Last week, I taught the Sunday School lesson from Helaman chapters 6-12. I forgot to tell my class this, but I thought Helaman 12: 1-8 really summed up that section well. So, if you weren't going to read the whole assignment, you could just read those 8 verses and get a great little summary and overview of what the previous chapters were about.
Even though my lesson is already overwith, I thought some people might still be interested in this little snippet. Either they are behind me in their lessons, or feel guilty for having not read the assignment or just want to see what I am talking about. : )
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Well, it has happened.
The one thing I've always said would be the hardest job in the church.
Gospel Doctrine Teacher.
I substituted one week for Gospel Doctrine a few years ago. I thought it was very brave and nice of me to offer. I read scriptures so much that week, I was like a full time scriptorian! Several hours a day! And, I did understand why people that teach Gospel Doctrine usually love it---cause there is no way you can spend that much time reading scriptures and thinking scriptural things and not be on a spiritual high! I figured if I had that job permantly, I'd be translated.
Now I don't know if God is getting ready to translate me or if He is just giving me a loving smack and saying "You have to read scriptures everyday! Quit making excuses and just Do it!" I'm guessing it is the 2nd option.
But, just in case, I did point out the first possibility to the Sunday School President who is MY HUSBAND when he asked me about the job. I reccommended he go back to the Lord again for clarification. He said he did and still knew it was the right church job for me. He didn't even act threatened when I said I might be translated and he would be all alone to raise the children and such.
Naturally, I have whined so much about the calling that I am in NO DANGER of translation or any other heavenly action (except maybe lightening). But I figured in a year or two, I may be a kinder, gentler person by then and Bam! He's going to be left to take care of the kids himself. Just in time for my daughter to have a meltdown over college, another kid to reach full blown puberty, and the other teenager to find another girlfriend to LOVE and swear this is the real one, for sure! He'll be sorry then, for sure.
Jodi Wilson taught the lesson today and did a great job....So right there I could see someone that would be perfect for the job. Someone that is not me.
My debut is next week.
So, I figured I'll be thinking scripture so much, that it will be easy to blog about it a bit, which means it is a perfect time to resurrect my Scripture Reading blog. I could fill up a couple pages now of my musings (I've read 10 chapters and a couple commentaries this week, after all.) but I thought I'd feel better in the long run if I actually start organizing my thoughts into a LESSON so this is enough of a post for now.
The one thing I've always said would be the hardest job in the church.
Gospel Doctrine Teacher.
I substituted one week for Gospel Doctrine a few years ago. I thought it was very brave and nice of me to offer. I read scriptures so much that week, I was like a full time scriptorian! Several hours a day! And, I did understand why people that teach Gospel Doctrine usually love it---cause there is no way you can spend that much time reading scriptures and thinking scriptural things and not be on a spiritual high! I figured if I had that job permantly, I'd be translated.
Now I don't know if God is getting ready to translate me or if He is just giving me a loving smack and saying "You have to read scriptures everyday! Quit making excuses and just Do it!" I'm guessing it is the 2nd option.
But, just in case, I did point out the first possibility to the Sunday School President who is MY HUSBAND when he asked me about the job. I reccommended he go back to the Lord again for clarification. He said he did and still knew it was the right church job for me. He didn't even act threatened when I said I might be translated and he would be all alone to raise the children and such.
Naturally, I have whined so much about the calling that I am in NO DANGER of translation or any other heavenly action (except maybe lightening). But I figured in a year or two, I may be a kinder, gentler person by then and Bam! He's going to be left to take care of the kids himself. Just in time for my daughter to have a meltdown over college, another kid to reach full blown puberty, and the other teenager to find another girlfriend to LOVE and swear this is the real one, for sure! He'll be sorry then, for sure.
Jodi Wilson taught the lesson today and did a great job....So right there I could see someone that would be perfect for the job. Someone that is not me.
My debut is next week.
So, I figured I'll be thinking scripture so much, that it will be easy to blog about it a bit, which means it is a perfect time to resurrect my Scripture Reading blog. I could fill up a couple pages now of my musings (I've read 10 chapters and a couple commentaries this week, after all.) but I thought I'd feel better in the long run if I actually start organizing my thoughts into a LESSON so this is enough of a post for now.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Forget Not
So, I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday about a lesson she is going to teach in her Relief Society soon. She was taking part of President Uchdorf's talk this last fall about "forget me nots" and focusing on the importance part about not forgetting to be patient with ourselves and that the Lord loves us. And maybe about not forgetting to be happy now. I am not sure.
The part that caught my attention was her talking about how we often don't remember or recognize our own gifts. There are many more gifts out there besides playing piano, being a great singer, or other "noticable" gift.
We often put ourselves down for what we don't have instead of focusing on what we do have. Some of this is an effort to not be "bragging" and to make sure we appear humble.
As my friend pointed out though, that is not necessary.
The first scripture in the Book of Mormon has Nephi "bragging" about how he had righteous parents, he was favored of the Lord, and he has a lot of knowledge of the teachings of God.
