|
Meet Amy
I have struggled with the answer when asked, "What do you do?" and it isn't work-related. Ultimately, we settled on that I find things and untangle things. But I also read (a lot), pretend to wake surf, and watch Hallmark films.
|
 Who is thy Neighbor?
Gospel Doctrine Lesson 14 – April 10, 2011
The disciples ask Jesus an interesting question. They ask him “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Why do you think they were interested in the answer to that question?
How do we get caught up in that concern?
Who here is competitive?
What are you competitive about?
Which of those things are good and which are not good to be competitive about?
Our spirituality is not something that we can be competitive about. Nor is it something that we can compare to others.
Why can’t we compare or compete with our spirituality?
When I think about comparing our spirituality, I think about President Benson’s pride talk. One of my favorite quotes from his talk is actually from C.S. Lewis. President Benson said…
In the words of C. S. Lewis: “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. … It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone.”
But, Jesus’ response was a little different than what the disciples expected.
SCRIPTURE #1
Matthew 18:3-4
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
What does it mean to become as little children?
What are some qualities that we can gain learn from children?
How can we become more submissive to the will of the Father, like a child?
I think that there are times in our lives that it is much easier to become submissive, to be like a child. Unfortunately, most of those times are when we are going through a trial, or when we are forced to because of our circumstances.
It is very difficult for me to be humble and ask for or accept help, even from my mom. There are times that I may really need help and other times when just a little help would make a difference. Like when my house has gotten away from me and my mom offers to help me. My answer is nearly always, “I’m a capable grown up, I should be able to figure it out and get it done.” Then there are other times when I’ve been forced to accept help. Nearly 3 years ago this summer, I broke my foot and couldn’t put weight on it for 4 months. I was so grateful that family and friends helped me and were there for me – even though I wanted to be able to do it on my own. I had to accept that I just couldn’t. From that experience, I have learned that it is okay – even good to be humble and accept help.
How can we become like a child when times are good?
SCRIPTURE #2
Matthew 18:5
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
In this scripture “offend” means to “cause to stumble”.
What are some ways people cause a child to stumble?
How does the Lord regard these offenses?
Elder M Russell Ballard shared the following statement…
QUOTE #1
“We hear disturbing reports of parents or guardians who are so far removed from the Spirit of Christ that they abuse children. Whether this abuse is physical, verbal, or the less evident but equally severe emotional abuse, it is an abomination and a serious offense to God” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1991, 107; or Ensign, May 1991, 80).
How can being childlike ourselves help us care for children?
Last week, during conference, there was an amazing talk about teaching. I would like to take a few minutes to listen to the talk. It is entitled “What manner of Men and Women ought you to be?” by Elder Lynn Robbins.
Many of us create to do lists to remind us of things we want to accomplish. But people rarely have to be lists. Why? To do’s are activities or events that can be checked off the list when done. To be, however, is never done. You can’t earn checkmarks with to be’s. I can take my wife out for a lovely evening this Friday, which is a to do. But being a good husband is not an event; it needs to be part of my nature—my character, or who I am.
Or as a parent, when can I check a child off my list as done? We are never done being good parents. And to be good parents, one of the most important things we can teach our children is how to be more like the Savior.
Christlike to be’s cannot be seen, but they are the motivating force behind what we do, which can be seen. When parents help a child learn to walk, for example, we see parents doing things like steadying and praising their child. These do’s reveal the unseen love in their hearts and the unseen faith and hope in their child’s potential. Day after day their efforts continue—evidence of the unseen be’sof patience and diligence.
Because be begets do and is the motive behind do, teaching be will improve behavior more effectively than focusing on do will improve behavior.
When children misbehave, let’s say when they quarrel with each other, we often misdirect our discipline on what they did, or the quarreling we observed. But the do—their behavior—is only a symptom of the unseen motive in their hearts.We might ask ourselves, “What attributes, if understood by the child, would correct this behavior in the future? Being patient and forgiving when annoyed? Loving and being a peacemaker? Taking personal responsibility for one’s actions and not blaming?”
How do parents teach these attributes to their children? We will never have a greater opportunity to teach and show Christlike attributes to our children than in the way we discipline them. Discipline comes from the same root word as disciple and implies patience and teaching on our part. It should not be done in anger. We can and should discipline the way that Doctrine and Covenants 121 teaches us: “by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness and pure knowledge” (verses 41–42). These are all Christlike be’s that should be a part of who we, as parents and disciples of Christ, are.
Through discipline the child learns of consequences. In such moments it is helpful to turn negatives into positives. If the child confesses to a wrong, praise the courage it took to confess. Ask the child what he or she learned from the mistake or misdeed, which gives you, and more important, the Spirit an opportunity to touch and teach the child. When we teach children doctrine by the Spirit, that doctrine has the power to change their very nature—be—over time.
