Thursday, March 31, 2016
Change means growth!!!
Hubby and I are seeing this as we continue to watch CR from long ago. Thought you'd enjoy this - 10 Ways General Conference has changed in the last 40 years.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
getting ready!
I'm working on my "research" project of increasing gospel knowledge and endeavoring to live it... quite enjoying the journey these last few days! Yes!! feels good and on point!
Our thoughts of excitement grow with the thought of General Conference. You know that I'm a Conference addict and am planning food and getting ready for 2 days of solid spiritual feeding of my soul.
There are so many things available for children to do during Conference so I'm imagining that you Momma's, with the chicks in nest, are busy scouring the online sources and printing and cutting and planning. What a great tradition you can start!! I'd probably center mine around wearing pajamas and eating popcorn and having picture packets of the Prophets and Apostles and etc. Maybe words to listen for and get a jelly bean from a bowl at the end of the talk or something.
I don't have anyone here but my sweetie! Fortunately, for both of us, we love listening to every minute of Conference so we have no conflict. Plus we don't have any responsibility of getting children to places for Saturday obligations. Just the two of us...laser vision staring at the telly and loving it! 2 old sponges soaking up the goodness and feeling revived!!!
I wanted to share this 2006 quote by Elder Holland. Enjoy it!
The iron rod—the word of God—brings us safely through the mists of darkness.
During the concluding session of the October 2006 general conference, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that hearing God’s voice through His servants is vital to spiritual survival in our day of dangers and difficulties: “Our times are turbulent and difficult. We see wars internationally and distress domestically. Neighbors all around us face personal heartaches and family sorrows. Legions know fear and troubles of a hundred kinds. This reminds us that when those mists of darkness enveloped the travelers in Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, it enveloped all of the participants—the righteous as well as the unrighteous, the young along with the elderly, the new convert and seasoned member alike. In that allegory all face opposition and travail, and only the rod of iron—the declared word of God—can bring them safely through. We all need that rod. We all need that word. No one is safe without it, for in its absence any can ‘[fall] away into forbidden paths and [be] lost,’ as the record says [1 Nephi 8:28; see also vv. 23–24]. How grateful we are to have heard God’s voice and felt the strength of that iron rod in this conference these past two days” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2006, 111–12; or Ensign, Nov. 2006, 105; emphasis added).
Monday, March 28, 2016
#2 and #3
#1- Posted yesterday!
#2- Bear with me on this part. I have scriptures below but will first tell my feelings. The story in Matthew tells of a man that has been swept clean, so to speak of evil. He did not fill that emptiness within himself. Eventually all of that old stuff returned and even worse came in. He had not replaced the evil with good (whatever that evil was) Even more evil than the original filled that space. IF you clear bad, of any sort, from your life then you MUST replace it with good....good behavior on all levels, in all things, must be elevated. Not perfection but improvement of worthwhile action.
So the reverse of this also rings true to me. IF you are doing something in spiritual habits, and you do not keep it up, then life will get tough or at least less than the level of spirituality that it was. the goodness of the Gospel can be crowded out of our lives if not carefully maintained. Once we start something of a religious nature then we must keep it up or we lose it. We lose not only the habit but we lose the available blessings and eventually we replace our Church activity and spirituality with individual apostasy and inactivity.
I've seen this with Missionaries that had fantastic Missions and they come home, coast a bit, slack off and end up an inactive/bitter/apostate.
We've all seen Converts embrace the Gospel through baptism, and then for whatever reason, drop out and have ill feelings towards what they once enjoyed and join the realm of apostates.
And saddest of all...active friends/family that turn on the doctrines/apostles etc. and join the ranks of enemies of the Church. It happens.
AND it can happen to all of us IF we do not stay on guard. Personal maintenance of the spiritual aspect of our lives is mandatory to stay actively and healthily involved in the Gospel.
Peter cautioned us, warned us, very concisely...
12:20 For if after they have aescaped the bpollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are cagain dentangled therein, and eovercome, the latter end is fworse with them than the beginning.
That goes along, in my way of thinking with...
Alma 24:30 And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once aenlightened by the bSpirit of God, and have had great cknowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have dfallen away into sin and transgression, they become more ehardened, and thus their state becomes fworse than though they had never known these things.
and also goes along with Matthew 12:43-45
43 aWhen the bunclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
#2- Bear with me on this part. I have scriptures below but will first tell my feelings. The story in Matthew tells of a man that has been swept clean, so to speak of evil. He did not fill that emptiness within himself. Eventually all of that old stuff returned and even worse came in. He had not replaced the evil with good (whatever that evil was) Even more evil than the original filled that space. IF you clear bad, of any sort, from your life then you MUST replace it with good....good behavior on all levels, in all things, must be elevated. Not perfection but improvement of worthwhile action.
So the reverse of this also rings true to me. IF you are doing something in spiritual habits, and you do not keep it up, then life will get tough or at least less than the level of spirituality that it was. the goodness of the Gospel can be crowded out of our lives if not carefully maintained. Once we start something of a religious nature then we must keep it up or we lose it. We lose not only the habit but we lose the available blessings and eventually we replace our Church activity and spirituality with individual apostasy and inactivity.
I've seen this with Missionaries that had fantastic Missions and they come home, coast a bit, slack off and end up an inactive/bitter/apostate.
We've all seen Converts embrace the Gospel through baptism, and then for whatever reason, drop out and have ill feelings towards what they once enjoyed and join the realm of apostates.
And saddest of all...active friends/family that turn on the doctrines/apostles etc. and join the ranks of enemies of the Church. It happens.
AND it can happen to all of us IF we do not stay on guard. Personal maintenance of the spiritual aspect of our lives is mandatory to stay actively and healthily involved in the Gospel.
Peter cautioned us, warned us, very concisely...
12:20 For if after they have aescaped the bpollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are cagain dentangled therein, and eovercome, the latter end is fworse with them than the beginning.
That goes along, in my way of thinking with...
Alma 24:30 And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once aenlightened by the bSpirit of God, and have had great cknowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have dfallen away into sin and transgression, they become more ehardened, and thus their state becomes fworse than though they had never known these things.
and also goes along with Matthew 12:43-45
43 aWhen the bunclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth ahe, and taketh with himself seven other bspirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last cstate of that man is dworse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
(check the footnote vs. 45 on state. There it is, in black and white!- individual apostasy. Also footnote for worse refers to the Alma 24:30 vs. that I printed above)
#3- I am desiring to grow beyond where I am right now so I have to make a serious commitment to anything that I take on, to increase my simple small acts of obedience-- whether it be quite intense or something new or just a slight bump-up. I am seeking greater understanding and how to incorporate what I learn into a habit. And this brings up the next thought that has been rolling around in my mind.
