Great Things Required of Their Fathers ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post focuses on a April 1981 General Conference talk and it is called, "Great Things Required of Their Fathers," by Ezra Taft Benson. This post is post one and I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

President Benson mentioned the following; "When the Lord declared that “power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable,” He revealed that this period of childhood and unaccountability was given to children so that “great things may be required at the hand of their fathers.” (See D&C 29:47–48.)

“That great things may be required at the hand of their fathers”! What confidence the Lord has in fathers, and what a responsibility He has placed on fathers! Great things are required of fathers today.

When I think of fathers, I think of Adam progenitor of us all who faithfully taught his posterity in the ways of righteousness. ...

I wish to speak on this occasion to you fathers about three particular things that the Lord requires of us. These are things that every father with an ordinary amount of diligence may do. If we will do them, our homes will be blessed with peace, our names will be proudly borne by our descendants, and our association with our family may be eternal.

Fathers, what great things does the Lord require of us?

First, 

provide a home where love and the Spirit of the Lord may abide. Children are born innocent, not evil. They are not sent to earth, however, to neutral environments. They are sent to homes that, for good or evil, influence their ideas, emotions, thoughts, and standards, by which future choices will be made.

One great thing the Lord requires of each of us is to provide a home where a happy, positive influence for good exists. ... It will greatly matter whether there was happiness and laughter, or bickering and contention.

I am convinced that before a child can be influenced for good by his or her parents, there must be a demonstration of respect and love.

President Joseph F. Smith said: “Fathers, if you wish your children to be taught in the principles of the gospel, … if you wish them to be obedient to and united with you, love them! and prove to them that you do love them by your every word or act to them. For your own sake, for the love that should exist between you and your boys—however wayward they might be, … when you speak or talk to them, do it not in anger; do it not harshly, in a condemning spirit. Speak to them kindly; get down and weep with them, if necessary, and get them to shed tears with you if possible. Soften their hearts; get them to feel tenderly towards you. Use no lash and no violence, but … approach them with reason, with persuasion and love unfeigned. With this means, if you cannot gain your boys and your girls, … there will be no means left in the world by which you can win them to yourselves.” (Liahona, The Elders’ Journal, 17 Oct. 1911, pp. 260–61.)

Many suggestions could be enumerated as to what we can and should do to make our homes places of refuge and happiness. ...
Once you determine that a high priority in your life is to see that your wife and your children are happy, then you will do all in your power to do so. I am not just speaking of satisfying material desires, but of filling other vital needs such as appreciation, compliments, comforting, encouraging, listening, and giving love and affection.

If with pleasure you are viewing; Anything your child is doing, If you like him, if you love him, Let him know. Don’t withhold appreciation Until others give expression—If he wins your commendation, Tell him so. ...

So if you think some praise is due him, Now’s the time to give it to him; Tie him close with loving language, From his dad. Your supreme opportunity in life is fatherhood! ...



“When one puts businesses or pleasure, or the earning of additional income, above his home, he that moment starts on the downgrade to soul weakness. When the club becomes more attractive to any man than his home, it is time for him to confess in bitter shame that he has failed to measure up to the supreme opportunity of his life, and flunked in the final test of true manhood.

... "In such a home God can work miracles, and will work miracles. Pure hearts in a pure home are always in whispering distance of Heaven.”

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Role of Fathers

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post focuses on a October 1973 General Conference talk and it is called, "The Role of Fathers" by

A. Theodore Tuttle. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

Elder Tuttle mentioned the following, "... In reality, each family is a dominion within itself. ... Properly organized in the Church, the father is the patriarch of an eternal family unit. Heaven, to us, will be simply an extension of an ideal home. ...

A worthy father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood should be encouraged to name and bless his children. He should administer to the sick in his home. The father may baptize, confirm, and ordain his children, at the invitation of his file leader in the Church. He may give a father’s blessing. President Joseph Fielding Smith has said:

“A faithful father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood may bless his own children, and that would be a patriarchal (father’s) blessing. Such blessing could be recorded in the family records, but it would not be preserved in the archives of the Church. … in addition, children may receive a blessing by an ordained patriarch. A father blessing his own child could, if he received the inspiration to do so, declare the lineage of the child. As the Patriarch of his home, a father is also a revelator to his family … and, … in this sense stands in line to receive the revelations from the Lord for the good and blessing of that family.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:172.)

The father exercises his spiritual leadership in the home by calling his family to prayer each morning and evening. Weekly family home evening, likewise, is called and presided over by the father, though all others participate.

The father is the protector of the home. He guards it against the intrusion of evil from without. ... It is not an easy thing to protect one’s family against intrusions of evil into the minds and spirits of family members. These influences can and do flow freely into the home. ... Fathers, you will have to live close to the Lord. Develop a sensitivity to the impressions of the Spirit.

There is yet another intrusion into the home that needs to be mentioned. It is an unwise father who carries to his family his daily business cares. They disturb the peace existing there. He should leave his worries at the office and enter his home with the spirit of peace in his heart and with the love of God burning within him. If there is friction, his presence should soothe it. If there is turmoil, he should resolve it.

... Fathers, draw close to your children. Learn to communicate. Learn to listen. This means giving a father’s most valuable commodity time! Only good results occur when a father interviews his sons and daughters regularly. He can know their problems and their hopes. He can align himself with them as their unconditional friend. To the extent we become friends with our children in unconditional love, to that extent we become like our Heavenly Father.

... God help us to be real companions. A father is a teacher. The Lord has commanded sons and daughters to honor their parents and to give heed to their counsel. The words that open that great volume of scripture, the Book of Mormon, ought to be our guide as fathers: “… having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father.” (1 Ne. 1:1.)

... Have you fathers noticed that the present Melchizedek Priesthood lessons are like father-training lessons? I cite an example:

“One father and son have an agreement that the son will be in at a specified time. Before the parents retire they set the alarm for that time with the understanding that the son is to turn the alarm off before it rings when he comes home. If it does go off, the son knows that his parents will be waiting for him and further, he will not have the privilege of going out for two weeks. Follow-through on the agreement between them is the key that creates better understanding.” (“The Savior, the Priesthood, and You,” Melchizedek Priesthood quorums’ course of study for 1973–74, p. 237.)

