From the inspired thoughts of our beloved President, Kathy Diehl:
Jesus was in the synagogue in Capernaum when He gave the speech that is known as the Bread of Life discourse (John 6:22-71). He explained that He was not the kind of Messiah the people wanted, that He was not here to free the Jews from Roman domination and oppression. He said that He had to be the kind of Messiah that His Father commanded Him to be. This was a huge disappointment to those who followed Jesus only because they had eaten loaves and fishes and were intrigued by His miraculous powers. They murmured, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” (v. 60) and John records, “From that time many...went back, and walked no more with him.” (v. 66)
In each of our lives we are faced with “hard sayings” that present us with decisions to be obedient, true disciples of Christ or to become bogged down and “walk no more with him.” The hard sayings are different for each of us. For some, tithing might be a hard saying. Serving a mission may be a hard saying for some young men or for some older couples. Accepting a calling may be a hard saying for others. Certain chronic problems, disappointments, or trials can be hard sayings. The adversary tempts us to give up, to get discouraged, and he is relentless in his deception that we can’t or won’t progress at mastering our hard sayings. He is the father of all lies, and would like nothing better than for us to “walk no more with (the Savior).”
Whatever your current hard sayings may be, never give up! Pray for insight, help and strength. Jesus Christ is the one and true Bread of Life. We will never regret our efforts to continue to walk with Him.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
10 June 2007: SWK #11 Self-Reliance
Shauri Quinn taught our lesson today, SWK #11: "Provident Living: Applying Principles of Self-Reliance and Preparedness." She began by asking us what it means to be self-reliant. We answered that you can take care of yourself. Shauri divided the principle into three buckets: financial, spiritual, and emotional.
Financial self-reliance: be a nut saver; don't spend more than you take in; beware of credit cards and buying things that you don't have the cash to pay for. Learn to determine accurately the difference between a need and a want. Bargain shop, or don't shop at all. Get an education. Be prepared to support your family.
Spiritual self-reliance: practice/ develop confidence in getting answers to your own prayers. How do you know when the Lord is speaking to you? A priesthood blessing; study the scriptures; read Patriarchal blessing. In the end we can't be spiritually self-reliant because we're completely dependent on God. Stop trying to be self-reliant in that area; say "Uncle". Rely on God instead of the worldly things that you may put your trust or find security in. Self-reliance v. relying on God is a paradox. Remember two hymns: "I Need Thee Every Hour" and the line from "Guide Us O Thou Great Jehovah" that says "we are weak but thou art able..." He gives us tools, but we need to create a quiet place/ time in our lives so that we can tune in. Nobody else can get you to Heaven...you have to have your own testimony.
Shauri talked about how when she was younger she used to think about all the things that would change in her life, that she would do differently after she got married. She finally realized that she couldn't depend on a future spouse to spur her to action...she needed to act for herself now. I (Andrea) said that there are things I don't do now that I am married that I used to be better at when I was single because I tell myself that these things are my husband's responsibility. I can't do that...I need to take responsibility for myself.
Shauri asked us how self-reliance makes us free. Gwen said because you can sleep when the wind blows, you're prepared in the midst of a storm. If you are prepared, not only can you take care of yourself, but you can help others. The more dependent you are on others, the less freedom you have. Shauri gave the simple example of how her father couldn't upload his photos to his computer without Shauri's help. Because of this, he was dependent on her busy schedule if he wanted to get his pictures off his camera. Another example Shauri gave is of a flock of seagulls in St. Augustine, Florida, that didn't know how to fish for themselves because the shrimpers had always thrown them things to eat. When the shrimpers left the areas, the seagulls began to starve to death. We also talked about how our actions can enable the dependence of our loved ones. Linda remembered that President Kimball had once said that the most loving thing to do is the responsible thing. She uses this to guide her choices in regards to meeting the needs of others. When is it love, and when is it hurting the other person to do things for them?
Freedom from dependence is freedom from fear. Paula shared an experience that happened after a big power outage a few years ago. Corey got scared that they wouldn't have any water to drink. He was so relieved when Paula told him that they had a two week supply of water for every family member. His fear was gone. Michelle R. talked about how last year they were in a sticky situation financially, they panicked, they stopped praying for a short time. This year their financial situation is even worse, but they are in a much better place spiritually, and are not afraid like they were before. Heather said that Elder Eyring's father was on his death bed and he asked if he was prepared to die. His father said "I've been taking care of it along the way." Shauri said that we're often scared to lose someone we love to death, but faith can help take the fear away.
