I didn't have a deep and meaningful study today, but I did have a study with my kids. They're 3 and 4, and their boys, so scripture time can be a struggle. (Mostly, they eat before I get out of bed, so making them sit at the table while I eat and try to read to them is hard.)
But I decided I just have to get in the habit. I pulled some Book of Mormon pictures from our Gospel Art kit and we talked about Lehi and Nephi. It was short and I didn't really testify, which I should have. It would've been easy to talk about Nephi "going and doing" and whatnot. I'll have to remember that for tomorrow.
10.12.2009
8.26.2009
D&C 124-132
I know it looks like I haven't read my scriptures in weeks, but I actually have been reading. Just not updating my blog. But I have taken notes of things I discovered, or had questions about.
124: 124 -- Hyrum Smith is made patriarch of the church, and then it says he will hold the sealing blessings, the Holy Spirit of Promise. I know that patriarchs now don't hold the sealing powers, but it sure sounded like Hyrum was given them. Do you think at one time they were tied to the patriarchal powers, or was this just a different circumstance?
128:20 -- I think I've talked about this before, but I never found an answer to my question. This verse talkes about the voice of Michael detecting the devil as he appeared as an angel of light on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Have any of you ever heard that story? All I know of church history I've learned from The Work and the Glory, and this account wasn't in there. But I've never heard about it anywhere else. Have you? I don't doubt this account or anything, I'm just curious about it.
Section 130 is simply incredible. There are 3 scriptures mastery scriptures in 23 verses!!
v. 18-19 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain in this life will rise with us in the next, and give us an advantage in the world to come
v. 20-21 When we obtain a blessing, it is by obedience to the law upon which it was predicated
v. 22-23 God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy ghost has a body of Spirit, which allows Him to dwell in us.
Sections 131 and 132 talk about celestial marriage. Very appropriate sections for me to be reading on my anniversary!
I want to quickly record for my own journaling purposes some recent blessings we've received. As our family will be growing soon, we looked a few weeks ago at purchasing another car. We were going to have to trade in our current car to buy a newer one, when we had originally hoped to keep the car we currently have as a second car. In the end, the bank wouldn't finance the negative equity that we needed to roll into the payments on the next car. So we decided to wait. Well, I guess the decision was made for us.
We had discussed possibly buying a friend's Ford Explorer from him before for about $300. But we knew it also needed about $500 of work to get it running and able to pass safety and emissions. Plus the cost of registering it...........it was going to cost about $1000. Which we just don't have on hand. We decided to start saving, in hopes that we'd be able to pay it in full by the time the baby comes in Feb/March.
Then after talking to him again, he offered to give us his Explorer if we would try to sell his Mustang. Um, SURE! He was going to be flying in from out of state and able to give us the title. That was taken care of for about half the cost of what we expected, and we assumed we've have the next several months to save a bit and get it repaired. But after receiving the title, we discovered we only had two weeks. Well. Great.
We took the Explorer (which we now foundly call Dora) to a friend's car shop. They said that there were a few things they could fix, but all it actually needed to pass safety and emissions was to have the brakes repaired. Which would cost about $120. NOT $500. They repaired it that day.
So this car that we thought would cost us about $1000 actually ended up costing $200.
On the same day we found out the car would be so inexpensive to repair, my husband had a review at work. This marks the end of his second year with the company. About a month ago, he found out that not everyone at the company gets a raise every year, like he thought. For a lot of people, it was every other year. And he got a raise last year. Combine that with the fact that he rarely feels like he's doing a good job, and thought the chances of him getting a raise very pretty slim. He might a a 2-3% raise. A 5% raise was the absolute best-case scenario, and there was only about a 5% chance of that in his book.
Well, his review went wonderfully. He found out he wasn't doing as horrible of a job as he thought he was. And he got a raise. A SIX percent raise. Which he did NOT think was possible.
The reason I'm sharing all this is simply because I want to remember these blessings. I attribute them both directly to the fact that we are faithful tithe-payers. The Lord has truly opened the windows of heaven upon us.
