Sunday, August 15, 2010
I've got it worked out
So trying to post something on my scripture study everyday has definitely proven to challenging for a Mom of four. First you have to do your scripture study, then you have to decide what you will say, then you have to write the post. Too much work to keep up with. So I have to decided to post weekly-ish on a topic that I will be studying that week! And perhaps the visiting teaching message as well. So week one, here we go! Topic: Faith
Monday, March 23, 2009
My Talk
I had to give a talk in church yesturday and this is what I came up with.
The human body is an amazing thing. The following are a few examples of what the body is capable of. There are people who have climbed Mt. Everest, which is a 5 ½ mile vertical assent. There is a person who can run 100 meters in less than 10 seconds. That’s something like 25 miles per hour. There is a guy that can clap his hands 721 times in one minute. That averages out to be 12 claps per second. The world record for long jump is just over 29 feet. That’s almost as tall as a three story building.
Now that’s just the athletic side of the body. Even more amazing is the medical side of the body. Isn’t it kind of neat to think that if you get a cut or injury that the body is able to repair itself with just a little care? What about the idea of organ transplant? Who ever thought that one up, must have been laughed at when he proposed the idea to his peers. I once saw a show on The Learning Channel about a baby that was going to be born with Spin bifida, but a doctor was able to perform a surgery on the unborn baby that repaired the imperfection and the baby was able to be born perfectly normal. It’s truly amazing what a body can do with good nutrition, exercise, good coaching, and good medical care.
The human spirit is no less impressive. In fact I would say that it’s even more amazing. A few years ago there was a man who forgave a drunk driver who caused an accident that killed his wife and two children on Christmas Eve. I have heard of a woman who dedicated her life to fostering hundreds of children. I know people who give their time to serve at the schools to make the schools a better place for our kids. I see people in our ward every day that go about serving each other quietly without any thought of reward. What great examples of how the human spirit can reach out to others.
Just like the body has remarkable healing properties, so does the spirit. It’s amazing that a hard heart can be softened, a broken heart can heal, an offended heart can forgive, and a guilty heart can repent. These things may not come as easily as the healing that takes place in the body, but can always be achieved with proper care and nurturing. Who are the people that will provide the care and nurturing required by the spirit? We are…
I believe that first and foremost we have a responsibility to ourselves. We need to properly nourish our spirit so that it is healthy enough to heal from the spiritual illnesses and injury that can sometimes be inflicted upon us. Luckily, our Stake Presidency has given us a Spiritual Food Pyramid that simply outlines the nutritional needs of the spirit. It is the 2x4 plan. Every day we should be reading our scriptures and praying to our Father in Heaven. Every week we should be doing Family Home Evening and attending our church meetings. Every month we should attend the temple at least once and pay our fast offerings. Once a year we should read the Book of Mormon and attend tithing settlement. If we do these things I am confident that our spirit will receive the proper nutrition it needs to be healthy.
Another important component to a spirit that can withstand the trials of life & further the work of the Lord is strength. What better way to make your spirit stronger than by exercise. Even though it can result in sore spiritual muscle and a little fatigue it is important to exercise our faith. It can be hard to bend to the will of the Lord when we were hoping for something different. Accepting a calling in the church can be a difficult task. Standing up to peers when they want you to do something you know is wrong is really hard. Giving a talk in sacrament meeting can be really scary, but the spiritual strength that results from any of these & a host of other faith building activities is well worth the spiritual muscle fatigue that may result from the process of exercising our faith.
Next, our responsibility lies in our home. In 1918 one of the worst epidemics in history swept across the world and claimed an estimated 21 millions lives in less than one year. The Spanish Flu was largely ignored here in the U.S. and as a result a total of 550,000 people died in a period of 16 weeks. There is an epidemic today attacking the family from every angle. You see it on the internet, on the television, in magazines, you hear it on the radio, and see it in the people that you interact with everyday. This epidemic has claimed the eternal salvation of countless people and is only growing in strength.
We have a duty to coach our children to become more like Christ so that they too can withstand this spiritual flu. There are simple things that we can do now that will bring them closer to Christ and help them to gain a testimony of the gospel. Ezra Taft Benson gave a list of ten things that fathers can do to give spiritual leadership to their children (& I believe that many of these are things that Moms can do as well):
1. Give father’s blessings to your children. Baptize and confirm your children. Ordain your sons to the priesthood. These will become spiritual highlights in the lives of your children.
2. Personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings. Your personal involvement will show your children how important these activities really are.
3. Whenever possible, attend Church meetings together as a family. Family worship under your leadership is vital to your children’s spiritual welfare.
4. Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons’ outings with your children. As a family, go on campouts and picnics, to ball games and recitals, to school programs, and so forth. Having Dad (& Mom) there makes all the difference.
5. Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings. These memories will never be forgotten by your children.
6. Have regular one-on-one visits with your children. Let them talk about what they would like to. Teach them gospel principles. Teach them true values. Tell them you love them. Personal time with your children tells them where you put your priorities.
7. Teach your children to work, and show them the value of working toward a worthy goal. Establishing mission funds and education funds for your children shows them what you consider to be important.
8. Encourage good music and art and literature in your homes. Homes that have a spirit of refinement and beauty will bless the lives of your children forever.