"THE FAMILY RELATIONSHIP is fraught with much challenge
and some adversity. It is, nevertheless, blessed with that supreme
JOY that can come only to a FATHER." - A Theodore Tuttle.

.. Discipline is part of the process of governing children. The Lord has told us how:

“Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.” (D&C 121:43.)

There has been no better statement of a father-child relationship. When a father wisely corrects his son, it proves his love. Only the unwise foolishly indulge their sons and withhold proper discipline.

And finally, the father is to be an example of the highest Christian virtues. To walk uprightly in the admonition of the Lord requires not only patience and forebearance, but an exercise in constant practice of all the Christian virtues by each family member. Perhaps the Lord knew this when he instituted the family. A man needs the responsibility of a wife and family. He needs the responsibility of being an example of righteousness. There is wisdom in this requirement. This kind of gentle persuasion is needed to keep a father “on course” and gently guide him toward perfection.

... I am grateful indeed to see the emphasis given by the Church leaders today on the place and position of fathers. There has never been a time in the history of the Church when the importance and place of the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums have been emphasized more and where the activity of fathers has been stressed so much. I know that this is inspired direction by our leaders today. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk now or in your own time, here's the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1973/10/the-role-of-fathers

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happiness Is Having a Father Who Cares ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post focuses on a October 1973 General Conference talk and it is called, "Happiness Is Having a Father Who Cares" by James E. Faust. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

Elder Faust mentioned the following;

"... In this Church we have another father like relationship with our bishops who are the spiritual fathers of the wards. ... The exalted position of a father was well stated by General Douglas MacArthur who said, “By profession, I am a soldier and take pride in that fact, but I am prouder, infinitely prouder, to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build. A father only builds, never destroys. The one has the potentiality of death; the other embodies creation and life. And while the hordes of death are mighty, the battalions of life are mightier still. It is my hope that my son, when I am gone, will remember me, not for the battle, but in the home repeating with him, our simple, daily prayer, ‘Our Father Who art in Heaven.’” (Emerson Roy West, Vital Quotations, Bookcraft, Inc., 1968.)

It is important to remember that in this Church, the husbands and fathers, and members of the family through them, enjoy a power and influence in their lives, far beyond the natural gifts of intellect and character of the father. I refer to the priesthood of God, which every worthy man and boy over 12 years of age enjoys.

... It is through the power of the priesthood that marriage and the family unit can extend into and continue throughout all eternity. The conscientious women of this Church wish to have such a righteous influence in abundance in their homes.

"A family needs a father to anchor it." - L. Tom Perry.

... Until you honored the priesthood, the greatest blessings of eternity would not open up for us. Now they have. We all love you very much and we thank you with all our hearts for what you have made possible for us.”

... Elder Richard L. Evans gave the proper dimension for all fathers in this faith when he said, “First of all, fathers are for giving a name and a heritage to their children—clean and honorable. Fathers are for long, hard work. Mostly their own kind of work. For not being home so much as mothers; for seeming to be pretty busy; and for trying to give their children the things their fathers never had.


Fathers are for talking with, for encouraging; for putting arms around; for understanding mistakes, but not condoning them; for disciplining when needed, then loving all the more; for being strong and forceful, and for being tender and gentle.” (Emerson Roy West, Vital Quotations.)

It is always appropriate in all family relationships to ask, “What would Jesus do?” Having turned to the scriptures for the answer to this question, President [Marion G.] Romney testifies, “There in the gospel as recorded by St. John, I found the clear and certain answer: Jesus would always do the will of his Father. ‘For I do always those things that please him.’” (John 8:29.)

God bless you children to have listening ears and understanding hearts. God bless you mothers for the endless dimension of your love and for all of the help you give the fathers of your children. God bless you fathers to be equal to your overwhelming responsibilities and to have a father’s special caring for each one under your protective arms. ..."

You may would like to or may not read the whole talk now or in your own time. Here's the link to the whole talk below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1973/10/happiness-is-having-a-father-who-cares

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happiness Is Having a Father Who Cares ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

First and foremost; if any of my immediate relatives, extended relatives and Australian friends are reading the post title, and were wondering why. Well over here in US - Father's Day is celebrated on upcoming Sunday. This week's topic would focuses on Fathers. A week prior to Father's Day for Australia this year, I would be doing the same topic that focuses on Fathers again.

This post focuses on a October 1973 General Conference talk and it is called, "Happiness Is Having a Father Who Cares" by James E. Faust. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

Elder Faust mentioned the following;
"Recently a father of a family of six children, who has had the sole responsibility for raising the family, beginning when the youngest was in diapers, told of the struggles in raising the family alone. One night he came home from work, faced with the problems of being both father and mother and felt unusually burdened with his responsibilities. One of his appreciative little girls, age 12 years, approached him eagerly, after having laid a rock on his dresser, which she had painted at school. On the flat portion of the rock she had written, “Happiness is having a dad who cares.” This painted rock and its sublime message instantly and permanently lightened the burden of this father.

... President Richards continued: “For generations in the Church, we have been endeavoring to do just what the judge advocates, to put and keep the father at the head of the family, and with all our might, we have been trying to make him fit for that high and heavy responsibility.” Since the primary purpose of the Church is to help the family and its members, how well the father functions in his responsibility is of utmost importance.

In urging that the fathers be put back at the head of their homes, we wish to take nothing away from mothers. In all the world, there is no higher or greater honor or responsibility than motherhood. It is to be hoped that they too will have their powerful influence extended to even a greater degree within the home and beyond the home.

"A Father's duty is to make his home a place of Happiness
and Joy." - Ezra Taft Benson.

In order to strengthen the father in his position, I make two simple suggestions: first, sustain and respect the father in his position; second, give him love, understanding, and some appreciation for his efforts.

There are some voices in our society who would demean some of the attributes of masculinity. ... Let every mother understand that if she does anything to diminish her children’s father or the father’s image in the eyes of the children, it may injure and do irreparable damage to the self-esteem and personal security of the children themselves. How infinitely more productive and satisfying it is for a woman to build up her husband rather than tear him down. ...



