Brain dump

So many lessons can be learned through team sports, like winning and loosing and how it effects you but, most poignant is the role of a coach likened to God.

We need time outs and warm ups.

No matter if we were born into it is hard to develop the ability to provide, but we need it because,we need agency and the power to act, if we are able to provide for ourselves it allows us a freedom.

Taking responsibilty is necessary for agency.

Spiritual debt is often online with temporal debts and when we put the Lord first as we promise to in the temple then we witness miracles and are able to see how sacrificing personal wants helps us reach new goals.

Youth are studying necessity to develop temporal and spiritual self reliance.

When you serve mission in third world country you see that temporal self reliance, though very evident and important it is not founded in wealth, but more in gaining spiritual self reliance.

If we keep our covenants we can have the confidence in our choice of the better part and we can even expect that the very Heaven's will be shaken for our good.

We gain our freedom gradually through repentance

Signs of the second coming.-

1) Apostasy - end of the prophets
2) Restoration
3) Book of Mormon  is wrote.Fufilled as it was two sticks in thy hand.
4) Gospel preached
5) Coming of Elijah - Genealogy a priesthood being given.

People do not love oneanother. *I* phone.

People will decieve you, but do not be troubled, he will return and unite everyone.

Promises will be fufilled.

Things that happen as a result of that spirit causes conversation that inturn lead to preacing of the Gospel.

The acceptance of the two scriptures will bring peace. World peace, isn't that a sign of the second coming.

what would it have meant to preach to the whole world? And it was much bigger than they realized it was so much bigger., could it perhaps be that way now.

Layton has 13 stakes!!!

Pakistan it seems impossible that missionaries will teach there, the Gospel will be taught in his own tongue.

Fear of the Lord is more being reverent than being afraid, my good friend asked me why we should fear God, when we are always told to love him.

The signs are there.

You might feel stuck, but it will happen.

Prophets tell us to be prepared, temporally and spiritually. We need to be ready for the Lord's return.

December 9 7pm. RS Meeting

Which way do you face?
70 doesn't represent the people to the prophet, but the prophet to the people.

We represent the church to the people but find ourselves instead remind the church of the people and their common opinions (because they are easier).

Face tents to the temple, like in BoM. That was the first comment made. That they, when asked, would answer that they face the Lord.

Joseph Smith would have liked to have someone to help testify against all peers when he went against what he was told no when asked to show plates to Martin.

Reminds me of the thing Natalie said about Moribund standing alone...

The way people dress is outwardway we appear to be making a definately choice.

Not allowed a nativity scene because it offends others like X mas

Minority - we do not really even know what the minority is.

Religion has been persecuted by Satan. It makes him mad to see the good go forward.

In the scriptures those who face the right way are bold and declare love.

The guilty want companions. Instead of self Improvement.

Dumbing Down the gospel is evident in the retranslations of the Bible.

Other churches accept things that the people want instead of what is. Lowering standards cannot be allowed.

The world wants to change what a family is by many means like gay marriage and women with priesthood, we must be watchful and conciously aware of which way we face.

Jesus was aware of which way he faced, he was indistinguishable from his father.

Put scripture of choosing the Lord and a story of a woman who was lost and sought direction there because it was posted, she felt safe there.

Go to the temple to offend the temple, put it to use.

Screwtape, Satan is delighted when we chose and easier path rather than the right one. He will give us the things we naturally want.

No man can serve two masters if you are torn then make a choice and go with it.

Dark and lonliness.

So we know what is right by the result, if it is desirable?

The difference is that we get the desired result of happiness and love AFTER we work, it is a reward we do not seek out desert for nourishment.

Brain dump

It was prayed that each member of the stake have a missionary experience.

Woman had more children, adopted them and had then was sealed to them on October 7th.

We were together and set goals in the previous existance, although we do not remember it.

Even if you think your work has been done you will be suprised what work you find that needs to be done.

Became friends with someone in Sweden to help get information and permission.

Didn't know how to pronounce a thing, so she look up how to say it but found a clip where Elder Uchtdorf  was the only one to model it off.

Polar Bears were a type of how to protect.

Her husband was asked "How was my talk?" He asked, can you add any statistics.