9. As distances allow, regularly attend the temple with your wife. Your children will then better understand the importance of temple marriage and temple vows and the eternal family unit.
10. Have your children see your joy and satisfaction in service to the Church. This can become contagious to them, so they, too, will want to serve in the Church and will love the kingdom.
Each of these things is simple, but makes all the difference to a child. I think the reason why these work is that it shows your children where your priorities lie: In the gospel and in your family which in turn shows them where their priorities should also be.
Next, we need to make our homes a sanctuary from the outside world & guard our homes from the evil influences that wait to infect us.
L. Tom Perry said, “We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes.”
D&C 88:119 states “Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”
Our homes should be a place where the Holy Spirit can reside and comfort our families from the constant attacks on our spirit. Our homes should nurture divine qualities and foster spiritual growth. We need to be ever attentive of the media influences we allow to enter these walls. We need to be vigilant of the programs our children watch on T.V., keep tabs on the activities our children engage in online, oversee the books and magazines that our kids bring home, and occasionally listen to the music playing on our kids’ iPods. These are all ways in which the epidemic attacking the family can enter into the home and claim the spiritual welfare of those residing within. If we are going to get our kids into the Spiritual Olympics there is a lot of work that needs to be done. We can’t just sit back and hope that our kids will gain a testimony. We need to do everything in our power to help our children reach their full spiritual potential and protect our homes from the plague that seems to invade at every opportunity.
Finally, we have a responsibly to serve the Lord and His children. The human spirit is a delicate and tender thing. It can be easily harmed by the trials & temptations in life and needs constant nurturing. We can be the Lord’s doctors that provide the bandages and medications that can help to heal even the most damaged of souls. In D&C 81:5 the Lord has commanded us to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” Through love, compassion, & service we can provide the care needed to those who hearts are heavy and searching for relief. We can steady the wavering faith of others. We can show love and support to those who have made mistakes and help them to return their focus to the teachings of the gospel. This in turn brings about repentance and the sweet relief of forgiveness.
What a sweet blessing it is to be part of the Lord’s church where one person can make such a big difference. The problems of the world seem so overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to begin. But under the Lord’s direction it is easy to know the starting point. Begin with yourself. Julie Beck in the last General Relief Society meeting stated that “Membership in the Church requires faith, which we nourish throughout our lives with great diligence, and patience, and long suffering. M. Russell Ballard Stated, “True and complete conversion is the key to accelerating the work of the Church.” Next, strengthen the family. The family is essential to the Lord’s plan and we should defend it with all of our might from the “slings and arrows” that constantly assault. Lastly, there are a lot of people depending on you to be strong enough to be the example they need & to support them in times of hardship. It is the duty of the strong to support the weak and we must meet this call with all of the faith and diligence that we can muster. What a blessing it is to know that with the guidance of the Holy Ghost we can make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others.
The human body is an amazing thing. The following are a few examples of what the body is capable of. There are people who have climbed Mt. Everest, which is a 5 ½ mile vertical assent. There is a person who can run 100 meters in less than 10 seconds. That’s something like 25 miles per hour. There is a guy that can clap his hands 721 times in one minute. That averages out to be 12 claps per second. The world record for long jump is just over 29 feet. That’s almost as tall as a three story building.
Now that’s just the athletic side of the body. Even more amazing is the medical side of the body. Isn’t it kind of neat to think that if you get a cut or injury that the body is able to repair itself with just a little care? What about the idea of organ transplant? Who ever thought that one up, must have been laughed at when he proposed the idea to his peers. I once saw a show on The Learning Channel about a baby that was going to be born with Spin bifida, but a doctor was able to perform a surgery on the unborn baby that repaired the imperfection and the baby was able to be born perfectly normal. It’s truly amazing what a body can do with good nutrition, exercise, good coaching, and good medical care.
The human spirit is no less impressive. In fact I would say that it’s even more amazing. A few years ago there was a man who forgave a drunk driver who caused an accident that killed his wife and two children on Christmas Eve. I have heard of a woman who dedicated her life to fostering hundreds of children. I know people who give their time to serve at the schools to make the schools a better place for our kids. I see people in our ward every day that go about serving each other quietly without any thought of reward. What great examples of how the human spirit can reach out to others.
Just like the body has remarkable healing properties, so does the spirit. It’s amazing that a hard heart can be softened, a broken heart can heal, an offended heart can forgive, and a guilty heart can repent. These things may not come as easily as the healing that takes place in the body, but can always be achieved with proper care and nurturing. Who are the people that will provide the care and nurturing required by the spirit? We are…
I believe that first and foremost we have a responsibility to ourselves. We need to properly nourish our spirit so that it is healthy enough to heal from the spiritual illnesses and injury that can sometimes be inflicted upon us. Luckily, our Stake Presidency has given us a Spiritual Food Pyramid that simply outlines the nutritional needs of the spirit. It is the 2x4 plan. Every day we should be reading our scriptures and praying to our Father in Heaven. Every week we should be doing Family Home Evening and attending our church meetings. Every month we should attend the temple at least once and pay our fast offerings. Once a year we should read the Book of Mormon and attend tithing settlement. If we do these things I am confident that our spirit will receive the proper nutrition it needs to be healthy.