I hadn't thought of this before. To recognize things you are good at isn't bragging about them. It doesn't mean you aren't humble. In fact, you can use this knowledge to thank Heavenly Father for blessing you with these things.
In Nephi 6:5 and 2nd Nephi 5:32, Nephi says that he is writing things that are pleasing unto God.
Nephi is not afraid to acknowledge the good things he does, can do, and is capable of.
D&C 60:2 talks about the Lord's displeasure with those that won't open their mouths, because they hide the talents they were given.
D&C 6:33 Fear not to do Good
D&C 30:11 Always open your mouth for God's cause and don't be afraid of what man can do. That's also said in section 122, verse 9 when Joseph Smith is depressed and down in Liberty Jail.
D&C 82:18 talks about how each of us are to improve upon our talents and seek more so that we can be helpful to each other.
And of course, D&C 46:11 starts talking about all the gifts that are given out. Some of us have one gift and some have another, but everyone has at least one. All the talents and gifts are given so that we can use them to help each other.
When I was talking to my friend about all of this, I kept thinking I had marked a scripture lately about how we can be confident and feel good about ourselves without being wicked, but I can't remember what it was (of course!) I'd love it if someone would post any scriptures they read or know of that confirm this kind of thing.
Meanwhile, let us each acknowledge the talents we've been given, not be afraid to seek for others and remember and be willing to bless other's lives with them.
The part that caught my attention was her talking about how we often don't remember or recognize our own gifts. There are many more gifts out there besides playing piano, being a great singer, or other "noticable" gift.
We often put ourselves down for what we don't have instead of focusing on what we do have. Some of this is an effort to not be "bragging" and to make sure we appear humble.
As my friend pointed out though, that is not necessary.
The first scripture in the Book of Mormon has Nephi "bragging" about how he had righteous parents, he was favored of the Lord, and he has a lot of knowledge of the teachings of God.
I hadn't thought of this before. To recognize things you are good at isn't bragging about them. It doesn't mean you aren't humble. In fact, you can use this knowledge to thank Heavenly Father for blessing you with these things.
In Nephi 6:5 and 2nd Nephi 5:32, Nephi says that he is writing things that are pleasing unto God.
Nephi is not afraid to acknowledge the good things he does, can do, and is capable of.
D&C 60:2 talks about the Lord's displeasure with those that won't open their mouths, because they hide the talents they were given.
D&C 6:33 Fear not to do Good
D&C 30:11 Always open your mouth for God's cause and don't be afraid of what man can do. That's also said in section 122, verse 9 when Joseph Smith is depressed and down in Liberty Jail.
D&C 82:18 talks about how each of us are to improve upon our talents and seek more so that we can be helpful to each other.
And of course, D&C 46:11 starts talking about all the gifts that are given out. Some of us have one gift and some have another, but everyone has at least one. All the talents and gifts are given so that we can use them to help each other.
When I was talking to my friend about all of this, I kept thinking I had marked a scripture lately about how we can be confident and feel good about ourselves without being wicked, but I can't remember what it was (of course!) I'd love it if someone would post any scriptures they read or know of that confirm this kind of thing.
Meanwhile, let us each acknowledge the talents we've been given, not be afraid to seek for others and remember and be willing to bless other's lives with them.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Better then a whole year
Well, I am glad to see it hasn't been a whole year since I have posted. So, that means it has only been about 6 months that I have totally sucked at scripture study. I've exercised, showered, ate cereal, and my hubby is driving the kids to school. With a few early morning minutes (well, this IS early enough morning for me!) of silence and being alone, I thought it doesn't get better than this to study scriptures!
It has been so long though---I couldn't even remember where I was, what I had been studying, what I should read. I've been attending Teacher Development at church, so I am not even up on the Sunday school assignment. I do, however, know that they are studying the Book of Mormon this year. My family has been reading the BofM since March 28, but we are still in first Nephi. (We "took the summer off" and forgot how to get started again, I think). So, it won't be long until Sunday school long passes up the family study. So, I just glanced over 1 nephi 16...which is the chapter my family is reading (obviously just a few verses at a time) and noticed I had underlined "faith and diligence" in verse 29.
From reading the verse, I know Nephi was talking about the Liahona, but I thought it sure did tie in with prayer also. Shockingly, my prayers have been weak, hurried and sporadic lately also. I've been concerned about my crappy prayers and thinking I should work harder and making them more thoughtful, less automatic. Like the Liahona, our directions and answers from the Lord come easiest and most frequently according to the faith and diligence we give it.
Isn't it annoying how you know these things and yet you still don't do them right?
It has been so long though---I couldn't even remember where I was, what I had been studying, what I should read. I've been attending Teacher Development at church, so I am not even up on the Sunday school assignment. I do, however, know that they are studying the Book of Mormon this year. My family has been reading the BofM since March 28, but we are still in first Nephi. (We "took the summer off" and forgot how to get started again, I think). So, it won't be long until Sunday school long passes up the family study. So, I just glanced over 1 nephi 16...which is the chapter my family is reading (obviously just a few verses at a time) and noticed I had underlined "faith and diligence" in verse 29.
