Today the RS lesson was taught by yours truly. The lesson was on how each of us matters. I call it "The Celestial Butterfly Effect."
Is anyone familiar with the story of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9? Saul had received a vision. In his vision, Christ spoke to him, and caused him to go blind. There is another important person in that story, one that is often forgotten. His name was Ananias. Ananias received a vision that Saul, the notorious killer of Christians, would need his help in converting to a life of following Christ. Ananias was concerned that if he went to Saul, Saul would have him killed. But, Ananias was obedient and went to Saul, laid his hands on Saul’s head and using the priesthood, caused him to “receive sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 9:17) Saul was healed, and immediately baptized. Within a few days he began preaching the gospel of Christ. Saul soon became Paul, an Apostle of Christ. Heavenly Father helped Paul to teach the world. But first, he helped Ananias to teach Paul. One man, helping another, helped thousands even millions.
In 1963, Edward Lorenz presented a theory to the New York Academy of Science. Simply stated, his theory was that: A butterfly flapping its wings would set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, each moving more molecules of air. Eventually this motion would be capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the globe. Edward Lorenz was literally laughed off the stage of the conference. The idea was ridiculous they said. Preposterous, the stuff of science fiction. More than thirty years later, physics professors worldwide came to the conclusion that this “butterfly effect” was authentic, accurate, and viable. While the butterfly does not "cause" the hurricane in the sense of providing the energy for the hurricane, it does "cause" it in the sense that the flap of its wings is an essential part of the initial conditions resulting in a hurricane, and without that flap that particular hurricane could not have existed. Science has proven that the butterfly effect can engage with the first movement of any form of matter, even people. (Andy Andrews “The Butterfly Effect:How Your Life Matters.” )
So what does this butterfly effect mean to us? It means that our lives, our actions, our failures to act effects every other person on the planet. President Gordon B. Hinckley, in his talk entitled “Pillars of Truth“ in the January 1994 Ensign said; “While here, we have learning to gain, work to do, service to give. We are here with a marvelous inheritance, a divine endowment. How different this world would be if every person realized that all of his actions have eternal consequences. How much more satisfying our years may be if in our accumulation of knowledge, in our relationships with others, in our business affairs, in our courtship and marriage, and in our family rearing, we recognize that we form each day the stuff of which eternity is made. . .Sisters, life is forever. Live each day as if you were going to live eternally, for you surely shall.”
The decisions we make and the actions we take, have eternal consequences, a celestial butterfly effect, if you will. This principle is also taught in Matthew 18:18, “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” This means that every single one of us is important. Every one of our lives has meaning, each of us a purpose, and all of us can be a force for good.
President Hinckley, in his talk, give us seven pillars of truth. “Each is an eternal verity, proved out of the experience of generations, bearing the endorsement of the word of the Lord.” By learning and living these pillars of truth, we can each cause a hurricane of righteousness. President Hinckley says “...Sisters, you will never be happy if you go through life thinking only of yourself. Get lost in the best cause in the world—the cause of the Lord. The work of the quorums, and of the auxiliary organizations, temple work, welfare service work, missionary work. You will bless your own life as you bless the lives of others.” The butterfly effect of goodness.
1. God Lives, and the Door of Heaven Is Open. “As we go forward in our lives, let us never forget to pray. God lives. He is near. He is real. He is our Father. He is accessible to us. He is the author of eternal truth, the Master of the universe. The handle is ready, and the door can be opened to His abundance. ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.’ (James 1:5) ”
Imagine the good that could be done, if you every single day, got down on your knees and prayed for those around you. What if you implored Heavenly Father for every one else’s needs before your own? You might not ever know the result of such requests for another person, but think about the effect it would have on you. The love that would grow, the softening of your own heart, making it, in turn easier for you serve others.
Life Is Forever. “We are not chance creations in a universe of disorder. We lived before we were born. We were God’s sons and daughters who shouted for joy. We knew our Father; He planned our future. We graduated from that life and matriculated in this. The statement is simple; the implications are profound. Life is a mission, not just the sputtering of a candle between a chance lighting and a gust of wind that blows it out forever.”
What would you change if you knew that each action you took lasted forever? Would you make an extra effort to be a little kinder, to try a little harder, to do a little more? Don’t waste time worrying about what exactly you should be doing in this life. Decide to do something, and do it! Elder John H. Groberg of the First Quorum of the Seventy said, “In our quest to discover our callings in life, the first and most fundamental thing we must do is to follow the Savior. Learn of him. Learn what he did, then do it. The things that he did, even though they occurred nearly 2,000 years ago, have universal application. (There’s that butterfly effect again!) Now this may seem pretty general to you, but it is the basis of all else. You will have to do this by personally studying the scriptures and his life and personally becoming acquainted with him.”
The Kingdom of God Is Here. “We are citizens in the greatest kingdom on earth—a kingdom not directed by the wisdom of men but led by the Lord Jesus Christ. Its presence is real. Its destiny is certain. . . Sisters, where will you find better association than in the Relief Society, whose motto is ‘Charity Never Faileth’ and whose mission is to bless the poor and bind up the wounds of the sick and the lonely, to bring gladness into the hearts of the women of the Church, and to increase their skill as homemakers?Active membership in the Church is as an anchor in the storms of life we all face. The kingdom is here. Cling to this truth.”
It may seem that you are asked to do more than your share. You may feel like you are working harder than every one else. Good! How can you learn and grow and be a force for good if you are sitting in your comfort zone, just letting things happen instead of making them happen? Do you want to get caught in the wake of someone else’s storm, or do you want to be your own force of nature? My grandmother has two scriptures she loved to quote at us when we were not feeling like we wanted to help “build up the Kingdom.” Doctrine and Covenants 42:42. “Thou shalt not be aidle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bbread nor wear the garments of the claborer”. and 1 Corinthians 3:8 “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own areward according to his own labour.”
The Family Is Divine. “I am satisfied that nothing will assure greater success in the hazardous undertaking of parenthood than a program of family life that comes from the marvelous teaching of the gospel. . . In such a home, parents are loved and not dreaded; they are appreciated and not feared. And children are regarded as gifts of the Lord, to be cared for, nurtured, encouraged, and directed. There may be an occasional disagreement; there may be small quarrels. But if there is prayer in the family, and love, and consideration, there will be a residue of affection that will bind forever and a loyalty that will always guide.”
I think every one of us knows the widespread effect one harsh word, one hurt feeling, or one little quarrel can have on our families. I also believe that we have all witnessed miracles occur in our own homes through the kind actions and deeds we offer one another.
Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice. “I am going to apply one aspect only of this great truth and will do so to the Lord’s counsel and promise in matters of health, the Word of Wisdom. I remember a report from the American Medical Association to the effect that heavy smokers die seven years before they would if they did not smoke. Seven years of life. That’s as long as many persons spend in high school and college. Seven years—time enough to become a doctor, an architect, an engineer, a lawyer. Seven years in which to enjoy the sunrise and the sunset, the hills and the valleys, the lakes and the seas, the love of our children, the friendship of wonderful people we may know. What a statistical promise confirming the word of the Lord that the destroying angel shall pass by those who walk in obedience and will not slay them. The Lord has given us a key to health and happiness—and has given it with a promise. It is a pillar of eternal wisdom. It is better to obey than to rationalize and sacrifice.”