Opposition always comes when religious change/improvement is sought. I have an inkling of what I'm desiring in the way of growth and I'm excited. I have some illumination, so to speak and there is great counsel, great warning, about that sort of thing...when you have a glimpse of what can become a reality....
Opposition always comes when religious change/improvement is sought. I have an inkling of what I'm desiring in the way of growth and I'm excited. I have some illumination, so to speak and there is great counsel, great warning, about that sort of thing...when you have a glimpse of what can become a reality....
Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions...
The hope I have?...my soul deep desire and that peek of light, a haze of illumination, is enough to set me marching forward....with my eyes wide open and my guard up!
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Moving along the trail...
How long does it take a person to incorporate the expectations of Gospel living into their life and it becomes natural and a to-do check off list is no longer needed? I'm not sure. I know when I first joined the Church, all those years ago, that it felt as though there was some invisible book filled with as many laws as the Mosaic law. The reality was that it actually was rather straightforward and simple in what was expected but the actual incorporating of a newness of lifestyle, and in many cases a discard of old lifestyle, seemed nearly insurmountable.
Strong desire and doing became a habit and eventually became a great strength and comfort to me and it still is. Learning to pray and then learning to pray and feel I was being heard was a huge thing to me!! and again...it still is! Prayer and Temple and Scripture Study and Attending Meetings and Accepting Callings and Paying Tithing and Storing Food and Helping Others and and and and...the list goes on.
My adherence to my precious Gospel Living Life brings me joy and strength and peace and comfort and personal soul power.
I'm feeling my lifestyle religiously has perhaps become to rote. I've decided that I must up the ante in order to figure out how to cope with mortality and the challenges on my daily list. Even doing those things that I've come to lean on and glean from for strength and comfort...favorite scriptures... Conference talks...hymns...fasting...Temple attendance...prayer etc. I still find myself wanting/needing more.
You have heard my struggles and laments as I have tried to figure out how to do things but actually how is not the challenge...what is the challenge. What do I need? I need greater spiritually strength and that comes from doing more.
I think after you get the routine of religious behavior/actions into your life, even after many years, there can come a sense of coasting a bit? Just a bit of breezing along on level ground. Sometimes feeling a spiritual high and sometimes feeling a decline in Spirit. I know this happens to all of us and have always enjoyed what President Kimball said, and I also can really reign myself in, and get a needed boost and assistance, by doing as he said and immersing myself in the scriptures.
In studying and contemplating and pondering the last while, I have several thoughts that have stayed in my mind. They are rolling around and present themselves for me to take action.
#1- In connection with the Temple dedication at Kirtland (and all things spoken at Temple dedications apply to ALL of us) I enjoyed this verse...
109:15 And that they may grow up in thee, and receive a fullness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful thing.
I could go on and on about my feelings on this verse but the reality is...I do want to grow up!
It's hard for my mind to list the thoughts rumbling and tumbling around but I will do that sorting soon!
Yesterday my Temple visit was amazing and strengthening and revelatory in direction to take. I am feeling the confirmation of being on the right track. I feel confident and happy about what I'm taking on. Change is good when it's good change you are going after!
Later on things beyond #1!
Today is General Women's Conference! So excited and looking forward to hearing what is said and being with other believers!
Terry and I listened/watched the Messiah broadcast. It is amazing the amount of info, great spiritual/beautiful/inspiring data available through the Church. This is the best time to be alive!! Even if a person in some ways is housebound, they can be fed unlimited amounts of goodness via the Internet. so appreciative and thankful!
(PS- Natalie- thank you for your beautiful letter)
Strong desire and doing became a habit and eventually became a great strength and comfort to me and it still is. Learning to pray and then learning to pray and feel I was being heard was a huge thing to me!! and again...it still is! Prayer and Temple and Scripture Study and Attending Meetings and Accepting Callings and Paying Tithing and Storing Food and Helping Others and and and and...the list goes on.
My adherence to my precious Gospel Living Life brings me joy and strength and peace and comfort and personal soul power.
I'm feeling my lifestyle religiously has perhaps become to rote. I've decided that I must up the ante in order to figure out how to cope with mortality and the challenges on my daily list. Even doing those things that I've come to lean on and glean from for strength and comfort...favorite scriptures... Conference talks...hymns...fasting...Temple attendance...prayer etc. I still find myself wanting/needing more.
You have heard my struggles and laments as I have tried to figure out how to do things but actually how is not the challenge...what is the challenge. What do I need? I need greater spiritually strength and that comes from doing more.
I think after you get the routine of religious behavior/actions into your life, even after many years, there can come a sense of coasting a bit? Just a bit of breezing along on level ground. Sometimes feeling a spiritual high and sometimes feeling a decline in Spirit. I know this happens to all of us and have always enjoyed what President Kimball said, and I also can really reign myself in, and get a needed boost and assistance, by doing as he said and immersing myself in the scriptures.
In studying and contemplating and pondering the last while, I have several thoughts that have stayed in my mind. They are rolling around and present themselves for me to take action.
#1- In connection with the Temple dedication at Kirtland (and all things spoken at Temple dedications apply to ALL of us) I enjoyed this verse...
109:15 And that they may grow up in thee, and receive a fullness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful thing.
I could go on and on about my feelings on this verse but the reality is...I do want to grow up!
It's hard for my mind to list the thoughts rumbling and tumbling around but I will do that sorting soon!
Yesterday my Temple visit was amazing and strengthening and revelatory in direction to take. I am feeling the confirmation of being on the right track. I feel confident and happy about what I'm taking on. Change is good when it's good change you are going after!
Later on things beyond #1!
Today is General Women's Conference! So excited and looking forward to hearing what is said and being with other believers!
Terry and I listened/watched the Messiah broadcast. It is amazing the amount of info, great spiritual/beautiful/inspiring data available through the Church. This is the best time to be alive!! Even if a person in some ways is housebound, they can be fed unlimited amounts of goodness via the Internet. so appreciative and thankful!