124: 124 -- Hyrum Smith is made patriarch of the church, and then it says he will hold the sealing blessings, the Holy Spirit of Promise. I know that patriarchs now don't hold the sealing powers, but it sure sounded like Hyrum was given them. Do you think at one time they were tied to the patriarchal powers, or was this just a different circumstance?
128:20 -- I think I've talked about this before, but I never found an answer to my question. This verse talkes about the voice of Michael detecting the devil as he appeared as an angel of light on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Have any of you ever heard that story? All I know of church history I've learned from The Work and the Glory, and this account wasn't in there. But I've never heard about it anywhere else. Have you? I don't doubt this account or anything, I'm just curious about it.
Section 130 is simply incredible. There are 3 scriptures mastery scriptures in 23 verses!!
v. 18-19 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain in this life will rise with us in the next, and give us an advantage in the world to come
v. 20-21 When we obtain a blessing, it is by obedience to the law upon which it was predicated
v. 22-23 God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy ghost has a body of Spirit, which allows Him to dwell in us.
Sections 131 and 132 talk about celestial marriage. Very appropriate sections for me to be reading on my anniversary!
I want to quickly record for my own journaling purposes some recent blessings we've received. As our family will be growing soon, we looked a few weeks ago at purchasing another car. We were going to have to trade in our current car to buy a newer one, when we had originally hoped to keep the car we currently have as a second car. In the end, the bank wouldn't finance the negative equity that we needed to roll into the payments on the next car. So we decided to wait. Well, I guess the decision was made for us.
We had discussed possibly buying a friend's Ford Explorer from him before for about $300. But we knew it also needed about $500 of work to get it running and able to pass safety and emissions. Plus the cost of registering it...........it was going to cost about $1000. Which we just don't have on hand. We decided to start saving, in hopes that we'd be able to pay it in full by the time the baby comes in Feb/March.
Then after talking to him again, he offered to give us his Explorer if we would try to sell his Mustang. Um, SURE! He was going to be flying in from out of state and able to give us the title. That was taken care of for about half the cost of what we expected, and we assumed we've have the next several months to save a bit and get it repaired. But after receiving the title, we discovered we only had two weeks. Well. Great.
We took the Explorer (which we now foundly call Dora) to a friend's car shop. They said that there were a few things they could fix, but all it actually needed to pass safety and emissions was to have the brakes repaired. Which would cost about $120. NOT $500. They repaired it that day.
So this car that we thought would cost us about $1000 actually ended up costing $200.
On the same day we found out the car would be so inexpensive to repair, my husband had a review at work. This marks the end of his second year with the company. About a month ago, he found out that not everyone at the company gets a raise every year, like he thought. For a lot of people, it was every other year. And he got a raise last year. Combine that with the fact that he rarely feels like he's doing a good job, and thought the chances of him getting a raise very pretty slim. He might a a 2-3% raise. A 5% raise was the absolute best-case scenario, and there was only about a 5% chance of that in his book.
Well, his review went wonderfully. He found out he wasn't doing as horrible of a job as he thought he was. And he got a raise. A SIX percent raise. Which he did NOT think was possible.
The reason I'm sharing all this is simply because I want to remember these blessings. I attribute them both directly to the fact that we are faithful tithe-payers. The Lord has truly opened the windows of heaven upon us.
Thoughts? Patriarchal and sealing powers? Devil appearing as angel of light? A blessing of paying your tithing you'd like to share?
8.04.2009
Enduring with grace and faith
These sections of the Doctrine and Covenants written while Joseph Smith was imprisoned in Liberty Jail are some of my favorites. They are just packed with gems for us.
Sec. 122 is a revelation given to Joseph Smith. I can imagine that it gave him a great deal of comfort, while also keeping him humple and aware of things to come.
"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
"The son of man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than He?"
"...thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, forGod shall be with you forever and ever."
