Once a month we are given the opportunity to formally bear testimony of the things in our heart about the blessings we have as followers of Christ.
It is called Fast and Testimony meeting and it's the 1st Sunday of the month. I'm sure other churches have ways of expressing their devotion to the Savior as well.
It is common to hear someone say during their testimony that they know the church is true. I myself have said the same.
However, there was a nagging of doubt about my exact wording when I said it, and was not sure how to express what I really did feel.
It came clear to me in my decade of the 20's that I needed to rethink it. You see, I was then working for the church in Salt Lake City, Utah. It's fair to say that in the 8 or so years of my employment in the FamilySearch Department I did have a moment or two or three where I did make a mistake.
Yes, we prayed all day every day. Yes, we were Very aware of the fact that our paycheck depended upon the tithing of the Widow's Mite..and that these funds were sacred. Yes, we did our very, very best. I can say that with no doubt.
But I learned that it was a great organization wherein mistakes are made and we would trip up and skin our knee and have to try again until we got it right...until our offering was acceptable unto the Lord.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect. The church, sometimes has a bad day. Bless it's heart. ;)
There is a well stated talk given in the April 2012 General Conference by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom which I have linked at the bottom of my thoughts that confirms this concept.
When people in the church, especially in leadership positions make a mistake in judgement and do the wrong thing, we must not confuse this with the Gospel of Jesus Christ..for you see, Jesus Christ will Not do the wrong thing.
He is perfect. Even in his example of baptism He was perfect in His obedience to The Father while He clearly did not need of it to wash away any sins.
It is with that thought that I depend upon as I work through a betrayal of privileged communication from myself to a leader that happened a few months ago that continues to bear negative fruit for myself and family.
I had learned the lesson, a few years ago, when Bishop Henricksen of my last ward said to John and myself the following:
... " wow, you must really want it, you must really believe in the Gospel to continue to be active in a ward that has made so many errors in judgement and has treated you both so poorly."
We shook his hand, smiled and said something like, "yes, there has never been a doubt in the truthfulness of the Gospel... we are supposed to learn something from all this, and we certainly will try our best to figure it out. "
He chuckled and we left the scheduled meeting we had with him on how to navigate the rough waters.
What I wished I would have said... (you know how that is right ? where you think of the better response later...; ) is that "yes, it is a clear validation to me that with all the effort the devil is putting into causing contention and turmoil with good hearted people that absolutely the Gospel is true and good and wonderful."
So, now time for the pop quiz... did the lesson stay true in my heart ?
Yes.
So,
Let us remember and be sure our hearts and hands are clean and pure.... our church family is what we make it to be. let us play nice.
Let us teach our children to Not be offended and lose perspective of the eternal nature of things and to pray for our enemies who did us wrong, especially if it was within the holy place of a church family which should be a 'safe place' of worship, healing, covenants, service.
Let us bear testimony that the Gospel is true with our thoughts, words and of course, our actions.
Let us remember the 'privilaged communication' placed with us as leaders... to Not share private emails or personal conversations or information acquired in council meeting with others unless we have first acquired permission to do so. (with exception of course wherein danger to someone is pending).
Let us prayerfully acknowledge a wrong, and then remember to go easy on the foolish choice of another, as we are gonna have a bad church day too.
Let us prayerfully apologize and have a big slice of humble pie if we have done wrong to another..with intent or on accident, best to be sure no tender heart was wounded..
The pie has no calories and it is fat free. We will actually lose weight from laying down the burden of guilt.
I am so glad to say... that I now know what to say.
I know this Gospel is true. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/converted-to-his-gospel-through-his-church?lang=eng
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The Balms of Gilead
I would like to notice that there are sometimes those among us who are so full of healing and goodness that I call them The Balms of Gilead.
The common theme appears to be that they are 'special needs' individuals of one kind or another.
The families that are blessed to receive these children are chosen to nurture, protect and prepare these treasures of God for a world in need of their love.