Another important component to a spirit that can withstand the trials of life & further the work of the Lord is strength. What better way to make your spirit stronger than by exercise. Even though it can result in sore spiritual muscle and a little fatigue it is important to exercise our faith. It can be hard to bend to the will of the Lord when we were hoping for something different. Accepting a calling in the church can be a difficult task. Standing up to peers when they want you to do something you know is wrong is really hard. Giving a talk in sacrament meeting can be really scary, but the spiritual strength that results from any of these & a host of other faith building activities is well worth the spiritual muscle fatigue that may result from the process of exercising our faith.
Next, our responsibility lies in our home. In 1918 one of the worst epidemics in history swept across the world and claimed an estimated 21 millions lives in less than one year. The Spanish Flu was largely ignored here in the U.S. and as a result a total of 550,000 people died in a period of 16 weeks. There is an epidemic today attacking the family from every angle. You see it on the internet, on the television, in magazines, you hear it on the radio, and see it in the people that you interact with everyday. This epidemic has claimed the eternal salvation of countless people and is only growing in strength.
We have a duty to coach our children to become more like Christ so that they too can withstand this spiritual flu. There are simple things that we can do now that will bring them closer to Christ and help them to gain a testimony of the gospel. Ezra Taft Benson gave a list of ten things that fathers can do to give spiritual leadership to their children (& I believe that many of these are things that Moms can do as well):
1. Give father’s blessings to your children. Baptize and confirm your children. Ordain your sons to the priesthood. These will become spiritual highlights in the lives of your children.
2. Personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings. Your personal involvement will show your children how important these activities really are.
3. Whenever possible, attend Church meetings together as a family. Family worship under your leadership is vital to your children’s spiritual welfare.
4. Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons’ outings with your children. As a family, go on campouts and picnics, to ball games and recitals, to school programs, and so forth. Having Dad (& Mom) there makes all the difference.
5. Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings. These memories will never be forgotten by your children.
6. Have regular one-on-one visits with your children. Let them talk about what they would like to. Teach them gospel principles. Teach them true values. Tell them you love them. Personal time with your children tells them where you put your priorities.
7. Teach your children to work, and show them the value of working toward a worthy goal. Establishing mission funds and education funds for your children shows them what you consider to be important.
8. Encourage good music and art and literature in your homes. Homes that have a spirit of refinement and beauty will bless the lives of your children forever.
9. As distances allow, regularly attend the temple with your wife. Your children will then better understand the importance of temple marriage and temple vows and the eternal family unit.
10. Have your children see your joy and satisfaction in service to the Church. This can become contagious to them, so they, too, will want to serve in the Church and will love the kingdom.
Each of these things is simple, but makes all the difference to a child. I think the reason why these work is that it shows your children where your priorities lie: In the gospel and in your family which in turn shows them where their priorities should also be.
Next, we need to make our homes a sanctuary from the outside world & guard our homes from the evil influences that wait to infect us.
L. Tom Perry said, “We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes.”
D&C 88:119 states “Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”
Our homes should be a place where the Holy Spirit can reside and comfort our families from the constant attacks on our spirit. Our homes should nurture divine qualities and foster spiritual growth. We need to be ever attentive of the media influences we allow to enter these walls. We need to be vigilant of the programs our children watch on T.V., keep tabs on the activities our children engage in online, oversee the books and magazines that our kids bring home, and occasionally listen to the music playing on our kids’ iPods. These are all ways in which the epidemic attacking the family can enter into the home and claim the spiritual welfare of those residing within. If we are going to get our kids into the Spiritual Olympics there is a lot of work that needs to be done. We can’t just sit back and hope that our kids will gain a testimony. We need to do everything in our power to help our children reach their full spiritual potential and protect our homes from the plague that seems to invade at every opportunity.
Finally, we have a responsibly to serve the Lord and His children. The human spirit is a delicate and tender thing. It can be easily harmed by the trials & temptations in life and needs constant nurturing. We can be the Lord’s doctors that provide the bandages and medications that can help to heal even the most damaged of souls. In D&C 81:5 the Lord has commanded us to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” Through love, compassion, & service we can provide the care needed to those who hearts are heavy and searching for relief. We can steady the wavering faith of others. We can show love and support to those who have made mistakes and help them to return their focus to the teachings of the gospel. This in turn brings about repentance and the sweet relief of forgiveness.
What a sweet blessing it is to be part of the Lord’s church where one person can make such a big difference. The problems of the world seem so overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to begin. But under the Lord’s direction it is easy to know the starting point. Begin with yourself. Julie Beck in the last General Relief Society meeting stated that “Membership in the Church requires faith, which we nourish throughout our lives with great diligence, and patience, and long suffering. M. Russell Ballard Stated, “True and complete conversion is the key to accelerating the work of the Church.” Next, strengthen the family. The family is essential to the Lord’s plan and we should defend it with all of our might from the “slings and arrows” that constantly assault. Lastly, there are a lot of people depending on you to be strong enough to be the example they need & to support them in times of hardship. It is the duty of the strong to support the weak and we must meet this call with all of the faith and diligence that we can muster. What a blessing it is to know that with the guidance of the Holy Ghost we can make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Keeping An Eternal Perspective
I just went visiting teaching today and as part of the lesson Henry B. Eyring says:
"The purpose of God's creations and of His giving us life is to allow us to have the learning experiences necessary for us to come back to Him, to live with Him in eternal life. That is only possible if we have our natures changed through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (despite hard stuff), true repentance, and making and keeping the covenants He offers all of his Father's children through His Church."
