tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70661933682590415872024-03-05T18:06:42.112-07:00My daily breadI make time to blog -- now I'm trying to make time for the scripturesWonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-88168610833929184332010-10-05T09:10:00.002-06:002010-10-05T09:12:07.635-06:00Honor father and motherToday we read scriptures about the stripling warriors obeying with exactness and discussed honoring father and mother. My oldest boy had a very difficult time going to bed and obeying last night. I thought this was a good thing for us to review.<br /><br />What did you read today?Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-19106258921343557282010-10-04T16:27:00.002-06:002010-10-04T16:29:57.666-06:00Starting anewGeneral Conference this past weekend has given me a new desire to do better with family scripture study. It doesn't have to be long -- it just has to be consistent.<br /><br />This morning, I read the scripture in D&C about going to bed early since the kids have been struggling with bedtime. (I made my oldest do chores last night when he wasn't tired enough for bed. Con: He went to bed after 9:30. Pro: my laundry and dishes were put away!)<br /><br />So. That's today. Read one pertinent verse, discuss. Pray.<br /><br /><br />I hope someone reads this so I feel accountable to post tomorrow.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-5345271933113856192010-06-22T14:43:00.003-06:002010-06-22T14:57:28.924-06:00Joseph and Potiphar's wifeLast night for Family Home Evening we had a talk about "stranger danger," though we made sure that our kids were wary of people they knew, too. We talked about yelling "NNNOOOOO!!!!!" as loudly as possible and running away. Telling mom or dad. All that stuff.<br /><br />Each day for my kids to earn Otter Pops, they have to get dressed, make beds/clean their room, and read scriptures. (I got the idea from <a href="http://laughingatlifeslittlewedgies.blogspot.com/">her</a>.) It's really more of an incentive for me, but it works. So we pulled out eh Gospel Art Kit for me to tell them a scripture story. And what's one of the first pictures I see? Joseph running from Potiphar's wife. And I realized it was EXACTLY like what we had discussed for family home evening. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmLwQUWx17SncxhwGr1NRSvZ__0kQ7-pUFEK3dXzxiMYTHEaYT_wjemdE754RBHypuiPtCcFD6P0qkj9RyZ7sSJ67mzP2mfxxz-zrRvJmyMTQBipPHtrTnnwKR9PXeZ1GcG9qQCXkDbdN/s1600/JospehResistsPotipharsWife_Sm___.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmLwQUWx17SncxhwGr1NRSvZ__0kQ7-pUFEK3dXzxiMYTHEaYT_wjemdE754RBHypuiPtCcFD6P0qkj9RyZ7sSJ67mzP2mfxxz-zrRvJmyMTQBipPHtrTnnwKR9PXeZ1GcG9qQCXkDbdN/s400/JospehResistsPotipharsWife_Sm___.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485704849703642994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I told them about the good guy, Joseph, and how there was someone who wanted him to take off his clothes and touch him in a bad way. I told them that Joseph said, "NNNOOOOO!!!!!" and ran away. Again, we practiced yelling "NNNOOOOO!!!!" at the top of our lungs. The kids laughed, but I think they got the point, too.<br /><br />And that, my friends, is how the scriptures help you teach your kids about innappropriate touching.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-79187030258221689052010-02-09T14:21:00.002-07:002010-02-09T14:31:05.950-07:00Personal ProgressI confess that I haven't been great about having my own personal scripture study lately. But I <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> been good at doing it with my kids. Every weekday since the beginning of the year, we've read scriptures over breakfast. We pull out the new Gospel Art Kit books, pick a picture, and I tell them the story about it. Ammon and Captain Moroni are almost always chosen, but I usually get to sneak in another story as well.<br /><br />I just hope that I can keep this habit up once the baby comes! I worked hard to establish this as a habit for that very reason -- I knew I needed to start it now rather than later.<br /><br />I've also been able to keep a fairly clean house since that time. It's kind of embarrassing that that's a big accomplishment, but it is. We deep cleaned all the bedrooms at the beginning of the year and I've been working hard to "maintain" ever since. I've made beds every day (!) and kept the floors clean. I try hard to make sure the kitchen counter is wiped off at least once a day and the kitchen table kept free of clutter.<br /><br />I love the feeling that it brings to our home. It's so much more peaceful, and walking into the bedrooms doesn't fill me with dread.<br /><br />We have a new Relief Society presidency and they have introduced a theme for RS for the year. It's D&C 88:119:<br /><br />"Organize yourselves; prepare 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."<br /><br />I am so excited about this. They will be addressing the theme on the first Sunday of every month. I'm anxious to think about/learn/discuss ways to make my home more like a temple.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-86598533970305779072009-12-16T07:55:00.001-07:002009-12-16T08:18:35.333-07:00A Walk with Christ Day 7A Walk With Christ: Day 7<br />The Childhood of Jesus Christ<br /><br />Prayer:<br />Pray for the Spirit to guide me to know specifically how I can be a righteous influence to protect and train the children I love.