My thoughts on Elder Pino's talk "Faith in Adversity"
I hate these types of opening to talks. My worse nightmare is those types of stories. I don't know how I could go on without one of my children. I would die myself. BUT, I know the plan and therefore I would get up the next morning with faith and move my body that the earthly pain would subside eventually and I can move forward. At least that is my hope of what I would do. I just hope I never see my nightmare come true.
I've had enough adversity in my life to know the truthfulness of this statement: "This faithful family came to understand that when adversity arrives in our lives, the only true source of comfort is God." and this too: "In both of the experiences that these good families endured, pain and sorrow left because of the light of the gospel, which filled them with peace and comfort, providing the assurance that everything would be well."
I have endured my little adversities because I have placed my trust and my faith in the Great Plan. It didn't take the pain away (physical as well as emotionally and spiritually) but it does give peace and comfort to your body, heart, soul and hopefully your family.
I know the children sing the song "The Wise and Foolish Man" often in primary--to get wiggles out etc, but it does teach a great lesson.
"In both of the experiences that these good families endured, pain and sorrow left because of the light of the gospel, which filled them with peace and comfort, providing the assurance that everything would be well."
We will get rained on--that is a given! It will flood, it may even wash away our house, but we sink or swim because of our personal foundation.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
My thoughts on Elder Pearson's talk "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ"
One of my favorite gospel topics to discuss.
Many, many years ago I had some very sick kids and they all received Priesthood blessings. The next morning one of the kids was feeling much better. I was patting myself on the back for my extra faith I had in helping that child get over their sickness after all they were just children, not even baptized, what did they know about faith.
As they sat for breakfast, the one who was feeling better turned to me and said, "I knew it would work." I questioned him not knowing what he was talking about. "I had faith that daddy's words would work and now I'm all better."
I then turned and had a gut check moment. Here I was thinking it was my faith that was going to have to heal that boy (along with his brothers) and it was his faith that was and did it.
I've thought about that scene often. He was only five at the time and he had "faith like a little child." I play it often on my memory DVD player. Never count them out, in fact count on them!
Elder Pearson had some great thoughts and my copy is all marked up. I'll try not to copy the WHOLE talk but it will be difficult as his words just spoke to my heart.
"As parents, we have been commanded to teach our children “to understand the doctrine of . . . faith in Christ the Son of the living God” (D&C 68:25). This requires more than merely recognizing faith as a gospel principle. “To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone” (Bible Dictionary, “Faith,” 669). True faith must be centered in Jesus Christ. “Faith is a principle of action and of power” (Bible Dictionary, 670). It requires us to do, not merely to believe. Faith is a spiritual gift from God that comes through the Holy Ghost. It requires a correct understanding and knowledge of Jesus Christ, His divine attributes and perfect character, His teachings, Atonement, Resurrection, and priesthood power. Obedience to these principles develops complete trust in Him and His ordained servants and assurance of His promised blessings."
I love the Bible Dictionary. Someday just read it for your scripture study! It is such a cool way to study. You learn so much.
"Confidence in something or someone"
Do you have confidence in the Atonement?
Do you have confidence in the Resurrection?
Do you have confidence in the Prophet and his guidance and direction?
Do you have confidence in the power of the Priesthood?
And if you do, how do you pass this along to your children?
Those are all "gospel" things but what about faith in non gospel things?
Do you have confidence in your marriage?
Do you have confidence in your children?
Do you have confidence in your family?
Do you have confidence in __________ ?
Where do we put our faith?
How do we build faith?
How do we build faith in the correct things?
And what happens when we put our faith (and trust) in the wrong things and those things fail us? Or in the right things and they fail us? (I'm thinking of "mortal" things not gospel things that are true and right.)
Is our faith in the gospel, in The Plan, rooted deep enough to withstand the batterings and failures of some of the things we put our confidence in?
(See why I like this topic so much? Great questions pop up.)
"There is no other thing in which we can have absolute assurance. There is no other foundation in life that can bring the same peace, joy, and hope. In uncertain and difficult times, faith is truly a spiritual gift worthy of our utmost efforts. We can give our children education, lessons, athletics, the arts, and material possessions, but if we do not give them faith in Christ, we have given little." (emphasis mine)
What a bold and true statement. And a tasks that is hard to measure or know when you are done. This is my biggest worry in life: that I have failed to teach my children correctly. I worry they will come to a crossroad in life and make the wrong decision because of the information I gave them.
