1 Nephi 21,22 and 2 Nephi 1-8
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 22:30,2 Nephi 2:27,2 Nephi 3:34,2 Nephi 5:6-7,2 Nephi 3:34
I wanted to home school because I wanted to have more time with my kids and to be able to teach them more spiritual things.After all isn't that one of my main purposes for being here.I feel so blessed to have kids.They are my biggest blessing and my biggest challenge!I wanted a way for my soul to delight in teaching about Christ.
I want them to have the " Armor of righteousness" that Lehi talks about.
There is no one way to happiness or formula to happiness.If you spend time around those who are genuinely happy you find it contagious and it spreads.As I was reading this week I kept thinking about Nephi having to be separated from Laman and Lemuel,his family and departed into the wilderness. There Nephi and all who followed him created a community found on gospel truths.In 2 Ne. 5:27], he says, “And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.”In our society today there is so much chaos and corruption.How can we be happy?
1.Make our home a heaven on earth.Family is important to me.It is also mentioned in this article how-to-be-happy?
2.Search and read the Scriptures and pray.I am already seeing an increase in my happiness as I have increased my scripture reading and prayers(more sincere prayers)
3.less negative and more positive.In October I participated in http://www.livingwellspendingless.com 31 days of less and more.As I did each challenge I had a focus, and goal.I felt more happiness and continue to find it!Here is my Day 1 of the challenge.This leads me to number four:
4.Strive for happiness,become more goal oriented and you will see a change.This week my goal is to read the scriptures in 40 days and to say more sincere prayers.Am I happy?You bet!I have learned if I want to stay happy I have to be working toward it everyday!What I do changes but I always have the same end in mind.
How does knowing about the Fall and mortality help you better understand your purpose in life?
A knowledge of our sins and shortcomings can lead us to despair, but as we recognize the Lord’s blessings in our lives and trust in His power, we can replace despair with hope
“When the lives of the people are in harmony with the Lord’s will, all of the essential factors that produce the blessings God deigns to give to his children seem to come into line. Love and harmony prevail. Even the weather, the climate, and the elements seem to respond. Peace and tranquillity endure. Industry and progress mark the lives of the people. It is as the Lord has promised” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 58; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 41).
In what ways will the Lord consecrate, or bless, our afflictions for our gain?
Some of us are struggling with our trials wondering why things aren't working out.“But what about me?” I can't have kids,I have to work instead of being home with my kids.
Elder Oaks said in response"But these frustrations are only temporary. The Lord has promised that in the eternities no blessing will be denied his sons and daughters who keep the commandments, are true to their covenants, and desire what is right.
"Many of the most important deprivations of mortality will be set right in the Millennium, which is the time for fulfilling all that is incomplete in the great plan of happiness for all of our Father’s worthy children. We know that will be true of temple ordinances. I believe it will also be true of family relationships and experiences."
I pray that we will not let the challenges and temporary diversions of mortality cause us to forget our covenants and lose sight of our eternal destiny. We who know God’s plan for his children, we who have covenanted to participate, have a clear responsibility. We must desire to do what is right, and we must do all that we can in our own circumstances in mortality.
"In all of this, we should remember King Benjamin’s caution to “see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength” (Mosiah 4:27). I think of that inspired teaching whenever I feel inadequate, frustrated, or depressed."
Please understand that the way back is not as hard as it seems to you now. Satan wants you to think that it is impossible. That is not true. The Savior gave His life so that you can completely overcome the challenges you face (see 2 Nephi 2:6–8)” (in Conference Report, Mar.–Apr. 1990, 95; or Ensign, May 1990, 74).
What has the Lord done for you when you have turned to Him?
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Day 2-40 days closer to Christ.5 qualities to bring you closer to God and his plans for you.
Day 2- 1 Nephi 11-20
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 13:37and 1 Nephi 15:23-24
As I try to engage my 8 year old in reading the Book of Mormon and to love the scriptures,I realize that they need to see me reading the scriptures more and telling them stories as much as I can.I need to pray for more opportunities to teach.
Inspiration while I read:
We can come to know things for ourselves if we have these 5 qualities
Faith and holding on to the word of God can help you resist the temptations you face.What lessons can and should I learn from Lehi’s vision of the tree of life and from the principle of continually holding fast to the rod of iron that will enable me to stand spiritually strong in the world in which we live today?(lehis-dream-holding-fast-to-the-rod)
How has the word of God helped you “taste” the joy that comes from God’s love?
