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So Saturday we took the family to the Mt. Home Airforce Base Airshow. it was wonderful, but I thought of an analogy I wanted to remember and record.
We had the opportunity to stand inside a B-52 Bomber. It was huge and amazing. It was amazing how many people actually fly that huge plane- only a crew of 5. Then we watched small planes do skywriting in the sky as they did loops and dives, and then we watched jets speed by doing rolls and quick manuvers. It was facinating, but the thing I found my self reflecting on, was how each and every plane was unique with it's own purpose and design. They weren't created equal for very specific reasons. The B-52 carries bombs, the jet plane for speed, the smaller plane for crop dusting.
Each of us are like these planes. We all have been created in a particular way with a particular mission here on earth and we have been given the design, the talents, the capacity, the skills, to do just that. God wouldn't ask a crop duster plane to carry a 100 ton bomb across the ocean, nor would he ask a B-52 to take a joy ride to draw a smiley face in the sky. We all have a purpose and mission. Each one unique- instead of worrying that we aren't like the others around us, we should test our own skills, and see what we are capable of. The pilots were very skilled and knew exactly how to get their planes to do what they were suppose to do. I am sure that didn't happen overnight. they had to work at it. We have skills, abilities and talents that if we too will work at it, we will find exactly what we can do, and what God would have us do. And we like these planes can "complete our mission" on earth.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Keep the Sabbath Day Holy- gospel Principles class
Sunday we had a wonderful lesson on Keeping the Sabbath day holy. I wanted to remember the three questions they suggest we ask ourselves to recognize if we are doing what we should be doing on the Sabath day.
Those questions were:
Will it uplift and inspire me? Does it show respect for the Lord? Does it direct my thoughts to Him?
I think these are a wonderful guides for how to determine what is appropriate for Sunday activities.
Those questions were:
Will it uplift and inspire me? Does it show respect for the Lord? Does it direct my thoughts to Him?
I think these are a wonderful guides for how to determine what is appropriate for Sunday activities.
The Great and Spacious building 1 nephi 11::
I gained an interesting insight today. The angel is showing Nephi the condensention of God, and is giving an interpretation of Lehi's dream. So in the beginning of chapter 11 the angel gives Nephi an understanding of the fruit of the tree, the fruit that is most desireable above all is the Love of God.
22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the alove of God, which bsheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the cmost desirable above all things.
22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the alove of God, which bsheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the cmost desirable above all things.
23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most ajoyous to the soul.
The angel then goes on to show Nephi the Love of God. How it is manifest. He shows Christ and his apostles going forth among the children of men, healing the sick, casting out devils, and teaching. And then he shows Nephi how Christ is taken and judged of the world. How he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. The ultimate manifestation of God's love. The angel shows this to him to not only tell nephi how much god loves his children, but to show what God is willing to do for his children.
But then, as we continue to read, the next section, we learn how the multitude of the Earth was gathered together, in a large and spacious building. Nephi is taught that the large and spacious building represents the pride of the world, and the wisdom thereof.
As I read this today, i had the thought that we are being given two very extreme examples to help us define the other. First we are given the example of a men (Saviour and apostles) that are willing to do anything, even lay down their own lives, to help lift and build others. Lives devoted to serving others, and helping others partake of the fruit of the tree, and feel God's love.
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Then we are given the example of a world of pride- possibly defined by the very opposite example. When I asked Josh this morning how do we avoid pride, his answer was very matter of fact as he said, we serve others. (Go Josh!!!! Great Answer!!!)
Pride is thinking that we are better, or know more than those around us so we don't serve or help them, we become selfish and don't see their needs or learn who they are. . It was the pride of the world that killed the Savior and apostles. Men that blinded by pride, wouldn't listen to the teachings of Chirst. They were so busy focusing on them and their desires, etc. that they didn't have time to share the gospel, let alone listen to him. Pride is alive and well today, . Nephi warns that the great and spacious building will fall, and great shall be the fall there of.
So how do we avoid Pride? How can I learn from this. I think the answer is given in verse 36
And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the
destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall
fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
I think with conference coming up in two weeks, this is perfect. We avoid pride by listening to the council of the twelve apostles. We don't know better than they do what the lord would have us do. Those that are prideful fight against the teachings of the twelve apostles. I liked Josh's answer too, the way to overcome that pride is to serve, to share and to listen.
ACT: Look for ways in my life where I may not be following the council of the twelve apostles as closely as I should and work on changing that.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
The Lords Tender Mercies
Day 2
Tender Mercies
One of my favorite scriptures is here. Nephi shares his testimony of the tender mercies of the Lord. For him, it is even in the wilderness...Lamen and Lemuel still continue to complain, they have it no easier that Nephi, yet their attitude is so much worse. Nephi continues to recognize the Lords hand, and his tender mercies.
But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender cmercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of ddeliverance.
We have this same promise, and power of deliverance.
ACT: Look for the Lord's Tender Mercies in my life- how does he give me power of deliverance.
Tender Mercies
One of my favorite scriptures is here. Nephi shares his testimony of the tender mercies of the Lord. For him, it is even in the wilderness...Lamen and Lemuel still continue to complain, they have it no easier that Nephi, yet their attitude is so much worse. Nephi continues to recognize the Lords hand, and his tender mercies.
But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender cmercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of ddeliverance.
We have this same promise, and power of deliverance.
ACT: Look for the Lord's Tender Mercies in my life- how does he give me power of deliverance.
It was wisdom that we should carry them with us into the wilderness 1 Nephi 5
I love every chapter of the Book of Mormon, but this one is one of my favorites. I think here I can relate to Sariah whole heartedly. As she has had to leave her home, and has now just sent her children back to Jeruselem where there were people that wanted to kill them, across the wilderness. It has taken them longer than planned to get the plates, and she is afraid they have been killed (they were in grave danger at times- I think a mother knows when her children are in danger-just a sixth sense). She begins to take her frustration and fear out on Lehi, she begins to doubt his "revelations" and wonder if they made the right choice. I don't blame her. I can totally understand as a woman and mother how difficult the situation was that she was placed in. How many times have I complained when things weren't even close to that BUT, what I love about this chapter is two fold- Her relationship with her husband, and her humility. Lehi lets her complain, and even empathizes with her, and tries to comfort her when she so clearly has just called him out. I can tell Lehi is a very wise man, and a good husband.
But then I also love Sariah's humility after her children have returned and she recognizes that her testimony has been stregnthened.
8 And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath acommanded my husband to bflee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could caccomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And after this manner of language did she speak.
It made me think about how sometimes, oftentimes, the trials that we go through are to do just that- to allow us to see the Lord's arm in our lives. How simple would it have been for the Lord to remind Lehi to grab the plates before he left. But the very fact they had to go back to get them was a stretching/growth opportunity for the whole family. The "small" trial or test, which allowed Sariah to see the Lord's hand quickly, gave her faith and confidence in the Lord for the "larger" trial ahead.
Sometimes the smaller trials are just "weight lifting" for later when we will really need to rely on it (8 years later in the wilderness- for Sariah, or 3 years down the road when a husband still doesn't have a job, or 10 years later when a child is still struggling with an illness, etc.) We have been promised he will never give us more than we can handle, however, that doesn't mean he won't stretch us to the limits of capabilities.
