Oquirrh Temple Open House

I took the five kids to the Temple Open House today. It was beautiful to see. I am hoping some of the children were inspired by the experience. There is such a sacred beauty found at the Temple!

Funny notes: Maddie (3) is almost taller and maybe taller than brother Benjamin (4). Ethan SO reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes in the picture below. We were thinking we might name him Calvin before he was born. It would so fit him!

We had a nice time today! My babies are growing up quickly.

Benjamin's First Talk

I love Primary. In Primary, Benjamin (3) was able to give his first talk, "I am thankful that we are all children of God." I also love technology. Thanks to the iphone, Brandon was able to record Benjamin's first talk in Primary. I was teaching a lesson to the youth, so I couldn't hear Benjamin's talk, except through this recording. Thanks technology, thanks church, thanks Primary, and thanks to my husband for delivering this moment to me. Fabulous. As you can hear, his Daddy helped him. So cute.

Spiritual Thought Sunday

Honesty

Honesty includes being true to oneself as well as being honest with others and with the Lord. It is a gospel principle that affects many other eternal principles. The blessings of honesty are many: self-respect, love of others, and eventually all the blessings that the Lord can offer.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton:
“[After] 50 years … some former students recall with lasting appreciation the words one teacher had her class repeat at the beginning of each day. Every school morning this [teacher] implanted the meaning of honesty into our minds by having us recite ‘A lie is any communication given to another with the intent to deceive.’ A lie can be effectively communicated without words ever being spoken. Sometimes a nod of the head or silence can deceive”
Anytime we cause or allow someone to believe something that is not true, we are being dishonest. To be exalted in the celestial kingdom, we must learn to be honest with ourselves, with others, and with the Lord.

Moses 4:4:
And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.

What things keep us from being honest with others?
• Pride
• Greed
• Manipulation
• Hate
• Rationalization
• Fear of being found out

How can lies cause us to be led captive?

lf we are dishonest and do not repent, we may continue in more dishonest behavior. For example, imagine that someone steals a neighbor’s bike. When the neighbor asks if anyone has seen it, the person who stole the bike can either admit it or say no (another dishonest act). To keep the bike, the person who stole it will have to hide it from the owner or sell it to someone else (other dishonest acts). Thus, if we commit one dishonest act and do not repent, we often have to continue being dishonest to avoid being caught. This pattern of dishonesty can greatly harm our relationships with others and with the Lord.

The thirteenth article of faith:
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

1 Nephi 4:31–33:
And now I, Nephi, being a man large in stature, and also having received much strength of the Lord, therefore I did seize upon the servant of Laban, and held him, that he should not flee.
And it came to pass that I spake with him, that if he would hearken unto my words, as the Lord liveth, and as I live, even so that if he would hearken unto our words, we would spare his life.
And I spake unto him, even with an oath, that he need not fear; that he should be a free man like unto us if he would go down in the wilderness with us.

1 Nephi 4:35–37:
And it came to pass that Zoram did take courage at the words which I spake. Now Zoram was the name of the servant; and he promised that he would go down into the wilderness unto our father. Yea, and he also made an oath unto us that he would tarry with us from that time forth.
Now we were desirous that he should tarry with us for this cause, that the Jews might not know concerning our flight into the wilderness, lest they should pursue us and destroy us.
And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him.

In the time of Nephi and Zoram, an oath was sacred and would not be broken. Therefore when Zoram promised to leave Jerusalem and follow Nephi and his family into the wilderness, Nephi had no fear that Zoram would try to escape and return to his home. Likewise, Nephi’s oath assured Zoram that he would be treated kindly and fairly by Nephi and his family.

• If our promises to others were as solemnly observed as Nephi’s and Zoram’s, how would our relationships with others be improved? How would our communities, and even the world, be improved?

Alma 27:26–27:
And it came to pass that it did cause great joy among them. And they went down into the land of Jershon, and took possession of the land of Jershon; and they were called by the Nephites the people of Ammon; therefore they were distinguished by that name ever after. And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal toward God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.

Ecclesiastes 5:4–5:
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

What are some of the vows (earnest promises) we have made with God?
1. Take upon us the name of Christ.
2. Remember him always.
3. Keep his commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants 3:5
Behold, you have been entrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them.

What are some of the promises God has made to us if we live the gospel?
1. The Lord’s Spirit to be with us always (see D&C 20:77).
2. Great treasures of knowledge (see D&C 89:19).
3. Eternal life (see D&C 14:7).

Doctrine and Covenants 82:10:
I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland when he was president of Brigham Young University:
“One night I came home quite late from work. My nine-year-old daughter … seemed visibly distressed. … She walked softly into the living room and said, ‘Daddy, I have to talk to you.’ I held her hand and … she started to cry.
“ ‘I was at [the store] this morning and saw a ladies’ compact I knew Mother would love. I was sure it was quite expensive, but I picked it up just to admire it. … It fell out of my hands onto the floor. I quickly picked it up, but Daddy, the mirror was cracked. I didn’t know what to do! I didn’t have enough money to pay for it, and I was all alone. … I put the compact back on the shelf and left the store. Oh, Daddy, I think I’ve been dishonest.’ And then she wept and wept.“I held her in my arms as that little nine-year-old body shook with the pain of sin being expelled. She said, ‘I can’t sleep and I can’t eat and I can’t say my prayers. What will I do? I won’t ever get it out of my mind.’

“Well, Mother joined us, and we talked quite a while that night. We told her that we were very, very proud of her honesty … and we would have been disappointed if she had been able to eat or sleep very well. I told her … the compact probably wouldn’t cost too much, and that we would go back to the store manager, tell him of the problem, and, between the two of us, cover the cost. If the compact was still there, [perhaps we could] buy it for Mom. That little cracked mirror could be a reminder for [Mom] as long as she owned it that her little girl was unfailingly honest and spiritually sensitive. …

“The tears gradually stopped, her little body began to relax, and [she] said, ‘I think now I can say my prayers’ ” (quoted by J. Richard Clarke, in Conference Report, Apr. 1984, 86; or Ensign, May 1984, 63–64).

