Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take five to eight minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on August 1993 BYU (as known as Brigham Young University) Devotional, and it is called "Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge" by Elder Richard G. Scott. This post is part two.  I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional, and I hope that you would be able to learn something new

while you are reading through this post. 

Elder Scott has mentioned the following; "... What do I mean by this statement: “As knowledge unfolds it must be understood, valued, used, remembered, and expanded”? I’ll explain each concept.

Understood: 

As each element of truth is encountered, it should be carefully examined in the light of prior knowledge to determine where it fits. ... It must be viewed in perspective to confirm that you have not jumped to false conclusions. Prayerful pondering engenders further understanding. Such evaluation is particularly important when the truth comes as an impression from the Spirit.

Valued: 

... To value knowledge is to show appreciation for it, especially in heartfelt prayers of gratitude.

Used: 

Application of truth is the surest way of making it eternally ours. It is the use of knowledge that causes it to bear fruit in our lives. One of the best examples of the use of knowledge gained is expressed in these familiar words of President Kimball:

We hope that the leaders and the members of the Church who have attended and listened to the conference have been inspired and uplifted. We hope you have made copious notes of the thoughts that have come to your mind as the Brethren have addressed you. Many suggestions have been given that will help you as leaders in the perfection of your work. Many helpful thoughts have been given for the perfection of our own lives, and that, of course, is the basic reason for our coming. ... [CR, October 1975; also, Ensign, November 1975)

And then the real learning begins!

Remembered: 

Brigham Young declared, “If you love the truth you can remember it” (JD 3:358). Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how it is treasured. That practice enhances the likelihood of receiving further light.

Powerful spiritual direction in our lives can be overcome or be forced into the background unless we provide a way to remember it. Joseph Smith taught ...

If you assemble from time to time, and proceed to discuss important questions, and pass decisions upon the same, and fail to note them down, by and by you will be driven to straits from which you will not be able to extricate yourselves, because you may be in a situation not to bring your faith to bear with sufficient perfection or power to obtain the desired information; or, perhaps, for neglecting to write these things when God had revealed them, not esteeming them of sufficient worth, the Spirit may withdraw and God may be angry; and there is, or was, a vast knowledge, of infinite importance, which is now lost. [From minutes of instruction to the Council of the Twelve, February 27, 1835; HC 2:198–99]

... Each of us will be blessed as we heed it in our own private life.

Expanded: 

This thought refers to the rich benefits that result as we diligently strive to enlarge, extend, and increase our understanding of truth. Productive resources for expanding our knowledge are the scriptures and the declarations of the prophets. President Benson counseled that we should make daily study of the scriptures a lifetime pursuit.

I ... say to you that one of the most important things you can do ... is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. ... Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. . . . Few other efforts . . . will bring greater dividends to [you.] Few other ways [will result in] greater inspiration. 

... [”The Power of the Word,” Ensign, November 1986, p. 81]

... The need to exercise faith in Jesus Christ is understood by each of us. That is a fundamental requisite of the plan of salvation. When that exercise of faith is coupled with urgent need, the personal growth and blessings that flow are transcendent. ... 

"Of all treasures of knowledge, the most vital
is that of God." - Spencer W. Kimball.

The role of obedience in gaining spiritual knowledge is crucial, as this comment of President Joseph Fielding Smith demonstrates:

Now the Lord would give us gifts. He will quicken our minds. He will give us knowledge that will clear up all difficulties, and put us in harmony with the commandments that he has given us, and with a knowledge that will be so deeply rooted in our souls that the knowledge can never be rooted out, if we will just seek for the light and the truth and the understanding which is promised to us, and which we can receive if we will only be true and faithful to every covenant and obligation pertaining to the gospel of Jesus Christ. [CR, October 1958, p. 22]

To keep the commandments, we must know them. The best single source for learning them is the scriptures. ... President Joseph Fielding Smith gave this admonition:

Today we are troubled by evil-designing persons who are endeavoring with all their power to destroy the testimonies of members of the Church, and many members of the Church are in danger because of lack of understanding and because they have not sought the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord. Every baptized member of the Church receives the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands. This, however, will not save them unless they continue in the spirit of light and truth. Therefore it is a commandment from the Lord that members of the Church should be diligent in their activities and study of the fundamental truths of the gospel as it has been revealed. ... [CR, October 1963, p. 22]

Profound spiritual knowledge cannot be poured from one mind and heart into another. It takes faith, trust, and diligent effort. Precious knowledge comes a small piece at a time with great exertion and at times with wrenching struggles. The Lord intends that it be that way so that we can grow, mature, and progress. We are asked to do all we are capable of doing first before asking for divine assistance.

... In order to teach young people how to approach the Lord and how to prepare to receive what the Lord has promised for those who are faithful, we must teach them these fundamental steps. ... As you seek spiritual knowledge, search for principles. Carefully separate them from the detail used to communicate or explain them. Principles are encapsulated knowledge, packaged to be applicable to a wide variety of circumstances.

It is worth great labor to reduce information we gather to succinct statements of principle. While there is much of value to be learned, there is only one arena of study where we may learn absolute truth—and that is centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

... I believe that we often do not learn the truths the Lord would freely share because we do not in humility earnestly seek light. We also can leave the most precious personal direction of the Spirit unheard because we do not strive to understand, value, use, remember, and expand the first promptings that come to us when we are in need or when impressions come in response to earnest, intense prayer.

You can see the things that I have been teaching you are not theory. I have learned them in the crucible of personal experience. I am sorry I cannot communicate them more clearly, but I know how you can also receive that kind of direction: Ask the Lord, seek the light, have faith in the Savior, strive to obey his commandments. He will bless you with light to lead you as you walk through this treacherous world in which we live.

I know he lives. I certify he lives. He knows each of us personally. Your efforts to learn of him, to learn truth, to be better prepared are appreciated by the Redeemer. As you continue faithfully, he will bless your efforts and inspire you and lead you to greater knowledge and capability. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk now or in your own time, here is the link below.
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/richard-g-scott/acquiring-spiritual-knowledge/

Stay Tuned until next time.

Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

How do you acquire spiritual knowledge throughout your life? What is your definition and understanding of the word, "knowledge?" What does "knowledge" means to a immediate family member? What does "knowledge" 

means to a friend? 