Another thing I appreciate in this story is the fact that Sariah is willing to admit her weakness and to testify of the Lord. She doesn't hold onto it, or say "Well, yes they are back now, by the skin of their teeth, they could have died, look at the danger they were in, or I knew it was a bad idea, you just got lucky it worked this time." No, she let go of her pride and recognized the Lords hand in their deliverance.
ACT: When given trials that test, watch for the Lord's arm of deliverance and testify of it. Even if it means sacrificing my own pride or being embarrassed because I was worried. Recognize the "stretching" opportunities that can be mine.
But then I also love Sariah's humility after her children have returned and she recognizes that her testimony has been stregnthened.
8 And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath acommanded my husband to bflee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could caccomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And after this manner of language did she speak.
It made me think about how sometimes, oftentimes, the trials that we go through are to do just that- to allow us to see the Lord's arm in our lives. How simple would it have been for the Lord to remind Lehi to grab the plates before he left. But the very fact they had to go back to get them was a stretching/growth opportunity for the whole family. The "small" trial or test, which allowed Sariah to see the Lord's hand quickly, gave her faith and confidence in the Lord for the "larger" trial ahead.
Sometimes the smaller trials are just "weight lifting" for later when we will really need to rely on it (8 years later in the wilderness- for Sariah, or 3 years down the road when a husband still doesn't have a job, or 10 years later when a child is still struggling with an illness, etc.) We have been promised he will never give us more than we can handle, however, that doesn't mean he won't stretch us to the limits of capabilities.
Another thing I appreciate in this story is the fact that Sariah is willing to admit her weakness and to testify of the Lord. She doesn't hold onto it, or say "Well, yes they are back now, by the skin of their teeth, they could have died, look at the danger they were in, or I knew it was a bad idea, you just got lucky it worked this time." No, she let go of her pride and recognized the Lords hand in their deliverance.
ACT: When given trials that test, watch for the Lord's arm of deliverance and testify of it. Even if it means sacrificing my own pride or being embarrassed because I was worried. Recognize the "stretching" opportunities that can be mine.
Nephi's pattern- More than just doing- 1st Nephi 10 & 11
Josh and I have been diligently reading however, I find it difficult to find time to sit down and write each day. When i start writing, I want to write for hours at a time, and I can't do that, so i don't write, and that isn't working either....so I have decided each morning I will set a timer for 15 minutes to write my thoughts and ACT for the day. But when that timer goes off, I have to publish whether it's perfect or not....so bear with me my readers. I am sure I will get better as time goes on, but for the first couple it make take me time to figure this out.
So my post today is actually in response to my ACT from 1Nephi 10 &11. I am always impressed at Nephi's williness to not only do what the Lord asks, but to go above and beyone and SEEK to find understanding so he is not only going through the motions, but is understanding why the Lord is having them do what they are doing. He does this a couple times in the past few chapters. Once when Lehi asks them to leave, he seeks to understand and have his heart softened so he is not like his brethern. Also when they return to get the scriptures he understands that it is for his children and future posterity, and then again with the tree of life - Nephi desires to understand. Today we read where he lays out his pattern again.
1 Nephi 10-
1 For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat apondering in mine heart I was bcaught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high cmountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.
So my ACT this week was to diliengently seek help in how to manage all the "various things" I feel prompted to do. This blog being one of them. I did recieve an answer, a small simple prompting that if I manage my time well, by assigning "time frames" to the various areas I will have the time and focus to be able to accomplish all that has been asked (Six kids, calling, support husband, small business, write a book, blog, scripture study, family history, missionary work, keeping a house of order, food storage, budgeting, etc. the list goes on.). I may not spend hours a day on any one thing, but slowly and consistently I will grow to be able to accomplish all that I desire to do. Everything has their season and time where it may take more of my time, but 10-15 minutes a day is better than nothing, until I can spend the full time I would like to on it.
So my post today is actually in response to my ACT from 1Nephi 10 &11. I am always impressed at Nephi's williness to not only do what the Lord asks, but to go above and beyone and SEEK to find understanding so he is not only going through the motions, but is understanding why the Lord is having them do what they are doing. He does this a couple times in the past few chapters. Once when Lehi asks them to leave, he seeks to understand and have his heart softened so he is not like his brethern. Also when they return to get the scriptures he understands that it is for his children and future posterity, and then again with the tree of life - Nephi desires to understand. Today we read where he lays out his pattern again.
1 Nephi 10-
17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the awords of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a bvision,
and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost,
which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God
was the cMessiah who should come—I, Nephi, was ddesirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the eHoly Ghost, which is the fgift of God unto gall those who diligently seek him, as well in times of hold as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
18 For he is the asame
yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from
the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto
him.
19 For he that diligently aseeketh shall find; and the bmysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the cHoly Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the dcourse of the Lord is one eternal round.
So first of all Nephi is testifying that he knows that if we need an answer- we have every right and opportunity to find it. God will answer us if we seek DILIGENTLY. Nephi promises us that if we do our part the Lord will answer, and his mysteries shall be unfolded to us by the power of the holy ghost. The power of revelation is on the earth now, just as it was in times of old.
So my ACT was to ask myself if there was a question to which I needed an answer. And was I willing to DILIGENTLY SEEK that answer. So I asked myself the next queston- What does it mean to Diligently Seek? I beleive Nephi shares that with us in 1 Nephi 11
1 For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat apondering in mine heart I was bcaught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high cmountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.
Here Nephi shares his pattern- To Diligently Seek we must
1) DESIRE to know
2) Believe that God can Answer us
3) Ponder for our selves in our heart
4) Be patient and willing to listen so we can be "caught away" in the spirit.
5) Finally, the spirit took him to an exceedingly high mountain- often this is symbolic of the temple, so I would suggest that the last part is to Go to the Temple- or at least be worthy enough to go.
So my ACT this week was to diliengently seek help in how to manage all the "various things" I feel prompted to do. This blog being one of them. I did recieve an answer, a small simple prompting that if I manage my time well, by assigning "time frames" to the various areas I will have the time and focus to be able to accomplish all that has been asked (Six kids, calling, support husband, small business, write a book, blog, scripture study, family history, missionary work, keeping a house of order, food storage, budgeting, etc. the list goes on.). I may not spend hours a day on any one thing, but slowly and consistently I will grow to be able to accomplish all that I desire to do. Everything has their season and time where it may take more of my time, but 10-15 minutes a day is better than nothing, until I can spend the full time I would like to on it.
I know the Lord does answer prayers as we diligently seek him. Just like Nephi set forth in his pattern, and as Nephi said, the course of the Lord is one eternal round, in times of old, and in times now, and in times to come, he will answer his children as we diligently seek him.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
It is all about the ATTITUDE 1 Nephi 2-3
I was impress as I read about Nephi in these chapters, just how important attitude plays in our lives. As we think, so we become. But I also learned from Nephi that we can change our attitude and have our hearts softened, if we choose to.
