I just posted something on 'theferreros' blog, but I then realized it's more of a scripture study-y post. So I am cross referencing it to this blog too! Check it out. It's some thoughts about love and friendship.
http://theferreros.blogspot.com/2011/06/love-everyone.html
Monday 20 June 2011
Friday 13 May 2011
Choose the Good Part
How easy it would be if our choices were between things like robbing a bank or doing our visiting teaching:
But, tricky for us, our choices are far more subtle. (Parkin, 2003...)
The Joseph Smith Translation of 1 Corinthians 10:23 reads,
"All things are not lawful for me, for all things are not expedient; all things are not lawful, for all things edify not."
I like this verse because it reminds me that all things are not necessary. We can get a long to do list sometimes but it's important to know what's important. After church on Sunday Spence and I were discussing one of the Sacrament talks we heard. Speaking about Mothers, one of the Bishopric members mentioned that it’s important to keep in mind our priorities and the essential things in life. Sometimes Moms can overwhelm themselves. There are so many responsibilities and then the feeling of falling short if your expectations are high. I know I am my own worst critic and even though I am not a Mom, as I have started housekeeping for the first time (living with roommates was kind of like ‘anything goes,’) I've had a learning curve. It's SO fun to have ownership with Spence of our space, but I also occassionaly overwhelm myself if I get too ambitious. It's a job I can take too far: with decorating and cooking and baking and shopping.... if I don't check myself I find occasionally that I get carried away. I start to notice dust in a corner instead of taking care of more important tasks. Moving in and setting up was a bigger job than the average daily maintenance, and that's officially complete. Spencer is a huge help so the odds are with me, I think it will be fine, but I came across this verse and connected it with the comment in church, so I figured I still have room to improve. I can start to be a perfectionist sometimes and it was a nice reminder that Spence happened to mention this comment as we talked about what we learned in church, I mean, if I stress myself out now what will happen once we have kids!? Haha. There are priorities in my life and I need to consider them when I decide how to spend my time.
I loved the talk entitled 'Choosing Charity: That Good Part,' given by Bonnie Parkin at a General Relief Society Meeting in 2003. (I mentioned it above.) She seems to drive home the point brought up in the story of Mary and Martha, of meeting spiritual and temporal needs for ourselves and our families. We need to choose the best option at given points in our day and life.
http://lds.org/general-conference/2003/10/choosing-charity-that-good-part?lang=eng&query=good+part
How do you choose whether something would be nice to do or is essential and must happen as soon as possible?
But, tricky for us, our choices are far more subtle. (Parkin, 2003...)
The Joseph Smith Translation of 1 Corinthians 10:23 reads,
"All things are not lawful for me, for all things are not expedient; all things are not lawful, for all things edify not."
I like this verse because it reminds me that all things are not necessary. We can get a long to do list sometimes but it's important to know what's important. After church on Sunday Spence and I were discussing one of the Sacrament talks we heard. Speaking about Mothers, one of the Bishopric members mentioned that it’s important to keep in mind our priorities and the essential things in life. Sometimes Moms can overwhelm themselves. There are so many responsibilities and then the feeling of falling short if your expectations are high. I know I am my own worst critic and even though I am not a Mom, as I have started housekeeping for the first time (living with roommates was kind of like ‘anything goes,’) I've had a learning curve. It's SO fun to have ownership with Spence of our space, but I also occassionaly overwhelm myself if I get too ambitious. It's a job I can take too far: with decorating and cooking and baking and shopping.... if I don't check myself I find occasionally that I get carried away. I start to notice dust in a corner instead of taking care of more important tasks. Moving in and setting up was a bigger job than the average daily maintenance, and that's officially complete. Spencer is a huge help so the odds are with me, I think it will be fine, but I came across this verse and connected it with the comment in church, so I figured I still have room to improve. I can start to be a perfectionist sometimes and it was a nice reminder that Spence happened to mention this comment as we talked about what we learned in church, I mean, if I stress myself out now what will happen once we have kids!? Haha. There are priorities in my life and I need to consider them when I decide how to spend my time.