When I was in severe pain after the loss of my daughters, I was blessed to get a hug every now and again from a grown girl by the name Erin. Every hug and smile was balm on my aching soul.
When my friend gave birth to her baby boy Jaren, I was lucky enough to visit the hospital, and wow, the goodness that he is woven with is rich with love and peace and strength. I am always honored to be around that little guy.
Now I have met a grown girl named Amy whom I see at church. I wish I was better able to use the English language to describe how she radiates all that is good and noble.
I would find myself saying "God bless these families that have these children in their lives.." but then I have to pause and say, He already has.
The common theme appears to be that they are 'special needs' individuals of one kind or another.
The families that are blessed to receive these children are chosen to nurture, protect and prepare these treasures of God for a world in need of their love.
When I was in severe pain after the loss of my daughters, I was blessed to get a hug every now and again from a grown girl by the name Erin. Every hug and smile was balm on my aching soul.
When my friend gave birth to her baby boy Jaren, I was lucky enough to visit the hospital, and wow, the goodness that he is woven with is rich with love and peace and strength. I am always honored to be around that little guy.
Now I have met a grown girl named Amy whom I see at church. I wish I was better able to use the English language to describe how she radiates all that is good and noble.
I would find myself saying "God bless these families that have these children in their lives.." but then I have to pause and say, He already has.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Lessons Learned on June 10, 2012
Hello..! Glad to be back...whew. Feeling better and back on track.
We are half way through the year with our study of the Book of Mormon. It is an amazing book...really I don't understand why I have been blessed all my life to have access to it when so many don't have that option.
It is not my intent to offend, but when trying to describe the wonder of this book it reminds me of trying to describe good quality chocolate to someone who has craved something rich and warm and satisfying yet has never had the opportunity to enjoy.
The lesson this Sunday was about the reading of 5 chapters. The last book of Mosiah which was chapter 29 and the first four chapters of the book of Alma. Here is the link to those chapters: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/29?lang=eng
After clicking on the link, at the top of the page on the right is gives the option of previous and next...and we are able to then go to the next chapters in Alma.
Jennie W. taught this week and she was wearing a beautiful bright dress which was helpful and awesome because I was kind of tired because of a very full and late night Saturday...:D So with my full attention, she taught about some things I had not before considered.
Such as, up to this point, time had been measured by the calendar of "how many years since Father Lehi had left Jerusalem"....(which was 509 years, by the way).
Now that King Mosiah had died and none of his sons would take the throne, the method of governing the people was now with judges. The chief judge being Alma.
We read in verse 43 that Alma did awalk in the ways of the Lord, and he did keep his commandments, and he did judge righteous judgments; and there was continual peace through the land.
And so time was now according to "the reign of the judges" with this being the first year of the reign of the judges.
(which just so happens to be 91 years before Christ will be born).
Well, things were going well until a man named Nehor began to establish a concept called 'priest-craft'. It is a term given to those who make it their occupation to preach and receive wages for doing so.
One of the problems with this form of preaching was shared with our class by Dave C. as he explained that the potential for flattery and vanity could keep a preacher from truly teaching the word of God as he may not want to offend and thus not get paid by his congregation. Yep, I can see how that could happen.
Nehor was preaching this and other silly concepts and he became very popular. While he was promoting his way of thinking he came upon Gideon, an older man who had been a great warrior for the people.
Nehor and Gideon got to debating the issues as Gideon was a humble man of God and did not agree with Nehor's manipulation of the people and the teachings of God.
Words turned to physical violence and tragically Nehor ended up killing Gideon.
Nehor was then taken to Alma the chief judge and was found guilty of murder and was condemned to die according to the laws of the land.
He was taken to the hill Manti and he then confessed that he had not been promoting the will of God and then he too suffered death.
Priest-craft however did not die with him and spread like wildfire among those who loved riches, honor and the vain things of the world.
