Monday, October 11, 2010
Guest Blogger: On Unity in RS, from Our Prophet
The October theme for the blog is Prophets, A Sign of the Living Church. And September's theme was on unity and supporting one another in our righteous choices. Mary Hood speaks to both themes, in response to the question of "What recent words of our prophets have struck home with you?"
My thoughts will tie in with last month's topic, that of building unity within the Relief Society.
How can we do this?
In answering this question, I refer to two separate talks recently given by President Monson.
The first is President Monson's talk on charity for the Women's Conference on September 26th, 2010.
He spoke specifically to us to not back-bite, criticize, or speak ill of one another.
Can we all work on that? How about focusing on this topic in a Family Home Evening where we, as a family, can work on this together? If we were to slip, our spouse or child can kindly remind us of this goal we should work toward. Wouldn't this be a great way towards building unity in the Relief Society where sisters can feel safe?
Second, in last week's General Conference, President Monson also spoke of being thankful and the Divine Gift of Gratitude.
While his talk was more focused on giving thanks to the Lord, might I suggest that we show thanks to one another.
Can we acknowledge a good deed? Can we compliment a talent? How hard is it to say, "thank you" or "good job!"? We all have different strengths, abilities, and talents. Can we appreciate each other's gifts? Wouldn't this promote unity among the sisters in the Relief Society?
Mary Hood
Friday, October 1, 2010
Guest Blogger: Take or Make Opportunities to Serve
The September theme was Coming Together and Sustaining Each Other in Righteous Choices based on a talk by Renata Forste, BYU Women’s Conference 2010.As covenant women, we come from all walks of life, all ages, marital statuses, incomes, education levels, race and ethnic backgrounds—but together, we speak the same simple testimony, we comfort each other and sustain each other in our mutual faith.
Sabrina tells us about a time she didn't feel like she fit in and how she overcame that feeling.
Guest Blogger: Sabrina Tingey
The first thing that came to my mind when I got this from Ellen was my first married student ward. I didn't feel a part of the relief society at all and didn't feel like anyone was reaching out to me.
After a month or so in the ward I realized how transitional the ward was and so many of the sisters were as new or newer than I was to the ward.
Everyone thought they were the new people and waited for someone to say hello, but since we were all new no one reached out. Sadly, I can't say that I did anything to overcome that feeling in that ward.
In the several wards I've been in since I notice that it's when I start accepting service opportunities, or seeking out those opportunities that I feel a part of the Relief Society as I sustain others and am strengthened myself.
Whether we are new or old in the ward there are so many opportunities to serve other sisters. I have also learned that as I take/make opportunities to serve I often get to work with a sister more experienced than I am and I learn so much from them.
I love learning what talents others have. Someone's skills and hobbies say so much about a person, and it also helps me recognize things I would like to learn or improve at.
So overall, I can't say I am perfect at recognizing opportunities, or at jumping in when opportunities are presented as that is totally out of my comfort zone, but I do know that when I do it I feel a part of something greater than myself.
Sabrina
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Guest Blogger: My Missionary Opportunities
- What are some specific ways you can share the gospel?
- What works for you that could work for others?
- Tell a story about a time you have shared some aspect of the gospel with others.
- Share your testimony of missionary work.
Here's Cheryl's answers...
Guest Blogger: Cheryl Wentzel
I have to say that one of my greatest tools for missionary work is Ava. She is so friendly and will walk up to anyone, anywhere and introduce herself and everyone with her. This has opened up many a discussion at the park or playground. Conversations have begun around the swings and slide that have led to an invite to church, not always but when the moment seems right. I will say Kellen is much better at this than I am. I have even told neighbors about our great activities and women's organization that gets me out of the house for an evening now and then.
I have the opportunity to spend time at the doctor's office quite often. Every time I see a new doctor and my history is discussed, the fact that I have lived in Utah and that I have family there comes up. This invariably brings up the Church. Most often that means only the question, "Are you Mormon?" With my response a simple, "Yes". This ends the verbal discussion but I feel that my actions then become a missionary tool because how I conduct myself is a reflection of how I live my religion.
Kellen has a co-worker who we have spent a lot of time with their family. We have been able to share ideas about the gospel and learn about what each other believes. We are both Christians but the differences stand out. I've had the chance to tell her what an eternal marriage means to me and how important the temple is to creating a family that will last beyond this life. I hope that this has made a lasting impression with her. I hope she can see how I interact with my husband and children and feel how much family means to us. As our friendship grows I hope to be able to share more with her.
Having served a full-time mission and depended on members to support the work we did, I know how important it is to be involved with sharing the gospel and helping the missionaries in our area. I also know how hard it is to find the time with everything that occupies our time. I do know that when we ask the Lord for help to guide us to use the time we have to be examples and share in simple principles that can add meaning and depth to our friends and acquaintances lives.
When I was first asked to write for this blog I thought they picked the wrong person because I just stay at home and really don't know anyone outside the ward. But as I thought more about it I was surprised at the many ways open to share the gospel and be a missionary in everyday situations. We just need to be more alert and open to the promptings we are given.
Cheryl
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
My Grandmother, My Sons, My Testimony
The theme for August is Missionary work. I've asked several of you to write a little about your experiences or feelings.
Guest Blogger: Sheryl JacksonMy grandmother
My first touch of missionary work was from my grandmother.
Without her I probably would not have become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When I was a young child she was a wonderful example and answered my many questions.
Then as I grew up I attended church because I felt in my heart the love the Lord had for me. I gained a testimony and was baptized at the age of eight, but in my late teens became inactive, and then reactivated in my mid-20’s.
I have re-gained a stronger testimony, and look forward to each Sunday, to partake of the sacrament and fill my spiritual cup so I can go out into the world for another week.
My sons
As a mother, it is the richest blessing to have your sons go on missions, because they want to. Each son was not sure if missionary work was for him, and flip-flopped back and forth, going—not going. Every mother will tell you how their son (or daughter) had changed sometime while they were serving.
Missionary work for our son Rob started with his birth and his pediatrician. My obstetrician, who was a member (stake president when my husband went out on his mission) delivered our son Rob, who was premature. Rob's left lung collapsed, so with a group of non-member medical staff watching, my doctor and husband gave our son a blessing and then the staff whisked him off to another hospital. Rob’s pediatrician, who witnessed the blessing, was baptized six months later along with her husband, daughter and son. Her husband served as branch president and their son served a mission.
What I do
What I do to be a missionary is: pray, be myself, have a testimony and be PROUD of it, and set a good example of a Christ-like person. I am never perfect, but when I do my best, to follow the word of wisdom, keep the commandments, and follow the spirit, it is noticed by nonmembers and members, children, youth and adults.
I like Proverbs. It tells us the difference between being learned and wise. I teaches us that if we are learned we have knowledge, and if we are wise we are teachable (well that is what I get from it). As missionaries we should always be teachable, because the knowledge we need will come from what we have been taught. Faith brings action, action brings good works.
