All posts in category General Conference

The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ

Last year, our newly called General Relief Society President gave a talk at the Relief Society Broadcast titled, Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in our Hearts? During Sister Burton’s talk, she gave three principles of the Atonement that would help us increase faith in Jesus Christ. The three principles included:

One: All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Two: There is power in the Atonement to enable us to overcome the natural man or woman and become true disciples of Jesus Christ.
Three: The Atonement is the greatest evidence we have of the Father’s love for His children.

When I listened to the talk, I felt an immediate rush of gratitude and love for this new Relief Society President. Personally, I loved Sister Beck (Sister Burton’s predecessor), and I couldn’t really imagine loving another Relief Society President so much. But she gave this powerful talk which confirmed to me that she was the new General Relief Society President–called by God. I was grateful for both the witness and the talk she gave. It was just what I needed. (Isn’t that always the way?!)

After the conference, I talked to a friend about the Atonement. She suggested I do a “scripture study series” on the Atonement. I laughed it off…I mean all of the scriptures are about the Atonement. The task seemed impossible! Even though I knew I couldn’t do a scripture study series on the Atonement, I also knew that there was something I should work on…

A friend of mine -who is a Relief Society President – sent me an email shortly after the Relief Society Broadcast. I will share a part of it with you here, (I hope that she doesn’t mind!)

“Did you just love the RS meeting Saturday night? I thought it was amazing and realized I need to strengthen my testimony in the areas Sister Burton talked about. The question I went away with was about the first principle of the Atonement she spoke of, that all that is unfair about life can and will be made right through the Atonement. Can that be true during this life or is it meant to be looked at in an eternal perspective? I have complete faith that it will be taken care of after this life. I’m not there for this life though and sometimes it makes me feel unfaithful. I see so much trouble and pain in my calling as I work with the sisters in our ward, that I can’t see how it can be solved in this life. It would take a miracle. And then I think well, that’s what I should have faith in, that she (the generic, composite she) will let God make a miracle in their life, that she will follow gospel principles, that she will get her act together through the power of Jesus Christ. But the odds are not in her favor at all. Drug use, bad choices, ignorance, a lifetime of bad habits, mental illness etc. It is all stacked against her. I have faith that the atonement can fix those things, but there’s so much personal participation required, I guess that’s where the disconnect lies. Any thoughts?

I saw Sister Burton’s talk as a personal challenge; not just to strengthen others testimony of those principles, but really work on my own.”

When I read this email, especially this part, it galvanized what I was feeling as I watched the talk Sister Burton gave. It gave me even more insight. I know that in a way, I trust that the Atonement is powerful. Yet I reassessed my faith. Do I have faith–even of a mustard seed? What do I really know about the Atonement. Do I truly understand and even trust the three principles that Sister Burton gave? How can I strengthen my faith and testimony–not only of Christ–but of His infinite Atonement?

At about the same time, I had started on a project–creating a Scripture Study Companion of the New Testament. While working on this, it hit me. As a part of the scripture study companion, I would create exercises for each chapter of the New Testament that included an in-depth study of the Atonement. I had this feeling (and I still do) that everything in Christ’s life can teach us about the Atonement…sometimes it takes a little probing, but we can learn more.

The point of all of this is to invite you to also complete this course of Study: The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ.

The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ

You can find the assignments in each chapter of the Scripture Study Companions that I’ve published. They can be downloaded for free and are available in various formats.
Click here to download the New Testament Study Companion: Matthew
Click here to download the New Testament Study Companion: Mark

Luke and John will be coming soon.

I will be writing a couple of times a week here on my blog–about my own study experiences. I will include the exercise/assignment. And my own thoughts. I’d love it if you studied and also shared your own insights. I’m hoping that we can follow Sister Burton’s charge to better understand the Atonement and have this knowledge written on our hearts so our faith and love in Christ can be strengthened and we can be strengthened as we navigate the trials of our lives.

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by chococatania on April 23, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in General Conference, Insights, The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ

Posted by chococatania on April 23, 2013

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/the-atonement-and-your-personal-relationship-with-christ/

Hope for the Victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing (and others)

Yesterday, I was on the phone with my sister when she said, “Oh my gosh. Catania. Did you hear about what happened in Boston? At the Boston Marathon?”
“No. What’s up?”
“It was bombed.”

