Last Sunday I was asked to give a talk on two of my favorite conference talks from April 2010. I haven't heard or read them all so I'm not sure these are my favorite, but this is the talk I gave. I hope you enjoy.
Recently in my personal scripture study I read the well known plea of Alma, "Oh that I were an angel and could have the wish of my heart…" His wish was to cry repentance unto all nations. It made me think about what my wish--my ONE wish--of my heart is.
As I have thought about it and the things I wish I could have, I made a list.
A slim body
A stuffed bank account
My mom
My sister
My father-in-law
Cured from cancer
All of those are great things to wish for, but it isn't the one wish I have. Even with me facing surgery in 24 hours and the start of chemotherapy in 36, my wish is the same as Lehi's. That all of my children will cling to the iron rod and that there will be no "empty chairs" (as president Eyring said) around the dinner table in heaven. As I have pondered on this and struggled with the idea that if the Lord was granting wishes this weekend--one to every one who asked--my wish would not be for healing but for a surety that all of my children will never let go of the iron rod and that it would lead them to the Holy Temple where they too will make one of the most beautiful and sacred covenants that assures them to be at our family's table in Heaven. That is the wish of my heart.
As many of you know I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma late last summer. We were hoping that a round of radiation would knock it out. But that didn’t happen. The second round didn't do it either and now we are staring the last treatment option available: chemotherapy. As I face this treatment I have to have hope. Hope in my doctors and nurses. Hope in the researchers. Hope in the treatment. I have studied what I will go through. I've learned more about cancer than I ever wanted to know. Cancer books, pamphlets and literature have filled my waking moments. I know a lot about what is about to happen to me. Because of that I have hope.
I have studied the scriptures and the Plan of Salvation and I know what is going to happen. Because of that I have hope.
In Elder Andersen's talk " The Rock of Our Redeemer" he talks about hope. He talks about how the saints in 1846 were forced in February to cross a frozen Mississippi to escape the persecution of the Illinois mobs. My family was in those companies that crossed the river and then proceeded to walk to Salt Lake. I have read their journals. It is true they were full of hope. Hope for a place to live in peace. Hope for a place where they could worship Heavenly Father and Jesus their Savior without having one eye and ear open to spot trouble lurking outside. They were full of hope. They had hope because they have built up their faith. But it wasn't faith in Joseph Smith or Brigham Young or even themselves. It was faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They had faith that led them to hope.
"Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope."
I quote Elder Andersen:
"Hope comes from faith in Jesus Christ. He has already overcome the world and has promised that He will wipe away our tears if we will only turn to Him and believe and follow.
Some who at this very moment feel desperate or discouraged may wonder how they can possibly regain hope. If you are one of those, remember that hope comes as a result of faith. If we would build our hope, we must build our faith.
Faith in the Savior requires more than mere belief. The Apostle James taught that even the devils believe and tremble. But true faith requires work. The difference between the devils and the faithful members of this Church is not belief but work. Faith grows by keeping the commandments. We must work at keeping the commandments. From the Bible Dictionary we read that “miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness.”
"When we strive to keep the commandments of God, repenting of our sins and promising our best efforts to follow the Savior, we begin to grow in confidence that through the Atonement everything will be all right. Those feelings are confirmed by the Holy Ghost, who drives from us what our pioneer mothers and fathers called “our useless cares.” In spite of our trials, we are filled with a sense of well-being and feel to sing with them that indeed “all is well.""
And those who are righteous do indeed reap the blessings of miracles. I have witnessed and been part of many miracles.
As I have been reading the Book of Mormon recently I came upon Alma's words to the people of Gideon found in Alma 7. He testifies of the Savior and in it says this:
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Our Savior didn't just suffer in the Garden for those who had sin. The drops of blood weren't just for those who stole or murdered, no they were for you and me--those who live a relatively righteous and good life. They were for the physical pains of illness of heart ache. He did so because he who would comfort us, needed to know what it felt like to have that physical pain, that physical heart ache. Those drops were so he could "know according to the flesh how to succor" me.
Elder Andersen said:
"I speak to all who suffer, to all who mourn, to all who now face or who will yet face trials and challenges in this life. My message is to all who are worried or afraid or discouraged. My message is but an echo, a reminder of the constant comforting counsel from a loving Father to His children since the world began.
“Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”
It is now for me to use my faith and hope in my Savior to ask for that succor and those miracles and blessings that our family so needs at this time. It is through our faith that our family has hope.
Elder Oaks talked about priesthood blessings for the sick. Many of us didn't not get to hear this talk since he gave it in the Priesthood session, but I urge you to read it, it is powerful.
He talks about five parts of blessings of the sick, but I will only talk about two: Faith & The will of the Lord.
"Faith is essential for healing by the powers of heaven. The Book of Mormon even teaches that “if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them”. In a notable talk on administering to the sick, President Spencer W. Kimball said: “The need of faith is often underestimated. The ill one and the family often seem to depend wholly on the power of the priesthood and the gift of healing that they hope the administering brethren may have, whereas the greater responsibility is with him who is blessed. . . . The major element is the faith of the individual when that person is conscious and accountable. ‘Thy faith hath made thee whole’ was repeated so often by the Master that it almost became a chorus.”
As Elder Andersen taught us, it is through obedience and our righteousness that we build up our faith in Jesus Christ. And it is through that faith that we gain hope. I do not think I could walk this path that the Lord has asked me to walk without hope. It is too much to ask of anyone. There has been too much sadness and trials in my life to continue, or so the world tells me, but like Job I have faith enough to hope for better things. And if not in this life in the next. I do not want to miss it.
Aligning my will with the Lord's is one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I don't know why for over 40 plus years I have fought him over this--I always lose, but I continue to question his time table. Our natural man asks the "why?" questions and our spiritual man asks the "what now?" questions of the Lord. Or better yet, they reply, "Here am I, send me." or as Nephi said, "I will go and do…"
Elder Oaks said, "As children of God, knowing of His great love and His ultimate knowledge of what is best for our eternal welfare, we trust in Him. The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith means trust."
I have faith. I have faith that he truly did suffer the pains of cancer, the heart break of motherhood and the heart break of losing those you love.
I have trust. I can trust that his will is the will that I need to align myself with but I must first ask to know his will.
I have hope. Hope that no matter where this journey takes me here on earth, I know where it will end in heaven. I know that I will be sitting in one of those chairs with the others in my family who have held to the Iron Rod and lived righteously and joyously here on earth. My one wish is that those whom I love so dearly, my husband and my children will be there too. I know that my sister, my mother and my father-in-law are there waiting for us to finish our earthly mission and to take our seats at the table. My one wish is that my children will hold to the Rod, taste the fruit and have their feet firmly planted on the Rock of their Redeemer.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Moral Discipline
My thoughts on Elder Christofferson's talk "Moral Discipline"
Elder Faust story in front of a military board, "I do not believe there is a double standard of morality."
"This was one of the critical crossroads of my life."
Elder Christofferson says, "He also understood and demonstrated that, for positive outcomes, moral agency must be accompanied by moral discipline."
and continues with:
"By “moral discipline,” I mean self-discipline based on moral standards. Moral discipline is the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard. It rejects the self-absorbed life in favor of developing character worthy of respect and true greatness through Christlike service (see Mark 10:42–45). The root of the word discipline is shared by the word disciple, suggesting to the mind the fact that conformity to the example and teachings of Jesus Christ is the ideal discipline that, coupled with His grace, forms a virtuous and morally excellent person."
He then talks about how self-discipline has "eroded and societies are left to try to maintain order and civility by compulsion." Satan is winning the battle and we are giving more and more of our agency away. We are being governed to death because we as a society can not self-govern. How sad. I think of the verse that says, "men's hearts will wax cold."
