Vote Yes on Prop 8!

I just wasn't cut out to be a homeschool mom- but I just might... vote yes on Prop 8! Same sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, and watch this video to see how it effects our children's education.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1815820715/bctid1822459319

My lumped up scripture

Every month I get to choose a new topic for my Book of Mormon class. Last Thursday I taught Helaman 5:12. Sometimes it is chapter, sometimes a group of chapters, sometimes a topic, and sometimes a verse. Any requests for next month? I am coming upon 3 Nephi 11 in my personal study- so I am considering that chapter.

Today- I am studying another way. Sometimes I like to look up all of the scriptures used in a good talk. The scriptures below were quoted or referred to in President Uchtdorf's talk he gave in the recent General Relief Society meeting. He chose a hand full of scriptures, it interests me to know which ones, and study them.

Isaiah 55:9

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

1 Nephi 11:17

17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

Moses 1:39

39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

2 Nephi 2:25

25 Adam fell that men might be; and men c, that they might have joy.

D&C 46:11-12

11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.

D&C 81:5

5 Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.

Mosiah 18:9

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

Matthew 23:11

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

D&C 90:24

24 Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.

D&C 6:20

20 Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

I then make a lumped together scripture for myself:

The Lord has better perspective on my life than I do. I need to search out his will for me and trust him. He loves me. It is his goal for me to return to him. He wants me to be happy. The Lord has given me talents and gifts. He has given me these for me to serve others. I should look for those in my life who need a hand, and give it to them. Strengthen others, lift others up, and stand as a witness of God. ( I promise to do this every week as I partake of the sacrament.). Be service oriented in my thoughts and actions. I need to search the scriptures, pray always, have faith in Christ, and remember the covenants I have made. When I do this, all things will work together for my good. (I LOVE that promise.)

Establishing Bible Authority

On Sunday I went to church with my Grandfather. (I won't say which church- but to an non-LDS church.)

The people could not have been nicer, and the service was very nice too. The minister spoke on finding hope in life through Jesus Christ. I thought it was very good.

Sunday School I found particularly interesting. The topic for the day was "Establishing Bible Authority." That is topic never discussed in the LDS church, so I listened with keen interest.

The teacher was a very good teacher. He was an eighth grade teacher by profession. He had good style, and was interesting, as well as being well read. I liked him a lot.

I didn't make any comments- but I would like to comment here. The whole need for "establishing Bible authority." Is because different people will read the same passage of scripture and find different meanings and interpretations. Even the Bible they are studying, could very well be a different "version," with slightly different wording.

I wanted to say, "You sound an awful lot like Joseph Smith. He too was concerned about the teachers of religion of the different sects understanding the same passages of scripture so differently. In his mind this would destroy all confidence in settling questions by an appeal to the Bible."

The Sunday School teacher's conclusion was interesting. He completely disagreed with the phrase, and the entire idea of "Establishing Bible Authority." Instead, he said that you cannot understand a passage of scripture one way, and another person understand the passage of scripture a different way. One of you does not actually "understand" the passage. Again, I agreed with him.

-- But then the agreeing stopped for a minute- when he explained that "some people- who disagree with you (the person who "understands correctly" I assume) will say that they feel in the "heart" that it is not right. In his mind this was a "cop out." something that one might say who didn't really understand.

He did not suggest that personal revelation was a method in which to understand the scriptures- but rather that trusting the feelings of your heart was not correct, and intense study was the only method.

This is where I wanted to comment again. I wanted to show him a passage in James, chapter one, verse five, which says that if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. God is the source of truth and wisdom, and yes, he does speak to us in our hearts. I know this, because he has he spoken to me. He has brought clarity and understanding to the scriptures for me.

I wanted to share with him, that I remember as a young girl, no more than ten years old, I was reading the scriptures in my father's den. I was reading the words, and felt very frustrated, because I didn't understand anything. I went to my mother, and expressed my frustrations. She didn't sit down with me, and try to help me understand the chapter or verse that was confusing me, but rather she taught me a life long lesson. She told me to go and pray, and that God would help me to understand. She told me that I must do this every time I read the scriptures, so that I will understand them. I did just that. I went back into the den, and knelt by the old office chair. In my simple way, I asked my Heavenly Father to help me understand what I was reading. I then sat down, and re-read what I had read previously. I don't remember the chapter, or subject that I read that day. But I do remember very well the happiness that I felt, as I was reading, and understood. At my young age, I did not understand because I had studied so much, and was so well read. I understood because the Lord taught me, in my heart.

3 Nephi 7 Choices

3 Nephi chapter 6 begins with a united people, and ends with a divided people. In chapter 7, the choices the people make create further divisions.

8 And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire.

When I was young, I remember thinking how "gross" this verse was, but never really giving it any thought.

Recently I met a young girl who continually chooses to stay with her abusive boyfriend.

I think of physical addictions that, once overcome, are still all too easy to return to.

