Lately I have been pondering on what time on earth is really meant for. I feel that one of the greatest things I can do while living is to learn all I can about Jesus Christ. The scriptures are my go to source to learn about Him. This past week I read in the book of Jacob, a section in the Book of Mormon. While doing so I was reminded of the following,

 - we worship God through Christ's name. (Jacob 4:4)

- being obedient to God's laws brings me closer to Christ. (Jacob 4:5)

-living according to the words of prophets and scripture increase my faith and hope in Christ. (Jacob 4:6-7).

- I am given weaknesses to turn me to Christ and seek His help. (Jacob 4:6-7)

- I can learn about Christ through revelation. (Jacob 4:8-9)

- I need to seek to follow all of his teachings. (Jacob 4: 10)

As I come to know more about Jesus Christ, my love for him grows and I have a desire to follow his ways such as being baptized and living a life centered on his teachings.

After the Traditions of Their Mothers

Growing up my day to day life was rooted in traditions set by my parents. These traditions included eating family dinner together every night, daily family prayer, family summer vacations, and birthday celebrations. Some of these traditions have been in my family for generations, while others were started with my parents. For the past few months I have thought heavily on the impact traditions have on families.

James Duke defines traditions as"standards of behaviour shared by members of a group about how people are supposed to act. Traditions or norms are handed down from generation to generation and are taught to children by their parents, their teachers, their companions, and others with whom they come in contact."

The scriptures repeatedly teach that generations live after the traditions of their fathers. The apostle Paul taught the importance living after the righteous traditions of our fathers. He taught the Thessalonians to, "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." (2 Thes 2:15)

King Benjamin reminded his sons that not all traditions are correct. He taught that the scriptures will validate if a tradition is of God or of the devil. He taught, "I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct." (Mosiah 1:5)

Modern revelation received through the prophet Joseph Smith also teaches this principle, "And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth." (D:C 93: 39-40)

About a year ago I started compiling stories of my ancestors. As I was doing this I began to notice several traditions that are common in my family line. A few of the traditions of my fathers include: valiant priesthood service, consecration, obedience to God and His prophets. While there are many stories I could share that exemplify these traditions, with today being Mother's Day, I want to focus on the traditions of the mothers in my family line. The two traditions that I want to focus on are resilient homemakers and selfless charity.

Resilient Homemakers

Charlotte Hirst, my 4th great grandma was a woman of knowledge. While traveling to America by boat many passengers on board became ill due to contamination of the drinking water. Many died. Charlotte had brought with her a sack of Chamomile flowers. She boiled the water her family drank mixed with these flowers making a herbal tea which likely protected the health of her family during the journey. None of the Hirst family became ill.

Charlotte Hirst - 4th Great Grandma

Headstone of Charlotte Hirst, Salt Lake Cemetery

My 4th great grandma Agnes Scruggs put her family first, regardless of trial. She was a woman of resourcefulness. While her husband and sons were on the battlefield during the civil war some distance from their home, she got wool and spun it into yarn and knitted socks and made suits of clothing and prepared food. She and a daughter obtained an old lame horse the soldiers had left, fixed up a harness of old rope and wire, and hitched it to an old rickety cart which the soldiers had also left. They drove for three days to the battlefield where they found their loved ones. The men were given permission to leave the army for one hour to visit their mother and sister and wife and receive the clothing and food they had brought.

Agnes Scruggs, 4th great grandmother

My 3rd great grandma Ann Low was known as a talented housekeeper. One family story shares that "On Saturday the house was cleaned, food prepared, baths were given, clothes looked over, shoes polished and things were made ready for the Sabbath, and in the morning all went to Sunday School. One neighbor said: “Mrs. Low I don’t know how you do it , you have a bigger family than I and I know you have your work done up for I went and peeked in your window and your work was all done up and your dinner was cooking on the stove. How do you do it?”