This post focuses on August 1993 BYU (as known as Brigham Young University) Devotional, and it is called "Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge" by Elder Richard G. Scott. This post is part one.  I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional, and I hope that you would be able to learn something new

while you are reading through this post. 

Elder Scott has mentioned the following;

"... I have chosen to concentrate on the subject “acquiring spiritual knowledge,” although the thoughts expressed have relevance to the acquisition of all worthy knowledge. One may ask, “Why center on spiritual knowledge?” President Kimball gave this answer: Spiritual learning takes precedence. The secular without the foundation of

the spiritual is but like the foam upon the milk, the fleeting shadow. Do not be deceived! One need not choose between the two ... for there is opportunity to get both simultaneously; 

... Secular knowledge, important as it may be, can never save a soul nor open the celestial kingdom nor create a world nor make a man a god, but it can be most helpful to that man who, placing first things first, has found the

way to eternal life and who can now bring into play all knowledge to be his tool and servant. [TSWK, p. 390]

President J. Reuben Clark observed: There is spiritual learning just as there is material learning, and the one without the other is not complete; yet, speaking for myself, if I could have only one sort of learning, that which
I would take would be the learning of the spirit, because in the hereafter I shall have opportunity in the eternities which are to come to get the other, and without spiritual learning here ... [CR, April 1934, p. 94]

"Spiritual knowledge is fruitful only when it is applied."
- Shri Radhe Maa.

President Gordon B. Hinckley stated: 

This restored gospel brings not only spiritual strength, but also intellectual curiosity and growth. Truth is truth. 

There is no clearly defined line of demarcation between the spiritual and the intellectual when the intellectual is cultivated and pursued in balance with the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and strength. 

... Your presence here indicates that you understand and follow that admonition of the Lord. ... I commend you for having the interest in educational advancement. 

... Analogies with physical light help us understand the power of spiritual light. A bulb illuminated in a dark room overpowers darkness. Yet if the darkness is too intense, it can overpower light, as with a bulb plunged into a bucket of black printer’s ink. 

Spiritual light overcomes the darkness of ignorance and disbelief. When transgression severely clouds a life, the focused spiritual truths of repentance cut the blackness as a laser penetrates the darkest ink. Why must one, in humility, earnestly seek divine light? Does it really require that much effort? 

... Brigham Young paid the price of learning by carefully listening to the Prophet Joseph Smith and striving to understand in context everything that was taught by word, example, or the Spirit. The resulting tutoring has blessed generations. It conditioned Brigham Young to learn additional truths and to share far more than he had received personally from Joseph Smith.

In my judgment, so much effort and personal investment is required to gain and use worthwhile knowledge that one cannot sample from every fascinating area of life but must select carefully the few vital areas where focused energy can be applied to bless our lives and those we serve. My personal experience confirms that to gain knowledge of great worth requires extraordinary effort through personal involvement. This is particularly true when our desire is to gain spiritual knowledge. President Kimball said it this way:

The treasures of both secular and spiritual knowledge are hidden ones but hidden from those who do not properly search and strive to find them. . . . Spiritual knowledge is not available merely for the asking; even prayers are not enough. It takes persistence and dedication of one’s life. The knowledge of things in secular life are of time and are limited; the knowledge of the infinite truths are of time and eternity. Of all treasures of knowledge, the most vital is the knowledge of God: his existence, powers, love, and promises. [TSWK, pp. 389–90]

Why is humility essential to the acquiring of spiritual knowledge? Humility permits us to be taught from on high through the Spirit, or to be taught from sources whose origin was inspiration from the Lord, such as the scriptures. The seeds of personal understanding and growth germinate and flourish in the fertile soil of humility. Their fruit is spiritual knowledge to guide us here and in the hereafter. A proud individual cannot know the things of the Spirit."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Finding Joy in The Journey ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

I would like to encourage you to think about, ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. Do you think it is necessary for you to express "joy" towards your immediate family members, and your extended relatives throughout your life? Do you think it is necessary for you to express "joy" towards your friends throughout your life?

Do you think it is necessary for you to experience "joy" throughout your life? Do you think it is necessary for you to express yourself "joy" throughout your life? How can you apply "joy" in your life? This post focuses on October 2008 General Conference, and it is called "Finding Joy in the Journey" by President Thomas S. Monson. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. This post is part two. I hope that you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post. 

President Monson has mentioned the following; "In the Doctrine and Covenants, section 88, verse 33, we are told: “For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.” The ancient Roman philosopher Horace admonished, “Whatever hour God has blessed you with, take it with grateful hand, nor postpone your joys from year to year, so that in whatever place you have been, you may say that you have lived happily.”

... May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days as much as we can with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed.

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves
to recognize how good thing really are."
- Marianne Williamson.

... His glorious gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here?
Where does my spirit go when I die?

He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to serve. He taught us how to live. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. 

The time came when He stood alone. ... Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude. 

Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or your own time, here's the link below.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/finding-joy-in-the-journey

How do you find joy in your life? I know that in the past; I often saw myself finding joy by spending some time with my husband when we go bike riding and groceries shopping, I find joy while talking to my family members, I find joy while talking to my true friends, I find joy by being happy during most times, and so forth.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Finding Joy in The Journey ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This week's topics would be focusing on the following three topics and those topics are Joy, Knowledge, and Love. I would to explain how I have divided up the topics during this week. Today's post and tomorrow's post would be focusing on Joy. For Wednesday's post and Thursday's post would be focusing on Knowledge. Friday and maybe Saturday would be focusing on Love.

What is your definition and understanding of the word, "joy"? What does "joy" means to a relative? What does "joy" means to a friend? This post focuses on October 2008 General Conference, and it is called "Finding Joy in the Journey" by President Thomas S. Monson. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. This post is part one. I hope that you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

President Monson has mentioned the following; "... Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly. ... Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes.

The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes. This is our one and only chance at mortal life here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not.

... Instead, find joy in the journey now. ... there is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today. ... If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.

"Find joy in the journey." - Thomas S. Monson.

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will to your surprise miss them profoundly. 

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. 

Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. 

... We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us. Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks.

Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” ... Brother Hess wrote and I quote: “These things are important: temple marriage, mission, college. Press on, set goals, write history, take pictures twice a year.”

Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows. ... Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings. Said one well-known author: “... It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness] the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”

Stay Tuned until next time. 

Becoming Men and Women of Integrity ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional in December 2011 and it is called, "Becoming Men and Women of Integrity" by Tad R. Callister. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional. I hope that you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Elder Callister has mentioned the following; "... Our natures have changed when our inner motives and thoughts are consistent with our outward behavior. With the Lord’s help we can transform our natures. King Benjamin told us how we might change our natures from a natural man to a spiritual man: For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Changing our natures, not just our behaviors, is facilitated by an eternal perspective that we are the children of God, that we do have His spark of divinity within us, and that through the Atonement we can become like Him - the perfect model of integrity. ... Men and women of integrity make their decisions based on eternal implications and consequences—not on what is expedient but on what is right in the eternities.

Fourth: Integrity is disclosing the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I believe the Lord can live with our weaknesses and mistakes, provided there is a desire and effort to repent. That is what the Atonement is all about. ...

The question is often asked: When should we confess our sins? When the sin is of such a serious nature that it might warrant a disciplinary action or it continues to linger in our mind so we cannot find peace. If we then fail to confess, our spiritual horizons become limited. It is like being surrounded by a circular, impenetrable wall. In such a circumstance we have some limited room in which to move, but we are trapped. ... Years of service do not obviate confession; years of abstinence do not erase its need; one-on-one pleading with the Lord is not a substitute. Somewhere, sometime, somehow we must face the wall, square up, and climb it. That is confession. That is total integrity disclosing the whole truth and nothing but the truth. When we do this, our spiritual horizons become unlimited.

"May we be EXAMPLES of honesty and integrity wherever we go
and in whatever we do." - Pres. Thomas S. Monson.

Fifth: Integrity knows no alibis or excuses. There is something ennobling about the man or woman who admits his or her weaknesses or takes the blame “square-on” without excuse or alibi. On multiple occasions Joseph Smith recorded his weaknesses in the Doctrine and Covenants for all to read. What does this tell us? It tells us he was not perfect, but it also tells us he had nothing to hide - he was a man of integrity. ...

Sixth: Integrity is keeping our covenants and our commitments, even in times of inconvenience. Integrity is the courage to do right regardless of the consequences and regardless of the inconvenience. ... One of the acid tests of our integrity is whether or not we keep the commitments and promises we have made or whether there are loopholes in our word.

We might appropriately ask: Do we live the honor code with exactness, or are there loopholes in our word—cracks in our foundation of integrity? Do we honor our commitments as home teachers and visiting teachers, or are there loopholes in our performance? In other words—is our word our bond?

Seventh: Integrity is not governed by the presence of others. It is internally, not externally, driven. ... We have a choice. We can either seize the moment and take control of our lives or become mere puppets to our environment and our peers. Would you watch pornography in front of your mother, your date, your spouse, or your bishop? If it is wrong in the presence of others, it is just as wrong in their absence. The man of integrity who is true to self and to God will choose the right whether or not anyone is looking because he is self-driven, not externally controlled.

A lack of integrity is a major problem in the world. That deficiency undermines every business transaction and every spousal, family, and social relationship it touches. It is a concern of every profession. There are attorneys who bill for hours of service that they never rendered; physicians who recommend surgeries and procedures that were never needed; teachers who fail to prepare lessons but deposit their paychecks just the same; and, unfortunately, politicians whose integrity is governed by popular polls rather than by eternal principles. It is a day and age in which men and women of integrity are in desperate demand but in short supply.

... We love you for the integrity of your hearts and the purity of your lives. May we all become men and women of integrity not because we have to but because we want to. The Lord announced the reward for those who do so: “Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest . . . and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice . . . they are accepted of me.” May we all be accepted of God because we are striving to become men and women of integrity. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk now or in your own time, here's the link below.
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/tad-r-callister/becoming-men-and-women-of-integrity/

Stay Tuned until next time.

Becoming Men and Women of Integrity ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

What is your definition and understanding of "Integrity"? What does "Integrity" means to a religious friend? What does "Integrity" means to a immediate family member?

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional in December 2011 and it is called, "Becoming Men and Women of Integrity" by Tad R. Callister. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional. I hope that you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Elder Callister has mentioned the following;
"... Today I would like to speak about becoming men and women of integrity. It is this attribute that often defines the greatness of a man or a woman. ... Integrity is a purity of mind and heart that knows no deception, no excuses, no rationalization, nor any coloring of the facts. It is an absolute honesty with one's self, with God, and with our fellowman. Even if God blinked or looked the other way for a moment, it would be choosing the right - not
merely because God desires it but because our character demands it.

Integrity is the very core of our being. It is who we really are. When all the scaffolding is removed, it is our integrity that both defines us and identifies us. ... Each of us might appropriately ask: Does our integrity, our honor, have a purchase price - a dime, a thousand dollars, the approval of our peers, some physical pleasure, or temporary recognition? Is there some point at which our integrity can be purchased? Or is it priceless - not for sale at
any price?

For a few moments I would like to address seven principles of integrity that I hope will inspire us to make this Christlike attribute a fundamental character trait in our personal lives.

First: Integrity is the foundation of our character and all other virtues. ... Integrity is the foundation upon which character and a Christlike life are built. ... How can we be humble if we lack the integrity to acknowledge our
own weaknesses? How can we develop charity for others if we are not totally honest in our dealings with them? How can we repent and be clean if we only partially disclose the truth to our bishop?  ...

"Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions
based on values rather than personal gain."

Second: Integrity is not doing just that which is legal but that which is moral or Christlike. It may be legal to have premarital relationships, it may be legal to commit adultery, it may be legal to gossip, but none of those actions is moral or Christlike. Integrity is not just adherence to the legal code; it is adherence to the higher moral code. ...

Every young man on this campus has the moral duty to protect and preserve the virtue of his date, and every young woman has the reciprocal moral duty for her date. It is a test of his or her integrity. The man or woman who is striving for integrity will develop a resolve and a discipline that transcend even the powerful passions of physical emotions. 