I couldn’t believe it. I went to the computer and found a news story. Instantly, my heart ached for the people who were suffering and worrying. My dad works in Boston, and I have to admit that I was happy to remember that he was out of town. Then, I started thinking about the race. A few years ago, I ran a marathon in Baltimore, MD. I have to say, the event was amazing. There were thousands of people lined up in the streets, running…running for their health, running because they are competitive, running to honor passed friends, running to raise money for diseases. It seemed to me that every person out there was running for a good reason. Most people who run a marathon won’t come close to winning, but they’re still there–happy to run. Running a marathon is about discipline, mental toughness, physical exertion, and accomplishment. It’s really amazing.

When I thought of Boston, I thought of all the people-who in one second were reveling in the denouement of months of training. Then, the next second, they were afraid for their lives. This doesn’t make any sense to me at all.

I don’t understand terrorists. I don’t understand how people could be filled with so much hate and anger. I don’t understand the darkness of a soul that would choose to hurt so many people at random. It honestly makes no logical sense to me. Why can’t we let happy people be happy? Why is it that there are so many people who want to pull others down rather than build each other up? My mind aches when I think of those who have been hurt.

This Boston situation isn’t all, either. It seems like there is always something horrible happening. School shootings. Bombings. Drug Wars. Kidnapping. Child Abuse. I could go on, but I won’t. We already know it all.

Today, I went on a run/hike in the trails near my home. It was a gloriously beautiful morning. I had been thinking of those in Boston as I began my own ascent into the hills. It felt good to breathe hard, to feel my thighs sting, as I climbed. I prayed for a while as I ran. Then, listened to a talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf – The Hope of God’s Light. I felt especially touched by this quote:

“There may be some among you who feel darkness encroaching upon you. You may feel burdened by worry, fear, or doubt. To you and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth: God’s light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things.1 It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound. It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night into the promise of a new dawn.”

I experienced a bit of an object lesson as I listened to this talk. I walked up the mountain, in the shadows. The hike caused me to breathe heavily. I was getting goosebumps as a breeze blew past me. Yet, I knew that there was light on the other side. As long as I kept walking, I’d soon catch my breath and bask in the sun.

And I did.

Step by step, I climbed the mountain, and soon saw the amazing view of the valley, including the temple in the distance.

View from the top…can you spot the temple?

Despite the horrible things that happen in this world – whether they are natural disasters or things that we do to one another, I was filled with warmth as I remembered that God loves us. As we seek Him and our Savior, our hearts can be filled with hope even during the darkest times. While we mourn those who are victims – in Boston and elsewhere – we can also be comforted by Christ: His light, His life, His Resurrection. He is our hope.

Listen to this talk by President Uchtdorf…it will lift your spirits.

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by chococatania on April 16, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in General Conference, Insights, Reflections

Tagged adversity, Boston Marathon, Christ, Dieter F Uchtdorf, General Conference, hope, LDS, Marathon, running, Temple, Terrorism

Posted by chococatania on April 16, 2013

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/hope-for-the-victims-of-the-boston-marathon-bombing-and-others/

Come Listen to the Prophet’s Voice

I love general conference!

It seems like every six months, I get to a point where I feel spiritually parched, hungry, needy. I can’t really put my finger on it. My spirit needs refreshment and renewal. I can’t seem to get it from normal church meetings, scripture study or prayer. Going to the temple helps, but it still can’t quite satisfy what I feel like I want.

I need to hear the words of the living prophets. I love their advice, love, warnings, and messages. I love to hear the tabernacle choir sing. I love to hear humble prayers uttered. I love to be able to raise my hand to the square and sustain the servants of God.

Today, as I listened to President Monson speak, I was filled with the confirming knowledge that President Monson is a living prophet. I felt love wash over me as he began to spoke—the blessing of a living prophet tells me that Heavenly Father loves me. It is truly miraculous that the Lord can bless so many millions of people with the words of a single prophet.

