In between General Conference Sunday sessions there is always a documentary of some kind. I remember the documentary during the Conference before last--it was about President Monson and how he cares for the "one," the individual. Hearing those stories, I felt much closer to President Monson.
In Sunday School today we read the scriptures in 3 Nephi 17-19 when Jesus Christ comes to the Americas and teaches and blesses the people. He takes time to bless them individually. Reading about Christ's compassion reminded me of the Atonement and how it was given for humanity as a whole, but also for each one of us individually.
Loving people is not very difficult for me. However, I am a very private person, and I easily get wrapped up in my own needs and wants and I often neglect to show my love. I am going to try to be better at caring for people individually--to talk to my family, friends, and acquaintances one-on-one, to do little things to make their lives better. In this way I hope for my love to be increased and to become more like Christ.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Family and the Sermon on the Mount
Today in Sunday School we talked about Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. I have been thinking how applicable Jesus' words are for family. How much less contention there would be in my family if I did not get angry with my brothers and sisters! How much more joy we would find in each others company if I did not judge my brothers and sisters!
I can imagine what blessings of tenderness and closeness my family would have if I would turn the other cheek. One of my favorite movies is Gandhi, although I do not watch it frequently because it is so long. Near the beginning of that film Gandhi is talking to a Christian missionary and they walk by a group of men looking for trouble. When Gandhi remarks that he will turn the other cheek if attacked, the missionary says that he thinks Jesus was being metaphorical. Gandhi says that he will take Jesus' words literally. And they work.
I am sure we all agree that Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount are beautiful and true sentiments, but I believe our lives would be much happier if we took them literally and acted on them. Our families would be more happy, the world would be more peaceful.
I can imagine what blessings of tenderness and closeness my family would have if I would turn the other cheek. One of my favorite movies is Gandhi, although I do not watch it frequently because it is so long. Near the beginning of that film Gandhi is talking to a Christian missionary and they walk by a group of men looking for trouble. When Gandhi remarks that he will turn the other cheek if attacked, the missionary says that he thinks Jesus was being metaphorical. Gandhi says that he will take Jesus' words literally. And they work.
I am sure we all agree that Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount are beautiful and true sentiments, but I believe our lives would be much happier if we took them literally and acted on them. Our families would be more happy, the world would be more peaceful.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Gathering
It seems to me that a major theme in the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints right now is gathering. I am thinking especially of President Uchtdorf's talk in the Priesthood session of General Conference to "stand together and lift where you stand," and President Eyring's talk about unity.
The way I see it, there are two main reactions to gathering (if one takes the call seriously). The first is what happens at my house when my parents dress in their "work" clothes and announce that today we are going to work in the yard. Basically we either scatter with a cast-iron excuse or we reluctantly help. Sometimes I think we respond to the call of church leaders in the same way, reluctantly if at all. It can be only too easy to drag our feet and rationalize why we are not better. We can so easily become overcome with the magnitude of the work.
The second possible reaction to the gathering call is what happens when my sister pulls a cake out of the oven, or my dad asks who wants to go to a particular movie--people suddenly materialize, no matter what else they were doing. The call to gather really ought to be responded to with joyful haste. After all, when we combine our faith and our skills, all the burden will be lighter.
The way I see it, there are two main reactions to gathering (if one takes the call seriously). The first is what happens at my house when my parents dress in their "work" clothes and announce that today we are going to work in the yard. Basically we either scatter with a cast-iron excuse or we reluctantly help. Sometimes I think we respond to the call of church leaders in the same way, reluctantly if at all. It can be only too easy to drag our feet and rationalize why we are not better. We can so easily become overcome with the magnitude of the work.
The second possible reaction to the gathering call is what happens when my sister pulls a cake out of the oven, or my dad asks who wants to go to a particular movie--people suddenly materialize, no matter what else they were doing. The call to gather really ought to be responded to with joyful haste. After all, when we combine our faith and our skills, all the burden will be lighter.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
General Conference
I always love General Conference. General Conference is twice a year (April and October) when the whole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathers to hear revelation from the Lord. This revelation is given by the leadership of the Church after prayer and meditation. Members of the Church can watch General Conference on the internet, in church buildings, and in some places on TV, and can listen in on radio.
When I was younger I liked it because we got to stay home and watch it on TV. We kids were always able to maneuver our parents into buying special treats because it is a very special weekend, after all.
Now that I'm older I love General Conference because it gives me the motivation I need to try to be a better person. I very much appreciate what was said in the closing prayer of the Sunday afternoon session (there are four 2-hour sessions--two on Saturday and two on Sunday). The prayer said something along the lines of thanks for proud hearts being humbled, weak hearts being strengthened, and comfort given to all.
General Conference is a treat for me. I love hearing what is most important for me to do during the next six months until the upcoming conference. I always come away with so many ways to be better, but without fail I come away with a feeling of love from God and courage to do those things.
When I was younger I liked it because we got to stay home and watch it on TV. We kids were always able to maneuver our parents into buying special treats because it is a very special weekend, after all.
Now that I'm older I love General Conference because it gives me the motivation I need to try to be a better person. I very much appreciate what was said in the closing prayer of the Sunday afternoon session (there are four 2-hour sessions--two on Saturday and two on Sunday). The prayer said something along the lines of thanks for proud hearts being humbled, weak hearts being strengthened, and comfort given to all.
General Conference is a treat for me. I love hearing what is most important for me to do during the next six months until the upcoming conference. I always come away with so many ways to be better, but without fail I come away with a feeling of love from God and courage to do those things.
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