My testimony
I am always a missionary in the world, but mainly in our home. Our children, active or inactive, always watch and learn from us, and teach us—to be like little children, to have faith, to believe and to LOVE each other and Jesus Christ, and how to have a happy home.
If I could do anything over again it would be to read my scriptures when my children were awake and could see me, to say my personal prayers when they were also awake and could see that I did pray each and every day. As a busy mother I should have put those things first (to be an example).
I love our children and know in my heart that they will reach out and grab the gospel again in their lives and learn of the happiness they have been missing in their lives.
Sheryl
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Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Accepting an Invitation
The theme for August is Missionary work. I've asked several of you to write a little about your experiences or feelings.Guest Blogger: Reylyn Checketts
I wish I had some wonderful story to tell about how I have helped someone enter the waters of baptism. I don't :(
I'm basically pretty shy and I don't "open my mouth." I've always justified that by saying to myself that I would just try to set a good example and that would be how I would share the gospel.
Well, after we had been in the Valley Forge 1st Ward for just a short time, the sister missionaries called to see if Alan and I would be available to visit Sister Shirley Jones with them.
We were able to and that was actually the first opportunity I have had to do that.
We were in Sister Jones home for about an hour and as I sat there I felt so grateful to the Missionaries for giving us the opportunity to meet and visit with Shirley.
I can tell you I learned much more from Sister Jones than she could or would ever learn from me. She is such a Christian person and she KNOWS her scriptures. She is so full of the spirit and she radiates love.
By the time we left that evening I felt like I had known her all my life. I'm just amazed at how she just seems to absorb gospel principles like she does.
I've been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all my life, but I honestly think Sister Jones understands the gospel better than I do.
So those are my feelings about missionary work.
Turns out missionary work has benefited me more than I have benefited the missionary effort.
Reylyn
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Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Gift of Spiritual Discernment
Guest Blogger: Devon Linn
I was just re-reading a talk given by Elder Nelson from last October's General Conference entitled, "Ask, Seek, Knock," and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it! The talk was on personal revelation, and a lot of the talks from Conference at that time made really think and reflect on how essential the Spirit is in my life. In this particular address, Elder Nelson told a story about a man's complete conversion to the church, which was followed by one of my favorite quotes from that conference:
"After such a conversion takes place, even further spiritual refinement can come. Personal revelation can be honed to become spiritual discernment. To discern means to sift, to separate, or to distinguish. The gift of spiritual discernment is a supernal gift. It allows members of the Church to see things not visible and to feel things not tangible."
He then goes on to explain how we can use this gift of discernment in our lives when he says, "With that gift, sisters may view trends in the world and detect those that, however popular, are shallow or even dangerous. Members can discern between schemes that are flashy and fleeting and those refinements that are uplifting and enduring."
I think Elder Nelson's description here of how personal revelation can be so clear as to become spiritual discernment is absolutely beautiful! To be able to sift through the deceits of the world and instead see with focus and clarity the truths behind Satan's lies, especially his lies to us as women, is something I want to have continually! I just pray I can be worthy of honing personal revelation into the gift of spiritual discernment in my life, because I know it will make all the difference in whether or not I succeed in my purpose here on the earth.
Photo credit
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Compassion
Guest Blogger: Charity Wolf
Compassion is one of the most influencing gifts we have when it comes to turning our hearts towards the Lord. I have experienced the Lords compassion in my life many times through the hands of his servants on the earth. A few years ago it was never more evident to me in my life.
Alan and I lived in Fresno, California right by family and friends. Alan came home and told me we were being transferred to Seattle, WA in four weeks. The next few weeks were a blur of learning new areas, picking a new school district, mountains of transfer paper work, and I'll confess ward shopping. The week came, we were to move. Everything was planned out the best it could be. Tuesday morning of that week, I was pulling out clothes and essentials before the movers came on Friday morning. The phone rang and I was told my younger Sister had passed away in the night. Chelsie had been in a coma for just over 9 years from a car accident. There really was not time to think; we could not change any of the moving schedule. We planned and set the funeral for Saturday of that week.
The time came and went so fast. The next thing I really remember is sitting in a rental house outside of Seattle. Most of our worldly things were put in place except for some things in the garage that I need to unpack. The move had worked out well. But, I was never more sad and alone and my spirit was never more broken. One morning I was sitting in my house crying, trying to unpack, feeling like no one knows what just happened to me. Chelsie was just gone and the world just went on, no one even knew she was missing. To say the least my heart was aching. I was arguing in my heart with the Lord why this had to be and that he could not have really cared about me. We had not been to church yet and we didn't know anyone. I remember that morning saying to the Lord if you really love me why am I all alone?
About a hour later there was a knock on the front door. The Relief Society President and my new visiting teachers were there with flowers and a meal and had an hour or two to help me in any way they could. I was very embarrassed (be careful what you and your house looks like when you tell the Lord you feel alone) and grateful for the compassion that these Sisters were able to show me.
I know the Lord sent these Sisters on His errand that day. To me compassion will always be remembered as a work of the Lord. It takes each of us Sisters to work together. We are leaders in our area, in our homes, and in the Lord's church, if we choose to take the time to find out where we can serve.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Temper, temper, temper...
Guest Blogger: Devon Linn
Children are not always easy to live with. This morning while I was having a grouchy moment, I lost my temper at my children and instantly felt terrible about it. I have been trying to become more patient this year, and I get so discouraged when I don't parent my children in the way that I'd like to. I wanted to figure out how to avoid another moment where my nerves were frayed and I let little things get the better of me.
I got on LDS.org and searched “temper,” and I found a great article from the Ensign called Tempering our Tempers by Douglas Brinley (A BYU professor). In it he says, “I can think of no positive context for displaying anger, though certainly righteous indignation and the righting of wrongs can be justified. The scriptures indicate that undisciplined anger is always cankerous and destructive. It is one of Satan’s primary tools for destroying marriages and family relations.” I remember President Monson saying something very similar in his previous Priesthood session talk he gave, and I realized it is true. There really is no positive reason for displaying anger.
But how can I change the way I’m wired? I think I have more of a "grouchy" problem rather than an "anger problem," but I know I have a lot of room for improvement. I want to be the kind of woman who always parents with love and speaks kindly all the time, but it isn't easy to ALWAYS be that way when little things all seem to pile up!
This was from Dr. Brinley’s article, and I think the concepts can apply to all of us when we'd like to change any of our behavior:
“So how does someone who struggles with anger learn self-discipline? The world would try to help people conquer their tempers by setting up some kind of behavior modification program that might take years and yet produce only marginal results. But the Lord and the prophets tell us that we already know how to control anger. The problem of anger results from not understanding and applying the doctrines of the gospel. President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said: ‘True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.’”