In terms of giving to fathers love and understanding, it should be remembered that fathers also have times of insecurity and doubt. Everyone knows fathers make mistakes especially they themselves. Fathers are in need of all the help they can get; mostly they need love, support, and understanding from their own.

President Harold B. Lee has said, “Most men do not set priorities to guide them in allocating their time and most men forget that the first priority should be to maintain their own spiritual and physical strength; then comes their family; then the Church and then their professions, and all need time.”

In giving time to his children, a father should be able to demonstrate that he has enough love for his children to command as well as discipline them. Children want and need discipline. ... Wise discipline reinforces the dimensions of eternal love. This reinforcement will bring great security and stability into their lives."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Count Your Blessings NOT Your Problems

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

Throughout our lives, we all receive blessings, and we all experience problems.

Blessings

How often did you counted your past blessings? How did you received some of those past blessings?
Does receiving blessings really matters to us in our lives? In what type of ways do you think you can receive more blessings in the near future and in the future? Why do we receive blessings throughout our lives?

Sometimes our lives is filled with distractions that stops us from finding some spare time to ourselves to think about, reflect on and write down some of the blessings that we have received throughout our lives. I know that my immediate family members, my husband, my in-laws, my friends and past experiences has been the biggest blessings in my life. Past experiences has helped me to overcome them, and I have been able to learn so much from them.

My immediate family members has been mostly there for me when I needed them to. Their support, their love, their sacrifices and their appreciations to me has made me feel so grateful that they are my immediate family. I do my best to show my support, love, making sacrifices and sharing appreciations to my immediate family members.

My husband's support, his love, his sacrifices, and his appreciations to me has made me feel so grateful that he is my husband. I often do my best to show my support, love, making sacrifices and sharing appreciations to my husband.

Count your blessings, NOT your problems.

Problems

Why do you think that we have problems throughout our lives? How often did you counted your past problems? Do you remember how you have faced some of those past problems? Does problems really matters to us in our lives? What type of problems do you think that you would face in the near future and in the future?

I try not to think about some of the problems that I have faced in the past. Whenever I do think about those problems, I considered them as learning lessons. Most of those past problems has helped me to build confidence for me to do better, and become a better person each day. I know that I don't want to face the same problem twice or multiple times.

It has been so strange for me to not make so many friends roughly the same age as me and my husband while I have been living over here in US than I did made many friends in Australia. I am still grateful for the friends that I already have met and made, and do my best to stay in touch with several true closest friends.

Remember to acknowledge, count and appreciate the blessings that you do receive, even if it is a massive blessing or a small blessing. If you have a journal, you can write down the date of the day and write down the blessings that you have received throughout the day. Just being alive is certainly a blessing - I mean like waking up in the morning is a blessing too.

We do face distractions in our lives, and it doesn't stop us from facing problems throughout our lives. I would like to encourage you to do your best to see the positive side of the next problem that you do face. Remember that you aren't facing problems alone.

Stay Tuned until next time.

From Whom All Blessings Flow

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post focuses on April 1997 General Conference talk and it is called, “From Whom All Blessings Flow” by Neal A. Maxwell. I would like to share some of the highlights that I have read throughout the talk. 

Brother Maxwell mentioned the following: "... Brothers and sisters, if I have any entitlement to the blessings of God, it has long since been settled in the court of small claims by His generous bestowals over a lifetime.

... Uncertainty as to our longevity is one of life’s basic realities for all of us. Hence, you and I should importune in faith for the blessings we deeply desire, but then be “content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto [us]”. Clearly our individual exit routes from this life vary; so does the timing.

There are many who suffer so much more than the rest of us: some go agonizingly; some go quickly; some are healed; some are given more time; some seem to linger. There are variations in our trials but no immunities. Thus, the scriptures cite the fiery furnace and fiery trials. ... Even so, brothers and sisters, such emerging individuals do not rush to line up in front of another fiery furnace in order to get an extra turn! 

... The redeeming presence of our loving Father-God in the universe is the grand fact pertaining to the human condition. It is the supernal truth which, along with His plan of happiness, reigns preeminent and imperial over all other realities. Other truths, by comparison, are merely fleeting factoids about which we may be “ever learning” without coming to a knowledge of the grand truths.

"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should
also make our blessings count." - Neal A. Maxwell.

Mortal experience points evermore to the Atonement of Jesus Christ as the central act of all human history. ... When we take Jesus’ yoke upon us, this admits us eventually to what Paul called the “fellowship of [Christ’s] sufferings”.

Whether illness or aloneness, injustice or rejection, etc., our comparatively small-scale sufferings, if we are meek, will sink into the very marrow of the soul. We then better appreciate not only Jesus’ sufferings for us, but also His matchless character, moving us to greater adoration and even emulation.

                                                                                                                  Alma revealed that Jesus knows how to succor us in the midst of our griefs and sicknesses precisely because Jesus has already borne our griefs and sicknesses. He knows them firsthand; thus His empathy is earned. Of course, we do not comprehend it fully any more than we understand how He bore all mortal sins, but His Atonement remains the rescuing and reassuring reality.

No wonder, of all the things for which we might praise Jesus when He comes again in majesty and power, we will praise Him for His “loving kindness” and His “goodness”; moreover, we will go on praising Him for ever and ever! We will never need to be coaxed.

... Finally, my humble praise today flows not only to God the Father for His loving plan of salvation and to Jesus, the Lord of the universe, for His marvelous and remarkable Atonement, but also to the Holy Ghost, about whom we speak less. ...."

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/1997/04/from-whom-all-blessings-flow

Stay Tuned until next time.

Consider The Blessings ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post may seem short and sweet. This post focuses on October 2012 General Conference and it is called, "Consider The Blessings" by President Thomas S. Monson. This post is part two and I would like to share some highlights from what I have read.

President Monson mentioned the following;
"I have learned, as I have mentioned in previous messages, never to postpone a prompting. On one occasion many years ago, I was swimming laps at the old Deseret Gym in Salt Lake City when I felt the inspiration to go to the University Hospital to visit a good friend of mine who had lost the use of his lower limbs because of a malignancy and the surgery which followed. I immediately left the pool, dressed, and was soon on my way to see this good man.