I teach Sunday School every week and this is the lesson I will be teaching---it can be found on lds.org.

Spiritual Thought Sunday

So, this morning, as I come downstairs, I immediately grab a bite to eat without thinking about it. My eight year old son, Brandon, says, "I am fasting today, it's fast Sunday." He goes on to tell me that 8 year olds should fast for two meals, and even though he is hungry, he is going to fast. Ethan immediately says, "I am not eight yet, so I don't have to fast." Brandon tells us it feels good to fast. (The last couple fast Sundays, he has also fasted.). And a little child shall lead them-----I will be fasting now too. Good thing I have a child to remind me it is the first Sunday of the month!

Update: about an hour later, little Brandon was eating something, and I asked him what happened to him fasting. He informed me that he was going to fast the next two meals. I had to laugh---we had a talk about fasting and how we do it.

In the LDS church, the first Sunday of every month is considered Fast Sunday. Proper observance of fast Sunday includes going without food and drink for two consecutive meals (24 hours). The money that would have been used for food and drink is given to those in need. "The law of the fast is God’s way to teach us charity, the pure love of Christ, by providing for the poor and the needy among us." “Every dollar given to the local leaders as a fast offering goes to assist the poor,” explained Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Council of the Twelve. “When donations exceed local needs, they are passed along to fulfill the needs elsewhere.”

Isaiah 58:6-7
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Helaman 3:35
Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

3 Nephi 13:18
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

President Spencer W. Kimball said, “I think that when we are affluent, as many of us are, that we ought to be very, very generous … and give, instead of the amount we saved by our two meals of fasting, perhaps much, much more—ten times more where we are in a position to do it” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 184).

New Study Shows Health Benefit of Fasting

A study presented to the American Heart Association indicates that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who regularly fast are less likely to have coronary heart disease.

Some people have health issues or medication regiments which make the physical fast impossible. In this situation, prayer, thinking of the Saviour, and rededicating ourselves to Him is a way to still honor the law of the fast. Including making the monetary donation that we would have if the physical fast had been a possibility. In this way, everyone is able to follow the law of the fast.

Give Yourself Away---Spiritual Thought Sunday

Many of us have heard the first part of this story, but not part 2.

“A young mother on an overnight flight with a two-year-old daughter was stranded by bad weather in [the] Chicago airport without food or clean clothing for the child and without money. She was two months pregnant and threatened with miscarriage, so she was under doctor’s instructions not to carry the child unless it was essential. Hour after hour she stood in one line after another, trying to get a flight to Michigan. The terminal was noisy, full of tired, frustrated, grumpy passengers, and she heard critical references to her crying child and to her sliding her child along the floor with her foot as the line moved forward. No one offered to help with the soaked, hungry, exhausted child. Then, the woman later reported, ‘Someone came towards us and with a kindly smile said, “Is there something I could do to help you?” With a grateful sigh I accepted his offer. He lifted my sobbing little daughter from the cold floor and lovingly held her to him while he patted her gently on the back. He asked if she could chew a piece of gum. When she was settled down, he carried her with him and said something kindly to the others in the line ahead of me, about how I needed their help. They seemed to agree and then he went up to the ticket counter [at the front of the line] and made arrangements with the clerk for me to be put on a flight leaving shortly. He walked with us to a bench, where we chatted a moment, until he was assured that I would be fine. He went on his way. About a week later I saw a picture of Apostle Spencer W. Kimball and recognized him as the stranger in the airport’ ” (Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball, Jr., Spencer W. Kimball [1977], 334).

Part 2 of the Story
The following letter, was sent to President Kimball many years after he helped the woman at the airport:
“Dear President Kimball:
“I am a student at Brigham Young University. I have just returned from my mission in Munich West Germany. I had a lovely mission and learned much. …
“I was sitting in priesthood meeting last week, when a story was told of a loving service which you performed some 21 years ago in the Chicago airport. The story told of how you met a young pregnant mother with a young screaming child in … a [condition of] distress waiting in a long line for her tickets. She was threatening miscarriage and therefore couldn’t lift her child to comfort her. She had experienced four previous miscarriages which gave added reason for the doctor’s orders not to bend or lift.
“… You comforted the crying child, and explained the dilemma to the other passengers in line. This act of love took the strain and tension off of my mother. I was born a few months later in Flint, Michigan.
“I just want to thank you for your love. Thank you for your example!” (quoted by Gordon B. Hinckley, in Christmas Devotional address, 18 Dec. 1983).

Matthew 25:34-40
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

MOSIAH 2:17

And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Some people serve only those they enjoy being around and avoid all others, showing that their love for others is limited. Jesus commanded us to love and serve everyone. We show our willingness to give of ourselves when we love and care about all people.

We should look for Opportunities to Serve:
Elder Hans B. Ringger of the Seventy:
“We need to look around us, and if we cannot see poverty, illness, and despair in our own neighborhood or ward, then we have to look harder. And remember, we cannot be afraid to go beyond our own social and cultural circles. We have to rid ourselves of religious, racial, or social prejudices and expand the boundaries of our service. Service should never discriminate and is hardly ever easy. Did not Jesus Himself mingle with those who were branded unfit by the self-righteous Pharisees? And were not those people the ones who needed Him the most?” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1990, 33; or Ensign, May 1990, 26).

President Spencer W. Kimball:
“God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. The people of the Church need each other’s strength, support, and leadership. … So often, our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving mundane [ordinary] help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow from mundane acts and from small but deliberate deeds!” (“Small Acts of Service,” Ensign, Dec. 1974, 5).

Elder M. Russell Ballard:
“We observe vast, sweeping world events; however, we must remember that the purposes of the Lord in our personal lives generally are fulfilled through the small and simple things and not the momentous and spectacular.”

