My thoughts on Elder Gonzalez's talk "Becoming More Powerful Priesthood Holders"
His steps for becoming a more powerful priesthood holder also work for those who want a deeper testimony.
1. Feast upon the word.
There is no better way to know of the truthfulness than to read about it and study it. Not just nibble on Sunday, but to truly feast on the words of the Book of Mormon. We are reading it this year as a family and I truly have missed reading it.
2. Apply what we learn to our lives.
I have read countless book on how to lose weight, but until I get up and do it won't do me a bit of good. Likewise I have read countless book on how to be a better person, but until I put it in action it is just good thoughts and words.
3. Teach
This reminds me of a math curriculum we use. The teacher has the kids learn it, practice it and eventually they are to teach me. It truly is when we teach that we learn it in our hearts and it becomes a part of us.
Great things to remember to becoming more like Christ and for our young men to become more powerful and steady in their commitment to the gospel.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship
My thoughts on Elder Ballard's talk "Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship"
This should be required reading for every father and son! WOW!
"Fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be."
He mentions that the family and the priesthood are the two most powerful elements of our theology. "The priesthood is the divine power through which families are sealed together forever. Everything in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, including the ordinances of the holy temple, is focused on the possibilities of families becoming part of the eternal family of God."
As I have lost family members over the past few years and as I watch my young men grow and get ready to leave the nest, I can only say, "AMEN!" to the above statement. I knew that the family and the priesthood were the foundation to our faith. If not then why did the prophets of old fight so hard to have families and to keep them in the gospel. Why didn't they just "cut their loses?" Because family is it! And the only way to keep family "it" is through the sealing power of the priesthood. Now if only your young ones understood this.
"You see, we’re all on a journey. Dads are a little further down the road, but none of us has yet arrived at our final destination. We are all in the process of becoming who we will one day be. Fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be."
How do you let know-it-all teens understand this. "I want to find out for myself." "I don't want anyone to show me the way." "I don't need no stickin' road map." And yet they are foolish not to listen and to learn. Breaks a mom's heart.
(I think if I keep quoting his talk, I'll have almost every other paragraph. It is that good!)
"Young men, you are your father’s pride and joy. In you they see a promising future and their hope for a better, improved version of themselves. Your accomplishments are a joy to them. Your worries and problems are their worries and problems."
This is true if you insert the word "mother" in as well.
"Fathers, you are the primary model of manhood for your sons. You are their most meaningful mentor, and believe it or not, you are their hero in countless ways. Your words and your example are a great influence on them."
Amen! I just hope my husband remembers this and acts on it.
To the boys he says:
1. Trust your father
2. Take interest in your father's life.
3. Ask for advice.
Now how do I get my boys to read this? And how do I do it without sounding preachy?
To the fathers he says:
(and can't we moms learn from this too?)
1. Listen to your sons
2. Pray with and for your sons
3. Dare to have the "big talks" with them.
I have taken to "listening" to my sons. I listen even when what they are saying is not worth anything (like when they start talking video games). I think I'm only making inches with one son because I'm listening, but I'm going the right way. I'm trying really hard to just listen and bite my tongue. I can only pray it is working.
I'm praying for them all the time! I don't think I've ever stopped. I know they won't let me pray with them but when we have family prayer and I'm speaking I let them know that way that I am praying for them.
I have had plenty of "big talks" but I have let my husband have THE big talk with the boys. I think he has done a great job as my boys know.
What great advice from a prophet to us. What a great reminder of how to build relationships. I do pause to wonder why a prophet would use his time to speak to us on this matter. I don't wonder if they (the prophets and likewise the Lord) are seeing something in the distance that would cause one of the 12 to spend his time talking about family relationships in this much detail.
I guess this is kind of like when Pres. Hinckley told us to get our finances in order. He was prompted and look at us now. I guess we better wise up, listen, learn and do.
This should be required reading for every father and son! WOW!
"Fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be."
He mentions that the family and the priesthood are the two most powerful elements of our theology. "The priesthood is the divine power through which families are sealed together forever. Everything in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, including the ordinances of the holy temple, is focused on the possibilities of families becoming part of the eternal family of God."
