Learn about the importance of gaining knowledge by reading Proverbs 1:5; 4:7; 2 Nephi 28:30; and Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-80, 118; 90:15; 130:18-19; 131:6. Think about why you need to gain knowledge and understanding about how to apply gospel principles to your present and future home and family life. Write in your journal what you have learned about knowledge, and discuss it with a family member or Young Women leader.
It is important for us to gain knowledge. God wants us to. These scriptures make it very evident. As we gain knowledge, we do receive further knowledge that helps us to magnify the callings we have been given. The most important calling I will ever have on this earth is as a mother.
In order to prepare my children for life in this world, to be given the greatest advantages in this life, they need to feel successful in their schooling, so they can appreciate and enjoy learning. I know this doesn't mean that everyone excels and is the top of their class. It means feeling successful in their own personal learning, whatever level they may be at.
Most importantly, I believe my greatest calling with regards to my children, is that they have a testimony of who they are and where they came from. The truths that are held in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whatever successes or disappointments they face, a deep and abiding testimony will guide them through it all.
Showing posts with label testimony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testimony. Show all posts
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Faith Project
(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.
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.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Virtue Project
The Savior chose to live a virtuous life. Follow His admonition to "learn of me" (D&C 19:23) by reading the entire Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Liken the scriptures to your life and circumstances. As you read, record your thoughts regularly in your journal. Note the example of the Savior. What did He and those who followed Him do to live virtuous lives? At the completion of your reading, record your testimony.
"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Joseph Smith, in introduction to the Book of Mormon).
As I completed the Book of Mormon last week, I was not overcome with a sense of truthfulness of the scripture. I had instead, a small inkling of peace that I already knew; I had already known it was true. As I thought about this small inkling, I wondered if that was really what I was feeling.
But as I knelt in prayer about my testimony of its truth, I felt the Spirit's confirmation that the feelings I had when I finished were true. I had already known of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. A testimony I gained many years ago through a period of diligent study.
My feelings are not one of overwhelming joy at its truth, but an absolute quiet peace - a peace that I can only compare to time spent in the temple. How grateful I am.
As I type what I wrote in my journal, I feel that peace again and bear that testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I am by nature, a private person (all evidence to the contrary). I began this blog for myself because as I write about my experiences, the things I learn are clarified in my mind and strengthened in my heart. I also like the ability to link to other things I've learned on the same topic. I realize that others may read this and wonder at my sincerity or why I post it for all to see. I post these things for me, and maybe my daughter will find support in them when she begins this same journey; but I don't keep them private either. The growth of a testimony can be a miraculous thing and I think it is important that we realize that it doesn't come all at once. We forget all too often that this life is a journey and we are learning all along the way.
"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Joseph Smith, in introduction to the Book of Mormon).
As I completed the Book of Mormon last week, I was not overcome with a sense of truthfulness of the scripture. I had instead, a small inkling of peace that I already knew; I had already known it was true. As I thought about this small inkling, I wondered if that was really what I was feeling.
But as I knelt in prayer about my testimony of its truth, I felt the Spirit's confirmation that the feelings I had when I finished were true. I had already known of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. A testimony I gained many years ago through a period of diligent study.
My feelings are not one of overwhelming joy at its truth, but an absolute quiet peace - a peace that I can only compare to time spent in the temple. How grateful I am.
As I type what I wrote in my journal, I feel that peace again and bear that testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I am by nature, a private person (all evidence to the contrary). I began this blog for myself because as I write about my experiences, the things I learn are clarified in my mind and strengthened in my heart. I also like the ability to link to other things I've learned on the same topic. I realize that others may read this and wonder at my sincerity or why I post it for all to see. I post these things for me, and maybe my daughter will find support in them when she begins this same journey; but I don't keep them private either. The growth of a testimony can be a miraculous thing and I think it is important that we realize that it doesn't come all at once. We forget all too often that this life is a journey and we are learning all along the way.
