Sacrament Talk

Once upon a time there was a Father, he had many children and he loved them each greatly. He taught them in his home for a period and then it was time to send them out on their own. He hoped that he had taught them everything they needed to know so that they could succeed and receive the gift he had promised them. It was frightening sending them away….knowing it wouldn’t be easy, but also understanding it is part of growing up to leave home, experience new things, and make choices for oneself.


Once upon a time there was a mother, she knew the day had come and there was no turning back. This is what she had prayed for. Years of teaching, preparing and loving and now it was time to let him go. She hoped she had taught him everything he needed to succeed. It was frightening sending him away…knowing it wouldn’t be easy, but also understanding it is a part of growing up to leave home, experience new things, and make choices for oneself.

Once upon a time there was a Son, he had left his mother and father after they had taught him well. He knew he would miss them, but he knew it was what he must do, to leave home, experience new things, and understand everything the world had to offer. He had many brothers and sisters and he loved them each greatly. He would serve them and care for them. He hoped he could teach them all they must know to succeed and receive the gift he would give them.

July 5, 2006 I learned the meaning of torture…We pulled up to the light brick building, unloaded the bags, and stood uncomfortably on the sidewalk, not sure where or even how to proceed. People were everywhere; they looked just as uncomfortable as we did. We managed though and after getting the bags into the room, found our seats. Our emotions were taken from laughter and joy to pain and heartache, not just once, but multiple times as the presentation unfolded before us. The tension in the room was palpable…the climax of the day was soon to transpire. Before we knew it…before we wanted it …the time had come. Cody walked down the line hugging each of us, it was time to go…I could see his heart welling up in his throat….one daughter wanted one more hug…but he was at the breaking point and I told him to just go. She was hurt, I felt like Hitler, and it was time to leave the Mother’s Torture Chamber….more affectionately knows as the MTC. As we pulled away with our hearts in shreds, even though I knew Cody was where he was supposed to be…I couldn’t imagine how this could be a blessing to our family. Amazingly we turned around two years later and did it all again.

It has now been four years and I have two missionaries home safe and have been given the opportunity to express how our family has been blessed.
Ezra Taft Benson
What a privilege it is to serve in the kingdom of God. In this work it is the Spirit that counts – where ever we serve….Let us obtain that Spirit and be faithful members of the Church, devoted children and parents, effective home teachers, edifying instructors, inspired ward and stake leaders. God bless you all for your noble labors in building the kingdom.

There is no greater joy than bringing souls to Christ. Participating in this great work blessed the convert, blesses the missionary, and blesses those who support the missionary.
There is no doubt our family has been blessed. There is no doubt our ward has been blessed. Not just but my son’s serving missions, but by every young man and every couple who have served from or in this ward.

I asked friends LDS and those who aren’t….
How has your family been blessed by missionary efforts?
One young man who isn’t much older than my boys and isn’t LDS said
“I find it whole heartedly amusing when missionaries come over... the ability of these young minds to debate theological positions intelligently is a constant amazement. As for being personally blessed I would say that as a whole the community is blessed by the positive works these individuals do.”

How is this possible? How can YM age 19 and YW of 21 debate theological positions intelligently? To re-quote Pres. Benson…. “In this work it is the Spirit that counts”

As I would read our weekly emails, it was apparent that the Spirit of our Heavenly Father is what sustained my boys. It was the Spirit that helped them through the rough times, testified of the truthfulness and value of the work they were doing, and whispered joy and peace to them when all was going well.

Also, how is it possible for parents to see their sons and daughters leave, for those sons and daughters to put schooling, careers, and families on hold all to serve the Lord?

The same holds true...The Spirit helped us through the rough times...etc.

Grant Barton
That sense of mission is one of the most characteristic features of the restored church. Almost from the moment of birth, we prepare for and engage in missionary service; Babies are blessed by their fathers to grow up faithful and fulfill an honorable fulltime mission; mission savings accounts are opened; and lessons at church and at home constantly encourage missionary work. One of the crowning moments of a Latter Day Saints life – young or not so young – is to stand before one’s congregation and bear testimony of the restored gospel on the eve of leaving for full time missionary service. Perhaps even more momentous is the homecoming following such service; it is a time of reunion, of glorifying in God’s goodness, of rejoicing in the truths shared and in the spiritual growth experienced. For young men and women, a fulltime mission initiates them into adulthood and prepares them for a lifetime of gospel service. For older members it reenergizes and caps their lifelong devotion to the Lord.

I have a dear friend who in May of 2005 had the privilege w/ her husband of traveling to Croatia to pick up her parents from their first mission. In her words..."Neither one of us had been that far away from home before and we were just so excited to see my parents. As we were about to board the last airplane that would take us to Croatia, the woman checking our tickets gave us the funniest look and said, "I thought only Croatians went to Croatia." We just smiled at her and told her we were about to see our parents and that it bad been avoer a year and a half since we had seen them last. In the Coratia airport yoiu had to wait and collect your luggage before you were allowed out to where the people were waiting. I about died when I found out you had to wait and get your bags first. My husband could tell I was about to burst so he told me to go. I tried not to run too fast. I also tried not to run over too many people. What happen when I turned the corner, was I caught a glimpse of what I think the reunion in heaven might be like. I could see my mom and dad waiting behind the partition. WHen I fianlly got to them, we hugged and cried and hugged and cried some more. I do believe teh joy I flet at that moment made up for all the sadness I felt when I missed them while they were serving the Lord in Crotia."