Everytime I think my life is hard and I read these verses, I am immediately humbled. Raising young kids is hard? Managing money is hard? Being busy is hard? At least I'm separated from my spouse and my children. At least I'm not unjustly imprisoned. At least I can stand to my full height whenever I want. At least I'm not freezing. At least no one's trying to poison me.
And then on top of this, Joseph is reminded that as bad as all that is, Christ descended even lower.
The next section is a letter that Joseph wrote to the saints as they were being driven from their homes, and he was still imprisoned.
After talking about their duty to spread the gospel throughout the world, he says, "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the upmost assuarnce, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
Isn't that a fantastic scripture? What a perfect guideline for enduring our trials, or simply doing what we should be doing. Do it cheerfully, do all you can, then let God do the rest.
Sec. 122 is a revelation given to Joseph Smith. I can imagine that it gave him a great deal of comfort, while also keeping him humple and aware of things to come.
"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
"The son of man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than He?"
"...thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, forGod shall be with you forever and ever."
Everytime I think my life is hard and I read these verses, I am immediately humbled. Raising young kids is hard? Managing money is hard? Being busy is hard? At least I'm separated from my spouse and my children. At least I'm not unjustly imprisoned. At least I can stand to my full height whenever I want. At least I'm not freezing. At least no one's trying to poison me.
And then on top of this, Joseph is reminded that as bad as all that is, Christ descended even lower.
~~~~
The next section is a letter that Joseph wrote to the saints as they were being driven from their homes, and he was still imprisoned.
After talking about their duty to spread the gospel throughout the world, he says, "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the upmost assuarnce, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
Isn't that a fantastic scripture? What a perfect guideline for enduring our trials, or simply doing what we should be doing. Do it cheerfully, do all you can, then let God do the rest.
7.31.2009
Comfort and guidance
"O God, where are thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? . . .
"My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine affictions shall be but a small moment;
And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."
These verses from D&C 121 are quite popular, but never fail to bring feelings of peace, comfort, and humility to me.
I also really like the next, less-quoted verses. "Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands. Thou art not yet as Job; they friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job."
Most of us, when eduring hardships, rely heavily on the strength and wisdom of our friends. Can you imagine if they were gone? And not only gone, but acting against you?
Later on in the section, Joseph Smith discuss the rights of the priesthood.
"Behold, many are called, but few are chosen. Any why are they not chosen?
"Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson --
"That the rights of the priesthood are inseperably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
"That they might be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lords is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen (or in other words, Adios!) to the power and authority of that man."
Now obviously, this doesn't just pertain to men. I do think that Joseph Smith is referring to the men of the priesthood specifically here, but there are applications for all members of the church. All those who have been endowed have some rights of the priesthood.
I find it interesting that many are called, but only few are chosen because of their own choices. I think it might be easy for some to say that the Lord didn't "choose" them. But that is not the case. If the Lord calls you, it's up to you to decide whether you are "chosen" or not. (Elder Bednar taught that.)
A few verses later, Joseph gives the "do's" of the priesthood, as compared to his previous list of "don'ts." (Should there be two apostrophes in that?)
"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
"By kindness, and pure knowlege, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile--
"Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards and increase of love toward him who thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy."
I think this is not just a guide to priesthood government, but a guide for us as mothers and members of the church.
One note I have in my scriptures regarding the last verse is what reproving meant in the 1830's edition of Webster's. "Correcting quickly with clarity and truth." That sheds some light on the verse. I think this is obviously a guide to disciplining children. Correctly quickly (and quietly, if possible) with clarity, then afterward, making sure they know you still love them. You may not approve of all their choices, but you love them regardless.
One other thing that stood out to me when reading these verses today is the "pure knowledge" mentioned in v. 42. I think it was Elder Maxwell that mentioned that sometimes in the church, then men have a tendency to be the scholars, and the women offer the compassionate service. He said that while those things are good, they are not gender-specific roles. The women need to become better scholars, and the men need to work on their compassionate service!!