When I arrived at his room, I found that it was empty. Upon inquiry I learned I would probably find him in the swimming pool area of the hospital, an area which was used for physical therapy. Such turned out to be the case. He had guided himself there in his wheelchair and was the only occupant of the room. He was on the far side of the pool, near the deep end. I called to him, and he maneuvered his wheelchair over to greet me. We had an enjoyable visit, and I accompanied him back to his hospital room, where I gave him a blessing.

I learned later from my friend that he had been utterly despondent that day and had been contemplating taking his own life. He had prayed for relief but began to feel that his prayers had gone unanswered. He went to the pool with the thought that this would be a way to end his misery—by guiding his wheelchair into the deep end of the pool. I had arrived at a critical moment, in response to what I know was inspiration from on high.

My friend was able to live many more years - years filled with happiness and gratitude. How pleased I am to have been an instrument in the Lord’s hands on that critical day at the swimming pool. ...

"The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that
continually surround us." - James E. Faust.

The opportunity to be a blessing in the life of another often comes unexpectedly. ... Again, my brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon Him for assistance. I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant. The Lord is in the details of our lives. ...

My brothers and sisters, the Lord is in all of our lives. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to seek His help. As He guides us and directs us and as He hears and answers our prayers, we will find the happiness here and now that He desires for us. May we be aware of His blessings in our lives, ..."

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/2012/10/consider-the-blessings

Stay Tuned until next time.

Consider The Blessings ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

Have you considered some of the past blessings was for your own good?
What did you learn from receiving some of your past blessings?

This post may seem short and sweet. This post focuses on October 2012 General Conference and it is called, "Consider The Blessings" by President Thomas S. Monson. This post is part one and I would like to share some highlights from what I have read.

President Monson mentioned the following,
"My beloved brothers and sisters, this conference marks 49 years since I was sustained, on October 4, 1963, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Forty-nine years is a long time. In many ways, however, the time seems very short since I stood at the pulpit in the Tabernacle and gave my very first general conference address.

Much has changed since October 4, 1963. We live in a unique time in the world’s history. We are blessed with so very much. And yet it is sometimes difficult to view the problems and permissiveness around us and not become discouraged. I have found that, rather than dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness.

As I have reviewed the past 49 years, I have made some discoveries. One is that countless experiences I have had were not necessarily those one would consider extraordinary. In fact, at the time they transpired, they often seemed unremarkable and even ordinary. And yet, in retrospect, they enriched and blessed lives not the least of which was my own. I would recommend this same exercise to you namely, that you take an inventory of your life and look specifically for the blessings, large and small, you have received.

... I testify that much of that joy comes as we recognize that we can communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer and that those prayers will be heard and answered perhaps not how and when we expected they would be answered, but they will be answered and by a Heavenly Father who knows and loves us perfectly and who desires our happiness. Hasn’t He promised us, “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers”?

"Take an inventory of your life and look specifically for the BLESSINGS, large and
small, you have received." - President Thomas S. Monson. October 7, 2012.

... My brothers and sisters, the Lord’s purposes are often accomplished as we pay heed to the guidance of the Spirit. I believe that the more we act upon the inspiration and impressions which come to us, the more the Lord will entrust to us His errands.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Abound with Blessings

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

What is your definition and understanding of "Abound with Blessings"? 

This post focuses on a April 2019 General Conference talk and it is called, "Abound with Blessings" by Elder Dale G. Renlund. I would like to share with you some highlights what I have learned throughout this post. 

Elder Renlund mentioned the following, "My dear brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ desire to bless each of us. ... Some contend that blessings are completely earned; we receive them only through our works. Others argue that God has already chosen who He will bless and how and that these determinations are unchangeable. ... Restored truth reveals that blessings are never earned, but faith-inspired actions on our part, both initial and ongoing, are essential.

... most blessings that God desires to give us require action on our part - action based on our faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in the Savior is a principle of action and of power. First we act in faith; then the power comes according to God’s will and timing. The sequence is crucial. The required action, though, is always tiny when compared to the blessings we ultimately receive. 

... The principle of activating blessings that flow from God is eternal. ... God has revealed that “there is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” ... In fact, it can be seen in heaven because small acts of faith are required to ignite God’s promises.

"Faithfully activate Heavenly power to receive specific blessings
from God." - Dale G. Renlund.

To receive a desired blessing from God, act with faith, striking the metaphorical match on which the heavenly blessing is contingent. For example, one of the objects of prayer is to secure blessings that God is willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking. 

... Often, the activation energy needed for blessings requires more than just looking or asking; ongoing, repeated, faith-filled actions are required. ..

... Small actions fuel our ability to walk along the covenant path and lead to the greatest blessings God can offer. But oxygen flows only if we figuratively keep moving our feet.

... And sometimes we need to “be still and know that [God is] God” and trust in His timing.

When you receive any blessing from God, you can conclude that you have complied with an eternal law governing reception of that blessing. But remember that the “irrevocably decreed” law is time insensitive, meaning blessings come on God’s timetable. 

.. If a desired blessing from God has not been received yet you do not need to go crazy, wondering what more you need to do. Instead, heed Joseph Smith’s counsel to “cheerfully do all things that lie in [your] power; and then … stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the … arm [of God] … revealed.”25 Some blessings are reserved for later, even for the most valiant of God’s children.26

Six months ago a home-centered, Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and fortify individuals and families was introduced. President Russell M. Nelson promised that the changes can help us survive spiritually, increase our gospel joy, and deepen our conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.27 But it is up to us to claim these blessings. We are each responsible to open and study Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, along with the scriptures and other Come, Follow Me material.28 

... I invite you to faithfully activate heavenly power to receive specific blessings from God. Exercise the faith to strike the match and light the fire. Supply the needed oxygen while you patiently wait on the Lord. .."

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/2019/04/41renlund

Stay Tuned until next time. 

Some Song Suggestions for Long Distance Couples

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post is aimed for current long distance couples to read. If you aren't currently in a long distance relationship or long distance engagement, that's fine. You can continue reading.

Have you and your partner ever thought about sending song suggestions to each other to listen to?

I am not too sure about how many long distance couples send each other song suggestions to listen to. While my husband and I was in our long distance relationship, we suggested songs to each other for us to listen to in our own time. I must admit it was mostly fun sending each other song suggestions.