(PS- Natalie- thank you for your beautiful letter)
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Root nourishing
Things in my life are becoming more familiar as the newness becomes the oldness. The old way, the OldNorm, fades away and the new way, the NewNorm takes root...still tender and needing tending and care, as tendrils spread out. Changes within must also come about as old is discarded and new is pared to fit snugly and hopefully become comfy with it's familiarity.
Like a needy child.... One in desperate need of a sense of stability and rock solid security and desiring a massive dose of that feeling that comes from feeling the Spirit...I sought the peace, the blessings available through Temple attendance and Church attendance. Terry is so wonderful in insisting/supporting that I regularly go to the Temple. He says that he can feel the blessings when I go. I'm not sure if that is because he can't go but he would if he could so therefore he is blessed or if it's because I'm nicer/kinder etc. when I return from the Temple but whatever it is...it works and we both enjoy it. I personally love the feeling.
As with other things like tithing etc., although I can't say how it transpires, I can say things do transpire and it is amazing to me. I'm so appreciative of those promised blessings that attend acts of obedience. I just have to do something, like attend the Temple, and I will be blessed on so many levels. I am thankful I have faith in the simple fact that obedience brings forth blessings.
I read that book by Sister Nelson about angels and it was pretty much a beautifully laid out book of that talk that had inspired me to buy the book. I love pretty things in books. it is lovely. The angel part was, as I just said, the story she related. it is one small part of the book. The book is more centered on being Covenant Keepers. I'm interested in that factor and want to be more obedient to the Covenants I've made.
I don't feel that I've ever yet figured out how to access grace. I have learned to access Heaven through personal prayer and to know and feel they are heard and answered but I've not figured out the grace part. I've always been fascinated with grace and have always had a very simplistic approach to it...there is A to Z. I want to get to Z. On my own merit I can get to K. Grace will carry me to Z. I understand grace applies to situations after I've done all I can. I love the definition that it is an enabling power. I want to figure out how to access that enabling power and experience that in my life.
I also found a book by Sheri Dew about grace and I enjoyed it and learned from her perspective.
I am now personally studying...Angels and Grace and Temples...to be able to grow spiritually and be better able to handle the challenges of my life. I have enjoyed reading those two little books and starting the digging into BD/Index/scriptures and start searching Conference talks. True I can't fully change my circumstance of life happenings but I certainly can change my spiritual knowledge and reap those blessings.
Last week was so challenging for us with Terry's health and him being in pain and I couldn't help him but the Spirit was sweet and special. I attended Stake Conference and a Ward meeting about Missionary work. plus that great Temple trip. plus being eager to delve into, really search it out, about Temples/Grace/Angels and starting that marvelous adventure of spiritual growth.
I've thought this week about the steadiness of the Gospel and the security I have of it's never changing doctrine and the comfort and security and belief/conviction of Prophets and Temples and the Holy Ghost and the beauty of the Scriptures and the witness of truth that comes from study and the courage that starts to course through my mind and the feeling of rightness for living the best I can.
It really hit me as how transient the world is and what is good today, is outdated and old and thrown tomorrow. Those changing fads can cause problems for people without the ability to keep up with the times and make the changes that start to hit broadside on what is correct. Something as simple as colors that are popular. In today and out tomorrow! people redecorate entire houses or purge wrong colored or wrong style clothing. I always wondered...who are these powerful people that dictate the colors that will reign for a year. Did you know that there is such a group? Seriously.
I find it fascinating that a group has such power to influence everything of color...furniture...fabric...paint...appliances and on and on. Just thought you'd like to know the 2016 colors that were just announced by Pantone Color Institute here True they will change colors for next year but also true, the time I spend studying to grow in gospel learning will never change or go out of style. It's a classic beauty that will withstand the test of time!
2016!! first time they have ever selected two colors! Rose Quartz and Serenity.
Like a needy child.... One in desperate need of a sense of stability and rock solid security and desiring a massive dose of that feeling that comes from feeling the Spirit...I sought the peace, the blessings available through Temple attendance and Church attendance. Terry is so wonderful in insisting/supporting that I regularly go to the Temple. He says that he can feel the blessings when I go. I'm not sure if that is because he can't go but he would if he could so therefore he is blessed or if it's because I'm nicer/kinder etc. when I return from the Temple but whatever it is...it works and we both enjoy it. I personally love the feeling.
As with other things like tithing etc., although I can't say how it transpires, I can say things do transpire and it is amazing to me. I'm so appreciative of those promised blessings that attend acts of obedience. I just have to do something, like attend the Temple, and I will be blessed on so many levels. I am thankful I have faith in the simple fact that obedience brings forth blessings.
I read that book by Sister Nelson about angels and it was pretty much a beautifully laid out book of that talk that had inspired me to buy the book. I love pretty things in books. it is lovely. The angel part was, as I just said, the story she related. it is one small part of the book. The book is more centered on being Covenant Keepers. I'm interested in that factor and want to be more obedient to the Covenants I've made.
I don't feel that I've ever yet figured out how to access grace. I have learned to access Heaven through personal prayer and to know and feel they are heard and answered but I've not figured out the grace part. I've always been fascinated with grace and have always had a very simplistic approach to it...there is A to Z. I want to get to Z. On my own merit I can get to K. Grace will carry me to Z. I understand grace applies to situations after I've done all I can. I love the definition that it is an enabling power. I want to figure out how to access that enabling power and experience that in my life.
I also found a book by Sheri Dew about grace and I enjoyed it and learned from her perspective.
I am now personally studying...Angels and Grace and Temples...to be able to grow spiritually and be better able to handle the challenges of my life. I have enjoyed reading those two little books and starting the digging into BD/Index/scriptures and start searching Conference talks. True I can't fully change my circumstance of life happenings but I certainly can change my spiritual knowledge and reap those blessings.
Last week was so challenging for us with Terry's health and him being in pain and I couldn't help him but the Spirit was sweet and special. I attended Stake Conference and a Ward meeting about Missionary work. plus that great Temple trip. plus being eager to delve into, really search it out, about Temples/Grace/Angels and starting that marvelous adventure of spiritual growth.
I've thought this week about the steadiness of the Gospel and the security I have of it's never changing doctrine and the comfort and security and belief/conviction of Prophets and Temples and the Holy Ghost and the beauty of the Scriptures and the witness of truth that comes from study and the courage that starts to course through my mind and the feeling of rightness for living the best I can.