We can imagine the long reaching effects of this concept. We as members of the Church are known around the world for our willingness to “sacrifice” the use of tobacco and caffeine. But what truly is remarkable to people is when we don’t act as if it is a sacrifice. If I complain to my friends daily about the fact that I can’t have a cup of coffee, they will have a much less positive view of the word of wisdom, the church, and the gospel of Christ. But if I am happy to be obedient, the eternal consequences of that obedience include not only better health, but a more positive view of the church for everyone I know, and everyone they know.
The Lord Is Bound. “May I suggest that in my judgment, no person who is a member of this church and has taken upon himself the covenants incident to membership can reasonably expect the blessings of the Lord upon his efforts unless being willing to bear his share of the burden of the Lord’s kingdom. Pay your tithes that you may be worthy of the Lord’s blessings. I will not promise that you will become wealthy. But I bear testimony that the Lord does reward generously in one way or another those who keep His commandments. And I assure you that no investment counselor to whom you may go can promise you as the Lord has promised: ‘I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.’ (D&C 82:10.) The Lord honors His covenants.”
What kind of effect do we have when we consider ourselves bound by our covenants? Does not living up to our covenants have some “eternal consequences,” as President Hinckley put it?
He That Loseth His Life Shall Find It. “While riding on an airplane, I picked up a magazine and read a description of the moral bankruptcy into which the world is falling. The author gave as the dominant reason for this decay an attitude that is characterized by the question, What’s in it for me? The Savior put it this way: ‘He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.’ ” (Matt. 10:39.)
If you live your life only to help yourself get ahead, you are lost. You have missed the point. If you do all you can to build up the Kingdom of God, to live as He does, to be a good example of a disciple of Christ, you will never be forgotten. The world may not know your name, no one may remember you 10, 100, 1,000 years from now, but something of you will live forever. Everything you do matters. Every action you take, not just to you, or your family, or your business, or your hometown, or your country. Everything you do matters to all of us forever. There are eternal consequences, good and bad. You are important. You make a difference.
To illustrate these Eternal Consequences I want to tell you about Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Does anyone know who he is? Does anyone know why his name is important?
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was a 34 year old school teacher. But on July 2,1863 Chamberlain did made one decision, that is significant to each one of us in this room, every member of our ward, every one who lives in the United States, every single person on the planet.
Chamberlain was a Colonel in the Union Army. He commanded a group of approximately one thousand men, who stood on the front lines in a battle outside a little town known as Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Chamberlain had been ordered to hold the line. He couldn’t withdraw, even though they were woefully outnumbered. The Confederate Army charged his men numerous times. In the fourth assault, Chamberlain was hit by a single bullet and knocked to the ground from the force of the shot. The bullet hit his belt buckle. He miraculously was not wounded. The rebels almost made it through the line. On the fifth charge, the Union Army did not have time to reload as the rebels tried to over take them. They had to resort to swinging their rifles at each other, and flat out brawling with fists. After the five attacks, the Union was down to eighty men left in the battle. The Confederates on the other hand had been reinforced, and were charging again with double their original numbers. As if that weren’t bad enough, Colonel Chamberlain learned that his men were down to 1 or 2 bullets each. They had no ammunition, no troops, and no chance. Chamberlain is quoted as saying “I had, deep within me, the inability to do nothing. When I am faced with the choice of doing nothing or doing something, I will always choose to act.” He made a split second decision. The one that changed the course of history. He ordered his men to “fix bayonets and charge!” All eighty of them, against four hundred Confederate soldiers, culminating in a dramatic downhill bayonet charge that is one of the most well-known actions at Gettysburg and in the Civil War. When the Confederate troops saw this, many of them threw down their loaded weapons, turned and ran. It’s an amazing story of courage and determination. But, here’s what we need to consider. Historians have determined that had Chamberlain not charged that day, the south would have won the battle of Gettysburg. Had the rebels won at Gettysburg, they undoubtedly would have won the Civil war. If that had happened, we would now be split into a territorially fragmented continent resembling Europe. North America would likely be split into nine to thirteen separate countries! Which means, when Hitler swept across Europe, there would not have existed a United States to withstand him. When Hirohito invaded the islands of the South Pacific, there would not have been a country big enough, strong enough, populous enough, or wealthy enough to fight and win two wars on two fronts at the same time. The United States of America, and the world exists, as it does today because of one 34 year old schoolteacher and one decision he made 200 years ago. Colonel Joshua Chamberlain is an example of the butterfly effect. One man who made one move that certainly had eternal consequences that affect us still today. Each of us is no less an example of the butterfly effect. Everything we do matters. Each of our lives has purpose, meaning. How far forward would we need to go in our lives to show the difference each of us can make? (Story courtesy of “The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters” By Andy Andrews.) There are generations of spirits not yet born, whose lives will be shaped, whose futures will be affected by the actions you take today, and each day forward. You have been created in God’s image. You have been sent here in order that you might make a difference. Like President Hinckley said “...life is forever. Live each day as if you were going to live eternally, for you surely shall.”
It is my testimony that the Lord has given us each many gifts and talents to use while here on earth. I know that these gifts can be used to make a difference and to do good. I know that the Lord loves each of us and wants us to be happy. I know that the church is true because it is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that there is a true prophet on the earth and that he also loves each of us. I am thankful to be a member of the church and to have the gospel to guide me. I know that families can be together forever and that each of our actions has eternal consequences.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Dede B.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
RS Lesson 29 Aug 2010
Our meeting today was combined with the priesthood, under the direction of the Bishop. The Bishop gave a presentation on "How we can learn, grow together, and progress as a ward family."
Bishop Bonham first reminded us of the challenge Bishop Heintz issued a few years ago for every family to read the Book of Mormon. The Bishop then asked us to recall the spirit that was felt, and the good that came to each of us by following the Bishop's council. After witnessing miracles occur in the ward because of the priesthood and the faith of our ward, the Bishop prayed to know what we can now do to progress as a ward.
The Bishop said that after he'd received his answer, it became obvious to him in the hymns, talks, and lessons in the past few weeks. They have all had a common theme of obedience, repentance, and putting our pride aside. With that in mind, the Bishop issued a new challenge, with the promise that heeding this council will "lead to great blessings and exciting times for us as a ward."
The challenge the Bishop issued is two fold. The first part being for each family/individual to study the Book of Mormon, as well as "Preach My Gospel." The point was made that there is a difference between "studying" and "reading." The Bishop counseled us to find something in these books that is appropriate for our families and use that to help us know how to help each other grow and progress so that we can each better serve the Lord, as well as strengthen our ward.
We are not to sit back or hide from the work or responsibilities. We need to reach out- we can and have done so many good works for so many people. Each of us, no matter our circumstances or limitations, has made covenants to serve. We do have a significant number of members in our ward, as well as non members living in our boundaries, struggling with health issues, financial issues, spiritual issues, etc. Next week will be a ward fast for those people. The Bishop admonished us to use the priesthood daily. Offer blessings to those you home teach, and even non members as appropriate. The Lord would have us be diligent in our callings, in our responsibilities, and to bring the priesthood into the lives of all of those around us.