Listen to the word of the living prophet and apostles here.

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by chococatania on April 7, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in General Conference, Testimonies

Tagged LDS, ldsconf, Mormon, prophet, thomas s. Monson

Posted by chococatania on April 7, 2013

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/come-listen-to-the-prophets-voice/

Can You Feel So Now?

It’s my favorite time of year.

The days are getting longer.

My morning run is a lot brighter these days.

There are colorful pots of joy all around my yard.

Happy!

The citrus trees are starting to bloom.

Trust me when I say you wish you could smell this.

Soon, we will be celebrating Easter–which is pretty much my favorite holiday (even though I love Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and I usually do a lot more to celebrate them with my kids) it is Easter that brings me hope and joy. And I love that Easter is a holiday completely centered on Christ.

Now…before I go on too much about Easter, another thing I LOVEEEE about this time of year is General Conference.

In case you are not familiar with General Conference, once every six months, we in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a meeting where we hear from the Living Prophet, 12 apostles, and other leaders of our church. For me, General Conference is always just what I need to get through the next six months.

I have a few thoughts about two talks.

In Quentin L. Cook’s talk, he asks the question posed by Alma in the Book of Mormon:

“And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?” – Alma 5:26

I have been thinking about this question because, to be honest, I’ve been in a little bit of a funk lately. Sometimes, when I’m having depressing thoughts, it effects me in such a way that I begin to question everything: the purpose of my life (as in where I’m headed in life), my faith, and my testimony…Obviously, this isn’t good.

here’s the thing.

I have experienced a change of heart

My change of heart didn’t happen in one amazing or startling moment. Over time, my heart has changed. It has shifted toward the Lord. I can see that I’ve grown closer to the Lord over time. I was baptized when I was eight. My testimony has grown a lot since then, but I still have the same feeling about God that I did then. I know that He loves me. I know that I matter to Him. I know that I want to please Him.

Though there are times when I give in to many of my natural desires and weakness, I know where my heart is. I want to please the Lord. I want to bring him happiness and glory through my good decisions because I have felt so much love and blessings from Him.

I have felt to sing the song of redeeming love

Yes. This joy is also something I’ve experienced.

I have felt it when I look in the eyes of my children, and I see how much the Lord has blessed me–even though I, in no way, deserve it.

I have felt to sing the song of redeeming love when I have sinned, then repented, and have been forgiven. I know what that kind of deep, abiding joy is. I know that this is a miraculous feeling.

Sometimes I feel it [that love] and sometimes I don’t…Why???

When we can’t feel to sing the song of redeeming love anymore, Elder Cook suggests the possible reasons why:

“Many who are in a spiritual drought and lack commitment have not necessarily been involved in major sins or transgressions, but they have made unwise choices. Some are casual in their observance of sacred covenants. Others spend most of their time giving first-class devotion to lesser causes. Some allow intense cultural or political views to weaken their allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some have immersed themselves in Internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and, in some cases, invent shortcomings of early Church leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can affect testimony. Any who have made these choices can repent and be spiritually renewed.” – Quentin L. Cook

Now…as I read this, I have to amid, I don’t feel like I’m in a spiritual drought. Yet, I don’t feel as much happiness or joy as I’d like either. While Elder Cook’s advice is true and valuable, I don’t feel like actually applies to me right now. There is something else that is inhibiting my happiness, and I think that I found my answer in another conference talk given by President Uchtdorf.

One thing he said that I found especially interesting:

“So often we get caught up in the illusion that there is something just beyond our reach that would bring us happiness: a better family situation, a better financial situation, or the end of a challenging trial.

The older we get, the more we look back and realize that external circumstances don’t really matter or determine our happiness.

We do matter. We determine our happiness.

You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness.” – President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Here is my answer. Why do I have trouble, at times, with feeling the joy – in singing the song of redeeming love–that I have felt in the past? It is because I get caught up in an illusion.

Sometimes this illusion is caused because I suffer from physical pain and weakness (hormones, anyone), and I mistakenly forget that I can find happiness and comfort in Christ, despite my weakness.

Sometimes this illusion is caused by boredom and ingratitude. I forget the blessings in my life, and become deceived that certain circumstances would make me happier.

