This lesson is all about the ability to grow and develop into our best selves...as our Heavenly Father would have us do.
It is easy to understand when we consider our own relationship with the people we care for. We love them, and hope the best of life and happiness for them. We also know that true happiness comes with planning, work, service and sacrifice.
We also know and believe that these concepts are eternal... meaning that when we leave this life, we will continue on our journey of development and growth according to our desire and efforts. Did you catch that... according to our desire and efforts part?
This is for me the most wonderful indication of how much God loves every one of us, and really wants for us what we want for ourselves.
There are different levels of glory prepared for us where we can be happy according the true desire of our hearts.
In 1st Corinthians chapter 15:40-42,the Apostle Paul named two of the kingdoms in heaven: the celestial and the terrestrial. The celestial is the highest, and the terrestrial is second. Paul mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:2 that he knew of a man who was “caught up to the third heaven”.
Through latter-day revelation we learn that the third kingdom is the telestial kingdom (see D&C 76:81).
It makes sense that there is more than a heaven and a hell... because there is more to us as a people than the uber righteous and the dammed...there are different degrees of where we will be with eternity.
The choices we make now are the indication of what we value, and will thereby be our reward.
Imagine what joy each of us will have when we return to our Heavenly Father if we can say: “Father, I lived according to Thy will. I have been faithful and have kept Thy commandments. I am happy to be home again.”
Then we will hear Him say, “Well done … ; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:23).
Which is why I must now be faithful over my few things.... and fulfill my own chosen destiny of nurturing Kimberly and cleaning this house before the ruler of our home gets home and inquires about dinner...:D
Cynthia
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Sunday School*God is Love*1st John 1-5
Our Sunday School lesson was prepared and taught by Kim who began by sharing one of her family portraits with the class.
She asked us to think about some of the ways that parents show love for their children, and how do children show love for their parents, brothers, and sisters?
Our earthly family unit helps us to understand our relationship with God, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our brother.
The class participation was insightful as Dave commented that we are already the children of God, but when we choose to keep the covenants we've made with Him, we become spiritually begotten of Him.
Diana mentioned the struggle it is as a parent to allow children to suffer a bit as they grow and develop.
Kim's husband (and sometimes her substitute teacher that she appreciates) talked about the importance of communication with Heavenly Father and that our prayers be genuine and sincere, not just going through the technical motions.
Dave said that we Love God, because HE first loved us, and we show that love by keeping the commandments.
She asked us to think about some of the ways that parents show love for their children, and how do children show love for their parents, brothers, and sisters?
Our earthly family unit helps us to understand our relationship with God, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our brother.
The class participation was insightful as Dave commented that we are already the children of God, but when we choose to keep the covenants we've made with Him, we become spiritually begotten of Him.
Diana mentioned the struggle it is as a parent to allow children to suffer a bit as they grow and develop.
Kim's husband (and sometimes her substitute teacher that she appreciates) talked about the importance of communication with Heavenly Father and that our prayers be genuine and sincere, not just going through the technical motions.
Dave said that we Love God, because HE first loved us, and we show that love by keeping the commandments.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Wolf You Choose to Feed
Relief Society was taught this past Sunday by Barbara, the wife of our dear Stake Patriarch. It was lesson number 46, 'The Final Judgment' from the study manual Gospel Principles.
Well, okay, I had not attended RS for a few weeks, and very much missed all these wonderful sisters and was in the fun mood of catching up with some chit -chat .
However, as soon as Barbara began her teaching, the Holy Ghost was able to be with our little class and was quite strong....and I was filled with the ability of focus as my mind and spirit understood the truth of what the Savior would have us to understand about the 'final judgment' and how that applies to us individually.
So, because of that sweet peace that came upon me, I initially forgot to take notes ...yep. Sorry. It was good stuff though.. :)
When I finally got a grip and started writing this is some of what was shared:
We know of course that it is critical that we control our thoughts...as our words, feelings and actions are the harvest of those very thoughts we choose.
It is promoted by some that our thoughts control us... and that we have no power to steer our destiny. It is a false notion and will lead to weakness and despair.
In reality, every day is a day of judgment. We think, speak and act according to the desire of our hearts. Our faith in Jesus Christ, as shown by our daily actions, determines what we will inherit.
"Put the mental brakes on" Barbara advised. We must have in mental reserve a scripture or song that we can access at once which brings us back to the reality of things as they really are .... so that we are not deceived by whatever our own current struggle or temptation may be enticing us to think and do.
CS Lewis, that awesome English chap who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia said the following: "Active habits are strengthened by repetition... and passive ones are weakened.."
(So then, what habit will I myself choose to be repeated, and thereby be made strong?
I think I will choose the habit of being uber patient and steadfast as I am thinking the best of others and myself...therein creating a positive cycle of wellness.)
So then, Barbara told the story of the Two Wolves which gives a great visual of the internal process we struggle with every day.
In an effort to understand his feelings he went to his grandfather for guidance.
Grandfather listened intently and with love told his grandson about the battle of two strong wolves.
He said, "There is a daily battle which is inside us all....
One wolf is Evil.
It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity,
guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other wolf is Good.
It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence,
empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson, who was truly concerned by this image of conflict thought for a moment and then asked his grandfather:
Which wolf wins?'
The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'
I did share this story last night with our family and it was well received. I hope I was able to capture a bit of this lovely learning moment to share with y'all as well.
Cynthia
Well, okay, I had not attended RS for a few weeks, and very much missed all these wonderful sisters and was in the fun mood of catching up with some chit -chat .
However, as soon as Barbara began her teaching, the Holy Ghost was able to be with our little class and was quite strong....and I was filled with the ability of focus as my mind and spirit understood the truth of what the Savior would have us to understand about the 'final judgment' and how that applies to us individually.
So, because of that sweet peace that came upon me, I initially forgot to take notes ...yep. Sorry. It was good stuff though.. :)
When I finally got a grip and started writing this is some of what was shared:
We know of course that it is critical that we control our thoughts...as our words, feelings and actions are the harvest of those very thoughts we choose.
It is promoted by some that our thoughts control us... and that we have no power to steer our destiny. It is a false notion and will lead to weakness and despair.
In reality, every day is a day of judgment. We think, speak and act according to the desire of our hearts. Our faith in Jesus Christ, as shown by our daily actions, determines what we will inherit.
"Put the mental brakes on" Barbara advised. We must have in mental reserve a scripture or song that we can access at once which brings us back to the reality of things as they really are .... so that we are not deceived by whatever our own current struggle or temptation may be enticing us to think and do.
CS Lewis, that awesome English chap who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia said the following: "Active habits are strengthened by repetition... and passive ones are weakened.."
(So then, what habit will I myself choose to be repeated, and thereby be made strong?
I think I will choose the habit of being uber patient and steadfast as I am thinking the best of others and myself...therein creating a positive cycle of wellness.)
So then, Barbara told the story of the Two Wolves which gives a great visual of the internal process we struggle with every day.
The Two Wolves
A young Indian brave who had been treated poorly was filled with bitterness which consumed him. In an effort to understand his feelings he went to his grandfather for guidance.
Grandfather listened intently and with love told his grandson about the battle of two strong wolves.
He said, "There is a daily battle which is inside us all....
One wolf is Evil.
It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity,
guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other wolf is Good.
It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence,
empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson, who was truly concerned by this image of conflict thought for a moment and then asked his grandfather:
Which wolf wins?'
The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'
I did share this story last night with our family and it was well received. I hope I was able to capture a bit of this lovely learning moment to share with y'all as well.
Cynthia
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