Come Listen To A Prophet's Voice ~

 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

For the next two days the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  will hold their 181st Semi Annual conference. We believe that we have a living Prophet today; President Thomas S. Monson.

President Thomas S. Monson

The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 President Henry B. Eyring, President Thomas S. Monson and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

We  have 12 apostles today. The church is organized as it was in Christ's day.

Tomorrow we will listen to our prophet and apostles and other general authorities give messages that will bring enlightenment, knowledge, warnings, reminders, answers to our individual prayers, comfort and most important testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ.

 The conference is held in a 21,000 seat
conference center which was completed in 2000.

Before this center was built the conference was help in a building named the Tabernacle found on Temple Square. This building was completed and dedicated in October of 1875. Here is a link to the history of the LDS Tabernacle.

I have two favorite memories of attending the conference. In 1964 my future husband and I attended a conference session in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. In those days you would have to go early in order to get a seat. We arrived at the tabernacle around 5 am. We went to the door that the President would come into and waited in line until around 9 am. We hoped  we could be close enough to see President David O. McKay who was the prophet at that time come into the building. They had ropes strung across both sides to prevent people from getting to close to his car when it drove in. We had chosen well because Pres. McKay's car came up close to the door and we were privileged to watch as the driver got out of the car and opened the door for President McKay to get out. President McKay then went around to the other side of the car to assist his sweet wife Emma out of the car.  President David O. McKay and his wife Emma were a very regal couple. He always was so kind and loving with her and you could sense the great love they had for each another. This was a very touching scene that I will  treasure as a favorite memory. 

The second  memory was at April Conference of 1967. My future husband had just returned home from his two year mission in Northern California a couple of weeks before this conference. The Friday night before conference he proposed to me and we were finally engaged. We again left early in the morning to obtain seats for conference. We were blessed to be seated in the balcony where we could see well all that transpired during the meeting.One of the highlights of attending conference was to enjoy listening to the Tabernacle Choir. Later some close friends commented that they had seen us on the TV broadcast. We loved being there in the tabernacle together and sharing in the spirit of  conference time. President David O. McKay was still the prophet at this time. 

Due to the technology of today nearly 14 million plus members of our church can view conference on Television or the Internet. All  the messages are made available over the Internet within days after the conference.

As members of the church we believe that Conference reports are like modern day scripture. We receive the word of the Lord thought his chosen Prophets and Apostles for the needs of our day. 

I pray always that my children and grandchildren will gather as families and watch all of the sessions of conference. I desire that they will make this a priority in their lives and help there children come to know and understand how important it is to "Come Listen To A  Prophet's Voice" and hear the word of God". Hymn # 21.

1. Come, listen to a prophet’s voice,
And hear the word of God,
And in the way of truth rejoice,
And sing for joy aloud.
We’ve found the way the prophets went
Who lived in days of yore.
Another prophet now is sent
This knowledge to restore.

2. The gloom of sullen darkness spread
Thru earth’s extended space
Is banished by our living Head,
And God has shown his face.
Thru erring schemes in days now past
The world has gone astray;
Yet Saints of God have found at last
The straight and narrow way.

3. ’Tis not in man they put their trust
Nor on his arm rely.
Full well assured, all are accursed
Who Jesus Christ deny.
The Savior to his people saith,
“Let all my words obey,
And signs shall follow living faith,
Down to the latest day.”

4. Then heed the words of truth and light
That flow from fountains pure.
Yea, keep His law with all thy might
Till thine election’s sure,
Till thou shalt hear the holy voice
Assure eternal reign,
While joy and cheer attend thy choice,
As one who shall obtain.

