It's been two weeks since we took Simon to the vet and we've been giving him his medications but I'm not sure he's improved all that much. There is a little improvement, but I wouldn't exactly say that it was even significantly better, like the vet was saying the meds would do. I'm going to move on to the next stage of his treatment, mostly because it's not as expensive as the medications for the last two weeks, and hope that it'll just keep improving, even if slowly.
But this is frustrating. And I don't know what we'll do if he doesn't keep getting better. :S
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
General Conference Notes
Here are my notes from this weekend. Everytime I go to type these up, I think to myself, "I take WAY too many notes!" lol I never really expect others to read these, I type them up mostly for my own reference, but I have often heard others tell me how much they appreciate them. I'm glad if that is the case. :)
Please, don't mind the typos, I am not taking the time to spell-check. As usual, I placed a * next to my favorites.
Saturday Morning Session
President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet and President of the Church)
130 temples are currently in operation
16 temples have been announced or are under construction
5 additional temples are being announced today: Brigham City, UT; Chile; Brazil; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Japan (I didn't catch the specific location for the foreign temples.)
The church continues to grow and is spreading far and wide over the world.
Befriend converts, reach out and surround them with love.
Pray for areas that are not currently open to missionaries.
Elder Richard G. Scott (Quorum of the Apostles)
Seek personal inspiration; be led by the spirit
The Holy Ghost is here to assist us.
Heavenly Father wants us to use the Holy Ghost consitently for peace and happiness.
Growth comes as we learn to recognize the Holy Ghost.
Spirituality yeilds inspiration and power.
Write down impressions of the spirit. Then ask the Lord, "Is there more for me to know?" And write that down, too.
Respond to and apply the promptings that come to you.
The Lord will not force us to learn. He allows us to exercise our agency.
One of the things that will keep us from feeling the spirit is pornography; pornography is one of hte most damning influences on the earth. It is overpoweringly addictive and destructive.
Participating in pornography is unbridled selfishness.
Take preventative action to protect your family.
Learn to be consistently guided by the spirit in all aspects of your life.
Sister Vicki F. Matsumori (2nd Counselor in Primary General Presidency)
Provide an environment where the spirit can be felt.
Constant companionship of the Holy Ghost comes by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority.
Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly so the Holy Ghost will by your constant companion.
Share testimony of the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives to help others recognize where they have similar feelings.
Provide still and quiet time each day for the Holy Ghost to provide revelation.
Teachers and leaders fascillitate whisperings of the spirit.
Recognize the spirit and follow it's promptings - we will recognize answers to our prayers.
God lives, loves, and knows us. He hears our prayers. Jesus Christ is the Savior and He will come again.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton (Of the Seventy)
Life presses all kinds of burdens on us.
People struggle under burdens; they can be exhausting and can last for years.
Causes for our burdens:
*Some are caused by natural patterns of life. (Natural disasters, illness, etc.)
*Some are imposed on us because of the actions of others. (Abuse, neglect, being treated unfairly.)
*Some are from our own mistakes. (Sin, bad choices, carelessness, etc.)
No matter what burdens we face, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father who sent us here for growth and to progress.
Adversities and difficulties last (from Heaven's perspective) but a small moment.
We must carry them for as long as they last.
Burdens can become blessings, though often blessings come disguised.
Trials encourage us to seek Heavenly help.
Bear one another's burdens - that will help to relieve our own burdens as well as the ones we are trying to help.
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of hte least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt 25:40)
The Lord strengthens us when we submit cheerfully and patiently.
Christ suffered for all, so we might not suffer, if we repent.
Whosoever repenteth, findeth mercy.
As we keep our commandments and covenants, He lifts our burdens and strengthens us.
Russell T. Osguthorpe (Sunday School General President)
When we receive the truth, we will be saved by it. Not just by hearing it, but by receiving it and acting on it.
Missionaries teach the principles. Blessings are promised if we keep the principles.
President Monson said, The goal of teachers is to inspire the class to "think about it, feel about it, and then do something about the gospel principles."
Aim High - stretch yourself, aim higher.
As a teacher, do I view myself as a messenger from God? Do I focus on the key principles of the Gospel? Do I teach with love? Do I invite them to do the work that God has for them to do? Do I express confidence in them?
Learn truth, then teach it.
Teaching helps save lives.
*Elder David A. Bednar (Quorum of the Apostles)
"More diligent and concerned at home."
Express love and show it.Do more of what we know is right.
Say, mean, and show love.
We will never regret kind words and expressions shown.
Our love of the Lord is shown by walking in His ways. - Our love for our family is shown by our deeds.
Love is the source of strength - it casts out fear.
Bear testimony and live it.It doesn't need to be lengthy.
Share your testimony with family in your home.
What we know is not always reflected in what we do.
We are not only striving to know more, but to do it.
Bear it, mean it, and most importantly, live it!
Hearing and feeling a testimony of a loved one is very rewarding.
Be consistent.Regular family prayer, scripture study, FHE, etc.
They don't always yield immediate results - but over time, through consistency, they will yield desired results.
In having regular prayer, scripture study, and FHE, the consistency is perhaps the greatest lesson.
Many ordinary and individual brush strokes work together to create a beautiful painting.
They may not remember a single or specific lesson or verse, but it will all combine to develop their testimony.
DON'T BE HYPOCRITS! Don't say and do not. Be and become more consistent. Express love and consistently show it. Bear testimony and consistently live it.
Be more consistent in seemingly small things.
**President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2nd Counselor in First Presidency)
Of all the things we want to be known for, what attribute should define us most as disciples of Jesus Christ?
How do we become true disciples of Christ? "If ye love me, keep my commandments"
Those who receive Christ, walk with Him.
Eternal principles can be lost in the labryinth of good ideas.
Don't neglect weightier matters while attending to smaller ones.
The greatest commandment - Love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind. The next greatest commandment - love thy neighbor as thyself.
Love is the great commandment and should be at the center of our family, callings, and lives.
Love is the healing balm, it unites us, brings friendship, tolerance, respect, it overcomes hate, warms our lives with joy and hope.
Love should be our walk and our talk.
When we love God, obedience becomes a joy, not a burden.
God does not need our love; His power is independant.
But oh, how we need to love God!
"What we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are and what we will become."
Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ.
"We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
Though we are incomplete, He loves us completely.
Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly.
We may be lost and without a compass, but His love encompasses us.
He loves every one of us. His love is so great, He even loves the proud and wicked.
That means that no matter what our current state, He loves us!
He desires that we draw near unto Him so He can draw near unto us.
How do we increase our love for Him? - Search Him with ALL our heart.
If we don't obey Him, all we do is in vain.
Increase love and demonstrate that love by aligning our actions with His words.
Walk in righteousness out of earnest desire to become more like Him because we love Him.
Don't get discouraged if you stumble at times.
The first step in walking in righteousness is to simply TRY.
Try and keep on trying until that which seems impossible becomes a habit and a real part of you.
As you reach out to Him, He will answer.
As you read your scriptures, listen for His voice. As you attend the temple, listen for His voice. As you: attend church, think of the words of a hymn, interact with others, hear the laughter of a child... listen for His voice.
As we draw near to Heavenly Father, we become more Holy. We will be led out of darkness to a greater light. The veil becomes thin.
Every other commandment hangs upon the principle of love.
All else will fall into place.
Through divine love, ordinary acts become extraordinary service.
Love is the guiding light, it illuminates the disciple's path.
It is the measure of our faith, inspiration of our obedience.
Love is the way of the disciple.
Let us be known as a people who love God with all their heart, soul, and mind and who love our neighbors as ourselves.
- The closing hymn was "Come, Come Ye Saints" and for some reason, though I've heard this song hundreds of times and love it, this line is what struck me the strongest today: "Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. Our God will never us forsake."
