My thoughts on President Uchtdorf's talk "Of Things that Matter Most"
The more this man talks, the more I love him. I see why the Lord trusts him to be one of His Apostles, Prophets and Seers. We truly need to listen and study his words.
"Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions."
Slow down? HOW?
"This is a simple but critical lesson to learn. It may seem logical when put in terms of trees or turbulence, but it’s surprising how easy it is to ignore this lesson when it comes to applying these principles in our own daily lives. When stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be."
I have been made to slow down. It truly was counter to all I thought I knew. I've learned to stop, take a breath and then begin again.
I think this next paragraph can sum up my life:
"Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives."
Am I of worth if I'm not doing something? What about the saying, "Idle hands are the devil's playground"? If I'm not scheduled then I won't know what to do.
When I started chemotherapy, I had to cancel almost EVERYTHING. It was interesting to see what happened to my life and how it turned out. I like the down time. It was nice to think for myself for once.
"There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions."
WOW! That makes you pause and think. Pens don't work in space, but pencils do. My kids don't need a three course dinner, but they need a healthy dinner. The Plan of Happiness is truly the path--we don't need to come up with a new plan. Stop wasting time figuring it all out.
President Uchtdorf then talks about fundamentals and basics. I know that while I was in treatment (and even today) I go back to the basics. Sometimes a successful day is a day you just make it through. Not the day you make five wedding cakes, decorate the cultural hall and plan the next four YW lessons. It is the day you stop and enjoy the blessings of the scriptures, the Prophets' words, the smile of a child and the delight of a PB&J. That's what a successful day looks like.
"My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.”"
Here are the basics:
1. our relationship with our Savior.
What do we do to cultivate this? Very simple answers: scriptures and prayers.
2. our relationship with our families.
What do we do to make these relationships stronger? Do we spend time? Do we look for the positive? Do we hold FHE? Do we study the scriptures together? Do we have wholesome recreational activities together? I have an easy time with the people who live in my house, but those who don't--boy it is hard.
3. our relationship with our fellowmen.
"We build this relationship one person at a time—by being sensitive to the needs of others, serving them, and giving of our time and talents."
4. our relationship with ourselves.
"It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential."
He ends with these two helps for us:
"Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most."
"Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace."
May we all strive to simplify our lives so that we can have a life of meaning, gladness and peace.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Reflections on a Consecrated Life
My thoughts on Elder Christofferson's talk "Reflections on a Consecrated Life"
"...our life on earth is a stewardship of time and choices granted by our Creator."
Gut check time! The five elements of a consecrated life: purity, work, respect for one's physical body, service and integrity. This equals a "pure life." So I ask myself, "Am I living a pure life?"
Purity:
It may not be perfectly pure, but I'm striving each day to make myself just a little better than the day before. I'm trying! The natural man is so easy to wear. He is comfortable and he fits so nicely!
Work:
"A consecrated life is a life of labor." I can only think of my mom. "Jesus as about His Father's business". So what have I been asked to do by the Father? Am I doing it? What am I doing with my "spare time"? I know I've had a LOT of down time trying to get my strength up. I wish that chemo brain hadn't happened to me as I could have learned a lot during those hours in bed. But alas, I was so whacked out on drugs I don't even remember the TV I watched. I can't say I wasted that time, but I sure wish I could have been more productive. I do know that I've created some bad habits that I need to shake. I enjoyed the napping and the programs I watched and it is hard not to just go climb in my bed and fall back on doing something easy with my afternoons.
Respect for one's body:
Eighteen months ago I would have answered this one totally different. I don't even know where to begin with this one. I'll leave most of this to another day, but if it wasn't for the physical body and its death we would be like the children of Satan--stuck! We need to do all that we can to keep it as clean as possible and along with it will go our spiritual body and mind.
Service:
Are we just checking off the hours or are we doing true service? How do we serve the Lord? Are we truly His hands here are earth?
Integrity:
"We see it in the father and mother whose demonstrated first priority is to nourish their marriage and ensure the physical and spiritual welfare of their children. We see it in those who are honest."
Am I honest?
"Hypocrisy is terribly destructive, not only to the hypocrite but also to those who observe or know of his or her conduct, especially children. It is faith destroying, whereas honor is the rich soil in which the seed of faith thrives."
I have a child who throws around this word like it was air. I often wonder how he can look himself in the mirror and then I stop short and ask myself, how I can look myself in the mirror and claim to be a member of Christ's church.
How thankful that this life is about proving and perfecting not being perfect. I have much to learn and much to prefect.
"...our life on earth is a stewardship of time and choices granted by our Creator."
Gut check time! The five elements of a consecrated life: purity, work, respect for one's physical body, service and integrity. This equals a "pure life." So I ask myself, "Am I living a pure life?"
Purity:
It may not be perfectly pure, but I'm striving each day to make myself just a little better than the day before. I'm trying! The natural man is so easy to wear. He is comfortable and he fits so nicely!
Work:
"A consecrated life is a life of labor." I can only think of my mom. "Jesus as about His Father's business". So what have I been asked to do by the Father? Am I doing it? What am I doing with my "spare time"? I know I've had a LOT of down time trying to get my strength up. I wish that chemo brain hadn't happened to me as I could have learned a lot during those hours in bed. But alas, I was so whacked out on drugs I don't even remember the TV I watched. I can't say I wasted that time, but I sure wish I could have been more productive. I do know that I've created some bad habits that I need to shake. I enjoyed the napping and the programs I watched and it is hard not to just go climb in my bed and fall back on doing something easy with my afternoons.
Respect for one's body:
Eighteen months ago I would have answered this one totally different. I don't even know where to begin with this one. I'll leave most of this to another day, but if it wasn't for the physical body and its death we would be like the children of Satan--stuck! We need to do all that we can to keep it as clean as possible and along with it will go our spiritual body and mind.
Service:
Are we just checking off the hours or are we doing true service? How do we serve the Lord? Are we truly His hands here are earth?
Integrity:
"We see it in the father and mother whose demonstrated first priority is to nourish their marriage and ensure the physical and spiritual welfare of their children. We see it in those who are honest."
Am I honest?
"Hypocrisy is terribly destructive, not only to the hypocrite but also to those who observe or know of his or her conduct, especially children. It is faith destroying, whereas honor is the rich soil in which the seed of faith thrives."
I have a child who throws around this word like it was air. I often wonder how he can look himself in the mirror and then I stop short and ask myself, how I can look myself in the mirror and claim to be a member of Christ's church.