So in answer to the question, How has my family been blessed by missionary efforts? More specifically from having two young men serve a mission….

Just as my friend observed....missionary work has given me a glimpse into the plan of Salvation. What greater blessing can I hope for my family?

So here is the happily ever after endings to the three stories I started at the beginning...

Heavenly Father sent each of us to earth – to grow to learn and to experience life. To be faced with opposition and find the true measure of our souls. He sent his Son to serve and give us the gift of the Atonement that we may return to him.

Tom and I sent our sons to Korea and Connecticut – to grow to learn and to experience life. To be faced with opposition and find the true measure of their souls. We sent our sons to serve and to give the gift of the Atonement so others may return to God.

Our sons left their mother and father…hopefully we taught them well…they missed us, but knew what they must do to grow and to experience life outside of Idaho, and understand all the world had to offer…both pain and joy, opposition and support. They had brothers and sister who loved them greatly, but they knew they had other brothers and sisters who were waiting to hear of a Father who loves them also…They served and cared for the people of Korea and Connecticut and taught them how to succeed and receive the gift of the Atonement.

and most importantly....there was a Son, he had left his mother and father after they had taught him well. He knew he would miss them, but he knew it was what he must do, to leave home, experience new things, and understand everything the world had to offer. He had many brothers and sisters and he loved them each greatly. He would serve them and care for them. He taught them all they must know to succeed and receive the gift he would give them.

We met with the Stake Presidency and High Council this morning for Thomas to report...here is the letter he received "returning" him to us. I hope our return letters sound like this also....

"Your child ends his labors on earth and will return home for his release. The people of the world have been greatly blessed by his presence. Your child has served well the investigators and members, and is loved and admired by them. In addition he has taken the opportunity to be a source of great strength to the Elders and Sister of this mission. He has served faithfully.
We appreciate your child's diligence in bringight the gospel to many of our Heavenly Father's Children. We return him home to you with the prayer that he will continue the efforts to emulat the life of the Savior

Repentance

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me

Confused at the grace that so fully he profers me

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified

That for me a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine

That he should extend his great love unto such as I

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt

Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet

Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me

Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me…

LDS Hymn #193

Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns.

They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a Spirit of Peace. 

Hymns can help us withstand the temptations of the adversary.

They have the ability to lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action.

Hymns build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end.  Hymns move us to good works and repentance.

During a particularly difficult time., the Sacrament hymns took on greater meaning for me.  I recall sitting in Sacrament as tears of peace, joy, and understanding streamed down my face. The songs testified to me so strongly of the power of the Atonement.

What it means to me….

            That I can be forgiven

            That I am loved beyond measure

            That my trials can be made bearable

And also to my husband and children…

            They have these same blessings…

                        They can be forgiven

                        They are loved beyond measure

                        Their trials can be made bearable…

                                    I learned I can have an impact on their lives as I have faith in the

Atonement and trust in Christ’s redeeming love…

I understood the need for personal repentance and unconditional forgiveness

Fourth Article of Faith

We believe the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are 

First faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 

Second repentance…

Faith comes first.

Faith in the love Jesus offers

Faith to live the Gospel

Faith in the power of the Atonement

It is the little seed planted in our hearts that, if nourished will grow and expand and beg for action to be taken so it’s beauty can be felt by others.

Faith in Jesus Christ naturally leads to repentance. There has been the need for repentance in the world from the time of Adam to the present day. The Lord instructed Adam, “Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence” (Moses 6:57). (Gospel Principles)

As we develop faith, several things can happen as we act on that faith

1.     We learn…line upon line…precept upon precept,

2.     As we learn, we have a desire to follow our Saviors example by serving others.

3.     As we serve, we are given an understanding of God’s profound love for each of us, Our dependency on Christ, The importance of the Atonement, and therefore the need for repentance. 

2 Nephi 25:23, 26

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophesies, that our children may know that source they may look for a remission of their sins. 

Last week we had the Gospel Doctrine lesson from Alma 5… Have ye received, his image in your countenances.

Bro Haroldsen posed the question….If the people were keeping the commandments, why were they called to repentance? 

I have thought about this question all week long, and the more I pondered and studied, and prepared for today… answer that came strongest to my mind was

Repentance means we understand the Atonement.

It is our way of dynamically showing we understand that “it is by grace we are saved, after all we can do.”

We are not repentant if we do not sustain the authorities of the Church and do not love the Lord and our fellowmen. If we do not pray and are unkind to others, we are surely not repentant. When we repent, our life changes.(GP)

Years ago I was given a book called, “Songs of Redeeming Love”

The title of that book stuck with me more than the content.  Now when I study the scriptures, the “Songs of Redeeming Love” seem to pop off the page for me.

