Finding Strength in Challenging Times!

My thoughts on Elder Allan Packer's talk "Finding Strength in Challenging Times!"

"We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we need to practice and apply gospel teachings until they become natural and automatic. These promptings become the foundation of our testimonies. Then our testimonies will keep us happy and safe in troubled times."

What can I add to that statement? Nothing except to say it is true and I hope my children are acquainted with the Holy Ghost. I hope they hear and feel him often. I hope that when in times of trouble they remember what that felt like and can pull those feelings back out of their heart.

"Elder Dallin H. Oaks defined a testimony this way: “A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true.” At another time Elder Oaks said, “Testimony is to know and to feel, conversion is to do and to become."

You can NOT give a testimony to someone else, they have to find it themselves. That is so frustrating as a mother. But it is also a comfort. Their salvation is theirs to gain because I'm sure they will do a better job of it than I will.

"Joseph Smith told us to watch for answers by paying attention to the thoughts and feelings that come into our minds. Over time we will learn to recognize these as promptings."

"...study it out in your mind..."
"...bosom shall burn..."
"...stupor of thought..."

These are necessary for us and our children to know. There is no way to give this to them but for them to find on their own. We can guide them, show them, tell them, but they have to grasp it themselves and then take it to their hearts. That is my greatest with in life.

"Having the capacity to receive personal inspiration will be necessary in the coming days."

A prophetic warning?

Revealed Quorum Principles

My thoughts on Brother Neider's talk "Revealed Quorum Principles"

Of course this talk is geared to priesthood brethren, but do we not all have some sort of quorum in our own home? Our family, our marriage, and even ourselves?

"I emphasize the principles of study, of obtaining God's word." He then talks about how we all need to be students of the gospel. I want to say DUH, but then remember that we need to have these things repeated over and over until we get them. How good of a student am I? How about my family? Am I doing what is necessary? Am I doing just a bit more? What can I do better? (Lots is the answer!)

"President Stephen L Richards taught that a quorum is a class, a brotherhood, and a service unit: a class where a young man may be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ; a brotherhood where we can strengthen, build, lift, and friendship each other; and a service unit to give service to quorum members and others."

Is that not also important for our own families?

Since I have five boys, I'm so thankful that the words came out again that scouting is the program we use in the USA for our young men. There is great leadership, wisdom and skills that are taught through properly run scout/YM programs. I'm so thankful for such a program.

"As these quorum principles and tools are used with planning and wisdom and in the exercise of faith, miracles will be obtained."

Miracles can happen in our own families.

Respect and Reverence

My thoughts on Sister Lifferth's talk "Respect and Reverence".

We have a problem in our primary, just like primaries across the globe and that is REVERENCE!

I was asked to give a sharing time to the older children about this topic. I know it wasn't me that was giving the lesson because it turned out wonderful. I used this talk as the base of my thoughts. I also looked up President Packer's talk. WONDERFUL--give it a read.

We are parents and leaders do need to set the example of what a reverent person should be not just in church but everywhere. If reverence is "profound respect mingled with love" shouldn't we be showing reverence everywhere? Reverence at sporting events. Reverence while driving. Reverence while shopping. Reverence when dealing with our children.

"Elder L. Tom Perry taught that 'reverence flows from our admiration and respect for Deity.'"

"Love one another," the Lord taught.

"Only in an attitude of reverence can the Spirit confirm the truths of the gospel through the word of God, music, testimony and prayer."

We all know this. We know when we personally are reverent (not just quietly sitting) that the Spirit touches our hearts. I hate it when you are ready to be fed and the person next to you is irreverent. It is so hard to have the spiritual experience your heart so needs.

She then tells us how to get reverence in our classrooms. We have discussed this often. The recipe is the same.
Love those you teach.
Be prepared.
Very simple!

But I can't leave this without talking about Elder Packer's talk "Reverence Invites Revelation"

This is an EXCELLENT talk.

Back in 1991 he said, "The world grows increasingly noisy." Fast forward almost 20 years and it is a screaming world!