I loved the talk entitled 'Choosing Charity: That Good Part,' given by Bonnie Parkin at a General Relief Society Meeting in 2003. (I mentioned it above.) She seems to drive home the point brought up in the story of Mary and Martha, of meeting spiritual and temporal needs for ourselves and our families. We need to choose the best option at given points in our day and life.
http://lds.org/general-conference/2003/10/choosing-charity-that-good-part?lang=eng&query=good+part
How do you choose whether something would be nice to do or is essential and must happen as soon as possible?
Monday 2 May 2011
Miracles of Light and Happy Birthday to King James Version
I was reading in Acts 12 today how after Christ's resurrection, when the church was still very young, that Herod arrested Peter and locked him in prison. Then"prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
As a result of those prayers a miracle occurred
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
And, behold, the aangel of the Lord came upon him and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands."
The angel of light then led him out of the prison.
This was a miracle that was a direct result of prayer - Heavenly Father sent a light that shined in the prison where Peter was. Sometimes our fervent prayers for help our answered in a way we don't expect and sometimes don't recognize as a miracle. Sometimes they're answered with a light that illuminates our minds and frees them from misconceptions and misunderstandings. We can then move forward in ways we never thought possible, in the same way that the angel of light led Peter out of the prison. That is a miracle.
And speaking of light - Today is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible.
Sunday 17 April 2011
Scripture Power
Our Primary president has chosen the song for the primary children to learn this month - "Scripture Power". Here's a link to it if you want to listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOvkLfobHgc. When I first heard it I really hated it. I hated the tune (I still kinda hate the tune) and I hated the way the song was written...and I even hated the title. I'm the music person in primary and this song says:
Because I want to be like the Savior, and I can
I'm reading His instructions, I'm following His plan
Because I want the power His word will give to me
I'm changing how I live, I'm changing what I'll be
I'll find the sword of truth in each scripture that I learn.
I'll take the shield of faith from these pages that I turn.
I'll wear each vital part of the armor of the Lord
And fight my daily battles, and win a great reward
CHORUS
Scripture power keeps me safe from sin
Scripture power is the power to win!
Scripture power, everyday I need
The power that I get each time I read.
I read Ephesians 6:11 (below) and got the kids to put on a bunch of Jordan's hockey gear as we talked about how reading the scriptures gives you strength and protection. The kids loved singing this song. The words are kind of cheesy and I wouldn't be surprised if I saw Ted Flanders' kids singing this on the Simpsons - but the words are true and the message is so very important that I love this song despite it's package. I also love watching the kids belt this song, they're not snobs, they just love what is good, true and kinda fun. I think that's admirable.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Thursday 7 April 2011
More thoughts on the widows mite
Linds posted some beautiful thoughts on the story of the widows mite a few weeks ago but when I was reading it today in Luke 21 I was reminded again how much I absolutely love this story. Dad and I have this Christensen print hanging in our room because its such a favorite of ours.
To me this story is about one of the founding principles of Christianity - Sacrifice. It was Christ's sacrifice for each one of us which will allow us all to return to live with God again. And sacrifice stems from one source. Christ explained this to us when he described the action
of another woman who had served him:
He said...'for she loved much' (Luke 7:47). The impetus for sacrifice - Love.
Tuesday 5 April 2011
A Strong Purpose to Defend
I came across a great scripture in Alma 43 today, verse 9. I know it's not from the New Testament but I wanted to share.
"And now the design of the Nephites was to support their lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their children, that they might preserve them from the hands of their enemies; and also that they might preserve their rights and their privileges, yea, and also their liberty, that they might worship God according to their desires." I love this verse. The Nephites were working hard to defend themselves against the Lamanites. Their reason in doing so was to uphold their homes and families, whereas the Lamanites wanted monarchy and power.