"...major causes was widespread dishonest and unethical conduct..."
"...but other will simply get more creative in their circumvention."
I was reading an opinion piece in a national magazine that echoed the same lament that society must have everything they can't do written down or they will do it even if it isn't a good thing. I remember the title to be something like "Ten wasn't good enough so now we have 10 (raised to the 10) commandments".
"We would not accept the yoke of Christ, so now we must tremble at the yoke of Caesar."
"In the end, it is only an internal moral compass in each individual that can effectively deal with the root causes as well as the symptoms of societal decay. Societies will struggle in vain to establish the common good until sin is denounced as sin and moral discipline takes its place in the pantheon of civic virtues."
I often long for the Second Coming. I long for a time when men will do good because it is the right thing to do not because there is a reward at the end. I long for the time when I don't have to explain how we need to be honest when the example around them is of all those who dishonestly came into to wealth. I long for a day when love is the guiding force behind the few laws that govern man-kind.
"Moral discipline is learned at home."
Society is NOT learning it at school or at work. In fact those two institutions are teaching just the opposite and until we wake up and see that we will have to continue to battle the outside world.
A long time ago our family chose the name "Helaman's Academy" for our school because "“Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47).
"Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually” (Alma 57:27)."
Elder Christofferon says:
"Here we find a standard for what should happen in our homes and in the Church. Our teaching should draw upon our own faith and focus first and foremost on instilling faith in God in the rising generation. We must declare the essential need to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before Him in soberness, or in other words, with reverence. Each must be persuaded that service and sacrifice for the well-being and happiness of others are far superior to making one’s own comfort and possessions the highest priority.
"This requires more than an occasional reference to one or another gospel principle. There must be constant teaching, mostly by example."
We can not let our children make up their own minds about what they will believe without letting them first know and learn. We must remember that it is the "intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the truth, of things as they really are." How can they make up their minds about things so important without fully understanding them.
It is our duty to instill in our children a will and a desire to do good because it is what is right and good. We will have to comfort them when doing so gets them ridicules and laughed at. We will have to bare that burden ourselves as we become less and less. We will have to stand as witnesses of goodness and right, of moral and decency until He comes again to reign. It is a hard thing, but it must be worth it or he wouldn't have asked it of us.
Elder Faust story in front of a military board, "I do not believe there is a double standard of morality."
"This was one of the critical crossroads of my life."
Elder Christofferson says, "He also understood and demonstrated that, for positive outcomes, moral agency must be accompanied by moral discipline."
and continues with:
"By “moral discipline,” I mean self-discipline based on moral standards. Moral discipline is the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard. It rejects the self-absorbed life in favor of developing character worthy of respect and true greatness through Christlike service (see Mark 10:42–45). The root of the word discipline is shared by the word disciple, suggesting to the mind the fact that conformity to the example and teachings of Jesus Christ is the ideal discipline that, coupled with His grace, forms a virtuous and morally excellent person."
He then talks about how self-discipline has "eroded and societies are left to try to maintain order and civility by compulsion." Satan is winning the battle and we are giving more and more of our agency away. We are being governed to death because we as a society can not self-govern. How sad. I think of the verse that says, "men's hearts will wax cold."
"...major causes was widespread dishonest and unethical conduct..."
"...but other will simply get more creative in their circumvention."
I was reading an opinion piece in a national magazine that echoed the same lament that society must have everything they can't do written down or they will do it even if it isn't a good thing. I remember the title to be something like "Ten wasn't good enough so now we have 10 (raised to the 10) commandments".
"We would not accept the yoke of Christ, so now we must tremble at the yoke of Caesar."
"In the end, it is only an internal moral compass in each individual that can effectively deal with the root causes as well as the symptoms of societal decay. Societies will struggle in vain to establish the common good until sin is denounced as sin and moral discipline takes its place in the pantheon of civic virtues."
I often long for the Second Coming. I long for a time when men will do good because it is the right thing to do not because there is a reward at the end. I long for the time when I don't have to explain how we need to be honest when the example around them is of all those who dishonestly came into to wealth. I long for a day when love is the guiding force behind the few laws that govern man-kind.
"Moral discipline is learned at home."
Society is NOT learning it at school or at work. In fact those two institutions are teaching just the opposite and until we wake up and see that we will have to continue to battle the outside world.
A long time ago our family chose the name "Helaman's Academy" for our school because "“Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47).
"Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually” (Alma 57:27)."
Elder Christofferon says:
"Here we find a standard for what should happen in our homes and in the Church. Our teaching should draw upon our own faith and focus first and foremost on instilling faith in God in the rising generation. We must declare the essential need to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before Him in soberness, or in other words, with reverence. Each must be persuaded that service and sacrifice for the well-being and happiness of others are far superior to making one’s own comfort and possessions the highest priority.
"This requires more than an occasional reference to one or another gospel principle. There must be constant teaching, mostly by example."
We can not let our children make up their own minds about what they will believe without letting them first know and learn. We must remember that it is the "intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the truth, of things as they really are." How can they make up their minds about things so important without fully understanding them.
It is our duty to instill in our children a will and a desire to do good because it is what is right and good. We will have to comfort them when doing so gets them ridicules and laughed at. We will have to bare that burden ourselves as we become less and less. We will have to stand as witnesses of goodness and right, of moral and decency until He comes again to reign. It is a hard thing, but it must be worth it or he wouldn't have asked it of us.
Blessings of the Gospel Available to All
My thoughts on Elder Sitati's talk "Blessings of the Gospel Available to All"
First off, how wonderful it is to see our General Authorities from far off lands stand at the pulpit and speak to us in a language that is obviously not their first language. You can feel the spirit as the accent they speak with make it difficult to understand their words and yet you do understand them perfectly. It is truly the Spirit that teaches. (If sending 19 year old boys to foreign counties wasn't enough proof of that.)
He gives us a great history lesson. Very well summarized. We see how the Lord keeps his promises and allows all men the agency we fought so hard to win in Heaven. The Lord is great to us.
What beautiful words he says:
"A new celestial culture is developing in homes, nurtured by the ready hearkening to the counsel of the living prophet to have daily prayer and scripture study and to meet once a week as a family in home evening. As a result, many are able to break free from the shackles of traditions that restrict the exercise of their agency."
"Celestial culture is developing in homes" Do we have a celestial culture in our home?
First off, how wonderful it is to see our General Authorities from far off lands stand at the pulpit and speak to us in a language that is obviously not their first language. You can feel the spirit as the accent they speak with make it difficult to understand their words and yet you do understand them perfectly. It is truly the Spirit that teaches. (If sending 19 year old boys to foreign counties wasn't enough proof of that.)
He gives us a great history lesson. Very well summarized. We see how the Lord keeps his promises and allows all men the agency we fought so hard to win in Heaven. The Lord is great to us.
What beautiful words he says:
"A new celestial culture is developing in homes, nurtured by the ready hearkening to the counsel of the living prophet to have daily prayer and scripture study and to meet once a week as a family in home evening. As a result, many are able to break free from the shackles of traditions that restrict the exercise of their agency."
"Celestial culture is developing in homes" Do we have a celestial culture in our home?
An Easiness and Willingness to Believe
My thoughts on Elder Ringwood's talk "An Easiness and Willingness to Believe"
The last talk was about keeping the change of heart and this one is about getting that change in heart.
"As I pondered what caused this mighty change in the hearts of these Lamanites, I came to realize this easiness and willingness to believe in the word of God comes from a softness of heart. It comes from having a heart that is sensitive to the Holy Ghost. It comes from having a heart that can love. It comes from having a heart that will make and keep sacred covenants. It comes from a soft heart that can feel the power of the Atonement of Christ."