"The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer."

Who is the invading army? Are we on his side? Are we the cause of some one's jammed communications? Or are we on the Lord's side and doing what is necessary so that all in the army hear the words of the commander?

Music! One of my favorite subjects.
"Music is of enormous importance in our worship service."
"Music can set an atmosphere..."
The Strength of Youth book talks about the effects it can have on us. It is a blessing that my children are recognizing the good and bad of music. My 17 year old admitted that a few months ago (when he was impossible to live with) he was listening to some very dark music. I was so glad HE found that out.

Lastly Pres. Packer says this, "The Lord will pour out his Spirit upon us more abundantly. We will be less troubled, less confused. We will find revealed answers to personal and family problems without all the counseling with we seem now to need."

Becoming Provident Provides Temporally and Spiritually

My thoughts on Elder Hales' talk "Becoming Provident Provides Temporally and Spiritually"

I think this is going to be a very long post. There is so much in this talk that really spoke to me. Elder Hales departs some great wisdom for all of us. I won't even do justice to his talk, but here are the points I thought needed my attention or the attention of my children (if they ever listen to me or read my blog).

"Of course some debt incurred for education, a modest home, or a basic automobile may be necessary to provide for a family."

Only three things we need to go in dept for and two of those with adjectives. I wonder how different our economy would be right now if we had all lived that way? I wonder what our/my personal economy would be if I lived that way. I can not tell you the blessing it was to get out of college without a dime of dept. WOW! I know that is unheard of and we have parents to thank for that, but neither Steve or I would be where we are if we would have started with a major load of dept. Modest--we have a very modest home. Basic--our cars meet our needs and thankfully are all paid for. Just wish we wouldn't have bought the red one--it is a money hole, but we learned a lesson.

"Additional dept is incurred when we cannot control our wants and addictive impulses."

AMEN! I know that is so very hard---control, but it is necessary.

"We must want more than anything else to change our lives so that we can break the cycle of dept and our uncontrolled wants."

I use to have a saying on my fridge that said, "One wants what one wants." I put it there to help me control my appetite. I either want to be skinny or I want the food I'm going to stuff down my throat. If you want out of debt then you will get yourself out of debt and you will do what is necessary to get yourself there.

"Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions,"

OUCH! I wonder how many of my challenges are of my own making. I wonder how much more of a person I would be if I let the Lord give me the challenges instead of coming up with my own. I wonder how much more I would learn if I just let the Master give me the tests.

"Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure."

"Our success is never measured by how strongly we are tempted but by how faithfully we respond."

I love that promise. I live by that promise.

"To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy day emergencies."

I love the word he slips in here: JOYFULLY! I can live within my means, but I'm not always joyful about it. Therein lies the challenge I've given myself. Guess I better change my ways.

I won't quote the next paragraph (it is kind of long) but he speaks about how when we want things (covet) we find ourselves in debt for those things and then we are working hard to pay them and become depressed. Our relationships suffer (how many marriages are broken because of money issues) and most importantly our relationship with the Lord suffers. "We do not have the time, energy or interest to seek spiritual things."

"We can't afford it, even though we want it!"
"We can afford it, but we don't need it."

Harsh words in today's world, but so necessary.

TITHING: I could write articles on the blessing of tithing, because the promise of Malachi is true. I testify of it. I lived it! I hope my children see it. I hope we have explained it to them even though it is hard to see in our life now.

BUDGETS: I have a love-hate relationship with them. I love them when they work for my wants and I hate them went they don't. It is so hard sometimes, ok, lots of times, but I know it is for the best. I think my husband and I do a pretty good job at keeping within our budget. Of course there is always room for improvement.

"This will teach our children to recognize the difference between wants and needs and to plan ahead for meaningful use of family resources."

We try to teach this very carefully and it seems as if two of our three teens has this down, but there is another that I just pray his wife will be great with money because as soon has he has it it is gone!

