3-31-12 General Conference SaturdayMorning Session
Unedited notes:
President Monson
Resist evil wherever we are. How blessed we are to be here at this time. This great cause in which we are engaged will continue to go forward. Nothing can stop it. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing…(Joseph Smith). Much that is challenging; much that is uplifting. Seek after those things which are good, lovely, and praiseworthy.
President Packer
He wanted to give money to a boy at a train station, but his train pulled away before he could.
Young boy so hungry and wanted to take the sacrament bread. Woman shooed him out. He came back. President Packer welcomed him into his arms. He was told, “You were holding a nation on your lap.”
Little boy had drowned. Minister gave a sermon. The parents were scolded that they did not have their son baptized and that he had gone to hell. The Elders approached the grieving parents. They said that they were servants of the Lord with a message for them. They were taught about the restoration and redemption for the living and the dead. The Elders came as comforters and as authorized servants of the Lord.
Challenge of mortality to be responsible parents. Woman shared a story of having an abortion before she was married. This couple can learn that they can be forgiven. Another couple found that they could not have children. President Packer said that they were fortunate because they would choose to have children if they could. Some situations now are just temporary states. We have hope in Christ beyond this life. “Sealed safely in the covenant of the everlasting priesthood.” We learn more from our children than we did from our parents. Suffer the little children to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
President Packer is number 10 out of 11 children. His parents did not have prominent positions in the church, but they were effective in their most important calling—as parents. He hopes that he does as well before he hears the greeting, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We need to provide the way for parents and children to have time together as families. Family time is sacred time and it should be respected and protected. Brother and Sister Packer were willing to give up their lives if their ill children’s lives were preserved. This is akin to the love that our Heavenly Father has for us.
Sister Esplin
Our children are an heritage unto the Lord. The Lord knows what our children need to know, do, and be to come back to Him. He gives guidance to parents, teachers, and leaders to help his children. We need to teach our children to understand the doctrine. We need to do more than impart information; we need to help get the doctrine into their hearts. Create an atmosphere where we can help our children feel the Spirit. Teach in the context of what they are experiencing right in that very moment.
Elder Halstrom
He loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he loves the Church of Jesus Christ. They are not the same thing, but they are connected.
The Gospel is the glorious plan of God in which we can receive all that the Father has. Jesus descended below all things so that He could raise all of us again.
The Church was established by Jesus Christ during His mortal ministry. The Church was established again during our day. Jesus is the Head, and it is governed by those with apostolic callings.
It is possible to be active in the church and less active in the gospel. The things of the gospel are less visible and more difficult to measure. But they are of more importance. We need the gospel and the church.
Have the gospel be our foundation: Strengthen our relationship with Diety; focus on the ordinances and covenants (then establish the discipline to live faithful to our covenants); unite the gospel with the church. Concentrating on the gospel, the church will become more, not less, in our lives. The Lord wants the members of His church to be fully converted to His gospel.
Elder Koeliker
A mission is like a mini-life. Elderly couples add a whole lot to missions. Returned missionaries become key contributors in establish the church in many countries. Laman and Lemuel did murmur because they did not understand the dealings of the Lord. How can we help our children feel the Spirit so they are not caught up in worldly distractions? (Nephi cried until the Lord, so he didn’t rebel like unto his brothers.) We need to find and awaken our desires to know. We need to establish patterns of righteousness that lead us in the right direction. When we live the gospel and the pattern taught by Jesus Christ, our ability to help other people increases. As a man witnessed the kindness between two missionaries, he reopened his door and invited them back. “By this shall all man know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have love you, that ye also love one another.” Love of God is the foundation of doing all things that are right. There is seemingly no end of the expanding capacity to love. Our Heavenly Fathers arms are constantly extended to embrace us and to say the words, “I love you.”
Elder Oaks
The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the center of the message of all the prophets. The sacrifice of the Savior offered the ultimate good for the ultimate evil in the world. We are also asked to continue to offer sacrifices: a broken heart and a contrite spirit; love and serve one another.
The Christian faith has a history of sacrifice: the Lord’s sacrifice; many martyrs for their faith; Christians killed by other Christians are the most tragic martyrs. Many have given life-long service in the Catholic or Protestant churches. What can we do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary lives?
Pioneers sacrificed much. The symbols of our Christian faith are the lives of the people. The effort by our members to train and lead each other is uniquely large. Also, home teaching and visit teaching. Sacrifice of missionaries to serve missions at their own cost. Knowing what the Savior did for me, I feel privileged to make the small sacrifice I am making in his service.
Converts sacrifice to hear and follow the message of the gospel. Sometimes they lose family and friends. Young man who became Christian knew that, upon his return home, his family might reject him and his employment opportunities might be nil. But he said, “It’s true, isn’t it?” His sacrifice was worth it to him. No sacrifice to great for those who receive temple blessings.
Mothers devote themselves to the bearing and nurturing of their children. Husbands devote themselves to supporting their families. As you sacrifice for each other and your children, the Lord will bless you.
President Eyring
President Kimball asked that God would give him mountains to climb. There are great challenges to be met. Give me the mountain; give me the challenges. (President Kimball) The hardest trial of his life humbled and startled him. He knew that a great blessing could come from adversity that would more than compensate for any cost. “And if thou should be cast into the pit or into the hands of murderers….know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience and be for thy good…the Son of Man has descended below them all; art thou greater than He…” Jesus passed through trials for us more terrible than we can imagine. “I God suffered these things for all if they would repent…” The way to rise above and get through trials is believe that there is a balm in Gilead and that the Lord will not forsake us. This foundation faith takes time to build. If the foundation of faith is not imbedded in our hearts, the foundation will crumble. The ground must be carefully prepared for our foundation of faith to withstand the storms of life. If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest, as well as the easiest, times in our lives can be a blessing.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Trying to Write Carefully
The most obvious thing to me is that not one of us is perfect: not in language abilities, people skills, or judgment of anyone's abilities including our own. We also are not privy to anyone's real intents or what they truly think and feel. While there may be a need to respect someone on merits of social status, age, or education, I think that it is even more important to respect someone just because that person also has feelings and opinions, and gifts and talents that make him or her uniquely wonderful. Indeed, most of us on Facebook are unaware of the merits of those with whom we converse.
Facebook should not become a forum to prove that we are right and others are wrong. Nor should it be a place where we feel it's okay to slander another person. It is a social network. Using correct English is actually really important to me, but using language in such a way as to get across my intent without being offensive is by far more important. So if what I have written in the past was misunderstood to be an attack on character or a challenge, I apologize. Thank you to those of you who know who I am and accept me for that and are ever so kind in your correspondances with me and with others. Kindness is truly the hallmark of greatness.
While some think that Facebook is one of this world's evils, I think it is a great tool. I have reconnected with so many people and befriended a few others. I love seeing the great things that people think and do. So I am continuing to work on writing carefully. But even more importantly than that, I am working on not writing at all if I think my comments will just heat things up. I have learned that sometimes it is best to write directly on a person's wall than on his or her post. When you are the original poster, you have the power of deletion. Isn't that an awesome thing? There is also private messaging or the more ancient medium of email.
Facebook should not become a forum to prove that we are right and others are wrong. Nor should it be a place where we feel it's okay to slander another person. It is a social network. Using correct English is actually really important to me, but using language in such a way as to get across my intent without being offensive is by far more important. So if what I have written in the past was misunderstood to be an attack on character or a challenge, I apologize. Thank you to those of you who know who I am and accept me for that and are ever so kind in your correspondances with me and with others. Kindness is truly the hallmark of greatness.
