(As I've been creating a link list this morning in order to link directly to completed experiences, I realized that I never recorded my Faith project. I didn't even record the date in my PP book, maybe because this is really an ongoing thing, but I know I began this venture more than a year ago.)
Project:
For my Faith project, I decided to start a blog and continue it throughout my doing Personal Progress. Writing helps me clarify a lot of what I am learning and I like being able to tag subjects to go back and study similar topics at another time.
Plan to carry out:
1. Choose a blog name and format/design site.
2. Begin recording experiences from PP.
Evaluation:
I have realized that as I write, the things that I learn are clarified in my mind and solidified in my heart, and I know my testimony is growing and being strengthened as I do this. Although I started this blog for myself, I believe it will be of great value to Abbie when she becomes YW age. I look forward to having an active role in helping her with her PP when the time is right.
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Virtue Value Experience #2
Virtuous living "at all times and in all things, and in all places" qualifies you for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. When you are baptized and confirmed, you are given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide all aspects of your life. Since the Holy ghost does not dwell in unclean tabernacles, living a virtuous life is a prerequisite to having the companionship of the Holy Ghost and receiving the blessings of temple ordinances. Read the following scripture references and identify the promised blessings: John 14:26-27; 15:26; 2 Nephi 32:1-5; and Doctrine and Covenants 45:57-59; 88:3-4; 121:45-46. In your journal record what you have learned, and write about a time when you felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
I love reading about the promised blessings of the Holy Ghost. I was particularly touched with Doctrine and Covenants 121:45-46-be full of charity towards all men and live in faith and be faithful-be virtuous and the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion and without 'compulsory means' it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. Wow. If I live the right way, the Spirit will just BE there. Love that promise!
I remember when my husband came home from work one morning in August 2007 and said he'd had an 'epiphany' that I could go to work part time for the insurance and he could work per-diem. No benefits, but making a lot more money. It also meant he could cut drastically down on his hours, which were significant.
I was less than thrilled with the idea. I had worked outside of the home before and did not want to miss out on raising my children and being there when they needed me. But I recognized enough in his 'epiphany' that I knew I needed to consider it.
I proceeded to less than halfheartedly look for work and update my resume and references. My husband came home from work one day, mentioning the many people who were moving from his unit to the new hospital once it opened. He had spoken with his manager and learned about some positions that were opening that I was qualified for. He told his manager about some of my experience and the manager asked that I call him. I felt stuck. . .smiling at my well-meaning husband, he went off to bed peacefully, and "grumble, grumble, grumble" went I.
Not being able to procrastinate that phone call very long, knowing that I was expected, I called and we had a chat. The manager of the department wanted to meet with me and we set up an interview time. This process was going a lot faster than I wanted it to! The interview went very well and, pending a reference check, I was essentially hired.
I had put off really praying about going back to work because I was afraid of the answer I would receive. Now it was crunch time. Time to get an answer and I couldn't deny it.
I remember it was in the evening. Either my wise, wonderful husband (no sarcasm there-he really is these things) was at work, or he' gone to bed and I'd stayed up. I knelt extremely conflicted next to the couch and I said a prayer. I was more conflicted than ever and I just cried and cried. As my tears quieted, I realized that submitting to the will of the Lord and truly getting an answer would be much preferable to the conflict I was experiencing. I also knew that the voice of reason to make the decision to submit to His will was not my own, but the very still, small voice of the Spirit.
With the decision to submit made, I prayed. I didn't just say a prayer. I prayed to know what would be right for our family. What Heavenly Father would have me do.
I knew two things at once. That I should accept this job offer, and that it would be a good thing for our family, that it would be a blessing.
From that time forward, I was fine. Truly fine. Countless blessings arose from that time in our lives:
-Our children spent more quality time with their paternal grandparents. Those early months of my going back to work before my husband's schedule was adjusted to be home more were the last few months on Earth that we had with Grandma. A fact we were not aware of at the time I first accepted the job.
-Dad was around a lot more-which was awesome!
-I made many new friends. Good and wonderful people who became lifelong friends.
-I felt successful! And appreciated! I say that so simply, but I know it was something I was in need of.
