June 26, 2010
My project is: To think of faith as a seed as I help plant, care for, and harvest a vegetable garden.
My plan to carry out my project is:
1. Prepare the ground by clearing the weeds and tilling the soil.
2. Plant the seeds in the ground and fertilize.
3. Water and weed several times a week.
4. Harvest and eat the vegetables as they grow and ripen.
October 10, 2010
My evaluation of the project is: If you compare my little garden to faith, every vegetable demonstrated its own degree of faithfulness. The peppers and onions grew very well and responded to nourishment I gave them; their faith is strong. The carrots had days where they struggled but faithfully pulled through. The tomatoes started off strong but withered in the end despite the good nourishment they received. The pumpkins grew well but never produced fruit and therefore were good for nothing. The watermelon never did grow. The corn grew and flourished despite the lack of nourishment - they found their own. I hope my faith can be like the corn, onions, or peppers, grown tall and strong and full of fruit.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Faith #3
3. Living gospel principles requires faith. Read about faith in the Bible Dictionary or True to the Faith. Faith in the Savior Jesus Christ leads to action. Choose a principle such as prayer, tithing, fasting, repentance, or keeping the Sabbath day holy. In your own home or another setting, plan and present a family home evening lesson about how faith helps you live that gospel principle. If possible, ask a family member to share an experience that has strengthened his or her faith. Share your own experiences as well. In your journal write down one of those experiences and describe your feelings about faith.
October 3, 2010
* Bible Dictionary, "Faith": required for salvation, strong faith is developed through obedience to the gospel, principle of action and power (by it one can heal the sick and more), brings an assurance of things hoped for
* Faith in the Savior leads to action: Paying Tithing
I love the scriptures in Malachi where the Lord promises to open the windows of Heaven and pour out more blessings than we can hold if we pay our tithing. I have always believed that and I have seen it in my life. As I prepared to serve a mission, in just a few short months I went from having very little in savings to having enough to pay for nearly one-third of my mission. I know this was a blessing because I have always striven to be a full tithe payer.
October 3, 2010
* Bible Dictionary, "Faith": required for salvation, strong faith is developed through obedience to the gospel, principle of action and power (by it one can heal the sick and more), brings an assurance of things hoped for
* Faith in the Savior leads to action: Paying Tithing
I love the scriptures in Malachi where the Lord promises to open the windows of Heaven and pour out more blessings than we can hold if we pay our tithing. I have always believed that and I have seen it in my life. As I prepared to serve a mission, in just a few short months I went from having very little in savings to having enough to pay for nearly one-third of my mission. I know this was a blessing because I have always striven to be a full tithe payer.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Book of Mormon ~ 3 Nephi 12:25
October 2, 2010: This is kind of an odd scripture counseling us to agree with our adversary or we might end up in prison. Normally, I would read right past it but today I totally see the application. My boss at work is my adversary - he has changed so many good things and has made my job very stressful. Lately, I have gotten into a few tiffs with him. But, as Christ says here, I must agree with my adversary quickly so that he cannot find any way to toss me into prison, or fire me. I tell you, this won't be easy but I know it must be done and I can do it because my Savior wants me to.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Faith #2
2. Discover the principles of faith taught by the mothers of Helaman’s stripling warriors. Read Alma 56:45–48 and 57:21. Review what “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (see page 101) says about a mother’s role. With a mother, grandmother, or leader, discuss the qualities a woman needs in order to teach children to have faith and to base their decisions on gospel truths. How can these principles help you in your life today and help you prepare to be a faithful woman, wife, and mother? Record your thoughts and feelings in your journal.
September 26, 2010
~ Principles of faith taught by the Mothers of the Stripling Warriors (Alma 56:45-48 & 57:21) ~
* God is with us and will not let us fall
* If they did not doubt, God would deliver them
* Exact obedience
* They received that for which they had faith
~ Mothers' role in the Family Proclamation ~
* To have children within the bonds of marriage
* To love and care for husband and children
* To rear children in love and righteousness
* To provide for children's physical and spiritual needs
* To teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God and the laws of the land
* In the home, foster and teach and encourage faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, work, compassion, and wholesome recreational activities
* To nurture children
~ What qualities does a women need to teach children faith and help them base their decisions on gospel truths? How can this help prepare me to be a faithful woman, wife, and mother? ~
* A daughter of God needs to believe and know that she is a daughter of God. She must pray daily and know that her prayers will be answered. She must do what she has been taught and know that obedience will bring blessings. And she must show gratitude to the Lord for all that she has been given.
* Right now I feel I am facing a lot of trials and I just want them to end. But as I hang on to my testimony, as I continue to pray for relief and answers, as I continue to read the scriptures, I will have the strength and courage - like the Stripling Warriors - to face these challenges head on. And there will come a day when I will look back and see how this faithful perseverance grew my faith and testimony. Then I will pass that on to my children and teach them that the blessings will come as we are obedient with exactness to the commandments of God, always remembering that we are His children and He loves us.
