This weeks lesson is a good one. It is one that a lot of people have questions about. It's the kind of topic that I'm personally am not attracted to, but it is important none the less.
It's about the three kingdoms of glory.
🌞
1. Celestial - The highest kingdom, where you will find those who truly believe in and follow Christ. They will dwell with our heavenly father and Christ.
D&C 76:56-57 "They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fullness, and of his glory; And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son."
🌙
2. Terrestrial - The middle kingdom. Some say this is where you find good people who do good things, but don't accept Christ and his atonement. They will receive the presence of Christ, but not of the father in heaven.
D&C 76:75 " These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men."
⭐
3. Telestial - This is basically hell, but not they way hell is described in earthly literature. There is no fire nor eternal torment. It is a good place, better than where we are now, but not the best place. I guess these are people who don't follow Christ nor do good. They will be visited only by the Holy Ghost.
D&C 76: 89 "And thus we saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understanding;"
Though all kingdoms seem nice, we definitely want to have eternity in the celestial kingdom. It is the most wonderful and glorious.
It isn't so complicated to get there.
D&C 78:7 reads, "For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you." So though it is not complicated it isn't easy either. We must be obedient to all of God's commandments. Those by his mouth and by the mouth of his servants, the prophets.
D&C 132:23 "But if ye receive me in the world, them shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also."
I know that the only way to an eternally happy life is to return to our father in heaven's presence. In order for us to accomplish this, he sent his only begotten son to die for us. He paid for our sins so that we may be made clean again. I know that as we accept his love and generous gift, we are made whole, and that only through him can we repent and be perfected.
<3
Erin
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
That they may always have his spirit to be with them.
I may not be the best disciple of Christ.
I often struggle to pray before bed. Sometimes I forget to study my scriptures daily.
But one thing I never go without is church on Sunday. I love going to church. Even when I don't want to go on a particular Sunday, I always go anyways, and it's always worth it.
The strength that comes from each Sunday is absolutely necessary for me if I want to emotionally survive any given week. I feel the weight of the work build up each day. By Saturday I've had enough! Sunday gives my heart release and brings me peace.
Even still, just attendance is not enough. I'm making goals to be better prepared for Sunday when it comes.
Some good guidance on this can be found in Peter F. Meurs's talk titled, "The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy" from general conference in October 2016.
Here are the 5 steps he gave:
1. Prepare in Advance
2. Arrive Early
3. Sing and Learn from the Words of the Sacrament Hymn
4. Spiritually Participate in the Sacrament Prayers
5. Ponder and Remember Him as the Sacrament Emblems are Passed
I am personally focusing on one and two this month.
We are always rushing into the church building at the last minute and this does not help bring the spirit.
I also want to prepare for Sacrament. I want to study beforehand and go to church with questions. I know that as I do so, the answers will be in the talks of the speakers.
Remember that the Sacrament is a sacred ordinance to remember the sacrifice of our savior. Through Him we are saved from our sins.
Focus, listen, and feel the spirit's presence during the Sacrament. Let it be a life changing moment every week.
With love,
Erin
I often struggle to pray before bed. Sometimes I forget to study my scriptures daily.
But one thing I never go without is church on Sunday. I love going to church. Even when I don't want to go on a particular Sunday, I always go anyways, and it's always worth it.
The strength that comes from each Sunday is absolutely necessary for me if I want to emotionally survive any given week. I feel the weight of the work build up each day. By Saturday I've had enough! Sunday gives my heart release and brings me peace.
Even still, just attendance is not enough. I'm making goals to be better prepared for Sunday when it comes.
Some good guidance on this can be found in Peter F. Meurs's talk titled, "The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy" from general conference in October 2016.
Here are the 5 steps he gave:
1. Prepare in Advance
2. Arrive Early
3. Sing and Learn from the Words of the Sacrament Hymn
4. Spiritually Participate in the Sacrament Prayers
5. Ponder and Remember Him as the Sacrament Emblems are Passed
I am personally focusing on one and two this month.
We are always rushing into the church building at the last minute and this does not help bring the spirit.
I also want to prepare for Sacrament. I want to study beforehand and go to church with questions. I know that as I do so, the answers will be in the talks of the speakers.
Remember that the Sacrament is a sacred ordinance to remember the sacrifice of our savior. Through Him we are saved from our sins.
Focus, listen, and feel the spirit's presence during the Sacrament. Let it be a life changing moment every week.
With love,
Erin
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Faith is Not by Chance, but by Choice
You really should just listen to this talk. It is super good, and it is going to be hard to find anything to add to it!
Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice - Neil L. Andersen
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26
So many of us would love to have faith without having to work for it. It would be nice to say that something isn't true just because it does not sit gracefully and easily in our minds. But that is not how truth works.
Wanting to be a millionaire does not make me millionaire. I will not become an Olympic athlete by sitting on the couch at home thinking about how nice it would be to win a gold medal. Owning a fancy kitchen doesn't make me a talented baker. All of these goals require work. Being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ requires work. Faith does not fall into our laps.
It is as Elder Andersen said, "Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright."...
"Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it"
I really enjoyed the story Elder Andersen told of a young Brazilian. Mostly it was cool to see a local story since the young boy is now a grown-up man who also happens to be a stake president here in Recife. I also enjoyed the lesson learned that the young boy learned from Samuel.
"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22
Obedience to the Lord's commandments increases our faith. There are so many ways I could sacrifice, but only sacrificing the way the Lord asks can bring me the eternal blessing that I seek.
You really should listen to the talk, it really doesn't take long, and it is inspiring. He talks about managing doubts and having faith the the face of trials.
Here is a quote I really liked.
"Immersing oneself in persistent doubt, fueled by answers from the faithless and the unfaithful, weakens one’s faith in Jesus Christ and the Restoration" - Neil L. Andersen
I know that Jesus Christ is our savior, and I love him dearly. I still struggle sometimes to be diligent in my studies, but I know that as I choose to better my studies and actions, my faith will grow. The same goes for you.
With love,
Erin
Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice - Neil L. Andersen
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26
So many of us would love to have faith without having to work for it. It would be nice to say that something isn't true just because it does not sit gracefully and easily in our minds. But that is not how truth works.
Wanting to be a millionaire does not make me millionaire. I will not become an Olympic athlete by sitting on the couch at home thinking about how nice it would be to win a gold medal. Owning a fancy kitchen doesn't make me a talented baker. All of these goals require work. Being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ requires work. Faith does not fall into our laps.
It is as Elder Andersen said, "Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright."...
"Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it"
I really enjoyed the story Elder Andersen told of a young Brazilian. Mostly it was cool to see a local story since the young boy is now a grown-up man who also happens to be a stake president here in Recife. I also enjoyed the lesson learned that the young boy learned from Samuel.
"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22
Obedience to the Lord's commandments increases our faith. There are so many ways I could sacrifice, but only sacrificing the way the Lord asks can bring me the eternal blessing that I seek.
You really should listen to the talk, it really doesn't take long, and it is inspiring. He talks about managing doubts and having faith the the face of trials.
Here is a quote I really liked.
"Immersing oneself in persistent doubt, fueled by answers from the faithless and the unfaithful, weakens one’s faith in Jesus Christ and the Restoration" - Neil L. Andersen
I know that Jesus Christ is our savior, and I love him dearly. I still struggle sometimes to be diligent in my studies, but I know that as I choose to better my studies and actions, my faith will grow. The same goes for you.
With love,
Erin
Monday, February 22, 2016
Lesson 9: My Soul Deligheth in the Words of Isaiah
When I saw what would be this week's lesson in Sunday school, I was tempted to skip it!
They ask us to study the lesson ahead of time each week, but no one ever does.
I just so happened to remember this week and it just so happens to be on Isaiah.
Elder Boyd K Packer said this about reading the Book of Mormon,
"Then, just as you settle in to move comfortably along, you will meet a barrier. The style of the language changes to Old Testament prophecy style. For, interspersed in the narrative, are chapters reciting the prophecies of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. They loom as a barrier, like a roadblock or a checkpoint beyond which the casual reader, one with idle curiosity, generally will not go. You, too, may be tempted to stop there, but do not do it! Do not stop reading! Move forward through those difficult-to-understand chapters of Old Testament prophecy, even if you understand very little of it."
So let's do it!
This week's lesson is in 2 Nephi chapters 11-25.
