My thoughts on Bishop's McMullin's talk "Our Path of Duty"
I love hearing "the rest of the story" and am thankful for his telling about Corrie ten Boom. We read her book a few years ago and it was neat to hear how she can forgive. I have had a chance to forgive someone who was a stranger for a wrong done to me. He didn't ask, but I couldn't go on living holding that anger in my heart. I had to forgive him--it was part of my healing.
What is Duty?
"Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence."
WHEW!
"..our path of duty is keeping our covenants in daily life."
"First, our path of duty is to God, our Eternal Father."
When my husband presented my engagement ring to me it had three diamonds. The large one represented our Heavenly Father and the two on the side (smaller one) were us. We have strived to put him first in our marriage and our life.
"...do their duty to God, they feel impelled to do their duty to one another, to their family, to their church and nation, to all things entrusted to their care."
It is amazing how when we put God first, other things just fall into place.
"How do we know our path of duty in the midst of crisis?"
I want to know as I sometimes feel blank in finding the path I need to take right now.
"For prayers to be efficacious, they must be in harmony with the plan of heaven."
Am I asking for something that is not the Will of the Father?
Am I asking for something that is contrary to blessing given?
Am I living righteous enough for him to bless me?
My duty is to seek his will and do it.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Handmaids...
My thoughts on Sister Beck's talk "And Upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit."
"I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that could be done to help others who are in need."
Am I a good woman?
"A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence."
So am I a good woman? How do I know how to make a balance?
Sister Beck answers:
"But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently."
"Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day."
I need to spend more time there and by myself. I sometimes just count my reading of conference talks and/or family scripture time as my study time and that isn't enough. I need to spend more personal time in them.
"Revelation can come hour by hour and moment by moment as we do the right things."
but only if we listen are we guided by it.
"Personal revelation gives us the understand of what to do every day to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes and see those who need our help."
"We are also told that this Spirit will enlighten our minds, fill our souls with joy, and help us know all things we should do."
but only if we are righteous enough to listen.
But like President Uchtdorf said in the Happily Ever After talk, Sister Beck echoes those same thought, "When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves."
Sisters we can have hope when we do what is right. I need to put first things first and do what we know is right.
"I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that could be done to help others who are in need."
Am I a good woman?
"A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence."
So am I a good woman? How do I know how to make a balance?
Sister Beck answers:
"But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently."
"Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day."
I need to spend more time there and by myself. I sometimes just count my reading of conference talks and/or family scripture time as my study time and that isn't enough. I need to spend more personal time in them.
"Revelation can come hour by hour and moment by moment as we do the right things."
but only if we listen are we guided by it.
"Personal revelation gives us the understand of what to do every day to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes and see those who need our help."
"We are also told that this Spirit will enlighten our minds, fill our souls with joy, and help us know all things we should do."
but only if we are righteous enough to listen.
But like President Uchtdorf said in the Happily Ever After talk, Sister Beck echoes those same thought, "When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves."
Sisters we can have hope when we do what is right. I need to put first things first and do what we know is right.
The Power of the Priesthood
My thoughts on President Packer's talk "The Power of the Priesthood"
I have had many dealings with the priesthood as of late. I've prepared four sons and am preparing a fifth son to hold the priesthood. I've had countless blessings as of late and have called on it a few times in the last year.
President Packer brings to mind these things and my roll in the priesthood. It is through the priesthood that the world was made and my sons hold that power. It has been 180 years since that power was restored to the earth. COOL! But what is my part?
" Unless we enlist the attention of the mothers and daughters and sisters—who have influence on their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers—we cannot progress. The priesthood will lose great power if the sisters are neglected."
It is my part to help my sons understand that power they hold. I need to call upon it when I need it. (hard to do, easy to type.)
"When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present."
WOW!
"The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be."
"President Harold B. Lee stated: “It seems clear to me that the Church has no choice—and never has had—but to do more to assist the family in carrying out its divine mission, not only because that is the order of heaven, but also because that is the most practical contribution we can make to our youth—to help improve the quality of life in the Latter-day Saint homes. As important as our many programs and organizational efforts are, these should not supplant the home; they should support the home.”"
