Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Chapter 16: The Elderly in the Church
“May these golden years be your very best years as you fully live and love and serve. And God bless those who minister to your needs—your family, your friends, and your fellow Church members and leaders.”
Ezra Taft Benson was 86 years old when he became President of the Church. He understood the joys and challenges that come during the later years of life. One joy for him was his continued association with his wife, Flora. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary during his first year as President. They enjoyed each other’s company and attended the temple together nearly every Friday morning. At his 87th birthday party, someone asked President Benson the secret to his long, happy life. “Before he could answer, Sister Benson said, teasingly but with meaning, ‘He has a good wife.’”
For the general conference that immediately followed his 90th birthday, President Benson prepared an address directed “to the elderly in the Church and to their families and to those who minister to their needs.” In the introduction, he expressed his personal connection to the topic: “I hold special feelings for the elderly—for this marvelous group of men and women. I feel that in some measure I understand them, for I am one of them.”
1. The Lord knows and Loves the elderly and has bestowed many great responsibilities on them.
2. We can make the most of our senior years.
- work in the Temple and attend often
- Collect and write family histories
- Become involved in missionary service
- Provide leadership by building family togetherness
- Accept and fulfill Church callings
- Plan for your financial future
- Render Christlike service
- Stay physically fit, healthy, and active
3. Serving others helps heal those who have lost loved ones or who dread being alone.
4. In times of illness and pain, we can remain strong in attitude and spirit.
5. It is important that families give their elderly parents and grandparents the love, care, and respect they deserve.
6. Those who are blessed with a closeness to grandparents and other elderly people have a rich companionship and association.
7. Church leaders should prayerfully seek the Spirit in helping members meet the needs of the elderly.
8. Our later years can be our best years.
God bless the elderly in the Church. I love you with all my heart. I am one of you.
You have so much to live for. May these golden years be your very best years as you fully live and love and serve. And God bless those who minister to your needs—your family, your friends, and your fellow Church members and leaders.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Lesson #15 Continued
[First,] whenever possible, be at the crossroads when your children are either coming or going—when they leave and return from school, when they leave or return from dates, when they bring friends home. Be there at the crossroads whether your children are 6 or 16. …
Second, mothers, take time to be a real friend to your children. Listen to your children, really listen. Talk with them, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, play with them, cry with them, hug them, honestly praise them. Yes, regularly spend one-on-one time with each child. Be a real friend to your children.
Third, take time to read to your children. Starting from the cradle, read to your sons and daughters. … You will plant a love for good literature and a real love for the scriptures if you will read to your children regularly.
Fourth, take time to pray with your children. Family prayers, under the direction of the father, should be held morning and night. Have your children feel of your faith as you call down the blessings of heaven upon them. … Have your children participate in family and personal prayers, and rejoice in their sweet utterances to their Father in Heaven.
Fifth, take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening. Have your children actively involved. Teach them correct principles. Make this one of your family traditions. …
Sixth, take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible. This is a challenge as the children get older and lives get busier. But happy conversation, sharing of the day’s plans and activities, and special teaching moments occur at mealtime because parents and children work at it.
Seventh, take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family. … Reading the Book of Mormon together as a family will especially bring increased spirituality into your home and will give both parents and children the power to resist temptation and to have the
Eighth, take time to do things as a family. Make family outings and picnics and birthday celebrations and trips special times and memory builders. Whenever possible, attend, as a family, events where one of the family members is involved, such as a school play, a ball game, a talk, a recital. Attend Church meetings together, and sit together as a family when you can. Mothers who help families pray and play together will [help them] stay together and will bless children’s lives forever.
Ninth, mothers, take time to teach your children. Catch the teaching moments at mealtime, in casual settings, or at special sit-down times together, at the foot of the bed at the end of the day, or during an early-morning walk together. …
A mother’s love and prayerful concern for her children are the most important ingredients in teaching her own. Teach children gospel principles. Teach them it pays to be good. Teach them there is no safety in sin. Teach them a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a testimony of its divinity.
Teach your sons and daughters modesty, and teach them to respect manhood and womanhood. Teach your children sexual purity, proper dating standards, temple marriage, missionary service, and the importance of accepting and magnifying Church callings.
Teach them a love for work and the value of a good education.
Teach them the importance of the right kind of entertainment, including appropriate movies, videos, music, books, and magazines. Discuss the evils of pornography and drugs, and teach them the value of living the clean life.