Saturday Afternoon Session
Elder Dallin H. Oaks (Quorum of the Apostles)
God's love and God's Commandment -
God's love is shown in all the blessings in the Gospel plan.
Love should not supercede the laws.
No one/no thing can seperate us from God's love.
God's love for His children is an eternal reality.
God's laws are invariable.
Mercy cannot rob justice.
God instituted laws to help us advance. Only through obedience to His laws can we be made perfect.
You can love and still be angry/disappointed with children or loved ones.
If we listen, we can feel God's love, even when we are disobedient.
Don't be "too angry to see" God's love.
Any blessing from God is because of obedience to the law that the blessing was predicated.
Agency is fundamental to the plan.
God will bless us to be able to endure the consequences of others' choices, but will not prevent those from making their choices.
Wise parents grant some parental gifts on obedience.
Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth.
"Real love does not support self-destructive behavior."
Breaking commandments affects and divides the family.
Straying of loved ones will dtract from our happiness but should not detract from our love for them.
Elder Robert D. Hales (Quorum of the Apostles)
"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." First Article of Faith
Why is belief in God so important? Without God, life would end at the grave. Without God, our growth and progress would be temporary. There would be no ultimate right or wrong. Without God there would be no mortality or Eternal life.
We are created in His image.
God and Christ have bodies and voices - we know this from the Bible.
They have feelings for us.
The Holy Ghost testifies of God and teaches us.
If we don't yield to the Holy Ghost, we are putting ourselves in jeapardy.
"Thou hast had signs enough, will ye tempt your God?" Alma 30:44
We have scriptures, prophets - all things witness there is a supreme creator.
The light of belief is in you.
Believe the testimony of the prophets, learn of light and Christ.
Let the evidence of God all around us touch our hearts.
Seek a testimony now - find strength, peace, comfort; it will bless your family, posterity, friends, and your own life. It will bring hte greatest joy you will ever have.
Elder Jorge F. Zeballos (Of the Seventy)
Promise of eternal life is subject to sincere demonstration of faith in Christ.
The Lord doesn't expect us to do what we cannot do.
We are commanded to become perfect, like Him.
God doesn't expect more than our best - that would not be just.
God doesn't expect less than our best - that would not be just.
We must give our best. As we do, each day we will become better.
By grace we are saved, after all we can do.
Remember and renew the commitements we've made with Heavenly Father.
Do the best we can as a spouse, parent, sibling, in our calling, as a member, at work, and in our daily life.
It is possible to achieve the impossible. It is possible to achieve eternal life. It is possible to be happy now and forever.
Elder Tad R. Callister (Of the Seventy)
Joseph Smith was the Lord's annointed to restore the church to the earth.
Joseph Smith learned 4 things during the First Vision:
1) Learned that God and Jesus Christ are two seperate beings.
The Bible confirms this - Christ removed His will to do the will of the Father.
God gave His only begotten Son.
They can't be one being.
2) God and Christ have glorified bodies of flesh and bones.
In Bible, Christ appeared to the apostles after He was resurrected - they felt his body.
3) God still speaks to man today, the Heavens are not closed.
Does God not love us as much today as yesterday?
Does God not have the power today that He had yesterday?
Do we not need Him as much today as we did yesterday?
4) The full and complete church of God was not found on the earth at that time.
There were good people, but not God's church.
We know there are multiple heavens. In the Bible, it refers to the "3rd heaven". If there is a "3rd heaven", what about the 2nd and the 1st?
Angels - they appeared to Mary, Peter, James, John, Paul, Steven, etc. Joseph Smith also saw angels, just as those in the Bible.
Salvation can only be found in one place. This is the ONLY true and living church upon the face of the earth.
Elder Kent D. Watson (Of the Seventy)
What is temperance?
It is a divine attribute of Jesus Christ.
Learn to be temperate in all things. Temperance is a spiritual gift.
Self control, humble, submissive, gentleness
Do not be lifted up unto pride. Carefully examine desires.
Diligently seek righteous goals.
Tempered glass undergoes an intense heating process to strengthen it.
Tempered souls are people of increased spiritual strength.
We live in an impatient and intemperate world.
Jesus Christ is the best example of temperance.
Be patient in our afflictions.
Elder Neil L. Anderson (Quorum of the Apostles)
Invitation to be wrapped in Christ's arms... They are arms of mercy, safety, love.
His arms are extended towards us in an invitation to repent.
Reach up to ao higher way of life.
There are many degrees of personal righteousness, but we all need to repent.
The Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins.
Turn away from sin and come unto Christ.
"Repentance is a journey, not a one time event."
"Repentance is returning towards God"
Don't pull the shades down on our window to heaven.
The Savior knows where we are and how we feel. "I have engraven thee on the palms of my hands."
When we're hiking in the trees, we cannot see our progress until we are near the top.
"Don't be discouraged. If you are striving to repent, you are in the process of repentance."
The Scriptures do not say we will forget our forsaken sins in mortality, only that the Lord will forget them.
When we repent, the arms of the Savior extend to us and others we love.
"Repentance always means there is greater happiness ahead."
President Boyd K. Packer (President of the Quorum of the Apostles)
None of us are left here alone without hope or guidance.
We are part of God's great plan of happiness.
Use agency wisely, stay close to the spirit to stay away from the wiles of the adversary.
The gift of the Holy Ghost operates in men, women, and children, it is not reserved for apostles and prophets.
Promptings and Prayer
No matter what, you can always pray.
Your mind is in charge and your mind controls your body. Creat a "delete" key when a temptation comes along.
Pray for guidance. Pray often in your mind and in your heart. Pray on your knees.
Conclude prayers with "Thy will be done."
God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able. He will provide a way for us to overcome our temptations.
Sunday Morning Session
*President Henry B. Erying (1st Counselor in the First Presidency)
The message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can and must strive to become better.
"Even the most humble person can take hope in the invitation to become like the Savior."
"Love is the motivating principle by which the Lord leads us along the way to be like Him."
"It is love of God that will lead us to keep the commandments."
The family is the ideal setting to learn to love as He loves. We feel joy when we put the welfare of others above our own. And we feel sorrow when we are selfish, which is the absense of love.
"Please, no empty chairs" - a request to family members in reference to meeting again in the world to come.
Satan wants misery in families in this life and the next.
Spouses: Pray for love that will allow you to see the good in your companion and make their weaknesses seem small. Pray to lesson the load of your spouse, to soften their sorrows.
Parents of a wandering child: The Savior is the perfect example of love. The prodigal son remembered home and so will your children. They will remember and be drawn to your love.
Though some sheep wander, the eye of the Savior is on them. They will feel Him reaching out to them. Pray, love, reach out to your children. Jeus is reaching out to them, too.
Children: Honor your parents. Even if they are not ideal or even if you don't know them.
Think of how you feel when trying to be like Jesus. WE have all felt like a child - humble, submissive, trusting, peaceful.
Child-like obedience will bring love for the Savior and it will bring His love to you.
Look for opportunities to do and love as He does.
None of us are perfect yet, but we are following along the way.
President Eyring left a blessing on us that we would feel the assurance and approval which we have felt as a child.
Elder L. Tom Perry (Quorum of the Apostles)
Take care of every detail.
The pioneers built temples without the modern conveniences that we have. They performed their labor under their own power.
"I don't want to go back to the past, I want to go back to the past way of facing the future." - Ronald Reagan
Pioneers turned a wasteland into a beautiful valley. They worked hard.
"If we're going to have a temple, we better get busy and start building it." - their attitude
Eternal principles and truths do not change and are important, especially in these uncertain times.
He that preacheth and receiveth understand each other and both are edified and rejoice one with another.
We've taken on the responsibility to share the gospel with others.