While some think that Facebook is one of this world's evils, I think it is a great tool. I have reconnected with so many people and befriended a few others. I love seeing the great things that people think and do. So I am continuing to work on writing carefully. But even more importantly than that, I am working on not writing at all if I think my comments will just heat things up. I have learned that sometimes it is best to write directly on a person's wall than on his or her post. When you are the original poster, you have the power of deletion. Isn't that an awesome thing? There is also private messaging or the more ancient medium of email.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Sunday Session of Stake Conference Notes 22 January 2012
These are just the raw, unedited notes again.
Elder Snow
He was a mission president in San Fernando Mission. They are grateful for the strength of the Church in California.
July 1846 a group of LDS settlers landed in San Francisco. Six months later the Mormon Battalion went to San Diego.
Howard W. Hunter returned to Pasadena and told the saints want a marvelous opportunity to live where the saints were well received. The Church will continue to grow in this area. He saw the future of the church in California as bright.
Matt 25:1-13: Parable of 10 Virgins. The importance of living a life that prepares us for meeting the Savior. We don’t know the day or the hour when the Lord will return. The Bridegroom is the Lord Jesus Christ; the Church is His bride; the lighted lamp is the outward manifestation of the members’ readiness. The oil of preparedness is collected drop by drop through righteous living. We cannot give away our oil or borrow oil from others. Whether we see the Savior again in the Second Coming or before that, it really makes no difference. Our preparedness is what is important. We should live in such a way that as members of the Church and the Kingdom of God, we then become members of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Parents have a sacred duty to raise their children in righteousness. The example of pray is the most important way we can do this. “Pray in your families unto the Father always in my name that your wives and your children may be blessed.” Parents and children live busy lives. But nothing is more important than praying together as a family. Satan seeks to keep us from praying together as families.
1. Schedule a regular time each day.
2. Rotate opportunity among family members.
3. Family prayers need not be long.
4. Asking for specific not general blessings.
5. Be as specific in expressing gratitude as in asking for blessings.
6. Take time to listen.
Prayer is a privilege, not only to speak to Heavenly Father, but to receive revelation from Him. “Work as if you were to live a 100 years; pray as if you will die tomorrow.” (Ben Franklin)
Sister Thompson
“California, here I come, right back where I started from.”
November 30, 2011—Christmas devotional for church workers. “Away in a Manger,” was the closing song. The Holy Ghost confirmed that Jesus was the Savior in the third verse. She sang it again on Sunday and felt the Spirit again. His greatest desire is to have each one of us live close to the Holy Spirit so that we can live with Him and our Heavenly Father forever.
Enoch was called to teach the gospel. The Lord gave him some counsel. Moses 6:32-34. “Open thy mouth.” We need to say something in order to help people learn about the gospel. The Lord will help us to know what to say. “Choose the Lord God.” He will then be able to bless us and help us do whatever is necessary to live with Him again. Lord reminds Enoch that he has power to make mountains flee or to move rivers from their course. The Lord can help us in our challenges know what to do and how to make the necessary changes. When the mountains are high and the rivers are wide, the Lord will help us overcome the challenges we face. “Walk with me.” They built the city of Zion. They were of one heart and one mind. They had unity and charity in their minds and their hearts for one another. They would dwell in safety forever. They were taken up into heaven.
The people of Alma had the burdens which were placed on their back eased.
New Relief Society book was a gift to us from the First Presidency. Joseph Smith said that we shouldn’t have strife among us. Meekness, love, purity should magnify us. Seek charity and to always to do good to each other. President Monson said that we should love and have charity in our hearts. Charity that forgives and causes us to be patient, especially with the weakness of others. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we practice charity. These characteristics will help us become holy people. Christ set the example of true charity. He taught us to love one another, serve one another, and pray for one another. President Monson asked Relief Society leaders to tell the sisters that he loves them and that he prays for them.
Many opportunities to reach out and care for others. Holy women are happy to serve and to accept service. Make visits and phone calls to those who are lonely. Parents stay up and care for a sick child, or they counsel with a teenager who’s lost his way. These life experience will help us become holy people, so that we can all sit down in heaven together.
“Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay…”
Elder Johnson
In 1833 Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were called on a mission.
“Your families are well. They are in my hands and I will do with them as seemeth me good.”
He fasted and prayed for one of his children that something would happen. It didn’t. He felt angry, discouraged, and shaken. No matter how much energy he put into it, he could not generate faith on his on. Faith is not just positive thinking; faith is the power of God and can only be used to fulfill His purposes. We can stop beating ourselves up for not having enough faith.
It’s about God’s plan and His will. Find out will of God and then exert every effort to do His will. When I am unsure, I can trust; I can and will wait upon His will. I do not have a work; it’s all His. It is not easy for a person who wants control and to know the end from the beginning to let go. But it is well worth it. Faith is not a power we attain so that we can accomplish what we want. It needs to follow the Lord’s will.
We must give proper consideration to the will of the Lord. “Whatsover you ask the Lord WHICH IS RIGHT…”
Nephi (book of Helaman) sought the Lord’s will. He was given the sealing power. He had faith to ask whatever he would and it would happen. That is because the Lord knew that he wouldn’t ask anything that was contrary to the Lord’s will.
Fast, pray, work, study, wait upon the Lord, submit our will to His.
Each of us have received special promises: Patriarchal blessings; temple blessings.
President Monson made promises to saints in East Germany 1968. “If you will remain true and faithful to the commandments of God, any blessing enjoyed by the saints of any other country will be yours.” The prophet prayed that Heavenly Father would fulfill the promises that were made. He recognized that the words of the promise were from the Lord. President Monson and the German saints continued to exercise faith. The promise has been fulfilled line upon line over the course of years.
We learn to have this line upon line precept upon precept faith as we learn to know and do the Lord’s will.
C.S. Lewis talks about God rebuilding our house or our soul. He is building quite a new house than the one you thought of. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage, but He’s building a palace.
Story of the ballerina jewelry box. Her sadness was nearly humorous because her mom knew what was coming her way. Heavenly Father has something in store for us that is greater than we can even imagine.
Elder Perry
We live in a remarkable time. Never has the Lord opened the door more for us to proclaim who we are. Even after 182 years, the people of the world know little about us. He has revealed to us a very effective organization.
Windstorms from canyons in Salt Lake City. Priesthood brethren and the sisters were called into action. They went to Sacrament meeting, and then thousands of people cleaned up the effects of the disaster. The area was ready to move forward in an orderly way. We are blessed with the same pattern of Priesthood organization that Jesus established in His Church. (A of F 6)
Savior organized church during His mortal ministry. Jesus went into a mountain to pray. He prayed all night. Then He chose His 12 apostles. He established order and leadership in His Church necessary before His departure. “Whom say ye that I am?” “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” “Blesses art thou….thou art Peter….I will give thee the keys…” Peter was selected to hold Priesthood Keys over church when Jesus was no longer with them. Jesus went with Peter, James, and John to Mount of Transfiguration. Moses and Elias came. The keys were there given to Peter. The apostles were sent out into the world to tell the world about Jesus Christ. The Church suffered great persecution. Pagan ideas became mingled with doctrine. There was a falling away and the priesthood was removed from the earth for a time. Printing press. New land where there was freedom of speech. Joseph Smith was raised up to restore the Lord’s church. His mind was kept clear and free to receive instruction from the heavens. Joseph learned his relationship to Diety when he was 14 years old. He received new scripture. He translated the Book of Mormon. While translating 3rd Nephi, they asked about baptism. John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. They were then able to baptize each other. They received the Melchizedek Priesthood under the hands of Peter, James, and John. In the Kirtland Temple, the brethren took the sacrament. Joseph and Oliver prayed, and the Lord Jehovah appeared in glory and accepted the Kirtland Temple as His house. Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel and the restoration of the 10 tribes.. Elias appeared. Elijah restored keys of this dispensation to Joseph, turning hearts of fathers to children, children to fathers.