To answer this question the word of God fills me with light and desire to be better.
The"mists of darkness,” is something we all have experienced.There was time in my life where I felt surrounded by darkness.The only way I found my way back at all was the hands that held me when I was reaching to find my way.The following quote really says it best:
"You will not be able to see clearly. But with the gift of the Holy Ghost, you can feel your way ahead through life. Grasp the iron rod, and do not let go. (see finding ourselves in Lehi's dream)
As long as we keep that desire and ask for guidance from heaven, even at times you may feel lost,you will find your way back. Have you ever been blindfolded to play a game like pin the tail on the donkey?You get spun around and feel dizzy,but you feel around hoping to find that perfect spot.You take a guess and place it where you think it should be.Then you take the blindfold off.How close were you?When you are on the wrong path it can feel like being blindfolded.When you finally open your "spiritual eyes"you can see how off the mark you are.It may mean backing up and getting on the right path.It may involve changing things r
people in your life.
How can I listen to the prophet better?
•How can one know and understand the same spiritual truths as the living prophet?
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 13:37and 1 Nephi 15:23-24
As I try to engage my 8 year old in reading the Book of Mormon and to love the scriptures,I realize that they need to see me reading the scriptures more and telling them stories as much as I can.I need to pray for more opportunities to teach.
Inspiration while I read:
We can come to know things for ourselves if we have these 5 qualities
- desire
- ponder what we learn
- have faith and pray to the Lord, believing we can receive an answer
- diligence
- humility
Faith and holding on to the word of God can help you resist the temptations you face.What lessons can and should I learn from Lehi’s vision of the tree of life and from the principle of continually holding fast to the rod of iron that will enable me to stand spiritually strong in the world in which we live today?(lehis-dream-holding-fast-to-the-rod)
How has the word of God helped you “taste” the joy that comes from God’s love?
To answer this question the word of God fills me with light and desire to be better.
The"mists of darkness,” is something we all have experienced.There was time in my life where I felt surrounded by darkness.The only way I found my way back at all was the hands that held me when I was reaching to find my way.The following quote really says it best:
"You will not be able to see clearly. But with the gift of the Holy Ghost, you can feel your way ahead through life. Grasp the iron rod, and do not let go. (see finding ourselves in Lehi's dream)
As long as we keep that desire and ask for guidance from heaven, even at times you may feel lost,you will find your way back. Have you ever been blindfolded to play a game like pin the tail on the donkey?You get spun around and feel dizzy,but you feel around hoping to find that perfect spot.You take a guess and place it where you think it should be.Then you take the blindfold off.How close were you?When you are on the wrong path it can feel like being blindfolded.When you finally open your "spiritual eyes"you can see how off the mark you are.It may mean backing up and getting on the right path.It may involve changing things r
people in your life.
How can I listen to the prophet better?
•How can one know and understand the same spiritual truths as the living prophet?
Family night-Gratitude tree
My daughter was in charge of the lesson tonight.She got the idea for the gratitude tree from this month's Friend.We made leaves and the tree.You are supposed to write what you are thankful for on the leaves and add them to the tree
How will you be grateful this month?
Monday, November 11, 2013
Day 1-40 days closer to Christ.4 ways to say a more sincere prayer.
Day 1
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 1-10
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 3:7,1 Nephi 7:12
tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty” (1 Nephi 1:20).
My hope by doing this challenge is to bring Jesus into our lives more and learn how to seek and receive the blessings of heaven.
Inspiration and questions I want to answer while I read:
It is important for us to keep a journal and I feel that my blogging allows me to do this and be proud of my accomplishments. It reminds me of what is important.I wrote in many journals growing up.When I was a young adult most of it was drama and boys.Maybe my kids will get a kick out of it as they get older and can date.lol
Sincere and humble prayer is a way to grow closer to the savior.I think it is the number one way!
Goal this week:more sincere prayer
1.pray to say more sincere prayers
2.Say more frequent prayers and give thanks often.
3.Be thoughtful-Think about what you want to stay
4.Seek God's will not your own.This one is a hard one to do and to know what is the right thing to pray for.
The following quote in 2008 Ensign prayer-the-souls-sincere-desire made me really think."What do we intend to do with the answer God reveals to us? If the honest answer is “nothing” or “as little as possible,” we might expect Him to withhold our answer until we intend to willingly comply with all our heart. When we do receive answers, we need to be obedient if we expect further answers to come."
Here is another great quote from the same article.“Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them.”