The second part of the challenge is for each family/individual to have the missionaries into their home each month. We have been blessed to have missionaries assigned to our ward. Having them in your home can and will bring great peace, as well as the Spirit. They can come visit you and bring a message. You don't have to feed them, though there are certainly numerous opportunities to do so. The Bishop promised each of us that if we have the missionaries in our homes, they will bring with them something that the Lord has sent them to give you. You don't need to worry about your home not being clean enough, your food not being "good" enough, or feeling uncomfortable with the individual missionaries. Bro. Romney from the Forks ward gave several ideas on ways to help make sure the missionaries can get into each home, as well as further missionary work in the ward boundaries.
1. Give/arrange rides
2. Invite others into your home with the missionaries. Single sisters, those who live a great distance from town, etc.
3. Arrange for a priesthood holder or extra sisters to be in the home of a single sister with the Elders.
4. Make yourself available to teach with the Elders.
5. Become familiar with the lessons so that you will be comfortable being asked to serve.
6. Diligence- work your heart out.
Bro. Romney made a great statement that the "great joy (of helping bring others to the gospel) never gets old."
We need to be open to working with whomever the Lord places in our path. This includes missionaries you don't particularly like, non members, ward members you might disagree with, etc.
The Bishop closed by expressing his love and appreciation for each of us, and by saying that he KNOWS that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, and we better serve Him when we serve and love each other.
Put your shoulder to the wheel! Dede B.
(On a side note, that song always makes me smile because, as a child I HONESTLY thought the chorus went " We all have work, come on you jerk... =) )
Bishop Bonham first reminded us of the challenge Bishop Heintz issued a few years ago for every family to read the Book of Mormon. The Bishop then asked us to recall the spirit that was felt, and the good that came to each of us by following the Bishop's council. After witnessing miracles occur in the ward because of the priesthood and the faith of our ward, the Bishop prayed to know what we can now do to progress as a ward.
The Bishop said that after he'd received his answer, it became obvious to him in the hymns, talks, and lessons in the past few weeks. They have all had a common theme of obedience, repentance, and putting our pride aside. With that in mind, the Bishop issued a new challenge, with the promise that heeding this council will "lead to great blessings and exciting times for us as a ward."
The challenge the Bishop issued is two fold. The first part being for each family/individual to study the Book of Mormon, as well as "Preach My Gospel." The point was made that there is a difference between "studying" and "reading." The Bishop counseled us to find something in these books that is appropriate for our families and use that to help us know how to help each other grow and progress so that we can each better serve the Lord, as well as strengthen our ward.
We are not to sit back or hide from the work or responsibilities. We need to reach out- we can and have done so many good works for so many people. Each of us, no matter our circumstances or limitations, has made covenants to serve. We do have a significant number of members in our ward, as well as non members living in our boundaries, struggling with health issues, financial issues, spiritual issues, etc. Next week will be a ward fast for those people. The Bishop admonished us to use the priesthood daily. Offer blessings to those you home teach, and even non members as appropriate. The Lord would have us be diligent in our callings, in our responsibilities, and to bring the priesthood into the lives of all of those around us.
The second part of the challenge is for each family/individual to have the missionaries into their home each month. We have been blessed to have missionaries assigned to our ward. Having them in your home can and will bring great peace, as well as the Spirit. They can come visit you and bring a message. You don't have to feed them, though there are certainly numerous opportunities to do so. The Bishop promised each of us that if we have the missionaries in our homes, they will bring with them something that the Lord has sent them to give you. You don't need to worry about your home not being clean enough, your food not being "good" enough, or feeling uncomfortable with the individual missionaries. Bro. Romney from the Forks ward gave several ideas on ways to help make sure the missionaries can get into each home, as well as further missionary work in the ward boundaries.
1. Give/arrange rides
2. Invite others into your home with the missionaries. Single sisters, those who live a great distance from town, etc.
3. Arrange for a priesthood holder or extra sisters to be in the home of a single sister with the Elders.
4. Make yourself available to teach with the Elders.
5. Become familiar with the lessons so that you will be comfortable being asked to serve.
6. Diligence- work your heart out.
Bro. Romney made a great statement that the "great joy (of helping bring others to the gospel) never gets old."
We need to be open to working with whomever the Lord places in our path. This includes missionaries you don't particularly like, non members, ward members you might disagree with, etc.
The Bishop closed by expressing his love and appreciation for each of us, and by saying that he KNOWS that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, and we better serve Him when we serve and love each other.
Put your shoulder to the wheel! Dede B.
(On a side note, that song always makes me smile because, as a child I HONESTLY thought the chorus went " We all have work, come on you jerk... =) )
Sunday, August 22, 2010
RS Lesson 22 Aug 2010
Our lesson was taught by Sis. Carol Heintz, and was based on a talk by Elder Robert D. Hales, entitled "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation."
The talk starts off by addressing and "encourage parents and all who are called to lead and serve the youth of this world. The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that we have “an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation” (D&C 123:11)."
For all of us, doing our duty to God as parents and leaders begins with leading by example—consistently and diligently living gospel principles at home. This takes daily determination and diligence. For youth, there is no substitute for seeing the gospel lived in our daily lives. The stripling warriors did not have to wonder what their parents believed. They said, “We do not doubt our mothers knew it” (see Alma 56:47–48). Do our children know what we know? For parents, as you drive or walk children to school or their various activities, do you use the time to talk with them about their hopes and dreams and fears and joys? Do you take the time to have them take the earplugs from their MP3 players and all the other devices so that they can hear you and feel of your love? "The more I live, the more I recognize that the teaching moments in my youth, especially those provided by my parents, have shaped my life and made me who I am."
Sis. Heintz told a story about her brother, who at age 12, wanted a rifle in the worst way. When he finally received one, it was not the one he wanted. As an adult, he realized that what was important was not the gift itself, it was the rite of passage his Father was giving him. Another brother told of fishing with Dad. Usually dad would go off one way, leaving him to find his own fishing spot. Once, they were out on a boat, making it impossible for them to go off in separate directions. They sat in the boat all afternoon, and he said that that day was the best time he ever had with his Dad. He was able to talk and be heard, learn and get to know Dad as a person.
Elder Hales continues,stating: "For our interactions with youth to truly touch their hearts, we have to pay attention to them just as we would pay attention to a trusted adult colleague or close friend. Most important is asking them questions, letting them talk, and then being willing to listen—yes, listen and listen some more—even hearken with spiritual ears! Several years ago I was reading the newspaper when one of my young grandsons snuggled up to me. As I read, I was delighted to hear his sweet voice chattering on in the background. Imagine my surprise when, a few moments later, he pushed himself between me and the paper. Taking my face in his hands and pressing his nose up to mine, he asked, “Grandpa! Are you in there?”
Mother, Father, are you in there? Grandpa, Grandma, are you there? Being there means understanding the hearts of our youth and connecting with them. And connecting with them means not just conversing with them but doing things with them too."
"Recently I heard a mother recount how she had helped her first three daughters complete their Personal Progress requirements by doing what was expected—staying informed and signing off projects. Then she tenderly explained, tears flowing down her cheek, “Recently I have been working with my fourth daughter by actually doing her projects with her. It has made all the difference in our lives and our relationship. But oh, what sadness I feel when I realize what I lost by not doing this with my other three daughters.” The saddest words of tongue and pen are those that say, “It might have been!”