The next couple of chapters are full of warfare as a man by the name of Amlici decides he wants the government to go back to the way of monarch and wants to be the king.
He gathers a supporting body and tries to overthrow the reign of judges but is not successful. Thousands and tens of thousands die in this struggle on both sides, including women and children.
His people are bitter and rename themselves as the Amlicites and mark themselves with a red mark upon their foreheads so that they are Not counted among the people of God.
Jennie ended the lesson with the thought of how we choose to mark ourselves now in the year 2012 according to what we believe and know to be pleasing to the Lord.
Are we keeping the commandments ? Do we speak with appropriate language ? What music do we choose to listen to and do we change the channel or toss the book that is offensive to God, His Son and the Holy Spirit ?
These actions are the markings of what we believe just as much as the Amlicites and their red foreheads.
As for myself, I hope to do better and appreciate the reminder...but kinda Do Not appreciate how my beloved Laughed Out Loud when I tried to justify that when I am grumpy with him that cursing is totally okay if done with Bible words such as damn, hell and ass.
Hmmm. Maybe not so much...?
Feeling humble once again,
Cynthia
We are half way through the year with our study of the Book of Mormon. It is an amazing book...really I don't understand why I have been blessed all my life to have access to it when so many don't have that option.
It is not my intent to offend, but when trying to describe the wonder of this book it reminds me of trying to describe good quality chocolate to someone who has craved something rich and warm and satisfying yet has never had the opportunity to enjoy.
The lesson this Sunday was about the reading of 5 chapters. The last book of Mosiah which was chapter 29 and the first four chapters of the book of Alma. Here is the link to those chapters: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/29?lang=eng
After clicking on the link, at the top of the page on the right is gives the option of previous and next...and we are able to then go to the next chapters in Alma.
Jennie W. taught this week and she was wearing a beautiful bright dress which was helpful and awesome because I was kind of tired because of a very full and late night Saturday...:D So with my full attention, she taught about some things I had not before considered.
Such as, up to this point, time had been measured by the calendar of "how many years since Father Lehi had left Jerusalem"....(which was 509 years, by the way).
Now that King Mosiah had died and none of his sons would take the throne, the method of governing the people was now with judges. The chief judge being Alma.
We read in verse 43 that Alma did awalk in the ways of the Lord, and he did keep his commandments, and he did judge righteous judgments; and there was continual peace through the land.
And so time was now according to "the reign of the judges" with this being the first year of the reign of the judges.
(which just so happens to be 91 years before Christ will be born).
Well, things were going well until a man named Nehor began to establish a concept called 'priest-craft'. It is a term given to those who make it their occupation to preach and receive wages for doing so.
One of the problems with this form of preaching was shared with our class by Dave C. as he explained that the potential for flattery and vanity could keep a preacher from truly teaching the word of God as he may not want to offend and thus not get paid by his congregation. Yep, I can see how that could happen.
Nehor was preaching this and other silly concepts and he became very popular. While he was promoting his way of thinking he came upon Gideon, an older man who had been a great warrior for the people.
Nehor and Gideon got to debating the issues as Gideon was a humble man of God and did not agree with Nehor's manipulation of the people and the teachings of God.
Words turned to physical violence and tragically Nehor ended up killing Gideon.
Nehor was then taken to Alma the chief judge and was found guilty of murder and was condemned to die according to the laws of the land.
He was taken to the hill Manti and he then confessed that he had not been promoting the will of God and then he too suffered death.
Priest-craft however did not die with him and spread like wildfire among those who loved riches, honor and the vain things of the world.
The next couple of chapters are full of warfare as a man by the name of Amlici decides he wants the government to go back to the way of monarch and wants to be the king.
He gathers a supporting body and tries to overthrow the reign of judges but is not successful. Thousands and tens of thousands die in this struggle on both sides, including women and children.