I have been thinking about protecting and upholding families in more ways than one- First of all, by being prepared for emergencies: small or big. One way to do this is to have 72 hour kits for everyone, with food, water, games and appropriate clothes for each person. By following this God given counsel we can defend our lives and homes and liberty should we find ourselves in dire straits. Spence and I are on the Emergency Prep committee in our ward & I am in charge of overseeing this aspect of preparation so it's really on my brain. Caleb pointed out the kit Puentes have the other day and I know for sure he's proud of it. Spencer and I are also continuing to build ours up.
A second way we can defend and uphold our families is through spiritual preparation. This is important too. If we have been feeding our testimonies and praying and helping others then we will be morally strong, with oil in our lamps shoudl we find ourselves in a tough setting. Anyway, can anyone think of other ways we can defend and uphold our families? Love you guys :)
"And now the design of the Nephites was to support their lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their children, that they might preserve them from the hands of their enemies; and also that they might preserve their rights and their privileges, yea, and also their liberty, that they might worship God according to their desires." I love this verse. The Nephites were working hard to defend themselves against the Lamanites. Their reason in doing so was to uphold their homes and families, whereas the Lamanites wanted monarchy and power.
I have been thinking about protecting and upholding families in more ways than one- First of all, by being prepared for emergencies: small or big. One way to do this is to have 72 hour kits for everyone, with food, water, games and appropriate clothes for each person. By following this God given counsel we can defend our lives and homes and liberty should we find ourselves in dire straits. Spence and I are on the Emergency Prep committee in our ward & I am in charge of overseeing this aspect of preparation so it's really on my brain. Caleb pointed out the kit Puentes have the other day and I know for sure he's proud of it. Spencer and I are also continuing to build ours up.
A second way we can defend and uphold our families is through spiritual preparation. This is important too. If we have been feeding our testimonies and praying and helping others then we will be morally strong, with oil in our lamps shoudl we find ourselves in a tough setting. Anyway, can anyone think of other ways we can defend and uphold our families? Love you guys :)
Friday 11 March 2011
The Prodigal Son
The religion class I am taking right now is the first half of the New Testament, aka The Gospels. So really I should be posting on this blog more! But anyways, last class we talked about the parable of the prodigal son. We all know it well, so I won't waste your time recounting it. But I wanted to focus on one person in particular- the brother who stayed home, did his duty, and was righteous. I've always found the situation to be a bit unfair to that brother. That he should be forced to welcome his brother who had sinned so much with open arms, and completely forgive him right away. After all, he had been working so hard while his brother frittered away his money and had fun.
I thought a lot about this after class. Of course, a lot of people in the church could probably identify with this brother. It seems unfair that those who have been so righteous should be at the exact same level of glory as those who repent near the end. However, I realized how important it really is to welcome people back from sin and be nonjudgmental. People who have sinned go through a lot of pain to arrive where they are, which is something we often forget. And we're not losing any glory by welcoming these people back, instead we will be gaining companions! Being nonjudgmental is something I always strive to do, especially since I myself am far from being perfect.
There are of course a lot of other interpretations of this parable. We could count each one of us as the prodigal son, since we all sin, while the other brother could be thought of as people like the Pharisees, who just think they are being righteous while they are also guilty of sin. Anyways, those are my thoughts on this parable, I've always thought it is an interesting one.
I thought a lot about this after class. Of course, a lot of people in the church could probably identify with this brother. It seems unfair that those who have been so righteous should be at the exact same level of glory as those who repent near the end. However, I realized how important it really is to welcome people back from sin and be nonjudgmental. People who have sinned go through a lot of pain to arrive where they are, which is something we often forget. And we're not losing any glory by welcoming these people back, instead we will be gaining companions! Being nonjudgmental is something I always strive to do, especially since I myself am far from being perfect.
There are of course a lot of other interpretations of this parable. We could count each one of us as the prodigal son, since we all sin, while the other brother could be thought of as people like the Pharisees, who just think they are being righteous while they are also guilty of sin. Anyways, those are my thoughts on this parable, I've always thought it is an interesting one.
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