Today was a day I thought was going to be a good day. I was going to start things off right by reading my scriptures and saying my prayers.
Well, I only got to the first part and I only got to read one verse. Perhaps it was the most important verse and thought in that moment, and a preparation of things to come (I just didn't realize how soon).
Ammon and his brothers are out preaching the gospel and they are really struggling. He writes, "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren... and bear with patience thine afflictions and I will give unto you success" (Alma 26:27).
I thought about how many times I get down, or I want to turn back. This morning was one of those times when my mom got after me. It was a one-sided argument and things were said that didn't need to be said. But I know that in that moment I wanted to be somewhere else.
In all of this, and in my life experiences, I know there are things I am learning, or am supposed to learn. All of them will make me stronger if I chose to let them. I just have to hold on to the promise that if I am patient, the Lord give comfort and success.
The other thing I have been struggling with is how quick people are to pass judgment. They think they know you and your situation, but they really don't.
There are things we do in life that perhaps only we know why we are doing them; or they see us doing one thing and have no clue about all the other things we do/have done. People will look from the outside in, but they are lazy and will only look. Oftentimes they won't take the time to understand. They don't ask.
Perhaps that is one of the biggest social struggles I have. I do things knowing why I am doing them, but I have a hard time explaining to other people why. There are certain things and people I am drawn to, and only the Lord knows why. I figure as long as I am going where the Lord points me, it doesn't matter what everyone else thinks (even though it hurts sometimes).
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
"By choosing to be in His kingdom, we separate - not isolate - ourselves from the world."
- Elder Robert D. Hales
Ensign, Nov. 2000, 8
"We should seek at all times to purify ourselves and to lead such worthy lives that the Light of Christ emanates from us in all that we say and do."
- Elder M. Russell Ballard
Ensign, May 2000, 33
"The spirit that dwells within each of us can be enriched with enthusiasm and enlightened by the Almighty."
- Elder Russell M. Nelson
Ensign, Nov. 1997, 16
"I have learned that we can actually increase our happiness by reflecting on our blessings; by expressing gratitude to our mentors, family, and friends; and by thanking our Father in Heaven" (Bonnie D. Parkin, "Choose to Celebrate," in Brigham Young University 2005–2006 Speeches).
- Elder Robert D. Hales
Ensign, Nov. 2000, 8
"We should seek at all times to purify ourselves and to lead such worthy lives that the Light of Christ emanates from us in all that we say and do."
- Elder M. Russell Ballard
Ensign, May 2000, 33
"The spirit that dwells within each of us can be enriched with enthusiasm and enlightened by the Almighty."
- Elder Russell M. Nelson
Ensign, Nov. 1997, 16
"I have learned that we can actually increase our happiness by reflecting on our blessings; by expressing gratitude to our mentors, family, and friends; and by thanking our Father in Heaven" (Bonnie D. Parkin, "Choose to Celebrate," in Brigham Young University 2005–2006 Speeches).
This is a test, it is only a test
This is a test of the emergency broadcasting system. It is only a test. If this were a real emergency, you would be notified through this station.
"Indeed, this life is a test. It is a test of many things—of our convictions and priorities, our faith and our faithfulness, our patience and our resilience, and in the end, our ultimate desires. Yet there are times when the vision and hope of a Big Finish are dimmed by immediate demands, days when one might wish for a mortal exam that was a little more manageable.
Thankfully, our experience here is an open-book test...
"We are temporarily afflicted with the amnesia of mortality... through the power of the Spirit we can often “catch a spark,” as President Joseph F. Smith taught us, “from the awakened memories of the immortal soul, which lights up our whole being as with the glory of our former home” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 14). It is the Spirit that will also shed light upon our ultimate potential," Sister Sheri Dew said.
Two scriptures that I like:
“Where there is no vision, the people perish,” Solomon proclaimed (Prov. 29:18).
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:16–17).
In the Lion King, Simba turns rebellious after the death of his father. At one point Simba is walking along and he sees his father in a vision. He tries to justify his behavior and his father teaches him an impactful lesson: "You have forgotten who you are because you have forgotten me."
Many times I find myself wanting God to change my circumstances when in reality I need to allow Him to change my heart, like Simba. I am finding that it is those things I hold in my heart that are the strongest walls in my life. There are things that I am secretly holding on to and I need to give them up because those walls don’t allow anyone in.
A wonderful friend of mine told me: I think we often forget to turn to the Lord for learning experiences when we have these crappy feeling. I for one forget him too much and it’s a lack of faith. However, when we push through it, that very moment entitles us to a far greater amount of faith for the next time because we showed him that even at our darkest moments we did prevail and did thrust in our sickles with all our might.”
In life, I think having faith in the words of the scriptures will help us significantly. In reading Sister Dew’s talk she makes mention of Alma and his brothers when they are out and about preaching: “yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:15).