As I have lost family members over the past few years and as I watch my young men grow and get ready to leave the nest, I can only say, "AMEN!" to the above statement. I knew that the family and the priesthood were the foundation to our faith. If not then why did the prophets of old fight so hard to have families and to keep them in the gospel. Why didn't they just "cut their loses?" Because family is it! And the only way to keep family "it" is through the sealing power of the priesthood. Now if only your young ones understood this.
"You see, we’re all on a journey. Dads are a little further down the road, but none of us has yet arrived at our final destination. We are all in the process of becoming who we will one day be. Fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be."
How do you let know-it-all teens understand this. "I want to find out for myself." "I don't want anyone to show me the way." "I don't need no stickin' road map." And yet they are foolish not to listen and to learn. Breaks a mom's heart.
(I think if I keep quoting his talk, I'll have almost every other paragraph. It is that good!)
"Young men, you are your father’s pride and joy. In you they see a promising future and their hope for a better, improved version of themselves. Your accomplishments are a joy to them. Your worries and problems are their worries and problems."
This is true if you insert the word "mother" in as well.
"Fathers, you are the primary model of manhood for your sons. You are their most meaningful mentor, and believe it or not, you are their hero in countless ways. Your words and your example are a great influence on them."
Amen! I just hope my husband remembers this and acts on it.
To the boys he says:
1. Trust your father
2. Take interest in your father's life.
3. Ask for advice.
Now how do I get my boys to read this? And how do I do it without sounding preachy?
To the fathers he says:
(and can't we moms learn from this too?)
1. Listen to your sons
2. Pray with and for your sons
3. Dare to have the "big talks" with them.
I have taken to "listening" to my sons. I listen even when what they are saying is not worth anything (like when they start talking video games). I think I'm only making inches with one son because I'm listening, but I'm going the right way. I'm trying really hard to just listen and bite my tongue. I can only pray it is working.
I'm praying for them all the time! I don't think I've ever stopped. I know they won't let me pray with them but when we have family prayer and I'm speaking I let them know that way that I am praying for them.
I have had plenty of "big talks" but I have let my husband have THE big talk with the boys. I think he has done a great job as my boys know.
What great advice from a prophet to us. What a great reminder of how to build relationships. I do pause to wonder why a prophet would use his time to speak to us on this matter. I don't wonder if they (the prophets and likewise the Lord) are seeing something in the distance that would cause one of the 12 to spend his time talking about family relationships in this much detail.
I guess this is kind of like when Pres. Hinckley told us to get our finances in order. He was prompted and look at us now. I guess we better wise up, listen, learn and do.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Prayer and Prompting
My thoughts on Pres. Packer's talk "Prayer and Promptings"
Oh, I just love his raspy voice. There is something so grandfatherly about it. I even hear it as I read these words. I was sorry to see him sitting as he gave this talk, but so glad he did give it even if he was sitting down.
This is another multi-colored very well highlighted address. Such doctrine and power contained in these words.
"No Father would send His children off to a distant, dangerous land for a lifetime of testing where Lucifer was known to roam free without first providing them with a personal power of protection. He would also supply them with means to communicate with Him from Father to child and from child to Father. Every child of our Father sent to earth is provided with the Spirit of Christ, or the Light of Christ. We are, none of us, left here alone without hope of guidance and redemption."
AMEN! But we need to remember this and not pull the "whoa is me! God has forsaken me." (hard to do and I'm so guilty of it!)
"We were given our agency. We must use it wisely and remain close to the Spirit; otherwise, we foolishly find ourselves yielding to the enticements of the adversary."
As a teen I loved to use the line, "But I have been given agency." Now that I'm a mom of teens, I just want to rip agency from my kids. But I know better. Thankfully he even gave the teens the Spirit to help them use their agency.
"“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God” (Moroni 7:16).
"There is a perfect manner of communication through the Spirit, “for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
I love that last scripture from Corinthians--PERFECT MANNER OF COMMUNICATION! WOW!
"That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. The Holy Ghost communicates with our spirits through the mind more than through the physical senses. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions. We may feel the words of spiritual communication more than hear them and see with spiritual rather than with mortal eyes."
