the name of my Savior. I have a lot to be.
"Paul counseled his beloved friend and associate Timothy, “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”"
Am I that example? How do I drive. Try driving around a non-Utah town with a licence plate holder that reads BYU or some sticker in the window or on the bumper that has some Mormon type saying. It makes you think about how you drive. ~smile~.
I know I have to check my frustrated words during a soccer match. I am an emotional and passionate soccer coach and I have to think and check my words when I'm walking the sidelines. What words escape my lips tells buckets about my character. What kind of an example am I?
President Monson says this:
"I would urge all of us to pray concerning our assignments and to seek divine help, that we might be successful in accomplishing that which we are called to do. Someone has said that “the recognition of power higher than man himself does not in any sense debase him.” He must seek, believe in, pray, and hope that he will find. No such sincere, prayerful effort will go unanswered: that is the very constitution of the philosophy of faith. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it."
Do we seek for guidance in our callings? I sure hope so. But what about those mundane callings? Like pianist, Doreen, or Visiting Teacher? Who do we talk to about our callings? Our husbands, our neighbors, our friends, our Bishop, our Lord? Who is first on that list?
It is only through learning, doing and being that we get the blessings that wait in store for us.
"How might we merit this promise?" he asks after quoting Ezekiel 36:26-28
How do we get a new heart? Of course President Monson tell us.
1. Learn!
Learn what we should learn.
I love the verses in D&C 88 (start with 70) as they tell us what our curriculum should be and in what order. The gospel should always come first (is that why we have scriptures first?) and then all the rest.
But President Monson doesn't talk about curriculum and such. No, he talks about learning our duty.
"He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord's errand." he quotes President Lee.
"...when we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help. Remember that the Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it."
2. Do!
Do what we should do.
I think this is where Nephi's famous quote comes into play, "I will go and do the thing which the Lord commands..."
"Each priesthood holder attending this session tonight has a calling to serve, to put forth his best efforts in the work assigned to him."
Of course he is speaking to the brethren, but he also speaks to us. What callings has He asked of us?
I'm a mom.
I'm a teacher.
I'm a wife.
I'm a daughter.
I'm a pianist.
I'm a visiting teacher.
I'm a child of God.
I'm a member of the church.
I'm a member missionary.
I'm a leader.
I'm a citizen of the USA.
I'm even a soccer coach.
I have a lot of jobs, callings, and places where I have work to do.
"The old adage is ever true: “Do your duty, that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.”"
There isn't much left to leave ~smile~.
3. Be!
Be what we should be.
I am a child of God. That is what I should be. I have taken upon myself the name of my Savior. I have a lot to be.
"Paul counseled his beloved friend and associate Timothy, “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”"
Am I that example? How do I drive. Try driving around a non-Utah town with a licence plate holder that reads BYU or some sticker in the window or on the bumper that has some Mormon type saying. It makes you think about how you drive. ~smile~.
I know I have to check my frustrated words during a soccer match. I am an emotional and passionate soccer coach and I have to think and check my words when I'm walking the sidelines. What words escape my lips tells buckets about my character. What kind of an example am I?
President Monson says this:
"I would urge all of us to pray concerning our assignments and to seek divine help, that we might be successful in accomplishing that which we are called to do. Someone has said that “the recognition of power higher than man himself does not in any sense debase him.” He must seek, believe in, pray, and hope that he will find. No such sincere, prayerful effort will go unanswered: that is the very constitution of the philosophy of faith. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it."
Do we seek for guidance in our callings? I sure hope so. But what about those mundane callings? Like pianist, Doreen, or Visiting Teacher? Who do we talk to about our callings? Our husbands, our neighbors, our friends, our Bishop, our Lord? Who is first on that list?
It is only through learning, doing and being that we get the blessings that wait in store for us.
To Learn, to Do, to Be
My thoughts from Pres. Monson's talk "To Learn, to Do, to Be"
This was a long, long talk, so I'm going to break it up.
I got my yearly theme for my family from this. It will be introduced tonight in Family Home Evening:
"Let us make our homes sanctuaries of righteousness, places of prayer, and abodes of love that we might merit the blessings that can come only from our Heavenly Father. We need His guidance in our daily lives."
Not sure exactly what how I'm going to present it, but we are going to march through “For the Strength of Youth" with this statement being our guide. Not all in one night, but over the year we are going to study SOY, as we like to call it at our home.
Any ideas are greatly welcomed!
This was a long, long talk, so I'm going to break it up.
I got my yearly theme for my family from this. It will be introduced tonight in Family Home Evening:
"Let us make our homes sanctuaries of righteousness, places of prayer, and abodes of love that we might merit the blessings that can come only from our Heavenly Father. We need His guidance in our daily lives."
Not sure exactly what how I'm going to present it, but we are going to march through “For the Strength of Youth" with this statement being our guide. Not all in one night, but over the year we are going to study SOY, as we like to call it at our home.
Any ideas are greatly welcomed!
O Ye That Embark
My thought on Pres. Eyring's talk "O Ye That Embark"
I know he was speaking to Priesthood leaders but I took this to my womanly heart as well. In the first sentence he said:
"[T]onight I wish to encourage priesthood holders who at times feel overwhelmed with their responsibilities. That is a challenge I have spoken of before. I return to it because it returns so often in the lives of those I love and serve."
My heart feels overwhelmed most of the time because of my responsibilities placed at my feet. And lately I've needed my mother's advice and of course there is no one at the other end of the line to answer my call. Oh, how I miss her! (times infinity, as my kids would way.)
What is true for the goose is also true for the gander:
"Those of you further down the road are smiling because you know something about priesthood service. It is this: the more faithful service you give, the more the Lord asks of you. Your smile is a happy one because you know that He increases our power to carry the heavier load.
The tough part of that reality, however, is that for Him to give you that increased power you must go in service and faith to your outer limits."
I do feel tested to the outer limits. On days like today, I feel like the next phone call, next email, next request will push me over the edge. But then I remember his next line:
"It is like building muscle strength. You must break down your muscles to build them up. You push muscles to the point of exhaustion. Then they repair themselves, and they develop greater strength. Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give."
(Which reminds me, I need to get back to the gym now that my surgeon has cleared me.)
As the visiting teaching coordinator I love this statement because everyone can do their part to lift the burden on the RS presidency if only they practice the "Life Where you Stand" principle talked about by Pres. Uchtdorf.
"That helps me understand when I see someone else who makes priesthood service look easy. I know that they have either passed hard tests or that the tests lie ahead. So rather than envying them, I stand ready to help when the going gets harder for them, because it surely will."
"That testing of our limits in priesthood service is made necessary by God’s plan to qualify His children to live with Him again forever. Heavenly Father loves His children. He offered us eternal life, to live with Him again in families and in glory forever."