So that's what I thought of when I read "pure knowledge." My husband has a masterful memory, and has spent much more time studying the scriptures and doctrine of the church than I have. (Mostly because he prepared for and served a mission.) I ask him all kinds of doctrine-related questions frequently, and he always knows the answer. As soon as he explains it, it makes complete sense and reminds me that I've heard it before. But he is definately the Church "scholar" in our household. I need to be more like that.
"My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine affictions shall be but a small moment;
And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."
These verses from D&C 121 are quite popular, but never fail to bring feelings of peace, comfort, and humility to me.
I also really like the next, less-quoted verses. "Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands. Thou art not yet as Job; they friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job."
Most of us, when eduring hardships, rely heavily on the strength and wisdom of our friends. Can you imagine if they were gone? And not only gone, but acting against you?
Later on in the section, Joseph Smith discuss the rights of the priesthood.
"Behold, many are called, but few are chosen. Any why are they not chosen?
"Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson --
"That the rights of the priesthood are inseperably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
"That they might be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lords is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen (or in other words, Adios!) to the power and authority of that man."
Now obviously, this doesn't just pertain to men. I do think that Joseph Smith is referring to the men of the priesthood specifically here, but there are applications for all members of the church. All those who have been endowed have some rights of the priesthood.
I find it interesting that many are called, but only few are chosen because of their own choices. I think it might be easy for some to say that the Lord didn't "choose" them. But that is not the case. If the Lord calls you, it's up to you to decide whether you are "chosen" or not. (Elder Bednar taught that.)
A few verses later, Joseph gives the "do's" of the priesthood, as compared to his previous list of "don'ts." (Should there be two apostrophes in that?)
"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
"By kindness, and pure knowlege, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile--
"Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards and increase of love toward him who thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy."
I think this is not just a guide to priesthood government, but a guide for us as mothers and members of the church.
One note I have in my scriptures regarding the last verse is what reproving meant in the 1830's edition of Webster's. "Correcting quickly with clarity and truth." That sheds some light on the verse. I think this is obviously a guide to disciplining children. Correctly quickly (and quietly, if possible) with clarity, then afterward, making sure they know you still love them. You may not approve of all their choices, but you love them regardless.
One other thing that stood out to me when reading these verses today is the "pure knowledge" mentioned in v. 42. I think it was Elder Maxwell that mentioned that sometimes in the church, then men have a tendency to be the scholars, and the women offer the compassionate service. He said that while those things are good, they are not gender-specific roles. The women need to become better scholars, and the men need to work on their compassionate service!!
So that's what I thought of when I read "pure knowledge." My husband has a masterful memory, and has spent much more time studying the scriptures and doctrine of the church than I have. (Mostly because he prepared for and served a mission.) I ask him all kinds of doctrine-related questions frequently, and he always knows the answer. As soon as he explains it, it makes complete sense and reminds me that I've heard it before. But he is definately the Church "scholar" in our household. I need to be more like that.
So........what are your thoughts on D&D 121?
6.27.2009
Notes from stake conference
One of the plusses of living in Utah is having general authorities or other high(ish) ranking church leaders come to our stake conferences. (For notes from last stake conference with Elder Glen L. Pace, click here.) This session, President {I-didn't-catch-his-first-name} Danes of the Provo Temple presidency and his wife, Jana, came to speak to us. You can probably guess what they talked about: the temple.
Sister Danes shared some thoughts from the prophets about the temple. President Benson said that there is a power associated with the temple. Our families will be protected if we attend. Our children will be safeguarded.
Who doesn't want that kind of protection for their families and children? Why isn't the temple more of a priority for me?
President Hickley promised, "Come to the temple and life will be better for you."
My life could use some bettering!
Then President Danes spoke. As he spoke, I thought (and wrote in my notebook), I need to go to the temple. Others (living) need me to go to the temple. Others (dead) need me to go to the temple.
Why isn't the temple more of a priority for me?!?
We become holier by worshipping in a holy place.
