It has been such a long time I forgot how to log into this space! But I have been thinking of some things and feel I really need to keep a note of some of these thoughts I am having so I can come back and refer to them if needed later. Facebook is great for quick things, but you can't search for specific things very easily, even in your own posting. So I might just have to remember to write things here for my own reasons.
A few weeks ago my nephew forwarded a letter he received from his missionary. I enjoy reading about Bo's missionary experiences and I appreciate receiving these updates from DeVon. On this particular day Bo wrote something that really touched me and made me think. It really wasn't very profound, and when I went back and re-read it I wondered why that touched me so much the first time I read it. I guess I just really needed it that day.
Bo was talking about a person they were teaching. The investigator asked the equestion why his life seemed to get harder when he was doing everything right? When he accepted the invitation to come unto Christ, it seemed to get harder. It made Bo think of Ether 12:27 "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
We need to humble ourselves enough to become more like Christ so he can make our weaknesses strong points and, in the end, make us all stronger. He helps us turn our weaknesses into our strong points, but first we must come unto Christ and humble ourselves. He wrote, "So if you are wondering why many things seem to go wrong when you are doing the right things, just remember that it is so that we can become stronger and become more like Christ!"
All those 'church answers' like praying, paying tithing, going to the temple, those things might be hard for us to follow. But I think the weaknesses that are more challenging are even bigger things, things that maybe are more personal things, like kindness, understanding, service, caring, humility itself, When we are struggling with hard things in our life, whatever it might be, we need to turn to Christ and allow Him to show us our weakness, then ask Him to show us ways we can overcome that weakness.
I have been trying so hard to do better at doing what I should, but it seems like I am constantly hit with certain problems that never go away. I just can't get a certain part of my life in harmony with gospel teachings. I feel at a loss of what to do.
I feel the Lord is showing me things I need to do to overcome this problem. I 'think' I am humbling myself, asking and waiting for answers, and following the inspiration or thoughts I am receiving, but things still upset me. It isn't so much that things go wrong, but that it is hard to do what is right when I am dwelling on my upset feelings and what has caused me to feel that way. That is one of my weaknesses. I allow my mind to dwell on things in the past that I cannot change and then that taints my view of the present. I need to remember that God's grace is sufficient for all men, especially those I feel have wronged me. He is giving me plenty of opportunities to work on this weakness. Hopefully I will be able to overcome this weakness and learn to be kinder and more understanding. I just wish it didn't take so long!
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Stake Conference
We had a wonderful stake conference again. I took lots of notes so I can remember the words that were said. Sorry to say one of the talks I didn't take very many notes because I was busy listening. That speaker was my brother-in-law, Kent. He did a terrific job of making me think of things, so I was took busy listening and pondering to write. Sorry Kent. What notes I did take will help me remember my thoughts, which I'm not ready to share here, yet. I will put them all in my personal journal.
Last night President Sharp showed us a Mormon Message that is also a book we have about a man who lost most of his family in a car accident because of a young driver. He explains that he knew from the time he became aware of what had happened, he knew he had to forgive the driver. It was a very moving video, not just about the loss the man experienced but forgiveness. He stressed that if we don't forgive others for the things they have done to us, we are the ones who will miss out on blessings. President Sharp spoke about how important it is that we forgive, and show it. We may think that we don't care, that we are free from the effects or pain of the things that hurt us, but if we don't let the person know, if we avoid them, if we don't let them know we are not holding any negative feelings about them, then sometime in the future we will realize that we are missing some blessings that would have come our way had we done as the Savior would have us do. It is our responsibility to make sure our families are strengthened, that we aren't the link that is keeping families apart. And "families" does not mean just spouses and children, but parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, grandchildren, etc. When we are not working to strengthen families we are making Satan happy. He talked about the need of repentance being as strong as the need of forgiveness, and that if we don't forgive we have greater need to repent than the person we did not forgive. These notes are a blend of both of President Sharp's talks, Saturday night and Sunday session. They fit in very well together.
Mary Huntington also spoke on the same subject. She told of a time when she was very offended by someone else and felt she had to call her parents and vent about it. She was talking with her dad and he just said, "Mary, I'm sorry you are experiencing this, but you have to let it go or it will eat away at you for eternity." She explained that he further said that if not in this life, but in the life to some she would have to learn that she could have made life better if she had let it go, that relationships are far more important than the anger, and that she was very wrong in not being understanding with the other person.
All the other talks were wonderful as well, but right now I have been pondering these three messages and seeing what I can do to strengthen myself.
I did have a scary experience when I nearly choked to death during the Sunday morning meeting. I get these spasms when I can't swallow and I start to cough and can't get air, and I feel like I am ready to pass out before I start to breath again. But that is another story. I survived.
I am so thankful for the words I heard at conference. I hope I can keep the spirit I felt there and improve myself this week.