-I never had to work a night shift. I was scheduled to work Christmas Day the first year there. I was really sad, but we made plans to make the best of it. A week or so after the holiday schedule was released, I received a phone call from another person in my position who wanted to take my Christmas shift. He didn't have any family and wanted the overtime pay.
I am so grateful for the whisperings of the Spirit in our lives. And so eternally grateful that my Heavenly Father and husband know me enough to keep pushing me and have patience with me so that these blessings could be enjoyed!
I love reading about the promised blessings of the Holy Ghost. I was particularly touched with Doctrine and Covenants 121:45-46-be full of charity towards all men and live in faith and be faithful-be virtuous and the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion and without 'compulsory means' it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. Wow. If I live the right way, the Spirit will just BE there. Love that promise!
I remember when my husband came home from work one morning in August 2007 and said he'd had an 'epiphany' that I could go to work part time for the insurance and he could work per-diem. No benefits, but making a lot more money. It also meant he could cut drastically down on his hours, which were significant.
I was less than thrilled with the idea. I had worked outside of the home before and did not want to miss out on raising my children and being there when they needed me. But I recognized enough in his 'epiphany' that I knew I needed to consider it.
I proceeded to less than halfheartedly look for work and update my resume and references. My husband came home from work one day, mentioning the many people who were moving from his unit to the new hospital once it opened. He had spoken with his manager and learned about some positions that were opening that I was qualified for. He told his manager about some of my experience and the manager asked that I call him. I felt stuck. . .smiling at my well-meaning husband, he went off to bed peacefully, and "grumble, grumble, grumble" went I.
Not being able to procrastinate that phone call very long, knowing that I was expected, I called and we had a chat. The manager of the department wanted to meet with me and we set up an interview time. This process was going a lot faster than I wanted it to! The interview went very well and, pending a reference check, I was essentially hired.
I had put off really praying about going back to work because I was afraid of the answer I would receive. Now it was crunch time. Time to get an answer and I couldn't deny it.
I remember it was in the evening. Either my wise, wonderful husband (no sarcasm there-he really is these things) was at work, or he' gone to bed and I'd stayed up. I knelt extremely conflicted next to the couch and I said a prayer. I was more conflicted than ever and I just cried and cried. As my tears quieted, I realized that submitting to the will of the Lord and truly getting an answer would be much preferable to the conflict I was experiencing. I also knew that the voice of reason to make the decision to submit to His will was not my own, but the very still, small voice of the Spirit.
With the decision to submit made, I prayed. I didn't just say a prayer. I prayed to know what would be right for our family. What Heavenly Father would have me do.
I knew two things at once. That I should accept this job offer, and that it would be a good thing for our family, that it would be a blessing.
From that time forward, I was fine. Truly fine. Countless blessings arose from that time in our lives:
-Our children spent more quality time with their paternal grandparents. Those early months of my going back to work before my husband's schedule was adjusted to be home more were the last few months on Earth that we had with Grandma. A fact we were not aware of at the time I first accepted the job.
-Dad was around a lot more-which was awesome!
-I made many new friends. Good and wonderful people who became lifelong friends.
-I felt successful! And appreciated! I say that so simply, but I know it was something I was in need of.
-I never had to work a night shift. I was scheduled to work Christmas Day the first year there. I was really sad, but we made plans to make the best of it. A week or so after the holiday schedule was released, I received a phone call from another person in my position who wanted to take my Christmas shift. He didn't have any family and wanted the overtime pay.
I am so grateful for the whisperings of the Spirit in our lives. And so eternally grateful that my Heavenly Father and husband know me enough to keep pushing me and have patience with me so that these blessings could be enjoyed!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Divine Nature Value Experience #3
Make your home life better. For two weeks make a special effort to strengthen your relationship with a family member by showing love through your actions. Refrain from judging, criticizing, or speaking unkindly, and watch for positive qualities in that family member. Write notes of encouragement, pray for this family member, find ways to be helpful, and verbally express your love. Share your experiences and the divine qualities you've discovered with that family member or with a parent or leader.