When Lehi asked the family to pick up and go, even though he was a prophet, that was a hard thing for teenagers to do. I am sure they all (including Sariah) struggled with it. But they did it, because they were a righteous family willing to follow the prophet at the time. But there were different ways in which they handled it. Laman and Lemuel murmured ....
12 And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their afather. And they did bmurmur because they cknew not the dealings of that God who had dcreated them.
But Nephi, on the other hand, desiring to know what God wanted him to do, took the time to ask, to receive his own witness and to seek to have his heart softened.
6 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the amysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did bvisit me, and did csoften my heart that I did dbelieve all the words which had been spoken by my efather; wherefore, I did not frebel against him like unto my brothers.
I think there are a number of lessons for us here in these two simple verses. One- Knowledge can change hearts. The more we learn about the gospel and seek to understand it, the more we come to understand the mysteries of god, and that makes it easier to live the gospel- If we don't understand something, we can ask God and receive our own answer. But Two, even more importantly, when i struggle with something that I have been asked to do, be it a calling, service, or even working through a trial in my life, I can follow Nephi's example and get down on my knees and ask for understanding and to have my heart softened. Nephi did recieve great wisdom and inspiration, but it came AFTER he got down on his knees and asked, and then allowed the spirit to soften his heart. I think I have experienced that softening of heart before, but I think i have also experienced (unfortunately) the spirit trying to soften my heart, and my mind justifying my hardheartedness.
How often too, do I seek understanding through the world's eyes. Sometimes I ask my friends what they think rather then relying on the spirit, or studying it out in the scriptures or conference talks.
I was impressed also, that Laman and Lemual still came with their family. They didn't stay behind in Jeruselum- they could have lived happily there for a while I am sure, taking care of themselves, I think they appear to be old enough to have done so....they may have been in danger, but if they just denied everything their father taught they probably would have been just fine. BUT, they didn't, they still came, and then when asked to go back and get they plates, they went then too....both times complaining and murmuring that it is a hard thing asked of them- but yet they went...... I think the thing that struck me, was that Laman and Lemuel were "enough righteous" that they were still willing to come with Lehi, and Nephi, but complained the whole time and had a stinky attitude- afraid of what might happen. Nephi CHOSE to have a good attitude by turning to the Lord. How often do people go through the motions of the gospel, thinking that alone will save them. It doesn't work to just go through the motions, our attitude, faith and heart has to be there as well.
A.C.T. Today when I do the things I have been blessed to be able to do (i.e. cleaning, cooking, running kids around, my calling, etc.) I will watch my attitude, and if I feel it slipping I will turn to the Lord in prayer rather then mumur and complain.
When Lehi asked the family to pick up and go, even though he was a prophet, that was a hard thing for teenagers to do. I am sure they all (including Sariah) struggled with it. But they did it, because they were a righteous family willing to follow the prophet at the time. But there were different ways in which they handled it. Laman and Lemuel murmured ....
12 And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their afather. And they did bmurmur because they cknew not the dealings of that God who had dcreated them.
But Nephi, on the other hand, desiring to know what God wanted him to do, took the time to ask, to receive his own witness and to seek to have his heart softened.
6 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the amysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did bvisit me, and did csoften my heart that I did dbelieve all the words which had been spoken by my efather; wherefore, I did not frebel against him like unto my brothers.
I think there are a number of lessons for us here in these two simple verses. One- Knowledge can change hearts. The more we learn about the gospel and seek to understand it, the more we come to understand the mysteries of god, and that makes it easier to live the gospel- If we don't understand something, we can ask God and receive our own answer. But Two, even more importantly, when i struggle with something that I have been asked to do, be it a calling, service, or even working through a trial in my life, I can follow Nephi's example and get down on my knees and ask for understanding and to have my heart softened. Nephi did recieve great wisdom and inspiration, but it came AFTER he got down on his knees and asked, and then allowed the spirit to soften his heart. I think I have experienced that softening of heart before, but I think i have also experienced (unfortunately) the spirit trying to soften my heart, and my mind justifying my hardheartedness.
How often too, do I seek understanding through the world's eyes. Sometimes I ask my friends what they think rather then relying on the spirit, or studying it out in the scriptures or conference talks.
I was impressed also, that Laman and Lemual still came with their family. They didn't stay behind in Jeruselum- they could have lived happily there for a while I am sure, taking care of themselves, I think they appear to be old enough to have done so....they may have been in danger, but if they just denied everything their father taught they probably would have been just fine. BUT, they didn't, they still came, and then when asked to go back and get they plates, they went then too....both times complaining and murmuring that it is a hard thing asked of them- but yet they went...... I think the thing that struck me, was that Laman and Lemuel were "enough righteous" that they were still willing to come with Lehi, and Nephi, but complained the whole time and had a stinky attitude- afraid of what might happen. Nephi CHOSE to have a good attitude by turning to the Lord. How often do people go through the motions of the gospel, thinking that alone will save them. It doesn't work to just go through the motions, our attitude, faith and heart has to be there as well.
A.C.T. Today when I do the things I have been blessed to be able to do (i.e. cleaning, cooking, running kids around, my calling, etc.) I will watch my attitude, and if I feel it slipping I will turn to the Lord in prayer rather then mumur and complain.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Day One
I Nephi.....
So Last time I did this, I felt prompted to write a letter to my "goodly" parents saying thank you for their example and just everything they had done for me. I felt very blessed to have been born of goodly parents, like Nephi, that had taught me the gospel, and had desired for so much happiness to come to me.
This year as I read, I was impressed by Nephi's gratitude and his desire to write everything down. Because he had been blessed with a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God, he wanted to share them, for others to read, so their testomony in turn would grow.
"having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a frecord of my proceedings in my days."
I feel like Nephi, that I have also been highly favored of the Lord in all my days. I was born into the church, I understand the plan of happiness, and redemption. I have seen the lords hand in my life, continurally. But Like Nephi I have my share of trials too,(from other people, nature, and spiritual stugglings), all of which come because we live in a fallen world, a spiritual wilderness if you will. But it is through Nephi's record that we see how he overcame the natural man to became a prophet of God. What if he hadn't written things down because he was too busy, or too lazy. I decided that I need to write down my journey into the wilderness. A spiritual wilderness at times. Elder Bednar, and Sister Richards both shared at the temple ground breaking, that as the temple grows we should be growing spiritually also. So this is my measuring stick, my iron rod, and my record.
A.C.T. Record my impressions and testimony as I read the Book of Mormon this year.
I Nephi.....
So Last time I did this, I felt prompted to write a letter to my "goodly" parents saying thank you for their example and just everything they had done for me. I felt very blessed to have been born of goodly parents, like Nephi, that had taught me the gospel, and had desired for so much happiness to come to me.
This year as I read, I was impressed by Nephi's gratitude and his desire to write everything down. Because he had been blessed with a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God, he wanted to share them, for others to read, so their testomony in turn would grow.
"having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a frecord of my proceedings in my days."