Yes, mothers, teach your children the gospel in your own home, at your own fireside. This is the most effective teaching that your children will ever receive. …
Tenth and finally, mothers, take the time to truly love your little children. A mother’s unqualified love approaches Christlike love.
Your teenage children also need that same kind of love and attention. It seems easier for many mothers and fathers to express their love to their children when they are young, but more difficult when they are older. Work at this prayerfully. There need be no generation gap. And the key is love. Our young people need love and attention, not indulgence. They need empathy and understanding, not indifference from mothers and fathers. They need the parents’ time. A mother’s kindly teachings and her love for and confidence in a teenage son or daughter can literally save them from a wicked world.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
The Sacred Callings of Fathers and Mothers
This weeks lesson was #15: The Sacred Callings of Fathers and Mothers
Sister Killian gave a wonderful lesson today, I wish I could share the spirit that was there, but I am afraid I can't convey that here. I'll try to share her insights though and do her justice.
They worked together to create a home where their children could grow and learn—and where their children wanted to be. “I would have rather been home than anywhere,” their son Mark said. “It was a refuge from the storm. Mother was the protective element, and Dad was there with his strength.”
Sister Killian shared a personal experience from her life. A number of years ago one of her daughters was being stalked. As her mother it was her job to protect her. Through the spirit, via dreams and premonitions, she knew she needed to keep her family safe and that her daughter was in grave danger. They sold their house and bought some land where they basically camped and lived off the grid for 18 months. Of course this was a trial, but it was what they needed to do to keep their family safe. They were protected through this experience also. They adapted the Missionary lifestyle, Sister Killian was always with her daughter. One day while shopping at broulims, they felt an evil presence and knew that the stalker was in the store. Without hesitation they got out of there. On the day that her dreams and the spirit told her something would have been the day something horrible would happen, they kept their daughter safe. A woman was murdered at an event that normally the Killians would have been at. Again, they were protected. Sister Killian did what needed to be done to protect her family. She was the mom they needed and took her role seriously.
This was probably a hard story for her to relate, but it taught me so much. It made me realize that as a mother, the Lord will guide us on how best to protect our family, if we but listen to it. Thank you for your example!
President Benson was frequently away from home because of his work and Church duties, so Flora assumed much of the responsibility for nurturing and teaching their six children. She relished her role of motherhood. “The home is the center of our mortal affections,” she said.7 Mark recalled, “Mother absolutely loved home. And she loved us—not because it was her duty to, but because that was her life.”8 Expressing her feelings about the importance of being a mother, Flora wrote: “If you want to find greatness, don’t go to the throne, go to the cradle. There is mighty power in a mother. She is the one who molds hearts, lives, and shapes character.”
When President Benson was away from home, he always sought ways to watch over and strengthen his family. He maintained regular contact with them through phone calls and letters. When he was home, he spent as much time with them as possible. He often cited the story of “a busy father who explained the hours he spent playing ball with his son by saying, ‘I’d sooner have a backache now than a heartache later.’”
When he could, President Benson took his children with him during his travels. In March 1948 he took his daughter Bonnie, who was seven years old at the time, to an agriculture meeting in Nebraska. “The press was so intrigued by the poise of the little girl, and by the anomalous example of a father bringing such a young child on such a long trip to attend such a distinguished function, that a picture of Bonnie was featured on the front page [of the newspaper] the next morning. But to Elder Benson the incident was not an anomaly. He frequently took the children with him on out-of-town trips, both as a means of cementing good relations and of educating them.”
A child needs a mother more than all the things money can buy. Spending time with your children is the greatest gift of all.
Check back later in the week, I'll post the rest of the lesson on Wednesday.
Sister Killian gave a wonderful lesson today, I wish I could share the spirit that was there, but I am afraid I can't convey that here. I'll try to share her insights though and do her justice.
By word and example, at home and around the world, in Church and civic settings, President Ezra Taft Benson taught the importance of being good parents. “Nurture your children with love and the admonitions of the Lord,” he said.1 “God holds parents responsible for their stewardship in rearing their family. It is a most sacred responsibility.”
President Benson and his wife, Flora, worked closely together in fulfilling their sacred responsibilities as parents. They “approached the task of nurturing their family unit with energy and enthusiasm.”3 They frequently counseled together about their children and other matters.
