24 Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.

Today's Quote:

And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven.

D&C 127:4

Quote of the Day

We should consider that of ourselves we can do nothing. We are the children of God. We are in darkness, [unless] God enlightens our understanding. We are powerless, [unless] God helps us. The work that we have to do here is of that nature that we cannot do it unless we have the assistance of the Almighty. … Here is the great trouble with men of the world, and too much so with the Elders of Israel; we forget that we are working for God; we forget that we are here in order to carry out certain purposes that we have promised the Lord that we would carry out. It is a glorious work that we are engaged in. It is the work of the Almighty; and He has selected the men and the women whom He knows from past experience will carry out His purposes.  Lorenzo Snow

Fasting

A friend of mine asked me about fasting and so I decided to read up on it before explaining it. Here are some of my favorite thoughts about fasting:

To fast is to go without food and drink voluntarily for a certain period of time. Fasting combined with sincere prayer can strengthen us spiritually, bring us closer to God, and help us prepare ourselves and others to receive His blessings.

Purposes of Fasting

On one occasion, the Savior cast a devil out from a child and used this experience to teach His disciples about the power of prayer and fasting. His disciples asked Him, “Why could not we cast him out?” Jesus answered: “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (See Matthew 17:14-21.)

This account teaches that prayer and fasting can give added strength to those giving and receiving priesthood blessings. The account can also be applied to our personal efforts to live the gospel. If we have a weakness or sin that we have struggled to overcome, we may need to fast and pray in order to receive the help or forgiveness we desire. Like the demon that Christ cast out, our difficulty may be the kind that will go out only through prayer and fasting.

Higher Place of Learning

Places of Learning

Temples are places of learning. Their principal purpose is to provide ordinances necessary for the children of God to enable them to return to dwell with Him. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Everything in the Church—the meetings and activities, the missionary efforts, the lessons taught and the hymns—all lead to the work done in holy temples.

The Lord blesses those who attend to the sacred ordinance work in the temple. And the blessings He gives will not be limited to the time spent in the temple. Those who do temple work will be blessed in all aspects of their lives. Their labors in the temple will strengthen them and refine them spiritually.

from LDS.org

Motherhood in Proper Perspective

Really loved this quote from Henry B Eyring in an amazing, must read talk on Education for Real Life. Serving others and Motherhood isn't valued in society as much as it should be.  Elder Eyring's eternal perspective is so encouraging on days when it seems like too much.

Your service may not be in what the world would recognize as a lofty calling. When the real value of service becomes clear in the judgment of God, some people who worked in quiet anonymity will be the real heroes. Many of them, perhaps most of them, will be the underpaid and underrecognized people who nurtured others. I never visit an elementary school and watch the teachers without thinking about that future day when the rewards will be eternal. I never visit a hospital and watch those who nurse and those who clean without thinking of that. I never visit a workplace where someone serves me and others well, earning wages barely enough to provide the necessities for a family, without thinking of the future. And I never see a mother juggling three little children who are crying while she is smiling, as she shepherds them gently, without seeing in my mind’s eye that day of honor in the presence of the only Judge whose praise will finally matter.

Recognizing Promptings from the Holy Ghost

One idea that came to my mind this week was to make a point to record in my journal everything little thing that I felt was a prompting from the Spirit.  I had been recognizing that I had been prompted in three different ways and heeded two of the promptings but totally missed the other. I realized as I was recognizing these promptings it was helping me to recognize a few more.

Then the thought came to me that by writing down these promptings it will begin to help me recognize more and more promptings from the Holy Ghost.  Thus helping me to listen and heed the Holy Ghost better.  I've mentioned before that when I write in my journal I record things that I have learned from the Holy Ghost in [brackets] in my journal.  That way when I review my entries, I know which ones were my ideas and what was revelation from God.

Walk in the Paths of Virtue

View the first part of the discussion on D & C 25:2 regarding faith here.

Part 2:

As I discussed in my previous post, Doctrine & Covenants section 25 is a revelation received by Joseph Smith to his wife Emma.  However in the last verse (16) it says, "And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen." Although this was received for Emma, it applies to all of us.

In Doctrine and Covenants 25 verse 2 it reads:

"A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion."

The phrase "Walk in the Paths of Virtue" is the action we need to take so the Lord will preserve our life and that we may receive of our Father's inheritance. Virtue is a fading term and concept in the world today.  Few hold it in value and yet the Lord has told us in this verse that it is equally as necessary as being faithful and most importantly, that it is His will.  As President Hinckley said it is part of that price we might pay if we want to receive the associated blessings from our Heavenly Father. So then, we examine how we can "Walk in the Paths of Virtue."  To walk means physical action and movement. It is progress on the straight and narrow path to return to our Father in Heaven . I think it's interesting to note here that Paths is used here in the plural.  I went to Merriam-Webster.com to look up the definition of Virtue:

Definition of VIRTUE

1. 1

   a : conformity to a standard of right : morality
   

   b : a particular moral excellence
   2

   plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy
   3

   : a beneficial quality or power of a thing
   4

   : manly strength or courage : valor
   5

   : a commendable quality or trait : merit
   6

   : a capacity to act : potency
   7

   : chastity especially in a woman

The multiple definitions of Virtue identify the Paths of Virtue we are to follow.