September 26, 2010
~ Principles of faith taught by the Mothers of the Stripling Warriors (Alma 56:45-48 & 57:21) ~
* God is with us and will not let us fall
* If they did not doubt, God would deliver them
* Exact obedience
* They received that for which they had faith
~ Mothers' role in the Family Proclamation ~
* To have children within the bonds of marriage
* To love and care for husband and children
* To rear children in love and righteousness
* To provide for children's physical and spiritual needs
* To teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God and the laws of the land
* In the home, foster and teach and encourage faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, work, compassion, and wholesome recreational activities
* To nurture children
~ What qualities does a women need to teach children faith and help them base their decisions on gospel truths? How can this help prepare me to be a faithful woman, wife, and mother? ~
* A daughter of God needs to believe and know that she is a daughter of God. She must pray daily and know that her prayers will be answered. She must do what she has been taught and know that obedience will bring blessings. And she must show gratitude to the Lord for all that she has been given.
* Right now I feel I am facing a lot of trials and I just want them to end. But as I hang on to my testimony, as I continue to pray for relief and answers, as I continue to read the scriptures, I will have the strength and courage - like the Stripling Warriors - to face these challenges head on. And there will come a day when I will look back and see how this faithful perseverance grew my faith and testimony. Then I will pass that on to my children and teach them that the blessings will come as we are obedient with exactness to the commandments of God, always remembering that we are His children and He loves us.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Knowledge #1
1. Learn about the importance of gaining knowledge by reading Proverbs 1:5, 4:7; 2 Nephi 28:30; and Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-80, 118; 90:15; 130:18-19; 131:6. Think about why you need to gain knowledge and understanding about how to apply gospel principles to your present and future home and family life. Write in your journal what you have learned about knowledge, and discuss it with a family member or Young Women leader.
September 19, 2010
* Proverbs 4:7 - wisdom and understanding are the principal things to acquire
* Proverbs 1:5 - wise people seek more knowledge and then heed it -- Like seeking gospel knowledge and then keeping those commandments.
* 2 Nephi 28:30 - the Lord gives us knowledge and then gives us more as we keep the commandments
* D&C 88:78-80 - as we teach others what we have learned our knowledge and understanding expands, in gospel learning and secular; v. 118 - learning takes faith
* D&C 90:15 - seek to learn from all things good
* D&C 130:18-19 - the knowledge we gain in this life goes on with us
* D&C 131:6 - we must have knowledge to be saved
I think sometimes we forget how important it is to be constantly learning -- I sure do. I think I am finished with school and I have learned enough but according to the scriptures I must always be seeking knowledge and understanding -- and not just about the gospel but the good things of the world as well. But, there are things I had to learn in school that hold no interest to me, then or now. I don't think I necessarily have to have such a broad range of learning now but instead can really focus on my interests: cooking, home arts, families, marriages, piano, etc. It is important to just be learning in whatever avenues I can. Of course, always keeping the gospel at the center of that learning!
September 19, 2010
* Proverbs 4:7 - wisdom and understanding are the principal things to acquire
* Proverbs 1:5 - wise people seek more knowledge and then heed it -- Like seeking gospel knowledge and then keeping those commandments.
* 2 Nephi 28:30 - the Lord gives us knowledge and then gives us more as we keep the commandments
* D&C 88:78-80 - as we teach others what we have learned our knowledge and understanding expands, in gospel learning and secular; v. 118 - learning takes faith
* D&C 90:15 - seek to learn from all things good
* D&C 130:18-19 - the knowledge we gain in this life goes on with us
* D&C 131:6 - we must have knowledge to be saved
I think sometimes we forget how important it is to be constantly learning -- I sure do. I think I am finished with school and I have learned enough but according to the scriptures I must always be seeking knowledge and understanding -- and not just about the gospel but the good things of the world as well. But, there are things I had to learn in school that hold no interest to me, then or now. I don't think I necessarily have to have such a broad range of learning now but instead can really focus on my interests: cooking, home arts, families, marriages, piano, etc. It is important to just be learning in whatever avenues I can. Of course, always keeping the gospel at the center of that learning!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Book of Mormon ~ 3 Nephi 9:13
September 16, 2010: As the people of Nephi wait in darkness, Christ speaks unto them and says "return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you."
This has struck me today. The word 'heal' probably has a few different meanings in this context -- healing from sin, from harm and injury, from sorrow, etc. I would bet that at any given moment in my life I have needed some kind of healing; even now I need it. How wonderful it is that Christ offers all kinds of healing through the power of the atonement. I pray I can have faith sufficient to be healed and to accept the will of the Lord.
This has struck me today. The word 'heal' probably has a few different meanings in this context -- healing from sin, from harm and injury, from sorrow, etc. I would bet that at any given moment in my life I have needed some kind of healing; even now I need it. How wonderful it is that Christ offers all kinds of healing through the power of the atonement. I pray I can have faith sufficient to be healed and to accept the will of the Lord.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Book of Mormon ~ Helaman 14:30
September 4, 2010: Listen to this concise definition of agency: "God hath given unto you knowledge and he hath made you free." Heavenly Father has blessed us to know good and evil, to have knowledge. We must then make the decision to choose what we know to be good. But we are free to choose. That is the blessing of agency.