How thankful that this life is about proving and perfecting not being perfect. I have much to learn and much to prefect.
Gospel Learning and Teaching
My thoughts on Brother McConkie's talk "Gospel Learning and Teaching"
"A successful teacher and author said: “What matters most in learning is attitude. The attitude of the teacher.” "
As I'm not a "teacher" in church (I play piano in primary) I have taken this to my homeschooling. What is my attitude in teaching my children. Do I just want to get it done to check off a box, or do I really want my kids to know what I'm teaching? Do I want them to learn something that will help them? I have to ask this same questions when the teens start acting up when I'm trying to do family home evening or scripture study. Is this just another check on my "to do" list? What is MY attitude?
"Successful gospel teachers love the gospel. They are excited about it. And because they love their students, they want them to feel as they feel and to experience what they have experienced. To teach the gospel is to share your love of the gospel."
Amen to this statement! I know often I get excited about what I've learned and yet, I don't share it because I know it will not be received well. As a learner, I wonder if the teacher is holding back because of my attitude towards her? Is she sharing everything?
Brother McConkie talks a little bit about "reading the handbook". How often do I not read the handbook. But then I also think, "But I am reading the handbook, I just don't know where to read to find the answer. Please guide me." So first immerse yourself in the scriptures.
Second, "apply in your life the things you learn." I think of a son who constantly calls us hypocrites. Do I truly apply the things I have learned? Is there room for a sinner to repent and change her ways?
Third, "seek heaven's help." Don't forget he loves those we teach as more than we do. Do we seek for His guidance?
Fourth, "exercise our agency and act... with the spiritual promptings we receive." I often fall short here.
How good of a teacher am I? How good of a learner am I? Do I seek the Lord's help in both areas?
"A successful teacher and author said: “What matters most in learning is attitude. The attitude of the teacher.” "
As I'm not a "teacher" in church (I play piano in primary) I have taken this to my homeschooling. What is my attitude in teaching my children. Do I just want to get it done to check off a box, or do I really want my kids to know what I'm teaching? Do I want them to learn something that will help them? I have to ask this same questions when the teens start acting up when I'm trying to do family home evening or scripture study. Is this just another check on my "to do" list? What is MY attitude?
"Successful gospel teachers love the gospel. They are excited about it. And because they love their students, they want them to feel as they feel and to experience what they have experienced. To teach the gospel is to share your love of the gospel."
Amen to this statement! I know often I get excited about what I've learned and yet, I don't share it because I know it will not be received well. As a learner, I wonder if the teacher is holding back because of my attitude towards her? Is she sharing everything?
Brother McConkie talks a little bit about "reading the handbook". How often do I not read the handbook. But then I also think, "But I am reading the handbook, I just don't know where to read to find the answer. Please guide me." So first immerse yourself in the scriptures.
Second, "apply in your life the things you learn." I think of a son who constantly calls us hypocrites. Do I truly apply the things I have learned? Is there room for a sinner to repent and change her ways?
Third, "seek heaven's help." Don't forget he loves those we teach as more than we do. Do we seek for His guidance?
Fourth, "exercise our agency and act... with the spiritual promptings we receive." I often fall short here.
How good of a teacher am I? How good of a learner am I? Do I seek the Lord's help in both areas?
Obedience to the Prophets
My thoughts on Elder Costa's talk "Obedience to the Prophets"
We are so blessed to live in a time when prophets walk the earth. How sweet it is!
"We are told that “surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). We learn from this scripture that the Lord will reveal to His prophets absolutely anything that He feels is necessary to communicate to us. He will reveal His will to us, and He will instruct us through His prophets."
This was a scripture mastery when I was in 10th grade. I've taken this to heart in two ways. One: when the prophets speaks as a prophet, he is speaking God's will to us. Two: the prophets know a heck of a lot more than I do and I should listen to them.
I remember when the prophet asked us to wear only one pair of earrings. I don't recall who it was or when it was, but I had two sets in my ears. The first was my right of passage to womanhood (at age 14) and the second set had a significance to me. At 16 my mom and I got my left ear pierce and the jewel was a pearl. As I was dating and thinking about leaving my father's home (left ear--hint, hint) I was to remember that I was a "Pearl of Great Price". When I was engaged I got my right ear pierced (after finding the Right man) and put a diamond in that ear symbolizing our marriage. I wore mismatched earrings for a few years and then the prophet asked us to wear only one pair of modest earrings.
I was crushed. I still cry about it. My second set of holes is still there. They haven't closed up and I think it has been close to 20 years ago, because it was just after I got married (22 years ago). I never was over the top in my choice of jewelry, even today with very short hair (remember I lost it all during chemo) with ears that stick out, I still go very simple--posts most of the time. But I obeyed. I don't know that blessings that will come from this, but I sure hope there is a blessing sometime because my heart broke the day I pulled my pearl and diamond out.
One of my favorite scriptures is D&C 1:38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; ...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
Elder Costa has some great reasons to obey the prophets. Fourteen in fact. I testify that we live a better life when obeying than when we think we know what is best. Sometimes we don't know why, but the blessings of obedience are sometimes better than the blessing of law.
We are so blessed to live in a time when prophets walk the earth. How sweet it is!
"We are told that “surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). We learn from this scripture that the Lord will reveal to His prophets absolutely anything that He feels is necessary to communicate to us. He will reveal His will to us, and He will instruct us through His prophets."
This was a scripture mastery when I was in 10th grade. I've taken this to heart in two ways. One: when the prophets speaks as a prophet, he is speaking God's will to us. Two: the prophets know a heck of a lot more than I do and I should listen to them.
I remember when the prophet asked us to wear only one pair of earrings. I don't recall who it was or when it was, but I had two sets in my ears. The first was my right of passage to womanhood (at age 14) and the second set had a significance to me. At 16 my mom and I got my left ear pierce and the jewel was a pearl. As I was dating and thinking about leaving my father's home (left ear--hint, hint) I was to remember that I was a "Pearl of Great Price". When I was engaged I got my right ear pierced (after finding the Right man) and put a diamond in that ear symbolizing our marriage. I wore mismatched earrings for a few years and then the prophet asked us to wear only one pair of modest earrings.
I was crushed. I still cry about it. My second set of holes is still there. They haven't closed up and I think it has been close to 20 years ago, because it was just after I got married (22 years ago). I never was over the top in my choice of jewelry, even today with very short hair (remember I lost it all during chemo) with ears that stick out, I still go very simple--posts most of the time. But I obeyed. I don't know that blessings that will come from this, but I sure hope there is a blessing sometime because my heart broke the day I pulled my pearl and diamond out.
