When a door closes...

This blog will be ending shortly.  I have started a new blog at Feast On the Words.  Please join me there!

When the Storms Rage - updated

How Can We Hear the Father's Voice?

This is an excerpt from President Uchdorf's talk entitled The Love of God, from October 2009 General Conference.

As you reach out to your Heavenly Father, as you pray to Him in the name of Christ, He will answer you. He speaks to us everywhere.

As you read God’s word recorded in the scriptures, listen for His voice.

During this general conference and later as you study the words spoken here, listen for His voice.

As you visit the temple and attend Church meetings, listen for His voice.
Listen for the voice of the Father in the bounties and beauties of nature, in the gentle whisperings of the Spirit.


In your daily interactions with others, in the words of a hymn, in the laughter of a child, listen for His voice.
If you listen for the voice of the Father, He will lead you on a course that will allow you to experience the pure love of Christ.


As we draw near to Heavenly Father, we become more holy. And as we become more holy, we will overcome disbelief and our souls will be filled with His blessed light. As we align our lives with this supernal light, it leads us out of darkness and toward greater light. This greater light leads to the unspeakable ministerings of the Holy Spirit, and the veil between heaven and earth can become thin.

The Spirit Speaks to Me, and to You

What I have learned recently is that living by the Spirit is an individual journey.  I cannot receive revelation for you.  And I cannot expect others to receive revelation for me.  Your mission is different than mine, but we are all laboring to build the Kingdom of God.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12

The other thing I have learned is how important it is to have charity.  I am sincerely trying to feel God's love, so I can share it with others. 

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth.  Wherefore cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail--

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Moroni 7:46-47

Greater Light

One day last week my husband and I got up before 5 am to watch the meteor shower.  We saw eight meteors in about half an hour.  It was amazing and fun!  We realized that we would have been able to see much more if we had been up in the mountains, rather than down in the city.
Then I found this quote by Joseph Smith:

"The small lights that God has given are sufficient to lead us out of Babylon; when we get out, we shall have greater light."

(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg 103)

One day this week, my husband and I got up before 5 am to go to the Temple.  It was an enlightening trip, to say the least.  I learned so much and I am so grateful! 
I don't want to settle for the small lights, the occasional inspiration, when I could have great light and wisdom.

Celestial Education Conference Update

This coming Saturday is the Celestial Education conference.  There have been some changes, so please read all the way to the bottom.  I have personally met each of the presenters and look forward to hearing them!  I also would really like to meet as many of you as possible!  Anyone in the South Jordan area that would like to drive down together, let me know.

Zion In Our Hearts

A Celestial Education Conference

Come join us as we seek to understand and implement the principles of Godly education in our families.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Bybee residence

660 Westfield Road

Alpine, UT

(see below for map and directions)

We will hear from Michelle Stone on

Charity: The Heart of Celestial Education

And we will discuss:

Seeking the Lord’s Vision for our Learning

Led by Molly Jorgensen, and

Becoming a Spirit Led Parent

Led by Kara Davis

Invite your friends and family to join us at this free conference, and enjoy an opportunity to seek personal revelation and to meet other parents who are striving to establish Zion in their hearts and in their homes.

Please RSVP to reserve your seat.

mollymjorgensen@gmail.com

From I-15: Take exit 284, Alpine/Highland (near Thanksgiving Point). Head East on 11000 North (Highland Highway). Turn left at the light at 6000 West. Turn right at the stop sign as the road comes to a tee. Road becomes Westfield Road. 660 will be on the left with two large pots on the sides of the driveway--look for the signs. Parking will be available on the driveway and on the street.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=660+westfield+road,+alpine,+ut&sll=37.926868,-95.712891&sspn=38.965813,93.076172&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=660+Westfield+Rd,+Alpine,+Utah,+84004&ll=40.452172,-111.790352&spn=0.009666,0.022724&z=16

The Vision of Zion

I just received this newsletter from Brigham Young Academy.

On this day we honor the pioneers. They came here with a vision of building Zion.


In 2010, a revival of the spirit and mission of the pioneers is greatly needed. Joseph Smith taught, “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. . . . The time is soon coming, when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes.” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 3:390–91)

The vision of Zion encompasses all things, including education, family life, statesmanship--an entire culture. What would a Zion education be like? True education comprises our character, traditions, our all. In the last days, a Celestial vision of education has been restored through the Lord’s prophets. This vision runs counter to the secular world around us and the world’s philosophies of education. The need for this restoration perspective of education is growing more critical each day.