It really hit me as how transient the world is and what is good today, is outdated and old and thrown tomorrow. Those changing fads can cause problems for people without the ability to keep up with the times and make the changes that start to hit broadside on what is correct. Something as simple as colors that are popular. In today and out tomorrow! people redecorate entire houses or purge wrong colored or wrong style clothing. I always wondered...who are these powerful people that dictate the colors that will reign for a year. Did you know that there is such a group? Seriously.
I find it fascinating that a group has such power to influence everything of color...furniture...fabric...paint...appliances and on and on. Just thought you'd like to know the 2016 colors that were just announced by Pantone Color Institute here True they will change colors for next year but also true, the time I spend studying to grow in gospel learning will never change or go out of style. It's a classic beauty that will withstand the test of time!
*************************
(a tidbit from Wikipedia)...Annually, Pantone declares a particular color "Color of the Year". Twice a year the company hosts, in a European capital, a secret meeting of representatives from various nations' color standards groups. After two days of presentations and debate, they choose a color for the following year.
*********************
2016!! first time they have ever selected two colors! Rose Quartz and Serenity.
"A symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude."
"For the first time Pantone introduces two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity as the PANTONE Color of the Year 2016. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times."
Friday, March 18, 2016
There is still time...
for you to do a Seder meal for your family. I wish I'd been on the ball and done this for my Laurels this year. Maybe next year, if I'm still the teacher. If I'm not their teacher then with friends? I really like things like this!
BYU Passover | Deseret News
BYU Passover | Deseret News
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Moving ahead...
Don't you just like the way this looks? It's lovely to look at...to contemplate...to know the Gospel with the Plan is true and all things are possible. I love the feeling of hope rising on the horizon as I make peace with my challenges, which are not unlike you doing the same. Have a day of peaceful accomplishment and increased faith in your ability to handle life and most specifically your own personal life. I will also!
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Water Watch....
In 1946 Hugh B. Brown wrote a letter to a friend that was going through a personal crisis of faith. It was never published until now! His personal secretary enjoyed it so much she asked if she could make a copy and he granted permission as long as she took the individuals name off. She did that and stowed it in her personal belongings. Her Grandson is now sharing it. I enjoyed how he wrote!
this one sentence is so true to me....I assume that you will enjoy it also.
I have come through my own experiences with the conviction that prayer is comradeship with God; indeed, I doubt if I could have endured some recent experiences if I had not had that refuge.
so interesting.....here
I am not going, nor have been going through a faith crisis. I have definitely been going through a mortality crisis in figuring out how to balance my life. My faith is the one anchor that I hold onto...maybe sometimes clinging desperately. Hmmm...maybe feeling a loss of Spirit is a faith crisis? Not a total loss but enough to notice? I do focus on Christ and He is the Rock of my life. The very thought of Him helps me weather the storms of life.
That being said... I am thinking of one of my two favorite scripture incidents that are so powerful to me. Peter walking on the water towards Christ. The weather so bad and yet Peter, anxious to try a water walk, steps off, and keeps his eyes on the Savior. Well, he did for a bit and then he started looking at the stormy weather and he sank.
He was rescued the second he cried out and was lifted by Christ who questioned...why did you doubt? I know way down in my soul that the very thought of Christ, in a life-crisis moment, and those wet steps that Peter took are me also. IF I focus on Christ and be aware of my personal life storms but not focus on them keeps me upright. Being aware is enough because I know then what my personal challenges are but I don't need to focus 24/7 on the storms in my life but keep my eye on Christ and He will help me weather all mortal storms.
I think perhaps I found myself, before stepping off the boat for my faith trek, that I decided to slip on a life vest. A just in case flotation device. Making sure that I covered all bases and preventing me from sinking? Even with that precaution, I found my self-reliance let me down! I found myself bobbing in the turbulence...sputtering...gasping...frantic...trying to figure out what to do to right myself. All the time the Savior waited for me to realize that I was weighing myself down needlessly and He was there watching my determination, waiting for my strength to wane, waiting for me to pleadingly turn to Him with faith. He always lifts.
True I have to let some things go. A sister asked me last night how I was doing. I told her I was trying to regroup and I felt I'd been flying duo as I had for so many years and it's starting to don on me that in some respects I'm flying solo. Not every single thing but some things and it's taking time to adjust.
In that adjusting...I realize that the choices I make, for my own spiritual safety/spiritual enjoyment and sanity-- the Lord/the Church/my attendance/my activity/my service have to be lumped at the top of any to-do list as #1. I think, in feeling overwhelmed, that I the regular things of life, those things that are necessary and can eat up 24 hours in a blink of the eye, had morphed into #1.
So I'm revamping (AGAIN??) and increasing my faith through more consistent acts of obedience. Feeling that the Lord will compensate and help me with the other things. Making sure that I do, even a dabble, in Family History/genealogy. Okay...I know I have to more than dink around dabbling but to go from sub-zero to a dabbling is quite the leap. (by the way...Natalie, I got your letter about being generous in helping me. Terry is just like you in his enthusiasm so I do have help right here! that was so sweet of you to offer!!)
Weekly Temple attendance has to stay up in firm place. and the list goes on. A list just like yours-- that you want to do out of love and testimony and also look forward to feeling the Spirit and seeing the blessings roll in.
I have said before...I have no idea how blessings actually transpire but I do know they do. I don't know how tithing works but I know it does. I don't know how going into the Temple can make you feel different Spiritually but I know it does. I don't know how reading the Scriptures
cause me to experience the Spirit and feel my testimony increase as I silently say...I know that is true. whether it is something I read or heard from a Conference talk or other inspired authoritative talks.
I also am thankful to feel a closeness to the Spirit when I pray and receive personal revelation. I don't know the workings of these things...I only know they do work and I do love them and more important than on my to-do list of trying to figure out how to balance, what to me is a new life, is to make absolutely sure that the Lord, His Church and my activity at home or attending Temple/or meetings is my main list. Doing things, that need improvement, to increase my personal spiritual experiences is paramount be it Genealogy or Sabbath observance or fasting or really working on anything that increases faith will keep me safe and walking on water towards the Savior.
this one sentence is so true to me....I assume that you will enjoy it also.
