My thoughts on Sister Dalton's talk "Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord".
I laugh and chuckle. Sister Dalton and I are the same: five boys one girl! I too know most of the boys' secrets. I also have five brothers!
This talk touched my funny bone because I was just talking to my oldest son about this very thing. You need to be what you want your spouse to be. If you want a virtuous gal then you must be a virtuous guy. I know it didn't sink in, but maybe, just maybe he will remember those words as the years go by.
Sister Dalton says, "Never before has there been a greater need for virtue and purity in the world." AMEN and AMEN!
"What does it mean to return to virtue? We are calling for a return to moral purity and chastity. Virtue is purity. Virtue is chastity. The word virtue has also been defined as “integrity and moral excellence, power and strength”. The core of a virtuous life is sexual purity, and yet this definition has almost been erased by the world. The prophet Mormon taught that chastity and virtue are “most dear and precious above all things”. They go together. You cannot have one without the other, and “we believe in being . . . virtuous”."
Am I living a "virtuous" life?
"In order to be virtuous and remain virtuous, you must be true to your divine identity and establish patterns of thought and behavior based on high moral standards (see Preach My Gospel [2004], 118–19). These standards are eternal, and they do not change. They have been taught by prophets of God. In a world filled with relative truth, the Lord’s standards are absolute. They are given to each of us to keep us on the path leading back to the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."
I love how the core gospel principles are the same today, yesterday and will be tomorrow. Whereas the world principles (I use the word loosely) change minute by minute and always for the worse. What did happen to the virtuous women (or man)?
"My question to each of you is, If we don’t stand for virtue, who will?"
I WILL!!!!!
"I encourage each of you to ponder what your personal banner would be if you could give one message to the world."
I thought I knew, but I have to think about this one. What would my personal banner look like.
Now I like this promise: "As you live a virtuous life, you will have the confidence, power, and strength necessary to climb. You will also be blessed with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost."
I may not be a "young" woman, but the blessings of living virtuous are mine even as a mother, wife and daughter. I can call on the powers of Heaven to help me live a virtuous life, and I MUST!.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A Virtuous Life--Step by Step
My thoughts on Sister Cook's talk "A Virtuous Life--Step by Step".
I cried from the first line on. (I'm going to start now.) It took us six babies to finally get a baby girl placed in my arms. Now I love the newness that comes from any baby. You know they are "fresh from heaven" but there is something special about having a baby girl gently laid in your arms. I don't know what it is but there is something special about a mother-daughter relationship.
Then of course by the second paragraph I'm a blubbering idiot! I miss my mom so much it hurts. I want to hear her voice, glean from her wisdom and know that she loves me. I miss her so very much.
I was given my mother's first name as my first name, but I go by my middle name. That makes doing things of a legal nature a bit confusing. I don't know how many times I've heard "Nellie" and not realize they are talking to me. I only hope that one or my children will name their daughters after my mother (and me). She was a very virtuous lady.
How do we make it to the Tree of Life?
1. Make good choices.
2. Go to the temple often.
3. Do not be deceived. "[Satan] has made motherhood seem less important. He has been successful in confusing women about their roles in the Lord's divine plan."
4. Read the words of the prophets.
5. Stand strong in your convictions and "stand in holy places".
6. Press forward. The path doesn't have rest stops along the way. You are either moving forward or backward. You must press forward.
7. Partake of the Atonement. You can not do this without his help. To do so is mocking him. His Atonement is for you--YOU!
8. Do the "simple" things--read the scriptures, pray and attend weekly church services. You can not save your food up for one day a week eating, neither can you save your spiritual food up for one day of "eating". You must constantly nourish your soul.
9. You are not alone in the journey. There are many on the path who would love to help you along the way. Hold your hand, smile at you and be your friend. Lift up your eyes, reach out your hand and you will be surrounded by those who love you. And never forget: YOU HAVE THE HOLY GHOST as a constant companion--if you live worthy of him.
10. Be an example!
11. Be obedient in all things.
Now if only I can remember all of these things.