Last night President Sharp showed us a Mormon Message that is also a book we have about a man who lost most of his family in a car accident because of a young driver. He explains that he knew from the time he became aware of what had happened, he knew he had to forgive the driver. It was a very moving video, not just about the loss the man experienced but forgiveness. He stressed that if we don't forgive others for the things they have done to us, we are the ones who will miss out on blessings. President Sharp spoke about how important it is that we forgive, and show it. We may think that we don't care, that we are free from the effects or pain of the things that hurt us, but if we don't let the person know, if we avoid them, if we don't let them know we are not holding any negative feelings about them, then sometime in the future we will realize that we are missing some blessings that would have come our way had we done as the Savior would have us do. It is our responsibility to make sure our families are strengthened, that we aren't the link that is keeping families apart. And "families" does not mean just spouses and children, but parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, grandchildren, etc. When we are not working to strengthen families we are making Satan happy. He talked about the need of repentance being as strong as the need of forgiveness, and that if we don't forgive we have greater need to repent than the person we did not forgive. These notes are a blend of both of President Sharp's talks, Saturday night and Sunday session. They fit in very well together.
Mary Huntington also spoke on the same subject. She told of a time when she was very offended by someone else and felt she had to call her parents and vent about it. She was talking with her dad and he just said, "Mary, I'm sorry you are experiencing this, but you have to let it go or it will eat away at you for eternity." She explained that he further said that if not in this life, but in the life to some she would have to learn that she could have made life better if she had let it go, that relationships are far more important than the anger, and that she was very wrong in not being understanding with the other person.
All the other talks were wonderful as well, but right now I have been pondering these three messages and seeing what I can do to strengthen myself.
I did have a scary experience when I nearly choked to death during the Sunday morning meeting. I get these spasms when I can't swallow and I start to cough and can't get air, and I feel like I am ready to pass out before I start to breath again. But that is another story. I survived.
I am so thankful for the words I heard at conference. I hope I can keep the spirit I felt there and improve myself this week.
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Best Words
I am sure Bro. Uchtdorf's message in the Ensign was inspired for my family. I hope they all read this and realize their own part in recent event. I would highlight every sentence, and double-highlight
"None of us is without sin. Every one of us makes mistakes, including you and me. We have all been wounded. We all have wounded others."
Wouldn’t it be only right to put aside our own egotism and pride and begin to open that blessed door of forgiveness to those with whom we struggle—especially to all of our own family?
May God help us to be a little more forgiving in our families, more forgiving of each other, and perhaps more forgiving even with ourselves. I pray that we may experience forgiveness as one wonderful way in which most happy families are alike.
No one can say it like he does. I don't need to say anything else.
"None of us is without sin. Every one of us makes mistakes, including you and me. We have all been wounded. We all have wounded others."
Wouldn’t it be only right to put aside our own egotism and pride and begin to open that blessed door of forgiveness to those with whom we struggle—especially to all of our own family?
May God help us to be a little more forgiving in our families, more forgiving of each other, and perhaps more forgiving even with ourselves. I pray that we may experience forgiveness as one wonderful way in which most happy families are alike.
No one can say it like he does. I don't need to say anything else.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Mercy!
I remember hearing my sweet Grandma Olsen says, "Mercy!" usually when she was excited or surprised about something. "Oh, Mercy!" I would love to hear that again.
Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. (3 Nephi 12:7)
I sure hope people show me a little bit of mercy. More importantly, I hope the Lord gives me mercy when my time on Earth is over. I know I will need it because I am very far from being perfect, even with all the repenting I do. Somehow He will make justice and mercy work together, but how can I be sure I end up on the right side of the balance scale? The scripture says what I have to do: Be merciful.
In order for me to obtain mercy I must first be merciful myself. So I got out my trusty Webster's New World Dictionary and looked up mercy, base word for merciful. Here is what I found: 1. a refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, persons in one's power: kindness in excess of what may be expected of demanded by fairness; forbearance and compassion....a disposition to forgive, pity or be kind; kind or compassionate treatment; relief of suffering...
Well, that about sums it up. Don't hurt others. Not just physically, but I'm sure it also means emotionally and spiritually. Don't punish others when it isn't needed. Be kinder than you should be. Show compassion. Strive to have a disposition to be kind and forgiving to everyone. Give compassionate treatment to others. Help relief their suffering, whether it be emotional, physical, spiritual, or any other way.
Doing all of these nice things requires us to not place requirements for our mercy towards others. The author of the book I am reading says that when we judge others as unworthy of our mercy, we are placing ourselves in jeopardy for not receiving our own mercy.
How many times do I think "Well, they deserve it."? "They must be held accountable for their own actions." "They have to suffer the consequences." "It's their problem, not mine." All of these is true. We even say in the Second Article of Faith "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins....." Individual accountability is an important part of the gospel. We all know it. It keeps us on the right path. But what if I use that principal to justify my own responsibility to show mercy?
The author reminds me about King Benjamin telling his people how they need to look at the needs of others. (Mosiah 4:17) "Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just. (18) But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent. And except he repent...he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God. (19)For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have? .....(22)And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which does not belong to you but to God."
