The Cover To Cover Challenge

8 Short Weeks

2010-02-06T21:12:00.002-07:00

That's right, only 8 more weeks until General Conference! Hope you're keeping up on your reading. If your not keeping up, Sunday afternoons are the perfect time to catch up! (I'll be doing a bit of that myself.)

Take the challenge; meet the goal!

Prayer & Promptings

2010-01-05T16:32:00.004-07:00

So I read President Packer's talk this morning while I was on the Elliptical (does crying while you work out burn extra calories?) and suddenly remembered why I loved it so much when I first heard it. As a matter of fact, it was our Family Home Evening lesson the 2nd week after General Conference (the first being Elder Bednar's talk).

The thing that hit me the most today were these two quotes: "This process is not reserved for the prophets alone. The gift of the Holy Ghost operates equally with men, women, and even little children." and "That same Spirit can prompt you and protect you."

All my life I've heard those amazing stories of someone following a prompting and seeing remarkable manifestations of why they needed to follow that prompting. I guess I *know* that it happens and that it can happen for me, it was just really good to hear President Packer remind me that the principle is true, and is "not uncommon in the Church...[these experiences of prompting and prayer] are part of the revelation our Heavenly Father has provided for us."

Being an animal lover, the story of Bossy Cow really stuck out to me. She had just had a calf but was not expected to live through the day. President Packer's son praying for her simply said "Heavenly Father, please bless Bossy cow so that she will get to be all right."

President Packer continues: "I told of the incident and said, "[My son] must learn that we do not get everything we pray for just that easily." There was a lesson to be learned, but it was I who learned it, not my son. When I returned Sunday night, Bossy had "got to be all right.""

I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. I'm grateful for this awesome reminder from President Packer. It's what I needed to hear today.

More Diligent and Concerend at Home

2009-12-06T06:18:00.003-07:00

This talk given by Elder Bednar was seriously an answer to my prayers! {Thank you, Heavenly Father!}

Don't you love it when one of the Apostles mentions a phrase from the scriptures and you know exactly what they're talking about? It hasn't happened to me a whole lot, but this was one of the times it did, and it was awesome! In February I wrote a post on my blog about the 93rd section of the Doctrine and Covenants (read it here), so when Elder Bednar began his address by talking about that section, it grabbed my attention right away. He suggests three ways we can become "more diligent and concerned at home". #1: Express Love - and Show It, #2: Bear Testimony - and Live It, & #3: Be Consistent.

I love how he uses the same phrasing in the first two suggestions.
"Each of us already knows we should [tell the people we love that we love them; bear testimony to the people we love the most.] But what we know is not always reflected in what we do. We may feel unsure, awkward, or even perhaps a bit embarrassed.
"As disciples of the Savior, we are not merely striving to know more; rather, we need to consistently do more of what we know is right and become better."

But oh, my favorite part of this talk is the third section. I love hearing about Elder Bednar's family prayers, scripture study, and family home evening attempts. I love hearing "He's touching me!" "Make him stop looking at me!" "Mom, he's breathing my air!" I love hearing him say "At times Sister Bednar and I were exasperated because the righteous habits we worked so hard to foster did not seem to yield immediately the spiritual results we wanted and expected." {Boy, do I know what that feels like!} I love love love the analogy of the painting in his office.

"In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.

"Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results."

This gives me so much hope! It helps me to remember that the little things that I accomplish (or possibly feel like I've even failed at) may someday create something incredibly more beautiful and more powerful than the small actions alone. Seriously, how great is that!?

I know that as we strive to be 'more diligent and concerned at home' - by expressing and showing love, bearing and living our testimony, and being consistent (avoiding all hypocrisy and making what we say and what we do match more closely), we will be blessed, we will be happy, and we will draw closer to our Father in Heaven. I think I may just have to review this talk on a weekly basis.

The Comforter - Misty's Take on Vicki F. Matsumori's Talk

2009-11-28T11:02:00.009-07:00

I remember when I left for college. It was in a different state, a completely different atmosphere, and I was a LONG way from home. But my parents knew that I would learn things there. They knew that I would have opportunities there that I couldn't have anywhere else, and that I would have the chance to make my own decisions. So off I went. I remember the first night in my dorm room, laying on the hard wooden bed, staring at the ceiling, and clinging to the Noah's Ark Blanket - my comforter -that my mom had made for me when I was twelve. The comforter was the one thing that reminded me of home, that made me feel secure, that made me feel safe.

Heavenly Father sent each of us to a different place - away from home - to get our education. He gives us unlimited nights, weekends, and daytimes to call home. He also gave us a gift; a Comforter, to help us feel safe and secure and to protect us against the elements. He knew we would get cold, he knew that we would get lonely, and he knew that we would get homesick, so he gave us a little piece of home to take with us.