We need to believe that God will make us equal to our challenges and burdens. At the same time my arch-nemesis comes into the picture: patience. I really shouldn’t say that, but it is something that is a real struggle sometimes.
The will of the Lord is another thing entirely. Everything is in the Gods time because He “knows.” Our Heavenly Father can see the beginning to the end and he knows the “plan.” Are we so arrogant to say that we know better than the Great I Am? Are we so rebellious that we won’t head the council that has been given to us?
President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901), a counselor in the First Presidency, taught: “When we went forth into the waters of baptism and covenanted with our Father in heaven to serve Him and keep His commandments, He bound Himself also by covenant to us that He would never desert us, never leave us to ourselves, never forget us, that in the midst of trials and hardships, when everything was arrayed against us, He would be near unto us and would sustain us. That was His covenant” (Gospel Truth, sel. Jerreld L. Newquist, 2 vols. [1974], 1:170).
And it all begins with the willingness to believe. “For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them” (Ether 12:12).
“Do you believe that the Savior will really do for you what He has said He will do? That He can ease the sting of loneliness and enable you to deal with that haunting sense of inadequacy? That He will help you forgive? That He can fill you with optimism and hope? That He will help you resist your greatest temptation and tame your most annoying weakness? That He will respond to your deepest longing? That He is the only source of comfort, strength, direction, and peace that will not change, will not betray you, and will never let you down?” Sister Dew said.
She goes on to say, “Satan wants us to fail the test on earth—to give up any hope of the Big Finish. Indeed, through eons of practice the adversary has perfected the arts of deception, deceit, despair, and discouragement. See if any of the following techniques sound familiar.
1. He tries to blur our vision of why we’re here and get us preoccupied with this life. He would have us distracted by and involved in anything and everything except what we came for.
2. He wants us to feel insignificant—that no matter how hard we try, we’ll never make much of a difference.
3. He tries to wear us down by creating the image that it is not important to endure to the end.
4. He encourages us to judge and evaluate each other—a practice that is demeaning to both the person who judges and the one who is judged.
5. He whispers that life is not fair and that if the gospel were true we would never have problems or disappointments.
6. He attempts to numb us into letting our standards slide.
7. He promotes feelings of guilt and discouragement.
8. He works hard to undermine our innate tendency to nurture and care for others.
9. He would have us stymied by the commandment to become perfect.
10. He would have us so busy that there’s no time to live the gospel, no time to fast and pray, to immerse ourselves in the scriptures, to worship in the temple—all the things we need to do to “study” for our mortal test.
11. He delights in portraying religion as restrictive and austere rather than liberating and life-giving.”
The veil does not bind Satan. He knows who we were, who we are and who we can become. Over time he has perfected his deceptions for our generation.
We are those who have been held back for this time and Satan knows he is going to be in trouble. President Ezra Taft Benson taught this valuable truth: “Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been as well organized. … The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us … will stand in the battle—and how tall we will stand. … Great battles can make great heroes and heroines” (“In His Steps,” address to Church Educational System personnel, Anaheim, California, 8 Feb. 1987).
What side will you be on? Do you know? Or do you have to think about it?
What a wonderful privilege we have to be a part of this “test.” There is a scripture that my mission president quoted in the letter we got six weeks before going home. The Apostle Paul describes what I hope to say one day: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord … shall give me at that day” (2 Tim. 4:7–8).
As we stay focused on the our eternal purpose, we will keep a clear vision of who we are, what we are about and how vital our contribution is to the rolling forth of the Lord’s kingdom.
"Indeed, this life is a test. It is a test of many things—of our convictions and priorities, our faith and our faithfulness, our patience and our resilience, and in the end, our ultimate desires. Yet there are times when the vision and hope of a Big Finish are dimmed by immediate demands, days when one might wish for a mortal exam that was a little more manageable.
Thankfully, our experience here is an open-book test...
"We are temporarily afflicted with the amnesia of mortality... through the power of the Spirit we can often “catch a spark,” as President Joseph F. Smith taught us, “from the awakened memories of the immortal soul, which lights up our whole being as with the glory of our former home” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 14). It is the Spirit that will also shed light upon our ultimate potential," Sister Sheri Dew said.
Two scriptures that I like:
“Where there is no vision, the people perish,” Solomon proclaimed (Prov. 29:18).
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:16–17).
In the Lion King, Simba turns rebellious after the death of his father. At one point Simba is walking along and he sees his father in a vision. He tries to justify his behavior and his father teaches him an impactful lesson: "You have forgotten who you are because you have forgotten me."
Many times I find myself wanting God to change my circumstances when in reality I need to allow Him to change my heart, like Simba. I am finding that it is those things I hold in my heart that are the strongest walls in my life. There are things that I am secretly holding on to and I need to give them up because those walls don’t allow anyone in.