There was some songs that we really loved a lot, there was some songs that we really wanted to add to the playlist to play throughout our wedding reception - sadly we ended up playing no songs throughout our wedding reception, there was songs that made us happy, and so forth.

Feel free to listen to any of the songs from the following at any time. The following songs that are highlighted was the some of the songs that I have suggested for my husband to listen to and the non-highlighted songs was some of the songs that my husband suggested for me to listen to.

16 Tons - Tennessee Ford
500 Miles - The Proclaimers
Amazed - Lonestar
Beautiful in White - Shane Filan
Before I Fall in Love - Coco Lee
Crazier - Taylor Swift
Did I Tell You - Rebecca Lavelle
Don't Give Up - Shannon Noll and Natalie Bassingthwaighte 
Every Heartbeat - Amy Grant
Fallin' For You - Colbie Caillat
Home is Where The Heart is - Lady Antebellum
How Forever Feels - Kenny Chesney
In Case You Didn't Know - Brett Young
I See The Light - Mandy Moore
I Want Crazy - Hunter Hayes
I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz

Jet Lag - Simple Plan ft Natasha Bedingfield

"Distance is temporary but our love is permanent." 

Long Distance - Bruno Mars 

Life is Like a Highway - Rascal Flatts

Like There's no Yesterday - Mark Wills

My Sweet Lady - John Denver

Next to You - Jordin Sparks

Near or Far - Carissa Rae Alvarado

Open Arms - Mariah Carey

Put You in a Song - Keith Urban

Sold - John Michael Montgomery

Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran

The World - Brad Paisley

When God Made You - Newsong

When You Say Nothing At All - Notting Hill

Would You Go With Me - Josh Turner

You and Me - Lifehouse

You (Wedding Song) - Jason Cassidy

You Got Me - Colbie Caillat

Stay Tuned until next time.

Some Hopes and Commitments in Long Distance Relationships and Engagements

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post is aimed for current long distance couples to read. If you aren't currently in a long distance relationship or long distance engagement, that's fine. You can continue reading and find something new while you read throughout this post.

I am certain that every long distance couples would have made some hopes and commitments to each other throughout their long distance relationship and long distance engagement.

Hopes

I know when long distance couples doesn't work out the way that they wanted, they would express their hopes for the best to each other, with their near future and future endeavours. Long distance couples can always hope that they would be able to see each other and be reunited to be together in person again after certain amount of time from being long distance. Long distance couples can hope that they can get through their relationship and engagement. 

I know that my husband and I always hoped that we would be able to see each other again after period of time from long distance, and we always had hope that we would be able to remain strong throughout our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement.

"Every morning I tell myself that we
are one day closer to seeing each other
again. And it gives me the power to live
for one more day without you."

                                                    Commitments

What is your definition and understanding of "Commitments"? What would be some commitments in a long distance couple would face during their long distance relationship and long distance engagement?

Some long distance couples may commit to each other of flying to each other every three to six months - taking in turns who gets to fly and see their partner, may commit having conversations with one another so often, may commit sending each other letters and care packages via mail, etc.

While my husband and I was in our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement, we had several successful commitments. You may ask what was some of the several successful commitments did you and your husband was able to achieve.

Well, my husband and I found success in being committed to each other with being honest to one another, being committed to no dating with no one else -  even at times when other people may look at us as "single" individuals during our long distance relationship, being committed with making some spare time to be able to talk to each other often which ended up being every morning and every night, being committed to saving as much as we can, and so forth.

My husband would refuse to talk to any single female YSAs while him and I was dating long distance. He was more focused on dating with me and prior to us getting married. That's a true strong commitment that he had. My husband trusted and knew that I was talking to a few guy friends, and he was okay with it as long as I didn't ended our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement and also it doesn't interfere our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Limit Expectations, Be More Understanding in Long Distance Relationships and Engagements

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take four to seven minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is aimed for current long distance couples to read. If you aren't currently in a long distance relationship or long distance engagement, that's fine. You can continue reading and find something new while you read throughout this post.

Limit Expectations

What is your definition and understanding of "limit expectations"?

I am sure that each long distance couple have spoken about some expectations for what they would have for each other to meet. During the earliest stages of dating with my husband while we were in long distance relationship, we had a conversation about what some expectations that we had for each other to meet.

What are some expectations that long distance couples can have and why do they have them?

~ Having conversations often, even if it's two to four days a week - it helps with bonding each other.
~ Celebrating each other's achievements, it helps with being proud of what have been accomplished.
~ Supporting each other's decisions, some decisions can be tough and need to be able support them.
~ Trusting one another, it helps build a stronger foundation when trust falls into place.

~ Constantly missing each other, it often helps understanding for each other that they are being missed. ~ Constantly loving each other, it often helps understanding for each other that they are being loved. ~ Remaining strong for each other, there are moments when long distance becomes difficult.

Before my husband and I met each other in person and during the earliest stage of boyfriend and girlfriend phrase; we were concerned if we flew to each other and finding out that we didn't like each other in person, we didn't know what we would do. If our relationship didn't last long, we would feel very upset. We knew that the cost of plane tickets, and other expenses that was involved has been wasted. The effort and time that we had for organizing plans would have been wasted. We were afraid that we might get emotionally hurt.

My husband and I were able to fast and pray at separate times within a week ish to make sure that we were making the right decision for dating each other. When we got the same impression with the answer that we received, we were feeling so happy because our mutual concerns went away and we were looking forward to meeting each other in person. It certainly took over a week after we started dating for my husband to tell me that he loved me for the first time.

I remembered about two years ago and about a few weeks prior to my fifth month into the long distance relationship with my husband, I shared a photo of me and my husband together on Facebook. The caption stated,

"In long distance relationship; you will learn to communicate with your partner often, you will learn how to build trust with your partner, you will learn how to build courage to stay strong while your partner is far away from you, you will learn how to be supportive for your partner's decisions, you will learn how committed you are towards your partner, you will learn how to not fully rely your happiness from your partner, and so much more."

"Love will travel as far as you let it. It has no
limits." - Dee King.

Be More Understanding

How can you "be more understanding" towards your loved one during long distance?