Here are some of my favorite verses from this week's reading
"And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words..." 2 Nephi 11: 2
"Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him." 2 Nephi 11:4
"For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time." 2 Nephi 11:7
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it." 2 Nephi 12:2
"O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord; yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, everyone to his wicked ways." 2 Nephi 12:5
"O ye wicked ones, enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for the fear of the Lord and the glory of his majesty shall smite thee." 2 Nephi 12:10
"And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day." 2 Nephi 12:17
"And I will give children unto them to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them." 2 Nephi 13:4
"For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen, because their tongues and their doings have been against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory." 2 Nephi 13:8
"Moreover, the Lord saith: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet--" 2 Nephi 13:16
"And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain." 2 Nephi 14:6
"Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.' 2 Nephi 15:13
"Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" 2 Nephi 15:20
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said: Here am I; send me." 2 Nephi 16:8
"Then said I: Lord, how long? And he said; Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate;" 2 Nephi 16:11
"Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign--Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." 2 Nephi 17:14
"And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter--should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead? To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them," 2 Nephi 18:19-20
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." 2 Nephi 19:6
"For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return; the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness." 2 Nephi 20:22
"They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." 2 Nephi 21:9
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and song; he also has become my salvation." 2 Nephi 22:2
"Therefore shall all hands be faint, every man's heart shall melt;" 2 Nephi 23:7
"And it shall come to pass in that day the the Lord shall give thee rest, from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve." 2 Nephi 24:3
"How are thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!" 2 Nephi 24:12
"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." 2 Nephi 25:23
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ ,we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25:26
"And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out." 2 Nephi 25:29
Overall Isaiah's prophecies are about Christ, our savior and redeemer. That is why, though they may be difficult to understand, they are so very important.
I know that Christ is our savior. He came to this earth and suffered our sins. He died and resurrected that we may live again. He is alive and will come again. Let us all prepare.
Thanks for studying with me. I hope to see you next time.
With love,
Erin
They ask us to study the lesson ahead of time each week, but no one ever does.
I just so happened to remember this week and it just so happens to be on Isaiah.
Elder Boyd K Packer said this about reading the Book of Mormon,
"Then, just as you settle in to move comfortably along, you will meet a barrier. The style of the language changes to Old Testament prophecy style. For, interspersed in the narrative, are chapters reciting the prophecies of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. They loom as a barrier, like a roadblock or a checkpoint beyond which the casual reader, one with idle curiosity, generally will not go. You, too, may be tempted to stop there, but do not do it! Do not stop reading! Move forward through those difficult-to-understand chapters of Old Testament prophecy, even if you understand very little of it."
So let's do it!
This week's lesson is in 2 Nephi chapters 11-25.
Here are some of my favorite verses from this week's reading
"And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words..." 2 Nephi 11: 2
"Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him." 2 Nephi 11:4
"For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time." 2 Nephi 11:7
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it." 2 Nephi 12:2
"O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord; yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, everyone to his wicked ways." 2 Nephi 12:5
"O ye wicked ones, enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for the fear of the Lord and the glory of his majesty shall smite thee." 2 Nephi 12:10
"And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day." 2 Nephi 12:17
"And I will give children unto them to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them." 2 Nephi 13:4
"For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen, because their tongues and their doings have been against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory." 2 Nephi 13:8
"Moreover, the Lord saith: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet--" 2 Nephi 13:16
"And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain." 2 Nephi 14:6
"Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.' 2 Nephi 15:13
"Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" 2 Nephi 15:20
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said: Here am I; send me." 2 Nephi 16:8
"Then said I: Lord, how long? And he said; Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate;" 2 Nephi 16:11
"Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign--Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." 2 Nephi 17:14
"And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter--should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead? To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them," 2 Nephi 18:19-20
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." 2 Nephi 19:6
"For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return; the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness." 2 Nephi 20:22
"They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." 2 Nephi 21:9
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and song; he also has become my salvation." 2 Nephi 22:2
"Therefore shall all hands be faint, every man's heart shall melt;" 2 Nephi 23:7
"And it shall come to pass in that day the the Lord shall give thee rest, from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve." 2 Nephi 24:3
"How are thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!" 2 Nephi 24:12
"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." 2 Nephi 25:23
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ ,we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25:26
"And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out." 2 Nephi 25:29
Overall Isaiah's prophecies are about Christ, our savior and redeemer. That is why, though they may be difficult to understand, they are so very important.
I know that Christ is our savior. He came to this earth and suffered our sins. He died and resurrected that we may live again. He is alive and will come again. Let us all prepare.
Thanks for studying with me. I hope to see you next time.
With love,
Erin
Friday, February 19, 2016
Chapter 4: Help from on High
There is a God in heaven.
He is our father.
He has power over the seas and the land.
He has power over feeling and action.
He is more than a king, and more than a president.
If he so desired,
With a little movement in his pinky toe
he could sink ships or shake stars.
He is an all-powerful, all-knowing, amazing individual
and he chooses to hear us
when we humbly kneel and whisper his name.
He chooses to comfort us and guide us
when we listen to the Holy Spirit
When prayer is the most powerful gift our father has given us,
why do we hesitate to use it?