We are to sacrifice a broken heart and contrite spirit. That is what is required today for our sacrifice. That is what is required for us to become true believers.
How do we become like those who have an easiness and are willing to believe?
Elder Ringwood tells us:
"If you are like me, you will find what really brought an easiness and willingness to believe were not the circumstances but the commitment to live the gospel during these periods of life. You were found more often on your knees and immersed in the scriptures during these periods. You found it easier to gather for family home evening and family prayer. You found it easy to be in church and to worship in the temple. You found it easy to pay tithes and offerings. Indeed, the daily living of the gospel brings a softness of heart needed to have an easiness and willingness to believe the word of God."
I had a conversation with a friend about this but we didn't know it. She said it was really hard for her family to have regular family home evening. They had never made it a priority and because they homeschool it was like an extension of school only with dad (if he was home from work). But she had a friend who never missed family home evening. But when it came to tithing the two are just the opposite. My friend doesn't see it as a burden and doesn't give it a second thought as she writes out the monthly check. Her faithfully holding FHE friend on the other hand, has the most difficult of time writing out that check. And I have no problem doing either of those.
I can only hope that I have passed on the ease and willingness to believe to my children, much like my mother did to me.
The last talk was about keeping the change of heart and this one is about getting that change in heart.
"As I pondered what caused this mighty change in the hearts of these Lamanites, I came to realize this easiness and willingness to believe in the word of God comes from a softness of heart. It comes from having a heart that is sensitive to the Holy Ghost. It comes from having a heart that can love. It comes from having a heart that will make and keep sacred covenants. It comes from a soft heart that can feel the power of the Atonement of Christ."
We are to sacrifice a broken heart and contrite spirit. That is what is required today for our sacrifice. That is what is required for us to become true believers.
How do we become like those who have an easiness and are willing to believe?
Elder Ringwood tells us:
"If you are like me, you will find what really brought an easiness and willingness to believe were not the circumstances but the commitment to live the gospel during these periods of life. You were found more often on your knees and immersed in the scriptures during these periods. You found it easier to gather for family home evening and family prayer. You found it easy to be in church and to worship in the temple. You found it easy to pay tithes and offerings. Indeed, the daily living of the gospel brings a softness of heart needed to have an easiness and willingness to believe the word of God."
I had a conversation with a friend about this but we didn't know it. She said it was really hard for her family to have regular family home evening. They had never made it a priority and because they homeschool it was like an extension of school only with dad (if he was home from work). But she had a friend who never missed family home evening. But when it came to tithing the two are just the opposite. My friend doesn't see it as a burden and doesn't give it a second thought as she writes out the monthly check. Her faithfully holding FHE friend on the other hand, has the most difficult of time writing out that check. And I have no problem doing either of those.
I can only hope that I have passed on the ease and willingness to believe to my children, much like my mother did to me.
Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change
My thoughts on Elder Renlund's talk, "Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change"
I really loved this talk. I have been reading/studying the Book of Mormon this year along with my seminary kids and the "mighty change of heart" chapters in Alma have taken on another layer. (Oh, I love when that happens.) Then to reread this talk has brought yet another layer to my discovery.
"Through the Atonement of Christ and by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, we undergo this ultimate operation, this spiritual change of heart. As a result of our transgressions, our spiritual hearts have become diseased and hardened, making us subject to spiritual death and separation from our Heavenly Father. The Lord explained the operation that we all need: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”"
(an aside: Think about the parable of the sower and the grounds which he threw the seed and the stony way side and now the stony heart that is removed by Savior himself. Just something to think about.)
I am becoming all to knowledgeable with medical stuff and I know how we can become complacent and lax in taking our medication and then one day: BAM! We realize why we had been taking said drug or doing said thing. It was to maintain what we have (or had). It is for our own good.
The fourth Article of Faith misses I think the most important part of the gospel and that is the fifth and hardest step: Enduring to the end. This is the maintenance part. This is where we prove ourselves worth of that heart given to us. This is were we earn our spot in heaven.
Can we be like the people of Ammon "were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away." How can we? It is simple and yet hard. It is doing what you did to be converted in the first place. Faith, Repentance, Baptism (renewal of covenants during the sacrament) and obeying, listening and petition for the Holy Ghost. This is the enduring to the end--repeating it all over again and again and progressing to the next level of understanding what those four steps are all about.
We can not have a casual relationship with those five steps. We must have a constant and purposeful relationship with them if we want to improve.
I have been training for a marathon (well a half marathon) and I will tell you that in September when I first started I ran/walked for 30 minutes each day (well I didn't run on Sunday or Friday--you need rest days). In October I stopped walking and just ran. In November I added time to two of the five days. In December we added yet more time to one of the days of the week. In January we added time to yet another day of the week.(So now I'm running 30 min on Monday, 40 on Tuesday, 50 on Thursday and on Saturday I'm pushing it up and over an hour, some weeks even going 80 minutes.) Then we add hill training on Tuesday and Thursday. Then we trade the hills for tempo training and up the Saturday training to a total of 120 minutes. All so I can run 13.1 miles four weeks later (May 2, 2010). This is a well designed plan for those who have never ran before. It is amazing what I can do now. But I can't just get up on May 2 and run 13.1 miles without putting in those 500 plus miles over the past six months. There is NO WAY! I couldn't take December off just because it was below freezing. I can't take February off because it was raining every day. No! I had to put in my training every day. (I won't even get into the diet and other stuff.)
I have now decided to run a full marathon in November. In talking with my coaches (listen to this and see if you don't see the parallels) they said that I must continue to MAINTAIN what I have already started. I should take a week break after my half marathon to allow the body to heal but then I should get back out there and keep putting miles on my feet. I will have yet another program to follow--30 minutes and build up. (Actually mine will be a bit more because I already am in "shape".) But they said, I can't take months off; just a week. I must lace up my shoes and get back out on the pavement if I'm going to cross the finish line 26.2 miles from the finish line.
Once we have made that change in our hearts, we can't sit back and let everything go--we have to put in the time on our feet! We have to MAINTAIN what we gained so that when called upon to do harder and greater things we can.
I really loved this talk. I have been reading/studying the Book of Mormon this year along with my seminary kids and the "mighty change of heart" chapters in Alma have taken on another layer. (Oh, I love when that happens.) Then to reread this talk has brought yet another layer to my discovery.
"Through the Atonement of Christ and by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, we undergo this ultimate operation, this spiritual change of heart. As a result of our transgressions, our spiritual hearts have become diseased and hardened, making us subject to spiritual death and separation from our Heavenly Father. The Lord explained the operation that we all need: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”"
(an aside: Think about the parable of the sower and the grounds which he threw the seed and the stony way side and now the stony heart that is removed by Savior himself. Just something to think about.)
I am becoming all to knowledgeable with medical stuff and I know how we can become complacent and lax in taking our medication and then one day: BAM! We realize why we had been taking said drug or doing said thing. It was to maintain what we have (or had). It is for our own good.
The fourth Article of Faith misses I think the most important part of the gospel and that is the fifth and hardest step: Enduring to the end. This is the maintenance part. This is where we prove ourselves worth of that heart given to us. This is were we earn our spot in heaven.
Can we be like the people of Ammon "were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away." How can we? It is simple and yet hard. It is doing what you did to be converted in the first place. Faith, Repentance, Baptism (renewal of covenants during the sacrament) and obeying, listening and petition for the Holy Ghost. This is the enduring to the end--repeating it all over again and again and progressing to the next level of understanding what those four steps are all about.
We can not have a casual relationship with those five steps. We must have a constant and purposeful relationship with them if we want to improve.
