Brain dump

If you arrive early to church do not speak to the bishop... or you might end up speaking.

Likened Eduring to the End to running a long distance. And how important finishing is to the race.

Story of guy who raced with one shoe.

For many, it is only the personal accomplishment.

Runner from tanzia said that he did not come to win the race, but finish.

"Do your best and leave the rest."

Story about needing help when exhausting our strength. He prayed and God certainly helped him finnish or accomplish his intened goal.

It is likely that we really will not know any more after death than we know now, opposed to what a guy told me once about how we will only know for sure after death.

The only thing that will never change on us and is certain enough to build on is our faith in Jesus Christ it "will not alter when it alteration finds."

When we falter because a thing out of our control failed, we must get up and continue to try.

Seek our full potential.

What do the symbols of the sacrament teach us? That we need both food and water to live much as the atonement is needed.

I asked my son why we had to drink symbolic blood, he never did answer but I wanted to know.

Sacrament was like a floating crap game in military in Saudi Arabia. Because it was forbidden, and must be done properly. And the same way.

The sacrament prayers must be said on both knees.

Touching story of how seriousness of the young men, they set the tone, and a quadlaplegic and the way he was lovingly administered to.

A book, Holy Secret.

The body is weak but the spirit is willing. So, in the prayers the body it tells us that we are not doing, but are willing.

We only take upon us his name in the body.

To me, the water prayer is so significant because it reminds us of the eternal nature of us, opposed to the bread prayer which represents our life now. And the things that we need.

What can we remember during the sacrament?

It is best to think of the sacrament, then incramentally get larger until it spills over into our life.

RS - Elder Anderson or Nelson's talk from conference about children who are not in ideal "picture perfect" situation.

Though our earthly situation is not ideal,  we all have ideal spiritual DNA.

If you think others have a perfect situation, you probanly do not know them well.

Story about kids when asked to do something it upset them, and they left the church, so we need to make sure we are sensitive to the situations.

All children will be sealed to a great family. At some point it will be taken care of.

Some children grow up without anyone telling them to go to church for example.

We need to look for things that we can do to help children:

1. We discussed being sensitive to their situation.
2. Know who they are. Recognize them.
3. Be kind and loving.
4. Learn about them, and care.
5. Make them feel wanted and special.

Comeon, does God really want us to tell others our real motivation or feeling, often we think our real reasons will not work as well as fire and brimstone.

In the talk all of the children come together to realize that they all came from similar broken background.

Child knew what she wanted through example.

Was hard to ask herself some questions because own father did not ever set that some example.

Chileans and Argentinian people do not care for eachother.

For example that attention paid to teeth, and what it meant. It was hard for one lady who was from Chille and called to serve in Argentina.

There is only one time when we will have older bodies forever, so love it and appreciate what you have.

People from Argentina are originally from Italy, so being offended is a national passtime, and to be so in a grand way.

If we love and reachout with full intention
It will be so much better if we do suceed, and if we,fail so what, it would be better than not trying opposed to it really not mattering.

Brain dump (june 19, 2016)

Older gentleman asked congregation to imagine that he was a young returned missionary.

Murmuriing is a stage before we can actually learn, if we get past it.  Childish complaining..

Some part of the gospel causes head scratching, it is like it is in another language that needs to be translated.

Allowing others to struggle so that we might grow.  (That is what we were talking about some mothers have many children as they are a better match for them, whereas I rush to aide when a child stumbles. I would not do well with so many children because of my need for personal one on one connection).

In my family blessings were given when one was nearly dying... but, gave a blessing and healing wasn't instant.

This was before cell phones, people actually existed for thousands or years without them, actually. (But, people grow and learn with things a way and that is how they become accustomed to them, so it would be harder to live without than if you never had it in the first place).

Why didn't blessing work the way it was supposed to? The answer was to stop worrying. Sometimes we just do not understand how things will work out, but the fact that we are willing to try is important.

Music brings the spirit.

I hate asking others to speak with me...because it is a terrible thing to put upon someone, well, it mighy not be, but the stress and such on others.

What is FULLNESS of times? A time when all of the Keys and right to preside are present.

Power of God, so if we love God we will revereve and love the one who posseses this portion.