A wonderful friend of mine told me: I think we often forget to turn to the Lord for learning experiences when we have these crappy feeling. I for one forget him too much and it’s a lack of faith. However, when we push through it, that very moment entitles us to a far greater amount of faith for the next time because we showed him that even at our darkest moments we did prevail and did thrust in our sickles with all our might.”
In life, I think having faith in the words of the scriptures will help us significantly. In reading Sister Dew’s talk she makes mention of Alma and his brothers when they are out and about preaching: “yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:15).
We need to believe that God will make us equal to our challenges and burdens. At the same time my arch-nemesis comes into the picture: patience. I really shouldn’t say that, but it is something that is a real struggle sometimes.
The will of the Lord is another thing entirely. Everything is in the Gods time because He “knows.” Our Heavenly Father can see the beginning to the end and he knows the “plan.” Are we so arrogant to say that we know better than the Great I Am? Are we so rebellious that we won’t head the council that has been given to us?
President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901), a counselor in the First Presidency, taught: “When we went forth into the waters of baptism and covenanted with our Father in heaven to serve Him and keep His commandments, He bound Himself also by covenant to us that He would never desert us, never leave us to ourselves, never forget us, that in the midst of trials and hardships, when everything was arrayed against us, He would be near unto us and would sustain us. That was His covenant” (Gospel Truth, sel. Jerreld L. Newquist, 2 vols. [1974], 1:170).
And it all begins with the willingness to believe. “For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them” (Ether 12:12).
“Do you believe that the Savior will really do for you what He has said He will do? That He can ease the sting of loneliness and enable you to deal with that haunting sense of inadequacy? That He will help you forgive? That He can fill you with optimism and hope? That He will help you resist your greatest temptation and tame your most annoying weakness? That He will respond to your deepest longing? That He is the only source of comfort, strength, direction, and peace that will not change, will not betray you, and will never let you down?” Sister Dew said.
She goes on to say, “Satan wants us to fail the test on earth—to give up any hope of the Big Finish. Indeed, through eons of practice the adversary has perfected the arts of deception, deceit, despair, and discouragement. See if any of the following techniques sound familiar.
1. He tries to blur our vision of why we’re here and get us preoccupied with this life. He would have us distracted by and involved in anything and everything except what we came for.
2. He wants us to feel insignificant—that no matter how hard we try, we’ll never make much of a difference.
3. He tries to wear us down by creating the image that it is not important to endure to the end.
4. He encourages us to judge and evaluate each other—a practice that is demeaning to both the person who judges and the one who is judged.
5. He whispers that life is not fair and that if the gospel were true we would never have problems or disappointments.
6. He attempts to numb us into letting our standards slide.
7. He promotes feelings of guilt and discouragement.
8. He works hard to undermine our innate tendency to nurture and care for others.
9. He would have us stymied by the commandment to become perfect.
10. He would have us so busy that there’s no time to live the gospel, no time to fast and pray, to immerse ourselves in the scriptures, to worship in the temple—all the things we need to do to “study” for our mortal test.
11. He delights in portraying religion as restrictive and austere rather than liberating and life-giving.”
The veil does not bind Satan. He knows who we were, who we are and who we can become. Over time he has perfected his deceptions for our generation.
We are those who have been held back for this time and Satan knows he is going to be in trouble. President Ezra Taft Benson taught this valuable truth: “Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been as well organized. … The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us … will stand in the battle—and how tall we will stand. … Great battles can make great heroes and heroines” (“In His Steps,” address to Church Educational System personnel, Anaheim, California, 8 Feb. 1987).
What side will you be on? Do you know? Or do you have to think about it?
What a wonderful privilege we have to be a part of this “test.” There is a scripture that my mission president quoted in the letter we got six weeks before going home. The Apostle Paul describes what I hope to say one day: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord … shall give me at that day” (2 Tim. 4:7–8).
As we stay focused on the our eternal purpose, we will keep a clear vision of who we are, what we are about and how vital our contribution is to the rolling forth of the Lord’s kingdom.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Opportunities
There are times in life when you will be presented with opportunities you hadn't planned on.
Today I had a lunch appointment for work. As Kim and I got to talking we somehow turned to religion (ak! not good to mix biz and religion...). Through talking to him I learned that he was inactive and was "searching" for something in his life.
We talked about so many different things and it was wonderful to share the first lesson again. I felt something different inside of me. I could see a change in his face too. It was amazing!
I challenged him to pray about the things we had talked about. He said he doesn't want to ask right now because he isn't sure he wants to commit to the answer. I told him it was too late for that because he had already made promises with God.
The wonderful thing is that I know he felt something. Through sharing my testimony, someone else's life was touched.
It is interesting too how the Lord will fill your mouth with words when someone needs to hear something. This has gotten me in trouble a time or two (especially recently). The thing is, though, that I don't feel bad for what I said, I feel bad about the way people take things (which is usually adverse). Many friends and I have parted paths because of moments like that.
