Words to Live By

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2003 conference.

Every talk in this session was, of course, wonderful. But I want to focus on two topics.

From Elder James M. Dunn of the Seventy,

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.

To remember that we all are brothers and sisters is thinking celestially. How we treat each other will be a reflection of our thinking. He explains,

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.

 

Elder Dunn explained that, "Successfully working our way through life, while keeping our eye on life's true purposes, blesses us both here and hereafter." 

Later in the session, Elder L. Tom Perry said, quoting Brigham Young, ". . . 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."

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.

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. 

Elder Eyring posed the question we might ask, "How could I become better at sharing my faith with those who do not yet feel what I feel?" He said, "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." 

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,

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.

 

Elder M. Russell Ballard, after speaking of raising the bar for full-time missionaries, said, ". . . we must also raise the level of expectation for the performance of all the members of the church in fulfilling our missionary duties." 

 

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.

Elder Ballard quotes President Hinckley from 1999, "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.'" 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!)     

Again from Elder Ballard, 

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.

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? 

I remember the joy of sharing the gospel as a missionary. I want to feel that again! 

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.

 

Conference is a Guide for Our Journey

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the October 2001 conference.

Conference opened with an address by then prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley titled Living in the Fulness of Times. He talked of the mighty miracles of our modern times and reminded us that along with all that, "the Lord has restored His ancient priesthood. He has organized His Church and Kingdom during the past century and a half. . . . We have seen only the foreshadowing of the mighty force for good that this church will become. . . . Our strength is our faith in the Almighty. . . .The Lord has given us the goal toward which we work. That goal is to build His kingdom, which is a mighty cause of great numbers of men and women of faith, of integrity, of love and concern for mankind, marching forward to create a better society, bringing blessings upon ourselves and upon the heads of others."

Building on that theme then Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke of sharing the gospel which begins with desire, and then . . . "love for God and for all of His children. . . . The intensity of our desire to share the gospel is a great indicator of the extent of our personal conversion." He said, "The most effective missionaries, member and full-time, always act out of love." When explaining how to do it, he said, "We begin by beginning." Sometimes I'm guilty of planning too much and acting too little. I remember President Spencer W. Kimball's teaching to "Do it!" Elder Oaks cautions, "We must be sure we act out of love and not in any attempt to gain personal recognition or advantage." He testifies that, "The gospel of Jesus Christ is the brightest light and the only hope for this darkened world."

All of the talks in this session were so timely and inspiring! Elder Charles Didier spoke of building a bridge of faith ". . . for crossing and overcoming the walls of unbelief, indifference, fear, or sin. Our mortal life is the time for men to meet God by building a bridge of faith, opening the door into immortality and eternal life."

Sister Sheri L. Dew, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, spoke of marriage. Her message is much needed today. "Lucifer is determined to devour marriages and families, because their demise threatens the salvation of all involved and the vitality of the Lord's kingdom itself. Thus, Satan seeks to confuse us about our stewardships and distinctive natures as men and women. He bombards us with bizarre messages about gender, marriage, family, and all male-female relationships. He would have us believe men and women are so alike that our unique gifts are not necessary, or so different that we can never hope to understand each other. Neither is true."

Elder Henry B. Eyring gave a beautiful sermon on prayer, concluding with this promise: "If you ponder the scriptures and begin to do what you covenanted with God to do, I can promise you that you will feel more love for God and more of His love for you. And with that your prayers will come from the heart, full of thanks and of pleading. You will feel a greater dependence on God. You will find the courage and determination to act in His service, without fear and with peace in your heart. You will pray always. And you will not forget Him, no matter what the future brings."

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency finished the session with a masterful sermon on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. "Our salvation depends on believing in and accepting the Atonement. Such acceptance requires a continual effort to understand it more fully. . . . All of us have sinned and need to repent to fully pay our part of the debt. When we sincerely repent, the Savior's magnificent Atonement pays the rest of the debt."