Later in the same talk, Elder Ballard spoke about small and simple things we can do to help others, concluding:

“We must never ignore or pass by the prompting of the Spirit to render service to one another”

One way to develop charity is to serve others. When we serve others we show our love for them and for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This increases our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus, and our desire to serve them increases. This desire manifests itself in greater desire to serve others. As we serve others, our love continues to grow.

I teach Sunday School and this is the lesson for today, as found on lds.org

Forgiving Others

When we burden ourselves with anger, hate, and vengeance, we forfeit the blessings of having the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We invite the spirit of the adversary into our lives and thus limit our own progress toward exaltation when we are unforgiving. We invite the Holy Spirit into our lives when we follow the example of Jesus Christ and truly forgive.

We Have Been Commanded to Forgive All People.

Elder Richard G. Scott:

“Forgiveness … allows the love of God to purge your heart and mind of the poison of hate. It cleanses your consciousness of the desire for revenge. It makes place for the purifying, healing, restoring love of the Lord” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 45; or Ensign, May 1992, 33).

Forgiving others does not mean approving of their wrongdoing or offense. Forgiving someone means that with the help of our Father in Heaven, we can cleanse our hearts of anger or hatred toward the offender, cease to dwell on the offense, and feel peace. This process is not always easy or quick, but Heavenly Father will help us as we try to forgive.

1. How often is the Lord willing to forgive?

Moroni 6:8 says: But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.

To become more like the Lord, we must strive to follow his example, even though it may be difficult sometimes.

2. How often should we forgive others?

Matthew 18:21–22:
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Jesus was not stating a precise number of times we must forgive; he was using the large number to show that we should forgive as often as necessary.

• How often do we ask the Lord to forgive us?
We all have a need to ask for the Lord’s forgiveness. We should strive to show others the same kindness and mercy the Lord shows us.

3. Why should we forgive others?
D&C 64:9–10
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

How can it be a greater sin to refuse to forgive someone?

When we refuse to forgive others, we can become filled with anger, hate, and a desire for revenge. These feelings can cause us to lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost and make it more difficult for us to live other gospel principles. Also, when we do not forgive someone, it can make it more difficult for that person to complete his or her own repentance process.

4. What blessings does the Lord promise us if we are forgiving toward others? Matthew 5:43–45
43 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Forgiving Others Brings Us Peace

Object Lesson:
Make a paper airplane, or make one yourself. Tape a coin, rock, or weight to one side of the airplane. Throw the airplane gently toward the other side of the room. Next, pick up the airplane and remove the taped object. Throw the airplane again.

• How can just one small weight keep the plane from flying correctly?

Taping a weight to the wing of a paper airplane is like holding a grudge. When we refuse to forgive others, we carry around a weight that keeps us from traveling the straight and narrow path our Father in Heaven wants for us. It is important to forgive others so that we can enjoy the companionship of the Holy Spirit and grow spiritually.

Gordon B. Hinckley:

“There is no peace in harboring old grudges. There is no peace in reflecting on the pain of old wounds. There is peace only in repentance and forgiveness. This is the sweet peace of the Christ, who said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God’ (Matthew 5:9)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1980, 88; or Ensign, Nov. 1980, 63).

“During World War II there were terrible examples of man’s inhumanity to man. After the war was over and the concentration camps were opened, there was much hatred among the weak and emaciated survivors. In one camp, observers noticed a native of Poland who seemed so robust and peaceful they thought he must have only recently been imprisoned. They were surprised to learn that he had been there over six years! Then, they reasoned, he must not have suffered the terrible atrocities to his family members that most of the prisoners had. But in questioning him, they learned how soldiers had come to his city, lined up against a wall his wife, two daughters, and three small sons, then opened fire with a machine gun. Though he begged to die with them, he had been kept alive because of his knowledge and ability in language translation.

“This Polish father said: ‘I had to decide right then … whether to let myself hate the soldiers who had done this. It was an easy decision, really. I was a lawyer. In my practice I had seen … what hate could do to people’s minds and bodies. Hate had just killed the six people who mattered most to me in the world. I decided then that I would spend the rest of my life—whether it was a few days or many years—loving every person I came in contact with’ (George G. Ritchie with Elizabeth Sherrill, Return from Tomorrow [Waco, Texas: Chosen Books, 1978], p. 116)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1983, 84–85; or Ensign, Nov. 1983, 60).

The Scriptures Contain Many Examples of Forgiveness

1. Nephi exhorting his brothers to have faith in the Lord (1 Nephi 7:8–21)

And now I, Nephi, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, therefore I spake unto them, saying, yea, even unto Laman and unto Lemuel: Behold ye are mine elder brethren, and how is it that ye are so hard in your hearts, and so blind in your minds, that ye have need that I, your younger brother, should speak unto you, yea, and set an example for you?
How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of the Lord?
How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord?
Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us, in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record?
Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.
And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise; and ye shall know at some future period that the word of the Lord shall be fulfilled concerning the destruction of Jerusalem; for all things which the Lord hath spoken concerning the destruction of Jerusalem must be fulfilled.
For behold, the Spirit of the Lord ceaseth soon to strive with them; for behold, they have rejected the prophets, and Jeremiah have they cast into prison. And they have sought to take away the life of my father, insomuch that they have driven him out of the land.
Now behold, I say unto you that if ye will return unto Jerusalem ye shall also perish with them. And now, if ye have choice, go up to the land, and remember the words which I speak unto you, that if ye go ye will also perish; for thus the Spirit of the Lord constraineth me that I should speak.
And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly wroth, and they did bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts.
But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.
And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them again.
And it came to pass that they were angry with me again, and sought to lay hands upon me; but behold, one of the daughters of Ishmael, yea, and also her mother, and one of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my brethren, insomuch that they did soften their hearts; and they did cease striving to take away my life.
And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before me, and did plead with me that I would forgive them of the thing that they had done against me.
And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness. And it came to pass that they did so. And after they had done praying unto the Lord we did again travel on our journey towards the tent of our father.

2. Joseph making himself known to his brothers, who had sold him into Egypt
(Genesis 45:1–15):
1 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.
2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:
10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.
13 And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen: and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.
14 And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

3. The prodigal son returning home (Luke 15:11–32):
11 ¶ And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

The Savior gave us the best example of forgiveness to follow.