As I read over the next part of his talk about the role of father, I'm so very thankful that I married a man who will and DOES take his role as father and presiding authority in our family seriously. I'm so very thankful! My father was physically absent during my youth and so I didn't get to see this and I'm so thankful my children get to see their father lead, provide and protect them.
I have had many dealings with the priesthood as of late. I've prepared four sons and am preparing a fifth son to hold the priesthood. I've had countless blessings as of late and have called on it a few times in the last year.
President Packer brings to mind these things and my roll in the priesthood. It is through the priesthood that the world was made and my sons hold that power. It has been 180 years since that power was restored to the earth. COOL! But what is my part?
" Unless we enlist the attention of the mothers and daughters and sisters—who have influence on their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers—we cannot progress. The priesthood will lose great power if the sisters are neglected."
It is my part to help my sons understand that power they hold. I need to call upon it when I need it. (hard to do, easy to type.)
"When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present."
WOW!
"The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be."
"President Harold B. Lee stated: “It seems clear to me that the Church has no choice—and never has had—but to do more to assist the family in carrying out its divine mission, not only because that is the order of heaven, but also because that is the most practical contribution we can make to our youth—to help improve the quality of life in the Latter-day Saint homes. As important as our many programs and organizational efforts are, these should not supplant the home; they should support the home.”"
As I read over the next part of his talk about the role of father, I'm so very thankful that I married a man who will and DOES take his role as father and presiding authority in our family seriously. I'm so very thankful! My father was physically absent during my youth and so I didn't get to see this and I'm so thankful my children get to see their father lead, provide and protect them.
Your Happily Ever After
My thoughts on President Uchtdorf's talk "Your Happily Ever After"
I read this long ago and thought I had marked up my copy, but I didn't so I have had to reread it. Darn! ~smile~
"Trial is part of the journey"
If there wasn't more truthful words written!
I remember listening to a documentary on how they made steel and he said something like this. "Steel is a mixture of elements and molecules that don't show their true character and strength until put under pressure. You don't know how strong they are until they are put to work." I've always thought about that in relationship to me and my character.
Another thought that comes from reading about Cinderella, etc all having trials is that any story needs to have a conflict that the hero (or heroine) needs to go through and come out the other end. Of course fairy tales all have it wrapped up in a pretty pink bow at the end, but EACH STORY has some sort of trial. We are NOT going to get through this life without a trial--NO WAY!
"In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy."
My life lately has been an example of just this. I know joy because I have known sorrow. I have learned so much as I have walked through the trials of the last few years.
"My dear young sisters, you need to know that you will experience your own adversity. None is exempt. You will suffer, be tempted, and make mistakes. You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges come growth and strength."
As parents we wish to make a smooth path for our children, but they won't learn if we do. But that doesn't prevent us from coaching, guiding and helping from the "sidelines".
"It is our reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how our life's story will develop."
My mom use to say, "it is what it is." We can't change it, but we can change our reaction to it.
"Let me repeat: how you react to adversity and temptation is a critical factor in whether or not you arrive at your own 'happily ever after.'"
No life is free from adversity!!
"Stay true to what you know is right"
"God knows how to get there! And He has created a map for you; He knows the way."
I hope my children read, hear and live this. I know that some are not listening to us (we don't know anything and today is SOOOOO DIFFERENT than when we were teens) so I can only hope they are listening to the Spirit and listening to Heavenly Father.
But President Uchtdorf understand some of our plight:
"Nevertheless, not all will follow the map. They may look at it. They may think it is reasonable, perhaps even true. But they do not follow the divine directions. Many believe that any road will take them to a “happily ever after.” Some may even become angry when others who know the way try to help and tell them. They suppose that such advice is outdated, irrelevant, out of touch with modern life. "
and gives us hope:
"I promise you that future generations will be grateful for you and praise your name for your courage and faithfulness during this crucial time of your life."
I read this long ago and thought I had marked up my copy, but I didn't so I have had to reread it. Darn! ~smile~
"Trial is part of the journey"
If there wasn't more truthful words written!