<br />Song: "Home Can be a Heaven on Earth" Hymns #298, "I Am a Child of God" Hymns #301<br />Scriptures: Matthew 2:12-23, Luke 2:52<br /><br />Proclamation on the Family:<br />"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve on another, to observe the commandments of God, and to be law-abiding citizens."<br />Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work and wholesome recreational activities."<br />Thought: Pres. Thomas S. Monson: "Let us earnestly follow His direction: 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.' (Mark 10:14) A popular song includes the words, 'There are angels among us.' These angels are quite frequently the precious little ones God, our Father has entrusted to our earthly care. To them may we teach prayer, inspire faith, live truth, and honor God. Then we shall have heavenly homes and forever families. For what higher gift could we wish? For what greater blessing could we pray? None!"<br /><br />Questions and Thoughts to Ponder and Apply:<br />How can I be in tune with the Spirit to hear the spiritual promptings I need to protect my family? Where can I go to flee from the evil facing the children I love? What can I do to protect them from things that would harm them?<br />How can I strengthen my home to achieve the balance necessary for children (and all of us) to thrive mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially?<br />Am I achieving happiness in our family life? Am I establishing my home on the foundation of the teachings of Christ? Am I teaching and inspiring the precious little ones entrusted to my earthly care?<br /><br />Actions:<br />To receive the Spirit I need to guide my family and me, I will worthily partake of the Sacrament each week (take upon me the name of Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments) so that I may receive the promise that I "may always have His Spirit to be with" me. Prayerfully study the Proclamation on the Family. Choose one principle to focus on and make a plan to improve it in your home.<br /><br />Other Resources:Luke 2: 40-52, the 12-year old Christ teaches in the Temple<br />Oct. 2004, Ensign pp. 2-7, Pres. Thomas S. Monson,: "Teaching Our Children"Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-44489113394535446252009-12-15T07:54:00.000-07:002009-12-15T08:25:48.460-07:00A Walk with Christ Day 6A Walk With Chirst: Day 6<br />Wise Men Seek Him Still<br />Prayer:<br />As you go through your day today, pray to recognize the other children of our Heavenly Father seeking to find truth.<br /><br />Song:"With Wondering Awe" Hymns #210<br /><br />Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 2:3-12<br /><br />Thought<br />"From the Bible dictionary under the word "Magi" we read, "Their identification is not made known in the scriptures, but it is certain that they were righteous men sent on an errand to witness the presence of the Son of God on the earth. Their spiritual capacity is evident: They were able to see the star when others could not; they knew its meaning, and brought gifts to the young child; and they were warned of God in a dream to return to their home by a safe route. Their knowledge was precise and accurate. It seems likely that they were representatives of a branch of the Lord's people somewhere from east of Palestine, who had come, led by the Spirit, to behold the Son of God, and who returned to their people to bear witness that the King Immanuel had indeed been born in the flesh. We are not told how many wise men there were, but tradition usually speaks of three, because the three gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense. If they were serving in the capacity of witnesses, there would of necessity have been two or three."<br /><br />Questions to Ponder:<br />What am I doing to seek Christ in my life?<br />What am I doing to help others seek Christ?<br /><br />Actions:<br />1. Make sugar cookies in the shape of a star and give to a neighbor or someone you visit teach. Share with them the story of the Wise Men.<br />2. Make paper stars and place them in different areas of your home or car to help remind you to follow the Star of Bethlehem to seek the Savior.<br /><br />Other Resources:<br />Bible Dictionary look under Wise Men<br />"Twelve Witnesses of Christ's Birth" Liahona, Dec 1992Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-86723959151257290322009-12-14T07:53:00.001-07:002009-12-14T17:07:50.892-07:00A Walk with Christ Day 5A Walk with Christ: Day 5<br />Shepherds<br /><br />Pray:<br />Pray to know specific ways that you can improve, to strengthen your testimony and that your testimony will allow you to act with courage and without hesitation when you receive spiritual promptings to share the gospel or serve others.<br /><br />Song: "Far, Far Away On Judea's Plains" Hymns #212<br /><br />Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 100:10, Luke 2:8-20<br /><br />Thought:<br />"These shepherds bore their special witnesses to family, friends, and neighbors. Their experience was retold in the courts of the temple, and from there was to be told among all nations of the earth. Luke tells us that after the shepherds had seen 'the babe lying in a manger..., they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child; (Luke 2:16-17). such was the declaration of the angel who stood before them that holy night, that these 'good tidings of great joy; should ;be to all people' (Luke 2:10)." ("Twelve Witnesses of Christ's Birth", Joseph Fielding McConkie, Liahona, 1992, December)<br /><br />Question and thoughts to ponder:<br />What characteristics/ virtues did the shepherds possess as portrayed by their actions upon hearing the "good tidings"? How should we act when we receive spiritual promptings or counsel from our prophet?