I had the blessing of teaching Relief Society yesterday. I got a combo lesson of two of the chapters in the Joseph Smith manual: Chapter 30 "Valiant in the Cause of Christ" and Chapter 32 "Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage." I did not come away from the lesson feeling like I had quite presented to the sisters the real important message they needed to hear. Or was it the message I needed to hear?
I was trying to lead the sisters down a series of questions regarding persecutions past and present that would lead to the hope that we will always be sustained by the Lord and we will find strength as we respond with faith and courage, valiantly taking a stand for the truth. My questioning did not warrant the answers I wanted, did that make them bad, no, it just got me flustered. I always fear bringing up negative topics in a group full of women...
I feel more today than yesterday a more pining type of remorse that I had not studied over more of the General Conference talks before presenting the lesson. And this may be the essence; the words I needed were in General Conference and I had not studied them quite enough to allow the Spirit to bring them to my recollection. Thus, in the spirit of penance, and repentance, I share today what I did not have the opportunity yesterday-
"The simple fact is we all need to constantly build faith and overcome sources of destructive disbelief (i.e. persecutions in their most subtle forms). The Savior's teaching comparing faith to a grain of mustard seed recognizes this reality. ... these Six Destructive Ds - doubt, discouragement, distraction, lack of diligence, disobedience, and disbelief - all erode and destroy our faith. We can choose to avoid and overcome them. Challenging times require greater spiritual power. Consider carefully the Savior's promise: "If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me".
-Elder Kevin W Pearson
'President Howard W. Hunter said: "If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on teh Savior and his teachings, no other sucess can ever be permanently right." ... It is interesting to notice that the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew against both houses! Living the gospel does not mean that we will everlastingly escape adversity. Rather, it means that we will be prepared to face and endure adversity more confidently.
-Elder Rafael E Pino
You will need bravery andyou will need boldness because you are enlisted in the Lord's army in the last dispensation. This is not a time of peace. That has been so since Satan arrayed his forces against our Heavenly Father's plan in the premortal existence...the scriptures suggest that the war will become more violent and the spiritual casualties on the Lord's side will mount.
-President Henry B Eyring
In the world today we face difficulties and challenges, some of which can seem truly daunnting. However, with God on our side we cannot fail.
In 1958 Elder Harold B. Lee, who later served as the 11th President of the Church, described the priesthood as ' the Lord's ...troops against the forces of evil."
It was the Apostle Peter who said, "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason fo the hope that is in you. (1 Peter 3:15)"
Although our journey through mortality will at times place us in harm's way, may I ofer you tonight three suggestions which, when observed and followed, will lead us to safety. They are:
1- Study diligently.
2. Pray fervently.
3. Live righteously.
These suggestions are not new; they have been taught and repeated again and again. If we incorporate them inot our lives, however, we will have the strength to withstand the adversary. Should we iggnore them, we will be opening the door for Satan to have influence and power over us.
- President Thomas S Monson, the living Prophet.
Had I stuck with the prophets' words I think I may have felt the Spirit seep into the room a bit more, as it was, I have the promise that all are edified in a body as they seek to learn the truths of the Gospel.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Arches National Park
Nancy's death grip on Faith in the Delicate Archt
We are little, it is big.
Faith's view of the Landscape Arch, oh wait, she didn't even see the arch, she was having too much fun in the giant sandbox we took her to.
Windows
Turret
Long walk back to the car
The Monuments and a Visit to John Wayne
Not quite your damsel in distress, but a funny ride.
John Wayne's cabin. No indoor plumbing. May have contributed to 'the Duke's' death.
Grand Canyon - one of the 7 wonders
One big cliff - or at least that is what I saw with two very busy little walkie, climby types in tow.
Danny trying to get out of my Momma grip, this one was not going over the edge!
This was the most we saw of the Grand Canyon, a pullout where we fed our kids potatoes and chili while distracting them from heading toward the thing we came to see.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
These Foolish Things
This week I have been thinking of trials. I had my preliminary trial of faith this week. Really, for one day, that's it, I lost perspective and created a bigger trial for us than was really requisite. But it was a good reminder. Reminder that I do need to (1)rely on the Lord in ALL THINGS, (2)pray for strength in my moments of weakness, and (3)remember the blessings that we have been promised. I believe that if I can remember those three lessons every day, no trial can be too big (mole hill to a mountain theory).
I love love love that what I have been studying in the scriptures this week has exactly correlated, or confirmed, or taught me what it is I need to remember.
I have been preparing to teach two chapters from the Joseph Smith manual "Valiant in the Cause of Christ" and "Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage." In order to bring the two lessons together for one Sunday, I have been pondering how we respond to adversity of different types. Here are a few quotes from Joseph Smith, a man who was very familiar with all sorts of trials, persecutions, and tough moments and assailed them all with a Faith as pure as gold:
"Therefore, rejoice in our afflictions, by which you are perfected and through which the captain of our salvation was perfected also" (I also love how in all of these quotes Joseph Smith weaves the scriptures together so poetically and poignantly, there he referenced 1 Peter 4:12-13 and Hebrews 2:10)
"...we feel to exhort you in the name of the Lord Jesus, to be strong in the faith in the new and everlasting covenant..."