He quoted President J. Reuben Clark Jr., "I feel that [the Savior] will give that punishment which is the very least that our transgression will justify. I believe that he will bring into his justice all the infinite love and blessing and mercy and kindness and understanding which he has. . . . And on the other hand, I believe that when it comes to making the rewards for our good conduct, he will give us the maximum that it is possible to give, having in mind the offense which we have committed." This gave me great comfort as I ponder what will happen to our son who took his own life. James had so many good qualities and was loving, kind and generous, often going without to give to others. He was such a good son and brother. I'm relying on the grace and mercy of the Savior's Atonement to make things right with James. I wish I could have taught him better to look to the Savior for help and redemption. Perhaps this is why we should allow our children to experience little failures and disappointments early in life so we can teach them who to look to for support, strength to overcome and forgiveness for mistakes. "The evil influence of Satan would destroy any hope we have in overcoming our mistakes. He would have us feel that we are lost and that there is no hope. In contrast, Jesus reaches down to lift us up. Through our repentance and the gift of the Atonement, we can prepare to be worthy to stand in His presence."

Listening to and reading the conference talks each week has given me so much strength to carry on in the face of tragedy. I'm so grateful for prophets and apostles, both ancient and modern to guide me on my journey through the wilderness of life to my Promised Land of eternity.

Comforting Voices

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2000 conference.

Listening to this session of conference was comforting to me during a week of personal upheaval. Just hearing the voices, some familiar, others not, comforted my churned up heart. It didn't matter what the subject, comforting as each was, it was the voices of calm, loving men speaking words of wisdom and encouragement that was most comforting.

President Boyd K. Packer's gravelly voice spoke of much needed truths about the sacredness of our bodies, which would heal so many if his counsel was heeded today. "There is in your body the supernal power to create life. Boys grow up to be men and may become fathers; girls grow up to be women and may become mothers. Natural and good feelings draw men and women together." Not at all what current, strident voices want us to believe. The world needs prophets and apostles more than ever!

I appreciated Elder H. Aldridge Gillespie's talk on The Blessings of Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. It was a good reminder to refrain from worldly pursuits, and to be more active doing the Lord's work on His day. This has always been a struggle in our family because my husband was raised in a different faith, and was not associated with any faith when we met and married. Old habits die hard when there is no understanding of a gospel principle and little commitment to change. It was good to hear another testimony!

Elder Robert C. Oaks' talk on Sharing the Gospel hit a nerve with me. I live a fairly secluded life. I don't "go to work" ever, our children are all grown so I don't have a reason to meet with any other parents. I'm not a member of any organization or group other than church. I've tried to be active in the community, but nothing seems to work for me and I haven't been able to make any friends in our town. Sharing the gospel is difficult when I don't know any non-members. That's not a good excuse though, and I need to find a way that is normal and natural to me. This talk was a good reminder to seek the Spirit to help me.

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Advent - Day 7

. . . Behold the glory of the King of all the earth; and also the King of heaven shall very soon shine forth among all the children of men.
                                                                   Alma 5:50

My Last Christmas in the Mission

By Julio Cesar Sonoda

It was my last Christmas in the Brazil Rio de Janeiro North Mission. I would soon be returning home, and I was happy about the Christmas season. My companion, Elder Barney, was an American who had been in Brazil for only a short time. He was fighting homesickness.

We had been working hard, but we still weren't sure how to celebrate Christmas. We hoped a family would invite us to spend Christmas with them, and eventually one family did. However, I wondered about some of the other missionaries in our area. On our next trip to Vitoria, my companion and I learned that Elder Jones and Elder Junot didn't have any Christmas plans. I thought, These elders are my family while I'm on my mission. We can't leave them alone on Christmas. The four of us decided we would spend Christmas together.

We made plans for a special dinner on Christmas Eve. Although we didn't have much money, we felt the Lord would bless us.

On Christmas Eve I recorded my feelings in my journal: "Today is the twenty-fourth of December. It has rained a lot, and I see that my companion is sadder. He says he misses the symbols of Christmas he is used to seeing in his country--snow, music, trees, and decorations. I can imagine how hard his Christmas will be since he is so far away from his family, his people, and his customs. The rain continues to fall, but it is lighter now."

Looking at my companion I sensed his homesickness and wanted him to be happy.