<br /><br />Application: What can we do each day, so that "good tidings of great joy" can "be to all people"?<br /><br />Actions:<br />1. As you receive answers to your prayer, record it in a journal.<br />2. Prayerfully set small goals for improvement-write them down.<br />3. Pray to keep these goals uppermost in your mind throughout the day.<br />4. Periodically evaluate your progress.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-61496587540735806162009-12-13T08:49:00.001-07:002009-12-14T09:01:35.644-07:00A Walk with Christ Day 4A Walk With Christ: Day 4<br />Christ's Birth - Nativity<br /><br />Scripture:<br />Isaiah 9:6<br />Matthew 1:23<br /><br />Other Scriptures:<br />2 Nephi 17:17<br />Luke 1-2<br />Matthew 1-2<br />Alma 7:10<br />3 Nephi 1:19-20<br /><br />Song:<br />"Joy to the World", Hymns #201<br /><br />Quotation:<br />"Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that he "went about doing good." As we do likewise, the Christmas Spirit will be ours." President Thomas S. Monson, Church News, 14 Dec. 1996<br /><br />Prayer, Questions to Ponder, Actions to Take:<br />Today in your prayers ask, How can I show the Joy and gratitude I feel in knowing that Jesus is the Savior of the World? Ponder: In what ways have I felt our Savior's love for others or me today? How is Jesus both Wonderful and a Prince of Peace in my Life? Record your thoughts in a journal or share them with someone or your Heavenly Father in your evening prayer. Or other action: Find one way to "do good" today through an act of secret service. Share a special verse in the scriptures with a friend, family member or in family scripture study that has helped you more fully celebrate the birth of our Savior.<br /><br />Other Resources:<br />Merrill J. Bateman, "A Season for Angels," Ensign, Dec 2007, 10-15Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-40121757760625021152009-12-12T08:48:00.002-07:002009-12-12T12:13:43.086-07:00A Walk with Christ Day 3A Walk With Christ - Day 3<br />"Mary - Blessed Art Thou Among Women"<br /><br />Prayer:<br />Make a commitment with the Lord to be more worthy. Be specific in what you want to repent ofr change in your life. Adopt the motto "I can do hard things."<br /><br />Song:<br />"Teach Me to Walk in the Light" Hymn #304<br />"Mary Lullaby" Children's Songbook" #44<br /><br />Scripture:<br />Luke 1:28<br /><br />Questions:<br />Mary was found "Worthy to be the mother of Jesus.<br />1. What were her qualifications to be the mother of Christ?<br />2. What did the Lord look for in the mother of Christ?<br /><br />Do you remember what you felt as you gazed into the eyes of a newborn baby? How clean and so pure and so recently from heaven. Just as Mary gazed into her baby's eyes, we can identify with her thoughts and prayers for her little son. We want to teach our children to become worthy to remain clean and pure and to make right choices.<br />Luke 2:51-56 Mary taught Jesus as a young boy to walk in the light. In the Ensign Nov. 2006, Look Toward Eternity - Elaine S. Dalton writes; Each one of us need to feel and know the importance of living a worthy and pure life. It is our personal worthiness that will qualify us to fulfill our individual earthly missions<br /><br />Action:<br />1. Choose one thing that will help you be more worthy. Make a plan and ask Heavenly Father to help you. Be specific and pray and repent.<br />2. Teach your children to choose to be worthy. Ask them what Mary might teach Jesus when he was a boy.<br />3. List the qualities of Mary. What would God look for in a mother for Jesus? (read Luke 1,2)<br />4. Read Elaine S. Dalton's article in the Ensign and choose to help a mother with a newborn baby by having your family do something for them. "They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy," Elaine S. Dalton. Talk with your children and make this your slogan for the family.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-67116733481145843752009-12-11T07:46:00.003-07:002009-12-11T08:17:09.177-07:00A Walk with Christ Day 2A Walk With Christ - Day 2<br />Elisabeth<br />Prayer:<br />Pray to develop a deeper faith in Christ through the study of the lives of Elisabeth and her Family.<br /><br />Hymns:"Let the Holy Spirit Guide" #143 LDS Hymns<br />"The Still Small Voice" #106 Children's Songbook<br /><br />Scriptures:Luke 1:40-41, 46-47<br /><br />Thought:<br />"Long years ago and distant miles away, a marvelous miracle occurred. In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth. "They were ... righteous before God." However, long years of yearning had returned no reward - Zacharias and Elisabeth remained childless. Then appeared to Zacharias the angel the angel Gabriel, who proclaimed: "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. He shall be great in the sight of the Lord." Preparing the Way, by Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Ensign Feb 2002<br /><br />Questions and Thoughts to Ponder and Apply:<br />How can we remain faithful and avoid discouragement when our sincere prayers are not immediately answered in the way we desire? Do I recognize my answers when I get them? Do I really search for the answers that may not be obvious?