The keys of resurrection and creation have not been restored as of yet.

Gift of tongues is necessary to be able to teach in a way that others understand.

Prayed to know a thing, and felt perfectly and it was enough for a while. Then when he needed it again, he prayed expecting to get the same thing or answer agsin, but his only answer was that he had already been answered, and it would be like the older brothers of Nephi who saw angels but it was not a thing that saved them.

On mission in Argentina, he thpught his ability to speak in Spanish was just that he was intelligent.

Story about lost sheep. We can be sure that if we are that lost sheep then we can be found.

We should not feel akward talking to people just cause they are not there. Cause it is our gospel.

We assume that we are not lost. We need to reach out to others.

My husband has admitted that he would not like to go to church in Mississippi, so I tried to convince him that no one will make a bog deal of it.

When peopke come back they are testing to see if we are real friends.

What does it mean to be lost?

Unlost mean we are part of the whole.

When we are lost, and try to come back it is hard. Because we expect to belong but actually have to work to belong.

When I was called as a compassionate service my responsibility was to visit everyone who did not attend.

Never give up, keep trying and keep trying.

We can be here, but not be there.

There was a sister who I actually had the thought of getting a card to have everyone sign, but I did not do it, and she mentioned that no one said anything when she came back... we need to do something.

What are some of the things we can do?

Speak up, and be aware of things around us. Pray for them.

"All these years we were telling him that he needed us, but the time we needed him it got through to him."

Alot of times we do not know so we do not judge others.

Using the words us and them or they is inapproriate and establishes a sense of belonging.

I remember that the time sister Hirschi's son served a mission and said that his mission was to help the members who are already "in the fold".

How and Why

Sometimes, I feel so much awe for others when they undress verbally and stand in front of a crowd naked. I guess there are many ways to "show your hand", but I always feel like an intruder for reading, like  I was shown too much, as if words could really reveal a soul. But, that is what scriptures do, right?

Today, I was so upset at myself for being cynical,  or claiming things could never be what they represented in my mind, but now I bandage my issue with more words: "It is not Factual, but it is true." And I believe it and figure everyone must.

What is true? It cannot even be the words used to explain it, anyway. And, probably the saddest thought ever is the one I actually had once but, now only ask why? But, secretly, I do not even want to know.

"How and why could you watch when you knew that we would die?"

Brain dump

A young man who was troubled, what should you do or say? Perhaps, focus on how parents are like our leaders, and how parents love unconditionally.

It is never a situation which cannot be blessed by the atonement. Anything can be wiped away.

Our true home is in heaven and this is where and when to allow ourself an opportunity to change.

Heavenly Father is a real father and not a story, his commandments are sure.

Praying to know if the church is true and the Holy Ghost tells us that it is.

Jesus is truly at the head of this church.

This is the Lord's  church.

We need to serve to get over our own stumbling blocks.

Children especially, do not realize how wonderful the truth they have. It is like gravity, always there, or breatheable air, only recognize it when it is not there.

There is a testimony and a thankimony, they are sometimes blurred at the pulpit, ocassionally people are very full with gratitude that they feel a,need to express publicly.

The future generation are being raised now, and they will need to be strong enough to combat a terrible evil that is growing the world.

Alot of what I am feeling could be anxiety, but we will just call it the Holy Ghost.

I do know the church is true.

Holyghost  Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Note that it is a gift.

Influence of ( anyone can feel this but owning it can only someone can feel it).

Ocassionally, I felt it and did not recognize what it was, but now. I know when things feel right, especially when making choices,  we slowly recognize that it is not just us making a good choice. We learn to recognize that feeling that things are RIGHT, or good. It is not us, but it will lead us to the truth... prompts good choices.

We often do not take the time to recognize when a feeling is the Holy Ghost.

Often, we speak of "hearing the words of God" but, it usually is more a feeling than an actual thing we hear.

It does not just hsppen, but it must be sought out.

D&C 88
33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.

It works differently with different. It is significant to point out to individuals when it is felt.

Seek to have a better relationship with the Holy Ghost.

Story of a woman who had a person point out when it is felt what it was saying and it was an ah hah! Moment for her.