Elder Hales' last two promises:

"...ask ourselves, 'Is the benefit temporary or will it have eternal value and significance?'" Truthfully answering these questions may help us avoid excessive debt and other addictive behavior."

"I testify that the appetite to possess worldly things can only be overcome by turning to the Lord. The hunger of addiction can only be replaced by our love for Him. He stands ready to help each one of us."

Welcome to the Conference

My thoughts on President Monson's opening remarks "Welcome to the Conference"

I usually don't comment on the opening and closing remarks because they usually are just a "thank you for coming" and a "go and do" type of speech, but since a new apostle was called....

Good choice, Elder Andersen will be a great addition to the other Apostles. I loved his last talk in conference and I'm sure he will impart great words of wisdom to us over the years. I'm just amazed at the change in the 12 over the past few years. It seems like a changing of the guard has taken place after a long time of status quo. Not that I'm complaining---no not at all--just a interesting thing that has happened over the past few years.

The status of the Church is good--WOW! Great to see the report. I just hope that my little contribution to the work is for good too.

May You Have Courage

My thoughts on President Monson's talk "May You Have Courage"

I wonder what advances in technology are in store for us. I remember thinking as a young woman at the huge computer that sat on my desk--took most of the room on my desk--now I have a computer that is just a bit smaller than my 3-ring binder and it is more powerful than that huge one that sat on my desk. My son's I-Touch (or whatever you call it) is just as powerful and about the size of a card deck. WOW!

My heart was warmed while reading this talk, but I was called to repentance. Since I'm pretty good at being chaste and virtuous and I'm standing firm for truth and righteousness, it was his first point of courage that brought me back home to reality--refrain from judging others.

There is a difference between being judgmental and discerning good from evil when it comes to "judging" others. I think we all need to use judgement when picking friends but we don't need to be critical or belittle others. I think I do belittle others and I need to stop!

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." said Mother Teresa, one of my heroes. That needs to be my new internal motto. I need to stop judging the sisters in my ward. Even though I'm lonely and feel friendless, I have not walked the mile in their shoes that knowledge requires and therefore I need to stop judging them or belittling them. Of course I need to pick my friends wisely, by judging them properly--as the Savior would see them--but I'm not doing that. I need to repent.

I will only briefly comment on the other two points Pres. Monson makes because it was a shock to me.

The quote from Ted Koppel was just shocking to me. "What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not Ten Suggestions, they are Commandments. Are, now were." I will have to use that one.

"....but no, because it's wrong." You don't here that over our airwaves very often. I thought the prevailing theory was all about protection and here someone who isn't a religious leaders (although that doesn't stop them nowadays) says it is wrong to engage in "dangerous" behavior. Very interesting.

Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountin of the Lord

My thoughts on Sister Dalton's talk "Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord".

I laugh and chuckle. Sister Dalton and I are the same: five boys one girl! I too know most of the boys' secrets. I also have five brothers!

This talk touched my funny bone because I was just talking to my oldest son about this very thing. You need to be what you want your spouse to be. If you want a virtuous gal then you must be a virtuous guy. I know it didn't sink in, but maybe, just maybe he will remember those words as the years go by.

Sister Dalton says, "Never before has there been a greater need for virtue and purity in the world." AMEN and AMEN!

"What does it mean to return to virtue? We are calling for a return to moral purity and chastity. Virtue is purity. Virtue is chastity. The word virtue has also been defined as “integrity and moral excellence, power and strength”. The core of a virtuous life is sexual purity, and yet this definition has almost been erased by the world. The prophet Mormon taught that chastity and virtue are “most dear and precious above all things”. They go together. You cannot have one without the other, and “we believe in being . . . virtuous”."

Am I living a "virtuous" life?

"In order to be virtuous and remain virtuous, you must be true to your divine identity and establish patterns of thought and behavior based on high moral standards (see Preach My Gospel [2004], 118–19). These standards are eternal, and they do not change. They have been taught by prophets of God. In a world filled with relative truth, the Lord’s standards are absolute. They are given to each of us to keep us on the path leading back to the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

I love how the core gospel principles are the same today, yesterday and will be tomorrow. Whereas the world principles (I use the word loosely) change minute by minute and always for the worse. What did happen to the virtuous women (or man)?