They worked together to create a home where their children could grow and learn—and where their children wanted to be. “I would have rather been home than anywhere,” their son Mark said. “It was a refuge from the storm. Mother was the protective element, and Dad was there with his strength.”
Sister Killian shared a personal experience from her life. A number of years ago one of her daughters was being stalked. As her mother it was her job to protect her. Through the spirit, via dreams and premonitions, she knew she needed to keep her family safe and that her daughter was in grave danger. They sold their house and bought some land where they basically camped and lived off the grid for 18 months. Of course this was a trial, but it was what they needed to do to keep their family safe. They were protected through this experience also. They adapted the Missionary lifestyle, Sister Killian was always with her daughter. One day while shopping at broulims, they felt an evil presence and knew that the stalker was in the store. Without hesitation they got out of there. On the day that her dreams and the spirit told her something would have been the day something horrible would happen, they kept their daughter safe. A woman was murdered at an event that normally the Killians would have been at. Again, they were protected. Sister Killian did what needed to be done to protect her family. She was the mom they needed and took her role seriously.
This was probably a hard story for her to relate, but it taught me so much. It made me realize that as a mother, the Lord will guide us on how best to protect our family, if we but listen to it. Thank you for your example!
President Benson was frequently away from home because of his work and Church duties, so Flora assumed much of the responsibility for nurturing and teaching their six children. She relished her role of motherhood. “The home is the center of our mortal affections,” she said.7 Mark recalled, “Mother absolutely loved home. And she loved us—not because it was her duty to, but because that was her life.”8 Expressing her feelings about the importance of being a mother, Flora wrote: “If you want to find greatness, don’t go to the throne, go to the cradle. There is mighty power in a mother. She is the one who molds hearts, lives, and shapes character.”
When President Benson was away from home, he always sought ways to watch over and strengthen his family. He maintained regular contact with them through phone calls and letters. When he was home, he spent as much time with them as possible. He often cited the story of “a busy father who explained the hours he spent playing ball with his son by saying, ‘I’d sooner have a backache now than a heartache later.’”
When he could, President Benson took his children with him during his travels. In March 1948 he took his daughter Bonnie, who was seven years old at the time, to an agriculture meeting in Nebraska. “The press was so intrigued by the poise of the little girl, and by the anomalous example of a father bringing such a young child on such a long trip to attend such a distinguished function, that a picture of Bonnie was featured on the front page [of the newspaper] the next morning. But to Elder Benson the incident was not an anomaly. He frequently took the children with him on out-of-town trips, both as a means of cementing good relations and of educating them.”
A child needs a mother more than all the things money can buy. Spending time with your children is the greatest gift of all.
Check back later in the week, I'll post the rest of the lesson on Wednesday.
Friday, August 7, 2015
On Being Genuine--Conference talk recap
On Being Genuine
President Uchtdorf discussed a story from the late 18th century. He says, "Catherine the Great of Russia announced she would tour the southern part of her empire, accompanied by several foreign ambassadors. The governor of the area, Grigory Potemkin, desperately wanted to impress these visitors. And so he went to remarkable lengths to showcase the country’s accomplishments.
President Uchtdorf discussed a story from the late 18th century. He says, "Catherine the Great of Russia announced she would tour the southern part of her empire, accompanied by several foreign ambassadors. The governor of the area, Grigory Potemkin, desperately wanted to impress these visitors. And so he went to remarkable lengths to showcase the country’s accomplishments.
For part of the journey, Catherine floated down the Dnieper River, proudly pointing out to the ambassadors the thriving hamlets along the shore, filled with industrious and happy townspeople. There was only one problem: it was all for show. It is said that Potemkin had assembled pasteboard facades of shops and homes. He had even positioned busy-looking peasants to create the impression of a prosperous economy. Once the party disappeared around the bend of the river, Potemkin’s men packed up the fake village and rushed it downstream in preparation for Catherine’s next pass.
This was an attempt to make others believe that we are better than we really are!
Think about if your heart is in the right place!
There is nothing wrong with shining our shoes, smelling our best, or even hiding the dirty dishes before the home teachers arrive. However, when taken to extremes, this desire to impress can shift from useful to deceitful.
President Uchtdorf asks us if we fail to address the real needs of our beloved fellowmen or women while trying to be impressive.