One of my favorite scriptures is D&C 1:38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; ...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
Elder Costa has some great reasons to obey the prophets. Fourteen in fact. I testify that we live a better life when obeying than when we think we know what is best. Sometimes we don't know why, but the blessings of obedience are sometimes better than the blessing of law.
Stay on the Path
My thoughts on Sister Wixom's talk "Stay on the Path"
I've spent 90% of my adult life serving in primary and all but about three months of that was in primary music. I've always had a soft spot in my life for primary children. I love the energy of the Sunbeams, even when they won't sit still or they run around the room. I love their off the wall remarks and I love when they hit the nail on the head when asked a "difficult" question and come up with a very simple answer (usually "love one another"). I know my husband loves teaching the primary kids. There is something very special about the under 12 set of kids that rings true about love and happiness. Some Sundays you wonder if you were just a glorified babysitter and then on others you think "I was able to reach Bobby today," and you do it with a fist pump in the air, a humble heart and a smile on your face.
"Parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, Primary leaders—each of us can reach out to hold on to the children."
"No child needs to walk the path alone so long as we speak freely to our children of the plan of salvation."
As I have a child whose grasp on the Iron Rod is a bit weak, I have to thank all the leaders who have shared their testimony with him. It truly does take a village, I'm just glad I get to pick the people in my village ~smile~, to raise a child. And my constant prayer is that out there there is a grandparent, a parent, a child who will help my child grasp FIRMLY the Iron Rod once again. I'm doing my part as best I can and I just hope there is someone out there who will "reach out" and grab hold of my son.
I've spent 90% of my adult life serving in primary and all but about three months of that was in primary music. I've always had a soft spot in my life for primary children. I love the energy of the Sunbeams, even when they won't sit still or they run around the room. I love their off the wall remarks and I love when they hit the nail on the head when asked a "difficult" question and come up with a very simple answer (usually "love one another"). I know my husband loves teaching the primary kids. There is something very special about the under 12 set of kids that rings true about love and happiness. Some Sundays you wonder if you were just a glorified babysitter and then on others you think "I was able to reach Bobby today," and you do it with a fist pump in the air, a humble heart and a smile on your face.
"Parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, Primary leaders—each of us can reach out to hold on to the children."
"No child needs to walk the path alone so long as we speak freely to our children of the plan of salvation."
As I have a child whose grasp on the Iron Rod is a bit weak, I have to thank all the leaders who have shared their testimony with him. It truly does take a village, I'm just glad I get to pick the people in my village ~smile~, to raise a child. And my constant prayer is that out there there is a grandparent, a parent, a child who will help my child grasp FIRMLY the Iron Rod once again. I'm doing my part as best I can and I just hope there is someone out there who will "reach out" and grab hold of my son.
Because of Your Faith
My thoughts on Elder Holland's talk "Because of your Faith"
I remember hearing this back in October and having a tear roll down my cheek as I remembered the love I had for the sisters of my ward back when I was called as their RS president. Before I was sustained I thought, "How could the Relief Society President love me? She doesn't even know me." Well, the good Lord taught me a lesson. When you start praying for someone and they become your responsibility, you learn to love them, even when they don't want that love or think they need it. Truly when you serve someone you do love them--and I wouldn't even say, "learn to love them," you just love them.
I don't know if President Monson and the 12 know me but they do pray for the Saints everywhere. They care about us. That is why they keep changing programs: they are trying to find the perfect one for us. I find that comforting.
I also know that they kneel around the altars of the temple and that my name rests upon many of those altars and they pray for those names. Somehow that gives me great comfort as I face the nasty medical/health battles I face. I also know that they are truly praying for our youth--my five boys and "little" girl.
I also know that I've failed to express gratitude to many of those who have served and loved me and my family. I won't do it here, but there are many out there who should get a note from me. Maybe that will be my resolution.
As Elder Holland said, "seeing your example, I pledge anew my determination to be better, to be more faithful—more kind and devoted, more charitable and true as our Father in Heaven is and as so many of you already are."
That is my pledge as well.
I remember hearing this back in October and having a tear roll down my cheek as I remembered the love I had for the sisters of my ward back when I was called as their RS president. Before I was sustained I thought, "How could the Relief Society President love me? She doesn't even know me." Well, the good Lord taught me a lesson. When you start praying for someone and they become your responsibility, you learn to love them, even when they don't want that love or think they need it. Truly when you serve someone you do love them--and I wouldn't even say, "learn to love them," you just love them.
I don't know if President Monson and the 12 know me but they do pray for the Saints everywhere. They care about us. That is why they keep changing programs: they are trying to find the perfect one for us. I find that comforting.
I also know that they kneel around the altars of the temple and that my name rests upon many of those altars and they pray for those names. Somehow that gives me great comfort as I face the nasty medical/health battles I face. I also know that they are truly praying for our youth--my five boys and "little" girl.
I also know that I've failed to express gratitude to many of those who have served and loved me and my family. I won't do it here, but there are many out there who should get a note from me. Maybe that will be my resolution.
As Elder Holland said, "seeing your example, I pledge anew my determination to be better, to be more faithful—more kind and devoted, more charitable and true as our Father in Heaven is and as so many of you already are."
That is my pledge as well.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Helping Hands, Saving Hands
My thoughts on Elder Aoyagi's talk "Helping Hands, Saving Hands"
I could only cry when I read this talk. My prayer is that their is a saving hand in the life of my children. I've always hated the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child," because I thought it was promoting the giving away of responsibility of raising your own children to others, but I've come to look upon it differently. It isn't that it takes a village, it takes their support and their help especially when they are older. My honest and fervent prayer is that there is someone out there who will be the saving hands to my family. They will follow this council:
"They follow the counsel of the prophet—not out of duty or responsibility but of their own free will, anonymously and joyfully.
"Sometimes we feel that we are weak and lack the strength to rescue others, but the Lord reminds us, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40)."
I need someone to come save my family. I've done (and am doing) all I can. I too plead like President Monson:
“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 could only cry when I read this talk. My prayer is that their is a saving hand in the life of my children. I've always hated the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child," because I thought it was promoting the giving away of responsibility of raising your own children to others, but I've come to look upon it differently. It isn't that it takes a village, it takes their support and their help especially when they are older. My honest and fervent prayer is that there is someone out there who will be the saving hands to my family. They will follow this council:
"They follow the counsel of the prophet—not out of duty or responsibility but of their own free will, anonymously and joyfully.