It is that integrity to God and to self and to others that sustains them and empowers them even when Satan unleashes his arsenal of moral temptations upon them. ... God is counting on you to be that generation. 

... Third: Integrity makes decisions based on eternal implications. ... In loving-kindness the Lord gave us this warning: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The man of the world has his heart focused upon his temporal net worth. The man of integrity has his heart focused upon his spiritual net worth. No doubt there will be a lot of millionaires, even billionaires, who in the life to come will find themselves spiritually bankrupt and a lot of goodly Saints who with meager net worths will become spiritual billionaires discovering that integrity has been the wisest investment of all. Those with integrity have that eternal foresight.

A disappointed father once told me that his teenage daughter wanted to “live it up” and then three months before her intended marriage clean up her act so she could receive a temple recommend. I do not know of any stake president who would give a recommend under such circumstances. But even if it were given, it would be a curse, not a blessing. Integrity is not shortsighted - It is not just a temporary change of behavior; it is a permanent change of nature."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Spiritual Healing ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

This is part two.

This post focuses on a General Conference talk, and it is called "Spiritual Healing" by James E. Faust. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. I do hope that you would be able to learn something new while you are reading through this post.

Elder Faust has mentioned the following; "... However, for many of us, the spiritual healing takes place not in great arenas of the world, but in our own sacrament meetings. It is comforting to worship, partake of the sacrament with, and be taught in a spirit of humility by neighbors and close friends who love the Lord and try to keep his commandments.

Our good bishop assigns the participants to treat a gospel subject or principle. Invariably they speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, opening their hearts so that the audience can behold the jewels therein. The messages are given in humble witness and sweet counsel. We of the audience understand that which is taught by the spirit of truth and verify the accompanying testimonies.

Our sacrament meetings should be worshipful and healing, restoring those who attend to spiritual soundness. Part of this healing process occurs as we worship through music and song. Singing our beautiful, worshipful hymns is food for our souls. We become of one heart and one mind when we sing praises to the Lord. ... Spiritual healing also comes from bearing and hearing of humble testimonies.

"The gift of healing is a sign that will follow all that believe, whether
male or female." - Joseph Smith.

A witness given in a spirit of contrition, thankfulness for divine providence, and submission to divine guidance is a powerful remedy to relieve the anguish and concerns of our hearts.

... Recent information seems to confirm that the ultimate spiritual healing comes in the forgetting of self. ... The Savior of the world said it very simply: “And whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:33.)

Of all that we might do to find solace, prayer is perhaps the most comforting. We are instructed to pray to the Father in the name of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Ghost. The very act of praying to God is satisfying to the soul, even though God, in his wisdom, may not give what we ask for. 

President Harold B. Lee taught us that all of our prayers are answered, but sometimes the Lord says no. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the “best way to obtain truth and wisdom” is “to go to God in prayer.” 

(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith). Prayer is most helpful in the healing process. 

Wounds inflicted by others are healed by the “art of healing.” ... There is hope for all to be healed through repentance and obedience. ... The Prophet Joseph Smith stated, “There is never a time when the spirit is too old to approach God. All are [in] reach of pardoning mercy.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 191.)

After full repentance, the formula is wonderfully simple. Indeed, the Lord has given it to us in these words: “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?” (3 Nephi. 9:13.) In so doing, we have his promise that “he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Ps. 147:3.) We find solace in Christ through the agency of the Comforter, and he extends this invitation to us: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28.)

... As we do this, healing takes place, just as the Lord promised through the prophet Jeremiah when he said, “I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. ... I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” (Jer. 31:13, 25.) In the celestial glory, we are told, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” (Rev. 21:4.) Then faith and hope will replace heartache, disappointment, torment, anguish, and despair, and the Lord will give us strength, as Alma says, that we “should suðer no manner of aðictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ.” (Alma 31:38.) ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1992/04/spiritual-healing

Stay Tuned until next time.

Spiritual Healing ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This is part one.

What is your definition and understanding of "Spiritual Healing"? Do you know think it is necessary for you to know what is "Spiritual Healing" in your life? What does "Spiritual Healing" means to a immediate family member? What does "Spiritual Healing" means to a religious friend?

This post focuses on a General Conference talk, and it is called "Spiritual Healing" by James E. Faust. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. I do hope that you would be able to learn something new while you are reading through this post. Elder Faust has mentioned the following; "I humbly come to this pulpit today to speak about a sure cure for heartache, disappointment, torment, anguish, and despair. ... The healing is a divine miracle; the wounds are a common lot of all mankind. ... It seems that no one escapes the troubles, challenges, and disappointments of this world.

In today’s overloaded society, some of the healing agents that our parents enjoyed seem not to be at work in our lives. ... The increasing demands, the diversity of voices, the entreating sales pitches, ..., the entanglement of many personal relationships can rob our souls of the peace they need to function and survive. ... The increasing forces that destroy the individual and family bring great sadness and heartbreak. One reason for the spiritual sickness
of our society is that so many do not know or care about what is morally right and wrong. So many things are justified on the basis of expediency and the acquiring of money and goods. 

... Many things are just plain and simply wrong, whether they are illegal or not. ... Someway, somehow, we must find the healing influence that brings solace to the soul. ... The onsetting comfort in large measure can come through increased communion with the Spirit of God. This can bring spiritual healing. ... The sixth article of faith states that, among other spiritual gifts, we believe in the gift of healing. To me, this gift extends to the healing of both the body and the spirit. The Spirit speaks peace to the soul. This spiritual solace comes by invoking spiritual gifts, which are claimed and manifested in many ways. They are rich, and full, and abundant in the Church today.

... The Lord has provided many avenues by which we may receive this healing influence. I am grateful that the Lord has restored temple work to the earth. It is an important part of the work of salvation for both the living and the dead. Our temples provide a sanctuary where we may go to lay aside many of the anxieties of the world. Our temples are places of peace and tranquillity. In these hallowed sanctuaries God “healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Ps. 147:3.) The reading and the study of the scriptures can bring great comfort. 

"The healing power of the Lord Jesus
Christ whether it removes our burdens
or strengthens us to endure and live with
them - is available for every application in
mortality." - Dallin H. Oaks.