Adult members of the Church should understand that Personal Progress and Duty to God requirements are not just lengthy lists of items to check off. They are personal goals set by each young man and young woman to help them become worthy to receive temple ordinances, serve missions, enter into eternal marriage, and enjoy exaltation. But let it be understood: for young men and young women to try to accomplish these goals alone would be a great loss and tragedy!
Fathers, mothers, and leaders of youth, we urge you to participate in Personal Progress and Duty to God with your children and with the youth. Not only will they grow; you will grow too. And just as importantly, you will grow together in a bond of faith and friendship that will allow you to strengthen each other and stay on the gospel path forever, to indeed be an eternal family."
"In these perilous times it is not enough for our youth to merely know. They must do. Wholehearted participation in ordinances, quorums and auxiliaries, inspired programs, and fortifying activities helps youth put on the whole armor of God. Will we help them put on that armor so they can withstand the fiery darts of the adversary? To truly choose the Lord’s way, they must know His way. And to truly know His way, we must teach and lead them to act, to participate, to do.
The greatest missionary work we will ever do will be in our homes. Our homes, quorums, and classes are part of the mission field. Our children and grandchildren are our most important investigators.
The greatest family history work that we will do will be within our own homes. It is the spiritual preparation of our children in the rising generation that will, through their obedience, ensure the eternal preservation and perpetuation of our families for the coming generations.
The greatest rescue, the greatest activation will be in our homes. If someone in your family is wandering in strange paths, you are a rescuer, engaged in the greatest rescue effort the Church has ever known. I testify from personal experience: There is no failure except in giving up. It is never too early or too late to begin. Do not worry about what has happened in the past. Pick up the phone. Write a note. Make a visit. Extend the invitation to come home. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed. Your child is Heavenly Father’s child. You are about His work. He has promised to gather His children, and He is with you.
The greatest faith we have will be within our homes as we remain strong in the trials and tribulations of parenthood. To a small group of mothers, President Monson recently said, “Sometimes we are too quick to judge the effect of our successes and failures.” May I add, don’t look at today’s trials as eternal. Heavenly Father does His work in the long term. “There is much which lieth in futurity,” the Prophet Joseph Smith said. “Therefore, . . . let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (D&C 123:15, 17)."
The Church profits from the youth. We need to have higher expectations of these choice spirits. A sister recounted a story of a visiting general authority, staying with the family of a stake president. The stake president and his wife gave up their bedroom, staying on the couch, so that the general authority could have the privacy and comfort of the master bedroom. In the middle of the night, the stake president's toddler son came into mom and dad's room to find a stranger in the bed. He said "you're not my dad." The general authority admitted that no, he wasn't The child asked "Did my father say it was ok for you to be here?" The general authority said yes, that the child's father had given his permission for him to be there. The child said "ok," and snuggled up to the general authority and went right back to sleep. The point of telling this story here is that; Our father has asked us to be there. For our own families, and for each other. By being there, by providing comfort and love to "even these the least of my brethren," we are better able to teach this rising generation by example. First we learn a gospel principle, then we act on it, then we have to share what we have learned. If we do this, we can be a force for good in every circumstance. Sis. Heintz summed it up beautifully by saying "A righteous person is righteous all their lives."
Are you "there" for your children? For the youth you work with, serve, and teach? For each other? Dede B.
The talk starts off by addressing and "encourage parents and all who are called to lead and serve the youth of this world. The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that we have “an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation” (D&C 123:11)."
For all of us, doing our duty to God as parents and leaders begins with leading by example—consistently and diligently living gospel principles at home. This takes daily determination and diligence. For youth, there is no substitute for seeing the gospel lived in our daily lives. The stripling warriors did not have to wonder what their parents believed. They said, “We do not doubt our mothers knew it” (see Alma 56:47–48). Do our children know what we know? For parents, as you drive or walk children to school or their various activities, do you use the time to talk with them about their hopes and dreams and fears and joys? Do you take the time to have them take the earplugs from their MP3 players and all the other devices so that they can hear you and feel of your love? "The more I live, the more I recognize that the teaching moments in my youth, especially those provided by my parents, have shaped my life and made me who I am."
Sis. Heintz told a story about her brother, who at age 12, wanted a rifle in the worst way. When he finally received one, it was not the one he wanted. As an adult, he realized that what was important was not the gift itself, it was the rite of passage his Father was giving him. Another brother told of fishing with Dad. Usually dad would go off one way, leaving him to find his own fishing spot. Once, they were out on a boat, making it impossible for them to go off in separate directions. They sat in the boat all afternoon, and he said that that day was the best time he ever had with his Dad. He was able to talk and be heard, learn and get to know Dad as a person.
Elder Hales continues,stating: "For our interactions with youth to truly touch their hearts, we have to pay attention to them just as we would pay attention to a trusted adult colleague or close friend. Most important is asking them questions, letting them talk, and then being willing to listen—yes, listen and listen some more—even hearken with spiritual ears! Several years ago I was reading the newspaper when one of my young grandsons snuggled up to me. As I read, I was delighted to hear his sweet voice chattering on in the background. Imagine my surprise when, a few moments later, he pushed himself between me and the paper. Taking my face in his hands and pressing his nose up to mine, he asked, “Grandpa! Are you in there?”
Mother, Father, are you in there? Grandpa, Grandma, are you there? Being there means understanding the hearts of our youth and connecting with them. And connecting with them means not just conversing with them but doing things with them too."
"Recently I heard a mother recount how she had helped her first three daughters complete their Personal Progress requirements by doing what was expected—staying informed and signing off projects. Then she tenderly explained, tears flowing down her cheek, “Recently I have been working with my fourth daughter by actually doing her projects with her. It has made all the difference in our lives and our relationship. But oh, what sadness I feel when I realize what I lost by not doing this with my other three daughters.” The saddest words of tongue and pen are those that say, “It might have been!”
Adult members of the Church should understand that Personal Progress and Duty to God requirements are not just lengthy lists of items to check off. They are personal goals set by each young man and young woman to help them become worthy to receive temple ordinances, serve missions, enter into eternal marriage, and enjoy exaltation. But let it be understood: for young men and young women to try to accomplish these goals alone would be a great loss and tragedy!
Fathers, mothers, and leaders of youth, we urge you to participate in Personal Progress and Duty to God with your children and with the youth. Not only will they grow; you will grow too. And just as importantly, you will grow together in a bond of faith and friendship that will allow you to strengthen each other and stay on the gospel path forever, to indeed be an eternal family."
"In these perilous times it is not enough for our youth to merely know. They must do. Wholehearted participation in ordinances, quorums and auxiliaries, inspired programs, and fortifying activities helps youth put on the whole armor of God. Will we help them put on that armor so they can withstand the fiery darts of the adversary? To truly choose the Lord’s way, they must know His way. And to truly know His way, we must teach and lead them to act, to participate, to do.
The greatest missionary work we will ever do will be in our homes. Our homes, quorums, and classes are part of the mission field. Our children and grandchildren are our most important investigators.
The greatest family history work that we will do will be within our own homes. It is the spiritual preparation of our children in the rising generation that will, through their obedience, ensure the eternal preservation and perpetuation of our families for the coming generations.