"Sometimes we feel that we are weak and lack the strength to rescue others, but the Lord reminds us, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40)."
I need someone to come save my family. I've done (and am doing) all I can. I too plead like President Monson:
“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.”
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Blessing of Scripture
My thoughts on Elder Christofferson's talk "The Blessing of Scripture"
I love these history talks. It reminds me of how much the Lord is in charge of things. They don't give much to discuss, but it does give me lots of food for thought in looking back at my own life and pondering on how much the Lord has been in charge.
I am thankful to those who worked hard and even lost their life so that we could have the scriptures. I know my life would be very different if it wasn't for the scriptures.
"The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally."
"The scriptures also enlarge our memory by helping us not forget what we and earlier generations have learned."
I think this life is all about remembering. Remembering what we once knew in heaven and remembering all that we learned in Sunday School and Primary. We also can learn from those who have gone before and recorded it.
It is truly sad that a world who once hungered for the truth is now illiterate.
"God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. He is a tender parent who would spare us needless suffering and grief and at the same time help us realize our divine potential."
If only we read and heeded.
"They have imagined a Jesus who wants people to work for social justice but who makes no demands upon their personal life and behavior. But a God of love does not leave us to learn by sad experience that “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10; see also Helaman 13:38). His commandments are the voice of reality and our protection against self-inflicted pain. The scriptures are the touchstone for measuring correctness and truth, and they are clear that real happiness lies not in denying the justice of God or trying to circumvent the consequences of sin but in repentance and forgiveness through the atoning grace of the Son of God (see Alma 42)."
But we have to have read them to know this. We MUST read them and if we don't...
"Where scriptural truths are ignored or abandoned, the essential moral core of society disintegrates and decay is close behind. In time, nothing is left to sustain the institutions that sustain society."
We see this over and over. Are we seeing it in our families? Do we see this in individuals?
"In the end, the central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ—faith that They exist; faith in the Father’s plan for our immortality and eternal life; faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness; faith to make the gospel of Jesus Christ our way of life; and faith to come to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent”."
I could just repost the rest of his talk. I love the introduction to the Book of Mormon, because it states clearly why Mormon did all that he did. Of course the Bible is also central to the purpose of bringing souls to Christ.
"Scriptural accounts of the faith of others serve to strengthen our own."
AMEN! and that is why so many have shed blood over them, so that we can shed tears of faith, joy and of the spirit as we read and study.
I just hope my children love the scriptures as much as I do.
I love these history talks. It reminds me of how much the Lord is in charge of things. They don't give much to discuss, but it does give me lots of food for thought in looking back at my own life and pondering on how much the Lord has been in charge.
I am thankful to those who worked hard and even lost their life so that we could have the scriptures. I know my life would be very different if it wasn't for the scriptures.
"The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally."
"The scriptures also enlarge our memory by helping us not forget what we and earlier generations have learned."
I think this life is all about remembering. Remembering what we once knew in heaven and remembering all that we learned in Sunday School and Primary. We also can learn from those who have gone before and recorded it.
It is truly sad that a world who once hungered for the truth is now illiterate.
"God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. He is a tender parent who would spare us needless suffering and grief and at the same time help us realize our divine potential."
If only we read and heeded.
"They have imagined a Jesus who wants people to work for social justice but who makes no demands upon their personal life and behavior. But a God of love does not leave us to learn by sad experience that “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10; see also Helaman 13:38). His commandments are the voice of reality and our protection against self-inflicted pain. The scriptures are the touchstone for measuring correctness and truth, and they are clear that real happiness lies not in denying the justice of God or trying to circumvent the consequences of sin but in repentance and forgiveness through the atoning grace of the Son of God (see Alma 42)."
But we have to have read them to know this. We MUST read them and if we don't...
"Where scriptural truths are ignored or abandoned, the essential moral core of society disintegrates and decay is close behind. In time, nothing is left to sustain the institutions that sustain society."
We see this over and over. Are we seeing it in our families? Do we see this in individuals?
"In the end, the central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ—faith that They exist; faith in the Father’s plan for our immortality and eternal life; faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness; faith to make the gospel of Jesus Christ our way of life; and faith to come to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent”."
I could just repost the rest of his talk. I love the introduction to the Book of Mormon, because it states clearly why Mormon did all that he did. Of course the Bible is also central to the purpose of bringing souls to Christ.
"Scriptural accounts of the faith of others serve to strengthen our own."
AMEN! and that is why so many have shed blood over them, so that we can shed tears of faith, joy and of the spirit as we read and study.
I just hope my children love the scriptures as much as I do.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mothers Teaching Children in the Home
My thoughts on Elder Perry's talk "Mothers Teaching Children in the Home"
I feel like a hypocrite commenting on this talk when my child has chosen a different path and didn't listen and heed a word I said.
My mom was just like his. Papers and books all over the kitchen table. I remember setting the table by putting the table cloth OVER her books and papers so they wouldn't get dirty.
"Times are very different today, but while times may change, a parent’s teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home. This is especially true when we consider the teaching of values, moral and ethical standards, and faith."
"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family."
I see this every day at my house. The adversary has one of my kids and he is eroding and destroying our family. It is so sad.
"Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40)."
Oh, how I wish there were understudies who would have (and probably should have) stepped in. I know those who have tried, but there is a few who I know knew and didn't. I'm so heartbroken now that so much damage has happened. (But maybe I just move on and put this one behind.)
"Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home."
I try so hard to do this. One moment at a time. I know my children can have no question about my faith and I can only hope my influence is for the best and was right.
"It is my belief that one of the most effective things we can do to improve teaching in the Church is to improve teaching in our homes. Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home. Throughout the Church there are dining room tables covered with reference materials and notebooks filled with ideas for lessons to be taught. There is no such thing as overpreparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, for gospel insights, whether or not they are used during class time, can always be taught in the home."
I sometimes wish I had a calling to teach in church (I play the piano in primary) because I do miss that "forced" reading/studying. Although I have spent most of my adult calling behind the piano in primary. I sometimes envy seminary teachers. I know I learn so much more when I'm the teacher. I do love my time preparing for Family Home Evening and I relish the time I read and study the conference talks.
I am so thankful for this blog and email group that have forced me to read conference talks and then expound and discuss them with like minded individuals. I'm just sad I'm so far behind. I've read them all, but because I have been so sick I haven't had the time to write about them. I learn so much more from them when I write or teach about them.