On the bus trip to Vitoria we could see people hurrying to make their Christmas purchases. We went by a house illuminated with colored lights. Children played in the gardens. Tears filled my eyes, and I could not speak to my companion because I knew I would cry. He seemed to be crying silently. For Elder Junot, Elder Jones, and me this Christmas was our last on the mission. But it was Elder Barney's first, and I didn't know how to console him. During the trip, I cried several times, but concealed it. And my companion concealed his tears from me.

We got off the bus and went to the other missionaries' apartment. We put our money together, and Elder Juno and Elder Jones went out to make the purchases. After they returned with the food, we set the table with a white tablecloth and napkins and placed Christmas cards on it for decoration. But even this didn't seem to lift our spirits.

Seeing this, Elder Jones suggested we get out our hymnbooks and sing hymns to the Lord. We sang one, then one more and then another. And we sang louder each time. I wanted the neighborhood to hear our singing and know that we were worshiping the Lord. We started to feel the Spirit of the Lord.

After singing, Elder Jones shared a scripture about the birth of Christ. Then everyone read from the scriptures. We bore our testimonies about our Redeemer.

When Elder Barney shared his testimony, he explained, "I was missing the things that are familiar to me--the snow, the Christmas tree, the turkey, the Christmas music of my country. I forgot to be concerned about the Son of God born in a manger." We had tears in our eyes, for the Spirit testified in our hearts that we had worshiped the Creator of the day. We thanked the Lord for all He had given us.

It was my last Christmas in the mission, but it was the first true Christmas I ever spent.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Advent - Day 4

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
                                                                 Jeremiah 23:5

Stockings Filled with Love

by Henry Copier

I chuckled to myself as I picked up one of the seven red stockings lying nearby on my mission companion's bed. "Who are these for?" I asked, trying not to laugh.

"For the Winkle family," he responded shyly as he packed away his needle and thread.

"They're . . . really nice," I said with some apprehension. Elder Johnson and I had been assigned to serve in the town of Muskegon, Michigan. The Winkles were a choice investigator family scheduled to be baptized on Christmas Day, and in all honesty I felt sheepish delivering these cute little stockings with hand-embroidered gold lettering.

"What are you going to stuff them with?" I asked.

Somewhat surprised at my question, he looked around the room at the oversupply of goodies we had received from home and replied, "Candy--what else?" Then in a more serious tone he added, "I was hoping that we could also include in each stocking a personal Christmas wish and our own written testimonies."

Still feeling uneasy with this idea, I nevertheless decided to go along with it for fear of offending my creative companion. Our month had been filled with preparing this family for baptism, and now the day of their interviews had arrived at last, Christmas Eve. Everything was ready, or so we thought.

Arriving at the Winkle home, we immediately sensed something was wrong. As I interviewed Brother Winkle privately, he told me that the children had been quarreling all morning and that everyone in the family was on edge. Some of the older children had even expressed doubts about being baptized. Upon returning to the family we encountered negative feelings.

"Elder Copier, this baptism has caused a lot of concern in our family," said Sister Winkle, "and I'm

not sure we should go through with it if it's going to cause so much contention."

After spending a few more minutes discussing the problem, we decided together that we should postpone the baptism until the family could feel better about it.  To give the family time to sort out their feelings, Brother Winkle asked us not to return unless he contacted us.

With heavy hearts and deep concern we slowly walked home. Our apartment seemed quiet and gloomy that Christmas Eve. Hours passed as we sat in silent depression. Finally Elder Johnson broke the silence as he pulled out the paper bag filled with the stockings and candy.

"Do you suppose we could leave these at their home anyway?" he asked quietly. Numbly I nodded, and instantly the gloom turned to cheerfulness as we spent the rest of that Christmas Eve writing our testimonies for each member of the family and stuffing them in the little red stockings.

As we approached the Winkle home that chilly dark evening, Elder Johnson asked, "Should I knock?"

"No, let's just leave it by the door," I suggested. I did not want to cause any problem with the family.

Elder Johnson slipped the brown paper bag inside the screen door. Quietly we turned away and headed for home. How difficult it was for two young, inexperienced elders who loved a family so dearly to simply walk away. Snowflakes began to fall and we knew it was going to be a while Christmas.