This reminded me of Helaman 15:3 …they have been a chosen people of the Lord; yea, the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also hath he chastened them; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened them because he loveth them.
Then this reminded me of a conference talk given a few years ago where they quoted Brigham Young. It was something to the effect of… Every trial that we experience in this life is essential for our salvation.
So I guess what I am trying to say is that Heavenly Father loves us so he has given us a way to return to him. Even if it means a little heart ache; whether it’s a natural consequence for poor choices or something that just can’t be avoided like the loss of a loved one. We need to remain faithful even when it’s hard and try to see the purpose behind the trial. Heavenly Father doesn’t give us trials for no reason. There is always a little progression to be had. I can only pray that when “the mighty winds” come my way that I can remain steadily grounded in my faith in Jesus Christ and find the purpose of the trial.
"The purpose of God's creations and of His giving us life is to allow us to have the learning experiences necessary for us to come back to Him, to live with Him in eternal life. That is only possible if we have our natures changed through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (despite hard stuff), true repentance, and making and keeping the covenants He offers all of his Father's children through His Church."
This reminded me of Helaman 15:3 …they have been a chosen people of the Lord; yea, the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also hath he chastened them; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened them because he loveth them.
Then this reminded me of a conference talk given a few years ago where they quoted Brigham Young. It was something to the effect of… Every trial that we experience in this life is essential for our salvation.
So I guess what I am trying to say is that Heavenly Father loves us so he has given us a way to return to him. Even if it means a little heart ache; whether it’s a natural consequence for poor choices or something that just can’t be avoided like the loss of a loved one. We need to remain faithful even when it’s hard and try to see the purpose behind the trial. Heavenly Father doesn’t give us trials for no reason. There is always a little progression to be had. I can only pray that when “the mighty winds” come my way that I can remain steadily grounded in my faith in Jesus Christ and find the purpose of the trial.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Pride - No Good
After reading the scriptures quite a bit, I can't help but feel that pride is the path to all wickedness. Whether is just a small sin like thinking something negative about someone or something large like committing murder or worse. Pride is a toxic attribute that when we see it in our hearts we NEED to remove it as soon as possible. The best way to do that is to go in humility to our savior and ask for forgiveness.
I had an experience lately that I am ashamed of. I was starting to get prideful in my heart and then it started to become an outward attribute. There was a little drama in a family in our ward that I was beginning to gossip about. Not to anyone that actually knows the family, but to a friend of mine and to my family. One day something happened and I just felt terrible. I was worried that I had offended someone, I was ashamed of the way I was acting, & in short I was not being a disciple of Christ. It was a real eye opener to just how prideful I was getting. Luckily there is the atonement that brought about a true change of heart. It is amazing how well a humble, sincere prayer to our Father in Heaven works to purge sin from our hearts. Without getting too specific, I have since learned that my opinion doesn't matter. I don't have any right to judge the situation and my job is to just love them.
So I guess now the question is, How do we avoid pride so that it doesn't consume our hearts?
1- Bryan says that service is key. In Mosiah 4:15 it says
But ye will teach them (your children) to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.
I take this to mean that if you want to learn to love someone you must serve them. Maybe that's why we love our family's so much. We spend our life serving them.
2 - Stay grounded in the gospel. I think that it is a lot harder to become prideful when the gospel is your first priority.
3 - Deny yourself of something. It helps to build our self control and will power. Maybe that's one of the reasons why we do fast Sunday every month.
I'm sure there are more ways to prevent pride, but I am pretty sure that my 1.5 year old is into something messy. If you have any more ideas, please leave a comment and share you thoughts!
I had an experience lately that I am ashamed of. I was starting to get prideful in my heart and then it started to become an outward attribute. There was a little drama in a family in our ward that I was beginning to gossip about. Not to anyone that actually knows the family, but to a friend of mine and to my family. One day something happened and I just felt terrible. I was worried that I had offended someone, I was ashamed of the way I was acting, & in short I was not being a disciple of Christ. It was a real eye opener to just how prideful I was getting. Luckily there is the atonement that brought about a true change of heart. It is amazing how well a humble, sincere prayer to our Father in Heaven works to purge sin from our hearts. Without getting too specific, I have since learned that my opinion doesn't matter. I don't have any right to judge the situation and my job is to just love them.
So I guess now the question is, How do we avoid pride so that it doesn't consume our hearts?
1- Bryan says that service is key. In Mosiah 4:15 it says
But ye will teach them (your children) to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.
I take this to mean that if you want to learn to love someone you must serve them. Maybe that's why we love our family's so much. We spend our life serving them.
2 - Stay grounded in the gospel. I think that it is a lot harder to become prideful when the gospel is your first priority.
3 - Deny yourself of something. It helps to build our self control and will power. Maybe that's one of the reasons why we do fast Sunday every month.