Joseph Smith taught that spiritual rebirth requires the Spirit of God through the ordinances. (Of the temple and otherwise.) Pres. Danes elaborated that this rebirthing process is accelerated every time we go to the temple.
Why would I want to slow the process?!?
Pres. Danes then shared numerous sacred experiences. I don't think this is right forum for me to repeat those happenings, even though they weren't his own, but recorded experiences of prophets. I just don't think a public access blog is the right place to repeat the experiences. Suffice it to say, the temples truly are the house of God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. And when the prophets and apostles testify of Christ, theirs truly is a special witness.
Other thoughts and impressions from his talk:
I need the blessings of the temple!
Do I really want to serve? Go to the temple. Every time I go, I leave a better person. (Pres. Hinkley, I think.)
There is a difference between members who infrequently rush to the temple, and those who consistently serve and worship there.
p.s. thanks to Michaela and Gigi. I needed a kick in the pants! I promise to try extra hard to post regularly!
Sister Danes shared some thoughts from the prophets about the temple. President Benson said that there is a power associated with the temple. Our families will be protected if we attend. Our children will be safeguarded.
Who doesn't want that kind of protection for their families and children? Why isn't the temple more of a priority for me?
President Hickley promised, "Come to the temple and life will be better for you."
My life could use some bettering!
Then President Danes spoke. As he spoke, I thought (and wrote in my notebook), I need to go to the temple. Others (living) need me to go to the temple. Others (dead) need me to go to the temple.
Why isn't the temple more of a priority for me?!?
We become holier by worshipping in a holy place.
Joseph Smith taught that spiritual rebirth requires the Spirit of God through the ordinances. (Of the temple and otherwise.) Pres. Danes elaborated that this rebirthing process is accelerated every time we go to the temple.
Why would I want to slow the process?!?
Pres. Danes then shared numerous sacred experiences. I don't think this is right forum for me to repeat those happenings, even though they weren't his own, but recorded experiences of prophets. I just don't think a public access blog is the right place to repeat the experiences. Suffice it to say, the temples truly are the house of God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. And when the prophets and apostles testify of Christ, theirs truly is a special witness.
Other thoughts and impressions from his talk:
I need the blessings of the temple!
Do I really want to serve? Go to the temple. Every time I go, I leave a better person. (Pres. Hinkley, I think.)
There is a difference between members who infrequently rush to the temple, and those who consistently serve and worship there.
p.s. thanks to Michaela and Gigi. I needed a kick in the pants! I promise to try extra hard to post regularly!
6.05.2009
I'm taking my children to the temple.
A few months ago, the temple in Draper, Utah had an open house before it was dedicated. My husband and I have been to an open house before, so we decided we wouldn't go. Our kids are only 3 and 4 and we knew they'd be too young to understand or remember anything.
We we wrong. I've heard several stories of children younger than mine understanding that the temple is a special place. They can identify pictures of Christ. There is a different, sacred feel to the temple (even before it's dedicated) that children can feel, perhaps more acutely than adults. And it's not like they have to behave the way we do in a temple session.
After hearing different accounts of the great experiences people had with their children and grandchildren, I really regretted not going to the open house.
Then they annouced the Oquirrh Mountain temple open house just a month later!! I didn't realize the two were being built at the same time! So I have tickets. We're actually going when my family comes to visit us in a few weeks. I am so excited. I need to start preparing my children for it.
Today, I read D&C 97. The Lord is telling the people of Kirtland to build a temple. He tells them to do it quickly, so that "they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth," (v. 14).
I know that the temple in Kirtland housed the School of the Prophets, and this verse could quite possibly be referring to what would happen in Kirtland, specifically. But I think it pertains to all temples. The temple is where we learn the mysteries of God.
I'm excited to take my children there.
We we wrong. I've heard several stories of children younger than mine understanding that the temple is a special place. They can identify pictures of Christ. There is a different, sacred feel to the temple (even before it's dedicated) that children can feel, perhaps more acutely than adults. And it's not like they have to behave the way we do in a temple session.
