The Importance of Family and the Home

So I looked back in my journal of general conference notes to a year ago in 2010. There was a very repeated theme throughout both the spring and part of the fall session, it was the importance of parenting and family. It was a good review to go over all that had been said because I believe the family is so vital in this life and I know I will use these messages in my future. Here are the main things covered pertaining to this topic. 

Julie B. Beck

There has never been a greater need for increased faith, stronger homes and need of help.The greatest good we can do is refine ourselves in everything that is good.Trust in the spirit to lead you in righteousness. Seek appreciation and affirmation from proper sources.We know we are successful when we live to qualify for the spirit and know God is pleased with us when we can feel it working through us.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Every person we meet is a VIP of our Heavenly Father and everyone is walking his or her own difficult path. True love requires action, Christ didn’t speak about love he showed it, without love we are only the form of his church not the substance.

Cheryl C. Lant

The invitation of Christ is seeking who he is and doing what he’s told us to do. If we want our children to follow Christ we must be the example and do it too. Striving to be worthy is an example of itself. It is up to us to keep the connection of heaven to our children.

Thomas S. Monson

If there is a design in the world of which we live then there is a designer. We shouted for the opportunity to come to this difficult life. Every change of success was provided the Savior, he passed beneath all things that he may save all things.

Robert D. Hales

It begins by leading by example in the home. To understand youths hearts we must plan and take opportunity for teaching moments. Parents take time to talk to them let them hear you and feel of your love. During most important life transitions, warm friendly interactions with parents are most effective. Ask questions be willing to talk and listen. Connecting isn’t only conversation but spending time with them. It is our imperative duty to teach youth of knowing the gospel in a personal way. It is not enough in these perilous times for our youth to just know but to do. Bear your testimony, let your children know where your heart is. The greatest missionary service ever given, greatest activation, and greatest family history will be in our homes.

Bradley D. Foster

There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. A distraction doesn’t have to be evil to be affective. Follow your mother, she knows where she’s going she’s been there before. In a world of agency some may stray but we should never give up or stop trying. We need to rescue those that are lost. We never know when a soul may be weary. The love of a true mother is nearer to the love of God than any other.

James B. Martino

All things work four our good for those that love God.

We may never know why we got through what we do but feel confident that we can grown from that experience.  Seek not my will but thy will. Our heavenly father knows end from beginning we must trust in him. Through trials don’t complain, do ask why me, say what can I learn from this and how can I change. We will each face times of difficulty, and the question is not when we will face them but how we face them. We must remember that often the answers from our Heavenly Father do not remove the trial from us, but instead He helps strengthen us as we pass through the experience.

Rosemary M. Wixom

The world will teach our children if we do not, and children are capable of learning all the world will teach them at a very young age. What we want them to know five years from now needs to be part of our conversation with them today. Teach them in every circumstance; let every dilemma, every consequence, every trial that they may face provide an opportunity to teach them how to hold on to gospel truths.

Parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, Primary leaders—each of us can reach out to hold on to the children. We can stop, kneel down, and look into their eyes and feel of their innate desire to follow the Savior. Take hold of their hands. Walk with them. It is our chance to anchor them on the path of faith.

Larry R. Lawrence

Challenges and temptations are coming at our teenagers with the speed and power of a freight train. As we are reminded in the family proclamation, parents are responsible for the protection of their children. That means spiritually as well as physically. Young people understand more than we realize because they too have the gift of the Holy Ghost. They are trying to recognize the Spirit when He speaks, and they are watching our example. From us they learn to pay attention to their promptings—that if they “don’t feel good about something,” it’s best not to pursue it. It’s so important for husbands and wives to be united when making parenting decisions. If either parent doesn’t feel good about something, then permission should not be granted. If either feels uncomfortable about a movie, a television show, a video game, a party, a dress, a swimsuit, or an Internet activity, have the courage to support each other and say no.

Neil L. Andersen

We cant be casual in teaching our youth each person needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Can you think of a greater gift for children than to teach them the gospel? In their loneliness do they know the loneliness Jesus felt? There are times when children wont listen with a believing heart but the testimony will remain in their hearts, time and truth are on your side in the right moments it will return to your children.