How can you "be more understanding" towards your relatives and extended relatives?

How can you "be more understanding" towards your friends?

I understood now of the some ways that can be misunderstood during long distance relationship and long distance engagement. Some long distance couples may find it difficult of ways to be more understanding to each other. 

What are some ways that long distance couples may experience to be more understanding and why?

~ Being a great listener to each other - it's often a great idea to engage conversations with some questions and answers, also sharing related experiences to each other is also a great idea. 

~ Have some understanding of culture backgrounds and transitions, most common long distance couples would find themselves dating someone either out of their state in their same country or out of their country, - it's often fun way of getting to know someone else's culture background and learning about the transitions that they do.

~ Each individual may experience different routines/schedules that changes day to day bases, - with depending on employment has different rosters for starting and ending shifts during the payment period. 

~ Have the understanding of the time zone differences - understanding of time zone differences makes it a lot easier with finding the right time for the couple to be able to communicate with each other. 

While my husband and I was in long distance relationship and engagement; we both learned more about each other's culture backgrounds' differences, we shared some words that we said differently for certain items that means the same thing, we were often a great listener to each other - we always asked each other questions and answers, I always admired my husband for sharing his mission experiences that he had and he always admired my experiences that I had while serving in Brisbane Temple, and so forth. 

We both knew that our routines/schedules were constantly filled up quickly. My husband was working from Mondays to Fridays and that took up most of his days with work. Due to the time zone differences, I would be mostly sleeping while he was working. Before he starts work each work day, I would be either be working, or spending some time with my family or doing other things. 

Stay Tuned until next time. 

5 Suggestions of keeping Long Distance Relationship and Engagement last and steady

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post marked on 100th post since I started this blog.

Anyway, this aimed for current long distance couples to read. If you aren't currently in a long distance relationship or long distance engagement, that's fine. You can continue reading and find something new while you read throughout this post.

I know past long distance couple has different ways and suggestions to share with their friends and relatives how they were able to get through the long distance. I also know current long distance couple also have different ways and suggestions to share with their friends and relatives how they are able to get this far into their current dating stage.

My husband and I were a past long distance couple. We dated mostly long distance when we were in my boyfriend and his girlfriend stage, and we dated mostly long distance when we were engaged - my fiancè and his fiancèè stage. I have been asked several times of what were some things that we did as a couple to make our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement would last and steady.

I would be gladly to share with you some of the things that my husband and I did to keep our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement last and steady. Those things can be considered as suggestions of what you and your partner can do for your current relationship or engagement. I also would share of how that certain thing has helped me and my husband. I may also share why we did those certain things.

"You're worth every mile between us."

Couple Prayers

Each day and evening, my husband and I always took in turns who gets to say the couple prayer. Having couple prayer has helped us to build into a habit of having couple prayers after we got married. My husband and I still take in turns of who gets to say the couple prayer each morning and evening.

Couple Scripture Study

My husband and I did couple scripture study. It has helped us to build into a habit of having couple scripture study after we got married. We considered doing couple scripture study has helped our spiritual growth together. We even had couple scripture study for Family Home Evening.

Both of us was employed

My husband and I both were able to worked while we were in long distance. We both enjoyed working and saving as much as we can before I moved to Texas, USA. I'm currently not employed, and I'm still glad that my husband gets to continue working and being employed after I moved to Texas, USA. Who knows when I get to start working and being employed again. I certainly have some days when I missed working and being employed.

Constant Conversations

My husband and I were able to constantly having conversations to each other each day and each night via Facebook Messenger. We know that communicating to each other often has helped us to stay connected while we were long distance. It also has helped us to get through our days and evenings when we weren't together in person. Some of our conversations would be focused on checking up on each other, how our days was, how was work, how was our evenings, checking up on how our families were, and so forth.

Started with one Skype Call, that led into more Skype Calls and mostly Video Chats

My husband and I had skype calls for a several weeks and we also had video chats via Facebook since a week after I landed back to Brisbane, Australia from my vacation in Utah, late February 2018 to the last day I was during my layover in Sydney, Australia - July last year.. We always organized appropriate times for us to have a Skype call or a video chat via Facebook. 

We worked out that we would Skype each other or Video Chat via Facebook during daytime while I was in Australia and when it was either late afternoon or nighttime when my husband is over here - Texas, USA. 

Sometime either on early January, 2018 or on mid January, 2018 - we had our very first Skype call and I still remembered towards the end of that Skype call, my husband has requested for another skype call for the next following day for my daytime.

Guess what? We ended up skyping the next following day for my daytime. Again towards end of the second Skype call, my husband has requested for another skype call for the next following day for my daytime. We always enjoyed having Skype calls and Video chats via Facebook because it has helped us to again to stay connected and we always liked each other's accents. Sometimes there was some things that we would pronounce and sometimes find it funny when we hear it in our accents. Sometimes there would be words that we couldn't understood each other.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Covenant of Love

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

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

What is your definition and understanding of the following statement, "Covenant of Love" ?

How can you currently apply, "Covenant of Love" at present time?

How have you applied "Covenant of Love" in the past? 

This post focuses on April 1995 General Conference talk and it is called, "Covenant of Love" by Sister Aileen H. Clyde. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. 

Sister Clyde mentioned the following, "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord."

Such scriptural language overwhelms my reasoning and floods me again with the reality of God’s love and of our importance to him. ... before our mortal experience, that we began with our part of building the covenant relationship with the Savior which is vital to our eternal lives. I believe we chose to be guided then, as we need to be guided now, by his loving care for our divine and unique identities. ... Now, when we face crossroads and dilemmas, we can look again to that same source for courage to move forward on our journey.

... There is a constant struggle to balance our knowledge of light against the error and fear that are among the hallmarks of our world. Today we see temptations of old in new ways. They can be magnified and multicolored by technology which gives them avenues everywhere. ... we may be turned by fear to looking for protection from one another rather than keeping our promise to be a light and a protection for one another.

... We must depend upon the light of Christ to understand this teaching, but we cannot allow our fears to separate us from the possession of our souls. Hear what is recorded in the 101st section of Doctrine and Covenants:

“Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. ... “And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life” (D&C 101:36, 38).