I have come through my own experiences with the conviction that prayer is comradeship with God; indeed, I doubt if I could have endured some recent experiences if I had not had that refuge.
so interesting.....here
*******************************
I am not going, nor have been going through a faith crisis. I have definitely been going through a mortality crisis in figuring out how to balance my life. My faith is the one anchor that I hold onto...maybe sometimes clinging desperately. Hmmm...maybe feeling a loss of Spirit is a faith crisis? Not a total loss but enough to notice? I do focus on Christ and He is the Rock of my life. The very thought of Him helps me weather the storms of life.
That being said... I am thinking of one of my two favorite scripture incidents that are so powerful to me. Peter walking on the water towards Christ. The weather so bad and yet Peter, anxious to try a water walk, steps off, and keeps his eyes on the Savior. Well, he did for a bit and then he started looking at the stormy weather and he sank.
He was rescued the second he cried out and was lifted by Christ who questioned...why did you doubt? I know way down in my soul that the very thought of Christ, in a life-crisis moment, and those wet steps that Peter took are me also. IF I focus on Christ and be aware of my personal life storms but not focus on them keeps me upright. Being aware is enough because I know then what my personal challenges are but I don't need to focus 24/7 on the storms in my life but keep my eye on Christ and He will help me weather all mortal storms.
I think perhaps I found myself, before stepping off the boat for my faith trek, that I decided to slip on a life vest. A just in case flotation device. Making sure that I covered all bases and preventing me from sinking? Even with that precaution, I found my self-reliance let me down! I found myself bobbing in the turbulence...sputtering...gasping...frantic...trying to figure out what to do to right myself. All the time the Savior waited for me to realize that I was weighing myself down needlessly and He was there watching my determination, waiting for my strength to wane, waiting for me to pleadingly turn to Him with faith. He always lifts.
True I have to let some things go. A sister asked me last night how I was doing. I told her I was trying to regroup and I felt I'd been flying duo as I had for so many years and it's starting to don on me that in some respects I'm flying solo. Not every single thing but some things and it's taking time to adjust.
In that adjusting...I realize that the choices I make, for my own spiritual safety/spiritual enjoyment and sanity-- the Lord/the Church/my attendance/my activity/my service have to be lumped at the top of any to-do list as #1. I think, in feeling overwhelmed, that I the regular things of life, those things that are necessary and can eat up 24 hours in a blink of the eye, had morphed into #1.
So I'm revamping (AGAIN??) and increasing my faith through more consistent acts of obedience. Feeling that the Lord will compensate and help me with the other things. Making sure that I do, even a dabble, in Family History/genealogy. Okay...I know I have to more than dink around dabbling but to go from sub-zero to a dabbling is quite the leap. (by the way...Natalie, I got your letter about being generous in helping me. Terry is just like you in his enthusiasm so I do have help right here! that was so sweet of you to offer!!)
Weekly Temple attendance has to stay up in firm place. and the list goes on. A list just like yours-- that you want to do out of love and testimony and also look forward to feeling the Spirit and seeing the blessings roll in.
I have said before...I have no idea how blessings actually transpire but I do know they do. I don't know how tithing works but I know it does. I don't know how going into the Temple can make you feel different Spiritually but I know it does. I don't know how reading the Scriptures
cause me to experience the Spirit and feel my testimony increase as I silently say...I know that is true. whether it is something I read or heard from a Conference talk or other inspired authoritative talks.
I also am thankful to feel a closeness to the Spirit when I pray and receive personal revelation. I don't know the workings of these things...I only know they do work and I do love them and more important than on my to-do list of trying to figure out how to balance, what to me is a new life, is to make absolutely sure that the Lord, His Church and my activity at home or attending Temple/or meetings is my main list. Doing things, that need improvement, to increase my personal spiritual experiences is paramount be it Genealogy or Sabbath observance or fasting or really working on anything that increases faith will keep me safe and walking on water towards the Savior.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Navigation...
working on the joy factor while figuring out the endurance factor...that is my challenge. Oh, hey!!...that is yours also! We are all in the same boat Christened EarthLife. Sail on. Sail on.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
oh, my!
Feeling that sizzle of burning guilt!!! He did not mince words at all. Feeling the Book of Mormon verse....1 Nephi 16:2 in a prodding way! I guess I can give myself some slack if I count family things.... Like doing what I can for my SweetHubbyMan. What lack I yet?...answer in red below! Not fire engine red but a softer rosy red is my uncomfortable guilt color! All self-awareness is a part of figuring the balance and change in my life. It's good to be prodded by conscience and tweaked by words that have that singe effect in a gentle searing of sorts!
Elder Uchtdorf really brings Matt 25:31-46 to life, doesn't he?
Having charity and caring for one another is not simply a good idea. It is not simply one more in a seemingly infinite list of things we ought to consider doing. It is the core of the gospel—an indispensable, essential, foundational element.
Without service we are a mere shadow of who we are meant to be—both as individuals and as a Church. We are endangering our heritage and promise as children of God. We cannot, we will not be saved without blessing and lifting the poor. No matter the outward appearance of our righteousness, if we look the other way when others are suffering, we cannot be justified.
--Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Elder Uchtdorf really brings Matt 25:31-46 to life, doesn't he?
Having charity and caring for one another is not simply a good idea. It is not simply one more in a seemingly infinite list of things we ought to consider doing. It is the core of the gospel—an indispensable, essential, foundational element.
Without service we are a mere shadow of who we are meant to be—both as individuals and as a Church. We are endangering our heritage and promise as children of God. We cannot, we will not be saved without blessing and lifting the poor. No matter the outward appearance of our righteousness, if we look the other way when others are suffering, we cannot be justified.
--Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
An Apostolic Blessing!
Maybe you listened to the Broadcast yesterday or planning on doing it today or tomorrow. This is the last part of it and the strongest longest most powerful Apostolic Blessing I've ever heard! amazing!!
It will buoy you up!! Strengthen your testimony and faith!! Enjoy. Bask in the love. Contemplate. Meditate. and above all else...rejoice!...rejoice at living in these days with living apostles on the earth!
An Apostolic Blessing for the YSAs from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
For excerpts to read from his candid talk about same-sex attraction, marriage, pornography and more... here The Apostolic blessing was given after this talk.
To watch the entire talk go here
It will buoy you up!! Strengthen your testimony and faith!! Enjoy. Bask in the love. Contemplate. Meditate. and above all else...rejoice!...rejoice at living in these days with living apostles on the earth!