M. Russell Ballard

Mothers and daughters play a critical role in helping each other. There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman. Mothers your example is extremely important to your daughters even if they don’t acknowledge it. As Ralph Waldo Emerson is believed to have said, “What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say” Mothers are a daughters first line of defense in against the wiles of the world. Nurturing children is where your love and talents can have the greatest significance. The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home: harold be lee. Modesty and morality needs to be heard clearly and repeatedly from your lips and seen in your example. Keeping covenants is the safest road to happiness. The home is the most important place to prepare the youth.

Henry B. Eyring

The lord wants children to gain early the spiritual strength and to stay on the path and rescue them quickly when they stray. We help Gods children best by providing ways to build faith in Jesus Christ when they are young. We have a continuous opportunity to help lead others home. Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family, they are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to place feet firmly on the path home. If the children are strengthened in faith and testimony they will less likely need rescuing as teenagers. If we are wise we would exemplify everything which invites the companionship of the holy ghost.

L. Tom Perry

I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. Parents must ensure that there children are taught what heavenly father would have them learn. While times change a parents teaching should never be devalued. God has entrusted in our care to teach his eternal children.

Mary Cook

We shouldn’t permit ourselves to do anything that we wouldn’t want our children to do. We can show our youth how to strengthen our faith by strengthening our own. Our message must be clear, clarity can only result with both hands on the iron rod. Start each day by committing to be an example.  

 

Another article I enjoyed was found here:

http://lds.org/ensign/2010/03/what-mothers-can-learn-from-the-savior?lang=eng 

General Conference

Last weekend was the 181st semi annual general conference. I watched a total of 8 hours of inspirational messages that came through the Lord. Here are some of my favorite words from each speaker.

Richard G. Scott: 

The scriptures are pure truth, since the holy ghost has been the instrument to record them. They are packets of light that give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. All of the standard works are key ingredients to the platform of truth.

Barbara Thompson:

We need to desire to receive revelation and not harden our hearts... it will come most often as we study the scriptures and seek to live righteous lives. "I didn't keep a testimony through the hard times, the testimony kept me." (not sure whose quote this was)

L. Whitney Clayton:

We have scarcely scratched the surface, our work knows no boundaries... our most important message that we must take throughout this life is that there is a Savior.

President Monson:

Temples are places where relationships are sealed together to last for eternity.

Jose L. Alonso:

True happiness if found in following the example of Jesus Christ. When we serve those in need we find solutions to our problems. Do the right thing at the right time without delay. Some don't ever realize they are lost, if we delay we could lose them forever. Never lose sight of the one.

Boyd K Packer:

 Lucifer is determined to disrupt our Heavenly Fathers plan... despite the opposition you need not fear. Listen to the voice of the spirit and you will not be lead astray, you will be protected if you head the promptings.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The worth of souls is great in the sight of God, we are the reason he created the universe, the purpose is to save and exalt mankind. Compared to God, man is nothing, yet we are everything to God.  You could combine the entire currency of the entire world but it would not buy a loaf of bread in heaven. The Lord know where we are no matter how humble our circumstances.. He sees you not only as a mortal being but as his child. 

David A. Bednar:

We have the covenant responsibility to search out our ancestors, they without us cannot be made perfect and neither we without them. Get off facebook and do your family history, it is a vital part of exaltation, you are here now to assist in this glorious work. They are not just names but real people. 

Neil L. Anderson:

We believe in families and we believe in children. Parenthood is not a hobby its a calling. Sometimes life seems unfair, even when all we want is what God desires, we will receive all blessings as long as we keep the commandments of God. 

Ian S. Ardern

We must become the master manager of our time. What time we have we must use wisely. We are indebted to God for our time and he will require a strict account of its use. "In family relationships love is really spelled TIME. - Pres. Uchtdorf. We shouldn't become compulsive fingertip communicators. Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to text. Take the things which rob us from promised time and let us be masters of them than them the master of us. Today would be a good day to review what we are doing to meet God.

Carl B. Cook: 

Most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance, and if it is the Lord will help us. 

LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. 

We all need redemption, none can get to the Father without Christs help.

D. Todd Christofferson:

The Call to repentance is in reality and act of genuine caring. 

L. Tom Perry:

The church is receiving more attention that ever before, there are sill many who don't understand it. We can share who we are, be bold in our declaration of Jesus Christ. Our eternal destiny is always in his hands. Be righteous examples to others... speak up about the church. 

Henry B. Eyring:

Every member of the church has the same sacred charge to stand as a witness of God always. Drink deeply and often from the pages of the Book of Mormon, it is the only way home to God.