Christ’s forgiving love:

“All his life he had been the victim of ugliness. As a newborn infant he had been spirited away to save his life at the instruction of an angel in a dream. … At the end of a hectic life he had stood in quiet, restrained, divine dignity. …

“He was beaten, officially scourged. He wore a crown of thorns. … He was mocked and jeered. He suffered every indignity at the hands of his own people. … He was required to carry his own cross. … Finally, with the soldiers and his accusers down below him, he looked upon the Roman soldiers and said these immortal words: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ (Luke 23:34)” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 279–80).

• Think of some things others have done that have hurt or offended you. How can the Savior’s example help you forgive others?

Emphasize that even though we will not experience anything as severe as the things the Savior experienced, we all have opportunities to forgive others. The Lord’s commandment to forgive others applies to everyone.

The hymn “Did You Think to Pray?” applies:

Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ, our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor
As a shield today?

Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.

When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?

Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.

When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was full of sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?

Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.

Text: Mary A. Pepper Kidder, 1820–1905
Music: William O. Perkins, 1831–1902

This is a Sunday School lesson which can be found on lds.org

Spiritual Thought Sunday

Each of us is of the same infinite worth to our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Each of us is a unique individual with different strengths and weaknesses.

Though we all look, sound, and act different, we are all important in the sight of God. He has given each of us a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses.

Doctrine and Covenants 46:11–12:

For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.

Why are we each given different gifts? So that we can share them and bless each other’s lives.

Doctrine and Covenants 46:13–26; here are some of the various gifts given to us:

To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful. And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit with.

In addition to the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in this scripture, we may have other strengths, gifts, and talents from our Heavenly Father.

In addition to talents and gifts, we each have weaknesses.

Ether 12:27, it reads:

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

• Why does the Lord give us weaknesses?

• What can we do to receive the Lord’s help in overcoming our weaknesses?

To illustrate the importance of working hard to overcome our weaknesses and develop our talents, meet Demosthenes:

Demosthenes [dih MAHS thuh neez], was a great orator in ancient Greece. Although Demosthenes was born with a serious speech impediment, he wanted to be a great speaker. To overcome his weakness in speaking, he would go to the beach and fill his mouth with pebbles. Then he would shout above the noise of the waves. Through constant practice he learned to speak so well that people came from long distances to hear the great speeches he gave. (See Encyclopaedia Britannica, 15th ed., s.v. “Demosthenes.”)
Gordon B. Hinckley:

“The work of the world is not done by intellectual geniuses. It is done by men [and women] of ordinary capacity who use their abilities in an extraordinary manner” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1972, 107; or Ensign, Jan. 1973, 92).

What can we do to discover our gifts and talents and use them to the fullest?

Moses 1:39:

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

If we use our gifts and talents righteously, we can be an instrument in the Lord’s hands to help others return to him. Knowing that we are helping in the Lord’s work can increase our sense of worth.

How can we help others understand who they are and what they can contribute to their family, the Church, and the community? (Share our gifts with others; recognize or compliment others for their gifts and talents; provide opportunities for others to share their gifts and talents with others.)

Elder Marvin J. Ashton:

“As children of God we are somebody. He will build us, mold us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up, our arms out, and walk with him. What a great blessing to be created in his image and know of our true potential in and through him!” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1973, 21; or Ensign, July 1973, 24).

Strive to see your own worth and the worth of others in the sight of God.

“I remember the first time Jenni walked into my seminary class and said hi to me. She had a very difficult time speaking, her words were slurred and hard to understand, and she limped and hobbled as she tried to make her legs carry her frail body toward her desk. During Jenni’s first week … in my class, she seemed content to be mostly ignored by her classmates, who appeared to be struggling to figure out how to interact with her.

“Jenni would try to speak, and very few students could understand her. … Most of them distanced themselves from her both physically and socially and, as a result, proceeded to politely ignore her.

“However, they weren’t aware that inside Jenni’s deformed body was a keen mind, a heart of gold, and an indomitable spirit crying out to be heard, to be understood, to be accepted, and to be loved. She wouldn’t be ignored, politely or otherwise.”

One day Jenni asked her teacher if she could say something in class. She asked for a friend to sit by her at lunch. The class was silent for a long moment, and then a girl named Treasure volunteered.

“ ‘I’ll be your friend, Jenni.’ … This … gave Treasure’s friend Wendy the confidence to raise her hand and tell Jenni that she would also be her friend and sit by her at lunch every day. …

“I noticed as the days turned into weeks that Treasure and Wendy began to translate Jenni’s words when we couldn’t understand her.

“As the students began to see what a beautiful, intelligent person Jenni was, they began to invite her to activities [and] help her with her difficulties. … Jenni’s classmates helped her realize what a wonderful person she is. [They] included her in their circle of friends and helped her feel like she belonged; [they] saw through her handicap to the special needs of her heart—a young woman wanting to be accepted and understood” (Victor W. Harris, “The Miracle of Jenni,” New Era, Mar. 1996, 12–14).

How can we learn to look beyond physical differences to understand each person’s worth in the sight of God?

1 Samuel 16:7:

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

This lesson and many more religious resources can be found at www.lds.org.

Spiritual Thought Sunday

Exodus 20:9–11:

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

After the Lord made “heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is” in six days, he rested on the seventh day. He hallowed the seventh day. In other words, he made it holy. Until the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Sabbath was observed on the seventh day (Saturday). Today the Sabbath is observed on Sunday in remembrance of the Savior’s Resurrection on that day (see Luke 24:1–3).

• To keep something holy is to honor it, to dedicate it to righteous use, to keep it sacred and deserving of reverence.

•Elder James E. Faust said:

“Why has God asked us to honor the Sabbath day? The reasons I think are at least threefold. The first has to do with the physical need for rest and renewing. Obviously God, who created us, would know more than we do of the limits of our physical and nervous energy and strength.”