President Marion G. Romney stated:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase, mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. 

... Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity the pure love of Christ will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1960, pp. 112–13.)

... However, the spiritual benefits have long been validated. The Word of Wisdom promises that those who remember to keep this counsel and walk in obedience to the commandments “shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones.” (D&C 89:18.) Marrow has long been a symbol of vibrant, healthful living. But in a day of life-saving bone marrow transplants, the phrase “marrow to their bones” takes on an additional significance as a spiritual covenant. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Several Past Opportunities of Good Works in my Life

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is roughly short and sweet. Good Works .. How often do you get opportunities to do "Good Works" for a immediate family member? How often do you get opportunities to do "Good Works" for a extended relative? How often do you get opportunities to do "Good Works" for a friend? How often do you get opportunities to do "Good Works" for someone else?

Whenever I thought about "Good Works" in the past, I thought about the following two scripture verses from The Book of Mormon. First scripture verse is from Mosiah 2:17 and it reads; “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” The other scripture verse is from Alma 37:34 and it reads; “Teach [the people] to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall

find rest to their souls.”

While I was living in Australia; I remembered when I had some uplifting and spiritual great experiences with the Full-Time Missionaries. While I was with the Full-Time Missionaries, we were teaching investigators' lessons, we were teaching more lessons to most recent converts, we were doing service projects for the investigators, we went to zone meeting together (at the time and I still don't know if a church member who isn't set apart as a Full-Time Missionary is allowed to go along to zone meetings), we attended Temple sessions together, we spent several preparation days together - especially emailing on library public computers and playing sports, and so forth. 

"We believe in DOING GOOD."

I know for myself that it kinda sucks for me not being able to have the opportunity to serve and set apart as a Full-Time Missionary and serve and set apart as a Part-Time Missionary (Young Church Service Missionary) prior to meeting my husband but that is okay. Heavenly Father obviously had a different plan laid out for me instead. 

While I was living in Australia; I had the opportunity to be set apart as a Temple Ordinance Worker in Brisbane Latter-Day Saint Temple. I missed it so much, I wasn't looking forward to the day when I got honorable released. I remembered duration of my service; I had a several patrons who called me by my first name "Megan" and most of the time, I was called by "Sister Green."

While I was living in Australia; I remembered when I was offering car rides for YSAs to come along with me to YSA events. I also remembered when I was offering car rides for several of my YSA friends to come along with me to Brisbane Latter-Day Temple. I definitely do miss those days mostly because I lived less than forty-five minutes from Brisbane Latter-Day Temple, and I always enjoyed taking friends to go to Brisbane Latter-Day Saint Temple with me and where I live now, I live over two hours drive from Dallas Latter-Day Saint (the nearest one from me) and I rely on someone else to take me to Dallas Latter-Day Temple.

While I was living in Australia; I had the opportunity to do some service projects whilst I was in Young Women's Organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints religion. I enjoyed a few of those service projects. I remembered cleaning up from the 2011 and 2013 Floods in Laidley area and Forest Lake area. I didn't like getting mud on my joggers that I had at the time. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Faith and Good Works

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This week's topics focuses on three topics and those topics are Good Works, Healing and Integrity. I would to explain how I have divided up the topics during this week. Today's post and tomorrow's post would be focusing
on Good Works. For Wednesday's post and Thursday's post would be focusing on Healing. Friday and maybe Saturday would be focusing on Integrity.

What is your definition and understanding of "Good Works"? How can you apply "Good Works" in your everyday life? What does it mean "Good Works" to a immediate family member? What does it mean "Good Works" to a non-member friend?

This post focuses on April 1992 General Conference talk, and it is called "Faith and Good Works" by Stephen D. Nadauld. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. I hope that you would be able
to learn something new while reading this post.

Elder Nadauld has mentioned the following; "... Children can provide wonderful and often humorous insights into life. We have in our family identical ten-year-old twin sons. In some circumstances they are practically impossible to tell apart. ... Life provides for each of us a full-length, wide-screen panorama of opportunities to run into ourselves. ...

"Most often, our good works are known to only a few. They are,
however, recorded in heaven." - Elder Ronald A. Rasband.

In more eloquent terms, Moroni was told by the Lord: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness … ; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” (Ether 12:27.)

As we look into the mirror at the accumulation of bumps and bruises that evidence our weaknesses, may we be reminded that there are two great stabilizing forces that can anchor our souls. 

... Indeed we walk by faith - faith in the plan of redemption, faith in the role of Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer, faith that as the Son of God, he has the power to save, to forgive, to lift us up. 

Because of our faith, we repent, we keep his commandments, we seek his restored Church and authorized priesthood. ... When we exercise our faith in him, then Christ will help us overcome our weaknesses and the resulting “bumps and bruises.” To illustrate the second great stabilizing force, I would relate another experience. Some years ago, I was serving as a young bishop. We were holding a ward social around a swimming pool near the apartment where most of the ward members lived. I was introduced to a new member of the ward—a young woman in her twenties by the name of Carol. Carol had been afflicted with cerebral palsy since infancy. She walked with great difficulty; her hands were crippled. Her kind and dear face was also affected, as was her speech. But as I would come to understand, to know Carol was to love her. I had only to wait a few minutes to begin learning the great lesson she would teach. 

While we were talking, we watched a tall, handsome, dark-haired, very athletic young man dive off the diving board and seem to injure himself slightly. He got out of the pool, holding his neck, and went and sat under a tree. I watched as Carol struggled to prepare a plate of food and with great difficulty delivered it to him—a guileless act of service, of “good works.” Carol’s good works became a legend. She cared for the sick; she took food to the hungry; she drove people places (an experience that delivered you pale and shaken, but always in one piece); she comforted; she lifted; she blessed.

I walked with her one day on the sidewalk that passed through the apartment complex where she lived. From the windows, from the balconies, from the porches came cries of “Hi, Carol!” “How are you doing, Carol?” “Come up and see us, Carol.” And occasionally someone would say, “Oh, hi, Bishop.” It was clear that Carol was loved and greatly accepted through her wonderful good works. My most vivid recollection of Carol occurred in the spring of that year.