I feel like Nephi, that I have also been highly favored of the Lord in all my days. I was born into the church, I understand the plan of happiness, and redemption. I have seen the lords hand in my life, continurally. But Like Nephi I have my share of trials too,(from other people, nature, and spiritual stugglings), all of which come because we live in a fallen world, a spiritual wilderness if you will. But it is through Nephi's record that we see how he overcame the natural man to became a prophet of God. What if he hadn't written things down because he was too busy, or too lazy. I decided that I need to write down my journey into the wilderness. A spiritual wilderness at times. Elder Bednar, and Sister Richards both shared at the temple ground breaking, that as the temple grows we should be growing spiritually also. So this is my measuring stick, my iron rod, and my record.
A.C.T. Record my impressions and testimony as I read the Book of Mormon this year.
A New Year!
I believe that for us mothers, the beginning of the school year is more significant than New Years day when it comes to setting goals, refreshing schedules, and at least for me, motivation to "get my life in order." I look at the upcoming year and know that if I have to send 6 kids out the door each day with all their different schedules, and schools, as well as help make sure they have lunches, clean clothes and homework done, if I don't have some semblance of a schedule we will never make it. I, by nature, am not a scheduler, and I don't know what it is about school being in session that suddenly makes me want to pull out my planner, and schedule life down to the minute. I think it is the thought (hope) that I will have 8 hours time to myself to clean my house without it getting dirty for just an hour, catch up on laundry, excercise, read my scriptures, go to lunch with a friend, maybe read a book and finally finish all those projects sitting in my laundry room (ha-ha). Those dreams never last long, reality comes and life happens and by the third week, life has taken over and my "perfect schedule" is once again just a wall decor to look at and think...tomorrow..... by October, I am just happy if I get a shower before the kids get home from school.
But one thing I do love about starting over at the beginning of the school year, is that each year, we start our one on one scripture study with our kids. All year we do family prayers and scriptures, but for the school year, when our kids are in high school, we take just 20 mins each morning and do one on one study and in depth discussion with individual kids. Freshman, Senior Year is with Dad; Sophomore, Junior year mom. This helps us teach them different ways to really "feast" upon the scriptures. John is really good at knowing the history, and other scriptures that relate to what they read, I teach them my ACT study system.
This year I get to read with Josh. I am excited. We have started reading in the beginning of the book of Mormon again, and are following the A.C.T. model. So I wanted to begin writing again, for my own journal, but I thought this way I can also let you follow our journey and our insights as together Josh and I strive to become more like Christ as we "Apply Christ's Teachings" that we are learning daily in the Book of Mormon. If you would like to read with us, we would welcome your insights, and enjoy your comments.
I believe that for us mothers, the beginning of the school year is more significant than New Years day when it comes to setting goals, refreshing schedules, and at least for me, motivation to "get my life in order." I look at the upcoming year and know that if I have to send 6 kids out the door each day with all their different schedules, and schools, as well as help make sure they have lunches, clean clothes and homework done, if I don't have some semblance of a schedule we will never make it. I, by nature, am not a scheduler, and I don't know what it is about school being in session that suddenly makes me want to pull out my planner, and schedule life down to the minute. I think it is the thought (hope) that I will have 8 hours time to myself to clean my house without it getting dirty for just an hour, catch up on laundry, excercise, read my scriptures, go to lunch with a friend, maybe read a book and finally finish all those projects sitting in my laundry room (ha-ha). Those dreams never last long, reality comes and life happens and by the third week, life has taken over and my "perfect schedule" is once again just a wall decor to look at and think...tomorrow..... by October, I am just happy if I get a shower before the kids get home from school.
But one thing I do love about starting over at the beginning of the school year, is that each year, we start our one on one scripture study with our kids. All year we do family prayers and scriptures, but for the school year, when our kids are in high school, we take just 20 mins each morning and do one on one study and in depth discussion with individual kids. Freshman, Senior Year is with Dad; Sophomore, Junior year mom. This helps us teach them different ways to really "feast" upon the scriptures. John is really good at knowing the history, and other scriptures that relate to what they read, I teach them my ACT study system.
This year I get to read with Josh. I am excited. We have started reading in the beginning of the book of Mormon again, and are following the A.C.T. model. So I wanted to begin writing again, for my own journal, but I thought this way I can also let you follow our journey and our insights as together Josh and I strive to become more like Christ as we "Apply Christ's Teachings" that we are learning daily in the Book of Mormon. If you would like to read with us, we would welcome your insights, and enjoy your comments.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
R.S. lesson on Prayer
Today's reading was from a conference talk, or general authority, but I feel first impressed to write a little about our RS lesson from Sunday. The lesson was on Prayer and talking about how we can "open our souls" through prayer. We talked and shared ideas on how to improve our personal prayers as well. I was reminded through the lesson how I need to do the things that I know, and that will improve my own prayers. There were a few thoughts or ideas shared that I wanted to remember-
1) report back. Open the day with a prayer and then at night report back on what you have done through out the day, or how you acted upon the promptings you had that morning.
2) For evening prayer, if you do nothing else, pray for your children. If you aren't praying for them, who is?
3) look for answers to your prayers, they aren't always obvious, but if we keep a journal where we write down where we have seen Gods hand in our lives that day, it will help our testimony grow.
4) Pray in the morning for inspiration on how you can make it a great day! Start with gratitude for even waking up, and breathing...then find something about the day to be excited about and hope for.
5)Write our impressions and thoughts down. I know this- I just need to be better about it!
ACT: Work on my nightly prayers- make sure I say them for the rest of the week.
1) report back. Open the day with a prayer and then at night report back on what you have done through out the day, or how you acted upon the promptings you had that morning.
2) For evening prayer, if you do nothing else, pray for your children. If you aren't praying for them, who is?
3) look for answers to your prayers, they aren't always obvious, but if we keep a journal where we write down where we have seen Gods hand in our lives that day, it will help our testimony grow.
4) Pray in the morning for inspiration on how you can make it a great day! Start with gratitude for even waking up, and breathing...then find something about the day to be excited about and hope for.
5)Write our impressions and thoughts down. I know this- I just need to be better about it!
ACT: Work on my nightly prayers- make sure I say them for the rest of the week.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Lot's Wife
Yesterday being mother's day, the Sacrament speaker was Sis. Peterson (our high councilman's wife) and she shared a talk by Elder Holland about "Remember Lot's Wife" I found the talk fascinating and shared it at ARP last night. It spoke of walking forward with hope. Lot's wife couldn't let go of the past- she was too attached to it, and let it define her and pull her back from the hope of what could lie ahead of her in the future. Elder Holland said "her attachment to the past outweighed her
confidence in the future" How easy it is to hold onto past wrongs, sins, habits, broken dreams and memories. Elder Holland suggests that we have faith in our Savior, we trust him to lead us to something better, and there in is hope. Hope is not a knowledge of what will happen, but a belief or expectation. Christ loves us- he becons to us to come to him and find peace and rest. We must believe that, and hope for that, but what is it that holds us back? The past?
I think it is significant that she turned to salt. Salt is used to dry things out. When we loose hope, Joy is drained from us, and the fullness of happiness is lost. Happiness and Hope are truly a life blood that fills us.
Turning from the past, doesn't mean that we have to completely sever all ties and forget what has happened- Like Margi says, take what you like and leave the rest at our meetings. I will apply that to the past as well. The apostle paul said:
"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).