What if we have a constant companionship we might not recognize it because it is slways present.

It was my voice or spirit... when it is too good to be true, do not think it is not true.

Often promptings are too simple to even notice.

If we obey the promptings we have learned to recognize then we will have our evidence.

Inappropriate thoughts or feelings will make the dpirit to withdrawl. So submitting oneself to inappropriate media goes againstour promise made at Sacrament.

Thosands little things make a thing great!

Little bits of service have greater impact consistantly than one or tow huge acts, although, by the world's standard it is the huge things are recognized.

A good example of how little things can be significant is the huge noticed contribution of the saducees, but the
widows mite is more remembered.

It is important to make some contact, because it is your duty. Write a note of you cannot visit.

Constant visits, faithfully, that is a hood way to represent the savior. Even if you csn, pray for them, because Heavenly Father has asked you to do this, even if no effect is seen in this life, your effort will be met with consequences.

You are assigned friendships and God knows that for some reason you will be great friends, so fond out why.

Like all things we can be actually doing our VT without recognizing it beause we do not give an actual lesson.

Lonliness is disabling, health and pyschologically, but if you visit with you sisters they will a least once a month they will not be lonely.

Smug Latter-day Saints

At the same time as admitting I appreciate the things they say and do, I dislike how much bad they do. I guess it is like loving the sinner while we hate the sin. I often read things that are said sharply in a very clever way about mormon principles, and it bothers me, when I read from the view point of an outsider.

My first thought is jealousy and I think of Nephi's comment to his brothers about truth being hard for those who are not living truthfully, and I find myself feeling similar to members of the sandhedrin and think oh thank you that I am up so much more learned than others and that I understand the things as well as the one who speaks so eloquently. Meanwhile, other may read their excellence and feel shame at not being as great and because their way seems so far above instead of inspiring hope they discourage and do more harm than good. I am not saying that greater or faster progression is bad, I also heard a great story about a group of highly revered men and one among them felt inadequate  because he was newest. He understood a thing with great mexcitement and wanted to share it, as he was sure it would impress, but when he shared it, no one made him feel little because he was not as great yet, but they all explained in a nice way that they, too had each learned that already, but they listened and seemed as excited about hearing it as if it had never occurred to them before. So,  just to be respected one not be unapproachably better than others.

It bothers me, and I have not learned how to mask my emotion yet.  I disliked those who take pride in their wit, those overly Smug mormons. Likely, they would take offense in being called a Mormon, even.

Stake Conference Sunday

Our prophet and his counselors love us enough to give us all of the many tools and aides given to the youth.

You are like the 5 people you spend most time with, your friends influence you in whom you become.

Find things to be greatful for to improve your mood.

Self reliance does not mean that you never need help, but that you recognize your limitations and you only knoy your limitations through trying t di things that you cannot..

If you make mistakes, do not give up. We make them to see where we need more improvement. Just have enough faith to stay close enough to the Savior that we can easily progress as repentence allows.

The temple is a place where we should be known.

Live according to the guidelines set on the "For the Strength of Youth".

Harmon
1988 oldest son left on a mission, my heart was pounding as I listened to Mormon Tabernacle Choir - so, I prayed heartily to serve, but was divorced so knew that I could not serve a mission. Byt sang with Mormon Tab Choir. I memorized my words and music so I could share my testimony throughsinging. Handed out pass along card cd's.

Prayer opens the door, but we need to pray for such experiences. God does answer prayer of this woman from 1988.

Mowers:
Took notes of previous session stake conference and had 12 notes.

Felt at home with other saints who believe in our Savior.

Pres. Wright
Thanks were given for those counselors who did things that went beyond what was required to do things that were not their responsibility, but if he thanked everyone, he would be speaking for 45 mins. Suffice, he related himself in his situation to Moses.

We need hope. Regardless of why or who caused it.

Hope FOR it is a future thing. Lead us to faith. Despair is the opposite.

Hope IN it is things that aide our daily survival. Leads to charity. Selfishness is the opposite.

Part of the doctrine of Christ is hoping.

Obedience fits in here, but I am not catching that.

It was listed as one of the first things of four listed to strengthen hope. Fourth was service. Story of giving cupcakes to others who also were suffering from the ravishes of cancer/chemo.