I'm sure there are more ways to prevent pride, but I am pretty sure that my 1.5 year old is into something messy. If you have any more ideas, please leave a comment and share you thoughts!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Pray
Wherefore, my beloved sons (or daughters), pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons or daughters of God; that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as He is pure. Amen”
Moroni 7:48
I chose this scripture to put on a bookmark for my Activity Day girls to help them remember that they should be praying everyday, especially before they read the scriptures. I hope it will help.
If you know of any better prayer scriptures, please, let me know! I just really want to motivate them to read!
Moroni 7:48
I chose this scripture to put on a bookmark for my Activity Day girls to help them remember that they should be praying everyday, especially before they read the scriptures. I hope it will help.
If you know of any better prayer scriptures, please, let me know! I just really want to motivate them to read!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Take Courage
Alma 58 8-12
When I read this I had a few things pop into my mind, First:
One time when we were helping my parent's move, we had been working, & cleaning, & packing all day and towards dinner time we were all getting very tired and losing steam really fast. It was getting to the point that we were ready to call it a day even though we needed to be out that night. Just when we were about to quit some of my siblings walked through the door with enough energy for all of us. With their help we were able to complete the job in the time required.
Second: Have you ever watched Lord of the Rings - Fellowship of the Ring? If you have, you will know what I am talking about. At
the end of the movie there is a small army of men fighting for good at a strong hold called Helm's Deep. They are matched up against a massive Ork army. All as brutal and mean as they come. The future looks bleak and hope seems to have fled away. They begin the battle and things go well for a while then the Ork army manages to penetrate the defenses and begin to take lives and hope. When hope is gone and the end seems inevitable they gather their hope and faith and make a courageous last stand. As they ride out into the midst of the Orks their hope 
and energy is rekindled by the sight of Gandolf with his beacon of light who arrives just in time to save the day using his wizardly awesomeness to kick some serious Ork patooty.
We are not unlike these two scenarios. We are all engaged in an eternal battle between good and evil. The good is vastly out numbered by the beliefs and actions of the wicked. It may seem impossible to raise children and live in such a wicked world, but if we gather our hope, faith, and dedication to the Lord and pray for guidance and support and practice a little obedience there is nothing that we can't overcome.
Go ahead and read this excerpt and you will see what I am talking about. Leading up to this Heleman's army is feeling a little desperate. Things seem very bleak and they ask for support from the government and receive very little.
Alma 58 8-12
8 But it came to pass that we did receive food, which was guarded to us by an army of two thousand men to our assistance; and this is all the assistance which we did receive, to defend ourselves and our country from falling into the hands of our enemies, yea, to contend with an enemy which was innumerable.
9 And now the cause of these our embarrassments, or the cause why they did not send more strength unto us, we knew not; therefore we were grieved and also filled with fear, lest by any means the judgments of God should come upon our land, to our overthrow and utter destruction.
10 Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.
11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.
12 And we did take courage with our small force which we had received, and were fixed with a determination to conquer our enemies, and to maintain our lands, and our possessions, and our wives, and our children, and the cause of our liberty.
When I read this I had a few things pop into my mind, First:
One time when we were helping my parent's move, we had been working, & cleaning, & packing all day and towards dinner time we were all getting very tired and losing steam really fast. It was getting to the point that we were ready to call it a day even though we needed to be out that night. Just when we were about to quit some of my siblings walked through the door with enough energy for all of us. With their help we were able to complete the job in the time required.
Second: Have you ever watched Lord of the Rings - Fellowship of the Ring? If you have, you will know what I am talking about. At
the end of the movie there is a small army of men fighting for good at a strong hold called Helm's Deep. They are matched up against a massive Ork army. All as brutal and mean as they come. The future looks bleak and hope seems to have fled away. They begin the battle and things go well for a while then the Ork army manages to penetrate the defenses and begin to take lives and hope. When hope is gone and the end seems inevitable they gather their hope and faith and make a courageous last stand. As they ride out into the midst of the Orks their hope 
and energy is rekindled by the sight of Gandolf with his beacon of light who arrives just in time to save the day using his wizardly awesomeness to kick some serious Ork patooty.We are not unlike these two scenarios. We are all engaged in an eternal battle between good and evil. The good is vastly out numbered by the beliefs and actions of the wicked. It may seem impossible to raise children and live in such a wicked world, but if we gather our hope, faith, and dedication to the Lord and pray for guidance and support and practice a little obedience there is nothing that we can't overcome.
Go ahead and read this excerpt and you will see what I am talking about. Leading up to this Heleman's army is feeling a little desperate. Things seem very bleak and they ask for support from the government and receive very little.
Alma 58 8-12
8 But it came to pass that we did receive food, which was guarded to us by an army of two thousand men to our assistance; and this is all the assistance which we did receive, to defend ourselves and our country from falling into the hands of our enemies, yea, to contend with an enemy which was innumerable.
9 And now the cause of these our embarrassments, or the cause why they did not send more strength unto us, we knew not; therefore we were grieved and also filled with fear, lest by any means the judgments of God should come upon our land, to our overthrow and utter destruction.
10 Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.
11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.