Book of Mormon ~ Helaman 13:38
September 4, 2010: Samuel the Lamanite tells the Nephites, "Ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure." How terrifying. Can you imagine how horrible it would be to hear that? This is why the Lord tells us not to procrastinate the day of our repentance. For myself, I want something far better 'made sure.' I pray that I will be obedient and offer up a broken heart and a contrite spirit so that my calling and election will be made sure. That is the announcement I long to hear one day.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Divine Nature #1
1. What are some of the divine qualities of a daughter of God? Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World;” 2 Peter 1; Alma 7:23–24; and Doctrine and Covenants 121:45. In your own words, list the divine qualities discussed in your reading. Think about how you can discover and develop each of these qualities. Record your ideas in your journal.
August 5, 2010
~ The divine qualities of a daughter of God ~
* Family Proclamation ~ we are created in the image of God, we are daughters of heavenly parents, we are loved by our heavenly parents, we have a divine nature and destiny, we can have an eternal family and return to God's presence, we have the responsibility and potential to become a mother to teach and nurture our children, we have the potential to be married eternally
* 2 Peter 1 ~ our divine qualities include a precious faith, grace, peace, all things pertaining unto life and godliness, exceeding great and precious promises, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity
* Alma 7:23-24 ~ humility, submissiveness, gentleness, easy to be entreated, patience, long-suffering, temperance, diligence in keeping the commandments, ask for what you need, give thanks for what you receive, faith, hope, charity, good works
* D&C 121:45 ~ charity, virtue, confidence in God's presence
~ How can you discover and develop each of these qualities? ~
Truly, we daughters of God have been given many divine qualities but it is up to us to develop them, to put them in to practice, to learn how to use them to bless our lives and the lives of others. As we are obedient, choose good friends, pray, read the scriptures, attend church, set worthy goals, and strive to always have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we will develop and grow in the divine qualities we have been given. Because doing what is right brings us closer to God and helps us be more like Him. It isn't difficult to stay on the path of righteousness but it does take effort. Just know that it will all be worth it. As I do what is right and become more like the Savior Jesus Christ I more fully prepare myself for eternal life - which is the greatest of all the gifts of God.
August 5, 2010
~ The divine qualities of a daughter of God ~
* Family Proclamation ~ we are created in the image of God, we are daughters of heavenly parents, we are loved by our heavenly parents, we have a divine nature and destiny, we can have an eternal family and return to God's presence, we have the responsibility and potential to become a mother to teach and nurture our children, we have the potential to be married eternally
* 2 Peter 1 ~ our divine qualities include a precious faith, grace, peace, all things pertaining unto life and godliness, exceeding great and precious promises, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity
* Alma 7:23-24 ~ humility, submissiveness, gentleness, easy to be entreated, patience, long-suffering, temperance, diligence in keeping the commandments, ask for what you need, give thanks for what you receive, faith, hope, charity, good works
* D&C 121:45 ~ charity, virtue, confidence in God's presence
~ How can you discover and develop each of these qualities? ~
Truly, we daughters of God have been given many divine qualities but it is up to us to develop them, to put them in to practice, to learn how to use them to bless our lives and the lives of others. As we are obedient, choose good friends, pray, read the scriptures, attend church, set worthy goals, and strive to always have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we will develop and grow in the divine qualities we have been given. Because doing what is right brings us closer to God and helps us be more like Him. It isn't difficult to stay on the path of righteousness but it does take effort. Just know that it will all be worth it. As I do what is right and become more like the Savior Jesus Christ I more fully prepare myself for eternal life - which is the greatest of all the gifts of God.
Book of Mormon ~ Alma 53
August 5, 2010: I think there is probably a lot of the Stripling Warrior story that we don't hear about. Their fathers are prepared to battle when they step up and offer to go instead. Despite the covenant not to war that their fathers have made, I cannot imagine their fathers immediately accepted the offer. These were their beloved sons. How could they send them off to war. They know all too well the dangers of war and knew that there were many sons who they probably wouldn't see again. In the end, the persuasion of the sons won out and they left to fight with Helaman.
Certainly, the Lord spared the life of each Stripling Warrior because of their great faith. But I think it was also because of the faith and sacrifice of their parents. They had already lost so much and yet remained true to the gospel. No doubt Heavenly Father had great mercy on them and allowed each of those valiant young men to return home. I love the application of this beautiful story and pray that I can raise my own children to believe as they did so that my family will have equal protection and be able to live together forever.
Certainly, the Lord spared the life of each Stripling Warrior because of their great faith. But I think it was also because of the faith and sacrifice of their parents. They had already lost so much and yet remained true to the gospel. No doubt Heavenly Father had great mercy on them and allowed each of those valiant young men to return home. I love the application of this beautiful story and pray that I can raise my own children to believe as they did so that my family will have equal protection and be able to live together forever.
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