But we are reminded, we matter; we determine our happiness.

If I determine my happiness, then what am I doing about it?
In the same talk, we learn to resolve to:

spend time with people I love
live up to potential–to be the person God knows I can be
find happiness; regardless of circumstances

And the amazing thing is: when I take the time to do these three things, then I can answer the last question of Alma’s with a resounding Yes!

***
I’m so grateful for general conference. I’m grateful for the practical advice, reminders, and warnings that we receive from the Prophet and apostles. I’m grateful for their testimonies. I’m grateful for the Book of Mormon and how it has clarified so much of the Bible and doctrine of Christ. I know that this Gospel is the true and living Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and wants each of us to feel the joy of forgiveness and conversion. I also know that He wants us to remember it.

How do you answer the question posed by Alma? How has General Conference and the Book of Mormon been a blessing to you?

Check out more experiences with General Conference and the Book of Mormon at Jocelyn’s blog.

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by chococatania on March 12, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in General Conference, Insights

Tagged Alma, book of Mormon forum, General Conference, happiness, Joy, LDS, Mormon

Posted by chococatania on March 12, 2013

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/can-you-feel-so-now/

The Plan of Salvation – Intro to Study Series

One of my all-time favorite scriptures is Moses 1:39. The Lord tells Moses what His goals are:

“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

This scripture tells us we have a purpose. It tells us that God has a purpose. It implies that we aren’t on earth because of a cosmic accident, or even miracle. We are here because God wants us to be immortal and to live eternally. We are here because God wants to bless us with His very best blessings. And, when we do receive the blessings of immortality and eternal life – God is glorified.

Understanding God’s work and glory brings a lot of peace and comfort to our minds when we start asking ourselves the “who am I?”/”why am I here?” kinds of questions. Understanding our eternal nature and purpose also comforts us as we go through the trials we face in life. However, this scripture doesn’t explain to us how we can receive immortality and eternal life.

Because the Lord’s work and glory is our eternal success, He has revealed the pattern to our eternal lives. It is called The Plan of Salvation. There are other terms for it, too, including (but not limited to) The Plan of Happiness, The Plan of Redemption, The Merciful Plan of the Great Creator.

In his talk titled, “The Plan of Salvation”, L. Tom Perry teaches some of the basics of this plan. He tells about the Pre-Mortal estate – where our Spirits were created and prepared by God, He also teaches about the Creation, Mortality, Atonement, Death, and Resurrection. All of these elements of the Plan of Salvation are proof of God’s Love. Elder Perry states:

“Thus we see in the eternal plan of our Father that His love has no bounds. Every one of His children is included. All men have the same origin and equal possibility to fulfill their eternal destiny” – L. Tom Perry

I love this quote! All of us are included. This plan isn’t available for people of a certain background and class. This plan for redemption and happiness is available to all of His children. And, despite the country we come from or the time we live, we have a common origin: we are children of God. He has given us the blessings and opportunities we need in order to succeed.

When I think of this fact, I must admit that I can think of what I believe to be “exceptions.” There are so many people on this earth who seem to have more advantages than others. Yet, perhaps I should trust in the plan and the Lord a little more. If this is the pattern that the Lord has set for our eternal Salvation, and if He is a just and loving God, then He didn’t make a plan that would work only for some. Through His infinite wisdom and power, he can bring about the immortality and eternal life to all of His willing children through this one plan.

It’s pretty amazing.

As we study the Plan of Salvation for the next two weeks, we will feel of God’s wisdom and love. The topics we will be studying include:

The Pre-Mortal Realm
Satan
The Creation
The Veil
The Fall of Adam
The Need for an Atonement
The Atonement
The Doctrine of Christ
Mortality
Death
The Spirit World
The Resurrection
The Judgment
The Three Degrees of Glory

Our lives have a purpose. As we study the Plan of Salvation we will discover both our purpose and the process to achieve our potential. I hope that as you study these scriptures your testimony will grow, and you will feel more of the Lord’s love for you, specifically.

What are your initial thoughts and/or testimony of the Plan of Salvation?