It is a response of the soul when we sense and accept the loving promises that Christ extends to us. Listen to Isaiah’s description of what our Lord has already done for us:

“Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein” (Isa. 42:5).

... The book of Alma teaches that the song he has asked us to sing is a song of redeeming love (see Alma 5:26).

"Making covenants with God calls forth the divine
within us. And keeping our covenants with God allows
Him to pour His divine power into us." - Wendy Watson Nelson.

Later, when the Savior was asked in Palestine to designate the first and great commandment, he unhesitatingly said: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. … “And the second [commandment] is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matt. 22:37, 39).

These statements are both clear and comprehensive. They suggest the beginning of how we can engage ourselves in his covenant. And surely, since he knows us, he would not have required anything we cannot do.

The love Christ commands requires a mighty change and great humility. It requires us to forsake pride and to be stripped of envy. It requires that we neither mock our sisters and brothers nor persecute anyone. Christ knew that for us to find any of those characteristics in ourselves would be onerous and would demand our great effort just to look. He said, “If thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee” (Matt. 18:8).

He was not suggesting our mutilation, but rather showing his awareness of how painful clearing ourselves of such offenses could be. When we have made the changes that only we can make, then, by the atoning blood of Christ, we may receive the forgiveness that only he can bring. The reciprocal nature of those actions suggests the high trust and respect the Lord has for our abilities. Anyone who has had experience with the Lord’s love knows of the sure courage that comes when we keep our part of that trust and honor him by seeking his Spirit and by living the best we can. 

... In the midst of a troubling world, the foundations I rely on come by my covenants with the Lord. They are indeed like sapphires and are treasures beyond price. Through them I have eternal link to my loved ones and to God. They are the restored principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ which are available to righteous women and men alike through the power of the holy priesthood of God. They include baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sacrament, and temple covenants. These are the ways given to us and freely chosen by us to vouchsafe our eternal lives.

“And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters” (Mosiah 5:7).

We are, then, because of his great love and because of our desire to be guided by his light, part of the family of Christ. Because of our covenants, we have protection from loneliness and alienation. Because of our relationship with him, we can reflect light and tenderness to one another and we can possess our own souls eternally." 

Feel free to read the whole talk either now or in your own time. Here is the link below. 

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/04/covenant-of-love

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Power, Joy and Love of Covenant Keeping ~ Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on a October 2013 General Conference talk and it is called, "The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping" by Sister Linda K. Burton. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights that I liked while I was reading the talk and I hope you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Sister Burton continues, ... "2. Keeping covenants is essential for true happiness.

President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Sacred covenants are to be revered by us, and faithfulness to them is a requirement for happiness.” ... Covenant keepers are commandment keepers!

I love the scripture that reads: “And now when the people had heard these words [meaning the words describing the baptismal covenant], they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.” ... They cheerfully desired to make and keep their covenants!

One Sunday a young sister joyfully exclaimed, “I get to take the sacrament today!” When was the last time we rejoiced in that privilege? And how do we demonstrate it? We do this by always remembering the Savior and always keeping His commandments, which include keeping His Sabbath day holy. We do it by always remembering Him as we always have our personal and family prayers, daily scripture study, and weekly family home evenings. And when we get distracted or casual with these important things, we repent and begin again.

Making and cheerfully keeping our covenants gives validity and life to the vital sacred and saving ordinances we need to receive in order to obtain “all that [the] Father hath.” Ordinances and covenants are the “spiritual milestones” President Henry B. Eyring referred to when he taught: “The Latter-day Saints are a covenant people. From the day of baptism through the spiritual milestones of our lives, we make promises with God and He makes promises with us. He always keeps His promises offered through His authorized servants, but it is the crucial test of our lives to see if we will make and keep our covenants with Him.”

"The best way to STRENGTHEN a home, current or
future, is to KEEP COVENANTS!" - Linda K. Burton.

3. Keeping our covenants demonstrates our love for the Savior and our Father in Heaven.

Of all the reasons we ought to be more diligent in our covenant keeping, this reason is more compelling than all love. ... Why was the Savior willing to keep His covenant with the Father and fulfill His divine mission to atone for the sins of the world? It was His love for His Father and His love for us. ...

“If we fully appreciated the many blessings which are ours through the redemption made for us, there is nothing that the Lord could ask of us that we would not anxiously and willingly do.” According to this statement by President Joseph Fielding Smith, covenant keeping is one way to express our love for the incomprehensible, infinite Atonement of our Savior and Redeemer and the perfect love of our Father in Heaven.

Elder Holland movingly suggested, “I am not certain just what our experience will be on Judgment Day, but I will be very surprised if at some point in that conversation, God does not ask us exactly what Christ asked Peter: ‘Did you love me?’”

... The Savior said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." How we all need a regular manifestation of the Savior in our daily lives!

Let us remember that even those who have been wayward in the past or who are currently struggling can feel the touch of the Good Shepherd’s hand upon their heads and hear His voice saying: “Come on. You aren’t tied down anymore. You are free.”

... He can say that because He kept His covenants with love. The question then is, will we? May we go forth with faith, cheerful hearts, and a great desire to be covenant keepers. ..."

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/2013/10/the-power-joy-and-love-of-covenant-keeping

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping ~ Part One

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

What is your definition and understanding of the following statement, "The Power, Joy and Love of Covenant Keeping"?

This post focuses on a October 2013 General Conference talk and it is called, "The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping" by Sister Linda K. Burton. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Sister Burton mentioned the following, "Making and keeping covenants means choosing to bind ourselves to our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. It is committing to follow the Savior. It is trusting Him and desiring to show our gratitude for the price He paid to set us free through the infinite gift of the Atonement.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained that “a covenant is a binding spiritual contract, a solemn promise to God our Father that we will live and think and act in a certain way - the way of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In return, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost promise us the full splendor of eternal life.” In that binding contract, the Lord sets the terms and we agree to keep them. Making and keeping our covenants is an expression of our commitment to become like the Savior. ..

"The greatest COMPLIMENT that can be earned
here IN THIS LIE is to be known as a COVENANT
KEEPER." - Elder Russell M. Nelson.

Why Make and Keep Covenants?

