It has almost been a year now that I have taken a walk with the prophets. Impossible you say. My reply is, "No!" I have walked with the prophets and believe I am a better person for doing so.
See, on October 1, 2006, I was watching the fourth session of General Conference from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was impressed that I needed to study them one at a time and apply them to my life as a mom, a homeschooler and espcially as a Latter-day Saint.
To help me accomplish this goal, I started a yahoo group for LDS homeschoolers as we applied the teachings of the prophets to our lives as homeschoolers. It is a small group and I like it that way. We are getting to know each other on very simple, complex and spiritual ways. Becuase I admire these parents and respect their privacy, I will not post anything from our converstation on this blog, just my insights. I might add a few of their words as it pertains to conversations we have had, but there will NEVER be any identifing qualities from their post on this blog.
I have grown to admire and respect these friends as we have grown together this past year and hope we can continue to grow.
This is my journey as I walk with Prophets.
NOTE: I have decided to back date all the posts intead of just post them all today.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Healing Power of Forgivenes
My thought from President Faust's talk "The Healing Power of Forgiveness"
As many of you know, I’m a week behind because of my sister’s death and funeral. I’m not caught up yet, but I did give this talk as a FHE lesson this past Monday. Our family has a habit of remembering past wrongs and I wanted to express to my children the healing power of forgiveness. I wanted them to tell them about what my brother-in-law said at my sister’s funeral, but I couldn’t because I haven’t forgiven my father.
My father was not the best father in fact I would put him on the other side of medium, but not horrible. Because my sister was much older than I was (she was 13 when I was born), she had a different father than I did. But she found it in her to forgive him. I haven’t. I don’t know what it will take, but I still haven’t forgiven my father. Maybe it is because I still have to interact with him (he lives closer to me) or maybe his treatment towards me was someone “harder”. I don’t know and I probably doesn’t matter.
This is truly something that will hold me from the Celestial Kingdom and I think of it often. For the most part I have forgiven him, but when I have to be with him, all those feelings and behaviors that I didn’t like and that hurt me so much, come boiling to the surface again.
I also have a hard time forgiving him for the emotional abuse he caused my mother. It was extensive and I assume grew harder to bare as eventually my mother divorced him.
Melinda, I ask the same question you do here, “why do I not forgive?” I do not know and I need to explore it more, but I guess the feelings are still very raw and hurtful.
I guess I need to follow Pres. Faust’s guidelines:
My father never did anything physical to me as his treatment towards me was all emotional. He was a very distant father until there was a crowd to play to. I’m not sure where forgetting plays in forgiveness, and if it does play a part in it then I don’t know I if I will ever forgive because it is hard to forget the words and actions of my father. He truly has affected my life for good and ill. I know I wouldn’t have picked the man I married if it wasn’t for his example. I know be the type of parent I am if it wasn’t for him.
But eventually I have to forgive him—the hardest thing I will ever do and I don’t know how my sister did it as we could NEVER talk about this. But she did.
As many of you know, I’m a week behind because of my sister’s death and funeral. I’m not caught up yet, but I did give this talk as a FHE lesson this past Monday. Our family has a habit of remembering past wrongs and I wanted to express to my children the healing power of forgiveness. I wanted them to tell them about what my brother-in-law said at my sister’s funeral, but I couldn’t because I haven’t forgiven my father.
My father was not the best father in fact I would put him on the other side of medium, but not horrible. Because my sister was much older than I was (she was 13 when I was born), she had a different father than I did. But she found it in her to forgive him. I haven’t. I don’t know what it will take, but I still haven’t forgiven my father. Maybe it is because I still have to interact with him (he lives closer to me) or maybe his treatment towards me was someone “harder”. I don’t know and I probably doesn’t matter.
This is truly something that will hold me from the Celestial Kingdom and I think of it often. For the most part I have forgiven him, but when I have to be with him, all those feelings and behaviors that I didn’t like and that hurt me so much, come boiling to the surface again.
I also have a hard time forgiving him for the emotional abuse he caused my mother. It was extensive and I assume grew harder to bare as eventually my mother divorced him.
Melinda, I ask the same question you do here, “why do I not forgive?” I do not know and I need to explore it more, but I guess the feelings are still very raw and hurtful.
I guess I need to follow Pres. Faust’s guidelines:
- Recognize and acknowledge angry feelings (well, I think I’ve done that—and more than once.)