Alma discovered this same principle, that “the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword” (Alma 31:5; emphasis added). Why? Because the sword focused only on punishing behavior—or do—while preaching the word changed people’s very nature—who they were or could become.
A sweet and obedient child will enroll a father or mother only in Parenting 101. If you are blessed with a child who tests your patience to the nth degree, you will be enrolled in Parenting 505. Rather than wonder what you might have done wrong in the premortal life to be so deserving, you might consider the more challenging child a blessing and opportunity to become more godlike yourself. With which child will your patience, long-suffering, and other Christlike virtues most likely be tested, developed, and refined? Could it be possible that you need this child as much as this child needs you?
We have all heard the advice to condemn the sin and not the sinner. Likewise, when our children misbehave, we must be careful not to say things that would cause them to believe that what they did wrong is who they are. “Never let failure progress from an action to an identity,” with its attendant labels like “stupid,” “slow,” “lazy,” or “clumsy.” Our children are God’s children. That is their true identity and potential. His very plan is to help His children overcome mistakes and misdeeds and to progress to become as He is. Disappointing behavior, therefore, should be considered as something temporary, not permanent—an act, not an identity.
We need to be careful, therefore, about using permanent phrases such as “You always …” or “You never …” when disciplining. Take care with phrases such as “You never consider my feelings” or “Why do you always make us wait?” Phrases like these make actions appear as an identity and can adversely influence the child’s self-perception and self-worth.
Identity confusion can also occur when we ask children what they want to be when they grow up, as if what a person does for a living is who he or she is. Neither professions nor possessions should define identity or self-worth. The Savior, for example, was a humble carpenter, but that hardly defined His life.
In helping children discover who they are and helping strengthen their self-worth, we can appropriately compliment their achievement or behavior—the do. But it would be even wiser to focus our primary praise on their character and beliefs—who they are.
In a game of sports, a wise way to compliment our children’s performance—do—would be through the point of view of be—like their energy, perseverance, poise in the face of adversity, etc.—thus complimenting both be and do.
When we ask children to do chores, we can also look for ways to compliment them on being, such as, “It makes me so happy when you do your chores with a willing heart.”
When children receive a report card from school, we can praise them for their good grades, but it may be of greater lasting benefit to praise them for their diligence: “You turned in every assignment. You are one who knows how to tackle and finish difficult things. I am proud of you.”
During family scripture time, look for and discuss examples of attributes discovered in your reading that day. Because Christlike attributes are gifts from God and cannot be developed without His help, in family and personal prayers, pray for those gifts.
At the dinner table, occasionally talk about attributes, especially those you discovered in the scriptures earlier that morning. “In what way were you a good friend today? In what way did you show compassion? How did faith help you face today’s challenges? In what way were you dependable? honest? generous? humble?” There are scores of attributes in the scriptures that need to be taught and learned.
The most important way to teach to be is to be the kind of parents to our children that our Father in Heaven is to us. He is the one perfect parent, and He has shared with us His parenting manual—the scriptures.
My remarks today have been addressed primarily to parents, but the principles apply to everyone. May your efforts to develop Christlike attributes be successful so that His image may be engraven in your countenance and His attributes manifest in your behavior. Then, when your children or others feel of your love and see your behavior, it will remind them of the Savior and draw them to Him is my prayer and testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Jesus told us that we need to become as a little child. It isn’t about what we “do” but what we “be”.
The other day, a girl in my daughter’s gymnastics class was telling her that she wasn’t very thin. My daughter came home just heart broken. The next day she and this girl were back to playing together and being the best of friends.
Forgiveness is another trait that is very strong with children.
What should we do if someone offends us?
We read in in Matthew 18:21-22 just how important forgiveness is.
SCRIPTURE #3
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I aforgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until aseventy times seven.
Why do you think Jesus gave such a high number?
Why is it so difficult to forgive people when they have offended or hurt you or someone you are close to?
When have you been blessed by forgiving someone?
What lessons can we learn by forgiving others?
I am touched by the way Jade was able to forgive her friend and carry on as if there hadn’t been any disagreement the day before. It was a simple example but one that shows the heart, humility and love of a child. The features that are so important for us to be like a child.
Lastly, the final theme from today’s lesson is the story of the good Samaritan.
Again this is another trait of a child that we tend to lose when we become older. A child will be kind to everyone, whether they know the person or not. How often are we telling a child to not talk to strangers?
President Howard W Hunter said,
QUOTE #2
“We need to remember that though we make our friends, God has made our neighbors—everywhere. Love should have no boundary; we should have no narrow loyalties” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 44; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 35).
How can we be more like a child in our relationships with others?