The ward had agreed to participate in the stake five-kilometer fun run—an oxymoronic term, to be sure. Carol wanted to be with the rest of the ward members, but we didn’t see how it would be possible. For her, just walking was a great difficulty. Nevertheless, she was determined. She struggled and trained each day to increase her endurance.

The race finished in the stadium. Two or three hundred of us were in the stands by the finish line, drinking juice and catching our breath. And then we remembered Carol—she was left somewhere back on the course. As we ran out the entrance to the stadium, she came into view, struggling to breathe, barely able to walk, but determined to finish. As she started around the track toward the finish line, a wonderful thing happened. Suddenly the track was lined on both sides with hundreds of cheering friends. Others were running alongside to support and hold her up. Carol “of great good works” had finished the race.

One day each of us will cross the finish line. Will it likewise be to the cheers and encouragement of those we have loved and served? Hopefully it will be to the approbation of our Savior, who because of our faith and our good works, will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” ...

You may or may like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here is the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1992/04/faith-and-good-works

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy Early Father's Day

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

I would like you to think about your father or a father figure in your life and then encourage yourself to ask, and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. 

~ Was there any great and helpful lessons that you have learned from your Dad? ~ Have you been able to apply any of those great and helpful lessons into your life? ~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has supported you in your life? ~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has been proud for your major achievements and efforts even the little achievements and efforts in your life?

~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has experienced proud moments in your life? ~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has loved you in your life? ~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has cared about you in your life? ~ Did you know that Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea always have celebrated Father's Day in September? Those countries celebrates Father's Day on the first Sunday in September every year. Most countries celebrates Father's Day in June every year. 

 We may not fully understand about the greatest things that of what our fathers has done for us. I would love to say "Happy early Father's Day" to my Dad, my father in law, my husband (he would be a father to my and his children one day), all those fathers, grandpas, step fathers, future fathers, future grandpas and future step fathers. 

"Fathers, yours is an eternal calling from which
you are never released. - Ezra Taft Benson."

I have appreciated the patience that my Dad has faced while he was supervising me when I was learning how to drive in Australia, I have appreciated the great lessons that I have learned from my Dad, I have appreciated all of the letters that my Dad has written to me, I have appreciated the support that I got from my Dad, I have appreciated all of the incoming calls from my Dad, I am grateful that my Dad was able to spend some time with my husband when my husband was on his vacation in Australia, I have appreciated have appreciated all of the great memories that I was able to have with my Dad prior to me leaving Brisbane, Australia and I sure am grateful and appreciate everything else that my Dad has done for me.

If you have currently a father; keep up the great work. Please keep doing your best to show your support to your child/children in any way that you can, please keep loving your child/children, please keep doing your best to understand whatever your child/children when he or she or they are talking to you, please keep doing your best to understand your child/children's needs, please keep doing your best to understand your child/children's wants and so forth. 

If you are currently a future father; do your very best to prepare well to become a great, supportive, loving, and caring father to your future child/children. Indeed there would be times to face miscommunications, difficulties, misunderstandings, hardships, and so forth; just remember to stay strong during difficult times, you will be able to get through those times and be the best person that you can be.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Father - Your Role, Your Responsibility

Good Morning, Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a October 1977 General Conference talk, and it is called "Father - Your Role, Your Responsibility" by Elder L. Tom Perry. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading

the talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new while reading this post. 

Elder Perry has mentioned the following; "... As any righteous father, he pleaded with the Lord for a change to occur in the life of his son. ... The scriptures record how the prayers of a righteous father had been answered. ... I want to speak to you who bear the great and noble titles of husband and father. I find myself greatly concerned with what I see around me. Man, woman, young adult, youth, and child - all groping to find their identity in a troubled world.

I stand before you today to accuse many of the husbands and fathers who are within the sound of my voice and throughout the world of failing in your two major God-given responsibilities. The reason for most of the problems
we find in the world today must be laid at your door. Divorce, infidelity, dishonesty, the use of drugs, deterioration of family life, loss of identity, instability and unhappiness have resulted from the lack of your leadership in the home.

Husbands and fathers, could we again remind you of your role and your responsibility?

First, as a husband: The first instruction given to man and woman immediately following the creation was, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen. 2:24.) So God in His divine plan ordained that marriage was to bring about his basic organizational unit, the family. The role of husband and wife was clearly defined from the very beginning. In the Lord’s plan, these roles are unchanged and eternal. A prophet has said of womanhood, “A beautiful, modest, gracious woman is creation’s masterpiece.” (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, Improvement Era Publication, 1953)

To safeguard this masterpiece, the Lord gave to man the duty and responsibility to be the provider and protector. Husbands, if the Lord’s plan is to work, you must learn how to perform in the leadership role He has designed for you. Could I remind you of some of these requirements? ... Husbands, are your actions at all times a reflection of your love for wife?

Second is your responsibility to provide peace and security in your home. It is your duty to provide adequately for your family. You must prepare yourself for this responsibility and have the ambition to see that it is accomplished. Your wife should live her life with the comforting assurance that so long as you are healthy and well you will take care of her first above all others. She should not be forced into the labor market unless you become incapacitated. She must be allowed to fulfill her role as the Lord intended it for her.

Third, it is a twenty-four-hour-a-day job to show appreciation and consideration for her. The Lord has warned you in the scriptures by saying: “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.

"The quality of a father can be seen in the
goals, dreams and aspirations he sets not
only for himself, but for his family."
- Reed Markham.

... She does not have to follow you in unrighteousness. She is your wife, your companion, your best friend, your full partner. The Lord has blessed her with great potential, talent, and ability. She, too, must be given the opportunity for self-expression and development. 

Her happiness should be your greatest concern. Learn how to magnify both your roles in order that the husband and wife can be found having fulfilling and happy lives together.

Brethren, your first and most responsible role in life and in the eternities is to be a righteous husband. Second only to the title of husband is that of father. Next to eternal life, the greatest of all gifts that our Father in heaven can bestow on a man is the opportunity of being blessed with sons and daughters. 