***
Click here for tomorrow’s assignment.

5 Comments

by chococatania on September 12, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in General Conference, Plan of Salvation Scripture STudy Series

Tagged L. Tom Perry, LDS, Mormon, Plan of Salvation

Posted by chococatania on September 12, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/the-plan-of-salvation-intro-to-study-series/

Five Ways to Infuse our Lives with Happiness

Happy Faces

I have found that there are several themes that always seem to stand out to me as I study the scriptures. Happiness ranks as one of the top themes. I’m sure that is the same for pretty much anyone. That’s what life is all about – right? Finding happiness. In a gospel context – this life on earth is part of a plan – The Plan of Salvation; also referred to as the plan of happiness. I think that it is a part of being a human to search for happiness in our lives.

I’ve blogged about this before, so I don’t want to seem annoying or redundant, but I feel like I’ve learned a few good things about happiness and being happy.

Defining Happiness
It is important for us to define happiness correctly. I am tempted to think that happiness = fun, but that is not the case. Happiness is not in the eye of the beholder. It can be tempting to think this because we are offered so many ideas of what might make us “happy.” But we learn in the gospel and scriptures that happiness is a real, not quite relative, thing. Happiness is contentedness, joy, delight, satisfaction. It is lasting. It is deep. It isn’t as simple as a pleasure that lasts a minute. Pleasure may be a part of happiness, but it isn’t everything. Or in other words, there may be some things that make us feel happy that are pleasurable. That doesn’t mean that pleasure=happiness.

We learn in the scriptures that “wickedness never was happiness.” Alma teaches his son, also, that the nature of God is happiness. (See Alma 41:10-11.) If we want to experience happiness, then we need to adopt a nature that is like God’s nature, as His is the nature of happiness. When we do anything to cut ourselves off from God, we cut ourselves off from happiness.

Understanding the true definition of happiness is key. We can’t expect to get happiness if we don’t know what we’re searching for.

But I don’t want this post to be about the definition of happiness. I feel like I understand what happiness is, yet I find that it is elusive. Of course it is. Just as God wants us to be happy, and has provided a plan for us to obtain happiness, the adversary wants us to be miserable. Because of this, there are times when we don’t feel happy. We are fallen creatures. We are distanced from God. Even when we’re trying our best to be faithful, it can be hard to feel happiness.

So…here are five ways that we can infuse our lives with happiness – especially during those times when we lose our “mojo”.

i) Find Joy in Compensatory Blessings
Even while we are struggling through trials, we are blessed along the way. Often these blessings help to compensate for the difficulties of our adversity. The Lord blesses us along the way – even when “the way” is difficult. We can find joy during these times by counting our blessings.

As I think about it, many of these compensatory blessings cannot come without the trial! When I was a single mother, I experienced many blessings – independence, running a marathon, traveling to Europe, finding and doing well at a job. None of these blessings would have come if I hadn’t gone through the trials of my ending marriage! While I was struggling, I saw that the Lord was blessing me. When I recognized these blessings, it was easier to be happy – even in trial.

ii) Seek Experiences that Will Rejuvenate Our Souls
There are so many ways to “fill our tanks.” When we do things that rejuvenate our souls, we find happy moments. The ways I rejuvenate my soul are: exercising, date night, hikes, day trips, scripture study. I try to kiss my children, make a rich and scrumptious meal (and eat it happily).

Many of these things: exercising, spending time with children, scripture study, or cooking can feel like chores sometimes. When we seek these rejuvenating experiences, we should let them rejuvenate us – rather than doing them because we think that we need to check things off a list.

iii) Be Creative
We are creative beings. God created us with His image, and He is creative. We have a divine drive to create. There are many ways to do this. Elder Richard G. Scott told of a group of women who took up painting. He then said:

“They not only leave legacies of art, but they will never see a sunset, a face, or a tree the same again…Being creative will help you enjoy life. It engenders a spirit of gratitude. It develops latent talent, sharpens your capacity to reason, to act, and to find purpose in life. It dispels loneliness and heartache. It gives a renewal, a spark of enthusiasm, and zest for life.” – Richard G. Scott

I love this! Being creative is a way to be more grateful, and gratitude always seems to yield increased happiness. Not only that, but there is something about creating that brings joy – there is happiness in accomplishment. I love creating, yet I find myself consistently underestimating the power of creativity.

iv) Serve Others
This is a such a quick, effective way to feel a surge of happiness and purpose in life. When I have served, I have felt good. Why? I think that it is because when we serve, we become conduits of God’s love for His children. We can’t help but feel happy as a side effect! We feel the Love that God has for those we serve, and we’re drenched with this love in the meantime.