I realized that when I take some time to practice looking for positive qualities in others, it is so much easier to see their incredible potential. With that comes many more beautiful reminders that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father.
As we approach the end of each quarter during this graduate school experience, life seems to get more stressful. The weeks leading up to finals are filled with more stress for Dad, and he has much less time here with the family, so that makes me a little more stressed. When I take myself out of that equation and remember to take each day in stride, I can sit back and marvel at the feats Dave takes upon his shoulders. It has taken me several years of marriage to catch a little bit of a glimpse of the weight that rests on a father's shoulders to provide for his family. I know what we have to work with, and sometimes it isn't enough, but I also know we are doing what the Lord would have us do and I know things will work out. Not to say David needs to have more faith that things will work out. Feeling the necessity of providing for his family, as stated in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", is by divine design. Just as mother's, as they worry about one of their children, have a need to always do more and frequently feel like they haven't done enough; that in some way, they could have nutured more, taught in a better way-father's have, at their core, the need to provide for and protect their families. Not only is the school work challenging, but I know this responsibility weighs heavily on David, particularly because there is not much he can do at this point. As I take time to think about and try to understand what he goes through, I have more patience and strength to do what I need to do for our family, to support him.
I think we can find this truth whenever we pay more attention to someone else and focus on their story. We forget ourselves and our needs and easily see divine attributes in others.
I realized that when I take some time to practice looking for positive qualities in others, it is so much easier to see their incredible potential. With that comes many more beautiful reminders that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father.
As we approach the end of each quarter during this graduate school experience, life seems to get more stressful. The weeks leading up to finals are filled with more stress for Dad, and he has much less time here with the family, so that makes me a little more stressed. When I take myself out of that equation and remember to take each day in stride, I can sit back and marvel at the feats Dave takes upon his shoulders. It has taken me several years of marriage to catch a little bit of a glimpse of the weight that rests on a father's shoulders to provide for his family. I know what we have to work with, and sometimes it isn't enough, but I also know we are doing what the Lord would have us do and I know things will work out. Not to say David needs to have more faith that things will work out. Feeling the necessity of providing for his family, as stated in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", is by divine design. Just as mother's, as they worry about one of their children, have a need to always do more and frequently feel like they haven't done enough; that in some way, they could have nutured more, taught in a better way-father's have, at their core, the need to provide for and protect their families. Not only is the school work challenging, but I know this responsibility weighs heavily on David, particularly because there is not much he can do at this point. As I take time to think about and try to understand what he goes through, I have more patience and strength to do what I need to do for our family, to support him.
I think we can find this truth whenever we pay more attention to someone else and focus on their story. We forget ourselves and our needs and easily see divine attributes in others.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Faith Value Experience 3
Living gospel principles requires faith. Read about faith in the Bible Dictionary or True to the Faith. Faith in the Savior Jesus Christ leads to action. Choose a principle such as prayer, tithing, fasting, repentance, or keeping the Sabbath day holy. In your own home or another setting, plan and present a family home evening lesson about how faith helps you live that gospel principle. If possible, ask a family member to share an experience that has strengthened his or her faith. Share your own experiences as well. In your journal write down one of those experiences and describe your feelings about faith.
I discovered the words on faith in the Bible Dictionary many years ago. I think the definition is so well written and describes so well much of what I have learned for myself to be true. I had never read what True to the Faith says about faith. One of my favorite lines from that is, "Faith is much more than passive belief. You express faith through action - by the way you live." Something I was reminded of firsthand is stated there also, "You can nurture the gift of faith by praying to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. As you express your gratitude to your Father and as you plead with Him for blessings that you and others need, you will draw near to Him. You will draw near to the Savior, whose Atonement makes it possible for you to plead for mercy (see Alma 33:11). You will also be receptive to the quiet guidance of the Holy Ghost."
I decided to apply faith to the principle of fasting this past month and have continued to pray about what I had fasted about. My testimony of faith in our loving Heavenly Father has been tested lately and I have been reminded recently that sometimes the answers to our prayers will come about in ways unexpected to us.