Emotional self-reliance: freedom from self-doubt. Lisa Q. said we can overcome self-doubt through experience, learning that we can do it. A key is having God's help throughout. She told us how the other day, she really needed a nap, but her two children's sleep schedules don't usually overlap. She prayed, asking God for 30 minutes of rest, and she got it. We need Heavenly Father as a companion. Lisa J. said it is hard to help others if we are absorbed with self-doubt, folding in on ourselves, filled with darkness. God's principles help us to be more shiny. Shauri said that self-reliance builds our self-esteem. She read us some selections from a book by Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat, Pray, Love. The author left the country to find herself. Her depression and loneliness followed her to Rome. She uses her journal to write to God, and she writes his answers back to her. She tells of a day that she saw a reflection of herself in a mirror and for a split second, mistook the image for a friend. She writes in her journal "never forget that once...you recognized yourself as a friend."
It is important to serve others. Shauri read us part of a letter from Delsa (Shauri's mother who is on a mission in Australia). In the letter, she shared the story some of the Elders in the mission told of helping a woman in a grocery store parking lot get her bags into the car. They were surprised because she just sat in the car and didn't try to help them. They later found out that she'd just had a c-section. President Kimball once said that there is a "constant flow of revealed communication" a river flowing next to us that we can drink of whenever we choose.
Financial self-reliance: be a nut saver; don't spend more than you take in; beware of credit cards and buying things that you don't have the cash to pay for. Learn to determine accurately the difference between a need and a want. Bargain shop, or don't shop at all. Get an education. Be prepared to support your family.
Spiritual self-reliance: practice/ develop confidence in getting answers to your own prayers. How do you know when the Lord is speaking to you? A priesthood blessing; study the scriptures; read Patriarchal blessing. In the end we can't be spiritually self-reliant because we're completely dependent on God. Stop trying to be self-reliant in that area; say "Uncle". Rely on God instead of the worldly things that you may put your trust or find security in. Self-reliance v. relying on God is a paradox. Remember two hymns: "I Need Thee Every Hour" and the line from "Guide Us O Thou Great Jehovah" that says "we are weak but thou art able..." He gives us tools, but we need to create a quiet place/ time in our lives so that we can tune in. Nobody else can get you to Heaven...you have to have your own testimony.
Shauri talked about how when she was younger she used to think about all the things that would change in her life, that she would do differently after she got married. She finally realized that she couldn't depend on a future spouse to spur her to action...she needed to act for herself now. I (Andrea) said that there are things I don't do now that I am married that I used to be better at when I was single because I tell myself that these things are my husband's responsibility. I can't do that...I need to take responsibility for myself.
Shauri asked us how self-reliance makes us free. Gwen said because you can sleep when the wind blows, you're prepared in the midst of a storm. If you are prepared, not only can you take care of yourself, but you can help others. The more dependent you are on others, the less freedom you have. Shauri gave the simple example of how her father couldn't upload his photos to his computer without Shauri's help. Because of this, he was dependent on her busy schedule if he wanted to get his pictures off his camera. Another example Shauri gave is of a flock of seagulls in St. Augustine, Florida, that didn't know how to fish for themselves because the shrimpers had always thrown them things to eat. When the shrimpers left the areas, the seagulls began to starve to death. We also talked about how our actions can enable the dependence of our loved ones. Linda remembered that President Kimball had once said that the most loving thing to do is the responsible thing. She uses this to guide her choices in regards to meeting the needs of others. When is it love, and when is it hurting the other person to do things for them?
Freedom from dependence is freedom from fear. Paula shared an experience that happened after a big power outage a few years ago. Corey got scared that they wouldn't have any water to drink. He was so relieved when Paula told him that they had a two week supply of water for every family member. His fear was gone. Michelle R. talked about how last year they were in a sticky situation financially, they panicked, they stopped praying for a short time. This year their financial situation is even worse, but they are in a much better place spiritually, and are not afraid like they were before. Heather said that Elder Eyring's father was on his death bed and he asked if he was prepared to die. His father said "I've been taking care of it along the way." Shauri said that we're often scared to lose someone we love to death, but faith can help take the fear away.
Emotional self-reliance: freedom from self-doubt. Lisa Q. said we can overcome self-doubt through experience, learning that we can do it. A key is having God's help throughout. She told us how the other day, she really needed a nap, but her two children's sleep schedules don't usually overlap. She prayed, asking God for 30 minutes of rest, and she got it. We need Heavenly Father as a companion. Lisa J. said it is hard to help others if we are absorbed with self-doubt, folding in on ourselves, filled with darkness. God's principles help us to be more shiny. Shauri said that self-reliance builds our self-esteem. She read us some selections from a book by Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat, Pray, Love. The author left the country to find herself. Her depression and loneliness followed her to Rome. She uses her journal to write to God, and she writes his answers back to her. She tells of a day that she saw a reflection of herself in a mirror and for a split second, mistook the image for a friend. She writes in her journal "never forget that once...you recognized yourself as a friend."