1. Key to proclaim gospel to the church. (Moses) It is our responsibility to proclaim the gospel to the world.
2. Key to perfect the saints by using the power of the priesthood. (Elias) We are the seed of Abraham; we are the Lord’s agents. We need to teach and help people to receive the saving ordinance of the gospel and the sealing power in the temple.
3. Key that gives power to redeem the dead. (Elijah) This will unite us as eternal family units.
All that we do in the church points to the atonement of Jesus Christ and to receiving blessings in the temple.
1 Corinthians (13) Be steadfast and immovable. Improve image of the church by standing steadfast in the principles of the gospel.
Elder Snow
He was a mission president in San Fernando Mission. They are grateful for the strength of the Church in California.
July 1846 a group of LDS settlers landed in San Francisco. Six months later the Mormon Battalion went to San Diego.
Howard W. Hunter returned to Pasadena and told the saints want a marvelous opportunity to live where the saints were well received. The Church will continue to grow in this area. He saw the future of the church in California as bright.
Matt 25:1-13: Parable of 10 Virgins. The importance of living a life that prepares us for meeting the Savior. We don’t know the day or the hour when the Lord will return. The Bridegroom is the Lord Jesus Christ; the Church is His bride; the lighted lamp is the outward manifestation of the members’ readiness. The oil of preparedness is collected drop by drop through righteous living. We cannot give away our oil or borrow oil from others. Whether we see the Savior again in the Second Coming or before that, it really makes no difference. Our preparedness is what is important. We should live in such a way that as members of the Church and the Kingdom of God, we then become members of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Parents have a sacred duty to raise their children in righteousness. The example of pray is the most important way we can do this. “Pray in your families unto the Father always in my name that your wives and your children may be blessed.” Parents and children live busy lives. But nothing is more important than praying together as a family. Satan seeks to keep us from praying together as families.
1. Schedule a regular time each day.
2. Rotate opportunity among family members.
3. Family prayers need not be long.
4. Asking for specific not general blessings.
5. Be as specific in expressing gratitude as in asking for blessings.
6. Take time to listen.
Prayer is a privilege, not only to speak to Heavenly Father, but to receive revelation from Him. “Work as if you were to live a 100 years; pray as if you will die tomorrow.” (Ben Franklin)
Sister Thompson
“California, here I come, right back where I started from.”
November 30, 2011—Christmas devotional for church workers. “Away in a Manger,” was the closing song. The Holy Ghost confirmed that Jesus was the Savior in the third verse. She sang it again on Sunday and felt the Spirit again. His greatest desire is to have each one of us live close to the Holy Spirit so that we can live with Him and our Heavenly Father forever.
Enoch was called to teach the gospel. The Lord gave him some counsel. Moses 6:32-34. “Open thy mouth.” We need to say something in order to help people learn about the gospel. The Lord will help us to know what to say. “Choose the Lord God.” He will then be able to bless us and help us do whatever is necessary to live with Him again. Lord reminds Enoch that he has power to make mountains flee or to move rivers from their course. The Lord can help us in our challenges know what to do and how to make the necessary changes. When the mountains are high and the rivers are wide, the Lord will help us overcome the challenges we face. “Walk with me.” They built the city of Zion. They were of one heart and one mind. They had unity and charity in their minds and their hearts for one another. They would dwell in safety forever. They were taken up into heaven.
The people of Alma had the burdens which were placed on their back eased.
New Relief Society book was a gift to us from the First Presidency. Joseph Smith said that we shouldn’t have strife among us. Meekness, love, purity should magnify us. Seek charity and to always to do good to each other. President Monson said that we should love and have charity in our hearts. Charity that forgives and causes us to be patient, especially with the weakness of others. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we practice charity. These characteristics will help us become holy people. Christ set the example of true charity. He taught us to love one another, serve one another, and pray for one another. President Monson asked Relief Society leaders to tell the sisters that he loves them and that he prays for them.
Many opportunities to reach out and care for others. Holy women are happy to serve and to accept service. Make visits and phone calls to those who are lonely. Parents stay up and care for a sick child, or they counsel with a teenager who’s lost his way. These life experience will help us become holy people, so that we can all sit down in heaven together.
“Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay…”
Elder Johnson
In 1833 Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were called on a mission.
“Your families are well. They are in my hands and I will do with them as seemeth me good.”
He fasted and prayed for one of his children that something would happen. It didn’t. He felt angry, discouraged, and shaken. No matter how much energy he put into it, he could not generate faith on his on. Faith is not just positive thinking; faith is the power of God and can only be used to fulfill His purposes. We can stop beating ourselves up for not having enough faith.
It’s about God’s plan and His will. Find out will of God and then exert every effort to do His will. When I am unsure, I can trust; I can and will wait upon His will. I do not have a work; it’s all His. It is not easy for a person who wants control and to know the end from the beginning to let go. But it is well worth it. Faith is not a power we attain so that we can accomplish what we want. It needs to follow the Lord’s will.
We must give proper consideration to the will of the Lord. “Whatsover you ask the Lord WHICH IS RIGHT…”
Nephi (book of Helaman) sought the Lord’s will. He was given the sealing power. He had faith to ask whatever he would and it would happen. That is because the Lord knew that he wouldn’t ask anything that was contrary to the Lord’s will.
Fast, pray, work, study, wait upon the Lord, submit our will to His.
Each of us have received special promises: Patriarchal blessings; temple blessings.
President Monson made promises to saints in East Germany 1968. “If you will remain true and faithful to the commandments of God, any blessing enjoyed by the saints of any other country will be yours.” The prophet prayed that Heavenly Father would fulfill the promises that were made. He recognized that the words of the promise were from the Lord. President Monson and the German saints continued to exercise faith. The promise has been fulfilled line upon line over the course of years.
We learn to have this line upon line precept upon precept faith as we learn to know and do the Lord’s will.
C.S. Lewis talks about God rebuilding our house or our soul. He is building quite a new house than the one you thought of. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage, but He’s building a palace.
Story of the ballerina jewelry box. Her sadness was nearly humorous because her mom knew what was coming her way. Heavenly Father has something in store for us that is greater than we can even imagine.
Elder Perry
We live in a remarkable time. Never has the Lord opened the door more for us to proclaim who we are. Even after 182 years, the people of the world know little about us. He has revealed to us a very effective organization.
Windstorms from canyons in Salt Lake City. Priesthood brethren and the sisters were called into action. They went to Sacrament meeting, and then thousands of people cleaned up the effects of the disaster. The area was ready to move forward in an orderly way. We are blessed with the same pattern of Priesthood organization that Jesus established in His Church. (A of F 6)
Savior organized church during His mortal ministry. Jesus went into a mountain to pray. He prayed all night. Then He chose His 12 apostles. He established order and leadership in His Church necessary before His departure. “Whom say ye that I am?” “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” “Blesses art thou….thou art Peter….I will give thee the keys…” Peter was selected to hold Priesthood Keys over church when Jesus was no longer with them. Jesus went with Peter, James, and John to Mount of Transfiguration. Moses and Elias came. The keys were there given to Peter. The apostles were sent out into the world to tell the world about Jesus Christ. The Church suffered great persecution. Pagan ideas became mingled with doctrine. There was a falling away and the priesthood was removed from the earth for a time. Printing press. New land where there was freedom of speech. Joseph Smith was raised up to restore the Lord’s church. His mind was kept clear and free to receive instruction from the heavens. Joseph learned his relationship to Diety when he was 14 years old. He received new scripture. He translated the Book of Mormon. While translating 3rd Nephi, they asked about baptism. John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. They were then able to baptize each other. They received the Melchizedek Priesthood under the hands of Peter, James, and John. In the Kirtland Temple, the brethren took the sacrament. Joseph and Oliver prayed, and the Lord Jehovah appeared in glory and accepted the Kirtland Temple as His house. Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel and the restoration of the 10 tribes.. Elias appeared. Elijah restored keys of this dispensation to Joseph, turning hearts of fathers to children, children to fathers.