Can you feel it?  Can you feel the call of Zion?  Are you teaching your children about Zion?  Are you giving of yourself freely to others?  Are you living by the Spirit and by faith?

Upcoming Conference

I wanted to let you know about an upcoming conference on Celestial Education.  I am not the originator of the conference, but I have been in contact with those who are putting it together.  Their goal is to create a support network for families, not just for homeschoolers, but all families pursuing a celestial education.
If you are in the Provo area in August, consider attending.  Those who are coming for Education Week get in free!

What the Scriptures Teach About Raising a Child

Another great book, by S. Michael Wilcox.  One of my favorite parts is at the very beginning.  He talks about the birth of his first child, and being given the "owner's manual" for that daughter, and all the subsequent children.  I felt like it was our duty to seek that revelation, to have Heavenly Father give us the owner's manual for our children, that He created.  What a blessing!  I am still working on that, I've got five children to catch up on.  : )
This book and Choosing Glory talked at great length about the scripture in D&C 121:41-46, as they apply to parenting.

41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

What beautiful counsel!  What a beautiful promise!

Choosing Glory

I cannot say enough good about the book Choosing Glory by Lili de Hoyos Anderson!  It has really changed my life.  (As a side note, most books I read lately have been life changing.  Is that because I am open to change, or just getting really good books to read?)
Sister Anderson has a three realms perspective about life and the choices we make.  Here's the kicker for me - being a good, Church-going LDS person is a solid terrestrial life.  What?  You mean there's more I have to do to inherit the Celesital Kingdom?
I went to a Conference on Saturday and attended a class on Meditation.  The speaker, Philip McLemore, said a lot of the same things I read in Choosing Glory.  It was amazing!  A second witness. 
I've been thinking about the three realms perspective in a lot of ways - entertainment, food, education.  For example, telestial choices in food would be lots of processed, dead food.  Not good for your body or spirit.  Terrestrial choices would be a whole foods diet.  Celestial, in my opinion, would be mostly raw fruits and vegetables.  As Sister Anderson points out, it is difficult to live celestial principles without having a solid terrestrial base. 
For entertainment, Misty has been doing a series of posts on telestial and terrestrial choices.  I'm not sure what celestial entertainment would be.  Perhaps it is better defined as the arts, and is all that glorifies God and brings attention to Him.
In the food example, you would need to adjust your tastes by eating a good, whold foods diet, before you can move on to the cleaner, raw produce diet.
Education - telestial is a government mandated schooling.  Terrestrial is a classical education.  Celestial is a God-given education, like Joseph Smith had.  You would need the basics of the terrestial, knowing how to read, how to study, how to think, and especially how to learn by the Spirit before you could have the Holy Ghost teach you what you need to know.
More to come.  In the meantime, check out the book!

Educated by the Spirit

Education is wonderful, but being able to feel the Lord’s power and Spirit upon us is the highest education we can achieve.

This is a quote from Sister Beck's talk at the BYU Women's Conference this past April.  You can read the entire, wonderful, powerful, message here.

Is this what Zion might be like?

Zion is a huge topic on my mind lately.

And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.  Moses 7:18

We can have Zion here, now.  In fact, that's what we are supposed to be doing.  We can have Zion in our selves, in our homes, in our families, in our wards, in our stakes, and eventually in the Church and World.  But it starts with us.
 
Leo, at mnmlist.com, has written an article about society, reimagined.  It made me think of my vision of Zion. 

We’ve gotten fat, tired, sick, deep in debt, disconnected from our kids and other family members, divorced, separated from our neighbor, all in the name of money and work and profits and buying. This seems broken, to me.

But what’s a better way of living? A society reimagined, built around people and a love for our environment and living and working and playing together, a love for being outside and playing and being active, a love for doing things and spending time with people rather than for buying things and working to support that buying habit.

What would such a society look like? I hesitate to put forth my vision, because it shouldn’t come from one person but should be reimagined by everyone who will live it. However, I’ll put forth a small sliver of such a vision, just to get the conversation started.

Please read the rest of Leo's post to see his ideas.  And then, you can read the follow-up where he explains that it starts with us. 

