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!