Yesterday I had a dentist appointment so I missed reading in the morning. I was able to read them inside the temple which was very nice. I enjoyed reading the creation in the Pearl of Great Price. I do have to say yesterday my schedule was thrown off and I didn't feel as effective.
Today I thought about the Pharisees and the Saducees. What is their problem? They had been looking for the Savior, but now that He is in front of them, they can't accept it. It comes down to pride and jealousy (pretty much the same thing). They are always trying to prove Christ wrong. We always think they are awful, but I started thinking about how I might act like them in my mind or even my conversation. When people succeed and do wonderful things, I might try to downplay them. I try to find their faults. I don't really want them to succeed because somehow that makes me not succeed? Why? Just because they do something well does not make me do something worse. It comes down to comparing and I try not do to this, but it happens. Is she more talented than me? Is she nicer than me? Is she more fun than me? It is hard because others compare even if we don't. I need to remember to build up others when they are successful or when they are not. Then be confident in who I am and what I can do. We would never want to be like the Pharisees or the saducees, but I think we are being similar if we compare and try to make ourselves seem better than others.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
CHRIST'S TEACHING METHODS
On the week-ends I have been reading conference talks, but not the New Testament. I have also been reading at night. I want to still read my scriptures in the morning even on the week-end. I know my husband will help me if I let him know this goal. Sleeping in is so nice, even if it means sleeping until 7:30 or 8, so maybe I could read my scriptures then. After I could let my husband sleep a little longer. I'll talk with him.
I read such an exciting part of Matt 12 and found that there is a whole section in the Topical Guide on The Teaching modes of Christ! Isn't that great!
Here is a list of the different ways I could see that Christ teaches:
-Taught with authority
-Had them read and recall what they had read
-Spoke with parables and stories
-Taught and preached
-Had the Spirit with Him
-Perceived their thoughts, adapted His teaching to them, didn't just teach an already made lesson plan
-Had them tell Him, explain to him their thoughts
-Talked with them
-wrote on the ground to get their attention
-Spoke what the Father wanted Him to say
-Washed their feet, served them
-Showed them how to wash feet so they would do it, taught by example
-Repeated the same message multiple times (repeated 3 times)
-Had them feel the prints in His hands, hands-on, let them touch
-Had them prepare on their own
-Had them write it down
Isn't this wonderful! I'm so excited to use this in so many ways. I hope to homeschool using these methods. I can also use them in my calling as primary chorister.
I read such an exciting part of Matt 12 and found that there is a whole section in the Topical Guide on The Teaching modes of Christ! Isn't that great!
Here is a list of the different ways I could see that Christ teaches:
-Taught with authority
-Had them read and recall what they had read
-Spoke with parables and stories
-Taught and preached
-Had the Spirit with Him
-Perceived their thoughts, adapted His teaching to them, didn't just teach an already made lesson plan
-Had them tell Him, explain to him their thoughts
-Talked with them
-wrote on the ground to get their attention
-Spoke what the Father wanted Him to say
-Washed their feet, served them
-Showed them how to wash feet so they would do it, taught by example
-Repeated the same message multiple times (repeated 3 times)
-Had them feel the prints in His hands, hands-on, let them touch
-Had them prepare on their own
-Had them write it down
Isn't this wonderful! I'm so excited to use this in so many ways. I hope to homeschool using these methods. I can also use them in my calling as primary chorister.
Friday, August 21, 2009
LEAST OF THESE & REST FOR OUR SOULS
In the scriptures, people and prophets have important missions. John the Baptist had been spoken about for a long time of what he would do. Is God trying to tell me that I have a special mission, too? An interesting scripture "notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." It seems a little confusing. I am so thankful for cross references and that we have other scriptures that help us understand them. D&C 50:26 says "He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all." Each person is of the same infinite worth. It would seem that we would put John the Baptist and our current prophet above us, but these scriptures clarify that we are all servants of God, no matter who we are. As I serve other people, sometimes I like the acknowledgement they give me. I like being recognized for the good things I am doing. I don't want to be prideful. I hope to be more humble. Jesus also includes the calming words of "Come unto me, all ya that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." As I was feeling a little tired this morning, I thought rest sounded nice! But I noticed it is rest for our souls, not necessarily rest physically. Jesus is not telling us all of our labours and things that weigh us down will go away, but they will be easier for us to carry and our souls can be at peace. Reading the scriptures in the morning has been changing the way I act during the day. I feel like I am more patient. I feel like I can take on what seems impossible. I think I am understanding the scripture I just shared. I am so grateful Christ can help us as we live our everyday lives.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
My Value and Putting God First
Matt. 10- What an interesting read! After Christ instructs his apostles with how to preach, He talks about the worth of souls. Matt 10:29 says "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore ye are of more value than many sparrows." The world likes to give us a price, try to describe how important we are. How valuable are you in the business world? Although it is important to improve ourselves and be "valuable" I love how Christ shows how much He cares for us and our incredible worth. It is neat that He knows me and love me. Just as he know the very hairs on my head, He knows every little strength, every little weakness, my frustrations and joys. It is a hard thing to remember. What confidence it can give us if we let it!