As a Mom, there are so many demands on my time.What if I present what I think my priorities should be for the day and ask that I will make good goals and use my time wisely?I might see the change and balance I have been seeking!
The Lord will provide a way if we listen and obey in faith.It isn't always easy to be a Mom,wife,do my callings,a friend.If God has commanded it we can do it! How else do we make it through the day sometimes?I carry a notebook and pen with me everywhere,even to bed.You never know when inspiration will strike and you want to be ready!
Do we offer up our very best to the Lord?
What if you were asked to leave your home?How would you feel?
All four of Lehi’s sons made the same journeys, they did so with different attitudes. How is my attitude and my obedience?
How did he carry me today?
How can we know the will of God in our lives?
We can either complain or accept our difficulties with patience and love.When we are going through tough times we seek family and God for answers and comfort.
Scriptures are of great worth.It will be interesting to see with my focus being on reading these 40 days how the scriptures help me through my day.Will it help me cope better?What will my priorities be?
Talk with my husband about our inspirations and how we can apply it to our family.
How can I help my children love the scriptures?
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 1-10
Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 3:7,1 Nephi 7:12
tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty” (1 Nephi 1:20).
My hope by doing this challenge is to bring Jesus into our lives more and learn how to seek and receive the blessings of heaven.
Inspiration and questions I want to answer while I read:
It is important for us to keep a journal and I feel that my blogging allows me to do this and be proud of my accomplishments. It reminds me of what is important.I wrote in many journals growing up.When I was a young adult most of it was drama and boys.Maybe my kids will get a kick out of it as they get older and can date.lol
Sincere and humble prayer is a way to grow closer to the savior.I think it is the number one way!
Goal this week:more sincere prayer
1.pray to say more sincere prayers
2.Say more frequent prayers and give thanks often.
3.Be thoughtful-Think about what you want to stay
4.Seek God's will not your own.This one is a hard one to do and to know what is the right thing to pray for.
The following quote in 2008 Ensign prayer-the-souls-sincere-desire made me really think."What do we intend to do with the answer God reveals to us? If the honest answer is “nothing” or “as little as possible,” we might expect Him to withhold our answer until we intend to willingly comply with all our heart. When we do receive answers, we need to be obedient if we expect further answers to come."
Here is another great quote from the same article.“Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them.”
As a Mom, there are so many demands on my time.What if I present what I think my priorities should be for the day and ask that I will make good goals and use my time wisely?I might see the change and balance I have been seeking!
The Lord will provide a way if we listen and obey in faith.It isn't always easy to be a Mom,wife,do my callings,a friend.If God has commanded it we can do it! How else do we make it through the day sometimes?I carry a notebook and pen with me everywhere,even to bed.You never know when inspiration will strike and you want to be ready!
Do we offer up our very best to the Lord?
What if you were asked to leave your home?How would you feel?
All four of Lehi’s sons made the same journeys, they did so with different attitudes. How is my attitude and my obedience?
How did he carry me today?
How can we know the will of God in our lives?
We can either complain or accept our difficulties with patience and love.When we are going through tough times we seek family and God for answers and comfort.
Scriptures are of great worth.It will be interesting to see with my focus being on reading these 40 days how the scriptures help me through my day.Will it help me cope better?What will my priorities be?
Talk with my husband about our inspirations and how we can apply it to our family.
How can I help my children love the scriptures?
Sunday, November 10, 2013
How to have a more meaningful Christmas
I have gotten over half of my Christmas shopping done! It is a Christmas miracle!!I hope to have all my Christmas packages that need to be in the mail ready to go before Thanksgiving.I am also trying to finalize my bucket list,fir lack of a better term,for Christmas.
Christmas countdown:
Day 14- decoration declutter
How am I going to have a more meaningful Christmas?First I want to finish all my Christmas shopping before December first! I am going to slow down.I am going to make more memories and traditions.My focus and purpose is going to have me and my children focused on the real reason for Christmas.Having Christmas with a purpose will really make a difference! Having a clear understanding of what Christmas means to me and my family is key to a more Christ centered and meaningful Christmas.What gifts can I give?I can give my time in the way of service.
Also on Monday with my oldest son we are going to read the Book of Mormon in 40 days closer to Christ. The last 21 days will be focused more on the book 21 days closer to Christ by Emily Freeman. Those last 21 days have a challenge each day.