My neighbor has a banner hanging in her house.  I love the last part that says something like, "We will be a force for good, not by the loudness of our voices, but by the strength of our example."

Be the change you want to see. Live the gospel with all your heart. Be a shining light on the hill for others to see.

Be Still, And Know That I Am God

Have you ever noticed a subject or idea that keeps coming popping up on you?  That subject for me lately is meditation.  It is on blogs I read, in books I read, in an upcoming conference I'm attending.  And it is in the scriptures.
Felice, at The Gift of Giving Life, is offering her wisdom on meditation. It has been tremendously helpful for me, especially the one for more patience!
Meditation is not easy.  It is the work of quieting the mind to be able to more clearly hear the Divine.
In our house, we are trying one minute of meditation in the evenings.  We repeat silently in our minds "I am a child of God" or something along those lines. 
With five young children, it can be hard to find a quiet moment in my day.  I want to make those brief moments of higher quality, more communion with my Maker.
I love this passage from Psalms 107.  It reminded me of the storms that are often raging in my mind.

28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Plain and Simple

We recently finished reading 2 Nephi as a family.  The wonderful Isaiah chapters.  The great counsel from Lehi.  Warnings for us in our day.  One of my favorite scriptures:

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.  2 Nephi 30:15

Then Nephi sums everything up.  He speaks plainly so there is no misunderstanding.  We must be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, have unshaken faith in Christ, feast on the words of Christ, and pray always.
I have been pondering feasting, gaining soul nourishment from God's word.
In the end of 1 Kings, we get to read about Elijah.  What impresses me is his faith, the power behind those mighty miracles.  How much faith would it take to believe that birds will feed you for three years?  To raise someone from the dead?  To call down fire from heaven?  How do I develop that kind of faith?

Faith is like a little seed, if planted it will grow. (Faith, Children's Songbook)

We can begin with faith that doing the plain and simple things will bless our lives.  And as we feast on the words of Christ, we will receive His Spirit and His instruction for us, personally.

The Temple as the House of God

In Truman Madsen's book, "The Temple" he says there is truth in the practice of facing the Temple when we pray.  Yesterday, I read 1 Kings 8 - Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly built Temple.  Solomon tells the Israelites to face the Temple when they pray.  He built the Temple, under God's direction, so the Ark of the Covenant would have a permanent home.  So God would have a home on earth. 
In the past year, off and on, I have faced the Temple as I prayed.  Everytime it amazes me how I can feel my heart turning, too.

I saw tomorrow passing

I saw tomorrow passing on little children's feet
And on their forms and faces her prophecies complete.
And then I saw tomorrow look at me through little children's eyes.
And I thought how carefully I must teach if I am wise!
Author Unknown

I am reading a little gem of a book called Daughters of God by M. Russell Ballard.  It is so full of insights about the value and importance of women, especially as nurturers of children.
One of my favorite scriptures is from Isaiah, and repeated in the Book of Mormon:

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children. 

Isaiah 54:13 and 3 Nephi 22:13

Another scripture about peace, from Isaiah and repeated in the Book of Mormon is this one:

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments -- then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. 

Isaiah 48:18 and 1 Nephi 20:18

I know the Lord wants us to have peace.  We can have peace in the midst of our trials and struggles.  We certainly should have peace in our homes and families.  The way to achieve that is through teaching our families of the Lord and His commandments.  Everything else is secondary in importance.

Swimming Upstream

Before I had my first child, I bought all the stuff that comes with children in our culture.  Thankfully, some of it rarely got used.  I was exposed to ideas about child-rearing that were outside our cultural norm.  These ideas fit better with my instincts.
I am so grateful for those that were willing to talk about how they were different, even when they were in the small minority.  It made a big difference in my life, and the lives of my children.  It also helped me to become more open-minded to all the new ideas I've encountered in the last 10 years.
Bruce Hafen describes it perfectly.