Robert D. Hales:

Wait upon the Lord, tests and trials are given to all, they allow us to see whether we will follow Gods Son. He answers prayers here a little and there a little because it is often how we need it. Don't give up on the Lord, his blessing are eternal not temporary.

Tad R. Callister:

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism. The book of Mormon is a crucial second witness... one incorrect doctrine is like a domino. 

Elaine S. Dalton:

Fathers, the most important thing to do for your daughters is to love her mother. Don't let anything come in the home that would compromise your covenants. Don't let anything delay, distract or disqualify you from getting to the temple. Satan is clever, he need not break down the door. Eliminate your life of anything that is evil and inconsistent with God. Be loyal to the royal within you!

M. Russell Ballard:

The Saviors name is the only name under heaven that we can be saved. We must be willing to let others know who we follow. 

Thomas S. Monson:

Although the world has changed, the laws of God have remained constant and will not change. Communication with our Father in Heaven is necessary in order for us to weather the storms and trials of life. Stand in Holy places and be not moved!

Russell M. Nelson:

Our patriarchal blessing is a vision of the future and of the past. Those who receive the father receive all he has. The greatest compliment to be earned in this life is to be a covenant keeper.

Dallin H. Oaks:

Where is our ultimate loyalty? There is not middle ground, we are followers of Jesus Christ. 

Randall K. Bennett:

It is never too hard or too late to make correct choices. Your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice.

J. Devn Cornish:

Little children, young people, and adults alike, please believe how very much your loving Heavenly Father wants to bless you. But because He will not infringe upon our agency, we must ask for His help. This is generally done through prayer. Prayer is one of the most precious gifts of God to man.

Quentin L. Cook:

While we do not know all the answers, we do know important principles that allow us to face tragedies with faith and confidence.

President Monson:

We are all here because we love the Lord and want to serve Him. I testify to you that our Heavenly Father is mindful of us. I acknowledge His hand in all things.

Clay in His Hands

So I know you just heard from me but I can't help but find something new when I open the scriptures. I have had a habit for quite awhile that before I study my schoolwork I have to study the gospel, I figure if I can't put that first then I shouldn't expect to receive help in understanding my textbook. So here we go I opened up to Mark chapter 8 and came to verse 25 where the Savior restores a mans vision it says: And after that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. A thought hit me. The Lord is our perfect example, he knows how to guide us, and he knows how to heal us. There are stories of him healing the blind, healing the lame, healing the deaf and I can't help but think of it symbolically as well as physically.  When we let him heal us spiritually it is as if we SEE the world more clearly, We HEAR and listen to the important things, we WALK in a straighter path. We are clay in his hands to be molded into something amazing and through His atonement we can eventually become perfect as He is.

Five Things We Must Remember

For the General Relief Society Meeting Fall 2011 President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a great talk on five things we must remember.

 

1. Be patient and compassionate with yourself, celebrate your good efforts.

2. Know the difference between a good/foolish sacrifice: Ask yourself am I committing my time and energy to things that matter most?

3. Be happy now. Don't put your happiness on hold, your entire future doesn't exist in one golden ticket.

4. Don't forget the why of the gospel. When we understand why our Heavenly Father has 

given us this pattern for living... the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead,              becomes a joy and a delight. 

5. You are known and loved by the most majestic being of the universe, you are not

forgotten. 

The Great Plan of Happiness

I am taking an institute class called the Doctrines of the Gospel. Our lesson yesterday was on the plan of salvation and of our premortal life. The first thing the teacher asked was "What are you tied to?" He also told us to think of any questions we'd ask concerning our lives before we were born, if we could have them answered now.  Some people wanted to know who they spent their time with, what they did while they were there, whether or not we knew our families and friends, and how we were affected by the war in heaven. The things I learned were: We were intelligence before we existed and that "The intelligence of spirits had no beginning."- Joseph Smith (D&C 93:29). In other words we have always existed and in essence we always will.  All forms of life have spirits, "Man and all forms of life existed as spirit beings and entities before the foundations of this earth were laid...before they were placed naturally upon the earth." - Bruce R. McConkie. What kind of war was it? "Since spirits cannot be killed, this would have been a war of words, ideas, truth, falsehood, etc., that is, a battle for our loyalty." Great blessings are promised to the 'righteous', who are the righteous? "The righteous are sinners who are striving to be righteous and thus continue improving. The wicked are sinners who don't strive to be righteous." 