I know Kim will make some changes in his life, I just don't know when. There is a wonderful countenance about him and great leadership opportunity.
It is just like this girl I have never met before. The first time I heard about her I knew there was something special and that there are many wonderful opportunities in store for her. I don't know much about her, but I do know that God loves her and is watching out for her; and really, that is the most important thing we remember.
It doesn't matter what the world thinks of us because that is only temporal. What God thinks of us is eternal. How vital it is that we remember such things.
Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we know we have the opportunity to return Home. We are special enough that our older brother would give his life so that we too could be perfect one day.
God made us all different because we needed to learn how to love ourselves. I listen to people say, "when I am skinny, then I will be pretty." BULL! You are gorgeous now, with the potential to be so much more.
On "Finding Nemo" Dorie says, "Keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? Keep swimming." That is all the Lord asks of us.
"Do the very best you can," Pres. Hinckley said.
Today I had a lunch appointment for work. As Kim and I got to talking we somehow turned to religion (ak! not good to mix biz and religion...). Through talking to him I learned that he was inactive and was "searching" for something in his life.
We talked about so many different things and it was wonderful to share the first lesson again. I felt something different inside of me. I could see a change in his face too. It was amazing!
I challenged him to pray about the things we had talked about. He said he doesn't want to ask right now because he isn't sure he wants to commit to the answer. I told him it was too late for that because he had already made promises with God.
The wonderful thing is that I know he felt something. Through sharing my testimony, someone else's life was touched.
It is interesting too how the Lord will fill your mouth with words when someone needs to hear something. This has gotten me in trouble a time or two (especially recently). The thing is, though, that I don't feel bad for what I said, I feel bad about the way people take things (which is usually adverse). Many friends and I have parted paths because of moments like that.
I know Kim will make some changes in his life, I just don't know when. There is a wonderful countenance about him and great leadership opportunity.
It is just like this girl I have never met before. The first time I heard about her I knew there was something special and that there are many wonderful opportunities in store for her. I don't know much about her, but I do know that God loves her and is watching out for her; and really, that is the most important thing we remember.
It doesn't matter what the world thinks of us because that is only temporal. What God thinks of us is eternal. How vital it is that we remember such things.
Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we know we have the opportunity to return Home. We are special enough that our older brother would give his life so that we too could be perfect one day.
God made us all different because we needed to learn how to love ourselves. I listen to people say, "when I am skinny, then I will be pretty." BULL! You are gorgeous now, with the potential to be so much more.
On "Finding Nemo" Dorie says, "Keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? Keep swimming." That is all the Lord asks of us.
"Do the very best you can," Pres. Hinckley said.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Today as I sit and watch the snow fly outside my office window, there are a few things that come to my mind…
The Lord said to Isaiah, “though your bsins be as scarlet, they shall be as cwhite as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
Scarlet is described as a color that is a bright-red color inclining toward orange; crimson is a deep purplish-red. Those are some pretty serious colors.
You have the Lord talking about both a bright and deep color. There is a lot of variation, just as there are in our types of sins.
Snow is unique and reflective. As I sit and watch it I think of how all of us use the Atonement of Jesus Christ in different ways. The reflection of snow crystals to me is representative of how we should reflect Christ in our lives. We should become bright, shiny and pure.
Wool is interesting. I learned some interesting things from
In Deuteronomy we learn that the people were commanded to offer up the first-fruits of their wool to the Levite priests after they lost their inheritance in
Perhaps those and other statements in the Bible are meant to symbolically express the separateness of God’s covenant people. There are certain things that should be done the Lord’s way “For my athoughts are not byour thoughts, neither are your cways my dways, saith the LORD” (Isa 55:8).
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
My Wish
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
if it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and always give more than you take.
But More than anything, Yeah, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah.
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
if it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and always give more than you take.
But More than anything, Yeah, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah.
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
I believe there are times in our lives when we take for granted the companionship of those we love... We just don't realize how much until they are gone...
Today, tonight, every night since then have been hard. I have been trying to block it out because I know we made the right decision. Most everything is hidden with a smile and "I am OK."
Why are the right decisions the hardest to cope with sometimes?
Today I did a bunch of names in the temple just so I wouldn't have to go home. I plan things out so that I have something to do and I can stay busy.
There are things in our lives that are a matter of patience and learning life-lessons... Just when we think we have the lesson mastered, the Lord throws a wrench in to see if we truly have.
A friend of mine posted a reply today. I think I offended her...
In no means was my post directed at women who have paused their educational goals for a loftier role of Mother. I am not sure if she realizes how blessed she is to have a beautiful family and three wonderful children. The eternal lessons she is learning and teaching are far more valuable than any piece of paper will ever be.
