tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9592727790934774022024-03-21T06:18:43.892-07:00Plain and Precious ThingsRozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-70006063822121954812024-02-06T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-06T03:00:00.276-08:00Do Not Fear<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This week covers the Sunday Morning session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2004</a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I remember this session as being one of the best to date when I heard it. All of the talks were so inspired and uplifting. Trite, I know, but what other words describe the feelings of listening to prophetic counsel and admonition?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In 2004 our five children were ages 6 to 15. Now they are 25 to 34; three of our boys are married, and our daughter would sure like to be. Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk is as relevant today as when it was given. In fact, more so. </span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Everywhere we go fathers and mothers worry about the future of their children in this very troubled world.</i></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>But then a feeling of assurance came over me. My fear of the future faded.</i></span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>That guiding, comforting Spirit, with which we in the Church are so familiar, brought to my remembrance what I already knew. The fear of the future was gone. That bright-eyed, little two-year-old can have a good life--a very good life--and so can his children and his grandchildren, even though they will live in a world where there is much of wickedness.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I remember this talk when I look at my own grandchildren, and counsel my own children not to be afraid of bringing more children into the world. I remind them that when God gives a commandment, to be fruitful and multiply, He prepares a way for us to obey that commandment. <i>"Do not be afraid to bring children into the world. We are under covenant to provide physical bodies so that spirits may enter mortality. Children are the future of the restored Church."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Elder Packer spoke of inoculation, and immunizing our children,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>"If you will accept it in your mind and cradle it in your feelings, a knowledge of the restored gospel and a testimony of Jesus Christ can spiritually immunize your children."</i> Then he spoke of arming our children, <i>"This shield of faith is best fabricated in a cottage industry. While the shield can be polished in classes in the Church and in activities, it is meant to be handcrafted in the home and fitted to each individual."</i> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Another of Elder Packer's oft quoted statements is in this talk, <i>"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker that a study of behavior will improve behavior."</i> This was my guiding principle when I was a Relief Society president and teaching the sisters the why and how of Visiting Teaching (2012-2015). It was important that they understand the doctrine of the practice, not just be told to do it. When they understood the why it was easier for them to act upon their knowledge and their testimonies grew. It was one of the best parts of my calling.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Not every child is obedient and most families have someone who has strayed. Elder Packer gives stern but kind and hopeful counsel to parents, <i>"Remember the Atonement of Christ. Do not despair or count as forever lost those who have fallen to the temptations of Satan. They will, after the debt is paid to 'the uttermost farthing' and after the healing which attends complete repentance takes place, receive a salvation."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I know the Lord is more merciful than we can comprehend. I know He is more patient and loving than we deserve. I know He loves us more than words can express. He is the perfect parent, the perfect example for us as parents.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRPW9tsAZzdR_aCUjgnWps9dmKlhLyuXWoxawsekcb93ic2YYAgw__JRIYKixN3capcYV8eiChpZpb3khl420Jblt4-7ck6LIiKecgBlSa0YUULUAqveZDBBMDGqEvEswS-JTQ5cLcrdnhiv0M74TMNSDsU7g95zN0jL56xwhKbxBzqveXWrT_K-C7nz4/s2448/2019092695174132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="1836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRPW9tsAZzdR_aCUjgnWps9dmKlhLyuXWoxawsekcb93ic2YYAgw__JRIYKixN3capcYV8eiChpZpb3khl420Jblt4-7ck6LIiKecgBlSa0YUULUAqveZDBBMDGqEvEswS-JTQ5cLcrdnhiv0M74TMNSDsU7g95zN0jL56xwhKbxBzqveXWrT_K-C7nz4/w480-h640/2019092695174132.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle James and Conrad</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-43842441605727111972024-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-30T04:00:00.130-08:00Choices<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This week covers the Priesthood session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2004</a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">President Monson called the priesthood holders to have and exhibit more courage. He gave the memorable one-liner, <i>"Decisions do determine destiny."</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">President Faust gave a whole talk about how <i>"Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Years ago as a young adult I made a choice that has affected my life ever since. No matter how much or how thoroughly I repent of that sinful choice I am followed by the consequences of it. At times it has been so discouraging. President Faust said, <i>"The choices we make, however, determine to a large extent our happiness or our unhappiness, because we have to live with the consequences of our choices." </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Some of our important choices have a time line. If we delay a decision, the opportunity is gone forever. Sometimes our doubts keep us from making a choice that involves change. Thus an opportunity may be missed.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Other choices I made early in life have also had a detrimental effect on my life. They weren't sinful choices, just uninformed or unevaluated choices. I often wish I'd had better guidance and information on which to base my choices. I've tried hard to not perpetuate that mistake in the lives of my children. I've worked to help them see all angles and outcomes of significant choices they face.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>A choice involves making a conscious decision. To make an intelligent decision we need to evaluate all available facts on both sides of an issue. But that isn't enough. Making correct decisions involves prayer and inspiration.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: large;">President Faust was such a wise man and apostle. He had a great sense of humor too. But he wasn't kidding around when he said, <i>"As we look to the future, we are going to need to be stronger and more responsible for our choices in a world where people 'call evil good, and good evil.' We do not choose wisely if we use our agency in opposition to God's will or to priesthood counsel."</i></span><i> </i><span style="font-size: large;">No, he wasn't joking, we was prophetic.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcyJFYAkvrHp8_gCfSrrTRCo-KpimuK1nYLKrp_Br31CBkEFTQ2P4jK1qvzcZojqXTOZJE0puCWMsE2MzpUSNZiOGnLUNUictxtq5fqYIKbhvDm-QJB5Wrr9zkzZZWn-ibL5lSz4zmhW_be2FQp6GrmRgDBZ7x72UKbqEZbRu3VmDFF-3sh3705JP9RTt/s4288/100_3305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcyJFYAkvrHp8_gCfSrrTRCo-KpimuK1nYLKrp_Br31CBkEFTQ2P4jK1qvzcZojqXTOZJE0puCWMsE2MzpUSNZiOGnLUNUictxtq5fqYIKbhvDm-QJB5Wrr9zkzZZWn-ibL5lSz4zmhW_be2FQp6GrmRgDBZ7x72UKbqEZbRu3VmDFF-3sh3705JP9RTt/w640-h480/100_3305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-91005569162226348762024-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-23T04:00:00.134-08:00Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2004</a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><i>"The number of marriages that have been shattered over money issues is staggering. The amount of heartache is great. The stress that comes from worry over money has burdened families, caused sickness, depression, and even premature death."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin understands! So do I.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">In 2005 I was asked to present at the BYU Women's Conference on the subject of Facing Economic Challenges through Provident Living.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">At the risk of throwing my husband under the bus, almost all of our financial troubles can be traced to his not consistently obeying the financial commandments, and living by the principles outlined by Elder Wirthlin:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">1) Pay tithing</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">2) Spend less than you earn</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">3) Learn to save</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">4) Honor your financial obligations</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">5) Teach your children to follow your example</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Thankfully all our children have listened to my gospel teachings and have learned to save, live within their means, etc. Their Dad has been a good example of what not to do.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">I especially appreciate what Elder Wirthlin says about what we're to use our financial abundance for:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><i>"There are those among us who have been blessed abundantly with enough and to spare. Our Heavenly Father expects that we do more with our riches than build larger barns to hold them. Will you consider what more you can do to build the kingdom of God? Will you consider what more you can do to bless the lives of others and bring light and hope into their lives?"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">I have given more thought to exactly that and am looking at what I can contribute, and what I can sacrifice to do so.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Elder Wirthlin goes on to talk about our heavenly debts. <i>"How can we ever repay the debt we owe to the Savior? He paid a debt He did not owe to free us from a debt we can never pay. Because of Him, we will live forever. Because of His infinite Atonement, our sins can be swept away, allowing us to experience the greatest of all the gifts of God: eternal life. . . . How wise is he who spends his days in pursuit of eternal life."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Having cleared out homes after four deaths I totally understand that the things of this world stay in this world; it's all just stuff. Who we are and what we have in our brain and in our heart is what we take with us to the next life. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Now, I've got a closet to clear out.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-10591269645337855062024-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-09T04:00:00.135-08:00Choosing the Good Part<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">This week covers the General Relief Society session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2003</a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">During a week of feeling discouraged it was lovely to read talks that fed my soul and helped to overcome those negative feelings.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">The Relief Society General Presidency chose their theme from the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10:38-42. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Sister Bonnie D. Parkin said, <i>"The one thing that is needful is to choose eternal life. We choose daily. As we seek, listen, and follow the Lord, we are encircled in the arms of His love--a love that is pure. . . . Charity is our love for the Lord, shown through our acts of service, patience, compassion, and understanding for one another. . . . I invite you to not only love each other more but love each other better. . . . I've learned that the best way to reclaim charity is to uncumber myself and simply love and serve the Lord. How do we do that? We start each day kneeling in prayer to our Father in Heaven, we hear His words through daily scripture study, and we follow the guidance we receive. We put Christ first, restoring charity's circular love. 'We love him, because he first loved us.' This is the reciprocating cycle of charity. Sisters, 'charity never faileth.'"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Lately, because of seeing the film The Boys in the Boat, and rereading the book from which it was made, I have felt a great desire to be part of something. As I listened to the talks of this session of conference I realized that what I really want is for Relief Society to fulfill those longings. When I was young watching my grandmother, mother and older sister participate in Relief Society I couldn't wait to be part of it myself. But things changed while I was serving a mission, the block schedule of Sunday meetings came into being and I never got the chance to be part of the Relief Society that I had observed in my youth. More disappointingly is that it seems to have devolved into just another Sunday school class twice a month where we have tepid book review style lessons of general conference talks. I used to believe what the general leaders said about Relief Society being a force for good in the world. I suppose it is in some places, but I've not experienced it where I've lived, especially in the past dozen years in tiny branches.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Yes, I'm complaining, because I truly want to be on a team that does something important, and ongoing in the world. I can do things by myself, but that doesn't fulfill my longings for sisterhood, camaraderie, or synergy. I've also learned by hurtful experiences that neither suggestions nor initiative are welcomed by some RS presidents.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQy6OXGxz6eWWNofTlbeas5ronEDuWET1EVhcwAhge6GGybZ0dUXnHIwDTayVCDMTquzDx2Du1NGs5F48FQiuVu7GNccLIGRI0o_jfd7QWuhnUZ-dDJfRekb1dgspAZjqGfqOXKx_s6aZwdaLvdgHPQYL0CVRRJC0HTeFfXAHbIj0NPRxYVMI333QSm6U/s4288/fullsizeoutput_1f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4288" data-original-width="3216" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQy6OXGxz6eWWNofTlbeas5ronEDuWET1EVhcwAhge6GGybZ0dUXnHIwDTayVCDMTquzDx2Du1NGs5F48FQiuVu7GNccLIGRI0o_jfd7QWuhnUZ-dDJfRekb1dgspAZjqGfqOXKx_s6aZwdaLvdgHPQYL0CVRRJC0HTeFfXAHbIj0NPRxYVMI333QSm6U/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_1f.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my best girlfriend, my daughter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-91966431305180307342024-01-02T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-02T04:00:00.274-08:00Reinforce Your Testimony - Study General Conference Talks<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span>This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey.</span><span> </span><span>This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2003</a></span><span> </span><span>conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I don't have <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Marilyn's, at light-in-leaves</a>, eloquence and style when writing these posts; it's something I'm going to work on this year. I find that reading these general conference talks reinforces my testimony of what I know to be true and encourages me that I'm on the right path. Occasionally, a nugget of new knowledge or understanding comes along and I think, Yes! Why didn't I think of that? This post is going to share a little of each talk in this session.