 

If you are here on this earth and have a body, you chose to come here, you were told of this great plan of happiness and you believed it was true. Think of where you stood in the premortal life and what you stood for; what does that mean to you now? If you think of how powerful that event must have been and what you promised you would come to earth to do, would you ever want to jeopardize your life in mortality to affect your life for eternity? What are you tied to now, are they good things, or bad things, will they help you reach an eternity of joy or an eternity of sorrow? Are you striving to follow Heavenly Fathers plan and living in a way that will prepare you to stand before him again?

"You are sent to this world with a very serious purpose. you are sent to school... to begin as a human infant and grow to unbelievable proportions in wisdom, judgment, knowledge, and power." 

-Pres. Spencer W. Kimball. 

The Great Plan of the Eternal God: Neal A. Maxwell 

Stand In Holy Places

We have busy lives, with much to do, it is easy to get side-tracked and forget the important things. It is easy to get caught up in the ways of the world and to go down the wrong path at times. We must remember to be aware of our actions, what we are doing and where we are going. To stay strong and able we must be in the world but not of the world, we must stand in holy places. I was able to go do baptisms for the dead at the bountiful temple yesterday, there is much peace and comfort to find in the temple. What a beautiful place we have here on this earth, what a neat opportunity to serve and to receive. How great it is to have so many temples today, let us continually prepare to and attend the temple!

The Power To Choose

As I opened my scriptures today the first verse I read was Matthew 26:41 which read, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." How easy it is to give into temptation, we all experience it, there is temptation to sin, but there is also temptation to believe Satan. He is the father of lies, he can make you believe that your no better than your sins and that you aren't good enough to overcome them, but he only has power if you let him have power. See, we are bigger than him, we have a body, we have a spirit, we have our agency, the power to choose. He can't choose, so he will do anything to get you bound as he is. Go back to that verse, the spirit is willing, we can have the spirit with us as our guide, our direction, if we acknowledge it; the flesh is weak, we are human, we are not perfect and we fall down, over and over again. It is a constant battle, that is why we must be on the look out, we must watch and pray continually. This battle may seem impossible at times but remember this scripture, 1 Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with that temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Our Heavenly Father is always aware of us and our needs, He knew it wouldn't be easy for us, but He is not going to let us fall completely. It is not a simple thing to overcome our sins and avoid temptation, but if you take it to the Lord he can make your burdens bearable. Remember that we have the choice, we are bigger than Satan, we can choose to find happiness or we can settle for being miserable, which one sounds better to you?

families can be together forever

When contemplating what to say in this blog I always do so with someone in mind, and hope that those who come across it will find something they need to hear. Today I came across an obituary of a kid my age who has recently passed away due to leukemia that was diagnosed just 8 months ago, he left behind his wife of two years and their newborn son. The thing that touched me about this obituary was that the family knew for a surety that their family is eternal and that this life is not the end. How amazing is it that we can have eternal families and that our pain, problems and trials on this earth will be lifted from us if we can endure to the end? What a wonderful gift from our Father in Heaven! Life is so short, we never know when it will be our last day, we must forgive others, be kind to everyone and live each day like it was our last.

 

Good Things To Come

Life never turns out the way we expect it to, it's not supposed to be easy that is why we are here, we learn and grow, fail and succeed, we have good moments and bad, but then you ask yourself despite everything, am doing my best and being the kind of person I want to be? Am I turning to the Lord for help, and do I know that he can help me? 

"Don't you quit, you keep walking, you keep trying, there is help and happiness ahead; some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven, but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ they come... trust God and believe in good things to come."

Continue in Patience

Sometimes we think we have it all figured out, what we want, and what we need. We may not understand why we go through things and why sometimes it seems like nothing is working out. It is important to remember the Lords will and His timing. Although things don't always go according to our own plans we can find happiness and contentment if we truly are striving to be obedient, are following the commandments, and accepting the Lords will. Accepting His will and having patience through this journey can be difficult, it often times is not something we want to do, but He can see the bigger picture and knows what is best for us to learn, grow and succeed. 

"Patience means staying with something until the end it means delaying immediate gratification for future blessings."