It is important to serve others. Shauri read us part of a letter from Delsa (Shauri's mother who is on a mission in Australia). In the letter, she shared the story some of the Elders in the mission told of helping a woman in a grocery store parking lot get her bags into the car. They were surprised because she just sat in the car and didn't try to help them. They later found out that she'd just had a c-section. President Kimball once said that there is a "constant flow of revealed communication" a river flowing next to us that we can drink of whenever we choose.
Prez Says: Do What We Can
Weekly words of wisdom by our fearless leader, Kathy Diehl:
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which in heaven is perfect,” (Matt. 5:48) can feel overwhelming, impossible, and guilt-provoking. But go back to verse 43, which is the beginning of the paragraph or thought, and read through verse 48. The passage when read in its entirety, talks about loving others. We are asked to love others perfectly, as our Father in heaven does.
Lazarus’ sister, Mary, bought an alabaster box filled with precious, very expensive ointment and poured it on Jesus’ head as he “sat at meat.” (Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Luke 7:36-50). The apostles complained that she’d wasted her money, which could have helped many poor people. Jesus explained that they should not criticize Mary because she “wrought a good work...and she hath done what she could.” That’s all the Lord asks or expects—that we do what we can! In Luke’s account, Mary is described as “a sinner.” Jesus agreed that Mary had many sins, which had been forgiven, “for she loved much.”
We are asked to do what Mary did—to do what we can and to love much. Moroni 7:47-48 defines love as “charity, which is the pure love of Christ,” and says that this is a gift of the spirit. The Lord will give us, as a gift, what he’s asking from us! Let’s replace thoughts of perfectionism and needless guilt with the charge to ‘do what we can, and to love much.’
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which in heaven is perfect,” (Matt. 5:48) can feel overwhelming, impossible, and guilt-provoking. But go back to verse 43, which is the beginning of the paragraph or thought, and read through verse 48. The passage when read in its entirety, talks about loving others. We are asked to love others perfectly, as our Father in heaven does.
Lazarus’ sister, Mary, bought an alabaster box filled with precious, very expensive ointment and poured it on Jesus’ head as he “sat at meat.” (Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Luke 7:36-50). The apostles complained that she’d wasted her money, which could have helped many poor people. Jesus explained that they should not criticize Mary because she “wrought a good work...and she hath done what she could.” That’s all the Lord asks or expects—that we do what we can! In Luke’s account, Mary is described as “a sinner.” Jesus agreed that Mary had many sins, which had been forgiven, “for she loved much.”
We are asked to do what Mary did—to do what we can and to love much. Moroni 7:47-48 defines love as “charity, which is the pure love of Christ,” and says that this is a gift of the spirit. The Lord will give us, as a gift, what he’s asking from us! Let’s replace thoughts of perfectionism and needless guilt with the charge to ‘do what we can, and to love much.’
3 June 2007 Lesson: "Blessed Are The Peacemakers"
Today's lesson was taught by our very own Nan Mastie. We began by reading the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5. Nan referred to an article from the September 2001 Ensign by Robert Wells, "Peace on Earth." She read Elder Wells' description of the setting for the Sermon on the Mount:
"I like to think of when the sermon was first taught. In my mind’s eye, I see a scene of peaceful beauty: I envision an afternoon in early spring. The sky is softening toward dusk, with not even a breeze. White, wispy cirrus clouds stand almost motionless in the clear blue sky. And below, on the coast of the Sea of Galilee, soft waves lap against moored fishing boats. A group of people assembles on the side of the hill. Eager listeners sit on the grass or stand amidst the rocks and early spring flowers. All are hushed and thoughtful as every face is lifted up, every eye looking toward the Lord, and every ear listening as the Savior tells them what they need to do in order to have peace in their lives."
Then she read this statement by Elder Wells:
"To follow Christ and bring forth the blessings of heaven, we must actively make peace in the world, in the community, in the neighborhood, and above all, in the home we live in."
Nan said that sometimes a disruption in one area of our lives can mess up our peace in another area, like when we bring troubles from work home with us. She asked us how we pull back the reins and find peace when we are faced with trouble. What strategies work for us? Gwen said bite your tongue and pray for the correct words to come to you. Michelle R. said that when she has negative thoughts about herself it affects how she treats her children, the things she says, etc. She said I know I can change negative thoughts to positive with help from prayer. Nan told us that the Bishop had asked the Youth to be peacemakers at home for one month, and then report back on their efforts. Some of the things they found were that they didn't engage in argument as much, and they learned that they didn't have to have the last word.
Nan helps to run a child care center. She has a parent that is very argumentative that she has been dealing with. He confronted her at work, yelling at her and trying to catch her off guard. She had similar confrontations with him on the phone, which left her crying. She prayed for help before seeing him the next time. She asked for calmness and for the ability to speak clearly. She was surprised when he began their next encounter by apologizing for his argumentative style, excusing his behavior by saying that he is a lawyer (Nan thought of many other lawyers she knows that are not argumentative). But their talk ended peacefully.