His people are bitter and rename themselves as the Amlicites and mark themselves with a red mark upon their foreheads so that they are Not counted among the people of God.
Jennie ended the lesson with the thought of how we choose to mark ourselves now in the year 2012 according to what we believe and know to be pleasing to the Lord.
Are we keeping the commandments ? Do we speak with appropriate language ? What music do we choose to listen to and do we change the channel or toss the book that is offensive to God, His Son and the Holy Spirit ?
These actions are the markings of what we believe just as much as the Amlicites and their red foreheads.
As for myself, I hope to do better and appreciate the reminder...but kinda Do Not appreciate how my beloved Laughed Out Loud when I tried to justify that when I am grumpy with him that cursing is totally okay if done with Bible words such as damn, hell and ass.
Hmmm. Maybe not so much...?
Feeling humble once again,
Cynthia
Friday, April 20, 2012
Sunday School Lesson # 15 aka How the Book of Mormon got it's name..
Welcome back to team teacher Kim who has been on spring break in sunny Florida. How blessed we were that she brought her mother and father back with her and Yes...we were all on our best behavior since they also came to participate in her Sunday School class...:)
Our reading today is Mosiah 1-3.
http://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-class-member-study-guide/lesson-15-eternally-indebted-to-your-heavenly-father?lang=eng
Well just to get us up to speed...Flash forward hundreds of years to a man named Mormon who is at the end of the Book of Mormon and has the records and entries of all the men who have kept and preserved said records.
Like the Bible which has undergone the edit and abridge process many, many times, Mormon now has the huge task of pushing through the heartache of knowing that the last of his people are very close to being killed by their enemies and he now has to carefully & prayerfully compile and abridge these many records which will then enable him to give a readers digest version to his son Moroni.
Moroni will be the last living of all their people and will bury this small compilation of records before his own death in a hill which is now known as the Hill Cumorah in Manchester County, New York. USA.
So, as Jed S. in class explained, that while the reading has been in the 1st person up till now... it changes to the 3rd person as Mormon is reading what he has in storage and is describing to us the events of the people.
Which is why we call it the Book of Mormon. Happy to do it... as we love that guy for his diligence, sacrifice and good heart.
We are in the section called Mosiah where Mormon is telling about a most wonderful King by the name of Benjamin who did Not live off the labor and taxes of the people, instead choosing to maintain the needs/wants of his household by his own efforts.
The timing here on the world clock is 130 BC... and King Benjamin has asked his son Mosiah to gather all the people together around the temple as he wants to share his thoughts with them.
He has a tower built wherein he can be tall enough to be heard from a distance. Jed S. also explains how the families gathered and set up tents with the door of each family tent facing the temple..
which is symbolic to us now as we try to have our lives constructed with the door to the temple and in reflection of the covenants we make with God.
Kim and her mom then said how it has always been a critical priority to have pictures of the temples and of the Savior up in their homes...and in the bedroom of each child.
I felt surprised to consider how excited I have been to prepare my child's big girl room with Snoopy and tye dye prints ..but had totally overlooked this in my decor planning. Grateful for the reminder. Will take photos and post when it's done..:)
Mike J. then shared a moment that he had this past week with a contractor who had been working in his home. The man had noticed the pictures of the Christ theme and inquired if Mike and his family were LDS.
Mike affirmed and the man's eyes sparkled as he recalled his youth of being active in church and it was a tender reminder of what he could enjoy again.
Okay, back to the topic of the Book of Mormon, Dave C. and Shane B. both gave comments about how the blessings daily study of the Book of Mormon and Bible scriptures have blessed them and their families as it has improved things they had not thought of such as increasing knowledge and confidence.
Because of this, President Vaughan our stake president has asked us to offer and if accepted, place a Book of Mormon with any friends who will also see of it's value.
Here is my Barnes and Noble link...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-of-mormon-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-the-latter-day-saints/1030659525?ean=2940012369017
It's of the nook and is only 2.99...! wowowow!