Chapter 7 also discusses those who chose to follow the great prophet Nephi.

vs 17 And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.

vs 19 is short, but tells an amazing story: 19 And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people.

Can you imagine witnessing that?

He did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus.

vs 21: as many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they believed.

People were healed, repented, were baptized, and received a remission of their sins.

We always have a choice.

Helaman 5:12- Overcome the World

Sister Dew is great at stories and analogies, one of the reasons I love reading her talks- this post is some cut and paste from this talk: Sheri L. Dew, “We Are Women of God,” Ensign, Nov 1999, 97- from the General Relief Society Meeting in October 1999.

"Recently a professional assignment required me to travel out of the country. But I felt such a foreboding about the trip that prior to leaving I sought a priesthood blessing. I was warned that the adversary would attempt to thwart my mission and that physical and spiritual danger lay ahead. I was also counseled that this was not to be a sight-seeing or a shopping trip and that if I would focus on my assignments and seek the direction of the Spirit, I would return safely home.

Well, the warning was sobering. But as I proceeded, pleading for direction and protection each step of the way, I realized that my experience wasn’t all that unique. Might not our Father have said to you and to me as we left His presence: “The adversary will attempt to thwart your mission, and you will face spiritual and physical danger. But if you will focus on your assignments, if you will heed my voice, and if you will refuse to reduce mortality to a sight-seeing or a shopping trip, you will return safely home”?"

Later in the same talk she said this:

...He counseled Emma Smith to “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (D&C 25:10). And Christ provided the pattern, declaring prior to Gethsemane, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33; emphasis added). The only way that we may overcome the world is by coming unto Christ. And coming unto Christ means walking away from the world. It means placing Christ and Christ only at the center of our lives so that the vanities and philosophies of men lose their addictive appeal. Satan is the god of Babylon, or this world. Christ is the God of Israel, and His Atonement gives us power to overcome the world. “If you expect glory, intelligence and endless lives,” said President Joseph F. Smith, “let the world go” ...

We no longer have the luxury of spending our energy on anything that does not lead us and our families to Christ. That is the litmus test for Relief Society, as well as for our lives. In the days ahead, a casual commitment to Christ will not carry us through.

How then do we, as women of God, fill the full measure of our creation? The Lord rewards “them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). We seek Him not only by studying and searching, by pleading and praying and watching always lest we enter into temptation, but by giving up worldly indulgences that straddle the line between God and mammon. Otherwise we risk being called but not chosen because our “hearts are set so much upon the things of this world” (D&C 121:35).

This summer I had an unforgettable experience in the Holy Land. As I sat on the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee, I saw in the distance a city built on a hill. The visual image of a city that cannot be hid was stunning, and as I pondered the symbolism I had an overwhelming impression that we as women of God are like that city, that if we will leave behind the things of the world and come unto Christ so that the Spirit radiates through our lives and from our eyes, our uniqueness will be a light unto the world. As sisters of Relief Society, we belong to the most significant community of women on this side of the veil. We are a spectacular city on a hill. And the less we look and act like the women of the world, the more they will look to us as a wellspring of hope, peace, virtue, and joy.

Twenty years ago at this very meeting President Kimball made a statement we have quoted ever since: “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days … will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that [they] are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world” (Ensign, Nov. 1979, 103–4; emphasis added). We can no longer be content to just quote President Kimball. We are the sisters who must and will make his prophecy a reality. But we can do it. I know we can.

Women of God, that includes us. Tonight I invite each of us to identify at least one thing we can do to come out of the world and come closer to Christ. And then next month, another. And then another. Sisters, this is a call to arms, it’s a call to action, a call to arise. A call to arm ourselves with power and with righteousness. A call to rely on the arm of the Lord rather than the arm of flesh. A call to “arise and shine forth, that [our] light may be a standard for the nations” (D&C 115:5). A call to live as women of God so that we and our families may return safely home.
We have such cause to rejoice, for the gospel of Jesus Christ is the voice of gladness! It is because the Savior overcame the world that we may overcome. It is because He rose on the third day that we may arise as women of God. May we lay aside the things of this world and seek for the things of a better. May we commit this very hour to come out of the world and to never look back. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Helaman 5:12- Overcome the World

I want to think more about the commentary from Bruce R. McConkie that I mentioned yesterday. Satan had no power over Christ becasue Christ had overcome the world.

Soooo- theoretically, if I want Satan to have "no power over me"- as discussed in Helaman 5:12- learning how to overcome the world could help.

D&C 63: 47

47 He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world.

John 16: 33

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

2 Pet. 2: 20

20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome.

Mosiah 5:2

And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

So- from the scriptures, this is what I learned about "overcomeing the world":

1. be faithful
2. endure
3. find peace in Christ,
4. becaue Christ has already overcome the world, he can help me
5. escape the pollutions of the world, through my knowledge of Christ
6. the words of Christ can casue a change in us that we have no more desire to do evil- but to always do good.