A simple and true statement: "If we desire more faith, we must be more obedient."
I can only hope I'm doing: "When we teach our children by example or precept to be casual or situational in obeying God’s commandments, we prevent them from receiving this vital spiritual gift. Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small, simple things."
Now that they are teens (most of them) I'm looking back and asking "Did I? Did I teach them by example? Are they recognizing my faith and obedience? Are they learning? Am I doing good enough? Where did I go wrong?"
I know the power of obedience. I learned that from my mother. I just pray I'm teaching that example.
Here are a few more quotes:
"Desire is a particle of faith that develops within us as we experience divine truth."
"Hope develops as particles of faith become molecules and as simple efforts to live true principles occur."
"As patterns of obedience develop, the specific blessings associated with obedience are realized and belief emerges."
"Personal righteousness is a choice."
AMEN!
I'm not sure I want to talk about the "opposition", but it is necessary as our children need to know (so do we) that the power of evil wants us to be unhappy and will use everything to do so--that is the plan after all.
So what is opposite of faith?
"Faith and fear cannot coexist."
We can not fear!
I love all this "school talk" he uses in his talk--
"Consider it this way: our net usable faith is what we have left to exercise after we subtract our sources of doubt and disbelief. You might ask yourself this question: “Is my own net faith positive or negative?” If your faith exceeds your doubt and disbelief, the answer is likely positive. If you allow doubt and disbelief to control you, the answer might be negative."
Good question. Is my faith net positive or negative?
And then he says this:
"We get what we focus on consistently. Because there is an opposition in all things, there are forces that erode our faith. Some are the result of Satan’s direct influence. But for others, we have no one but ourselves to blame. These stem from personal tendencies, attitudes, and habits we can learn to change."
The six D's he calls them:
Doubt: a negative emotion, lack of confidence (see above)
Discouragement: lower expectations, missed expectations
Distraction: lack of focus (above he says, "we get what we focus on")
lack of Diligence: reduced commitment (if you don't commit to church you won't go)
Disobedience: I've always said that "Obedience is the key to happiness"
Disbelief: past feeling
How do we overcome these?
Have we overcome them?
How do we teach our children to recognize and overcome them?
How do we teach our children to put their faith in true things, things that are good?
One of my favorite gospel topics to discuss.
Many, many years ago I had some very sick kids and they all received Priesthood blessings. The next morning one of the kids was feeling much better. I was patting myself on the back for my extra faith I had in helping that child get over their sickness after all they were just children, not even baptized, what did they know about faith.
As they sat for breakfast, the one who was feeling better turned to me and said, "I knew it would work." I questioned him not knowing what he was talking about. "I had faith that daddy's words would work and now I'm all better."
I then turned and had a gut check moment. Here I was thinking it was my faith that was going to have to heal that boy (along with his brothers) and it was his faith that was and did it.
I've thought about that scene often. He was only five at the time and he had "faith like a little child." I play it often on my memory DVD player. Never count them out, in fact count on them!
Elder Pearson had some great thoughts and my copy is all marked up. I'll try not to copy the WHOLE talk but it will be difficult as his words just spoke to my heart.
"As parents, we have been commanded to teach our children “to understand the doctrine of . . . faith in Christ the Son of the living God” (D&C 68:25). This requires more than merely recognizing faith as a gospel principle. “To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone” (Bible Dictionary, “Faith,” 669). True faith must be centered in Jesus Christ. “Faith is a principle of action and of power” (Bible Dictionary, 670). It requires us to do, not merely to believe. Faith is a spiritual gift from God that comes through the Holy Ghost. It requires a correct understanding and knowledge of Jesus Christ, His divine attributes and perfect character, His teachings, Atonement, Resurrection, and priesthood power. Obedience to these principles develops complete trust in Him and His ordained servants and assurance of His promised blessings."
I love the Bible Dictionary. Someday just read it for your scripture study! It is such a cool way to study. You learn so much.
"Confidence in something or someone"
Do you have confidence in the Atonement?
Do you have confidence in the Resurrection?
Do you have confidence in the Prophet and his guidance and direction?
Do you have confidence in the power of the Priesthood?
And if you do, how do you pass this along to your children?
Those are all "gospel" things but what about faith in non gospel things?