<br />How can we follow the example of Elisabeth and Mary, who had faith enough to know in their hearts the great importance of their children? Am I raising my children to know of their potential in the eyes of God? Through the Aaronic Priesthood and living righteously we are all deemed eligible to the "ministering of angels." Am I listening?<br /><br />Actions:<br />Like John the Baptist, we should focus our service on helping others come to Christ.<br />*Bear your testimony to non-member family or friends<br />*Invite someone to attend meetings or activities with you<br />*Magnify your calling, big or small. It is an offering to the Lord.<br /><br />Other Resources:<br />Luke 1; Lesson 2: "My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord", New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, 5; Thomas S. Monson, "Preparing the Way", Ensign, Feb 2002, 2; Elder Merrill J. Bateman, "A Season for Angels", Ensign, Dec 2007, 10-15Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-13715930311490369852009-12-10T08:35:00.004-07:002009-12-10T08:51:05.425-07:00A Walk with Christ Day 1Tonight is our ward's RS Christmas Dinner. I'm on the enrichment committee (or whatever it's called now) and decided to do an activity I'd done in another ward -- a Walk with Christ.<br /><br />Each day there are reading assignments to help you focus on Christ. After about 2 weeks worth of reading, you hold the activity. I couldn't remember exactly what I had seen done before, but decided to have women from the ward read little parts as though the were women from the life of Christ. Elisabeth, the woman at the well, Mary and Martha, etc. The evening concludes with a keynote speaker who further addresses you on inviting Christ into your life.<br /><br />So for the next week or two, I'm going to post the reading assignment here. Here's day 1:<br /><br />A Walk With Christ - Day 1<br />Jesus Christ – Always Remember Him<br />Prayer: Each week on Sunday we have the privilege and blessing to renew our baptismal covenants. We promise to always remember Him in exchange for the blessing of having His spirit with us. As you kick off your walk with Christ – sincerely pray to remember him more often, improve your relationship with Him, and take full advantage of having His spirit to be with you.<br /><br />Hymns: “I Need Thee Every Hour” Hymns, page 98“ He Sent His Son” Children’s Songbook, page 34“If the Savior Stood Beside Me” Friend Oct 1993, page 14)<br /><br />Scripture:2 Nephi 25: 26, 3 Nephi 27:27, 3 Nephi 18:7, 11, Moroni 10:32-33<br /><br />Thought: Thoughts of Jesus (should) be far more frequent and much more constant in all times and seasons of our lives. How often do we think of the Savior? How deeply and how gratefully and how adoringly do we reflect on His life? How central to our lives do we know Him to be? (Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993)<br /><br />When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed. . . . Can human hearts be changed? Why, of course! It happens every day . . . It is one of the most widespread of Christ's modern miracles. If it hasn't happened to you—it should. (Ezra Taft Benson, “Born of God,” Ensign, Jul 1989, 2)<br /><br />Questions to Ponder / Personal Application<br />*If you could see the Savior standing by your side, throughout the day, would there be a change in you?<br />*Would you have more courage, show more kindness, be more humble, be more careful of the words you use.<br />*What would you have to change to be comfortable in His presence?<br />*How can I follow in Christ’s steps today?<br />*In all my decisions today I will ask, “What would Christ do?”<br /><br />Action: In your daily activities, think about how you can focus more on Christ.<br />Hang the word “REMEMBER” in a place in your home that you often look. Every time you read it, evaluate yourself and how you are doing in remembering the Savior. Is there anything that you need to change?<br />Spend time over the next two weeks diligently learning about Christ and how to become more like Him.<br /><br />Other References: www.lds.org.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-4480435741106630762009-10-12T11:05:00.003-06:002009-10-12T11:19:15.222-06:00Scriptures with the kidsI 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.)<br /><br />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.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-7396445908386111292009-08-26T09:04:00.000-06:002009-08-26T09:04:41.098-06:00D&C 124-132I know it looks like I haven't read my scriptures in weeks, but I actually <em>have</em> been reading. Just not updating my blog. But I have taken notes of things I discovered, or had questions about.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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 <em>The Work and the Glory</em>, 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.<br /><br />Section 130 is simply incredible. There are 3 scriptures mastery scriptures in 23 verses!! <br />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<br />v. 20-21 When we obtain a blessing, it is by obedience to the law upon which it was predicated<br />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.<br /><br />Sections 131 and 132 talk about celestial marriage. Very appropriate sections for me to be reading on my anniversary!