“The second reason is, in my opinion, of far greater significance. It has to do with the need for regeneration and the strengthening of our spiritual being. God knows that left completely to our own devices without regular reminders of our spiritual needs, many would degenerate into the preoccupation of satisfying earthly desires and appetites. This need for physical, mental, and spiritual regeneration is met in large measure by faithful observance of the Sabbath day.”

“The third reason [for honoring the Sabbath day] may be the most important of the three. It has to do with obedience to commandments as an expression of our love for God. Blessed are those who need no reasons other than their love for the Savior to keep his commandments” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 46–47; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 35).

Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–12:

And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;
But remember that on this, the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations (things we do to serve God and other people) and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.

Isaiah 58:13–14:
If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

How to Make the Sabbath a Delight (as found in Isaiah above):

1. “Turn away … from doing thy pleasure.”

Isaiah was not saying that we should not enjoy the Sabbath; he was saying that the Sabbath is a day to forget our own desires and follow God’s will.

2. “Call the sabbath a delight.”

3. “Honour him.”

4. “Not doing thine own ways.”

5. “Delight thyself in the Lord.”

President Thomas S. Monson:

“The Lord has given the Sabbath day for your benefit and has commanded you to keep it holy. Many activities are appropriate for the Sabbath. Bear in mind, however, that Sunday is not a holiday. Sunday is a holy day” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 61; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 47).

THINGS TO DO ON THE SABBATH
President Spencer W. Kimball said:

“The Sabbath is a day on which to take inventory—to analyze our weaknesses, to confess our sins to our associates and our Lord. It is a day on which to fast. … It is a day on which to read good books, a day to contemplate and ponder....a day to study the scriptures and to prepare sermons, a day to nap and rest and relax, a day to visit the sick, a day to preach the gospel, a day to proselyte, a day to visit quietly with the family...a day to do good, a day to drink at the fountain of knowledge and of instruction, a day to seek forgiveness of our sins, a day for the enrichment of our spirit and our soul, a day to restore us to our spiritual stature, a day to partake of the emblems of [Jesus’] sacrifice and atonement, a day to contemplate the glories of the gospel and of the eternal realms, a day to climb high on the upward path toward our Heavenly Father” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 216).

THINGS WE SHOULD AVOID ON THE SABBATH:
Elder Ezra Taft Benson said:

Overworking and staying up late Saturday so that you are exhausted the next day.

Filling the Sabbath so full of extra meetings that there is no time for prayer, meditation, family fellowship, and counseling.

Doing gardening and odd jobs around the house.

Taking trips to canyons or resorts, visiting friends socially, joy riding, wasting time, and engaging in other amusements. …

Playing vigorously and going to movies.

Engaging in sports and hunting ‘wild animals’ which God made for the use of man only ‘in times of famine and excess of hunger.’ (See D&C 89:15.) …

Reading material that does not contribute to your spiritual uplift.

Shopping or supporting with your patronage businesses that operate on Sunday, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and service stations” (“Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy,” Ensign, May 1971, 6–7).

Working on the Sabbath

Elder Earl C. Tingey of the Seventy said:
”We know that there are essential businesses that must be open on Sunday. These are emergency, medical, transportation, and some forms of protective services, such as police and fire” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 12; or Ensign, May 1996, 10–11).

Employees of such “essential businesses” can keep the Sabbath day holy even when their services are required on Sunday. For example, they can read the scriptures during breaks at work and attend Church meetings before or after work.

Personal Sabbath Survey

1. Which purposes and blessings of the Sabbath are important to you?
2. What activities seem to take away from the purpose of the Sabbath for you?
3. What activities help you feel the Spirit on the Sabbath?
4. What could you do before Sunday to make the Sabbath a more delightful day?
5. What will you do to keep the Sabbath day holy and enjoy it more?
(This can be found at lds.org --- this is a lesson I teach in Sunday School)

Love One Another

Look what Ethan (6) made at church with his Sunday School class. He may have gotten One and Love mixed up, but I thought it was precious and a great message! I am grateful for great Sunday School teachers who make great lessons for the little ones!

Spiritual Thought Sunday

Most people know Mormons don't drink alcohol or smoke. Where does this come from?

This commandment came to the Prophet Joseph Smith as he was praying. Joseph Smith received this revelation over 150 years ago, and it applies directly to our time. This revelation was recorded (among many others) in a book "The Doctrine and Covenants" which contains revelations given to Joseph Smith and others. I feel like this revelation is a great example of why having a prophet today is important. During the 1800's, the dangers of tobacco were not known. Only through revelation, was this danger revealed, and people were commanded to abstain from the use of tobacco and alcohol. Talk about inspiration. The dangers that come from alcohol and tobacco are great. I am grateful for this revelation. As a result, I have never taken a sip of alcohol, or ever used tobacco in any way. My husband often reminds me of what a blessing this is as he tells me what a lush/alchoholic I would probably be if I had ever taken a sip of alcohol. He knows me too well. Thank goodness I have never taken a sip.(He knows of my addictive personality).

Here is this revelation as found in the Doctrine and Covenants:

THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS

SECTION 89

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.

1–9, Use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks proscribed; 10–17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18–21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.

1 A Word OF Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—
2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.



Blessings That Come from Obeying the Word of Wisdom
Physical health:

Your body will be more resistant to disease and weakness.


Emotional health:

You will have less stress and guilt and more peace of mind.


Health for your descendants:

Your children will be free from inherited deformities and weaknesses caused by drug abuse, smoking, and drinking.


Faith:

Your faith will be strengthened as you see that the Lord blesses those who obey.


Spiritual sensitivity:

You will be better able to receive and follow inspiration from the Holy Ghost.


Freedom:

You will not be a slave to drug abuse or other addictive habits.


Wisdom and knowledge:

You will have a clear mind, the desire to learn, and the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood; you will perform better in school and employment.


Self-discipline:

You will be in control of yourself and will strengthen your ability to say no to people or things that would harm you.


Financial advantage:

You will not spend money on cigarettes, liquor, or other harmful substances; you will not need to pay medical expenses caused by use of these substances.