The hard copy one I like to give is through Amazon and is $17.29. It is a beautiful gift, I believe. It is listed under 'Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ' by doubleday printers.
I'll just go out on a limb and venture to say that Valerie L. will make a batch of her incredible chocolate chip cookies for the brave soul who is able to share a Book of Mormon with another.
How that Sister Valerie stays so lean and beautiful with cookies like that about the house is a thing of admiration.
Alright... next week's lesson..which is in 2 days...:D on April 22 is by Jennie and is about being called by the name of Christ... A Christian, so to speak. I can't think of a better name to go by, can you...? insert heart symbol here.. :)
Mosiah chapters 4-6....
http://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-class-member-study-guide/lesson-16-ye-shall-be-called-the-children-of-christ?lang=eng
Love your friend,
Cynthia McCormick
Our reading today is Mosiah 1-3.
http://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-class-member-study-guide/lesson-15-eternally-indebted-to-your-heavenly-father?lang=eng
Well just to get us up to speed...Flash forward hundreds of years to a man named Mormon who is at the end of the Book of Mormon and has the records and entries of all the men who have kept and preserved said records.
Like the Bible which has undergone the edit and abridge process many, many times, Mormon now has the huge task of pushing through the heartache of knowing that the last of his people are very close to being killed by their enemies and he now has to carefully & prayerfully compile and abridge these many records which will then enable him to give a readers digest version to his son Moroni.
Moroni will be the last living of all their people and will bury this small compilation of records before his own death in a hill which is now known as the Hill Cumorah in Manchester County, New York. USA.
So, as Jed S. in class explained, that while the reading has been in the 1st person up till now... it changes to the 3rd person as Mormon is reading what he has in storage and is describing to us the events of the people.
Which is why we call it the Book of Mormon. Happy to do it... as we love that guy for his diligence, sacrifice and good heart.
We are in the section called Mosiah where Mormon is telling about a most wonderful King by the name of Benjamin who did Not live off the labor and taxes of the people, instead choosing to maintain the needs/wants of his household by his own efforts.
The timing here on the world clock is 130 BC... and King Benjamin has asked his son Mosiah to gather all the people together around the temple as he wants to share his thoughts with them.
He has a tower built wherein he can be tall enough to be heard from a distance. Jed S. also explains how the families gathered and set up tents with the door of each family tent facing the temple..
which is symbolic to us now as we try to have our lives constructed with the door to the temple and in reflection of the covenants we make with God.
Kim and her mom then said how it has always been a critical priority to have pictures of the temples and of the Savior up in their homes...and in the bedroom of each child.
I felt surprised to consider how excited I have been to prepare my child's big girl room with Snoopy and tye dye prints ..but had totally overlooked this in my decor planning. Grateful for the reminder. Will take photos and post when it's done..:)
Mike J. then shared a moment that he had this past week with a contractor who had been working in his home. The man had noticed the pictures of the Christ theme and inquired if Mike and his family were LDS.
Mike affirmed and the man's eyes sparkled as he recalled his youth of being active in church and it was a tender reminder of what he could enjoy again.
Okay, back to the topic of the Book of Mormon, Dave C. and Shane B. both gave comments about how the blessings daily study of the Book of Mormon and Bible scriptures have blessed them and their families as it has improved things they had not thought of such as increasing knowledge and confidence.
Because of this, President Vaughan our stake president has asked us to offer and if accepted, place a Book of Mormon with any friends who will also see of it's value.
Here is my Barnes and Noble link...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-of-mormon-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-the-latter-day-saints/1030659525?ean=2940012369017
It's of the nook and is only 2.99...! wowowow!
The hard copy one I like to give is through Amazon and is $17.29. It is a beautiful gift, I believe. It is listed under 'Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ' by doubleday printers.
I'll just go out on a limb and venture to say that Valerie L. will make a batch of her incredible chocolate chip cookies for the brave soul who is able to share a Book of Mormon with another.