He then quotes Elder Holland of the quorum of the twelve, who said, “You can change anything you want to change and you can do it very fast. That’s another Satanic sucker-punch—that it takes years and years and eons of eternity to repent. It takes exactly as long to repent as it takes you to say ‘I’ll change’—and mean it. Of course there will be problems to work out and restitutions to make. You may well spend—indeed you had better spend—the rest of your life proving your repentance by its permanence. But change, growth, renewal, repentance can come for you as instantaneously as it did for Alma and the Sons of Mosiah.”
I am probably going to be working on learning to temper my temper for years to come, but hopefully as I learn to study the scriptures, apply the gospel to my life, and just strive to become more like the Savior, I can begin to overcome the grouchiness that creeps into my life and keep the Spirit with me. I know that the principles of repentance work and really can change lives, and I know they can even change our behavior and emotions.
Image Credit
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Monday, April 19, 2010
What Manner of Women Ought Ye to Be?
Reylyn Checketts has kindly agreed to share her talk with us again here on our blog.
Based an article by President Uchtdorf from the Sep 2009, Liahona, The Influence of Righteous Women.
It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the influence that righteous women have had in our own lives.
Righteous women in the scriptures
He begins:
The scriptures also mention women whose names are unknown to us but who bless our lives through their example and teachings. Women such as the woman of Samaria whom Jesus met at the well of Sychar. Also, Martha, Rebekah, Sarah and there are many others.
In Gospel Doctrine class last week, Sister Hall mentioned “the midwives” during the lesson about Moses. Knowing that I would be speaking this week on righteous women, that piqued my interest. I looked it up in the Exodus to read for myself and while reading, I was so impressed at the courage of these women.
Women’s nature to nurture
President Uchtdorf:
You will recall the story he told of the bombing of a city during World War II where a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God's presence in their lives.
Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war.
Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: “You are my hands.”
When I heard that story, I thought of women.
It’s women’s nature to nurture. Great deeds are done by men, but, when I think of being “God’s hands,” I think of righteous women.
Even as He is
So, in answer to “What manner of Man or Woman ought ye to be,” the answer is “to be even as He is, and do as He would do.”
To encourage women in this effort, President Uchtdorf says:
President Uchtdorf is much like President Hinckley in that he offers encouragement and makes us feel like we can do it. I love that.
Based an article by President Uchtdorf from the Sep 2009, Liahona, The Influence of Righteous Women.
It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the influence that righteous women have had in our own lives.
Righteous women in the scriptures
He begins:
As we look at the history of this earth and the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that women hold a special place in our Father’s plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children. He mentions Eve, the mother of all living.Sister Tiller gave a great lesson in Relief Society last Sunday about the Fall of Adam and Eve.
Whereas much of the world blames Eve for the world’s problems, latter-day scriptures help us understand that their Fall was a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us. Because of the Fall, we are blessed with physical bodies, the right to choose between good and evil, and the opportunity to gain eternal life. None of these privileges would have been ours had Adam and Eve remained in the garden.Among other great influential women is Mary, the mother of Jesus who brought forth the Savior of the world. When the angel Gabriel came in unto her he said, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”. Mary’s response to her call was this. “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.”
The scriptures also mention women whose names are unknown to us but who bless our lives through their example and teachings. Women such as the woman of Samaria whom Jesus met at the well of Sychar. Also, Martha, Rebekah, Sarah and there are many others.
In Gospel Doctrine class last week, Sister Hall mentioned “the midwives” during the lesson about Moses. Knowing that I would be speaking this week on righteous women, that piqued my interest. I looked it up in the Exodus to read for myself and while reading, I was so impressed at the courage of these women.
Women’s nature to nurture
President Uchtdorf:
Through serving in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations—not to mention their private acts of love and service—women have always played and will always play an important part in helping “bring forth and establish the cause of Zion”.
They care for the poor and the sick; serve proselytizing, welfare, humanitarian, and other missions; teach children, youth, and adults; and contribute to the temporal and spiritual welfare of the Saints in many other ways.It’s these qualities that made me think of another talk by President Uchtdorf that he gave in the most recent General Conference.
You will recall the story he told of the bombing of a city during World War II where a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God's presence in their lives.
Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war.
Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: “You are my hands.”
When I heard that story, I thought of women.
It’s women’s nature to nurture. Great deeds are done by men, but, when I think of being “God’s hands,” I think of righteous women.
Even as He is
So, in answer to “What manner of Man or Woman ought ye to be,” the answer is “to be even as He is, and do as He would do.”
To encourage women in this effort, President Uchtdorf says:
As you live up to this mission, in whatever life circumstance you find yourself—as a wife, as a mother, as a single mother, as a divorced woman, as a widowed or a single woman—the Lord our God will open up responsibilities and blessings far beyond your ability to imagine.He adds:
May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. [and here is where women need to listen because we have a tendency to beat ourselves up]
. . . But don’t reach beyond your capacity. Don’t set goals beyond your capacity to achieve.
Don’t feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure.
Don’t compare yourself with others.
Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest.
Have faith and confidence in Him and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones.
The virtue of your own life will be a light to those who sit in darkness, because you are a living witness of the fullness of the gospel.
Wherever you have been planted on this beautiful but often troubled earth of ours, you can be the one to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”President Uchtdorf concludes, “My dear sisters, as you live your daily life with all its blessings and challenges, let me assure you that the Lord loves you. He knows you. He listens to your prayers, and He answers those prayers, wherever on this world you may be. He wants you to succeed in this life and in eternity.”
President Uchtdorf is much like President Hinckley in that he offers encouragement and makes us feel like we can do it. I love that.
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Friday, April 16, 2010
Are we there yet?
Guest Blogger: Devon LinnThis probably won’t come as too much of shock to anyone, but I’m a still quite a few blocks away from perfection. I'm not expecting to be even close to perfect yet, but I keep hoping that I’ll see a sign somewhere that will tell me I’m at least getting a little closer on my journey (actually, something like the sign up above would be very helpful.) And luckily I don’t have to do it all on my own. The Lord helps continually by sending the Holy Ghost to let me know the ways I can improve in my life. But what can be frustrating at times is that I so often fail to follow these wonderful, divine promptings I receive that tell me what I need to fix. These promptings sometimes come to me while listening to General Conference, or a lesson in church on Sunday, or reading my scriptures, and then I usually do try to be better for at least a few days but then….*poof* they're just gone and I've forgotten the prompting and moved onto something else I need to work on. And I don’t think I forget because I’m lazy or don’t really want to be better, but it’s more because life just seems to get too darn busy and my brain just has too much going on to remember everything (or sometimes anything at all!)