- Pray and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness (see below)
- Forgive
My father never did anything physical to me as his treatment towards me was all emotional. He was a very distant father until there was a crowd to play to. I’m not sure where forgetting plays in forgiveness, and if it does play a part in it then I don’t know I if I will ever forgive because it is hard to forget the words and actions of my father. He truly has affected my life for good and ill. I know I wouldn’t have picked the man I married if it wasn’t for his example. I know be the type of parent I am if it wasn’t for him.
But eventually I have to forgive him—the hardest thing I will ever do and I don’t know how my sister did it as we could NEVER talk about this. But she did.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
I Am Clean
My thoughts on President Hinckley's "I Am Clean"
I love stats (don’t always understand them) but I do love them.
WOW!
We truly are experiencing world wide growth and I can now see what the bar was raised—we have to have those with clean hearts and hands to spread this gospel.
I have always loved the stories of our Prophets who did the extraordinary during their childhood, and especially Joseph F. Smith. I remember reading his story while in seminary and falling in love with that prophet. I then took a prophet class at BYU and have continued to study their lives. He truly is one of my favorite.
I have loved this story a lot but have one problem with it (I’ll tell that later). I too hope that I can always say “yes, but I’m clean,” when asked.
This is something we need to desperately impress upon our children and I feel the urgency even more so as I have teens and they are leaving my home way too soon.
One of Pres. Hinckley’s be’s is “Be clean” It not only means clean outside by way of appearance and dress but inside. I love how in this talk he points out
- “a filthy mind expresses itself in filthy and profane language. A clean mind expresses itself in language that is positive and uplifting and in deeds that bring happiness to the heart.”
- “be claen in body and dress and manner. Do not permit yourself to be tattooed. If you do someday you will regret it. Only a painful and costly procedure can remove the tattoo.”
- “be clean and neat and orderly. Sloppy dress leads to sloppy manners.” OH, don’t get me started on the sloppy dress of teens—it truly is a gang wannabe trend/fad/behavior. The baggy clothing comes from the fact that they give one size fits all and nothing to hold them up. That is why they hang down way low. But I need to stop that tirade now. I love how he adds about cleanliness in participating in the blessing of the sacrament!
- the internet! My kids tell me I’m such a meanie, but then they come and thank me when the realize how much of a time waster it can be and how it can suck you down the wrong path.
Then he ends with “get an education!” oh, how I love when he says that. When you pursue righteous endeavors the Lord will bless you and help you from be clean.
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Priesthood--a Sacred Gift
My thoughts on President Monson's talk "The Prieshood--a Sacred Gift"
We are constantly called to repentance and I think Pres. Smith’s words (his quotes them) is just that: a call to repent and be worthy to hold and receive the blessings of the priesthood. “[The priesthood’ is sacred, and it must be held sacred by the people.”
I know he was speaking to the brethren, but now he speaks to us and we must remember that. I’m guilty of second guessing the priesthood holders in our ward and stake and I must repent. I haven’t had the most kind thoughts toward our YM pres, but I must repent. Guess I know what I will be praying about on Sunday.
“Responsibilities” oh, how I hate and love that word! When you know as much as we do, you have a responsibility to act accordingly.
Courage—oh how I love that word. It takes courage to step up to the plate and act according to the truths you have been taught and those you yourself teach. “Courage comes constantly to each of us” but how? Through our obedience. When you obey you have no need to fear. At least that is how I see it. Look at Daniels friends (don’t make me spell their names) who were thrown into the fiery furnace. They had courage (and faith). Daniel himself. Nephi, Lehi, Ammon, and the list goes on and on. I believe faith and courage go hand in hand. But I believe faith needs to come first and leads you to courage. But that is the gospel according to Doreen.
WOW to president Kimball’s quote! “The limit comes in you!” is that not a call to repent! I know it was directed toward the brethren, but if we expect it to work in and for us we need to repent as well. I don’t want the limit to be placed because of me!
I can’t believe he told a WWII story. We are studying it right now!
What a great story of being prepare, obeying council and living worthy to bless the lives of others.
And again with Brother Salas.
I love his last scripture quote. It has been one of my favorites since seminary. “learn and act” is how my mom always shortened it.
We are constantly called to repentance and I think Pres. Smith’s words (his quotes them) is just that: a call to repent and be worthy to hold and receive the blessings of the priesthood. “[The priesthood’ is sacred, and it must be held sacred by the people.”
I know he was speaking to the brethren, but now he speaks to us and we must remember that. I’m guilty of second guessing the priesthood holders in our ward and stake and I must repent. I haven’t had the most kind thoughts toward our YM pres, but I must repent. Guess I know what I will be praying about on Sunday.
“Responsibilities” oh, how I hate and love that word! When you know as much as we do, you have a responsibility to act accordingly.