She made a statistic about how often the word covenant is used recently opposed to earlier.

He moved here and was told to beware of the Mormons.

But,he was religous and the religion just made sense and felt right.

He had no intention of getting married yet, but he recieved a testimony of temple marraige to a girl he had been dating.

Overseas his fear was not for his death, but that he would not be sealed to her.

I give Satan the credit for that depression.

Asked kids what it meant for them to know they were sealed as a family, a reply, "Ehh."

Do not share too much of expreriece because it is so sacred.

One sure thing regarding preparing to go to the temple is an adversary. It is like Joseph Smith's documented struggle.

Don't write yourself off because you are being overcome with evil, that actually we should be expecting this. Think of the prophet and the proporiontal amount of Good he does.

Live nativity scene in December for the open house.

If you get a text from the stake presidency, don't read it, or you'll end up like me (spoken from the pulpit).

Learn to become a member missonary work on thursdays in the RS room.

Hastening of the work requires that we look inside ourselves...

Do we really believe the things we sing about? Think about that. - Pres. Rutter

Days get shorter, less light and people get depressed, as days get shorter, we put up more lights.

Light and darkness cannot occupy the same place.

You do not need to go to Jerusalem to walk where the Lord walked,

God is in his holy temple. Light houses.

Parable of 10 virgins. How sad is it to be clean and able, but not able to go meet the Lord when he returns.

More than just getting by, we need more oil to refuel our lamps.

All of the virgins were worthy as are we to have be doing.

In our testimony meetings we need them to be founded on Jesus Christ.

Memorize the Living Christ.

Recommend is a symbol of desire to be with God.

Door keeper must recognize voice names can be stolen and immitated.

Family prayer is non negotiable, in order to arm our children sufficiently to withstand Corey darts of the adversary.

Satan has effectively won if he keeps us from having family prayer!!

Organize your priorities to place Heavenly Father first in our lives. That means pray as a family.

If we want to recognize the Lord we need to arm them by daily scripture study. It is stronger than a sword even.

Moribund testified of the power of the scriptures when battling, it is most powerful.

President Bensen promises the blessings of reading Book of Mormon daily, other things will fall into place.

Family Home Evening needs to be regular and unequivocal.

Example of Mothers influence is seen in story about Stripling Wariors.
Example of Fathers influence is found in story about Emission.

How can you know those things? By the voice of his servants.

Our family that we desire to protect will bring us to the temple. It is sort of a cycle, as we do what is good it will draw us to our families and our families will draw us to the temple.

Brain dump

Sat night conference.

Opening hymn Turn your Hearts

Prayer- rededicate ourselves, like the temple.

Family history is like fishing, on a good day we caught something, which the greatest catch is likened to uniting families. Best opportunity or fishing place is at the family history center.

Former stake president has not been taking it easy, he has been working harder than ever now. Hastening the work.

Family history center we can find things even if our ancestors have all had their work done.

"You hit the jackpot! When they found "green" names or opportunities.

When a challange is issued by leader and followed producing necessary miracles, that is amazing!
A lot like Nephi saying "Go and do..."

Just came from a car crash and thought, well, I hope that is not indicative of how tonight will go.

As we serve spiritual attributes increase and sort of crowd out temporal attributes and attitudes.

Growth of chuch is evidence of hastening of the work.

Why is it happening? Not just beauty of the buildings and technology, but we are born at this time to help the work along. His work is eternal and not just earthly.

We all need to DO our part. It is no longer even possible to say "we can't it is too hard."

No one can become an expert without being a novice for a while.

With about a .million coming in each day, so now there are more people that you may never have known of. Each week, more new people.

Shared a personal story of one who is dear. We will be able to find those who we know well.

Find a few green people and, print list and take to temple and print out cards.

Just went to a neighbor and asked to help them and in a few key strokes they found  4 families to do (over 20 ordinances).

Enter on the west. Easy to find down Gentile, but road forks a red church (Past Smith's).

Looking to build a Family history center on Gordon. We'll see.

We are running out of time.

The Lord actually ok'ed killing a man just so that they might have their genealogy to take with them. It was that important. It is important to know who you are.