Ann Low, 3rd great grandmother

My mother has carried on the tradition of resilient homemaking. She has always put her family first, they are her prized possession. She works tirelessly to see that they are cared for. I can't remember a day when the dishes weren't done, or food left out. Many times she had opportunities to go out with friends and she would always say, "I just want to be home with my family." 

Sister Bonnie Oscarson has counselled, "We need to take a term which is sometimes spoken of with derision and elevate it. It is the term homemaker. All of us—women, men, youth, and children, single or married—can work at being homemakers. We should “make our homes” places of order, refuge, holiness, and safety." I desire to follow this council. I am grateful that I can follow after the traditions of my mothers to do so.

Consecrated Charity

My 4th great grandma Mary Woolley possessed the gift of charity (Moroni 7:47), because of this she understood and lived the law of consecration. Mary was very industrious and frugal. Her husband planted and took care of their land and they always had a crop. When many were living on bran bread and greens, they had their white flour bread. Times were so hard that many came to them for a little wheat which was kept in a grain bin. She never turned anyone away from taking wheat. Many times while her husband went to the bin to give to the needy Mary would say, “That’s the last of the wheat, isn’t it?” He would answer, “No, there is a little more left.” They claim that there was more wheat taken out of that bin than there ever was put in, and that the Lord increased their grain as they were always willing to share and even go without themselves to help others.

Mary Woolley, 4th great grandmother

Headstone of Mary Woolley, Kaysville Cemetery 

My 3rd great grandmother Mary Oler was a woman with deep trust in the promises of God. Her life was consecrated to bearing and raising children. God was by her side as she did so. Mary had thirteen children. The household tasks of each day were endless. There were babies to care for, meals to prepare, the house to clean, washing, ironing, mending, sewing, water to carry, wood to bring in. Mary would cook a hot dinner and carry it to the field to her husband and sons, with a baby on her back and the small children running beside her. When Mary was expecting her 12 child she had an impression that she would not live after the baby was born.  Instead of one, Mary gave birth to twin boys. After the twins were born she told her oldest daughter not to worry about the boys, for she would call for them soon. She died shortly after. One son lived only a month, the other to age 4. 

Mary Oler, 3rd great grandmother

Headstone of Mary Oler and her twins, American Fork Cemetery

My own mother exemplifies consecrated charity. She to was pregnant with twins. When she was expecting my twin sister and I she was put on bed rest 4 months before our due date, leaving two little boys in her husband's care. She was far away from her family, and experienced a great deal of pain, yet she prevailed, with a consecrated heart, and the gift of charity.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson has taught, "True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes. In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny." I desire true success in my own life. To do so I can follow after the traditions of my righteous mothers. I am so grateful this is so. 

The traditions of my mothers has taught me the importance resilient homemaking and consecrated charity.

 

 In the words of the apostle Paul, I desire to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which (I) have been taught." (2 Thes 2:15) 

Rekindling a Beloved Truth

Recently I have sought to strengthen my testimony of the reality and role of living prophets and apostles. In doing so I have asked myself several questions: Why do I follow the council of the prophet and apostles? How has my life changed because I follow the prophet? What does it mean to sustain the prophet and apostles today? How can I be sure a prophet is speaking the will of God? 

While seeking answers to the above questions I felt impressed to review past words of prophets and apostles. In doing so I felt the spirit so strong! As I read over their words, I found myself comparing where I was in life at the moment the council was given in comparison to where I am now. I realized that who I am today is in large measure based upon council prophets and apostles have given in past years. Here are just a few quotes that have held special reverence for me. 

“Wonderful, glorious things are in store for you if you will only believe, obey, and endure.” - President Thomas S. Monson. Found here. 

I remember this phrase struck me hard. It came the year I was graduating high school. I was overwhelmed at the future ahead of me. At the time I committed to believe, obey, and endure the teachings of the scriptures, having faith that glorious experiences would come my way. Looking back I can say with confidence that they have! My life has held so many cherished blessings as I continue to believe, obey, and endure. Such blessings include; serving a mission, attending BYU-Idaho, making new friends, and discovering new talents. 