Courage—oh how I love that word. It takes courage to step up to the plate and act according to the truths you have been taught and those you yourself teach. “Courage comes constantly to each of us” but how? Through our obedience. When you obey you have no need to fear. At least that is how I see it. Look at Daniels friends (don’t make me spell their names) who were thrown into the fiery furnace. They had courage (and faith). Daniel himself. Nephi, Lehi, Ammon, and the list goes on and on. I believe faith and courage go hand in hand. But I believe faith needs to come first and leads you to courage. But that is the gospel according to Doreen.
WOW to president Kimball’s quote! “The limit comes in you!” is that not a call to repent! I know it was directed toward the brethren, but if we expect it to work in and for us we need to repent as well. I don’t want the limit to be placed because of me!
I can’t believe he told a WWII story. We are studying it right now!
What a great story of being prepare, obeying council and living worthy to bless the lives of others.
And again with Brother Salas.
I love his last scripture quote. It has been one of my favorites since seminary. “learn and act” is how my mom always shortened it.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Message to My Grandsons
My thoughts on President Faust's talk "Message to My Grandsons"
WARNING—my heart is very heavy as I’m not spiritually “there” today and haven’t for a few days (actually since my kids came back from camp). It has been hard to say my prayers and read my scriptures lately. OH, how I wish the temple was open because I need to feel His arms around me.
I think my boys are going to find this talk on their pillows tonight.
I really don’t know that to say about this talk. Do we go over it line by line? It truly is packed and could be gone over line by line. But I won’t.
What a wise young men’s president. I wonder if he will move into my ward. I’m not having a good experience with our young men’s president. AWFUL in fact. I know the Lord won’t change him in the next six months and I will have to watch my oldest move from teacher to priest. I guess I need to repent and not speak or think ill of him. I will have to start praying for him.
I like the word “agent”. My sport nut boys will understand this concept.
Can’t you just hear the love in his voice as he speaks to his “grandsons” and says, “I hope each one of you becomes a man of God. You will become a man of god through righteous works. You will honor and magnify your priesthood and, as the Apostle Paul said, “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (Right now I wish my teens would heed this! I’m so very frustrated with them.)
“…following the rules is still the best pathway to obtaining all the things the Lord has promised.” (why can’t my boys—and girl—follow the rules!!!! What am I doing wrong that makes this happen?)
OK, this next paragraph is going to be put in a HUGE poster on my wall! We all have agency and NO ONE makes us do anything—we choose. I’m choosing to be in a crappy mode—my kids don’t put me there, I put myself there!
“All you young men who hold the priesthood have the duty to respect womanhood.” This needs to be shouted from the top of the mountains every morning! ALL WOMEN. We are struggling to do that at our home. My kids are so rude to me. We just had a talk about this behavior this morning and not 30 minutes later my 15 year old is back talking. (I wish I could pick him up and put him in his room—but he looks me in the eyes now.)
The next paragraph needs to be posted on every teenager’s mirror! I know I just copied it and put it in a pub doc and it will be in big letter, printed and then posted in the two bathrooms the kids use!!!!!! Why is it so hard for kids to understand this? I know I did the same thing as a kid—my mom was out to ruin my life. Oh, how I wish I could relive that part again, just so I could go back and treat my mom with more respect and with love. Trying to make up for it now is very difficult (she has Alzheimer’s now.)
Have you notice how much the prophets are emphasizing getting educated. Maybe it is because I’m reading the conference talks more diligently with the creation of this group, but it seems like in the last 5-8 years that every conference there is at least two or three talks that mention education. At first I thought they were talking about those in poorer countries, but I was mistaken; they are talking to ALL of us. I also sense a hint of urgency in their command. Is this just me? We have the PEF (perpetual education fund), the “Be Smart” and in the Standard for Youth it mentions it and I don’t a conference goes by that Pres Hinckley doesn’t urge us all to get education—especially the young men and women. I know I put this in my quiver and pull it out often when my kids grumble about school work.
I too have marveled over the complexity of things. Everything now seems to be “more” and yet the youth of today don’t have it. I was reading a friends blog. Her hubby just spent three months in china (he took the family—she homeschool—how cool is that!) Anyway, I couldn’t sleep last night so I caught up on all my blog reading. He mentioned why he was in China. He was there to hire Chinese and other Asians to work for Microsoft in their china location. WHY? Because there are not enough computer science candidates in the US and the US will only allow so many special visas (sorry I can’t remember the type) for those skilled workers to come work in the US so they have to open locations in foreign countries and hire them there and have them work there and send US people over there to manage them. I have a dear friend whose hubby just went to China for 2 YEARS for the same thing. He is hiring and getting a new project set up in China. They are going for a minimum of 2 years and it may be more—up to 5! Same reason! Our children HAVE to become educated—there is no end run around this problem.