Every healthy and normal son of God should have the joy of bestowing the following gifts on his children:

First, an honored and respected name. I will be eternally grateful to a father who thought enough of me to give me his name. It was a name of honor and respect in the community in which I grew up. It carried before it the title of bishop from the time I was six months old until just a few months before I left to go on my mission. How proud I was of his service. I was pleased that he had the patience to involve me in his responsibilities. ... Should not every child have the same opportunity? Fathers, is it not your obligation to give your children an honored and respected name?

Second, every child needs a sense of security. I often think of the security of our old family home. It was a fortress against the adversary. Each morning and evening it was blessed by the priesthood as we would kneel in family prayer. That power was also manifest as my father blessed his family in time of need. Fathers, is it not your obligation to give your children a home blessed with the power of the priesthood?

Third, an opportunity for development. ... I returned to the motel where my family was waiting for me and gave them the choice of having a father or this new home. Much to my surprise, they said, “We will take the home. You are not around much anyway.” The shock of that statement was overwhelming to me. If that statement was true, I needed to repent fast. My children deserved a father. Is it not our obligation as fathers to spend as much time as possible with our children, to teach them honesty, industry, and morality?

Fourth, give your children the opportunity of having a joyful, happy childhood. 
The priesthood manual a few years ago quoted a story written in 1955 by Bryant S. Hinckley. It is as follows: “‘Three hundred twenty-six school children of a district near Indianapolis were asked to write anonymously just what each thought of his father. “‘The teacher hoped that the reading of the essays might attract the fathers to attend at least one meeting of the Parent-Teacher’s Association. “‘It did. “‘They came in $400 cars and $4,000 cars. Bank president, laborer, professional man, clerk, salesman, meter reader, farmer, utility magnate, merchant, baker, tailor, manufacturer, and contractor, every man with a definite estimate of himself in terms of money, skill, and righteousness.

… “‘The president picked at random from another stack of papers. “I like my daddy,” she read from each. The reasons were many: He built my doll house, took me coasting, taught me to shoot, helps me with my schoolwork, takes me to the park, gave me a pig to fatten and sell. Scores of essays could be reduced to “I like my daddy. He plays with me.”’ “Not one child mentioned his family house, car, neighborhood, food or clothing. “The fathers went into the meeting from many walks of life. They came out in two classes: companions to their children or strangers to their children. “No man is too rich or too poor to play with his children.” (The Savior the Priesthood and You, Melchizedek Priesthood Manual, 1973–74, p. 226.)

I am aware how concerned we each are with the leadership we find in the world today. To change the head of a nation, state, or community towards righteous leadership may require our earnest efforts for years. But there is something we can change today to make the world a better place in which to live. Husbands and fathers, the power is within you as bearers of the priesthood. Enjoy the inspiration of God, our Eternal Father, to lead, guide, and direct your families in righteousness. You stand at the head of the only organization I know of that can be eternal. Should not that charge and responsibility receive top priority in your life? God bless you to understand your duties and responsibilities to be righteous husbands and fathers ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1977/10/father-your-role-your-responsibility

Stay Tuned until next time.

Strengthen Home and Family

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes from start to finish.

In what ways can you strengthen your relationship with your immediate family members?
In what ways can you strengthen the spiritual uplifting in your home?

This post focuses on a October 2007 General Conference talk, and it is called "Strengthen Home and Family" by Sister Mary N. Cook, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading this talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new.

Sister Cook has mentioned the following;
"... Each Sunday, ... the young women of the Church repeat these inspired words: “We will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation” (“Young Women Theme,”) While this is the Young Women theme, it applies to all youth in the Church. I hope I can help you, my young brothers and sisters, understand how powerful your individual actions can be in strengthening your home and family, no matter what your circumstances.

I understand, for example, that many of you may be the only member of the Church in your family. For the Strength of Youth reminds us that “being part of a family is a great blessing. … Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Father’s plan.". All families need strengthening, from the ideal to the most troubled. That strengthening can come from you. In fact, in some families you may be the only source of spiritual strength.

The Lord is depending on you to bring the blessings of the gospel to your family. It is important to establish patterns of righteousness in your own life, which will enable you to set a good example for your family, whatever form your family may take. The example of your righteous life will strengthen your family.

President Hinckley gave the young women “a simple four-point program” in the general Young Women meeting last spring that will not only “assure your happiness” but will bless your family as well. He counseled each of us to “(1) pray, (2) study, (3) pay your tithing, and (4) attend your meetings” (“Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2007).

Seeking the help of the Lord daily through prayer will bring great blessings to your family. Ask yourself: “Who in my family could benefit from my personal prayers?” “What could I do to support and encourage family prayer?” As you personally study the scriptures, you will come to know the Savior and His teachings. From His example you will know how to love, serve, and forgive members of your family. Consider how you could share your understanding of the scriptures with your family.

"Families are the compass that guides us.
They are the inspiration to reach great
heights, and our comfort when we
occasionally falter." - Brad Henry.

On several occasions, President Hinckley has admonished us to “get all of the education you can” (Liahona and Ensign, May 2007). Your education will benefit your family now and will surely bless your future family. What can you do now to plan and prepare for a good education? 

President Hinckley taught us, “While tithing is paid with money, more importantly it is paid with faith." Are you experiencing the blessings of paying tithing with faith? As you obey this commandment, the Lord will “open … the windows of heaven” (Malachi 3:10) to bless you and your family.

How can attending your meetings particularly sacrament meeting bless you and your family? Regularly partaking of the sacrament will help you keep your baptismal covenant. 

As you live worthily and renew this covenant weekly, you will qualify for the guidance of the Spirit. The Holy Ghost will guide you and will teach you what you should do to bless your family.

As you commit to these patterns of righteousness, you will be blessed throughout your life and will develop the spiritual foundation from which you can strengthen your family by example. In 1 Timothy, Paul teaches us about example: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The family section in For the Strength of Youth gives some great ways you can be “an example of the believers” in your own home: “Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others. … Concern yourself with the needs of other family members.

... “Honor your parents by showing love and respect for them and by being obedient. … Participate in family activities and traditions, including family prayer, family home evenings, and family scripture reading. These traditions strengthen and unify families. … “Strengthen your relationships with your brothers and sisters. They can become your closest friends” (10–11). Example is often the best teacher. Who in your family could benefit from your example - a brother, a sister, your mom or dad?