Those are things only some of us can wait for, prepare for, and/or dream about. So, in that time, we fill our lives with work and school to help us stay focused on one day obtaining such a wonderful blessing.
Mothers are those who shape the face of our world and anything extra we learn as women on the way is a bonus.
Today, tonight, every night since then have been hard. I have been trying to block it out because I know we made the right decision. Most everything is hidden with a smile and "I am OK."
Why are the right decisions the hardest to cope with sometimes?
Today I did a bunch of names in the temple just so I wouldn't have to go home. I plan things out so that I have something to do and I can stay busy.
There are things in our lives that are a matter of patience and learning life-lessons... Just when we think we have the lesson mastered, the Lord throws a wrench in to see if we truly have.
A friend of mine posted a reply today. I think I offended her...
In no means was my post directed at women who have paused their educational goals for a loftier role of Mother. I am not sure if she realizes how blessed she is to have a beautiful family and three wonderful children. The eternal lessons she is learning and teaching are far more valuable than any piece of paper will ever be.
Those are things only some of us can wait for, prepare for, and/or dream about. So, in that time, we fill our lives with work and school to help us stay focused on one day obtaining such a wonderful blessing.
Mothers are those who shape the face of our world and anything extra we learn as women on the way is a bonus.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Be still and know
One of the reoccurring messages of the Old Testament is "I am God." He wants us to remember who is in charge and where our blessings come from.
There is a beautiful song by Alex Boye called "Be Still and Know." It is reminiscent of two scriptures where the Lord reminds us, "Be still and know I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
President Corbridge always reminded us that the work we are about is the Lord's and no one else's. Often, we get things mixed up in life and our priorities get out of whack.
Today in Sunday School the Bishop taught a lesson entitled "There is more to life than eating grapes." It was a wonderful lesson about remembering the basics and that the Lord knows what we need.
Often we get caught up that an answer is a "Sunday School Answer"... Think about that. What is a Sunday School Answer? What are some of those answers you can think of?
Some we came up with are:
Prayer
Obedience
Read scriptures
Attendance to meetings
Repentance
Since they are "Sunday School Answers," how are you doing with them? Are they really so basic and unnecessary to talk about? Are you casual with them?
Bishop asked us to stand up and he asked, "What leg do you put in your pants first when you are getting dressed?" Does it take you a minute to think about it? Do you know? Do you pay attention?
When we do things, do we realize what we are doing?
Why don't we pay more attention?
In our world, there are things that loose their importance if we do not work to make them a habit. Our priorities get skewed and we loose the value of the things the Lord has commanded us to do.
Interestingly enough, these are things that will bring happiness into our lives. One brother put it so well by saying, "My life is happier when I open the scriptures and study them."
In 2 Nephi 4, Lehi councils his family and later dies. A few days after his death Laman and Lemuel start being nerds and Nephi talks about the things that make him happy.
"And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children."
In our scripture study do we ponder and delight? Do we allow the scriptures to work on us and touch our soul?
The Lord further councils us in the Doctrine and Covenants "that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures."
How often to we devote time to study the scriptures? When we are not pondering on those things we are reading, we are only reading.
Our prayers are the same. When we pray and get caught in vain repetitions, they become just words. The Zoramites had a problem with this. They all gathered at Rameumptom and offered up the same prayers "thanking their God... that he did not lead them away" in bad traditions "and that their hearts were not stolen away to believe in things to come..."
Their prayers were not bad, but the problem comes when they returned home "never speaking of their God again until they had assembled themselves together again."
How often to we get caught in the motions? Do we partake of the Sacrament on Sunday, not thinking about it, or our covenants, again until the next Sunday?
Amulek, a few chapters later, teaches about prayer saying "may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you."
He goes on to teach us that we must cry to the Lord, not mattering where we are; and we must humble ourselves "and continue in prayer unto him."
After all he teaches, Amulek says "this is not all." Furthermore, we must pour out our souls and let our hearts "be drawn in prayer unto him continually."
Then still, "do not supposed this is all." We must further take care of, and pray for, those who are in need. Because "I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith."
Ouch!
Prayer is detail, thought and true worship to Him who has given us everything we have.
Furthermore, are we letting our pride get in the way of our progression? Are there things we need to fix in our lives? "For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;
"Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven"
The Lord is waiting for us to catch up and realize there is a way back home. He loves us enough to have given his Son to pay the ultimate price. For "if we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
When we chose to leave things unrepented, we are basically telling Christ his sacrifice wasn't necessary. Will we let our pride get in the way of eternal happiness?
In Luke, the Lord said, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
He goes on to talk about those who are obedient and compares them to those who build their house upon a rock and it survives the storms that come. Those who chose not to do what the Lord says suffer because they build their house upon sand and get washed away.
Who will you be? Where will you build?
The Lord knows what he is doing and he is unchanging. As much as we want our answers to change sometimes, they won't for our benefit.