The greatest rescue, the greatest activation will be in our homes. If someone in your family is wandering in strange paths, you are a rescuer, engaged in the greatest rescue effort the Church has ever known. I testify from personal experience: There is no failure except in giving up. It is never too early or too late to begin. Do not worry about what has happened in the past. Pick up the phone. Write a note. Make a visit. Extend the invitation to come home. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed. Your child is Heavenly Father’s child. You are about His work. He has promised to gather His children, and He is with you.
The greatest faith we have will be within our homes as we remain strong in the trials and tribulations of parenthood. To a small group of mothers, President Monson recently said, “Sometimes we are too quick to judge the effect of our successes and failures.” May I add, don’t look at today’s trials as eternal. Heavenly Father does His work in the long term. “There is much which lieth in futurity,” the Prophet Joseph Smith said. “Therefore, . . . let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (D&C 123:15, 17)."
The Church profits from the youth. We need to have higher expectations of these choice spirits. A sister recounted a story of a visiting general authority, staying with the family of a stake president. The stake president and his wife gave up their bedroom, staying on the couch, so that the general authority could have the privacy and comfort of the master bedroom. In the middle of the night, the stake president's toddler son came into mom and dad's room to find a stranger in the bed. He said "you're not my dad." The general authority admitted that no, he wasn't The child asked "Did my father say it was ok for you to be here?" The general authority said yes, that the child's father had given his permission for him to be there. The child said "ok," and snuggled up to the general authority and went right back to sleep. The point of telling this story here is that; Our father has asked us to be there. For our own families, and for each other. By being there, by providing comfort and love to "even these the least of my brethren," we are better able to teach this rising generation by example. First we learn a gospel principle, then we act on it, then we have to share what we have learned. If we do this, we can be a force for good in every circumstance. Sis. Heintz summed it up beautifully by saying "A righteous person is righteous all their lives."
Are you "there" for your children? For the youth you work with, serve, and teach? For each other? Dede B.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
RS Lesson 15 Aug 2010
Our lesson was taught by Sis. Nicky Newell, and was Ch.16; The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times, from the Gospel Principles book.
When Christ established His church, He personally instructed and directed its leader. He, in turn, received His instructions from His Father in Heaven. Before Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection, He told His Apostles, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20) He continued to guide them from heaven, He sent the Holy Ghost to be a comforter and revelator to them. The Holy Ghost doesn't just teach us He reminds us of what we already know. The organization of His church can seem confusing, and it probably was to those who followed Him while He was on earth. But, there is no reason for us to be confused, because in the scriptures we have it all there for us!
The ordinances and principles of the gospel cannot be administered and taught without the priesthood. The Father gave this authority to Jesus Christ, who in turn ordained His Apostles and gave them the power and authority of the priesthood. Heavenly Father's kingdom is a kingdom of order. To keep it in order men must be ordained, following proper priesthood authority. (John 15:16.) That there might be order in His church, Jesus gave greatest responsibility and authority to the Twelve Apostles. Jesus also ordained other officers with specific duties to perform. The Church of Jesus Christ was a carefully organized unit. The Bible does not tell us everything about the priesthood or the organization and government of the Church. However, enough of the Bible has been preserved to show the beauty and perfection of the Church organization. The New Testament shows that this Church organization was intended to continue. Jesus set a pattern for twelve Apostles to govern the Church. it seemed clear that the organization was to continue as He had established it.
The Apostles taught two basic principles: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. After one has faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as the Redeemer, and repents of their sins, they received two ordinances: baptism by immersion following the example of Christ, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19: 1-6) Jesus has provided for everyone to hear the gospel, whether on earth or after death. (See 1 Peter 3:18-20)
All faithful members of the church were and are entitled to receive gifts of the Spirit. These are given according to their individual needs, capacities, and assignments. Spiritual gifts always exist in the true Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus told His disciples that these signs or spiritual gifts always follow them that believe. (Mark 16:17-18)
Throughout history, evil people have tried to destroy the work of God. This happened while the Apostles were still alive and supervising the young, growing Church. Church members were killed for their beliefs. One by one, the Apostles were killed or otherwise taken from the earth. Because of wickedness and apostasy, the apostolic authority and priesthood were also taken from the earth. The organization that Jesus Christ had established no longer existed. The period of time when the true Church no longer existed on earth is called the Great Apostasy.
John the Revelator foresaw the time when the gospel would be restored. (Revelation 14:6)
What blessings have come to you because the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth? Dede B.
When Christ established His church, He personally instructed and directed its leader. He, in turn, received His instructions from His Father in Heaven. Before Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection, He told His Apostles, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20) He continued to guide them from heaven, He sent the Holy Ghost to be a comforter and revelator to them. The Holy Ghost doesn't just teach us He reminds us of what we already know. The organization of His church can seem confusing, and it probably was to those who followed Him while He was on earth. But, there is no reason for us to be confused, because in the scriptures we have it all there for us!
The ordinances and principles of the gospel cannot be administered and taught without the priesthood. The Father gave this authority to Jesus Christ, who in turn ordained His Apostles and gave them the power and authority of the priesthood. Heavenly Father's kingdom is a kingdom of order. To keep it in order men must be ordained, following proper priesthood authority. (John 15:16.) That there might be order in His church, Jesus gave greatest responsibility and authority to the Twelve Apostles. Jesus also ordained other officers with specific duties to perform. The Church of Jesus Christ was a carefully organized unit. The Bible does not tell us everything about the priesthood or the organization and government of the Church. However, enough of the Bible has been preserved to show the beauty and perfection of the Church organization. The New Testament shows that this Church organization was intended to continue. Jesus set a pattern for twelve Apostles to govern the Church. it seemed clear that the organization was to continue as He had established it.
The Apostles taught two basic principles: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. After one has faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as the Redeemer, and repents of their sins, they received two ordinances: baptism by immersion following the example of Christ, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19: 1-6) Jesus has provided for everyone to hear the gospel, whether on earth or after death. (See 1 Peter 3:18-20)
All faithful members of the church were and are entitled to receive gifts of the Spirit. These are given according to their individual needs, capacities, and assignments. Spiritual gifts always exist in the true Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus told His disciples that these signs or spiritual gifts always follow them that believe. (Mark 16:17-18)
Throughout history, evil people have tried to destroy the work of God. This happened while the Apostles were still alive and supervising the young, growing Church. Church members were killed for their beliefs. One by one, the Apostles were killed or otherwise taken from the earth. Because of wickedness and apostasy, the apostolic authority and priesthood were also taken from the earth. The organization that Jesus Christ had established no longer existed. The period of time when the true Church no longer existed on earth is called the Great Apostasy.
John the Revelator foresaw the time when the gospel would be restored. (Revelation 14:6)
What blessings have come to you because the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth? Dede B.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
RS Lesson 8 Aug 2010
Ok, first off, there are some changes in the RS presidency. The new presidency consists of; Sue Brown- President, Wendy Bonham- 1st Counselor, Dede Bessey- 2nd Counselor, and Margaret McAllister- Secretary.
Now, on to the lesson.
Our lesson, Ch. 15 of the Gospel Principles manual; entitled "The Lord's Covenant People" was taught by Sis. Susan Klippel.
Sis. Klippel started by saying that when she thinks of the word "Covenant" she is reminded of the story of Zoram. Zoram was Laban's servant. He made an oath to come with Nephi, Laman, and Lemuel into the wilderness, and to remain with them. On his word, Nephi, Laman, and Lemuel said their "fears did cease concerning him." (1 Nephi 4:37) Just because Zoram promised something, the brothers took him at his word, took him into their camp, accepted him into their family, and no longer feared him causing them to be discovered and therefore killed. That was quite the promise.