By showing mercy to others I am not losing anything myself. In fact, I am gaining mercy from Jesus Christ. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus reminds us "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matthew 7:1-2) I can't think 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' because other people sin differently than I do. They might do something that I would never do. But I should still show mercy and compassion to them. I need to give my love and let them know that my love is not contingent on my positive judgment of them. I need to show that I am there to help them overcome any problems or situations they face.
At the same time, I have to protect myself from my own pain and suffering. I'm not going to let someone take advantage of me with their attitude of "You must do this for me so that you are showing mercy and aren't judging me!" I had a very fun roommate that I loved so much. She was always saying, "I'm giving you an opportunity to serve me. Please get me a glass of milk!" We always laughed and worked hard to find opportunities for the other person to serve us. I don't think the Lord expects us to show mercy to others at the expense of ourselves. But isn't it nice when we can show actual mercy to others?
Remember the shooting of the Amish school children, and how the Amish people showed mercy to the shooters family? Right now there is a book at Deseret Book about a man who showed mercy towards the person who caused the car accident that claimed the life of his wife and children. We don't need these dramatic situations to happen in order to show mercy. Sometimes we need to show mercy to people who are just suffering from their own situations, not because they have done anything to harm or hurt us. All people need to know they are accepted. When we don't show that acceptance we are not showing mercy.
If I want mercy I must show mercy. That is the Gold Rule. Do unto others as ye would have others do unto you. I have to do it first.
Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. (3 Nephi 12:7)
I sure hope people show me a little bit of mercy. More importantly, I hope the Lord gives me mercy when my time on Earth is over. I know I will need it because I am very far from being perfect, even with all the repenting I do. Somehow He will make justice and mercy work together, but how can I be sure I end up on the right side of the balance scale? The scripture says what I have to do: Be merciful.
In order for me to obtain mercy I must first be merciful myself. So I got out my trusty Webster's New World Dictionary and looked up mercy, base word for merciful. Here is what I found: 1. a refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, persons in one's power: kindness in excess of what may be expected of demanded by fairness; forbearance and compassion....a disposition to forgive, pity or be kind; kind or compassionate treatment; relief of suffering...
Well, that about sums it up. Don't hurt others. Not just physically, but I'm sure it also means emotionally and spiritually. Don't punish others when it isn't needed. Be kinder than you should be. Show compassion. Strive to have a disposition to be kind and forgiving to everyone. Give compassionate treatment to others. Help relief their suffering, whether it be emotional, physical, spiritual, or any other way.
Doing all of these nice things requires us to not place requirements for our mercy towards others. The author of the book I am reading says that when we judge others as unworthy of our mercy, we are placing ourselves in jeopardy for not receiving our own mercy.
How many times do I think "Well, they deserve it."? "They must be held accountable for their own actions." "They have to suffer the consequences." "It's their problem, not mine." All of these is true. We even say in the Second Article of Faith "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins....." Individual accountability is an important part of the gospel. We all know it. It keeps us on the right path. But what if I use that principal to justify my own responsibility to show mercy?
The author reminds me about King Benjamin telling his people how they need to look at the needs of others. (Mosiah 4:17) "Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just. (18) But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent. And except he repent...he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God. (19)For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have? .....(22)And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which does not belong to you but to God."
By showing mercy to others I am not losing anything myself. In fact, I am gaining mercy from Jesus Christ. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus reminds us "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matthew 7:1-2) I can't think 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' because other people sin differently than I do. They might do something that I would never do. But I should still show mercy and compassion to them. I need to give my love and let them know that my love is not contingent on my positive judgment of them. I need to show that I am there to help them overcome any problems or situations they face.
At the same time, I have to protect myself from my own pain and suffering. I'm not going to let someone take advantage of me with their attitude of "You must do this for me so that you are showing mercy and aren't judging me!" I had a very fun roommate that I loved so much. She was always saying, "I'm giving you an opportunity to serve me. Please get me a glass of milk!" We always laughed and worked hard to find opportunities for the other person to serve us. I don't think the Lord expects us to show mercy to others at the expense of ourselves. But isn't it nice when we can show actual mercy to others?
Remember the shooting of the Amish school children, and how the Amish people showed mercy to the shooters family? Right now there is a book at Deseret Book about a man who showed mercy towards the person who caused the car accident that claimed the life of his wife and children. We don't need these dramatic situations to happen in order to show mercy. Sometimes we need to show mercy to people who are just suffering from their own situations, not because they have done anything to harm or hurt us. All people need to know they are accepted. When we don't show that acceptance we are not showing mercy.
If I want mercy I must show mercy. That is the Gold Rule. Do unto others as ye would have others do unto you. I have to do it first.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
A Book Most Needed
Last spring I found a book in my house that I had never seen before. I don't know where it came from. I certainly didn't purchase it. I figured someone must have left it, but I don't know when and who it came from. None of my children will admit to leaving it, but none-the-less, it was here for me to read. I picked it up and started reading. What a joy it was. I have loved the things I have been taught. The book is Blessed Are Ye: Finding Your Unique Path to Christ by Chris Huston. It is filled with his thoughts concerning the Beatitude's, the first lessons taught by Christ while he was on the mountainside. All of His teachings, His lessons and sermons, can be found in the simple verses in Matthew Chapter 5. (I have searched for this book on-line but can't find it. The publisher has gone out of business so I don't think it is available any more.)