Sister Matsumori tells this story:

"A Sunbeam teacher wrapped each of her class members one by one in a blanket to teach them how the Spirit feels like the comfort and security of that covering. A visiting mother also heard the lesson. Many months later the mother thanked the teacher. She told how she had been less active when she accompanied her young daughter to Primary. Several weeks after the lesson, the mother suffered a miscarriage. She was overcome with grief when suddenly she felt a great warmth and peace. It felt like someone had covered her with a warm blanket. She recognized the reassurance of the Spirit and knew that Heavenly Father was aware of her and that He loved her."

Really, what better name is there for the Holy Ghost than "The Comforter"?

{There were SO many more things I loved in this talk. What were your favorite things?}

Gaining Spiritual Guidance

2009-11-20T16:33:00.005-07:00

Well, it's Friday already. Hopefully you've been able to read your first two talks by now. I have to agree with the comment Pam made on my last post -- there is A LOT of focus here already about living worthy of the Spirit and then following the inspiration we receive.

I loved Elder Scott's talk, and yes - I already have quotes to print out and stick on my fridge. I think my favorite was this one

"The Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you."

I think it definitely makes a difference in my life when I 1. Pray and ask the Lord to send me inspiration, 2. Pray that I will recognize the inspiration when it comes and 3. Act on the promptings I receive. President Monson reminds us here of the advice to "Pray as though everything depended upon God; Work as though everything depended upon you." So we should be praying hard for the inspiration to come and then working hard for it to continue. I've even been trying to act on promptings when I have no idea if they are actually promptings or not (although we know that if it leads us to do good, then it's from Heavenly Father, yes?) and trying to learn how to recognize that inspiration more easily. And I can tell I need a lot more practice! But that's what it's all about right? So what have you been doing lately to "gain spiritual guidance"?

***

P.S. I absolutely LOVE the picture on page 9. I dunno, just something about it...

October Reading Schedule

2009-11-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Week One: November 15-21
"Welcome To Conference" - Thomas S. Monson pg. 4
"To Acquire Spiritual Guidance" - Richard G. Scott pg. 6

Week Two: November 22-28
"Helping Others Recognize the Whisperings of the Spirit" - Vicki F. Matsumori pg. 10
"That Your Burdens May Be Light" - L. Whitney Clayton pg. 12

Week Three: November 29-December 5
"Teaching Helps Save Lives" - Russell T. Osguthorpe pg. 15
"More Diligent and Concerned at Home" - David A. Bednar pg. 17

Week Four: December 6-12
"The Love of God" - Dieter F. Uchtdorf pg. 21
The Sustaining of Church Officers pg. 25

Week Five: December 13-19
"Love and Law" - Dallin H. Oaks pg. 26
"Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ" - Robert D. Hales pg. 29

Week Six: December 20-26
"Attempting the Impossible" - Jorge F. Zeballos pg. 33
"Joseph Smith -- Prophet of the Restoration" - Tad R. Callister pg. 35

Week Seven: December 27-January 2
"Being Temperate in All Things" - Kent D. Watson pg. 38
"Repent...That I May Heal You" - Neil L. Anderson pg. 40

Week Eight: January 3-9
"Prayer and Promptings" - Boyd K. Packer pg. 43
"Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship" - M. Russell Ballard pg. 47

Week Nine: January 10-16
"Becoming More Powerful Priesthood Holders" - Walter F. Gonzalez pg. 50
"I Love Loud Boys" - Yoon Hwan Choi pg. 53

Week Ten: January 17-23
"Two Principles for Any Economy" - Dieter F. Uchtdorf pg. 55
"Be Ready" - Henry B. Eyring pg. 59

Week Eleven: January 24-30
"School Thy Feelings, O My Brother" - Thomas S. Monson pg. 62
"Our Perfect Example" - Henry B. Eyring pg. 70

Week Twelve: January 31-February 6
"The Past Way of Facing the Future" - L. Tom Perry pg. 73
"Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts" - H. David Burton pg. 76

Week Thirteen: February 7-13
"Hold On" - Ann M. Dibb pg. 79
"Ask, Seek, Knock" - Russell M. Nelson pg. 81

Week Fourteen: February 14-20
"What Have I Done for Someone Today?" - Thomas S. Monson pg. 84
"Safety for the Soul" - Jeffrey R. Holland pg. 88

Week Fifteen: February 21-27
"Stewardship-a Sacred Trust" - Quentin L. Cook pg. 91
"A Call to the Rising Generation" - Brent H. Nielson pg. 95

Week Sixteen: February 28-March 6
"Preserving the Heart's Might Change" - Dale G. Renlund pg. 97
"An Easiness and Willingness to Believe" - Michael T. Ringwood pg. 100

Week Seventeen: March 7-13
"Blessings of the Gospel Available to All" - Joseph W. Sitati pg. 103
"Moral Discipline" - D. Todd Christofferson pg. 105

Week Eighteen: March 14-20
"Closing Remarks" - Thomas S. Monson pg. 109
"Relief Society: A Sacred Work" - Julie B. Beck pg. 110

Week Nineteen: March 21-27
"Every Woman Needs Relief Society" - Silvia H. Allred pg. 115
"Mind the Gap" - Barbara Thompson pg. 118

Week Twenty: March 28-April 2
"The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society" - Henry B. Eyring pg. 121

Get Ready!