As though to illustrate this point, I was checking up this morning on a friend of mine. Her husband was, at the age of 28, diagnosed with colon cancer. They began a blog specifically to update their friends and loved ones on his progress. Surgery was last week and they were able to remove all of the cancer. He states, "A miracle." But then he proceeds to outline the miracles that occurred so that they found the cancer in the first place, because let's be honest, what 28 year old would ever think he needed to be screened for colon cancer? A small illness that caused an infection that wouldn't go away, that turned into a really big infection that they couldn't get rid of. And on down the road in a very short amount of time.
He says, "A sinus infection saved my life. A sinus infection. Blessings in disguise are all around us. It has taught me not to jump so fast to decide things that happen to me are bad. Things that happen to us are for a reason. Sometimes we don't even know. This was obvious to me, which provides a great learning experience. An eye opener. Something to sink my teeth into. But subtle things in our lives may go unnoticed as blessings in disguise. Be careful what you are cursing over."
The road to answered prayers is rarely an easy one, but I testify that as we "nurture [our] gift of faith," we will be "receptive to the quiet guidance of the Holy Ghost" and that usually those answers come by way of someone else. We are His instruments to help one another along the way.
I discovered the words on faith in the Bible Dictionary many years ago. I think the definition is so well written and describes so well much of what I have learned for myself to be true. I had never read what True to the Faith says about faith. One of my favorite lines from that is, "Faith is much more than passive belief. You express faith through action - by the way you live." Something I was reminded of firsthand is stated there also, "You can nurture the gift of faith by praying to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. As you express your gratitude to your Father and as you plead with Him for blessings that you and others need, you will draw near to Him. You will draw near to the Savior, whose Atonement makes it possible for you to plead for mercy (see Alma 33:11). You will also be receptive to the quiet guidance of the Holy Ghost."
I decided to apply faith to the principle of fasting this past month and have continued to pray about what I had fasted about. My testimony of faith in our loving Heavenly Father has been tested lately and I have been reminded recently that sometimes the answers to our prayers will come about in ways unexpected to us.
As though to illustrate this point, I was checking up this morning on a friend of mine. Her husband was, at the age of 28, diagnosed with colon cancer. They began a blog specifically to update their friends and loved ones on his progress. Surgery was last week and they were able to remove all of the cancer. He states, "A miracle." But then he proceeds to outline the miracles that occurred so that they found the cancer in the first place, because let's be honest, what 28 year old would ever think he needed to be screened for colon cancer? A small illness that caused an infection that wouldn't go away, that turned into a really big infection that they couldn't get rid of. And on down the road in a very short amount of time.
He says, "A sinus infection saved my life. A sinus infection. Blessings in disguise are all around us. It has taught me not to jump so fast to decide things that happen to me are bad. Things that happen to us are for a reason. Sometimes we don't even know. This was obvious to me, which provides a great learning experience. An eye opener. Something to sink my teeth into. But subtle things in our lives may go unnoticed as blessings in disguise. Be careful what you are cursing over."
The road to answered prayers is rarely an easy one, but I testify that as we "nurture [our] gift of faith," we will be "receptive to the quiet guidance of the Holy Ghost" and that usually those answers come by way of someone else. We are His instruments to help one another along the way.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
For the Strength of Youth - Going Forward with Faith
Read about this standard here.
Much of what I've learned about going forward with faith I will link to my post about Faith, value experience #1, as I ended up writing about both of these things in the same entry as my journal. But another thought came to me as I was reading the Book of Mormon this morning. As part of working on the Virtue Project, I have been trying to liken the scriptures to myself, and gain greater understanding and meaning from the Book of Mormon in my life.
I started reading this morning about when Christ visited the Nephites (begins in 3 Nephi 11). I was struck by 3 Nephi 12:45: ". . .for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good." This reminds me that we are ALL His children and He loves us all.
Each of us here were righteous in heaven - we each made a righteous decision and He wants us to follow Him so that we can return! We need to help our brothers and sisters along the way.
I know it can seem overwhelming in our busy, hectic and often troubled lives, but we are meant to help each other. The great thing? This light is naturally already a part of us - we just need to give it a small part of our time and it expands and we suddenly realize that we can be there for others and when we are, we have greater joy. Everything falls neatly into place as though that is where it always belonged.