Then Nan told the story from Elder Wells' article about when President Harold B. Lee was asked by the Press to make a statement about the Vietnam War. He said:
“We, together with the whole Christian world, abhor war. But the Savior said, ‘In me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation’ ” (John 16:33). President Lee then explained, “The Savior was not talking about the peace that can be achieved between nations, by military force or by negotiation in the halls of parliaments. Rather, he was speaking of the peace we can each have in our own lives when we live the commandments and come unto Christ with broken hearts and contrite spirits” (see “Be a Friend, a Servant, a Son of the Savior,” Ensign, Nov. 1982, 70).
Peace-making, said Nan, is about our peace inside, not about "making peace" between others. Nan said that she had felt the same feeling Sondra talked about last week when she saw the Mortensens in Sacrament Meeting the week before (Rob Mortensen is one of our former Bishops). The thing Sondra said, and Nan seconded, was that seeing old friends from the ward filled her with a sense of love and family, the peace of coming home, of being gathered together. Both women were moved to tears by when they unexpectedly saw old friends from the ward. One of the blessings of visiting teaching is the opportunity to come together and have peace with one another.
Nan asked us to share how we are able to find peace. Lisa said that as a former law enforcement officer, she always thinks of how the police call their batons "peace makers." And sometimes she wants to make peace that way, especially with certain people. But she remembers a time when she was having a conflict with some other members of the ward and President Quinn asked her if she wanted to be right, or if she wanted to be effective. Now she asks herself that question a lot, especially when interacting with her children. Usually she just waits until the right time, or her children come to the realization on their own.
Kathy told a story about an email she received from Marilyn this past week. Kathy had had a discouraging week, but Marilyn's email helped her feel better. Marilyn talked about how her daughter was visiting, and she prayed in the morning for a good experience with her. A few hours later her daughter got in an accident that ripped the bumper off of Marilyn's car. Marilyn made a conscious choice to believe that her prayer from that morning was effective, in spite of what had happened. Later that day, Marilyn's daughter was rear-ended in Detroit, in a more serious accident, but was not hurt. Marilyn saw that her prayer had been answered, and that her daughter had been protected from physical harm. The second accident put the ripped-off bumper into perspective. Kathy's comment was how important it is that we share with each other and try to be open and truthful.
Jill said that writing in her journal helps her find peace. Sondra said that before entering a difficult situation, she prays for compassion. By trying to choose compassion it got her mind off of herself and how difficult the situation was for her personally. Nan closed by saying that when we can find and hold on to our peace, the heavens open up, and we can receive revelation and comfort from our Heavenly Father.
"I like to think of when the sermon was first taught. In my mind’s eye, I see a scene of peaceful beauty: I envision an afternoon in early spring. The sky is softening toward dusk, with not even a breeze. White, wispy cirrus clouds stand almost motionless in the clear blue sky. And below, on the coast of the Sea of Galilee, soft waves lap against moored fishing boats. A group of people assembles on the side of the hill. Eager listeners sit on the grass or stand amidst the rocks and early spring flowers. All are hushed and thoughtful as every face is lifted up, every eye looking toward the Lord, and every ear listening as the Savior tells them what they need to do in order to have peace in their lives."
Then she read this statement by Elder Wells:
"To follow Christ and bring forth the blessings of heaven, we must actively make peace in the world, in the community, in the neighborhood, and above all, in the home we live in."
Nan said that sometimes a disruption in one area of our lives can mess up our peace in another area, like when we bring troubles from work home with us. She asked us how we pull back the reins and find peace when we are faced with trouble. What strategies work for us? Gwen said bite your tongue and pray for the correct words to come to you. Michelle R. said that when she has negative thoughts about herself it affects how she treats her children, the things she says, etc. She said I know I can change negative thoughts to positive with help from prayer. Nan told us that the Bishop had asked the Youth to be peacemakers at home for one month, and then report back on their efforts. Some of the things they found were that they didn't engage in argument as much, and they learned that they didn't have to have the last word.
Nan helps to run a child care center. She has a parent that is very argumentative that she has been dealing with. He confronted her at work, yelling at her and trying to catch her off guard. She had similar confrontations with him on the phone, which left her crying. She prayed for help before seeing him the next time. She asked for calmness and for the ability to speak clearly. She was surprised when he began their next encounter by apologizing for his argumentative style, excusing his behavior by saying that he is a lawyer (Nan thought of many other lawyers she knows that are not argumentative). But their talk ended peacefully.