The nurse asked if they figured out what they were doing by putting all new patients next to her. She would fill them with hope. That is teaching the gospel just by being.

Stake conference

June 4, 2016  Adult session.

Andy Pasket first speaker.

Spoke about the plan of salvation and how it correlates to family
Counsel.

Elder Ballard talks about family counsel.

Pulling must,be equally yoked. Story of oxen, where a pair that seemed less likely to pull better than the larger Big Blue Oxen.

Often, one spouse may pick up on a need before another does.

Are we doing everything we need to do to prepare them for the things they will need to return to our father in Heaven.

"Responsibilities of mother cannot be delegated."

A man went out and without pomp went out and got water when it was needed.

If your tesimony/comment is long and boring, the leader will do that.

Stake family counsel.

Scientists are finding truth that prophets already gave us.

The Lord wanted us to ponder this topic of Fathers as a thing we believe.

Poper respect of women, a thing to teach children in preparation to being a father.

Having a father who taught us to turn to the scripture, for answers.

The words of God tell is all things that we should do, we often have scriptures come to our mind.

Man and women are needed as a father to achieve our potential.

Are we a representative of the Lord in our children's minds.

Follow my daddy instead of prophet in primary song.

Children NEED to hear and feel the gospel from their father.

Where is it, in the scriptures, he wrote it and put it in the s riptures and closed it and gave it to him.

The servants who are teaching and instructing us are our leaders...it is,from the oath and covenant of the preisthood.84 D&C

We covenant, that we will help to teach our children.

As a unit we are only as strong as our weakest unit.

We need to set the example of how to obey and seek things out.

Hands on experience feeling the spirit, how do we feel and know the truth?

Lucy (3 yo) put her finger on scriptures and said,  "and it came to pass."

Seminary the scriptures teach us to recognize the spirit of the Lord.

There are things that the Lord would want taught. And before the thing that was very solidly on my mind before hand is how strongly I kept thinking about the importance of a father  by loving in a home with one closer to the ideal than others, and now, I know it.

A father can be something more than biological.

Joseph was a foster father.

Preisthood power is the only thing with the ability to banish Satan.

That power and protection. Miracles even can only come through one who exercises and strengthens this Preisthood power.

Jesus is at the head of this church.

Difference between power and authority.

When you are given a calling. You have authority now, you need the power.

When you have a trial, your preparation time is over. -Amy Wright

Power of the preisthood comes from doing things proper. When blessings are given is by the authority, not the power. When likened to a shield, it needs to have already been built.

When you have a trial you learn how deep your roots are, this is a commonly acceptable truth.

1nephi 16 is scripture read at Stake conference by the stake president. At the point Nephi broke his bow, we have two choices. Lehi actually murmered, maybe because he heard Laban and Lemuel were heard always listening. That is like us when we hear the world too much.

But, he helped chasten and refocus him on what was true.  He took it to the Lord.

Maybe we should do the same withour families.

McConkie - right person, right time quote.

Pray for your wife, even while young, almost too young, but it can be taken to heart and we can be prepared like we discussed to have the power we need in fatherhood.

When what is hurts

I feel compelled to make such a comment, publicly, because it bothers me.

Why does our existence entitle us comfort?

I am going to say this in reference to Genealogy, but it finds application everywhere. It is better to have what is true and right than what you have worked forever on and believe is right.

I sense that others get upset when a long ancestral line is proven false. It is sort of genealogical etiquette to not harm their line, while correcting yours.

But, if a child clearly does not belong in a family (which I have learned with my own, as well) and generations upon generations of names and such are not actually your ancestors, it hurts, but is an opportunity to do over, and get it right. It is true, my findings have proved many long held beliefs false, and for that I am sorry, but this comes to mind, "It is better to go through (pain) that we may know the joy..."

I am referring to multiple families and spouses for one person, that no one dares correct, but sometimes only one is obviously correct, and it is a good thing, that ought to consume our time and research to figure out which one it is, instead of speculating how far back one can go. There. Now, summer can come. I have said my piece and am at peace. wait, two more thoughts beseech me.

Nevermind, peace will have to wait, it seems...