Countdown with me to a more relaxing and meaningful Christmas.Here are a few activities I hope to incorporate. I want to keep it simple.Here is a 24 day of devotionals to do each night.Here are 10-ways-to-celebrate-a-christ-centered-christmas
Christmas countdown:
Day 14- decoration declutter
How am I going to have a more meaningful Christmas?First I want to finish all my Christmas shopping before December first! I am going to slow down.I am going to make more memories and traditions.My focus and purpose is going to have me and my children focused on the real reason for Christmas.Having Christmas with a purpose will really make a difference! Having a clear understanding of what Christmas means to me and my family is key to a more Christ centered and meaningful Christmas.What gifts can I give?I can give my time in the way of service.
Also on Monday with my oldest son we are going to read the Book of Mormon in 40 days closer to Christ. The last 21 days will be focused more on the book 21 days closer to Christ by Emily Freeman. Those last 21 days have a challenge each day.
To get closer to something requires one step and then another until we are closeer to what we desire.This challenge and because I have defined what Christmas means to me should keep me walking in a steady pace towards Christ and hopefully to continue to do so after the season is over.
Friday, November 8, 2013
5 little monsters and smashing crashing monster trucks-preschool and baby lessons
Scripture:D&C 98:1
1 Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks
Letter:M
Number:4
Nursery Rhyme: Crushing,rumbling monster truck(tune of twinkle little star by Kristianne Rushton)
Crushing,Rumbling Monster truck
Your spinning wheels in the mud are stuck.
Up above the cars you soar
Around the track to try one more
Crushing,Rumbling Monster truck.
Your spinning wheels in the mud are stuck.
Stories:Five ugly monsters by Tedd Arnold.We counted the monsters.
Today we played in the leaves.We buried the monster trucks.The monster trucks crunched the leaves and so did the baby!We hid letters to find and made race tracks.Of course we recited the nursery ryhme!
1 Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks
Letter:M
Number:4
Nursery Rhyme: Crushing,rumbling monster truck(tune of twinkle little star by Kristianne Rushton)
Crushing,Rumbling Monster truck
Your spinning wheels in the mud are stuck.
Up above the cars you soar
Around the track to try one more
Crushing,Rumbling Monster truck.
Your spinning wheels in the mud are stuck.
Stories:Five ugly monsters by Tedd Arnold.We counted the monsters.
Doube-header by Gail Herman.We talked about always saying sorry and quickly.
Today we played in the leaves.We buried the monster trucks.The monster trucks crunched the leaves and so did the baby!We hid letters to find and made race tracks.Of course we recited the nursery ryhme!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Take back your turf Thursdays-November must do's
November is the time to get organized for the holidays.Create a plan if action.This includes filling in your calendars,writing gift lists,list of who you are sending cards and all activities.Make sure each week you schedule a day to relax.
Start having kids make gifts on those cooks wintry days.
Look at food sales and stock up on all food staples for the holidays.
Check your Christmas lights for damage.
All projects and deep cleaning should be finished or close to completion.This is for your sanity trust me!
Hey a family picture taken if you haven't yet.
There is only 7 more weeks to get your shopping done.Pick a day and time to go each week.
Make an advent calendar for kids.
Make cookies and pie ahead of time and freeze them for when you need them.
Winterize your car.Buy new tires if needed.
Take back your kitchen-This next week I should be done with all the papers and started on my cupboards in the kitchen.It has been a little slow this week with the colder weather.
Christmas countdowns I am :following
Day 10-5-10-15 to healthy holidays
Take 5 ... servings of fruits and vegetables. Add 10 ... minutes of quiet time to reduce stress. Combine with 15 ... minutes of gentle aerobic exercise.
Here is the flylady's Mission 12.Plan out menu and have some fun.
Start having kids make gifts on those cooks wintry days.
Look at food sales and stock up on all food staples for the holidays.
Check your Christmas lights for damage.
All projects and deep cleaning should be finished or close to completion.This is for your sanity trust me!
Hey a family picture taken if you haven't yet.
There is only 7 more weeks to get your shopping done.Pick a day and time to go each week.
Make an advent calendar for kids.
Make cookies and pie ahead of time and freeze them for when you need them.
Winterize your car.Buy new tires if needed.
Take back your kitchen-This next week I should be done with all the papers and started on my cupboards in the kitchen.It has been a little slow this week with the colder weather.
Christmas countdowns I am :following
Day 10-5-10-15 to healthy holidays
Take 5 ... servings of fruits and vegetables. Add 10 ... minutes of quiet time to reduce stress. Combine with 15 ... minutes of gentle aerobic exercise.
Here is the flylady's Mission 12.Plan out menu and have some fun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)