The next part was interesting. I had to re-read and look at footnotes, but there wasn't much explanation. Christ says "I came not to send peace, but a sword." and to set a man at variance against his father, and family relationships against each other. What? It seems weird and confusing. I think the point like in the verses after consider the lilies of the field, almost is the same. We must put God first and trust in Him completely and not let anything get in the way. "He that loveth Father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" We have to put Christ first in our lives even above our spouse, mother or father. Who do I love more, my husband or Christ? That is a difficult question. Christ talks about losing our lives and then we will find it. He wants us to lose ourselves in serving other people and that way we will get closer to Him.
I hope to get to know Christ better by reading these Scriptures and that way put Him completely first in my life. I know that my family relationships will be strengthened when God is first in my life.
He wants us to try to get rid of selfishness, know our worth and put Him first.
The next part was interesting. I had to re-read and look at footnotes, but there wasn't much explanation. Christ says "I came not to send peace, but a sword." and to set a man at variance against his father, and family relationships against each other. What? It seems weird and confusing. I think the point like in the verses after consider the lilies of the field, almost is the same. We must put God first and trust in Him completely and not let anything get in the way. "He that loveth Father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" We have to put Christ first in our lives even above our spouse, mother or father. Who do I love more, my husband or Christ? That is a difficult question. Christ talks about losing our lives and then we will find it. He wants us to lose ourselves in serving other people and that way we will get closer to Him.
I hope to get to know Christ better by reading these Scriptures and that way put Him completely first in my life. I know that my family relationships will be strengthened when God is first in my life.
He wants us to try to get rid of selfishness, know our worth and put Him first.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
FEELING ALONE & CONSIDER THE LILIES AGAIN
Well, yesterday I got a lot accomplished, but I feel like I didn't get the most important thing accomplished. Eric left really early, so I didn't wake up before the girls. By the time I was getting them breakfast, I decided I would read my scriptures at night. I did read a lot, but it is so much more effective to read in the morning.
Today as I read chapter 9, I was struck by how alone Jesus felt as he healed and forgave. No one understood him. There are many times when I feel like no one understands how I am feeling, how overwhelmed I feel. Christ is the perfect example of continuing even though everyone around Him does not understand Him. It was also neat to see how much he didn't care what others thought of him. But he did care about them. If he cared what they thought of him, he wouldn't hang out with the publicans and sinners. Do I wonder what others think of me? Does it really matter?
As I read today, I finished the post I started for last Friday because today's reading helped shed some more light on it. I started to understand the "Consider the Lilies of the Field." Watching video of the choir singing has such a calm peaceful feeling. I think that is what Heavenly Father wants us to do. He wants us to feel at peace knowing that He is in charge of all and He will take care of us. He wants our complete trust. When Christ speaks with the apostles before they go out preaching, he tells them to not take money, bag or extra clothes. That seems crazy! Today missionaries prepare very well before they go out. But I think he told him these things to make a point, almost to help us in this parable. He does want us to take care of ourselves, but our trust needs to be in Him. If we relly on ourselves then we may forget to put our trust in Him.
What do you think?
Today as I read chapter 9, I was struck by how alone Jesus felt as he healed and forgave. No one understood him. There are many times when I feel like no one understands how I am feeling, how overwhelmed I feel. Christ is the perfect example of continuing even though everyone around Him does not understand Him. It was also neat to see how much he didn't care what others thought of him. But he did care about them. If he cared what they thought of him, he wouldn't hang out with the publicans and sinners. Do I wonder what others think of me? Does it really matter?