We can't let the past define us, we can't look back longingly like Lot's wife did. We can't be so attached to it, that it paralyzes us from moving forward towards what Christ has for us. We must move forward with forgiveness, repentance, and hope into a new day with new chances and new opportunities, for ourselves and others.
"God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go." Elder Holland
ACT: Topic for the week is Finding Hope in Christ. I feel like my job as a missionary is to simply share my testimony of the promises of the savior. And all those are about finding hope through him. I need to work on learning those things/references.
I think it is significant that she turned to salt. Salt is used to dry things out. When we loose hope, Joy is drained from us, and the fullness of happiness is lost. Happiness and Hope are truly a life blood that fills us.
Turning from the past, doesn't mean that we have to completely sever all ties and forget what has happened- Like Margi says, take what you like and leave the rest at our meetings. I will apply that to the past as well. The apostle paul said:
"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).
We can't let the past define us, we can't look back longingly like Lot's wife did. We can't be so attached to it, that it paralyzes us from moving forward towards what Christ has for us. We must move forward with forgiveness, repentance, and hope into a new day with new chances and new opportunities, for ourselves and others.
"God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go." Elder Holland
ACT: Topic for the week is Finding Hope in Christ. I feel like my job as a missionary is to simply share my testimony of the promises of the savior. And all those are about finding hope through him. I need to work on learning those things/references.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Sunday John and I taught in Primary. The lesson was "Jesus Christ can heal us" We shared the story of Jarius' daughter that was raised from the dead. We discussed how Christ, through the priesthood can heal us today of all ailments as well. Sometimes through a miracle, but more often than not, through a blessing from the priesthood.
I was impressed to share the story of the woman that was healed from the issue of blood at our ARP meeting last Sunday. I decided this week to read it a little more carefully and study it. I was impressed and didn't realize that Christ was hurrying to help Jarius's daughter at the time. And on his way to help someone else, her life was blessed as well. Although, when he did feel of her presence, he wasn't angry or annoyed that someone had taken his time or kept him from something important- a real life or death situation. But instead he said comforting words to her that continued to give her peace.
He felt his virtue go out- I can't help but wonder if I would notice "if virtue" was taken or went out from me. Am I in tune enough with the spirit to feel that actual transference of power and virtue? There are times when I feel people "chase the spirit" away or drain me emotionally with their problems or attitudes, but I can't help but wonder if this is different. I know there are times when I have helped someone, or when I have had an intense spiritual experience (an incredible speaker, or prayer, video, etc.) and afterwards I feel "drained" but in a good way. I always thought it was similar to how Joseph Smith felt, just on a much smaller level, because as we become an instrument in his hands we feel his power work through us and actually flow through us.
I pray I can be an instrument in his hands to help others around me to heal.
I was impressed to share the story of the woman that was healed from the issue of blood at our ARP meeting last Sunday. I decided this week to read it a little more carefully and study it. I was impressed and didn't realize that Christ was hurrying to help Jarius's daughter at the time. And on his way to help someone else, her life was blessed as well. Although, when he did feel of her presence, he wasn't angry or annoyed that someone had taken his time or kept him from something important- a real life or death situation. But instead he said comforting words to her that continued to give her peace.
He felt his virtue go out- I can't help but wonder if I would notice "if virtue" was taken or went out from me. Am I in tune enough with the spirit to feel that actual transference of power and virtue? There are times when I feel people "chase the spirit" away or drain me emotionally with their problems or attitudes, but I can't help but wonder if this is different. I know there are times when I have helped someone, or when I have had an intense spiritual experience (an incredible speaker, or prayer, video, etc.) and afterwards I feel "drained" but in a good way. I always thought it was similar to how Joseph Smith felt, just on a much smaller level, because as we become an instrument in his hands we feel his power work through us and actually flow through us.
I pray I can be an instrument in his hands to help others around me to heal.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
A Mountain to Climb
I love the song by Miley Cyrus "The Climb" In it she talks about trying to reach her dream and overcome challenges. The chorus goes something like this:
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high
There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause
There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb (yeah)
Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith
It's all about
The climb
I was drawn to it, because, I think that is the way we all feel at times. There are mountains in this life we face, but the climb is what it is about. It is about who we become during the climb up whatever mountain the Lord gives us.
Elder Eyring in this past conference (April 2012) entitled his talk "A Mountain to Climb." Which as I read it this morning, made me think of this song. But he shares with us how Pres. Kimball counseled us to "ask" for mountains to climb- that will help us become the person the Lord wants us to be. He gives us counsel on how to overcome and endure to the end.
I think the mountains in my life come whether I ask for them or not...=) but the idea of getting over them and enduring to the end is the same whether I asked for the trials or not.
First he shares how we are not different than Joseph Smith, Pres. Kimball, or even Christ himself that they all had to pass through trials and tribulation. Even such great trials that it made them cry out-
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
We must have a solid foundation, so when we face those mountains, our faith is not shaken and we are able to endure and climb.
Keys to Enduring Faith
1. We must prepare the ground: We do this through our personal integrity and by choosing the right continually. This surrounds the framework of ordinances found in the gospel.
2. Judge correctly the curing time. The lord won't give us more than he knows we can handle. Don't ask for more before we are ready. "Getting older does not do it alone. It is serving God and others persistently with full heart and soul that turns testimony of truth into unbreakable spiritual strength"
3) Elder Eyring quotes Moroni as he shares with us that even the smallest amount of faith ALLOWS God to grow our faith.
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high
There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause
There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb (yeah)
Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith
It's all about
The climb
I was drawn to it, because, I think that is the way we all feel at times. There are mountains in this life we face, but the climb is what it is about. It is about who we become during the climb up whatever mountain the Lord gives us.
Elder Eyring in this past conference (April 2012) entitled his talk "A Mountain to Climb." Which as I read it this morning, made me think of this song. But he shares with us how Pres. Kimball counseled us to "ask" for mountains to climb- that will help us become the person the Lord wants us to be. He gives us counsel on how to overcome and endure to the end.
I think the mountains in my life come whether I ask for them or not...=) but the idea of getting over them and enduring to the end is the same whether I asked for the trials or not.
First he shares how we are not different than Joseph Smith, Pres. Kimball, or even Christ himself that they all had to pass through trials and tribulation. Even such great trials that it made them cry out-
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
“Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”3
Keys to Enduring Faith
1. We must prepare the ground: We do this through our personal integrity and by choosing the right continually. This surrounds the framework of ordinances found in the gospel.
2. Judge correctly the curing time. The lord won't give us more than he knows we can handle. Don't ask for more before we are ready. "Getting older does not do it alone. It is serving God and others persistently with full heart and soul that turns testimony of truth into unbreakable spiritual strength"
3) Elder Eyring quotes Moroni as he shares with us that even the smallest amount of faith ALLOWS God to grow our faith.
“And
now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would
show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not
seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no
witness until after the trial of your faith.
“For
it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he
had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after
they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith
in him, for he showed himself not unto the world.
“But
because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and
glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others
might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those
things which they have not seen.
“Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.”7
Faith leads to hope. I heard it defined once as faith is trust in God, knowing that he does live, and died, but Hope happens when we realize that it applies to us. He did it for ME! But we have to start with Faith, a sure foundation of faith, and then when those trials come, we understand that God loves us, and he sent his son for us individually. Once we have a knowledge that God loves ME, it is easier to understand the idea that all things will work together for our good, because we understand he loves us and in loving us, wants what is best for us, and will support us though our trials, even though he can't always take them away.
4) Loving and Serving as the Savior did, also gives us faith, and that charity that we aquire as we serve also leads to hope, which allows us to endure to the end.
Hope is what and why we continue to climb that mountain every day. Hope is what carries us forward so we can endure each and every day, or trial we are called to go through. Faith fosters Hope, and hope then fosters Charity, which in turn feeds hope again when hope is lost. As those charitable acts come back to us.
What a wonderful concept. Faith Hope and Charity- according to Moroni- are the greatest things we should aquire here. We read in Mormon this morning as a family. He was talking to our day and warned about putting trust in things that "canker." There are many things we can search for, and hope to obtain in this life. How many are so worried about their retirement funds? But even money will canker and gives a false sense of security. The things that will truly help us have an "endurement fund" and help us endure our trials is Hope. Which comes from faith.Which comes from doing what Elder Eyring said- we must prepare the ground, put forth the smallest particle of faith, be patient and feed/water that seed of faith as we serve others. Then we can harvest hope- a true knowledge and applications that God knows and loves us individually.
Monday, May 7, 2012
The woman with the issue of blood
Last night as we met with the FSG I was impressed to share my testimony of how much the Savior loves each of them there, how he knows them, he is aware of them. The story of the woman with the issue of blood was brought to mind and I shared that. How she struggled for 14 years with this issue, she had exhausted resources and energy trying to find a cure, but then by simple faith, acting upon that faith, she reached out and touched his garment. He commands us to "come unto him" and be healed. He walked down the street in front of her. He, knowing all things, could have known that she was there, and what she struggled with, but it was not until she took the action upon herself to reach out, to come unto him, that he was able to heal her, and to make her whole. Just like Mary, Jesus's mother had to ask last week with turning the water to wine. I believe that we have the same obligation. We must first come to him, do our part, put our faith in his ability to heal us/help us/stregnthen us, and then stretch forth our hand to be healed. The brother of Jared had to find and cut the rocks, Noah had to build the ark and then the Lord blessed their efforts and their action.
Yesterday we took the opportunity to walk through a fun little nature walk/statue garden in Nampa. There was a sign that said, "Faith is something I am doing" that impressed me. Faith is action, not just words. We have to stretch forth our arm, build the ark, or find him and ask, but when we do our part, he will heal us, he will save us, and make us whole. And the results of that healing/changing will make us more than we ever could have been on our own. We will become the "best wine" not just the world's wine.
ACT: Put my faith in action. I have faith he will help me loose the weight I need to- now I need to stretch out my hand- Do what I know and can do, and then ask him to help make up the difference.My part is faith that if I exercise, eat right and take my vitamins, the Lord will bless my body to help it respond.
Yesterday we took the opportunity to walk through a fun little nature walk/statue garden in Nampa. There was a sign that said, "Faith is something I am doing" that impressed me. Faith is action, not just words. We have to stretch forth our arm, build the ark, or find him and ask, but when we do our part, he will heal us, he will save us, and make us whole. And the results of that healing/changing will make us more than we ever could have been on our own. We will become the "best wine" not just the world's wine.
ACT: Put my faith in action. I have faith he will help me loose the weight I need to- now I need to stretch out my hand- Do what I know and can do, and then ask him to help make up the difference.My part is faith that if I exercise, eat right and take my vitamins, the Lord will bless my body to help it respond.
Friday, May 4, 2012
King Benjamin
The last few weeks I have been feeling like I got bitten by the "grouchy bug." I just feel so grumpy all the time, and angry. Not sure exactly at what, but the smallest thing seems to set me off and I have been way more critical and snappy than I like to be with John and with my kids. Even with my friends. I think I have a little devil that has attached himself to my shoulder and I can't seem to shake him loose. Satan really seems to be working on me....That is why I decided to start in King Benjamin this morning for my Book of Mormon reading. He speaks a lot about relationships, peace and charity. I feel I need more peace in my relationships and the only way to accomplish that is through charity and putting off the natural man. I think part of it may be that Satan didn't have to worry about me because I had such little self discipline and concern for my self that he knew I wasn't a concern or that he already had me, But as I am working on my self discipline with my food and physical appearance, and health, he has to find a new avenue to catch me in. He has decided that my emotions now are my weak point- Lack of sleep doesn't help either.
Mosiah 3
"For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy arighteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy."
Joy comes because of righteousness AND the atonement! We can have joy because we have hope. That hope comes through the atonement, we are not cut off when we make a mistake, but have hope that we can overcome it.
Mosiah 3
"For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy arighteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy."
Joy comes because of righteousness AND the atonement! We can have joy because we have hope. That hope comes through the atonement, we are not cut off when we make a mistake, but have hope that we can overcome it.
"For the anatural bman is an cenemy to God, and has been from the dfall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he eyields to the enticings of the Holy fSpirit, and gputteth off the hnatural man and becometh a isaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a jchild, ksubmissive,
meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things
which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth
submit to his father."
This is exactly the scripture I needed to read. I feel very much like the natural man (woman) in me is surfacing and I have not been a "saint" lately. But he gives counsel in this scripture on how to overcome-
1) Yield to the enticing of the spirit- I feel those promptings, I just need to make sure I act on them.
2) Through the atonement- I need to repent constantly, and that is the joy and hope I can find.
3) Become as a child- submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things. These are all the things I seem to be struggling in.
ACT: I will work on this list of "becoming like a child" by listening to the enticings of the spirit so they can help me.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Miracles of Christ- Water to Wine
Today I am reading in the New Testament. When I was set apart as a missionary, I was counseled to study the miracles of the Savior, so I can help those in the classes learn of the Savior's miracles and power and the ability he has to produce miracles in their lives as well.
I decided to start with Christ's first miracle. John said "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him." I found it interesting that as I sat down to study it, they had a new video out of it on LDS.org. I was so impressed, as I read it and as I watched it. Christ's miracle was not seen of many- only his mother, the servants pouring wine, and his disciples new of the miracle that day.
Even with this simple miracle there are a few basic principles that can be learned:
1) Not seen of many- simple, quiet, behind the scenes- but still affected many that didn't even know they had partaken of a miracle- even the "ruler of the feast himself" did not know what had happened. Miracles are all around us, many we don't even recognize, but still partake of daily.
2) Simple every day things- Wine isn't a life or death matter, but yet was still worthy of a miracle, because it was important to his mother. So with us, Christ is in the details of our lives.
3) "Whatever he asks- do it" Christ's mother told her servants to "do whatever Jesus asked of them." They didn't doubt or argue with him, even when asked to pour the "water" for the ruler of the feast. They did as he asked, and expected a miracle. How often do we doubt, and get in the way of the miracle.
4) The "best" wine- The ruler states that the "best wine" has been saved for the end of the feast. Christ not only changed the water to wine, but to even better wine than they had before. So it is in our lives, Christ can turn our lives from ordinary "water" to the best wine, better than anything we could do on our own, or that the world will give us.