After reading it I put it aside, but picked it up again to study a bit deeper. With my broken arm I had lots of time to really study the book, along with the scriptures found in each chapter. I decided to really get into the book and learn more about the lessons that I need to learn. I think that is why it was just 'dropped off' at my home.
This week I have poured over verse 9: "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God."
What greater name can we have than to be a child of God? That is one of the first songs we learn in Primary. We teach our children that they are children of God. Why do we have such a difficult time believing that adults are also children of God? Why do we (speaking of myself) not act as though we believe we are children of God? What do I need to change within myself so I am more deserving of that title? It says right in this scripture: Those who are called children of God are the peacemakers.
President Hudson reminds me that I need to have a 'mighty change of heart' as described in Alma 5:14. I need to work on myself to change my heart so I can be a peacemaker. I admit that I fly off the cuff a lot when I need to be more peaceful. I need to be aware of how I can change my attitude so I can see things in a more peaceful frame of mind. I need that change of heart. I am working to remember that, and doing things that have been very difficult so I can bring more peace into my life, and hopefully the life of others, especially my family. I can't change their situations, but I can bring more peace to their minds if I change my heart.
He reminds me that the Golden Rule is just what I need to focus on. I have been the recipient of kindness when I have been in despair. I need to give that kindness to others when I see they need that care. Have you ever felt lonely, sad, or discouraged and someone did something to show they cared? Why is it so hard for me to remember that, to let go of my comfort zone, and give to others when I know how much it helped me? Even if the person needing comfort wasn't the one to give me the encouragement, I need to "pass it on" and help when I see a need. I need to not judge and say they aren't deserving of my care, not leave them alone to take care of their sorrowful feelings themselves. Although they may have gotten themselves into a situation, it doesn't hurt to show that I love them anyway. I know that kind of love helped me. We are told to have unconditional love, so I shouldn't put conditions on my love.
Robert S. Wood is quoted: "...beware of those who stir us up to such anger that calm reflection and charitable feelings are suppressed." (Ensign, May 2006, 93). If I can't show charitable feelings and calmness, I are not able to be a peacemaker, and thereby not able to be called a child of God.
Man! He says so many things that hit home to me, knocked me over the head, and hopefully, I am going to be able to be better. Take this quote from Theodore M. Burton: "Satan would rather have you contend with one another even when we think we are doing it in the cause of righteousness. He knows and recognizes the self-destructive nature of contention under any guise." (Ensign, November 1974, 54).
President Hudson pointed out that we must make peace, by 'gentleness and meekness, and love unfeigned". If we feel there is contention, no peace, then we must make it by showing love unfeigned. I had to look up the word 'unfeigned' to see the true meaning. It means 'real, not fake'. I must love the people I need to make peace with, or those people who need some peace in their life, or those whom I feel contention with. "The peace offered by the Savior calls for empathy rather than judgment, forgiveness instead of resentment, ....active assistance instead of benign neglect, and a life that reflects spiritual dignity instead of natural passions." (Blessed Are Ye, p. 87) I take that to mean I need to feel their pain and want to help them instead of judging them, forgive them instead of feel even a little bit of anger towards them, help them instead of just saying 'Let me know what I can do', and do as Christ would do instead of acting as I normally do. It can be a simple phone call, a text message, a message written just to them on Facebook, a card in the mail, something. That means I need to change a lot!
At the end of the chapter he reminds me that I have the birthright to be God's child, no matter what. But in order to return to Him, and live with Him, I need to learn how to show this love to others.
I know I have a lot of work to do in this area. It isn't something that will just happen because I know it should, it isn't a one time thing, it isn't just change one little thing in my life. It will take a lifetime. I hope people can be patient with me as I go on this journey of change. I won't get it right the first time, the second time, fifth, tenth, or many. I might get it right once in a while. But I will be trying. Please be kind as I work on it.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A Spiritual Feast
We just got back from the Stake Adults Dinner. It was good food, good company, and a great speaker. We sat at a table with President and Sister Johnson and their daughter, along with President and Sister Sharp, AKA Allan and Vickie, our great neighbors, friends, and favorite people. It was fun to visit with all of them, being friends with Garth and Peggy since forever, and Allan and Vickie since we moved back here to Orangeville. So the company and dinner talk was very nice.
We went into the chapel for the speaker and were so spiritually fed. We listened to a beautiful song song by Amy (Tuttle) Bell about the Prophet Joseph Smith. Her clear voice is really calming to listen to. It was a great introduction to the speaker.
Michael Kennedy is a direct descendent of Joseph Smith. In fact, he is the first member of the Smith family to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood since the death of Joseph Smith, Jr. His story is fascinating. I am sure I will not be able to do it justice here because the spirit was so strong, but it is a great testiment to the hand of the Lord in all things. He is now the president of the Joseph Smith, Jr. family organization and has been given the calling from the church leaders to gather the Smith family together once again.