Think what would happen if..... Jesus Christ were to sit down with us and ask for an accounting of our stewardship, I am not sure He would focus much on programs and statistics. What the Savior would want to know is the condition of our heart. He would want to know how we love and minister to those in our care, how we show our love to our spouse andfamily, and how we lighten their daily load. And the Savior would want to know how you and I grow closer to Him and to our Heavenly Father.
President Uchtdorf then asks these two important questions: Why do we serve in the Church of Jesus Christ? Why are we here at this meeting today?
This is his reply..which I love:
With patience and persistence, even the smallest act of discipleship or the tiniest ember of belief can become a blazing bonfire of a consecrated life. In fact, that’s how most bonfires begin—as a simple spark.
----and-----
if you feel small and weak, please simply come unto Christ, who makes weak things strong.8 The weakest among us, through God’s grace, can become spiritually strong, because God “is no respecter of persons.”9 He is our “faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments.”
Then he says how God's promises are sure and certain and we can be forgiven.
--and--
He ends in saying, "I pray, brethren, that as we serve in our families, quorums, wards, stakes, communities, and nations, we will resist the temptation to draw attention to ourselves and, instead, strive for a far greater honor: to become humble, genuine disciples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we do so, we will find ourselves walking the path that leads to our best, most genuine, and noblest selves."
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Stay by the Tree
President Heber C. Grant's example is a striking reminder that no one, at any age, is immune from Satan’s influence. Two of Satan’s most powerful tools are distraction and deception. It was said that enduring to the end is a hallmark of true discipleship and is essential to eternal life. The phrase "hang in there" is not a principle of the gospel. However, enduring to the end is essential for our eternal progression.
In his talk, he says, "Lehi’s vision of the tree of life is a powerful parable on enduring to the end. Please prayerfully study and ponder Lehi’s dream; then liken it unto yourself. As you do, carefully consider six important principles that help us endure to the end.
1. Don't forget to pray----Each of us experiences periods of darkness and loneliness. “When life gets dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.” Pray for strength to endure to the end.
(click to enlarge)--super helpful!
2. Come unto Christ and Be Perfected in Him---To realize this gift, we must “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.” He is “the way, the truth, and the life.”
3. Press Forward with Faith --God’s commandments are strict but not restrictive. They protect us from spiritual and physical danger and prevent us from getting lost. Obedience builds faith in Christ. Faith is a principle of action and power.
4. The Book of Mormon is key to spiritual survival--Life’s journey is challenging. It’s easy to be distracted, wander off the path, and get lost. Tribulation is an inevitable and indispensable part of our eternal progression. When adversity comes, don’t let something you don’t fully understand unravel everything you do know. Be patient, cling to truth; understanding will come. Trials are like great mists of darkness that can blind our eyes and harden our hearts. Search the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets every day, every day, every day! It’s the key to spiritual survival.
5. Don't be distracted and deceived---Heeding those who do not believe in Christ will not help you find Him. Searching #spaciousbuilding for knowledge will not lead you to truth. It’s not posted there. Only the Savior has “the words of eternal life.”
One sister shared this quote that was given in a conference talk to YW, but it fits perfect on be deceived. Elder Holland said, "One would truly need a great and spacious makeup kit to compete with beauty as portrayed in media all around us. Yet at the end of the day there would still be those "in the attitude of mocking and point their fingers" as Lehi saw (1 Nephi 8:27) because however much one tries in the world of glamour and fashion, it will never be glamorous enough.”
One sister shared this quote that was given in a conference talk to YW, but it fits perfect on be deceived. Elder Holland said, "One would truly need a great and spacious makeup kit to compete with beauty as portrayed in media all around us. Yet at the end of the day there would still be those "in the attitude of mocking and point their fingers" as Lehi saw (1 Nephi 8:27) because however much one tries in the world of glamour and fashion, it will never be glamorous enough.”
6. Stay by the tree---Lehi’s message is to stay by the tree. We stay because we are converted unto the Lord. When we become deeply converted unto the Lord, we should no longer seek the spacious building.
I love how his talk says that, "True disciples continue to awaken unto God each day in meaningful personal prayer, earnest scripture study, personal obedience, and selfless service. Stay by the tree and stay awake."
Another important point: It requires valiant discipleship! There is no room for average or complacent disciples. Average is the enemy of excellence, and average commitment will prevent you from enduring to the end.