I’m sure everyone has failed at least once or twice to follow a prompting (but just once or twice, right?). Usually for me, it begins with listening to a lesson or a talk and thinking, “Yes! I can do that and be better! I can improve in my efforts to ______________ (fill in the blank: pray more, work on family history, judge less, prioritize my time better, study my scriptures, etc etc etc).” But when it comes time to actually and consistently IMPLEMENT the change, I find myself too busy wiping peanut butter and jelly out of a 2 year old’s hair and simultaneously trying not to yell at my 3 year old who has just broken another lamp (true story) and I’m just so busy and exhausted that I’ve totally forgotten the prompting I received in the first place. Does this happen to everyone? Luckily the Lord knows and loves us, so he sends a lot of “reminder” promptings, because He just won't give up on us.
So when my wonderful visiting teachers came this week and read this quote from General Conference, it really hit home for me. It is from Sister Beck’s talk, and she said,
Good women always have a desire to know if they are succeeding. In a world where the measures of success are often distorted, it is important to seek appreciation and affirmation from proper sources. To paraphrase a list found in Preach My Gospel, we are doing well when we develop attributes of Christ and strive to obey His gospel with exactness. We are doing well when we seek to improve ourselves and do our best. We are doing well when we increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit. When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves. We can feel certain that the Lord is pleased when we feel the Spirit working through us. Peace, joy, and hope are available to those who measure success properly.
I’m sure everyone has failed at least once or twice to follow a prompting (but just once or twice, right?). Usually for me, it begins with listening to a lesson or a talk and thinking, “Yes! I can do that and be better! I can improve in my efforts to ______________ (fill in the blank: pray more, work on family history, judge less, prioritize my time better, study my scriptures, etc etc etc).” But when it comes time to actually and consistently IMPLEMENT the change, I find myself too busy wiping peanut butter and jelly out of a 2 year old’s hair and simultaneously trying not to yell at my 3 year old who has just broken another lamp (true story) and I’m just so busy and exhausted that I’ve totally forgotten the prompting I received in the first place. Does this happen to everyone? Luckily the Lord knows and loves us, so he sends a lot of “reminder” promptings, because He just won't give up on us.
So when my wonderful visiting teachers came this week and read this quote from General Conference, it really hit home for me. It is from Sister Beck’s talk, and she said,
Good women always have a desire to know if they are succeeding. In a world where the measures of success are often distorted, it is important to seek appreciation and affirmation from proper sources. To paraphrase a list found in Preach My Gospel, we are doing well when we develop attributes of Christ and strive to obey His gospel with exactness. We are doing well when we seek to improve ourselves and do our best. We are doing well when we increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit. When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves. We can feel certain that the Lord is pleased when we feel the Spirit working through us. Peace, joy, and hope are available to those who measure success properly.
Oh, if I could only read this quote every day! Sister Beck’s words were exactly what I needed to hear to re-commit myself to try harder and keep working in the right direction. It’s not important to be hard on ourselves if we aren't perfect already, but it is important that we are trying to improve ourselves every day. I love that Sister Beck specifically mentions trying to develop attributes of Christ, because that goal seems to encompass all the other promptings I receive. I also love that she pointed out that doing our best still won’t keep disappointments away, because that’s just not how the plan works, but at least we won’t be disappointed in ourselves when we’ve followed the Spirit and done our best. I have felt the peace and hope that comes when we feel the Spirit working through us, and it is worth every effort I make to strive to feel that love and joy as often as I can while on this earth.
I love having the Gospel in my life, and I am truly grateful for promptings from the Spirit because I know I need to keep trying to be better. It can be hard to not let the world define success for us, but rather to let the Holy Ghost tell us when we have succeeded in our efforts to become more like Christ. I know that I won’t be able to reach perfection tomorrow or follow every good intention and good desire that I have, (in fact, probably by next General Conference time I’ll need another big kick in the pants to re-commit myself to implementing the promptings I receive again!), but I will keep pushing forward on my journey. Our Heavenly Father loves each of us, and He also NEEDS each of us to keep working hard to improve ourselves so that we can also help lift those around us. Women have the capacity to do so much good, and I am grateful to be surrounded by so many amazing women in the church, all who are on the same “road” so we can help each other on the journey!
I love having the Gospel in my life, and I am truly grateful for promptings from the Spirit because I know I need to keep trying to be better. It can be hard to not let the world define success for us, but rather to let the Holy Ghost tell us when we have succeeded in our efforts to become more like Christ. I know that I won’t be able to reach perfection tomorrow or follow every good intention and good desire that I have, (in fact, probably by next General Conference time I’ll need another big kick in the pants to re-commit myself to implementing the promptings I receive again!), but I will keep pushing forward on my journey. Our Heavenly Father loves each of us, and He also NEEDS each of us to keep working hard to improve ourselves so that we can also help lift those around us. Women have the capacity to do so much good, and I am grateful to be surrounded by so many amazing women in the church, all who are on the same “road” so we can help each other on the journey!
If any of you has a suggestion on how you remember to implement changes you receive from promptings, feel free to use the comments portion to share your experiences. I'd love to hear other sisters' ideas on how we can be more successful in our efforts!
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Very Hairs of Your Head
By guest blogger: Owenna Nagy
I was in Norristown running errands and happened past a yard sale with a table in the yard. I turned around and drove back to take a closer look, and loved what I saw. On the spot I bought an oval wooden table with two extension leaves and four chairs, matching china closet, plus a coffee table, all in new condition, and a few assorted other items, all for a song. I was really patting myself on the back for my shopping skills.
The small car I was driving was inadequate for my finds, so I called Doug, who just “happened” to be five minutes away on his way home from NJ, and he came by with the van. With a lot of creative jockeying and a lot of rope, we got everything home.
I started for home floating high on the deal I had found, when the humbling thought came that the Lord was the real author of the deal. It became clear in my mind that He was pleased with Kathleen’s and Scott’s decision to marry, and in particular their decision to remain morally clean, and to live frugally without debt, and had an interest in helping them start their life together. I knew I hadn’t made this up—such a connection would never have crossed my mind. It always amazes me, but shouldn’t, when I am reminded that Heavenly Father is aware of and concerned about even the ordinary cares of our lives, such as helping a young couple with no money get a table.
If I can’t comb my hair in the morning without our Father being aware of how many hairs fell out (see Matt 10:29,30), why should I be surprised that he noticed a young couple’s need. He didn’t provide them with a household of new things, nor ease in their married life; removing all the struggles of our lives is not in our best interest. But a loving Father sent a little wedding present, to witness to our family His support of the union that was about to take place.
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Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Gospel in Action: The Test
Guest Blogger: Sara FultzThe experience has been brought to my remembrance several times in the last week or two. Random conversations, starting out only as “small talk”, evolve into this one memory.
Back in my college days, I studied Mathematics and Art. I was intent on doubling my major, because I’m an overachiever; a running-faster-than-you-have-strength-type of woman.
Math was never a strength of mine. I can remember a time when I sat, in elementary school, learning long hand division.