Full time missionaries do most of the teaching, but members have ample opportunities to answer questions.
Preparation eliminates fear.
How prepared are you to bear witness of the restoration and plan of salvation, as the missionaries teach in their lessons?
Principles and truths of the past help us to prepare for the future.
The Plan of Happiness is a plan for us to live and follow Him, to return to our Father in Heaven.
Bishop H. David Burton (Presiding Bishop)
"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven." D&C 121:45
"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, and in doing good to all men. Indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul; we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praise-worthy, we seek after these things. " - 13th Article of Faith
Virtuous traits form the foundation of Christian life. They are the outward demonstration of the inner man.
The "ity" Virtues: Civility, fidelity, integrity, charity, morality, humility, responsibility, generosity, accountability, etc.
The world is turning it's back on these virtues.
We need not be a part of abandoning these virtues - the result would be disasterous.
We need to stand tall and firmly fixed in emmulating these virtues.
Hypocritical examples destroy credibility.
Integrity is the mother of many virtues. Integrity is the light that shows from a disciple's conscience. Integrity is the strength of Diety within us.
If integrity is not important, spirituality is difficult to maintain.
Most will not commit desperate acts of sin if they are taught that honesty and kindess are more important than revenge or rage.
If the traits of virtue are forgotten, they will become the lost virtues.
"Now is the time for us to join in rescuing and preserving that which is of good report and praseworthy as we let virtue garnish our thoughts."
"May we have the humility to take the opportunity to act on our responsibility to demonstrate our ability to do so."
*Sister Ann M. Dibb (2nd Counselor in the YW General Presidency)
Told of men working on a bridge when the scaffolding collapsed. Some will killed, many had to hang on for dear life. They had the safety equipment but chose not to use it.
Going through scary times in our lives - loneliness, temptaitons, challenges, disappointment, fear, etc.
We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith, persistence, and personal righteousness.
You are entitled to Heavenly Father's blessing in this work.
Heavenly Father knows your skill and devotion. He will convert our inadequacies to strengths.
Heavenly Father has given us safety equipment - prayer, scriptures, prophets, the Holy Ghost.
Proper use requires diligence, obedience... Choose to use it!
Hold onto the rod of iron - if we do, we cannot perish, or be overpowered by blindness, or led to destruction.
Study, ponder, apply
Get a grip!
It is not easy to hold on - there is opposition, like peer pressure.
When we let go, we are leaving our safety equipment behind.
Are we wandering on strange roads?
It is always possible to find our way back - Repentance.
Regain and recommit our strong grip on the iron rod.
Hold on to the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and don't let go! Because they are everything.
Elder Russell M. Nelson (Quorum of the Apostles)
Today's technologies are great blessings.
Even more amazing, is access to heaven within a moment. - and without hardware, software, or monthly service fees! ;)
Prayer - ask/knock, it will be given to you.
Always be ready to receive help from Heaven.
To access information from Heaven, must have firm faith, deep desire, sincere heart, having real intent, having faith in Christ.
Study the matter in your mind.
Know and obey the teachings of hte Lord.
God will bless his prophets and He will bless those who follow prophetic counsel.
The change from being the natural man to being a disciople of Christ, is great.
The natural man is an enemy to God.
Put off the natural man, become a saint.
Become like a child - submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to the will of the father.
Discern - means to sift, seperate, distinguish
Discernment - to feel things that are not tangible.
We seek to understand the will of God, and then seek to carry it out.
Seek revelation for your own unique lives and needs.
Revelation from God is always compatable with His laws. It will never contradict scripture.
Revelation doesn't all come at once.
Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little.
Unto whom that receiveth, I will give more.
Patience is part of our progression.
Every latter-day saint may merit personal revelation.
God lives, Jesus is the living Christ, this is the living church, President Monson is a living prophet.
Each of us can do something for someone.
By love, serve one another.
"When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." Mos 2:17
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Matt 16:25
Those who live only for themselves shrivel up and lose their lives. Those who serve others are bouyed up and find their lives.
Man's greatest happiness comes from losing himself in the service of others.
Don't become caught up in the business of our lives. Step back, have we immersed ourselves in taking care of things that do not really matter much, neglecting that which is more important?
"I never have yet felt a tinge of regret for being a little too kind." - from a poem he read
Heavenly Father has mandated that we serve and lift His children.
Matthew 25: 34-40...
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his aright hand, Come, ye bblessed of my Father, cinherit the dkingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an ahungred, and ye bgave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a cstranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye avisited me: I was in bprison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee asick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have adone it unto one of the bleast of these my cbrethren, ye have done it unto me.
Sunday Afternoon Session
**Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (Quorum of the Apostles)
Prophecies about the last days refer to large scale calamaties, which also lead to economic trials.
The Savior warned that even those of the covenant could be deceived by the enemy of truth.
"Mens hearts shall fail them"
Heavenly Father knew of this and gave us counsel and protection regarding it.
The mists of darkness descends on all. But successful travelers resist all distractions - including alluring paths and the jeering taunts of onlookers.
Successful travelers hold fast to the rod of iron.
However dark the night or day, the rod of iron marks the path and leads to safety.
Love, healing, help, and hope - the Power of Christ.
This is the safe harbor that God wants for us.
Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
When we are faithful, we are made strong.
No wicked man could write a book like this and no good man would write it - unless it is true. (Speaking of the Book of Mormon)
If people leave the church, "they must do it crawling over or under or around the Book of Mormon"
(Incredibly powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon, one that really must be read in it's entirety when it is available on-line or in Ensign!)
Elder Quentin L. Cook (Quorum of the Apostles)
We live in perilous times. Many believe that we are not held accountable to God for our actions. They don't believe they are their brother's keeper.
We try to do what is right because we love and want to please our Father in Heaven.
We have our agency, but we are accountable for that agency. We are accountable for our sins.
We have stewardship over many things. 2 of them : family and poor/needy
We live in a time when virtue and chastity are not safe guarded, morailty is not respected.
Heavenly Father instructs us that the well springs of life must remain clean.
It is our responsibility to teach His standard of morality.
Instead of "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", we should be like a town in Utah that says, "What happens in __________, you can share with your friends."
All can repent and return, just like the spring water, to a clean state.
Having religious observance in the home is as important as providing food, clothing, and shelter.
Elder Brent H. Nielson (Of the Seventy)
Lengthen your stride, broaden your vision
This, the rising generation is the fulfillment of prophecy.
Who are hte laborers in the vineyard? Not just prophets, bishops, stake presidents, but also our parents. Those who came before and prepared the way.
The torch is now passed to a new generation. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.
"This is the last time that I shall prune my vineyard."
The Lord is asking for worthy YM and YW to serve and go "this last time"
There is no greater work, no greater call, than teaching all nations.
Stand for truth and righteousness. Understand your call.
Elder Dale G. Renlund (Of the Seventy)
Much like a heart transplant, we have a spiritual change of heart - a mighty change of heart.
We cannot afford to become relaxed in our maintenance. We must take great care of a spiritually changed heart, even more than a physical heart transplant.
Don't become casual in worship. Don't assume "all is well".
Being casual about seemingly small things (prayer, scriptures, etc) is a death trap.
Actively help and serve others.
Be upright in all things, do not compromise your values.
Identify temptations and put them out of reach - WAY out of reach!
Elder Michael T. Ringwood (Of the Seventy)
An eagerness and willingness to believe comes from a soft heart.
Soft hearts lead to an outpouring of the spirit.
Easiness to believe comes from the examples of others. It reminds them of the faith of their fathers.
Seek diligently, wiht lowliness of heart.
Allow the words of God to sink deep in our hearts.
"Etch" words of God into our hearts.
What brings easiness and willingness to believe is not the circumstances we are in, but the things that we do.