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Elder L. Tom Perry - <i>"Revelation, however is a much broader term. While inspiration can properly be considered as revelation, revelation includes vision, dreams, the spoken word, or other spiritual manifestations."</i> I remember the best part of being a Relief Society president was the almost daily revelation that I received to lead the sisters. I rather miss that!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Elder Henry B. Eyring - He spoke of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon never losing their testimony of the truthfulness of what they experienced, even though they left the church. <i>"They did some simple things to keep that testimony bright and vibrant. We can teach those we love to do those same things. . . . </i>#1<i> Teach them to pray to the Father in faith in the name of Jesus Christ. . . . We can teach those we love to pray with the intent to obey. </i>#2<i> Teach them to ponder the scriptures every day with faith that they will be taught by the Spirit. . . . You and those you love will receive the word of God by obeying it. . . . </i>#3<i> Teach them to sacrifice to build up the kingdom of God. . . . </i>#4<i> Teach them to love others by serving them.</i> I'm still working on all these things myself. I pray that Heavenly Father will make up for my failures to properly teach all this to my children.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Elder William W. Parmley - <i>"Our love for the Savior must be accompanied by action: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15)." </i>It's the 'faith without works is dead' argument.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Elder Quentin L. Cook - <i>"It is not easy to be a Latter-day Saint. It was not meant to be easy. The ultimate goal of living in the presence of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is a privilege almost beyond comprehension. . . . May I suggest three questions that will allow for a self-assessment. First, is the way we live consistent with what we believe, and would our friends and associates recognize, . . . that we have separated ourselves from worldly evils? Second, are worldly pleasures, profits, and similar pursuits distracting us from following, worshipping, and serving the Savior in our daily lives? Third, in order to serve God and be holy, are we making sacrifices consistent with our covenants?" </i>These questions came at the right time as I ponder what I want to accomplish in the new year.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Bishop Richard C. Edgley - <i>"Humility and gratitude are truly the twin characteristics of happiness. . . . It matters not who we are or how lofty our credentials appear. Humility and submissiveness to the Lord, coupled with a grateful heart, are our strength and our hope."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Elder Neal A. Maxwell - <i>"God has no distracting hobbies off somewhere in the universe. We are at the very center of His concerns and purpose. . . . A further reality of our being with God 'in the beginning' means that you have been you for a long time. . . . An omnicompetent God leaves all mortal free to choose, but how grateful we should be that God chose long, long ago to rescue and to resurrect all His children through the Atonement of His Son. . . . How trascendingly special, therefore, that the the revelations of the Restoration confirm this cosmic fact: 'God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son' (John 3:16)." </i>Elder Maxwell's eloquence and vivid metaphors make his talks so meaningful and memorable.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">President Gordon B. Hinckley - <i>"It is truly a wonderful thing to step out of the world, as it were, and set aside two days to reflect on things divine. We are all so busy with our mundane pursuits which pull us this way and that. We all need, the whole world needs, the opportunity to meditate and reflect on the things of God and to listen to words that inspire and help."</i> I plan to share this quote with the sisters to whom I minister before the next conference. It's such a great reminder of why we take time for general conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39bVdFcDTHUur96LGROUemNz6XpAqMZOT4gIU48wEOjMUyGSQI-X0OFyaNaJSq5cDT2MtZFRRajOh2abHlQOCTLi54AeE252_PLf-e65eiqzcu1gZUOOLFKgxiCSP3Ae4zrqyfkkfJaEbyfUqpjXsNQLn6k3XKQGZV_X6ISsH4R3xWc0KR9DSs0wDyfuy/s4288/fullsizeoutput_63.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4288" data-original-width="3216" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39bVdFcDTHUur96LGROUemNz6XpAqMZOT4gIU48wEOjMUyGSQI-X0OFyaNaJSq5cDT2MtZFRRajOh2abHlQOCTLi54AeE252_PLf-e65eiqzcu1gZUOOLFKgxiCSP3Ae4zrqyfkkfJaEbyfUqpjXsNQLn6k3XKQGZV_X6ISsH4R3xWc0KR9DSs0wDyfuy/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_63.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-15620309492843359932023-12-28T14:57:00.000-08:002023-12-28T14:57:55.332-08:00Swing!<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today we went to see the film <i>The Boys in the Boat</i>, about the 1936 Olympic winners from Washington State. It was wonderful.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I first heard about this team when <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/31eubank?lang=eng#p15" target="_blank">Sharon Eubank, 1st Counselor Relief Society General Presidency</a> spoke of them in her talk titled <i>By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power With God</i>. I was intrigued by the story, love good non-fiction and when I came across a copy of the book at a thrift store I purchased and read the book. Wow! It is one of the most well written stories I've read. I couldn't put the book down! I highly recommend it. The film is good too. Even Noble, who isn't drawn to those stories enjoyed it. I think you will too.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dfEA-udzjjQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="dfEA-udzjjQ"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-86942989774215265962023-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:002023-12-19T04:00:00.134-08:00Individual Responsibility<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey.</span><span> </span><span>This week covers the Priesthood session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2003</a></span><span> </span><span>conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even though then Elder Russell M. Nelson's talk was to the priesthood I think what he said was, and is, appropriate for all members of the church. <i>". . . the </i>strength<i> of the faith within each of us is developed individually, not as a group."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Through the parable of the ten virgins Jesus taught us that we each need to be prepared and can't rely on the supply of others to get us through. Elder Nelson said, <i>". . . the responsibility to develop power in the priesthood is personal. Only as an individual can you develop a firm faith in God and a passion for personal prayer. Only as an individual can you keep the commandments of God. Only as an individual can you repent. Only as an individual can you qualify for the ordinances of salvation and exaltation." </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even the phrase "power in the priesthood" echos what we are taught in the temple about our relationship with God and it applies to both men and women. And Elder Nelson says, <i>"Now is the time to prepare for your own ultimate interview." </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elder Nelson talks a lot about responsibility, which is the opposite of what we hear in the news and on social media, where the clamoring is for "rights" without any personal responsibility or consequences. Elder Nelson says, <i>"You cannot exercise agency and escape accountability and responsibility for each choice."</i> What a message for today!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjSD8_heVNcDO2CKsX2XAD-6Pv8jGuBRFo02napNpw9cW33WKtR185Z0X1IrdmBKSmKH27k-z9zrgL8J33gLeMpk_f-7SU6Z6y5JJrb8NADyPi4iCxchG6vgJIRQc6ji-4qG4uAWRALrMo9OLt3cchTu-I8m98zStnRbWKWKeFbhRZaZlJKtgoyxt7jfi/s800/russell_m_nelson.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjSD8_heVNcDO2CKsX2XAD-6Pv8jGuBRFo02napNpw9cW33WKtR185Z0X1IrdmBKSmKH27k-z9zrgL8J33gLeMpk_f-7SU6Z6y5JJrb8NADyPi4iCxchG6vgJIRQc6ji-4qG4uAWRALrMo9OLt3cchTu-I8m98zStnRbWKWKeFbhRZaZlJKtgoyxt7jfi/w640-h428/russell_m_nelson.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-31263394109254212792023-12-12T04:00:00.000-08:002023-12-12T04:00:00.140-08:00The Standard of Truth<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey.</span><span> </span><span>This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2003</a></span><span> </span><span>conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Opening up my November 2003 Ensign I was surprised to find that I had written something about Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk and left the pages in the magazine. I didn't date the pages but I suspect that it was early 2004.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>"I finally watched the film 'Lord of the Rings'. I liked it so much I bought the books and have been reading them. They are fascinating and so well written. In the preface the author states that he did not write the story as an allegory. He wrote it simply as a story that had welled up from within him.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br />"I believe the reason many would think it allegorical is because the theme of good versus evil is an eternal one, and many elements of the story are applicable to our day and circumstances. He tells of the shadow which is spreading over the land, which is a tangible evidence of the evil designs and domination of Sauron, the Lord of the Ring, the one who made the ring so he could rule all of Middle Earth. It reminds me of the shadow of immorality that is spreading over the earth.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>"When my sister was here in August we talked about her experiences at school and work and how she answers questions about her beliefs. On the topic of abortion she's never had trouble explaining her beliefs and positions; but when the subject of homosexual marriage comes up, she didn't know how to respond so she would try to stay out of any discussion of that topic.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>"I thought of her when I heard Elder Packer's talk about standards. What a blessing to have prophets to speak the truth. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>"Hugh B. Brown's famous talk 'Profile of a Prophet' outlines several characteristics distinguishing a true prophet.</span></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">C. Any man claiming to be a prophet of God would declare his message without fear and without making any weak concessions to public opinions.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">D. If he were speaking for God he could not make concessions although what he taught would be new and contrary to the accepted teachings of the day. A prophet bears witness to what he has seen and heard and seldom tried to make a case by argument. His message and not himself is important.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I. Such a man would denounce wickedness fearlessly. He would generally be rejected or persecuted by the people of his time, but later generations, the descendants of his persecutors, would build monuments in his honor.</span> </div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elder Packer said, <i>"We do not set the Standards, but we are commanded to teach them and maintain them. . . . However out of step we may seem, however much the standards are belittled, however much others yield, we will not yield, we cannot yield."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think this next paragraph is as relevant today as when Elder Packer said it in Conference. </span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Now words can be used as weapons against you. If they throw the word </i>diversity<i> at you, grab hold of it and say, "I am already diverse, and I intend to stay diverse." If the word is </i>tolerance<i>, grab that one too, saying, "I expect you to be tolerant of my lifestyle--obedience, integrity, abstinence, repentance." If the word is </i>choice<i>, tell them you choose good, old-fashioned morality, You choose to be a worthy husband or wife, a worthy parent.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love the strength of his testimony! Some thought him too harsh, but he was doing exactly what an apostle is supposed to do--preach truth! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can tell how closely I'm aligned with the prophets and apostles by what I feel when they speak. If their subject brings feelings of contentment and peace I know I doing well in that area. If I start to squirm and feel uncomfortable I know I'd better pay attention and do some repenting.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Glhyphenhyphen8Qhl3ghMu7aWxy-i84TvQfdF2S19p-9LHrVyFJVphMwIG0dA_PT_9xVcnFePh1IZQCp4HxxeP_96h4YrDzkDg02THaHlY5T66TtDwj7PwqjlPpEyD6TxV62JKQ0FEZlB-mhFEn-2eLgFv3xsjZ71Hzd4jUE_DucR9VBfwlWLxW81uVVDARFDTAb/s734/LOTR.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Glhyphenhyphen8Qhl3ghMu7aWxy-i84TvQfdF2S19p-9LHrVyFJVphMwIG0dA_PT_9xVcnFePh1IZQCp4HxxeP_96h4YrDzkDg02THaHlY5T66TtDwj7PwqjlPpEyD6TxV62JKQ0FEZlB-mhFEn-2eLgFv3xsjZ71Hzd4jUE_DucR9VBfwlWLxW81uVVDARFDTAb/w436-h640/LOTR.jpeg" width="436" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marilyn at <a href="https://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">light-in-leaves</a> also blogs weekly about General Conference.</span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-10548512074276241482023-12-10T20:09:00.000-08:002023-12-10T20:09:12.637-08:00Today's Talk in Sacrament Meeting<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-align: center;">Christmas Gifts</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Christmas time! The most wonderful time of the year, according to one song. Do you have the Christmas spirit? You know, feelings of love and generosity, joy and happiness, laughter and good times with family and friends,? That Christmas spirit? Sometimes I feel more like old Ebenezer Scrooge. Curmudgeony, wanting to be left alone and not bothered with all the work of preparations for a few minutes of a gift opening frenzy, a huge meal consumed in ten minutes, only to be left with all the clean-up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It's not really like that, only sometimes do those negative thoughts and feelings well up. Mostly Christmas is a happy time of good cheer with family and friends.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But speaking of Ebenezer, he is the main character in my favorite Christmas book and movie. His transformation represents the real gifts we are given at Christmas from Our Father in Heaven through His son Jesus Christ, and the gifts that we can give back to Him.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Christmas is the celebration of a birthday. Generally in our culture we give gifts to the person whose birthday we're celebrating.