Nephi

Alma

Heleman

Mosiah

King Benjamin

Moses.

The Psalms of David

All have as Song of Redeeming Love and all have an eloquent Spirit of Repentance

In Psalms 25…

I would like to pick out some of the blessings of Repentance found in this Song of Redeeming Love

Souls are lifted and Dwell at ease

Trust is Gained

We can stand unashamed

Learn that God is unchanging, Good, and upright.

Sins and transgressions are forgiven and forgotten,

Brought out of distress

God sees us and our pain

Inherit the earth and receive salvation.

President Spencer W. Kimball declared: “There is no royal road to repentance, no privileged path to forgiveness. Every man must follow the same course whether he be rich or poor, educated or untrained, tall or short, prince or pauper, king or commoner” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 38; italics in original).

We Must Recognize Our Sins

To repent, we must admit to ourselves that we have sinned. If we do not admit this, we cannot repent.

Alma counseled his son Corianton, who had been unfaithful in his missionary calling and had committed serious sins: “Let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance. … Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point” (Alma 42:29–30). The scriptures advise us further not to justify our sinful practices (see Luke 16:15–16).

We cannot hide any act of our lives from ourselves or from the Lord.

We Must Feel Sorrow for Our Sins

In addition to recognizing our sins, we must feel sincere sorrow for what we have done. We must feel that our sins are terrible. We must want to unload and abandon them. The scriptures tell us, “All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and … have truly repented of all their sins … shall be received by baptism into his church” (D&C 20:37).

                  • Study 2 Corinthians 7:9–10 and Mormon 2:10–14. In what ways do you think “godly sorrow” is different from expressions of regret?

We Must Forsake Our Sins

Our sincere sorrow should lead us to forsake (stop) our sins. If we have stolen something, we will steal no more. If we have lied, we will lie no more. If we have committed adultery, we will stop. The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, “By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them” (D&C 58:43).

We Must Confess Our Sins

Confessing our sins is very important. The Lord has commanded us to confess our sins. Confession relieves a heavy burden from the sinner. The Lord has promised, “I, the Lord, forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts” (D&C 61:2).

We must confess all our sins to the Lord. In addition, we must confess serious sins—such as adultery, fornication, homosexual relations, spouse or child abuse, and the sale or use of illegal drugs—which might affect our standing in the Church, to the proper priesthood authority. If we have sinned against another person, we should confess to the person we have injured. Some less serious sins involve no one but ourselves and the Lord. These may be confessed privately to the Lord.

We Must Make Restitution

Part of repentance is to make restitution. This means that as much as possible we must make right any wrong that we have done. For example, a thief should give back what he has stolen. A liar should make the truth known. A gossip who has slandered the character of a person should work to restore the good name of the person he has harmed. As we do these things, God will not mention our sins to us when we are judged (see Ezekiel 33:15–16).

We Must Forgive Others

A vital part of repentance is to forgive those who have sinned against us. The Lord will not forgive us unless our hearts are fully cleansed of all hate, bitterness, and bad feelings against other people (see 3 Nephi 13:14–15). “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin” (D&C 64:9).

We Must Keep the Commandments of God

To make our repentance complete we must keep the commandments of the Lord (see D&C 1:32). We are not fully repentant if we do not pay tithes or keep the Sabbath day holy or obey the Word of Wisdom. We are not repentant if we do not sustain the authorities of the Church and do not love the Lord and our fellowmen. If we do not pray and are unkind to others, we are surely not repentant. When we repent, our life changes.

President Kimball said: “First, one repents. Having gained that ground he then must live the commandments of the Lord to retain his vantage point. This is necessary to secure complete forgiveness” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, 43).

(Gospel Principles)

As we apply these steps we can grow closer to our Heavenly Father and have a greater understanding of the love He has for us. We will more fully understand the Atonement of His Son Jesus Christ, and have a greater desire to align our lives to His teaches.  

Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

All Things According to His Will

I have been trying a little harder to remember God's will this week in my life and again find I fall short! So I turned to the Book of Mormon Class Member Study Guide to see the question posed...
What can you learn from Nephi about how to make your heart more receptive to the teachings of the prophets.
1 Nephi 2:16, 19 reads...
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.  


And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart.

Could it really be that simple?
Nephi sought out the Lord, softened his heart, and did not rebel.
Maybe the key is a soft heart, tender to the mercies God is willing to bestow upon each of us if we will just seek Him out.

1 Nephi 1:20
...But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto deliverance.

Goal for the coming week...
Be mindful of the Tender Mercies of God.
Seek for them
List them
Express gratitude for them.
Try to be a Tender Mercy for others.

New Year...New Posts

I don't know why I don't write more often.  I really love placing my thoughts, goals, and beliefs on the page.  There is something very healing about writing, it reminds me of what is in my heart, that there is more to life then just the busy run around of my daily schedule.  

This year in Sunday School we are studying the Book of Mormon.  

I love this Book and know it is of God.  

I would like to share my love for it with anyone 

willing to read my ramblings.