I have been training for a marathon (well a half marathon) and I will tell you that in September when I first started I ran/walked for 30 minutes each day (well I didn't run on Sunday or Friday--you need rest days). In October I stopped walking and just ran. In November I added time to two of the five days. In December we added yet more time to one of the days of the week. In January we added time to yet another day of the week.(So now I'm running 30 min on Monday, 40 on Tuesday, 50 on Thursday and on Saturday I'm pushing it up and over an hour, some weeks even going 80 minutes.) Then we add hill training on Tuesday and Thursday. Then we trade the hills for tempo training and up the Saturday training to a total of 120 minutes. All so I can run 13.1 miles four weeks later (May 2, 2010). This is a well designed plan for those who have never ran before. It is amazing what I can do now. But I can't just get up on May 2 and run 13.1 miles without putting in those 500 plus miles over the past six months. There is NO WAY! I couldn't take December off just because it was below freezing. I can't take February off because it was raining every day. No! I had to put in my training every day. (I won't even get into the diet and other stuff.)
I have now decided to run a full marathon in November. In talking with my coaches (listen to this and see if you don't see the parallels) they said that I must continue to MAINTAIN what I have already started. I should take a week break after my half marathon to allow the body to heal but then I should get back out there and keep putting miles on my feet. I will have yet another program to follow--30 minutes and build up. (Actually mine will be a bit more because I already am in "shape".) But they said, I can't take months off; just a week. I must lace up my shoes and get back out on the pavement if I'm going to cross the finish line 26.2 miles from the finish line.
Once we have made that change in our hearts, we can't sit back and let everything go--we have to put in the time on our feet! We have to MAINTAIN what we gained so that when called upon to do harder and greater things we can.
A Call to the Rising Generation
My thoughts on Elder Nielson's talk "A Call to the Rising Generation"
"Who are the laborers in the vineyard who have assisted in bringing to pass this marvelous work and a wonder? They are certainly the prophets and apostles seated before us today. They are also the wonderful stake presidents and bishops who have served so faithfully. But they are also your parents—the mothers and fathers—aunts and uncles, and brothers and sisters who sit beside you, the rising generation today. Most critical, however, is the fact that as we strive to take the gospel to all nations, we have just begun to scratch the surface."
Instead of going on a mission I got married. Though I don't regret the decision to marry Steve, I do feel a twinge of regret of not serving a mission. I'm my mother's only child not to serve (six siblings served faithfully). I have always hoped that my children will serve a mission. I know the bar has been raised and rightly so. No longer is it "every worthy young man". I so hope that I have prepared my young sons and more importantly put in them the desire to serve. I'm not sure I have. That is what scares me the most is I don't know if I have help them desire to serve.
"Who are the laborers in the vineyard who have assisted in bringing to pass this marvelous work and a wonder? They are certainly the prophets and apostles seated before us today. They are also the wonderful stake presidents and bishops who have served so faithfully. But they are also your parents—the mothers and fathers—aunts and uncles, and brothers and sisters who sit beside you, the rising generation today. Most critical, however, is the fact that as we strive to take the gospel to all nations, we have just begun to scratch the surface."
Instead of going on a mission I got married. Though I don't regret the decision to marry Steve, I do feel a twinge of regret of not serving a mission. I'm my mother's only child not to serve (six siblings served faithfully). I have always hoped that my children will serve a mission. I know the bar has been raised and rightly so. No longer is it "every worthy young man". I so hope that I have prepared my young sons and more importantly put in them the desire to serve. I'm not sure I have. That is what scares me the most is I don't know if I have help them desire to serve.
Stewardship--a Sacred Trust
My thoughts on Elder Cook's talk "Stewardship--a Sacred Trust"
"He cited concepts from Jewish thinkers rooted in the Talmud and pointed out that there are two very different reasons people engage in acts of kindness and generosity. Some people visit the sick, assist the poor, and serve their fellowmen because they believe it is the right thing to do and others will reciprocate and do the same for them when they are in need. He explained that while this is good, builds caring communities, and should be considered a noble reason, a higher motive is when we serve our fellowmen because that is what we believe God wants us to do."
I personally believe that most of us start serving because of the first reason and you can say that it is a selfish reason, but most of us grow up and learn that serving others just feels good and is the right thing to do and of course it would be the thing that God wants us to do because he is a God of happiness. "Men are that they might have joy."
I know I serve because that is how I show love. Sometimes I do serve out of a sense of duty or a reward (other serve me or praise of man) and sometimes I serve because I do want it to be repaid, but often I find that is how I start but it is not how I end my service. I know that on the occasions that I don't have it turn my heart that the service kind of left an aftertaste in my soul. It is when it turns to doing it because I love those I serve or because it what God wants that is when the aftertaste is sweeter.
"As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is our sacred responsibility to teach His standard of morality, which is the same for all of His children."
I know that because I love those I serve (my children) I take this stewardship and command to teach to heart. It is my responsibility not only to teach but to protect my family from the pollutants of the world. As my oldest is now out and about in the world, I am more scared than ever that my teaching fell among thorns. I know he has access to unfiltered computers at school and I worry. I know he is surrounded by those whose standards are sub par and I worry. I ask myself, "Did I do everything I could?" Of course we fought a battle so that he could exercise his agency, but still....
Can I pass the test?
"With respect to our stewardship for our families, some have taught that when we report to the Savior and He asks us to give an account of our earthly responsibilities, two important inquiries will relate to our families. The first will be our relationship with our spouse, and the second will be about each of our children."
As the family proclamation warns: "who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God."
Have I provided for them? Have I taught them? Have I helped them discover and develop their talents? What can I do today to change the parts that I'm delinquent in?
The first stewardship was about us and our family and the second is about the sick and needy. What do we do to help? I know that my family spends two hours each week working for a food bank. We go to a bakery outlet and get all the stuff that didn't sale and take it to a food bank. We have to count and log all the bread, pastries, etc each week. I'm so thankful that we get to do this every week.
The other day I was going through my kids clothes and decided that they had way too much and that we needed to declutter our closets. My kids were hesitant to part with beloved shirts or shirts that they might wear one day until I said, "But we will be helping those kids who don't have clothes. We will give our clothes to the church and they will give them to kids who need clothes." It was amazing how many bags of clothes we took to the DI truck.
I know when the Bishop calls for strong arms to help move a family, my family provides four "men" as well as a large van and trailer.
We don't serve because we have to, but because we want to and love those we serve. We understand fully that it is only through our hands that the Lord can physically help those around us and we are happy to head the call to serve. I just hope that when the call comes it isn't busy or that we miss it.
"He cited concepts from Jewish thinkers rooted in the Talmud and pointed out that there are two very different reasons people engage in acts of kindness and generosity. Some people visit the sick, assist the poor, and serve their fellowmen because they believe it is the right thing to do and others will reciprocate and do the same for them when they are in need. He explained that while this is good, builds caring communities, and should be considered a noble reason, a higher motive is when we serve our fellowmen because that is what we believe God wants us to do."
I personally believe that most of us start serving because of the first reason and you can say that it is a selfish reason, but most of us grow up and learn that serving others just feels good and is the right thing to do and of course it would be the thing that God wants us to do because he is a God of happiness. "Men are that they might have joy."
I know I serve because that is how I show love. Sometimes I do serve out of a sense of duty or a reward (other serve me or praise of man) and sometimes I serve because I do want it to be repaid, but often I find that is how I start but it is not how I end my service. I know that on the occasions that I don't have it turn my heart that the service kind of left an aftertaste in my soul. It is when it turns to doing it because I love those I serve or because it what God wants that is when the aftertaste is sweeter.
"As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is our sacred responsibility to teach His standard of morality, which is the same for all of His children."