I cried from the first line on. (I'm going to start now.) It took us six babies to finally get a baby girl placed in my arms. Now I love the newness that comes from any baby. You know they are "fresh from heaven" but there is something special about having a baby girl gently laid in your arms. I don't know what it is but there is something special about a mother-daughter relationship.
Then of course by the second paragraph I'm a blubbering idiot! I miss my mom so much it hurts. I want to hear her voice, glean from her wisdom and know that she loves me. I miss her so very much.
I was given my mother's first name as my first name, but I go by my middle name. That makes doing things of a legal nature a bit confusing. I don't know how many times I've heard "Nellie" and not realize they are talking to me. I only hope that one or my children will name their daughters after my mother (and me). She was a very virtuous lady.
How do we make it to the Tree of Life?
1. Make good choices.
2. Go to the temple often.
3. Do not be deceived. "[Satan] has made motherhood seem less important. He has been successful in confusing women about their roles in the Lord's divine plan."
4. Read the words of the prophets.
5. Stand strong in your convictions and "stand in holy places".
6. Press forward. The path doesn't have rest stops along the way. You are either moving forward or backward. You must press forward.
7. Partake of the Atonement. You can not do this without his help. To do so is mocking him. His Atonement is for you--YOU!
8. Do the "simple" things--read the scriptures, pray and attend weekly church services. You can not save your food up for one day a week eating, neither can you save your spiritual food up for one day of "eating". You must constantly nourish your soul.
9. You are not alone in the journey. There are many on the path who would love to help you along the way. Hold your hand, smile at you and be your friend. Lift up your eyes, reach out your hand and you will be surrounded by those who love you. And never forget: YOU HAVE THE HOLY GHOST as a constant companion--if you live worthy of him.
10. Be an example!
11. Be obedient in all things.
Now if only I can remember all of these things.
Be Thou an Example of the Believers
My thoughts on Sister Dibb's talk "Be Thou an Example of the Believers".
Sister Dibb made me go back and think about the things I did in my life that made me a believer. I'm not sure how my testimony started but it started out small probably around the kitchen table with my family reading scriptures. I remember a few primary lessons, more Sunday school and young women lessons, but mostly I remember the example of my siblings and especially that of my mom. There example spoke more of the truth than anything I read as a young woman.
I truly believe it is by the "small and simple things" that testimonies are gained. I don't think it will be angel visits that turn the hearts of man (particularly my children) to be believers, but the small and simple things we do as a family and individually that will turn their hearts.
There is a saying that goes something like "Smile until you believe it." I remember thinking "I'm not sure the gospel is true, but I will act like it is and see who my life turns out. I can't really ruin it by living the principles." Amazingly along the way I became a believer, developed a strong testimony and all because I was willing to do the small and simple things. They helped me become a believer.
Sister Dibb made me go back and think about the things I did in my life that made me a believer. I'm not sure how my testimony started but it started out small probably around the kitchen table with my family reading scriptures. I remember a few primary lessons, more Sunday school and young women lessons, but mostly I remember the example of my siblings and especially that of my mom. There example spoke more of the truth than anything I read as a young woman.
I truly believe it is by the "small and simple things" that testimonies are gained. I don't think it will be angel visits that turn the hearts of man (particularly my children) to be believers, but the small and simple things we do as a family and individually that will turn their hearts.
There is a saying that goes something like "Smile until you believe it." I remember thinking "I'm not sure the gospel is true, but I will act like it is and see who my life turns out. I can't really ruin it by living the principles." Amazingly along the way I became a believer, developed a strong testimony and all because I was willing to do the small and simple things. They helped me become a believer.
Testimony as a Process
My thoughts on Elder Godoy's talk "Testimony as a Process"
Here it is months after I gave this talk as a lesson in our Family Home Evening and now I'm beating myself up because it was a darn good lesson. I had some great points I touched on. Oh, well. I guess I have to start over and refresh my mind.
"President Packer continues: 'The spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. it caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all...'"
AMEN!
We have to sit and ponder on our testimony. We have to have quiet moments every now and then so that we can hear those whipserings. So hard to do when you are in the midst of raising a family. We must seek those times out and desire to have those moments, for sometimes they are just moments.
"Great events are not a guarantee that our testimony will be strong. Laman and Lemuel are good examples of this."