After hearing different accounts of the great experiences people had with their children and grandchildren, I really regretted not going to the open house.
Then they annouced the Oquirrh Mountain temple open house just a month later!! I didn't realize the two were being built at the same time! So I have tickets. We're actually going when my family comes to visit us in a few weeks. I am so excited. I need to start preparing my children for it.
Today, I read D&C 97. The Lord is telling the people of Kirtland to build a temple. He tells them to do it quickly, so that "they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth," (v. 14).
I know that the temple in Kirtland housed the School of the Prophets, and this verse could quite possibly be referring to what would happen in Kirtland, specifically. But I think it pertains to all temples. The temple is where we learn the mysteries of God.
I'm excited to take my children there.
5.11.2009
If you love them......
.....you will chasten them.
Since yesterday was Mother's Day, I've still got motherhood on my mind. So when I read D&C 95:1, "Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten ..." I thought of my children.
Being a parent sometimes means saying no. It means giving reprimands and punishments. We do these things because we love our children and want what's best for them. I always try to remember D&C 121:43, that talks about showing forth an outpouring of love after a rebuke. (For the record, I didn't know the reference off the top of my head. I had to look it up. Lest you think I'm a master scriptorian.Ü) I try to make sure my boys know that I still love them, I'm just not happy about what they chose to do.
V. 4 has some language I've never heard before. (Or at least never paid attention to.) It talks about the Lord preparing his apostles to prune the vineyard that the Lord may "bring to pass his strange act." The footnotes go to two other verses, one in D&C 101 and one in Isaiah. These verses also use the phrase "stange act," butt there is no further clarification. Do you think it just means the Restoration? Like us being a peculiar people? The Church is "strange" compared to the ways of the world? Or do you think it could mean something else?
The nest verse talks about many being called, but few being chosen. Those who are not chosen are thay way because of a "grievious sin." Those who are chosen will be able to enter the house of the Lord and receive their endowments.
I've mentioned before that I've been able to hear Elder Bednar teach on many occasions at BYU-I. I once heard him talking about D&C 121:34, which is a wider-known scripture about many being called and few being chosen. I remember he taught that the Lord does the calling, but we do the choosing. By our actions, we decided ourselves whether or not we will be chosen. D&C 121:35 answers the question as to why some are not chosen. "Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men..."
And of course, this "being chosen" doesn't end with being endowed. I think that's just the beginning of our journey -- to remain chosen.
Since yesterday was Mother's Day, I've still got motherhood on my mind. So when I read D&C 95:1, "Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten ..." I thought of my children.
Being a parent sometimes means saying no. It means giving reprimands and punishments. We do these things because we love our children and want what's best for them. I always try to remember D&C 121:43, that talks about showing forth an outpouring of love after a rebuke. (For the record, I didn't know the reference off the top of my head. I had to look it up. Lest you think I'm a master scriptorian.Ü) I try to make sure my boys know that I still love them, I'm just not happy about what they chose to do.
V. 4 has some language I've never heard before. (Or at least never paid attention to.) It talks about the Lord preparing his apostles to prune the vineyard that the Lord may "bring to pass his strange act." The footnotes go to two other verses, one in D&C 101 and one in Isaiah. These verses also use the phrase "stange act," butt there is no further clarification. Do you think it just means the Restoration? Like us being a peculiar people? The Church is "strange" compared to the ways of the world? Or do you think it could mean something else?
The nest verse talks about many being called, but few being chosen. Those who are not chosen are thay way because of a "grievious sin." Those who are chosen will be able to enter the house of the Lord and receive their endowments.
I've mentioned before that I've been able to hear Elder Bednar teach on many occasions at BYU-I. I once heard him talking about D&C 121:34, which is a wider-known scripture about many being called and few being chosen. I remember he taught that the Lord does the calling, but we do the choosing. By our actions, we decided ourselves whether or not we will be chosen. D&C 121:35 answers the question as to why some are not chosen. "Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men..."