The next connection I discovered came in a series of council from various talks by general authorities. 8 years ago Elaine S. Dalton, the young women general president, gave the following council:

“I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world, but in order to do so, we must return to virtue." Found here.

As a 14 year old young woman I took this council to heart. I felt the urgency of her words, and desired to follow them. In 2011, Sister Dalton declared:

“Being virtuous is a requirement to enter the temple...Prepare now so that you may qualify to receive all the blessings that await you in the Lord’s holy temples.” Found here.

I again felt the urgency of Sister Dalton's words and increased my determination to become more virtuous. In October of 2012 President Thomas S. Monson announced: 

Isn't that amazing! A few years prior to this announcement I had felt impressed to serve a mission, when it was given I knew that my time to serve was quickly approaching. Because I chose to serve I was able to attend the temple at the tender age of 19. This was a sacred experience for me. I know that the only way I was prepared for such an experience at a young age was because I had followed Sister Dalton's call to become a virtuous woman. 

Past council from the prophet that has held special importance to me include;

“My brothers and sisters, the great test of this life is obedience.” 2013. Found here.

“May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with love and kindness to whatever might come our way.” 2014. Found here.

“We read in Proverbs the admonition, “Ponder the path of thy feet.” As we do, we will have the faith, even the desire, to walk the path which Jesus walked” 2014. Found here. 

"As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart. We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior when He said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” 2015. Found here. 

As I have reflected on council given by prophets and apostles, my testimony has been greatly strengthened. I have discovered that their words are the Savior's words (1Nephi 22:1-2). I follow the council of prophets and apostles because by doing so I become the woman God desires me to be. To sustain the prophet today I must follow his teachings with faith. I can know the prophet is speaking the will of God when I put into practice the council given and see the fruits of goodness that follow. As I have strengthened my testimony of prophets and apostles, I have greater faith to trust recent council given, council in which I haven't seen immediate fruit. Recent council given that I strive to pattern my life after include; 

"Sisters, I am grateful to be a woman in these latter days. We have opportunities and possibilities which no other generation of women has had in the world. Let us help build the kingdom of God by standing up boldly and being defenders of marriage, parenthood, and the home. The Lord needs us to be brave, steadfast, and immovable warriors who will defend His plan and teach the upcoming generations His truths." Bonnie L Oscarson. Found here.

“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.”My dear sisters, you who are our vital associates during this winding-up scene, the day that President Kimball foresaw is today." - Russell M Nelson. Found here.

"May we maintain the courage to defy the consensus. May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” President Thomas S Monson. Found here.

Not only do prophets and apostles counsel us to come unto Christ, but they also witness of Christ. As I have reread past talks given by President Monson I have drawn great strength in hearing him testify of his witness and love for the Savior. Here are just a few that I love;

“I bear my personal witness and testimony to you that God lives, that He hears the prayers of humble hearts. His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, speaks to each of us: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.” May we believe these words and take advantage of this promise.” Found here.

“With all the strength of my soul, I testify that God lives and loves us, that His Only Begotten Son lived and died for us, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is that penetrating light which shines through the darkness of our lives.” Found here.

If anyone is seeking to strengthen their testimony of a living prophet I would encourage them to live the teachings of the current prophet and see the fruit that is produced. (Matthew 7:15-20)

I am grateful for a Prophet in these last days, I know all he declares will be made known in due time (3 Nephi 1:13). I know that God reveals truths necessary for salvation through prophets and apostles, I also know that I myself, can receive confirmation of this truth through personal revelation. I found this beautiful promise below as I was seeking answers to my questions. I am grateful for the eternal perspective of the council. The promise is profoundly beautiful, and one that I desire with all my heart. 

"You have come from His presence to live on this earth for a season, to reflect the Savior’s love and teachings, and to bravely let your light shine for all to see. When that season on earth has ended, if you have done your part, yours will be the glorious blessing of returning to live with Him forever.” President Thomas S Monson. 2015. Found here. 