How that Sister Valerie stays so lean and beautiful with cookies like that about the house is a thing of admiration.
Alright... next week's lesson..which is in 2 days...:D on April 22 is by Jennie and is about being called by the name of Christ... A Christian, so to speak. I can't think of a better name to go by, can you...? insert heart symbol here.. :)
Mosiah chapters 4-6....
http://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-class-member-study-guide/lesson-16-ye-shall-be-called-the-children-of-christ?lang=eng
Love your friend,
Cynthia McCormick
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Knowing You Can......
I have this poster hanging in my laundry room which says... "Self Control is Knowing You Can....But Deciding You Won't.."
Well, it is fairly obvious that I have this poster is hanging in the wrong place ! I need to relocate to the kitchen and/or the office.
Shane B. from our Weatherly Ward shared some thoughts regarding this recently, and was kind enough to allow me to share them now with this blog.
If there is something we are trying to control better in our lives...anything from our our health to our budget, there are two things we have in our favor. First is the desire for change and Second is prayer for inspiration and strength.
Desire is the necessary spark for change. Do not underestimate this...because if I don't really want it, it's not happening.
Prayer is critical because the ideas will flood into our minds as we make a plan of action.
Prayer is also the component of strength to maintain the goal and remind us of the need to be humble while we turn our weakness to strength.
Regarding humility, Shane B. shared a wonderful account of Henry David Thoreau's desire to live a more simple life. In the summer of 1845...back in the day...he built a small cabin on the land of Ralph Waldo Emerson and for 2 years made every effort to unburden himself with the trappings of daily social function.
I had to chuckle a bit as I thought how much more complicated life and society has become since the times of Thoreau.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Replica_of_Thoreau%27s_cabin_near_Walden_Pond_and_his_statue.jpg
In closing, Shane B reminds us that:
BEING THANKFUL for what we have will reign in our appetite for our many wants REMOVING CLUTTER helps us see what already do have and shows us what we can live without
SERVICE FOR OTHERS takes our focus off ourselves
SCRIPTURE STUDY will enlighten our minds and warn of the follies that can entrap us.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for reading...
Love ya, Sister McCormick
Well, it is fairly obvious that I have this poster is hanging in the wrong place ! I need to relocate to the kitchen and/or the office.
Shane B. from our Weatherly Ward shared some thoughts regarding this recently, and was kind enough to allow me to share them now with this blog.
If there is something we are trying to control better in our lives...anything from our our health to our budget, there are two things we have in our favor. First is the desire for change and Second is prayer for inspiration and strength.
Desire is the necessary spark for change. Do not underestimate this...because if I don't really want it, it's not happening.
Prayer is critical because the ideas will flood into our minds as we make a plan of action.
Prayer is also the component of strength to maintain the goal and remind us of the need to be humble while we turn our weakness to strength.
Regarding humility, Shane B. shared a wonderful account of Henry David Thoreau's desire to live a more simple life. In the summer of 1845...back in the day...he built a small cabin on the land of Ralph Waldo Emerson and for 2 years made every effort to unburden himself with the trappings of daily social function.
I had to chuckle a bit as I thought how much more complicated life and society has become since the times of Thoreau.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Replica_of_Thoreau%27s_cabin_near_Walden_Pond_and_his_statue.jpg
In closing, Shane B reminds us that:
BEING THANKFUL for what we have will reign in our appetite for our many wants REMOVING CLUTTER helps us see what already do have and shows us what we can live without
SERVICE FOR OTHERS takes our focus off ourselves
SCRIPTURE STUDY will enlighten our minds and warn of the follies that can entrap us.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for reading...
Love ya, Sister McCormick
Monday, March 12, 2012
Prayer
Sunday was wonderful ... thanks to the Spirit for being with those who prepared and instructed us with what He would have us to learn for our happiness and strength.