2009-11-09T19:29:00.006-07:00

Alright, ya'll....hope you're gearin' up for another round of The Cover To Cover Challenge! You should have received your November Ensign by now...unless you're me. Mine still hasn't come yet, so I had to beg one from Barb. But YOU, you should have yours. Right?

Round two will start NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15. I'll have the schedule up and ready for you to enjoy. See you then!

Getting The Most Out Of Conference

2009-09-30T12:50:00.004-06:00

"Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all [the Prophet's] words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory."

(Doctrine and Covenants 21:4-6)

Conference is coming up on Saturday! Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

Avoid Distraction
Keep A Conference Journal
Look for a Topic of Interest
Think of a Personal Need
Make and keep traditions -- a big breakfast, tying quilts, ice cream between sessions, etc.
Get to Know the Speakers

Did You Know?
President Monson was born in Salt Lake City. He became bishop at the age of 23 and was ordained an Apostle at the age of 36. He served in the United States Navy during World War 2, was married in the Salt Lake Temple and has three children. He graduated from the University of Utah and got his MBA from BYU. He has received the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award, Silver Buffalo Award, and international Scouting's highest award, the Bronze Wolf. He enjoys fishing, raising pigeons, and basketball.

President Eyring was born in New Jersey. His father was a brilliant scientist. He married Kathleen Johnson in the Logan Temple and they have six children. He holds a B.S. degree in Physics from the U of U and a Master and Doctor of Business Administration from Harvard. He is related to Spencer W. Kimball. He served a mission in the Western States Mission and served in the US Air Force. He likes to water color and cook.

President Uchtdorf was born in 1940 in Czechoslovakia. He was six years old when his family joined the Church. He was a refugee in war-torn Germany during World War Two. He joined the German Air Force in 1959 and received his pilot wings in Big Spring, Texas. He was an airline pilot for 26 years. He was married in the Bern, Switzerland Temple and has two sons. He enjoys traveling, photography, classical music and stargazing.

President Packer just turned 75 on September 10. He was born in Brigham City, and has 10 kids. He served as a bomber pilot during World War 2. He was ordained an Apostle in 1970. He served as the President of the New England Mission. He is an educator by profession and also has his Bachelors Degree from Weber State, his Masters from Utah State and his Doctorate of Education from BYU. He is an artist, and like sketching, painting, and drawing birds.

L. Tom Perry was born in Logan in 1922. He served a mission to the Northern States and then served for two years with the Marines. He received his B.S. degree in finance from Utah State University. He married Virginia Lee in the Logan Temple and has three children. His wife passed away in 1974. Two years later, he married Barbara Dayton in the Salt Lake Temple. When he was a teenager, his nickname was "Stretch" because he was so tall. He really enjoys sports.

Russell M. Nelson was born on September 9, 1924. He is an internationally known heart surgeon. He graduated with his Masters Degree from the University of Utah at the age of 23, and his PhD at the age of 30. He has performed open heart surgery on Harold B. Lee and Spencer W. Kimball. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He married Dantzel White and has 10 children, 9 daughters and 1 son. He has 55 grand children. His wife passed away in 2005. He married Wendy L. Watson in 2006. He loves music.

Dallin H. Oaks was raised in Payson! His father died when he was only eight years old, and three years later he began working to help his mother. His first job was to sweep at a radio repair shop. Because of that job, he became interested in radios. Before he was sixteen years old, he had earned his radio/telephone license and gotten a job working for a radio company. Soon after, he was working regularly as an announcer. It was while Elder Oaks was announcing a high school basketball game that he met June Dixon, whom he later married. He graduated from BYU and then went to The University of Chicago Law School where he graduated at the age of 25. He was a law clerk to the US Supreme Court and President of BYU. He has six children and enjoys fishing and camping. His wife, June, passed away in 1998. He married Kristen McCain in 2000.

M. Russell Ballard's birthday is coming up on October 8. He will be 71. He served a mission to England. Prior to his call to be an Apostle in 1985, he had interests in the automotive, real estate, and investment businesses. Both of his grandfathers were apostles and his great-grandfather was Joseph F. Smith. He was married in the Salt Lake Temple and he and his wife Barbara have seven children. His hobbies are fishing and golfing, and he enjoys fixing things.

Richard G. Scott was born in Pocatello, Idaho. When he was 5, his family moved to Washington D.C. He graduated from George Washington University as a mechanical engineer, and did post graduate work in nuclear engineering. He helped develop nuclear power plants for submarines and aircraft carriers. He served a mission in Uruguay. He married his wife, Jeanene in the Manti temple. They have seven children. Jeanene passed away in 1995, and Elder Scott has never remarried. His hobbies include music, painting, bird watching, and enjoying nature.