We have to remember that Satan tempts and the Savior tests. Our response to the testing lets Satan, our Heavenly Father and other know where we stand. Of this I have a very strong testimony. When we don't remember this:
"It is not surprising that we feel from time to time nearly overwhelmed. Your thought that “I’m not sure I can do this” is evidence that you are understanding what it means to hold the priesthood of God. The fact is that you can’t do it by yourself. The responsibility is too difficult and too important for your mortal powers and for mine. Recognizing that is at the foundation of great priesthood service.
When those feelings of inadequacy strike us, it is the time to remember the Savior. He assures us that we don’t do this work alone. There are scriptures to put on your mirror and to remember in the moments when you are doubting your capacity."
We past the test. This is an open book, call on the professor kind of test. He may not give you the answers, but he will point you in the right direction and sooner or later those who are patient, faithful and obedient find the answers to His tests.
I love that our leaders recognize that we feel overwhelmed. They address it. They ask us to change it. They ask us to pick the best, not just the good or better. They ask the wards to cut back on activities so that we as families can come together. They are keenly aware of our troubles, and our feelings. For that I'm grateful.
And because they know they give us these promises from on high:
"I know that the promise of angels to bear us up is real."
I feel those angels in my life. We've discussed them before.
"[T]here are more with you than those you can see opposed to you. Some who are with you will be invisible to your mortal eyes. The Lord will bear you up and will at times do it by calling others to stand with you."
President Eyring then tells a few things that will help us in our callings.
1. Recognize and welcome those who the Lord sends to help us.
2. See in every assignment the opportunity to strengthen another.
Notice he didn't say "one another" but strengthen another--service. How many times have we heard that when we are in the depths of woe to find someone to service and we will feel better. When we feel overwhelmed, look for help and help others.
I love what he wrote about Pres. Faust and the advice he gave to him and thus to us all.
"I said that doubt had come to me, as if I had hit a wall. I expected that he was going to reassure me. I told him that I appreciated his being aware of my doubts and asked for his help. But I was surprised by his kind, firm reply. He said, “Don’t ask me. Go to Him.” Then he pointed up to heaven. Now years later I sit in that same office. When I walk into it I look up and remember him and how he taught me by example how to help those who are feeling overwhelmed in the Lord’s service. Find a way to send them with confidence to Him. If they will follow your counsel, they will gain the strength they need and to spare."
How often do I try to tell my children the answers when the Lord has them. I need to direct my children to the Lord more often. I will start this week to do that. They will learn to trust in His answers.
I know he was speaking to Priesthood leaders but I took this to my womanly heart as well. In the first sentence he said:
"[T]onight I wish to encourage priesthood holders who at times feel overwhelmed with their responsibilities. That is a challenge I have spoken of before. I return to it because it returns so often in the lives of those I love and serve."
My heart feels overwhelmed most of the time because of my responsibilities placed at my feet. And lately I've needed my mother's advice and of course there is no one at the other end of the line to answer my call. Oh, how I miss her! (times infinity, as my kids would way.)
What is true for the goose is also true for the gander:
"Those of you further down the road are smiling because you know something about priesthood service. It is this: the more faithful service you give, the more the Lord asks of you. Your smile is a happy one because you know that He increases our power to carry the heavier load.
The tough part of that reality, however, is that for Him to give you that increased power you must go in service and faith to your outer limits."
I do feel tested to the outer limits. On days like today, I feel like the next phone call, next email, next request will push me over the edge. But then I remember his next line:
"It is like building muscle strength. You must break down your muscles to build them up. You push muscles to the point of exhaustion. Then they repair themselves, and they develop greater strength. Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give."
(Which reminds me, I need to get back to the gym now that my surgeon has cleared me.)
As the visiting teaching coordinator I love this statement because everyone can do their part to lift the burden on the RS presidency if only they practice the "Life Where you Stand" principle talked about by Pres. Uchtdorf.
"That helps me understand when I see someone else who makes priesthood service look easy. I know that they have either passed hard tests or that the tests lie ahead. So rather than envying them, I stand ready to help when the going gets harder for them, because it surely will."
"That testing of our limits in priesthood service is made necessary by God’s plan to qualify His children to live with Him again forever. Heavenly Father loves His children. He offered us eternal life, to live with Him again in families and in glory forever."
We have to remember that Satan tempts and the Savior tests. Our response to the testing lets Satan, our Heavenly Father and other know where we stand. Of this I have a very strong testimony. When we don't remember this:
"It is not surprising that we feel from time to time nearly overwhelmed. Your thought that “I’m not sure I can do this” is evidence that you are understanding what it means to hold the priesthood of God. The fact is that you can’t do it by yourself. The responsibility is too difficult and too important for your mortal powers and for mine. Recognizing that is at the foundation of great priesthood service.
When those feelings of inadequacy strike us, it is the time to remember the Savior. He assures us that we don’t do this work alone. There are scriptures to put on your mirror and to remember in the moments when you are doubting your capacity."
We past the test. This is an open book, call on the professor kind of test. He may not give you the answers, but he will point you in the right direction and sooner or later those who are patient, faithful and obedient find the answers to His tests.
I love that our leaders recognize that we feel overwhelmed. They address it. They ask us to change it. They ask us to pick the best, not just the good or better. They ask the wards to cut back on activities so that we as families can come together. They are keenly aware of our troubles, and our feelings. For that I'm grateful.
And because they know they give us these promises from on high:
"I know that the promise of angels to bear us up is real."
I feel those angels in my life. We've discussed them before.
"[T]here are more with you than those you can see opposed to you. Some who are with you will be invisible to your mortal eyes. The Lord will bear you up and will at times do it by calling others to stand with you."
President Eyring then tells a few things that will help us in our callings.
1. Recognize and welcome those who the Lord sends to help us.
2. See in every assignment the opportunity to strengthen another.
Notice he didn't say "one another" but strengthen another--service. How many times have we heard that when we are in the depths of woe to find someone to service and we will feel better. When we feel overwhelmed, look for help and help others.
I love what he wrote about Pres. Faust and the advice he gave to him and thus to us all.
"I said that doubt had come to me, as if I had hit a wall. I expected that he was going to reassure me. I told him that I appreciated his being aware of my doubts and asked for his help. But I was surprised by his kind, firm reply. He said, “Don’t ask me. Go to Him.” Then he pointed up to heaven. Now years later I sit in that same office. When I walk into it I look up and remember him and how he taught me by example how to help those who are feeling overwhelmed in the Lord’s service. Find a way to send them with confidence to Him. If they will follow your counsel, they will gain the strength they need and to spare."
How often do I try to tell my children the answers when the Lord has them. I need to direct my children to the Lord more often. I will start this week to do that. They will learn to trust in His answers.
Lift Where you Stand
My thoughts on Pres. Uchtdorf's "Lift Where You Stand"
I don't know how many times I had to retype the title. I kept typing "Life" not "Lift". I think Living where we stand is also a valuable lesson.
My Ensign is getting more and more highlighted the longer I read. I keep going back to other addresses and marking them all up again.