Hiding my face, hovering low over my paper and crying tears I was too embarrassed to show, because it seemed to me that all of the other kids were brilliant, but not me. It wasn’t until high school Geometry, that something clicked. Something made sense, and I decided that I wanted to be a Math teacher.
That’s the overachiever part of me.
A few years later, I confidently started my degree in Math! To my shocking surprise, my junior year brought long, hard nights full of advanced calculus—proofs, theory, math . . . in words!
Once again, I hung my head low, after reading and rereading chapter upon chapter. I prayed, I cried, I read, I searched, I prayed, I cried, I doubted, I cried, and after a long several days of the same obnoxious cycle, I prayed and . . . I slept.
The night before a test and after a vicious aforementioned cycle, I had a dream.
All of the knowledge I had crammed into my imperfect brain, began to be reorganized to provide a clearer understanding. The one problem I was completely distraught over was literally written out on paper. Not by my hand, nor by a hand visible to my mortal eye, but by the Hand that could be directed by perfect knowledge and understanding. I watched, step by step, through hazy vision, the process come to light.
The next morning I awoke, in awe over the dream I had. I tried to write it on paper, but it wouldn’t come out so clearly. I walked to class, with another prayer in my heart, to have the ability to write my proofs with ease, for the dreaded test.
I sat down, read the questions, and in the very hour, when I needed the knowledge, the words and images came to mind. I knew exactly what to write, it was logical to me, and my hand scripted every last thought. I handed over my test, walked out of the room, knew it wasn’t perfect, but it was given to me, in the very hour that I needed, after my long effortful prayers of faith.
Looking back, that experience of foreign math concepts and theories is still mind boggling to me, but was just a primary lesson in trusting the Lord.
As times get harder, may we remember to put our trust in the Lord, and be blessed to see His hand directing us in all things. Even when there may never be a completely clear understanding, He will guide and comfort us through our Test. When we hand it over (our Test, or life) it may not be perfect, but it will have been guided by Him.
Photo Credit
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thoughts on a Gospel Principle: Agency & Eternal Progression
Part 3 of a 3-Part Series
By Guest blogger: Jenn Low
DO something about it
Not only as a teacher, but as a student, I try to act on what I learn as well.It is so easy to attend our church meetings and enjoy the Spirit and edification we receive there and then leave and go about our busy weekly schedule without acting upon those impressions and insights. The full purpose of those meetings is left unrealized.
Just as we are commanded to liken the scriptures to ourselves, so we should do with talks and lessons we participate in (1 Nephi 19:23).
After all the material is taught, and the Spirit testifies and instructs, and testimonies are shared, we then must ask ourselves: well, now what? What am I going to DO about it (D&C 41:5)?
When on top of my game, I do this by posing a question to myself related to the material covered that demands action, that demands faith. For example, after a lesson on temples I could ask, “What will I do to increase my ability and readiness to be instructed by the Spirit when I attend the temple?” This question could easily have been posed to the whole class, but my answer is personal and specific. I write it down and put it someplace where I can easily and frequently be reminded of it.
We call this a goal.
A goal precedes a determined and directed action.
The week that follows provides action-proving time… a miniature probationary state. The cycle is complete with the dawning of the next Sabbath: a time for accountability, renewal, and needed adjustments.
Isn’t it wonderful that the Father knew that life would be more manageable when viewed in little chunks?
The gospel of our Savior is one of action.
The gospel demands it. His divine mercy and grace are only available to us after we have acted to the point of exhausting all of our own resources. This time we have been given here and now is a gift in which to do just that.
Learn. Plan. Act. Repeat. Until that blessed day when, through actions that become more and more like those of the Savior, we are found to be like Him (Moroni 7:48).
And even then we will continue to act.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Thoughts on a Gospel Principle: Agency & Eternal Progression
Part 2 of a 3-Part Series
By Guest blogger: Jenn Low
The Principle of Progression
Reflecting on the topic of The Gospel in Action called to my remembrance this principle of progression. With it was brought a renewed desire to not waste this precious gift of heightened progression time. Why wait to alter a flaw in our character which would take five times as long (okay, so I obviously don’t know the exact ratio… I just like the number five) to fix in the eternities?I doubt we will be any less busy!
Think of it like a limited time offer for that fabulous, must-have, as-seen-on-TV item which is being presented during the next half hour for one easy payment of $29.95 instead of the normal six payments! Act now and you’ll also get a physical body and the chance to make essential temple covenants—a priceless value—absolutely free! Hurry—a deal this good won’t be around forever!
As a teacher, I am constantly creating opportunities for my students to act upon instruction and information learned and discussed.
It is through the action that the principles taught take on personal significance and value.
It is through the action that the greatest learning and change occurs.
It is through the action that they are able to demonstrate to me what they have learned.
When there is no action as reinforcement, knowledge gained, no matter how significant or impressive, is not integrated and internalized at the needed level and all-too-quickly melts away.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thoughts on a Gospel Principle: Agency and Eternal Progression
Part 1 of a 3-Part Series
By Guest blogger: Jenn Low
My answer was a resounding YES!
I replied that the church encouraged all of its members to gain as much knowledge of things eternal as possible and that the organization of the church required members to do so, for we are in a constant state of being called upon to instruct others.
My friend remarked that this was a wonderful thing. It is wonderful that I could just as truthfully have said to her that such attainment of truth and knowledge is essential in gaining exaltation.
Why?
Because if one truly believes in something, they will act upon it.
Faith, in the Bible dictionary, is defined as a “principle of action” for we know that it is by our works that we able to reap salvation and exaltation (Mosiah 5:15). As our active faith becomes stronger in the Savior, we become more like Him.
This earth life has been afforded to us as a probationary time of action, of preparation, of progression, of growth, of molding our characters to become like God’s (Alma 12:24).
However, such progression does not end with this earthly existence. We will learn, and grow, and act, and become more like God in the Spirit World and then again in whichever kingdom of glory our actions have made us worthy of.
To be unable to grow and progress and become more glorified is the very definition of being damned.
Why then, with literally eternity in which to become like God (and we will need it!) is there such a push for us to act NOW in full force and without delay?
There are certainly many answers to this question!
Part of the reason is because during this perfectly orchestrated “testing ground” portion of the Lord’s plan (a.k.a., earth life) our ability to mold our characters has the greatest turnaround time we will ever experience in the whole of our existence! Our ability to progress and grow directly correlates with our ability to use our agency.
Agency is only valid when there is a choice available to be made and acted upon. And there will never be another time like this earth life when such magnitudes of unhampered choices are available to the children of God.
The veil and the lack of God’s physical presence ensure this and act as catalysts for growth.
We are utterly and completely free to choose, and because of this our choices have a more profound impact and who we are and who we will become (2 Nephi 2:27).
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
When the Chips Are Down, Make Cookies
Guest Blogger: Cindy Moore
News Flash! The day of miracles has not ceased.