We were awakened the next morning by the sound of snow shovels and the voices of children outside our window. "Merry Christmas, elders!" the Winkle children called to us as we opened our door. "We wanted to shovel your walks for you and also tell you that our whole family is ready to be baptized. Our parents want to know if you can come over right away!"

We dressed and ran to the Winkle home. Sister Winkle greeted us warmly and apologized for all that had happened the day before. "Baptism is such a big step in our lives." She paused, then pointed to the seven red stockings hanging by the fireplace. "Those," she said with emotion, "are what took away our fears and doubts. You see, elders, I was so touched by the love you showed our family yesterday--despite the way we acted--that I just couldn't put it out of my mind. I finally said a silent prayer and asked the Lord to let me know, just one more time, if the message you brought was true. As I prayed, I said, 'Heavenly Father, if the elders are really thy messengers, send them back today even though we asked them not to return.'

"Well, hours passed, and I kept hoping you would come, but you did not. At midnight I gave up hope and decided that my answer was that I shouldn't get baptized. It was then I went to turn off the porch light and noticed the brown bag in the screen door. When I opened it and realized it was from you, I began to cry. You had come back. I woke up the family, and together we read your testimonies and Christmas wishes. We shared a spirit of love and unity unlike anything we had known before and we knew it was time to be baptized."

The chapel's entire front row was filled with Winkles dressed in white baptismal clothing that Christmas Day. It was indeed a very white Christmas.

Senior Missionaries

Count Your Blessings - Day Nine

Last night we got a phone call from a full-time senior missionary at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, telling us that our son had attended church that day on base where our son is at Army Recruit Training. The Elder told us that our son is doing well and sends his love.

What a sweet man to take the time call us and let us know he'd seen our son. We talked for about 15 minutes and found that he and his wife have much in common with my husband and I. We look forward to meeting them when we go to Mr. Movie's graduation.

My parents served three full-time missions. First to Spain, Las Palmas, which is the Canary Islands; then to Portugal Lisbon North; then they served a year at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City. Our family was so blessed by their service.

Now my oldest brother and his wife are preparing to serve in the Michigan Lansing mission, leaving January 4, 2016. Exciting times for them.

Everyone is Needed

Pondering while doing the dishes today and a thought entered my head. If everyone, who already is a member of the church, would actively participate in living the gospel and keep their covenants life would be easier for us all. 

Do you find it easier to live the gospel when those around you are living it? When they unconsciously set a good example and encourage others by their actions? Do you find it easier to do your visiting teaching and home teaching when the sister or family is welcoming to your visit and receptive to your efforts to serve? Do you feel encouraged to be obedient and keep your covenants when you are visited regularly?

Does serving in the church feel better when you can count on those you've given assignments to, knowing that the work will get done? Doesn't it seem easier to serve when you see all around you others who are serving and giving?

Everyone is needed! Needed to be active, participating, covenant keeping, obedient to the commandments.

Wouldn't it be fantastic to be in a ward (branch or twig) where all the members could say with one voice: "Yes, we believe all the words we heard in General Conference, and we know the words are true because of the witness of the Holy Ghost, which has brought about a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually and keep our covenants." (see Mosiah 5:2)

If only everyone who enters into the waters of baptism would hold fast to the Iron Rod and press forward with steadfast faith, instead of giving up at the first sign of trouble or hardship.

Think of how the Kingdom would move forward!

Well, a Relief Society President can dream, can't she?

Mishamarries!

That is what our children called the missionaries and it has stuck. Our little branch just got a pair of missionaries after not having any for a long while. We had them over for dinner tonight.

When they introduced themselves at church and bore their testimonies the one announced that he is one of the first of the eighteen year olds. Tonight we heard the rest of the story. His family had moved from Twin Falls, Idaho to Helena, Montana last summer just before his senior year of high school. He could have stayed in Twin Falls with extended family to finish out high school, but when he prayed about it he was impressed to move with his family to Helena. There he found he could graduate mid-year and then be free to go back to Idaho to school before serving a mission. He was surprised by the announcement of the age change last October at General Conference, prayed about it and decided to graduate mid-year as planned and then immediately go on a mission.  WOW! He really is young.

What a blessing to our sons, age 16 and 14, to have him as an example and friend. We enjoyed visiting with him at dinner and found him to be articulate, personable, and valiant. Pretty impressive.