1. Key to proclaim gospel to the church. (Moses) It is our responsibility to proclaim the gospel to the world.
2. Key to perfect the saints by using the power of the priesthood. (Elias) We are the seed of Abraham; we are the Lord’s agents. We need to teach and help people to receive the saving ordinance of the gospel and the sealing power in the temple.
3. Key that gives power to redeem the dead. (Elijah) This will unite us as eternal family units.
All that we do in the church points to the atonement of Jesus Christ and to receiving blessings in the temple.
1 Corinthians (13) Be steadfast and immovable. Improve image of the church by standing steadfast in the principles of the gospel.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Saturday Session Stake Conference 1-21-12
Stake Conference Saturday Evening 1-21-12 Unpolished notes
President Kinser
After the last supper and the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus conversed with Peter. I have prayed for thee; when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
2 great commandments: Love the Lord; love your neighbor as yourself.
What think ye of Jesus Christ? Most vital question for all mortals. Not giving an answer is an answer.
Whom do you Worship? (Find the poem)
We need to have a testimony of Jesus Christ and of the restored gospel through the prophet Joseph.
If we can teach with the Spirit, others will know that it is true by the testimony of the Spirit.
Desire—First key to gaining and strengthening a testimony.
After date, girl asked him, “Do you have a testimony of the Church?” “No, I don’t.” “Well, you better find out.” That challenge sparked an interest that made him want to find out. A seed was planted. He could see a difference in the lives of those who were living the gospel.
Son approached them and said, “I don’t have a testimony; I think I’m going to quit going to Church.” They kept loving him and hoping; he attended church begrudgingly. He had the opportunity to share his experiences in the church with his friends. (Born again) I have never had a missionary that was able to impact so many you people. He worked through the great and spacious building in his life.
Gaining a testimony equates to becoming more Christ-like.
An investigator, while he served in England, told about gaining a testimony of prayer. She became a wonderful, strong member of the church.
As we recognize the tender mercies of the Lord, we need to nourish them. Daily fervent prayer. As we pray regularly, the Spirit will touch our hearts. Meaningful involvement with the scriptures. “These are they which testify of me.” As we follow the counsel of our leaders, our testimonies will grow.
It is an easy thing to believe in dead prophets, but it is a greater thing to believe in living prophets. Man came to America because God told him to. He could accept that the former prophets were prophets of God, but he didn’t want to accept the current counsel.
Job, “I know that my Redeemer liveth…yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
1985—Elder McConkie shared a testimony just months before he died. Testified of Christ’s crucifixion, that He is the Son of the Living God and he was crucified of the world…I shall not know any better then than I know now….salvation comes from Him and in no other way.
As we strengthen our testimonies, we will be blessed beyond our understanding.
Brother Davis
Stake YM President
He loves working with the youth. He has a great support staff. They are there to help the youth. There job is to assist the parents in helping sons prepare for priesthood ordinations, temple endowments. , missionary service, temple marriage, fatherhood, etc. Assist.
Parents can strengthen youth through Duty to God. Receive priesthood, learn how to use it, act in office to which he is appointed.
Duty God—learning gospel principles; act on what they learn; share their experiences; prepare for later missionary work. Parents have the role to lead by example. You need to take control of your spiritual growth and your sons’ spiritual welfare.
Helaman’s warriors had been taught by their mothers if that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. They are faced with constant threats to their spiritual and temporal well-being. We can strengthen and protect our youth as we teach them by example. We will see miracles and blessings as we do this. Goals stated at beginning of talk.
Sister Bergesen
The youth programs, YM and YW, is a team effort. They are inspired programs to help youth learn to lead, follow, and be strengthened in the gospel.
Provide settings where youth can feel influence of Holy Ghost. Establish home where Holy Ghost can dwell. Encourage youth to attend their meetings. Help them become responsible, learn leadership and social skills. They will learn through the Spirit what Heavenly Father wants them to do and be. Personal Progress is about developing Christ-like attributes. Parents have opportunity to work with daughters as they work on goals together. When they use their intelligence to achieve these goals, they are destined to be successful. We must make sure that they are learning the gospel. One Bishop took it upon himself to also complete personal progress goals and have the girls sign off his achievements.
Instead of focusing on what is not right with our youth, we need to focus on what they are doing right and the good people that they are.
President Andrews
He used to play soccer as last defender. He liked last minute saves, but his coach didn’t. If the offensive is behind the defender, he is off-sides. As the last defender, you should crowd them up to the mid-line as long as possible. Pre-emptive action and safety.
As a father protecting a family from the world and from Satan, that message is clear. Never let him get close, and never let him get dangerous.
Elder Bednar—More Diligent and Concerned at Home; Watching with all Perserverance
Steli—Scriptures testify, express love, and invite.
2 Nephi 32:3—Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost…feast upon the words Christ.
Talk about the scriptures and the Book of Mormon.
Ask good questions. Inspired pauses give birth to revelation.
Testify spontaneously. Point out our children’s good qualities when we recognize the good things they are doing. Frequent spontaneous testimonies can be more powerful than once a month at the pulpit.
Express love. Moroni 7:48: Pray with all energy of heart that you may be filled with Charity. He bestows this on all who are true followers of His Son, Jesus Christ. That we may become the sons of God.
Be specific in your compliments. I appreciate…..(this about you). This builds love, builds Zion. Practice sincere compliments frequently. Express confidence that others can and others will do great things in their lives. Invite them to do great things. Let us do those things that strengthen home and family, church, etc.
Sister Godwin
They are surrounded every day by angels that testify of Jesus Christ. Sometimes the miracle is not just with investigators, but with the missionaries themselves.
As parents and grandparents, we need to be teaching our children. Take the gift of the gospel seriously. “I am a Child of God.” We can help them most by teaching them the doctrine of Christ. 2 Nephi 31: 2-21. This is the missionary purpose in inviting others to come unto Christ. Teach it 7 times, 7 ways.
President Godwin
The thing which distinguishes this church as His church are Priesthood keys. President Garvin holds those keys for the members of the stake and for the missionary work in this stake.
Mission president and wife are here to assist us in our missionary work.
D&C 123:12: Some kept from the truth because they don’t know where to find it.
Use pass-a-long cards. A missionary who gave a pass-a-long card was asked, “Do you have anything else to read.” The man finished reading the Book of Mormon in a week, except for a couple chapters. He was baptized a couple weeks later.
Create a profile on Mormon.org. You can put your url on pass-a-long cards. Share your testimony in private and comfortable ways, and in bold ways.
Testimony.
President Garvin
Story of remodeling awful bathroom in small trailer home. “Measure twice, cut once.”
“Well, do you feel better there.”
1. Measure once, cut twice.
2. Some mistakes are not eternal.
3. A
Tender mercies—scriptures. (700 favorite verses)
Symmetry in scriptures. Mark 15:28. Isaiah 9: Unto us a Child is born. Luke: He shall be great; the Son of the Highest. “Peace I leave with you…” D&C 121:7 “Peace be unto thy soul…”
The greatest revelation that we can ever receive is a testimony of the Savior.