"My question to each of you is, If we don’t stand for virtue, who will?"

I WILL!!!!!

"I encourage each of you to ponder what your personal banner would be if you could give one message to the world."

I thought I knew, but I have to think about this one. What would my personal banner look like.

Now I like this promise: "As you live a virtuous life, you will have the confidence, power, and strength necessary to climb. You will also be blessed with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost."

I may not be a "young" woman, but the blessings of living virtuous are mine even as a mother, wife and daughter. I can call on the powers of Heaven to help me live a virtuous life, and I MUST!.

A Virtuous Life--Step by Step

My thoughts on Sister Cook's talk "A Virtuous Life--Step by Step".

I cried from the first line on. (I'm going to start now.) It took us six babies to finally get a baby girl placed in my arms. Now I love the newness that comes from any baby. You know they are "fresh from heaven" but there is something special about having a baby girl gently laid in your arms. I don't know what it is but there is something special about a mother-daughter relationship.

Then of course by the second paragraph I'm a blubbering idiot! I miss my mom so much it hurts. I want to hear her voice, glean from her wisdom and know that she loves me. I miss her so very much.

I was given my mother's first name as my first name, but I go by my middle name. That makes doing things of a legal nature a bit confusing. I don't know how many times I've heard "Nellie" and not realize they are talking to me. I only hope that one or my children will name their daughters after my mother (and me). She was a very virtuous lady.

How do we make it to the Tree of Life?

1. Make good choices.
2. Go to the temple often.
3. Do not be deceived. "[Satan] has made motherhood seem less important. He has been successful in confusing women about their roles in the Lord's divine plan."
4. Read the words of the prophets.
5. Stand strong in your convictions and "stand in holy places".
6. Press forward. The path doesn't have rest stops along the way. You are either moving forward or backward. You must press forward.
7. Partake of the Atonement. You can not do this without his help. To do so is mocking him. His Atonement is for you--YOU!
8. Do the "simple" things--read the scriptures, pray and attend weekly church services. You can not save your food up for one day a week eating, neither can you save your spiritual food up for one day of "eating". You must constantly nourish your soul.
9. You are not alone in the journey. There are many on the path who would love to help you along the way. Hold your hand, smile at you and be your friend. Lift up your eyes, reach out your hand and you will be surrounded by those who love you. And never forget: YOU HAVE THE HOLY GHOST as a constant companion--if you live worthy of him.
10. Be an example!
11. Be obedient in all things.

Now if only I can remember all of these things.

Be Thou an Example of the Believers

My thoughts on Sister Dibb's talk "Be Thou an Example of the Believers".

Sister Dibb made me go back and think about the things I did in my life that made me a believer. I'm not sure how my testimony started but it started out small probably around the kitchen table with my family reading scriptures. I remember a few primary lessons, more Sunday school and young women lessons, but mostly I remember the example of my siblings and especially that of my mom. There example spoke more of the truth than anything I read as a young woman.

I truly believe it is by the "small and simple things" that testimonies are gained. I don't think it will be angel visits that turn the hearts of man (particularly my children) to be believers, but the small and simple things we do as a family and individually that will turn their hearts.

There is a saying that goes something like "Smile until you believe it." I remember thinking "I'm not sure the gospel is true, but I will act like it is and see who my life turns out. I can't really ruin it by living the principles." Amazingly along the way I became a believer, developed a strong testimony and all because I was willing to do the small and simple things. They helped me become a believer.

Testimony as a Process

My thoughts on Elder Godoy's talk "Testimony as a Process"

Here it is months after I gave this talk as a lesson in our Family Home Evening and now I'm beating myself up because it was a darn good lesson. I had some great points I touched on. Oh, well. I guess I have to start over and refresh my mind.

"President Packer continues: 'The spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. it caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all...'"

AMEN!