My elusive son called his mother.
Now this may not seem of any great import to those of you who have doting children still attached umbilically, but I have the type who stays underground only to surface occasionally and toss out a brief text message informing me that the Phillies are slacking off or to alert me that Michael Jackson has passed to the Great Beyond.
While this may not be the ideal mother-child approach to communication, I look for the silver lining and realize that at least I am kept up to speed on current events.
I take what I can get.
No, you would not call my son a social butterfly. Communication-wise, he is still in the larval stage tucked away in the quiet confines of his cocoon choosing only to emerge when over-indulged celebrities kick the bucket.
So that is why I took a double-take last week when my phone flashed his name on the display.
I sucked in my breath and stammered, “Hello. Is it really you?”
“Ya, it’s me,” and old familiar voice said.
“Wonderful. So, who died now?”
Come to find out, no one had died, although I was notified the Phillies were still in a nasty funk. He actually had a purpose in calling...
...to get my ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe!
For those of you out there who know me, you also know that I seriously lack in culinary skills. I am severely Martha Stewart-challenged. I can’t tell a skillet from a skittle and set off smoke alarms when I microwave popcorn.
But what I lack in kitchen-sense, I make up for in the specialized skill of chocolate chip cookie making.
Surprisingly, I am in possession of a cookbook—operative word here “a” as in one.
While the rest of the pages are slick and shiny as the day it was given to me long ago (think, before the invention of fire) as a wedding gift, in this book is a solitary page that is paper-clipped, worn, torn, rumpled, frayed, stained, and looks as though someone has cleaned and filleted fish on it.
It is the page containing the recipe of… (drum roll here please) the-amazing-chocolate-chip-cookie!
Guaranteed to never fail; impress your neighbors; stun your mother-in-law; make your husband fall in love with you all over again and even cause anti-social, communication-challenged children to call their mothers at least once in their lifetime!
Can you tell, I am bitter. But not after eating one of these cookies. Yes, they even cure bitterness! I better eat a dozen.
So, for those of you who want to astound your neighbors, get some respect out of your mother-in-law, turn that man of yours into Romeo, or have a child in need of establishing familial ties once again, grab a pen; your life is about to change.
And, as the scriptures clearly state, “Man shall not live by bread alone”. (I am aware that thus far there has not been a gospel principle inserted, I hope this will suffice.)
AMAZING* CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter (barely softened)
1/3 cup shortening
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
Heat oven to 375. Mix sugars, butter, shortening, egg and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients.
Drop dough by big rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake until barely brown on top and edges, 8 – 10 minutes. Cool before removing from sheet. Makes about a dozen big cookies—double recipe for more.
*A couple of things to remember to make these turn out spectacular:
- Never use margarine—it’s gross and changes the taste of the cookie.
- Never melt your butter to the liquid stage—it changes the results. If able, leave it out till it reaches room temp., otherwise, “barely” soften it in the microwave.
- Never ever roll your dough into balls. This compresses it and ruins the composition. You want to keep the air pockets in the dough for a better shape and texture.
- Never overcook a cookie. Start them in a hot oven, then check them at 8 minutes and only pull them out when they have barely browned. The next timing may take longer (9-10 minutes) or shorter to achieve a perfect browning. Check them regularly after 8 minutes; don’t depend on a timer alone.
- Use good chips like Nestle. Cheaper, waxy chips diminish the flavor.
- And lastly, I generally add about ¼ cup more flour to make a less flat cookie. Experiment, a little more flour to the dough seems to give it a better shape.
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Friday, June 19, 2009
Gospel in Action: She Looks Good in Red
Guest Blogger: Margie Clark
We are women of covenant and, as such, our church attendance, studying of the scriptures, and listening to lessons given, should be changing us from who we were to who Heavenly Father would like us to be.
I really enjoyed Bro. Duckworth’s talk in Sacrament meeting last Sunday. He shared many of the same thoughts that I have had recently. I love the scripture in Moroni 7:45 that he shared with us. What a great definition of charity and as it pertains to our behavior!
Another of my favorite scriptures are those in Mosiah 18, where Alma teaches those being baptized what it means to “be called His people”:
“that we will bear one another’s burdens, are willing to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God at all times."Does our behavior and do the words we say, truly reflect these covenants that we have made?
A story that my mother told me comes to mind. My grandmother grew up in foster homes from the time she was two until she married my grandfather. At the time of her marriage, she was 19 years old and instantly became the stepmother to four children. She went on to have 12 more children.
Doing the best that she could, with the few family and life skills that she had, and very little money, she raised a family of 16 children during the Great Depression.
There was a woman in her ward that was, quite frequently, very vocal to my grandmother and to others about my grandmother’s shortcomings. My grandmother was not one to speak unkindly of others, so she did the best she could to find something complimentary about a woman who had hurt her deeply, on many occasions.
Grandma, one day, noticed that the woman looked very good in the color red. Consequently, whenever she felt tempted to say something unkind either to the woman or about the woman, she would remind herself that the woman looked good in red.
This is a lesson that I am trying to learn from my Grandmother. I will try to find the best in the people that I am in contact with and not let those unkind thoughts turn into unkind words.
Lastly, in case you need it…I really DO look good in red! :-)
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
Gospel in Action: Scripture Study Motivation
Guest blogger: Marin Blandon
Here I am, now 29 years old.
I remember when I was a freshman in high school, all my friends were starting to make decisions that would soon test my moral beliefs. It was tough at times and I thought often that I couldn't wait until I was older and married with kids, it would be so much easier to be a faithful member.
Boy was I wrong.
I have learned that having a strong active testimony at this age is just as important as it was at my younger years. It's so easy for me to get caught up in life and it's activities.
I told my mission president in my last interview with him before I went home that the one thing I did look forward to when I went home was having all the time I wanted to study the scriptures.
I had grown to love the scriptures on my mission but was limited to 1 hour of study in the mornings and 1 hour at night before bed. Which at the time didn't seem like a lot to me.
My mission president responded to my statement by telling me that I will be surprised at how much time I won't find to study the scriptures. I was shocked at his response and a bit disheartened, but I soon came to realize that he was correct.
To keep the gospel an active part of my life, I have to set standards for myself. I am sad to say it does not just happen for me. I have to actively make things happen and it is not always easy for me. Although I do find it takes something as simple as listening to uplifting music throughout the day to help me to be more motivated to read my scriptures, say my prayer or even just be more pleasant in my home.
I have a strong testimony of the Gospel, I know it is true. It is one of the most important things to me. It's a blessing and a treasure I will never let slip away from my life.
Here I am, now 29 years old.
I remember when I was a freshman in high school, all my friends were starting to make decisions that would soon test my moral beliefs. It was tough at times and I thought often that I couldn't wait until I was older and married with kids, it would be so much easier to be a faithful member.
Boy was I wrong.