"... so we feared not our opponents, knowing that we had both truth and righteousness on our side, that we had both the Father and the Son, because we had the doctrines of Christ, and abided in them." (This directly linked to a scripture I was just reading today in Doctrine and Covenants 59 reiterating the blessings promised to those who live obediently, dilligently,and faithfully coming with a pure heart to the do the purposes of the Lord)
" But it will be but a little season, and all these afflictions will be turned away from us, inasmuch as we are faithful, and are not overcome by these evils.....we shal rejoice that we were not overcome by these foolish things." (I love the phrase 'these foolish things' for isn't that really what temporal distractions are that take our focus off of the really important things, the eternal principles, just foolish things)
"When I do the best I can - when I am accomplishing the greatest good, then the most evils and wicked surmisings are got up against me..." which follows what I firmly believe, that Satan knows when you are a threat to his work and will do his best to get you to stop. Joseph Smith added, "I have learned by experience that the enemy of truth does not slumber..."
"Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed" (this is a letter from the prophet while incarcerated in Liberty Jail, the final words in the letter which is also contained in D&C 123. Again in section 59 the Lord commands that when we do serve Him it is to be with cheerful hearts and countenances, or a glad heart and a cheerful countenance (vs 15), whichever you like. It is a specific commandment related to offering oblations - means of serving others whether monetary or of talent or time - on the Sabbath day.)
"You cannot be too good. Patience is heavenly, obedience is noble, forgiveness is merciful, and exaltation is godly; and he that holds out faithful to the end shall in no wise loose his reward. A good man will endure all things to honor Christ, and even dispose of the whole world, and all in it, to save his soul." (Thus the continued need to have tailored trials to keep us practicing patience, obedience, and forgiveness. I know each trial is a blessing in this very principle. For even if I am really close to perfect, there is always MORE perfect:))
"Be meek and lowly, upright and pure; render good for evil...Be humble and patient in all circumstances of life; we shall then triumph more gloriously." (so reminiscent of President Gordon B Hinkley's BEs)
"Men not unfrequently forget that they are dependent upon heaven for every blessing which they are permitted to enjoy, and that for every opportunity granted them they are to give an account....we are responsible to God for the manner we improve the light and wisdom given by our Lord to enable us to save ourselves." (this plays into our agency. The Savior has provided a way for us to return to God, and we still have to do our part and be accountable for our life, both the good and the bad. We cannot just sit back and enjoy the good times without being thankful. Doctrine and Covenants 85:21 is the classic warning from the Lord that we do offend him if we 'confess not his hand in all things,and obey not his commandments.' remember that one of those commandments is to give thanks in all things, and be happy)
"In the name of Jesus Christ, we entreat you to live worhty of the blessings that shall follow after much tribulation, to satiate the souls of them that hold out faithful to the end."
What better quote could I end this little testimonial on. I have learned a great deal this week as the Spirit has been weaving these ponder points, scriptures, quotes and more into my personal struggles to be better. The more ponderings that came about, the more truth was confirmed. I listened to General Conference talk after the next while running indoors on the treadmill this week that picked this principle right down the very instance of my day. It is AMAZING how I can be spiritually strengthened everyday, even admidst these foolish things.
I love love love that what I have been studying in the scriptures this week has exactly correlated, or confirmed, or taught me what it is I need to remember.
I have been preparing to teach two chapters from the Joseph Smith manual "Valiant in the Cause of Christ" and "Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage." In order to bring the two lessons together for one Sunday, I have been pondering how we respond to adversity of different types. Here are a few quotes from Joseph Smith, a man who was very familiar with all sorts of trials, persecutions, and tough moments and assailed them all with a Faith as pure as gold:
"Therefore, rejoice in our afflictions, by which you are perfected and through which the captain of our salvation was perfected also" (I also love how in all of these quotes Joseph Smith weaves the scriptures together so poetically and poignantly, there he referenced 1 Peter 4:12-13 and Hebrews 2:10)
"...we feel to exhort you in the name of the Lord Jesus, to be strong in the faith in the new and everlasting covenant..."
"... so we feared not our opponents, knowing that we had both truth and righteousness on our side, that we had both the Father and the Son, because we had the doctrines of Christ, and abided in them." (This directly linked to a scripture I was just reading today in Doctrine and Covenants 59 reiterating the blessings promised to those who live obediently, dilligently,and faithfully coming with a pure heart to the do the purposes of the Lord)
" But it will be but a little season, and all these afflictions will be turned away from us, inasmuch as we are faithful, and are not overcome by these evils.....we shal rejoice that we were not overcome by these foolish things." (I love the phrase 'these foolish things' for isn't that really what temporal distractions are that take our focus off of the really important things, the eternal principles, just foolish things)
"When I do the best I can - when I am accomplishing the greatest good, then the most evils and wicked surmisings are got up against me..." which follows what I firmly believe, that Satan knows when you are a threat to his work and will do his best to get you to stop. Joseph Smith added, "I have learned by experience that the enemy of truth does not slumber..."
"Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed" (this is a letter from the prophet while incarcerated in Liberty Jail, the final words in the letter which is also contained in D&C 123. Again in section 59 the Lord commands that when we do serve Him it is to be with cheerful hearts and countenances, or a glad heart and a cheerful countenance (vs 15), whichever you like. It is a specific commandment related to offering oblations - means of serving others whether monetary or of talent or time - on the Sabbath day.)
"You cannot be too good. Patience is heavenly, obedience is noble, forgiveness is merciful, and exaltation is godly; and he that holds out faithful to the end shall in no wise loose his reward. A good man will endure all things to honor Christ, and even dispose of the whole world, and all in it, to save his soul." (Thus the continued need to have tailored trials to keep us practicing patience, obedience, and forgiveness. I know each trial is a blessing in this very principle. For even if I am really close to perfect, there is always MORE perfect:))
"Be meek and lowly, upright and pure; render good for evil...Be humble and patient in all circumstances of life; we shall then triumph more gloriously." (so reminiscent of President Gordon B Hinkley's BEs)
"Men not unfrequently forget that they are dependent upon heaven for every blessing which they are permitted to enjoy, and that for every opportunity granted them they are to give an account....we are responsible to God for the manner we improve the light and wisdom given by our Lord to enable us to save ourselves." (this plays into our agency. The Savior has provided a way for us to return to God, and we still have to do our part and be accountable for our life, both the good and the bad. We cannot just sit back and enjoy the good times without being thankful. Doctrine and Covenants 85:21 is the classic warning from the Lord that we do offend him if we 'confess not his hand in all things,and obey not his commandments.' remember that one of those commandments is to give thanks in all things, and be happy)
"In the name of Jesus Christ, we entreat you to live worhty of the blessings that shall follow after much tribulation, to satiate the souls of them that hold out faithful to the end."
What better quote could I end this little testimonial on. I have learned a great deal this week as the Spirit has been weaving these ponder points, scriptures, quotes and more into my personal struggles to be better. The more ponderings that came about, the more truth was confirmed. I listened to General Conference talk after the next while running indoors on the treadmill this week that picked this principle right down the very instance of my day. It is AMAZING how I can be spiritually strengthened everyday, even admidst these foolish things.
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse = Rethink
I am no environmentalist, or even a conservationist, but I have been taking the tree Rs really seriously lately. I was doing well with the Recycle part, until I realized that I was giving away some really cool stuff to recycling center. Some say that half of what you pay for is the packaging, so why not save that? It was a novel idea, and I am liking it. Particularly today. I am packing up food supplies for camping and have lots of pleasant little containers to put small amounts of things in. I used to get annoyed at my dad for making my mom save all the peanut butter jars, I just figured they would go the the garage and be undecorously stuffed with nails. Now I see the wonder of empty peanut butter jars!
With the Reuse kick I have found that I could reuse other things- such as old sheets. I recently ripped apart an old sheet and sewed together a back of door organizer for our pantry. For Easter I reused an old prom dress for matching outfits. Don't worry, we haven't started reusing toliet paper yet, although I do understand why my mom always had a half used wadded up tissue in her pocket at all times. Reuse.
Finally, Reduce. We have reduced the use of electricity and gas in our home by doing two simple things: line dry all our clothes and turn the thermostat off during the day. That was just a matter of re-thinking things, again. I was surprised that with turning the thermostat off during the day our internal temperature varied very little. I had thought that with all the times I could hear the heat coming on that we must loose a lot of heat, we don't the heat just adjusts from 1 degree under to 3 over many times. The line drying comes from a very inefficent dryer, two trees in the back yard, and a lot of time on my hands. It has decreased the energy bill.
Which brings me to the end of the equation, what else have I failed to rethink that may be costing me money? It is kinda a fun little game to rethink everything that you do. At least it gets the Little Mermaid soundtrack out of my mind quicker.
With the Reuse kick I have found that I could reuse other things- such as old sheets. I recently ripped apart an old sheet and sewed together a back of door organizer for our pantry. For Easter I reused an old prom dress for matching outfits. Don't worry, we haven't started reusing toliet paper yet, although I do understand why my mom always had a half used wadded up tissue in her pocket at all times. Reuse.
Finally, Reduce. We have reduced the use of electricity and gas in our home by doing two simple things: line dry all our clothes and turn the thermostat off during the day. That was just a matter of re-thinking things, again. I was surprised that with turning the thermostat off during the day our internal temperature varied very little. I had thought that with all the times I could hear the heat coming on that we must loose a lot of heat, we don't the heat just adjusts from 1 degree under to 3 over many times. The line drying comes from a very inefficent dryer, two trees in the back yard, and a lot of time on my hands. It has decreased the energy bill.
Which brings me to the end of the equation, what else have I failed to rethink that may be costing me money? It is kinda a fun little game to rethink everything that you do. At least it gets the Little Mermaid soundtrack out of my mind quicker.
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