I feel like a hypocrite commenting on this talk when my child has chosen a different path and didn't listen and heed a word I said.
My mom was just like his. Papers and books all over the kitchen table. I remember setting the table by putting the table cloth OVER her books and papers so they wouldn't get dirty.
"Times are very different today, but while times may change, a parent’s teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home. This is especially true when we consider the teaching of values, moral and ethical standards, and faith."
"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family."
I see this every day at my house. The adversary has one of my kids and he is eroding and destroying our family. It is so sad.
"Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40)."
Oh, how I wish there were understudies who would have (and probably should have) stepped in. I know those who have tried, but there is a few who I know knew and didn't. I'm so heartbroken now that so much damage has happened. (But maybe I just move on and put this one behind.)
"Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home."
I try so hard to do this. One moment at a time. I know my children can have no question about my faith and I can only hope my influence is for the best and was right.
"It is my belief that one of the most effective things we can do to improve teaching in the Church is to improve teaching in our homes. Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home. Throughout the Church there are dining room tables covered with reference materials and notebooks filled with ideas for lessons to be taught. There is no such thing as overpreparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, for gospel insights, whether or not they are used during class time, can always be taught in the home."
I sometimes wish I had a calling to teach in church (I play the piano in primary) because I do miss that "forced" reading/studying. Although I have spent most of my adult calling behind the piano in primary. I sometimes envy seminary teachers. I know I learn so much more when I'm the teacher. I do love my time preparing for Family Home Evening and I relish the time I read and study the conference talks.
I am so thankful for this blog and email group that have forced me to read conference talks and then expound and discuss them with like minded individuals. I'm just sad I'm so far behind. I've read them all, but because I have been so sick I haven't had the time to write about them. I learn so much more from them when I write or teach about them.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Help Them on Their Way Home
My thoughts on President Eyring's talk "Help Them on Their Way Home"
"But the only way out was for her to exercise faith in Jesus Christ, to have a broken heart, to repent, and so be cleansed, changed, and strengthened through the Lord’s Atonement. I bore my testimony to her that it was still possible. And it was, but so much harder than it would have been to exercise faith early in her life on the journey home to God and when she first began to wander."
I had a friend tell me once about her sister who had wander and while in her journey back said this to her, "It is possible to come back, but the road is so very hard and long, that I wish I would have listened and not strayed. This is so very hard, but so worth it."
"So we help God’s children best by providing ways to build faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel when they are young. And then we must help rekindle that faith quickly before it dims as they wander off the path."
I can only hope that I have helped my children build the faith necessary to sustain them when doubt sets in and they wander. And I hope they will allow me to help rekindle that fire. (Consistency)
"Foreseeing the needs of His children, a loving Heavenly Father placed directions and rescuers along their way. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to make safe passage possible and visible. He called as His prophet in these times President Thomas S. Monson. Since his youth President Monson has taught not only how to stay on the path but also how to rescue those who have been led away into sorrow."
And I pray for these "rescuers" daily, especially the local rescuers that influence my children in such personal ways. I pray not only for the prophet but for my bishop and the youth leaders and teachers. I pray that they will have the words that touch my sons' hearts and helps build their faith.
I also pray that there will be in the path of my children, great people who can touch their lives as well. I wish to high heavens that my brothers lived closer and could have had an influence on my sons lives. The longer I'm a parent and see what they have done in each other families, the more I wish they would have taken a bigger part in my sons' lives. I just now pray that someone here in Redmond can influence my sons for good. I know that my influence, though taught and repeated in my home, sounds like a broken record to my children. They know where I stand and how I feel. They need someone outside to influence them now and I just pray it will be to go on missions, go through the temple and grasp the Iron Rod with both hands.
"And we need to exemplify in our own lives the steady and prolonged faithfulness that the Lord expects of them. As we do, we will help them feel from the Spirit an assurance that if they will persist, they will hear the words from a loving Savior and Heavenly Father: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” And we who help them along the way will hear those words with joy."
I can only pray that is what I do.
"But the only way out was for her to exercise faith in Jesus Christ, to have a broken heart, to repent, and so be cleansed, changed, and strengthened through the Lord’s Atonement. I bore my testimony to her that it was still possible. And it was, but so much harder than it would have been to exercise faith early in her life on the journey home to God and when she first began to wander."
I had a friend tell me once about her sister who had wander and while in her journey back said this to her, "It is possible to come back, but the road is so very hard and long, that I wish I would have listened and not strayed. This is so very hard, but so worth it."
"So we help God’s children best by providing ways to build faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel when they are young. And then we must help rekindle that faith quickly before it dims as they wander off the path."
I can only hope that I have helped my children build the faith necessary to sustain them when doubt sets in and they wander. And I hope they will allow me to help rekindle that fire. (Consistency)
"Foreseeing the needs of His children, a loving Heavenly Father placed directions and rescuers along their way. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to make safe passage possible and visible. He called as His prophet in these times President Thomas S. Monson. Since his youth President Monson has taught not only how to stay on the path but also how to rescue those who have been led away into sorrow."
And I pray for these "rescuers" daily, especially the local rescuers that influence my children in such personal ways. I pray not only for the prophet but for my bishop and the youth leaders and teachers. I pray that they will have the words that touch my sons' hearts and helps build their faith.
I also pray that there will be in the path of my children, great people who can touch their lives as well. I wish to high heavens that my brothers lived closer and could have had an influence on my sons lives. The longer I'm a parent and see what they have done in each other families, the more I wish they would have taken a bigger part in my sons' lives. I just now pray that someone here in Redmond can influence my sons for good. I know that my influence, though taught and repeated in my home, sounds like a broken record to my children. They know where I stand and how I feel. They need someone outside to influence them now and I just pray it will be to go on missions, go through the temple and grasp the Iron Rod with both hands.
"And we need to exemplify in our own lives the steady and prolonged faithfulness that the Lord expects of them. As we do, we will help them feel from the Spirit an assurance that if they will persist, they will hear the words from a loving Savior and Heavenly Father: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” And we who help them along the way will hear those words with joy."
I can only pray that is what I do.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Mothers and Daughters
My thoughts on Elder Ballard's talk "Mothers and Daughters"
"Sisters, we, your brethren, cannot do what you were divinely designated to do from before the foundation of the world. We may try, but we cannot ever hope to replicate your unique gifts. There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman."
I wish the world would recognize this.