And of course, this "being chosen" doesn't end with being endowed. I think that's just the beginning of our journey -- to remain chosen.
5.07.2009
Light, intelligence, and truth -- D&C 93 pt. 2
"Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be," vs. 29. It's a difficult concept to grasp, that intelligences weren't created.
I like the next verse a lot:
When I attended BYU-Idaho, Elder Bednar was the president of the school. I heard him speak on many occasions, and almost every time he spoke he brought up acting and choosing for ourselves. So that phrase really sticks out to me. 2 Nephi mentions it, too -- things to act or be acted upon. Are we going to choose to act, or be acted upon? Act, or react?
So being intelligent means acting for yourself -- making choices.
Something to think about.....
I like the next verse a lot:
"All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence."
When I attended BYU-Idaho, Elder Bednar was the president of the school. I heard him speak on many occasions, and almost every time he spoke he brought up acting and choosing for ourselves. So that phrase really sticks out to me. 2 Nephi mentions it, too -- things to act or be acted upon. Are we going to choose to act, or be acted upon? Act, or react?
V. 31 says, "Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from thebegining is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light."
So being intelligent means acting for yourself -- making choices.
"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake the evil one," vs. 36-37.Being intelligent means forsaking the evil one.
Something to think about.....
5.06.2009
Know what you worship -- D&C 93 pt.1
This is such a fabulous section.
In reading this section, I was really impressed by howindebted we are to Jesus Christ. His Atonement for our sins comes to mind, of course, but section 93 discusses other things.
He was the beginning. The world was made by Him. The light and the life of man is through Him. Man was mad by Him. All things were made by Him.
He is the Creator and Savior of all.
But even the Savior was not mighty at first. "And He received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to frace, until He received a fulness," v. 13.
The next verse is interesting, too. "And thus was he called the Son of God, becuase he received not of the fulness at the first."
**So maybe that means that to become true children of our Father in Heaven, we also need to patiently progress grace for grace.**
The next verses talk about the Holy Ghost appearing as a dove, then the voice of God saying This is my beloved Son. Then Christ received a fulness of the glory of the Father, and had all power.
The wording of these verses make me think that these events were related. That once Christ had taken appropriate steps to enter God's kingdom (baptism and the Holy Ghost), He was given of the fulness. he was now fully prepared for His ministry. --Does that sound right? Or do you think Christ received of the fulness at another time?
I also love v. 19. "I give unto you these saying that you many understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness."
Joseph Smith taught in the Lectures on Faith that for anyone to exercise faith in God, he (among other things) needs a correct idea of His character, perfections, and attributes.
D&C 93 definately teaches us a lot about Christ and helps us know what who and what we worship.
I have more to write down, but not the time. Tune in tomorrow!
In reading this section, I was really impressed by howindebted we are to Jesus Christ. His Atonement for our sins comes to mind, of course, but section 93 discusses other things.
He was the beginning. The world was made by Him. The light and the life of man is through Him. Man was mad by Him. All things were made by Him.
He is the Creator and Savior of all.
But even the Savior was not mighty at first. "And He received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to frace, until He received a fulness," v. 13.
The next verse is interesting, too. "And thus was he called the Son of God, becuase he received not of the fulness at the first."
**So maybe that means that to become true children of our Father in Heaven, we also need to patiently progress grace for grace.**
The next verses talk about the Holy Ghost appearing as a dove, then the voice of God saying This is my beloved Son. Then Christ received a fulness of the glory of the Father, and had all power.
The wording of these verses make me think that these events were related. That once Christ had taken appropriate steps to enter God's kingdom (baptism and the Holy Ghost), He was given of the fulness. he was now fully prepared for His ministry. --Does that sound right? Or do you think Christ received of the fulness at another time?
I also love v. 19. "I give unto you these saying that you many understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness."
Joseph Smith taught in the Lectures on Faith that for anyone to exercise faith in God, he (among other things) needs a correct idea of His character, perfections, and attributes.