I love the subtitle:
"Every priesthood holder stands at a unique place and has an important task that only he can perform."
I think applies to every person who has been baptized!
"Some Want to Lead, Other want to Hide."
This statement makes me think about how different some people are wired. My husband would much rather take orders and do his job. I on the other hand can't stand to sit back and watch, I not only need to be involved but most of the time I like to lead. BUT I know how to follow and because I like to lead (and am often doing it) know what makes a good follower so I try to be that follower. Neither of us want to hide and neither of us seek leadership. When called to lead, we will lead and likewise when called to follow, we follow.
I do know of those who will throw tantrums when they can't lead or the leadership position is taken from them. They not only make horrible leaders (even if they have the talent for such), but they make worse followers because they have a chip on their shoulder and think they could do a better job. They may be right, but it isn't their job, calling, position or whatever you want to call it.
"President Benson went on to say, “The Lord expects each of us to have a calling in His Church so that others may be blessed by our talents and influence.”"
I think the sin comes in play when we do it for the applause and accolades that come our way.
Pres. Uchtdorf said it best "Oddly enough, often the root cause of both of these tendencies—seeking to lead or seeking to hide—may be the same: selfishness."
A Better Way:
"When we seek to serve others, we are motivated not by selfishness but by charity."
"... we too easily and too often get caught up in seeking the honors of men rather than serving the Lord with all our might, mind and strength."
This is a trap that many a great leader has fallen in. I see biblical heroes fall in this trap, great men in history fall into this trap and Pres. Uchtdorf gave it a name: SELFISHNESS. That is one of the deadliest traps and leads us to lots of sins. Think about it. Almost every sin is about the self--pleasure to oneself without regards to those who you might hurt. I'm not going to list the sins because my net nanny might not let me see this post if I do, but think about the sins that get you in grave trouble--the kind you have to see the Bishop about. All of them are about selfishness.
This is the trap that Satan wants us to fall into and ensnare ourselves. Once there he then lies to us and tells us the Lord doesn't want someone this dirty in his presents. That is a true statement, but Satan forgets to tell us that there is a way to clean ourselves and it is at our Savior's feet. As in the address by Elder Jensen, our Savior has his arms out stretched ready for his lost and dirty sheep to come home. He will wash our scarlet sins away and we can become white.
I see Satan working on a young man in my family. I see him say things like the Lord doesn't love me because I lied to you. I'm no good. This family sucks. No one loves me. Satan is hard at work at this young man.
But I digress off the topic... sort of.
"When we stand close together and lift where we stand, when we care more for the glory of the kingdom of God than for our own prestige or pleasure, we can accomplish so much more."
I think my son doesn't realize the good he does do. I don't think he realized the great man he is becoming and will become if he only stays the course and continues down the path of righteousness.
An opportunity to serve and grow---that is what even the mundane of callings is.
"No calling is beneath us. Every calling provides an opportunity to serve and to grow. The Lord organized the Church in a way that offers each member an opportunity for service, which, in turn, leads to personal spiritual growth. Whatever your calling, I urge you to see it as an opportunity not only to strengthen and bless others but also to become what Heavenly Father wants you to become."
I truly have to remember this when I'm in what I call the no-brainer callings. I have the honor (I truly have to think of it that way) of knowing how to play the piano. In a ward with few who can play the piano that puts me in music most of the time. In fact in my adult life (even when I was a youth) I don't think two years go by without me in a calling that has to do with music. I often have two callings--one in music. Right now I'm primary pianist and as much as I love being in the primary and as much as I think I need a calling that will stretch me and make me grow spiritually, this is where I need to be. I need to help teach these beautiful children to have faith in their Savior. They need to know these songs so that when temptations arise in their life a song will pop into their head and they will pick the right path. "Choose the right way, and be happy." "I am a child of God." "I know my Father lives, and loves me too." "Whenever I touch a velvet rose.... I know Heavenly Father loves me." These song testify of Christ. They help these young tender hearts develop testimonies and very few know how to help them develop it through song. I'm just one of those humble servants who sits behind the piano, making music and helping bare my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel through song.
I have to remember this quote:
"It took some time before the Holy Spirit gave me understanding. I believe that the Lord has a certain calling for every man. Sometimes He grants spiritual promptings telling us that we are worthy to receive certain callings. This is a spiritual blessing, a tender mercy from God.
But sometimes we do not hear the rest of what the Lord is telling us. “Although you are worthy to serve in this position,” He may say, “this is not my calling for you. It is my desire instead that you lift where you stand.” God knows what is best for us."
"Our Heavenly Father asks that we represent Him in the noble work of reaching out and blessing the lives of His children. He asks us to stand firm with the power of the priesthood in our hearts and souls and give the calling we have at this moment our best efforts."
I only hope that I'm a better follower as I fulfill my calling.
I don't know how many times I had to retype the title. I kept typing "Life" not "Lift". I think Living where we stand is also a valuable lesson.
My Ensign is getting more and more highlighted the longer I read. I keep going back to other addresses and marking them all up again.
I love the subtitle:
"Every priesthood holder stands at a unique place and has an important task that only he can perform."
I think applies to every person who has been baptized!
"Some Want to Lead, Other want to Hide."
This statement makes me think about how different some people are wired. My husband would much rather take orders and do his job. I on the other hand can't stand to sit back and watch, I not only need to be involved but most of the time I like to lead. BUT I know how to follow and because I like to lead (and am often doing it) know what makes a good follower so I try to be that follower. Neither of us want to hide and neither of us seek leadership. When called to lead, we will lead and likewise when called to follow, we follow.
I do know of those who will throw tantrums when they can't lead or the leadership position is taken from them. They not only make horrible leaders (even if they have the talent for such), but they make worse followers because they have a chip on their shoulder and think they could do a better job. They may be right, but it isn't their job, calling, position or whatever you want to call it.
"President Benson went on to say, “The Lord expects each of us to have a calling in His Church so that others may be blessed by our talents and influence.”"
I think the sin comes in play when we do it for the applause and accolades that come our way.
Pres. Uchtdorf said it best "Oddly enough, often the root cause of both of these tendencies—seeking to lead or seeking to hide—may be the same: selfishness."
A Better Way:
"When we seek to serve others, we are motivated not by selfishness but by charity."
Those who truly want to magnify their calling will do a bang up job in whatever calling they have, leadership or followship (not a typo). I just hope my children will learn this concept and be strong in whatever calling they are given.
"... we too easily and too often get caught up in seeking the honors of men rather than serving the Lord with all our might, mind and strength."
This is a trap that many a great leader has fallen in. I see biblical heroes fall in this trap, great men in history fall into this trap and Pres. Uchtdorf gave it a name: SELFISHNESS. That is one of the deadliest traps and leads us to lots of sins. Think about it. Almost every sin is about the self--pleasure to oneself without regards to those who you might hurt. I'm not going to list the sins because my net nanny might not let me see this post if I do, but think about the sins that get you in grave trouble--the kind you have to see the Bishop about. All of them are about selfishness.