12 And we did take courage with our small force which we had received, and were fixed with a determination to conquer our enemies, and to maintain our lands, and our possessions, and our wives, and our children, and the cause of our liberty.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
War-What's it Good For?
Why do we have these war chapters at the end of Alma? Bryan says it's so that boys will read the scriptures. Someone in our ward mentioned it was a good source for learning primitive war strategy. Although those are both good reasons for recording this type of history, I am inclined to think that there must be something a little deeper that we are to learn. Something along the lines of an example to us of how our belief in the Savior can impact our lives. How our faith and obedience can directly influence the happiness that we experience. We won't be exempt from trial and hardship, but can avoid some things and we will be better prepared to handle the inevitable. It's truly a comfort to know that the Lord is watching over me and that I can call on His name whenever I need a little help from someone who loves me.
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Grudge
I was reading in the last parts of Alma this morning and it never fails to amaze me how much the Lamanites hated the Nephites and for the reason they claimed. To me it's just so silly. What purpose does it serve to hold that hatred in your heart? It doesn't help anyone. I don't understand how anyone can hold a grudge for so long. We are talking about generation after generation of hatred. Traditions of fathers being passed down...
It makes me think about several things: 1-This is a tool of Satan to turn hearts away from our Father in Heaven 2-This is a tool of Satan to make the lives of the righteous hard 3- What kind of traditions am I passing on to my children? 4- Am I holding grudges that are affecting my spiritual well being?
It makes me think about several things: 1-This is a tool of Satan to turn hearts away from our Father in Heaven 2-This is a tool of Satan to make the lives of the righteous hard 3- What kind of traditions am I passing on to my children? 4- Am I holding grudges that are affecting my spiritual well being?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Love, Limits, & Latitude
This is a great article in the August 2008 Ensign pg. 60. It is about parenting children and also has a few great FHE ideas. I highly recommend reading it with your spouse.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Where One Goes the Rest Will Follow
Alma 38:5
And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
39:4
... Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.
39:11
... O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words.
39:12-13
12 And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;
13 That ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done.
It really stinks that you have to learn how to be a parent from your first child. That child is the one that can help to make or break the rest of the kids. If your first kid goes AWOL there is a good chance that many of the following children will follow suit.
I wish there was some sort of gaurentee that all of my children would follow the Lord's teachings and do the right things in this life. But there's not. Many prophets have had rebellious children: Lehi, Alma, Mosiah, Alma, Jacob, Adam. What chance do I have if these guys struggled with it. How on Earth did my parents manage to raise nine children and have them all active in the gospel? Beats me. I think I will read "Love, Limits, & Latitude" from the new Ensign. It's about raising kids and setting boundries. Maybe that article will have some good pointers. Wish me luck.
And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
39:4
... Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.
39:11
... O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words.
39:12-13
12 And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;
13 That ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done.
It really stinks that you have to learn how to be a parent from your first child. That child is the one that can help to make or break the rest of the kids. If your first kid goes AWOL there is a good chance that many of the following children will follow suit.
I wish there was some sort of gaurentee that all of my children would follow the Lord's teachings and do the right things in this life. But there's not. Many prophets have had rebellious children: Lehi, Alma, Mosiah, Alma, Jacob, Adam. What chance do I have if these guys struggled with it. How on Earth did my parents manage to raise nine children and have them all active in the gospel? Beats me. I think I will read "Love, Limits, & Latitude" from the new Ensign. It's about raising kids and setting boundries. Maybe that article will have some good pointers. Wish me luck.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Child Rearing Guide per Alma
Alma 37
I LOVED this chapter. First of all, it's a chapter where Alma is giving his son Helaman advice. Really good advice. I feel like it is a blueprint to how to raise your children. In 37:6 it says-
6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
Then he goes on to give an example of this and then compares the temporal thing to spiritual things. Here is a list.
Small & Simple things:
Teach your children to hate sin
To Repent
To have Faith in Jesus Christ
To be humble
To be Meek & Lowly in heart
To withstand temptation with their faith
To Never be weary of good works
Teach them to keep the commandments
To Pray for support
To Let the Lord guide your decisions
To Direct your thoughts to the Lord
To Pray to the Lord for support
To Pray to the Lord for guidance
To Pray before bed for protection
To Pray in the morning in thanksgiving
I would add:
Family Home Evening
To work hard
Let them experience consequences for their actions
Spend quality time with them
Delayed Gratification
Self Discipline
Great Thing:
Returning to our Father in Heaven
These are all of the small things that we should be doing to reach our ultimate goal aka the The GREAT Thing which is to return to our Father in Heaven. We may think to ourselves, "Oh, my kids are too young to start learning these things." or "I don't want my kids to have a poor self-esteem so I am not going to teach them to be humble yet." What is this accomplishing? When are you going to start doing it? There is no better time than the present to begin teach kids these things. There is a lot here that I need to start doing and it's nice to get little reminder periodically.
I love reading the scriptures. It has been so fun to dive in and do this blog. I love this gospel and our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for this in my life. I know that I would not be happy and progressing in my life without the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I LOVED this chapter. First of all, it's a chapter where Alma is giving his son Helaman advice. Really good advice. I feel like it is a blueprint to how to raise your children. In 37:6 it says-
6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
Then he goes on to give an example of this and then compares the temporal thing to spiritual things. Here is a list.