Elder Joseph W. Sitati (Of the Seventy)
The church is a global faith.
We can understand God's plan for us more now than at any other time because of the Priesthood keys that are on the earth today.
God is no respecter of persons.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson (Quorum of the Apostles)
We all have the God given gift of moral agency. For a positive outcome, moral agency must be accompanied by moral discipline.
Moral discipline is rooted in loyalty to Christ.
In the world, self discipline is eroded.
Laws can never replace values at regulating behavior.
Moral discipline is taught at home.
Keep the commandments of God.
Service and sacrifice for the well being and happiness of others, in love, is more important than seeking our own desires.
It is not enough to have a witness of truth, our children must become truly converted while they are with us. They will gain strength from what they are, not just what they know.
Intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the turth.
"Mere wanting" is hardly a proper guide for moral conduct.
Therapy can support a person's will but not replace it.
We must have moral discipline.
President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet and President of the Church)
We have been richly taught, spiritually edified.
Read and study these messages in the November Ensign.
Many in the world have slipped from the moorings of safety.
We find ourselves swimming against the current.
"And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come. Therefore what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea? Ether 2:25
He is ever mindful of us. He loves us, will bless us as we strive to do what is right.
The prophet prays for us.
Pray for the prophet and all of the General Authorities.
"We're all in this together. Every man, woman, and child has a part to play." May God give us the strength to play our part.
Please, don't mind the typos, I am not taking the time to spell-check. As usual, I placed a * next to my favorites.
Saturday Morning Session
President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet and President of the Church)
130 temples are currently in operation
16 temples have been announced or are under construction
5 additional temples are being announced today: Brigham City, UT; Chile; Brazil; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Japan (I didn't catch the specific location for the foreign temples.)
The church continues to grow and is spreading far and wide over the world.
Befriend converts, reach out and surround them with love.
Pray for areas that are not currently open to missionaries.
Elder Richard G. Scott (Quorum of the Apostles)
Seek personal inspiration; be led by the spirit
The Holy Ghost is here to assist us.
Heavenly Father wants us to use the Holy Ghost consitently for peace and happiness.
Growth comes as we learn to recognize the Holy Ghost.
Spirituality yeilds inspiration and power.
Write down impressions of the spirit. Then ask the Lord, "Is there more for me to know?" And write that down, too.
Respond to and apply the promptings that come to you.
The Lord will not force us to learn. He allows us to exercise our agency.
One of the things that will keep us from feeling the spirit is pornography; pornography is one of hte most damning influences on the earth. It is overpoweringly addictive and destructive.
Participating in pornography is unbridled selfishness.
Take preventative action to protect your family.
Learn to be consistently guided by the spirit in all aspects of your life.
Sister Vicki F. Matsumori (2nd Counselor in Primary General Presidency)
Provide an environment where the spirit can be felt.
Constant companionship of the Holy Ghost comes by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority.
Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly so the Holy Ghost will by your constant companion.
Share testimony of the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives to help others recognize where they have similar feelings.
Provide still and quiet time each day for the Holy Ghost to provide revelation.
Teachers and leaders fascillitate whisperings of the spirit.
Recognize the spirit and follow it's promptings - we will recognize answers to our prayers.
God lives, loves, and knows us. He hears our prayers. Jesus Christ is the Savior and He will come again.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton (Of the Seventy)
Life presses all kinds of burdens on us.
People struggle under burdens; they can be exhausting and can last for years.
Causes for our burdens:
*Some are caused by natural patterns of life. (Natural disasters, illness, etc.)
*Some are imposed on us because of the actions of others. (Abuse, neglect, being treated unfairly.)
*Some are from our own mistakes. (Sin, bad choices, carelessness, etc.)
No matter what burdens we face, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father who sent us here for growth and to progress.
Adversities and difficulties last (from Heaven's perspective) but a small moment.
We must carry them for as long as they last.
Burdens can become blessings, though often blessings come disguised.
Trials encourage us to seek Heavenly help.
Bear one another's burdens - that will help to relieve our own burdens as well as the ones we are trying to help.
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of hte least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt 25:40)
The Lord strengthens us when we submit cheerfully and patiently.
Christ suffered for all, so we might not suffer, if we repent.
Whosoever repenteth, findeth mercy.
As we keep our commandments and covenants, He lifts our burdens and strengthens us.
Russell T. Osguthorpe (Sunday School General President)
When we receive the truth, we will be saved by it. Not just by hearing it, but by receiving it and acting on it.
Missionaries teach the principles. Blessings are promised if we keep the principles.
President Monson said, The goal of teachers is to inspire the class to "think about it, feel about it, and then do something about the gospel principles."
Aim High - stretch yourself, aim higher.
As a teacher, do I view myself as a messenger from God? Do I focus on the key principles of the Gospel? Do I teach with love? Do I invite them to do the work that God has for them to do? Do I express confidence in them?
Learn truth, then teach it.
Teaching helps save lives.
*Elder David A. Bednar (Quorum of the Apostles)
"More diligent and concerned at home."
Express love and show it.Do more of what we know is right.
Say, mean, and show love.
We will never regret kind words and expressions shown.
Our love of the Lord is shown by walking in His ways. - Our love for our family is shown by our deeds.
Love is the source of strength - it casts out fear.
Bear testimony and live it.It doesn't need to be lengthy.
Share your testimony with family in your home.
What we know is not always reflected in what we do.
We are not only striving to know more, but to do it.
Bear it, mean it, and most importantly, live it!
Hearing and feeling a testimony of a loved one is very rewarding.
Be consistent.Regular family prayer, scripture study, FHE, etc.
They don't always yield immediate results - but over time, through consistency, they will yield desired results.
In having regular prayer, scripture study, and FHE, the consistency is perhaps the greatest lesson.
Many ordinary and individual brush strokes work together to create a beautiful painting.
They may not remember a single or specific lesson or verse, but it will all combine to develop their testimony.
DON'T BE HYPOCRITS! Don't say and do not. Be and become more consistent. Express love and consistently show it. Bear testimony and consistently live it.
Be more consistent in seemingly small things.
**President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2nd Counselor in First Presidency)
Of all the things we want to be known for, what attribute should define us most as disciples of Jesus Christ?
How do we become true disciples of Christ? "If ye love me, keep my commandments"
Those who receive Christ, walk with Him.
Eternal principles can be lost in the labryinth of good ideas.
Don't neglect weightier matters while attending to smaller ones.
The greatest commandment - Love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind. The next greatest commandment - love thy neighbor as thyself.
Love is the great commandment and should be at the center of our family, callings, and lives.
Love is the healing balm, it unites us, brings friendship, tolerance, respect, it overcomes hate, warms our lives with joy and hope.
Love should be our walk and our talk.
When we love God, obedience becomes a joy, not a burden.
God does not need our love; His power is independant.
But oh, how we need to love God!
"What we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are and what we will become."
Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ.
"We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
Though we are incomplete, He loves us completely.
Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly.
We may be lost and without a compass, but His love encompasses us.
He loves every one of us. His love is so great, He even loves the proud and wicked.
That means that no matter what our current state, He loves us!
He desires that we draw near unto Him so He can draw near unto us.
How do we increase our love for Him? - Search Him with ALL our heart.
If we don't obey Him, all we do is in vain.
Increase love and demonstrate that love by aligning our actions with His words.
Walk in righteousness out of earnest desire to become more like Him because we love Him.
Don't get discouraged if you stumble at times.
The first step in walking in righteousness is to simply TRY.
Try and keep on trying until that which seems impossible becomes a habit and a real part of you.
As you reach out to Him, He will answer.
As you read your scriptures, listen for His voice. As you attend the temple, listen for His voice. As you: attend church, think of the words of a hymn, interact with others, hear the laughter of a child... listen for His voice.