I know my father lives and loves too. The spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true. - Hymn 302
This week's lesson from "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter" is on Chapter 4.
I always love the featured quotes.
"Perhaps no promise in life is more reassuring than that promise of divine assistance and spiritual guidance in times of need"
The chapter begins telling a couple stories from President Hunter's life.
In the second story, he tells of when he was a bishop and someone came to him with bitterness toward another member. He told this member to go home and pray for this other member every day for two weeks and then come back. After two weeks "All the venom was gone and all the bitterness was gone,” President Hunter later recalled. “This is the way it is when we pray for one another." The man agreed to help the other member, and I am sure that the hate or bitterness he had was transformed into productive love.
"The Lord promised that if we would be humble in … times of need and turn to him for aid, we would ‘be made strong, and [be] blessed from on high’” (D&C 1:28).
I am a struggler. My boyfriend is an optimist, the type that makes everything look easy. I am his opposite. I make everything harder than it needs to be. I overthink it and worry too much. It's probably why I have such a hard time making decisions.
Maybe the honest truth is that I do not pray enough. He prays often and I feel his sincerity. He kneels properly and intently, and when he prays out loud I can hear that he is patient and thoughtful. I am learning from his example.
When I was on my mission I once heard a challenge to get up early everyday just to pray. As you may know we are already required to get up at 6:30 every morning. One transfer I decided to get up at 6:00 every mourning so I could pray alone in the peace and quiet. I was already having some dificulties with so many challenges at the time. I was already waking up tired, but I did it, and boy was it worth it. It is the best way to start your day. It seemed like the challenges made it easier to pray without falling back asleep, but I did not neglect a good amount of gratitude in each prayer. Sometimes I only prayed in gratitude and it seemed to make all the difference.
“Be of good cheer,” the Lord says, “for I will lead you along.” (D&C 78:18.) “I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.” (D&C 11:13.)
In the second section of the chapter, President Hunter talks about Joseph Smith. He retells a part of the story that led Joseph Smith to pray in the grove. He then continues,
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5.)
Although any one can pray at any time, understanding an answer can require spiritual preparation.
"Our modern times seem to suggest that prayerful devotion and reverence for holiness is unreasonable or undesirable, or both. And yet, skeptical “modern” men have need for prayer."
"All of us can be willing and obedient. If the Lord had said the perfect shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days, I suppose some of us would be discouraged and give up. …" (Pres. Hunter)
Be thou humble in thy weakness and the Lord thy God shall lead thee, shall lead thy by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers. - Hymn 130
Thank you for studying this chapter with me. I hope you can use it during your week to grow and inspire others. Don't be afraid to grow spiritually and seek the Lord through Prayer.
He is our father.
He has power over the seas and the land.
He has power over feeling and action.
He is more than a king, and more than a president.
If he so desired,
With a little movement in his pinky toe
he could sink ships or shake stars.
He is an all-powerful, all-knowing, amazing individual
and he chooses to hear us
when we humbly kneel and whisper his name.
He chooses to comfort us and guide us
when we listen to the Holy Spirit
When prayer is the most powerful gift our father has given us,
why do we hesitate to use it?
I know my father lives and loves too. The spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true. - Hymn 302
This week's lesson from "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter" is on Chapter 4.
I always love the featured quotes.
"Perhaps no promise in life is more reassuring than that promise of divine assistance and spiritual guidance in times of need"
The chapter begins telling a couple stories from President Hunter's life.
In the second story, he tells of when he was a bishop and someone came to him with bitterness toward another member. He told this member to go home and pray for this other member every day for two weeks and then come back. After two weeks "All the venom was gone and all the bitterness was gone,” President Hunter later recalled. “This is the way it is when we pray for one another." The man agreed to help the other member, and I am sure that the hate or bitterness he had was transformed into productive love.
"The Lord promised that if we would be humble in … times of need and turn to him for aid, we would ‘be made strong, and [be] blessed from on high’” (D&C 1:28).
I am a struggler. My boyfriend is an optimist, the type that makes everything look easy. I am his opposite. I make everything harder than it needs to be. I overthink it and worry too much. It's probably why I have such a hard time making decisions.
Maybe the honest truth is that I do not pray enough. He prays often and I feel his sincerity. He kneels properly and intently, and when he prays out loud I can hear that he is patient and thoughtful. I am learning from his example.