He lived in Nevada and had a high school assignment to research an ancestor who participated in the history of America. His father told him that his 3rd-great grandfather "discovered Utah" and his name was Joseph Smith. Michael thought that should be a good report, so he studied him. His dad brought out a box full of artifacts of the family that he had received from a special aunt. In the box were pictures of Lucy, Emma, a journal, and several other things. He took these items from the box and put them out on the coffee table when a knock came at the door. There were two young men in white shirts with the same first name, "Elder." His father invited them in and they were quite shocked when they recognized the pictures on the table. Bro. Kennedy said he thinks he got the first six discussions in about 20 minutes. The missionaries were returning for several weeks but young Michael kept skipping out on the lessons. Finally his father told him he couldn't do so any more and he listened to the messages. At the same time, across town, the missionaries found another family to teach, one with a young girl. These two people eneded up being the only two baptisms from the elders in that small town. They later married each other. Michael found out later that the missionaries were only assigned to that town for a few weeks as an experiment. What an experiment!
Michael decided he could get baptized, leave to go to college at his father's alma mater, and never hear anything about the church again. So that is what he did. He had been ordained a deacon before leaving to go to college. His girlfriend went to some little college in Rexburg, Idaho.
Michael's father happened to call his aunt, who lived in Independence, and told her that his son was baptized into the LDS church. She told him that she was just visiting with a leader of the LDS church who had been searching out the Smith family and they were interested in finding any descendent of Joseph Smith and she would pass the word along that her nephew had been baptized. The visitor, Buddy Youngreen, was traveling from his home in California to Utah and called on Michael to travel to Salt Lake with him. He was at this time going to school where he thought he would not be noticed as a Mormon. But he was on the road between California and Salt Lake City. Brother Youngreen agreed to pick him up in the city where he was going to school, Cedar City.
They arrived in Salt Lake and had a meeting with President Packer, who introduced him to Bruce R. McConkie. They asked him what he knew about Joseph Smith and he replied that he understood that Joseph Smith had "discovered Utah." They weren't very impressed. During his schooling he still communicated with his girlfriend in Idaho, who said she would marry him but he had to be a returned missionary. He decided to talk with his bishop about that. His bishop said that since he had only been a member for 3 months he would have to think about that, but that he wanted Michael to be open to any inspiration the bishop received. Later, the bishop called him back into his office and said that he was not to go on a mission at that time, but that his mission would affect many people later in his life. So he told his girlfriend, who said that was fine, but she would not get married outside the temple. He went back to the bishop and said he needed to go to the temple. The bishop asked him what priesthood he held and he said he was a deacon. The bishop said he would fix that...Later he told his girlfriend he would probably be able to perform the marriage himself because he was going to become a priest! The bishop had told him that normally a convert had to be a member for a year before he could go to the temple, but he would talk to the authorities about it. Again, he was given permission to be married in the temple after being a member for less than a year. He received the Melchizedek Priesthood and told that he was to gather the Smith family together again.
He said his aunt had submitted names for family members to have their temple work completed, but the names came back with a stamp that said the work could not be done at that time, the time was not right for them. Then he taught us something that I had never realized before and it really hit me as truth. When we die as members of the church, we still have the ability to repent on the other side. We can repent and continue on learning and growing. Those people who are not members of the church lose the ability to repent until they accept the gospel. And since baptism is an earthly ordinance, they cannot repent and continue their growth until that baptism is done. And it is only after the baptism is done that they can have influence on their families here on earth. So, as Bro. Kennedy was trying to get members of the Smith family to listen to the church, to gather together, he was not having much success. He then was granted permission to have the temple work done for them. Before they were not able to have influence over their families here on earth, but the time was now right for them. The family is beginning to come back to the church again. He testified that people on the other side of the veil are waiting for their baptisms to be done so they can influence other families here on earth.
He also spoke about the "ill feelings" members of the church believed existed between Emma and Brigham Young. He said all the research shows that it is not true and that there have been many mis-understandings blown out of context. He said so many interesting things about how documents have been found to dispell these rumors. Here is an interesting article that he shared with us about the Brigham Young Family
He rolled out a long 17 foot chart of the family genealogy of Joseph and Emma Smith. He told about how their descendents are dwindling and how low in numbers they are. There are only a few branches with descendents left. It is interesting to see just where they are and how few there are.
The spirit was so strong when he spoke about Emma and her trials. He is the director of the movie Emma Smith: Her Story. He knows that she and Joseph are waiting for their family to gather again. He told how family genes can be traced back through 25 generations, plenty of generations to trace back the Smith family genes. The family members have taken DNA tests and can show that all of Joseph's descendents have come from Emma's lineage, not from other wives. Descendents of people who have claimed to be wives of Joseph's have also taken these DNA tests and no other people have been found to be descendents from Joseph Smith, Jr.
Bro. Kennedy has such a great, humble spirit. It was so touching to hear the many miracles that have happened in order for Joseph's family to return to the gospel. If anyone gets the change to listen to him, I would highly recommend it. It was the perfect end to a very nice day.