1. Covenant keeping strengthens, empowers, and protects.

... As we keep our covenants, we also receive courage and strength to help us bear one another’s burdens. ... Oh, sisters we all have burdens to bear and burdens to share. ...

The Book of Mormon reminds us that even the prophet Alma had to bear the burden of having a rebellious son. But Alma was blessed with covenant-keeping brothers and sisters in the gospel who were deeply converted unto the Lord and had learned what it meant to bear each other’s burdens. We are familiar with the verse in Mosiah that speaks of the great faith of Alma’s prayers in behalf of his son. But the record states that “the Lord … heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma.”

We know that the Lord always rejoices “in the soul that repenteth,” but we desire above all to have our children follow the counsel of President Henry B. Eyring to “start early and be steady” in making and keeping covenants.

... As we counseled together, it was suggested that one way to prepare children to make and keep sacred baptismal covenants is to help them learn to make and keep a simple promise.

Faithful parents are entitled to know how to best teach to meet the needs of their children. As parents seek and act on personal revelation, counsel together, minister and teach the simple principles of the gospel, they will have power to strengthen and protect their families. Other family members can also help. ...

Elder Richard G. Scott observed, “One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds."

What are some ways we can create such a home to prepare our children to make and keep temple covenants?

We can discover together what it means to be worthy of a temple recommend.

We can discover together how to listen to the Holy Ghost. Because the temple endowment is received by revelation, we need to learn that vital skill.

... We can discover together why the body is sacred, why it is sometimes referred to as a temple, and how modest dress and grooming relates to the sacred nature of temple clothing.

... We can discover together the meaning of terms such as endowment, ordinance, sealing, priesthood, keys, and other words related to temple worship.

We can teach that we go to the temple to make covenants with Heavenly Father - we return home to keep them!

Let us remember the concept of “good, better, and best” as we teach. It is good to teach our children about the temple. It is better to prepare and expect them to make and keep covenants. It is best to show them by example that we cheerfully cleave to our own baptismal and temple covenants! Sisters, do we realize our vital role in the work of salvation as we nurture, teach, and prepare children to progress along the covenant path? The power to do so will come as we honor and keep our covenants."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Celebrating Covenants ~ Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on a April 1995 General Conference talk and it is called, "Celebrating Covenants" by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Sister Parkin continues and mentioned, "At a Relief Society meeting, a group of women were discussing how to teach youth to make and keep covenants. One woman who was struggling with a teenage daughter, listened as the women talked about faith, prayer, good example, and scriptures. Finally she blurted out, “I’ve tried all those things! And they’re not working!” Quietly she added, “Love is all that is working for us right now.” This good sister trusted that somehow her covenant to be charitable (even to her daughter) would make a difference. And it is.

... Mark, a high school student in my ward, recently stood in fast meeting and talked about how he was finding strength to live his covenants. He summed it up with this formula succinctly and memorably. He said, “A scripture a day keeps Satan away.”

What are the rewards of covenant keeping? Gentle-hearted King Benjamin said: “Because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ. … And under this head ye are made free” (Mosiah 5:7–8). And we will “be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that [we] may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:9).

"making and keeping covenants means
choosing to bind ourselves to our father in
Heaven and Jesus Christ." - Linda K. Burton.

... If you have slipped in your covenants, take heart! The Savior so wants us to fulfill our promises that He has provided an everlasting atonement. ... Celebrate them. ... Then remember, millions of Church members all around the globe are daily keeping covenants against all odds. You can too.

If you remember only one thing I say today, remember to hold on to your covenants and celebrate them. My covenants are an expression of my faith; they are why I stand before you today. Covenants help me focus on the big picture and not just the immediate. ... Covenants help me make a difference in the lives of others. My covenants are not negotiable. They make the choice of righteousness easier. ..."

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/1995/04/celebrating-covenants

Stay Tuned until next time.

Celebrating Covenants ~ Part One

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

What is your definition and understanding of "covenants" ? Do you remember the covenants that you have made throughout your life so far? How have you celebrated your covenants that you have made in your life so far?

This post focuses on a April 1995 General Conference talk and it is called, "Celebrating Covenants" by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Sister Parkin mentioned the following, "... Have covenants renewed your life? Do you celebrate them? ...

So often we talk of making and keeping covenants, but exactly what are they?

At baptism, we demonstrate that we “are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; … mourn with those that mourn; … comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and … stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:8–9). And that’s just the beginning! In the temple, we further covenant to be obedient, to sacrifice, to keep ourselves worthily pure, to contribute to the spreading of truth, to be chaste, to pray, to live the gospel, and to be forever faithful.

Father in Heaven knows us as individuals. The covenants we make with Him are performed one on one. President Howard W. Hunter noted: “... We bless babies one at a time, even if they are twins or triplets. We baptize and confirm children one at a time. We take the sacrament, are ordained to the priesthood, or move through the ordinances of the temple as individuals - as one person developing a [personal] relationship with our Father in Heaven. … Heaven’s emphasis is on each individual, on every single person” These individual commitments made directly with our Heavenly Father are things to celebrate. ... I wonder why our covenants so often feel more like obligations than privileges.

"Ordinances and Covenants help us remember WHO
WE ARE." - James E. Faust.

How did you feel the last time you partook of the sacrament? Did you ponder those covenants made in fonts and within temples? The sacrament enables us to renew our covenants. Thus, if we keep those covenants with honor and exactness, we can feel as fresh and as pure as we did when we were first baptized. We can feel as committed to a temple sealing as we did as a new bride or groom. ... Covenants keep us new.

Do those covenants change the actions of our daily lives? They should. Even though it may be a struggle to keep them. We hear of Saints who hold on to their covenants even against great odds and in so doing find renewal and peace not just in the life to come, but in this life. Because, just like covenant breaking, covenant keeping becomes habit forming.

We have all been victims of evil and unrighteousness, pain and suffering. ... There are both stormy seas and calm waters in life. But as Ether tells us, “Hope cometh of faith, [and] maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4)."

Covenants anchor us to solid ground, which, amidst the storms, makes our promises not only meaningful for eternity but vital for today. Have your covenants moved you to sing the song of redeeming love?"

Stay Tuned until next time.