Much of what I've learned about going forward with faith I will link to my post about Faith, value experience #1, as I ended up writing about both of these things in the same entry as my journal. But another thought came to me as I was reading the Book of Mormon this morning. As part of working on the Virtue Project, I have been trying to liken the scriptures to myself, and gain greater understanding and meaning from the Book of Mormon in my life.
I started reading this morning about when Christ visited the Nephites (begins in 3 Nephi 11). I was struck by 3 Nephi 12:45: ". . .for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good." This reminds me that we are ALL His children and He loves us all.
Each of us here were righteous in heaven - we each made a righteous decision and He wants us to follow Him so that we can return! We need to help our brothers and sisters along the way.
I know it can seem overwhelming in our busy, hectic and often troubled lives, but we are meant to help each other. The great thing? This light is naturally already a part of us - we just need to give it a small part of our time and it expands and we suddenly realize that we can be there for others and when we are, we have greater joy. Everything falls neatly into place as though that is where it always belonged.
Faith Value Experience 1
The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Learn about faith from the scriptures and living prophets. Read Hebrews 11; Alma 32:17-43; Ether 12:6-22; and Joseph Smith-History 1:11-20. Read two general conference talks on faith. Exercise your own faith by establishing a habit of prayer in your life. Begin by regularly saying your morning and evening prayers. After three weeks of following this pattern, discuss with a parent or leader what you have learned about faith and how daily personal prayer has strengthened your faith. In your journal express your feelings about faith and prayer.
The talks from general conference I chose are: President Thomas S. Monson, Come Unto Him in Prayer and Faith (not actually from general conference, but it is from the Prophet, so I counted it); and Elder David A. Bednar, Ask in Faith.
As we make personal prayer a habit - a priority, we turn to our Heavenly Father throughout the day. Our thoughts turn to him more easily. Then He is able to strengthn our faith, in confirmations that cannot be denied come from Him. I tried to take my prayers to a different level, and to listen more during my prayers. I found myself praying more specifically about blessings and about particular needs - of mine and family members. Specifics I had not considered before.
I also found, that while I have kept a brisk pace at reading the Book of Mormon this time around, I had not focused a lot on likening the scriptures to myself. I found that as I have kept this little prayer in my heart, I have been blessed with greater inspiration in those pages. Things I need to learn, things I need to remember.
Many friends, mostly from work, marveled at my attitude and excitement in moving our family away to further David's education. A couple of them even went so far as to suggest I stay in Utah with the kids for 27 months while he finished school. This thought was so foreign to me I couldn't even wrap my mind around it. When I said to my friend that surely, if she were in the same situation she would not separate her family. She assured me that she most certainly would.
My cheerfulness about his stage in our lives brought about so many comments that I've thought a bit about it. Should I be feeling like I've been gypped and am going through a terrible sacrifice? I don't think so. On the contrary, I feel very blessed.
So what is it exactly? Is it just some gift, some added blessing? Well certainly it is an added blessing, but my point is this: it is not just something that was already a part of me, waiting to bloom at the right time. My key to finding joy in the journey is this: pray about the decisions you make in your life. When you have a confirmation that you are doing what the Lord would have you to, it is easy. Not that life is suddenly a breeze, but you have the strength to do what is needed because you not only know you aren't alone - you know you won't be left alone. And if you make prayer and scriptures a priority in your life, your day can be filled with moments of comfort, joy, strength, and faith. What you need when you need it.
The talks from general conference I chose are: President Thomas S. Monson, Come Unto Him in Prayer and Faith (not actually from general conference, but it is from the Prophet, so I counted it); and Elder David A. Bednar, Ask in Faith.
As we make personal prayer a habit - a priority, we turn to our Heavenly Father throughout the day. Our thoughts turn to him more easily. Then He is able to strengthn our faith, in confirmations that cannot be denied come from Him. I tried to take my prayers to a different level, and to listen more during my prayers. I found myself praying more specifically about blessings and about particular needs - of mine and family members. Specifics I had not considered before.