We went into the chapel for the speaker and were so spiritually fed. We listened to a beautiful song song by Amy (Tuttle) Bell about the Prophet Joseph Smith. Her clear voice is really calming to listen to. It was a great introduction to the speaker.
Michael Kennedy is a direct descendent of Joseph Smith. In fact, he is the first member of the Smith family to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood since the death of Joseph Smith, Jr. His story is fascinating. I am sure I will not be able to do it justice here because the spirit was so strong, but it is a great testiment to the hand of the Lord in all things. He is now the president of the Joseph Smith, Jr. family organization and has been given the calling from the church leaders to gather the Smith family together once again.
He lived in Nevada and had a high school assignment to research an ancestor who participated in the history of America. His father told him that his 3rd-great grandfather "discovered Utah" and his name was Joseph Smith. Michael thought that should be a good report, so he studied him. His dad brought out a box full of artifacts of the family that he had received from a special aunt. In the box were pictures of Lucy, Emma, a journal, and several other things. He took these items from the box and put them out on the coffee table when a knock came at the door. There were two young men in white shirts with the same first name, "Elder." His father invited them in and they were quite shocked when they recognized the pictures on the table. Bro. Kennedy said he thinks he got the first six discussions in about 20 minutes. The missionaries were returning for several weeks but young Michael kept skipping out on the lessons. Finally his father told him he couldn't do so any more and he listened to the messages. At the same time, across town, the missionaries found another family to teach, one with a young girl. These two people eneded up being the only two baptisms from the elders in that small town. They later married each other. Michael found out later that the missionaries were only assigned to that town for a few weeks as an experiment. What an experiment!
Michael decided he could get baptized, leave to go to college at his father's alma mater, and never hear anything about the church again. So that is what he did. He had been ordained a deacon before leaving to go to college. His girlfriend went to some little college in Rexburg, Idaho.
Michael's father happened to call his aunt, who lived in Independence, and told her that his son was baptized into the LDS church. She told him that she was just visiting with a leader of the LDS church who had been searching out the Smith family and they were interested in finding any descendent of Joseph Smith and she would pass the word along that her nephew had been baptized. The visitor, Buddy Youngreen, was traveling from his home in California to Utah and called on Michael to travel to Salt Lake with him. He was at this time going to school where he thought he would not be noticed as a Mormon. But he was on the road between California and Salt Lake City. Brother Youngreen agreed to pick him up in the city where he was going to school, Cedar City.
They arrived in Salt Lake and had a meeting with President Packer, who introduced him to Bruce R. McConkie. They asked him what he knew about Joseph Smith and he replied that he understood that Joseph Smith had "discovered Utah." They weren't very impressed. During his schooling he still communicated with his girlfriend in Idaho, who said she would marry him but he had to be a returned missionary. He decided to talk with his bishop about that. His bishop said that since he had only been a member for 3 months he would have to think about that, but that he wanted Michael to be open to any inspiration the bishop received. Later, the bishop called him back into his office and said that he was not to go on a mission at that time, but that his mission would affect many people later in his life. So he told his girlfriend, who said that was fine, but she would not get married outside the temple. He went back to the bishop and said he needed to go to the temple. The bishop asked him what priesthood he held and he said he was a deacon. The bishop said he would fix that...Later he told his girlfriend he would probably be able to perform the marriage himself because he was going to become a priest! The bishop had told him that normally a convert had to be a member for a year before he could go to the temple, but he would talk to the authorities about it. Again, he was given permission to be married in the temple after being a member for less than a year. He received the Melchizedek Priesthood and told that he was to gather the Smith family together again.
He said his aunt had submitted names for family members to have their temple work completed, but the names came back with a stamp that said the work could not be done at that time, the time was not right for them. Then he taught us something that I had never realized before and it really hit me as truth. When we die as members of the church, we still have the ability to repent on the other side. We can repent and continue on learning and growing. Those people who are not members of the church lose the ability to repent until they accept the gospel. And since baptism is an earthly ordinance, they cannot repent and continue their growth until that baptism is done. And it is only after the baptism is done that they can have influence on their families here on earth. So, as Bro. Kennedy was trying to get members of the Smith family to listen to the church, to gather together, he was not having much success. He then was granted permission to have the temple work done for them. Before they were not able to have influence over their families here on earth, but the time was now right for them. The family is beginning to come back to the church again. He testified that people on the other side of the veil are waiting for their baptisms to be done so they can influence other families here on earth.
He also spoke about the "ill feelings" members of the church believed existed between Emma and Brigham Young. He said all the research shows that it is not true and that there have been many mis-understandings blown out of context. He said so many interesting things about how documents have been found to dispell these rumors. Here is an interesting article that he shared with us about the Brigham Young Family
He rolled out a long 17 foot chart of the family genealogy of Joseph and Emma Smith. He told about how their descendents are dwindling and how low in numbers they are. There are only a few branches with descendents left. It is interesting to see just where they are and how few there are.