Then Nan told the story from Elder Wells' article about when President Harold B. Lee was asked by the Press to make a statement about the Vietnam War. He said:
“We, together with the whole Christian world, abhor war. But the Savior said, ‘In me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation’ ” (John 16:33). President Lee then explained, “The Savior was not talking about the peace that can be achieved between nations, by military force or by negotiation in the halls of parliaments. Rather, he was speaking of the peace we can each have in our own lives when we live the commandments and come unto Christ with broken hearts and contrite spirits” (see “Be a Friend, a Servant, a Son of the Savior,” Ensign, Nov. 1982, 70).
Peace-making, said Nan, is about our peace inside, not about "making peace" between others. Nan said that she had felt the same feeling Sondra talked about last week when she saw the Mortensens in Sacrament Meeting the week before (Rob Mortensen is one of our former Bishops). The thing Sondra said, and Nan seconded, was that seeing old friends from the ward filled her with a sense of love and family, the peace of coming home, of being gathered together. Both women were moved to tears by when they unexpectedly saw old friends from the ward. One of the blessings of visiting teaching is the opportunity to come together and have peace with one another.
Nan asked us to share how we are able to find peace. Lisa said that as a former law enforcement officer, she always thinks of how the police call their batons "peace makers." And sometimes she wants to make peace that way, especially with certain people. But she remembers a time when she was having a conflict with some other members of the ward and President Quinn asked her if she wanted to be right, or if she wanted to be effective. Now she asks herself that question a lot, especially when interacting with her children. Usually she just waits until the right time, or her children come to the realization on their own.
Kathy told a story about an email she received from Marilyn this past week. Kathy had had a discouraging week, but Marilyn's email helped her feel better. Marilyn talked about how her daughter was visiting, and she prayed in the morning for a good experience with her. A few hours later her daughter got in an accident that ripped the bumper off of Marilyn's car. Marilyn made a conscious choice to believe that her prayer from that morning was effective, in spite of what had happened. Later that day, Marilyn's daughter was rear-ended in Detroit, in a more serious accident, but was not hurt. Marilyn saw that her prayer had been answered, and that her daughter had been protected from physical harm. The second accident put the ripped-off bumper into perspective. Kathy's comment was how important it is that we share with each other and try to be open and truthful.
Jill said that writing in her journal helps her find peace. Sondra said that before entering a difficult situation, she prays for compassion. By trying to choose compassion it got her mind off of herself and how difficult the situation was for her personally. Nan closed by saying that when we can find and hold on to our peace, the heavens open up, and we can receive revelation and comfort from our Heavenly Father.
Prez Says: Getting to Know God
I don’t know who said, “I was betrayed by the tyranny of urgent situations,” but I find it too often true in my life. Isn’t there always something that needs to be done or someone who needs or wants something? To do the best you can each day does not mean to do the most you can. When we try to put too much in one day, it just doesn’t work.
We can become so focused and insistent on reaching certain self-imposed goals that we can begin to view those goals as ends in and of themselves. It’s not just daily life tasks and goals that beckon and can distract us. Our church goals are a means to an end—even going to the temple is a means to an end. So what’s the great goal in life? I believe that it’s to get to know God, to build a relationship with Him, and to know His Son. Read Jesus’ Intercessory prayer (John 17) where he says, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” We must be careful not to focus on the quantity of tasks and goals we have accomplished. In order for us to know God, it requires putting aside our list of tasks and goals, and to schedule ‘Be still and know days’ (see Psalm 46:10). 3 Nephi 13:34 reminds us that “sufficient is the day” to do the things that really matter.
Knowing God is a lifetime endeavor. The scriptures are filled with accounts of how others came to know God and Jesus Christ. Samuel, Nephi, Paul, Joseph Smith, and others can guide us to trust and better know God. To know Him is to know and experience His love. Then as we set goals and do things for others, we emulate his pure love and move toward becoming like Him rather than focusing on how many tasks we can get done each day.
We can become so focused and insistent on reaching certain self-imposed goals that we can begin to view those goals as ends in and of themselves. It’s not just daily life tasks and goals that beckon and can distract us. Our church goals are a means to an end—even going to the temple is a means to an end. So what’s the great goal in life? I believe that it’s to get to know God, to build a relationship with Him, and to know His Son. Read Jesus’ Intercessory prayer (John 17) where he says, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” We must be careful not to focus on the quantity of tasks and goals we have accomplished. In order for us to know God, it requires putting aside our list of tasks and goals, and to schedule ‘Be still and know days’ (see Psalm 46:10). 3 Nephi 13:34 reminds us that “sufficient is the day” to do the things that really matter.