Ok, off my soap box.
No shortcuts to success.
Now they tell me ~smile~
Life is hard and it seems to get harder every day. How do we even get up each day to face the mess? I know I get up because if I don’t my house will not be standing when Steve gets home.
What a great promise for the youth specially the fathers of tomorrow. Just hope they live righteous enough to claim it.
WARNING—my heart is very heavy as I’m not spiritually “there” today and haven’t for a few days (actually since my kids came back from camp). It has been hard to say my prayers and read my scriptures lately. OH, how I wish the temple was open because I need to feel His arms around me.
I think my boys are going to find this talk on their pillows tonight.
I really don’t know that to say about this talk. Do we go over it line by line? It truly is packed and could be gone over line by line. But I won’t.
What a wise young men’s president. I wonder if he will move into my ward. I’m not having a good experience with our young men’s president. AWFUL in fact. I know the Lord won’t change him in the next six months and I will have to watch my oldest move from teacher to priest. I guess I need to repent and not speak or think ill of him. I will have to start praying for him.
I like the word “agent”. My sport nut boys will understand this concept.
Can’t you just hear the love in his voice as he speaks to his “grandsons” and says, “I hope each one of you becomes a man of God. You will become a man of god through righteous works. You will honor and magnify your priesthood and, as the Apostle Paul said, “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (Right now I wish my teens would heed this! I’m so very frustrated with them.)
“…following the rules is still the best pathway to obtaining all the things the Lord has promised.” (why can’t my boys—and girl—follow the rules!!!! What am I doing wrong that makes this happen?)
OK, this next paragraph is going to be put in a HUGE poster on my wall! We all have agency and NO ONE makes us do anything—we choose. I’m choosing to be in a crappy mode—my kids don’t put me there, I put myself there!
“All you young men who hold the priesthood have the duty to respect womanhood.” This needs to be shouted from the top of the mountains every morning! ALL WOMEN. We are struggling to do that at our home. My kids are so rude to me. We just had a talk about this behavior this morning and not 30 minutes later my 15 year old is back talking. (I wish I could pick him up and put him in his room—but he looks me in the eyes now.)
The next paragraph needs to be posted on every teenager’s mirror! I know I just copied it and put it in a pub doc and it will be in big letter, printed and then posted in the two bathrooms the kids use!!!!!! Why is it so hard for kids to understand this? I know I did the same thing as a kid—my mom was out to ruin my life. Oh, how I wish I could relive that part again, just so I could go back and treat my mom with more respect and with love. Trying to make up for it now is very difficult (she has Alzheimer’s now.)
Have you notice how much the prophets are emphasizing getting educated. Maybe it is because I’m reading the conference talks more diligently with the creation of this group, but it seems like in the last 5-8 years that every conference there is at least two or three talks that mention education. At first I thought they were talking about those in poorer countries, but I was mistaken; they are talking to ALL of us. I also sense a hint of urgency in their command. Is this just me? We have the PEF (perpetual education fund), the “Be Smart” and in the Standard for Youth it mentions it and I don’t a conference goes by that Pres Hinckley doesn’t urge us all to get education—especially the young men and women. I know I put this in my quiver and pull it out often when my kids grumble about school work.
I too have marveled over the complexity of things. Everything now seems to be “more” and yet the youth of today don’t have it. I was reading a friends blog. Her hubby just spent three months in china (he took the family—she homeschool—how cool is that!) Anyway, I couldn’t sleep last night so I caught up on all my blog reading. He mentioned why he was in China. He was there to hire Chinese and other Asians to work for Microsoft in their china location. WHY? Because there are not enough computer science candidates in the US and the US will only allow so many special visas (sorry I can’t remember the type) for those skilled workers to come work in the US so they have to open locations in foreign countries and hire them there and have them work there and send US people over there to manage them. I have a dear friend whose hubby just went to China for 2 YEARS for the same thing. He is hiring and getting a new project set up in China. They are going for a minimum of 2 years and it may be more—up to 5! Same reason! Our children HAVE to become educated—there is no end run around this problem.
Ok, off my soap box.
No shortcuts to success.
Now they tell me ~smile~
Life is hard and it seems to get harder every day. How do we even get up each day to face the mess? I know I get up because if I don’t my house will not be standing when Steve gets home.
