Be an Example

I find it interesting that even though this talk was given many years ago the words still ring true today. Lately the LDS church has been in the spotlight for various reasons such as debates on gay marriage, Romney running for president, and other events that have peaked people’s interests in our beliefs. It is just as important now as it was then to be an example to those around us. People are watching whether or not we know it and though it should not be this way there are those who base their opinions on the actions of a few. Hopefully the few that they judge are being a good example. Overall this quote provides proof that the apostles and prophets are called of God and that their words are important for all generations. We should look to what they have to say to us now and look to the past for what they have said and we will be blessed to know the way to go. 

Gordon B Hinckley, “Drawing Nearer to the Lord,” Ensign, October 1997. 

Perfect Family

I was raised in a family that everyone thought was perfect. People looking in from the outside thought my parents had parenting down and that we were all perfect little kids. Though I was raised well there were still many problems and trials that brought us to where we are today. Even now there are struggles my family is going through that no one would ask for. As I have gone through my study of family life classes I have learned how many ways things can go wrong in the home. It does not mean that it is over and that there is no more hope, it does not mean that we are bad people if we do it wrong. It means that no one is perfect and we should not compare ourselves to others. It is really hard to imagine how others view you, they may think you are the one who is perfect. The best thing to do is to keep trying, and help each other. 

Elder Robert D. Hales, “Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty,” Ensign, May 1999, 32.

Intelligence

It is important to always stay in line with the spirit so that we are open to receive knowledge. When we are prepared then we can anything God asks us to do. Even if we have no idea how to lead a Relief Society or be a Bishop the Lord can guide us. Just as Nephi and Noah were asked to build boats, we can do the impossible through the knowledge God gives us. At the same time I truly believe in seeking out knowledge for ourselves. Nothing you learn will be a waste, and you can always be learning. Just a month ago my husband and I started learning Spanish together. We think it will be a great skill to us and our children. Choose a new skill to learn, read books, and take advantage of what the world has to offer. Knowledge is such a blessing to us and to others when used while living in tune with the spirit.

 Boyd K Packer, “These Things I Know,” Ensign, May 2013, 8.

I'm a Mormon

I completely agree with Sister Dibb. I love this gospel; I love the hope and peace it brings. I think the world should hear it. Then why do I have such a hard time bringing it up with those around me. I see a lot of people each day on the bus to and from work but never have I brought up religion. Maybe it is because I am afraid of being shut down. This reminds me of the scripture in Romans, 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” I do not feel ashamed of the gospel, I just feel ashamed at my ability to share it. Looking in the scriptures there are many apostles who felt the same way and were rejected by entire cities but they still did it. If God could help them overcome their weaknesses in sharing the gospel then why can’t He help me? I want to find the strength and courage they did and be able to bring souls unto Christ. “For the worth of souls is great in the sight of God...how great will be your joy if you bring many souls unto me.”  

Ann M Dibb, Engsign, Nov 2012

Romans 1:16

D&C 18:10, 16

Life Is Like A Piano

When you play just one black key in all the white keys it sounds wrong, this is the same if you look at just one trial or heartache compared to how life is. It does not seem right or fair but sometimes we just have to wait for a little while, just like we have to wait for the next notes to come in a song. Only then can we look back and see how important that experience was to building who we are. Sometimes I try to erase or forget events that hurt me, but when I do I lose the learning experience that comes from those experiences. I do not grow the way I could if I took a trial as a part of the song and let it make beautiful music.

Prayer

One idea recommended to me was to say a prayer for 20 minutes and only say things I was thankful for, without asking for anything. I thought this would be easy and so I started out strong with all the things I was thankful for. That lasted for about 5 minutes. Then I had to really start thinking about things I was grateful for, things that I took for granted every day. This opened my eyes as I realized everything that I had and how much the Lord helps me throughout the small things in the day to day activities. It seemed that any problems I had or anything that I felt I had needed were a small pebble compared to how many blessings I had. There is a lot of power in gratitude and just as the one leper who came back was blessed more than just physically, so too are we blessed beyond our immediate needs when we express gratitude often. 

David A Bednar, "Pray Always" Ensign, Nov 2008

Tempest

What is past is prologue.

Shakespeare, Tempest

These are great words of wisdom. Looking in any book with a prologue you will notice that the prologue is not more than a chapter of the rest of the book. It is so tiny compared to what is to come. That is how all our lives are, whether young or old. There are so many things worth looking towards and working for. When you are young you have an entire life to live and experience. When you are old you have qualities to refine and relationships you are ready to pick up again in the next life. We are immortal and though it is hard to look at how small this chapter of our life is in the big scheme of things, always remember that there is still the rest of the book to be written.