I have learned that having a strong active testimony at this age is just as important as it was at my younger years. It's so easy for me to get caught up in life and it's activities.
I told my mission president in my last interview with him before I went home that the one thing I did look forward to when I went home was having all the time I wanted to study the scriptures.I had grown to love the scriptures on my mission but was limited to 1 hour of study in the mornings and 1 hour at night before bed. Which at the time didn't seem like a lot to me.
My mission president responded to my statement by telling me that I will be surprised at how much time I won't find to study the scriptures. I was shocked at his response and a bit disheartened, but I soon came to realize that he was correct.
To keep the gospel an active part of my life, I have to set standards for myself. I am sad to say it does not just happen for me. I have to actively make things happen and it is not always easy for me. Although I do find it takes something as simple as listening to uplifting music throughout the day to help me to be more motivated to read my scriptures, say my prayer or even just be more pleasant in my home.I have a strong testimony of the Gospel, I know it is true. It is one of the most important things to me. It's a blessing and a treasure I will never let slip away from my life.
“If you have not chosen the kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead.”
~ Neal A. Maxwell
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Gospel in Action: Be An Indexing Volunteer
Guest blogger: Edie Gavin
The work is relatively easy and you can work at your own pace. You will get a digitized record to index and you just fill in the blanks on the form provided. There is no commitment required, so you can stop and start at any time. You have 8 days to finish an assignment that you have downloaded. If you don't finish it, the work you have done is passed on to someone else to finish. You don't have to worry about making mistakes, since two people are working on each assignment and discrepancies are resolved by a third person.
Go to www.familysearch.org and click on the Index Records tab at the top of the homepage. A general description of the work is found on the right side of the page. To volunteer, click on Volunteer. The site will ask some questions and place a small piece of software on your computer. After this, you can begin indexing.
I find the work interesting and stimulating. Please give it a try.
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Wednesday, June 3, 2009
My Media Fast
Guest blogger: Sarah Kinghorn
What I Learned
Television
Since I do not usually watch a lot of TV, giving it up wasn’t too difficult for me. It was hard, however, for me for the kids to go without TV.Radio
I learned that the first thing I do right after I start the car is turn on the radio. This really surprised me because it had become so automatic I didn't even know I was doing it. There was a lot less "noise" in the car. It wasn't quiet though, because I talked, sang, and laughed more with my kids.Internet
This was probably the hardest thing for me to go without since it was my main form of communication and social interaction with people, over the age of 4.Satan has a powerful tool to use against
good people.It is distraction. He would have
good people fill life with "good things"
so there is no room for the essential ones.
~Richard G. Scott, First Things First,
Ensign, 2001 May, 6
Some of the things I did during my “extra” time:
- Spent quality time with my kids. As a stay-at-home mom I am almost always with my kids but I am not always present. Instead of telling the kids to go play (so I could blog about them ;) I was playing with them.
- Read my scriptures on a more regular basis.
- Wrote in my journal 4 times (first time since August 2008) .
- Scheduled and went to some overdue appointments (dentist, OBGYN) .
- Completed some of the buggers on my to-do list.
Forms of communication that used to be the latest and greatest are not fast enough–mail to email to texting, tweeting, blogging, etc. There are some things that just take time and relationships are one of them.
- You can't text the sound of your baby's first laugh.
- You can't email the picnic in the backyard with your family.
- You can't post the feel of hugs and drool-y kisses.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Proverbs 23:7
Now that I’ve completed my goal, does this mean that I’ve given up these things forever? Of course not. Will I be setting limits for myself and my kids?
Definitely.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Gospel in Action: Scripture Study
Guest blogger: Elizabeth Latey
Between soccer games; baseball games; violin lessons; Matt working INSANE hours the last month and into the foreseeable future; the laundry list that never divides, only multiplies; trying to be a loving wife/mother/sister/daughter/visiting teacher/nursery leader/etc., how do I do all that needs doing, yet also squeeze in time for me?
I have learned for myself that taking the quiet moments in the morning to read the words of the prophets, to seek my Heavenly Father in prayer, and to really dedicate myself to the Lord are the best way to recharge my batteries. Somehow, adding this most important activity to my day makes it calmer, sweeter, and more joyous.
The world would tell us to take time for ourselves and do something selfish. Sounds logical, right? If you're feeling stressed, leave the sources of stress. But the world's (Satan's) way does not work. It creates more division and more feelings of entitlement. 'Hey! I worked hard all day, I deserve _______!' Whereas, these prized moments early in the morning truly refresh my spirit.
An added benefit is that often my children will wake early and join me, sometimes coloring, sometimes snuggling in my lap, and sometimes reading their own scriptures. Can a mother ask for sweeter moments than to see her children reading the word of God?
Although I still have my days when an extra half hour of sleep seems more attractive than dragging myself out of bed, the habit is one which has become a treasured part of my life.
I love to feast upon the words of the Lord. I love seeing how His hand has guided others, then seeing the patterns in my own life where He has guided and is guiding me.
I am so eternally grateful for His patience with me as I stumble along the path in His footsteps. He loves me and as I add one more thing to my already too full plate, somehow the plate is lighter as His spirit helps to balance the load in ways more appropriate to His will for me.
The Lord is so good to us. He asks us to live His way because He wants us to be joyful and at peace. In today's chaotic world, that is a treasure indeed.
The Life of an LDS Woman: Motherhood
Guest blogger: Jen L'Heureux
I never knew I would cry and laugh so much. I have learned that boys can literally pee anywhere, especially while they are sleep walking. They love dropping fake spiders/bugs in inconspicuous places to look real. Permanent marker when drawn all over the living room walls isn’t decorative. The dog gets scared when the boy bites him on the ear. White shirts are only worn once—somehow ketchup is always served for lunch that day, art projects are completed, or the only mud puddle is found. Burping has become a second language in our home—the more, the cooler.
It is amazing how all this disappears when you see them performing in a concert or play, smiling ear-to-ear because you are there; when you go on a field trip with them for school and they stand proud because you are their mom; when they still kiss and hug you continually and tell you how much they love you.
At those moments, motherhood is all worth it.
It is such a wonderful feeling to have that unconditional love, so forgiving of your shortcomings. I understand that may change as the teenage years hit, but I will take all I can get until that time comes. (For those with teenagers, I attended a seminar once where it was said if your teenager doesn’t like you, then you are doing a good job.)
Yet, at times, I get caught up with this crazy impossible idea that I need to do it all and be this perfect wife and mother. Sometimes I wonder if a mistake was made, because there is no way I could possibly be cut out for this responsibility. It is not always easy to keep a positive attitude and to think that the Lord has this plan for me and actually wants me to succeed.
I find it a relief, though, that I am not expected to be the “perfect mother.” I have realized that there is no exact formula for having the laundry done, dishes clean, floors mopped, work responsibilities taken care, and kids where they need to be...let alone do it all at the same time. (I have tried, though, numerous times, to make one up.) I do need to have my priorities in check sometimes to remember what is truly important, and what really does and doesn’t matter.