Story of a man who represented Jesus for an artist. They traveled to Africa and brought hope to children in an orphanage there. A missionary gave Miner a blessing. He realized that the words of the blessing came from His Heavenly Father. Modeling as the Savior gave him a new lease on life. “He knows me and loves me. This Jesus guy is really important to a lot of people. I just happen to be one of those people.”
1 Nephi 17: 45 Feeling is higher than hearing.
Negative and positive commandments. “Thou shalt not.” “Thou shalt.” Commandment to repent. Remember. (One word commandments that are repeated the most often.)
Moroni 10:3-5
Precursor to knowing all things is remembering.
1 Nephi 11: Knowest thou the condescension of God? He beheld the Redeemer of the Lord, teaching, and condemned. Lifted upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. Remembering Jesus as our Savior will help us gain the things we need to know and do.
President Garvin starts and ends every day with the Book of Mormon.
If we will live this counsel, we will be protected in our families, have the Spirit in our lives,,,,
President Kinser
After the last supper and the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus conversed with Peter. I have prayed for thee; when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
2 great commandments: Love the Lord; love your neighbor as yourself.
What think ye of Jesus Christ? Most vital question for all mortals. Not giving an answer is an answer.
Whom do you Worship? (Find the poem)
We need to have a testimony of Jesus Christ and of the restored gospel through the prophet Joseph.
If we can teach with the Spirit, others will know that it is true by the testimony of the Spirit.
Desire—First key to gaining and strengthening a testimony.
After date, girl asked him, “Do you have a testimony of the Church?” “No, I don’t.” “Well, you better find out.” That challenge sparked an interest that made him want to find out. A seed was planted. He could see a difference in the lives of those who were living the gospel.
Son approached them and said, “I don’t have a testimony; I think I’m going to quit going to Church.” They kept loving him and hoping; he attended church begrudgingly. He had the opportunity to share his experiences in the church with his friends. (Born again) I have never had a missionary that was able to impact so many you people. He worked through the great and spacious building in his life.
Gaining a testimony equates to becoming more Christ-like.
An investigator, while he served in England, told about gaining a testimony of prayer. She became a wonderful, strong member of the church.
As we recognize the tender mercies of the Lord, we need to nourish them. Daily fervent prayer. As we pray regularly, the Spirit will touch our hearts. Meaningful involvement with the scriptures. “These are they which testify of me.” As we follow the counsel of our leaders, our testimonies will grow.
It is an easy thing to believe in dead prophets, but it is a greater thing to believe in living prophets. Man came to America because God told him to. He could accept that the former prophets were prophets of God, but he didn’t want to accept the current counsel.
Job, “I know that my Redeemer liveth…yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
1985—Elder McConkie shared a testimony just months before he died. Testified of Christ’s crucifixion, that He is the Son of the Living God and he was crucified of the world…I shall not know any better then than I know now….salvation comes from Him and in no other way.
As we strengthen our testimonies, we will be blessed beyond our understanding.
Brother Davis
Stake YM President
He loves working with the youth. He has a great support staff. They are there to help the youth. There job is to assist the parents in helping sons prepare for priesthood ordinations, temple endowments. , missionary service, temple marriage, fatherhood, etc. Assist.
Parents can strengthen youth through Duty to God. Receive priesthood, learn how to use it, act in office to which he is appointed.
Duty God—learning gospel principles; act on what they learn; share their experiences; prepare for later missionary work. Parents have the role to lead by example. You need to take control of your spiritual growth and your sons’ spiritual welfare.
Helaman’s warriors had been taught by their mothers if that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. They are faced with constant threats to their spiritual and temporal well-being. We can strengthen and protect our youth as we teach them by example. We will see miracles and blessings as we do this. Goals stated at beginning of talk.
Sister Bergesen
The youth programs, YM and YW, is a team effort. They are inspired programs to help youth learn to lead, follow, and be strengthened in the gospel.
Provide settings where youth can feel influence of Holy Ghost. Establish home where Holy Ghost can dwell. Encourage youth to attend their meetings. Help them become responsible, learn leadership and social skills. They will learn through the Spirit what Heavenly Father wants them to do and be. Personal Progress is about developing Christ-like attributes. Parents have opportunity to work with daughters as they work on goals together. When they use their intelligence to achieve these goals, they are destined to be successful. We must make sure that they are learning the gospel. One Bishop took it upon himself to also complete personal progress goals and have the girls sign off his achievements.
Instead of focusing on what is not right with our youth, we need to focus on what they are doing right and the good people that they are.
President Andrews
He used to play soccer as last defender. He liked last minute saves, but his coach didn’t. If the offensive is behind the defender, he is off-sides. As the last defender, you should crowd them up to the mid-line as long as possible. Pre-emptive action and safety.
As a father protecting a family from the world and from Satan, that message is clear. Never let him get close, and never let him get dangerous.
Elder Bednar—More Diligent and Concerned at Home; Watching with all Perserverance
Steli—Scriptures testify, express love, and invite.
2 Nephi 32:3—Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost…feast upon the words Christ.
Talk about the scriptures and the Book of Mormon.
Ask good questions. Inspired pauses give birth to revelation.
Testify spontaneously. Point out our children’s good qualities when we recognize the good things they are doing. Frequent spontaneous testimonies can be more powerful than once a month at the pulpit.
Express love. Moroni 7:48: Pray with all energy of heart that you may be filled with Charity. He bestows this on all who are true followers of His Son, Jesus Christ. That we may become the sons of God.
Be specific in your compliments. I appreciate…..(this about you). This builds love, builds Zion. Practice sincere compliments frequently. Express confidence that others can and others will do great things in their lives. Invite them to do great things. Let us do those things that strengthen home and family, church, etc.
Sister Godwin
They are surrounded every day by angels that testify of Jesus Christ. Sometimes the miracle is not just with investigators, but with the missionaries themselves.
As parents and grandparents, we need to be teaching our children. Take the gift of the gospel seriously. “I am a Child of God.” We can help them most by teaching them the doctrine of Christ. 2 Nephi 31: 2-21. This is the missionary purpose in inviting others to come unto Christ. Teach it 7 times, 7 ways.
President Godwin
The thing which distinguishes this church as His church are Priesthood keys. President Garvin holds those keys for the members of the stake and for the missionary work in this stake.
Mission president and wife are here to assist us in our missionary work.
D&C 123:12: Some kept from the truth because they don’t know where to find it.
Use pass-a-long cards. A missionary who gave a pass-a-long card was asked, “Do you have anything else to read.” The man finished reading the Book of Mormon in a week, except for a couple chapters. He was baptized a couple weeks later.
Create a profile on Mormon.org. You can put your url on pass-a-long cards. Share your testimony in private and comfortable ways, and in bold ways.
Testimony.
President Garvin
Story of remodeling awful bathroom in small trailer home. “Measure twice, cut once.”
“Well, do you feel better there.”
1. Measure once, cut twice.
2. Some mistakes are not eternal.
3. A
Tender mercies—scriptures. (700 favorite verses)
Symmetry in scriptures. Mark 15:28. Isaiah 9: Unto us a Child is born. Luke: He shall be great; the Son of the Highest. “Peace I leave with you…” D&C 121:7 “Peace be unto thy soul…”
The greatest revelation that we can ever receive is a testimony of the Savior.
Story of a man who represented Jesus for an artist. They traveled to Africa and brought hope to children in an orphanage there. A missionary gave Miner a blessing. He realized that the words of the blessing came from His Heavenly Father. Modeling as the Savior gave him a new lease on life. “He knows me and loves me. This Jesus guy is really important to a lot of people. I just happen to be one of those people.”
1 Nephi 17: 45 Feeling is higher than hearing.
Negative and positive commandments. “Thou shalt not.” “Thou shalt.” Commandment to repent. Remember. (One word commandments that are repeated the most often.)