As much as we look at things sometimes and say they are "Sunday School Answers," they are necessary to building who we truly are.
"These are the things that make us worthy to have the Holy Ghost," sister Blair said.
How right she is. The small things will lead to great things and help us earn the promised blessings that can be ours.
President Hinckley said, "Somehow, among all who have walked the earth, we have been brought forth in this unique and remarkable season. Be grateful, and above all be faithful."
There is a beautiful song by Alex Boye called "Be Still and Know." It is reminiscent of two scriptures where the Lord reminds us, "Be still and know I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
President Corbridge always reminded us that the work we are about is the Lord's and no one else's. Often, we get things mixed up in life and our priorities get out of whack.
Today in Sunday School the Bishop taught a lesson entitled "There is more to life than eating grapes." It was a wonderful lesson about remembering the basics and that the Lord knows what we need.
Often we get caught up that an answer is a "Sunday School Answer"... Think about that. What is a Sunday School Answer? What are some of those answers you can think of?
Some we came up with are:
Prayer
Obedience
Read scriptures
Attendance to meetings
Repentance
Since they are "Sunday School Answers," how are you doing with them? Are they really so basic and unnecessary to talk about? Are you casual with them?
Bishop asked us to stand up and he asked, "What leg do you put in your pants first when you are getting dressed?" Does it take you a minute to think about it? Do you know? Do you pay attention?
When we do things, do we realize what we are doing?
Why don't we pay more attention?
In our world, there are things that loose their importance if we do not work to make them a habit. Our priorities get skewed and we loose the value of the things the Lord has commanded us to do.
Interestingly enough, these are things that will bring happiness into our lives. One brother put it so well by saying, "My life is happier when I open the scriptures and study them."
In 2 Nephi 4, Lehi councils his family and later dies. A few days after his death Laman and Lemuel start being nerds and Nephi talks about the things that make him happy.
"And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children."
In our scripture study do we ponder and delight? Do we allow the scriptures to work on us and touch our soul?
The Lord further councils us in the Doctrine and Covenants "that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures."
How often to we devote time to study the scriptures? When we are not pondering on those things we are reading, we are only reading.
Our prayers are the same. When we pray and get caught in vain repetitions, they become just words. The Zoramites had a problem with this. They all gathered at Rameumptom and offered up the same prayers "thanking their God... that he did not lead them away" in bad traditions "and that their hearts were not stolen away to believe in things to come..."
Their prayers were not bad, but the problem comes when they returned home "never speaking of their God again until they had assembled themselves together again."
How often to we get caught in the motions? Do we partake of the Sacrament on Sunday, not thinking about it, or our covenants, again until the next Sunday?
Amulek, a few chapters later, teaches about prayer saying "may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you."
He goes on to teach us that we must cry to the Lord, not mattering where we are; and we must humble ourselves "and continue in prayer unto him."
After all he teaches, Amulek says "this is not all." Furthermore, we must pour out our souls and let our hearts "be drawn in prayer unto him continually."
Then still, "do not supposed this is all." We must further take care of, and pray for, those who are in need. Because "I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith."
Ouch!
Prayer is detail, thought and true worship to Him who has given us everything we have.
Furthermore, are we letting our pride get in the way of our progression? Are there things we need to fix in our lives? "For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;
"Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven"
The Lord is waiting for us to catch up and realize there is a way back home. He loves us enough to have given his Son to pay the ultimate price. For "if we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
When we chose to leave things unrepented, we are basically telling Christ his sacrifice wasn't necessary. Will we let our pride get in the way of eternal happiness?
In Luke, the Lord said, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
He goes on to talk about those who are obedient and compares them to those who build their house upon a rock and it survives the storms that come. Those who chose not to do what the Lord says suffer because they build their house upon sand and get washed away.
Who will you be? Where will you build?
The Lord knows what he is doing and he is unchanging. As much as we want our answers to change sometimes, they won't for our benefit.
As much as we look at things sometimes and say they are "Sunday School Answers," they are necessary to building who we truly are.
"These are the things that make us worthy to have the Holy Ghost," sister Blair said.
How right she is. The small things will lead to great things and help us earn the promised blessings that can be ours.
President Hinckley said, "Somehow, among all who have walked the earth, we have been brought forth in this unique and remarkable season. Be grateful, and above all be faithful."