Robert D. Hales was born in New York. He is a graduate of the University of Utah and holds a master of business administration degree from Harvard. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a jet fighter pilot and intelligence officer. Professionally, he had a distinguished business career. He served in executive positions with three major national companies, and was CEO of Max Factor. He served as Mission President in the England London Mission, and has served as bishop in Weston, Massachusetts, Chicago, Illinois, and Frankfurt, Germany. He also served as a branch president in Seville, Spain. He has two sons. He enjoys baseball and playing the piano.

Jeffrey R. Holland was born in St. George. He loves sports, and was on Dixie High School’s state championship football and basketball teams and lettered in football, basketball, track, and baseball. After his mission, he was the co-captain of the Dixie College basketball team that won the conference championship. He served a mission in England. He married a cheerleader, Patricia Holland, and they have 3 kids. He received his bachelor and master degrees in English and Religious Education from BYU. He obtained master and doctor of philosophy degrees in American Studies from Yale University. He still loves sports and enjoys spending time with his family.

David A. Bednar was born in California. His father wasn't a member of the Church, but was baptized by Elder Bednar after Elder Bednar returned from his mission in Southern Germany. He attended BYU, where he received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. He also received a doctoral degree in organizational behavior from Purdue. He was President of Ricks College and helped the school make the transition to a four-year university (BYU–Idaho). He was also an assistant professor at Texas Tech University and a professor of management at the University of Arkansas. He was He and his wife Susan were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They have three sons.

Quentin L. Cook was born in Logan and is the great-great grandson of Heber C. Kimball. He served a mission in England, where one of his companions was Jeffrey R. Holland. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Gaddie in the Logan Temple and they have three children. He graduated from USU with a bachelor's degree in political science and from Stanford Law School. Elder Cook was the captain of his high school football team.

D. Todd Christofferson was born in American Fork and grew up in Pleasant Grove. He served as a missionary in Argentina. He earned his bachelor’s degree from BYU, where he was a Hinckley Scholar, and earned his law degree from Duke University. He began his law career as a law clerk to Judge John J. Sirica during the Watergate hearings. He and his wife, Katherine, were married in the Salt Lake Temple and are parents of five children.

Neil L. Andersen was born in Logan, and raised in Pocatello, Idaho on a dairy farm. He served a mission in France, and later served as the Mission President in France. He graduated from BYU, where he was a Hinckley Scholar, and earned a masters of business administration from Harvard. He supervised Church audiovisual production, including the filming of The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd and managed construction of the broadcast facilities in the Conference Center as the executive director of the Church Audiovisual Department. He speaks four languages, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. He and his wife have four children.

{We live in an amazing time!} You can find activity packets for your little ones (and even big ones) here, here, or here. Just download and print!

So please, please take advantage of Conference this weekend! Think of a need you have right now....concern for a family member or friend, help with a calling, strength to overcome a trial or temptation....write your concern down in your journal, and then see what they brethren have to say to you! The Lord will answer your prayers!

Happy Conferencing!

This is it...

2009-09-28T09:52:00.005-06:00

The last reading assignment of the challenge! Woohoo! I'm so glad you made it this far! If you finish before Saturday, be sure to come to our Sweet Reward Party on Oct. 13. It's gonna be a blast!

Week 16 (September 27 - October 2)

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 120 "Come Let Us Go Up to the

Mountain of the Lord"

~ Elaine S. Dalton

Pg. 123 "May You Have Courage"

~ Thomas S. Monson

And remember to watch General Conference beginning Saturday, October 3! It's going to be great!

Week 15 (September 20-26)

2009-09-20T08:00:00.001-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 114 "Be Thou An Example of the Believers"

~ Ann M. Dibb

Pg. 117 "A Virtuous Life - Step By Step"

~ Mary N. Cook

Week 14 (September 13-19)

2009-09-13T08:00:00.002-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 106 "His Servants, the Prophets"

~ F. Michael Watson

Pg. 109 "Bring Souls Unto Me"

~ L. Tom Perry

Pg. 112 "Until We Meet Again"

~ Thomas S. Monson

Let it be known that I've slipped up a bit this last week and have some catching up to do this afternoon! But if I can do it, you can do it! We're so close! And remember, even if you're not reading on the same schedule, as long as you finish the conference addresses, you're still welcome to come to our Sweet Reward. It's going to be...well...sweet. Suh-weet!

Week 13 (September 6-12)

2009-09-06T14:19:00.000-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 101 "Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples"

~ Gary E. Stevenson

Pg. 104 "Gifts To Help Us Navigate Our Life"

~ Jose A. Teixeira

Week 12 (Aug 30-Sept 5)

2009-09-01T14:20:00.002-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 93 "Unselfish Service" ~ Dallin H. Oaks

Pg. 97 "Honorably Hold a Name & a Standing"

~ David A. Bednar

"None Were With Him"

2009-08-26T09:44:00.005-06:00

There are pros and cons to having an extra copy of the Enisgn to pack around with you. The biggest pro is that you always have it, so if you're...let's say at a Doctor's Appointment...you can pull it out and get some reading in. The con? Crying like a baby in the waiting room of the Doctor's Office while reading amazing talks like this one. (It's a good thing I was the only patient there.)