What a great promise for the youth specially the fathers of tomorrow. Just hope they live righteous enough to claim it.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Lay Up in Store
My thought on Bishop McMullin's talk "Lay Up in Store"
As I read the dreadful story of that “young man” I chuckled as I read “I still have nightmares about that chemistry class.”
I had a similar incident when I found out that vets also “opened up” animals and did surgery on them. I thought they just cuddled with them every day and who in their right mind wouldn’t want to be a vet! ~smile~
“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”
I was the RS president when 9-11 happened and even though it was horrific and I still weep when I see those pictures, I was not afraid. BTW—fear and sadness are not the same—I still wept and still weep for the families touched by the events of 9-11. Two of my cousins were supposed to be in the tower that day and subsequently lost their jobs and were jobless and even homeless for about 18 months until things started to get better for them and their young families.
9-11 was a Tuesday and that Wednesday I had to conduct a RS meeting. We of course changed our focus of the meeting, but there was an overwhelming since of unfear. New word I just made up, because it wasn’t “peace” we were feeling. We didn’t like what was happening but the Lord told each of us that no matter how this event shook out we and our families were going to be OK. We did not fear tomorrow. Those that are prepared need not fear—PLAIN AND SIMPLE!
This goes spiritually as well as physically, financially and emotionally.
I love the bullet points he give us—yes this was to the men—but it applies to all of us.
1. faith! Nuf said!
2. dejunk! When you have to worry about other things and not the people in your life… Likewise debt.
3. storage. I love how he says “Wives are instrumental in this work!” DUH, but he adds, “but they need husbands who lead out in family preparedness. I love the BSA for this. My kids are working on Emergency Preparedness for one of their Merit Badges. I’m so thankful for the plan the church has asked us to use and follow all these many decades. I also remember that there is no law given that isn’t spiritual in nature. As I have thought about that as I can yet another jar of sauce or fruit or whatever. This will keep my body going, so why am I at the church cannery doing this? WHY if there is no temporal commands? Obedience goes a long way in storing up blessings. Maybe someday I will tell my story.
I just love the quotes he gives! It is so wonderful to know that the Lord and his chosen servants care not only for our eternal salvation but that of sustaining life while here. I have always loved the scripture he quotes at the end, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.”
OK, I just read what I wrote last week and now after coming home from church and looking this over I have so much to add. We just had our 5th Sunday combined 3rd hour meeting with the priesthood. It was on Emergency Preparedness. I am so thankful our stake takes this seriously. As many of you know where I live, we were without power for over 6 days last year when winds whipped through our part of the country and knocked EVERYTHING out. That was in December. Just two months previously our stake had held an emergency drill. On a Monday (FHE) we all had had a terrible earthquake here and had to follow our ward’s (and stake) communication plan and then live the rest of the night as if without power. So many people realized that day that they were not ready for a major problem. They readied themselves and come December’s powerful storms, very few families needed to be “rescued”. It was so awesome. Of course during the real thing we realized how long six days without power is and fixed a few things that were all missing from our preparedness. I’m so thankful we get to do it yet again….BUT…last year’s drill I wasn’t to pleased with. I was struggling with news that my sister had 6 weeks to live, in fact the day before the drill I had just flown home. My mother who has Alzheimer’s was at my house and couldn’t understand what was going on and kept turning on lights. It was very difficult, and I was not happy with it. But in real life, do emergencies happen when it convenient? NO!
I look forward to Sept 17th and our drill and I look forward to our neighborhood emergency meeting at my house after labor day (this is my kids doing!). I know I might not be 100% prepared, but the Lord will bless me for the steps I have made and will chastise me for the ones I should have made and he asked me to make but didn’t and he will still love me and help me be a better person.
As I read the dreadful story of that “young man” I chuckled as I read “I still have nightmares about that chemistry class.”
I had a similar incident when I found out that vets also “opened up” animals and did surgery on them. I thought they just cuddled with them every day and who in their right mind wouldn’t want to be a vet! ~smile~
“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”
I was the RS president when 9-11 happened and even though it was horrific and I still weep when I see those pictures, I was not afraid. BTW—fear and sadness are not the same—I still wept and still weep for the families touched by the events of 9-11. Two of my cousins were supposed to be in the tower that day and subsequently lost their jobs and were jobless and even homeless for about 18 months until things started to get better for them and their young families.