I know that because I love those I serve (my children) I take this stewardship and command to teach to heart. It is my responsibility not only to teach but to protect my family from the pollutants of the world. As my oldest is now out and about in the world, I am more scared than ever that my teaching fell among thorns. I know he has access to unfiltered computers at school and I worry. I know he is surrounded by those whose standards are sub par and I worry. I ask myself, "Did I do everything I could?" Of course we fought a battle so that he could exercise his agency, but still....
Can I pass the test?
"With respect to our stewardship for our families, some have taught that when we report to the Savior and He asks us to give an account of our earthly responsibilities, two important inquiries will relate to our families. The first will be our relationship with our spouse, and the second will be about each of our children."
As the family proclamation warns: "who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God."
Have I provided for them? Have I taught them? Have I helped them discover and develop their talents? What can I do today to change the parts that I'm delinquent in?
The first stewardship was about us and our family and the second is about the sick and needy. What do we do to help? I know that my family spends two hours each week working for a food bank. We go to a bakery outlet and get all the stuff that didn't sale and take it to a food bank. We have to count and log all the bread, pastries, etc each week. I'm so thankful that we get to do this every week.
The other day I was going through my kids clothes and decided that they had way too much and that we needed to declutter our closets. My kids were hesitant to part with beloved shirts or shirts that they might wear one day until I said, "But we will be helping those kids who don't have clothes. We will give our clothes to the church and they will give them to kids who need clothes." It was amazing how many bags of clothes we took to the DI truck.
I know when the Bishop calls for strong arms to help move a family, my family provides four "men" as well as a large van and trailer.
We don't serve because we have to, but because we want to and love those we serve. We understand fully that it is only through our hands that the Lord can physically help those around us and we are happy to head the call to serve. I just hope that when the call comes it isn't busy or that we miss it.
Safety for the Soul
My thoughts on Elder Holland's talk "Safety for the Soul"
"The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth."
"Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days “men’s hearts [shall fail] them.”"
"Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair."
The Book of Mormon helps us from being deceived, helps us keep our spiritual heart in shape and provides ways for love, healing, help and hope. It truly is our safety line in these days of despair and ugliness.
I find it kind of soothing that like I Joseph and Hyrum turned to the Book of Mormon in their time of hopelessness to find that hope. I have never found so much solace and comfort in the Book of Mormon--even through the warring chapters--as I have had since being diagnosed with cancer. I find such great hope in reading about other who have struggled in worse conditions than I (I have my family surrounding me) and as they have held true to the truth and fast to the Iron Rod their families were blessed. I think of the Book of Mormon promise: that as long as you are faithful you will prosper in the land and how that applies to me today. Prosper isn't just about what is in our bank account but more. Am I righteous and faithful enough to call upon the blessings of the Book of Mormon? He said those who possess the land will be blessed if they are righteous. I know I need those blessings now. I know I need the hope of the plan of salvation. I need to know that I'm loved, listened to and watched out for. I need to know or my heart might fail me. Therefore I continue to read. I continue to ponder and search the words of truth and happiness.
I have an old friend who has since given up her membership in the church. She said that she has "found" Jesus. My heart ache for her. I see the words she writes daily in her blogs and emails but there is a lack of conviction and sincerity behind them. There is just something lacking. On the other side, the communication I have with another faithful sister isn't lacking that happiness. That hope that comes from knowing that Chris lives, and that the plan of salvation is about family and the sealing of that family.
I was once challenged to read the Book of Mormon and color everything with the word family. How my heart broke for those in families who gave up that bond and rejoiced when I saw others in the book give up wickedness for family. The gospel is all about family.
The Book of Mormon is that safety line that if used and followed will keep us tight with the Rod of Iron and safe from "heart attacks".
"The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth."
"Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days “men’s hearts [shall fail] them.”"
"Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair."
The Book of Mormon helps us from being deceived, helps us keep our spiritual heart in shape and provides ways for love, healing, help and hope. It truly is our safety line in these days of despair and ugliness.
I find it kind of soothing that like I Joseph and Hyrum turned to the Book of Mormon in their time of hopelessness to find that hope. I have never found so much solace and comfort in the Book of Mormon--even through the warring chapters--as I have had since being diagnosed with cancer. I find such great hope in reading about other who have struggled in worse conditions than I (I have my family surrounding me) and as they have held true to the truth and fast to the Iron Rod their families were blessed. I think of the Book of Mormon promise: that as long as you are faithful you will prosper in the land and how that applies to me today. Prosper isn't just about what is in our bank account but more. Am I righteous and faithful enough to call upon the blessings of the Book of Mormon? He said those who possess the land will be blessed if they are righteous. I know I need those blessings now. I know I need the hope of the plan of salvation. I need to know that I'm loved, listened to and watched out for. I need to know or my heart might fail me. Therefore I continue to read. I continue to ponder and search the words of truth and happiness.
I have an old friend who has since given up her membership in the church. She said that she has "found" Jesus. My heart ache for her. I see the words she writes daily in her blogs and emails but there is a lack of conviction and sincerity behind them. There is just something lacking. On the other side, the communication I have with another faithful sister isn't lacking that happiness. That hope that comes from knowing that Chris lives, and that the plan of salvation is about family and the sealing of that family.
I was once challenged to read the Book of Mormon and color everything with the word family. How my heart broke for those in families who gave up that bond and rejoiced when I saw others in the book give up wickedness for family. The gospel is all about family.
The Book of Mormon is that safety line that if used and followed will keep us tight with the Rod of Iron and safe from "heart attacks".
What Have I Done for Someone Today?
My thoughts on President Monson's talk "What Have I Done for Someone Today?"
I loved this talk. I felt like a grandfather was talking to me. He wasn't lecturing me, but telling me how to live my life so that I could be happy.
I'm a strong believer in service. I know that is how I best show those I love that I love them. If my children want to say "I love you" I would rather they clean up the kitchen or their bathroom or their bedroom without being asked than say it or write it. I would much rather they put in a few hours of yard work than walking the mall trying to come up with the perfect Mother's Day gift for me. My saying is "If ye love me serve me."
I thought it was a hollow statement when the Bishop or High Councilor or the Relief Society President would get up and say, "We pray for you and love you." I thought how ridiculous. Well, I was put in my place about 10 years ago when I was asked to serve as the Relief Society President. I learned really fast that those you serve and pray for you soon love. Even those you may never have met. I found that those names on the rolls who would NEVER let me in their door were the ones that I learned to love the most. I will never think those words are hollow any more because they aren't.
As my ability to serve has diminished and my need to serve has grown, it has been really hard for me to accept it. But as I have learned recently that I need to allow others to hold us their baptismal covenant to and be served. I have to strip away my pride and let people see me at my worst: dishes piled high, laundry not done, piles of paper work, school work and "stuff" all over. I have learned that others need to bare my burdens. This is truly how the Lord shows his love for us.
"We become so caught up in the busyness of our lives. Were we to step back, however, and take a good look at what we’re doing, we may find that we have immersed ourselves in the “thick of thin things.” In other words, too often we spend most of our time taking care of the things which do not really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things, neglecting those more important causes."
"My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us."
I remember thinking as a child that if the Lord wanted something to be done he could just do it. After all didn't he part the Red Sea? But that isn't how the Lord works. He needs us to bare each other up. He needs us to fill the warm fuzzy jar. He needs us to feel the love and warmth of serving others. He needs us to feel connected to Him through serving His.
So what did you do today?
I loved this talk. I felt like a grandfather was talking to me. He wasn't lecturing me, but telling me how to live my life so that I could be happy.
I'm a strong believer in service. I know that is how I best show those I love that I love them. If my children want to say "I love you" I would rather they clean up the kitchen or their bathroom or their bedroom without being asked than say it or write it. I would much rather they put in a few hours of yard work than walking the mall trying to come up with the perfect Mother's Day gift for me. My saying is "If ye love me serve me."