Click here to read the whole talk.

Week 11 (August 23-29)

2009-08-23T11:24:00.002-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 83 "His Arm Is Sufficient"

~ Barbara Thompson

Pg. 86 "None Were With Him" ~ Jeffrey R. Holland

Pg. 89 "Be of Good Cheer" ~ Thomas S. Monson

Week 10 (August 16-22)

2009-08-16T07:25:00.003-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 75 "The Way of the Disciple"

~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Pg. 78 "Come Unto Him" ~ Neil L. Anderson

Pg. 81 "Get On With Our Lives" ~ Steven E. Snow

Elder Costa & President Uchtdorf

2009-08-09T21:31:00.005-06:00

So is anyone else tired of reading "I loved this talk!" Or "The part I liked most was..."? I'm tired of typing it! HOWEVER ---> It's the best I can do, and you only have to tolerate it for a few more months. Hmmm, let's try to be a little more original tonight, shall we? Here goes:

As I was reading Elder Costa's talk about the Priesthood, the impression I felt most was centered on having Family Home Evening. We do pretty good most weeks...we have FHE after dinner when the boys are still strapped in their high chairs and we can contain them. (Agency is a principle we'll be teaching a little later in our family...) We've been using the lessons from the Nursery Manual and have been able to teach some basic Gospel Principles. But - using the sentiment from Sis. Lovell a few weeks ago - it's never perfect like the pictures in the Ensign of families having FHE. Aaron's usually screaming at the top of his lungs (not angrily - he just likes to hear himself scream), AJ is either throwing the pieces of dinner he didn't eat or spitting (his new-found favorite pastime). Some nights we finish with the lesson, get through a quick rendition of "I Am A Child of God" and I'm on the verge of tears wondering why we even bother trying -- is it really doing any good?

I know, I know. It IS doing good, and it's what we're supposed to be doing. But boy, is it hard sometimes! Do any of you wise women have any tips you can give this crazy mom? I've heard lots of great tips for older Primary-aged kids and teenagers, but this toddler stage is really tough! What did you do for FHE when you had little ones? Or even, what are some of the blessings you've received from having Family Home Evening faithfully? Some reassuring success stories would sure do me good right about now!

~*~

I had a really cool experience this last week. President Uchtdorf is another one of those men whose voice I can hear when I read his talks. As I was reading his Priesthood Session talk, I could hear his voice in my mind like always, but as I got to the end of his talk, the volume of his voice was turned up a few notches. I could hear him...speaking each word deliberately and with such strong conviction as he said

"I bear solemn testimony that God lives and is mindful of each one of us. He will stretch forth His hand and uphold those who rise up and bear the priesthood with honor, for in these latter days He has a great work for us to do.

This gospel does not come from man. The doctrine of the Church is not someone’s best guess as to the meaning of ancient scripture. It is the truth of heaven revealed by God Himself. I testify that Joseph Smith saw what he said he saw. He truly looked into the heavens and communed with God the Father and the Son and with angels.
I bear witness that Heavenly Father speaks to those who seek Him in spirit and in truth. I have witnessed with my own eyes and joyfully testify that in our day, God speaks through His prophet, seer, and revelator, even Thomas S. Monson.
My dear brethren, like Nehemiah, we have a great work to do. We stand overlooking the horizon of our age. It is my fervent prayer that in spite of temptations, we will never lower our standards; that in spite of distractions, wherever they may come from, we will not lose focus on what matters most; that we will stand resolute and together, shoulder to shoulder, as we valiantly bear the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray that we may be worthy of the holy priesthood of Almighty God and, to a man, lift our heads and with unwavering voice proclaim to the world, “We are doing a great work, and we will not come down.” In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

...

As I read this - and heard this - I cried. I could FEEL the power of his testimony through page 62 of my crinkly, folded up Ensign. It was really, really cool.

And I'm adding "I am doing a great work and cannot come down." AND "Don't lose focus on what matters most." to my Fridge Quotes. (I'm really going to need a bigger refrigerator.)

Week 9 (August 9-15)

2009-08-09T17:08:00.003-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 63 "Man Down!" ~ Henry B. Eyring

Pg. 67 "Be Your Best Self" ~ Thomas S. Monson

Week 8 (August 2-8)

2009-08-02T14:44:00.001-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 56 "Priesthood Responsibilities" ~ Claudio R.M. Costa

Pg. 59 "We Are Doing a Great Work & Cannot Come Down" ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

WOW!

2009-07-26T13:56:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I know I'm a little late and we're moving on to the Priesthood Session talks (hooray!), but Elder Scott's and Elder Nelson's talks NEED to have a post! WOW! I remember being so touched during Conference when I heard Elder Scott share his experience of losing his children and wife and expressing his gratitude for the temple ordinances that help families be together beyond the grave. Reading it again only made it better.

First of all, Lesson For Misty: Get to the Temple! Adam and I aren't able to go as often as we did before we had children, but we need to get in gear and make it a priority again. We find the time to have date night, to visit with friends, to go to a movie, but our temple attendance has been pretty sad as of late. I needed to hear Him remind me to get my act together and take advantage of the blessings offered by going to the temple.