As we draw near to Heavenly Father, we become more Holy. We will be led out of darkness to a greater light. The veil becomes thin.
Every other commandment hangs upon the principle of love.
All else will fall into place.
Through divine love, ordinary acts become extraordinary service.
Love is the guiding light, it illuminates the disciple's path.
It is the measure of our faith, inspiration of our obedience.
Love is the way of the disciple.
Let us be known as a people who love God with all their heart, soul, and mind and who love our neighbors as ourselves.
- The closing hymn was "Come, Come Ye Saints" and for some reason, though I've heard this song hundreds of times and love it, this line is what struck me the strongest today: "Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. Our God will never us forsake."
Saturday Afternoon Session
Elder Dallin H. Oaks (Quorum of the Apostles)
God's love and God's Commandment -
God's love is shown in all the blessings in the Gospel plan.
Love should not supercede the laws.
No one/no thing can seperate us from God's love.
God's love for His children is an eternal reality.
God's laws are invariable.
Mercy cannot rob justice.
God instituted laws to help us advance. Only through obedience to His laws can we be made perfect.
You can love and still be angry/disappointed with children or loved ones.
If we listen, we can feel God's love, even when we are disobedient.
Don't be "too angry to see" God's love.
Any blessing from God is because of obedience to the law that the blessing was predicated.
Agency is fundamental to the plan.
God will bless us to be able to endure the consequences of others' choices, but will not prevent those from making their choices.
Wise parents grant some parental gifts on obedience.
Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth.
"Real love does not support self-destructive behavior."
Breaking commandments affects and divides the family.
Straying of loved ones will dtract from our happiness but should not detract from our love for them.
Elder Robert D. Hales (Quorum of the Apostles)
"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." First Article of Faith
Why is belief in God so important? Without God, life would end at the grave. Without God, our growth and progress would be temporary. There would be no ultimate right or wrong. Without God there would be no mortality or Eternal life.
We are created in His image.
God and Christ have bodies and voices - we know this from the Bible.
They have feelings for us.
The Holy Ghost testifies of God and teaches us.
If we don't yield to the Holy Ghost, we are putting ourselves in jeapardy.
"Thou hast had signs enough, will ye tempt your God?" Alma 30:44
We have scriptures, prophets - all things witness there is a supreme creator.
The light of belief is in you.
Believe the testimony of the prophets, learn of light and Christ.
Let the evidence of God all around us touch our hearts.
Seek a testimony now - find strength, peace, comfort; it will bless your family, posterity, friends, and your own life. It will bring hte greatest joy you will ever have.
Elder Jorge F. Zeballos (Of the Seventy)
Promise of eternal life is subject to sincere demonstration of faith in Christ.
The Lord doesn't expect us to do what we cannot do.
We are commanded to become perfect, like Him.
God doesn't expect more than our best - that would not be just.
God doesn't expect less than our best - that would not be just.
We must give our best. As we do, each day we will become better.
By grace we are saved, after all we can do.
Remember and renew the commitements we've made with Heavenly Father.
Do the best we can as a spouse, parent, sibling, in our calling, as a member, at work, and in our daily life.
It is possible to achieve the impossible. It is possible to achieve eternal life. It is possible to be happy now and forever.
Elder Tad R. Callister (Of the Seventy)
Joseph Smith was the Lord's annointed to restore the church to the earth.
Joseph Smith learned 4 things during the First Vision:
1) Learned that God and Jesus Christ are two seperate beings.
The Bible confirms this - Christ removed His will to do the will of the Father.
God gave His only begotten Son.
They can't be one being.
2) God and Christ have glorified bodies of flesh and bones.
In Bible, Christ appeared to the apostles after He was resurrected - they felt his body.
3) God still speaks to man today, the Heavens are not closed.
Does God not love us as much today as yesterday?
Does God not have the power today that He had yesterday?
Do we not need Him as much today as we did yesterday?
4) The full and complete church of God was not found on the earth at that time.
There were good people, but not God's church.
We know there are multiple heavens. In the Bible, it refers to the "3rd heaven". If there is a "3rd heaven", what about the 2nd and the 1st?
Angels - they appeared to Mary, Peter, James, John, Paul, Steven, etc. Joseph Smith also saw angels, just as those in the Bible.
Salvation can only be found in one place. This is the ONLY true and living church upon the face of the earth.
Elder Kent D. Watson (Of the Seventy)
What is temperance?
It is a divine attribute of Jesus Christ.
Learn to be temperate in all things. Temperance is a spiritual gift.
Self control, humble, submissive, gentleness
Do not be lifted up unto pride. Carefully examine desires.
Diligently seek righteous goals.
Tempered glass undergoes an intense heating process to strengthen it.
Tempered souls are people of increased spiritual strength.
We live in an impatient and intemperate world.
Jesus Christ is the best example of temperance.
Be patient in our afflictions.
Elder Neil L. Anderson (Quorum of the Apostles)
Invitation to be wrapped in Christ's arms... They are arms of mercy, safety, love.
His arms are extended towards us in an invitation to repent.
Reach up to ao higher way of life.
There are many degrees of personal righteousness, but we all need to repent.
The Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins.
Turn away from sin and come unto Christ.
"Repentance is a journey, not a one time event."
"Repentance is returning towards God"
Don't pull the shades down on our window to heaven.
The Savior knows where we are and how we feel. "I have engraven thee on the palms of my hands."
When we're hiking in the trees, we cannot see our progress until we are near the top.
"Don't be discouraged. If you are striving to repent, you are in the process of repentance."
The Scriptures do not say we will forget our forsaken sins in mortality, only that the Lord will forget them.
When we repent, the arms of the Savior extend to us and others we love.
"Repentance always means there is greater happiness ahead."
President Boyd K. Packer (President of the Quorum of the Apostles)
None of us are left here alone without hope or guidance.
We are part of God's great plan of happiness.
Use agency wisely, stay close to the spirit to stay away from the wiles of the adversary.
The gift of the Holy Ghost operates in men, women, and children, it is not reserved for apostles and prophets.
Promptings and Prayer
No matter what, you can always pray.
Your mind is in charge and your mind controls your body. Creat a "delete" key when a temptation comes along.
Pray for guidance. Pray often in your mind and in your heart. Pray on your knees.
Conclude prayers with "Thy will be done."
God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able. He will provide a way for us to overcome our temptations.
Sunday Morning Session
*President Henry B. Erying (1st Counselor in the First Presidency)
The message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can and must strive to become better.
"Even the most humble person can take hope in the invitation to become like the Savior."
I’m trying to be like Jesus;To be like Jesus is not just a hope, but a command.
I’m following in his ways.
I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”
"Love is the motivating principle by which the Lord leads us along the way to be like Him."
"It is love of God that will lead us to keep the commandments."
The family is the ideal setting to learn to love as He loves. We feel joy when we put the welfare of others above our own. And we feel sorrow when we are selfish, which is the absense of love.
"Please, no empty chairs" - a request to family members in reference to meeting again in the world to come.
Satan wants misery in families in this life and the next.
Spouses: Pray for love that will allow you to see the good in your companion and make their weaknesses seem small. Pray to lesson the load of your spouse, to soften their sorrows.
Parents of a wandering child: The Savior is the perfect example of love. The prodigal son remembered home and so will your children. They will remember and be drawn to your love.
Though some sheep wander, the eye of the Savior is on them. They will feel Him reaching out to them. Pray, love, reach out to your children. Jeus is reaching out to them, too.
Children: Honor your parents. Even if they are not ideal or even if you don't know them.
Think of how you feel when trying to be like Jesus. WE have all felt like a child - humble, submissive, trusting, peaceful.
Child-like obedience will bring love for the Savior and it will bring His love to you.