5) Mary asked- Then trusted, but didn't counsel the Lord: As I have been studying revelation- I was reminded that the Lord needs us to ask in order for us to receive revelation- I think it is the same for miracles- we must come to him. He stands at the door, our job is to approach him and open that door so he can perform the miracle we need. We must ask, but not council the Lord. Mary stated her need, and Christ then perceived what was needed to be done, but Mary didn't tell him what to do or micromanage him, she just trusted that he could help- and made herself and her servants available to do whatsoever he asked of her.
Wow! I had no idea this simple miracle held so many truths, and I just touched the surface I am sure!
Yesterday as I studied the ARP book, my ACT was to "be careful not to counsel the Lord" in my prayers as I seek revelation. I think that applies again today as well.
I decided to start with Christ's first miracle. John said "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him." I found it interesting that as I sat down to study it, they had a new video out of it on LDS.org. I was so impressed, as I read it and as I watched it. Christ's miracle was not seen of many- only his mother, the servants pouring wine, and his disciples new of the miracle that day.
Even with this simple miracle there are a few basic principles that can be learned:
1) Not seen of many- simple, quiet, behind the scenes- but still affected many that didn't even know they had partaken of a miracle- even the "ruler of the feast himself" did not know what had happened. Miracles are all around us, many we don't even recognize, but still partake of daily.
2) Simple every day things- Wine isn't a life or death matter, but yet was still worthy of a miracle, because it was important to his mother. So with us, Christ is in the details of our lives.
3) "Whatever he asks- do it" Christ's mother told her servants to "do whatever Jesus asked of them." They didn't doubt or argue with him, even when asked to pour the "water" for the ruler of the feast. They did as he asked, and expected a miracle. How often do we doubt, and get in the way of the miracle.
4) The "best" wine- The ruler states that the "best wine" has been saved for the end of the feast. Christ not only changed the water to wine, but to even better wine than they had before. So it is in our lives, Christ can turn our lives from ordinary "water" to the best wine, better than anything we could do on our own, or that the world will give us.
5) Mary asked- Then trusted, but didn't counsel the Lord: As I have been studying revelation- I was reminded that the Lord needs us to ask in order for us to receive revelation- I think it is the same for miracles- we must come to him. He stands at the door, our job is to approach him and open that door so he can perform the miracle we need. We must ask, but not council the Lord. Mary stated her need, and Christ then perceived what was needed to be done, but Mary didn't tell him what to do or micromanage him, she just trusted that he could help- and made herself and her servants available to do whatsoever he asked of her.
Wow! I had no idea this simple miracle held so many truths, and I just touched the surface I am sure!
Yesterday as I studied the ARP book, my ACT was to "be careful not to counsel the Lord" in my prayers as I seek revelation. I think that applies again today as well.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Revelation
The topic I picked for this week is Personal Revelation. After my thought in our ARP meeting, I thought this would be a good one. I shared how often we we go to a class or want someone to give us a list of exactly what we need to do to solve our problem. We want the answers handed to us, however that isn't the way that God works. There is not "right way" to do something that works for everyone. We are all so different with different needs, desires, fears, and strengths. The Lord gives us principles, and leaders/teachers can share what worked for them, but ultimately it comes down to us learning how to talk to the Lord and receive our own inspiration and guidance for our problems. Joseph Smith taught- Teach them correct principles and then let them govern themselves. Principles of the Gospel is the general Map, it tells us the things to watch out for and the mile markers along the way, but the application of those principles in our individual lives are what we must ask for from our Heavenly Father, and as we seek them, he will give us the unique individual answers we seek.
He knows us, He loves us, He will answer us. Personal Revelation is one of the most amazing things about this gospel. As I study Personal Revelation this week, I hope to find ways to apply and receive more in my life. Today I am going to study Elder Scott's Talk from last general conference (April '12) entitled "How to obtain revelation and inspiration for your personal life."
Notes below:
Difference between Inspiration and Revelation:
When it is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the purpose of this message, it is inspiration.
How do we recieve Revelation:
By asking
Principles that enhance Revelation:
1) Eliminate Anger and other negative emotions
2)A good sense of humor enhances, loud laughter does not
3) Careful quiet speech
4) Good Health Habits (Sleep, exercise, diet, etc)
5) do not let daily habits distract
6) Study Scriptures and examples of others that have received revelation and help
7) Write down and record experiences of revelation
8) sanctify yourselves or in other words “keep my commandments.”
9) Temple attendance will "endow you with power"
10) Be mentally and physically clean with purity of intent
11) Righteous environment
12) Humility
13) Trust God
14) OPEN YOUR EYES and recognize the ways that God has already inspired you:
Words given to Oliver Cowdry when wondering why he hadn't recieved inspiration:
He knows us, He loves us, He will answer us. Personal Revelation is one of the most amazing things about this gospel. As I study Personal Revelation this week, I hope to find ways to apply and receive more in my life. Today I am going to study Elder Scott's Talk from last general conference (April '12) entitled "How to obtain revelation and inspiration for your personal life."
Notes below:
Difference between Inspiration and Revelation:
When it is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the purpose of this message, it is inspiration.
How do we recieve Revelation:
By asking
Principles that enhance Revelation:
1) Eliminate Anger and other negative emotions
2)A good sense of humor enhances, loud laughter does not
3) Careful quiet speech
4) Good Health Habits (Sleep, exercise, diet, etc)
5) do not let daily habits distract
6) Study Scriptures and examples of others that have received revelation and help
7) Write down and record experiences of revelation
8) sanctify yourselves or in other words “keep my commandments.”
9) Temple attendance will "endow you with power"
10) Be mentally and physically clean with purity of intent
11) Righteous environment
12) Humility
13) Trust God
14) OPEN YOUR EYES and recognize the ways that God has already inspired you:
Words given to Oliver Cowdry when wondering why he hadn't recieved inspiration:
“Blessed
art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and
behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of
my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the
place where thou art at this time.
“Behold,
thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy
mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou
hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth.”
How to Recognize inspiration:
Peace to your heart, and a quiet warm feeling
"Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a
sacred privilege. It is based upon eternal, unchanging principles. We
receive help from our Father in Heaven in response to our faith,
obedience, and the proper use of agency."
Monday, April 30, 2012
Acting on the Words of Christ
I haven't written for a while, and felt like it was time to keep a written record again.
We have been called as service missionaries over the ARP or Addiction Recovery Program. What a powerful program this is. Real People with Real problems that need help and need healing. My job is not as a counselor, but as a "spiritual leader" that helps them to feel the spirit and point them to Christ. The only way I can do that is if I am constantly seeking his spirit with me, and STRIVING daily to listen to his voice and come unto him myself.
But I know the process of coming unto him is two fold. The first part is the acknowledging that he is there and that he is our Savior and our friend. This is simply faith. Knowing or rather believing that he loves me, that he died for me, and that he is the light and the way. As Alma described, the song of redeeming love should fill our hearts and give us hope and light for our minds and souls, so we can see where and what we need to so for the second half of the process of coming unto him.