Moroni 10:3-5
Precursor to knowing all things is remembering.
1 Nephi 11: Knowest thou the condescension of God? He beheld the Redeemer of the Lord, teaching, and condemned. Lifted upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. Remembering Jesus as our Savior will help us gain the things we need to know and do.
President Garvin starts and ends every day with the Book of Mormon.
If we will live this counsel, we will be protected in our families, have the Spirit in our lives,,,,
Friday, December 30, 2011
2012 Primary Program Songs
As a fairly new primary president, I gave the assignment to myself and my counselors to read over the words to the songs for the program, and to write their thoughts and feelings concerning the messages of the songs. I know that this will be a great help to my dear counselor whom I've asked to write the program. For anyone else who is interested, I have decided to add a post to my blog. Maybe some of the ideas will help you in your own program or talks. HSS
Thoughts Concerning 2012 Primary Program Songs:
As a Child of God
I am thankful for parents who taught me the gospel. I am thankful that I grew up in a home where we were taught to love and to serve one another. I’m thankful for family prayer and that I could feel my parents’ testimonies and love for the Lord and for me as they prayed. I am thankful that I was baptized when I was eight-years-old and that I received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy ghost helped guide me while I was a child in my parents’ home, and He has guided me in rearing my own family.
The Wise Man and the Foolish Man
Jesus told the story of the wise man and the foolish man. Living in California, we have seen houses slide down off their sandy foundations. After fires, rainstorms, and flooding, homes have been lost. House built on granite or other solid rock foundations are more secure. Recently in Highland, many beautiful homes were destroyed because they were built in zones where flooding was likely to occur.
When Jesus talks about building our houses on rock foundations, He means that we must build our testimonies upon Him and His restored gospel, and the Rock of Revelation. In Helaman 5:12, Helaman says to his sons, "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." Jesus is the true and sure foundation.
Nephi’s Courage
Nephi 3:7—“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”
Nephi did not know in advance what would happen when he went back to Jerusalem to get the plates. But Nephi believed that his father Lehi was a prophet, and he knew the commandment to get the plates came from God. So Nephi went, not knowing beforehand what he would do. (See Nephi 4:6)
Even though Laman and Lemuel laughed at Nephi because he was going to build a boat, Nephi was able to continue with his plans and obtain revelation from God on how to build the boat. He knew that God would help him and that he could do it because God commanded him to.
We can be like Nephi. We can learn to rely on the prophet and put our trust in the words he gives us. We can be obedient to our parents, and the Lord will bless us because of our faith and obedience. Our testimonies will become stronger as we do the things which we know are right.
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
I love to hear about Jesus’s life. I love to hear how he blessed and healed so many people. I know that he loved the little children, and He told the people to suffer the children to come unto Him. He also said that we need to become like little children in order to return to Him. We know that He blessed the children in His homeland during His earth-life and the children of the Nephites and Lamanites after his resurrection. I know that he loves and blesses all of his children still today.
Choose the Right
(Also see Primary song There’s a Right Way to Live and Be Happy.)
We are all born with the Light of Christ, and it is given unto us to know right from wrong. The power of the Holy Ghost is also a gift to all of Heavenly Father’s children who are seeking after truth and righteousness. And when we become members of the Church through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism and confirmation, we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He can be our constant companion if we choose to do what’s right.
We have been blessed to know right from wrong, and we have the Holy Ghost to help us to be faithful and obedient. Heavenly Father will bless us through the Holy Ghost to feel peaceful and happy when we do what is right.
Even when things go wrong in our lives, we need to keep choosing the right.
I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus
If I want to be like Jesus, I need to get to know what He is like. I need to read stories about Him. I need to treat people with love and kindness like He did. I need to follow what He said were the first two great commandments.
Mark 12: 29-31: “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
I need to listen to His prophets and follow His commandments. John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” I need to show my love for Him by serving my fellowman. John 13:35: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Jesus Once Was a Little Child
It is good to know that Jesus was a little Child. He had to grow from grace to grace like all of us do. He was tempted, but he didn’t heed temptation. He was mocked, scourged, spit upon, and crucified, but he did not retaliate or show anger or hatred.
In Hebrews 5:8 we read, “Though He were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which He suffered.” I try to remember to be more like Jesus by being obedient and by being like a little child, both meek and submissive. He always did those things which pleased His Father, and I am striving to do those things which will please my earthly parents, Jesus, and my Heavenly Parents. I love Him.
Stand for the Right
Our prophet speaks for the Lord. Jesus told us in the Doctrine and Covenants section 1 verse 38, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” If we follow the words and council of our prophet, we will not go astray. If we stand for the right, we will not fall for the things that are wrong. We need to listen to our prophet at conference time, and we need to read his words and follow his counsel. The Lord will bless us if we do.
When I am Baptized
I love seeing rainbows. The rainbow was the sign of the covenant that the Lord made with Noah that the entire earth would never be flooded again. In Noah’s day, the earth was baptized with water. That was part of its needed purification. The rainbow also reminds me that I need to be baptized just like Adam and Eve were and just like Jesus was. When I was baptized, everything that I had done or thought that was wrong, was washed away. Each week when I partake of the sacrament worthily, with a pure and honest heart, my wrongs are washed away again. I can be clean and pure all the time because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. The light that shines through a prism of water produces a beautiful rainbow. The Light that flows into me as a disciple of Jesus Christ creates in me a beautiful tapestry as I follow His commandments and do His will. I want to stay clean and pure and have Light in my life.
Thoughts Concerning 2012 Primary Program Songs:
As a Child of God
I am thankful for parents who taught me the gospel. I am thankful that I grew up in a home where we were taught to love and to serve one another. I’m thankful for family prayer and that I could feel my parents’ testimonies and love for the Lord and for me as they prayed. I am thankful that I was baptized when I was eight-years-old and that I received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy ghost helped guide me while I was a child in my parents’ home, and He has guided me in rearing my own family.
The Wise Man and the Foolish Man
Jesus told the story of the wise man and the foolish man. Living in California, we have seen houses slide down off their sandy foundations. After fires, rainstorms, and flooding, homes have been lost. House built on granite or other solid rock foundations are more secure. Recently in Highland, many beautiful homes were destroyed because they were built in zones where flooding was likely to occur.
When Jesus talks about building our houses on rock foundations, He means that we must build our testimonies upon Him and His restored gospel, and the Rock of Revelation. In Helaman 5:12, Helaman says to his sons, "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." Jesus is the true and sure foundation.
Nephi’s Courage
Nephi 3:7—“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”
Nephi did not know in advance what would happen when he went back to Jerusalem to get the plates. But Nephi believed that his father Lehi was a prophet, and he knew the commandment to get the plates came from God. So Nephi went, not knowing beforehand what he would do. (See Nephi 4:6)
Even though Laman and Lemuel laughed at Nephi because he was going to build a boat, Nephi was able to continue with his plans and obtain revelation from God on how to build the boat. He knew that God would help him and that he could do it because God commanded him to.
We can be like Nephi. We can learn to rely on the prophet and put our trust in the words he gives us. We can be obedient to our parents, and the Lord will bless us because of our faith and obedience. Our testimonies will become stronger as we do the things which we know are right.
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
I love to hear about Jesus’s life. I love to hear how he blessed and healed so many people. I know that he loved the little children, and He told the people to suffer the children to come unto Him. He also said that we need to become like little children in order to return to Him. We know that He blessed the children in His homeland during His earth-life and the children of the Nephites and Lamanites after his resurrection. I know that he loves and blesses all of his children still today.
Choose the Right
(Also see Primary song There’s a Right Way to Live and Be Happy.)