Ability to serve:

You will not cause harm to others (by driving drunk, smoking around them, and so on); you will have the health and strength necessary to serve others.

I am grateful for prophets of old and new prophets who give us guidance through scriptures of the past and the scriptures of present. I am grateful to not have to battle with any issues related to drug, alcohol, or cigarette addiction. This is an example of how obedience provides greater freedom to those who obey. We all have enough to worry about in this world without having to worry about addiction. I am grateful that my children attend church every Sunday and are learning to never try alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Just following that cousel will save them so much heartbreak in this world. Can't we all live better with a little less heartbreak?

(Most of this information is taken from the Sunday School lesson I will be teaching today!)

Spiritual Thought Sunday --- Self Mastery (Denying Yourself)

It is hard to believe this is the same kid who as a seven year old, was scared to put his face in the water. The same child who was teased and considered emotionally sensitive as a child. Now he is considered one of the greatest Olympian's of all time. I would say this comes from denying oneself with incredible self-discipline. At a certain point, he had a vision of what he could be and had to deny everything that could get in the way of his dreams. By denying himself in the short-term, look what he was able to achieve in the long term:

Michael Phelps captured his eighth gold medal at these Beijing Games. The 23-year-old accomplished what many people said could never be accomplished. Phelps won five individual races, four of them in world-record times and the other, Friday's 100 butterfly, by 0.01 of a second. In doing so he established himself as the greatest medal-winner at a single Games in the 112-year history of the modern Olympics.

"When some people said it's not possible and it can't be done, I think that's when my imagination came into play," Phelps said recently. "And I thought I had a chance to do it. (Coach Bob Bowman) and I talked about it, and we were able to get here through a lot of hard work. It's been fun."

Between Athens in 2004 and Beijing, Phelps has collected 14 gold medals and a pair of bronzes. And he said he'd like to return for at least two more Olympics.

"It goes to show you that not only is this guy the greatest swimmer of all time and the greatest Olympian of all time, he's maybe the greatest athlete of all time," Spitz said, according to the Associated Press. "He's the greatest racer who ever walked the planet."

"He defies description, in my opinion," said Pablo Morales, who won three golds as a U.S. swimmer. "There is no historical precedent for what he has accomplished, how he is accomplishing it, his body of work. You have at once a supremely gifted athlete with a willingness to endure unmatched levels of preparation. Plus, he's a fantastic competitor, mentally tough, and someone who appears to get even better in the face of a tough challenge."

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“You consist of two parts—your physical body, and your spirit which lives within your body. You may have heard the expression ‘mind over matter.’ … I would like to phrase it a little differently: ‘spirit over body.’ That is self-mastery” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1985, 38; or Ensign, Nov. 1985, 30).

Self-mastery is the ability of your spirit to control your body, the ability to do what you know you should do even if a part of you does not want to do it. You exercise self-mastery when you do God’s will instead of your own.

Self-Mastery Brings Blessings

Jesus taught us that we must be able to master ourselves if we are to be his disciples.

Matthew 16:24:

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

• Why must a person “deny himself [or herself]” to be a follower of Jesus Christ?

The Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 16:24 (see footnote d in the Latter-day Saint edition of the Bible) clarifies that we are to deny ourselves “all ungodliness.” We are to give up unrighteous actions and replace them with righteous ones. Exercising self-mastery involves using our agency to choose to live righteously.

Exercising self-mastery does not mean denying oneself everything that is enjoyable or fun. When we practice self-mastery, we give up some things or experiences in order to receive things or experiences we want more. For example, when we fast, for a time we give up eating, which is enjoyable, in order to receive spiritual strength and growth. On a larger scale, we give up sin (which may sometimes appear enjoyable) in order to have peace of mind and the opportunity to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.

We Can Exercise Self-Mastery

Self-mastery, like other skills, is developed through practice. In some instances, we practice self-mastery simply by doing the desired action each day and thus forming a habit. Self-mastery in other areas, however, may require more effort.

• What actions can help us exercise self-mastery?

1. Work to achieve appropriate goals.

When we recognize areas in our lives that require greater self-mastery, we can set goals with clear achievable steps to help us. For example, if we need greater self-mastery in getting ready for church on time, we can plan what things need to be done on Saturday in order to achieve this goal.

2. Replace bad habits with good ones.

It is easier to break a bad habit if we replace it with a better habit or activity. For example, a person trying to increase self-mastery over procrastination can replace a habit of leaving homework until the last minute with a better habit of doing it at a specific time every day.

3. Ask friends or family members to help.

Sometimes simply telling someone else about a goal we have set or a habit we are trying to develop can motivate us to work harder. Friends and family members can also give us encouragement and assistance as we work to exercise greater self-mastery.

4. Pray and read the scriptures.

When we pray, we can ask Heavenly Father to give us the strength we need to reach our goals or change our habits. As we study the scriptures, we can be guided by the Lord’s counsel and the example of others who have exercised self-mastery, such as Daniel or Joseph of Egypt. If we are receptive to the influence of the Holy Ghost, he can also help us achieve self-mastery.

We Can Accomplish Great Things with Self-Mastery

Roger Bannister (Breaking record for four minute mile in 1954)



“Many years ago [Roger Bannister] participated in the Olympic Games as a champion in the one-mile race. He was supposed to win, but he wound up finishing in fourth place. He went home from the Olympics discouraged, disillusioned, and embarrassed.

“He had his mind set on giving up running. He was a medical student at the time, and his studies were so demanding. He decided that he’d better get on with life and devote all of his time in preparing for medicine and forget his hopes about running the world’s record in the four-minute mile. He went to his coach and told him, ‘Coach, I’m through. I’m going to devote all my time to studying.’ His coach said, ‘Roger, I think you are the man who can break the four-minute mile. I wish you’d give it one last try before you quit.’

“Roger … went home knowing not what to say or to do. But before the night was over, he had convinced himself that he would develop an iron will before he quit running. He was going to break the four-minute mile.