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But Jesus isn't physically present today so it's rather difficult to give Him physical gifts. To explain this concept to our children I used to tell them that Jesus taught that, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt 25:40) And, ". . . when you are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17) For almost thirty years now we have used a manger with a baby Jesus doll to help us remember just whose birthday we're celebrating. The gifts are piled around the manger as if we're giving them to Him. I found that the large, visual reminder helped our children focus more on who and why we were celebrating.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We usually give birthday or other gifts because we love the person and want to please him or her. I like to listen for clues all year long as to what my loved ones need or want so I can give just the perfect thing. One year I heard my sister say in casual conversation that Emily Dickinson was her favorite poet. I surprised her that year with a book of her complete works. It moved my sister to tears; she asked, "How did you know?" I don't tell you this to brag--I've given my share of complete flops over the years. I tell you this because of the principle involved, that listening with ears to hear can lead to more meaningful gifts.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What clues has Jesus given us about the gifts he would like to receive?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To the ancient prophet Malachi He said, "Prove me now herewith. . . " and asked us to pay tithing. (Malachi 3:10)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The first recorded words of Jesus after He was baptized are, "Repent ye!" (Matt. 4:17) He called His disciples saying, "Follow me!" And at the last supper with them He said, "If any man serve me, let him follow me;" (John 12:26) After washing their feet, performing that lowly act of service in a loving manner, He instructed them, ". . . I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." (John 13:15) And "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:17) Later that evening He told His apostles, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) and "Love one another" (John 15:12) After His resurrection He asked His chief Apostle, Peter, to feed His sheep and lambs. (John 21:15-17) And to the Nephites gathered at the temple in Bountiful He said, ". . . will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted that I may heal you? . . . And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit." (3 Nephi 9:13, 20) These are just some of the many clues He gave us.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Now back to my friend Ebenezer. As a fictional character, he could represent any of us, going about our days without any thought of eternity, just trying to slog our way through this mortal life the best we can, accumulating worldly treasure of one kind or another. God was merciful to old Scrooge though, and sent Spirits to open his eyes to the purpose of life, and the law of the harvest, that what we sow in life we will reap.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Our current prophet, Russell M. Nelson reminds us to "think celestial"! Make decisions based on where we want to live in eternity and with whom.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Each spirit that visited Ebenezer opens his eyes further in understanding until at last he realizes his predicament, begs for mercy, and believing that he will die before the next Christmas pleads: "Spirit! Hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse. Why show me this if I am past all hope? . . . Good Spirit, Your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me by an altered life!" He pledges to the Spirit of Christmas Future saying "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach." When he awakes in the morning he realizes that he did not die and he has been given a second chance. "I don't know what to do! . . . I'm as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. . . . A merry Christmas to Everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!"</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ebenezer's fictional experience is similar to that of Alma the Younger in The Book of Mormon. After being visited by an angel of the Lord and in a coma for a time he was revived and began to speak to his father and the priests gathered around him. Alma bid "them to be of good comfort, for, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures!" (Mosiah 27:24-26)</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">At another telling of his story, Alma said,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 36px;">And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.<b> </b>And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.<b> </b>Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.<b> </b>And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.<b> </b>And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!<b> </b>Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy. (Alma 36:18-21)</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The amazing thing in both of these stories is that neither of these men were forced to change. They were given the opportunity to choose to change.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door. and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev. 3:20)</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy said, "The Lord will provide sustenance and support if we are willing to open the door and receive His hand of divine assistance." (Oct 2003)</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Charles Dickens wrote of Ebenezer, "Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; . . . He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew. . . . Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; . . . His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him. . . . and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge."</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Alma spent the rest of his life preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and keeping the sacred records. Some of the best sermons in the Book of Mormon were given by Alma. Think of his sermons on Faith, the Atonement, Judgement, Resurrection, and more. It is from Alma that we get the best explanation of why evil deeds are allowed to happen. After his conversion he was a mighty father, prophet and leader.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We are celebrating the birth of the One who would grow up to accomplish the mission of the Great Atoning Sacrifice. Jesus is our Brother, our Spiritual Father, our Exemplar, our Healer, our Lord and Savior. We celebrate his mortal birth in gratitude for his love and mercy in coming to save us from the bonds of death and sin. His gifts to us of repentance and resurrection mean that we can be cleansed from our sin and be spiritually born again, and then instead of mortal death being the end of our existence, we will be reunited body and spirit to live eternally.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I think His gifts to us far outweigh any we can give to Him. But let's not let that discourage us. He asks us to repent!</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Elder Dallin H. Oaks, then of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, "Repenting means giving up all your practices--personal, family, ethnic, and national--that are contrary to the commandments of God." (Oct. 2003)</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "For some, to think of repentance as the pathway to joy might seem contradictory. Repentance, at times, can be painful and difficult. It requires admitting that some of our thoughts and actions—even some of our beliefs—have been wrong. Repentance also requires change, which, at times, can be uncomfortable. But joy and comfort are not the same thing. Sin—including the sin of complacency—limits our joy." (April 2023)</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The spirits who visited Ebenezer Scrooge used his own words to help him see the error of his ways.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Alma taught, "For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his might, majesty and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgements are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance." (Alma 12:14-15)</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Do you think Alma knew what he was talking about? Do you think his experience built his testimony? It sure sounds like it to me.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jesus asks us to love and serve others. Often the "others" are as close as our own family. The family is the heavenly pattern; we prepare to live in a Zion society, and in the Celestial Kingdom by practicing in our own imperfect earthly families.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jesus taught, "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) We are not left to try to figure things out by ourselves. We who have been baptized and confirmed have the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us. We have a prophet and apostles, seventies and other church leaders who regularly give us instructions and guidance. We have scripture, ancient and modern. We have the vast resources of the church and the miracles of technology to access them. We can repent and follow Jesus! We can receive the gifts He has to offer us.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This Christmas season, may we invite the Spirit of the Lord into our homes and lives by repenting, obeying the commandments, loving and serving others, and sharing the Light of the Savior near and far.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I know that God, Our Heavenly Father lives and loves us enough to send His Son, our eldest brother, Jesus, to be Our Savior and Redeemer. I know that Jesus Christ restored His church through the prophet Joseph Smith and gave him the power to translate the Book of Mormon, Another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that Russell M. Nelson is the Lord's authorized prophet on earth today. We have so many gifts from God! May we acknowledge and appreciate them each day.</p>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-2808483541925258132023-12-02T16:22:00.000-08:002023-12-02T16:22:21.322-08:00My Other Blog<div style="text-align: left;">On my other blog, <a href="https://rozyhomemaker.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">PFCMom</a>, I've begun a Christmas ABC's series. Hop on over and give it a look.</div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-39700636906764254352023-11-28T10:02:00.000-08:002023-11-28T10:02:07.637-08:00Steadfast and Immovable<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0WkCyXq-DYBFs9l1xT6n09Ayq_lWRsNllwNIwLeoLwRt7NCTa-PNGFsvmSdkAvLOWuiijN5iLyRS-ezReqXWgR4navnUkgqi3dHQSoZUHhoEc5qFJZVb7dIL0kgqKZ56ZEio_SgP7MfaL9vJWv6kmfSqwKN4gHgJTSLTOd7JeYLKZJmjv5V-QUOgBqbi/s4288/fullsizeoutput_502.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4288" data-original-width="3216" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0WkCyXq-DYBFs9l1xT6n09Ayq_lWRsNllwNIwLeoLwRt7NCTa-PNGFsvmSdkAvLOWuiijN5iLyRS-ezReqXWgR4navnUkgqi3dHQSoZUHhoEc5qFJZVb7dIL0kgqKZ56ZEio_SgP7MfaL9vJWv6kmfSqwKN4gHgJTSLTOd7JeYLKZJmjv5V-QUOgBqbi/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_502.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful Northern Pin Oak</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week covers the Young Womens session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2003</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The theme for this meeting was taken from the Mutual theme for the year, 2 Nephi 31:20, Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll share some of my favorite quotes from each talk.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Susan W. Tanner: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of Abraham, <i>"He did not know the outcome of that test as we know it from a historical perspective. He was walking into the unknown. Still he was steadfast. He was living on promises that the Lord would bless him. Whatever nervousness he may have felt didn't deter him from pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isn't that how every life is? We can't see the outcome, only where we are now, hoping that the outcome will be what we want. That is why life takes trusting the Lord and following Him because of His omniscience. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"But when you keep your covenants, you will learn to more fully love those to whom you are eternally bound. Then you will also be able to extend your love beyond that circle to others."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I want to explore the connection between keeping covenants and love. I'm not very good at loving others. I tolerate others, but don't feel unconditional love for most people. I know I have to do better in this area because while I think I'm keeping my covenants, I must not be in the right way, because I'm not experiencing this particular fruit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Julie B. Beck: <i>"My mother has stayed in the Savior's path with unshaken faith in Him (see 2 Nephi 31:19) all the days of her life. She wakes up every day looking forward to new adventures. For her, life is so interesting, and she still has so much to learn."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know a little bit about Sister Beck's mother and the challenges she faced in life. Oh how I want to be more like her in her attitude! I often wonder what it would be like to be equally yoked in marriage and if that would make a difference in my spiritual and emotional strength. Too often I feel so beaten down and exhausted by the consequences of who I chose to marry and the draining struggles of our differences. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elaine B. Dalton: <i>"Nephi not only had a vision of how to return to his heavenly home, but he also had a vision of what he wanted in his earthly home. The Savior will help you see and understand the vision He has for you."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">My mission president told us that God's will for us could be achieved only with our full cooperation. Which I believe with all my soul. But after I'd been married for a decade I realized that now I was in a "love triangle" and it would take the cooperation of another to realize God's vision. That old unequally yoked business. But I keep working on myself so that I know I've done all I can.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">President James E. Faust: <i>"I can say without hesitation that you can have a 'perfect brightness of hope' for your future and endless joy if you 'press forward' as righteous daughters of God."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope he means it is never too late!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"A person who is humble is teachable."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's what I strive to be.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"The character thus formed from self-discipline will rise with you in the Resurrection."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good to know! It helps me keep going.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Remember that you and the Church will be judged in part by your cleanliness and neatness in appearance."