Look for opportunities to do and love as He does.
None of us are perfect yet, but we are following along the way.
President Eyring left a blessing on us that we would feel the assurance and approval which we have felt as a child.
Elder L. Tom Perry (Quorum of the Apostles)
Take care of every detail.
The pioneers built temples without the modern conveniences that we have. They performed their labor under their own power.
"I don't want to go back to the past, I want to go back to the past way of facing the future." - Ronald Reagan
Pioneers turned a wasteland into a beautiful valley. They worked hard.
"If we're going to have a temple, we better get busy and start building it." - their attitude
Eternal principles and truths do not change and are important, especially in these uncertain times.
He that preacheth and receiveth understand each other and both are edified and rejoice one with another.
We've taken on the responsibility to share the gospel with others.
Full time missionaries do most of the teaching, but members have ample opportunities to answer questions.
Preparation eliminates fear.
How prepared are you to bear witness of the restoration and plan of salvation, as the missionaries teach in their lessons?
Principles and truths of the past help us to prepare for the future.
The Plan of Happiness is a plan for us to live and follow Him, to return to our Father in Heaven.
Bishop H. David Burton (Presiding Bishop)
"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven." D&C 121:45
"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, and in doing good to all men. Indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul; we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praise-worthy, we seek after these things. " - 13th Article of Faith
Virtuous traits form the foundation of Christian life. They are the outward demonstration of the inner man.
The "ity" Virtues: Civility, fidelity, integrity, charity, morality, humility, responsibility, generosity, accountability, etc.
The world is turning it's back on these virtues.
We need not be a part of abandoning these virtues - the result would be disasterous.
We need to stand tall and firmly fixed in emmulating these virtues.
Hypocritical examples destroy credibility.
Integrity is the mother of many virtues. Integrity is the light that shows from a disciple's conscience. Integrity is the strength of Diety within us.
If integrity is not important, spirituality is difficult to maintain.
Most will not commit desperate acts of sin if they are taught that honesty and kindess are more important than revenge or rage.
If the traits of virtue are forgotten, they will become the lost virtues.
"Now is the time for us to join in rescuing and preserving that which is of good report and praseworthy as we let virtue garnish our thoughts."
"May we have the humility to take the opportunity to act on our responsibility to demonstrate our ability to do so."
*Sister Ann M. Dibb (2nd Counselor in the YW General Presidency)
Told of men working on a bridge when the scaffolding collapsed. Some will killed, many had to hang on for dear life. They had the safety equipment but chose not to use it.
Going through scary times in our lives - loneliness, temptaitons, challenges, disappointment, fear, etc.
We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith, persistence, and personal righteousness.
You are entitled to Heavenly Father's blessing in this work.
Heavenly Father knows your skill and devotion. He will convert our inadequacies to strengths.
Heavenly Father has given us safety equipment - prayer, scriptures, prophets, the Holy Ghost.
Proper use requires diligence, obedience... Choose to use it!
Hold onto the rod of iron - if we do, we cannot perish, or be overpowered by blindness, or led to destruction.
Study, ponder, apply
Get a grip!
It is not easy to hold on - there is opposition, like peer pressure.
When we let go, we are leaving our safety equipment behind.
Are we wandering on strange roads?
It is always possible to find our way back - Repentance.
Regain and recommit our strong grip on the iron rod.
Hold on to the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and don't let go! Because they are everything.
Elder Russell M. Nelson (Quorum of the Apostles)
Today's technologies are great blessings.
Even more amazing, is access to heaven within a moment. - and without hardware, software, or monthly service fees! ;)
Prayer - ask/knock, it will be given to you.
Always be ready to receive help from Heaven.
To access information from Heaven, must have firm faith, deep desire, sincere heart, having real intent, having faith in Christ.
Study the matter in your mind.
Know and obey the teachings of hte Lord.
God will bless his prophets and He will bless those who follow prophetic counsel.
The change from being the natural man to being a disciople of Christ, is great.
The natural man is an enemy to God.
Put off the natural man, become a saint.
Become like a child - submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to the will of the father.
Discern - means to sift, seperate, distinguish
Discernment - to feel things that are not tangible.
We seek to understand the will of God, and then seek to carry it out.
Seek revelation for your own unique lives and needs.
Revelation from God is always compatable with His laws. It will never contradict scripture.
Revelation doesn't all come at once.
Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little.
Unto whom that receiveth, I will give more.
Patience is part of our progression.
Every latter-day saint may merit personal revelation.
God lives, Jesus is the living Christ, this is the living church, President Monson is a living prophet.
*President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet and President of the Church)
What did you do for someone today?Each of us can do something for someone.
By love, serve one another.
"When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." Mos 2:17
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Matt 16:25
Those who live only for themselves shrivel up and lose their lives. Those who serve others are bouyed up and find their lives.
Man's greatest happiness comes from losing himself in the service of others.
Don't become caught up in the business of our lives. Step back, have we immersed ourselves in taking care of things that do not really matter much, neglecting that which is more important?
"I never have yet felt a tinge of regret for being a little too kind." - from a poem he read
Heavenly Father has mandated that we serve and lift His children.
Matthew 25: 34-40...
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his aright hand, Come, ye bblessed of my Father, cinherit the dkingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an ahungred, and ye bgave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a cstranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye avisited me: I was in bprison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee asick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have adone it unto one of the bleast of these my cbrethren, ye have done it unto me.
Sunday Afternoon Session
**Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (Quorum of the Apostles)
Prophecies about the last days refer to large scale calamaties, which also lead to economic trials.
The Savior warned that even those of the covenant could be deceived by the enemy of truth.
"Mens hearts shall fail them"
Heavenly Father knew of this and gave us counsel and protection regarding it.
The mists of darkness descends on all. But successful travelers resist all distractions - including alluring paths and the jeering taunts of onlookers.
Successful travelers hold fast to the rod of iron.
However dark the night or day, the rod of iron marks the path and leads to safety.
Love, healing, help, and hope - the Power of Christ.
This is the safe harbor that God wants for us.
Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
When we are faithful, we are made strong.
No wicked man could write a book like this and no good man would write it - unless it is true. (Speaking of the Book of Mormon)
If people leave the church, "they must do it crawling over or under or around the Book of Mormon"
(Incredibly powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon, one that really must be read in it's entirety when it is available on-line or in Ensign!)
Elder Quentin L. Cook (Quorum of the Apostles)
We live in perilous times. Many believe that we are not held accountable to God for our actions. They don't believe they are their brother's keeper.
We try to do what is right because we love and want to please our Father in Heaven.
We have our agency, but we are accountable for that agency. We are accountable for our sins.
We have stewardship over many things. 2 of them : family and poor/needy
We live in a time when virtue and chastity are not safe guarded, morailty is not respected.
Heavenly Father instructs us that the well springs of life must remain clean.
It is our responsibility to teach His standard of morality.
Instead of "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", we should be like a town in Utah that says, "What happens in __________, you can share with your friends."
All can repent and return, just like the spring water, to a clean state.
Having religious observance in the home is as important as providing food, clothing, and shelter.
Elder Brent H. Nielson (Of the Seventy)
Lengthen your stride, broaden your vision
This, the rising generation is the fulfillment of prophecy.
Who are hte laborers in the vineyard? Not just prophets, bishops, stake presidents, but also our parents. Those who came before and prepared the way.
The torch is now passed to a new generation. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.
"This is the last time that I shall prune my vineyard."
The Lord is asking for worthy YM and YW to serve and go "this last time"
There is no greater work, no greater call, than teaching all nations.
Stand for truth and righteousness. Understand your call.
Elder Dale G. Renlund (Of the Seventy)
Much like a heart transplant, we have a spiritual change of heart - a mighty change of heart.