How often do we want the burning bush when it is our heart that is burning? How often do we want the mountain to move when it is our feet the Lord wants us to move? We don't need those things to feel or participate in spiritual things. We need a broken heart--one that is ready to feel the promptings.
"That same Spirit can prompt you and protect you."
I have been protected more often from the spirit than my seat belt. But we have to have a worthy spirit to hear it.
Since I feel like I've quoted most of his talk, I'll try to not quote but just give my thoughts.
The Lord tells is in our mind and heart but the Holy Ghost shall swell in your hearts. WHAT A GREAT AND AWESOME PROMISE! I want that!
Ok, I just have to quote this one--too good not to use his words.
"You can know the things you need to know. Pray that you will learn to receive that inspiration and remain worthy to receive it. Keep that channel—your mind—clean and free from the clutter of the world."
I fear my mind is cluttered. I have to do a "dump run." I have to get myself away from the adversaries trap--the one he says that I'm not worthy to pray so why bother.
I think he is working overtime on a son who could and will do so much great work, but he is believing a lie.
"Pray even if you are young and wayward like the prophet Alma or have a closed mind like Amulek, who “knew concerning these things, yet . . . would not know” (Alma 10:6).
"Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10).
"Do not expect to be free entirely from trouble and disappointment and pain and discouragement, for these are the things that we were sent to earth to endure."
If a prophet of our Lord is telling us this then maybe I need to listen. Maybe I need to pray more often. I need to draw nearer to Him so He can draw nearer to me.
This talk was timely when it was spoken, when I first read it and now when I'm writing my thoughts about it. It will be timely the next time I read it. I needed to be reminded that praying is the way we draw near, get inspiration, stay worthy and are protected.
Oh, I just love his raspy voice. There is something so grandfatherly about it. I even hear it as I read these words. I was sorry to see him sitting as he gave this talk, but so glad he did give it even if he was sitting down.
This is another multi-colored very well highlighted address. Such doctrine and power contained in these words.
"No Father would send His children off to a distant, dangerous land for a lifetime of testing where Lucifer was known to roam free without first providing them with a personal power of protection. He would also supply them with means to communicate with Him from Father to child and from child to Father. Every child of our Father sent to earth is provided with the Spirit of Christ, or the Light of Christ. We are, none of us, left here alone without hope of guidance and redemption."
AMEN! But we need to remember this and not pull the "whoa is me! God has forsaken me." (hard to do and I'm so guilty of it!)
"We were given our agency. We must use it wisely and remain close to the Spirit; otherwise, we foolishly find ourselves yielding to the enticements of the adversary."
As a teen I loved to use the line, "But I have been given agency." Now that I'm a mom of teens, I just want to rip agency from my kids. But I know better. Thankfully he even gave the teens the Spirit to help them use their agency.
"“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God” (Moroni 7:16).
"There is a perfect manner of communication through the Spirit, “for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
I love that last scripture from Corinthians--PERFECT MANNER OF COMMUNICATION! WOW!
"That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. The Holy Ghost communicates with our spirits through the mind more than through the physical senses. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions. We may feel the words of spiritual communication more than hear them and see with spiritual rather than with mortal eyes."
How often do we want the burning bush when it is our heart that is burning? How often do we want the mountain to move when it is our feet the Lord wants us to move? We don't need those things to feel or participate in spiritual things. We need a broken heart--one that is ready to feel the promptings.
"That same Spirit can prompt you and protect you."
I have been protected more often from the spirit than my seat belt. But we have to have a worthy spirit to hear it.
Since I feel like I've quoted most of his talk, I'll try to not quote but just give my thoughts.
The Lord tells is in our mind and heart but the Holy Ghost shall swell in your hearts. WHAT A GREAT AND AWESOME PROMISE! I want that!
Ok, I just have to quote this one--too good not to use his words.
"You can know the things you need to know. Pray that you will learn to receive that inspiration and remain worthy to receive it. Keep that channel—your mind—clean and free from the clutter of the world."
I fear my mind is cluttered. I have to do a "dump run." I have to get myself away from the adversaries trap--the one he says that I'm not worthy to pray so why bother.