I have learned however that all things are possible with the help and strength of the Lord. If we want to truly fulfill our motherly roles we cannot do it without Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in our lives. Through the love of our Father and the Savior we can have the strength to endure and accomplish all things.
Emily Watts talks about a formula for feeling God’s love in her book titled, Confessions of an Unbalanced Woman. She states,
There is a way to feel the Lord’s love more fully in your life. The simple, three-step formula comes from D&C 90:24:Gordon B. Hinckley says,
Search diligently – search the scriptures for answers
Pray always – we can pray anytime, anywhere, and any place
Be believing – that your search is not in vain, that you will find what you are looking for
In turn, Heavenly Father promises that ‘…all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly.’
Rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know how. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass. (One Bright Shining Hope, Messages for Women)I truly do love my boys, and hope that I can find my great potential, especially as I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store as we add number three to our family.
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Saturday, May 16, 2009
Scriptural Insights: Optimism
Guest blogger: Miranda Searle
I was reading the Book of Mormon in first Nephi chapter three, where Nephi and his brothers have just been told by their father, Lehi, to "go unto the house of Laban, and seek the records, and bring them down hither into the wilderness."
In vs. 5-7, Lehi says "thy brothers murmur, saying, it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord." Then he commends Nephi, "thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured."
Now Nephi shows his amazing example of faithfulness. He says, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.” In contrast, in the following verses, the brothers continue to murmur.
I have heard this story many times, but this lesson really stood out to me: In these times when life is difficult and it seems like we are surrounded with things to murmur about we should strive to be more like Nephi.
I have always strived to be a positive person and find the best in all situations. I do not consider myself a complainer or a pessimistic person, but as I read this story I had a new desire to always be like Nephi and not murmur, for I want to be "favored of the Lord.”
Let's all be like Nephi and not murmur about our trials, but go forward with faith.
The scriptures are true and we are so blessed to know that. I testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and I hold them close to my heart.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thoughts on a Gospel Principle: Service
Guest blogger: Emily Flinders
In General Conference, Elder Oaks talked of the need for service-mindedness and how contrary it is to the worldly doctrine of entitlement. I think this is part of it, but I find myself needing to dig deeper. I'm a yes person, so my willingness to serve is usually a given. But the reasons behind my willingness to serve vary greatly. The contentment I get from service follows suite. Both my husband and I tend to serve out of habit, because it is the right thing to do, and because we always try to do what is right. I'm sure we are blessed for this, but I think we could be more richly, spiritually blessed if we offered a deeper, more spiritual motivation for our service.
All that God has ever asked us to give to Him is a broken heart and a contrite spirit. In theory this is easy enough. Be humble, avoid pride. Thy will be done, the end. In practice.... I am reminded of a favorite quote, "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." (Attributed to Yogi Berra).
Overcoming worldliness and the natural man in the midst of the world requires work. It requires purposefulness. When President Uchtdorf said ours is not a secondhand religion, I think he in part meant that ours cannot be a passive testimony. We have to be choosing, every minute, to keep our baptismal covenant and always remember Christ. The entropy that will erode our personal relationship with the Spirit is subtle, but also very constant and opportunistic. We have to choose to resist it about every 12 seconds. Otherwise we (like just about all people) have to navigate the ebb and flow of spiritual highs and lows. Getting from high to low is easy, getting from low to high takes work.
I'm always trying to figure out a secret, a thought that I can keep just below the surface in my mind to keep me on track, or at least make me uncomfortable when I start to coast. Isn't coasting such a temptation? It's the illusion of staying where you are, as though the current won't pull you under if you stopped swimming.
My goal, perpetually elusive, is to be someone that serves because I love God. I think if I can successfully, and continually make that gift to him of my broken heart and contrite spirit, he can fill me with the kind of love that creates eternal perspective and allows us to see one another as Christ sees us. (A view of us that made us worth atoning for). That intense, spiritual love of my fellow man ought to be the motivation behind any service that I do.
I fall so far short so often.
Luckily motherhood is allowing me to love unconditionally without "arriving" at my spiritual maturation. It is teaching me the kind of selflessness I have to embrace in order to achieve that broken heart and contrite spirit. It is stretching my capacities to love and to serve and I'm hoping I come out the other end polished and refined.
"Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.” Stanislaw J. Lec
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Saturday, May 9, 2009
Scriptural Insights: Fasting
Guest blogger: Ellen King
Fasting is not easy for me (nor for most, I suspect). Going without food and water for a day in world where most people feed every appetite and passion instantly, until it's satiated, seems a little extreme in the opposite direction. Knowing it's the right thing to do, doesn't always make it easier, let alone call for rejoicing during the doing of it. But this week I caught a glimpse.
This week for FHE, Wade and I studied the Sunday School lesson scriptures. The topic was on fasting and tithing. As we took turns reading the scriptures, the blessings of fasting jumped off the page.
I grabbed some paper and with a marker made a list of the blessings to hang up on the bathroom mirror, so we could ponder them.
We could have dived deeper into the cross-references in order to understand the metaphors, but the power of the promised blessings of the fast from those few scriptures was sufficient food for thought for this week.
I emphasize the word power. Who doesn't want more power from heaven to get through their days?! Taken all together, this list is powerful.
- Your joy may be full
- Fasting is rejoicing
- Fullness of earth is yours
- Loose bands of wickedness
- Undo heavy burdens
- Oppressed go free
- Break every yoke
- Thy light breaks forth
- Health shall spring forth speedily
- Thy righteousness shall go before thee
- The glory of the Lord shall be thy rearguard
- Lord will answer call
- And say "here am I" when cry
- Thy light rise in obscurity or shine in darkness
- Thy darkness shall be as noonday
- Lord shall guide continually
- Satisfy soul in drought (personal security in time of need)
- Make fat (strengthen) thy bones
- Be a watered garden
- Spring of waters fail not (inspiration and wisdom continually)
- They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places
- Raise up foundations of many generation
- Called repairer of breach and restorer of paths to dwell (reactivation and rehabilitation)
- More power to prayer
- Thy Father shall reward thee openly
Well, here is the interesting part (sorry for the long post). Just a few days later I had need in my soul for "undoing a heavy burden" and hearing the Lord say "here am I" when I cried, and several other of these promises. I had a family member in need and I wanted to know what to do and say. I needed prayers with more power.
So, I remembered the promises and I fasted. Right there in the middle of the week.
With these promises fresh in my mind, I found it was easier this time. During a busy work day, I had reason (a grumbling stomach) to refocus for a few minutes on this important matter and say a quick prayer. It didn't feel like the "suffering" of past fasts. I knew God heard me that day.
And, there were even a few moments of...rejoicing!
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