Small & Simple things:
Teach your children to hate sin
To Repent
To have Faith in Jesus Christ
To be humble
To be Meek & Lowly in heart
To withstand temptation with their faith
To Never be weary of good works
Teach them to keep the commandments
To Pray for support
To Let the Lord guide your decisions
To Direct your thoughts to the Lord
To Pray to the Lord for support
To Pray to the Lord for guidance
To Pray before bed for protection
To Pray in the morning in thanksgiving
I would add:
Family Home Evening
To work hard
Let them experience consequences for their actions
Spend quality time with them
Delayed Gratification
Self Discipline
Great Thing:
Returning to our Father in Heaven
These are all of the small things that we should be doing to reach our ultimate goal aka the The GREAT Thing which is to return to our Father in Heaven. We may think to ourselves, "Oh, my kids are too young to start learning these things." or "I don't want my kids to have a poor self-esteem so I am not going to teach them to be humble yet." What is this accomplishing? When are you going to start doing it? There is no better time than the present to begin teach kids these things. There is a lot here that I need to start doing and it's nice to get little reminder periodically.
I love reading the scriptures. It has been so fun to dive in and do this blog. I love this gospel and our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for this in my life. I know that I would not be happy and progressing in my life without the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Pray and Have Charity
Alma 33-34
I highly recommend reading these two chapters. I'm not even going to tell you anything about them other than to pray often and to have charity for others.
I highly recommend reading these two chapters. I'm not even going to tell you anything about them other than to pray often and to have charity for others.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Plant Your Seed
Alma 32
From 32:28-43 this chapter talks about faith being like a seed. Looking for some sign to prove to us that the church is true is not how we gain a testimony. We need to plant the seed of faith in our hearts and nurture it.
28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.
I have been so grateful to have this blog to motivate me to read my scriptures everyday. I feel like this is the first time in a long time that I can feel that I am making some real strides in my spiritual growth. I feel like I am experiencing the highlighted part in 28. I feel like my soul is beginning to enlarge, my understanding is more enlightened and the scriptures are becoming delicious to me. I have always had faith in the gospel, it's just nice to feel like I am gaining some ground.
From 32:28-43 this chapter talks about faith being like a seed. Looking for some sign to prove to us that the church is true is not how we gain a testimony. We need to plant the seed of faith in our hearts and nurture it.
28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.
I have been so grateful to have this blog to motivate me to read my scriptures everyday. I feel like this is the first time in a long time that I can feel that I am making some real strides in my spiritual growth. I feel like I am experiencing the highlighted part in 28. I feel like my soul is beginning to enlarge, my understanding is more enlightened and the scriptures are becoming delicious to me. I have always had faith in the gospel, it's just nice to feel like I am gaining some ground.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Family Home Evening
What Parents Have Learned from Family Home Evening July 2008 Ensign Pg. 34This is a great article to read if you need some ideas how to get your kids more involved in Family Home Evenings. Here are some of the highlights:
1. During opening prayer ask that the spirit will touch the hearts of your children.
2. Have your children help prepare some of the lessons.
3. Using Preach My Gospel to teach your kids, especially if they are to be baptised soon.
4. If a person from your family is away during FHE get them on speaker phone so they can participate.
5. Spend one family night a month with grandparents or other family being sure to include lesson, music, prayer, & treats.
6. Bring discussion and questions into your lessons.
Thomas S. Monson
"I begin with Family Home Evening. We cannot afford to neglect this heaven inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest."
Friday, July 11, 2008
Count your Blessings
Alma 26:2
And now , I ask, what great blessings has He bestowed upon us? Can ye tell?
I think that it is so easy to forget the blessings that the Lord has given us, especially when everything seems to go wrong. Ammon and his brethren experienced all kinds of hardship while they were teaching the Lamanites. Imprisonment, watching people die, hunger, thirst, persecution just to name a few. Yet in this chapter Ammon spends the entire time saying how blessed they have been. This is an example that I think everyone can benifit from.
And now , I ask, what great blessings has He bestowed upon us? Can ye tell?
I think that it is so easy to forget the blessings that the Lord has given us, especially when everything seems to go wrong. Ammon and his brethren experienced all kinds of hardship while they were teaching the Lamanites. Imprisonment, watching people die, hunger, thirst, persecution just to name a few. Yet in this chapter Ammon spends the entire time saying how blessed they have been. This is an example that I think everyone can benifit from.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
We are blessed
Alma 25
This chapter talks about some of the martyrdoms that occured. We are so blessed to live in this time when we are free to belong to any church we choose. We don't have to worry about mobs or being burned alive just because we believe what we believe. It makes me sad to think of all of the people who died standing up for what they believed in.
Why is it so hard for us today? A lot of times we have a hard time just telling our friends no or speaking up when conversation goes astray.
This chapter talks about some of the martyrdoms that occured. We are so blessed to live in this time when we are free to belong to any church we choose. We don't have to worry about mobs or being burned alive just because we believe what we believe. It makes me sad to think of all of the people who died standing up for what they believed in.
Why is it so hard for us today? A lot of times we have a hard time just telling our friends no or speaking up when conversation goes astray.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Why the hard heart?