I thought it was a hollow statement when the Bishop or High Councilor or the Relief Society President would get up and say, "We pray for you and love you." I thought how ridiculous. Well, I was put in my place about 10 years ago when I was asked to serve as the Relief Society President. I learned really fast that those you serve and pray for you soon love. Even those you may never have met. I found that those names on the rolls who would NEVER let me in their door were the ones that I learned to love the most. I will never think those words are hollow any more because they aren't.
As my ability to serve has diminished and my need to serve has grown, it has been really hard for me to accept it. But as I have learned recently that I need to allow others to hold us their baptismal covenant to and be served. I have to strip away my pride and let people see me at my worst: dishes piled high, laundry not done, piles of paper work, school work and "stuff" all over. I have learned that others need to bare my burdens. This is truly how the Lord shows his love for us.
"We become so caught up in the busyness of our lives. Were we to step back, however, and take a good look at what we’re doing, we may find that we have immersed ourselves in the “thick of thin things.” In other words, too often we spend most of our time taking care of the things which do not really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things, neglecting those more important causes."
"My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us."
I remember thinking as a child that if the Lord wanted something to be done he could just do it. After all didn't he part the Red Sea? But that isn't how the Lord works. He needs us to bare each other up. He needs us to fill the warm fuzzy jar. He needs us to feel the love and warmth of serving others. He needs us to feel connected to Him through serving His.
So what did you do today?
Ask, Seek, Knock
My thoughts on Elder Nelson's talk, "Ask, See, Knock"
As my husband buys yet another toy to "communicate" I have to think about what Elder Nelson said about our "opportunity to access information directly from heaven, without hardware, software, or monthly service fees. It is one of the most marvelous gifts the Lord has offered to mortals."
Yet, how often do we not use it. I remember thinking about 10 years ago giving my mom a cell phone. The problem was she didn't know how to use it. I remember it took us about a year for her to use email and with her mind going even faster I knew a cell phone was going to be left at home, never charged and subsequently never used. I wonder if Heavenly Father's heart feels as heavy as mine did when we fail to use the latest and greatest of all technology: personal revelation.
But like that cell phone I was going to give my mom there has to be a few things that have to be done for it to work.
"To access information from heaven, one must first have a firm faith and a deep desire. One needs to “ask with a sincere heart [and] real intent, having faith in [Jesus] Christ.” “Real intent” means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given."
"The next requirement is to study the matter diligently. This concept was taught to leaders of this restored Church when they were first learning how to gain personal revelation. The Lord instructed them, “I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.”"
I love that scripture. I love how we must put in our time for the Lord to put in his time. I know it is hard when we want the answers right now and yet, we haven't put our time in and therefore no answer is forth coming. I remember one time trying desperately to get an answer from the Lord and I knew I hadn't studied it out long enough and yet my back was against the wall. I asked that he direct my study to help me. Wouldn't you know it in the next day the answer was spread out in front of me.
I also love that we have a way to know if what we have received it true and right. I remember one time getting an answer that I didn't like--it didn't "sit right" with me, but I had a burning in my bosom and knew it was right. I knew what I needed to do even though it was painful and broke my heart to do it. There was no stupor of thought and the burning was there.
I am so grateful for that witness.
"Part of being prepared is to know and obey the relevant teachings of the Lord"
I don't want to toot our own horn but I know I have felt more perceptive to the promptings and more deserving of personal revelation now that I have made a concerted effort to study his word--especially the LATEST word of the Lord.
"His children through prophets assures us that He will bless each prophet and that He will bless those who heed prophetic counsel."
"To discern means to sift, to separate, or to distinguish. The gift of spiritual discernment is a supernal gift. It allows members of the Church to see things not visible and to feel things not tangible."
We need to remember that not all are given the same gift and there are some gifts that we must work to get and even ask. I know I have asked for discernment when faced with some agonizingly important decisions to make. I don't believe I have it all the time, but I do believe he gives it to me at certain times. I know when I was RS president I had that gift. I do miss having it with me 24/7.
"For each of you to receive revelation unique to your own needs and responsibilities, certain guidelines prevail. The Lord asks you to develop “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God.” Then with your firm “faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence,” you may ask, and you will receive; you may knock, and it will be opened unto you."
"Revelation need not all come at once....Patience and perseverance are part of our eternal progression."
But we are commanded in each set of scriptures to "ask, seek and knock" and it is always accompanied by the promise that he will answer. Now the answer may not be the one we want--we are parents know all too often we tell our own children no--but he will answer. I think the most frustrating answer is the "not yet my child." But if we have faith, hope, charity and love and keep our eye single to the Glory of God and say, "thy will be done" our desires will be granted. I can't wait to hear him tell me, "You can have whatever you wish for I know you will never wish anything contrary to my will." I will then know that my faith is complete.
As my husband buys yet another toy to "communicate" I have to think about what Elder Nelson said about our "opportunity to access information directly from heaven, without hardware, software, or monthly service fees. It is one of the most marvelous gifts the Lord has offered to mortals."
Yet, how often do we not use it. I remember thinking about 10 years ago giving my mom a cell phone. The problem was she didn't know how to use it. I remember it took us about a year for her to use email and with her mind going even faster I knew a cell phone was going to be left at home, never charged and subsequently never used. I wonder if Heavenly Father's heart feels as heavy as mine did when we fail to use the latest and greatest of all technology: personal revelation.
But like that cell phone I was going to give my mom there has to be a few things that have to be done for it to work.
"To access information from heaven, one must first have a firm faith and a deep desire. One needs to “ask with a sincere heart [and] real intent, having faith in [Jesus] Christ.” “Real intent” means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given."
"The next requirement is to study the matter diligently. This concept was taught to leaders of this restored Church when they were first learning how to gain personal revelation. The Lord instructed them, “I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.”"
I love that scripture. I love how we must put in our time for the Lord to put in his time. I know it is hard when we want the answers right now and yet, we haven't put our time in and therefore no answer is forth coming. I remember one time trying desperately to get an answer from the Lord and I knew I hadn't studied it out long enough and yet my back was against the wall. I asked that he direct my study to help me. Wouldn't you know it in the next day the answer was spread out in front of me.
I also love that we have a way to know if what we have received it true and right. I remember one time getting an answer that I didn't like--it didn't "sit right" with me, but I had a burning in my bosom and knew it was right. I knew what I needed to do even though it was painful and broke my heart to do it. There was no stupor of thought and the burning was there.
I am so grateful for that witness.
"Part of being prepared is to know and obey the relevant teachings of the Lord"
I don't want to toot our own horn but I know I have felt more perceptive to the promptings and more deserving of personal revelation now that I have made a concerted effort to study his word--especially the LATEST word of the Lord.
"His children through prophets assures us that He will bless each prophet and that He will bless those who heed prophetic counsel."
"To discern means to sift, to separate, or to distinguish. The gift of spiritual discernment is a supernal gift. It allows members of the Church to see things not visible and to feel things not tangible."
We need to remember that not all are given the same gift and there are some gifts that we must work to get and even ask. I know I have asked for discernment when faced with some agonizingly important decisions to make. I don't believe I have it all the time, but I do believe he gives it to me at certain times. I know when I was RS president I had that gift. I do miss having it with me 24/7.
"For each of you to receive revelation unique to your own needs and responsibilities, certain guidelines prevail. The Lord asks you to develop “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God.” Then with your firm “faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence,” you may ask, and you will receive; you may knock, and it will be opened unto you."
"Revelation need not all come at once....Patience and perseverance are part of our eternal progression."