How to Help the Spirit Convert Your Spouse

Talk given 13 August 1995, Prince William Word, Centreville, Virginia

At the end of my full-time missionary service I confided to President Curtis that I didn't feel very successful because although I'd had twenty baptisms in the first half of my mission, I hadn't had any in the second half. President Curtis leaned over and said, wisely, "Your success has been in other ways," and reminded me of some of my accomplishments. Then he said "Baptisms are brought about by circumstances only the Lord can create. The missionary who just happens to be in the right place at the right time as part of the plan gets credit."

Today I'd like to share with you some ways to help the Lord create the circumstances necessary for truly spiritual conversions of our spouses, children and friends.

First a word about spouses. I do not advocate dating or marrying a non-member. I firmly believe we should be obedient to the counsel of our prophets and leaders to date and marry within our faith. I also believe in prayer, and in following the promptings of the Spirit. For six months following my 29th birthday, before I met Steven, I prayed fervently that I could get married. Heavenly Father know who would be right for me and He knew where he was. I specifically asked to be led to someone who would love me and whom I could love. Through a series of circumstances, such as my mission president described, Steve and my paths crossed and I received a spiritual witness that he was indeed "the one." Hence my marriage at age thirty to a non-member.

Shortly after we were married, Steven asked me why I had married outside the church if it was so important to me. After much thought I answered that I could teach him the gospel anytime he wanted to learn, but that I couldn't teach him to be loving and patient, to be hard-working and have a sense of humor, to want to be a father, or any of his other good qualities.

I waited for him to ask to be taught the gospel. It didn't happen, and being, by nature, impatient, I decided to experiment a little and see what would happen. Alma describes this experimentation saying:

Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, it if be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts, and when ye feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves--It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. (Alma 32:28)

I began to plant seeds and I watched them grow. I have observed that persons investigating the church, especially those with little religious background, and who are inexperienced in spiritual matters, often feel uncomfortable, nervous, or even frightened as they experience these new spiritual feelings, these "swelling motions." Many times the person withdraws and retreats to his comfort zone of worldliness. It can be frustrating. As I began to notice this phenomenon with Steve it took me a while to remember what I had learned as a missionary and relax and be patient.

With each spiritual experience he advanced a little further and his retreat wasn't as far back as the time before, until the time came when he felt more comfortable with spiritual feelings and less comfortable with worldly ones. At that point, I and several others challenged him to make a decision about the direction of his life. Not long after that he came home from work and announced that he wanted to take the missionary lessons and be baptized.

Each situation is unique and the Lord will not force anyone or rob a person of their agency, but basic principles can be applied universally, and then, guided by the Spirit, we can experience the joy of conversion in our families and among our friends.

From the beginning of our relationship Steve knew that I kept the Word of Wisdom, attended meetings, held callings, did visiting teaching, paid tithing, prayed and read the scriptures. I tried to be an example to him and tried to include him in as much as he was willing to be part of. He knew that I had convictions and would not relinquish them.

After we were married I asked his permission to bless the food at each meal. I encouraged and expected him to call on someone to do so. It took some training and explanation but eventually he got the hang of it and sometimes he would surprise me by saying the prayer himself. Those were tender moments.

We received the Ensign magazine and I left it, and pamphlets such as Joseph Smith's Testimony in strategic places like on his nightstand or in the bathroom. We are both "readaholics" so I took advantage of that and made sure he had some appropriate reading material within easy reach.

I tried to treat Steve as if he were a member. I'd tell him about the speakers in Sacrament Meeting, the Sunday School lesson, the Homemaking nights, what I did visiting teaching, etc. I'd answer all his questions, even if I was telling him things he wouldn't understand. That usually led to more questions and sometimes opportunities to bear my testimony.

Having children began another phase of gospel teaching. We had agreed before our marriage that our children would be raised in the church. It was exciting to see Noble participate in her first Primary Sacrament Meeting program. She knew all the songs and had a speaking part. We got teary eyed and felt very proud. About that time I read a book that opened my eyes and heart to the great responsibility entrusted to us as parents. In Raising Up a Family to the Lord, Elder Gene R. Cook quotes Elder A. Theodore Tuttle. It was one of those passages like Joseph Smith describes as "seem[ing] to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart." (JS 2:12) Elder Tuttle said:

The Lord organized the family unit in the beginning. He intended that the home be the center of learning--that the father and mothers be teachers.