The spirit was so strong when he spoke about Emma and her trials. He is the director of the movie Emma Smith: Her Story. He knows that she and Joseph are waiting for their family to gather again. He told how family genes can be traced back through 25 generations, plenty of generations to trace back the Smith family genes. The family members have taken DNA tests and can show that all of Joseph's descendents have come from Emma's lineage, not from other wives. Descendents of people who have claimed to be wives of Joseph's have also taken these DNA tests and no other people have been found to be descendents from Joseph Smith, Jr.
Bro. Kennedy has such a great, humble spirit. It was so touching to hear the many miracles that have happened in order for Joseph's family to return to the gospel. If anyone gets the change to listen to him, I would highly recommend it. It was the perfect end to a very nice day.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Counting Cross-stitches
I learned to enjoy handwork from my mother. She taught me to embroidery on dishcloths, pillowcases, and table runners. I don't do much embroidery anymore, but I use those skills when I do cross-stitching. My eyes are getting old and I have a hard time seeing those little squares but I just buy stronger reading classes and enlarge the patterns more. My next purchase may be a large magnifier to wear around my neck to help me see more clearly.
I wanted to leave something special for each of my grandchildren, so a few years ago I decided to stitch them each a Christmas stocking. I have completed three out of six stockings, and am working on the fourth one now, and loving every minute of it. But this weekend I learned a very valuable lesson that I would like to pass on.
In my crocheting and my cross-stitching I have learned to "cheat" a little. If I don't have the exact number of stitches on a row of an afghan, I can increase or decrease as needed and no one can ever tell. I am pretty cleaver at hiding my mistakes. I am also good at helping others hide theirs, or helping them make something look alright after they have reached the point they can't figure out what to do. One time a friend brought me an afghan she was working on because she was in desperate need of help. She had tried to undo some of her work and it just wasn't "undo-ing" correctly and she didn't know what was wrong. It didn't take me long to see she was unpicking from the wrong end, from the beginning of the rows instead of the end. I really had to work backward to get that cleared up.
A few weeks ago as I was working on the Christmas stocking I started working on a new area of the pattern. I counted very carefully over several squares to start this area because it used the same color of thread that I just finished using and I didn't want to change threads. I continued working on the new area until it was ready to be tied into the rest of the completed part. This is when I found it didn't fit in right. Somewhere in my counting I had gotten off, I had made a mistake.
Normally I would be able to just "cheat" a little and make it work, but it was too far off this time and the picture was going to be out of porportion. I have had to pick out the work I had worked on for several day. Would anyone have noticed the mistake? I don't know, perhaps not, but probably because it was about 3 rows off and would end up making everything look just a bit funny in that area.
How many times do we get "just a little bit off"? How many times do we try to cover up a little mistake? Many times our mistakes don't affect the total outcome and we can go on without any problems, the final picture look just fine. But how much "off" is too much? Where does the step happen that creates a problem that causes us to unpick our work?
Repentence is an "unpicking" process. We have to recognize that our mistake will cause a flaw in the big picture and we need to be willing to unpick the threads and correct that mistake. The Lord knows none of us are perfect and allows us to "blend" in our mistakes and still create a good picture of our lives. We don't have to unpick everything, just work around it to correct the wrongs. But there are times when we need to completely take those threads out and start that area again.
There are some threads in that area of my picture that can remain, as long as I selectively those that don't belong there. I am able to start over again and will have a better outcome than before. I have learned that it isn't always best to jump ahead and fill in areas before I work up to that spot. Take things section by section instead of jumping around. Work on one area of my life and get it right before jumping to another without the experience I need to make it right.
With the Lord's help I will be able to complete the picture of my life and all the threads will be in the right place with the right number of squares.
I wanted to leave something special for each of my grandchildren, so a few years ago I decided to stitch them each a Christmas stocking. I have completed three out of six stockings, and am working on the fourth one now, and loving every minute of it. But this weekend I learned a very valuable lesson that I would like to pass on.
In my crocheting and my cross-stitching I have learned to "cheat" a little. If I don't have the exact number of stitches on a row of an afghan, I can increase or decrease as needed and no one can ever tell. I am pretty cleaver at hiding my mistakes. I am also good at helping others hide theirs, or helping them make something look alright after they have reached the point they can't figure out what to do. One time a friend brought me an afghan she was working on because she was in desperate need of help. She had tried to undo some of her work and it just wasn't "undo-ing" correctly and she didn't know what was wrong. It didn't take me long to see she was unpicking from the wrong end, from the beginning of the rows instead of the end. I really had to work backward to get that cleared up.
A few weeks ago as I was working on the Christmas stocking I started working on a new area of the pattern. I counted very carefully over several squares to start this area because it used the same color of thread that I just finished using and I didn't want to change threads. I continued working on the new area until it was ready to be tied into the rest of the completed part. This is when I found it didn't fit in right. Somewhere in my counting I had gotten off, I had made a mistake.
Normally I would be able to just "cheat" a little and make it work, but it was too far off this time and the picture was going to be out of porportion. I have had to pick out the work I had worked on for several day. Would anyone have noticed the mistake? I don't know, perhaps not, but probably because it was about 3 rows off and would end up making everything look just a bit funny in that area.