9-11 was a Tuesday and that Wednesday I had to conduct a RS meeting. We of course changed our focus of the meeting, but there was an overwhelming since of unfear. New word I just made up, because it wasn’t “peace” we were feeling. We didn’t like what was happening but the Lord told each of us that no matter how this event shook out we and our families were going to be OK. We did not fear tomorrow. Those that are prepared need not fear—PLAIN AND SIMPLE!
This goes spiritually as well as physically, financially and emotionally.
I love the bullet points he give us—yes this was to the men—but it applies to all of us.
1. faith! Nuf said!
2. dejunk! When you have to worry about other things and not the people in your life… Likewise debt.
3. storage. I love how he says “Wives are instrumental in this work!” DUH, but he adds, “but they need husbands who lead out in family preparedness. I love the BSA for this. My kids are working on Emergency Preparedness for one of their Merit Badges. I’m so thankful for the plan the church has asked us to use and follow all these many decades. I also remember that there is no law given that isn’t spiritual in nature. As I have thought about that as I can yet another jar of sauce or fruit or whatever. This will keep my body going, so why am I at the church cannery doing this? WHY if there is no temporal commands? Obedience goes a long way in storing up blessings. Maybe someday I will tell my story.
I just love the quotes he gives! It is so wonderful to know that the Lord and his chosen servants care not only for our eternal salvation but that of sustaining life while here. I have always loved the scripture he quotes at the end, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.”
OK, I just read what I wrote last week and now after coming home from church and looking this over I have so much to add. We just had our 5th Sunday combined 3rd hour meeting with the priesthood. It was on Emergency Preparedness. I am so thankful our stake takes this seriously. As many of you know where I live, we were without power for over 6 days last year when winds whipped through our part of the country and knocked EVERYTHING out. That was in December. Just two months previously our stake had held an emergency drill. On a Monday (FHE) we all had had a terrible earthquake here and had to follow our ward’s (and stake) communication plan and then live the rest of the night as if without power. So many people realized that day that they were not ready for a major problem. They readied themselves and come December’s powerful storms, very few families needed to be “rescued”. It was so awesome. Of course during the real thing we realized how long six days without power is and fixed a few things that were all missing from our preparedness. I’m so thankful we get to do it yet again….BUT…last year’s drill I wasn’t to pleased with. I was struggling with news that my sister had 6 weeks to live, in fact the day before the drill I had just flown home. My mother who has Alzheimer’s was at my house and couldn’t understand what was going on and kept turning on lights. It was very difficult, and I was not happy with it. But in real life, do emergencies happen when it convenient? NO!
I look forward to Sept 17th and our drill and I look forward to our neighborhood emergency meeting at my house after labor day (this is my kids doing!). I know I might not be 100% prepared, but the Lord will bless me for the steps I have made and will chastise me for the ones I should have made and he asked me to make but didn’t and he will still love me and help me be a better person.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
To the Aaronic Priesthood: Prepareing for the Decade of Decision
My thought on Elder Hales' talk "To the Aaronic Priesthood: Prepareing for the Decade of Decision"
This talk was very timely for me.
Last Sunday my third boy received the Aaronic Priesthood. It is so fun to listen to the blessing they are given at the time of their ordination.
My boys are at scout camp this week or this would be the subject of our FHE tomorrow. I’m going to have to get it in sometime. Maybe my hubby would prepare something.
These young me are truly part of the Royal Army! They have been chosen for a mission at this time. They are to hold the banner high. They are to fight for the God of Love. I love this line:
Remember this: you are a son of God who decided to follow the Savior when it mattered most, and that makes you a great man indeed.
I could continue quoting the talk it is so good.
When I was younger I thought it was a shaft to call it the “lesser” priesthood. I love the term “preparatory” priesthood and Elder Hales nailed it with these words:
The Aaronic Priesthood is the preparatory priesthood, given for this preparatory time in your life. How you bear that priesthood now will prepare you to make the most important decisions in the future. These decisions include receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood, going to the temple, serving a mission, getting an education, selecting an occupation, and choosing a companion and being sealed for time and for all eternity in the holy temple. There is a time and season for all of our decisions. Make sure you make decisions in the proper time and season. All of these life-altering decisions will be made in a very busy, relatively short period during your 20s—during what I call the "Decade of Decision."
I like how he called it a “Decade of Decision”. These young men start preparing to get the priesthood when they are 11 (or they should be) and they come home from their mission at 21. If they have walked the chosen path all the while making those decision that have led them to this place in time—ready to make those “BIG” decisions. How wonderful the plan of our Savior.
I like how he called them Aaronic Priesthood BEARERS. What a cool image. I guess I have been thinking about my sister’s pending funeral and the world “bearer” I didn’t look up the definition BUT in both of these applications the word implies carrying something special for someone important. It takes effort and thought to do both.