The world today is a polluted river.  We are like fish swimming in the pollution, often carried by a current of which we are only vaguely aware, until someone swims against the current.  Then we see the contrast.1

This idea, of seeing the contrast, has really been apparent to me lately.  Anytime I have left my home in the last week or so, I have been shocked at the contrast between "the world" and my home.  Not that my home is perfect, but it is a safe haven bubble.  And it feels a lot safer than what is outside.
Making the first step to fortifying our homes is the most difficult.  "Can we really live without the cable tv/video games/pop music?  What will we eat if we get rid of meat/sugar/processed foods?  What will the kids do if 95% of their toys are gone?"
If Heavenly Father has been whispering to you to make some changes, you can trust that He has your best interests at heart.  Elder Oaks article in the April 2010 Ensign on The Atonement and Faith has a lot to say on the subject of Faith in God's Plan for us. 

I'll end with a quote from Orson Pratt.

In the latter days there will be a people so pure in Mount Zion, with a house established upon the tops of the mountains, that God will manifest himself, not only in their Temple . . . [but] when they retire to their [homes], behold each [home] will be lighted up by the glory of God - a pillar of flaming fire by night.2

(I wanted to say more, but it's hard to think and type with sick children, a potty-training toddler, and a crying baby. Motherhood calls!)
1 The Temple, Truman G. Madsen, pg 70
2. The Temple, pg 74

Celestial Quest is to Live Celestial Law

Elder Christofferson gave the graduation address at BYU this month.  His topic: "Celestial Quest is to Live Celestial Law."  One of my favorite quotes is at the end.

"Today we recognize your very significant achievements. We are happy for you and with you. We place robes on your shoulders and mortar boards, tassels and other marks of honor upon you head and about your neck," he said. "At the same time, my plea to you is not to let this achievement or any other success or failure blind you to your central purpose on earth — to learn to do whatsoever the Lord your God may command. ... Without diminishing this day, I urge you to keep your eye on the prize. Let your cap and gown point you to the infinitely greater robe and crown that await you in God's celestial realm."

It reminded me of a talk from Elder Maxwell that I listened to last week.  It is called The Inexhaustible Gospel.  The point that really stuck with me is it does us no good to seek further knowledge in the Gospel until we learn to live according to the knowledge we already have.  This is wisdom.
I began to examine my own life.  Are there things I know I am supposed to be doing that I am not doing as well as I should? 

In addition, brothers and sisters, multiple scriptures make it clear that knowledge is meant to be closely associated with other virtues such as patience, humility, charity, and kindness (D&C 4:6; 107:30­31; 121:41­42; 2 Peter 1:5­9).
Another important insight is that knowledge is intended to travel in a convoy of other Christian virtues. It does not have final meaning by itself. If one possesses some knowledge, as Peter said, but "lacketh" these other qualities, he cannot "see afar off' (2 Peter 1:5­9). A most interesting concept! Precious perspective is missing unless knowledge is accompanied by these other truths.

To sum up, a Celestial Life will be one that has behaviours, attitudes, and attributes that match Celestial Knowledge.  "And when we see His face, we shall know Him, for we shall be like Him."

Mormon Channel

The Church has had the Mormon Channel up and running for awhile, but I've never checked it out until today.  I found this page, Music with a Message, that explores gospel topics through music.  What a gift!

The School of the Family

Joyce Kinmont has issued a call similar to the one I had in mind.  It must be the right time.
It is time for us to rise up to the potential that is within us.  It is time for us to take responsibility for the education of ourselves and our families.  We cannot leave it solely up to "others".

The LDS Home Education Association would like to make a contribution to the upbuilding of Zion in the area of education.  For the past twenty years we have supported and encouraged homeschoolers, as we will continue to do.  Now we wish to include all families in a new proposal: In order to stregthen the family unit, reduce the allure of sin, and bring to pass an exciting new millennial culture, we urge families to become proactive in learning truth - not only the truth of the gospel itself, but God's truth in all areas of study.  We therefore suggest the establishment of a "school" of some kind in ever family in whatever way the family chooses.  This may mean just a change in the conversation at the dinner table and a new bookshelf.  It may involve an hour or two on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons.  It is a family work, a family gathered at home, experiencing the joy of learning truth together beyond their core gospel study - although all truth is encompassed within the gospel.  It is a renewed recognition of parental responsibility and a commitment of eternal consequence.  It may require sacrifice - the very stuff of which Zion is made.

To read the full proposal, please go here.
We have been under condemnation ever since the early Saints gave up their education responsibilities to government schools.1  The Prophets warned them not to do it, and the sins have been answered upon the heads of the children to the third and fourth generations.2  That curse is finally being lifted.  The leaders of the Church are talking about education more and more.  There are so many resources available at http://www.lds.org/ that you don't even need to buy anything to give yourself and your children a great gospel education.
Education is much more than "school".  It involves a love of learning that will extend into eternity.