When I was on my mission I once heard a challenge to get up early everyday just to pray. As you may know we are already required to get up at 6:30 every morning. One transfer I decided to get up at 6:00 every mourning so I could pray alone in the peace and quiet. I was already having some dificulties with so many challenges at the time. I was already waking up tired, but I did it, and boy was it worth it. It is the best way to start your day. It seemed like the challenges made it easier to pray without falling back asleep, but I did not neglect a good amount of gratitude in each prayer. Sometimes I only prayed in gratitude and it seemed to make all the difference.
“Be of good cheer,” the Lord says, “for I will lead you along.” (D&C 78:18.) “I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.” (D&C 11:13.)
In the second section of the chapter, President Hunter talks about Joseph Smith. He retells a part of the story that led Joseph Smith to pray in the grove. He then continues,
"But my purpose … is not to outline the first moments of the Restoration, though it is one of the most sacred stories in the scriptures. I wish, rather, simply to emphasize the impressive degree of spiritual sensitivity demonstrated by this very young and untutored boy."
Do you ever feel under-qualified to receive spiritual revelation or comfort from our father in heaven?
We do not need worldly studies, or to reach an age of wisdom as prerequisites to holy learning. There are no limitations to who may pray.
"How remarkable … that this lad would turn profoundly to the scriptures and then to private prayer, perhaps the two greatest sources of spiritual insight and spiritual impression that are available universally to mankind." (Pres. Hunter)
"How remarkable … that this lad would turn profoundly to the scriptures and then to private prayer, perhaps the two greatest sources of spiritual insight and spiritual impression that are available universally to mankind." (Pres. Hunter)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5.)
Although any one can pray at any time, understanding an answer can require spiritual preparation.
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor. 2:14.)
Many say that what they miss the most from their mission is the spirit. How can that be when we are still entitled to access to it? We were baptized members of Christ's church. We received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Shouldn't we still feel his presence if we are worthy? Yet, I know exactly how they feel.
When you are on a mission, all of your time is the lord's. You spend a good amount of time studying the scriptures EVERY DAY, and you are constantly thinking of others. You become much more spiritually trained. You are able to feel the spirit's pull with much more strength and much more consistency.
Then when you get home, the world starts creeping back into your life and attention. Media. Work. Study. Friends. Personal ambitions and goals. Some things good and important and some things wasteful take over and scripture study slips into the back of your mind and serving others becomes less of a priority.
In section four of the chapter, President Hunter says,
"Our modern times seem to suggest that prayerful devotion and reverence for holiness is unreasonable or undesirable, or both. And yet, skeptical “modern” men have need for prayer."
Do you ever feel silly to pray? I know I regrettably do. Sometimes I have awkward moments in restaurants, maybe I am with someone, or alone, and I want to pray and I get hesitant and embarrassed. Most of the times I remember, I pray, but I feel sorry that I feel so embarrassed. I should not feel embarrassed. I should be happy to be a shining example to those around me. Maybe someone will see and be inspired to so a prayer of their own. I don't know if it will affect someone else, but I know it will affect me.
"If there is any element in human life on which we have a record of miraculous success and inestimable worth to the human soul, it is prayerful, reverential, devout communication with our Heavenly Father." (President Hunter)
Do not feel embarrassed to speak with our almightly heavenly father. It is an important investment of your time. Do not feel intimidated by those around you.
"Men and women in many circles are clever, interesting, or brilliant, but they lack one crucial element in a complete life. They do not look up...Their talk is witty, but not wise...they have come too far down the scale of dignity who display their own limited powers and then find it necessary to blaspheme those unlimited powers that come from above." (Pres. Hunter)
As President Hunter explains with some help from Joseph Smith in section 5, developing spiritual maturity takes time.
"Developing spirituality and attuning ourselves to the highest influences of godliness is not an easy matter. It takes time and frequently involves a struggle. It will not happen by chance, but is accomplished only through deliberate effort and by calling upon God and keeping his commandments." (President Hunter)
What actions must you take to develop a stronger sense of spirituality? What goals will you make starting today that will attune you to influences from the spirit?
Spiritual growth comes one step at a time. God does not expect us to be perfected in a moment. Sometimes life is a roller coaster. Trials and attitudes go up and down. Financial situations may go up a down. Relationships with family members and friends can go up and down. Do not let your spiritual progress go up an down. It may happen. I know that it happens to me, but do your best to grow spiritually with every experience. Try not to let down-swells from other parts of your life affect your spirituality. The best way to do that is by keeping the little things constant. Pray always. Study the gospel everyday.
“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.” (D&C 64:33–34.)