How many times do we get "just a little bit off"? How many times do we try to cover up a little mistake? Many times our mistakes don't affect the total outcome and we can go on without any problems, the final picture look just fine. But how much "off" is too much? Where does the step happen that creates a problem that causes us to unpick our work?
Repentence is an "unpicking" process. We have to recognize that our mistake will cause a flaw in the big picture and we need to be willing to unpick the threads and correct that mistake. The Lord knows none of us are perfect and allows us to "blend" in our mistakes and still create a good picture of our lives. We don't have to unpick everything, just work around it to correct the wrongs. But there are times when we need to completely take those threads out and start that area again.
There are some threads in that area of my picture that can remain, as long as I selectively those that don't belong there. I am able to start over again and will have a better outcome than before. I have learned that it isn't always best to jump ahead and fill in areas before I work up to that spot. Take things section by section instead of jumping around. Work on one area of my life and get it right before jumping to another without the experience I need to make it right.
With the Lord's help I will be able to complete the picture of my life and all the threads will be in the right place with the right number of squares.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Random Thoughts
This blog started with thoughts that came after the death of my good friend JoyLyn. Today I went to another funeral for another good friend and family member, Connie Ware. Connie worked at our school as a resource aide for about 25 years. She really loved the children and had a special place in her heart for all those who struggled to learn. She was very compassionate and loved to be love by them. I remember us laughing with her when she told the story of one little boy who looked at her so seriouslyand said when she sang she sounded like a horse. She laughed at that comment and never let us forget that she couldn't sing. She was very talented in art and loved to teach the students how to draw. She and I laughed together when one of our family did something really crazy, was was being stubborn. She would laugh and say "It's the Ware in them." I am going to truly miss Connie. But I know that she is feeling so much better now. She was in constant, terrible pain the past two years and is finally free from that painfilled body and her polio crippled leg. She was my son's second mother and a very good wife to my cousin. He stood by her side continually for the past 8 months. I am so glad I went to visit her on her birthday just two weeks before she passed away. I am so happy she is finally pain free again.
One of the family members who attended the funeral was Connie's cousin, Mack Wilberg, who has just yesterday been announced as the new conductor of the Tabernacle Choir. In a previous post I offered him my congratulations, but now it is official. Mack and I had a good visit while at the cemetary. He is still one of the most humble men I know. He very politely thanked everyone who came to shake his hand and give their congratulations. I am so honored to be able to call him my friend. As I said before, I can walk up to him and start a conversation just like we were talking yesterday. And I noticed he still laughs with a jiggle in his shoulders.
I have just been doing some serious thinking about life in general and what I want to work on in my own life. I know there are those out there who would be happy to tell me what I need to do to better myself, but I have plenty I am thinking about myself. I just need to remember one thing, no one is perfect and everyone can find fault if that is what they are looking for. I know I am far from perfect and have lots to work on to get better. And that is one of the reasons I am so thankful for repentance and the atonement of Jesus Christ.
I am reading another book about repentance and the atonement, knowing that I will never fully understand how it all works, but so grateful for the principle of repentence and the knowledge that I can work to become better. It doesn't matter if others don't want to allow me the chance to repent, and continue to think I am unacceptable. What matters most is that Christ is willing to help me overcome any obstacle, condition, or trait where I am lacking. He allows me to have my faults and helps me overcome them. I rely on His help daily and He is always there. Sometimes I struggle with knowing that He is near, but I am working on that as well. I am just thankful that He is not giving up on me yet.
One of the family members who attended the funeral was Connie's cousin, Mack Wilberg, who has just yesterday been announced as the new conductor of the Tabernacle Choir. In a previous post I offered him my congratulations, but now it is official. Mack and I had a good visit while at the cemetary. He is still one of the most humble men I know. He very politely thanked everyone who came to shake his hand and give their congratulations. I am so honored to be able to call him my friend. As I said before, I can walk up to him and start a conversation just like we were talking yesterday. And I noticed he still laughs with a jiggle in his shoulders.
I have just been doing some serious thinking about life in general and what I want to work on in my own life. I know there are those out there who would be happy to tell me what I need to do to better myself, but I have plenty I am thinking about myself. I just need to remember one thing, no one is perfect and everyone can find fault if that is what they are looking for. I know I am far from perfect and have lots to work on to get better. And that is one of the reasons I am so thankful for repentance and the atonement of Jesus Christ.
I am reading another book about repentance and the atonement, knowing that I will never fully understand how it all works, but so grateful for the principle of repentence and the knowledge that I can work to become better. It doesn't matter if others don't want to allow me the chance to repent, and continue to think I am unacceptable. What matters most is that Christ is willing to help me overcome any obstacle, condition, or trait where I am lacking. He allows me to have my faults and helps me overcome them. I rely on His help daily and He is always there. Sometimes I struggle with knowing that He is near, but I am working on that as well. I am just thankful that He is not giving up on me yet.