I need to remember that charity begins in the home, and that the service I render to my family members is real. It is a good, worthy thing to do! It will bring happiness to those whom I serve, and I will also feel happy.

v) Remember Your True Identity
I felt this advice very distinctly recently. I realized that I needed to remember who I am. Sometimes, I get caught up in my “life” – being a stay-at-home-mother, and I forget who I am, at the core of me. I need to be true to the daughter of God I truly am – and not let my circumstances tarnish my good traits.

When I think of who I truly am, I do feel happy. I want my children to see this side of me. I want everyone to see this side of me. I don’t want it to remain a hidden secret. Of course, there is a need to be responsible. I’m not saying that we should abandon duties and covenants to be “true to ourselves”. Duty and covenants are a part of who we are. But I also think that we become dull when we are trying to live up to everyone’s expectations rather than becoming better versions of who we already are.

***
So…these are the things I’m thinking about as far as happiness is concerned. What do you do to “be happy”?

6 Comments

by chococatania on June 21, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in General Conference, Insights, Life Lessons, Motherhood

Tagged happiness, motherhood, tips for life

Posted by chococatania on June 21, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/five-ways-to-infuse-our-lives-with-happiness/

Happy, Protected, and Sealed

So…a few weeks ago, we were blessed to hear from the Prophet and Apostles at General Conference. President Packer gave an especially great talk.

President Packer stated:

“The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is to see a husband and his wife and their children happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood. Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling—from which they will never be released—is to one another and then to their children.”

This reminded me of an experience I had when I was interviewing with my Stake President shortly before marrying Homey.

I was going through the interviews necessary to have a cancellation of temple blessings – from my first marriage. It was a happy, yet stressful time. In some ways, I think that I felt the weight of the eternities – as I was about to have an eternal covenant cancelled. Over and over again, I was impressed by the fact that the decisions we make – when we promise to make and keep covenants – aren’t like agreeing to “terms” when signing up for an online account somewhere. When done with the proper authority, then what is bound on earth will be bound in Heaven. I was asking for these previously-made covenants to be loosed.

So you understand, I had kept my covenants. I only wanted them to be loosed so that I could make the covenant again – with Homey and the Lord. I would not have gone through the cancellation of temple blessings without a plan to make them again immediately. Even though my first husband did not live up to the covenant, I was still blessed by the Lord. Thankfully the temple covenant of marriage is not only between a man and a woman – it is also with God. I stayed true to my covenant and the Lord, and He stayed true to me. I know my family and I were blessed because of these covenants.

Well, by the time I was meeting with the stake President, Homey and I had a tentative wedding date set, and we were hoping that the marriage would be able to take place in the temple.

My Stake President had a few reservations about my prospective marriage to Homey. He knew that we had met online, but he didn’t know enough details to realize that the Lord had been with us every step of the way – that we were doing all we could to follow the Spirit. The Stake President gave me wise counsel, and reminded me that even when he sends in his recommendation, there would be a chance both that my temple covenants could be cancelled, or that they would not be cancelled. He wanted to see what I would do in either case.

We had a good discussion, and at the end of the meeting, he ended with the following statement: This church is all about seeing families go to the temple.

As I left the meeting, I understood what he wanted for me and what the Lord wanted for me: and it was the same as what I wanted for me: to be happy, protected, and sealed with my family.

Happy at home
“The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is to see a husband and his wife and their children happy at home,…”

Think about that. Each of our activities – our sacrament meetings, our mutual activities, our relif society activities, our service projects, everything we do as a church shouldn’t compete with families but should help us to be happy at home.