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the Doctrine and Covenants section 42:40 is the phrase '. . . let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands.' I believe that "plain" doesn't mean unadorned or dowdy, rather it means clear, unmistakable, obvious, as in it is plain that we are covenant people, followers of Jesus Christ. And when the fashions of the world are not compatible with our covenants, then we make our own clothing and set our own style and fashion. If we say to the world that we are virtuous followers of Jesus, but dress like the world, doesn't that make for confusion? We are called to be different from the world to attract those who are seeking purity, virtue, and relief from the evils of the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Grace is a God-given virtue. It is a disposition to be kind and to do good. . . . Charm is attractiveness which comes from a feeling of personal dignity, an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Too many times in my life I lack both grace and charm. Sad to admit. But I'm working on it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"It may be that your most significant, everlasting achievements will be your righteous influence on others, that your divine feminine inner beauty and intuition will find expression in your quiet strength, gentleness, dignity, charm, graciousness, creativity, sensitivity, radiance, and spirituality. Enhance these sublime feminine gifts. They will make you appealing and even irresistible as you serve others as the handmaidens of God."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Still at age 66 (December 30), that's my goal. At my funeral I want to be remembered as a women like President Faust describes. I'd better to get work!</span></div><p></p>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-28957196432744503942023-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:002023-11-21T04:00:00.141-08:00Follow the Instructions<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span>. </span><span>This week covers the Sunday morning session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2003</a></span><span> </span><span>conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i>"Every person experiences many challenges in this mortal life. Each has personal agency to make choices that affect his or her progress. Good choices bring promised blessings, and bad choices always bring undesired consequences."</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wisdom from Elder D. Rex Gerratt of the Seventy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"As in times past, we receive instructions from the Lord's living prophet. . . . After receiving instructions, we need to be obedient and hearken to the counsel we receive. We need to listen to and follow our appointed leaders."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was a short talk with a powerful message. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-57571908203071792622023-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:002023-11-14T04:00:00.140-08:00Holy Place, Sacred Space<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFl9i4-6OClyUl2o7FVZ7g5v8UlOr4fB7tre4pnQ4fJ1nUaGfY6eZCT6Gzqdua95wvLPikXH9LSrUzhD3DMBVmRQYmNMCUpbJ008L1S4-pkJQX612D43LGo84EsG7BPcZlVEvmPNxc6htZTAp5OHHXXgms1V71NMZVf4Hp_elW49IVb2b0OIe1wNskuAm/s4288/100_3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFl9i4-6OClyUl2o7FVZ7g5v8UlOr4fB7tre4pnQ4fJ1nUaGfY6eZCT6Gzqdua95wvLPikXH9LSrUzhD3DMBVmRQYmNMCUpbJ008L1S4-pkJQX612D43LGo84EsG7BPcZlVEvmPNxc6htZTAp5OHHXXgms1V71NMZVf4Hp_elW49IVb2b0OIe1wNskuAm/w640-h480/100_3034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week covers the Sunday morning session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2003</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For years I've been saying that I want to write a book about teaching children reverence. In 2012 I wrote a <a href="https://plainandpreciousthing.blogspot.com/2012/03/teaching-reverence-begins-at-home.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> on that subject. I feel like the need for parental instruction has only gotten more acute as the years go by, and fewer parents understand how to teach their children to be and feel reverent. Well, I'll get to writing that book someday soon. In the meantime, I enjoyed the counsel from Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander. <i>"Our ability to seek, recognize, and reverence the holy above the profane, and the sacred above the secular, defines our spirituality."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Learning reverence for things holy and sacred begins in the home during the spiritual times such as prayer, Family Home Evening, visits from ministering brethren (I miss the Home Teaching visits), visits from missionaries, watching General Conference, and such. Whatever behavior is tolerated at home during these times will be displayed at church during similar activities.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elder Neuenschwander reminds us:</span></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Holy places have always been essential to the proper worship of God. For Latter-day Saints, such holy places include venues of historic significance, our homes, sacrament meetings, and temples. Much of what we reverence, and what we teach our children to reverence as holy and sacred, is reflected in these places. The faith and reverence associated with them and the respect we have for what transpires or has transpired in them make them holy. The importance of holy places and sacred space in our worship can hardly be overestimated.</i></span></div><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I talk to parents of young children I remind them that reverence is best learned at home with lots and lots of practice so that the behaviors become automatic when in serious, sacred and holy places and times. (Weddings, funerals, flag ceremonies, sacrament meetings, concerts, ballet performances, or other serious events.) Feeling the Spirit takes practice, and lots of it. Children learn by having sacred experiences at home, first learning the behaviors that invite the spirit and then the good feelings that come from receiving the spirit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The words </i>sacred<i> and </i>sacrifice<i> come from the same root. One may not have the sacred without first sacrificing something for it. There can be no sacredness without personal sacrifice. Sacrifice sanctifies the sacred. . . . The establishment of our homes as holy places reflects the depths of sacrifice we are willing to make for them.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This talk was given a year and a half after the 9/11 attacks, during the war on terror when the world was in turmoil and people were fearful. There were many talks (always, it seems) that mentioned the perilous times. Elder Neuenschwander ended with this wonderful invitation:</span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>In holy places and in sacred spaces we find spiritual refuge, renewal, hope, and peace. Are these not worth every necessary personal sacrifice? My brethren and sisters, may each of us revere and respect the holy and sacred in our lives. May we teach our children likewise. Let us all stand in holy and sacred places of spiritual peace.</i></span> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><p></p></blockquote>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-71437680590563727842023-11-07T04:00:00.001-08:002023-11-07T04:00:00.159-08:00Poignant Pain<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span>. </span><span>This week covers the Priesthood session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2003</a></span><span> </span><span>conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have come to a greater understanding of why some women hate church on Mother's Day. It is painful to be at church on a day when the very thing you want and have been denied is celebrated. Of course, Mother's Day is on the calendar and well known ahead of time so a person can choose to make other plans for that day. I often get blindsided by Sacrament meeting talks by departing missionaries, returning missionaries, serving missionaries or parents reporting on their missionaries. It reminds me of my failures and missed blessings, all rather painful.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This particular Priesthood session was much the same, all about missionaries. When the talks were given my four boys were still young and I was still full of hope and faith that they would all serve and I would be surrounded by priesthood power. This time around was much more painful and poignant.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elder Daryl H. Garn spoke of the example of a particular returned missionary. <i>"Because of his example I began looking at my associates at school, including those on the basketball team, and realized that the people I most wanted to be like were those who had served missions." </i>I have found that the youth in the rural Midwest miss out on those examples and associations because all the returned missionaries arrive, report their missions, and quickly leave again to go to school in the Utah/Idaho area. There were no examples, mentors or friends to guide or encourage our sons. I'm not sure what the answer is, but hopefully the FSY conferences will help. (We were too poor to send our children to EFY.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bishop H. David Burton said, <i>"Our bishops serve as personal trainers and use their sacred priesthood keys to bless our lives."</i> I thought, well, only if they don't work four hours away in another state and are home only on weekends. When our son needed a strong priesthood leader to guide him through the repentance process, all he got were a few texts each week, never face to face time exploring the scriptures or conference talks together, no time serving, working or playing together. Our son missed out on help at a critical time and never truly recovered. (And what seemed especially strange to us was that the branch president never spoke to us about what we could do to help our son, even when we asked.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">President James E. Faust spoke of staying out of The Devil's Throat. </span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">My dear young friends, there is another great truth that you young men must learn. It is that everything has a price. There is a price to pay for success, fulfillment, accomplishment, and joy. There are no freebies. If you don't pay the price that is needed for success, you will pay the price of failure.</span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can't completely blame others for the failures in our family. We all have agency and made choices without seeing the long-term effects and consequences. These are painful lessons to learn. I wonder what I would say to the me of 2003 if I could go back in time. Or the me of 1980 when I was a freshly returned missionary. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I take hope from President Thomas S. Monson's talk in which he said, <i>". . . I share the observation that the seeds of testimony frequently do not immediately take root and flower. Bread cast upon the water returns, at times, only after many days. But it does return."</i> I have hope that someday my wandering sons will return to the teachings planted in their hearts in their childhood and youth by a loving mother.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-62571588906406852112023-10-31T04:00:00.009-07:002023-11-05T11:54:57.374-08:00Words to Live By<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span>. </span><span>This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2003</a></span><span> </span><span>conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Every talk in this session was, of course, wonderful. But I want to focus on two topics.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">From Elder James M. Dunn of the Seventy,</span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">We live in a world marked by great diversity: different lands, cultures, races, and languages. To some degree, at least, one must believe that this is the way God intended it to be. The gospel teaches us that, notwithstanding these differences, we are all children of the same Heavenly Father. The human race is one family, and we are all, therefore, brothers and sisters.</span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To remember that we all are brothers and sisters is thinking celestially. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">How we treat each other will be a reflection of our thinking. He explains,</span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">As the result of . . . erroneous thinking, the world is filled with lurid and lascivious attractions. We see young men refusing to marry; young women foolishly surrendering their virtue in pursuit of lustful relationships; couples who purposefully refuse to have children or who opt for a "trophy child" because a family would interfere with plans for adventure, leisure, or maximum financial gain.</span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder Dunn explained that, <i>"Successfully working our way through life, while keeping our eye on life's true purposes, blesses us both here and hereafter." </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Later in the session, Elder L. Tom Perry said, quoting Brigham Young, "<i>. . . our families are not yet ours. The Lord has committed them to us to see how we will treat them. Only if we are faithful will they be given to us forever. What we do on earth determines whether or not we will be worthy to become heavenly parents.</i>"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Isn't it sad that so many don't quite understand the consequences of their choices, which are eternal in nature. This week I was thinking about how everything is spiritual to God; every commandment, etc., and the thought came to me that, of course, everything is spiritual to Him because He lives in a spiritual realm where time is not measured, and He can see the end from the beginning and understands all things. We live in a finite, mortal world, where sometimes we can't see past the end of our nose. We have to learn to trust Him, His sight and wisdom, and simply obey, even when we don't understand why. That is what becoming like a child means. (See Matthew 18:1-3, and Mosiah 3:19) I hope that I'm doing better the older I get.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Recently I've been thinking about missionary work. I would love to serve another mission. (I served in Florida Tallahassee Mission, 1979-1980, under LeGrand R. Curtis) I have been pondering how I can help build our small branch here in Minnesota as well. Elder Henry B. Eyring and Elder M. Russell Ballard gave great talks on missionary work, especially as done by ordinary members. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder Eyring posed the question we might ask, <i>"How could I become better at sharing my faith with those who do not yet feel what I feel?"