Divine Nature Value Experience #1
What are some of the divine qualities of a daughter of God? Read The Family: A Proclamation to the World; 2 Peter 1; Alma 7:23-24; and Doctrine and Covenants 121:45. In your own words, list the divine qualities discussed in your reading. Think about how you can discover and develop each of these qualities. Record your ideas in your journal.
2 Peter mentions the divine qualities of faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. These are divine qualities, but the path to developing them is also line by line, precept by precept. Begin with faith to live by the example of Christ and find these qualities developed along the way.
I think that "easy to be entreated" in Alma 7:23 is a quality that people will find in you to be approachable, no matter the situation. Alma also reminds us to have a prayerful heart.
Doctrine & Covenants-as you try to live virtuously, your faith and trust that God is aware of all and guides your life will be strong. Not that He makes your decisions for you, but your heart will be more in tune with God as you make your choices. Anxiety about what life will bring is lessened and not a problem. You will have confidence that you are living the right way and all will be as it should.
As I increase my faith by prayer and scripture study, my life becomes more in tune with Him. I add virtue as a quality as well as to other qualities. The qualities of a daughter of God are very nurturing in nature. It seems natural for each of us to be a partaker of the divine nature. Something that may not make sense to some, but as you work to develop divine qualities, you realize how at home they are in you.
2 Peter mentions the divine qualities of faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. These are divine qualities, but the path to developing them is also line by line, precept by precept. Begin with faith to live by the example of Christ and find these qualities developed along the way.
I think that "easy to be entreated" in Alma 7:23 is a quality that people will find in you to be approachable, no matter the situation. Alma also reminds us to have a prayerful heart.
Doctrine & Covenants-as you try to live virtuously, your faith and trust that God is aware of all and guides your life will be strong. Not that He makes your decisions for you, but your heart will be more in tune with God as you make your choices. Anxiety about what life will bring is lessened and not a problem. You will have confidence that you are living the right way and all will be as it should.
As I increase my faith by prayer and scripture study, my life becomes more in tune with Him. I add virtue as a quality as well as to other qualities. The qualities of a daughter of God are very nurturing in nature. It seems natural for each of us to be a partaker of the divine nature. Something that may not make sense to some, but as you work to develop divine qualities, you realize how at home they are in you.
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 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.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
For the Strength of Youth Standard 3: Education
Read about it here.
I hope our children remember the sacrifices of Dave's higher education and that they will see the blessings of those sacrifices now and when he is finished. Certainly one of the blessings of graduate school with a family of our size and ages is the example of the importance of education the children will come away with.
I take great joy in meeting and working with new people. It only serves to strengthen my testimony that we are all children of a Heavenly Father who loves us.
I love the scripture reference for this standard: Doctrine and Covenants 88:77-80. I love that the Lord tells us to learn and grow in a vast majority of things.
I hope our children remember the sacrifices of Dave's higher education and that they will see the blessings of those sacrifices now and when he is finished. Certainly one of the blessings of graduate school with a family of our size and ages is the example of the importance of education the children will come away with.
I take great joy in meeting and working with new people. It only serves to strengthen my testimony that we are all children of a Heavenly Father who loves us.
I love the scripture reference for this standard: Doctrine and Covenants 88:77-80. I love that the Lord tells us to learn and grow in a vast majority of things.
Choice and Accountability - Value Experience 3
Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God's greatest gifts to His children. Read about agency in Joshua 24:15; 2 Nephi 2; and Doctrine & Covenants 82:2-10. Discuss the blessings and responsibilities of agency. Record in your journal your understanding of agency and the consequences of choices and actions.
I started this by studying the required reading and wrote some specific things down in my journal about the responsibilites and blessings of agency. I didn't feel as though I had learned much more than I knew. These were scriptures I was familiar with and although grateful to be reminded of them, I felt there was something more for me to learn.
Ask and it shall be given, right? Do you ever pause just a minute when you think about asking for greater understanding? Rarely does testimony grow without some kind of work.