Whew. Now on to some other things that stuck out to me: I noticed that 14 years ago, Elder Scott made the goal to attend the temple at least once a week, and that 14 years ago is also when he lost his wife. I'm not sure, but I'm guessing those two things are closely related. It reminded me that temple attendance can be an amazing source of strength and power and can give us the ability to get through any tough situation we may find ourselves in. There were also a few things he said while he was talking about losing his wife and his son that really touched me.

"I have never asked why but rather what is it that He wants me to learn from this experience. I believe that is a good way to face the unpleasant things in our lives, not complaining but thanking the Lord for the trust He places in us when He gives us the opportunity to overcome difficulties."
"We do not need to worry, because our children were born in the covenant. We have the assurance that we will have them with us in the future. Now we have a reason to live extremely well. We have a son and a daughter who have qualified to go to the celestial kingdom because they died before the age of eight."
"What I am trying to teach is that when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent."

Again, WOW! If I could shape my attitude to match those statements during times of trial, I'm sure it would be much easier to get through that trial and I would have my faith strengthened in the process.

Elder Nelson's talk about prayer was also so good to read. I love how he used different examples of the Savior's prayers to teach us how to have more meaningful prayers ourselves. The main points I gathered were:

Pray for unity. We know Zion = purity, unity, & equality, so if we want to establish Zion in our families, neighborhoods, wards, and stakes, we have to pray for it.
Pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. "If companionship of the Holy Ghost is that important, we should pray for it too. We should likewise help all converts and our children cultivate the gift of the Holy Ghost. As we so pray, the Holy Ghost can become a vital force for good in our lives."
Enhance our prayers by using song, fasting, the proper language, and praying frequently.
Keep the length of our public prayers short. (I especially appreciated this suggestion...trying to keep two 2-year-olds still for a prayer at church can get a little tough depending on the length of the prayer!)
Kneel in family prayer each morning and evening. We don't kneel as a family to pray - we pray after the boys are tucked in bed. But I think we should start. The boys are old enough to try it, and it always seems more special or even sacred when we're kneeling together as a family rather than spread out all over the room, in various positions.

So there are the additions to my "List of Things to Work On" -- temple attendance, attitude during trials, more meaningful prayer - individually and as a family. Does the list ever end? I guess not. And I guess that's probably how it's supposed to be. Did anything stick out to you?

Week 7 (July 26-August 1)

2009-07-26T13:42:00.002-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 49 "Counsel To Young Men" ~ Boyd K. Packer

Pg. 53 "This Is Your Phone Call" ~ Richard C. Edgley

Week 6 (July 19-25)

2009-07-21T11:44:00.002-06:00

This Week's Reading
Pg. 43 "Temple Worship - The Source of Strength & Power in Times of Need" ~ Richard G. Scott
Pg. 46 "Lessons From the Lord's Prayers" ~ Russell M. Nelson

Any thoughts?

2009-07-16T16:14:00.003-06:00

All three talks this week are SO good! I loved reading them. But I'm having my baby tomorrow, so if there's anything you want to talk about, it's up to you. :)

So what stuck out to you? Now's your chance to take charge. Discuss, discuss!

Week 5 (July 12-18)

2009-07-12T14:11:00.002-06:00

This Week's Reading

Pg. 34 "Our Father's Plan - Big Enough for All His Children" ~ Quentin L. Cook

Pg. 38 "Faith In The Lord Jesus Christ"

~ Kevin W. Pearson

Pg. 41 "Faith In Adversity" ~ Rafael E. Pino

"Learning the Lessons of the Past"

2009-07-08T21:53:00.008-06:00

Could anyone else totally hear Elder Ballard's voice in your head while you were reading this talk? I loved how he tied being SLC's first (and last) Edsel dealer into the importance of listening to those who have gone before you, and particularly how he mentions the prophets and scriptures.

Sometimes when I'm reading about the Nephites or Lamanites and see that famous Pride Cycle creeping back up, I get so frustrated! "Can't you see what's happening?" I want to scream at my scriptures. Or I think "How could they do this again?" And yet, here we are, right in the middle of one of those Pride Cycles in our society today. And oftentimes, I've been right in the middle of the pride cycle in my own life...for example, coasting along while all was going right, getting lazy with my prayers and scripture study because things were going smoothly, then being compelled to be humble by "tougher" times. Hmmm, kind of makes you think, doesn't it?

I loved ~ LOVED ~ the part where he says this:

"The voice of the Lord is clear and unmistakable. He knows you. He loves you. He wants you to be eternally happy. But according to your God-given agency, the choice is yours. Each one of you has to decide for yourself if you are going to ignore the past and suffer the painful mistakes and tragic pitfalls that have befallen previous generations, experiencing for yourself the devastating consequences of bad choices. How much better your life will be if you will follow the noble example of the faithful followers of Christ such as the sons of Helaman, Moroni, Joseph Smith, and the stalwart pioneers -- and choose, as they did, to remain faithful to your Heavenly Father's commandments."