</i> He said, <i>"There is no single pattern in what they do. [From the stories of people who have shared the gospel.] There is no common technique. . . . Each has prayed to know what to do. They each seem to get a different answer, suited especially to them and to the people they meet." </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">One of the challenges I face is that I'm simply at home most of the time. I don't go outside to work; I'm not part of any school parent's group; I haven't taken any classes, or joined a group of any kind. I go to church, I go out for errands, (bank, post office, shopping, etc.) and that's it. Plus the fact that we live 45 minutes from the church is another detriment. (Not to mention that our branch seldom has any social activities to invite anyone to.) So opportunities for missionary moments are rare. But Elder Eyring advises,</span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pray for the chance to encounter people who sense there could be something better in their lives. Pray to know what you should do to help them. Your prayers will be answered. You will meet people prepared by the Lord. You will find yourself feeling and saying things beyond your past experience. And then in time you will feel yourself drawing closer to your Heavenly Father, and you will feel the cleansing and the forgiveness the Savior promises His faithful witnesses. And you will feel His approval, knowing you have done what He asked of you, because He love you and trusts you.</span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder M. Russell Ballard, after speaking of raising the bar for full-time missionaries, said, "<i>. . . we must also raise the level of expectation for the performance of all the members of the church in fulfilling our missionary duties.</i>" </span></div><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Remember, brothers and sisters, we're not marketing a product. We're not selling anything. We're not trying to impress anyone with our numbers or our growth. We are members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, empowered and sent forth by the Lord Himself to find, nourish, and bring safely into His Church those who are seeking to know the truth.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder Ballard quotes President Hinckley from 1999, <i>"I would like to suggest that every bishop in the Church give as a motto to his people, 'Let's all work to grow the ward.'"</i> It boggles my mind when I hear people in our branch say they don't want it to grow, they enjoy the smallness and intimacy of the branch. I'm rather tired of that smallness, and the sameness, and the lack of training and vision, and the lack of sociality. Distances are great, and most everyone is too busy with worldly pursuits to want to add any church activities to the mix. So different from when I grew up, when the church was the social center of our lives. (I miss the olden days!) <span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Again from Elder Ballard, </span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happiness comes from understanding God and knowing that He has a plan for our eternal joy and peace. Happiness comes from knowing and loving the Savior and living our lives in accordance with His teachings. Happiness comes from strong family and Church relationships based on gospel values.</span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How can we not want to help others enjoy what we have? How can we not want our units to grow with families who will bring fresh devotion and energy? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I remember the joy of sharing the gospel as a missionary. I want to feel that again! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">P.S. One of my favorite movies to watch on Halloween is "Coco", which is also one of the best movies to inspire us to pursue Family History.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-64919917554715100392023-10-24T04:00:00.001-07:002023-10-24T04:00:00.143-07:00Blessed by Living Waters<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span>. </span><span>This week covers the Saturday morning session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2003/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2003</a></span><span> </span><span>conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Throughout the fall of 2022 I had the nagging feeling that I needed to establish a better habit of daily gospel study. I put it off until the new year when I determined that I would keep up with the Come Follow Me chapters and begin reading The Book of Mormon again, as well as keep up with the General Conference Odyssey and study the current conference talks. Ambitious, I know. But I felt I needed to up my game, as the saying goes. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I enjoyed studying the life and ministry of the Savior in the first part of the New Testament. I found a YouTube channel that gives weekly insights to the Come Follow Me lessons which helped me grow a deeper love for Jesus Christ. Through the Book of Mormon I recalled that all families have challenges. Through General Conference talks I felt instructed and nourished.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When tragedy struck our family in April I clung to my testimony of Jesus Christ, so recently nourished and strengthened by my daily habit of gospel study. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Kathleen H. Hughes, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, said, <i>"Living water heals. It nourishes and sustains. It brings peace and joy."</i> That sentence alone struck me with great force. Because I had acted on a prompting, I could weather the storm of losing a precious son. I was partaking of the living water, and the bread of life daily.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Hughes said, <i>"There is cause to be concerned, but there is greater reason to be at peace."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, yes, there is. We have a Savior, a Redeemer, a Friend and Brother, a Spiritual Father, all in the person of Jesus Christ, whose Atoning Sacrifice will make all things right in the end. Somehow. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Samaritan woman looked into the face of Christ, listened to His voice, and recognized Him at a time when most others rejected all He taught. We know Him too, or we can, if we allow His healing power, His nourishing strength, His peace and joy, to flow through us like "a well of water springing up into everlasting life."</span></i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm so grateful for daily manna to feed my soul. </span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-35901910160176375862023-10-17T04:00:00.001-07:002023-10-17T04:00:00.147-07:00Here Am I, Send Me<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span>. </span><span>This week covers the General Relief Society session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2002</a></span><span> </span><span>conference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In April 2005 I had the privilege of being a presenter at BYU Women's Conference. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I've always wished I could do it again and again. On the day of the conference as I made my way toward the Marriot Center in Provo, I was greeted by Sister Bonnie Parkin, Relief Society General President, who gathered me into her arms for a big hug and said, "We're so glad you're here with us!" I felt I'd died and gone to heaven. She didn't know me, but her expression of love was so warm and genuine that it gave me just the boost I needed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Parkin and her counselors were sustained in April 2002 and this is their first General Relief Society meeting in October 2002. They chose the theme "Here Am I, Send Me" and each spoke in different ways on that subject. I'm just going to share the quotes that touched me the most.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Parkin: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Making covenants is the expression of a willing heart; keeping covenants, the expression of a faithful heart.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">. . . when we obey the prophet's guidance, we are keeping a covenant.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Women of covenant stand firm when evil is called good and good is called evil. Whether it be in the college classroom, around the water cooler, or watching TV's latest "experts", remembering our covenants keeps us from being led astray.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sisters, the Lord needs women who will teach children to work and learn and serve and believe.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">The spiritual integrity to keep our covenants comes from consistency in scripture study, prayer, service, and sacrifice.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Kathleen H. Hughes, First Counselor</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">. . . modesty is a battle worth fighting because it so often affects more serious moral issues.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">The theme of this conference is "Here am I, send me." The words are a promise to the Lord and an expression of our willingness to serve. If we keep our covenants, the promises we receive in return are great.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Anne C. Pingree, Second Counselor</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">We, as covenant women, have consecrated ourselves to the cause of Christ through our baptismal and temple covenants. We can alter the face of the earth <i>one family and one home at a time </i>through charity, our small and simple acts of pure love.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Little by little our charitable acts change our natures, define our characters, and ultimately make us women with the courage to say to the Lord, "Here am I; send me."</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dear sisters, what you are doing with your families <i>matters</i>! It matters so very, very much.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Beloved Relief Society sisters, I know that wherever we live, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we, as covenant women, united in righteousness, can alter the face of the earth.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-large;">President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, was the concluding speaker. He spoke for almost twenty-four minutes! It was a powerful address.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sisters, whatever your circumstances, you all need to have oil in your lamps. This means being prepared.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Quoting President Spencer W. Kimball, ". . . spiritual preparedness cannot be shared in an instant. . . . In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures--each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity--these too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps."</span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;">My testimony, based upon 59 years of family life, is that my Ruth's participation in Relief Society has brought enriched spirituality and harmony to our home. This divinely inspired organization has not only blessed her life but also the lives of each of our family members. Involvement in Relief Society can help you replenish the oil in your lamps. It can provide for you much of the stability and stamina you will need as you weather the storms of life and journey through mortality.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-large;">(President Faust's last statement is the ideal that I'd love to see return to the Relief Society organization. We've lost much of the education and service that used to be the standard for improving women's lives and serving in the world.)</span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-23742529777192683292023-10-10T04:00:00.001-07:002023-10-10T04:00:00.145-07:00Come to Zion!<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2002</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This talk resonated with me because I'm striving to use my time more wisely, and I long for the day of Zion.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bishop Keith B. McMullin, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric spoke of a "<i>challenge that seems universal: having enough time to do everything that needs doing</i>." He said, "<i>The challenge is daunting because time is fixed; man can neither lengthen out the day nor extend the year</i>."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I remember a mother of a large family saying that when she gets to be a god and creates a world, she's going to organize it with eight days in a week. On the night of the seventh day all children under the age of 18 go to sleep and sleep through the eighth day so that parents can get things done and have some time to themselves. She said this to me before I was a parent so I didn't understand her longing. After I became one I totally understood! Alas, we can't do that here and have to manage our time wisely.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bishop McMullin said, "<i>As the world grapples with more efficient ways of managing time, it lures us into more and more earthly pursuits. But life is not a struggle with time--it is a struggle between good and evil</i>. . . . <i>Use the gospel plan to set proper priorities."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I feel a bit distraught when I hear sisters in Relief Society talk about not having enough time to minister or study the gospel or hold a calling or attend functions, then hear the same women talk of the latest TV show, or shopping, or pursuing more in their career. Sounds judgmental, but I wonder if their priorities are mixed up. We each get the same twenty-four hours in a day, how we chose to use those hours reveals what we value most.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bishop McMullin said, "<i>The establishment of Zion should be the aim of every member of this Church. It can be safely said: </i>As we seek with all our hearts to bring forth and establish Zion, the vexations of too little time will disappear." He went on to say, "<i>Zion is established and flourishes because of the God-inspired lives and labors of its citizens. Zion comes not as a gift but because virtuous covenant people are drawn together and build it. President Spencer W. Kimball observed, 'As we sing together, "Come to Zion," we mean . . . come to the ward, the branch, the mission, the stake, and give assistance to build up Zion."'</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I liked what Elder Gong said in the most recent conference, <i>"For some time I have felt that, in many places in the Church, a few more ward activities, of course planned and implemented with gospel purpose, could knit us together with even greater belonging and unity." </i>That sounds like Zion building to me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bishop McMullin spoke of four doctrinal principles that help us build Zion: love, work, self-reliance, and consecration. "<i>These principles . . . are God given. Those who embrace them and govern themselves accordingly become pure in heart. Righteous unity is the hallmark of their society. Their peace and harmony become an ensign to the nations. . . . The kingdom of God is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will become Zion in all her beauty</i>." <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I try to do my part as best I can. I believe Zion will come about as we minister to and encourage each other in living our covenants more fully. No one can achieve Zion alone, it is a group effort. And I believe that it will grow organically rather than by assignment.</span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-58763190965668846012023-09-26T07:27:00.000-07:002023-09-26T07:27:03.796-07:00A Woman of Faith<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week covers the Sunday morning session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2002</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">An old song suggests, "What the world needs now, is love, sweet love, . . ." and while that is always true, I want to suggest that what the world needs right now is virtuous, faithful women of God.