Dave and I found out the other night that a couple that we knew from Kaysville is getting a divorce. It came as quite a shock to us and makes me so sad. Not just because of their marriage, but because I know and love their children. I worked with them often in Primary.
This knowledge came on the heels of my preparation for teaching a combined YW lesson on the home and the family. In my lesson, I used an example of a day at our house when decisions I have made throughout the day lead to a serious lack of organization, particularly at that crazy, busy time of the day. Namely: 4p to bedtime. My disorganization leads to chaos, confusion, and ultimately contention.
Because of my prep for my lesson, I've thought a lot about what I can do to make this time of day go more smoothly, so that I can be there for the kids. If my stuff is taken care of, then I can better handle all of the unexpecteds that go along with six different personalities.
I think of the heartache when someone you love makes a decision you don't like. I have felt sorrow, disappointment, and anger, and I have a couple of wisened years under my belt to help handle that. It is hard to watch my children go through those feelings when they don't like a decision their parents have made. I pray that the anger won't take hold in their hearts and they can find happiness - and, one day recognize where their happiness and true joy come from.
This is something I've watched in one of our children lately. Some days are good, some are bad. Combined with the stress of moving at this age, AND being this age. . .I have been so concerned at times for this boy that some days seems is teetering on the edge. The edge being staying in anger and taking the dark road that follows, or finding some light and realizing that is a happier place to be.
I don't recall days like that for me in my youth, although taking a glance back through journals from that time in my life I am shocked about some of the things I felt some days.
Today is one of those days that words cannot express my gratitude for my Heavenly Father's bounteous blessings. For piercing through the bitterness of a 12 year old to show His love for him. For the Light that today, helped him to just "get it."
Light always helps us make better decisions. Light makes things discernable.
I started this by studying the required reading and wrote some specific things down in my journal about the responsibilites and blessings of agency. I didn't feel as though I had learned much more than I knew. These were scriptures I was familiar with and although grateful to be reminded of them, I felt there was something more for me to learn.
Ask and it shall be given, right? Do you ever pause just a minute when you think about asking for greater understanding? Rarely does testimony grow without some kind of work.
Dave and I found out the other night that a couple that we knew from Kaysville is getting a divorce. It came as quite a shock to us and makes me so sad. Not just because of their marriage, but because I know and love their children. I worked with them often in Primary.
This knowledge came on the heels of my preparation for teaching a combined YW lesson on the home and the family. In my lesson, I used an example of a day at our house when decisions I have made throughout the day lead to a serious lack of organization, particularly at that crazy, busy time of the day. Namely: 4p to bedtime. My disorganization leads to chaos, confusion, and ultimately contention.
Because of my prep for my lesson, I've thought a lot about what I can do to make this time of day go more smoothly, so that I can be there for the kids. If my stuff is taken care of, then I can better handle all of the unexpecteds that go along with six different personalities.
I think of the heartache when someone you love makes a decision you don't like. I have felt sorrow, disappointment, and anger, and I have a couple of wisened years under my belt to help handle that. It is hard to watch my children go through those feelings when they don't like a decision their parents have made. I pray that the anger won't take hold in their hearts and they can find happiness - and, one day recognize where their happiness and true joy come from.
This is something I've watched in one of our children lately. Some days are good, some are bad. Combined with the stress of moving at this age, AND being this age. . .I have been so concerned at times for this boy that some days seems is teetering on the edge. The edge being staying in anger and taking the dark road that follows, or finding some light and realizing that is a happier place to be.
I don't recall days like that for me in my youth, although taking a glance back through journals from that time in my life I am shocked about some of the things I felt some days.
Today is one of those days that words cannot express my gratitude for my Heavenly Father's bounteous blessings. For piercing through the bitterness of a 12 year old to show His love for him. For the Light that today, helped him to just "get it."
Light always helps us make better decisions. Light makes things discernable.
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