Do you have confidence in your marriage?
Do you have confidence in your children?
Do you have confidence in your family?
Do you have confidence in __________ ?
Where do we put our faith?
How do we build faith?
How do we build faith in the correct things?
And what happens when we put our faith (and trust) in the wrong things and those things fail us? Or in the right things and they fail us? (I'm thinking of "mortal" things not gospel things that are true and right.)
Is our faith in the gospel, in The Plan, rooted deep enough to withstand the batterings and failures of some of the things we put our confidence in?
(See why I like this topic so much? Great questions pop up.)
"There is no other thing in which we can have absolute assurance. There is no other foundation in life that can bring the same peace, joy, and hope. In uncertain and difficult times, faith is truly a spiritual gift worthy of our utmost efforts. We can give our children education, lessons, athletics, the arts, and material possessions, but if we do not give them faith in Christ, we have given little." (emphasis mine)
What a bold and true statement. And a tasks that is hard to measure or know when you are done. This is my biggest worry in life: that I have failed to teach my children correctly. I worry they will come to a crossroad in life and make the wrong decision because of the information I gave them.
A simple and true statement: "If we desire more faith, we must be more obedient."
I can only hope I'm doing: "When we teach our children by example or precept to be casual or situational in obeying God’s commandments, we prevent them from receiving this vital spiritual gift. Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small, simple things."
Now that they are teens (most of them) I'm looking back and asking "Did I? Did I teach them by example? Are they recognizing my faith and obedience? Are they learning? Am I doing good enough? Where did I go wrong?"
I know the power of obedience. I learned that from my mother. I just pray I'm teaching that example.
Here are a few more quotes:
"Desire is a particle of faith that develops within us as we experience divine truth."
"Hope develops as particles of faith become molecules and as simple efforts to live true principles occur."
"As patterns of obedience develop, the specific blessings associated with obedience are realized and belief emerges."
"Personal righteousness is a choice."
AMEN!
I'm not sure I want to talk about the "opposition", but it is necessary as our children need to know (so do we) that the power of evil wants us to be unhappy and will use everything to do so--that is the plan after all.
So what is opposite of faith?
"Faith and fear cannot coexist."
We can not fear!
I love all this "school talk" he uses in his talk--
"Consider it this way: our net usable faith is what we have left to exercise after we subtract our sources of doubt and disbelief. You might ask yourself this question: “Is my own net faith positive or negative?” If your faith exceeds your doubt and disbelief, the answer is likely positive. If you allow doubt and disbelief to control you, the answer might be negative."
Good question. Is my faith net positive or negative?
And then he says this:
"We get what we focus on consistently. Because there is an opposition in all things, there are forces that erode our faith. Some are the result of Satan’s direct influence. But for others, we have no one but ourselves to blame. These stem from personal tendencies, attitudes, and habits we can learn to change."
The six D's he calls them:
Doubt: a negative emotion, lack of confidence (see above)
Discouragement: lower expectations, missed expectations
Distraction: lack of focus (above he says, "we get what we focus on")
lack of Diligence: reduced commitment (if you don't commit to church you won't go)
Disobedience: I've always said that "Obedience is the key to happiness"
Disbelief: past feeling
How do we overcome these?
Have we overcome them?
How do we teach our children to recognize and overcome them?
How do we teach our children to put their faith in true things, things that are good?
Our Father's Plan--Big Enough for All His Children
My thoughts on Elder Cook's talk "Our Father's Plan--Big Enough for All His Children".
I love the story about Dickens trying to find something bad, awful about the Mormons and finding the opposite instead. I don't know how many times I run into someone whose views of the Mormons are so opposite of what the media etc portray us as. "I knew a Mormon family once and they were so kind and loving." I just hope that people are saying that about my family.
"There have been two contrasting reports with respect to the Church. On one hand, righteous members and the way they live their lives have generally been reported on favorably. Those who know Latter-day Saints personally or have the opportunity to observe them up close have the same view that Charles Dickens reported almost 150 years ago."
"Because of the uplifting doctrine of the Restoration, members rejoice in the gospel and find joy and satisfaction in the Church. We are viewed favorably when we live the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. When members don’t live the teachings, it can be a stumbling block to those who do not belong to the Church."
My mom's words "Remember who you are and act that part" rings in my ears.