I love what President Hunter said about this quote:
"All of us can be willing and obedient. If the Lord had said the perfect shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days, I suppose some of us would be discouraged and give up. …" (Pres. Hunter)
Be thou humble in thy weakness and the Lord thy God shall lead thee, shall lead thy by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers. - Hymn 130
Thank you for studying this chapter with me. I hope you can use it during your week to grow and inspire others. Don't be afraid to grow spiritually and seek the Lord through Prayer.
With love,
Erin
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Secularization of America
I am reading a really good book called Standing for Something, by Gordon B. Hinkley
It is really amazing
In the introduction he talks a lot about America. He brings up the sad truth that Americans are abandoning God. He calls it the "Secularization of America".
He has a good point.
When I was growing up, there was debate about the pledge of alliegence being said in the classroom. Many people were offended by it because of the phrase "under God". People who did not believe in God did not want their children saying his name in the classroom. At the time I was an innocent little girl who didn't like conflict. I would avoid the argument and just keep my belief in God to my reverent self. I wish I had stood up for what I believed in, but I was just to shy to even think about saying something.
Now I recognize how absurd this argument is. It is too late for me to go back. Things have already changed. I don't remember saying the pledge of allegiance when I was in High School. When we did I remember everyone felt weird about it because it had been so long since the last time. Oh how the tables have turned. Speaking of religion in schools feels socially unacceptable. Others look at you wrong and uncomfortably. Where as it is seemingly impossible to have a conversation with out homosexuality, or transgender becoming part of the discussion. And if you don't like it you are called homophobic or a bigot, or both.
Why is it that those who don't believe same-sex marriage to be correct must tolerate it in the classroom, but that who do not believe in God can not not tolerate him in discussion? Why can't we all be tolerant? Why must this divide us?
I believe in God. I believe in Christ. He is my king. God's presense is all around us. He deeply loves and cares for us. It is sad that so many openly reject him.
I am currently living in Brazil. I have also had a chance to travel a bit more than the past. As I have been meeting so many people from so many different parts of the world. I realized something.
People outside of the United States are so much more open to talking about God.
When I was growing up, I felt SO embarassed to talk about religion. I felt no one would understand me. I thought everyone would make fun of me. I quietly skirted along, doing what was right not aruguing with anybody about it.
In Brazil, and other parts of the world, people part wishing "God bless". People talk about how God had blessed them that week. People share their testimonies on the bus, in the street, with old friends and new. People of all kinds of religions all agree that God is real. They can all smile about that. There are a few athiests. They are respected. They don't yell at you if you say "God bless" because they know it is from your heart and you wish them the best. they probably don't like it and if they are your friend they might ask you not to say it to them, but they don't fight you.
When did God become an enemy? When was it decided that the mere mention of his name in the pledge of alegience could be considered offensive?
Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Great Britain has often said "You use the name of Diety in the Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution of the United States, and yet you cannot use it in the schoolroom." (p.xx)
Gordon B Hinckley talks about how this country was built by men who believed in God. The Declaration of Independence concludes "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."(p.xvi) These were dedicated men of God who gave so much for our freedom. I hope we do not abuse it.
President Gordon B. Hinckley talks about many postive things about this country. He is pleased to say that is it spiritual. He says "I especially love America for its great spiritual strength. It is a land of churches and synagogues, of temples and tabernacles, of pulpits and altars. We have on our coinage and our corrency a national motto. It simply says, "In God We Trust." I believe that this is the foundation on which this nation was established: an unequivocal trust in the power of the almighty to guide and defend us." (p.xv)
Once when I was on the bus, I sat next to a muslim. He saw that I was reading the Book of Mormon. I sensed him staring at it so I decided to start a conversation. We talked a lot! He asked questions about Christianity and I asked questions about Islam. We found many diferences in our beliefs as well as many similarities. He was really excited to talk about religion. He said he had always been curious about Christianity because they don't have it in the country he is from. It seems he had been studying at the local university and had not had a chance to discuss it with anyone. ( That University is known to have a lot of athiests and people with new ideas turning away from God's teachings It was probably a really wierd environment for him coming from such a religious country) Our discussion wasn't a debate. I didn't leave the discussion wanting to be muslim. He didn't leave the dissussion itching to bet baptized, but it felt really nice. Even though we had different opinions, we could both agree that God exists. We both had a stong attachment to this testimony. And we both wanted so much to do his will. For that moment, we had something in common that most of the other youth around us didn't have. And that commonality of love for God was a trait that was so important to each of us. I felt like we were siblings, children of God.