I remember listening to a documentary on how they made steel and he said something like this. "Steel is a mixture of elements and molecules that don't show their true character and strength until put under pressure. You don't know how strong they are until they are put to work." I've always thought about that in relationship to me and my character.
Another thought that comes from reading about Cinderella, etc all having trials is that any story needs to have a conflict that the hero (or heroine) needs to go through and come out the other end. Of course fairy tales all have it wrapped up in a pretty pink bow at the end, but EACH STORY has some sort of trial. We are NOT going to get through this life without a trial--NO WAY!
"In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy."
My life lately has been an example of just this. I know joy because I have known sorrow. I have learned so much as I have walked through the trials of the last few years.
"My dear young sisters, you need to know that you will experience your own adversity. None is exempt. You will suffer, be tempted, and make mistakes. You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges come growth and strength."
As parents we wish to make a smooth path for our children, but they won't learn if we do. But that doesn't prevent us from coaching, guiding and helping from the "sidelines".
"It is our reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how our life's story will develop."
My mom use to say, "it is what it is." We can't change it, but we can change our reaction to it.
"Let me repeat: how you react to adversity and temptation is a critical factor in whether or not you arrive at your own 'happily ever after.'"
No life is free from adversity!!
"Stay true to what you know is right"
"God knows how to get there! And He has created a map for you; He knows the way."
I hope my children read, hear and live this. I know that some are not listening to us (we don't know anything and today is SOOOOO DIFFERENT than when we were teens) so I can only hope they are listening to the Spirit and listening to Heavenly Father.
But President Uchtdorf understand some of our plight:
"Nevertheless, not all will follow the map. They may look at it. They may think it is reasonable, perhaps even true. But they do not follow the divine directions. Many believe that any road will take them to a “happily ever after.” Some may even become angry when others who know the way try to help and tell them. They suppose that such advice is outdated, irrelevant, out of touch with modern life. "
and gives us hope:
"I promise you that future generations will be grateful for you and praise your name for your courage and faithfulness during this crucial time of your life."
Remember Who You Are!
My thoughts on Sister Dalton's talk "Remember Who You Are!"
"You are young women of great faith. You brought your faith with you when you came to the earth."
I have lived my life by faith. I didn't question where it came from, but what Sister Dalton says make me question if my faith didn't have its start in heaven. I also think that knowing this makes us even stronger. If I knew that I would go through this and STILL WANTED to come then the reward must be wonderful and that alone gives me the courage to continue moving forward--pressing forward.
I know that as I have faced some rather challenging trials I have relied on faith to get up each day and face the spiritual challenges as well as the physical ones. I don't know what tomorrow will bring--none of us do--but I get up and move forward. I have to know that no matter what it will work out.
I love the story about McKay introducing his Queen to those young women. We are queens and we need to remember that and act as such. Today I think I will try to remember who my children are too--they are Kings and a Queen. I wonder how today will end with that type of an attitude.
I also wonder what will happen when they remember they had faith enough to take the Lord's side long ago and how that might change what they do or say today. (I have the FHE lesson tonight.) They "know enough" and have faith enough.
"You are young women of great faith. You brought your faith with you when you came to the earth."
I have lived my life by faith. I didn't question where it came from, but what Sister Dalton says make me question if my faith didn't have its start in heaven. I also think that knowing this makes us even stronger. If I knew that I would go through this and STILL WANTED to come then the reward must be wonderful and that alone gives me the courage to continue moving forward--pressing forward.
I know that as I have faced some rather challenging trials I have relied on faith to get up each day and face the spiritual challenges as well as the physical ones. I don't know what tomorrow will bring--none of us do--but I get up and move forward. I have to know that no matter what it will work out.
I love the story about McKay introducing his Queen to those young women. We are queens and we need to remember that and act as such. Today I think I will try to remember who my children are too--they are Kings and a Queen. I wonder how today will end with that type of an attitude.
I also wonder what will happen when they remember they had faith enough to take the Lord's side long ago and how that might change what they do or say today. (I have the FHE lesson tonight.) They "know enough" and have faith enough.
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