Inspired of God

Reading: “Welcome to Conference,” President Thomas S. Monson, October 2009 General Conference, Saturday Morning Session

It’s that time again! For the past two conferences I have enjoyed writing about each of the conference talks, and so I am planning on doing the same thing again starting today for the October conference.  Today I read President Monson’s welcome to conference, where one quote in particular stood out:

Those who will address us have sought heaven’s help and direction as they have prepared their messages. They have been impressed concerning that which they will share with us. That we may be filled with the Spirit of the Lord as we listen and learn is my prayer.

Last Sunday in Sunday School we had a discussion about how lucky we are to have inspired guidance by the prophets.  After the many times I have felt the Spirit touch me as I listen to General Conference, I know that the speakers sincerely seek the inspiration of God as they prepare their talks.  This year we had a big event that kept us from watching most of conference live, so I am excited to get to read what each person had to say as I review this last conference.

What were your favorite moments of conference? If you had to pick a particular talk to review, which would you pick?

General Conference Review

Reading: “Welcome to Conference,” President Monson, April 2009 General Conference, Saturday Morning Session

In my last post I told you how much I hate moving.  I haven’t posted since then because we’ve been busy doing just that – moving.  We ended up moving much quicker than anticipated because we were able to sell the last two months of our contract to someone who needed to move in immediately.  We are currently staying with family until we are able to move into the apartment in Provo we have rented for the summer. I will do my best to get back into the routine of posting every day while we are here.

I still hate moving, by the way. Although the move did go very well, so I probably shouldn’t complain.

And thus begins my review of the April 2009 general conference.  Today I read President Monson’s review of the things he has done since the last session of conference, particularly the dedication of several temples.  He says,

Now, my brothers and sisters, I am pleased to report that the Church is doing very well. The work of the Lord continues to move forward uninterrupted.

I think it is wonderful that temples are continuing to be built across the globe.  When I think of the incredible sacrifice that our ancestors went through in order to build the early temples, it makes me happy to wonder what they would think of what we have been able to do today.

Today I am going to get in touch with my brother in Rexburg and see if he would like to go to a session at the new Rexburg temple with me while we are staying up here.

What else has happened over the past year that shows that the work of the Lord continues to move forward?  Anything big? Anything small that means something to you?

Words From a Prophet

Reading: “Until We Meet Again,” President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session

Today I read the last of the talks from general conference.  I have really enjoyed reading all of the talks and am amazed at how much there is to learn and grow from just this single general conference alone.  I am greatful for the knowledge we are blessed with and look forward to many opportunities for growth as I try to live what I learn.

It is somewhat traditional for the prophet to give a farewell talk at the end of conference where he gives parting advice and encouragement to the church.  In this talk some interesting points told by President Monson are:

• We should be good citizens of the countries and communities where we live, reaching out to people of every religion or non-religion.
• We have many opportunities to help those in need.
• Through the donations of church members the church is able to be among the first responders to disasters throughout the world.
• Continuous revelation is a great blessing to us, and we are blessed to live in a time where we have so much of it.
• Eternal life in the presence of God is our most important goal.

Today I was half listening to a TV show my husband was watching while eating lunch and the villain of the story was accused of being a “murderer and a false prophet.”  It made me reflect on how much damage a “false prophet” could do.  This made me even more greatful for our prophet, who leads us the way to go.  And, it is possible for each of us to know that President Monson is the true prophet of God by praying to God and testing the principles he teaches. The more I study and the more I try to live the gospel, the more certain I am that President Monson is a prophet of God.

I don’t really know much about President Monson’s life, so today I’m going to try to find a short biography of him online to read so that I know more about him.  [EDIT:  After writing this I found this website created by the church with a biography and many pictures and even a video.  The wikipedia article also has a more detailed biography. ]

What about President Monson’s final words stood out to you?  Or, how do you know that President Monson is a prophet of God?

Through Small and Simple Things

Reading: “Testimony as a Process,” Elder Carlos A. Godoy of the Seventy, October 2008 General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session

I’m sorry for missing the past few days.  We went to Colorado to find a place to move into in December.  We found a lovely place and are excited to move in a few weeks.

In the scriptures we sometimes read about great conversion experiences, such as Alma the Younger’s visit with the angel, or Paul’s visitation by Christ.  So, sometimes there is an idea that a conversion experience should be big and momentous.  However, Elder Godoy encourages us not to think this way, but rather rely on the smaller experiences with the Spirit.

In order to gain a testimony we should be continually living the gospel.  Elder Godoy says:

Today, after many years as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I might not be able to remember most of the experiences that have shaped my testimony. Still, all of these experiences have left their mark and contributed to my testimony of the restored Church. Today, I have an absolute certainty of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I cannot think of any single great experience in my life that converted me to the gospel.  I can think of several experiences that were special and spiritual, but I feel more that they came after the testimony rather than caused my testimony.  Indeed, my testimony is a product of many small experiences that are happening all the time.

Reflecting on this also made me realize that when I rely on the bigger experiences for my testimony, it is a bad thing over time.  My testimony and love of the gospel is much, much stronger when I am actively trying to help it grow.  When I relax I may be okay for a short time but I can feel myself weaken.