But we are commanded in each set of scriptures to "ask, seek and knock" and it is always accompanied by the promise that he will answer. Now the answer may not be the one we want--we are parents know all too often we tell our own children no--but he will answer. I think the most frustrating answer is the "not yet my child." But if we have faith, hope, charity and love and keep our eye single to the Glory of God and say, "thy will be done" our desires will be granted. I can't wait to hear him tell me, "You can have whatever you wish for I know you will never wish anything contrary to my will." I will then know that my faith is complete.
Hold On
My thoughts on Sister Dibb's talk "Hold On"
First, I didn't know she was Pres. Monson's daughter. How cool!
I think our trials come when we are sitting back thinking we sailed through another day in our life and then WHAM! we are blindsided by something that forces us to "hold on!" I think it is important to know that everyone of us faces challenges that force us to "hold on". Most of the time we don't see those families "holding on" we see the smile on their face, the pressed clothes and the prefect life they are living and don't see the inward one-inch-finger-tip-grip that they have on life.
I have lost a ton of weight (45 plus pounds) and someone who I had seen for about a year and didn't know I had cancer made a comment at how perfect my life was. I didn't know if I should shatter her perception of me or tell her. I didn't know if I should tell her, "It is pretty scary, I tell you." My son is making life altering decisions that scare me and I'm battling cancer. It may look like my life is great, but the turmoil inside has made for one scary-white-knuckle-ride.
"It is important to note, however, that in the scriptures there are very few stories of individuals who lived in blissful happiness and experienced no opposition. We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith, persistence, and personal righteousness."
I think of the great men and women in the scriptures and of the "refining fire" that the Lord puts them through. I wonder how many people started out bound for greatness, but in the "refiner's fire" they gave up and let go. I just pray that I don't give up while in this furnace.
" I’ve been strengthened by President Thomas S. Monson’s endless confidence in our Heavenly Father and in us. He has said: “Remember that you are entitled to our [Heavenly] Father’s blessings in this work. He did not call you to your privileged post to walk alone, without guidance, trusting to luck. On the contrary, He knows your skill, He realizes your devotion, and He will convert your supposed inadequacies to recognized strengths. He has promised: ‘I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up’ ”"
These words sound very familiar to me as they are in my Patriarchal Blessing. He does know us and we have to trust in him that he will be true to his promises. When we remember and follow him, he will protect and bless us. It may not be the way we want protection or blessings to be, and seldom are when WE want them, but he does not forget those promises.
I don't like the trial I'm going through right now. I don't like it one bit. But right now it is my trial to go through. It is my refiner's fire. It is my proving ground. He has given me many safety equipment and the most important two of on the list are FAITH and PRAYER and right after that is PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS. Those are the equipment that I must use everyday to make it through some of the most difficult trials I have ever faced. Oh, how I wish I wan't going through them right now. I wish I had more knowledge and faith to handle these trials, but I don't have that time so I must use what little preperations I have and move forward and "Hold on!"
First, I didn't know she was Pres. Monson's daughter. How cool!
I think our trials come when we are sitting back thinking we sailed through another day in our life and then WHAM! we are blindsided by something that forces us to "hold on!" I think it is important to know that everyone of us faces challenges that force us to "hold on". Most of the time we don't see those families "holding on" we see the smile on their face, the pressed clothes and the prefect life they are living and don't see the inward one-inch-finger-tip-grip that they have on life.
I have lost a ton of weight (45 plus pounds) and someone who I had seen for about a year and didn't know I had cancer made a comment at how perfect my life was. I didn't know if I should shatter her perception of me or tell her. I didn't know if I should tell her, "It is pretty scary, I tell you." My son is making life altering decisions that scare me and I'm battling cancer. It may look like my life is great, but the turmoil inside has made for one scary-white-knuckle-ride.
"It is important to note, however, that in the scriptures there are very few stories of individuals who lived in blissful happiness and experienced no opposition. We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith, persistence, and personal righteousness."
I think of the great men and women in the scriptures and of the "refining fire" that the Lord puts them through. I wonder how many people started out bound for greatness, but in the "refiner's fire" they gave up and let go. I just pray that I don't give up while in this furnace.
" I’ve been strengthened by President Thomas S. Monson’s endless confidence in our Heavenly Father and in us. He has said: “Remember that you are entitled to our [Heavenly] Father’s blessings in this work. He did not call you to your privileged post to walk alone, without guidance, trusting to luck. On the contrary, He knows your skill, He realizes your devotion, and He will convert your supposed inadequacies to recognized strengths. He has promised: ‘I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up’ ”"
These words sound very familiar to me as they are in my Patriarchal Blessing. He does know us and we have to trust in him that he will be true to his promises. When we remember and follow him, he will protect and bless us. It may not be the way we want protection or blessings to be, and seldom are when WE want them, but he does not forget those promises.
I don't like the trial I'm going through right now. I don't like it one bit. But right now it is my trial to go through. It is my refiner's fire. It is my proving ground. He has given me many safety equipment and the most important two of on the list are FAITH and PRAYER and right after that is PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS. Those are the equipment that I must use everyday to make it through some of the most difficult trials I have ever faced. Oh, how I wish I wan't going through them right now. I wish I had more knowledge and faith to handle these trials, but I don't have that time so I must use what little preperations I have and move forward and "Hold on!"
Bishop Burton "Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts"
My thoughts on Bishop Burton's talk, "Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts"
I remember listening to this talk and it still brings a smile to my face as I reread it.
Because of the pain of cancer I have spent a good part of each day flat in bed. The pain is too much to let me sleep and my mind is too loopy to really concentrate on much so I have taken to watching a lot of TV. Because I'm not a good cook, I have been watching a lot of cooking shows. In fact I've ordered many from the library and netflix. One thing I have noticed is how they show the end product. All those messy pots are forgotten in the kitchen, but what shows up on the plate is totally different. (Of course I have a very hard time dirtying yet another dish that I have to wash just to present a pretty dinner--but that's me and maybe Bishop Burton's talk will change my mind.) They "plate" their dinner and add GARNISH. It is what makes it pretty and appealing to the eye.
I have kept that in mind as I have reread this talk again yet today. Do the things we say truly tell what is on the inside of us? I know a garnish on the plate will not make somethings taste better, but it sure will make them look better. I will still not like fish, but boy will it make it look good. Likewise do the words we speak tell what we truly are on the inside or are the a mask?
"Today I wish to speak about personal traits we call virtues. Virtuous traits form the foundation of a Christian life and are the outward manifestation of the inner man. ...I refer to the virtues ending in ity as the “ity” virtues. “Ity” is a suffix that means quality, state, or degree of being."
"We need only look around us to see what is taking place in our communities to realize that personal traits of virtue are in a steep decline."
"Brothers and sisters, we need not be a part of the virtue malaise that is penetrating and infecting society. If we follow the world in abandoning Christian-centered virtues, the consequences may be disastrous. Individual faith and fidelity, which have eternal consequences, will diminish. Family solidarity and spirituality will be adversely impacted. Religious influence in society will be lessened, and the rule of law will be challenged and perhaps even set aside. The seedbed for all that plagues the natural man will have been planted, to the sheer delight of Satan. "
Men are that they might have joy, and Satan love misery (paraphrased from Alma).
Are we so miserable? Is our society so miserably that we have taken to following Satan?
We need to start at home to teach the "ity" virtues. "A hypocritical example destroys credibility."
I am guilty of this. I am so guilty of this that it is time for me to stand up, admit I'm wrong and change! I will be a more virtuous person. I will walk the talk as well as talk the talk to my children. I will be honest. I will be full of integrity. I will. (The only lie I will tell is when someone who doesn't know or when I don't have time to explain asks how I am. Oh how hypocritical of me, but it is going to have to be my "cancer card" play for the day. Sometimes it is just too much to deal with and a lie will have to suffice. I'm sure my children will understand.)