This is the trap that Satan wants us to fall into and ensnare ourselves. Once there he then lies to us and tells us the Lord doesn't want someone this dirty in his presents. That is a true statement, but Satan forgets to tell us that there is a way to clean ourselves and it is at our Savior's feet. As in the address by Elder Jensen, our Savior has his arms out stretched ready for his lost and dirty sheep to come home. He will wash our scarlet sins away and we can become white.
I see Satan working on a young man in my family. I see him say things like the Lord doesn't love me because I lied to you. I'm no good. This family sucks. No one loves me. Satan is hard at work at this young man.
But I digress off the topic... sort of.
"When we stand close together and lift where we stand, when we care more for the glory of the kingdom of God than for our own prestige or pleasure, we can accomplish so much more."
I think my son doesn't realize the good he does do. I don't think he realized the great man he is becoming and will become if he only stays the course and continues down the path of righteousness.
An opportunity to serve and grow---that is what even the mundane of callings is.
"No calling is beneath us. Every calling provides an opportunity to serve and to grow. The Lord organized the Church in a way that offers each member an opportunity for service, which, in turn, leads to personal spiritual growth. Whatever your calling, I urge you to see it as an opportunity not only to strengthen and bless others but also to become what Heavenly Father wants you to become."
I truly have to remember this when I'm in what I call the no-brainer callings. I have the honor (I truly have to think of it that way) of knowing how to play the piano. In a ward with few who can play the piano that puts me in music most of the time. In fact in my adult life (even when I was a youth) I don't think two years go by without me in a calling that has to do with music. I often have two callings--one in music. Right now I'm primary pianist and as much as I love being in the primary and as much as I think I need a calling that will stretch me and make me grow spiritually, this is where I need to be. I need to help teach these beautiful children to have faith in their Savior. They need to know these songs so that when temptations arise in their life a song will pop into their head and they will pick the right path. "Choose the right way, and be happy." "I am a child of God." "I know my Father lives, and loves me too." "Whenever I touch a velvet rose.... I know Heavenly Father loves me." These song testify of Christ. They help these young tender hearts develop testimonies and very few know how to help them develop it through song. I'm just one of those humble servants who sits behind the piano, making music and helping bare my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel through song.
I have to remember this quote:
"It took some time before the Holy Spirit gave me understanding. I believe that the Lord has a certain calling for every man. Sometimes He grants spiritual promptings telling us that we are worthy to receive certain callings. This is a spiritual blessing, a tender mercy from God.
But sometimes we do not hear the rest of what the Lord is telling us. “Although you are worthy to serve in this position,” He may say, “this is not my calling for you. It is my desire instead that you lift where you stand.” God knows what is best for us."
"Our Heavenly Father asks that we represent Him in the noble work of reaching out and blessing the lives of His children. He asks us to stand firm with the power of the priesthood in our hearts and souls and give the calling we have at this moment our best efforts."
I only hope that I'm a better follower as I fulfill my calling.
Winning the War Against Evil
My thoughts on Elder Hamula's talk "Winning the War against Evil"
I really loved this talk. I loved it so much that when my husband asked me to give the sacrament talk in our Sunday sacrament meeting when we couldn't make it to church because of 24 inches of snow, I pulled this talk out and shared it with my children.
In fact most of it is highlight and it would probably be faster for me to cut and paste the parts I didn't highlight ~smile~.
I guess what really impacted me was that once again they are calling for our youth--my children--to stand up and fight! I remember talks like this some 30 years ago when I was a teen. They asked us to win the war against evil then too. I guess the more things change the more they stay the same. The enemy is the same, but using different tactics. He will fight to the bitter end and we must endure to that end no matter what.
I know this talk was aimed at our young men, but it hit me personally as their mother and as someone who was once called "noble and valiant" when I still had a spring in my step--well a spring that really sprung. I believe I'm in the army of God as well, only now my weapons are a bit different. I'm a teacher and defender.
But speaking of today's youth...
"To ensure its ultimate success, the final restoration of God’s kingdom has been commenced with unprecedented spiritual power and is being sustained by that same spiritual power and something more. Reserved to come forth in these last days and labor for our Father and His Son are some of the most valiant and noble of our Father’s sons and daughters. Their valiance and nobility were demonstrated in the pre-earth struggle with Satan. There, “being left to choose good or evil,” they “[chose] good” and exhibited “exceedingly great faith” and “good works.” Such are the traits that are now needed to sustain the work of God in the earth and to save the souls of men from the intensifying wrath of the adversary."
We have to remember that we already were warriors in a battle that we won and we cannot give up that fight--just the battle field has changed and we are no longer in physical contact with our commander. We must listen to His servants and the Holy Ghost to lead and direct us.
He then speaks to the young men of today--how powerful!
"Now, my young friends of the Aaronic Priesthood, you are these valiant and noble sons of our Father! You are the strength of the Lord’s house, His warriors! You are those who chose good over evil and who exhibited “exceedingly great faith” and “good works.” And because of your personal history, you were entrusted to come to the earth in these last days to do again what you did before—to once again choose good over evil, exercise exceedingly great faith, and perform good works—and to do so in behalf of the kingdom of God on the earth and your fellowman!"
I only hope my young sons internalize this! They are good! They have history of being good. PLEASE, I pray, let them remember.
"Satan is marshalling every resource at his disposal to entice you into transgression."
Never was a more true statement said! I see it, you see it and but do my sons see it? I hope their eyes are open wide to this threat to their eternal welfare.
"He knows he can draw you into transgression, he may prevent you from serving a full-time mission, marrying in the temple, and securing your future children in the faith, all of which weakens not only you but the Church."
I have seen this happen way too many times, even in my own family. How horrible for those who come after to miss the blessings because one of our noble and great ones falter and succumb to the temptations of Satan.
"Make no mistake about it—the focus of his war is now on you—you who seek to “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”"
He is after those who are still fighting. He doesn't have to fight those who are already sinning for he has won them. It is those who are keeping the commandments that he needs to fight against.
Oh, I just love this next part. Sober!
"Being sober means being earnest and serious in assessing your circumstances, and careful and circumspect in weighing the consequences of your actions. Soberness therefore yields good judgment, as well as measured conduct."
I love this! It is so simple to understand both in the earthly manner as well as in a spiritual manner. May my sons be sober every day of their life.
He then talks about the many vices and sins that are out there to snare our youth (and adults) and says this about them.
"You cannot do these things and be victorious in the battle for your own soul, let alone be a valiant warrior in the great struggle for the souls of all the rest of our Father’s children."
Elder Hamula then gives us the formula of winning this war:
1. Pray
"The more regular and earnest the prayer, the more frequent the revelation. When received, revelation provides the evidence or assurance of things unseen, which is the foundation of faith."