We cannot afford to become relaxed in our maintenance. We must take great care of a spiritually changed heart, even more than a physical heart transplant.
Don't become casual in worship. Don't assume "all is well".
Being casual about seemingly small things (prayer, scriptures, etc) is a death trap.
Actively help and serve others.
Be upright in all things, do not compromise your values.
Identify temptations and put them out of reach - WAY out of reach!
Elder Michael T. Ringwood (Of the Seventy)
An eagerness and willingness to believe comes from a soft heart.
Soft hearts lead to an outpouring of the spirit.
Easiness to believe comes from the examples of others. It reminds them of the faith of their fathers.
Seek diligently, wiht lowliness of heart.
Allow the words of God to sink deep in our hearts.
"Etch" words of God into our hearts.
What brings easiness and willingness to believe is not the circumstances we are in, but the things that we do.
Elder Joseph W. Sitati (Of the Seventy)
The church is a global faith.
We can understand God's plan for us more now than at any other time because of the Priesthood keys that are on the earth today.
God is no respecter of persons.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson (Quorum of the Apostles)
We all have the God given gift of moral agency. For a positive outcome, moral agency must be accompanied by moral discipline.
Moral discipline is rooted in loyalty to Christ.
In the world, self discipline is eroded.
Laws can never replace values at regulating behavior.
Moral discipline is taught at home.
Keep the commandments of God.
Service and sacrifice for the well being and happiness of others, in love, is more important than seeking our own desires.
It is not enough to have a witness of truth, our children must become truly converted while they are with us. They will gain strength from what they are, not just what they know.
Intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the turth.
"Mere wanting" is hardly a proper guide for moral conduct.
Therapy can support a person's will but not replace it.
We must have moral discipline.
President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet and President of the Church)
We have been richly taught, spiritually edified.
Read and study these messages in the November Ensign.
Many in the world have slipped from the moorings of safety.
We find ourselves swimming against the current.
"And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come. Therefore what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea? Ether 2:25
He is ever mindful of us. He loves us, will bless us as we strive to do what is right.
The prophet prays for us.
Pray for the prophet and all of the General Authorities.
"We're all in this together. Every man, woman, and child has a part to play." May God give us the strength to play our part.
Putting into practice the things we are taught.
Immediately following the morning session of conference today, Acadia and I met up with the sister missionaries at one of Cadi's schoolmates' homes. The adults in the home are less-active members of the church, and the boy Acadia's age is not a member, but recently the family has been interested in learning more about the gospel and hopefully coming back to activity. The missionaries had watched the morning session with them and then when we arrived, we talked about the restoration of the Gospel.
Today, in conference, Elder L. Tom Perry talked about how we should be prepared to share our testimonies and be witnesses of the things that the missionaries teach. He asked us, "How prepared are you to bear witness of the restoration of the gospel and plan of salvation?" During the discussion we were having today with the sisters and Cadi's schoolmate, the missionaries turned to Cadi and asked her to tell us about the story of the restoration, which she did. I was proud of her for being prepared and willing to bear her witness.
Near the end of our discussion, the sisters asked Acadia to bear her testimony, which she did. And it was beautiful. Then they asked me to bear mine. I could hardly speak! Yesterday, when Elder Bednar spoke, he said how we should share our testimonies with our family and loved ones and how that it would be rewarding for us to hear each other's testimonies. I was experiencing that joy. After pulling myself together I did share my testimony and after my testimony, one of the less-active members shared his. The spirit was really strong and it was wonderful to be apart of that experience.
It's wonderful to see the gospel in action. And I'm especially grateful and find it so rewarding that Acadia is not only a hearer of the word, but a doer also. :)
Today, in conference, Elder L. Tom Perry talked about how we should be prepared to share our testimonies and be witnesses of the things that the missionaries teach. He asked us, "How prepared are you to bear witness of the restoration of the gospel and plan of salvation?" During the discussion we were having today with the sisters and Cadi's schoolmate, the missionaries turned to Cadi and asked her to tell us about the story of the restoration, which she did. I was proud of her for being prepared and willing to bear her witness.
Near the end of our discussion, the sisters asked Acadia to bear her testimony, which she did. And it was beautiful. Then they asked me to bear mine. I could hardly speak! Yesterday, when Elder Bednar spoke, he said how we should share our testimonies with our family and loved ones and how that it would be rewarding for us to hear each other's testimonies. I was experiencing that joy. After pulling myself together I did share my testimony and after my testimony, one of the less-active members shared his. The spirit was really strong and it was wonderful to be apart of that experience.
It's wonderful to see the gospel in action. And I'm especially grateful and find it so rewarding that Acadia is not only a hearer of the word, but a doer also. :)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
A Baker's Dozen
Today is our 13th Wedding Anniversary! I love my husband so much! I am so grateful for the many sacrifices that he makes on behalf of our family. He works very hard and that allows me the blessing to stay home with our girls. He is a wonderful father and he is my best friend. We love spending time together; we laugh a lot! :)
This weekend is General Conference and so we haven't really planned anything for our anniversary this year. But that is really okay. The one thing that we both love most about the other is that we each put the Lord first in our lives, even before our spouse. I know that Ryan will let nothing keep him from the Lord, and he knows the same about me. I'm sure we will do something tonight, after Ryan attends the Priesthood session of conference. I'm thankful that we date and spend alone time together regularly. Today is a special day for us to remember, but it's not the only day that we have to go out and be romantic. :)
Now check out some pics from our wedding day! Wow, we look so young! And man, was I really that skinny? What the heck happened?!?! ... Um, don't answer that! lol
This weekend is General Conference and so we haven't really planned anything for our anniversary this year. But that is really okay. The one thing that we both love most about the other is that we each put the Lord first in our lives, even before our spouse. I know that Ryan will let nothing keep him from the Lord, and he knows the same about me. I'm sure we will do something tonight, after Ryan attends the Priesthood session of conference. I'm thankful that we date and spend alone time together regularly. Today is a special day for us to remember, but it's not the only day that we have to go out and be romantic. :)
Now check out some pics from our wedding day! Wow, we look so young! And man, was I really that skinny? What the heck happened?!?! ... Um, don't answer that! lol
Enjoying the feast!
We just finished watching the first session of General Conference and it was just wonderful! I enjoyed all of the talks, most especially David A. Bendar's and Dieter F. Uchtdorf's. Wow, I felt such a strong spirit, they were so powerful!
As always, I am taking notes. My hand started to hurt so much at the end because I was trying to write so much and so fast! lol I will post my notes after the Sunday afternoon session.
For now, we are carrying on our family tradition to go out for ice cream between sessions. Usually we do it after the second session, but Acadia has been invited to a birthday party, so we're going to do it between the first and second sessions this time. :) It's a weekend to feast, in more ways than one! :)
As always, I am taking notes. My hand started to hurt so much at the end because I was trying to write so much and so fast! lol I will post my notes after the Sunday afternoon session.
For now, we are carrying on our family tradition to go out for ice cream between sessions. Usually we do it after the second session, but Acadia has been invited to a birthday party, so we're going to do it between the first and second sessions this time. :) It's a weekend to feast, in more ways than one! :)
Friday, October 2, 2009
Have you ever wondered...?
In the Bible, God spoke to prophets and told them what to teach the people. Often times, what God told the prophets literally saved their lives.
•God commanded Noah to tell the people to repent, when they didn't, God commanded Noah to build an ark to save himself and his family. Those who did not listen to the prophet, were drowned in the flood.
•God told Moses how to save his people when they were slaves in Egypt. Only those who followed the counsel of the prophet were spared when every firstborn was killed in the night. And only those who followed him were led out of Egypt to freedom.