Last important point: If you are struggling, confused, or spiritually lost, I urge you to do the one thing I know will get you back on track. Begin again to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon and live its teachings every day, every day, every day! The Holy Ghost will change your heart and help you see “things as they really are.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Seek the Spirit in All You Do
We learned lesson #12 this week, and it can be found here: 12
How do we seek the spirit in all that we do?
Daily Scripture Study: take time to invite the spirit into your home through daily scripture study.
We cannot know God and Jesus without studying about them and then doing their will. This course leads to additional revealed knowledge which, if obeyed, will eventually lead us to further
Sincere Fasting and Prayer:
**Fasting: Do what you can. What your body can handle. Many physically cannot go without food due to many reasons, ei- medications, pregnancy, other health issues. Do what works for you. Fast from sweets or anything that will bring that spirit into your life.
One sister compared fasting to going to the Temple. Both are a process of purification and cleansing.
We have been promised the Holy Ghost will be with us at all times, in all places and in all things if we strive to do what is right. Obedience is the key to having the Holy Ghost with us.
How do we seek the spirit in all that we do?
Daily Scripture Study: take time to invite the spirit into your home through daily scripture study.
We cannot know God and Jesus without studying about them and then doing their will. This course leads to additional revealed knowledge which, if obeyed, will eventually lead us to further
Sincere Fasting and Prayer:
**Fasting: Do what you can. What your body can handle. Many physically cannot go without food due to many reasons, ei- medications, pregnancy, other health issues. Do what works for you. Fast from sweets or anything that will bring that spirit into your life.
One sister compared fasting to going to the Temple. Both are a process of purification and cleansing.
Our prayers must be offered in the same spirit and with the same fervor as were the prayers of Enos in the Book of Mormon. Most are familiar with that inspiring story, so I will not repeat the background. I only want to draw your attention to these words. Enos testified: “I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins.” He clarified that wrestle with God. Note the fervor in his petition:
“My soul hungered.”
“I kneeled down before my Maker.”
“I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul.”
“All day long did I cry unto him.”
Then Enos testified, “There came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. … Wherefore, my guilt was swept away.” When he inquired of the Lord how this had been accomplished, the Lord answered him: “Because of thy faith in Christ … thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Enos 1:2, 4–8; italics added.)
If you want to get the spirit of your office and calling … try fasting for a period. I don’t mean just missing one meal, then eating twice as much the next meal. I mean really fasting, and praying during that period. It will do more to give you the real spirit of your office and calling and permit the Spirit to operate through you than anything I know.
Strive to Have the Holy Ghost:
We have been taught that the Spirit will not dwell in unclean tabernacles [see Helaman 4:24]. Therefore, one of our first priorities is to make sure our own personal lives are in order.
We have been promised the Holy Ghost will be with us at all times, in all places and in all things if we strive to do what is right. Obedience is the key to having the Holy Ghost with us.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Chapter 11: Follow the prophet
Chapter 11: Follow the Prophet
This lesson was taught by asking two questions to the sisters. Basically, we taught teach other about how to follow the words of the prophet.
President Benson said, "Learn to keep your eye on the prophet. He is the Lord’s mouthpiece and the only man who can speak for the Lord today. Let his inspired counsel take precedence. Let his inspired words be a basis
1. How do you keep "an eye" on the prophet? What does this mean to you?
* help to be comforted and how there are many great things in the world.
* seek the Ensign from cover to cover for inspiration
* watch or listen to conferences
* use handheld devices that have church websites on it.
* read books that members of the presidency have written
* youtube videos
* visit LDS.org
* Mormon channel
* facebook memes
* DVD, tapes, or CDs of the conferences.
2. How do we follow the words of the prophets?
* one sister was inspired to buy food storage instead of having a honeymoon.
* one sister heard a talk by Boyd K. Packer who said to not ask for callings or turn down callings
In his talk, he said, " We do not aspire to calls in the Church, nor do we ask to be released. We are called to positions in the Church by inspiration. Even if the call is presented in a clumsy way, it is not wise for us to refuse the call. We must presuppose that the call comes from the Lord. The fifth article of faith tells us that we “must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”
* learn to listen to counsel and act upon it.
That was it! If you would like to read more of the lesson, click the link above.
This lesson was taught by asking two questions to the sisters. Basically, we taught teach other about how to follow the words of the prophet.