This is good to remember as we plan our activities. I think that it can be accomplished in several ways. For example, a Relief Society meeting where women feel nourished and edified can help them to be happier. That may not mean that we have to go and do something that is deemed to be “productive” or “spiritual”. It could be that they get together to fellowship, laugh, and share with one another. As a woman, I know that I need these kinds of experiences with my sisters. They help me to feel happier, I get help and advice from others, and I gain courage. I go home with a sense of “I can do this!” I know that when I feel happier and stronger, the feeling spreads to everyone else in my family.

Protected by the Principles and Laws of the Gospel
I love thinking about the gospel as a system of protection. When we keep the commandments, we protect ourselves from possible negative consequences that come of sin. More importantly, however, the principles and laws of the gospel protect us from the captivity and destruction of the adversary.

Sealed Safely in the Covenants of the Everlasting Priesthood
Finally, I can testify of the power of the covenants of the Everlasting Priesthood.
One
Sasquatch has been really sick lately. It is sad to see her feverish. Last night, her fever was especially high. Then she threw up (all over me!)…I brought her to my room, and asked Homey to give her a blessing. I was overwhelmed by the love I have for her, my other children, Homey, and the Lord. I know that it is such a wonderful opportunity to be married to one who holds and honors his priesthood. I know that not everyone is blessed in this way. I have never had a father’s blessing. I know that all children and women do not enjoy such a wonderful blessing. Thanks to a husband who has made covenants with God, and thanks to my own opportunity to Covenant with God through His Holy Priesthood, I can be married to a man who can serve our family uniquely and powerfully. The love that I feel when Homey exercises the Priesthood with honor, care, and righteousness is a blessing from God, and I feel especially grateful to know that we will be able to experience this love for an eternity.

Two
If you are single, and haven’t been sealed to anyone, I hope that you have hung in there to read this. These blessings also await you, I know that they do. Heavenly Father delights to bless us with His best blessings. (See Doctrine and Covenants 41:1) Maybe you have been sealed to your parents. There is power in this sealing – even if it seems abstract.

If you have been sealed to someone, but have since been divorced, you are still sealed in the Covenants of the Holy Priesthood. You have the power that God promises to the faithful. Go to the temple often – even if it seems hard. Life is harder without the temple. Even without the blessing of having a priesthood member in your family, you can still have the power of the priesthood in your life. That is what the temple is all about. Remember, Heavenly Father delights to bless us with His best blessings! Those blessings don’t depend on someone else. Thankfully, we can have our own relationships with the Lord.

Ok…preachiness over…I promise.

I loved this talk. I encourage you to read it or watch it. I know that families are an essential part of God’s plan. And if we do our best, we can be happy, protected, and sealed.

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by chococatania on April 11, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Family, GCBC, General Conference, Insights, Marriage, Motherhood, Single Motherhood

Tagged Boyd K Packer, Family, GCBC, General Conference

Posted by chococatania on April 11, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/happy-protected-and-sealed/

Come Listen to the Prophets

I’m excited for General Conference. It seems like General Conference always comes at the perfect time. I always need the nourishment, the messages, the reminders, the gentle rebukes, and the inspiration to keep striving.

Here’s a quote that I loved from a recent Conference

“By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept Gods’ will rather than ours.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I love the prophets and apostles. I haven’t met any of them, but I have a testimony that they are called of God. I know that they speak for the Lord today. I have felt the Spirit confirm to me of their divine callings. I’m grateful that there are so many people willing to sacrifice so much time, effort, and energy on the behalf of millions of people that they’ve never met. I’m grateful that we live in a time when their teachings and testimonies are easily accessible.

If you’ve never heard the prophets speak, I encourage you to check it out!

***
On another note…here is the First Assignment for the Easter Scripture Study Series. Read, study, enjoy, and if you want, come back tomorrow to share insights.

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by chococatania on March 29, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in General Conference, Insights, Testimonies

Tagged Apostles, General Conferece, Prophets, Testimony

Posted by chococatania on March 29, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/come-listen-to-the-prophets/

Waiting upon the Lord

General Conference will be here soon. Are you excited? I am. I would like to share a few thoughts I had from a conference talk last October.