A covenant is a promise between man and God. It is a commitment. The new fourth verse of the Primary song "I Am A Child of God" says; "Celestial glory SHALL be mine, if I can but endure." Shall be mine, not could be mine, not might be mine, not "if the Lord keeps up His end." SHALL be mine, IF I can but endure. If there is a break in a covenant, we know from which side it had to have come. The Lord has told us that He "is bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." (D&C 82:10) We make covenants because we want the blessings that are promised. We, as Latter-day Saints, have been given an understanding of what these blessings are. The manual says "From the beginning, the Lord has made covenants with His children on earth. When His people make covenants (or promises) with Him, they know what He expects of them and what blessings they may expect from Him.
We each make individual covenants with the Lord. These include; baptism, taking of the sacrament, temple ordinances. For each covenant we make, we are given a promise. For example, when we partake of the sacrament, we promise to take His name upon ourselves, to remember Him, to obey His commandments. We are promised that the Holy Spirit will be with us.
The Lord also made covenants with Abraham. Sis. Klippel asked us "Why did the Lord choose Abraham?" The answer that I liked the most was "because Abraham chose Him!" In the Abrahamic covenant, the Lord promised Abraham;
1. That he would have numberless descendants.
2. That all of these descendants would be entitled to receive the gospel.
3. The blessings of the priesthood.
4. All of the ordinances of exaltation.
5. That through these descendants ALL the families of the earth would be blessed.
6. This covenant would be established with all generations of Abraham's children.
Abraham, in return, promised the Lord that he would;
1. Be righteous.
2. Carry the gospel to all nations.
The blood descendants of Abraham are not the only people whom God calls His covenant people. Two groups of people are included in the covenant made with Abraham. 1) Abraham's righteous blood descendants and 2) those adopted into his lineage by accepting and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Abraham 2:10, and 2 Nephi 30:2)
This means that each of us, when we are baptized into the church enters into the covenant the Lord made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Along with the blessings we receive as the Lord's covenant people, we have great responsibilities. The opportunity to preach the gospel to all the world belongs only to the Lord's church and His covenant people.
The fulness of the gospel is called the new and everlasting covenant. It includes the covenants made at baptism, during the sacrament, in the temple, and at any other time. When we accept the new and everlasting covenant, we agree to repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, receive our endowments, receive the covenant of marriage in the temple, and follow and obey Christ to the end of our lives. As we keep our covenants, our Heavenly Father promises us that we will receive exaltation in the celestial kingdom. (D&C 132:20-24) The greatness of that promise is hard for mortals to understand. The commandments He fives are for our benefit, and as we are faithful, we may forever share the blessings and beauties of heaven and earth. We may live in His presence and partake of His love, compassion, power, greatness, knowledge, wisdom, glory, and dominions.
What does being the Lord's covenant people have to do with us? What are our responsibilities today? Are you keeping the covenants you have made, so that "celestial glory SHALL be" yours? Dede B.
Now, on to the lesson.
Our lesson, Ch. 15 of the Gospel Principles manual; entitled "The Lord's Covenant People" was taught by Sis. Susan Klippel.
Sis. Klippel started by saying that when she thinks of the word "Covenant" she is reminded of the story of Zoram. Zoram was Laban's servant. He made an oath to come with Nephi, Laman, and Lemuel into the wilderness, and to remain with them. On his word, Nephi, Laman, and Lemuel said their "fears did cease concerning him." (1 Nephi 4:37) Just because Zoram promised something, the brothers took him at his word, took him into their camp, accepted him into their family, and no longer feared him causing them to be discovered and therefore killed. That was quite the promise.
A covenant is a promise between man and God. It is a commitment. The new fourth verse of the Primary song "I Am A Child of God" says; "Celestial glory SHALL be mine, if I can but endure." Shall be mine, not could be mine, not might be mine, not "if the Lord keeps up His end." SHALL be mine, IF I can but endure. If there is a break in a covenant, we know from which side it had to have come. The Lord has told us that He "is bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." (D&C 82:10) We make covenants because we want the blessings that are promised. We, as Latter-day Saints, have been given an understanding of what these blessings are. The manual says "From the beginning, the Lord has made covenants with His children on earth. When His people make covenants (or promises) with Him, they know what He expects of them and what blessings they may expect from Him.
We each make individual covenants with the Lord. These include; baptism, taking of the sacrament, temple ordinances. For each covenant we make, we are given a promise. For example, when we partake of the sacrament, we promise to take His name upon ourselves, to remember Him, to obey His commandments. We are promised that the Holy Spirit will be with us.
The Lord also made covenants with Abraham. Sis. Klippel asked us "Why did the Lord choose Abraham?" The answer that I liked the most was "because Abraham chose Him!" In the Abrahamic covenant, the Lord promised Abraham;
1. That he would have numberless descendants.
2. That all of these descendants would be entitled to receive the gospel.
3. The blessings of the priesthood.
4. All of the ordinances of exaltation.
5. That through these descendants ALL the families of the earth would be blessed.
6. This covenant would be established with all generations of Abraham's children.
Abraham, in return, promised the Lord that he would;
1. Be righteous.
2. Carry the gospel to all nations.
The blood descendants of Abraham are not the only people whom God calls His covenant people. Two groups of people are included in the covenant made with Abraham. 1) Abraham's righteous blood descendants and 2) those adopted into his lineage by accepting and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Abraham 2:10, and 2 Nephi 30:2)
This means that each of us, when we are baptized into the church enters into the covenant the Lord made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Along with the blessings we receive as the Lord's covenant people, we have great responsibilities. The opportunity to preach the gospel to all the world belongs only to the Lord's church and His covenant people.
The fulness of the gospel is called the new and everlasting covenant. It includes the covenants made at baptism, during the sacrament, in the temple, and at any other time. When we accept the new and everlasting covenant, we agree to repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, receive our endowments, receive the covenant of marriage in the temple, and follow and obey Christ to the end of our lives. As we keep our covenants, our Heavenly Father promises us that we will receive exaltation in the celestial kingdom. (D&C 132:20-24) The greatness of that promise is hard for mortals to understand. The commandments He fives are for our benefit, and as we are faithful, we may forever share the blessings and beauties of heaven and earth. We may live in His presence and partake of His love, compassion, power, greatness, knowledge, wisdom, glory, and dominions.
What does being the Lord's covenant people have to do with us? What are our responsibilities today? Are you keeping the covenants you have made, so that "celestial glory SHALL be" yours? Dede B.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
RS Lesson 1 Aug 2010
Our lesson was taught by Sis. Sue Brown, and was based on the article "Those Who Are Different" By Elder Marlin K. Jensen Of the Seventy from the current issue of the Ensign.
Sis. Brown started with this parable; You look out across your big yard and decide you would like to have some fresh eggs. You build a coop, you purchase some chickens, you wait. When the eggs come, they are all different sizes and colors. You see the differences on the outside, but when you start cracking them you notice something. They are all basically the same inside.
Sis. Brown asked us to look at the people on each side of us. Can we find similarities between them and ourselves? We can obviously see differences.