In Relief Society we are studying the words of George Albert Smith. 

I will also add my lesson thoughts since 

I teach the third Sunday each month.

(my dream calling)

I hope to spend more time studying the Scriptures this year.

I see my dear husband reading every day and know I fall short. Please comment, share your thoughts, and help keep me on task.  I know the gratification I get from lessons learned should be enough motivation. But, in reality, it truly helps to be accountable to others who are willing to study also and push me to be a better person.  

I will start with the upcoming Sunday School lesson and see if I can explore it throughout this week...by Sunday I hope to also have my lesson up.

Lesson 2: All Things According to His Will

Book of Mormon Class Member Study Guide poses the question:

Why do some people today rebel against the Lord and his Servants?

Nephi states that "the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center."

Hard truths are never easily faced but readily ignored.  None of us like to believe we are wrong, or living in a way that would disappoint our Lord, or even our parents or loved ones. It is easier to rationalize and believe we are right, doing our best. 

I remember when I was younger I had someone dear in my life tell me that I had to live with who they were, they wouldn't change. It seemed like such a strange concept to me. 

Aren't we here on earth... 

to change? 

to grow? 

to perfect ourselves here on earth? 

As time has passed, it seems more often than not that people want to just be accepted as is...no refunds...this is who I am...deal with it.  Such people may not even feel they are rebelling, just living their lives and want to be left to do so.  When in fact, it is as rebellious as those who deny the laws of God...in truth, it is it the same. 

I find I often fall into this trap and others. 

Life is so busy, there isn't time to do all that is required in the Gospel.  

How can I 

raise a family

work

clean house

pay bills

do laundry

cook

AND 

fulfill my church responsibilities? 

The solution is 

COMMITMENT

  

Much of Stake Conference this week spoke of commitment.

That which we commit to, we accomplish. 

No commitment, no accomplishment.  

   

1 Nephi 3:7

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way that they may accomplish the things which he commandeth them.  

The question now lies before me...Will I go and do?

He Is Not Here, For He is Risen!

This July has been an unusual month for me. My family had a wonderful reunion over the Fourth of July weekend, surrounded by the people I hold most dear.  Unfortunately, not everyone was able to attend.  My dear sister and her family had other commitments and my loving brother is no longer with us. His children were there. Grown, with children of their own. They represented him well with their joy for life and sense of humor.  Two days later was the 21st anniversary of  his death and another six days brought his birthday.  

The reunion seemed to bring a deeper sorrow at losing him. Seeing his grandchildren the age of his children when they lost their father, watching his characteristics appear on their faces and come out their mouths... I miss him even greater.  It is as if I just heard the words, "your brother has been killed in an accident..."  He was my only brother, so there was no question as to who my father meant.  

While reading the lesson for Sunday School last week, "He is not here, for he is Risen!", I ached for the women who went to wrap Christ's body is spices and found He was not there. Few things parallel the loss of a loved one.  How they must have felt, the fear, uncertainty, and despair coupled with their sorrow! Such overwhelming emotions could hardly be contained. But even in sorrow, Mary found peace and teaches me how I can find peace if I will just open my eyes and listen for Christ's voice as she did.

John 20 tells us that Mary found the tomb empty, the stone rolled away and ran to tell the disciples. They ran to the sepulcher and believed her words, yet did not understand that Christ would rise from the dead and each returned home ~

11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

His love for her was so great that he spoke to her, questioned her weeping, and desired to ease her pain.

Her love for him was so great that she recognized the way he spoke her name.

I believe his love for each of us is as strong.  

He desires to ease our pain and sorrow, increase our joy and peace.

We must in turn love him enough to recognize his call. If we continue reading we will find out what we are to do when he calls us...

17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Christ testified to Mary that he was going to his Father and God, who is her Father and God, and is our Father and God.  Then Mary did what Christ would have each of us do...she spread the word.  

"He is not here, for He is Risen!"

"Come Unto Me..."

Matthew 11
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye will find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 
This well known passage of scripture has always brought hope and a feeling of safety. A feeling similar to when I go to my parent's home.  For years I packed up my little family to make the drive to their farm up on the hill.  Each mile my anxiety and stress would dissipate and comfort would fill me.  We would visit together, play together, cook together, and clean together. I knew the time there would be a rest from my daily life.  My parent's would lift my burdens and make them easier to bear.  

Jesus asks us to take his yoke upon us and learn of him.
This means to humbly do his will and allow him to guide and direct our lives.
Lesson 10 for Gospel Doctrine today goes on to talk about what Christ did on the Sabbath Day.

He healed, blessed, taught, fed, and in all he glorified God.  

I surely had never put the two ideas together...
Take My Yoke - Keep the Sabbath Day Holy
At least not in such a direct line.
His Yoke is to be taken each week on the Sabbath Day.
We can begin literally by partaking of the Sacrament and taking His name upon us.  A weekly reminder of his invitation to Come Unto Him.

To heal, bless, teach, feed, and glorify God in all.

As we emulate him, we learn of him...
His Spirit will attend us and our burden's be made light.