Children will be friends with everyone – no matter how they are dressed, how they look, what they sound like or where they live. Little children will help bring a smile to anyone who needs one.
What are some reasons we don’t help someone?
There are many ways that we should look to our little ones as examples of how we should be. I know that the little ones have so many of the traits that we need to work harder to make our strengths. I am grateful for the examples my little girls set for me. I pray that we can apply the words from conference, and focus on the be’s more than to do’s and become more like a little child.
Here I am, in DC, during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Here I am without my constant companion – my Nikon. Luckily, my iPhone takes okay pictures. Unfortunately, when using the “Pro HDR” app, you need to hold still better than I do and having no wind would help too. But, in celebration of Wednesday and all of the great memes I am linking up to, I am posting them anyway.
If you are looking for a photo app that can add a bit of dimension to your photos, the “Pro HDR” app from eyeApps is very fun.
Participating in the following Wordless/Wordful Wednesday memes…. Parenting by Dummies, Seven Clown Circus, Better in Bulk, SuperMom, A Beautiful Mess and Angry Julie.
Today, I came across a blog that really impressed me. It is one that I now have book marked and will visit often. I was impressed and I was moved. This website focuses on something that has always been very important to me. Something that has always been a struggle – no matter my age. A struggle that I hope my girls will not wrestle with but rather know their worth and importance – always and forever.
The website is called Teen Identity Magazine. It is not something that only teenage girls struggle with. You can see it at a much younger age and for many who struggled as teenagers, they will continue to struggle. And possibly those that never struggled in their teen years may struggle as they become a wife, or a mom, or some other label. Finding your identity and realizing your worth is a constant and recurring battle.
There was a specific post that I read that made me feel the need to share the site and this video. (I’m having issues trying to get it to embed. Sorry). I hope you will take a minute and watch. This is Pink’s “Perfect” – the clean version. Please remember these girls are our daughters, our friends, our sisters, our nieces – us. It is up to us to help them know they are perfect.
Please know that you are perfect. You are loved. You are a child of God. No one can be you any better than you can.
There are days we can’t get out of bed. Days that the laundry and dishes just simply don’t get done. Some days we are on the top of the world and the next we are sinking. Those trials will make us stronger. Through the hard times we can find ourselves and emerge better than ever.
This, I do know. And yet, I continue to struggle. Maybe we all do and always will.
This month has not been filled with loads of family pictures, but I’ve taken over 2000 images. I decided that this month I needed to pick a picture that wasn’t of one of my two girls. Instead, I decided to pick this very sweet picture. This adorable little girl is in gymnastics with Jade and she is being counseled by her coach before getting on the beam. I love the concentration and the slight smile while this little girl thinks through her routine and is reminded of some of the skills she needs to focus on more.
I am such a huge fan of the discipline and focus that is gained at a very early age by being actively involved in something more than playing with friends, watching TV or playing video games. Especially when you have a child that may be a bit more on the scattered side. My firm belief is that you need to find activities that your child loves and let them jump into them as much as feasibly possible with your given situation. For some that may be a community class or a small neighborhood program. Yet others may be able to attend camps and clinics all over the country. Some may even have to juggle multiple talents with their every day requirements. If they are developing their talent(s), they will learn how to organize and structure their lives to accomplish the things they need to do in order to spend more time doing the activities they love to do. It won’t guarantee straight A’s in school, but it will encourage a well rounded, focused, happy and strong child.
Friends of ours make huge sacrifices to have their children in one musical activity and one physical activity from the time they are 5. In my mind, that is a really awesome approach to take.
This photo is for I Heart Faces. Join in with your favorite photo from March!
This week’s lesson is Lesson 12 – “I am the Bread of Life”
Online canadian pharmacy has become my favorite place to shop supplements, and I’m not alone. Order levitra canada! Since we opened our doors in 2004, our shop has filled over 5 million discount prescription orders through our Canadian pharmacy.
John 5 – Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath
Before we dive into John 5, let’s first establish what the Sabbath meant to the Jews during the time of Christ.
On the Sabbath, one should refrain from all “work” or craftsman” from sun down on Friday evening to sun down on Saturday evening. According to Wikipedia, there are 39 categories of “work” that had to be avoided. They are…
The 39 categories of melakhah are: ploughing earth, sowing, reaping, binding sheaves, threshing, winnowing, selecting, grinding, sifting, kneading, baking, shearing wool, washing wool, beating wool, dyeing wool, spinning, weaving, making two loops, weaving two threads, separating two threads, tying, untying, sewing stitches, tearing, trapping, slaughtering, flaying, tanning, scraping hide, marking hides, cutting hide to shape, writing two or more letters, erasing two or more letters, building, demolishing, extinguishing a fire, kindling a fire, putting the finishing touch on an object and transporting an object between the private domain and the public domain, or for a distance of 4 cubits within the public domain.