Matthew 18:12 speaks of the Savior's teaching about the shepherd who had one sheep go astray. The Savior asks “Doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?” Elder Jensen says "As a priesthood leader, I had always thought of myself for many years as the shepherd—the one out searching for the lost sheep. But in a moment of reflection, it came to me that in some way or another we are all that one lost sheep. We all have our failings, and our lives vary in some ways from the ideal. We are all different! This is a humbling but helpful recognition." Have you ever felt like a lost sheep?
Sis. Brown said that there are several reasons we might feel like a lost sheep, or even a black sheep. She discussed a few of those with us.
1. Unfulfilled expectations my exist.
We are private about those things we struggle with. We might think that everyone else can see these things, or that everyone knows our shortcomings, but in truth, we generally look for the good in each other and what you might consider your shortcoming may be what endears you to me, or I might not have even noticed it at all! Sharing these things might help others to grow. We all have that in common- we can learn from each other and buoy each other up. Also, if we turn our trials over to the Savior, he can turn them into a lesson. Matthew 5:48 says "Be ye therefore perfect," not "go and try to have a good day." The Savior doesn't lower his expectations based on our personal struggles and challenges. He orders us to be as perfect as we can.
2. Having to keep all the commandments in order to receive spiritual gifts seems impossible. D&C 46:9 says
"For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me..."
Elder Jensen says; "It is also helpful to remember that in teaching the ideal, the Savior recognized that the ideal isn’t always immediately attainable. In speaking of spiritual gifts—those wonderful endowments of the Holy Ghost—the Savior said, “They are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments.” Having to keep all the commandments in order to enjoy spiritual gifts seems an impossibly high standard, but thankfully the Savior adds that spiritual gifts are also given for the benefit of “him that seeketh so to do” (D&C 46:9; emphasis added). Seeking to keep all the commandments—even if we sometimes fall short of the ideal—is something within the power of each of us and is acceptable to our Heavenly Father."
Our spiritual gifts may be identical to those around us, but they manifest differently because WE are different.
It is not WHAT you do when you interact with those that are different from you that matters. It is what you are willing to do. It is that you are willing to act as a steward for our Heavenly Father. The person you are interacting with may or may not remember the act, but they will remember what they were loved by God's servant.
It is ok to ask for help. People need to be needed. We all need the opportunities to grow that are given through service. Especially in service to those who may be difficult to serve because of their differences. We need to follow the example of service of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who "... doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw call men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." (2 Nephi 26:24) The atonement was voluntary, so that He could know our infirmities and overcome each of our challenges.
He knows our "yolks." He knows us and strengthens us in the ways we need strengthening. He also challenges us in the ways we need challenging.
If we help each other and not only accept each other's differences, but celebrate and rejoice in them, we will become a stronger ward family, a stronger Church, and stronger as individuals.
What challenges have you overcome or helped another to overcome today? Dede B.
Sis. Brown started with this parable; You look out across your big yard and decide you would like to have some fresh eggs. You build a coop, you purchase some chickens, you wait. When the eggs come, they are all different sizes and colors. You see the differences on the outside, but when you start cracking them you notice something. They are all basically the same inside.
Sis. Brown asked us to look at the people on each side of us. Can we find similarities between them and ourselves? We can obviously see differences.
Matthew 18:12 speaks of the Savior's teaching about the shepherd who had one sheep go astray. The Savior asks “Doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?” Elder Jensen says "As a priesthood leader, I had always thought of myself for many years as the shepherd—the one out searching for the lost sheep. But in a moment of reflection, it came to me that in some way or another we are all that one lost sheep. We all have our failings, and our lives vary in some ways from the ideal. We are all different! This is a humbling but helpful recognition." Have you ever felt like a lost sheep?
Sis. Brown said that there are several reasons we might feel like a lost sheep, or even a black sheep. She discussed a few of those with us.
1. Unfulfilled expectations my exist.
We are private about those things we struggle with. We might think that everyone else can see these things, or that everyone knows our shortcomings, but in truth, we generally look for the good in each other and what you might consider your shortcoming may be what endears you to me, or I might not have even noticed it at all! Sharing these things might help others to grow. We all have that in common- we can learn from each other and buoy each other up. Also, if we turn our trials over to the Savior, he can turn them into a lesson. Matthew 5:48 says "Be ye therefore perfect," not "go and try to have a good day." The Savior doesn't lower his expectations based on our personal struggles and challenges. He orders us to be as perfect as we can.
2. Having to keep all the commandments in order to receive spiritual gifts seems impossible. D&C 46:9 says
"For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me..."
Elder Jensen says; "It is also helpful to remember that in teaching the ideal, the Savior recognized that the ideal isn’t always immediately attainable. In speaking of spiritual gifts—those wonderful endowments of the Holy Ghost—the Savior said, “They are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments.” Having to keep all the commandments in order to enjoy spiritual gifts seems an impossibly high standard, but thankfully the Savior adds that spiritual gifts are also given for the benefit of “him that seeketh so to do” (D&C 46:9; emphasis added). Seeking to keep all the commandments—even if we sometimes fall short of the ideal—is something within the power of each of us and is acceptable to our Heavenly Father."
Our spiritual gifts may be identical to those around us, but they manifest differently because WE are different.
It is not WHAT you do when you interact with those that are different from you that matters. It is what you are willing to do. It is that you are willing to act as a steward for our Heavenly Father. The person you are interacting with may or may not remember the act, but they will remember what they were loved by God's servant.
It is ok to ask for help. People need to be needed. We all need the opportunities to grow that are given through service. Especially in service to those who may be difficult to serve because of their differences. We need to follow the example of service of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who "... doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw call men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." (2 Nephi 26:24) The atonement was voluntary, so that He could know our infirmities and overcome each of our challenges.
He knows our "yolks." He knows us and strengthens us in the ways we need strengthening. He also challenges us in the ways we need challenging.
If we help each other and not only accept each other's differences, but celebrate and rejoice in them, we will become a stronger ward family, a stronger Church, and stronger as individuals.
What challenges have you overcome or helped another to overcome today? Dede B.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
RS Lesson 25 July 2010
Today's lesson was taught by Carol Heintz, and was taken from two different talks; "Mothers Teaching Children in the Home"
By Elder L. Tom Perry Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and "Mother Told Me" By Elder Bradley D. Foster Of the Seventy, both found in the May 2010 Ensign.
Sis. Heintz started with a story from Elder Foster's talk; "My good friend Don Pearson shared an experience that highlights this influence. One night his four-year-old son asked him to read a bedtime story. Eric had picked out his favorite book: The Ballooning Adventures of Paddy Pork, a story about a family who lived on the isles of the sea and traveled from island to island by hot-air balloon. It was a picture book that had no words, so Brother Pearson made up words to the story.
“Paddy is in a hot-air balloon. He is landing on an island now. He is dropping a line over the side of the balloon.”
Eric stopped him. “Dad, that is not a line. It’s a rope.”
Brother Pearson looked at Eric and back at the picture book, and then he continued: “Paddy is getting out of the balloon and climbing down the tree. Oh no! His coat is caught on a limb!”
Again Eric stopped him. “Dad, that’s not a coat. It’s a jacket.”
By now Brother Pearson was somewhat perplexed. He said, “Eric, there are no words in this book, just pictures. Why do you insist that it’s a jacket?”