One of the additional scriptures brought this lesson even closer to home...
Isaiah 28
13 If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasures, nor speaking thine own words.
14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord have spoken it. 

I took the test today, stopped thinking of the list I had in mind of MY study time, MY quiet time, MY day of rest and instead tried to bless, teach, and feed my family. I am not sure I accomplished any healing or Glorifying, but I do know I had a more delightful Sabbath.  Silly how often I forget that by looking outside myself I can find peace....I forget how quickly my Savior will lighten my burden.
 
I no longer pack up my family and drive 60 miles to that corner of paradise. My kids are leaving the nest and my parents now live less than 10 miles away. The feeling of safety and rest still resides at their home, but I am finding it is now my turn to create that atmosphere for my children. I pray I do as well as my parents, both spiritual and earthly, have for me. I pray I can be an example of following the Savior and my children will forever come unto Him, learn of Him, and know of His atoning sacrifice.

They straightway left their nets....

I am behind as usual.  So much happening in our little world!  A son getting married, a son deeply involved in college indoor track, a trip to Reno, my work schedule doubling, three girls running three different directions, and the list goes on.  Why is it when life gets busy we let the truly important things slide?


A few Sundays ago we had a very special Stake Conference.  Elder Jeffery R. Holland visited our Stake and shared with us a tremendous message.  He truly is an Apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The first thing I wrote in my notes about Elder Holland...

"He blew a kiss to us"

His presence and testimony filled our hearts with the understanding that the Gospel is true, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and walked the earth, that He knows each of us and loves us, that miracles happen even today, and that the heavens are open.  


Our Stake President shared a quote at the beginning from Elder Holland's October 2010 Conference talk, 

“I have never been a leader of anything in the Church. I guess I’ve only been a helper.” 

Maybe this is how the first disciples felt.
They had the faith to cast where Christ told them to...
Fish filled their nets...
They saw the miracle...  
They followed Him...
They helped Him, they chose to be His disciples...to be His helpers.

Elder Holland reminded us we are all volunteers...

"We are offering what we offer as a free will offering."

He testified....

"The Gospel is not going away - it is in the hands of his disciples!

In the Gospel Doctrine lesson the following week.  We learned the disciples straightway left their nets and followed Jesus. They left their families, and careers, and positions in their communities.  

So far I have not been asked to leave my family or career, but I can still be a disciple. I can still be a tool in the hands of my Savior to keep the Gospel spreading.  I can listen when He guides me where to cast my net.
I pray there can be an impact on my family from my attempt to share the stories of Jesus's life with them. That as I cast the net of His life around them, they may be safe from the influences of the world and choose to be His disciples also and be His volunteer.  After all, if our offering isn't to Him, we must ask ourselves, who is it to?

Prepare ye the way of the Lord....

 1In those days came ^aJohn the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa,

 2And saying, ^aRepent ye: for the ^bkingdom of heaven ^cis at hand.

 3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet ^aEsaias, saying, The ^bvoice of one crying in the wilderness, ^cPrepare ye the way of the Lord, make his ^dpaths straight.

In these days came Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, Howard W. Hunter, and on back to Joseph Smith preaching in the wilderness of our modern world.

And saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

For this he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias,  saying...

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

The call today is as potent as it was in the day of John the Baptist.  The progression of this weeks New Testament study is worth noting as we in the Latter-days work to Prepare the way of the Lord.

Matthew 3 Tells of John preaching of repentance and baptism as the way to prepare ourselves for His Coming.  It also testifies that Christ prepared the way for us by having been baptized himself.  He showed us the way. 

Matthew 4 Speaks of  being tempted by Satan.  Even He who was perfect was tempted.  Again he showed us the way to withstand temptation.  

John 1 teaches us that like the disciples of old, we must follow Him.  

Could it be any more straightforward? 

Repent

Be Baptized

Withstand Temptation

Follow Him

I have been reminded numerous times lately of what Mormon wrote concerning Captain Moroni.

“If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:17).

Moroni followed the simple steps above...is there a better way for us to Prepare the way of the Lord?

If you could meet......

Last Sunday's lesson asked..
"If you could meet anyone in the New Testament besides Jesus, whom would you want to meet? 
Why would you want to meet that person?"
Many names come to mind...
John the Baptist
Mary, the Mother of Christ
Joseph, his Earthly Father
Peter, James, John
Pilate
Judas
Lazereth
Mary Magdalene
the Woman at the Well
the Shepherds and Wise Men
So many who were first hand witnesses of His life and teachings! How would I choose?
I find myself wondering who I would relate more to?
Those who, like the nice lepers, knew He was a great man and wanted something from him but went their way or more like the one leper who gave thanks and was truly changed?
Would I be the one complaining about doing all the work or the one listening to his words?
Would I be the one washing my hands of the things I had done, one of the crowd who condemned, or one who mourned the scourging and crucifixion of He who is the Savior of all?
Sometimes I feel I have a part of all of them inside me, weaving the tapestry of my life with dull hues of the unrighteous, pale tones of the weak, and glimmers of brightness in the pattern.  I hope through the year of studying His life and teachings, I can become brighter, like Elisabeth, Mary, Joseph, and those who have shown the path of diligence.  Maybe when I look back over my work for the year, I will see the dull and the pale hardly noticeable when compared to the hues that Christ has woven into my life. 