President Benson said, "Learn to keep your eye on the prophet. He is the Lord’s mouthpiece and the only man who can speak for the Lord today. Let his inspired counsel take precedence. Let his inspired words be a basis
1. How do you keep "an eye" on the prophet? What does this mean to you?
* help to be comforted and how there are many great things in the world.
* seek the Ensign from cover to cover for inspiration
* watch or listen to conferences
* use handheld devices that have church websites on it.
* read books that members of the presidency have written
* youtube videos
* visit LDS.org
* Mormon channel
* facebook memes
* DVD, tapes, or CDs of the conferences.
2. How do we follow the words of the prophets?
* one sister was inspired to buy food storage instead of having a honeymoon.
* one sister heard a talk by Boyd K. Packer who said to not ask for callings or turn down callings
In his talk, he said, " We do not aspire to calls in the Church, nor do we ask to be released. We are called to positions in the Church by inspiration. Even if the call is presented in a clumsy way, it is not wise for us to refuse the call. We must presuppose that the call comes from the Lord. The fifth article of faith tells us that we “must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”
If some circumstance makes it difficult for you to continue to serve, you are free to consult with the leader who called you. We do not call ourselves and we do not release ourselves. Sometimes a leader or a teacher enjoys the prominence of a presiding position so much that, even after serving for a long time, they do not want to be released. That is a sign that a release is timely. We should do as we are called. We should accept the calls and accept a release by the same authority.
When President J. Reuben Clark was called as second counselor in the First Presidency after having served for many years as first counselor, he responded at the Solemn Assembly where the sustaining of the new First Presidency took place: “In the service of the Lord, it is not where you serve but how. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one takes the place to which one is duly called, which place one neither seeks nor declines” (CR, Apr. 1951, p. 154). The Church had been taught a very valuable lesson in the unwritten order of things.
I learned years ago that we do not choose where we serve—we just answer the call. Soon after our marriage, I was called as an assistant stake clerk. My bishop did not want to release me as Gospel Doctrine teacher. He told me that I had much more to offer as a teacher than in the very obscure assignment as assistant stake clerk. But he knew that, under the unwritten order of things, the stake president presided and that his call took precedence.?
* read the scriptures* learn to listen to counsel and act upon it.
That was it! If you would like to read more of the lesson, click the link above.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Abby
Part of Bonnie L. Oscarson's talk that was used for Sunday's lesson was about her daughter Abby. Her is how Abby was a defender of the proclamation.
Our youngest daughter, Abby, saw a unique opportunity to stand as a defender of the role of mother. One day she got a notice from her children’s school that they were having Career Day presentations at the school. Parents were invited to send in an application if they wanted to come to school to teach the children about their jobs, and Abby felt impressed to apply to come and speak about motherhood. She didn’t hear back from the school, and when Career Day was getting close, she finally called the school, thinking they may have lost her application. The organizers scrambled around and found two teachers who agreed to have Abby come talk to their classes at the end of Career Day.
In her very fun presentation to the children, Abby taught them, among other things, that as a mother she needed to be somewhat of an expert in medicine, psychology, religion, teaching, music, literature, art, finance, decorating, hair styling, chauffeuring, sports, culinary arts, and so much more. The children were impressed. She finished by having the children remember their mothers by writing thank-you notes expressing gratitude for the many loving acts of service they received daily. Abby felt that the children saw their mothers in a whole new light and that being a mother or father was something of great worth. She applied to share again this year at Career Day and was invited to present to six classes.
Abby has said of her experience: “I feel like it could be easy in this world for a child to get the sense that being a parent is a secondary job or even sometimes a necessary inconvenience. I want every child to feel like they are the most important priority to their parent, and maybe telling them how important being a parent is to me will help them realize all that their parents do for them and why.”
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Fast Sunday Lesson
What were you doing on September 23, 1995?
Personally I was in my first year of high school as a freshman.
One sister in Relief Society was starting 5th grade.
A sister was heavily pregnant with her first baby.
What were you doing?
September 23, 1995 is the day that The Family, A Proclamation to the World was given at the Relief Society broadcast.
Today's lesson was based on the talk given by Bonnie L. Oscarson's talk: Defenders of the Family Proclamation
I recently read the story of Marie Madeline Cardon, who, with her family, received the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ from the first missionaries called to serve in Italy in 1850. She was a young woman of 17 or 18 years of age when they were baptized. One Sunday, while the family was holding a worship service in their home high in the Alps of northern Italy, an angry mob of men, including some of the local ministers, gathered around the house and began shouting, yelling, and calling for the missionaries to be brought outside. I don’t think they were anxious to be taught the gospel—they intended bodily harm. It was young Marie who marched out of the house to confront the mob.