I love all his “now is the time.”
I know I made up my mind NEVER to question paying tithing. I never was to question the word of wisdom and I was never to question not going to church on Sunday. Those decision had been made when I was younger—much younger and now there is no question that those things will be done. I did decide to go on a mission and it took one handsome devil and a LOT of prayer to make me change that decision (smile). The Lord of course told me that I didn’t change the decision, just that my time table and his weren’t in sync (well, that wasn’t the first nor last time our time tables didn’t match up).
In a talk Pres. Hinckley gave a few years back he talked about how 3 inches makes a difference. When a train leaves a yard in utah and the 3 inch gap in the track was bridged the train, which was headed for NYC is now in Miami. 3 inches seems so very small but 1000’s of miles is totally different. Elder Hales gives a similar description with fighter planes. WOW who knew! I didn’t.
I love his last thoughts. “BE THERE!”
WHAT a talk. Full of doctrine and guidance for all, not just for our young men, but our young women, families, and especially for ourselves.
Can’t wait to share this with my boys!
(from another post)
Something else to think about is how we as parents and those being served by these young men respect them even though they may be younger than we. I remember my mother holding FHE without my father (he was a long haul truck driver) and starting the meeting by turning over the time to a young boy, who had just turned 12. I still remember her voice as she said, “Today we are going to be taught by God through one of his newest holders of His power.” That really got my brother’s attention. I don’t recall the lesson, but I just remember my brother’s shoulder being a bit more square.
I also remember how my mom made sure that I didn’t flirt with the AP as they performed their duties. She was a great teacher—and I know why I had five boys.
The “village’s” comments and action or reactions to my sons means the world to me—at least if they are positive. I try NEVER to talk down about how the YM treat my kids and try very hard to discourage them. This ward has proven very hard as there are two boys (brothers) who from the moment my boys walked into church rode them and boy do the ride them hard. I see the way they treat my boys—who don’t take it lying down—and it kills me. The other day was a water balloon fight with the deacons and teachers. My two boys (one a teacher and one a deacon) did NOTHING but fill up balloons the whole night. When the older one, Kray, stopped one of the brothers pelted him and told him to get back at his job. Instead of making a scene my son dutifully filled them up. Jason, my younger son, saw Kray almost in tears (you always know what will bring tears to your sibling’s eyes) and came to help him.
I see the way his older brother treats Kray as well. Kray is small in stature—both sides of the family are late bloomers—and therefore he will rub it in Kray’s face. “Short stuff” (that is the tamest comment) and other not nice stuff. Thankfully Kray lets it go and comes home and spills. It is so hard to separate the boy and is foibles and the man and the priesthood when he can be so mean one minute and the next begging for your help on his Eagle project or blessing the bread. It truly is a difficult situation—BUT, that is why we are here to learn. That is why I think homeschooling gives me the edge in helping Kray overcome this difficult situation. (the younger of the two brother and Kray will be the only Priests when Kray turns 16 in December and it will stay that way for about 11 months!) Kray can’t just let this slide, he has to learn to deal with it and deal with it properly.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
I was voicing my displeasure to the YW president about this young man—but not in so many words—she had no idea what I was talking about and she made a few comments about how wonderful my kids were and how cool it was on Sunday to see 6 young men dressed in white shirts passing the sacrament and three of them were clean cut and had pressed white shirts (those were my three). Her son has been watching them since he just turned 12 yesterday and will be passing along with them next week. I didn’t think anyone noticed my boys. I told her to tell my boys because they need to know that even though they aren’t in the “in” crowd they are in with the “right’ crowd!
Well, I’ve been up since 4 this morning and I’m wiped!
This talk was very timely for me.
Last Sunday my third boy received the Aaronic Priesthood. It is so fun to listen to the blessing they are given at the time of their ordination.
My boys are at scout camp this week or this would be the subject of our FHE tomorrow. I’m going to have to get it in sometime. Maybe my hubby would prepare something.
These young me are truly part of the Royal Army! They have been chosen for a mission at this time. They are to hold the banner high. They are to fight for the God of Love. I love this line:
Remember this: you are a son of God who decided to follow the Savior when it mattered most, and that makes you a great man indeed.
I could continue quoting the talk it is so good.