I think he is working overtime on a son who could and will do so much great work, but he is believing a lie.
"Pray even if you are young and wayward like the prophet Alma or have a closed mind like Amulek, who “knew concerning these things, yet . . . would not know” (Alma 10:6).
"Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10).
"Do not expect to be free entirely from trouble and disappointment and pain and discouragement, for these are the things that we were sent to earth to endure."
If a prophet of our Lord is telling us this then maybe I need to listen. Maybe I need to pray more often. I need to draw nearer to Him so He can draw nearer to me.
This talk was timely when it was spoken, when I first read it and now when I'm writing my thoughts about it. It will be timely the next time I read it. I needed to be reminded that praying is the way we draw near, get inspiration, stay worthy and are protected.
Repent...That I May Heal You"
My thoughts on Elder Andersen's talk "Repent...That I May Heal You"
This talk is a rainbow of highlighter color.
I had the opportunity to talk in our Visiting Teaching Breakfast yesterday and about the Lord touching each of us through others. I have felt his loving arms around me because of acts of service that others have given to me (us). That love is real.
"We have each felt to some extent these spiritual arms around us. We have felt His forgiveness, His love and comfort. The Lord has said, “I am he [who] comforteth you.”
"When we sin, we turn away from God. When we repent, we turn back toward God."
I had a teacher put a line on the chalk board once and at one end wrote "Satan" and at the other wrote "Christ". She then took a little person and put him on the line near the end by Satan but facing Christ. She took another person and put him on the line almost on top of Christ but facing Satan. She then told us that it doesn't matter where you on on the line of righteousness, it matters what way you are facing. I've continued to think about that line often. Not where am I but what way am I facing.
"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments."
And I think until we see it as a voice of love and a call to return we will not be humbled enough to repent, or our repentance will not be a true and complete repentance.
We often think that we have to be whole before we can return. That is as crazy as me thinking I have to be cancer free before I go back and visit my doctor.
"Jesus declares, “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?”"
"How do we decide where our repentance should be focused? When a loved one or friend suggests things we need to change, the natural man in us sometimes pops up his head and responds, “Oh, you think I should change? Well, let me tell you about some of your problems.” A better approach is to humbly petition the Lord: “Father, what wouldst Thou have me do?” The answers come. We feel the changes we need to make. The Lord tells us in our mind and in our heart."
But how to humbly bend our knee and say those words. And more importantly how do I let my children know? I know pray that they can find their own way to humbly petition the Lord.
I've struggled with knowing if I'm truly moving forward and these words are great words of comfort:
"Sometimes in our repentance, in our daily efforts to become more Christlike, we find ourselves repeatedly struggling with the same difficulties. As if we were climbing a tree-covered mountain, at times we don’t see our progress until we get closer to the top and look back from the high ridges. Don’t be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting."
Remember it is the way you are facing not where on the road.
Then there is this bit of hope:
"Repentance not only changes us, but it also blesses our families and those we love. With our righteous repentance, in the timetable of the Lord, the lengthened-out arms of the Savior will not only encircle us but will also extend into the lives of our children and posterity. Repentance always means that there is greater happiness ahead."
My prayer is that somewhere along the line my children are reaping the benefit of those members of my family who have turned to the Savior and who have repented. I also hope that I can call upon those blessings for myself and for my children. We need all we can get right now.
The Lord has called us to repent and we need to head that call. As Lucy from Peanuts fame says, "The Doctor is in." We just need to set up and appointment (tonight would be just fine) and let him exam our heart and heal us. It may take some time, but it will be worth it.
This talk is a rainbow of highlighter color.
I had the opportunity to talk in our Visiting Teaching Breakfast yesterday and about the Lord touching each of us through others. I have felt his loving arms around me because of acts of service that others have given to me (us). That love is real.
"We have each felt to some extent these spiritual arms around us. We have felt His forgiveness, His love and comfort. The Lord has said, “I am he [who] comforteth you.”
"When we sin, we turn away from God. When we repent, we turn back toward God."