My daughter is only 10, so young. My boys are 18-11, still so young, but the choices they are making now are life long ones and I see so many bad choices, but I also see good ones. I only hope....
"Mothers, your example is extremely important to your daughters—even if they don’t acknowledge it."
"Throughout the history of the world, women have always been teachers of moral values. That instruction begins in the cradle and continues throughout the lives of their children. Today our society is bombarded with messages about womanhood and motherhood that are dangerously and wickedly wrong. Following these messages can put your daughters on the path to sin and self-destruction. Your daughters may not understand that unless you tell them or, better, unless you show them how to make good choices. As mothers in Israel, you are your daughters’ first line of defense against the wiles of the world."
Scares me to death--it truly does.
What he says next scares me even more...
"Let me assure you that even when you think your daughter is not listening to a thing you say, she is still learning from you as she watches you to see if your actions match your words."
"Teach your daughter to find joy in nurturing children."
My poor daughter is the youngest one and hasn't seen me nurturing little children. She told me a little while ago that she has never held a baby. How sad is that. But worst is I don't think she has ever seen me. My friends haven't asked me to hold their babies--but most of my friends don't have babies.
"Mothers, teach your daughter that a faithful daughter of God avoids the temptation to gossip or judge one another."
I think I fail there. I try not to spread gossipy stories, but I do tend to judge way to quickly. I need to fix that.
"A mother-daughter relationship is where a daughter learns how to nurture by being nurtured. She is loved. She is taught and experiences firsthand what it feels like to have someone care about her enough to correct her while continuing to encourage and believe in her at the same time."
I only hope I am doing this. I'm not the mom type of a woman. I don't cook, and I hate housework. My poor daughter does not have a good example in me.
"Your daughters as well as your sons are coming of age in a world that openly embraces early, casual, and thoughtless promiscuity. Immodest, unchaste women are glamorized and all too often celebrated and emulated. While there are steps that we can take in our homes and families to minimize our exposure to these unsavory elements of contemporary living, your daughters cannot entirely avoid the blatant sexual messages and enticements that surround them. You need to have frequent, open discussions during which you teach your daughters the truth about these issues."
I truly hope that I have taught this message. I know my husband has tried to express it to my boys and as my daughter is just in those pre-teen years, we have talked and talked about clothing and lady like behavior. Good for her this summer when she brought me some clothing that was just too tight.
"All youth will be more likely to make and keep covenants if they learn how to recognize the presence and the voice of the Spirit. Teach your daughters about things of the Spirit. Point them to the scriptures. Give them experiences that will help them cherish the blessing of priesthood power in their lives. Through keeping covenants they will learn to hear the voice of the Lord and receive personal revelation. God will truly hear and answer their prayers."
This has been taught over the past year countless times in our Family Home Evenings. I sure hope my kids have gotten the message.
"Make sure they know that keeping covenants is the safest road to eternal happiness. And if needed, teach them how to repent and how to remain pure and worthy."
Oh, please, oh, please, oh, please!
"I conclude my counsel with this prophetic summary from President Joseph F. Smith: “Our [family] associations are not exclusively intended for this life, for time, as we distinguish it from eternity. We live for time and for eternity. We form associations and relations for time and all eternity. . . . Who are there besides the Latter-day Saints who contemplate the thought that beyond the grave we will continue in the family organization? the father, the mother, the children recognizing each other . . . ? this family organization being a unit in the great and perfect organization of God’s work, and all destined to continue throughout time and eternity?” "
That is my hope and my wish. I hope that the covenant my husband and I made will NEVER be broken and that we can all experience the love and happiness that comes from obedience and faithfulness.
"Sisters, we, your brethren, cannot do what you were divinely designated to do from before the foundation of the world. We may try, but we cannot ever hope to replicate your unique gifts. There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman."
I wish the world would recognize this.
My daughter is only 10, so young. My boys are 18-11, still so young, but the choices they are making now are life long ones and I see so many bad choices, but I also see good ones. I only hope....
"Mothers, your example is extremely important to your daughters—even if they don’t acknowledge it."
"Throughout the history of the world, women have always been teachers of moral values. That instruction begins in the cradle and continues throughout the lives of their children. Today our society is bombarded with messages about womanhood and motherhood that are dangerously and wickedly wrong. Following these messages can put your daughters on the path to sin and self-destruction. Your daughters may not understand that unless you tell them or, better, unless you show them how to make good choices. As mothers in Israel, you are your daughters’ first line of defense against the wiles of the world."
Scares me to death--it truly does.
What he says next scares me even more...
"Let me assure you that even when you think your daughter is not listening to a thing you say, she is still learning from you as she watches you to see if your actions match your words."
"Teach your daughter to find joy in nurturing children."
My poor daughter is the youngest one and hasn't seen me nurturing little children. She told me a little while ago that she has never held a baby. How sad is that. But worst is I don't think she has ever seen me. My friends haven't asked me to hold their babies--but most of my friends don't have babies.
"Mothers, teach your daughter that a faithful daughter of God avoids the temptation to gossip or judge one another."
I think I fail there. I try not to spread gossipy stories, but I do tend to judge way to quickly. I need to fix that.
"A mother-daughter relationship is where a daughter learns how to nurture by being nurtured. She is loved. She is taught and experiences firsthand what it feels like to have someone care about her enough to correct her while continuing to encourage and believe in her at the same time."
I only hope I am doing this. I'm not the mom type of a woman. I don't cook, and I hate housework. My poor daughter does not have a good example in me.
"Your daughters as well as your sons are coming of age in a world that openly embraces early, casual, and thoughtless promiscuity. Immodest, unchaste women are glamorized and all too often celebrated and emulated. While there are steps that we can take in our homes and families to minimize our exposure to these unsavory elements of contemporary living, your daughters cannot entirely avoid the blatant sexual messages and enticements that surround them. You need to have frequent, open discussions during which you teach your daughters the truth about these issues."
I truly hope that I have taught this message. I know my husband has tried to express it to my boys and as my daughter is just in those pre-teen years, we have talked and talked about clothing and lady like behavior. Good for her this summer when she brought me some clothing that was just too tight.
"All youth will be more likely to make and keep covenants if they learn how to recognize the presence and the voice of the Spirit. Teach your daughters about things of the Spirit. Point them to the scriptures. Give them experiences that will help them cherish the blessing of priesthood power in their lives. Through keeping covenants they will learn to hear the voice of the Lord and receive personal revelation. God will truly hear and answer their prayers."
This has been taught over the past year countless times in our Family Home Evenings. I sure hope my kids have gotten the message.