Have you ever wondered if you had lived in those days, would you have been one of the ones to follow the prophet or would you have been one of those who believed that it was foolish to think that God would speak to men? Would you have listened and obeyed the words that the prophet spoke, even if you didn't fully understand them, trusting that they were indeed words from God? Or would you have scoffed and laughed at them, thinking it ridiculous? Do you believe that the Bible stories are true?
If the Bible is true, and if God talked to men then and told them what to do to help save, lead, and direct His people, have you ever wondered why God doesn't do that for us now?
I bear testimony that He does. Today there are living prophets and apostles on the earth, just like in the Bible. Back then, the prophets and apostles were often ignored, and when they weren't ignored, they were often perscuted, laughed at, even stoned and killed. But none of that changed the fact that they were prophets of God doing His work. Those who did listen and follow the teachings of the prophets were blessed. People were healed, physically and spiritually.
Today we have living prophets and apostles trying to share with us what God has told them. But just like in times of old, they are most often ignored. Sometimes they are scoffed and laughed at, persecuted, and targeted by people who don't believe. But none of that changes the fact that they are indeed men called by God to help lead, teach, direct, and help His people.
If you like to think that you would have been one who would have believed when Noah preached repentence or when Moses said to mark the doors of the homes with the blood from sacrificial lambs, then ask yourself if you are willing to believe that there could be a prophet today. Because this weekend, a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, will speak to the world and tell us what God wants us to know today. We have read what God told prophets of old, now let us hear what He has told a prophet living today.
I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet. I also know that Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf are living prophets. I know that there are also living apostles that testify of Christ and teach His teachings. And I know that the most important scripture for us today, is the most current scripture of the day.
During the next two days, we will receive new scripture from the mouths of prophets and apostles who have dedicated their lives to serving God. The new scripture which we receive this weekend will not cancel out or contradict the scriptures in the Bible and other scriptures, but it will be especially important and pertain to us specifically at this time. Nothing could be more important than to hear and heed this new scripture.
Saturday, October 3: 9am-11am (PST) and 1pm-3pm (PST)
Sunday, October 4: 9am-11am (PST) and 1pm-3pm (PST)
(These are not repeated sessions, each session will have different speakers/talks, in total 8 hours of new scripture to help us today.)
If you would like information on how you can hear/read/watch the addresses given this weekend by prophets and apostles, check out this website. The broadcasts will also be shown on BYU TV (as well as on http://www.byutv.org/), some areas may have local access channels airing it as well, and of course there will be satellite broadcasts at LDS stake centers all over the world. Also, in a month there will be a magazine published containing all of the transcripts from the entire weekend, let me know if you would like a copy and I will gladly get you one.
I love the comfort and joy that comes from knowing that God loves us and still speaks to us today. I always look forward to hearing from our prophets and apostles; I know they are called of God and I am excited to hear what they have to tell us this weekend! I hope you will listen, too! :)
•God commanded Noah to tell the people to repent, when they didn't, God commanded Noah to build an ark to save himself and his family. Those who did not listen to the prophet, were drowned in the flood.
•God told Moses how to save his people when they were slaves in Egypt. Only those who followed the counsel of the prophet were spared when every firstborn was killed in the night. And only those who followed him were led out of Egypt to freedom.
Have you ever wondered if you had lived in those days, would you have been one of the ones to follow the prophet or would you have been one of those who believed that it was foolish to think that God would speak to men? Would you have listened and obeyed the words that the prophet spoke, even if you didn't fully understand them, trusting that they were indeed words from God? Or would you have scoffed and laughed at them, thinking it ridiculous? Do you believe that the Bible stories are true?
If the Bible is true, and if God talked to men then and told them what to do to help save, lead, and direct His people, have you ever wondered why God doesn't do that for us now?
I bear testimony that He does. Today there are living prophets and apostles on the earth, just like in the Bible. Back then, the prophets and apostles were often ignored, and when they weren't ignored, they were often perscuted, laughed at, even stoned and killed. But none of that changed the fact that they were prophets of God doing His work. Those who did listen and follow the teachings of the prophets were blessed. People were healed, physically and spiritually.
Today we have living prophets and apostles trying to share with us what God has told them. But just like in times of old, they are most often ignored. Sometimes they are scoffed and laughed at, persecuted, and targeted by people who don't believe. But none of that changes the fact that they are indeed men called by God to help lead, teach, direct, and help His people.
If you like to think that you would have been one who would have believed when Noah preached repentence or when Moses said to mark the doors of the homes with the blood from sacrificial lambs, then ask yourself if you are willing to believe that there could be a prophet today. Because this weekend, a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, will speak to the world and tell us what God wants us to know today. We have read what God told prophets of old, now let us hear what He has told a prophet living today.
I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet. I also know that Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf are living prophets. I know that there are also living apostles that testify of Christ and teach His teachings. And I know that the most important scripture for us today, is the most current scripture of the day.
During the next two days, we will receive new scripture from the mouths of prophets and apostles who have dedicated their lives to serving God. The new scripture which we receive this weekend will not cancel out or contradict the scriptures in the Bible and other scriptures, but it will be especially important and pertain to us specifically at this time. Nothing could be more important than to hear and heed this new scripture.
Saturday, October 3: 9am-11am (PST) and 1pm-3pm (PST)
Sunday, October 4: 9am-11am (PST) and 1pm-3pm (PST)
(These are not repeated sessions, each session will have different speakers/talks, in total 8 hours of new scripture to help us today.)
If you would like information on how you can hear/read/watch the addresses given this weekend by prophets and apostles, check out this website. The broadcasts will also be shown on BYU TV (as well as on http://www.byutv.org/), some areas may have local access channels airing it as well, and of course there will be satellite broadcasts at LDS stake centers all over the world. Also, in a month there will be a magazine published containing all of the transcripts from the entire weekend, let me know if you would like a copy and I will gladly get you one.
I love the comfort and joy that comes from knowing that God loves us and still speaks to us today. I always look forward to hearing from our prophets and apostles; I know they are called of God and I am excited to hear what they have to tell us this weekend! I hope you will listen, too! :)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Almost All Boy
We have a neighbor boy that is well known for being a handful. To most, he appears most definitely "all boy". But being closer to the family and seeing them in many different situations, we have had glimpses of this boy that would shock most of the people who know him.
For instance, about 5 years ago, when he and Cadi were in Kindergarten, we were watching him after school for a week while his mom was out of town. He and Cadi played Pretty Pink Princess several times and he seemed to really enjoy it. It was quite a sight to see him sitting on the floor with plastic jewelry on, playing to be the "Pretty Princess". (I still wish I had taken a picture! lol)
And now, he and his sister are here while their parents and older siblings are at a school event. He has been playing with Aurora all evening and right now, to quiet them all down, we just put on Bambi. The kids are all lounging around in the dark room watching the movie. The older girls are on the couch but this boy is laying on the chair and ottoman letting Rori practically lay on him. He's letting her share her pink blanket with him.
He can be a pretty rough boy sometimes, but other times he is really kind and patient. I wish others could see that part of him more. :)
For instance, about 5 years ago, when he and Cadi were in Kindergarten, we were watching him after school for a week while his mom was out of town. He and Cadi played Pretty Pink Princess several times and he seemed to really enjoy it. It was quite a sight to see him sitting on the floor with plastic jewelry on, playing to be the "Pretty Princess". (I still wish I had taken a picture! lol)
And now, he and his sister are here while their parents and older siblings are at a school event. He has been playing with Aurora all evening and right now, to quiet them all down, we just put on Bambi. The kids are all lounging around in the dark room watching the movie. The older girls are on the couch but this boy is laying on the chair and ottoman letting Rori practically lay on him. He's letting her share her pink blanket with him.
He can be a pretty rough boy sometimes, but other times he is really kind and patient. I wish others could see that part of him more. :)
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