Your family will appreciate it. "Raise your hand in committment", while standing.

Seen miracles working for 14 years in family history center. Initially, it was nearly impossible to take a name to the temple, now almost anyone can do it. Part of hastening of the work, this is a sign of the second coming.

We have a responsibility to go and do.

The signal has,never changed.

So, we need a clear picture and sound from the Lord. We have the Holy Ghost, and scriptures. We need to be in the right place.

Son's comment about two eyes to have depth perspective...

***talked about getting a sure signal and what we do about it.***

Story of Jonah who was given a difficult assignment. Jonah faced not the Lord. Flee has footnote of procrastination.

How did Jonah know that is where God told him to go?

"Are you sleeping through conference." "What thinkest thou, sleeper?" Johnah (likewise tried to sleep through significant event) does not jump but asks to be thrown. Cause he knew what was going on with that storm.

People listened and repented, this was what the Lord knew and so he had sent Jonah. So God was so much wiser than man. "They turned away from their ways..." Chapter 4.

We must be strong enough to do what asked because he has a reason. Like Nephi building a boat when he knew nothing according to the things man knows regarding building a boat.

Make work that you do personal. It is not some corporate strategy where it is often flaunted " It is nothing personal, it is business". Line from movie "You've Got Mail."

We need to be like temple workers, willing to help others, and always have a smile on face.

God's way looks small to the world.

Lord can help when we need it.

Expect blessings when you do the will of the Lord.

There are no coincidences.

Brain dump

Returned Missionary gives a reports on his mission.

Parable of the tares. And no way to weed them out. They use the same air but publish it differently, examples in media, but wheat grows stronger and becomes something useful.

Returning home, you really see how tv for example is a waste of time.

Our homes must be holly places.

Most powerful teachings come from concern.

Women who make homes  more than those who lead a great army. More influence at home cause it is eternal in consequences.

2 Nephi 4 we will become what you are surrounded by.

"All beings who cling not unto intelligence are not intelligent."

Children, if taught what is true will not stay away from truth when they see it.

Choir sang

No greater,way to invite the spirit than through a song sung by the ward choir.

Instead of filling time he would get something from each meeting.

You always choose your attitude.

Follow the example of the Savior.

Reading problem is echo of family trouble.

each of us can be angels in our own spheres.

Sunday School

House of Israel can get into very deep.

Israel is one who will heed God.

North kingdom is 10 tribes and was scattered.

Judah was,part of south and was,scattered, that leads to Lehi.

Must,be gathered so they can do many things. Like the things they are intended to do.

Interesting thay Asian area presidency told of members from all of the lineages of the ten tribes,were in them.

People from the same bloodline and family end up in different lineages.

The other tribes what do they do?

"make arrowheads and chase buffalo"

"president Monson has had revelations. He can do that."

Spiritual gathering and a physical gathering. We were told to stay home.

New Jerusalem - Jackson, Mo. Ephraim and Menasseh.

A huge gathering is done through our temple work, we are able offer the gospel to our kindred dead.

Best gathering is in our families.

Blessings shall be given to the Northern kingdom, through the tribe of Ephraim.

Love that scene in 17 miracles where it says that never have at any time had the poorest of the poor been gathered with the rich" it is this sort of "gathering" where people are united with similar dispositions. Reminds me of the talk by Pres. Eyring about how he felt like he was prompted to be gathered to this area of the world.

This thurs. 7 Stake center

Warm coats for scouts.

Season of prayer is all of the time.

Lord will always guide us properly.
Prayer puts us in tune with his will and grants us access to the spirit.

Story of a woman who met with Bishop and was going through a rough time he said, "this will pass" then she met with him when things were going well. She met with him, and he said, "this will pass."

Gives strength and peace of mind to know that our children will be watched over.

Pray to know God will help us.

Pray for being ready for the second comming.

Pray to be a good example.

Pray to be healed of Infirmaties.

Pray for people we will visit teach.

We pray for our government.

Pray to know what each child needs specifically.

prayer circle and guy who went to temple regularly in wheelchair. We never know If we need to be the answer to prayers.

We pray for forgiveness even from little things, especially thethings that hinder is from more imortant things.