Why is Christ known as the Master Teacher?

As I have wondered the question, why is Jesus Christ the master teacher, many thoughts and impressions have come to mind. Christ was a wondrous teacher because...

- He prepared himself (Matthew 4:1-2)

- His intention was to serve (John 4:34)

- He taught to needs (Luke 19:38-42)

- He taught simply (Matthew 5:1-12)

- He taught to understanding (Luke 5:4-10)

- He was passionate about what he taught (John 5:30)

- He asked questions (John 21:15-17) 

- He invited others to act (2 Nephi 31:10)

- He knew his disciples individually and loved them (Matthew 4:18-20)

- He was always teaching, regardless of where he was and whom he was talking to, it was simply part of his nature (John 4:1-9)

- He taught doctrine (Matthew 4:1-11)

- He was bold (John 2:13-17)

Once I made this list I had a discussion with my family and asked them the question, Why was Jesus Christ the master teacher? My brother had an interesting insight that I found worth sharing. He explained that each learner learns differently, so while my list was good, each quality would not be applicable to each learner's learning style. What makes Jesus Christ the master teacher, he concluded, is His ability to minister personally to each learner. In the Book of Mormon, Nephi, an ancient american prophet wrote, 

 For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.-2 Nephi 31: 3

From this scripture we learn that the Lord "speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding" not only does this mean a learners specific language, but also to their level of comprehension and application. While a great teacher can be bold, ask questions, and teach simply... etc, only a master teacher can tailor each to an individual learner. 

The question posed here is: How is Christ able to personalize his teaching to each learner so perfectly? In the Book of Mormon, Alma, an ancient american prophet wrote, 

 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. -Alma 7:11-12 

This scripture teaches that through His suffering in the garden of Gethsemane, Christ may understand each individual perfectly, thus being able to "succor his people." Succor means to give aid or assistance. In combining the words of Alma with the words of Nephi, Christ "succors his people....according to their language, unto their understanding." What a magnificent truth! 

The next question that arises in this contemplation is simply: How can one emulate the master teacher? As I have pondered the thought that comes to my mind repeatedly is this; we have to have the Holy Ghost with us. I know there is absolutely no way a teacher may teach like Christ if he does not have the Holy Ghost with them. To have the spirit of the Holy Ghost one must keep covenants. As we renew our baptism covenants each week through the sacrament we are promised to have the spirit of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. What a blessing!

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. - John 14:16-18

When one has the influence of the Holy Ghost while teaching they will be able to discern the needs of those whom they are teaching and tailor their teaching to the learner, just as the Savior did. This is not something that happens all at once, it is a lifetime pursuit. It is my aspiration to teach my future students "according to their language, unto their understanding." 

“Placed around the world, temples have their own unique look and design on the outside, but inside they all contain the same eternal light, purpose, and truth. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 we read, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” We too as daughters (or sons) of God have been placed all around the world, like temples, and we each have our own unique look and outward design, like temples. We also have a spiritual light within us, like temples. This spiritual light is a reflection of the Savior’s light. Others will be attracted to this brightness.”

Sister Neill F. Marriott

Our Best Defense

Our Best Defense against Pornography

By Kerry Hanson Jensen

article found here 

In one verse of scripture, I found my family’s key to avoiding the explicit images that seemed to be everywhere.

I was shopping for school clothes with my nine-year-old son when our conversation turned from lighthearted chitchat to a more serious question. “Mom, why do they have to put that stuff in all the store windows?”

“That stuff” he was referring to was immodest pictures displayed in the windows of just about every shop we passed. Although pictures like these had always been there, I hadn’t paid much attention to them before. But the fact that my oldest son was starting to take notice awakened a new awareness in me. Over the next weeks, I began to see these images everywhere: on television, at the grocery store, at restaurants, in advertisements that came in the mail. I couldn’t get away from them. Some images were so explicit that I began to feel perplexed, and a feeling of alarm began to grow in my heart. How was I supposed to protect my family from the traps of pornography?