Forgiveness

So I am up in Logan and I forgot to bring my scriptures with me. I looked in a pile of books beside my bed and found Teachings of Presidents of the Church- Spencer W. Kimball. I prayed to find the right thing and opened up to the chapter on forgiveness. Have you been offended, hurt, let down, betrayed? I know we all have at some point in our lives. To forgive others of their wrongdoings toward us can be a hard thing to do, I know that it can rip relationships apart and cause division in families, but to hold a grudge destroys our inner peace. I read:

"A common error is the idea that the offender must apologize and humble himself to the dust before forgiveness is required. Certainly, the one who does the injury should totally make his adjustment, but as for the offended one, he must forgive the offender regardless of the attitude of the other. Sometimes men get satisfactions from seeing the other party on his knees and grovelling in the dust, but that is not the gospel way."

I found a video last year that really puts this into perspective.

"The Lord will judge with the same measurements meted out by us. If we are harsh, we should not expect other than harshness. If we are merciful with those who injure us, he will be merciful with us in our errors. If we are unforgiving, he will leave us weltering in our own sins... It can be done. Man can conquer self. Man can overcome. man can forgive all who have trespassed against him and go on to receive peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come." -Spencer W. Kimball

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you..."

Matthew 5:44

When All Is Said And Done

I made this video awhile ago, I think music can be so powerful and influential, especially when the lyrics really make you think. 

"When all is said and done, when my eyes can finally see, will I glory in the sweet release, and will mercy fill my soul with peace? Will I kneel in wonder at the Saviors feet? Will I hear Him say well done, when He see's who I've become, will I live with Him, when all is said and done?"

 What we do today, echos in eternity.

Watch Your Step

For the Strength of Youth says: 

"Your Heavenly Father has given you agency, the ability to choose right from wrong and to act for yourself. You have been given the Holy Ghost to help you know good from evil. While you are here on earth, you are being proven to see if you will use your agency to show your love for God by keeping His commandments. While you are free to choose for yourself, you are not free to choose the consequences of your actions. When you make a choice, you will receive the consequences of that choice. The consequences may not be immediate, but they will always follow, for good or bad. Wrong choices delay your progression and lead to heartache and misery. Right choices lead to happiness and eternal life. That is why it is so important for you to choose what is right throughout your life."

To me that is a lot to take in, everything we do will either effect us in a good way or in a bad way.  I think that if we were able to visualize the action of making our choice and seeing the consequence play out in our mind beforehand, knowing what would happen, we would automatically always make the right decision. Often we take chances and see how far we can go with out being totally affected, but the closer we get to the edge the harder it will be to stay in control...

It is better to stay as far away from the edge as possible to secure our safety, than to risk it. If we put our trust in the Lord, and look unto Him in all things, we will have the strength and ability to get through anything.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so watch your step."

Glorious and Eternal

Do you ever feel unnoticed or insignificant? 

Satan would want you to feel like you don't matter. This is not the truth. 

"Think of where you come from, you are sons and daughters of the greatest most glorious being in the universe... this knowledge changes everything... You are no ordinary beings you are glorious and eternal." 

Remember your worth, remember who you are!

In His Embrace

Since this blog is so new, I have so much on my mind and so much that I want to share. I absolutely love this picture of our Savior. Wouldn't you love a hug from Him? If only you understood how much He LOVES you and CARES for you. He knows what your going through, every struggle every tear, every accomplishment, every success. Even if you were the only person on earth He would have given His life for you alone. He is our guide and our perfect example of how to be. 

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." - Helaman 5:12

He knows how to help you find true happiness, let Him.

Listening To The Spirit

I have thought about doing a personal blog, but felt I should save that for my journal. I was listening to a song this morning called Feel The Fire, it was about feeling the spirit and letting it comfort and guide you. I was praying this morning and asking Heaving Father to help me influence those around me for good and to find ways to do that. I felt inspired to start a blog, I am not sure I am the type of person who blogs but I am willing to give it a try. I enjoy posting spiritual thoughts and videos on facebook but I feel like it gets lost among others' status updates, pictures and postings. I'm sure not everyone wants to hear what I have to say concerning the gospel, it doesn't stop me from doing it but I know this way I can keep track of everything in one spot where others can visit by their own choice. I am not sure who will come across this blog, I am not sure if I will keep it public but I know that I need to share what I know. I am Madi I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Although this blog is very much for me, to collect my thoughts and feelings, I hope it can help someone else. I want to share my testimony and the things I have learned from the gospel that help me every day.

"We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won't, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming." - Joseph B Wirthlin