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Little Moments
Well I'll never forget the first time that I heard
that pretty mouth say that dirty word
And I can't even remember now
what she backed my truck into
but she covered her mouth
and her face got red
and she just looked so darn cute
That I couldn't
Even act like
I was mad
Yeah I live for
little moments
like that
That's like just last year on my birthday
She lost all track of time and burnt the cake
And every smoke detector
in the house was going off
And she was just about to cry until I took her in my arms
And I tried not
To let her see
me laugh
Yeah I live for
little moments
like that
I know she's not perfect but she tries so hard for me
And I thank God that she isn't
cause how boring would that be
It's the little imperfections
It's the sudden change of plans
when she misreads the directions
and we're lost but holding hands
Yeah I live for little moments like that
When she's layin' on my shoulder
on the sofa in the dark
and about the time she falls asleep
so does my right arm
and I want so bad to move it cause it's tingling and it's numb
she looks so much like an angel
that I don't wanna wake her up
yeah I live for little moments
when she steals my heart again and doesn't even know it
Yeah I live for little moments like that
that pretty mouth say that dirty word
And I can't even remember now
what she backed my truck into
but she covered her mouth
and her face got red
and she just looked so darn cute
That I couldn't
Even act like
I was mad
Yeah I live for
little moments
like that
That's like just last year on my birthday
She lost all track of time and burnt the cake
And every smoke detector
in the house was going off
And she was just about to cry until I took her in my arms
And I tried not
To let her see
me laugh
Yeah I live for
little moments
like that
I know she's not perfect but she tries so hard for me
And I thank God that she isn't
cause how boring would that be
It's the little imperfections
It's the sudden change of plans
when she misreads the directions
and we're lost but holding hands
Yeah I live for little moments like that
When she's layin' on my shoulder
on the sofa in the dark
and about the time she falls asleep
so does my right arm
and I want so bad to move it cause it's tingling and it's numb
she looks so much like an angel
that I don't wanna wake her up
yeah I live for little moments
when she steals my heart again and doesn't even know it
Yeah I live for little moments like that
"If you and I will study the scriptures and pray and tune our hearts and ears, we will hear the voice of God in the voice of the people that He has sent to teach and guide us and direct us." -Elder Henry B. Eyring
Ensign, May 1985, 77
"As we follow that Man of Galilee - even the Lord Jesus Christ - our personal influence will be felt for good wherever we are, whatever our callings." -President Thomas S. Monson
Ensign, May 2004, 20
Ensign, May 1985, 77
"As we follow that Man of Galilee - even the Lord Jesus Christ - our personal influence will be felt for good wherever we are, whatever our callings." -President Thomas S. Monson
Ensign, May 2004, 20
Answers
There are times in our lives that we pray and pray for answers. We try to be patient and hope for a response. At times we think we have received an answer, but we are still confused... We scratch our heads and know something is wrong because the Lord has said, "if it not be right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought" (D&C 9:9).
Sometimes, you get your answer but you are not ready to accept it. You push and fight against it and hope that maybe the answer will change. It doesn't... The Lord has declared, "I am the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow." His answer isn't going to change.
We are however, always assured our prayers will be answered. President Hinckley said, "I testify that our prayers, offered in humility and sincerity, are heard and answered. It is a miraculous thing, but it is real."
The council to be patient, sober, temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity comes with the promise of an answer.
Recently I have been struggling with this. I know what I am supposed to do, or that certain things aren't going to happen until I do some other things. Patience is something I am learning to garner... Humility in accepting the Lord's answers is also something I am working at.
I do know that as we learn to accept the answers we are given (even though it may hurt), we will be more prepared when things come to pass. The Lord will bless us and comfort us to know it is the best for us right then. He will be there to guide us through and help us to know we are so dearly loved and that everything will be OK.
Sometimes, you get your answer but you are not ready to accept it. You push and fight against it and hope that maybe the answer will change. It doesn't... The Lord has declared, "I am the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow." His answer isn't going to change.
We are however, always assured our prayers will be answered. President Hinckley said, "I testify that our prayers, offered in humility and sincerity, are heard and answered. It is a miraculous thing, but it is real."
The council to be patient, sober, temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity comes with the promise of an answer.
Recently I have been struggling with this. I know what I am supposed to do, or that certain things aren't going to happen until I do some other things. Patience is something I am learning to garner... Humility in accepting the Lord's answers is also something I am working at.
I do know that as we learn to accept the answers we are given (even though it may hurt), we will be more prepared when things come to pass. The Lord will bless us and comfort us to know it is the best for us right then. He will be there to guide us through and help us to know we are so dearly loved and that everything will be OK.
Education is Sexy!
On my mission, Pres. Corbridge quoted a hymn that touched me and got me to thinking. It has been marked in my hymn book since that day. It is a priesthood hymn called "Rise Up O Men of God."
It was written by William P. Merrill in 1911. President Gordon B. Hinckley recently quoted the text that reads:
"Women have earned more bachelor's degrees than men every year since 1982 and more master's degrees since 1986.
"It is plainly evident from these statistics that young women are exceeding young men in pursuing educational programs. And so I say to you young men, rise up and discipline yourself to take advantage of educational opportunities. Do you wish to marry a girl whose education has been far superior to your own? We speak of being "equally yoked." That applies, I think, to the matter education.