I had a teacher put a line on the chalk board once and at one end wrote "Satan" and at the other wrote "Christ". She then took a little person and put him on the line near the end by Satan but facing Christ. She took another person and put him on the line almost on top of Christ but facing Satan. She then told us that it doesn't matter where you on on the line of righteousness, it matters what way you are facing. I've continued to think about that line often. Not where am I but what way am I facing.
"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments."
And I think until we see it as a voice of love and a call to return we will not be humbled enough to repent, or our repentance will not be a true and complete repentance.
We often think that we have to be whole before we can return. That is as crazy as me thinking I have to be cancer free before I go back and visit my doctor.
"Jesus declares, “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?”"
"How do we decide where our repentance should be focused? When a loved one or friend suggests things we need to change, the natural man in us sometimes pops up his head and responds, “Oh, you think I should change? Well, let me tell you about some of your problems.” A better approach is to humbly petition the Lord: “Father, what wouldst Thou have me do?” The answers come. We feel the changes we need to make. The Lord tells us in our mind and in our heart."
But how to humbly bend our knee and say those words. And more importantly how do I let my children know? I know pray that they can find their own way to humbly petition the Lord.
I've struggled with knowing if I'm truly moving forward and these words are great words of comfort:
"Sometimes in our repentance, in our daily efforts to become more Christlike, we find ourselves repeatedly struggling with the same difficulties. As if we were climbing a tree-covered mountain, at times we don’t see our progress until we get closer to the top and look back from the high ridges. Don’t be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting."
Remember it is the way you are facing not where on the road.
Then there is this bit of hope:
"Repentance not only changes us, but it also blesses our families and those we love. With our righteous repentance, in the timetable of the Lord, the lengthened-out arms of the Savior will not only encircle us but will also extend into the lives of our children and posterity. Repentance always means that there is greater happiness ahead."
My prayer is that somewhere along the line my children are reaping the benefit of those members of my family who have turned to the Savior and who have repented. I also hope that I can call upon those blessings for myself and for my children. We need all we can get right now.
The Lord has called us to repent and we need to head that call. As Lucy from Peanuts fame says, "The Doctor is in." We just need to set up and appointment (tonight would be just fine) and let him exam our heart and heal us. It may take some time, but it will be worth it.
Being Temperate in All Things
My thoughts on Elder Watson's talk "Being Temperate in All Things"
"In a spiritual sense, temperance is a divine attribute of Jesus Christ. He desires for each of us to develop this attribute. Learning to be temperate in all things is a spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost."
This statement makes me think of the song, "I'm trying to be like Jesus."
"Being temperate is to use moderation in all things or to exercise self-control."
Nothing in excess is good--not even temple attendance. We need to make sure that we are living a balanced life. I believe that is why we have the line "wholesome family recreation" in the Proclamation to the World. (My kids love that line.) I often think of the Prophet Joseph Smith playing with the kids--pulling sticks, arm wrestling etc. when he had so much to do. We need to tend to the needful things when the needful things need to be attended to, but we also need to remember to recharge our batteries.
I know many people talk about the Mary and Martha story. I truly believe that Christ was trying to teach us that sometimes we need to stop the business and have instructions. And likewise we need to remember that each thing has a time and place in our life. Moderation in all things.
But what about "temperance"
"Tempered glass, like tempered steel, undergoes a well-controlled heating process which increases strength. Thus, when tempered glass is under stress, it will not easily break into jagged shards that can injure.
"Likewise, a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today’s world."
I have been in a car when the glass breaks. It breaks in to millions of tiny pieces. Trying to put that together would take near on to three or four life-times. But it saved my life. In fact the little pieces kept me from severing vital arteries. Yes, it meant a ton of glass had to be picked out of my hair, clothes and even from my skin, but the damage would have been greater had it not be tempered. The windshield actually held together and therefore saved my life.
I wonder if I'm tempered? I wonder who badly I'll break? Am I able to bend with the trials and tribulation the Lord is giving me? I know I could do better as Elder Watson calls me to repent with this statement:
"When our hearts are stirred to anger by disputation and contention, the Savior taught that we should “repent, and become as a little child.” We should be reconciled with our brother and come to the Savior with full purpose of heart.