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <em>two</em> weeks. Well. Great.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />So this car that we thought would cost us about $1000 actually ended up costing $200.<br /><br />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 <em>other</em> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong><em>Thoughts? Patriarchal and sealing powers? Devil appearing as angel of light? A blessing of paying your tithing you'd like to share?</em></strong> </div>Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-72518436255819305862009-08-04T11:54:00.002-06:002009-08-04T12:11:58.503-06:00Enduring with grace and faithThese 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />"...know thou, my son, <span style="font-size:130%;">that all these things shall give thee experience,</span> and shall be for thy good.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"The son of man hath descended below them all.</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">Art thou greater than He?"</span><br /><br />"...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."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />And then on top of this, Joseph is reminded that as bad as all that is, Christ descended even lower.<br /><br /><div align="center">~~~~</div><br /><br />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.<br /><br />After talking about their duty to spread the gospel throughout the world, he says, <span style="font-size:130%;">"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."</span><br /><br />Isn't that a <em>fantastic</em> scripture? What a perfect guideline for enduring our trials, or simply doing what we should be doing. Do it cheerfully, do <strong><em>all</em></strong> you can, then let God do the rest.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-56029886809340678462009-07-31T08:14:00.005-06:002009-08-04T12:14:28.897-06:00Comfort and guidance"O God, where are thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? . . .<br /><br />"My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine affictions shall be but a small moment;<br />And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."<br /><br />These verses from D&C 121 are quite popular, but never fail to bring feelings of peace, comfort, and humility to me.<br /><br />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."<br /><br />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?<br /><br />Later on in the section, Joseph Smith discuss the rights of the priesthood.<br /><br />"Behold, many are called, but few are chosen. Any why are they not chosen?<br />"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 --<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"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.</span><br />"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, <em>Adios</em>!) to the power and authority of that man."<br /><br />Now obviously, this doesn't just pertain to men. I <em>do</em> 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.<br /><br />I find it interesting that many are called, but only few are chosen because of <em>their own choices.</em> 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 <strong>you</strong> to decide whether you are "chosen" or not. (Elder Bednar taught that.)<br /><br />A few verses later, Joseph gives the "do's" of the priesthood, as compared to his previous list of "don'ts." <span style="font-size:85%;">(Should there be two apostrophes in that?)</span><br /><br />"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;<br />"By kindness, and pure knowlege, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile--<br />"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."<br /><br />I think this is not just a guide to priesthood government, but a guide for us as mothers and members of the church.<br /><br />One note I have in my scriptures regarding the last verse is what <em>reproving</em> 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.<br /><br />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!!<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">So........what are your thoughts on D&D 121?</span></div>Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-12579168314693918432009-06-27T18:23:00.003-06:002009-06-27T19:07:38.286-06:00Notes from stake conferenceOne 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 <a href="http://amayzing-family.blogspot.com/2009/01/sunday-thoughts-elder-paces-testimony.html">here</a>.) 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.<br /><br />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 <em>will</em> be protected if we attend. Our children<em> will</em> be safeguarded.<br /><br /><em>Who doesn't want that kind of protection for their families and children? Why isn't the temple more of a priority for me?</em><br /><em></em><br />President Hickley promised, "Come to the temple and life will be better for you."<br /><br /><em>My life could use some bettering!</em><br /><em></em><br />Then President Danes spoke. As he spoke, I thought (and wrote in my notebook), <em><strong>I</strong> need to go to the temple. <strong>Others</strong> (living) need me to go to the temple.<strong> Others </strong>(dead) need me to go to the temple.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Why isn't the temple more of a priority for me?!?</span></em><br /><em></em><br />We become holier by worshipping in a holy place.