Hopefully we'll find joy, happiness and peace in the future by learning the lessons of the past, just as Elder Ballard suggests we do. What a great, motivating, "just do it!" kind of talk.

Great Thought...

2009-07-05T23:46:00.004-06:00

Hey, everyone! Sister Vi made a VERY interesting point about our young men and the "Revealed Quorum Principles" address. Click here and then read the comment she made. I had never thought about it in that way before, but she makes some very thought-provoking observations. Thanks, Vietta!

Week 4 (July 5 - 11)

2009-07-05T13:13:00.007-06:00

This Week's Reading:
Pg. 27 The Sustaining of Church Leaders

Pg. 29 Church Auditing Department Report, 2008

Pg. 30 Statistical Report, 2008

Pg. 31 "Learning the Lessons of the Past"

~ M. Russell Ballard

"Adversity"

2009-07-04T14:06:00.002-06:00

"I bear you my testimony that God the Father lives. He set a course for each of us that can polish and perfect us to be with Him. I testify that the Savior lives. His Atonement makes possible our being purified as we keep His commandments and our sacred covenants. And I know from my own experience that He can and will give us strength to rise through every trial."

{Wow!}

"The Power of Covenants"

2009-07-01T19:49:00.007-06:00

The lessons on Sunday in Relief Society and Priesthood were amazing! (Thanks, Sister Vi & Brother Paul!) As Adam and I were discussing the lesson after church, he made a very interesting observation. He said that the more he learns about people who have very strong testimonies, the more he realizes that those people have strong testimonies BECAUSE of their trials. I guess I had never really thought of it that way before, but I completely agree.

As I began to read Elder Christofferson's conference address Sunday afternoon, I quickly realized that it goes right along with the lessons we had just had, and backs up Adam's observation. Elder Christofferson talks about "the power of covenants" and how the covenants we make -- particularly those we make in the temple -- give us strength to face whatever lies ahead of us. He mentions how our covenants give us "the continual flow of blessings promised by God", "the faith necessary to persevere...in times of trial", and "the bestowal of divine power" or power of godliness. I love how he says "Our covenant commitment to Him permits our Heavenly Father to let His divine influence flow into our lives. He can do that because by our participation in priesthood ordinances we exercise our agency and elect to receive it." Isn't that amazing? Just by our participating in those ordinances, we are showing our willingness to honor our covenants and showing that we are prepared to accept more responsibility that comes along with added light and spiritual power. Wow!

As I said, this talk goes right along with the lessons on the temple we had on Sunday, and how temple worship is our source for strength and power (as Elder Scott said), as well as showing that through our trials we are strengthened when we stay focused on those covenants and keep an eternal perspective. It all fit together so perfectly; at least for me.

The part of Elder Christofferson's talk that I want to print and stick to my fridge (I have a feeling that my fridge is going to be pretty full by the time this challenge is over...) is the second to last paragraph of his address. He says:

"Divine covenants make strong Christians. I urge each one to qualify for and receive all the priesthood ordinances you can and then faithfully keep the promises you have made by covenant. In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer. He will sustain you as you work and watch. In His own time and way He will stretch forth his hand to you, saying "Here am I."

And finally, he says "I testify that God will keep His promises to you as you honor your covenants with Him." Now that's an Apostle's promise that sounds pretty good to me. Isn't it great? Oh, how I love the temple! :)

Week 3 (June 28-July 4)

2009-06-28T07:24:00.004-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 19 "The Power of Covenants"

~ D. Todd Christofferson

Pg. 23 "Adversity"

~ Henry B. Eyring

Let's Chat!

2009-06-24T11:17:00.005-06:00

Well, I know it's only Wednesday, and I know we had three talks to read this week, but they are pretty short. So what did you think of them? Last night as we were visiting Sister Diann (100% Visiting Teaching this month! Let's do it!) she mentioned Sister Lifferth's talk and how she liked the point it brought up of Sacrament Meeting beginning with the prelude music, not the opening prayer. That's tough for me! By the time I get my little family into the chapel, I'm feeling so frazzled (and honestly just happy to be there!) that it takes me a few minutes to settle down and focus. I know that we can teach reverence and respect to even the youngest child, but how? How do (and did) all you Moms do it?

I also loved Brother Neider's talk and the story of Matt Anderson - the teachers quorum president who learned Spanish so that he could fellowship and reactivate the members of his quorum. I had forgotten the story until I read it over this time. I love that while addressing the youth, Brother Neider says "You are powerful tools in the Savior's hands, and He can use you to bring the blessings of the gospel to others." Then, to the Bishops he says "Do not overlook the strength and skill of your Aaronic Priesthood quorum and Young Women class presidencies. The Lord needs them in this important work. There are hearts they can reach and work perhaps only they can do." Hearing reports of the Youth Conference our Stake just held last week backs up Brother Neider's words -- our youth are capable of anything! Isn't it amazing?