Elder Cook goes on to talk about those who might have stumbling blocks with our faith.
I love the story about swans. It is good to have an open mind.
I think my family was much like his ancestor. I think when they first heard the message they knew it was true and accepted it, embraced it and as soon as they could forsook all and went to Zion. It is truly gut-check time. Would I know it if I wasn't born into it?
The next section of his talk has hit a chord in my heart. I think this is one reason I love this church so much--we accept everyone, just like our Father. Although we believe that we are the only true church on the earth we don't have a corner market on righteousness and goodness. I have met many people of other faiths who do good works, are righteous people and dare I say a better person than I.
I can think of countless non-members who are "headliners" who have a ticket stamped for heaven when they get there but have never entered the waters of baptism here on earth. I think Heavenly Father wanted them where they were to make the difference in the people's lives they touched without the gospel. Mother Teresa comes to mind in a second. His plan is big enough for us all!
back to the talk:
"It is equally important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity. The Savior has made it clear that we are not to judge each other. This is especially true of members of our own families. Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up. The Lord has made salvation “free for all men” but has “commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.”"
I have many times judged my own family and it was wrong. Lately I've been judged by a family member and what that person thought about me was completely wrong. It is amazing what is happening because of that judgment. A lesson to me. I can only pray that person's heart will see my heart the way it truly is and not as they thought. But I do fear the worse and have already seen some damage that has been done to the family because of that judgment. A very, very good lesson for me about truly NOT JUDGING even if you are there and witness something. You never know the whole story!
And a lesson I'm taking to heart this week. I'm not going to jump to conclusion about something and I will not judge. Instead I will do as Alma Sr. did, pray that a change of heart can happen (maybe it is my own heart that needs to change) and let the Lord judge. It is his plan anyway.
I love the story about Dickens trying to find something bad, awful about the Mormons and finding the opposite instead. I don't know how many times I run into someone whose views of the Mormons are so opposite of what the media etc portray us as. "I knew a Mormon family once and they were so kind and loving." I just hope that people are saying that about my family.
"There have been two contrasting reports with respect to the Church. On one hand, righteous members and the way they live their lives have generally been reported on favorably. Those who know Latter-day Saints personally or have the opportunity to observe them up close have the same view that Charles Dickens reported almost 150 years ago."
"Because of the uplifting doctrine of the Restoration, members rejoice in the gospel and find joy and satisfaction in the Church. We are viewed favorably when we live the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. When members don’t live the teachings, it can be a stumbling block to those who do not belong to the Church."
My mom's words "Remember who you are and act that part" rings in my ears.
Elder Cook goes on to talk about those who might have stumbling blocks with our faith.
I love the story about swans. It is good to have an open mind.
I think my family was much like his ancestor. I think when they first heard the message they knew it was true and accepted it, embraced it and as soon as they could forsook all and went to Zion. It is truly gut-check time. Would I know it if I wasn't born into it?
The next section of his talk has hit a chord in my heart. I think this is one reason I love this church so much--we accept everyone, just like our Father. Although we believe that we are the only true church on the earth we don't have a corner market on righteousness and goodness. I have met many people of other faiths who do good works, are righteous people and dare I say a better person than I.
I can think of countless non-members who are "headliners" who have a ticket stamped for heaven when they get there but have never entered the waters of baptism here on earth. I think Heavenly Father wanted them where they were to make the difference in the people's lives they touched without the gospel. Mother Teresa comes to mind in a second. His plan is big enough for us all!
back to the talk:
"It is equally important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity. The Savior has made it clear that we are not to judge each other. This is especially true of members of our own families. Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up. The Lord has made salvation “free for all men” but has “commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.”"
I have many times judged my own family and it was wrong. Lately I've been judged by a family member and what that person thought about me was completely wrong. It is amazing what is happening because of that judgment. A lesson to me. I can only pray that person's heart will see my heart the way it truly is and not as they thought. But I do fear the worse and have already seen some damage that has been done to the family because of that judgment. A very, very good lesson for me about truly NOT JUDGING even if you are there and witness something. You never know the whole story!
And a lesson I'm taking to heart this week. I'm not going to jump to conclusion about something and I will not judge. Instead I will do as Alma Sr. did, pray that a change of heart can happen (maybe it is my own heart that needs to change) and let the Lord judge. It is his plan anyway.
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