<br /><br />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 <em>every time</em> we go to the temple.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Why would I want to slow the process?!?</span></em><br /><em></em><br />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 <em>truly</em> 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 <strong>special</strong> witness.<br /><br />Other thoughts and impressions from his talk:<br /><br />I <em>need</em> the blessings of the temple!<br /><br />Do I <strong>really</strong> want to serve? Go to the temple. Every time I go, I leave a better person. (Pres. Hinkley, I think.)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">There is a difference between members who infrequently rush to the temple, and those who consistently serve and worship there.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">p.s. thanks to Michaela and Gigi. I needed a kick in the pants! I promise to try extra hard to post regularly!</span>Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-46601664312243537912009-06-05T07:42:00.002-06:002009-06-05T07:56:28.764-06:00I'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.<br /><br />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 <em>can </em>feel, perhaps more acutely than adults. And it's not like they have to behave the way we do in a temple session.<br /><br />After hearing different accounts of the great experiences people had with their children and grandchildren, I really regretted not going to the open house.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I'm excited to take my children there.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-88772840054621500352009-05-11T08:24:00.005-06:002009-05-11T17:13:49.946-06:00If you love them...........you will chasten them.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <em>peculiar</em> people? The Church is "strange" compared to the ways of the world? Or do you think it could mean something else?<br /><br />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 <em>are</em> chosen will be able to enter the house of the Lord and receive their endowments.<br /><br />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 <strong>we</strong> 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..."<br /><br />And of course, this "being chosen" doesn't end with being endowed. I think that's just the beginning of our journey -- to <em>remain</em> chosen.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-28610251668146006272009-05-07T08:23:00.004-06:002009-05-09T00:15:58.813-06:00Light, 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.<br /><br />I like the next verse a lot: <blockquote>"All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, <strong>to act for itself,</strong> as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence."</blockquote><br />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 <em>re</em>act?<br /><br /><blockquote>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."</blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">So being intelligent means acting for yourself -- making choices.</span><br /><br /><blockquote>"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth <em>forsake</em> the evil one," vs. 36-37.</blockquote>Being intelligent means forsaking the evil one.<br /><br />Something to think about.....Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-37580067713272387682009-05-06T09:00:00.004-06:002009-05-06T09:33:22.677-06:00Know what you worship -- D&C 93 pt.1This is such a fabulous section.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><em>He</em> was the beginning. The world was made by <em>Him.</em> The <strong>light</strong> and the <strong>life </strong>of man is through <em>Him.</em> Man was mad by <em>Him.</em> <strong>All things</strong> were made by <em>Him.</em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">He is the Creator and Savior of all.</span><br /><br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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."<br /><br />**So maybe that means that to become true children of our Father in Heaven, we also need to <em>patiently</em> progress grace for grace.**<br /><br />The next verses talk about the Holy Ghost appearing as a dove, then the voice of God saying <em>This is my beloved Son.</em> Then Christ received a fulness of the glory of the Father, and had all power.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />I also love v. 19. "I give unto you these saying that you many understand and know <strong>how</strong> to worship, and know <strong>what</strong> you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />D&C 93 definately teaches us a lot about Christ and helps us know what who and what we worship.<br /><br />I have more to write down, but not the time. Tune in tomorrow!Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-2064560443751651032009-05-04T08:33:00.002-06:002009-05-04T08:38:11.167-06:00All things shall work togetherD&C 90:24 reads:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"Search diligently, pray always, and be believing,</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">and all things shall work together for your good,</span> if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another."<br /><br />I also like vs. 18: "Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you."