"... A study done some years ago that indicated the higher the education, the greater the faith and participation in religious activity."
Elle and I were talking the other day about the importance of getting an education, and more importantly, being equally yoked in education with our future husbands.
Society puts a lot of pressure on degrees, certificates, awards, etc.; and your 'intelligence' is based upon test scores. We let others tells us what we can and cannot do, how smart or not smart we are, and many other things.
While my focus is not on any of these things, I find someone who is pushing themselves to better their life very sexy. It shows push, initiative and a desire for something better (for him and his family).
Besides, in raising children, how do you instill something into your children you have no desire to do yourself? How do you teach about an experience you have not had?
While all of this may seen a little harsh, it is something that is important to me because it is important to the Lord. I don't much care what kind of education, be it a certificate, associates or some kind of other training. A high school diploma won't provide for a family any more.
Education will enlarge life and increase opportunities. It will provide us the skills we need in the times we need them. Our perspective on life will be broadened and we will become better parents, sons and daughters, and people.
Bring on education, it is sexy!
It was written by William P. Merrill in 1911. President Gordon B. Hinckley recently quoted the text that reads:
President Hinckley goes on to talk about the men of the Church being worthy to use their priesthood, and a matter that gives him concern: education.Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and soul and mind and strength
To serve the King of Kings.Rise up, O men of God,
In one united throng.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up, and make her great!Rise up, O men of God!
Tread where his feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!
(Hymns, no. 324; third verse in The Oxford American Hymnal, ed. Carl F. Pfatteicher [1930], no. 256)
"Women have earned more bachelor's degrees than men every year since 1982 and more master's degrees since 1986.
"It is plainly evident from these statistics that young women are exceeding young men in pursuing educational programs. And so I say to you young men, rise up and discipline yourself to take advantage of educational opportunities. Do you wish to marry a girl whose education has been far superior to your own? We speak of being "equally yoked." That applies, I think, to the matter education.
"... A study done some years ago that indicated the higher the education, the greater the faith and participation in religious activity."
Elle and I were talking the other day about the importance of getting an education, and more importantly, being equally yoked in education with our future husbands.
Society puts a lot of pressure on degrees, certificates, awards, etc.; and your 'intelligence' is based upon test scores. We let others tells us what we can and cannot do, how smart or not smart we are, and many other things.
While my focus is not on any of these things, I find someone who is pushing themselves to better their life very sexy. It shows push, initiative and a desire for something better (for him and his family).
Besides, in raising children, how do you instill something into your children you have no desire to do yourself? How do you teach about an experience you have not had?
While all of this may seen a little harsh, it is something that is important to me because it is important to the Lord. I don't much care what kind of education, be it a certificate, associates or some kind of other training. A high school diploma won't provide for a family any more.
Education will enlarge life and increase opportunities. It will provide us the skills we need in the times we need them. Our perspective on life will be broadened and we will become better parents, sons and daughters, and people.
Bring on education, it is sexy!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Strength or Defeat
There are times in your life when you can chose to let something make you stronger or you can be defeated and loose out on the lesson you are supposed to learn.
In life there are many hurdles to jump over and hoops to go through. It may seem stupid at the time and we wonder why they are there. But we jump and adjust to make it over and through because it is what is demanded of us.
Society puts so many labels on us and we struggle to the point of disease and death. We are willing to compromise our self-worth for what society says we should be. We are willing to starve ourselves of the emotional, spiritual and physical strength we need.
Some little girls life may be something like this:
"I want to me Ms.
"Honey, you aren't thin enough."
She decides that if she doesn't want to live in one world, so she hide in a another world because it is easier for her there. She is not judged on how she looks that day, how much she weights, and she doesn't have to mess around with girls who are constantly back-bighting and judging one another.
This young woman grows up doing everything she can to avoid the world she so desperately wants to be a part of on the inside. Very few people understand her and she feels ostracized in a world of friends and activities.
There are times when she wonders if it is all worth it. But when she is doing the things that bring her happiness, she is in a world apart. She relies on the love of the Lord and the strength His gospel brings her.
There are other people who chose to surgically change their appearance, those who chose to live unhealthy lifestyles in order to meet the expectations of society. It is a sad world we live in when the media controls how much value we place on ourselves. When we allow other people to invade our lives in such a way and set our expectations for us.
When we truly understand the impact the gospel of Jesus Christ can have on our lives, we come to understand our true value and worth. We don't have to rely on anyone else to tell us how beautiful we are or that we are worth something. Our Heavenly Father values us more than the most priceless treasures and he wants so much for us to be happy.
We have to allow the gospel to take root in our lives and understand the true value of ourselves. As the gospel take effect in our lives, we come to understand the Lord allows us to be challenged in order to make us stronger, more charitable and more like Him.
I chose to let my challenges make me stronger and learn those lessons I am supposed to.
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