Knowing God is a lifetime endeavor. The scriptures are filled with accounts of how others came to know God and Jesus Christ. Samuel, Nephi, Paul, Joseph Smith, and others can guide us to trust and better know God. To know Him is to know and experience His love. Then as we set goals and do things for others, we emulate his pure love and move toward becoming like Him rather than focusing on how many tasks we can get done each day.
Sondra's notes from 27 May 2007 lesson
Sisters, here is a copy of Sondra's notes from the 27 May lesson:
Fortifying Ourselves against Evil Influences
Spencer W. Kimball Chapter 10
* “Fortify” means to strengthen. The Latin root, “fortis,” also means powerful and morally courageous and steadfast. Courage, power and steadfastness begin with choices.
* President Kimball taught that we only have to decide once to obey a gospel principle or resist temptations, and when we are faced with that temptation, we will not have to reconsider how we want to act. We are much more open to temptation if we are undecided. We still must consciously resist temptations, especially when our choice to do so is fresh, but over time our resistance will become second nature, and we will have developed a trained response.
* President Kimball also taught that it is much easier to resist evil influences in the first place than to return from sin. Christ when tempted by Satan responded without hesitation. The scriptures indicate that He did not open the door to Satan’s influences by listening to his full argument or thinking over what he had to offer.
* We are all subject to evil influences. Satan is very subtle. He tempts us in small ways that we think don’t matter. He uses all possible approaches to confuse us, to help us rationalize and to weaken our resolve. He uses all our senses, our time, our interests, the ordinary tools of daily life, our desires and ambitions, our character weaknesses (which he knows). He can turn anything to his purposes. He uses all of our vulnerabilities.
* Evil influences aren’t just the big things that we know to avoid, like substances, pornography, extremism, abuse or sexual promiscuity. We must be aware of the unique and subtle ways that Satan tempts us. What are the small and insidious ways that he is tempting you?
* We must fortify ourselves against these influences. Ephesians We must choose not to give in to them, even if we have in the past. We must practice not giving in, until over time, we are no longer vulnerable to those influences.
* We must seek the help of the Lord to make a bold stand before Satan. “He who has greater strength than Lucifer, he who is our fortress and our strength, can sustain us in times of great temptation. While the Lord will never forcibly take anyone out of sin or out of the arms of the tempters, he exerts his Spirit to induce the sinner to do it with divine assistance. And the [wo]man who yields to the sweet influence and pleadings of the Spirit and does all in [her] power to stay in a repentant attitude is guaranteed protection, power, freedom and joy.”
Fortifying Ourselves against Evil Influences
Spencer W. Kimball Chapter 10
* “Fortify” means to strengthen. The Latin root, “fortis,” also means powerful and morally courageous and steadfast. Courage, power and steadfastness begin with choices.
* President Kimball taught that we only have to decide once to obey a gospel principle or resist temptations, and when we are faced with that temptation, we will not have to reconsider how we want to act. We are much more open to temptation if we are undecided. We still must consciously resist temptations, especially when our choice to do so is fresh, but over time our resistance will become second nature, and we will have developed a trained response.
* President Kimball also taught that it is much easier to resist evil influences in the first place than to return from sin. Christ when tempted by Satan responded without hesitation. The scriptures indicate that He did not open the door to Satan’s influences by listening to his full argument or thinking over what he had to offer.
* We are all subject to evil influences. Satan is very subtle. He tempts us in small ways that we think don’t matter. He uses all possible approaches to confuse us, to help us rationalize and to weaken our resolve. He uses all our senses, our time, our interests, the ordinary tools of daily life, our desires and ambitions, our character weaknesses (which he knows). He can turn anything to his purposes. He uses all of our vulnerabilities.
* Evil influences aren’t just the big things that we know to avoid, like substances, pornography, extremism, abuse or sexual promiscuity. We must be aware of the unique and subtle ways that Satan tempts us. What are the small and insidious ways that he is tempting you?
* We must fortify ourselves against these influences. Ephesians We must choose not to give in to them, even if we have in the past. We must practice not giving in, until over time, we are no longer vulnerable to those influences.
* We must seek the help of the Lord to make a bold stand before Satan. “He who has greater strength than Lucifer, he who is our fortress and our strength, can sustain us in times of great temptation. While the Lord will never forcibly take anyone out of sin or out of the arms of the tempters, he exerts his Spirit to induce the sinner to do it with divine assistance. And the [wo]man who yields to the sweet influence and pleadings of the Spirit and does all in [her] power to stay in a repentant attitude is guaranteed protection, power, freedom and joy.”
27 May 2007: SWK #10 Fortifying Ourselves Against Evil Influences
Sisters, I'm sorry I've gotten so behind in posting the notes for our lessons! A few new features since my last post: 1) I've added some links at the side of this blog for your convenience; 2) Kathy is now sending me the weekly Prez Says messages to post; 3) I've started putting links to the manual and to scripture references in the body of my post...just click on any words that are a different color to see how it works.