1. Revealed Educational Principles, by John D. Monnett
2. Celestial Education, DVD, by Michelle Stone

The Concept of Teenager

Did you know the term teenager has been in use for less than 100 years? 

"Teenage" -- the adjective -- appeared in WRITTEN English in a Canadian publication in 1921. Note that the phrase is enclosed in quotation marks, indicating the "coining" of the term. Most words are used ORALLY before they are written down.1

Yesterday I was reading a book set in 1854 for my daughter's book group.The main character has a brother, 14 years old, "who will soon be a man."2   How many of our sons are ready to be a man at age 14?  It was also common for girls to marry at age 17 in those days.  I know it was a different time, but humans have not changed that much in 150 years.
Merrilee Boyack, in The Parenting Breakthrough, says her goal is to raise children capable of moving out at age 18 and being successful adults.  She has a thorough plan for teaching this kind of independence.  One of the things that struck me was they stop giving allowance at age 12.
The February Ensign had three articles relevant to this discussion.  From a BYU-I devotional address by Kathleen H. Hughes, there is this scripture quote:

“And it came to pass that he had two sons. He gave unto the eldest the name of Nephi, and unto the youngest, the name of Lehi. And they began to grow up unto the Lord” (Helaman 3:21; emphasis added).

These boys not only grew to adulthood knowing, loving, and serving the Lord, but they stayed in that same path throughout their lives.

Are our young men, and young women, growing up unto the Lord?  Or are they growing up unto their peers?  Their video games?  Their celebrities?
Along the same lines is the article by Wendy Ulrich and Christine Packard, "That They May Grow Up in Thee".

As young singles come to understand that maturity and adulthood are marked by behavior and attitude rather than marital status, they will come to achieve a greater sense of satisfaction and purpose in their lives.

Finally, there was a glorious inset called Youth In the Old Testament, by Janet Thomas.  She pulls information from Bible dictionaries to answer this question:  What does the Old Testament tell us about what scriptural leaders accomplished as teenagers?
My favorite part is at the end.

When did the men and women of the Old Testament begin preparing for a lifetime of service to the Lord? From the scriptures we find that it was when they were young. When you are in your teens, you are old enough to learn about the Lord and do His will.

If you have not read these articles, I highly recommend them.  You can access them online at this link.
One thing I have learned when dealing with children is when you expect more from them, you get more!  I heard a talk by Glenn J. Kimber3 wherein he challenged our young men to read the Book of Mormon 30 times before their mission.  30 times!  Is that impossible?  No, certainly not.  Will it require a rearranging of priorities?  Possibly.  But imagine the eternal benefits that will come from this dedication and preparation as our children grow up unto the Lord.

1. Oxford New English Dictionary, 1921
2. Happy Birthday, Kirsten!  American Girls series
3. Expect More, Get More!  From LDS Eastern Home Educators Conference.  See his website for information.

Learning to Love Learning

If you haven't read Elder Bednar's article from the February Ensign, hurry on over to LDS.org and read it!
LDS.org - Ensign Article - Learning to Love Learning
I had lots of favorite parts, but one of my favorites is this:

“The religion embraced by the Latter-day Saints, if only slightly understood, prompts them to search diligently after knowledge. There is no other people in existence more eager to see, hear, learn, and understand truth.”

Here's a link to access the full address:  http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1777

Math Help

A friend of mine told me of how prayer helped her teach her daughter math.  Her 7th grade daughter was really struggling with multiple-digit times multiple-digit.  She just couldn't get it.  Mom tried everything she knew, but nothing helped.  Then Mom prayed about it.  She realized that Heavenly Father knew this daughter, knew the way she learned, and knew how to help her.  And she got the answer! 
She told her daughter it was like the first row was all the kids in the family and the second row was Dad and Mom.  For example, Mom feeds Baby, wipes Sister's face, and ties Brother's shoe.  As she finishes with each child, she hands them off to Dad.  Dad changes Baby's diaper, helps Sister find her shoes, and combs Brother's hair.

     X  

                        ______________


Relating math to family responsibilities made the multiplication click for her Daughter!  More importantly, it helped this Mother know that Heavenly Father will help her teach her children.