The second half of that process requires ACTION on our parts. It is not enough just to know, it is not enough just to believe. We must take the knowledge and faith that we have and put it into action in our lives. Like Moses with the serpent on the staff. He told them, and the first part was they had to believe what he said, but it wasn't enough just to believe his words, they then had to do the physical action of looking up, or getting themselves to where they could see him. We must ACT upon the words of Christ. We must take the words of the prophets, the scriptures, the spirit, and allow them to move us to action. The spirit can help us know how and what action we should take to act upon the knowledge that we have in order to be healed and live spiritually. That action can be a simple change in behavior, a physical task, or a quiet change in heart. The action is a move to change our position, spiritually, or physically, to come closer to Christ.
I feel like I am not where I need to be right now, and I personally need to move so I can see him better. Both in physical behaviors and spiritual behaviors. I hope as I focus on not only reading and believing, but acting too, I can move closer to him.
My ACT for today is to decide upon a scripture study schedule for the rest of the year that will give me knowledge that can then motivate me to action.
Monday- Weekly Topic/ARP Book read through
Tuesday- Ensign or Conference Talk
Wednesday- ARP Book and Thought
Thursday-New Testament/Miracles of Jesus
Friday- Book of Mormon
Saturday-Daughters of God
Sunday- Weekly Act/Return and Report/Journal
We have been called as service missionaries over the ARP or Addiction Recovery Program. What a powerful program this is. Real People with Real problems that need help and need healing. My job is not as a counselor, but as a "spiritual leader" that helps them to feel the spirit and point them to Christ. The only way I can do that is if I am constantly seeking his spirit with me, and STRIVING daily to listen to his voice and come unto him myself.
But I know the process of coming unto him is two fold. The first part is the acknowledging that he is there and that he is our Savior and our friend. This is simply faith. Knowing or rather believing that he loves me, that he died for me, and that he is the light and the way. As Alma described, the song of redeeming love should fill our hearts and give us hope and light for our minds and souls, so we can see where and what we need to so for the second half of the process of coming unto him.
The second half of that process requires ACTION on our parts. It is not enough just to know, it is not enough just to believe. We must take the knowledge and faith that we have and put it into action in our lives. Like Moses with the serpent on the staff. He told them, and the first part was they had to believe what he said, but it wasn't enough just to believe his words, they then had to do the physical action of looking up, or getting themselves to where they could see him. We must ACT upon the words of Christ. We must take the words of the prophets, the scriptures, the spirit, and allow them to move us to action. The spirit can help us know how and what action we should take to act upon the knowledge that we have in order to be healed and live spiritually. That action can be a simple change in behavior, a physical task, or a quiet change in heart. The action is a move to change our position, spiritually, or physically, to come closer to Christ.
I feel like I am not where I need to be right now, and I personally need to move so I can see him better. Both in physical behaviors and spiritual behaviors. I hope as I focus on not only reading and believing, but acting too, I can move closer to him.
My ACT for today is to decide upon a scripture study schedule for the rest of the year that will give me knowledge that can then motivate me to action.
Monday- Weekly Topic/ARP Book read through
Tuesday- Ensign or Conference Talk
Wednesday- ARP Book and Thought
Thursday-New Testament/Miracles of Jesus
Friday- Book of Mormon
Saturday-Daughters of God
Sunday- Weekly Act/Return and Report/Journal
Monday, August 30, 2010
Stake Conference
This weekend was stake conference. There were some WONDERFUL speakers and the spirit was abundant through each of the meetings. Nathan got to go with John to the Priesthood leadership session for the first time as well. He is the Deacon's Quorum Pres. I thought I might for my scripture study this morning review my notes. There were four talks all of which I took something wonderful from each one. Pat and Selina Thibedau spoke, they are good friends of ours, about their conversion story and how they came to join the church and visit the temple. Pat's talk impressed upon me the importance of friends and missionary work, and how the Lord puts certain people and trials in our lives to help us bring others to a knowledge of the gospel. I need to be a better friend, and a more diligent friend, so that through my love they can feel the spirit and the love of our Father in heaven. Pat shared how one of their friends baby's passed away, and as he walked through the line, he felt this overwhelming sense of love and peace, and he started to cry. Angie the mother of the child, asked Pat if he was okay, and then told him that he was feeling the spirit. What a bold statement to say to someone, but it was so powerful to Pat to help him recognize what he was feeling. I need to be bolder at times with my friends. I love them, but then, I chicken out of challenging them any further or helping them recognize, as Angie did, what they feel at times.
Selina spoke of how difficult it was to have a husband who was not in the temple with her, and how hard it was to long for that, but not have it. She asked if we that have it really understand what it is, and do we take it for granted. It made me think about it alot, and ask myself, do I recognize how incredibly blessed we are to be sealed in the temple.
Sis. Tawna Olsen, the stake RS pres. spoke about obedience, but the part that jumped out at me, especially with a daughter, were her comments about modesty. It made me realize I can do better to make sure that I am modest at all times. I want to used the measuring tool, that if the Savior were standing next to me, would I wear that. Maybe Brynn and I can have a "morning" check off. She checks me and I check her.
Pres. Henniman spoke specifically to the youth. He gave them 6 C's or choices they need to make. They were:
1: Choose to Pray
2: Choose to study the scriptures
3: Choose to have good friends
4: Choose to Not pick up snakes
5: Choose to have a testimony.
6:?
He also talked about the importance of going to the temple and partaking of the blessings that are there, both old and new members alike. He said to go often, we will be blessed as we do so. He challenged us to Read the Joseph Smith history thoroughly, and then memorize those verses.
ACT: I found I had many ACTS I could choose from. But I decided to take Pres. Henniman's particular challenge first. For FHE tonight we are going to read the Joseph Smith history and begin to memorize it.
Selina spoke of how difficult it was to have a husband who was not in the temple with her, and how hard it was to long for that, but not have it. She asked if we that have it really understand what it is, and do we take it for granted. It made me think about it alot, and ask myself, do I recognize how incredibly blessed we are to be sealed in the temple.
Sis. Tawna Olsen, the stake RS pres. spoke about obedience, but the part that jumped out at me, especially with a daughter, were her comments about modesty. It made me realize I can do better to make sure that I am modest at all times. I want to used the measuring tool, that if the Savior were standing next to me, would I wear that. Maybe Brynn and I can have a "morning" check off. She checks me and I check her.
Pres. Henniman spoke specifically to the youth. He gave them 6 C's or choices they need to make. They were:
1: Choose to Pray
2: Choose to study the scriptures
3: Choose to have good friends
4: Choose to Not pick up snakes
5: Choose to have a testimony.
6:?
He also talked about the importance of going to the temple and partaking of the blessings that are there, both old and new members alike. He said to go often, we will be blessed as we do so. He challenged us to Read the Joseph Smith history thoroughly, and then memorize those verses.
ACT: I found I had many ACTS I could choose from. But I decided to take Pres. Henniman's particular challenge first. For FHE tonight we are going to read the Joseph Smith history and begin to memorize it.
School is back in session
Well now that school is back in session, I have a few minutes to myself again. I have been horrible at maintaining a consistent scripture study time this summer. Hopefully I can get back in the habit! I can't wait to start!
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