“He knew what this meant. He would have to set a pattern and live by it. He realized he would have to study seven, eight, or even nine hours a day to get through medical school. He would have to train for at least four hours a day. … He knew he would have to eat the best foods. He knew he would have to go to bed early every night and sleep nine or ten hours, to let his body recuperate and constantly build up for the great day. He determined within himself that he was going to follow the rigid pattern he and the coach knew was necessary for victory and achievement.

“On May 6, 1954, the four-minute-mile barrier was broken by Roger Bannister, … a man committed to a winning pattern which would bring him recognition worldwide. … Roger Bannister set the pattern many years ago and followed it with total commitment, self-discipline, and a will of iron” (Marvin J. Ashton, in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 25–26; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 22).

Self-mastery can require hard work, but it also brings great blessings.

Luke 22:39–46:

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground
And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

How did the Savior exercise self-mastery? (He did what Heavenly Father wanted, not what he wanted to do.)

What were the results of his self-mastery? (He suffered for our sins and made salvation possible for us when we repent.)

As we develop self-mastery, we develop a greater ability to say, as Jesus did, “Father, … not my will, but thine, be done.”

We Must Decide Now to Master Ourselves

President David O. McKay urged us to remember that “the greatest battle of life is fought out within the silent chambers of your own soul” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1969, 95; or Improvement Era, June 1969, 30).

• What is one thing you can do this week to increase your self-mastery?

Pray for help in exercising self-mastery. All the blessings promised to the faithful in the plan of salvation come to those who learn to deny themselves of all ungodliness and follow the Lord.

Proverbs 25:28:

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

How is a person who “hath no rule over his own spirit,” that is, a person without self-mastery, “like a city that is broken down, and without walls”? (Such a person has no defense against temptation and is vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.)

(This information is taken from lds.org--a lesson manual for Sunday School, except the Michael Phelps portion which is my updated inspirational example for this concept.)

A Fathers Blessing

Well, my children go back to school tomorrow, so Daddy wanted to give Brandon and Ethan fathers blessings. After Brandon and Ethan received the blessings, the rest of the children also wanted a blessing. It was sweet and cute. Even little Dylan (1 1/2) wanted his turn. He climbed up on the chair, bowed his head, and folded his little arms. I had to take a picture prior to the blessing as it was so sweet. We all had to keep a straight face as Maddie (2 1/2) repeated every word of each blessing, as she saw it as a prayer. When people give prayers, she likes to "help" them. It is very cute. Little Benjamin (3 1/2) was upset as he is wanting to go to school, but still has to wait a couple years. He sees it as quite unfair that his big brothers get to go to school and he doesn't. These are some of the moments I will miss as they grow up. Little children are so sweet and innocent. I just want to put all of it in a bottle and hold onto it as long as I can.

Obedience ---- Spiritual Thought Sunday

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin:

“The windows of heaven are open wide to the faithful and righteous; nothing closes them faster than disobedience. … "

“… Diligent, enduring obedience to God’s laws is the key that opens the windows of heaven. Obedience enables us to be receptive to the mind and will of the Lord. ‘The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient’ are those who receive the blessings of revelation through the open windows of heaven” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 101; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 75–76; see also D&C 64:34).

Every blessing we receive is based on our obedience.

(D&C 130:20–21):

There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

• In a short time, Saul went from being chosen by the Lord as king to being rejected by the Lord as king. What do you think could have happened to change Saul’s standing with the Lord?

1 Samuel 13:13–14.

And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.

• What was the main reason for Saul being rejected by the Lord? (He was disobedient to the Lord and His servants.)

• For Saul, disobedience made the difference between being king and not being king. What difference does our obedience or disobedience make in our lives?

What is God’s work and glory, or main purpose?

(Moses 1:39)

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

• How does our obedience play a part in Heavenly Father’s work and glory?

We will all be resurrected and receive immortality. However, we must obey Heavenly Father’s commandments to be able to receive eternal life. Heavenly Father gives us commandments because he loves us and wants us to become like him and dwell in his presence forever.

Heavenly Father has given us commandments to help us be happy.

In Mosiah 2:41 it reads:

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Right now our world is in desperate need of temporal and spiritual blessings. Truly, this is a time for us to be obedient in all things, as our world is in desperate need of the blessings of our Heavenly Father.

Obedience to the commandments does not guarantee that we will never experience difficulties or challenges. However, even when we are disappointed or sad about circumstances in our lives, we can be happy about our lives in general because of our faith in God and our assurance that he is pleased with our efforts to be obedient.

Heavenly Father showed his great love for us when he sent his Son to atone for our sins. By doing what Heavenly Father wanted him to do, Jesus Christ set a perfect example of complete obedience.

John 6:38 (Jesus is speaking in this verse):
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Luke 22:41–44:

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Jesus asked to be spared the pain that he knew would come in the Garden of Gethsemane. However, he put Heavenly Father’s will before his own and willingly partook of the “bitter cup” the Father gave him.

3 Nephi 11:11:

And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.

• What are some situations in which we might need to say, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done”?

What are some reasons why people obey the commandments?

People obey because:

1. They are afraid of being punished for disobedience.

2. They want the rewards that come from obedience.

3. They want other people to see them and think that they are righteous.

4. They feel peace and joy when they are obedient.

5. They love Heavenly Father and Jesus.

John 14:15:

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

• Why do you think love for Heavenly Father and Jesus is such an important reason for obeying the commandments?

Goal for the week: Increase your obedience to one of the commandments of God.

Here are your choices (Choose one of these to work on):

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me” ( Exodus 20:3).
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image” ( Exodus 20:4).
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” ( Exodus 20:7).
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” ( Exodus 20:8).
“Honour thy father and thy mother” ( Exodus 20:12).
“Thou shalt not kill” ( Exodus 20:13).
“Thou shalt not commit adultery” ( Exodus 20:14).
“Thou shalt not steal” ( Exodus 20:15).
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” ( Exodus 20:16).
“Thou shalt not covet” ( Exodus 20:17).