"When others are unkind, Jesus taught that “my kindness shall not depart from thee.”
"When we are confronted with affliction, He said: “Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.”
"When we are oppressed, we can be comforted in knowing “he was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.”12 “Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.”
"When Jesus Christ, the greatest of all, suffered for us to the extent that He bled from every pore, He did not express anger or revile in suffering. With unsurpassed self-restraint, or temperance, His thoughts were not of Himself but of you and of me. And then, in humility and full of love, He said, “Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”
Boy do I have a lot more to learn and teaching this to my children is so difficult.
"In a spiritual sense, temperance is a divine attribute of Jesus Christ. He desires for each of us to develop this attribute. Learning to be temperate in all things is a spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost."
This statement makes me think of the song, "I'm trying to be like Jesus."
"Being temperate is to use moderation in all things or to exercise self-control."
Nothing in excess is good--not even temple attendance. We need to make sure that we are living a balanced life. I believe that is why we have the line "wholesome family recreation" in the Proclamation to the World. (My kids love that line.) I often think of the Prophet Joseph Smith playing with the kids--pulling sticks, arm wrestling etc. when he had so much to do. We need to tend to the needful things when the needful things need to be attended to, but we also need to remember to recharge our batteries.
I know many people talk about the Mary and Martha story. I truly believe that Christ was trying to teach us that sometimes we need to stop the business and have instructions. And likewise we need to remember that each thing has a time and place in our life. Moderation in all things.
But what about "temperance"
"Tempered glass, like tempered steel, undergoes a well-controlled heating process which increases strength. Thus, when tempered glass is under stress, it will not easily break into jagged shards that can injure.
"Likewise, a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today’s world."
I have been in a car when the glass breaks. It breaks in to millions of tiny pieces. Trying to put that together would take near on to three or four life-times. But it saved my life. In fact the little pieces kept me from severing vital arteries. Yes, it meant a ton of glass had to be picked out of my hair, clothes and even from my skin, but the damage would have been greater had it not be tempered. The windshield actually held together and therefore saved my life.
I wonder if I'm tempered? I wonder who badly I'll break? Am I able to bend with the trials and tribulation the Lord is giving me? I know I could do better as Elder Watson calls me to repent with this statement:
"When our hearts are stirred to anger by disputation and contention, the Savior taught that we should “repent, and become as a little child.” We should be reconciled with our brother and come to the Savior with full purpose of heart.
"When others are unkind, Jesus taught that “my kindness shall not depart from thee.”
"When we are confronted with affliction, He said: “Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.”
"When we are oppressed, we can be comforted in knowing “he was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.”12 “Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.”
"When Jesus Christ, the greatest of all, suffered for us to the extent that He bled from every pore, He did not express anger or revile in suffering. With unsurpassed self-restraint, or temperance, His thoughts were not of Himself but of you and of me. And then, in humility and full of love, He said, “Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”
Boy do I have a lot more to learn and teaching this to my children is so difficult.
Joseph Smith--Prophet of the Restoration
My thoughts on Elder Callister's talk "Joseph Smith--Prophet of the Restoration"
It was shortly before I read this talk that a son of mine told me that he didn't believe in Joseph Smith, so with that eyes I read this talk. I truly wish he would read this or at least listen to those who are leading the FHE lesson.
In the light of the religious conversations that are happening all over the world today--especially those in my community--I think it is very important for us to realize the things that Elder Callister spoke of in this talk.
1. Joseph Smith learned that God the Father and His Son are two separate beings. Not many Christians in the world today believe that. We are one of the few. The Prophet is yet another witness of this.
2. They have bodies of flesh and bones. This means that what happened in 3 Nephi could and is true. It also means that the resurrection is real. For me that is huge for it gives me hope and faith for my loved ones who have passed before me.
3. That God speaks to man today. To mean this is the biggest and the most huge thing around. I have a friend who went searching for the true church after she read that Moses spoke face to face--as a man does--with God and so there had to be a church around that believe that he still does. Likewise I have another friend who believes that God had closed the heavens. I can't believe in a loving God and Father who wouldn't communicate to his children. I believe he speaks to Pres. Monson as he did with Moses, Jacob, Abraham, Adam, Nephi, Benjamin, etc. I also believe that he speaks to me through the Holy Ghost.