An Apostolic Blessing for the YSAs from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
For excerpts to read from his candid talk about same-sex attraction, marriage, pornography and more... here The Apostolic blessing was given after this talk.
To watch the entire talk go here
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Sunday...
It's Sunday and I'm home. Thinking that right now my Laurels are meeting and the Bishop is talking to them and all the other YW....then they will review what they are doing tonight for New Beginnings. I wish I was there but I'm not. I'm an enjoyer of Sunday and meetings and classes and all of that. Terry took some Rx, not an overdose but powerful, so I'm on WifePatrol!
Yes...I went to the Dentist. I survived! So unusual...I got lost! I was to be there at 10:40 and I got there at 11:15! I'm an on time person so this was not me and yet it most certainly was me as it did happen! (would this be called a Freudian Slip?)
They were nice and kind and I didn't meet the Dentist as he was in with an on-time patient BUT I did get x-rays and talked about different Rx methods to put me in various degrees of being out of it! She was nice and so was the gal that took the readings etc. All sounds good, fixable and expensive but doable. I said I wanted no implants or dentures...just hang on to what I have! As I said...sounds doable. I did have this niggling little thought...what if the Dentist didn't say that? What if that is her opinion? What if he feels different than I do? Why on earth do I worry myself into a flurry!!??...I do not know. I do know I'm on track and have an appointment to go in and review my "treatment" plan. Yay me!!
A friend brought The Cokeville Miracle over for our viewing enjoyment. She said it fits in with the blog about family/spirits from the other side. I'm going to watch it today.
Speaking of today...enjoy this great quote!!!
Every Sunday we have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament and remember the atoning sacrifice of Christ. As the world gets worse, the observance of this commandment will make all the difference in our families and in our community.
The Church will not give you a list of things to do and not do on the Sabbath. We must each think how to make the Sabbath a delight. We must build traditions that strengthen Sabbath day observance in our families. This will bring peace and love to your families.
--Elder Quinton L. Cook
****************************
Yes...I went to the Dentist. I survived! So unusual...I got lost! I was to be there at 10:40 and I got there at 11:15! I'm an on time person so this was not me and yet it most certainly was me as it did happen! (would this be called a Freudian Slip?)
They were nice and kind and I didn't meet the Dentist as he was in with an on-time patient BUT I did get x-rays and talked about different Rx methods to put me in various degrees of being out of it! She was nice and so was the gal that took the readings etc. All sounds good, fixable and expensive but doable. I said I wanted no implants or dentures...just hang on to what I have! As I said...sounds doable. I did have this niggling little thought...what if the Dentist didn't say that? What if that is her opinion? What if he feels different than I do? Why on earth do I worry myself into a flurry!!??...I do not know. I do know I'm on track and have an appointment to go in and review my "treatment" plan. Yay me!!
*****************************
A friend brought The Cokeville Miracle over for our viewing enjoyment. She said it fits in with the blog about family/spirits from the other side. I'm going to watch it today.
Speaking of today...enjoy this great quote!!!
Every Sunday we have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament and remember the atoning sacrifice of Christ. As the world gets worse, the observance of this commandment will make all the difference in our families and in our community.
The Church will not give you a list of things to do and not do on the Sabbath. We must each think how to make the Sabbath a delight. We must build traditions that strengthen Sabbath day observance in our families. This will bring peace and love to your families.
--Elder Quinton L. Cook
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Woe is me...
I think I found someone to help with my hair and look more decent! A new hairdresser!!remember...I'm trying to pick things up a notch for 2016. Hair is underway. still have to pierce my ears. well, re-pierce them. they grew back. solid. That will sting, I bet! But the really big whoopee-do...the real stomach churner is going to the dreaded dentist in the morning!!! shudder....shiver...cold sweat...clenched jaw. A friend recommended a dentist that works with cowards so I fit the bill! I have to get that chipped tooth fixed and decide about other work. I may start one of those GoFundMe accounts to pay the bill! Dental insurance is cut when you retire! So it's been gone a long time!!! Maybe sticker shock will snap me out of my sheer terror. Wish me luck!!
*************************************
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I believe this is true! Yes. Indeed I do!
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Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Marvelous Treasure!!!
Started off my Wednesday with wallowing in a colorless cloud of emotion. One that wafted in and enveloped me. Uninvited. Unwanted. Definitely unneeded!
Feeling overwhelmed. Again. or should I say still?
Read on. Things do get better. No need to fear participating in a descriptive read of a pity party. Relax.
Surely you understand what I mean. Surely you have felt that feeling in one degree or another. Mine just seems to hang on like an irritating cold or the likes.
In my prayer I stated that I honestly didn't know what to pray for. I felt trapped and didn't know what to do to help myself, beyond what was my norm, for surviving this probationary time! I just acknowledged that I had no idea of what I needed to do and opened my mind to whatever came.
Terry was so sweet. He does not experience, and never has, the emotions that I have at times had full acquaintance with. It's very nice because he is level headed. He reminded me of what I know but I needed a reminder...lots on my plate with his health/sister's health/son's health/adult children at odds with the Gospel/feelings of more responsibility in our life/feeling co-dependent etc. etc. And the pressure, the desire to conduct myself as a Beloved Daughter of God with all of my heart. You can imagine the talk we had. Most likely you also have had such a talk with someone. Maybe even more than once. Mortality is not always smooth sailing.
He used his Priesthood gift of bestowing blessings on me. I absolutely love his blessings and really, no matter who was available, on any level of authority in the Church...I'd choose my Hubby. he is the best! Such a blessing of comfort and counsel. Such a help.
Then I started studying scriptures and even did some basic genealogy and did some laundry etc. Had a couple of great conversations with a son and also my daughter who is visiting my sister. Then I had my wonderful Aha!Moment!
I need to backtrack to November 2013. That was when I as assigned to do the Stake Women's Conference. It ended up being a fantastic spiritual experience. One of the speakers, and I don't remember her assigned topic right now, but she shared a personal experience about needing help with a son that had gotten derailed gospel wise. She and her husband had done everything in there power to help him and nothing helped. Then she read something that made them feel to ask for help from those beyond this life. The parents of both she and her husband were on the other side of the veil so they decided to ask specifically for those 4 grandparents to help their son. She said the experience that happened was to sacred to share but he did get the needed help. She told of the dire straights he had been in and how his life was impacted after this experience (she said it was very specific) and what he was currently doing and all of it was terrific. I was so thrilled to hear that personal story.