We are all born with the Light of Christ, and it is given unto us to know right from wrong. The power of the Holy Ghost is also a gift to all of Heavenly Father’s children who are seeking after truth and righteousness. And when we become members of the Church through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism and confirmation, we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He can be our constant companion if we choose to do what’s right.
We have been blessed to know right from wrong, and we have the Holy Ghost to help us to be faithful and obedient. Heavenly Father will bless us through the Holy Ghost to feel peaceful and happy when we do what is right.
Even when things go wrong in our lives, we need to keep choosing the right.
I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus
If I want to be like Jesus, I need to get to know what He is like. I need to read stories about Him. I need to treat people with love and kindness like He did. I need to follow what He said were the first two great commandments.
Mark 12: 29-31: “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
I need to listen to His prophets and follow His commandments. John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” I need to show my love for Him by serving my fellowman. John 13:35: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Jesus Once Was a Little Child
It is good to know that Jesus was a little Child. He had to grow from grace to grace like all of us do. He was tempted, but he didn’t heed temptation. He was mocked, scourged, spit upon, and crucified, but he did not retaliate or show anger or hatred.
In Hebrews 5:8 we read, “Though He were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which He suffered.” I try to remember to be more like Jesus by being obedient and by being like a little child, both meek and submissive. He always did those things which pleased His Father, and I am striving to do those things which will please my earthly parents, Jesus, and my Heavenly Parents. I love Him.
Stand for the Right
Our prophet speaks for the Lord. Jesus told us in the Doctrine and Covenants section 1 verse 38, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” If we follow the words and council of our prophet, we will not go astray. If we stand for the right, we will not fall for the things that are wrong. We need to listen to our prophet at conference time, and we need to read his words and follow his counsel. The Lord will bless us if we do.
When I am Baptized
I love seeing rainbows. The rainbow was the sign of the covenant that the Lord made with Noah that the entire earth would never be flooded again. In Noah’s day, the earth was baptized with water. That was part of its needed purification. The rainbow also reminds me that I need to be baptized just like Adam and Eve were and just like Jesus was. When I was baptized, everything that I had done or thought that was wrong, was washed away. Each week when I partake of the sacrament worthily, with a pure and honest heart, my wrongs are washed away again. I can be clean and pure all the time because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. The light that shines through a prism of water produces a beautiful rainbow. The Light that flows into me as a disciple of Jesus Christ creates in me a beautiful tapestry as I follow His commandments and do His will. I want to stay clean and pure and have Light in my life.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Daily Quotes
4-13-11
Posting my feelings about cancer on Facebook won't change anything. I hope that faith, prayers, and advances in modern medicine will someday. While it is such a debilitating disease, and we all share in our desire to see its end, those who have suffered through it are often blessed in ways that we can't begin to comprehend. I don't believe that cancer patients have their hopes and dreams and wishes snuffed out by the disease. They are way stronger than that! My experience is not that they only have one selfish dream, of themselves licking the cancer, but they have many hope and dreams for the happiness and welfare of all those they love. I can't begin to imagine that I can speak for someone who has, or has had cancer, because I don't. But I know that their cancer doesn't make them stop being who they are.
4-22-11
So appropriate for Earth Day to be on Good Friday. Thank you, Jesus, for this beautiful world we enjoy and for the gift of the Resurrection!
7-12-11
I did not know when I wrote these words that my sister would pass away on the same day. How fitting that she could go on Good Friday.
4-23-11
My sister's long battle with cancer is finally over, and she won. She endured to the end. I will miss her, but I know that because of Jesus Christ she is whole in spirit now, and she will be whole again in the flesh in the Resurrection. Happy Easter, everyone. ♥ ♥ ♥
4-29-11
A new sadness and a new gladness. Yesterday's gone, but a glorious future lays ahead for all of us. Kathy's funeral yesterday was beautiful. So wonderful to see family and friends. My new prayer should be my sister's, that I will endure to the end.
Kathy not only endured; she prevailed.
"Enduring is merely surviving the fear and the dangers of life. Prevailing is overcoming that fear and those dangers. To prevail is to triumph." (k-12 English lesson)
6-10-11
The point isn't trying to get away with doing the least that you can; the point is learning to do the best that you can.
7-10-11
We all have our quirks; we all have our problems. But if we all tried to be more loving and accepting and less judgmental and offish, the world would spin ever more nicely on its axis and follow its orbit with greater ease.
7-11-11
We need to be a little bit more discriminatory in our non-discrimination.
7-12-11
When the dark of night overtakes you, look to the source of all light, Jesus Christ. He will again carry you through to the light of day.
7-13-11
I hope that I will die gracefully when the time comes; but, even more so, I hope that I will learn to live graciously.
7-18-11
No one has a corner on pain or sorrow. If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, someone else is mourning the same loss or another one. If you are struggling with a financial burden, so is your neighbor. If you are struggling with an illness, so are many others around you. If you want to improve your lot, start by offering relieve to another. You will be immediately lifted.
7-19-11
Thank you to all the folk musicians who write and sing the music that speaks to my soul.
7-24-11
I stepped out of the car, and my glasses steamed up.
While waiting on the Lord, we must not put our lives o hold. We shouldn't wait to make the improvements that we want to see in our lives. We can begin now by asking, "Lord, what would You have me do?" Then we need to follow through and do it. (HSS)
7-25-11
We talked to this Apollo team member at Johnson's Space Center today. He was visiting for the 40th anniversary, and we got to listen to him talk about working on the Apollo capsule. He is a very humble man about his part in it all, but we are thankful for the behind-the-scenes people. They are always important.
7-27-11
Despite local residents claims that Houston is hot and humid, we think Houston is pretty cool.
7-29-11
I'm not interested in chasing fabricated rainbows for non-existent pots of gold. (HSS)
7-30-11
While it is true that God created us initially, he did not mean for us to stay in our infant condition. Within us are the seeds of godhood. One of the greatest gifts we have is agency or the freedom to choose. Each day we can redefine and recreate ourselves by the choices that we make, by our thoughts and our actions. To say that we are the way we are because God made us that way seems to be more of a copout than saying the devil made me do it.
8-2-11
I think that cat's should teach self-defense. They are masters at "circle, twist, and run."
8-3-11
You know YOU'RE from Grammarville if you don't like seeing a possessive determiner taking the place of a you are contraction.
8-4-11
We must always remember that when things seem too good to be true, they are!
8-5-11
Don't mess with the momma bear.
Reverse discrimination: Do unto others anything bad that has ever been done to you by whomever.
8-13-11
(Revised from another post) This is for all the wonderful students beginning a new year of school: If you see someone who is struggling, or someone who is being bullied, or someone who is not well-accepted because he or she dresses differently or talks differently, or someone who just seems shy--PLEASE step up. Say hi and smile at them in the hallway. You never know what someone is facing in his or her life outside of school. Your kindness might make a BIG difference in someone's life! Friendship begins with a smile.
8-14-11
I love my family. A special thanks to my children for teaching me how to be a mom. It's taking me many years, but I'm happy with the privilege that I've been given to be yours.
8-17-11
Heading to bed. Thanks to Jenae Terrill for inviting Christine M. Stevenson and me to come watch their puppies being born. There were already some born before we got there, but we got to witness the live birth of a puppy! The next two were stillborn. They were just too underdeveloped. Nine puppies so far. The mother is still delivering.
8-18-11
Awesome evening. It's not every day that I get to see new life entering the world.
8-19-11
I am real. I don't live in cyberspace. I knew most of you before Facebook existed.
8-20-11
God is allowed with our children everywhere they go. No politically correct measures can limit God's presence. Like always, we need to invite Him into our lives. Bad things, unfortunately, do happen and always have. God allows agency. It's too bad that He has been abandoned by so many people, but, if we are true to Him, He will never abandon us.