Oh, how I wish that something "dramatic" would happen to one of my sons. I want him to be humbled and have something compel him to repent and behave. But I'm offen reminded that it is drip by drip that our spiritual testimony bucket is filled. It is easier to carry that way--one drop at a time as we build up our endurance to lift it and use it. I have to remember this, i have to.
Here it is months after I gave this talk as a lesson in our Family Home Evening and now I'm beating myself up because it was a darn good lesson. I had some great points I touched on. Oh, well. I guess I have to start over and refresh my mind.
"President Packer continues: 'The spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. it caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all...'"
AMEN!
We have to sit and ponder on our testimony. We have to have quiet moments every now and then so that we can hear those whipserings. So hard to do when you are in the midst of raising a family. We must seek those times out and desire to have those moments, for sometimes they are just moments.
"Great events are not a guarantee that our testimony will be strong. Laman and Lemuel are good examples of this."
Oh, how I wish that something "dramatic" would happen to one of my sons. I want him to be humbled and have something compel him to repent and behave. But I'm offen reminded that it is drip by drip that our spiritual testimony bucket is filled. It is easier to carry that way--one drop at a time as we build up our endurance to lift it and use it. I have to remember this, i have to.
Returning Home
My thoughts on Elder Gavarret's talk "Returning Home"
This talk was a good talk about missionary work and a reminder at what our job is as member missionaries.
Nothing really stuck out at me except this line:
"Let us remember that love and service are like twins who seek each other's companionship."
You can not help but love those who you serve. I just wish my teens would realize that and do better.
This talk was a good talk about missionary work and a reminder at what our job is as member missionaries.
Nothing really stuck out at me except this line:
"Let us remember that love and service are like twins who seek each other's companionship."
You can not help but love those who you serve. I just wish my teens would realize that and do better.
Gospel Teaching--Our Most Important Calling
My thoughts on Bro. Oswald's talk "Gospel Teaching--Our Most Important Calling"
I couldn't agree more with the title. I've learned over the years that the best way to learn something is to teach it.
I'm sorry to say that I believe that teaching has become a lost art. We don't have great teachers anymore and it is evident in the lack of knowledge our youth have of the gospel principles. It floors me to have conversations with the youth today and their lack of knowledge of the scriptures and the basic gospel principles contained. I will point the finger squarely at the parents and somewhat at their teachers. Maybe it is the fact that the teachers don't know themselves.
I love the story he starts out with--jumping rope. I can't jump rope to save my life so I can relate to the story. I guess I better learn the basic principles again. "It was a simple thing that all of them could do after learning a few basic principles and being shown how."
Our teens are lacking the "basic principles" and "being shown how." Our teachers today do not know how to teach. I watch it weekly in church and hear comments from my own children. How sad!
"Every position in the Church requires an effective teacher."
AMEN!
Brother Oswald talks about how to be an effective teacher.
"First, we need to understand these basic principles, and second we need to be shown how they are used by successful teachers."
I guess we need to students before we can become teachers. We must study the scriptures own our own (or with our Sunday School class--not just on Sunday) and learn what is found inside the covers. Pick up extra help from commentaries, scour the church's website, etc. to help us understand the doctrine. (D&C 88:77-80)
Then we need to seek out great teachers and learn to be a teacher ourselves. I love the book "Teaching, No Greater Call." Is is perfect for learning how to teach. (Note to self--reread the book.)
And of course our perfect teaching example is the Savior. He taught in so many ways and so effectively. We should look to him and learn.
"Notice the personal preparation of the sons of Mosiah as they prepared to teach the gospel:"
(Oh, I love this list!)
1. Waxed strong in knowledge of truth.
2. Were of a sound understanding
3. Searched the scriptures diligently
4. Knew the word of God.
5. Given themselves to much prayer and fasting
6. Had the spirit of prophesy & revelation
7. Taught by power and authority of God
Just sends chills up your spine when you think what kind of army our Father could have if we all did these things. What kind of teachers would be sitting and instructing our children if they all did this? WOW!
Brother Oswald gives us 3 principles of teaching.