They continued their vicious yells and demands for the missionaries to be brought out. Marie raised her Bible up in her hand and commanded them to depart. She told them that the elders were under her protection and that they could not harm one hair of their heads. Listen to her own words: “All stood aghast. … God was with me. He placed those words in my mouth, or I could not have spoken them. All was calm, instantly. That strong ferocious body of men stood helpless before a weak, trembling, yet fearless girl.” The ministers asked the mob to leave, which they did quietly in shame, fear, and remorse. The small flock completed their meeting in peace.1
Can’t you just picture that brave young woman, the same age as many of you, standing up to a mob and defending her newly found beliefs with courage and conviction?
When President Gordon B. Hinckley first read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” 20 years ago this year, we were grateful for and valued the clarity, simplicity, and truth of this revelatory document. Little did we realize then how very desperately we would need these basic declarations in today’s world as the criteria by which we could judge each new wind of worldly dogma coming at us from the media, the Internet, scholars, TV and films, and even legislators. The proclamation on the family has become our benchmark for judging the philosophies of the world, and I testify that the principles set forth within this statement are as true today as they were when they were given to us by a prophet of God nearly 20 years ago.
May I point out something obvious? Life rarely goes exactly according to plan for anyone, and we are very aware that not all women are experiencing what the proclamation describes. It is still important to understand and teach the Lord’s pattern and strive for the realization of that pattern the best we can.
Sister Oscarson talked about 3 principals that need defenders:
1. Marriage between a man and a woman.
“Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 11:11
2. Elevating the Divine rolls of mothers and fathers.
Do we also teach our sons and daughters there is no greater honor, no more elevated title, and no more important role in this life than that of mother or father? I would hope that as we encourage our children to reach for the very best in this life that we also teach them to honor and exalt the roles that mothers and fathers play in Heavenly Father’s plan.
3. Stand and defend the sanctity of our home.
We need to take a term which is sometimes spoken of with derision and elevate it. It is the term homemaker. Our homes should be places where the Spirit of the Lord is felt in rich abundance and where the scriptures and the gospel are studied, taught, and lived. What a difference it would make in the world if all people would see themselves as makers of righteous homes. Let us defend the home as a place which is second only to the temple in holiness.
The Lord needs us to be brave, steadfast, and immovable warriors who will defend His plan and teach the upcoming generations His truths.
James E. Faust had this to say: A year ago in this meeting, President Gordon B. Hinckley, speaking for the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, announced and read the Proclamation on the Family. Because you mothers are the heart and soul of any family, it was appropriate that it was first read in the General Relief Society Meeting.
Sister Oscarson offered this challenge to us:
During this 20th anniversary year of the family proclamation, I would like to issue a challenge for all of us as women of the Church to be defenders of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Just as Marie Madeline Cardon courageously defended the missionaries and her newly found beliefs, we need to boldly defend the Lord’s revealed doctrines describing marriage, families, the divine roles of men and women, and the importance of homes as sacred places—even when the world is shouting in our ears that these principles are outdated, limiting, or no longer relevant. Everyone, no matter what their marital circumstance or number of children, can be defenders of the Lord’s plan described in the family proclamation. If it is the Lord’s plan, it should also be our plan!
During this 20th anniversary year of the family proclamation, I would like to issue a challenge for all of us as women of the Church to be defenders of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Just as Marie Madeline Cardon courageously defended the missionaries and her newly found beliefs, we need to boldly defend the Lord’s revealed doctrines describing marriage, families, the divine roles of men and women, and the importance of homes as sacred places—even when the world is shouting in our ears that these principles are outdated, limiting, or no longer relevant. Everyone, no matter what their marital circumstance or number of children, can be defenders of the Lord’s plan described in the family proclamation. If it is the Lord’s plan, it should also be our plan!
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Lesson Recap
Our lesson this past Sunday was on the conference talk: Guided Safely Home by President Thomas S. Monson.
Our lesson began with a drawing of 2 paths. Which path would you want to take?