Today I am going to plan a FHE lesson.  We have been doing pretty well the past few weeks in doing something for FHE, but have been lax in really coming up with a lesson.  An FHE lesson is a great way to help your testimony grow as a family.

How do you keep your testimony burning bright?

Unified as One

Reading: “Our Hearts Knit as One,” President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, October 2008 General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

Last Sunday as I was going to church I kept pondering the question how I could encourage our family to be more focused on the gospel.  The answer I came up with surprised me at first, but made a lot of sense.  It was to be closer to and more unified with my husband.  So, while I was reading President Eyring’s talk on unity that is what I kept in mind.

Throughout the talk President Eyring listed many ways that we can encourage unity in our families and in the church:

• Pray together
• Pray for unity
• Stick to the teachings of the prophets
• Do not contend with each other
• Look forward together to joy in the gospel
• Testify of the Savior and His mission
• Revelation encourages unity
• Be humble
• Be a peacemaker
• Search for and focus on what you agree on
• See opportunity in differences
• Avoid judging
• Only speak kindly of others
• Give service

There are a lot ways that we can become more unified in the groups that we inhabit.  My husband and I get along really well, but I can see in this list many ways that I can improve.

Today I am going to get together with my family and have family prayer  before we go to bed.  With everyone going to bed at different times (the baby, my husband, and I) it is often easy to forget.

How do you encourage unity in your family?

Learning, Doing, and Being

Reading, “To Learn, to Do, to Be,” President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, Priesthood Session

How does one fully fulfill the responsiblities of the priesthood?  President Monson gives the following three steps:

• To Learn
• To Do
• To Be

To learn means studying and searching out teachings in the gospel to help guide us on our path. When I search the scriptures, then I am learning what I should do to become like God.

To do means doing those things we should be.  For me, that may mean praying morning and night, reading my scriptures, and being patient and loving with my family.

To be means becoming something more than what we are.  More than just checking off things on a list to do (which is important, in its place) we become Christlike.  When I am truly seeking to become like Christ I find that my whole person changes, more than just improving a few small areas.

Yesterday in church I was feeling like I should try to improve my patience, especially with my family.  So, today I am going to try and find something to read to help me learn more about patience.  Then, from that I’m going to find something specific to do today.  Then, I’m going to pray for help to become a more patient and loving person.

How can you apply the advice that President Monson has given here?

Lift Where You Stand

Reading: “Lift Where You Stand,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, October 2008 General Conference, Priesthood Session

When I was attending BYU-Idaho I once went with my FHE group to one of the weekly FHE question and answer sessions with then-President, now-Elder (apostle) Bednar.  The most memorable question, for me, was when a young woman got up and said that she sometimes felt like she was destined for great things, the implication being a high calling in the church, and asked Elder Bednar what his advice was.  He said firmly that followers of Christ are humble and that it is not good to seek after high offices of the church, but rather those callings go to those who are not seeking them.

In this talk Elder Uchtdorf shares the same message.  He asks us to “lift where we stand” and not to get caught up in seeking after the praise or glory of men. He says,

Brethren, when we stand before the Lord to be judged, will He look upon the positions we have held in the world or even in the Church? Do you suppose that titles we have had other than “husband,” “father,” or “priesthood holder” will mean much to Him? Do you think He will care how packed our schedule was or how many important meetings we attended? Do you suppose that our success in filling our days with appointments will serve as an excuse for failure to spend time with our wife and family?

The Lord judges so very differently from the way we do. He is pleased with the noble servant, not with the self-serving noble.

Because of the way our society works, it is easy to sometimes get the idea that the measure of one’s worthiness and spiritual prowess is found in your church position.  After all, if you are really good at your job you move up and up and are rewarded more and more. When I have found myself starting to think this way it usually makes me feel depressed about my own service.  Because I am so shy I usually struggle with callings that ask me to repeatedly talk in front of people, even kids.  So, I would think, if I struggle with even the smallest of callings, then I must not be very strong spiritually.

I am grateful for talks like this that help us get our minds and hearts back in order.  Our service is not, and should not, be judged by outward recognition or by the “rank” of our calling.  Rather, our service and spiritual worthiness is between us and God.  We can do far more by looking for every opportunity for service, rather than looking for opportunities to be seen serving.

Today, or this weekend, I’m going to try to find some service I can do anonymously.

Do you know people who have been a great blessing in your life but who may not have served in a high ranking position in the church?

Sacrament Worthiness

Reading: “Arms of Safety,” Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy, October 2008 General Conference, Priesthood Session

When we partake of the Sacrament, we renew our baptismal covenants.  It is a way for us to gain forgiveness to some degree of sins over the past week.  Since the Sacrament is so important, we should be worthy when we participate in it.  Elder Jensen teaches these things and especially encourages the Aaronic Priesthood holders to show respect for the Sacrament when adminstering it.