2. Learn to hear the voice of the Lord
"His is a still, small, and whisper-like voice. It is one that is felt more than it is heard. It comes in the form of thoughts, feelings, and impressions. To hear such a voice, you must be still and quiet in your own soul, laying aside your excess laughter and light-mindedness."
3. Obey the word of the Lord
"Do as He bids you to do, no matter how hard it may seem to you, and do it now."
"Let me assure you that these qualities are already within you. You simple need to recover them."
What a sweet promise and may we all take advantage of it.
I really loved this talk. I loved it so much that when my husband asked me to give the sacrament talk in our Sunday sacrament meeting when we couldn't make it to church because of 24 inches of snow, I pulled this talk out and shared it with my children.
In fact most of it is highlight and it would probably be faster for me to cut and paste the parts I didn't highlight ~smile~.
I guess what really impacted me was that once again they are calling for our youth--my children--to stand up and fight! I remember talks like this some 30 years ago when I was a teen. They asked us to win the war against evil then too. I guess the more things change the more they stay the same. The enemy is the same, but using different tactics. He will fight to the bitter end and we must endure to that end no matter what.
I know this talk was aimed at our young men, but it hit me personally as their mother and as someone who was once called "noble and valiant" when I still had a spring in my step--well a spring that really sprung. I believe I'm in the army of God as well, only now my weapons are a bit different. I'm a teacher and defender.
But speaking of today's youth...
"To ensure its ultimate success, the final restoration of God’s kingdom has been commenced with unprecedented spiritual power and is being sustained by that same spiritual power and something more. Reserved to come forth in these last days and labor for our Father and His Son are some of the most valiant and noble of our Father’s sons and daughters. Their valiance and nobility were demonstrated in the pre-earth struggle with Satan. There, “being left to choose good or evil,” they “[chose] good” and exhibited “exceedingly great faith” and “good works.” Such are the traits that are now needed to sustain the work of God in the earth and to save the souls of men from the intensifying wrath of the adversary."
We have to remember that we already were warriors in a battle that we won and we cannot give up that fight--just the battle field has changed and we are no longer in physical contact with our commander. We must listen to His servants and the Holy Ghost to lead and direct us.
He then speaks to the young men of today--how powerful!
"Now, my young friends of the Aaronic Priesthood, you are these valiant and noble sons of our Father! You are the strength of the Lord’s house, His warriors! You are those who chose good over evil and who exhibited “exceedingly great faith” and “good works.” And because of your personal history, you were entrusted to come to the earth in these last days to do again what you did before—to once again choose good over evil, exercise exceedingly great faith, and perform good works—and to do so in behalf of the kingdom of God on the earth and your fellowman!"
I only hope my young sons internalize this! They are good! They have history of being good. PLEASE, I pray, let them remember.
"Satan is marshalling every resource at his disposal to entice you into transgression."
Never was a more true statement said! I see it, you see it and but do my sons see it? I hope their eyes are open wide to this threat to their eternal welfare.
"He knows he can draw you into transgression, he may prevent you from serving a full-time mission, marrying in the temple, and securing your future children in the faith, all of which weakens not only you but the Church."
I have seen this happen way too many times, even in my own family. How horrible for those who come after to miss the blessings because one of our noble and great ones falter and succumb to the temptations of Satan.
"Make no mistake about it—the focus of his war is now on you—you who seek to “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”"
He is after those who are still fighting. He doesn't have to fight those who are already sinning for he has won them. It is those who are keeping the commandments that he needs to fight against.
Oh, I just love this next part. Sober!
"Being sober means being earnest and serious in assessing your circumstances, and careful and circumspect in weighing the consequences of your actions. Soberness therefore yields good judgment, as well as measured conduct."
I love this! It is so simple to understand both in the earthly manner as well as in a spiritual manner. May my sons be sober every day of their life.
He then talks about the many vices and sins that are out there to snare our youth (and adults) and says this about them.
"You cannot do these things and be victorious in the battle for your own soul, let alone be a valiant warrior in the great struggle for the souls of all the rest of our Father’s children."
Elder Hamula then gives us the formula of winning this war:
1. Pray
"The more regular and earnest the prayer, the more frequent the revelation. When received, revelation provides the evidence or assurance of things unseen, which is the foundation of faith."
2. Learn to hear the voice of the Lord
"His is a still, small, and whisper-like voice. It is one that is felt more than it is heard. It comes in the form of thoughts, feelings, and impressions. To hear such a voice, you must be still and quiet in your own soul, laying aside your excess laughter and light-mindedness."
3. Obey the word of the Lord
"Do as He bids you to do, no matter how hard it may seem to you, and do it now."
"Let me assure you that these qualities are already within you. You simple need to recover them."
What a sweet promise and may we all take advantage of it.
Arms of Safety
My thoughts on Elder Jensen's talk "Arms of Safety"
I love the metaphor of arms throughout the scriptures. All through the scriptures the Lord says, "My arms are out stretched still." He always wants us to come back into the safety of his arms.
"By coming humbly meeting and worthily partaking of the sacrament, we may feel those arms again and again."
Amen! Do you ever feel like that? I do.
I love the direction he gives to the Aaronic Priesthood holders. He tells them plainly how they need to dress and act as they pass.
"Young men, before going to church, will you please pause before a mirror one more time and ask yourself if every aspect of your appearance is in order? Better still, invite someone you love, such as a parent, to look at you one more time, and if something is amiss, don't resent their counsel.
True servants of Jesus Christ are properly groomed and dressed, reflecting always His standards and not the worldly drift of casualness. Having every detail carefully attended to ensures that the Spirit of the Lord will be present. The dress or appearance of those administering the sacrament should not be a distraction for those who are earnestly seeking the blessings of the infinite Atonement."
Thankfully I don't have a problem with this with my boys and hope and pray I never do. I just now need to get them to iron their shirts the night before (we just moved to 9am meeting time). ~smile~
But it really doesn't matter who the priesthood is dressed on Sunday, what matters is the attitude of my spirit. Do I have a contrite spirit? Do I have a broken heart?
"I have experienced and have a witness of a truth that President Packer taught: "For some reason, we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us. While we do not fully understand how the Atonement of Christ was made, we can experience 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding'"
I need to remember this more often. It is from within...
I love the metaphor of arms throughout the scriptures. All through the scriptures the Lord says, "My arms are out stretched still." He always wants us to come back into the safety of his arms.
"By coming humbly meeting and worthily partaking of the sacrament, we may feel those arms again and again."
Amen! Do you ever feel like that? I do.
I love the direction he gives to the Aaronic Priesthood holders. He tells them plainly how they need to dress and act as they pass.
"Young men, before going to church, will you please pause before a mirror one more time and ask yourself if every aspect of your appearance is in order? Better still, invite someone you love, such as a parent, to look at you one more time, and if something is amiss, don't resent their counsel.