If he is truly the same today, yesterday and forever then there is little doubt that he doesn't speak to his prophets today and likewise me too.
I also believe that angels still appear, we just don't hear about them. I've always wanted to see one, but it may never happen for many reasons mostly because I don't need one to visit me.
We are unique in these ideas (at least having all three of them) and it is important to remember that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and therefore the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that God is the same today, yesterday and forever.
It was shortly before I read this talk that a son of mine told me that he didn't believe in Joseph Smith, so with that eyes I read this talk. I truly wish he would read this or at least listen to those who are leading the FHE lesson.
In the light of the religious conversations that are happening all over the world today--especially those in my community--I think it is very important for us to realize the things that Elder Callister spoke of in this talk.
1. Joseph Smith learned that God the Father and His Son are two separate beings. Not many Christians in the world today believe that. We are one of the few. The Prophet is yet another witness of this.
2. They have bodies of flesh and bones. This means that what happened in 3 Nephi could and is true. It also means that the resurrection is real. For me that is huge for it gives me hope and faith for my loved ones who have passed before me.
3. That God speaks to man today. To mean this is the biggest and the most huge thing around. I have a friend who went searching for the true church after she read that Moses spoke face to face--as a man does--with God and so there had to be a church around that believe that he still does. Likewise I have another friend who believes that God had closed the heavens. I can't believe in a loving God and Father who wouldn't communicate to his children. I believe he speaks to Pres. Monson as he did with Moses, Jacob, Abraham, Adam, Nephi, Benjamin, etc. I also believe that he speaks to me through the Holy Ghost.
If he is truly the same today, yesterday and forever then there is little doubt that he doesn't speak to his prophets today and likewise me too.
I also believe that angels still appear, we just don't hear about them. I've always wanted to see one, but it may never happen for many reasons mostly because I don't need one to visit me.
We are unique in these ideas (at least having all three of them) and it is important to remember that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and therefore the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that God is the same today, yesterday and forever.
Attempting the Impossible
My thought son Elder Zeballos' talk "Attempting the Impossible"
We are all attempting the impossible: PERFECTION! But thankfully the being who commanded us to be perfect not only provided the way, but also is merciful. But he does require us to be working towards it.
"The Lord does not expect that we do what we cannot achieve. The command to become perfect, as He is, encourages us to achieve the best of ourselves, to discover and develop the talents and attributes with which we are blessed by a loving Eternal Father, who invites us to realize our potential as children of God. He knows us; He knows of our capacities and our limitations. The invitation and challenge to become perfect, to achieve eternal life is for all mankind."
This whole talk was about hope.
"As we do so, we will be fulfilling the requirements defined by our Father in Heaven to bless us more than ever before, in this life as much as in life in the eternities. He yearns to give us all that He has, even make us participants of His greatest gift, which is eternal life."
What a Father. Even though all of us will fall short of perfection and we will disappoint Him time and time again, He will bless us. He will bless us for our obedience, our diligence and sometimes because someone else is praying for us.
I think those fact are so beautiful.
We are all attempting the impossible: PERFECTION! But thankfully the being who commanded us to be perfect not only provided the way, but also is merciful. But he does require us to be working towards it.
"The Lord does not expect that we do what we cannot achieve. The command to become perfect, as He is, encourages us to achieve the best of ourselves, to discover and develop the talents and attributes with which we are blessed by a loving Eternal Father, who invites us to realize our potential as children of God. He knows us; He knows of our capacities and our limitations. The invitation and challenge to become perfect, to achieve eternal life is for all mankind."
This whole talk was about hope.
"As we do so, we will be fulfilling the requirements defined by our Father in Heaven to bless us more than ever before, in this life as much as in life in the eternities. He yearns to give us all that He has, even make us participants of His greatest gift, which is eternal life."
What a Father. Even though all of us will fall short of perfection and we will disappoint Him time and time again, He will bless us. He will bless us for our obedience, our diligence and sometimes because someone else is praying for us.
I think those fact are so beautiful.
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