... Can you make a difference in your family? Yes, you can! ... Remember, “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995). Eternal families are made up of individuals. “Do your part to build a happy home” (For the Strength of Youth, 10). Establish patterns of righteousness in your life. ... The Lord is depending on you to assist in the exaltation of your eternal family. ..."

If you would like to read this whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/strengthen-home-and-family

Stay Tuned until next time.

Family Traditions

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

Do you remember any fun family traditions that your family had while you were growing up?

I remembered as growing up; my family and I went to church weekly, we had family home evenings on most weeks, we had family prayers most mornings and most evenings and I remembered when several times duration in December to January (summer school holidays); my family was abe to stay with my grandparents (on my Dad's side), we were able to go camping, swimming, and so forth.

This post focuses on a April 1990 General Conference talk, and it is called "Family Traditions" by L. Tom Perry. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new. Elder Perry has mentioned, "... The prophets have taught us that before the world was, there was a council in heaven. President Brigham Young instructed the Saints: “The Council … said, ‘Let there be an earth, and let there be a firmament above and beneath it,’ and it was so. They said, ‘Let there be heat and cold,’ and it was so. They said, ‘Let there be spring and summer, autumn and winter,’ and it was so.

“‘Who will redeem the earth, who will go forth and make the sacrifice for the earth and all things it contains?’ ...
I give [unto] each and every individual his agency; all must use that in order to gain exaltation in my kingdom; inasmuch as they have the power of choice they must exercise that power. They are my children; the attributes which you see in me are in my children and they must use their agency. If you undertake to save all, you must
save them in unrighteousness and corruption.’” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe, Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941)

As these spirits have come forth from the council in heaven to take their “turn on earth,” they are still desiring their free agency, and in fact, they are willing to sacrifice for that freedom. We are witnessing today remarkable events occurring throughout the world: evidence of the strength of man’s desire for freedom. The history of man’s mortal experience would indicate that the desire to be free has spiritual roots. There is an innate, overwhelming, compelling desire to be free. This desire seems to be more precious than life itself.

Another desire we carry from the preexistence is to know who we are and where we came from and what our opportunities are in this great eternal plan. Answers to these questions can really only be found in the gospel of our Lord and Savior. As we hear the cries for help from those who are just now trying to deal with their newly found freedom, trying to use it and understand it, we can turn to the scriptures and read how the Lord prepared another nation for their freedom.

... Moses was raised up, trained, and charged with the responsibility of freeing them from bondage and leading them to their own promised land. ... It would have been impossible for Moses to lead his people without the direction of the Lord. As a way of rebuilding their faith and reminding them who was their true God, Moses was instructed to establish certain principles and practices with them to help them to return to the true doctrine.

First, the Lord directed them to construct a tabernacle, which would be moved about with them from place to place as they journeyed towards their promised land. This was to be a house of worship, where their sacred observances could be held. It was to be used by those who were willing to abide by the Lord’s law. When the children of Israel were disobedient, the privilege of enjoying the blessings of having the tabernacle in their midst was removed from them.

"FAMILY is the CENTER OF LIFE. It is the key to eternal
happiness." = L Tom. Perry.

... In addition to the tabernacle as a place of worship, the Lord gave to them His written law contained on tablets of stone. These commandments were written by the finger of the Lord. They were kept for guidance and direction. ... 

Four of them have to do with our attitude toward God; the remaining six with our attitude toward our fellowman. Reverence for God was a basis for the Ten Commandments. Here was a foundation on which to build a society of law and order.

The Lord had another way of reminding Israel of the blessings He had given them. He had them establish religious customs, that became a part of their everyday life to signify the ways through which they could express their faith in God. 

Israel refused to abandon these practices even after being taken into captivity.  They conceived that God’s domination was not limited by national or political boundaries, and they would not give up their faith even though they struggled in a strange land. Deprived of their temple, they still had their law and their religious customs to worship their God. ... Following the pattern that the Lord established for ancient Israel, He has commanded us to build houses of worship for the purpose of having a place where the gospel can be taught.

After understanding is achieved, we can enter into covenants with Him to be obedient to His will and, in turn, receive His promised blessings as a result of our faithfulness. We have temples they now dot the maps of nations here the worthy can enter, worship, be taught, and make covenants to serve God and abide by His law. From the very beginning of man’s existence on earth, he has been taught that he must be obedient to law. .. Prophets through the ages have taught us to be obedient to the laws of the Lord, and these laws are the foundation of our existence here and will bring order out of chaos.

President Wilford Woodruff once taught us: “The God of heaven, who created this earth and placed his children upon it, gave unto them a law whereby they might be exalted and saved in a kingdom of glory. ... Whatever law anyone keeps, he is preserved by that law, and he receives whatever reward that law guarantees unto him. It is the will of God that all his children should obey the highest law, that they may receive the highest glory that is ordained for all immortal beings. But God has given all his children an agency, to choose what law they will keep.” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, sel. G. Homer Durham, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946)

... However, the practice of having traditions to keep us close to the great heritage which is ours to enjoy should be something every family should try to keep alive. Daily we should kneel in family prayer and study the scriptures together. Weekly we should observe the Sabbath day by attending our meetings, especially sacrament meeting, and behave appropriate to the activities that are proper for the Lord’s day. We should also gather our families together in weekly family home evenings. Perhaps it would also be appropriate to have a date with our wives each week, to remind us of the great blessing they are in our lives.

Monthly we should fast and pay our tithes and offerings to the Lord. Semiannually, we should make listening to the messages delivered at general conferences a family tradition. We should organize, annually, family reunions to keep alive our great gospel heritage. Other traditions which should continually be part of our lives are receiving father’s blessings, patriarchal blessings, missionary preparation, temple preparation, and regular temple attendance where possible, and being together as family units on those occasions when sacred ordinances are performed in behalf of a family member.

If we will build righteous traditions in our families, the light of the gospel can grow ever brighter in the lives of our children from generation to generation. We can look forward to that glorious day when we will all be united together as eternal family units to reap the everlasting joy promised by our Eternal Father for His righteous children. ... His choice blessings and live in peace and harmony until the day that He returns to rule and reign over us. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here is the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1990/04/family-traditions

Stay Tuned until next time.