One thing that stood out to me is the meaning of the sacrament that Elder Jensen teaches. He says,

Elder Dallin H. Oaks has testified that there is a spiritual cleansing or healing associated with the sacrament: “The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is a renewal of the covenants and blessings of baptism. We are commanded to repent of our sins and come to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and partake of the sacrament. In the partaking of the bread, we witness that we are willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ and always remember Him and keep His commandments. When we comply with this covenant, the Lord renews the cleansing effect of our baptism. We are made clean and can always have His Spirit to be with us” (“Special Witnesses of Christ,” Liahona, Apr. 2001, 14; Ensign, Apr. 2001, 13).

Elder Jensen’s talk reminded me that the Sacrament is a serious, sacred time and that when I participate I should show the utmost respect.

Usually when I am taking the sacrament I try to pray and think about things in my life I need to improve, or problems I need help with.  Lately, though, I have tended to be a little more casual.  This is in part because I am no longer leading the Sacrament hymn as I was in my old ward before I moved, so I don’t have that reminder.  Also, it is sometimes distracting to have a busy baby who doesn’t want to sit still.  Throw in sometimes getting there late, and it is often hard to really have the right attitude while taking the Sacrament.

Last Sunday we made a special effort to be there early, as I said I would in one of these posts.  We weren’t that early, but it still made a big difference, especially in taking the Sacrament.  This week I’m going to try get us early and also try to really think about the right things while the Sacrament is being passed.

How do you stay focused on the Sacrament when you have distractions, such as little kids to take care of?

Honoring the Priesthood

Reading: “Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well,” Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2008 General Conference, Priesthood Session

The next several talks I write about are from the Priesthood Session of the General Conference.  In this meeting the leadership of the church talks to men who hold the priesthood.  This generally includes every worthy male over the age of 12 in the membership of the church.  There is also a similar meeting that is just for the Relief Society and Young Women, which includes all the women over the age of 18 and between the ages of 12 and 18 respectively. Rather than taking more space to give a greater background on the priesthood and how it operates in our church, I encourage those who want to know more about this topic to go here and here.

The priesthood is defined as the authority to act in the name of God on Earth.  In this talk Elder Scott encourages the members of the priesthood to be worthy of this sacred trust.  The one area he emphasizes the most is that they treat the women of the church with the utmost respect, and their wives with love and tenderness.

Elder Scott states clearly that the fact that men have the priesthood and women do not does not imply that women are second class.  He says,

In some cultures, tradition places a man in a role to dominate, control, and regulate all family affairs. That is not the way of the Lord. In some places the wife is almost owned by her husband, as if she were another of his personal possessions. That is a cruel, unproductive, mistaken vision of marriage encouraged by Lucifer that every priesthood holder must reject. It is founded on the false premise that a man is somehow superior to a woman. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The scriptures confirm that Father in Heaven saved His greatest, most splendid, supreme creation, woman, to the end. Only after all else was completed was woman created. Only then was the work pronounced complete and good.

It is clear that when a man acts in “unrighteous dominion” by treating his wife as second class or as property, he is no longer worthy to hold the priesthood and the power leaves him.

Elder Scott made another comment that rings true sometimes for me as well as for other women I see around me:

By divine design a woman is fundamentally different from a man in many ways. She is compassionate and seeks the interests of others around her. However, that compassionate nature can become overwhelming for women who identify far more to accomplish than they can possibly do, even with the help of the Lord. Some become discouraged because they do not feel they are doing all they should do. I believe this is a feeling that many worthy, effective, devoted women of the Church experience.

I am very blessed to have a husband who loves and respects me.  He is always quick to tell me how greatful he is for the work that I do, even when I feel like I am not doing near as much as I should.  His kind encouragement often helps me to feel better when I may feel inadequate.

I do not have the Priesthood, obviously, but this talk made me feel much more greatful for my husband.  I am greatful for all that he does for me, and love him all the more for it.  Today I am going to tell him how much I love and how greatful I am for him.

To the women: What priesthood holders have blessed your life by honoring their priesthood in the way Elder Scott recommends? To the men: How do you honor your priesthood in your every day life?

Praying Every Morning and Every Night

Reading: “Pray Always,” Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2008 General Conference, Saturday Afternoon Session

Please note that I already wrote about this talk in combination with Elder Bednar’s April conference talk on prayer here.

One of the areas I feel that I could really improve right now is in prayer.  I find that the day-to-day unexpectedness that comes with having a baby, especially in the morning and around bedtime, makes it more difficult for me to remember to pray every morning and every night.  I love to read about prayer because it motivates me to improve in this area.

Elder Bednar suggests that regular prayers are an important part of our relationship with God. He says,

Morning and evening prayers—and all of the prayers in between—are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonition to “pray always” (Luke 21:36; 3 Nephi 18:15, 18; D&C 31:12). Such meaningful prayers are instrumental in obtaining the highest blessings God holds in store for His faithful children.

The prayers we say each day are linked as we build upon the work we did the day before.  Saying prayers that include asking for forgiveness for sins and for help to improve help us to really grow from day to day.

Today I am going to make a prayer rock to help me to remember to say my prayers every morning and every night. As I do that, I will try to tie my prayers together as Elder Bednar suggests.

How do you remember your prayers, and how do you make them more meaningful?