I knew somewhat about angels and believed in help beyond but was a little uncertain as to how to avail myself of such help.
(now don't be thinking I'm all of a sudden going to share some angel story from today. nothing happened like that.)
Anyhow...I called her and asked where the source was of what she read and she tried to find it but what she shared wasn't what I'd heard her say.
So....3 years later and today I read the quote!!! my gift to you! we can both use it!
President Joseph F. Smith declared: “When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred [and] friends . . . . In like manner, our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, of reproof and instruction to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh.”
here is how I found it. Sister Wendy Nelson (yes, wife of Elder Nelson) heard a talk by Elder Holland in CR April 2010 about dealing with temptations. At one point he said...Ask for angels to help you. She said those 6 words changed her life! She couldn't believe what she'd heard.
Then she ends up learning how to apply this in her life and amazingly enough she writes a book about it!! plus she has some sort of a 21 day experiment she has devised to accomplish what I would assume to be greater connection or more spirituality?
Plus she says she now has 3 truths that compel her life. so curious as to what they are! I love that she has recently personally learned and experienced all of this and is willing to share with all of us!!
So...summation....incrementally the Lord led me through this day, that started being piled on many similar days, and it culminated with me ordering the book and eagerly wanting to check out the 21 day experiment. Before I tackle those 11 Gospel Essays, I'm going to read the book and do the 21 day experiment. Let me know if you do it also!
Easy peasy reading for you right here. I know you want to read all it right away! Trying to save you look-up time!
Covenant Keepers by Sister Wendy Watson Nelson. Read the article here
Where to buy her book here
Elder Holland's talk. the one that influenced her and changed her life. I'm thinking this talk will help me also! Place No More For the Enemy of my Soul -- Read talk here
Feeling overwhelmed. Again. or should I say still?
Read on. Things do get better. No need to fear participating in a descriptive read of a pity party. Relax.
Surely you understand what I mean. Surely you have felt that feeling in one degree or another. Mine just seems to hang on like an irritating cold or the likes.
In my prayer I stated that I honestly didn't know what to pray for. I felt trapped and didn't know what to do to help myself, beyond what was my norm, for surviving this probationary time! I just acknowledged that I had no idea of what I needed to do and opened my mind to whatever came.
Terry was so sweet. He does not experience, and never has, the emotions that I have at times had full acquaintance with. It's very nice because he is level headed. He reminded me of what I know but I needed a reminder...lots on my plate with his health/sister's health/son's health/adult children at odds with the Gospel/feelings of more responsibility in our life/feeling co-dependent etc. etc. And the pressure, the desire to conduct myself as a Beloved Daughter of God with all of my heart. You can imagine the talk we had. Most likely you also have had such a talk with someone. Maybe even more than once. Mortality is not always smooth sailing.
He used his Priesthood gift of bestowing blessings on me. I absolutely love his blessings and really, no matter who was available, on any level of authority in the Church...I'd choose my Hubby. he is the best! Such a blessing of comfort and counsel. Such a help.
Then I started studying scriptures and even did some basic genealogy and did some laundry etc. Had a couple of great conversations with a son and also my daughter who is visiting my sister. Then I had my wonderful Aha!Moment!
I need to backtrack to November 2013. That was when I as assigned to do the Stake Women's Conference. It ended up being a fantastic spiritual experience. One of the speakers, and I don't remember her assigned topic right now, but she shared a personal experience about needing help with a son that had gotten derailed gospel wise. She and her husband had done everything in there power to help him and nothing helped. Then she read something that made them feel to ask for help from those beyond this life. The parents of both she and her husband were on the other side of the veil so they decided to ask specifically for those 4 grandparents to help their son. She said the experience that happened was to sacred to share but he did get the needed help. She told of the dire straights he had been in and how his life was impacted after this experience (she said it was very specific) and what he was currently doing and all of it was terrific. I was so thrilled to hear that personal story.
I knew somewhat about angels and believed in help beyond but was a little uncertain as to how to avail myself of such help.
(now don't be thinking I'm all of a sudden going to share some angel story from today. nothing happened like that.)
Anyhow...I called her and asked where the source was of what she read and she tried to find it but what she shared wasn't what I'd heard her say.
So....3 years later and today I read the quote!!! my gift to you! we can both use it!
President Joseph F. Smith declared: “When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred [and] friends . . . . In like manner, our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, of reproof and instruction to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh.”
here is how I found it. Sister Wendy Nelson (yes, wife of Elder Nelson) heard a talk by Elder Holland in CR April 2010 about dealing with temptations. At one point he said...Ask for angels to help you. She said those 6 words changed her life! She couldn't believe what she'd heard.
Then she ends up learning how to apply this in her life and amazingly enough she writes a book about it!! plus she has some sort of a 21 day experiment she has devised to accomplish what I would assume to be greater connection or more spirituality?
Plus she says she now has 3 truths that compel her life. so curious as to what they are! I love that she has recently personally learned and experienced all of this and is willing to share with all of us!!
So...summation....incrementally the Lord led me through this day, that started being piled on many similar days, and it culminated with me ordering the book and eagerly wanting to check out the 21 day experiment. Before I tackle those 11 Gospel Essays, I'm going to read the book and do the 21 day experiment. Let me know if you do it also!
Easy peasy reading for you right here. I know you want to read all it right away! Trying to save you look-up time!
**************************
Where to buy her book here
Elder Holland's talk. the one that influenced her and changed her life. I'm thinking this talk will help me also! Place No More For the Enemy of my Soul -- Read talk here
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Gospel info in abundance!!
This morning we finished listening to Conference talks from 1973. Somewhere or other I thought I blogged when we started. Now I don't know where it is! Terry thinks we listened to all of 2014 but I'm not certain. It's amazing how they add up and equally amazing the power in each and every one. (well, almost everyone. We listened to one of Paul H. Dunn and skipped the rest. He unfortunately embellished his stories or just flat out made some up...got himself in hot water etc. etc. I know I mentioned that before. Anyhow we decided we wouldn't/couldn't know if he was in truth telling or not so we opted to skip him. But everyone else...we listened, loved, and learned!!) so we have listened to both Conferences, April and October for 1971 1972 1973 2015 and Woman Conferences in 2015 (We decided to listen to a CR talk everyday as a couple. Starting with 1971. when a current conference comes then we read that one and go back to the old ones. Maybe some of you were confused with the paragraph I just wrote!)