True servants of Jesus Christ are properly groomed and dressed, reflecting always His standards and not the worldly drift of casualness. Having every detail carefully attended to ensures that the Spirit of the Lord will be present. The dress or appearance of those administering the sacrament should not be a distraction for those who are earnestly seeking the blessings of the infinite Atonement."
Thankfully I don't have a problem with this with my boys and hope and pray I never do. I just now need to get them to iron their shirts the night before (we just moved to 9am meeting time). ~smile~
But it really doesn't matter who the priesthood is dressed on Sunday, what matters is the attitude of my spirit. Do I have a contrite spirit? Do I have a broken heart?
"I have experienced and have a witness of a truth that President Packer taught: "For some reason, we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us. While we do not fully understand how the Atonement of Christ was made, we can experience 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding'"
I need to remember this more often. It is from within...
Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well
My thoughts on Elder Scott's talk "Honor the Priesthood and Use it Well"
Now to talk about his talk.
Here are some things I have thought about as I read.
"The priesthood we hold is a delegated portion of the eternal authority of God. As we are true and faithful, our ordination to the priesthood will be eternal."
"The extent to which we can exercise the power of the priesthood depends upon personal worthiness, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and obedience to His commandments."
I have seen where men who aren't worthy forget they even hold this power and therefore they miss blessing their family's life with it. How sad for that family.
"The greatest blessings from the use of the priesthood flow from humble service to others without thought of self."
AMEN! The same is true for visiting teaching. You can't visit teach yourself.
Elder Scott then talks about how we should use the Priesthood and if you can't why? He then tells those who can't to "take corrective action now." I think that applies to those of use who use the priesthood in our lives? Are we worthy to have it bless our lives to its full capacity? And do we use it? And if not then "take corrective action now."
OK, I love this quote!
"Equal partnership yields its greatest benefit when both husband and wife seek the will of the Lord in making important decisions for themselves and for their family."
We have seen this in my own life. Life just runs smoother when we are equal partners. When we both pull on the same end of the rope we get so much done.
"The purpose of priesthood authority is to give, to serve, to lift, to inspire—not to exercise unrighteous control or force."
A man who hold the priesthood and uses it in the manner it was given to them do all these things--life, serve and inspire.
"Therefore, as a husband or son, express gratitude for what your wife and mother do for you. Express your love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer, more pleasant and purposeful for many of the daughters of Father in Heaven who seldom hear a complimentary comment and are not thanked for the multitude of things they do. As a husband, when you sense that your wife needs lifting, hold her in your arms and tell her how much you love her. May each of us ever be tender and appreciative of the special women who enrich our lives."
I need to do this more often. I need to express to my children this blessing. Not because I want the gratitude, I just want them to has the blessings of being thankful.
Lastly:
"God will hold us accountable for how we treat His precious daughters. Therefore, let us treat them as He would wish to have them treated. I pray that the Lord will guide us to be more inspired, sensitive, and productive with the priesthood we hold, especially with His daughters."
I hope my sons will know this and live this. I hope that I live it too, even though I don't hold the Priesthood.
Now to talk about his talk.
Here are some things I have thought about as I read.
"The priesthood we hold is a delegated portion of the eternal authority of God. As we are true and faithful, our ordination to the priesthood will be eternal."
"The extent to which we can exercise the power of the priesthood depends upon personal worthiness, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and obedience to His commandments."
I have seen where men who aren't worthy forget they even hold this power and therefore they miss blessing their family's life with it. How sad for that family.
"The greatest blessings from the use of the priesthood flow from humble service to others without thought of self."
AMEN! The same is true for visiting teaching. You can't visit teach yourself.
Elder Scott then talks about how we should use the Priesthood and if you can't why? He then tells those who can't to "take corrective action now." I think that applies to those of use who use the priesthood in our lives? Are we worthy to have it bless our lives to its full capacity? And do we use it? And if not then "take corrective action now."
OK, I love this quote!
"Equal partnership yields its greatest benefit when both husband and wife seek the will of the Lord in making important decisions for themselves and for their family."
We have seen this in my own life. Life just runs smoother when we are equal partners. When we both pull on the same end of the rope we get so much done.
"The purpose of priesthood authority is to give, to serve, to lift, to inspire—not to exercise unrighteous control or force."
A man who hold the priesthood and uses it in the manner it was given to them do all these things--life, serve and inspire.
"Therefore, as a husband or son, express gratitude for what your wife and mother do for you. Express your love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer, more pleasant and purposeful for many of the daughters of Father in Heaven who seldom hear a complimentary comment and are not thanked for the multitude of things they do. As a husband, when you sense that your wife needs lifting, hold her in your arms and tell her how much you love her. May each of us ever be tender and appreciative of the special women who enrich our lives."
I need to do this more often. I need to express to my children this blessing. Not because I want the gratitude, I just want them to has the blessings of being thankful.
Lastly:
"God will hold us accountable for how we treat His precious daughters. Therefore, let us treat them as He would wish to have them treated. I pray that the Lord will guide us to be more inspired, sensitive, and productive with the priesthood we hold, especially with His daughters."
I hope my sons will know this and live this. I hope that I live it too, even though I don't hold the Priesthood.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Honor the Priesthood and Use it Well
My thoughts on Elder Scott's talk "Honor the Priesthood and Use it Well"
As the mother to five boys (three of which are Priesthood holders, one more within a year and another only a year and 5 days away) this talk hit my heart. I grew up with brothers but most of them were older than me and I really didn't understand what they had or how they might use it.
On Sunday, December 21, 2008, the snow was so deep, the roads so slick that we didn't go to church. In fact the Bishop left it up to us to decide if we would go or not. With the Bishop's permission we held our own sacrament meeting. It was so awesome to see Jason (a teacher) get a plate, a slice of bread, a cookie sheet and 8 Tupperware cups of water and place them on the kitchen table. He then found two white table clothes and draped them over the sacrament. Then Kray (a priest) and my husband said the sacrament prayers. Then Mike (a deacon) passed the sacrament to his family. There is no word in the English language to express the power in my house that day. Four members of my family were providing the most importance ordinance outside the temple that the Lord has given to man!
I then used a conference address (Elder Hamula "Winning the War against Evil") as a talk. And then Jessie (age 8) bore her testimony. She also lead the music for the meeting. It was just so powerful!
As much as I hated missing the Sunday before Christmas it was cool to have it in my home. I don't think that will ever happen again in my family's life.
Cool!
As the mother to five boys (three of which are Priesthood holders, one more within a year and another only a year and 5 days away) this talk hit my heart. I grew up with brothers but most of them were older than me and I really didn't understand what they had or how they might use it.
On Sunday, December 21, 2008, the snow was so deep, the roads so slick that we didn't go to church. In fact the Bishop left it up to us to decide if we would go or not. With the Bishop's permission we held our own sacrament meeting. It was so awesome to see Jason (a teacher) get a plate, a slice of bread, a cookie sheet and 8 Tupperware cups of water and place them on the kitchen table. He then found two white table clothes and draped them over the sacrament. Then Kray (a priest) and my husband said the sacrament prayers. Then Mike (a deacon) passed the sacrament to his family. There is no word in the English language to express the power in my house that day. Four members of my family were providing the most importance ordinance outside the temple that the Lord has given to man!