We all know which commandment(s) we are personally struggling with and what we need to work on. By working on our obedience to the commandments, we will receive temporal and spiritual blessings!

Sign me up! We can all sign up for greater blessings by demonstrating greater obedience to the commandments of God. Jesus has shown us the way.

(These thoughts come from the lesson I am teaching to the 12-13 year olds at church.)

Spiritual Thought Sunday

Heavenly Father loved us enough to send his Son to atone for our sins.

Elder Melvin J. Ballard, on the importance of the sacrament:

“It is written in the scriptures that God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son to die for the world, that whosoever believeth on him … and keepeth his commandments, shall be saved. But this [sacrifice] did not cost us very much—freely given are all these glorious privileges. …

“… While we give nothing, perhaps, for this atonement and this sacrifice, nevertheless, it has cost someone something, and I love to contemplate what it cost our Father in heaven to give us the gift of his beloved Son, … who so loved the world that he laid his life down to redeem the world, to save us and to feed us spiritually while we walk in this life, and prepare us to go and dwell with him in the eternal worlds. …

“Our Father in heaven … loved his Son Jesus Christ, … for [he] had with him his Son, our Redeemer, in the eternal worlds, faithful and true for ages. … God heard the cry of his Son in that moment of great grief and agony, in the garden when … he cried out: ‘Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me.’ …

“… He saw that Son condemned, he saw him drag the cross through the streets of Jerusalem and faint under its load. … He saw [Jesus’] body stretched out upon the wooden cross, he saw the cruel nails driven through hands and feet, and the blows that broke the skin, tore the flesh … and let out the life’s blood of his Son. …

“In that hour I think I can see our dear Father, … his great heart almost breaking for the love that he had for his Son. Oh, in that moment when he might have saved his Son, I thank him and praise him that he did not fail us, for he had not only the love of his Son in mind, but he had love for us, and I rejoice that he did not interfere, and that his love for us made it possible for him to endure to look upon the sufferings of his Son and give him finally to us, our Savior and our Redeemer. …

“… My brethren and sisters, … if I only knew how essential it was … that I should receive the spiritual life that comes from that Son, I am sure I would always be present at the sacrament table to do honor to the gift that has come unto us” (“The Sacramental Covenant,” Improvement Era, Oct. 1919, 1028–31).

When Jesus visited the Nephites after his Resurrection, he taught them about the sacrament.

In 3 Nephi 18:1–11 it says:

1 And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his Disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him.
2 And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.
3 And when the Disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the Disciples and commanded that they should eat.
4 And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
5 And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the Disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.
6 And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.
7 And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.
8 And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his Disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.
9 And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
10 And when the Disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.
11 And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my bblood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

Notice the word "filled" is used four times.

In this day and age, how many of us are feeling content and "filled" in our lives?

The Saviour has taught us how we can feel "filled". When we follow the words of Christ and our Heavenly Father, we will be "filled" with the Holy Ghost. (3 Nephi 20:8-9)

Why did Jesus call the disciples “blessed” after they had partaken of the sacrament?

3 Nephi 18:10:
10 And when the Disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are awilling to do that which I have commanded you.

Apostle Paul talked about the importance of partaking of the sacrament worthily. Being worthy to partake of the sacrament does not mean being perfect. To partake of the sacrament worthily, we must be doing our very best to keep the covenants we have made—to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember him, and keep the commandments.

1 Corinthians 11:28–30:
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Am I "sleeping" and "weak and sickly"?

We must examine our lives and repent of our sins. What a beautiful thing to feel "filled" with the Holy Ghost and feel the Spirit of God in our lives. It is right there for the taking, if we are willing to go to church, follow the commandments of God, repent of our sins, and take of the sacrament. How blessed we are to have this weekly review of our lives and a weekly remembrance of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for our sins.

This is the lesson that I will be teaching the 12-13 year olds in my church today! A great reminder for me!

Excerpts from a quote from Elder M. Russell Ballard:

“My dear young friends, I encourage you to take time each week to be by yourself, away from television and the crowd. Have your scriptures with you, and as you read, ponder, and pray, take an honest look at your life. Evaluate where you stand with the promises you have made with Heavenly Father. If you have a problem, talk it over with the Lord in earnest and humble prayer....When all is said and done, however, only you know if you are living true to your covenants made with God” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 7; or Ensign, May 1993, 8).

Something for us all to think about---not just the youth!

A Beautiful Hymn: As Now We Take the Sacrament

As now we take the sacrament,
Our thoughts are turned to thee,
Thou Son of God, who lived for us,
Then died on Calvary.
We contemplate thy lasting grace,
Thy boundless charity;
To us the gift of life was giv’n
For all eternity.

As now our minds review the past,
We know we must repent;
The way to thee is righteousness—
The way thy life was spent.
Forgiveness is a gift from thee
We seek with pure intent.
With hands now pledged to do thy work,
We take the sacrament.

As now we praise thy name with song,
The blessings of this day
Will linger in our thankful hearts,
And silently we pray
For courage to accept thy will,
To listen and obey.
We love thee, Lord; our hearts are full.
We’ll walk thy chosen way.


Text: Lee Tom Perry, b. 1951. © 1985 IRI

Patriarchal Blessings

I teach the 12-13 year old youth in Sunday School every Sunday at church. I spend much time preparing every week, so I thought I would share a spiritual thought from time to time.

In our church, in your youth or early adulthood, you can recieve a patriarchal blessing. This blessing has special admonitions and blessings which pertain to each person individually. Once we recieve this blessing, we should read the blessing, pray about it, and refer to it from time to time.

The church has a record of every patriarchal blessing that has been given.

My spiritual thought of today is: if you don't have your patriarchal blessing, prepare to receive it. If you have received that blessing, read it today. If you have misplaced the blessing, call the church records to get another copy.

I am grateful for my patriarchal blessing. I definately need to spend more time reading, studying, and praying in regard to this special blessing given to me from our Heavenly Father. It is a source of peace and guidance in this world!