How would you pass the test, parents, if your family was isolated from the Church and you had to supply all religious training? Have you become so dependent on others that you do little or nothing at home? Tell me, how much of the gospel would your children know, if all they knew is what they had been taught at home? Ponder that. I repeat, how much of the gospel would your children know if all they knew is what they had been taught at home? Remember, the Church exists to help the home. Parents, the divine charge to teach has never been changed. Do not abdicate your duty.

Here is the complete text of that General Conference Address in 1979.

I felt duly called to repentance and set about to change things in our home. Again, I asked permission to have family prayer and to hold Family Home Evening. With little ones it is so easy to involve Daddy. After all, I couldn't hold all three children on my lap, I needed help. So I was able to teach principles of the gospel, and scriptures stories not only to our children but to their father. And you have seen the effect of the prayers of children who say "And bless Daddy to want to be baptized so we can go to the temple and be a forever family."

From the beginning I prayed that we would be sent to an area where Steven could join the church. In each ward we've lived I've prodded the home teachers to set appointments with Steve because he is the head of our household. As needs arose I asked them to bring specific messages. I encouraged the Elders Quorums to include him in service projects, sports activities and social functions. The ward in Mount Vernon, Washington was an answer to my prayers. The men of the ward took him into their circle and fellowshipped him right into the gospel. Every ward can be the answer to someones prayer if we will obediently follow the promptings of the Spirit.

When we began to homeschool Noble last year (1994) we decide that religious education was just as important in Kindergarten as Seminary is to high school students, so as part of school we read a chapter from the church's scripture readers each day, as well as a story from The Friend. We sing Primary songs and memorize scripture verses and Articles of Faith. It is exciting to see her knowledge and testimony of the gospel blossom and grow. These spirits saved for the last days are precious. This year she has asked me to read chapters from the "real" Book of Mormon. Our goal is to complete it before she is baptized in two years.

Additionally we have used holidays to teach the gospel and the plan of salvation to our children. We limit participation in secularized or commercialized corruptions of sacred days. When JET was just four months old we got our Christmas tree up and the lights on it but that was as far as I went. The demands of a new baby and two preschoolers was a bit much. Shortly before Christmas I sat in the glow of those lights nursing JET wondering what on earth a pine tree with tinsel and lights had to do with the birth of the Savior. I tried to think of a connection but couldn't. Then I set my mind to pondering what would be a more appropriate and useful image to have for our children to learn about the true meaning of the holiday. Into my mind came the idea of having a manger and a baby doll swaddled to represent Jesus. This past Christmas we had just that. Steven build a sturdy manger, I bought a realistic looking newborn baby doll and made a wrapping of unbleached muslin. Our children were free to touch, pick-up, play with and cuddle that baby. What a difference in their attitude about gifts as we talked of birthdays and service. For months afterwards they playacted the birth of Jesus, complete with wise men and shepherds, angels and animals. It was wonderful to listen to them play. At some time we may have another tree but we will keep the tradition of the manger and baby to remind us so vividly of what we are truly celebrating.

I hope you've gotten something from my rather disjointed explanations. Frustration, discouragement and impatience are devils I have wrestled with as I tried to teach my husband the gospel. I'm still wrestling as we try to teach our children. The labor is long and hard, but the fruit is desirable and worth the struggles.

The four most important things to remember in living the gospel and teaching the gospel in our homes are to:

1. Be an example of obedience - this is how blessings will flow!
2. Pray individually and as a family. Expect to receive answers and then act upon the promptings we receive.
3. Study the scriptures and the current prophet's teachings, again, individually and as a family.
4. Hold regular Family Home Evenings to teach principles, bear testimonies and to feel the Spirit of the Lord in our homes.

Remembering that we cannot force another or rescind his agency, these words from Joseph Smith give great comfort:

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. (D&C 123:17)

I testify that God lives, prayers are answered and blessings come in ways and when we least expect.