Finally, Elder Packer's talk which gives us a step-by-step guide in learning to receive and recognize inspiration. I love the quote he uses from Dallin H. Oaks, "Testimony is to know and to feel, conversion is to do and to become." Wow. Do I need to hang that one up on my fridge, or what? This talk really made me think about my own level of conversion, about the way I seek for inspiration, and the revelation I most likely receive that I miss because I'm looking for some big manifestation. Finally he says, "This witness is not limited to the leaders but is available to all men, women, youth, and even little children." Isn't that one of the great, unique things about our religion? That not only do we have a Prophet on the earth to receive revelation for the church as a whole, but we are also able to receive personal revelation from a loving Heavenly Father? How blessed we are!

So what about you? Is there something that stuck out to you? One talk you liked best? I wanna know!

Week 2 (June 21-27)

2009-06-21T12:53:00.008-06:00

This Week's Reading:
Pg. 11 "Respect & Reverence" ~ Margaret S. Lifferth
Pg. 14 "Revealed Quorum Principles" ~ Michael A. Neider
Pg. 17 "Finding Strength in Challenging Times!"

~ Allen F. Packer

Week 1 (June 14-20)

2009-06-14T23:01:00.008-06:00

This Week's Reading:

Pg. 4 "Welcome To Conference"

~ President Thomas S. Monson

Pg. 7 "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually"

~ Elder Robert D. Hales

Reading Schedule

2009-06-10T10:35:00.003-06:00

Week 1 (June 14-20)
Pg. 4 "Welcome To Conference" ~ Thomas S. Monson
Pg. 7 "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally & Spiritually" ~ Robert D. Hales
Week 2 (June 21-27)
Pg. 11 "Respect & Reverence" ~ Margaret S. Lifferth
Pg. 14 "Revealed Quorum Principles" ~ Michael A. Neider
Pg. 17 "Finding Strength in Challenging Times!" ~ Allen F. Packer
Week 3 (June 28-July 4)
Pg. 19 "The Power of Covenants" ~ D. Todd Christofferson
Pg. 23 "Adversity" ~ Henry B. Eyring
Week 4 (July 5-11)
Pg. 27 The Sustaining of Church Leaders
Pg. 29 Church Auditing Department Report, 2008
Pg. 30 Statistical Report, 2008
Pg. 31 "Learning the Lessons of the Past" ~ M. Russell Ballard
Week 5 (July 12-18)
Pg. 34 "Our Father's Plan - Big Enough for All His Children" ~ Quentin L. Cook
Pg. 38 "Faith In The Lord Jesus Christ" ~ Kevin W. Pearson
Pg. 41 "Faith In Adversity" ~ Rafael E. Pino
Week 6 (July 19-25)
Pg. 43 "Temple Worship - The Source of Strength & Power in Times of Need" ~ Richard G. Scott
Pg. 46 "Lessons From the Lord's Prayers" ~ Russell M. Nelson
Week 7 (July 26-August 1)
Pg. 49 "Counsel To Young Men" ~ Boyd K. Packer
Pg. 53 "This Is Your Phone Call" ~ Richard C. Edgley
Week 8 (August 2-8)
Pg. 56 "Priesthood Responsibilities" ~ Claudio R.M. Costa
Pg. 59 "We Are Doing a Great Work & Cannot Come Down" ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Week 9 (August 9-15)
Pg. 63 "Man Down!" ~ Henry B. Eyring
Pg. 67 "Be Your Best Self" ~ Thomas S. Monson
Week 10 (August 16-22)
Pg. 75 "The Way of the Disciple" ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Pg. 78 "Come Unto Him" ~ Neil L. Anderson
Pg. 81 "Get On With Our Lives" ~ Steven E. Snow
Week 11 (August 23-29)
Pg. 83 "His Arm Is Sufficient" ~ Barbara Thompson
Pg. 86 "None Were With Him" ~ Jeffrey R. Holland
Pg. 89 "Be of Good Cheer" ~ Thomas S. Monson
Week 12 (August 30-September 5)
Pg. 93 "Unselfish Service" ~ Dallin H. Oaks
Pg. 97 "Honorably Hold a Name & a Standing" ~ David A. Bednar
Week 13 (September 6-12)
Pg. 101 "Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples" ~ Gary E. Stevenson
Pg. 104 "Gifts To Help Us Navigate Our Life" ~ Jose A. Teixeira
Week 14 (September 13-19)
Pg. 106 "His Servants, the Prophets" ~ F. Michael Watson
Pg. 109 "Bring Souls Unto Me" ~ L. Tom Perry
Pg. 112 "Until We Meet Again" ~ Thomas S. Monson
Week 15 (September 20-26)
Pg. 114 "Be Thou An Example of the Believers" ~ Ann M. Dibb
Pg. 117 "A Virtuous Life - Step By Step" ~ Mary N. Cook
Week 16 (September 27-October 2)
Pg. 120 "Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord" ~ Elaine S. Dalton
Pg. 123 "May You Have Courage" ~ Thomas S. Monson