Quoting Pres. Faust:
"'It is difficult for a person to display virtuous traits if he or she lacks integrity. Without integrity, honesty is often forgotten. If integrity is absent, civility is impaired. If integrity is not important, spirituality is difficult to maintain. In Old Testament times, Moses counseled the children of Israel that “if a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth” "
"If virtues are lost, families will be measurably weakened, individual faith in the Lord Jesus Chris will soften, and important eternal relationships may be jeopardized." I have seen the fulfillment of such prophecies and I do not want them to be fulfilled in my family. I will fight to the end to be virtuous.
I remember listening to this talk and it still brings a smile to my face as I reread it.
Because of the pain of cancer I have spent a good part of each day flat in bed. The pain is too much to let me sleep and my mind is too loopy to really concentrate on much so I have taken to watching a lot of TV. Because I'm not a good cook, I have been watching a lot of cooking shows. In fact I've ordered many from the library and netflix. One thing I have noticed is how they show the end product. All those messy pots are forgotten in the kitchen, but what shows up on the plate is totally different. (Of course I have a very hard time dirtying yet another dish that I have to wash just to present a pretty dinner--but that's me and maybe Bishop Burton's talk will change my mind.) They "plate" their dinner and add GARNISH. It is what makes it pretty and appealing to the eye.
I have kept that in mind as I have reread this talk again yet today. Do the things we say truly tell what is on the inside of us? I know a garnish on the plate will not make somethings taste better, but it sure will make them look better. I will still not like fish, but boy will it make it look good. Likewise do the words we speak tell what we truly are on the inside or are the a mask?
"Today I wish to speak about personal traits we call virtues. Virtuous traits form the foundation of a Christian life and are the outward manifestation of the inner man. ...I refer to the virtues ending in ity as the “ity” virtues. “Ity” is a suffix that means quality, state, or degree of being."
"We need only look around us to see what is taking place in our communities to realize that personal traits of virtue are in a steep decline."
"Brothers and sisters, we need not be a part of the virtue malaise that is penetrating and infecting society. If we follow the world in abandoning Christian-centered virtues, the consequences may be disastrous. Individual faith and fidelity, which have eternal consequences, will diminish. Family solidarity and spirituality will be adversely impacted. Religious influence in society will be lessened, and the rule of law will be challenged and perhaps even set aside. The seedbed for all that plagues the natural man will have been planted, to the sheer delight of Satan. "
Men are that they might have joy, and Satan love misery (paraphrased from Alma).
Are we so miserable? Is our society so miserably that we have taken to following Satan?
We need to start at home to teach the "ity" virtues. "A hypocritical example destroys credibility."
I am guilty of this. I am so guilty of this that it is time for me to stand up, admit I'm wrong and change! I will be a more virtuous person. I will walk the talk as well as talk the talk to my children. I will be honest. I will be full of integrity. I will. (The only lie I will tell is when someone who doesn't know or when I don't have time to explain asks how I am. Oh how hypocritical of me, but it is going to have to be my "cancer card" play for the day. Sometimes it is just too much to deal with and a lie will have to suffice. I'm sure my children will understand.)
Quoting Pres. Faust:
"'It is difficult for a person to display virtuous traits if he or she lacks integrity. Without integrity, honesty is often forgotten. If integrity is absent, civility is impaired. If integrity is not important, spirituality is difficult to maintain. In Old Testament times, Moses counseled the children of Israel that “if a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth” "
"If virtues are lost, families will be measurably weakened, individual faith in the Lord Jesus Chris will soften, and important eternal relationships may be jeopardized." I have seen the fulfillment of such prophecies and I do not want them to be fulfilled in my family. I will fight to the end to be virtuous.
The Pas Way of Facing the Future
My thoughts on Elder L. Tom Perry's talk "The Past Way of Facing the Future."
I have a friend who asked these questions of her facebook friends,
"How many of you sought out advice from the 50 plus crowd when you were in school?"
"How many of you sought out advice from the 50 plus crowd in your 20's?
"How many of you sought out advice from the 60 plus crowd in your 30's?
"How many of you seek out advice from your older friends now that you are in your 40's?
It was interesting to read the comments from all sorts of walks of life. I know I have missed the council of my mother these past few years. I know that I was foolish and didn't listen when I was younger. I truly wish I could learn from the past. But my mother is gone and I must learn a lot on my own now.
"In this case they used lessons from their past experience—the principles of shipbuilding—to help them meet the challenge."
What do we use when faced with challenges? I know that I recall many long-into-the-night lectures from my mom. I know that I call upon my failing memory to help guide myself as I walk the mine-field of friends as an adult. I also call upon the principles and doctrine I have been taught for years to help me as I face unthinkable challenges.
"Embedded in the gospel of Jesus Christ there are eternal principles and truths that will last far longer than the principles of building ships and roofs. You and I, as members of the Lord’s true Church, have special access and insight into these eternal principles and truths, especially when we listen to the Spirit for individual guidance and hear the prophet’s voice as he declares the will of God to the members of the Church. You and I both know how important these eternal principles and truths are in our lives. I’m not sure those early pioneers could have faced the perils and uncertainties of the future without them, and neither can we. They are the only true and eternal way to face the future, especially in these increasingly perilous and uncertain times in which we now live."
I love the word "embedded". It means it is solidly in there. I have a very rocky back yard and trying to get the rocks out has been a five year long process (and we aren't close to being done). These rocks are embedded. in fact we unearthed one last year that we promptly put back when we found it to be some four feet in diameter. It wasn't going to budge. So are the gospel principles that we are taught and find inside the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm thankful that we have the power of personal revelation.
I love his words of council:
"First is the lesson of using the principles and truths of the past to help us face the future. Second, we learn from their desire to share what they knew with others to help build the kingdom of God."
Study and prayer then open our mouths.
I have a friend who asked these questions of her facebook friends,
"How many of you sought out advice from the 50 plus crowd when you were in school?"
"How many of you sought out advice from the 50 plus crowd in your 20's?
"How many of you sought out advice from the 60 plus crowd in your 30's?
"How many of you seek out advice from your older friends now that you are in your 40's?
It was interesting to read the comments from all sorts of walks of life. I know I have missed the council of my mother these past few years. I know that I was foolish and didn't listen when I was younger. I truly wish I could learn from the past. But my mother is gone and I must learn a lot on my own now.
"In this case they used lessons from their past experience—the principles of shipbuilding—to help them meet the challenge."
What do we use when faced with challenges? I know that I recall many long-into-the-night lectures from my mom. I know that I call upon my failing memory to help guide myself as I walk the mine-field of friends as an adult. I also call upon the principles and doctrine I have been taught for years to help me as I face unthinkable challenges.
"Embedded in the gospel of Jesus Christ there are eternal principles and truths that will last far longer than the principles of building ships and roofs. You and I, as members of the Lord’s true Church, have special access and insight into these eternal principles and truths, especially when we listen to the Spirit for individual guidance and hear the prophet’s voice as he declares the will of God to the members of the Church. You and I both know how important these eternal principles and truths are in our lives. I’m not sure those early pioneers could have faced the perils and uncertainties of the future without them, and neither can we. They are the only true and eternal way to face the future, especially in these increasingly perilous and uncertain times in which we now live."
I love the word "embedded". It means it is solidly in there. I have a very rocky back yard and trying to get the rocks out has been a five year long process (and we aren't close to being done). These rocks are embedded. in fact we unearthed one last year that we promptly put back when we found it to be some four feet in diameter. It wasn't going to budge. So are the gospel principles that we are taught and find inside the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm thankful that we have the power of personal revelation.
I love his words of council:
"First is the lesson of using the principles and truths of the past to help us face the future. Second, we learn from their desire to share what they knew with others to help build the kingdom of God."
Study and prayer then open our mouths.
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