“That Ye Might Believe That Jesus Is the Christ”

What a great way to start out the year!  The New Testament truly is so we might believe that Jesus is the Christ.  It is humbling just after the Christmas season to look at the life of Christ and see what all He has done for us and is still willing to do.
What has He done?

Lived a sinless life

Taught us of our Heavenly Father

Served others throughout His life...without complaint

Prayed for those He loved

Faced Satan and temptation and overcame

Atoned for the sins of the world

Prepared the way for each of us to be Resurrected

The list is long!  

Now of course, we must learn how to apply the Gospel to our daily lives!
It is impossible to live a sinless life, but we can strive to avoid sin, repent when we make a mistake, and try not to make the mistake again.

We should read the Scriptures often to learn of our Heavenly Father

Serve....serve....and serve some more.

Pray for those we love...as we do so, we will learn even more of our Heavenly Father and His hand in our lives.

Show gratitude for the Atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ and live in a way that we may be reunited with our Father in Heaven in His full glory.

How can I live that my children will know that I "believe that Jesus is the Christ"?
I hope I can find more of his love, kindness, patience, and charity...I feel so impatient at times.  I guess all I can do is try.

I want to see how good I am this year.....

Our church has amazing teachers.  For the Gospel Doctrine lesson last week, the instructor told us of a conversation with his wife.  She is a runner; a die hard runner.  She runs all year, in the cold and the heat and the Idaho wind.  The mother of five beautiful children, she is an inspiration in her diligence to church, family, and health. But, like many of us, she may never hit her personal record again.

Her husband asked her, "Why do you do it?  You are never going to be what you were, so why try so hard?"

(I must insert a note here.  He is an amazing husband, and I am fairly certain he was going for the laugh, which he got!  

He has a comedian's sense of timing and delivery.  If he were a self-centered jerk, I am sure the result would not have been the same.)  

Her answer is yet another reason she inspires.

"I want to see how good I am this year!"

So here I go!  

I want to see how good I am this year!

I need a new plan.  I started out well last year when I first began blogging. Now I need to reformat, rethink, and recommit.  

I still want the stories of Christ to be the focus...

I still want my children to learn of him...

I still want their testimonies to grow...

I still need mine to.

The New Testament is the study for Gospel Doctrine this year. The plan is to follow the Class Member Study Guide each week to direct my personal studies and create fodder for this blog. When time allows I will do a pre-lesson to explore my personal studies blog and a post-lesson blog to the studies of our church Gospel Doctrine class.  

I would also like to add in the Book of Mormon and messages from the last LDS General Conference.  I have watched my dear husband as he has spiritually grown far past me.  It is time I catch back up and pull my own weight. Maybe this in turn will help my children.  

How can they be spiritually strong if I am not?

Time to start writing again...

Summer has been crazy.  I am not sure you could even call it summer! The weather was so cold for so long. Then when it finally warmed up, there seemed to be little down time.  Now the kids have been in school for a month and it is time for me to start focusing on my spiritual needs. Be patient with me as you read this blog. I believe it will all come together.

Scripture
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.


Words from the Prophet
Yesterday was the General Relief Society Broadcast.  I was unable to attend, but have listened to President Monson's Address. He "beseeched" the women of the world much the same as Paul counseled the saints in the early church. 
 
"There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.

"Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing the unfortunate one may be benefitted. The American educator and politician Horace Mann once said, “To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is Godlike.”

Personal Inventory
Also yesterday, our ward had a "10k to the Temple" walk, run, ride.  I didn't walk, run, or ride, but I was asked to help at intersections, ensuring that everyone reached the Temple in safety. (I was also asked to help everyone stretch their muscles at the end.  Not many were interested, so didn't really do much besided remind them to stretch.)  The thing that struck me is that I have some how become an outsider in my Ward. I blame no one else for this.  It is just something that has happened as I have withdrawn myself.  I realize it is my own fault.  If I created this situation and don't like it, it is up to me to fix it.
 
Call to Action
So in the Spirit of Paul and President Monson.  It is time for me to serve with charity.  If I feel unnoticed, discouraged, and afflicted, how many others do?  I am outgoing, confident (for the most part) and able to talk to almost anyone when I want to.  My prayer is that I will once again want to.  I can find those standing on the outside looking in, those like me who appear to have it all together, but hurt inside and need to feel noticed. I pray my service may be acceptable to God as Paul counseled, and relieve the distress of at least one. I know I have a LLLLLOOOOONNNNGGG way to go before I can even consider being Godlike....but maybe it is a step in the right direction. 

Until-We-Meet-Again

Until-We-Meet-Again

Not real focused....