I then used a conference address (Elder Hamula "Winning the War against Evil") as a talk. And then Jessie (age 8) bore her testimony. She also lead the music for the meeting. It was just so powerful!
As much as I hated missing the Sunday before Christmas it was cool to have it in my home. I don't think that will ever happen again in my family's life.
Cool!
Pray Always, part 2
My thoughts on Elder Bednar's talk "Pray Always"
Ok, now I'll talk about his talk.
Some line's I highlighted:
"We are promised that if we pray sincerely for that which is right and good and in accordance with God’s will, we can be blessed, protected, and directed."
AMEN!
I need to say more meaningful morning prayers. I guess that would start by going to bed earlier--ok, turning the light off before 11 would help. That way I will be awake for my prayers.
"At the end of our day, we kneel again and report back to our Father. We review the events of the day and express heartfelt thanks for the blessings and the help we received. We repent and, with the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord, identify ways we can do and become better tomorrow. Thus our evening prayer builds upon and is a continuation of our morning prayer. And our evening prayer also is a preparation for meaningful morning prayer."
I need to be accountable for what I pray for. It is hard to pray for a new body when all day long I stuffed it with cookie dough or something like that. ~smile~
"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doing, and he will direct thee for good;"
http://www.waldsfe.org/soapbox/thebook.htm
I had this experience almost 17 years ago.
"...many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests."
I need to be more thankful. I have thought about that over the past six months as I have prayed for miracles to happen in our family. He knows what I want, that part of the prayer never changed, but my list of things I was thankful for did and it grew longer. I thought that like any parent why would He want to give me something new when I wasn't thankful for what I already have. (I know very sophomoric, but the thought was mine.)
"Just as expressing gratitude more often in our prayers enlarges the conduit for revelation, so praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord."
I tried this experiment, and it works. I will continue to pray for others now that my miracle has happened.
Now, if only my children could see the power of prayer in their lives! They will only see it if they experience it. I only know prayer works because it has worked in my own life.
Ok, now I'll talk about his talk.
Some line's I highlighted:
"We are promised that if we pray sincerely for that which is right and good and in accordance with God’s will, we can be blessed, protected, and directed."
AMEN!
"Revelation is communication from Heavenly Father to His children on earth. As we ask in faith, we can receive revelation upon revelation and knowledge upon knowledge and come to know the mysteries and peaceable things that bring joy and eternal life."
I can testify of the peaceable things. Most of my prayers are answered through a peaceful heart.
"... meaningful morning prayer is an important element in the spiritual creation of each day—and precedes the temporal creation or the actual execution of the day."I need to say more meaningful morning prayers. I guess that would start by going to bed earlier--ok, turning the light off before 11 would help. That way I will be awake for my prayers.
"At the end of our day, we kneel again and report back to our Father. We review the events of the day and express heartfelt thanks for the blessings and the help we received. We repent and, with the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord, identify ways we can do and become better tomorrow. Thus our evening prayer builds upon and is a continuation of our morning prayer. And our evening prayer also is a preparation for meaningful morning prayer."
I need to be accountable for what I pray for. It is hard to pray for a new body when all day long I stuffed it with cookie dough or something like that. ~smile~
"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doing, and he will direct thee for good;"
http://www.waldsfe.org/soapbox/thebook.htm
I had this experience almost 17 years ago.
"...many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests."
I need to be more thankful. I have thought about that over the past six months as I have prayed for miracles to happen in our family. He knows what I want, that part of the prayer never changed, but my list of things I was thankful for did and it grew longer. I thought that like any parent why would He want to give me something new when I wasn't thankful for what I already have. (I know very sophomoric, but the thought was mine.)
"Just as expressing gratitude more often in our prayers enlarges the conduit for revelation, so praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord."
I tried this experiment, and it works. I will continue to pray for others now that my miracle has happened.
Now, if only my children could see the power of prayer in their lives! They will only see it if they experience it. I only know prayer works because it has worked in my own life.
Pray Always
My thoughts on Elder Bednar's talk "Pray Always"
I have such a wonderful testimony of the power of prayer. I remember my mother always telling, no urging me to pray. Pray over everything at any time, any place and for little trivial thing. I remembering praying that our car would make it home. I remember praying that we would find water for the radiator and finding a gallon jug that must have falling off a construction truck on the side of the road. I remember praying for lost uniform socks. I remember praying for peace the night my first serious boyfriend broke up with me. I remember praying for comfort as I made the decision to say "yes" or "no" to a man I loved. I remember praying over sick children in the middle of the night. I know pray over that same child in the middle of the night, but not because he is sick but because he is "out." My mother taught me that prayer is real and that it is necessary for us, that is if we want an easier life.
For about the past six months I have been praying for a miracle for my family. My husband was very dissatisfied at his current job. He works for Microsoft and many a man (and women) envy the fact that he worked there. But he was very unhappy. Not just a little, a LOT. He was became disenchanted many years ago, but was lazy and thought he could weather the unhappiness because the perks that come with the job as well as the fact that looking for a job is not fun. But things progressed and he had to look for a new job. Right now is NOT the time to be looking for a job. Companies are laying people off, not hiring them. I have been praying hard for him to find a new job. Praying hard barely scratches the surface of my efforts. In fact as soon as soccer was over, I even started attending the temple weekly. We needed a blessing. We needed a miracle.
Sometimes answers to prayers take time, after all those blessing are given by our Father and as the giver we get them when they are handed out. Steve started looking in earnest just after Labor day. August was not the month to start looking as we had just had the death of my mother, my surgery and a couple weeks of vacation. It is hard to schedule interviews when you aren't in town. He started sending his resume out and had a few phone interviews, but the bites were slow if not there. But every time I prayed, I felt that peace that comes from following His will. I knew it would happen or we would be OK--one way or another, but it didn't stop me from praying very hard.
Late October started and I found myself picking up the strangest of magazines at my therapist office. Seattle Business was an odd choice, but the fact that I didn't have my general conference Ensign with me or a novel or even my chemistry book with me is a mystery. In it I noticed that Real Networks was thinking about spinning of a company that wrote casual computer games. (I'm sure I'm getting this all wrong--I barely understood half that article.) That is the very thing my husband would die to do. He does it at home for no pay! Imagine him getting a job where he got paid to do that! I decided to bring the magazine home (I was going back to that office in two days for my next session of physical torture) and showed him the article. I don't know what he did with it, but a week later he told me that Real Networks was going to do a phone interview with him. I found out the time and found myself in the temple at that time. I didn't dare call him for fear I would ruin it. I was on pins and needles the whole time. That phone interview moved into an in person interview the Thursday before Thanksgiving week.