Pray for traffic.

women of faith video. "If you could see how he sees you will believe in yourself...you are a child of God."

Believe in who you are.a

Child asks mom, "why are your chairs in here so comfy while in primary we have hard chairs?" She said, "cause they want you to stay awake."

What is peace?

I think peace is a cause of joy. Meaning, it turns a mere happiness into something greater.

23 But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.

Christmas is a pattern for FHE

This morning as I was trying to gather my thoughts for FHE to suit them for the children's efforts, like last week Joseph wanted to play Hide and seek so we had a lesson on listening and played a segue game of finding a hidden object. so anyway, the kids were watching a Christmas unboxing video so my mind had to jump ships for a moment to seem interested in what they were doing. The Adult on the video asked the kids what Christmas was celebrated for and that triggered the thought about FHE.

The kids absolutely love Christmas and although it is anticipation of the gifts, and goodies. They, through those things eventually learn to become Christ focused, and that is the same thing with FHE. The kids look forward to it so much and although I do not feel like the real purpose ever even crosses their mind it is the day we get together and they get to have a treat that they pick and play a game together as a family. They love it.

And although, I am tempted to give up or give in to changing it to just family fun night. The lessons are important, maybe it is like Mary Poppin's spoonful of sugar. The fact is the kids are getting their needed medicine in a way they like, like kid's flavored medicine. I bet that is where the term "candy coated" came from. FHE is not going to be just candy,  like Christmas is not just about it's trimmings.

a cool comment

Though generally speaking, regurgitated things loose most of their value once consumed and then spit back up, but in the case of wisdom, if it is true, value might only be added after digested and shared.

That having been said the thing I heard verbatim was witty and share worthy.

"Stop being the victim and become the victor."

This thought came from studying the example  Ishmael.

Story time

This story was pretty cool and I wanted to type it out in case I forget it.

I was on the BYC representing our little branch in Ellijay, GA in the Chattanooga Stake. as such I was familiar enough with our Stake President that what happened should not have surprised me. there  I was minding my own business at youth conference opening exercises when Pres. Phill Smart announced that now we would be hearing from Melissa Babcock on why she would not date outside the church. I had honestly not decided any such thing yet, especially since I was not even old enough to date anyone, plus the only "members" my age that were date worthy were my brothers. But, to my surprise, I emphatically explained why I fully believed in what seemed such a limiting practice. and then, at that point realized that such a choice had been publically cemented now.

Fast forward to turning 16. my birthday fell on General Conference. We all remember our 16th birthday, mine was likely for a different reason.

So, now I could date and go to the prom! but, that was just a sacrifice I would be forced to make because it honestly looked like for me that was not an option. then, something magical happened, we moved to Indiana and a boy I really liked and was LDS asked me to the prom. Likely his mother, who was my YW leader, made him do it, but I didn't care!

I actually did not believe it was actually happening. I used to write in a code to my best friend Rachel who did not at all understand my fascination wrote this to me "The single most important thing in any Latter-day Saint's life is to be with the right person in the right place at the right time." It was indelibly imprinted on my mind from that day forward.

Fast forward now to me living in Washington in my late 20's just having my heart broken by a boy who joined the church then promptly left it leaving me all alone, I did have an idea of what I wanted and I had decided that one boy was not for me. Afterall, he was divorced!!! I had actually had to interviews at a place he worked at the time (in Provo, UT). He was curently married and not at all my type. In fact, I made a list and he was several things I had decided firmly against.

But, many miraculous things happened, and we were married and sealed in Nashville, TN.
Then, my beautiful daughters were born and my husband and I had stake callings and so we were needed to arrive early for stake conference, now, who would be attending, but Phill Smart who was on a building committee for our area and was visiting. So, I got to go talk to hm and thank him for his inspired choice too have me speak on dating in my faith at such a crucial time and I was now happily married with children.

ok, so I was blindsided with divorce, but, I choose to think of it as fateful yet, who knows what could sneak up and happen in life. which is a very hopeful thought and one that regardless of professed religion keeps me full of hope. Plus, we need resistance in our lives to build the strength that can be built only through overcoming trials.