• While I think the definition that society most often associates with the word Virtue is definition #7- the chastity of a woman. Amazing how little value the world gives to this quality that the Lord sees of highest value.   The part of President Hinckley's quote that is of great application to this path of virtue regarding Chastity is: "No woman can afford to demean herself, to belittle herself, to downgrade her abilities or her capacities. Let each be faithful to the great, divine attributes that are within her."  President Hinckley is asking us, reminding us to see ourselves as Jesus Christ and God the Father see us--as we truly are. As their daughters with divine traits and attributes.   Now I don't want to leave this definition of Virtue without looking at it in totality. It says "especially in a woman" but that does not exclude men.  The chastity of men is something rarely even considered in today's society let alone valued.  Men God's children too and deserving of the greatest and highest blessings also?  The world's messages to men does not place value on being a great husband,father, and patriarch.  But one of the greatest blessings in my life and in the eternities is my husband, because he chooses follow God.  And because he chooses faithfulness and virtue he is a great blessing to our children also.  

• Now the first definition of Virtue listed above is particularly interesting to me as I view the world we live in and raise our young daughters.  This two-part definition:

Conformity to a Standard of Right and a Particular Moral Excellence. 

This is a Path of Virtue that I want to teach my daughters to follow.  I have always loved the saying in the scriptures "Let Virtue Garnish thy Thoughts Unceasingly" and I think this definition is worthy of being in our thoughts unceasingly.

My children will not learn it in school, they will not learn it from their friends, or society.  They will learn it in our home.  There is right and wrong.  What society teaches tries to blur the lines making some think that right is wrong and wrong is right.  But the scriptures are very clear and they are our standard.  I am also so thankful for modern-day prophets and the standards that they have set as a guide for me in my youth and my little kids today.  As I read  "For the Strength of the Youth" it is clear that this is "A Particular Moral Excellence".  If you haven't heard of "For the Strength of the Youth" click on the link and study for yourself whether it is good.

• The second Definition is for the plural word Virtues meaning an order of angels.  Is there anything more beautiful and angelic than people that embody Virtue?
• 3rd: a beneficial quality or power of a thing: Virtue is a beneficial quality.  We are blessed with spiritual power when we are virtuous in our lives.  We are protected from the many trials and sorrows that may accompany an unvirtuous life. 
• 4th: manly strength or courage:  We may feel things spiritually, but if we don't physically do the things we are supposed to do (ie: attend church, get baptized, leave the party we know is not good, go to the temple) we won't receive the blessings God has for us.  Doing what is right today takes physical strength or courage, a lot of courage.  
• 5th: A commendable quality or trait: Choosing to live a virtuous life is commendable.  The world may not value it, but we are not seeking after the world's approval, but the Lords.   
• 6th: A capacity to act- Potency:  Having virtue also means having the capacity to act to stand up for what is right.  Everyone has a pretty good idea of right from wrong, but not everyone chooses to do what is right. Virtuous person has the ability to achieve and the capacity to bring about a particular result-standing for what is right and true. 

Blessings

The blessing pronounced in D & C 25:2 is:

I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion.

What a great blessing, that our life can be preserved.  There are fads all over the place to help us live longer and healthier and the only one with the sure promise that our life will be preserved is obedience to God's laws.  By being faithful and virtuous, we shall also receive and inheritance in Zion.

Education

I was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting in a couple of weeks on Education.  So there will probably be a lot of posts on education for the next few weeks.  Here is today's favorite quote:

Education is not merely a good idea, it’s a commandment.” - Elder Uchtdorf 

If we are not constantly learning then we are not progressing and we do not just stay in one place but we beginning going backwards.   I went to college, graduated with my bachelors, but if I don't continue learning and growing my mind then I start forgetting.   I need not only to continue my spiritual studying, but I need to continue secular learning also.

Elder Eyring said: He also cautioned that “your education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. And we will need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn. . . .

“The real life we’re preparing for is eternal life,” President Eyring said. “Secular knowledge has for us eternal significance. Our conviction is that God, our Heavenly Father, wants us to live the life that He does.”

I think my main focus right now needs to be on Spanish.

Quote of the Day:

“Parents are not simply to teach their children,” Elder Bednar said. “Rather, they are to teach them to understand. And understanding is a gift from God.