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Margaret D. Nadauld, Young Women General President (just released), said, <i>"A Latter-day Saint woman who follows Christ's example in her daily living begins to fulfill the plan of our Heavenly Father for her. By so doing she can be a powerful influence for the good in today's world and meet the challenges of mortality. . . . She is a woman of faith who trusts God and is confident and fearless."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our world could be so much better if the influencers on social media were women of God, full of faith in Him, confident of her identities as a daughter of God, a <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/10/are-we-not-all-mothers?lang=eng#p1" target="_blank">mother</a> in Zion, and a light to the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In Relief Society this past Sunday we discussed Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk on becoming <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/41christofferson?lang=eng" target="_blank">One in Christ</a>. The doctrine in the talk is unity, becoming Zion, etc. He said, "Unity does not require sameness, but it does require harmony." We sometimes forget (at least I do) that we don't have to chose the same path through life to be united. Each faithful woman adds to the whole. God has directed us individually to fulfill His purposes and plans. As we faithfully trust Him we will be led in the right direction and guided to our desired destination.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Nadauld's description of a confident woman makes me want to be and do better. </span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>A woman of faith is confident because she understands the divine plan of our Heavenly Father and her role to bless lives. She is confident that any sacrifice she makes is worth something in an eternal sense. She knows about sacrifice from knowing of the life of the Savior. She knows that her sacrifice may be small by comparison, but she knows that Heavenly Father understands and values what she does to strengthen her home and her family and the world in which she lives. Her confidence grows because she is virtuous and lovely and gracious, which is even better than beautiful.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I never felt it was a sacrifice to give up a job to stay home with our first baby, and stay there to have four more. It was what I had wanted my whole life. Other women feel differently, but I think, and hope, that all women want to be good wives and mothers, as well as a good influence in the greater world outside our homes. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>A woman of faith is fearless. She fears no evil, for God is with her. There is no ambiguity, no uncertain trump in her life. She can live a principled life because she studies the doctrine and teachings of a perfect teacher, the Master. She is a noble example to all who know her. She is less than perfect, of course, not because she doesn't have perfect principles or the perfect example in Christ, but because she is human. She stays away from the evil influence and the unclean thing, and if it encroaches on her territory, she is a lioness protecting her cubs. . . . She has a certain style of her own that is attractive and joyful and bright and good. Our little girls and our young women can safely trust in her example.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I appreciate that she says, "She has a certain style of her own . . . ". Many years ago I did a topical study in the scriptures of everything about clothing and modesty. It was an interesting study and I learned a great deal about how the Lord feels about what we wear and how we present ourselves to the world. In the Doctrine and Covenants He says, ". . . let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands; And let all things be done in cleanliness before me." (D&C 42:40-41) I looked up the word "plain" and found that it didn't necessarily mean unadorned, but could mean clear, evident, obvious. So I understood the verse to mean </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;">'let it be obvious by your dress that you are a follower of Jesus, and when the fashions of the world are not appropriate for a woman of covenant, make your own! Be clean from the stain of worldly vulgarity and immodesty.' I think that's what Sister Nadauld was talking about when she said, "She has a certain style of her own".</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">A woman of faith loves the Lord. She wants Him to know it by the life she lives, by the words she speaks, by the service she renders to His children, by her every action. She knows that He loves her even though she is imperfect and still trying to be better. She knows that when she does her very best, that it is enough, as President Hinckley has told us.</span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We have to figuratively gird up our loins and fresh courage take as we continue to face the challenges of being women (and men) of faith living in a disintegrating world of evil. We can do it! Together as women of faith. </span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div></blockquote>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-78967493099026917742023-09-19T04:00:00.001-07:002023-09-19T04:00:00.142-07:00I Believe I Can, I Knew I Could<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week covers the Priesthood session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2002</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0t4krVrg8ZxF_2cstM6Vkg2BYVun7ddM8NuAfKI17pvuNvuL1hjEMAfujzdXMKgCEVAJZ2VmqOJFDef2mPCZvc4cUM0wxB_HdLQLTF8YwHsH1Iw1CTkZp1fjAYGBSac_XbpZV00IMrOnZjQTHexJy85cH-L8cKHG2ppyId7CpGe6F_6y-iQePITtvUAq/s400/396453560-The-Little-Engine-That-Could-Grosset-Dunlap-9780448405209.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0t4krVrg8ZxF_2cstM6Vkg2BYVun7ddM8NuAfKI17pvuNvuL1hjEMAfujzdXMKgCEVAJZ2VmqOJFDef2mPCZvc4cUM0wxB_HdLQLTF8YwHsH1Iw1CTkZp1fjAYGBSac_XbpZV00IMrOnZjQTHexJy85cH-L8cKHG2ppyId7CpGe6F_6y-iQePITtvUAq/w400-h353/396453560-The-Little-Engine-That-Could-Grosset-Dunlap-9780448405209.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">President James E. Faust shared the classic children's story of The Little Engine That Could. I used to read that to our children endlessly. It was a favorite!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Likening the story to the priesthood holders he said, <i>"At times all of us are called upon to stretch ourselves and do more than we think we can."</i> I know we all can relate to that. This earth life is hard, and doesn't get easier with age. It won't get any easier the closer we get to the Savior's return. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"To get on the right track,"</i> he says, <i>"we must honor and sustain those who hold the presiding priesthood keys. We are reminded that many are 'called, but few are chosen.' When are we chosen? We are chosen by the Lord only when we have done our best to move this holy work forward through our consecrated efforts and talents. Our efforts must always be guided by the righteous principles set forth by the Lord in the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: . . ."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today I thought about all the things I have learned from being a mother, especially of sons who have not followed the gospel path. I have "endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things." </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">President Faust teaches, <i>"I hope we can all be like the 'Little Engine That Could.' It wasn't very big, had only been used for switching cars, and had never been over a mountain, but it was willing. . . . Each of us must climb mountains that we have never climbed before."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have learned that being willing is most of the battle, against the natural man, against the pull of the adversary, and against the ways of the world. When we willingly serve, accept God's will, and press forward with steadfastness in Christ, we are given the strength to get over those mountains.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-27309545921303688672023-09-12T04:00:00.004-07:002023-09-12T04:00:00.142-07:00Blessed Are the Peacemakers<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2002</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What a delight to find another talk by then Elder Russell M. Nelson about being peacemakers. I've been studying the conference talks from April 2023 in preparation for the upcoming conference. It's wonderful to have another witness of the importance of being a peacemaker.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Virtually all parts of the world are plagued by acts of terror previously unknown. Confusion comes to many who pray for peace but fearfully face this foe of terror. . . . [some of ] the flames of hostility have been fueled by family feuding.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Belligerence is as old as Cain and Abel. We see it today in conflicts around the world, one group angry at another, desiring revenge, or to take land or possessions away from others for perceived wrongs. I've seen a few (out of many) videos of "Karens" who have taken upon themselves the role of policeman, or even god, screaming at neighbors and strangers alike in attempts to control behavior and actions. It is disturbing and disgusting. They come across as possessed and demonic. They are the opposite of peacemakers.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Peace can prevail only when that natural inclination to fight is superseded by self-determination to live on a loftier lever. Coming unto Jesus Christ as the "Prince of Peace" is the pathway to peace on earth and goodwill among men. He made a promise to us: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I think I say this every week, that the answer to all of the world's ills is by learning and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Nelson explains that Jesus taught people how to live by reminding us of the two great commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors. He, Jesus, also added that we are to love our enemies. Jesus taught us the Golden Rule.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">. . . the gospel did not begin with the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem. It is everlasting. It was proclaimed in the beginning to Adam and Eve. Portions of the gospel have been preserved in many cultures. Even heathen mythologies have been enriched by fragments of truth from earlier dispensations. . . . Wherever it is found and however it is expressed, the Golden Rule encompasses the moral code of the Kingdom of God.</span> </i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Isn't that a thought! Inside the Kingdom of God the citizens live by the moral code expressed in the Golden Rule. I want to live there!! It behooves me to live by the rule myself so I'll fit in easily. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The hope of the world is the Prince of Peace--our Creator, Savior, Jehovah, and Judge. He offers us the good life, the abundant life, and eternal life. Peaceful--even prosperous--living can come to those who abide His precepts and follow His pathway to peace. This I declare to all the world.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I felt the Spirit so strongly as I listened to that paragraph. Elder Nelson, now President Nelson is a man of God. He is a powerful witness of and for Christ. I know he is a prophet, the chief apostle at this time.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My mission president taught us that the General Authorities very seldom say, "Thus sayeth the Lord" to command us to do something. They usually use phrases like I encourage you to, we suggest that you, I plead (or pray) that you will, and such. President LeGrand Curtis (my mission president) told us that this was the authorities polite way of telling us what is expected of us. Elder Nelson concludes this talk with a long paragraph of "shoulds":</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>As individuals, we <u>should</u> "follow after the things which make for peace." We <u>should</u> be personal peacemakers. We <u>should</u> live peacefully--as couples, families and neighbors. We <u>should</u> live by the Golden Rule. We have the writings of the descendants of Judah as now merged with the writings of Ephraim. We <u>should</u> employ them and expand our circle of love to embrace the whole human family. We <u>should</u> bring divine love and revealed doctrines of restored religion to our neighbors and friends. We <u>should</u> serve them according to our abilities and opportunities. We <u>should</u> keep our principles on a high level and stand for the right. We <u>should</u> continue to gather scattered Israel from the four corners of the earth and offer the ordinances and covenants that seal families together forever. These blessings we are to bring to people of all nations.</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I think that gives me enough to work on for the next while. You too?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXpA6KKZXUC1UB6uSz1cQwHRLQXRIncd5Zt0Rax4-A09KKQegwO4ZetlRSYNYzmI_Ak_R2WTS_gzWa2tws3CjXSBkxutdnxKi-LsPu94rY8RvgUr7HhYlq29QIUuPjiAt55JNJ7bkYBug2tJsHwEQCkXjkBFTGMBwadW2-gyAajDHAkiD7ux1BsRMXOaA/s4288/100_2379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXpA6KKZXUC1UB6uSz1cQwHRLQXRIncd5Zt0Rax4-A09KKQegwO4ZetlRSYNYzmI_Ak_R2WTS_gzWa2tws3CjXSBkxutdnxKi-LsPu94rY8RvgUr7HhYlq29QIUuPjiAt55JNJ7bkYBug2tJsHwEQCkXjkBFTGMBwadW2-gyAajDHAkiD7ux1BsRMXOaA/w640-h480/100_2379.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cat Timothy who left six years ago and never returned. He was a delight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-4609715485999889062023-09-05T04:00:00.001-07:002023-09-05T04:00:00.137-07:00Is There Ever a Time of Peace and Tranquility?<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week covers the Saturday morning session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2002</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A year after the terrorist attacks on September 11, many talks referred to the turmoil and uncertainty of the time. Of course, when you live long enough you can see that there is never a time of peace and unity. Troubles and problems abound, whether personal or global. Evil is constant and grows more pervasive with each generation. Having apostles and prophets to lead us is calming and encouraging.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder L. Tom Perry said, <i>"We live in a world that is crying out for righteous leadership based on trustworthy principles." </i>I think it still is! He went on, <i>"When we arrive in the celestial kingdom of God, we shall find the most perfect order and harmony existing, because there is the perfect pattern, the most perfect order of government carried out, . . . and when the government of God shall be more extensively adopted [here], and when Jesus' prayer, that He taught His disciples is answered, and God's kingdom comes on earth, and His will is done here as in heaven, then, and not till then, will universal love, peace, harmony, and union prevail." </i>He spoke further of priesthood leadership in the home and the church. What a wonderful day it will be when only the righteous remain and Zion prevails. In the meantime, we can have mini Zions in our homes and church units for practice.