Sondra Soderborg taught our lesson today from the Spencer W. Kimball manual #10: "Fortifying Ourselves Against Evil Influences." Fortify means to strengthen. It comes from the root fortis, which means moral courage, power. President Kimball is very clear in this lesson that the way to fortify ourselves is to learn to resist sin. He says (108-109):
"Right decisions are easiest to make when we make them well in advance, having ultimate objectives in mind; this saves a lot of anguish at the fork, when we’re tired and sorely tempted.
"When I was young, I made up my mind unalterably that I would never taste tea, coffee, tobacco, or liquor. I found that this rigid determination saved me many times throughout my varied experiences. There were many occasions when I could have sipped or touched or sampled, but the unalterable determination firmly established gave me good reason and good strength to resist.
"...The time to decide that we will settle for nothing less than an opportunity to live eternally with our Father is now, so that every choice we make will be affected by our determination to let nothing interfere with attaining that ultimate goal.16
"Develop discipline of self so that, more and more, you do not have to decide and redecide what you will do when you are confronted with the same temptation time and time again. You only need to decide some things once!
"How great a blessing it is to be free of agonizing over and over again regarding a temptation. To do such is time-consuming and very risky.17
"We can push some things away from us once and have done with them! We can make a single decision about certain things that we will incorporate in our lives and then make them ours—without having to brood and redecide a hundred times what it is we will do and what we will not do.
"Indecision and discouragement are climates in which the Adversary lives to function, for he can inflict so many casualties among mankind in those settings. … If you have not done so yet, decide to decide!"
President Kimball was the prophet when Sondra was a teenager. She clearly remembers him saying that there are some things that we only need to decide once. But when temptations come, even if we've decided how we will resist beforehand, the pulls can be very strong. But we can prepare ourselves. She remembers Bill and Joyce Connett's son, Heath, saying that he was afraid of what would happen if he stopped reading his scriptures. He was afraid to break the habit that he'd created for himself. In order to succeed, you only have to try again one more time than you give up or fail. Mortality is an infinite process of trying to be better.
President Kimball talks about Christ's response to the devil's temptations in Matthew 4: 3-10 He says that he believes the Savior was prepared in advance for Satan's attack--he responded quickly and without flirtation. He didn't even entertain the ideas. Satan is really subtle, smart, and powerful. He'll tempt us in the ways we're most vulnerable. When we do certain things, temptations can't reach us in the same ways. Satan knows us. Many of us have counsel about our vulnerabilities in our Patriarchal Blessings. Laurie W. said that Satan exploits our weaknesses, while God strengthens them. Michelle R. said that when we follow prophetic counsel we should ask God for the attendant blessings. Tiffani pointed out that the Savior's response to each of Satan's temptations was a scripture reference. She emphasized the importance of reading the scriptures daily.
Sondra said that in her life, she tends to resist checklists. She is not a highly organized person--she does better if she stays flexible. However, she said, I regret that I've not held myself to a higher checklist standard with certain things in the gospel. There are some things worth checking off. Kathy said that there is a type of therapy they use with their patients in which they tell them to do just what is needed...no more, and no less. Some things are needed and some are optional. We also need to ask ourselves "what do I need" (not the house, our employer, etc.) Andrea (me) said that the idea of doing "perfect" scripture study gets in the way...thinking I need to sit down with a notebook and a red pencil and read for an hour. When I can't do this, I don't do anything. In fact, it would be better to just read a verse than to wait for the perfect opportunity. Sondra said that what we need is a moment with the scriptures. We all struggle with different things--some more obvious, some subtle. Think for a minute about ways that Satan is working on you right now. Pat said that when we compare ourselves to others, we come up short, become discouraged, and stop trying. Sondra said that Satan distorts the natural bonds between women. Ollie said that Satan bothers us most in the areas where our involvement is greatest--the things that we most love and care about, like our children. Sondra said that Satan is psychologically astute. He "plays" us. He is deeply manipulative, and comes back again and again. Natalie said there can be simple answers to the deception. The gospel is not too complicated and we can be helped in simple ways. We don't have to be astute to fight him. Sondra said that we are equipped by the Lord himself. She read us one of her favorite scriptures, Ephesians 6: 11-18. Christ is stronger than Satan. President Kimball says (105):
"He who has greater strength than Lucifer, he who is our fortress and our strength, can sustain us in times of great temptation. While the Lord will never forcibly take anyone out of sin or out of the arms of the tempters, he exerts his Spirit to induce the sinner to do it with divine assistance. And the man who yields to the sweet influence and pleadings of the Spirit and does all in his power to stay in a repentant attitude is guaranteed protection, power, freedom and joy."
The small acts we do have a protecting influence that is real. Committed service to the Church is a way we are fortified.