I am not very focused lately, but still am studying.  I just haven't found the right thing to post.  for now, I will share a friend's blog.  Brian and Cheryl Crouch have been a part of my entire adult life, though we have seen little of each other the past 8ish years.  (man I am getting old!)  Cheryl is an incredible dance teacher and I miss her partnership more than I let myself believe.  Brian has taught on the High School and College level, and is also a consultant.  Here is his blog....
Try the Goldilock Challenge.  It is quite fun!!!!
http://brianpcrouch.wordpress.com/

Jeopardy!

Until I can get an "official" blog posting done, here is what I did for my Relief Society Lesson today.  It is easy to modify with your own questions.  I found the template online.
http://www.mormonshare.com/lds-clipart/mormon-jeopardy-game
I hope the ladies enjoyed it!

2nd try...Apparently I am too uneducated in blogging to attach a file....HELP! :)
3rd try...click on Jeopardy Game Link on the right.  Wahoo!  Love when things work out!
4th try...still doesn't work right!  UGH!!!  I will work on it, but if you like it and want a copy, email me and I will send it to you. 

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

I am still drawn to the message found in John 14.
Jesus Christ expresses so much love and patience in these scriptures!
When I read this chapter to get the history before John 16, the verses about the Holy Ghost jumped off the page.
Yesterday, my hubby and I went to the temple.
We arrived there with time to meditate and read before the session started. The Bible opened right to John 14.
This time, as I read, the scriptures of Christ’s love and desire to teach his disciples touched me. Even though he originally was speaking to the twelve, his words transcend all time and reach us also. We are his disciples if we love him and keep his commandments.
1 LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And just like our children who think they are paying attention, but not really learning the lessons there to be taught the disciples questioned….
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Also….
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

Christ patiently answered Thomas…
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

To Philip…
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall aask in my bname, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

In other words, they were missing the point of his life and teachings. Christ came to earth to exemplify his Father’s will, to teach us what to do to return to the Father’s presence, and that if we believe in him, the works we do shall also be great when we ask the Father in Christ’s name.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.

The scriptures are filled with these amazing promises. Christ offers us the ability to ask for anything in his name! If we keep his commandments, the things we ask will be in alignment with the Father’s will. As part of his promise, The Holy Ghost will guide us and teach us how we can have peace and joy in this life and return to our Father in the life to come. The question is, will we take up our end of the covenant and live in a way that allows Christ and our Heavenly Father to fulfill their end?

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace...

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

This has been an interesting couple of weeks.  I can't say I have had tribulations, but I have been feeling a little down.  Summer brings a change of schedule, new demands, and expectations that are sometimes difficult to fullfil.  I guess I have been feeling as if I don't measure up. We have all been taught the answers to every need is in the scripture, so I looked up depression in the Topical Guide.  It referred me to despair or sorrow.  I can't say that I am in despair, so I followed the TG to Sorrow.  Sorrow seemed more fitting.  In trying to stay true to my original idea of studying the life of Jesus and passing the stories on to my children I found John 16:20.

20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

Christ is talking to his disciples.  In John 14, 15, and 16 he is preparing them for the time that he will leave them.  He tells them they will not be alone, they will have the Comforter, the Holy Ghost.

John 14

1 Let not your heart be troubled

16 ...and he shall give unto you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you forever.

17 ...for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you. 

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you

26 But the Comforter...shall teach you all things,

and bring all thing to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15

11 ...my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full

16 But when the Comforter is come...

even the Spirit of truth..he shall testify of me. 

How can this knowledge help me? My children? How can my sorrow be lifted?
Through the still small voice, we can learn of Christ and our Father in Heaven. 
Their purpose is the same.
They want us to return to them.
That we might have peace. 

In John 16, Jesus continues to teach us how we will still have Sorrrow, but that is helps us understand Joy.

21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come:

but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish,

for joy that a man is born into the world.

22 And ye now therefore have sorrow:

but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice,

and your joy no man taketh from you.

23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing.

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name:

ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

 
Having faith in Christ, knowing that his will is the will of his Father's, that he atoned for our sins, that he died and was resurrected in order for us to be able to follow can help us through our trials, sorrows, and times of despair. 
Always remember....

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

Summer!!!

I started the blog about talents really believing I would get back to it.  Amazing how life can get in the way!!! Summer is in full swing and the living isn't easy.  I swear every day is filled to the brim with work, house work, yard work, and occassionally a little family fun.  Part of that family fun included my sisters all coming to town to visit!
I have a four sisters, each with varied talents.  Recently the sister closest to my age said she was not blessed with organization, that the second to the oldest got her share.  I am here to tell you - She received mine too!!! Talents aren't passed around evenly with each of us receiving the same one or even the same amount. 

And unto one he gave five talents,

to another two,

and to another one;

to every man according to his several ability;

and straightway took his journey.

Matthew 25:15

"To every man according to his several ablility"

Hmmm...several ability? Did you know that several doesn't just mean "a small number; though more than three"?

It also means various or seperate. 

"To every man according to his (seperate....various)....ability."