Seventy-five years ago, on February 14, 1939, in Hamburg, Germany, a public holiday was celebrated. Amid fervent speeches, cheering throngs, and the playing of patriotic anthems, the new battleship Bismarck was put to sea via the River Elbe. This, the most powerful vessel afloat, was a breathtaking spectacle of armor and machinery. Construction required more than 57,000 blueprints for the 380-millimeter, radar-controlled, double-gun turrets. The vessel featured 28,000 miles (45,000 km) of electrical circuits. It weighed over 35,000 tons, and armor plate provided maximum safety. Majestic in appearance, gigantic in size, awesome in firepower, the mighty colossus was considered unsinkable.
The Bismarck’s appointment with destiny came more than two years later, when on May 24, 1941, the two most powerful warships in the British Navy, the Prince of Wales and the Hood, engaged in battle the Bismarck and the German cruiser Prinz Eugen. Within five minutes the Bismarck had sent to the depths of the Atlantic the Hood and all but three men of a crew of over 1,400. The other British battleship, the Prince of Wales, had suffered heavy damage and turned away.
Over the next three days the Bismarck was engaged again and again by British warships and aircraft. In all, the British concentrated the strength of five battleships, two aircraft carriers, 11 cruisers, and 21 destroyers in an effort to find and to sink the mighty Bismarck.
During these battles, shell after shell inflicted only superficial damage on the Bismarck. Was it unsinkable after all? Then a torpedo scored a lucky hit, which jammed the Bismarck’s rudder. Repair efforts proved fruitless. With guns primed and the crews at ready, the Bismarck could only steer a slow circle. Just beyond reach was the powerful German air force. The Bismarck could not reach the safety of home port. Neither could provide the needed haven, for the Bismarck had lost the ability to steer a charted course. No rudder, no help, no port. The end drew near. British guns blazed as the German crew scuttled and sank the once seemingly indestructible vessel. The hungry waves of the Atlantic first lapped at the sides and then swallowed the pride of the German navy. The Bismarck was no more.
The once great Bismarck was "dead in the water" from one little hit to the rudder. That is how Satan gets us, with the little things. Some of these little things he uses to bring us down are:
Anger
Gossip
Envy
Tatoos
Inappropriate Movies, Books, Music, T.V
Inappropriate Movies, Books, Music, T.V
These small things, lead to the bigger things. He doesn't get us by causing us to make huge sins at first, he starts small and then leads to the big.
How do ships navigate?
Compass
Compass
Stars
Winds
Tug boat
Light house
Just like light leads a ship safely into harbor and allows it to navigate the rocks, so will the light of Christ lead us to safety.
How do we navigate?
In cooking? - Recipe. Step by step
In cooking? - Recipe. Step by step
Sewing? - Pattern, instructions
Gardening? - Prepping, books.
Spiritually? - Scriptures, Holy Ghost, Patriarchal Blessing, Prophet, Prayers, attending our meetings.
Elder M. Russell Ballard: Stay in the Boat and Hold On!
President Brigham Young commonly employed “the Old Ship Zion” as a metaphor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He said on one occasion: “We are in the midst of the ocean. A storm comes on, and, as sailors say, she labors very hard. ‘I am not going to stay here,’ says one; ‘I don’t believe this is the “Ship Zion.”’ ‘But we are in the midst of the ocean.’ ‘I don’t care, I am not going to stay here.’ Off goes the coat, and he jumps overboard. Will he not be drowned? Yes. So with those who leave this Church. It is the ‘Old Ship Zion,’ let us stay in it.”
On another occasion, President Young said that he also worried about people losing their way when they were being blessed—when life was good: “It is in calm weather, when the old ship of Zion is sailing with a gentle breeze, [and] when all is quiet on deck, that some of the brethren want to go out in the whaling boats to have … a swim, and some get drowned, others drifted away, and others again get back to the ship. Let us stick to the old ship and she will carry us [safely] into the harbor; you need not be concerned.”
And finally, President Young reminded the Saints: “We are on the old ship Zion. … [God] is at the helm and will stay there. … All is right, sing Hallelujah, for the Lord is here. He dictates, guides and directs. If the people will have implicit confidence in their God, never forsake their covenants nor their God, He will guide us right.”
Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in Faith, in purity. The Apostle Paul
Which path would you take? A is not the straight and narrow, it is just the shortest and quickest path. The path you choose depends on the destination. Sometimes you want to get their as quickly as possible, other times you want to take the senic route and enjoy the journey.
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