So this is when the Anti-Nephi-Lehies covenant with the Lord that they will never shed blood again and then they bury their wepons of war. Shortly after an army of Lamanites come to fight them. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies refuse to fight back and the Lamanites kill 1005 of them. Then their hearts begin to soften and suddenly we see that a bunch of Lamanites become converted to the gospel. None of which are ex-Nephites aka Amalekites and Amulonites. The Lamanites who were direct descendants of Laman and Lemuel were less hardened than the ex-Nephites.
Alma 24
30 And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things.
Isn't that interesting. I guess that is why most of the anti-LDS stuff out there is headed up by excommunicated members.
Alma 24
30 And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things.
Isn't that interesting. I guess that is why most of the anti-LDS stuff out there is headed up by excommunicated members.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A New Name
Alma 23
Many Lamanites are converted to the gospel. They are so commited to their new way of life that they disown the name Lamanite and take on a new name which is Anti-Nephi-Lehies. Saul of the New Testiment did the same thing after he was visited by the angel and was converted to the gospel. He wanted to completely forsake his past life and start out new so he changed his name to Paul. Maybe when we receive our new name in the temple it is for the same reason. A symbolic gesture to our Heavenly Father showing our renewed conviction to follow His gospel.
Many Lamanites are converted to the gospel. They are so commited to their new way of life that they disown the name Lamanite and take on a new name which is Anti-Nephi-Lehies. Saul of the New Testiment did the same thing after he was visited by the angel and was converted to the gospel. He wanted to completely forsake his past life and start out new so he changed his name to Paul. Maybe when we receive our new name in the temple it is for the same reason. A symbolic gesture to our Heavenly Father showing our renewed conviction to follow His gospel.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Give Half, Give All
Alma 20-22
Ammon and Lamoni are going to free Aaron and some others from prison and they come across Lamoni's Dad. His Dad is angry that Lamoni didn't come to the family reunion and finds out that he has been hanging around a Nephite. His Dad is so mad that he commands Lamoni to kill Ammon. Lamoni says no and then the Dad king goes after Lamoni. Ammon stops Lamoni's dad and over takes him and the king begins to beg for his life. He offers Ammon half of his kingdom (20:23). Ammon of course only wants him to leave Lamoni alone and to go get Aaron from prison. So the old King lets them go.
Later Aaron goes to meet with Lamoni's dad and to teach him about the gospel. Aaron teaches him about Heavenly Father and about the church and Lamoni's dad says to Aaron...
Alma 22:15
15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
Sometimes when we grow up in the church we take for granted how blessed and happy we really are. Maybe it's because we have never had to live without it and we don't really know the difference. Lamoni's father was only willing to give half of what he owned when his life was at stake. When he wanted to know more about the gospel and be forgiven of his sins he was willing to give all that he had.
Are we that enthuiastic about the gospel? Do we feel that kind of passion when we are being tempted or when there is someone in our life that is ready for a little missionary work? How about just scripture study or daily prayer? Attending church?
Ammon and Lamoni are going to free Aaron and some others from prison and they come across Lamoni's Dad. His Dad is angry that Lamoni didn't come to the family reunion and finds out that he has been hanging around a Nephite. His Dad is so mad that he commands Lamoni to kill Ammon. Lamoni says no and then the Dad king goes after Lamoni. Ammon stops Lamoni's dad and over takes him and the king begins to beg for his life. He offers Ammon half of his kingdom (20:23). Ammon of course only wants him to leave Lamoni alone and to go get Aaron from prison. So the old King lets them go.
Later Aaron goes to meet with Lamoni's dad and to teach him about the gospel. Aaron teaches him about Heavenly Father and about the church and Lamoni's dad says to Aaron...
Alma 22:15
15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
Sometimes when we grow up in the church we take for granted how blessed and happy we really are. Maybe it's because we have never had to live without it and we don't really know the difference. Lamoni's father was only willing to give half of what he owned when his life was at stake. When he wanted to know more about the gospel and be forgiven of his sins he was willing to give all that he had.
Are we that enthuiastic about the gospel? Do we feel that kind of passion when we are being tempted or when there is someone in our life that is ready for a little missionary work? How about just scripture study or daily prayer? Attending church?
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Great Faith
Alma 19
This chapter is a great example of faith. The Queen believes Ammon without seeing any of Lamoni's interactions with Ammon.
9 And Ammon said unto her: Believest thou this? And she said unto him: I have had no witness save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.
10 And Ammon said unto her: Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites.
Isn't that awesome. Ammon goes to this wicked people and he finds out that they aren't really all that wicked. In fact they are easier to teach than many of the Nephites.
Are we that trusting of the Lord? Or do we question the gentle pleadings of our Prophet and Apostles?
This chapter is a great example of faith. The Queen believes Ammon without seeing any of Lamoni's interactions with Ammon.
9 And Ammon said unto her: Believest thou this? And she said unto him: I have had no witness save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.
10 And Ammon said unto her: Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites.
Isn't that awesome. Ammon goes to this wicked people and he finds out that they aren't really all that wicked. In fact they are easier to teach than many of the Nephites.
Are we that trusting of the Lord? Or do we question the gentle pleadings of our Prophet and Apostles?
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