<br /><br />I believe this is my admonishment for the day. (Funny how many times I interpret the phrase "Clean your home!" from D&C!!)Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-22356805734137558632009-05-03T22:36:00.001-06:002009-05-03T22:39:04.904-06:00Cease to be idleAnother favorite passage of mine from D&C 88 are verses 123-126.<br /><blockquote><p>"See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.</p><p>"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.</p><p>"And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.</p><p>"Pray always that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lot, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen."<br /><br />~~~~~~It's a bit ironic that I read this scripture the day after I stayed up till 1 am.<br /><br />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)<br /><br />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. <strong>About scripture study.</strong> 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.</p></blockquote>Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-5485057925616682702009-04-05T09:29:00.004-06:002009-04-14T08:20:03.558-06:00More 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:<br /><br />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."<br /><em> </em><br />I read this verse and thought,<em> Lord, I am drawing near to you. This, more than any other place on earth, is where I can physically draw nearest to you. </em>And let me just tell you.......I drew near to Him, and He drew near to me. I had such a marvelous temple experience. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />A few more verses about the temple:<br /><br />v. 74 "And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and <strong>organize</strong> yourselves, and <strong>prepare</strong> yourselves, and <strong>sanctify</strong> yourselves; yea, <strong>purify</strong> your hearts, and <strong>cleanse</strong> your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean."<br /><br />v. 119 "Organize yourselves; perpare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of <strong>prayer</strong>, a house of <strong>fasting</strong>, a house of <strong>faith</strong>, a house of <strong>learning</strong>, a house of <strong>glory</strong>, a house of <strong>order</strong>, a <strong>house of God."</strong><br /><br />I know that last verse is specifically about the temple, but it is also a model for our homes. <br />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.<br /><br />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 <em>will</em> draw near unto you.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-23419833186434063162009-04-05T09:12:00.005-06:002009-04-05T09:36:41.807-06:00D&C 88 -- seeketh her ownv. 40 "For intelligence <strong>cleaveth</strong> unto intelligence; wisdom <strong>receiveth</strong> wisdom; truth <strong>embraceth</strong> truth; virtue <strong>loveth</strong> virtue; light <strong>cleaveth</strong> unto light; <em>mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own;</em> justice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things."<br /><br /><br />I love all the different verbs that this passage gives. <em>Cleave</em> makes me think of something that was once one, then was divided, and is now being brought back together. <em>Receive</em> connotates happily welcoming. <em>Embrace</em> of course means to hug, or bring to your bosom. <em>Love</em> is fairly easy -- "loving truth" to me means cherishing it. <br /><br />I love that mercy has <em>compassion </em>and <em>claimeth her own</em>. If there ever were a synonym for mercy, it would be compassion. While mercy has compassion, justice must continue on and marck forward. And judgement is reserved for God. Something I could do a better job remembering.Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066193368259041587.post-67671927469764359152009-04-03T12:00:00.001-06:002009-04-03T12:10:33.995-06:00D&C 88 pt. 2 -- measure of my creationI read a lot about light, that I'm not ready to discuss yet. Still trying to figure out what I think about it, and how I'm going to say it.<br /><br />A bit later in the section, it talks about the celestial law. The law you are able to abide (telestial, terrestrial, or celestial) determines which kingdom you will reside in. It also talks about the earth, and how it needs to be sanctified from all unrighteousness (US) so it can be prepared for the celestial glory.<br /><br />I also like v. 25. "And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its vreation, and transgresseth not he law --"<br /><br />It sounds as though part of abiding the celestial law is filling the measure of your creation.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">What is the measure of my creation?</span><br /><br />While procreation is definatately part (and one I'm thinking about a lot these days) I don't think that's all there is to it. I know that we all made promises (?covenants?) in the pre-mortal life, most likely things like marrying in the temple and raising a righteous posterity. Have you heard this? Anyone know a source? I don't have time to look right now.<br /><br />But reading this made me want to go to the temple and ponder this question. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ccffff;">What is the measure of my creation, and what specifically do I need to be doing to fill it?</span>Wonder Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01286006629537084653noreply@blogger.com1