D&C 93 definately teaches us a lot about Christ and helps us know what who and what we worship.
I have more to write down, but not the time. Tune in tomorrow!
5.04.2009
All things shall work together
D&C 90:24 reads:
"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."
I also like vs. 18: "Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you."
I believe this is my admonishment for the day. (Funny how many times I interpret the phrase "Clean your home!" from D&C!!)
"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."
I also like vs. 18: "Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you."
I believe this is my admonishment for the day. (Funny how many times I interpret the phrase "Clean your home!" from D&C!!)
5.03.2009
Cease to be idle
Another favorite passage of mine from D&C 88 are verses 123-126.
"See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
"Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean, cease to find fauly one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to they bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, thay your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
"And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
"Pray always that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lot, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen."
~~~~~~It's a bit ironic that I read this scripture the day after I stayed up till 1 am.
I love this entire passage. I need to work on not being covetous. And not being idle. And being more charitable. And reading my scriptures daily. :o)
My visiting teachers were going to come last week, but one of them hurt her back and wasn't able to make the appointment. The next day, they were and on my doorstep with a small hand out from the message. About scripture study. I knew she was in a lot of pain, but she still made an effort. And it's because God knew I needed a gentle reminder about studying my scriptures.
4.05.2009
More thoughts from D&C 88 -- I love the temple!
I had the opportunity to attend the temple yesterday morning. As I was sitting in the chapel, I read this verse:
v. 63 "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
I read this verse and thought, Lord, I am drawing near to you. This, more than any other place on earth, is where I can physically draw nearest to you. And let me just tell you.......I drew near to Him, and He drew near to me. I had such a marvelous temple experience.
For the first time ever, I was able to sit in the celestial room until I was good and ready to leave. I didn't have to worry about the time, or paying a sitter, or the room being crowded. I just sat and prayed. And the Lord spoke to me. The temple is such a place of peace. I am no longer needlessly worrying about things. It is in the Lord's hands. I know what I need to do, and the Lord will take care of the rest.
A few more verses about the temple:
v. 74 "And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean."
v. 119 "Organize yourselves; perpare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."
I know that last verse is specifically about the temple, but it is also a model for our homes.
I actually want this scripture illustrated by that one lady who did "return with honor" and "rules of our home" -- you know who I'm talking about? I'd love to have an artistic rendering of this scripture framed in my home.
I just have to close with my gratitude for the temple. I made a goal to go soon, and though things happened that could have easily kept me away, I was too determined to go to let anything stop me. I am grateful for the reminder of covenants I made. I am so grateful for the direct access the temple provides to the Godhead. If you truly draw near unto the Lord, He will draw near unto you.
v. 63 "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
I read this verse and thought, Lord, I am drawing near to you. This, more than any other place on earth, is where I can physically draw nearest to you. And let me just tell you.......I drew near to Him, and He drew near to me. I had such a marvelous temple experience.
For the first time ever, I was able to sit in the celestial room until I was good and ready to leave. I didn't have to worry about the time, or paying a sitter, or the room being crowded. I just sat and prayed. And the Lord spoke to me. The temple is such a place of peace. I am no longer needlessly worrying about things. It is in the Lord's hands. I know what I need to do, and the Lord will take care of the rest.
A few more verses about the temple:
v. 74 "And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean."
v. 119 "Organize yourselves; perpare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."
I know that last verse is specifically about the temple, but it is also a model for our homes.
I actually want this scripture illustrated by that one lady who did "return with honor" and "rules of our home" -- you know who I'm talking about? I'd love to have an artistic rendering of this scripture framed in my home.
I just have to close with my gratitude for the temple. I made a goal to go soon, and though things happened that could have easily kept me away, I was too determined to go to let anything stop me. I am grateful for the reminder of covenants I made. I am so grateful for the direct access the temple provides to the Godhead. If you truly draw near unto the Lord, He will draw near unto you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