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, at that time of the Presidency of the Seventy, asked, <i>". . . how many of us permit our fears to take control in this time of international tension, economical and political uncertainties, and personal challenges."</i> Probably many of us. He spoke of listening to and following the living prophet, who speaks in the name of the Lord. <i>"It is our responsibility not only to listen but also to act upon His word, that we may claim the blessings of the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel." </i>He asks some Alma chapter five type questions: <i>"Are we diligent in living the commandments of God, without running beyond our strength? Or are we just leisurely strolling along? Are we using our time, talents, and means wisely? Are we focused on the things which matter most? Are we following the inspired counsel of the prophets?"</i> It made me stop and consider how I'm doing. As I examine myself I find I'm doing well in some areas and not so well in others. Sometimes I think living the gospel is like holding jello in a mesh bag. I'm always juggling to keep stuff from oozing out. Elder Uchtdorf ended with this tender admonition, <i>"Let us in humility and faith refresh our dedication and our commitment to follow the prophets, seers, and revelators in all diligence. Let us listen and be instructed and edified by those who hold all the keys of the kingdom. And as we attend this conference, may our hearts be changed, that there will be a great desire to do good, and that we will be pioneers in building a spiritual foundation that will establish the Church in our part of the world."</i> This was significant to me because I've been pondering how I can be a better missionary and minister to build up our little branch. I still don't have complete answers but I feel that they will come as I continue to seek.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder Neal A. Maxwell gave an eloquent address. He began, <i>"In the churn of crises and the sinister swirl of global events, true disciples will maintain faith in a revealing, loving God and in His plan for redeeming His children, which is the </i>why<i> of </i>all<i> that God does!" </i>Other highlights, <i>"The Atonement was accomplished, bringing a universal resurrection to billions and billions, lifting all from the grave--regardless of how and when we got there!"</i> Such a comforting reminder in those moments when I'm missing our gone too soon son. <i>". . . matching our behavior more closely with our beliefs will bring relentless reminders about the ongoing duties of discipleship." </i>Another reminder to examine ourselves to improve. <i>"The doctrines and revelations can likewise lift us--even amid 'wars and rumors of wars.'" </i>And, <i>"Regarding trials, including of our faith and patience, there are no exemptions--only variations." </i>Exactly! No one, absolutely no one, gets through life without trials of some kind. And to outsiders, what might appear to be a gift or blessing, might be a sore trial, and vice versa. Finally, <i>"Part of God's 'ample provision' consists of imperfect people like you and me, committed to shining and serving in our appointed orbits, knowing all the while that we are encircled 'in the arms of [His] love.'"</i> (Which reminded me of Elder Holland's talk in April 2013 where he talked of God having only imperfect people to work with.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">President James E. Faust closed out the session with a wonderful talk about overcoming selfishness. He told of helping to settle the estate of a couple and the disputes that occurred among the heirs. <i>"I learned from this that selfishness and greed bring bitterness and contention; on the other hand sacrifice and giving bring peace and contentment." </i>I know a little of that. After my mother died there were problems and unkind feelings about the disposal of her possessions. My father put a clause into his will that anyone disputing anything would be cut out and not receive a thing. Fortunately, we learned from our mistakes and were much kinder to each other when Dad died. President Faust said, <i>"I have learned that selfishness has more to do with how we feel about our possessions than how much we have." </i>I've struggled with overcoming a scarcity mentality which can be detrimental and cause selfishness due to insecurity. President Faust instructed, <i>"Taking up one's cross and following the Savior means overcoming selfishness; it is a commitment to serve others. . . . nothing is really [ours]--it all come from the Lord--we are only the custodians of what He has given us." </i>Thinking of my possessions in that way helps me let go more easily to share with others. And lastly, <i>"Almost every day brings opportunities to perform unselfish acts for others. Such acts are unlimited and can be as simple as a kind word, a helping hand, or a gracious smile." </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The answers to all the ills of the world, from the very personal and familial, to the global jockeying for power, can be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of living apostles and prophets every six months in General Conference. What a blessing to have the miracles of technology to hear, see and read their words. We don't have to be afraid of current or future events when we are founded on the Rock of Our Redeemer. We can have the Savior's peace in our hearts and extend that peace unselfishly to others through our words and actions.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2UTwXeCgy63oV0pFO5k8C8kwfIxiJcJ6S8elPlL8FqTmxiqcxTJst2XM0hm65vys8ydXomTIcwOC6GGZm06y-b1JXO9kr07eAXWDlpnU0G9DGjzl1u-I-5HfxorDzYfG-iGjbUbqe4PI9ufepJnxAJatfmxHpAnFow0M0Lk7TZRWUH8dO3amZev1PX5Z/s4288/fullsizeoutput_4fa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4288" data-original-width="3216" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2UTwXeCgy63oV0pFO5k8C8kwfIxiJcJ6S8elPlL8FqTmxiqcxTJst2XM0hm65vys8ydXomTIcwOC6GGZm06y-b1JXO9kr07eAXWDlpnU0G9DGjzl1u-I-5HfxorDzYfG-iGjbUbqe4PI9ufepJnxAJatfmxHpAnFow0M0Lk7TZRWUH8dO3amZev1PX5Z/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_4fa.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-32366293581476080462023-08-29T08:08:00.000-07:002023-08-29T08:08:38.701-07:00Timely Reminder from the Past<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week covers the General Young Women meeting of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2002</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">With Satan and his minions promoting sin so blatantly today Sister Sharon G. Larsen's counsel is appropriate: <i>There are places where the Spirit would never be. You know where those places are. Stay away from them. Do not encourage a curiosity that ought to be stopped. Pay attention to what you are feeling so you will know when you are feeling unsure or uneasy. . . . Standing in holy places helps us to become holy, but that is an acquired virtue that takes practice. Practice listening to the Spirit and being obedient. Practice being morally pure. Practice being reverent about sacred things. . . . It is difficult to train your desires to want goodness and beauty when the opposite confronts you constantly and appears to be so much more enticing and fun and popular. . . . Identifying what is holy and educating our desires for that is vital to our happiness.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Too often we think of "talents" as simply the performing or athletic variety. Sister Larsen reminds us that being holy is a "talent" or skill that takes practice. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This past Sunday there were some visiting families whose children were not quiet during the entire meeting. (Unfortunately the parents never took them out either.) I presumed that those children had never been taught at home to be still and quiet. It is a skill that is best taught and practiced at home, before the occasion arises to need that skill. And it takes years of practice to perfect that skill. The sad thing is, is that the parents of these young families were raised in the church by good parents and should have known better. But apparently not.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How will children, teenagers, and even adults know what spiritual feelings are unless they have experienced them regularly? How can parents help their children experience spiritual feelings without time to be still, reverent and listening? How will any of us be able to stand in holy places unless we have holiness within ourselves? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It reminds me of what Viktor Frankl said: <i>Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. </i>He knew about standing in holy places.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Larsen ended with this counsel: <i>Once you understand what holy places are, then you know where to be. It may take sacrifice of our worldly tastes or popularity. It may require humility and forgiveness or complete repentance. It does require "clean hands and a pure heart" (Ps. 24:4). Do whatever you have to do to be able to stand in holy places and be not moved, to stand for truth and righteousness, regardless of shallow enticements and evils and designs of conspiring people (see D&C 89:4) and media.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As evil's darkness deepens across the world we will need the strength of the Spirit and a rich reservoir of holiness to stand firm and immoveable in righteousness.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></div>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-83933070239661336852023-08-22T06:44:00.000-07:002023-08-22T06:44:53.230-07:00Threads Woven Together<div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is part of the </span><a href="https://difficultrun.nathanielgivens.com/2015/12/22/the-general-conference-odyssey/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">General Conference Odyssey</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/04?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2002</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">conference.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then Elder Russell M. Nelson: <i>A firm foundation is necessary for any building, institution, or individual to endure. . . .Even firm foundations cannot prevent life's problems. Wayward children cause parents to grieve. Some broken families don't get fixed. Gender disorientation is poorly understood. Married couples, for whatever reason, may not be blessed with children. Even in our day, 'the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money.' Some things just don't seem fair.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder John H. Madsen: <i>Simply stated, eternal life is to live forever as families in the presence of God.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder Gene R. Cook: <i>Repent. Remove any worldliness from your life, including anger. Receive a continual remission of your sins, and you will bridle all your passions, and be filled with love.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder Gerald N. Lund: <i>As Elder Maxwell said yesterday, only when we truly yield our hearts to God can He begin to accelerate the purification and the sanctification and the perfecting process.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elder M. Russell Ballard: <i>We sometimes fail to understand that the everlasting peace Jesus promises is an inner peace, born in faith, anchored by testimony, nurtured with love, and expressed through continual obedience and repentance. . . . One cannot be at peace if one is living a life out of harmony with revealed truth. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">President Gordon B. Hinckley: <i>I know that it is the work of the Almighty 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man'. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, the great Prophet of this dispensation through whom these truths have come.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is my testimony that the ills of the world could be cured by living according to the Gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ, and His latter-day prophets.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislJowLoO6ndSxSQougrECqhsnerIOlYb-bwo3cYi-2SA1228xqn_5BGOrqUIh5A43Jx82rEi5pa_R0mLaZBIzpc0W0Y6mr9zcbmXKG3p-Xm3oBOCXJ3lmO7c58WU7vJr4hOger2ah3q0pIYf1PTKOgslN_6bbQ5ZJBzOFEx3cFJ6kAwiHIdCJgVN7wFmH/s4288/fullsizeoutput_1a3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4288" data-original-width="3216" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislJowLoO6ndSxSQougrECqhsnerIOlYb-bwo3cYi-2SA1228xqn_5BGOrqUIh5A43Jx82rEi5pa_R0mLaZBIzpc0W0Y6mr9zcbmXKG3p-Xm3oBOCXJ3lmO7c58WU7vJr4hOger2ah3q0pIYf1PTKOgslN_6bbQ5ZJBzOFEx3cFJ6kAwiHIdCJgVN7wFmH/w480-h640/fullsizeoutput_1a3.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a little reminder that the heat of the summer isn't permanent; and neither is the cold of the winter.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p> </p>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959272779093477402.post-53060004087590634072023-08-16T18:32:00.001-07:002023-08-16T18:32:36.892-07:00Talk on Ministering<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Brothers and sisters, I have a confession to make. Nothing malignant or testimony shaking. Simply that for the past couple of years I've been a lazy and neglectful ministering sister. I apologize to my sisters whom I've neglected and ask your forgiveness. I am repenting and will do better in the coming days. This talk is a pep talk to myself, an encouragement for me to do better. If you get something out of it too, then we'll both have benefitted.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the branch picnic Nicole asked me about the salad I brought. She wanted the recipe. I didn't follow one. I just made it up with what I had on hand. She said, "Oh, you're a cook like my mother-in-law. She puts in a little of this and a little of that and it turns out great." Well, after 45 years of reading recipes, trying new things, and practicing cooking, I enjoy making up my own recipes once in a while.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">After many decades of having a recipe for ministering, formerly called Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching, we now (for the past five years) have to pretty much make up our own recipes. There are no measured requirements to complete, no standardized message each month, no one size fits all method of ministering to each other.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">That can be intimidating at times. But we are not left without guidance or master cooks to follow.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">When this "higher, holier" way of ministering was announced in 2018 an impression came to my mind that this was going to lead us to Zion.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is Zion? And why is that important? Zion is several things, but what I thought about was not a place, but a people. A Zion people is of one heart and one mind. It took me a long time to figure out that the heart and mind we're supposed to be one with is Jesus's heart and mind. He said, "If ye are not one, ye are not mine." When He returns He needs a people to come to, with whom He can dwell, where there is unity, love, and righteousness.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">So how does ministering accomplish that? Let's look at some examples from the past.