I also found, that while I have kept a brisk pace at reading the Book of Mormon this time around, I had not focused a lot on likening the scriptures to myself. I found that as I have kept this little prayer in my heart, I have been blessed with greater inspiration in those pages. Things I need to learn, things I need to remember.
Many friends, mostly from work, marveled at my attitude and excitement in moving our family away to further David's education. A couple of them even went so far as to suggest I stay in Utah with the kids for 27 months while he finished school. This thought was so foreign to me I couldn't even wrap my mind around it. When I said to my friend that surely, if she were in the same situation she would not separate her family. She assured me that she most certainly would.
My cheerfulness about his stage in our lives brought about so many comments that I've thought a bit about it. Should I be feeling like I've been gypped and am going through a terrible sacrifice? I don't think so. On the contrary, I feel very blessed.
So what is it exactly? Is it just some gift, some added blessing? Well certainly it is an added blessing, but my point is this: it is not just something that was already a part of me, waiting to bloom at the right time. My key to finding joy in the journey is this: pray about the decisions you make in your life. When you have a confirmation that you are doing what the Lord would have you to, it is easy. Not that life is suddenly a breeze, but you have the strength to do what is needed because you not only know you aren't alone - you know you won't be left alone. And if you make prayer and scriptures a priority in your life, your day can be filled with moments of comfort, joy, strength, and faith. What you need when you need it.
Choice and Accountability - Value Experience 2
Read the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth. List in your journal each standard of righteous behavior the pamphlet outlines, and record why it is important to choose to live those standards. Practice living righteous standards by choosing three standards in which you need to improve. You might choose to be more selective about television, music, books, or other media, or you might improve your modesty, language, or honesty. After three weeks share your progress with your family, your class, or a leader.
After some thought about the standards in For the Strength of Youth, I decided to work on Physical Health, Service to Others, and Going Forward with Faith. You can click on each to read about my experiences.
After some thought about the standards in For the Strength of Youth, I decided to work on Physical Health, Service to Others, and Going Forward with Faith. You can click on each to read about my experiences.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Faith Value Experience 2
Discover the principles of faith taught by the mothers of Helaman's stripling warriors. Read Alma 56:45-48 and Alma 57:21. Review what "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" says about a mother's role. With a mother, grandmother, or leader, discuss the qualities a woman needs in order to teach children to have faith and to base their decisions on gospel truths. How can these principles help you in your life today and help you prepare to be a faithful woman, wife, and mother? Record your thoughts and feelings in your journal.
This is what stuck out to me as I studied these references:
Alma 56:45-48 - The Stripling Warriors' mothers KNEW. They had testimonies.
Alma 57:21 - They taught their sons obedience, so they recognized the need to obey, but ALSO - their sons had FAITH to obey. That means they learned - probably by example - that when they obeyed, they were blessed, there were good consequences. Therefore, they obeyed & observed to perform "every word of command with exactness," - and because of their faith, it was "done unto them."
"The Family: A Proclamation to the World" - Happiness in family life is most likely achieved when founded on the teachings of Jesus. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. It is important to establish and maintain principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. These opportunities come up frequently in family life. I need to be more aware of these opportunities, I know they are important.
I remember times when my own mother would bear her testimony. These are not only memories when she has born her testimony in church, but in the ways she taught us to treat others.
My Mom has always worked outside the home, and I know at times she has felt she could do better as a mother. But let's face it - we can all sympathize with feeling like we could have, should have done more.
Here, not so much in a nutshell is what I've learned from her. Almost entirely by the example she has set.
Two "Mom" phrases - THE two that come to mind when I think, "Mom always used to say. . ."
-Everybody plays or nobody plays.
- If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. (That one might be borrowed from Thumper in Bambi. . .)
Always, growing up, when I wanted to vent about something that really upset me, inevitably I would vent to Mom, who would then, by just a word or two, point out another side to the story. Drove me CRAZY - and it never helped me feel better. Not only would she not just let me express frustration and leave it at that, she easily and always simply showed me there are two sides to every story. I still did not come to recognize the value in this until years later, after a poignant experience taught me not to judge - there are always two sides to every story, every opinion comes as a result of someone's experiences - people have traveled a path to get to their point in their story and it is not the same path filled with the same experiences I've had (another story for another time). Even so many years later, I am just now recognizing that the gift that came out of THAT experience was made possible by the seeds of love and respect Mom planted and spent years quietly cultivating.