1. Show love to those you teach and call them by name.
2. Teach from the scriptures.
3. Encourage the pondering of gospel truths.
I want to say duh to each of these but sometimes we get caught up in the program that we forget these are the basic principles of successful teaching--secular as well as gospel.
As I write this I'm teaching a lesson in Primary tomorrow on reverence. The primary president is so caught up in making sure that we follow the book that if I were to follow her ideas I would be scripted and not be able to teach from the scriptures the doctrine these children need to learn most of all--That reverence invites the spirit of revelation to enter the room and testify to them the truthfulness of the gospel. These children who are so precious to our Heavenly Father are very irreverent (and I know the causes--I can tell which teachers come prepared and ready). They need the lesson behind the reason we are reverent in church. Somehow I need to be prepared to teach it. Pray for me!
I couldn't agree more with the title. I've learned over the years that the best way to learn something is to teach it.
I'm sorry to say that I believe that teaching has become a lost art. We don't have great teachers anymore and it is evident in the lack of knowledge our youth have of the gospel principles. It floors me to have conversations with the youth today and their lack of knowledge of the scriptures and the basic gospel principles contained. I will point the finger squarely at the parents and somewhat at their teachers. Maybe it is the fact that the teachers don't know themselves.
I love the story he starts out with--jumping rope. I can't jump rope to save my life so I can relate to the story. I guess I better learn the basic principles again. "It was a simple thing that all of them could do after learning a few basic principles and being shown how."
Our teens are lacking the "basic principles" and "being shown how." Our teachers today do not know how to teach. I watch it weekly in church and hear comments from my own children. How sad!
"Every position in the Church requires an effective teacher."
AMEN!
Brother Oswald talks about how to be an effective teacher.
"First, we need to understand these basic principles, and second we need to be shown how they are used by successful teachers."
I guess we need to students before we can become teachers. We must study the scriptures own our own (or with our Sunday School class--not just on Sunday) and learn what is found inside the covers. Pick up extra help from commentaries, scour the church's website, etc. to help us understand the doctrine. (D&C 88:77-80)
Then we need to seek out great teachers and learn to be a teacher ourselves. I love the book "Teaching, No Greater Call." Is is perfect for learning how to teach. (Note to self--reread the book.)
And of course our perfect teaching example is the Savior. He taught in so many ways and so effectively. We should look to him and learn.
"Notice the personal preparation of the sons of Mosiah as they prepared to teach the gospel:"
(Oh, I love this list!)
1. Waxed strong in knowledge of truth.
2. Were of a sound understanding
3. Searched the scriptures diligently
4. Knew the word of God.
5. Given themselves to much prayer and fasting
6. Had the spirit of prophesy & revelation
7. Taught by power and authority of God
Just sends chills up your spine when you think what kind of army our Father could have if we all did these things. What kind of teachers would be sitting and instructing our children if they all did this? WOW!
Brother Oswald gives us 3 principles of teaching.
1. Show love to those you teach and call them by name.
2. Teach from the scriptures.
3. Encourage the pondering of gospel truths.
I want to say duh to each of these but sometimes we get caught up in the program that we forget these are the basic principles of successful teaching--secular as well as gospel.
As I write this I'm teaching a lesson in Primary tomorrow on reverence. The primary president is so caught up in making sure that we follow the book that if I were to follow her ideas I would be scripted and not be able to teach from the scriptures the doctrine these children need to learn most of all--That reverence invites the spirit of revelation to enter the room and testify to them the truthfulness of the gospel. These children who are so precious to our Heavenly Father are very irreverent (and I know the causes--I can tell which teachers come prepared and ready). They need the lesson behind the reason we are reverent in church. Somehow I need to be prepared to teach it. Pray for me!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time
My thoughts on Elder Cook’s talk “Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time.”
“We know he care for us in our time of need.”
What comfort. I need to remember this more often.
“There must be opposition in all thing for righteousness to be brought to pass.”
You cannot know joy without sorrow. You cannot know happiness without sadness. You cannot know sweetness without bitterness.
“It is a time of testing and proving.”