When I was younger I thought it was a shaft to call it the “lesser” priesthood. I love the term “preparatory” priesthood and Elder Hales nailed it with these words:
The Aaronic Priesthood is the preparatory priesthood, given for this preparatory time in your life. How you bear that priesthood now will prepare you to make the most important decisions in the future. These decisions include receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood, going to the temple, serving a mission, getting an education, selecting an occupation, and choosing a companion and being sealed for time and for all eternity in the holy temple. There is a time and season for all of our decisions. Make sure you make decisions in the proper time and season. All of these life-altering decisions will be made in a very busy, relatively short period during your 20s—during what I call the "Decade of Decision."
I like how he called it a “Decade of Decision”. These young men start preparing to get the priesthood when they are 11 (or they should be) and they come home from their mission at 21. If they have walked the chosen path all the while making those decision that have led them to this place in time—ready to make those “BIG” decisions. How wonderful the plan of our Savior.
I like how he called them Aaronic Priesthood BEARERS. What a cool image. I guess I have been thinking about my sister’s pending funeral and the world “bearer” I didn’t look up the definition BUT in both of these applications the word implies carrying something special for someone important. It takes effort and thought to do both.
I love all his “now is the time.”
I know I made up my mind NEVER to question paying tithing. I never was to question the word of wisdom and I was never to question not going to church on Sunday. Those decision had been made when I was younger—much younger and now there is no question that those things will be done. I did decide to go on a mission and it took one handsome devil and a LOT of prayer to make me change that decision (smile). The Lord of course told me that I didn’t change the decision, just that my time table and his weren’t in sync (well, that wasn’t the first nor last time our time tables didn’t match up).
In a talk Pres. Hinckley gave a few years back he talked about how 3 inches makes a difference. When a train leaves a yard in utah and the 3 inch gap in the track was bridged the train, which was headed for NYC is now in Miami. 3 inches seems so very small but 1000’s of miles is totally different. Elder Hales gives a similar description with fighter planes. WOW who knew! I didn’t.
I love his last thoughts. “BE THERE!”
WHAT a talk. Full of doctrine and guidance for all, not just for our young men, but our young women, families, and especially for ourselves.
Can’t wait to share this with my boys!
(from another post)
Something else to think about is how we as parents and those being served by these young men respect them even though they may be younger than we. I remember my mother holding FHE without my father (he was a long haul truck driver) and starting the meeting by turning over the time to a young boy, who had just turned 12. I still remember her voice as she said, “Today we are going to be taught by God through one of his newest holders of His power.” That really got my brother’s attention. I don’t recall the lesson, but I just remember my brother’s shoulder being a bit more square.
I also remember how my mom made sure that I didn’t flirt with the AP as they performed their duties. She was a great teacher—and I know why I had five boys.
The “village’s” comments and action or reactions to my sons means the world to me—at least if they are positive. I try NEVER to talk down about how the YM treat my kids and try very hard to discourage them. This ward has proven very hard as there are two boys (brothers) who from the moment my boys walked into church rode them and boy do the ride them hard. I see the way they treat my boys—who don’t take it lying down—and it kills me. The other day was a water balloon fight with the deacons and teachers. My two boys (one a teacher and one a deacon) did NOTHING but fill up balloons the whole night. When the older one, Kray, stopped one of the brothers pelted him and told him to get back at his job. Instead of making a scene my son dutifully filled them up. Jason, my younger son, saw Kray almost in tears (you always know what will bring tears to your sibling’s eyes) and came to help him.
I see the way his older brother treats Kray as well. Kray is small in stature—both sides of the family are late bloomers—and therefore he will rub it in Kray’s face. “Short stuff” (that is the tamest comment) and other not nice stuff. Thankfully Kray lets it go and comes home and spills. It is so hard to separate the boy and is foibles and the man and the priesthood when he can be so mean one minute and the next begging for your help on his Eagle project or blessing the bread. It truly is a difficult situation—BUT, that is why we are here to learn. That is why I think homeschooling gives me the edge in helping Kray overcome this difficult situation. (the younger of the two brother and Kray will be the only Priests when Kray turns 16 in December and it will stay that way for about 11 months!) Kray can’t just let this slide, he has to learn to deal with it and deal with it properly.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
I was voicing my displeasure to the YW president about this young man—but not in so many words—she had no idea what I was talking about and she made a few comments about how wonderful my kids were and how cool it was on Sunday to see 6 young men dressed in white shirts passing the sacrament and three of them were clean cut and had pressed white shirts (those were my three). Her son has been watching them since he just turned 12 yesterday and will be passing along with them next week. I didn’t think anyone noticed my boys. I told her to tell my boys because they need to know that even though they aren’t in the “in” crowd they are in with the “right’ crowd!
Well, I’ve been up since 4 this morning and I’m wiped!
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