From reading the verse, I know Nephi was talking about the Liahona, but I thought it sure did tie in with prayer also. Shockingly, my prayers have been weak, hurried and sporadic lately also. I've been concerned about my crappy prayers and thinking I should work harder and making them more thoughtful, less automatic. Like the Liahona, our directions and answers from the Lord come easiest and most frequently according to the faith and diligence we give it.
Isn't it annoying how you know these things and yet you still don't do them right?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The power
I want to comment a bit more about Esther. You hear those verses and her story referred to frequently in church, but I think there is a real power when you read it.
As a teen of the 80's, I had 6 years of Young Women themes referring to my generation as a chosen or royal generation. The kids my age were saved for this time because of our strength, righteousness, or whatever that could make it through this increasingly wicked world. We had an important work to do in the latter days. It wasn't by chance that we were born at this time.
Naturally, I don't mind being a Totally Awesome Person : ) but we see more generations are still coming to earth so it is not like my generation has heralded in the 2nd coming or something. As we've grown up and had our own children, we've seen our children's strong personality and thought they were definitely held back until the last days. I heard one time that those that are really strong will be really strong in whatever they do---they'll either be against the church or be able to be stalwart in the church. Not so wishy washy as other generations are able to be. These kids will have to choose sides and take a stand.
The world is still getting worse; families are unraveling, the pace of life keeps going faster, truth gets muddled, and it's easier then ever to turn away from righteousness. So, it is easy to think maybe I wasn't part of a royal generation after all. I'm not special. I'm not important.
All of those negative feelings go out the window when I read Esther 4:14..."Who knoweth whether thou are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" We each have things to do while we are here on earth. I'm not sure what all of the stuff I am suppose to do is, but it probably isn't to get favor with a king or save a nation. I think it is probably something much more quieter regarding individuals instead of an entire people, but when I read about Esther, I feel the power there saying we each need to stay strong, have faith in God, and press forward. Our life is not an accident.
As a teen of the 80's, I had 6 years of Young Women themes referring to my generation as a chosen or royal generation. The kids my age were saved for this time because of our strength, righteousness, or whatever that could make it through this increasingly wicked world. We had an important work to do in the latter days. It wasn't by chance that we were born at this time.
Naturally, I don't mind being a Totally Awesome Person : ) but we see more generations are still coming to earth so it is not like my generation has heralded in the 2nd coming or something. As we've grown up and had our own children, we've seen our children's strong personality and thought they were definitely held back until the last days. I heard one time that those that are really strong will be really strong in whatever they do---they'll either be against the church or be able to be stalwart in the church. Not so wishy washy as other generations are able to be. These kids will have to choose sides and take a stand.
The world is still getting worse; families are unraveling, the pace of life keeps going faster, truth gets muddled, and it's easier then ever to turn away from righteousness. So, it is easy to think maybe I wasn't part of a royal generation after all. I'm not special. I'm not important.
All of those negative feelings go out the window when I read Esther 4:14..."Who knoweth whether thou are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" We each have things to do while we are here on earth. I'm not sure what all of the stuff I am suppose to do is, but it probably isn't to get favor with a king or save a nation. I think it is probably something much more quieter regarding individuals instead of an entire people, but when I read about Esther, I feel the power there saying we each need to stay strong, have faith in God, and press forward. Our life is not an accident.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
To participate
I'm writing in purple today in honor of Esther. Purple is associated with royalty and Esther was a Queen.
We had a great lesson in RS yesterday! The Bishop taught a combined RS-Priesthood lesson cause it was the 5th Sunday.
Bishop Huntington pointed out Esther 4:14 where Mordecai tells Esther if she doesn't go in and talk to the King about saving the Jews then relief and deliverance will come from another place. I bet you never noticed that before, but you read it!
"But thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
So Mordecai knows that the Jews will be saved by God. Maybe not even right now since he says thy father's house shall be destroyed, but he knows that God's work will still go forth. If not right then, then later with someone else.
My Bishop said that is the way it is with us. God's work will go forward. It is up to us whether we participate in it or not. There are things for us to do--like Esther--but if we don't step up and do it, it doesn't stop God's work. He will find others that will keep it going.
Worth pondering.
We had a great lesson in RS yesterday! The Bishop taught a combined RS-Priesthood lesson cause it was the 5th Sunday.
Bishop Huntington pointed out Esther 4:14 where Mordecai tells Esther if she doesn't go in and talk to the King about saving the Jews then relief and deliverance will come from another place. I bet you never noticed that before, but you read it!
"But thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
So Mordecai knows that the Jews will be saved by God. Maybe not even right now since he says thy father's house shall be destroyed, but he knows that God's work will still go forth. If not right then, then later with someone else.
My Bishop said that is the way it is with us. God's work will go forward. It is up to us whether we participate in it or not. There are things for us to do--like Esther--but if we don't step up and do it, it doesn't stop God's work. He will find others that will keep it going.
Worth pondering.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
A beautiful visual
This is the handout from our lesson this past Sunday. It is from President Uchdorf's talk in this last April's conference about waiting on the road to Damascus.
"The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle. One piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear hot it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us---not all at once, but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed."
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