Sondra Soderborg taught our lesson today from the Spencer W. Kimball manual #10: "Fortifying Ourselves Against Evil Influences." Fortify means to strengthen. It comes from the root fortis, which means moral courage, power. President Kimball is very clear in this lesson that the way to fortify ourselves is to learn to resist sin. He says (108-109):
"Right decisions are easiest to make when we make them well in advance, having ultimate objectives in mind; this saves a lot of anguish at the fork, when we’re tired and sorely tempted.
"When I was young, I made up my mind unalterably that I would never taste tea, coffee, tobacco, or liquor. I found that this rigid determination saved me many times throughout my varied experiences. There were many occasions when I could have sipped or touched or sampled, but the unalterable determination firmly established gave me good reason and good strength to resist.
"...The time to decide that we will settle for nothing less than an opportunity to live eternally with our Father is now, so that every choice we make will be affected by our determination to let nothing interfere with attaining that ultimate goal.16
"Develop discipline of self so that, more and more, you do not have to decide and redecide what you will do when you are confronted with the same temptation time and time again. You only need to decide some things once!
"How great a blessing it is to be free of agonizing over and over again regarding a temptation. To do such is time-consuming and very risky.17
"We can push some things away from us once and have done with them! We can make a single decision about certain things that we will incorporate in our lives and then make them ours—without having to brood and redecide a hundred times what it is we will do and what we will not do.
"Indecision and discouragement are climates in which the Adversary lives to function, for he can inflict so many casualties among mankind in those settings. … If you have not done so yet, decide to decide!"
President Kimball was the prophet when Sondra was a teenager. She clearly remembers him saying that there are some things that we only need to decide once. But when temptations come, even if we've decided how we will resist beforehand, the pulls can be very strong. But we can prepare ourselves. She remembers Bill and Joyce Connett's son, Heath, saying that he was afraid of what would happen if he stopped reading his scriptures. He was afraid to break the habit that he'd created for himself. In order to succeed, you only have to try again one more time than you give up or fail. Mortality is an infinite process of trying to be better.
President Kimball talks about Christ's response to the devil's temptations in Matthew 4: 3-10 He says that he believes the Savior was prepared in advance for Satan's attack--he responded quickly and without flirtation. He didn't even entertain the ideas. Satan is really subtle, smart, and powerful. He'll tempt us in the ways we're most vulnerable. When we do certain things, temptations can't reach us in the same ways. Satan knows us. Many of us have counsel about our vulnerabilities in our Patriarchal Blessings. Laurie W. said that Satan exploits our weaknesses, while God strengthens them. Michelle R. said that when we follow prophetic counsel we should ask God for the attendant blessings. Tiffani pointed out that the Savior's response to each of Satan's temptations was a scripture reference. She emphasized the importance of reading the scriptures daily.
Sondra said that in her life, she tends to resist checklists. She is not a highly organized person--she does better if she stays flexible. However, she said, I regret that I've not held myself to a higher checklist standard with certain things in the gospel. There are some things worth checking off. Kathy said that there is a type of therapy they use with their patients in which they tell them to do just what is needed...no more, and no less. Some things are needed and some are optional. We also need to ask ourselves "what do I need" (not the house, our employer, etc.) Andrea (me) said that the idea of doing "perfect" scripture study gets in the way...thinking I need to sit down with a notebook and a red pencil and read for an hour. When I can't do this, I don't do anything. In fact, it would be better to just read a verse than to wait for the perfect opportunity. Sondra said that what we need is a moment with the scriptures. We all struggle with different things--some more obvious, some subtle. Think for a minute about ways that Satan is working on you right now. Pat said that when we compare ourselves to others, we come up short, become discouraged, and stop trying. Sondra said that Satan distorts the natural bonds between women. Ollie said that Satan bothers us most in the areas where our involvement is greatest--the things that we most love and care about, like our children. Sondra said that Satan is psychologically astute. He "plays" us. He is deeply manipulative, and comes back again and again. Natalie said there can be simple answers to the deception. The gospel is not too complicated and we can be helped in simple ways. We don't have to be astute to fight him. Sondra said that we are equipped by the Lord himself. She read us one of her favorite scriptures, Ephesians 6: 11-18. Christ is stronger than Satan. President Kimball says (105):
"He who has greater strength than Lucifer, he who is our fortress and our strength, can sustain us in times of great temptation. While the Lord will never forcibly take anyone out of sin or out of the arms of the tempters, he exerts his Spirit to induce the sinner to do it with divine assistance. And the man who yields to the sweet influence and pleadings of the Spirit and does all in his power to stay in a repentant attitude is guaranteed protection, power, freedom and joy."
The small acts we do have a protecting influence that is real. Committed service to the Church is a way we are fortified.
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