The power of these talks is so amazing as the Spirit bears witness of the truths spoken and also we recognize the men speaking and it is wonderful to see/hear them! We have enjoyed hearing how changes were made and the effort it took to put those things into place and then a few years later those things were replaced with another set of new changes. From well stocked libraries becoming simplified and now the Internet!! The Church is always pulling into modern ideas and always upgrading and improving. so much fun to hear about what was new and current back 45 years ago!
One of the most powerful Conferences was the October 1972. President Lee had just been sustained at a Solemn Assembly and those Friday talks were dynamite!!! and Saturday and on and on!! Amazing talks!!!
so our current tally, minus 2014, stands at the two of us together enjoying 326 CR talks plus we listened to 11 Women Conference talks. Well, that did add up! Soon we will be in April Conference. I am already antsy about it!! can hardly wait.
I know I blogged that I was going to read the Book of Mormon and not read chapter headings/make no notes etc. except for drawing a small heart if heart was mentioned. True, I did it twice before and it was enjoyable but that was years ago. It just didn't work this time. I was constantly thinking...that relates to such and such. do I have that marked? I decided to stop when I found myself reading in 1 Nephi 15:3 and realized that I liked my marked scriptures. That verse is key to 6-11 and I loved the explanation...they had been previously told to ask and they did not and Nephi was reminding them to ask. I've always loved that sequence and knew it was marked, so I just decided to plow ahead with what is normal for me and relax and enjoy.
“Church leaders today are fully conscious of the unlimited access to information and we are making extraordinary efforts to provide accurate context and understanding of the teachings of the Restoration,” he said.
Using the eleven Gospel Topics essays available on lds.org as an example, Elder Ballard said it is crucial that teachers “know the content in these essays like you know the back of your hand.”
“As you teachers pay the price to better understand our history, doctrine and practices — better than you do now — you will be prepared to provide thoughtful, careful and inspired answers to your students’ questions,” Elder Ballard said.
******************************
I really enjoyed when he said...
“Today, what they see on their mobile devices is likely to be faith-challenging as much as faith-promoting,” Elder Ballard said. “Many of our young people are more familiar with Google than with the gospel, more attuned to the Internet than to inspiration and more involved with Facebook than with faith.”
My all time favorite quote -it will surely end up a Meme!!! is...
“Teach them about the challenges they face when relying upon the Internet to answer questions of eternal significance,” he said. “Remind them that James did not say, ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him Google!'”
**************
Gospel Topics Essays here
The power of these talks is so amazing as the Spirit bears witness of the truths spoken and also we recognize the men speaking and it is wonderful to see/hear them! We have enjoyed hearing how changes were made and the effort it took to put those things into place and then a few years later those things were replaced with another set of new changes. From well stocked libraries becoming simplified and now the Internet!! The Church is always pulling into modern ideas and always upgrading and improving. so much fun to hear about what was new and current back 45 years ago!
One of the most powerful Conferences was the October 1972. President Lee had just been sustained at a Solemn Assembly and those Friday talks were dynamite!!! and Saturday and on and on!! Amazing talks!!!
so our current tally, minus 2014, stands at the two of us together enjoying 326 CR talks plus we listened to 11 Women Conference talks. Well, that did add up! Soon we will be in April Conference. I am already antsy about it!! can hardly wait.
******************************
I know I blogged that I was going to read the Book of Mormon and not read chapter headings/make no notes etc. except for drawing a small heart if heart was mentioned. True, I did it twice before and it was enjoyable but that was years ago. It just didn't work this time. I was constantly thinking...that relates to such and such. do I have that marked? I decided to stop when I found myself reading in 1 Nephi 15:3 and realized that I liked my marked scriptures. That verse is key to 6-11 and I loved the explanation...they had been previously told to ask and they did not and Nephi was reminding them to ask. I've always loved that sequence and knew it was marked, so I just decided to plow ahead with what is normal for me and relax and enjoy.
************************
Last Friday I was anticipating watching the live streaming of the CES talk by Elder Ballard. True, I don't teach Seminary anymore but also true that I feel the training from all things CES, is incredible information and cutting edge, on what is in store for all teachers. Plus I teach the Laurels and I wanted to see if there were teaching techniques, or counsel, that would be of value to me. IT WAS!!! I've never heard any talk like this. I listened to it twice and still want to again. Today it came out so at least part of it is available in print. here
I was surprised when he said...
“As Church education moves forward in the 21st century, each of you needs to consider any changes you should make in the way you prepare to teach, how you teach and what you teach if you are to build unwavering faith in the lives of our precious youth,” Elder Ballard said. “Gone are the days when a student asked an honest question and a teacher responded, ‘Don’t worry about it!’ Gone are the days when a student raised a sincere concern and a teacher bore his or her testimony as a response intended to avoid the issue. Gone are the days when students were protected from people who attacked the Church.”
***********
He then challenged teachers to increase their testimonies by study and also faith. Most surprising to me was his mention of 11 Gospel Topics essays and challenged everyone to KNOW the content-- like you know the back of your hand! I went there and we are talking lots of info!
“Church leaders today are fully conscious of the unlimited access to information and we are making extraordinary efforts to provide accurate context and understanding of the teachings of the Restoration,” he said.
Using the eleven Gospel Topics essays available on lds.org as an example, Elder Ballard said it is crucial that teachers “know the content in these essays like you know the back of your hand.”
“As you teachers pay the price to better understand our history, doctrine and practices — better than you do now — you will be prepared to provide thoughtful, careful and inspired answers to your students’ questions,” Elder Ballard said.
******************************
I really enjoyed when he said...
“Today, what they see on their mobile devices is likely to be faith-challenging as much as faith-promoting,” Elder Ballard said. “Many of our young people are more familiar with Google than with the gospel, more attuned to the Internet than to inspiration and more involved with Facebook than with faith.”
*************************
My all time favorite quote -it will surely end up a Meme!!! is...
“Teach them about the challenges they face when relying upon the Internet to answer questions of eternal significance,” he said. “Remind them that James did not say, ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him Google!'”
**************
my Gift to you...the 11 Gospel Topics! you don't have to go looking! I did that for you!
Good luck to all of us as we learn the content of these essays like the back of our hands!!!
Study group anyone???
Gospel Topics Essays here
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