Do Not Fear

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday Morning session of the April 2004 conference.

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?

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. 

Everywhere we go fathers and mothers worry about the future of their children in this very troubled world.

But then a feeling of assurance came over me. My fear of the future faded.

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 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. "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."

Elder Packer spoke of inoculation, and immunizing our children,

"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." Then he spoke of arming our children, "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." 

Another of Elder Packer's oft quoted statements is in this talk, "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." 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.

Not every child is obedient and most families have someone who has strayed. Elder Packer gives stern but kind and hopeful counsel to parents, "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 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.

Uncle James and Conrad

 

 

 

Choices

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2004 conference.

President Monson called the priesthood holders to have and exhibit more courage. He gave the memorable one-liner, "Decisions do determine destiny."

President Faust gave a whole talk about how "Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today."

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, "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." 

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.

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.

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.

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, "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." No, he wasn't joking, we was prophetic.

 

Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2004 conference.

"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."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin understands! So do I.

In 2005 I was asked to present at the BYU Women's Conference on the subject of Facing Economic Challenges through Provident Living.

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:

1) Pay tithing

2) Spend less than you earn

3) Learn to save

4) Honor your financial obligations

5) Teach your children to follow your example

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.

I especially appreciate what Elder Wirthlin says about what we're to use our financial abundance for:

"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 have given more thought to exactly that and am looking at what I can contribute, and what I can sacrifice to do so.

Elder Wirthlin goes on to talk about our heavenly debts. "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."

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. 

Now, I've got a closet to clear out.