Now if I can only pass it! I think this is important to remember that we are in a test, but it is open book and we can even talk to the professor ANYTIME we want to. He has made it easy to pass this test, but it is all about enduring to the end (at least for those of us already well on the way). This is harder and harder every day, but with talks like these it is do able!
“The challenges we face today are in their own way comparable to challenges of the past.”
As I have read my mom’s thought and the history of my ancestors I know the challenges they have faced were hard and unbearable. Traveling across the plains in stocking feet. Leaving homes and everything in countries across the ocean or in the deep south for only pennies and with only pennies. Leaving family and friends. Being spit at, being shot at, being in mortal danger. Having nothing when you “land” in Utah and still doing what the Lord asks of them. It was physically and spiritually hard. I’m not shot at, have to leave a home or walk across the continent. I just have to stand up for right, hold FHE, hold family prayer and do what I’ve been doing even when it gets harder and harder!
“We know from the scriptures that some trials are for our good and are suited for our own personal development. We also know that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. It is also true that every cloud we see doesn’t result in rain. Regardless of the challenges, trials, and hardship we endure, the reassuring doctrine of the Atonement wrought by Jesus Christ includes Alma’s teaching that the Savior would take upon Him our infirmities and ‘succor his people according to their infirmities.’”
{tears} This trial I’m going through is for my good! I need to repeat that three times every hour! It is for my own good that he is interested in my own personal development. If not then why give someone as insignificant as me these trials. He must love me, he just has too.
“Clearly, having the blessings of the Spirit—the ministration of the Holy Ghost—is an essential element to truly prosper in the land and to be prepared.”
Let’s all sing, “Count your blessings name them one by one….”
Yes, it is a hard time my friends. We’ve all had a hard time. Not one of us is immune to the “hard times.” And each hard time is unique to each of us. The Lord knows this, he designed it that way. It is our responsibility to recognize it and move through it. Hard, but those who finish the race are the winners—it doesn’t matter in what place.
Now the hard part comes—internalizing it!
“We know he care for us in our time of need.”
What comfort. I need to remember this more often.
“There must be opposition in all thing for righteousness to be brought to pass.”
You cannot know joy without sorrow. You cannot know happiness without sadness. You cannot know sweetness without bitterness.
“It is a time of testing and proving.”
Now if I can only pass it! I think this is important to remember that we are in a test, but it is open book and we can even talk to the professor ANYTIME we want to. He has made it easy to pass this test, but it is all about enduring to the end (at least for those of us already well on the way). This is harder and harder every day, but with talks like these it is do able!
“The challenges we face today are in their own way comparable to challenges of the past.”
As I have read my mom’s thought and the history of my ancestors I know the challenges they have faced were hard and unbearable. Traveling across the plains in stocking feet. Leaving homes and everything in countries across the ocean or in the deep south for only pennies and with only pennies. Leaving family and friends. Being spit at, being shot at, being in mortal danger. Having nothing when you “land” in Utah and still doing what the Lord asks of them. It was physically and spiritually hard. I’m not shot at, have to leave a home or walk across the continent. I just have to stand up for right, hold FHE, hold family prayer and do what I’ve been doing even when it gets harder and harder!
“We know from the scriptures that some trials are for our good and are suited for our own personal development. We also know that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. It is also true that every cloud we see doesn’t result in rain. Regardless of the challenges, trials, and hardship we endure, the reassuring doctrine of the Atonement wrought by Jesus Christ includes Alma’s teaching that the Savior would take upon Him our infirmities and ‘succor his people according to their infirmities.’”
{tears} This trial I’m going through is for my good! I need to repeat that three times every hour! It is for my own good that he is interested in my own personal development. If not then why give someone as insignificant as me these trials. He must love me, he just has too.
“Clearly, having the blessings of the Spirit—the ministration of the Holy Ghost—is an essential element to truly prosper in the land and to be prepared.”
Let’s all sing, “Count your blessings name them one by one….”
Yes, it is a hard time my friends. We’ve all had a hard time. Not one of us is immune to the “hard times.” And each hard time is unique to each of us. The Lord knows this, he designed it that way. It is our responsibility to recognize it and move through it. Hard, but those who finish the race are the winners—it doesn’t matter in what place.
Now the hard part comes—internalizing it!
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