Back to Blogging

As is obvious by the dates, I've been away from the blog scene for quite some time. We'll see if I can return to doing this.
I've been working on the Visiting Teaching Seminar for the Tropicana Ward visiting teachers, which will be on February 25th. The theme is "Discipleship through hearkening to the Spirit" which is the Stake's theme for the year. I've spent a number of hours looking through scriptures and the words of apostles and prophets for answers to the challenges we face as Visiting Teachers.

My problems vs. the problems of others

Sometimes when I consider the assortment of challenges (or problems) I have in my life, then look at the problems I know others have, I can appreciate my own basketful a lot more. Friends and family have problems I would not have to deal with.

Perhaps it's because mine are familiar, almost friends now that I feel this way, but I rather suspect it's because I have the ones I need to help me grow. I have the ones I have as opposed to others because I can deal with them. I have or can acquire the strength and resources for successfully rising above my problems and being a better person as a result.

I finished reading a set of scriptures last night, I read every night at least a chapter. Now I need to decide if I should read through them again or perhaps do a topical study of the words of God through His prophets and other inspired writers. However I do it will be beneficial. I feel closer though God when I read scripture daily.

Discipleship

What does it mean to be a disciple?

A disciple is not just one who follows, but one who studies and learns. A disciple is one who seeks to become like the Master he or she follows. This is much more than lip service to a canon of beliefs or a simple expression of 'I believe'. It means striving every day to become more and more like the one you follow, in this instance Jesus Christ. It means loving the unloveable, even when its yourself. It means banishing anger for real or imagined offenses, for the little things and the big things. It means freely forgiving others regardless of whether they as for forgiveness or not.

Disciples of Christ have been commanded to become perfect, even as our Father in Heaven is perfect. It is not a goal that can be attained completely in this life, but we can be working towards it every day of our lives. We can forget the person who cuts us off in traffic. We can be tolerant of the irritating boss. We can treat our family as we would the Savior if He were in our home. Every thing we do to draw nearer to Christ narrows the distance between us.

Today I will be more like Christ by praying to the Lord in the Savior's name. I will read the scripures that teach and testify of Him. I will be kind to those I meet.

Every day, a statement of what I will do to be a disciple of Christ. Every day, a step forward on that path.

'Me-ishness' and anger

If one wants to become a true disciple of Christ, ther is no room for 'me-ishness' or selfishness in our lives.

For a disciple of Christ there is never a time when anger is justified. This statement was made in our local church conference tonight. I know of a lot of times when I have felt anger, been angry. Many of them are easily identified as inappropriate. Others are much harder to overcome; the anger one feels towards one who harms a child, the anger over senseless slaughter, the anger when the wicked destroy the lives of those who have done no harm. How can we remove these feelings of anger as well?

I believe it is only through understanding the reality of the Atonement of Christ and the reality of His love for every human who has ever lived or will ever live. Each one of us, from the most saintly to the most depraved is beloved of Christ. Even those who abused him most violently when he was mortal received of this love. I find that my anger is much lessened if I can sincerely pray for a change of heart of the wicked, and a softening of my own heart as well.

As disciples can we do less? Can we expect to receive a fullness of what Christ wishes to give us if we do not give away our anger along with everything else that is not of Christ?

Singing the songs that children sing

Two of the songs the choir is singing for our church conference on Sunday are songs from the children's songbook. I guess I shouldn't be surprise at how often pure doctrine is conveyed in those songs. I've written the lyrics to one of them below.

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent His Son a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent His Son to walk with men on earth that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?
He sent His Son to die for us. And rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us?
What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like His Son.
Help others on their way.
What does He ask? Live like his son.

Grieving

It's been over a year and a half since my mother died unexpectedly. I still miss her even though I hadn't lived close to her for many years, or talked to her regularly. Just knowing my parents were there made a big difference and now there is this gap.

Usually I do ok, but there are still times, like now, when I get teary-eyed. I think some of this has to do with not really having anyone to talk to about her. My husband is rarely around, and even though he probably loved my mother as much or more than his own, he isn't one to grieve publically.

My advice to anyone who loses a loved one, find someone to talk to and do it early on. If you postpone the grieving process, it pops out at you in unexpected moments even years later.

Singing

I'm singing in a women's choir for our church's semi-annual stake conference. The sound of women's voices blending in hymn singing is a joyous thing. Song of prayer, of discipleship, of inspiration all serve to bring a feeling of peace and joy.

The conference is on Saturday and Sunday, we sing for the Sunday session. There are but four rehearsals, last Sunday, tonight, Thursday and Friday nights. When the time is short the focus seems greater, the desire to learn quickly and sing so the angels can sing with us is stronger.

I am thankful for the gift of music and the ability I have to sing.