I couldn't be in the temple during the interview since I had therapy, but during my ice and stim I did nothing but pray for him. Probably the longest prayer I've had outside the temple since I've had kids---a whole 15 minutes! He felt so good about the interview and he thought he would be hearing from them early the next week. I felt good too. I went to the temple that Tuesday (just before Thanksgiving) and felt that same inner peace, only this time without a worry that my natural man usually drums up.
No word!
We went to his parents' home for Thanksgiving and we were actually feeling a bit more uncertain because we hadn't heard. Again to my knees and the temple I went. This time I prayed hard for him as well as his father who had a huge court case. There were a few nephews, cousins and even siblings who also needed prayers, so I added them (not that they weren't added, but I just didn't know what else to do).
All this time there had been a bit of a change at Real. They were reorganizing the department he would be working in if hired. They needed to straighten things out a bit before they could move forward.
Steve was now on vacation from Microsoft and so torn up inside. He started to feel antsy (of course he may never admit that). He attended the temple with me a few times and I came away feeling that same peace I had been feeling all this time.
Eventually he had to do one more phone interview with a new/old hire. This person would be Steve's boss but he was an ex-employee who was coming back. He felt he had nailed the interview and we felt very good. A few days go by and again nothing. Knots in tummies is mild to compared to what we were feeling. There were no other bites out there for him to pursue (at least locally).
It came out that there was an internal employee who wanted the same job. By know my pj's have holes in their knees! My temple stockings have lost their stretch and my recommend card is on fire from all the laser beams flashed on it!
Finally word came and Steve got the job!
Miracles do happen. What miracle you ask? The miracle of timing. See, with the change in jobs, our health insurance just got a bit worse off. We now have a co-pay for all our visits and prescriptions. I just finished with my back therapy and my shoulder therapy is three visits away from being done. The one medication that the whole family takes (allergy) is now over the counter, but better yet, Costco has it for a fraction of the cost. I can actually afford it now. Any sooner and we would be out quite a few dollars!
I know this has little to do with Elder Bednar's talk, but it reminded me of the times I prayed a car to start, a lost sock to appear, a fever to break, a baby to come, a home for teens and a job for Steve.
I have such a wonderful testimony of the power of prayer. I remember my mother always telling, no urging me to pray. Pray over everything at any time, any place and for little trivial thing. I remembering praying that our car would make it home. I remember praying that we would find water for the radiator and finding a gallon jug that must have falling off a construction truck on the side of the road. I remember praying for lost uniform socks. I remember praying for peace the night my first serious boyfriend broke up with me. I remember praying for comfort as I made the decision to say "yes" or "no" to a man I loved. I remember praying over sick children in the middle of the night. I know pray over that same child in the middle of the night, but not because he is sick but because he is "out." My mother taught me that prayer is real and that it is necessary for us, that is if we want an easier life.
For about the past six months I have been praying for a miracle for my family. My husband was very dissatisfied at his current job. He works for Microsoft and many a man (and women) envy the fact that he worked there. But he was very unhappy. Not just a little, a LOT. He was became disenchanted many years ago, but was lazy and thought he could weather the unhappiness because the perks that come with the job as well as the fact that looking for a job is not fun. But things progressed and he had to look for a new job. Right now is NOT the time to be looking for a job. Companies are laying people off, not hiring them. I have been praying hard for him to find a new job. Praying hard barely scratches the surface of my efforts. In fact as soon as soccer was over, I even started attending the temple weekly. We needed a blessing. We needed a miracle.
Sometimes answers to prayers take time, after all those blessing are given by our Father and as the giver we get them when they are handed out. Steve started looking in earnest just after Labor day. August was not the month to start looking as we had just had the death of my mother, my surgery and a couple weeks of vacation. It is hard to schedule interviews when you aren't in town. He started sending his resume out and had a few phone interviews, but the bites were slow if not there. But every time I prayed, I felt that peace that comes from following His will. I knew it would happen or we would be OK--one way or another, but it didn't stop me from praying very hard.
Late October started and I found myself picking up the strangest of magazines at my therapist office. Seattle Business was an odd choice, but the fact that I didn't have my general conference Ensign with me or a novel or even my chemistry book with me is a mystery. In it I noticed that Real Networks was thinking about spinning of a company that wrote casual computer games. (I'm sure I'm getting this all wrong--I barely understood half that article.) That is the very thing my husband would die to do. He does it at home for no pay! Imagine him getting a job where he got paid to do that! I decided to bring the magazine home (I was going back to that office in two days for my next session of physical torture) and showed him the article. I don't know what he did with it, but a week later he told me that Real Networks was going to do a phone interview with him. I found out the time and found myself in the temple at that time. I didn't dare call him for fear I would ruin it. I was on pins and needles the whole time. That phone interview moved into an in person interview the Thursday before Thanksgiving week.
I couldn't be in the temple during the interview since I had therapy, but during my ice and stim I did nothing but pray for him. Probably the longest prayer I've had outside the temple since I've had kids---a whole 15 minutes! He felt so good about the interview and he thought he would be hearing from them early the next week. I felt good too. I went to the temple that Tuesday (just before Thanksgiving) and felt that same inner peace, only this time without a worry that my natural man usually drums up.
No word!
We went to his parents' home for Thanksgiving and we were actually feeling a bit more uncertain because we hadn't heard. Again to my knees and the temple I went. This time I prayed hard for him as well as his father who had a huge court case. There were a few nephews, cousins and even siblings who also needed prayers, so I added them (not that they weren't added, but I just didn't know what else to do).
All this time there had been a bit of a change at Real. They were reorganizing the department he would be working in if hired. They needed to straighten things out a bit before they could move forward.
Steve was now on vacation from Microsoft and so torn up inside. He started to feel antsy (of course he may never admit that). He attended the temple with me a few times and I came away feeling that same peace I had been feeling all this time.
Eventually he had to do one more phone interview with a new/old hire. This person would be Steve's boss but he was an ex-employee who was coming back. He felt he had nailed the interview and we felt very good. A few days go by and again nothing. Knots in tummies is mild to compared to what we were feeling. There were no other bites out there for him to pursue (at least locally).
It came out that there was an internal employee who wanted the same job. By know my pj's have holes in their knees! My temple stockings have lost their stretch and my recommend card is on fire from all the laser beams flashed on it!
Finally word came and Steve got the job!
Miracles do happen. What miracle you ask? The miracle of timing. See, with the change in jobs, our health insurance just got a bit worse off. We now have a co-pay for all our visits and prescriptions. I just finished with my back therapy and my shoulder therapy is three visits away from being done. The one medication that the whole family takes (allergy) is now over the counter, but better yet, Costco has it for a fraction of the cost. I can actually afford it now. Any sooner and we would be out quite a few dollars!
I know this has little to do with Elder Bednar's talk, but it reminded me of the times I prayed a car to start, a lost sock to appear, a fever to break, a baby to come, a home for teens and a job for Steve.
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