Our Lord knows each of us and our seperate abilities.  He gives talents to each of us according to what he knows we need in order to face the challenges in our lives.  Sometimes we think of just the physical talents, those that are visual like art, music, etc. I know those are important to the developing of our brains, add beautification to the world, and helps us feel and express the Spirit.  I also know the gifts of the Spirit are just as important for us to develop. 

I wonder if I can put that back into my sisters. The lists will be general and there is no way I can mention every talent and gift, but I hope to pull it back together with a few examples.

The oldest is a gifted musician, (granted she worked hard for it!)  She also has the gift of leadership, motherhood, and hard work. 

Number two is the one blessed with the organization skills.  She really is amazing, but I know she has worked to develop this talent also.  She also can make friends anywhere, and when she has made them, she is a true friend herself. 

Number three is artistic and creative.  She is gifted with her hands and shares her gifts with her family, neighbors and ward.  She is devoted to all she believes in and her testimony is unwavering.

Number four has a beautiful singing voice. She is intuitive and when she gives her heart, she gives it completely. 

Each sister has been given talents.  They aren't the same, but they enrich their own lives and the lives of those they love and come in contact with.  I have seen how these and other talents have helped them through trials, and enhanced their lives during times of peace.  I believe they were hand chosen.

The same is true for my own children.  Each of you have been blessed with talents according to your several ability.  They are meant to be developed and shared.

All of us are endowed with abundant talent, beauty, and ability. Our lack of productivity can never be blamed on a lack of raw material. Elder Richard L. Evans (1906–71) once wrote:

“We know of no one in life who isn’t an Important Person. We know of no man on the street (or in the gutter, for that matter) who isn’t a child of God with the same rights and with the same relationship to his Father in heaven as all the rest of us have.
“We know of no one, young or old, from infants to elderly individuals, whose past or whose potential we would want to appraise as being unimportant. We know of no one we might see in any public place—on subways or busses, or walking in shabby shoes—or any boy selling papers … who doesn’t have an inestimable, unknown potential, here and hereafter.”

Matthew 25:14-30 Parable of the Talents

I haven't written in almost a week.  Life has been busy with family, work, gardening, and new responsibilites.  Although I haven't written, I have been studying up for my next blog.  Today's post, (make that tonight's post since it is almost 11:30 p.m. and I am waiting for children to come home) could be considered a teaser.  First, if you are unfimiliar with the Parable of the Talents or it has been a while since you read it, then take a few minutes and read:
Matthew 25:14-30
Next, I want to share a thought for consideration. In a General Young Women's Broadcast, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley spoke concerning the potential of the Young Women...
(to my boys...I am sure your potential is just as magnificent!)
"For you, my dear friends, the sky is the limit. You can be excellent in every way. You can be first class... Respect yourself. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Do not dwell on unkind things others may say about you... Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life and look for its opportunities, and forever and always be loyal to the Church."
Last request for this post:
Anyone who is willing (and yes,  you can comment anonymously) post a talent you know you have been given and rate on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the hightest, how you are doing with your stewardship of that talent.
More to come, or to be continued.....

Jesus once of humble birth...

This Hymn on pg. 196 may not be found in the Bible, but I believe the Hymns are Scripture.  They can speak to the soul on a different level and touch our Spirits even when we believe we are beyond feeling.  Each verse throughout this song presents comparisons about the life of Christ. The first column speaks of his trials and humility, the second his exalted state.

Humble birth - in Glory comes

Suffered grief and pain - now He reigns

Meek and lowly - the Great I Am

Bowed upon the Cross - Chariot is a cloud

Groand blood and tears - Appears in Glory

Rejected by his own - Now is their King

Forsaken - Exalted

Bore all things - free from burden

Today I am thinking of my own children's birth. The instant joy as their innocent forms were placed in my arms.  At that moment the world was at their feet, their young minds and spirits ready to learn all their Heavenly Parents and earthly parents had to teach them.

Even our Savior, Jesus Christ began his mortal life as an infant needing to grow and learn from earthly parents.  Even he had to start humble, to suffer and experience those times in life that teach meekness, and those moments when he felt low and alone, rejected, forsaken, and asked to bear trials, to bear ALL things. 
When we compare what he bore to what we are asked to endure, our path should appear relatively simple.  So why isn't it simple?  Why does the path become hard to follow?

Think how it would be to travel through the thickest part of the jungle.  If you had to clear the path yourself, the journey would become long and exhausting.  But if you followed a guide, one who cleared the path who was stronger and more experienced, you may even have time to enjoy the sights along the way. 
Christ has shown us that through humility - bearing all things with grace - meekness - we too can have glory.  Not the fleeting glory of the world, but glory with Him who reigns on high.

I know my kids are tired of hearing my council.

I know they think sometimes Church is long and exhausting.

While I may not be a strong guide, I am more experienced. 
Remember even Christ had to have earthly parents to teach him..

Still he is the guide whose footsteps you should follow.

His path is tried and sure.

Stomping out your own path may make you feel independent -
but it is also tiring, dangerous, and may not lead you to a safe and glorious place.
Ask yourself -

Where do you want your journey to take you?

How hard do you want to make it be?

Where will you turn for peace?

Will you receive his Glory?