8-30-11
I'd like to encourage everyone to come up with his or her own status for just one day. Copy and repost if you agree.
By the way, this is not a repost.
9-4-11
I will get through this present struggle. I will get through this present. Struggle. I will get through this. Present struggle. Just give me the present, would you?
11-16-11
Acting superior by pretending to be magnanimous does not prove you believe in equality.
True understanding must stem from having in place a deep-rooted belief system that although we are all children of God, He knows and loves us better than we do ourselves, and although He knows that obedience to His laws is what will bring us happiness, He will not personally impose discipleship. While He must certainly expect that His children also not impose obedience on each other, He most certainly does not condone the repealing of His laws.
12-7-11
Remember that the Good Samaritan took the injured person to an inn, not to his own home. Do what you can to help others, but remember that your family comes first.
Posting my feelings about cancer on Facebook won't change anything. I hope that faith, prayers, and advances in modern medicine will someday. While it is such a debilitating disease, and we all share in our desire to see its end, those who have suffered through it are often blessed in ways that we can't begin to comprehend. I don't believe that cancer patients have their hopes and dreams and wishes snuffed out by the disease. They are way stronger than that! My experience is not that they only have one selfish dream, of themselves licking the cancer, but they have many hope and dreams for the happiness and welfare of all those they love. I can't begin to imagine that I can speak for someone who has, or has had cancer, because I don't. But I know that their cancer doesn't make them stop being who they are.
4-22-11
So appropriate for Earth Day to be on Good Friday. Thank you, Jesus, for this beautiful world we enjoy and for the gift of the Resurrection!
7-12-11
I did not know when I wrote these words that my sister would pass away on the same day. How fitting that she could go on Good Friday.
4-23-11
My sister's long battle with cancer is finally over, and she won. She endured to the end. I will miss her, but I know that because of Jesus Christ she is whole in spirit now, and she will be whole again in the flesh in the Resurrection. Happy Easter, everyone. ♥ ♥ ♥
4-29-11
A new sadness and a new gladness. Yesterday's gone, but a glorious future lays ahead for all of us. Kathy's funeral yesterday was beautiful. So wonderful to see family and friends. My new prayer should be my sister's, that I will endure to the end.
Kathy not only endured; she prevailed.
"Enduring is merely surviving the fear and the dangers of life. Prevailing is overcoming that fear and those dangers. To prevail is to triumph." (k-12 English lesson)
6-10-11
The point isn't trying to get away with doing the least that you can; the point is learning to do the best that you can.
7-10-11
We all have our quirks; we all have our problems. But if we all tried to be more loving and accepting and less judgmental and offish, the world would spin ever more nicely on its axis and follow its orbit with greater ease.
7-11-11
We need to be a little bit more discriminatory in our non-discrimination.
7-12-11
When the dark of night overtakes you, look to the source of all light, Jesus Christ. He will again carry you through to the light of day.
7-13-11
I hope that I will die gracefully when the time comes; but, even more so, I hope that I will learn to live graciously.
7-18-11
No one has a corner on pain or sorrow. If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, someone else is mourning the same loss or another one. If you are struggling with a financial burden, so is your neighbor. If you are struggling with an illness, so are many others around you. If you want to improve your lot, start by offering relieve to another. You will be immediately lifted.
7-19-11
Thank you to all the folk musicians who write and sing the music that speaks to my soul.
7-24-11
I stepped out of the car, and my glasses steamed up.
While waiting on the Lord, we must not put our lives o hold. We shouldn't wait to make the improvements that we want to see in our lives. We can begin now by asking, "Lord, what would You have me do?" Then we need to follow through and do it. (HSS)
7-25-11
We talked to this Apollo team member at Johnson's Space Center today. He was visiting for the 40th anniversary, and we got to listen to him talk about working on the Apollo capsule. He is a very humble man about his part in it all, but we are thankful for the behind-the-scenes people. They are always important.
7-27-11
Despite local residents claims that Houston is hot and humid, we think Houston is pretty cool.
7-29-11
I'm not interested in chasing fabricated rainbows for non-existent pots of gold. (HSS)
7-30-11
While it is true that God created us initially, he did not mean for us to stay in our infant condition. Within us are the seeds of godhood. One of the greatest gifts we have is agency or the freedom to choose. Each day we can redefine and recreate ourselves by the choices that we make, by our thoughts and our actions. To say that we are the way we are because God made us that way seems to be more of a copout than saying the devil made me do it.
8-2-11
I think that cat's should teach self-defense. They are masters at "circle, twist, and run."
8-3-11
You know YOU'RE from Grammarville if you don't like seeing a possessive determiner taking the place of a you are contraction.
8-4-11
We must always remember that when things seem too good to be true, they are!
8-5-11
Don't mess with the momma bear.
Reverse discrimination: Do unto others anything bad that has ever been done to you by whomever.
8-13-11
(Revised from another post) This is for all the wonderful students beginning a new year of school: If you see someone who is struggling, or someone who is being bullied, or someone who is not well-accepted because he or she dresses differently or talks differently, or someone who just seems shy--PLEASE step up. Say hi and smile at them in the hallway. You never know what someone is facing in his or her life outside of school. Your kindness might make a BIG difference in someone's life! Friendship begins with a smile.
8-14-11
I love my family. A special thanks to my children for teaching me how to be a mom. It's taking me many years, but I'm happy with the privilege that I've been given to be yours.
8-17-11
Heading to bed. Thanks to Jenae Terrill for inviting Christine M. Stevenson and me to come watch their puppies being born. There were already some born before we got there, but we got to witness the live birth of a puppy! The next two were stillborn. They were just too underdeveloped. Nine puppies so far. The mother is still delivering.
8-18-11
Awesome evening. It's not every day that I get to see new life entering the world.
8-19-11
I am real. I don't live in cyberspace. I knew most of you before Facebook existed.
8-20-11
God is allowed with our children everywhere they go. No politically correct measures can limit God's presence. Like always, we need to invite Him into our lives. Bad things, unfortunately, do happen and always have. God allows agency. It's too bad that He has been abandoned by so many people, but, if we are true to Him, He will never abandon us.
8-30-11
I'd like to encourage everyone to come up with his or her own status for just one day. Copy and repost if you agree.
By the way, this is not a repost.
9-4-11
I will get through this present struggle. I will get through this present. Struggle. I will get through this. Present struggle. Just give me the present, would you?
11-16-11
Acting superior by pretending to be magnanimous does not prove you believe in equality.
True understanding must stem from having in place a deep-rooted belief system that although we are all children of God, He knows and loves us better than we do ourselves, and although He knows that obedience to His laws is what will bring us happiness, He will not personally impose discipleship. While He must certainly expect that His children also not impose obedience on each other, He most certainly does not condone the repealing of His laws.
12-7-11
Remember that the Good Samaritan took the injured person to an inn, not to his own home. Do what you can to help others, but remember that your family comes first.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Discrimination, Some Cry
Acting superior by pretending to be magnanimous does not prove you believe in equality.
True understanding must stem from having in place a deep-rooted belief system that although we are all children of God, He knows and loves us better than we do ourselves, and although He knows that obedience to His laws is what will bring us happiness, He will not personally impose discipleship. While He must certainly expect that His children also not impose obedience on each other, He most certainly does not condone the repealing of His laws.
True understanding must stem from having in place a deep-rooted belief system that although we are all children of God, He knows and loves us better than we do ourselves, and although He knows that obedience to His laws is what will bring us happiness, He will not personally impose discipleship. While He must certainly expect that His children also not impose obedience on each other, He most certainly does not condone the repealing of His laws.
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