Eric answered, “Because Mother told me.”
His father closed the book and said, “Eric, who do you think is the last word, the ultimate authority in this house?”
This time Eric thought carefully before he answered, “You are, Dad.”
Brother Pearson beamed at his son. What an exceptional answer! “How did you know that?”
Eric quickly responded, “Mother told me.” '
Sis. Heintz was one of the first teachers of "mother training" or "mother education" through the Church. She said that she could never use all the material she studied and prepared for the class, but her family got the benefit of the leftovers. About this, Elder Perry says that "Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home. "
Sis. Heintz continued with Elder Foster's talk telling the following story. Before I relate the story however, I think it bears mentioning, that halfway through this story, Sis. Heintz got choked up and was not able to control her coughing to continue. Immediately, her daughter, Susan Klippel, hopped up and offered to finish the lesson. The timing could not have been better to perfectly illustrate the lesson, which is the effect mothers have on their children and in their homes. It was a beautiful, poignant demonstration of love, respect, and the effect of a mother's teachings. Here is the story,
On one particularly hot spring day, I was helping with the roundup by riding at the back of the herd as it moved down the dusty road toward the corral. My job was to gather any calves that had wandered from the road. The pace was slow and provided me some time to think.
Because it was so hot, the little calves kept running off into the trees to find shade. My thoughts turned to the youth of the Church who are sometimes distracted from the strait and narrow path. I also thought about those who have left the Church or who may feel that the Church has left their hearts while they were distracted. I thought to myself that a distraction doesn’t have to be evil to be effective—sometimes it can just be shade.
After several hours of gathering up stray calves and with sweat running down my face, I yelled to the calves in frustration, “Just follow your mothers! They know where they’re going! They’ve been down this road before!” Their mothers knew that even though the road was hot and dusty now, the end would be better than the beginning.
As soon as we got the herd into the corral, we noticed that three of the cows were pacing nervously at the gate. They could not find their calves and seemed to sense they were back on the road somewhere. One of the cowboys asked me what we should do. I said, “I bet I know where those calves are. Back a quarter of a mile [0.4 km] or so, there’s a stand of trees. I’m sure we’ll find them there.”
Sure enough, just as I had suspected, we found our lost calves taking a nap in the shade. Our approach startled them, and they resisted our efforts to round them up. They were frightened because we were not their mothers! The more we tried to push them toward the corral, the more stubborn they became. Finally I said to the cowboys, “I’m sorry. I know better than this. Let’s ride back and let their mothers out of the corral. The cows will come and get their calves, and the calves will follow their mothers.” I was right. The mother cows knew exactly where to go to find their calves, and they led them back to the corral, as I had expected. In a world where everyone is granted agency, some of our loved ones may stray for a season. But we can never give up. We must always go back for them—we must never stop trying."
Elder L. Tom Perry's talk concludes by saying "God bless you wonderful mothers [and fathers] in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children. As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best."
As mothers we do the best we can, and then we ask the Lord's help, in raising the children we have been blessed with. I thank each and one of you for your example of love and kindness to me, and your helping raise me as a mother, and raise my children. Dede B.
By Elder L. Tom Perry Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and "Mother Told Me" By Elder Bradley D. Foster Of the Seventy, both found in the May 2010 Ensign.
Sis. Heintz started with a story from Elder Foster's talk; "My good friend Don Pearson shared an experience that highlights this influence. One night his four-year-old son asked him to read a bedtime story. Eric had picked out his favorite book: The Ballooning Adventures of Paddy Pork, a story about a family who lived on the isles of the sea and traveled from island to island by hot-air balloon. It was a picture book that had no words, so Brother Pearson made up words to the story.
“Paddy is in a hot-air balloon. He is landing on an island now. He is dropping a line over the side of the balloon.”
Eric stopped him. “Dad, that is not a line. It’s a rope.”
Brother Pearson looked at Eric and back at the picture book, and then he continued: “Paddy is getting out of the balloon and climbing down the tree. Oh no! His coat is caught on a limb!”
Again Eric stopped him. “Dad, that’s not a coat. It’s a jacket.”
By now Brother Pearson was somewhat perplexed. He said, “Eric, there are no words in this book, just pictures. Why do you insist that it’s a jacket?”
Eric answered, “Because Mother told me.”
His father closed the book and said, “Eric, who do you think is the last word, the ultimate authority in this house?”
This time Eric thought carefully before he answered, “You are, Dad.”
Brother Pearson beamed at his son. What an exceptional answer! “How did you know that?”
Eric quickly responded, “Mother told me.” '
Sis. Heintz was one of the first teachers of "mother training" or "mother education" through the Church. She said that she could never use all the material she studied and prepared for the class, but her family got the benefit of the leftovers. About this, Elder Perry says that "Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home. "
Sis. Heintz continued with Elder Foster's talk telling the following story. Before I relate the story however, I think it bears mentioning, that halfway through this story, Sis. Heintz got choked up and was not able to control her coughing to continue. Immediately, her daughter, Susan Klippel, hopped up and offered to finish the lesson. The timing could not have been better to perfectly illustrate the lesson, which is the effect mothers have on their children and in their homes. It was a beautiful, poignant demonstration of love, respect, and the effect of a mother's teachings. Here is the story,
On one particularly hot spring day, I was helping with the roundup by riding at the back of the herd as it moved down the dusty road toward the corral. My job was to gather any calves that had wandered from the road. The pace was slow and provided me some time to think.
Because it was so hot, the little calves kept running off into the trees to find shade. My thoughts turned to the youth of the Church who are sometimes distracted from the strait and narrow path. I also thought about those who have left the Church or who may feel that the Church has left their hearts while they were distracted. I thought to myself that a distraction doesn’t have to be evil to be effective—sometimes it can just be shade.
After several hours of gathering up stray calves and with sweat running down my face, I yelled to the calves in frustration, “Just follow your mothers! They know where they’re going! They’ve been down this road before!” Their mothers knew that even though the road was hot and dusty now, the end would be better than the beginning.
As soon as we got the herd into the corral, we noticed that three of the cows were pacing nervously at the gate. They could not find their calves and seemed to sense they were back on the road somewhere. One of the cowboys asked me what we should do. I said, “I bet I know where those calves are. Back a quarter of a mile [0.4 km] or so, there’s a stand of trees. I’m sure we’ll find them there.”
Sure enough, just as I had suspected, we found our lost calves taking a nap in the shade. Our approach startled them, and they resisted our efforts to round them up. They were frightened because we were not their mothers! The more we tried to push them toward the corral, the more stubborn they became. Finally I said to the cowboys, “I’m sorry. I know better than this. Let’s ride back and let their mothers out of the corral. The cows will come and get their calves, and the calves will follow their mothers.” I was right. The mother cows knew exactly where to go to find their calves, and they led them back to the corral, as I had expected. In a world where everyone is granted agency, some of our loved ones may stray for a season. But we can never give up. We must always go back for them—we must never stop trying."
Elder L. Tom Perry's talk concludes by saying "God bless you wonderful mothers [and fathers] in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children. As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best."
As mothers we do the best we can, and then we ask the Lord's help, in raising the children we have been blessed with. I thank each and one of you for your example of love and kindness to me, and your helping raise me as a mother, and raise my children. Dede B.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)