1921 Elder David O. McKay (1873–1970), who later became the ninth President of the Church, made a world tour of the missions of the Church. While aboard a ship nearing Apia, Samoa, he had a beautiful experience --it shows us the rewards our Heavenly Father reserves for those who come unto Christ and overcome the world. President McKay wrote:
“Towards evening, the reflection of the afterglow of a beautiful sunset was most splendid! The sky was tinged with pink, and the clouds lingering around the horizon were fringed with various hues of crimson and orange, while the heavy cloud farther to the west was sombre purple and black. These various colors cast varying shadows on the peaceful surface of the water. Those from the cloud were long and dark, those from the crimson-tinged sky, clear but rose-tinted and fading into a faint pink that merged into the clear blue of the ocean. Gradually, the shadows became deeper and heavier, and then all merged into a beautiful calm twilight that made the sea look like a great mirror upon which fell the faint light of the crescent moon!
“Pondering still upon this beautiful scene, I lay in my berth at ten o’clock that night, and thought to myself: Charming as it is, it doesn’t stir my soul with emotion as do the innocent lives of children, and the sublime characters of loved ones and friends. Their beauty, unselfishness, and heroism are after all the most glorious!
“I then fell asleep, and beheld in vision something infinitely sublime. In the distance I beheld a beautiful white city. Though far away, yet I seemed to realize that trees with luscious fruit, shrubbery with gorgeously-tinted leaves, and flowers in perfect bloom abounded everywhere. The clear sky above seemed to reflect these beautiful shades of color. I then saw a great concourse of people approaching the city. Each one wore a white flowing robe. … Instantly my attention seemed centered upon their Leader, and though I could see only the profile of his features and his body, I recognized him at once as my Savior! The tint and radiance of his countenance were glorious to behold! There was a peace about him which seemed sublime—it was divine!
“The city, I understood, was his. It was the City Eternal; and the people following him were to abide there in peace and eternal happiness.
“But who were they?
“As if the Savior read my thoughts, he answered by pointing to a semicircle that then appeared above them, and on which were written in gold the words:
‘These Are They Who Have Overcome The World— Who Have Truly Been Born Again!’
“When I awoke, it was breaking day over Apia harbor” (Cherished Experiences from the Writings of President David O. McKay, compiled by Clare Middlemiss [1955], 101–2).

I don't know if "overcoming the world" is something that we can do in this life, or if it is a process, like perfection, that we can't expect to reach until the next. (any thoughts?) But either way, working on it can help me have "the spirit to always be with me," and have "Satan have no power over me."

Helaman 5:12 Always Remember Him- even at 5:30pm

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

I am still interested in the phrase "no power over you." Last night my daughter would not do her homework, my kids would not put their soccer clothes on when I asked, my three year old took a bunch of toys out of the playroom and brought them downstairs (which is not allowed in my house). OK- so it might not seem like a big deal, but when all of this is going on, as I am trying to make dinner in a timely manner, to get the kids fed prior to soccer practice, it made me so angry. In my life, I am not concerned right now about "his hail and his mighty storm." Nor am I concerned about "the gulf of misery and endless wo." I would like to have my kids be disobedient, have my family running late for where we are supposed to be going, (this happens a LOT) and still have the spirit with me. I want to be able to be calm and peaceful inside. I do not want to stop caring about homework, obedience, and showing up on time. I fundamentally think these things are very important. However, in the sacrament prayer, I learn that I can "always have his spirit to be with me." Last night, at 6:30pm, after I burned my hand on some sauce, and was thoroughly upset with my children- I did not.

Bruce R. McConkie explained that Satan had no power over Christ because He had "overcome the world." (How can I do that?)

In Ezra Taft Benson's book, "A Witness and a Warning"- chapter8- Come Unto Christ- he says:

Nephi said, the Lord "hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh." ( 2Nephi 4:21.) Those who are consumed in Christ "are made alive in Christ." ( 2Nephi 25:25.) They "suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ." (Alma 31:38.) They are "clasped in the arms of Jesus." (Mormon 5:11.) Nephi said, "I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul." (2 Nephi 33:6.) Lehi said, "I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love." (2 Nephi 1:15.)
58Let us read the Book of Mormon and be convinced that Jesus is the Christ. Let us continually reread the Book of Mormon so that we might more fully come to Christ, be committed to Him, centered in Him, and consumed in Him.
58We are meeting the adversary every day. The challenges of this era will rival any of the past, and these challenges will increase both spiritually and temporally. We must be close to Christ, we must daily take His name upon us, always remember Him, and keep His commandments.

President Benson said some of the same things that President Monson did, and that I studied earlier.

• Read the Book of Mormon
• Take his name upon me
• Be close to Christ
• Always remember him
• Keep his commandments

I am pretty good at thinking about these things at 5:30 am- but by 5:30 pm- not as good. I need to be more like the Muslims who pray five times a day. I am going to add two more prayers to my schedule: 3pm- before school pick up, and another at 5:30- right before my melt down. Hopefully this will be the trick!