I had the opportunity in my much younger years to work in the same hospital that my mother was a director of one of the departments in. I had the unique opportunity to see Mom's work ethic on an almost daily basis OUTSIDE our home - away from family who we share, let's face it - our best AND worst with.
Guess what I learned? All of those "two sides to every story" moments I'd had growing up? She wasn't just blowing smoke, she really lives that way.
Indeed, I was in my late twenties before I ever heard her make a snide remark about another person. Ever. I remember being so surprised because it was so out of character for her and she knew it was out of character for her because she immediately apologized for saying it. Not because I had heard it, but because she knew it was wrong.
I could go on - my Mom is a great example in so many ways, but for today's purposes I'll just say (in a nutshell) that:
-Everybody plays or nobody plays; and
-If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
I learned these things because my Mom lives these things. She knew it and taught me by example to live this way.
Teaching children to live by faith and make decisions based on gospel truths means we have to live by faith and make decisions based on gospel truths.
Live by example. The kids'll get it, eventually.
This is what stuck out to me as I studied these references:
Alma 56:45-48 - The Stripling Warriors' mothers KNEW. They had testimonies.
Alma 57:21 - They taught their sons obedience, so they recognized the need to obey, but ALSO - their sons had FAITH to obey. That means they learned - probably by example - that when they obeyed, they were blessed, there were good consequences. Therefore, they obeyed & observed to perform "every word of command with exactness," - and because of their faith, it was "done unto them."
"The Family: A Proclamation to the World" - Happiness in family life is most likely achieved when founded on the teachings of Jesus. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. It is important to establish and maintain principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. These opportunities come up frequently in family life. I need to be more aware of these opportunities, I know they are important.
I remember times when my own mother would bear her testimony. These are not only memories when she has born her testimony in church, but in the ways she taught us to treat others.
My Mom has always worked outside the home, and I know at times she has felt she could do better as a mother. But let's face it - we can all sympathize with feeling like we could have, should have done more.
Here, not so much in a nutshell is what I've learned from her. Almost entirely by the example she has set.
Two "Mom" phrases - THE two that come to mind when I think, "Mom always used to say. . ."
-Everybody plays or nobody plays.
- If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. (That one might be borrowed from Thumper in Bambi. . .)
Always, growing up, when I wanted to vent about something that really upset me, inevitably I would vent to Mom, who would then, by just a word or two, point out another side to the story. Drove me CRAZY - and it never helped me feel better. Not only would she not just let me express frustration and leave it at that, she easily and always simply showed me there are two sides to every story. I still did not come to recognize the value in this until years later, after a poignant experience taught me not to judge - there are always two sides to every story, every opinion comes as a result of someone's experiences - people have traveled a path to get to their point in their story and it is not the same path filled with the same experiences I've had (another story for another time). Even so many years later, I am just now recognizing that the gift that came out of THAT experience was made possible by the seeds of love and respect Mom planted and spent years quietly cultivating.
I had the opportunity in my much younger years to work in the same hospital that my mother was a director of one of the departments in. I had the unique opportunity to see Mom's work ethic on an almost daily basis OUTSIDE our home - away from family who we share, let's face it - our best AND worst with.
Guess what I learned? All of those "two sides to every story" moments I'd had growing up? She wasn't just blowing smoke, she really lives that way.
Indeed, I was in my late twenties before I ever heard her make a snide remark about another person. Ever. I remember being so surprised because it was so out of character for her and she knew it was out of character for her because she immediately apologized for saying it. Not because I had heard it, but because she knew it was wrong.
I could go on - my Mom is a great example in so many ways, but for today's purposes I'll just say (in a nutshell) that:
-Everybody plays or nobody plays; and
-If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
I learned these things because my Mom lives these things. She knew it and taught me by example to live this way.
Teaching children to live by faith and make decisions based on gospel truths means we have to live by faith and make decisions based on gospel truths.
Live by example. The kids'll get it, eventually.
Mom with our two youngest.
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