"Make sure they know that keeping covenants is the safest road to eternal happiness. And if needed, teach them how to repent and how to remain pure and worthy."
Oh, please, oh, please, oh, please!
"I conclude my counsel with this prophetic summary from President Joseph F. Smith: “Our [family] associations are not exclusively intended for this life, for time, as we distinguish it from eternity. We live for time and for eternity. We form associations and relations for time and all eternity. . . . Who are there besides the Latter-day Saints who contemplate the thought that beyond the grave we will continue in the family organization? the father, the mother, the children recognizing each other . . . ? this family organization being a unit in the great and perfect organization of God’s work, and all destined to continue throughout time and eternity?” "
That is my hope and my wish. I hope that the covenant my husband and I made will NEVER be broken and that we can all experience the love and happiness that comes from obedience and faithfulness.
The Rock of Our Redeemer
My thoughts on Elder Andersen's talk "The Rock of Our Redeemer"
I love this talk. I used it in a talk I gave in Sacrament meeting not to long ago.
I had family (both sides) come across the plains. I've read their stories and it would have been so much easier to just not come, but they couldn't deny their faith and their conviction.
"They had learned a profound and important lesson. They had learned that hope, with its attendant blessings of peace and joy, does not depend upon circumstance. They had discovered that the true source of hope is faith—faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His infinite Atonement, the one sure foundation upon which to build our lives."
I hope I have a 10th of their faith. But it is where their faith is placed. I love that it isn't just faith, but "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." And it is this faith that leads us to hope.
"wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope."
I know for the past year I have had to have faith in the Lord that the Priesthood blessings I received would work and that I could have hope for a day when the doctors would say, "remission". I also have hope in the words of this Elder...
"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.'
"I testify of Him, that He has overcome the world, that He will never forget or abandon us, for He has graven us upon the palms of His hands.8 I testify that those who keep His commandments will grow in faith and hope. They will be given strength to overcome all of life’s trials. They will experience peace that passes all understanding."
I must have faith unto hope; I must.
I love this talk. I used it in a talk I gave in Sacrament meeting not to long ago.
I had family (both sides) come across the plains. I've read their stories and it would have been so much easier to just not come, but they couldn't deny their faith and their conviction.
"They had learned a profound and important lesson. They had learned that hope, with its attendant blessings of peace and joy, does not depend upon circumstance. They had discovered that the true source of hope is faith—faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His infinite Atonement, the one sure foundation upon which to build our lives."
I hope I have a 10th of their faith. But it is where their faith is placed. I love that it isn't just faith, but "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." And it is this faith that leads us to hope.
"wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope."
I know for the past year I have had to have faith in the Lord that the Priesthood blessings I received would work and that I could have hope for a day when the doctors would say, "remission". I also have hope in the words of this Elder...
"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.'
"I testify of Him, that He has overcome the world, that He will never forget or abandon us, for He has graven us upon the palms of His hands.8 I testify that those who keep His commandments will grow in faith and hope. They will be given strength to overcome all of life’s trials. They will experience peace that passes all understanding."
I must have faith unto hope; I must.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Our Path of Duty
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.
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.
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.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Never, Never, Never Give Up!
My thoughts on Sister Cook's talk "Never, Never, Never Give Up!".
A plan! A simple plan to make it through this rough and tumble life.
"First, gain a strong testimony, step by step. Second, seek the help of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, your family, and others who will support you in your decision to follow the plan. And finally, live to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost."
1. Gaining a strong testimony. How very important this has been for me as I have faced the challenges that have been thrown at me. First infertility, then a broken body, then the passing of three great member of my family and now cancer. I know for sure I would have succumb to depression and been a very angry person had I not had a testimony of the the Plan!
Sister Cook says, "Your testimony is strengthened “gradually through your experiences. No one receives a complete testimony all at once” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 179). You’ll recall that in order to climb the steepest part of the mountain, we approached it one step at a time. To gain a testimony, you must nourish it step by step. “[Your testimony] will increase as you make decisions to keep the commandments. As you lift and strengthen others, you will see your testimony continue to develop.” As you establish personal habits of prayer, scripture study, obedience to the commandments, and service to others, “you will be blessed with moments of inspiration that will [strengthen] your testimony”.
As I prepared to run my marathon, I didn't go out the first week and run two hours. NO! I ran 30 minutes a day for weeks and slowly built up to running 120 minutes and then eventually I ran my race. My testimony is always being worked on and strengthened through the experiences I am having--but only if I allow the Spirit to touch my heart and mind and testify.
2. "Second, seek the help of others to give you added strength and support. Look first to your Heavenly Father through prayer. You are His daughter. He knows you and loves you. He hears and answers your prayers. We are taught countless times in the scriptures to “pray always” (see, for example, D&C 90:24). As you pray, the Lord will be with you just as the Lord was with Joshua."
I know this and I just need to be reminded of it when I don't feel it.
We also need to seek help from our family and friends. We are put into family units and need to go to them first. I know how hard it is to tell your family your problems. You always want to look good in their eyes. You want to be a success. It hurts when you have to go to them for help. It is much easier to go to a stranger. I think the same idea holds true when we turn to the Lord. Yet, the Lord doesn't want well people to come to him, he wants those that are sick and need him. I know as a parent I want my children to come to me when they have problems so we can work them out together. Guess I need to take my own advice.
A plan! A simple plan to make it through this rough and tumble life.
"First, gain a strong testimony, step by step. Second, seek the help of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, your family, and others who will support you in your decision to follow the plan. And finally, live to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost."
1. Gaining a strong testimony. How very important this has been for me as I have faced the challenges that have been thrown at me. First infertility, then a broken body, then the passing of three great member of my family and now cancer. I know for sure I would have succumb to depression and been a very angry person had I not had a testimony of the the Plan!
Sister Cook says, "Your testimony is strengthened “gradually through your experiences. No one receives a complete testimony all at once” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 179). You’ll recall that in order to climb the steepest part of the mountain, we approached it one step at a time. To gain a testimony, you must nourish it step by step. “[Your testimony] will increase as you make decisions to keep the commandments. As you lift and strengthen others, you will see your testimony continue to develop.” As you establish personal habits of prayer, scripture study, obedience to the commandments, and service to others, “you will be blessed with moments of inspiration that will [strengthen] your testimony”.