Because of their Sabbath beliefs, healing on the Sabbath was completely unacceptable.
As we read the first 4 verses of John 5, think about the scene that is being described. Imagine you were there for yourself or with a family member. Remember that it is the Sabbath and the restrictions that the Sabbath puts on the people gathered.
John 5:1-4
1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
Here were many many sick and afflicted people. Waiting for the water to be stirred by an angel. Hoping to be the first person to step into or be carried into the water. Yet it was the Sabbath so those that needed to be carried knew that there was nothing that they could do to be healed by the waters because they could not be carried by another.
In April 1991, Boyd K Packer said that the bodies and minds with disabilities “will be made perfect. In the meantime, we must look after those who wait by the pool of Bethesda.”
What is our responsibility and how can we look after those who wait?
John 5:5-9
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
Based on what we have learned about the Sabbath, what stands out to you in these verses that goes against the believe of the Sabbath?
As we continue to read in John, we learn that the Jewish leaders stopped this man that had been healed. They did not stop him because he was healed, they stopped him because he was carrying his bed on the Sabbath. When the leaders asked this man why he was carrying his bed he responded by saying, “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk”
But when they asked him who had done the healing, the man said he didn’t know.
Christ later approached that same man in the temple and said…
John 5:14
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
What is worse than the man’s 38 years of disability?
So after hearing these words, the man went and told the leaders of the Jews who had healed him.
John 5:16
16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
In John 5:39 Christ responded to the Jewish leaders with counsel that we too should heed.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
What is the difference between reading and searching the scriptures?
During your family scripture study do you “read” or “search”?
What is the benefit of just “reading” the scriptures with your family?
What is the benefit of “searching” the scriptures with your family?
There are definitely benefits of each but you and your family will get the most out of it by searching.
Together we are going to “search” the scriptures that tell us Christ’s response to the Jews wanting to slay him.
I have broken verses 20-30 into 4 different sections.
John 5:20-22
20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them;even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
John 5:23-24
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 5:25-27
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
John 5:28-30
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
For each of these sections you will need to search them for 3 keywords and determine why each of these words are important. Also seek how what we learn about Christ and his relationships or future plans through these verses.
What would the Jewish leaders have known had they truly searched and believed the scriptures?
How have the scriptures strengthened your faith in Christ?
Jesus Feeds more than 5000
I’d like us to reach each of the following scriptures and then discuss. They are the same story but told by different men. As we read them, think about what each storyteller is emphasizing. I like to think about what it tells us about each of these men.
John 6:1-14
Mark 6:30-44
Matthew 14:13-21
What did the first account by John focus on? I felt he focused on the bread, the cost of and the availability of it. Then he focused on the magnitude of the remains from the miracle
What did we learn from Mark’s account? Mark’s account emphasized that they had gone to be alone following the death of John the Baptist
What more did Matthew’s account tell us? Christ not only showed them compassion but he healed their sick
What can we learn about compassion from this miracle Jesus performed and his response to the people following him?
I think, at least for myself, that there are times when we run and hide in our place of solace. Sometimes we feel like we need to focus on ourselves – our own trials, our own loss, our own pain or our own growth. When Jesus and the apostles went to the mountain, they went because of their loss and for their safety. When we run to be alone, how often are we open to serving someone else? Or do we say, “I have no more to give” or “I need to just focus on me”? Are there times when we feel like we are drowning in our own business and life that we don’t answer the phone because we just know it is someone needing something from us?
Jesus went to the mountain because John the Baptist had just been killed. The Jews were seeking after him to slay him. But when 5000 followed him to his place of solace, he didn’t ignore them. He didn’t fear them or turn them away. Instead he turned his focus on them. He healed them. He prayed with and for them. He fed them.
What can we do to better follow his example?
How can we know if we are following him for the right reason?
Elder Holland observed the following…
“During the Savior’s Galilean ministry, He chided those who had heard of Him feeding the 5,000 with only five barley loaves and two fishes, and now flocked to Him expecting a free lunch. That food, important as it was, was incidental to the real nourishment He was trying to give them” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 87; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 65).
Are we expecting a “free lunch”?
What kind of nourishment can we ask for and expect from the Savior?
In closing, I would like to share one more scripture from John. It is John 6:67-69.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
I know that the words the Savior taught during His ministry and the words He continues to share through His prophets is the Truth. The Light and the only way to avoid hunger and thirst. Through Christ we can experience miracles, feel compassion and serve others. By doing this, we will grow closer to our Savior and closer to our Heavenly Father. Especially during times of trial.
What can you do today to “heal” another?
|
|
Who is thy Neighbor?