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Think of the Israelites leaving Egypt to go to the Promised Land. They began with urgency, leaving slavery behind, and desiring to live a life of liberty in a Promised Land. But they murmured every step of the way. They complained about the lack of food, lack of water, the labor of travel, etc. They wanted to go back to Egypt where things weren't so bad after all. They were disobedient and contentious. Because of their stubbornness the Lord cursed them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years so that all the faithless complainers would die off before ever getting to the promised land.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now think of the early saints in this dispensation traveling to their Promised Land. Faith and obedience brought about miracles. They too faced hunger, thirst, fatigue, boredom, bad weather, balky animals, accidents, sickness, death, and every other kind of trial known to humans, yet they reached the Salt Lake valley in a timely manner and built up their Promised Land.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">What does this have to do with ministering? Like the pioneers crossing the American plains we are on a mortal journey to the Promised Land of Heaven. Sometimes we're out in front, leading the way, sometimes we're in the middle of the pack, in the thick of things, sometimes we're the stragglers at the back of the group. No one, absolutely no one, goes through mortal life without trials, or joys. To get there we must have faith, lend a hand to each other, encourage each other, bear each other's burdens, comfort each other, rejoice with each other, and journey side by side until we pass over to the other side.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope this help us understand the why of ministering.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let's learn about the how.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the summer of 2018, after the announcement in General Conference about Ministering, Steve and I were in Boulder, Colorado over a Sunday and attended church at a local ward. Apparently, the week before had been their stake conference because all of the talks were about the challenge the stake president had given to read the Book of Mormon and mark all the passages that had anything to do with ministering. I thought to myself, I can do that. I found surprising things throughout.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Almost 100 places where impressions of the Spirit said this is about ministering. I organized them into 13 different categories. First is Do it, Exercise Faith, like Nephi saying he would "go and do the things which the Lord commanded," knowing "that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." And when Nephi returned to Jerusalem to retrieve the Brass Plates, "not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do."<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are examples of Praying for them, and Praying about them; the largest category on my list is Speak, Teach, and Testify. Sometimes an encouraging word, or a testimony is what is needed to help someone along. We are to Be an Example, Be Forgiving, Serve them, Study, Attend the temple, Care about them, Listen for Promptings, Meet them where they are, and maybe most important at all times, Be Persistent.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I highly recommend studying the scriptures as a way to get personal revelation for our efforts in ministering.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the church magazine for Adults, The Liahona, formerly The Ensign, every month since June 2018 there has been a section called Ministering Principles. These principles are scripture based and the articles give suggestions for putting them into practice. July's topic is Ministering with Charity, and August's topic is Ministering through Service. Past topics include things like Facing Our Goliaths, Ministering with Mental Health in Mind, Ministering through General Conference, Ministering through Church Activities, How the Spirit Can and Will Help you Minister, and Getting Help to Help Others.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lest we get discouraged and feel like we're always at the back of the wagon train, think of the Parable of the Laborers. Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a householder, who goes out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. They agree on a wage, and he sends them off to work. He goes out again three hours later and sees others standing idle in the marketplace, and says to them "Why are you standing here idle?" They answer, "Because no one has hired us". So, he says, "Go to the vineyard and whatever is right, I'll pay you." And the householder goes out again every three hours and does the same thing. And then at the last hour of the day he goes out and finds others standing around idle and negotiates the same deal with them.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the day is finished he has the steward call all the laborers to give them their wages. Everyone received the same wage no matter when they started! Wouldn't you like to work for that employer?</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have good news, we do!</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't matter if you are a 7th generation saint, or the newest convert, our employer, The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, offers us all the same reward for helping in His work.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, begin where we are! It is possible to repent and change. We can obey the commandments, keep our covenants, spiritually put one foot in front of the other and keep progressing. This journey is not a race where only the fastest and first is rewarded; we ALL will be rewarded for faithfully finishing the journey. Ministering is helping each other toward the finish line.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, we might think, I just don't have the knowledge or skill or talent that Sister so and so has, or Brother what's his name has. They just seem to be a natural at serving others.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus addressed this fear or excuse too, in the Parable of the Talents. He said that the Kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, and before he leaves calling his servants together and giving them his goods. To one he gave five, to another two, and to another, one talent, each according to their ability. Then the man left. While he was gone the servant who had received five talents traded and made five more talents; the one who was given two, did the same and doubled his.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">But the servant who had received one was afraid of losing it and buried it for safekeeping.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the master returned he called for an accounting of what he had given the servants.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">The ones who had been given five and two showed their increased talents and were rewarded when the master said to them, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then came the third servant. He explained himself saying, "Lord, I know that you are a strict man, reaping where you haven't sown, and gathering where you haven't spread. And I was afraid and hid your talent in the earth, here it is." The master answered him saying, "You wicked and slothful servant, you knew what I'm capable of, reaping where I haven't sown, etc., you should have at least put my money with the investors and I could have had my money along with the interest earned." Then the master commanded that the talent be taken from this servant and given to the one who began with five, saying, "For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">The moral of the story is that when we do our part, the Lord will multiply our efforts, he will give us more capability. If we don't, what little we do have will be taken from us. Ministering enlarges our abilities to strengthen our eternal church family and build Zion.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sister Jean B. Bingham, then Relief Society General President, said, "Sometimes we think we have to do something grand and heroic to 'count' as serving our neighbors. . . . But what did the Savior do? . . . " Besides completing the Atonement, surely the most profound act of service ever performed, ". . . He also smiled at, talked with, walked with, listened to, made time for, encouraged, taught, fed, and forgave."</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you're like me you get overwhelmed thinking about what the Savior, with His superior Godly powers, did and does. I just can't compete in that league.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sister Bingham shares some more ideas about what us mere mortals can do:</span></p></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">[Ministering] looks like going for a walk, getting together for a game night, offering service, or even serving together. It looks like visiting in person or talking on the phone, or chatting online, or texting. It looks like delivering a birthday card and cheering at a soccer game. It looks like sharing a scripture or quote from a conference talk that would be meaningful to that individual. It looks like discussing a gospel question and sharing a testimony to bring clarity and peace. It looks like becoming part of someone's life and caring about him or her.</span></p></div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we study the scriptures and with the Spirit's help we can make up our ministering recipes as we go. There is no one thing that is right for everyone either to give or to receive. We can ask the person what he or she needs, as well as be led by the Spirit.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of my all-time favorite authors is Jan Karon who wrote a series of books about an Episcopal priest named Timothy Kavanaugh. He is such an encouraging example of how to minister. He is so human and flawed. He has weaknesses and human foibles just like the rest of us. Some things are particularly distasteful or hard for him. But he trusts in God and prays for strength and help to know what to do and how to do it. During the months that I studied ministering in The Book of Mormon, I also reread the first of these books and made a list of all the ways Timothy served and ministered to those around him. Here are just some of them:</span></p></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He slowed down (to notice things more)</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He prayed</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He studied the scriptures</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He invited people into his home and fed them</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He visited the sick in the hospital (I remember my grandma doing that a lot!)</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He prayed, right then, with the person in need</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He fed people spiritually with encouraging words</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He arranged for a worker, which benefited an elderly woman and a young man</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He took an 11 year old boy on an outing to a farm</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He took food to a homeless man</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He prayed for people by name</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He gave cash to someone in need</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He gave thoughtful little gifts</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He prayed with his friend about a serious matter</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He invited his neighbors to church</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He called to check on his friend recovering from pneumonia</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He visited a man in prison</span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He rescued a neighbor's cat off the roof</span></p></div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">When it comes to ministering, there are few limits and enough variety for everyone to find something to do.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">During their last evening together, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, in an act of humble service and demonstration of love. Then He said, "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. . . . If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." He went on to speak to them about love:</span></p></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have love you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. . . .If ye love me, keep my commandments. . . . He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. . . . If a man love me, he will keep my words and my Father will love him, and we will come and make our abode with him. . . . But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. . . . As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you, continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. . . . This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. . . . These things I command you, that ye love one another.</span></p></div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">A few final thoughts. Every giver of service needs a receiver of that service. Being a gracious receiver blesses the giver. Not all service rendered will be to our liking. If we are asked, we can express our preferences, if we aren't asked we can be gracious and grateful for the efforts of another. I apologize if anyone was hurt because we didn't want any meals brought in when we lost James. I really needed the daily routine of making food and cleaning up so I wouldn't dissolve into a puddle of grief and self-pity. I'm so grateful for all the prayers that sustained us, and the kind, loving expressions of comfort through our sorrow. Those and hugs were the most helpful. I'm grateful for Stephanie being willing to come over and help me weed part of my garden as therapy for my grieving heart.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Steve and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary in June, and in all those years we have rarely lived near family, relying on church members to be our family--to celebrate with, to mourn with, to work with, to play with. We call each other brother and sister. Perhaps it would help us to do better at ministering if we actually thought of each other as true family. Wouldn't we make time to visit family? Serve them? Rejoice with them, and recreate with them? I truly believe this is preparing us for life after the Savior returns when we live in peace and love.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let us all gird up our loins, fresh courage take to press forward in preparation for the Savior's Second Coming.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I testify that God the Father lives and loves us; He sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Example. I testify that They both appeared to Joseph Smith to begin the restoration of all things as promised in the scriptures. The Book of Mormon is truly another testament of Jesus Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's authorized church on earth. We continue to be led by a living prophet, Russell M. Nelson, who has invited us to minister and love each in a higher, holier way. I pray that we all can do so.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></p></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></div><p><br /></p>Rozy Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06019413665136390175noreply@blogger.com0