We have to sit and ponder on our testimony. We have to have quiet moments every now and then so that we can hear those whipserings. So hard to do when you are in the midst of raising a family. We must seek those times out and desire to have those moments, for sometimes they are just moments.

"Great events are not a guarantee that our testimony will be strong. Laman and Lemuel are good examples of this."

Oh, how I wish that something "dramatic" would happen to one of my sons. I want him to be humbled and have something compel him to repent and behave. But I'm offen reminded that it is drip by drip that our spiritual testimony bucket is filled. It is easier to carry that way--one drop at a time as we build up our endurance to lift it and use it. I have to remember this, i have to.

Returning Home

My thoughts on Elder Gavarret's talk "Returning Home"

This talk was a good talk about missionary work and a reminder at what our job is as member missionaries.

Nothing really stuck out at me except this line:
"Let us remember that love and service are like twins who seek each other's companionship."

You can not help but love those who you serve. I just wish my teens would realize that and do better.

Gospel Teaching--Our Most Important Calling

My thoughts on Bro. Oswald's talk "Gospel Teaching--Our Most Important Calling"

I couldn't agree more with the title. I've learned over the years that the best way to learn something is to teach it.

I'm sorry to say that I believe that teaching has become a lost art. We don't have great teachers anymore and it is evident in the lack of knowledge our youth have of the gospel principles. It floors me to have conversations with the youth today and their lack of knowledge of the scriptures and the basic gospel principles contained. I will point the finger squarely at the parents and somewhat at their teachers. Maybe it is the fact that the teachers don't know themselves.

I love the story he starts out with--jumping rope. I can't jump rope to save my life so I can relate to the story. I guess I better learn the basic principles again. "It was a simple thing that all of them could do after learning a few basic principles and being shown how."

Our teens are lacking the "basic principles" and "being shown how." Our teachers today do not know how to teach. I watch it weekly in church and hear comments from my own children. How sad!

"Every position in the Church requires an effective teacher."

AMEN!

Brother Oswald talks about how to be an effective teacher.

"First, we need to understand these basic principles, and second we need to be shown how they are used by successful teachers."

I guess we need to students before we can become teachers. We must study the scriptures own our own (or with our Sunday School class--not just on Sunday) and learn what is found inside the covers. Pick up extra help from commentaries, scour the church's website, etc. to help us understand the doctrine. (D&C 88:77-80)

Then we need to seek out great teachers and learn to be a teacher ourselves. I love the book "Teaching, No Greater Call." Is is perfect for learning how to teach. (Note to self--reread the book.)

And of course our perfect teaching example is the Savior. He taught in so many ways and so effectively. We should look to him and learn.

"Notice the personal preparation of the sons of Mosiah as they prepared to teach the gospel:"
(Oh, I love this list!)
1. Waxed strong in knowledge of truth.
2. Were of a sound understanding
3. Searched the scriptures diligently
4. Knew the word of God.
5. Given themselves to much prayer and fasting
6. Had the spirit of prophesy & revelation
7. Taught by power and authority of God

Just sends chills up your spine when you think what kind of army our Father could have if we all did these things. What kind of teachers would be sitting and instructing our children if they all did this? WOW!

Brother Oswald gives us 3 principles of teaching.
1. Show love to those you teach and call them by name.
2. Teach from the scriptures.
3. Encourage the pondering of gospel truths.

I want to say duh to each of these but sometimes we get caught up in the program that we forget these are the basic principles of successful teaching--secular as well as gospel.

As I write this I'm teaching a lesson in Primary tomorrow on reverence. The primary president is so caught up in making sure that we follow the book that if I were to follow her ideas I would be scripted and not be able to teach from the scriptures the doctrine these children need to learn most of all--That reverence invites the spirit of revelation to enter the room and testify to them the truthfulness of the gospel. These children who are so precious to our Heavenly Father are very irreverent (and I know the causes--I can tell which teachers come prepared and ready). They need the lesson behind the reason we are reverent in church. Somehow I need to be prepared to teach it. Pray for me!