Good reads

I have read and thought a lot about these two messages.  If you need some good Sunday reading, I would suggest these.  They have lots of great insights.


His Grace is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1966&tid=7

I am a Mormon Because I am a Feminist by Valerie Hudson Cassler

http://mormonscholarstestify.org/1718/valerie-hudson-cassler

Consider the Blessings

I am happy to report that my lesson today was much better than the one I gave in November.  I have been studying Teaching, No Greater Call and found a lot of much needed help.

lds.org

Consider the Blessings by President Monson was my assignment this month.  He begins by reminiscing about the past 49 years since he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  Some of the experiences he had were seemingly "unremarkable and even ordinary", but they were enriching.  He recommends that we each "take an inventory of [our] life and look specifically for the blessings, large and small, you have received."  As I spent a few days doing this my list grew lengthy; I would encourage you to follow his counsel and  perform this inventory in your own life.

I love this paragraph-" We are familiar with the truth found in 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon: “Men are, that they might have joy.”¹ I testify that much of that joy comes as we recognize that we can communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer and that those prayers will be heard and answered—perhaps not how and when we expected they would be answered, but they will be answered and by a Heavenly Father who knows and loves us perfectly and who desires our happiness. Hasn’t He promised us, “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers”?^"

^{The bulk of his talk is five stories that give examples of blessings that came as a result of prayer.  In a lesson from a few months ago, Elder Hales discusses Christlike patterns.  As I studied Pres Monson's message I looked for patterns.  The first story he tells is of a trip he took to Australia where he met with a district president and provided him with counsel.  He later learned that this had been an answer to the branch president's prayers.  (Refer to the whole story using the link to Consider the Blessings).  I put together a list or pattern with the precursor of being worthy and in tune with the Holy Ghost.}

^{1. Received impression}

^{2. Follow through/set up an opportunity to talk}

^{3. Spent time}

^{4. Received further impressions}

^{5. Shared advice}

^{The next story we discussed was about Zella Thomas, an elderly widow who once lived in their ward.  Pres. and Sister Monson were on their way home after visiting some friends when he felt impressed to take a detour of many miles to visit Zella.  They found her, "extremely frail but lying peacefully on her bed."  They visited with her and Zella told him she had prayed he would come and give her a blessing.  She passed away the following day.}

^{The pattern in this story is-}

^{1.  Received inspiration}

^{2. Changed course}

^{3. Spent time}

^{4. Gave blessing}

^{I asked the sisters what conclusions they could draw from these two stories and lists.  They mentioned the importance of having some quiet time to allow the spirit a chance to speak.  We discussed the aspect of time.  How time is seeming more precious and that sometimes it is easier to find other ways to contribute.  The spirit, and the Lord, work on their own schedule and when we align ourselves to that schedule we will be more effective in eternal matters.  We need to be willing to change our course and put other matters on hold.}

^{The last story we discussed was of a friend of Pres. Monson's who had lost his lower limbs.  Pres. Monson had been swimming (perhaps giving the spirit a chance to speak) when he received the prompting to go visit his friend.  He immediately left the pool and was on his way to see this man.}  

^{Pres. Monson went to the man's room but found it empty.  If it were me, I probably would have given up and moved on, but thankfully Pres. Monson did not.  He asked and learned the man was down by the pool.  He found him, the only occupant of the room.  They had an enjoyable visit and after Pres. Monson had accompanied him back to his room, he gave him a blessing.}  

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

^{Alma 29:9 "I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do anot bglory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God . . ."}

^{As a musician, this idea of being an instrument is very easy for me to grasp.  An in tune instrument is a beautiful thing and can be very moving.  When a whole group of instruments is in tune it can be a very powerful experience (for me at least).  Being an instrument in the hands of God requires time and practice.  Learning to heed the Holy Ghost is a powerful skill.  I am grateful for Pres. Monson's example in this area.} 

^{"I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant.  The Lord is in the details of our lives."  If we look we will see manifestations of God in the details of our lives.  As I pondered some of those times, I was overcome with feelings of love and gratitude.  We all learn in different ways and at different times.  I believe it is through these details that we know of the Source they come from and that it is because of His deep love for us.  He knows us intimately and with a perfect love.  I like to think He manifests Himself to us in these unique details to send us personal messages.}

^{He ends with these words, which I add my own testimony to-}

"I never cease to be amazed by how the Lord can motivate and direct the length and breadth of His kingdom and yet have time to provide inspiration concerning one individual—or one cultural celebration or one Jumbotron. The fact that He can, that He does, is a testimony to me.

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

New Year

I am always evaluating my life and trying to become better so setting goals at the new year isn't something unique for me.  I do however, like to use it as a time to focus and reflect on the big picture.  President Uchtdorf's talk will be my guide to the year.  If I can minimize my regrets it will help me on the path to who I can ultimately become.

Tomorrow for family home evening I'm going to "pitch my ideas" to my children who will probably be very underwhelmed, but a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.

The question "what can I do now?" has been coming out of my son's mouth between 6-12 times a day.  What he really wants me to do is tell him it's okay to do something electronically, which I have been cutting back on.  We are going to talk about some things we can do now.

Learn-we can choose a topic (turtles, Antarctica, Jupiter, etc) and research it.  Conduct science experiments.  Pick a picture from gospel art kit and learn the story.  Choose someone on our family tree and learn about their life.
Sing-I am so lucky to have a piano in our home now.  I have missed it.  We can learn new songs or dance and wiggle to old favorites.
Work-this is definitely my least favorite, which is why I need to do better at it.  I want to find the joy in a job well done and help the kids feel it too.
Create-build using straws, legos or cushions and blankets; make a picture to send to someone we love.  Write a story.
Serve-think of a way we can help someone.
Enjoy-this beautiful earth we live in, our family and friends, childhood
Exercise-make this one fun!
Play-board games, silly made up games.

This list is just a starting place for us, the possibilities are endless.  Even if it only works half the time, that is still heading in the right direction.
I'm looking forward to studying the Doctrine and Covenants this year.  A couple of weeks ago we read in section 25 which is one of my favorites.  Verse 10 says "And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better." 
I am hopeful that my filling our time with good activities we will be tasting the "better"; that we will lay up treasures in heaven and grow closer as a family.

I pray that this year, it's joys and trials, will bring each of us closer to our Savior.