Balak and Problem Solving

In Numbers 24, Balak is asking Balaam to curse Israel.  Three times he builds seven alters and offers a bullock and a ram on each alter, to petition God to curse Israel.  Three times Balaam comes back with a blessing for Israel.
I couldn't help but think, isn't there another way for Balak to get what he really wants?  I'm speculating that what he really wants is safety for himself and his people against the mighty and numerous host of Israel.  He thinks the only way to survive is for Israel to be cursed.  Couldn't he have asked just for protection?  Or asked what he needed to do to be protected, or even allied with Israel?
Then, I thought, how often are my prayers like that.  I have a problem and I can only think of one way to fix it.  So, I pray and pray, with great faith, for the Lord to do what I want.  I make offerings, promises, change the location of my praying, even go to the temple.  And yet, the thing I request is not granted.  It is certainly not that the Lord doesn't love me.
He also loved Balak.  Balak had access to a prophet.  The Lord told Balaam to tell Balak what He said.  Balak was petitioning the One True God.
Our God is an awesome God.  He sees all, knows all.  He knows better solutions to our problems than we do.  What if we were to ask for inspiration on how to solve our problems and truly open our hearts and minds to His answers? 

Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets...

Our goal in this life is to prove ourselves worthy to live with God again.

To live with Him, we have to be willing and able to abide by Celestial Laws.

We must know these Laws to be able to live them.

They are found in the scriptures, in the words of modern-day prophets,

and in the truths taught to us by the Holy Ghost.

"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom;

yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom;

seek learning, even by study

and also by faith."

Doctrine & Covenants 88:118

"...Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets,

and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!"
Numbers 11:29

Living By The Spirit

Oh, I could write for days on this subject.  It has been on my mind for quite awhile.  Two links for you, one from the Chile Santiago mission president's wife about their pre-earthquake warning.  Another from a fireside by Sister Bednar about the promptings of the Spirit.
It is our greatest responsibility to teach our children to recognize the Holy Ghost.  My oldest is 9 now, and he still struggles with this.  My husband pointed out to him that it may be harder for boys to feel the Holy Ghost, because they are not as in touch with their feelings.  It was such an insight for me when he said that.  Now I can look for opportunities to help him recognize all of his feelings, in hopes that it will help him recognize when he feels the Holy Ghost.

Time With the Lord

Years ago I read a book called Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days by Nancy Lande.  The subtitle is: Share a Day with 30 Homeschooling Families.  These were all Christian families, as I recall.  And the thing that stuck with me is how the mothers in these families made it a priority to have their Time With The Lord each day.  Whether it was 15 minutes or an hour, these mothers knew how important it was to read the Bible, pray, and meditate before they tackled the day.
We know this, too, right?  But do we do it?  Do we put our relationship with the Lord as the top priority of our day?  I know when I do, my day goes so much better!
My Time With The Lord starts before I get out of bed.  I may lay there an extra 30 minutes after the last feeding of the baby, talking with the Lord, planning out my day, thanking Him for another day with my precious family. 
Then, on the good days, I hit the treadmill for a 30 minute walk with scripture reading.  (If I am walking outside, I listen to the scriptures on my mp3 player.)  I try to look for at least one thing I learned from my reading, or one thing the Spirit taught me as I read.

I recently came across this idea for scripture reading:
Wendy Watson Nelson has a book called Change Your Questions, Change Your Life.  In it she suggests the following:

The “Take a Daily Question to the Scriptures for 30 Days” Experiment
Begin each of the thirty days of this experiment by asking yourself:
What is the one question I most need to have answered today—the question that is burning in my heart and mind, burdening me—the question that is troubling my life?
Then:
•Take your scriptures and kneel down and thank your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the scriptures.
•Ask for the Spirit to be with you as you seek an answer to your one question for that day. Picture the Holy Ghost being right there with you as you read.
•Ask your Heavenly Father the one question you most need to have answered that day.
•Open your scriptures and read until you find the answer.
It is my experience, and the witness of so many others, that you won’t have to read very far before you will find what you are looking for.

One last thought, from the January Ensign.  The last page had an article by Aaron L. West about how the Lord wants to be found.  It has been resonating in my heart all week! 
What does your Time With The Lord look like?  What would you like it to be?