I always love every single talk, but it was during Elder Hales’s talk that my ears really perked up. He said:

“I have often pondered, Why is it that the Son of God and His holy prophets and all the faithful Saints have trials and tribulations, even when they are trying to do Heavenly Father’s will? Why is it so hard, especially for them? … As we ask these questions, we realize that the purpose of our life on earth is to grow, develop, and be strengthened through our own experiences. How do we do this? The scriptures give us an answer in one simple phrase: we ‘wait upon the Lord.’” – Robert D. Hales

There are so many things to say about this talk and this quote, but I have been thinking about the concept of “waiting” in general. Waiting takes time. It takes patience. Those are hard for me. However, during a trial, I think that we can learn to pass the time effectively. When we do, we will be renewed and comforted.

There are many ways to pass the time: prayer, service, scripture study. However, I would like to really talk about one way to pass the time while waiting on the Lord….Temple Attendance

Click for source.

We pass the time while waiting through regular temple attendance. Going to the temple nourishes our souls with holy blessings, and help from beyond this world.

Last year, I found out that my dad and step-mom were getting a divorce. They had been married for over twenty years. My heart ached for my dad. He was surprised when she wanted to leave. I knew that it was kind of tough for him. As everything was unfolding, I said a prayer for him. Before kneeling down, I felt a little frustrated – my dad isn’t Mormon. He is Catholic, but doesn’t go to church much. My brothers have been baptized, but don’t really go to church. I felt alone in my prayers. Even though I know that every prayer has power, I wished that there would be more of us united in prayer for my father. I kind of felt hopeless.

However, as I prayed, I was filled with this sense – I wasn’t the only one praying for my dad. I had done the work of My ancestors. They knew and loved my father. They were praying, too. I was overwhelmed with love and hope. Prayer doesn’t only transcend distance. It could transcend the veil of mortality and death. We could be united in prayer. I knew that I wasn’t the only one praying. It is because of consistent temple attendance that I was blessed with this comforting knowledge.

There are times when attending the temple can be difficult. There are physical limitations – especially if you live a long distance from the temple. Other times, the trials we face may tempt us into thinking that we don’t want to go to the temple: that we won’t find the peace and blessings we desire there. I testify to you that this idea is false.

Years ago, a month after my husband left me, I attended the temple with my ward. I didn’t want to go, but my Bishop very strongly encouraged me. I was sad, and afraid. The temple is about families being sealed together forever, and I was getting ready to file for a divorce. But I went.

I won’t pretend like it was easy. It was an incredibly difficult trip. I lived in Philadelphia at the time, and our temple was the Washington D.C. temple. Our stake had reserved busses for this stake temple day, and months before, my husband and I reserved our seats. By the time the temple trip arrived, He was gone, and I boarded that bus alone. Most of the other people who were in on the bus were there with their companions. I felt a little sad, but on the plus side, I got a whole bench to myself! When we got to the temple, the pain that I felt was even more pronounced – as I saw many happy couples worshipping and serving together. I was alone. I had never been “alone” – a divorced, single woman – in the temple before.

Yet, waiting upon the Lord through temple service wasn’t all bad news. Even though it was hard, and I felt pain, the blessing of the temple calmed me that day. I was assured that – even though the path would be very hard – I would be blessed with a worthy companion. I knew that I needed to come back to the temple often to receive that blessing. The Lord assured me that waiting upon Him would be worthwhile despite the difficulty. And it was!

I knew that rescue from this trial wouldn’t be immediate, but I was blessed with strengthened faith – which helped me to endure. This was not a one time blessing. It seemed like after a while I needed to refill my spiritual gas tank. Repeated, regular temple attendance nourished me as I tried to keep pushing forward in the midst of the trial of being a single, divorced mother.

If you find yourself in the midst of trials, try going to the temple. It may be hard, but there is peace and strength that comes from temple service.

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by chococatania on March 7, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Blessings, General Conference, Insights, Life Lessons, Reflections

Tagged adversity, Enduring Trials, Patience, Temple

Posted by chococatania on March 7, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/mar-7-wait-upon-the-lord/