As I prepared to run my marathon, I didn't go out the first week and run two hours. NO! I ran 30 minutes a day for weeks and slowly built up to running 120 minutes and then eventually I ran my race. My testimony is always being worked on and strengthened through the experiences I am having--but only if I allow the Spirit to touch my heart and mind and testify.
2. "Second, seek the help of others to give you added strength and support. Look first to your Heavenly Father through prayer. You are His daughter. He knows you and loves you. He hears and answers your prayers. We are taught countless times in the scriptures to “pray always” (see, for example, D&C 90:24). As you pray, the Lord will be with you just as the Lord was with Joshua."
I know this and I just need to be reminded of it when I don't feel it.
We also need to seek help from our family and friends. We are put into family units and need to go to them first. I know how hard it is to tell your family your problems. You always want to look good in their eyes. You want to be a success. It hurts when you have to go to them for help. It is much easier to go to a stranger. I think the same idea holds true when we turn to the Lord. Yet, the Lord doesn't want well people to come to him, he wants those that are sick and need him. I know as a parent I want my children to come to me when they have problems so we can work them out together. Guess I need to take my own advice.
Be of Good Courage
My thoughts on Sister Ann M. Dibb's talk "Be of Good Courage" .
Courage! I've had to deal with courage for the past few months. I've had to find it, use it and sometimes pretend until I felt I had enough courage to continue to press forward. I've feel like I've fallen short on some days.
I have taken courage in Sister Dibb's talk.
"... the Lord promises Joshua, “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” We can find courage and strength in this promise that the Lord will always be there for us and will never leave us alone. We are taught that Heavenly Father knows and loves each of His children. As one of His precious daughters, you have access to His assurance and guidance through the power of prayer. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read, “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers”."
I often think of the poem about the footprints in the sand. How I want to believe that but often feel like I'm the only one walking. Like the person in the poem we have to turn around to notice that we aren't alone. That is called "remembering" and if you want an interesting study, look how often the prophets of old (and new) are asking us to REMEMBER! "Remember, remember..."
Believe it or not, I've been struggling a bit with prayer as of late. My prayers seem all the same and they seem almost unanswered. This is so perplexing. I would have sworn on a stack of Bibles that my testimony of prayer was unshakable, but right now, I just don't know what is going on. My children's prayers lack faith and so do mine. Something is wacky at my house. How befuddling.
"... when the Lord tells Joshua, “Observe to do according to all the law . . . : turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” The Lord is instructing Joshua to be strictly obedient to the commandments and not to deviate from the Lord’s path. President Howard W. Hunter taught: “Joshua knew that his obedience would bring success, and although he did not know exactly how he would succeed, he now had confidence in the result. . . . Surely the experiences of the great prophets [found in the scriptures] have been recorded [and preserved] to help us understand the importance of choosing the path of strict obedience”."
I've learned a little about obedience now that I'm a mom. Funny how when you are a parent you learn a little bit about our Father in Heaven. He knows a bit more than I do and maybe I should just trust him and obey even when it is hard and the other way look more appealing. I never really have questioned commandments, I've just done it.
"Here the Lord refers to a “book of the law” and tells Joshua to “meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: . . . and then thou shalt have good success.” The Lord is instructing Joshua and all of us to read the scriptures. Daily scripture study—especially reading the Book of Mormon—establishes a firm foundation for your developing testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. It invites the Spirit into your life. President Harold B. Lee counseled, “If we’re not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner [and] our spirituality isn’t increasing in depth”."
I will say I've been very consistent with my scripture reading, but not studying. I need to get better at that. I need to cut something out of my life and add personal scripture study. I just have to be better at it. I know I think of the scriptures often, but I'm not studying them. I wonder how better my life would be if I did personal study?
"Heavenly Father knows our individual journeys are not easy. We are faced every day with situations that require courage and strength."
and he will give us the courage if we pray for it. (Now read that again Doreen and believe it and live it.)
Courage! I've had to deal with courage for the past few months. I've had to find it, use it and sometimes pretend until I felt I had enough courage to continue to press forward. I've feel like I've fallen short on some days.
I have taken courage in Sister Dibb's talk.
"... the Lord promises Joshua, “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” We can find courage and strength in this promise that the Lord will always be there for us and will never leave us alone. We are taught that Heavenly Father knows and loves each of His children. As one of His precious daughters, you have access to His assurance and guidance through the power of prayer. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read, “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers”."
I often think of the poem about the footprints in the sand. How I want to believe that but often feel like I'm the only one walking. Like the person in the poem we have to turn around to notice that we aren't alone. That is called "remembering" and if you want an interesting study, look how often the prophets of old (and new) are asking us to REMEMBER! "Remember, remember..."
Believe it or not, I've been struggling a bit with prayer as of late. My prayers seem all the same and they seem almost unanswered. This is so perplexing. I would have sworn on a stack of Bibles that my testimony of prayer was unshakable, but right now, I just don't know what is going on. My children's prayers lack faith and so do mine. Something is wacky at my house. How befuddling.
"... when the Lord tells Joshua, “Observe to do according to all the law . . . : turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” The Lord is instructing Joshua to be strictly obedient to the commandments and not to deviate from the Lord’s path. President Howard W. Hunter taught: “Joshua knew that his obedience would bring success, and although he did not know exactly how he would succeed, he now had confidence in the result. . . . Surely the experiences of the great prophets [found in the scriptures] have been recorded [and preserved] to help us understand the importance of choosing the path of strict obedience”."
I've learned a little about obedience now that I'm a mom. Funny how when you are a parent you learn a little bit about our Father in Heaven. He knows a bit more than I do and maybe I should just trust him and obey even when it is hard and the other way look more appealing. I never really have questioned commandments, I've just done it.
"Here the Lord refers to a “book of the law” and tells Joshua to “meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: . . . and then thou shalt have good success.” The Lord is instructing Joshua and all of us to read the scriptures. Daily scripture study—especially reading the Book of Mormon—establishes a firm foundation for your developing testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. It invites the Spirit into your life. President Harold B. Lee counseled, “If we’re not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner [and] our spirituality isn’t increasing in depth”."
I will say I've been very consistent with my scripture reading, but not studying. I need to get better at that. I need to cut something out of my life and add personal scripture study. I just have to be better at it. I know I think of the scriptures often, but I'm not studying them. I wonder how better my life would be if I did personal study?
"Heavenly Father knows our individual journeys are not easy. We are faced every day with situations that require courage and strength."
and he will give us the courage if we pray for it. (Now read that again Doreen and believe it and live it.)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Oh the Wish Of My Heart
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.
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.
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