Rebekah H. shared this poem about prayer that Joy and I loved and she was gracious to give us this copy of it...
To say my prayer and not to pray
Unless I mean the words I say
Unless I think to whom I speak
And with my heart His favor seek
Then let me, when I come to pray
Not only mean the words I say
But let me strive with earnest care
To have my heart go with my prayer.
I am always looking for ways to improve my prayers, as we have been commanded to 'pray always' and I want the connection to be good and real.
I often recall when Mike J. gave a talk about prayer and he said that the quality of the connection was much improved when he ended his prayers with "In the name of Jesus Christ"....and that at bedtime he would be talking with the Lord about the things on his mind and would sometimes drift into sleep before this important aspect of the Savior had been stated.
I also do this ALL the time... and have since tried very much to always include Jesus in my prayers and have been pleased with the results.
Joy and I shared these thoughts with John when we got home yesterday... and everyone (well, not so much the 4 year old......) paused and gave a bit more thought to the prayer process last night as we blessed the dinner and had family prayer before bed.
Thanks to Rebekah H. and Mike J. for sharing and teaching us.... hugs and a handshake..:)
Rebekah H. shared this poem about prayer that Joy and I loved and she was gracious to give us this copy of it...
To say my prayer and not to pray
Unless I mean the words I say
Unless I think to whom I speak
And with my heart His favor seek
Then let me, when I come to pray
Not only mean the words I say
But let me strive with earnest care
To have my heart go with my prayer.
I am always looking for ways to improve my prayers, as we have been commanded to 'pray always' and I want the connection to be good and real.
I often recall when Mike J. gave a talk about prayer and he said that the quality of the connection was much improved when he ended his prayers with "In the name of Jesus Christ"....and that at bedtime he would be talking with the Lord about the things on his mind and would sometimes drift into sleep before this important aspect of the Savior had been stated.
I also do this ALL the time... and have since tried very much to always include Jesus in my prayers and have been pleased with the results.
Joy and I shared these thoughts with John when we got home yesterday... and everyone (well, not so much the 4 year old......) paused and gave a bit more thought to the prayer process last night as we blessed the dinner and had family prayer before bed.
Thanks to Rebekah H. and Mike J. for sharing and teaching us.... hugs and a handshake..:)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Words of Isaiah; Lesson 9
Another good lesson from Jennie that brought the best comments from the class. It is such a great concept that reminds me of the term 'Sunday School' actually having to do with education of the best sort.
As we all know, the study of Isaiah is at times difficult. Why do we do it...?
There are many others sections of scripture that are better and easier understood. I suppose the best reason to give time and attention to Isaiah is because of what Eric said in class. The Lord himself commanded that we do.
1 And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to asearch these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of bIsaiah.*
Some other benefits are stated by fellow class members...
Dave C.: to delight in the covenants
Jennie: to liken the scripture unto ourselves
Jed S: to understand the gathering of the Saints
Mike H: to understand the gathering of Israel
George B: to know the judgements of God
Thomas M: to further understand that we are saved by grace and works, two sides of the same coin.
Thanks to Jennie and our class for this time of learning and growing. We hope you enjoy... :)
*3rd Nephi 23:1
As we all know, the study of Isaiah is at times difficult. Why do we do it...?
There are many others sections of scripture that are better and easier understood. I suppose the best reason to give time and attention to Isaiah is because of what Eric said in class. The Lord himself commanded that we do.
1 And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to asearch these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of bIsaiah.*
Some other benefits are stated by fellow class members...
Dave C.: to delight in the covenants
Jennie: to liken the scripture unto ourselves
Jed S: to understand the gathering of the Saints
Mike H: to understand the gathering of Israel
George B: to know the judgements of God
Thomas M: to further understand that we are saved by grace and works, two sides of the same coin.
Thanks to Jennie and our class for this time of learning and growing. We hope you enjoy... :)
*3rd Nephi 23:1
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