As I read today, I finished the post I started for last Friday because today's reading helped shed some more light on it. I started to understand the "Consider the Lilies of the Field." Watching video of the choir singing has such a calm peaceful feeling. I think that is what Heavenly Father wants us to do. He wants us to feel at peace knowing that He is in charge of all and He will take care of us. He wants our complete trust. When Christ speaks with the apostles before they go out preaching, he tells them to not take money, bag or extra clothes. That seems crazy! Today missionaries prepare very well before they go out. But I think he told him these things to make a point, almost to help us in this parable. He does want us to take care of ourselves, but our trust needs to be in Him. If we relly on ourselves then we may forget to put our trust in Him.
What do you think?
Monday, August 17, 2009
JUDGING AND BRINGING FORTH GOOD FRUIT
I never finished Friday's entry. It seems like week-ends get busier. Maybe I should plan on doing scripture study before I eat breakfast. That way I will do it :)
Today there are some great scriptures for self reflection. Not judging others. It makes complete sense that if I have something in my eye, I can't help someone get something out of their eye. But in my thoughts especially, I do see others' weaknesses and judge them. It is ok to see weaknesses and judge righteously and learn from them, but not make me better than them in my mind.
The scripture I thought was interesting also was every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. I have been thinking about parenting. So does this mean I will have good children? What if they turn out wrong? I don't think that is what He is meaning. I think in my parenting I need to do and say all good to my children. Then they will choose which way. Some of the most respected people I know have children that have chosen other ways. This is somewhere where I cannot judge and just believe that they have always given their children good fruit. I hope that I can always build my children up, never raise my voice and discipline them with gentleness. I have been trying lately to not get frustrated and also discipline them more matter-of-factly and individually. "T" shouldn't know what I say to "A" when I discipline her and vice versa.
Today there are some great scriptures for self reflection. Not judging others. It makes complete sense that if I have something in my eye, I can't help someone get something out of their eye. But in my thoughts especially, I do see others' weaknesses and judge them. It is ok to see weaknesses and judge righteously and learn from them, but not make me better than them in my mind.
The scripture I thought was interesting also was every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. I have been thinking about parenting. So does this mean I will have good children? What if they turn out wrong? I don't think that is what He is meaning. I think in my parenting I need to do and say all good to my children. Then they will choose which way. Some of the most respected people I know have children that have chosen other ways. This is somewhere where I cannot judge and just believe that they have always given their children good fruit. I hope that I can always build my children up, never raise my voice and discipline them with gentleness. I have been trying lately to not get frustrated and also discipline them more matter-of-factly and individually. "T" shouldn't know what I say to "A" when I discipline her and vice versa.
Friday, August 14, 2009
CONSIDER THE LILIES
Today I was really trying to figure out Matt. 6:28 Consider the Lilies of the Field. I looked in the JST and it talks about seeking first the kingdom of God and not the things of the world. I think Heavenly Father wants us to trust in him. But does He want us to not think about anything worldly? In later verses it talks about taking no thought what to eat, drink or in clothing. That makes it difficult.
I also listened to the Mormon Tabernacle choir singing the song:
Lyrics:
Consider the lilies of the field--how they grow, how they grow.
Consider the birds of the sky--how they fly, how they fly.
He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky and
He will feed those who trust Him and Guide them with His eye.
Consider the sheep of his fold--how they follow where he leads.
Though the path may wind across the mountains,
He knows the meadows where they feed.
He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky and
He will feed those who trust Him and Guide them with His eye.
Consider the sweet tender children who must suffer on this earth.
The pains of all of them he carried from the day of his birth.
He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the lambs of his fold and
He will heal those who trust Him and make their hearts as gold.
He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the lambs of his fold and
He will heal those who trust Him and make their hearts as gold.
I also listened to the Mormon Tabernacle choir singing the song:
Lyrics:
Consider the lilies of the field--how they grow, how they grow.
Consider the birds of the sky--how they fly, how they fly.
He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky and
He will feed those who trust Him and Guide them with His eye.
Consider the sheep of his fold--how they follow where he leads.
Though the path may wind across the mountains,
He knows the meadows where they feed.
He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky and
He will feed those who trust Him and Guide them with His eye.
Consider the sweet tender children who must suffer on this earth.
The pains of all of them he carried from the day of his birth.
He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the lambs of his fold and
He will heal those who trust Him and make their hearts as gold.
He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the lambs of his fold and
He will heal those who trust Him and make their hearts as gold.
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