President Hinkley warns, "America is still strong, but destructive forces have been and are at work. There is serious unsteadiness in our country's stance in terms of morality, ethics, principles, and behavior. We as a people and a nation have increasinly neglected and abandoned time-honored virtues that have been proven through the centeries to keep human beings individually, and therefore collectively strong." (p.xix)
The book will talk about lost virtues that we must guard and protect. I am so excited to continue reading. President Hinkley was a happy and beloved man. He was a very good man. He was a great example of strength and love. The two should coexist. He showed example in word and action.
I love God. I love this church. I am so grateful for the great examples I have had in my life, especially my parents. I grew up surrounded by great people.
with love,
Erin
It is really amazing
In the introduction he talks a lot about America. He brings up the sad truth that Americans are abandoning God. He calls it the "Secularization of America".
He has a good point.
When I was growing up, there was debate about the pledge of alliegence being said in the classroom. Many people were offended by it because of the phrase "under God". People who did not believe in God did not want their children saying his name in the classroom. At the time I was an innocent little girl who didn't like conflict. I would avoid the argument and just keep my belief in God to my reverent self. I wish I had stood up for what I believed in, but I was just to shy to even think about saying something.
Now I recognize how absurd this argument is. It is too late for me to go back. Things have already changed. I don't remember saying the pledge of allegiance when I was in High School. When we did I remember everyone felt weird about it because it had been so long since the last time. Oh how the tables have turned. Speaking of religion in schools feels socially unacceptable. Others look at you wrong and uncomfortably. Where as it is seemingly impossible to have a conversation with out homosexuality, or transgender becoming part of the discussion. And if you don't like it you are called homophobic or a bigot, or both.
Why is it that those who don't believe same-sex marriage to be correct must tolerate it in the classroom, but that who do not believe in God can not not tolerate him in discussion? Why can't we all be tolerant? Why must this divide us?
I believe in God. I believe in Christ. He is my king. God's presense is all around us. He deeply loves and cares for us. It is sad that so many openly reject him.
I am currently living in Brazil. I have also had a chance to travel a bit more than the past. As I have been meeting so many people from so many different parts of the world. I realized something.
People outside of the United States are so much more open to talking about God.
When I was growing up, I felt SO embarassed to talk about religion. I felt no one would understand me. I thought everyone would make fun of me. I quietly skirted along, doing what was right not aruguing with anybody about it.
In Brazil, and other parts of the world, people part wishing "God bless". People talk about how God had blessed them that week. People share their testimonies on the bus, in the street, with old friends and new. People of all kinds of religions all agree that God is real. They can all smile about that. There are a few athiests. They are respected. They don't yell at you if you say "God bless" because they know it is from your heart and you wish them the best. they probably don't like it and if they are your friend they might ask you not to say it to them, but they don't fight you.
When did God become an enemy? When was it decided that the mere mention of his name in the pledge of alegience could be considered offensive?
Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Great Britain has often said "You use the name of Diety in the Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution of the United States, and yet you cannot use it in the schoolroom." (p.xx)
Gordon B Hinckley talks about how this country was built by men who believed in God. The Declaration of Independence concludes "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."(p.xvi) These were dedicated men of God who gave so much for our freedom. I hope we do not abuse it.
President Gordon B. Hinckley talks about many postive things about this country. He is pleased to say that is it spiritual. He says "I especially love America for its great spiritual strength. It is a land of churches and synagogues, of temples and tabernacles, of pulpits and altars. We have on our coinage and our corrency a national motto. It simply says, "In God We Trust." I believe that this is the foundation on which this nation was established: an unequivocal trust in the power of the almighty to guide and defend us." (p.xv)
Once when I was on the bus, I sat next to a muslim. He saw that I was reading the Book of Mormon. I sensed him staring at it so I decided to start a conversation. We talked a lot! He asked questions about Christianity and I asked questions about Islam. We found many diferences in our beliefs as well as many similarities. He was really excited to talk about religion. He said he had always been curious about Christianity because they don't have it in the country he is from. It seems he had been studying at the local university and had not had a chance to discuss it with anyone. ( That University is known to have a lot of athiests and people with new ideas turning away from God's teachings It was probably a really wierd environment for him coming from such a religious country) Our discussion wasn't a debate. I didn't leave the discussion wanting to be muslim. He didn't leave the dissussion itching to bet baptized, but it felt really nice. Even though we had different opinions, we could both agree that God exists. We both had a stong attachment to this testimony. And we both wanted so much to do his will. For that moment, we had something in common that most of the other youth around us didn't have. And that commonality of love for God was a trait that was so important to each of us. I felt like we were siblings, children of God.