“. . . Within a Christ-centered home, love, trust, and confidence invite the presence of the Holy Ghost. In such a home the Holy Ghost can teach children to understand. Ultimately, it is not parents who do the teaching. Certainly, parents must diligently and effectively explain basic gospel doctrines, teach true principles, and share sacred experiences. But who truly does the teaching and certifies the truthfulness of what we come to know? The Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead. He is the Comforter who knows all things. He is thereby able to search the minds and hearts of all of us and then tailor a blessing to us, according to our individual needs and circumstances. And it is teaching and certifying by the Spirit that produces understanding. Parents in Zion have the responsibility to establish and maintain that type of Christ-centered and spirit-filled home.”

~Elder Bednar

Bueno

Doctrine and Covenants 90:14-15
14 And from time to time, as shall be manifested by the Comforter, receive revelations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom;

 15 And set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people.

I enjoy learning new things, however learning Spanish has been difficult and let's be honest, I think I've been dragging my feet on this one.  Mostly because instead of sitting down for an hour or two in a class every week, I need to find 15 minutes here or there and sit down with a work book and try to learn it.  Finding the program, LiveMocha.com has helped a lot.  But after reading this scripture, I feel like I need to make learning Spanish a high priority in my life right now.

Draw Nearer to You

While clipping coupons tonight, I figured I'd watch a show online that I had missed and wanted to see.  But a feeling came to me that maybe there was something better that I should be listening to.  So I pulled up LDS.org and browsed through April's General Conference talks.  Elder Eyring's talk, "Come Unto Me" sounded like an area I could use some reinforcement in and so I began.  And then I came to this part of the talk, which applies to someone I love that has been on my mind a lot.  I have prayed to know how to help this person and the Lord has lead me to the answer.

"Many of you have loved ones who are wandering off the path to eternal life. You wonder what more you can do to bring them back. You can depend on the Lord to draw closer to them as you serve Him in faith.

You remember the Lord’s promise to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon when they were away from their families on His errands: “My friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power.”13

Like Alma and King Mosiah, some faithful parents have served the Lord long and well yet have had children who wandered despite their parents’ sacrifice for the Lord. They have done all they could to no apparent avail, even with help from loving and faithful friends.

Alma and the Saints of his day prayed for his son and the sons of King Mosiah. An angel came. Your prayers and the prayers of those who exercise their faith will bring the Lord’s servants to help your family members. They will help them choose the way home to God, even as they are attacked by Satan and his followers, whose purpose it is to destroy families in this life and in eternity.

You remember the words spoken by the angel to Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah in their rebellion: “And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.”14

My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family. But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you and your family with what is best. You will have the comfort of His love and feel the answer of His drawing closer as you reach out your arms in giving service to others. As you bind up the wounds of those in need and offer the cleansing of His Atonement to those who sorrow in sin, the Lord’s power will sustain you. His arms are outstretched with yours to succor and bless the children of our Heavenly Father, including those in your family."

This direction from Elder Eyring gives me hope and helps me to know that I should embrace opportunities to help any of God's children and God will draw nearer to me and sustain my loved ones. God's plan really is so beautiful.

c. None of the above.

The other day I had two people text me with an activity for my kids in the afternoon.  Both were great opportunities that would be good for my kids.  As I am trying to be a little more guided by the Spirit in my life right now, I decided that this would be a good thing to pray about to know what to do.  I didn't feel anything strong either way, so I made my decision and went.

After getting home, I realized my kids and I were exhausted from too many summer activities packed into one week.  I realized that I had only prayed about two options when really there were three.  I now understood that my third option was to not go to either activity at all, but to go home and rest a little and prepare for company that was coming for dinner that evening.

I realized that I had been running faster than I had strength.  When I was praying, the most likely reason I hadn't felt direction either way was because I hadn't considered that neither option was right.

Well, we did survive the crazy, busy day and all ended well.  However, this experience proved to be a preparation for things to come.

We had family in from out of state and we were invited to go and spend one more evening with them.  My kids loved their kids and would have been so excited to spend more time with them since we rarely see them.  For me, family comes first, always.   And I jump at opportunities to spend any time with family and usually bend over backwards to make it happen.

However, when I needed to text back whether or not we were going to come, last weeks experience came to my mind.  I set aside a moment from my children (locked my self in the bathroom) to pray to know if going to see family, although important, was really what was best for my family at that moment.  I felt as I prayed that the distance of the activity, how late it would be when we arrived home, and the stressful day my husband had been having at work all pointed to the conclusion that this would not be the best thing for my family tonight.

My children needed rest and a decent bedtime. My husband needed some quiet time away from work.  And although extended family is important, tonight my immediate family needed to come first.

Lesson learned.