Every general conference we hear warnings about its devastating effects, and we have been acquainted with its victims. We had taken all of the precautions at home with our computer and the media we allowed there, but clearly, unless our children were quarantined, there seemed to be no way to completely avoid seeing unwanted images that might lead to further curiosity. Could my son’s innocent gaze at the grocery store turn into a lifetime struggle with pornography? My anxiety over this issue grew, and I began to feel a sense of helplessness and vulnerability in protecting my children.

Then one day while I was reading in the Book of Mormon, I unexpectedly found reassurance in 1 Nephi 15. Nephi is explaining Lehi’s vision of the tree of life to Laman and Lemuel when they ask the meaning of the river of water. Nephi answers in verse 27:

 “And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water” Lehi’s mind was focused on the tree of life and getting his family to it to partake of its fruit! He didn’t even see the filthiness because of this focus.

That was the answer! Keeping inappropriate media out of our home was a start, but a more direct and conscious effort to teach our children the gospel is what would ultimately be their best defense against anything that could lead them away.

Because of this experience with the scriptures, my husband and I decided to redouble our efforts in teaching our children and thus keep our eyes on the love of God instead of the filthiness in the world. We have felt impressed to focus on three different areas*:

1. Increasing our own personal scripture study and decreasing the “noise” around us. Like Lehi, our minds must be filled with positive things in order to hear the promptings of the Spirit and to keep us focused on anchoring our family in the gospel. My husband and I try to regularly spend time talking about the spiritual needs of each individual in the family and how we can meet those needs and create a home where the Spirit can thrive.

2. Making family scripture study more meaningful. Although it takes a lot of effort just to gather the family together daily to read scriptures, we are trying to have more discussion when we read the scriptures. We have a wide range of ages with our children, so we read scriptures with the younger kids later in the day and the oldest kids early in the morning when the little ones are asleep so there is less distraction and more opportunity for discussion. We have found that almost daily there is discussion of current events that relates to the scriptures we are reading.

Most mornings are far from idyllic, but with perseverance we are finding that the kids really are listening and participating, even though sometimes it takes a lot of effort to get everyone together.

3. Doing missionary work. When we bear testimony, the Spirit testifies that what we are saying is true, and our testimonies grow. We are trying to make missionary work a family affair. We talk about sharing the gospel, and we regularly invite friends to our home. We also take every opportunity to have the missionaries and investigators over for gospel discussion. We have had wonderful experiences with new members of the Church and investigators in our home, and it has made an impression on our children as they reflect on their own testimonies and hear those of the missionaries.

I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the miraculous way a single verse of scripture has given me reassurance and a clear direction for our family. The scriptures can truly replace fear and helplessness with power and peace.

That's a Wrap!

This semester has flown by! I am so grateful I was able to take FAM160 Family Relations at BYU-Idaho. My tuition was worth it just for this class! As I have spent the day studying for my final exam I have pondered on how much knowledge I have gained. 

When I was little my sister and I would spend hours playing with our dolls. We loved it! We couldn't wait for the day when we would have our own babies. I can remember how much I loved babysitting, for it helped me catch a glimpse of what it would be like to take care real babies. 

Many young girls have hope chests filled with items they have collected for their future family. I am no different. I can remember making an apron in achievement days and being ecstatic to add it to my hope chest. Through the years I would constantly add items I found. Over the years I have accumulated quite a bit of stuff. I remember one day my brother was helping me organize it all. He said to me, "Katelyn when you bring a man home I am going to show him all of your stuff so he know's what he is getting himself into!"  

It is true that I have accumulated quite a bit of treasures. I am grateful for this class, for it has allowed me to prepare for my future family in a different way. It has given me tools to help create my future family with intention. I'll be forever grateful for it.  

"You will be the most important teacher your children will ever have, so choose your learning carefully. Bless your children and your future home by learning as much as you can now." Mary N. Cook