President Hinkley warns, "America is still strong, but destructive forces have been and are at work. There is serious unsteadiness in our country's stance in terms of morality, ethics, principles, and behavior. We as a people and a nation have increasinly neglected and abandoned time-honored virtues that have been proven through the centeries to keep human beings individually, and therefore collectively strong." (p.xix)
The book will talk about lost virtues that we must guard and protect. I am so excited to continue reading. President Hinkley was a happy and beloved man. He was a very good man. He was a great example of strength and love. The two should coexist. He showed example in word and action.
I love God. I love this church. I am so grateful for the great examples I have had in my life, especially my parents. I grew up surrounded by great people.
with love,
Erin
Monday, November 23, 2015
Sorry
For those who are following me, I believe there are none, I am sorry for not posting for a while.
The internet was down and then struggling.
I have also been down and struggling.
But now we are both good.
I didn't complete my Book of Mormon goal. It was maybe not a very attainable goal. Atleast I tried!
I got through Mosiah 8 in the first week. That's pretty good I guess. Then I don't know what happened but I just slugged through a few chapters on the second week. Maybe I got a little overloaded.
I am going to continue reading from where I left off. Then when I feel up to trying again. I'll try to Read the Book of Mormon in a week. I have done it before. I will do it again!
The speed read did really help my testimony. Different speeds of reading gives you different perspectives.
When I was visiting an investigator with the missionaries last week I was able to bare my testimony on the Book of Mormon. While reading it, I can feel the love for their testimonies that the writers have. They really want us to understand what they understand. They desperately hope to inspire their brothers to get on the right path. They believe in Christ. They very deeply love and hope for him. They know he is coming. (These beginning writings were before Christ's birth for those who don't know)
Also another important thing to note for those who are not familiar with the Book of Mormon: It is not a substitute for the bible. In a lesson with the missionaries, the investigator said she couldn't believe in the Book of Mormon because it would be like taking a knife and stabbing and ripping apart the Bible. I was a little mortified by that imagery! But I was able to tell her "no!" I said that's what you were taught, but it is not the truth. I asked her. "Do you know the story of the Book of Mormon?" I told her a lot of things about the Book of Mormon. I told her about Lehi and how he sent his sons through the desert back to jerusalem to collect ancient records. I told her that those where a part of the Old Testament. I told her that they loved and cherished those records. Lehi was a prophet and his wanted his people to be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love it.
I know that Jesus Christ is our savior. He loves us. I love him.
I know that baptism by immersion by those who are in authority is the gate. I love it.
The gospel is full of truth and light.
We are guided by the Holy Ghost.
Prayer is the pathway to receiving truth.
But first you must have a sincere desire to know what is right.
with love,
Erin
The internet was down and then struggling.
I have also been down and struggling.
But now we are both good.
I didn't complete my Book of Mormon goal. It was maybe not a very attainable goal. Atleast I tried!
I got through Mosiah 8 in the first week. That's pretty good I guess. Then I don't know what happened but I just slugged through a few chapters on the second week. Maybe I got a little overloaded.
I am going to continue reading from where I left off. Then when I feel up to trying again. I'll try to Read the Book of Mormon in a week. I have done it before. I will do it again!
The speed read did really help my testimony. Different speeds of reading gives you different perspectives.
When I was visiting an investigator with the missionaries last week I was able to bare my testimony on the Book of Mormon. While reading it, I can feel the love for their testimonies that the writers have. They really want us to understand what they understand. They desperately hope to inspire their brothers to get on the right path. They believe in Christ. They very deeply love and hope for him. They know he is coming. (These beginning writings were before Christ's birth for those who don't know)
Also another important thing to note for those who are not familiar with the Book of Mormon: It is not a substitute for the bible. In a lesson with the missionaries, the investigator said she couldn't believe in the Book of Mormon because it would be like taking a knife and stabbing and ripping apart the Bible. I was a little mortified by that imagery! But I was able to tell her "no!" I said that's what you were taught, but it is not the truth. I asked her. "Do you know the story of the Book of Mormon?" I told her a lot of things about the Book of Mormon. I told her about Lehi and how he sent his sons through the desert back to jerusalem to collect ancient records. I told her that those where a part of the Old Testament. I told her that they loved and cherished those records. Lehi was a prophet and his wanted his people to be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love it.
I know that Jesus Christ is our savior. He loves us. I love him.
I know that baptism by immersion by those who are in authority is the gate. I love it.
The gospel is full of truth and light.
We are guided by the Holy Ghost.
Prayer is the pathway to receiving truth.
But first you must have a sincere desire to know what is right.
with love,
Erin
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