Finding My Quiet Place ~ To Be Still

This morning by spirit felt agitated and uneasy. Not knowing why for sure I decided to spend some time reading which usually brings peace into my soul. I read an article on "Finding A Quiet Place Within" by Darla Isackson. I started to think about how busy life is and how we don't take time to just be still.
I thought about how hard it was to find a moment of peace when raising my children. With a household of 6 children, I remember well the noise inside our home. Even the bathroom was not a quiet place. There was always little knocks on the door with a question or need. During some of these years I started to jog. I found this to be a quiet place for me to meditate and commune in prayer. Then later on I slowed down to the walking pace but I haven't been doing that.
However, lately it seems like I am burning the candle at both ends. I don't get very many opportunities to just find a quiet moment of time. Because I do not have children at home now I can't complain about not having a place to go for peace. I do have places to go within my home to just to be still. Now it is a question of will I make the time for this?
President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "We need to  build ourselves spiritually. We live in a world of rush and go, of running here and there and in every direction. We are a very busy people. We have so much to do. We need to get off by ourselves once in a while and think of the spiritual things and build ourselves spiritually. If you have a study at home, lock yourselves in it. If you have a place in the basement where you can be yourself, go there. Get by yourself and think of things of the Lord....Just meditate and reflect...about yourself and your relationship to your Heavenly Father and your Redeemer. It will do something for you."
After reading for a while; I went outside to sit on our porch and just be still. I thought about how I let everyday life steal from me precious moments of peace and revelation. How often do I get up and in the hurry of the morning find myself praying in the car while I am traveling? How often do I pause and listen after my prayers? How often do I reflect on my many blessings?  How often do I take the time to smell the fragrance of a flower, view the morning sunrise and the evening sunset, looked into the majesty of the night sky? How often to I thank my creator for this beautiful earth he has given us to enjoy?

Today there is brilliant clear blue sky with a ever so gentle breeze blowing through the tops of the trees. It felt so good to just be still. I prayed today and stopped to listen. I received and accepted into my soul the peace found in the still small voice. I was guided in my quest for help and peace of mind.
President James E. Faust taught: "We are bombarded on all sides by a vast number of messages we don't want or need. More information is generated in a single day than we can absorb in a lifetime. To fully enjoy life, all of us must find our own breathing space and peace of mind."
I know that today I realized I need this quiet space each day. I need this to nourish my spirit; to fill my cup.
"President David O. McKay gave this beautiful thought: "Meditation is the language of the soul...Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred door through which we pass into the presence of the Lord...To have communication with God, through his Holy Spirit, is one of the noblest aspirations of life".
I found my quiet space today; so join me and find yours!

If you have a few moments to watch and listen to the following video you will be so happy that you did. It will give you peace for at least those few minutes of time.

The Colors

http://www.greatdanepro.com/Just%20Colors/index.htm

I recently did a review of posts on the subject of "Celebrate The Family 2011" Take a peak at some of my favorite posts on Mormon Women.

  

http://mormonwoman.org/2011/09/27/a-wrap-up-review-of-celebrate-family-2011/

A Heartfelt Story ~ Am I A Fireman Yet?

I was a Hospice Home Health Nurse for 6 years and during that time I had a little boy patient who was dieing of terminal cancer. He was only 3 years old at the time. As I cared for him Ifound him to be amazing. Just a few days before his passing he was up running around sword fighting with his brother. His parents were a wonderment as they help him understand what was happening to him. He was well prepared to meet Jesus. This little one was such an inspiration to me. He was so brave and had to go throughso much pain. At the dedication of his grave everyone present sent a balloon off into the air to celebrate his life and his joy at being able to now run around without the pains of earth life.


I am sure this is why this heartfelt story touched me. I have read this story more than once and still have a need to have Kleenex handy. I had a desire today to share it with you; grab the Kleenex and know that this is a true story.

AM  I A FIREMAN YET?

In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26 year-old mother stared down  at her 6 year-old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia..   Although her heart was filled with sadness, She also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up &
Fulfill all his dreams. Now, that was no longer possible.. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true.. She took her son' s hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?' Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.'Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true.'

Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix ! She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary Fireman for the whole day.  He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy -- one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots. 'They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix ,  so we can get them fast.'
                                        
Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the Paramedic's' van, And even the fire chief's car. He was also videotaped for the
Local news program.

Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible. One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept-that no one should die alone - began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and Asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hsopital to be with Billy as he made his transition.

The chief replied, 'We can do better than that.  We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire?' 'It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?' About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window-------- 16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room.

With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, 'Chief, am I really a fireman now?' 'Billy, you are, and the Head Chief,  Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and said, 'I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and
The angels have been singing.'

My Gifts ~
. thankful for all the sweet moments as a hospice nurse
. a healthy blind granddaughter
. grateful for tender heartfelt stories that inspire me
. thankful every day for all my blessings both temporal and spiritual
. grateful for all of the brothers and sisters in our Inner City Ward
. thankful that I have the opportunity to serve these humble people
. grateful for the safety on the freeway early this morning
. thankful that my dear sister friend's medical test went well this morning
. thankful for our two little dogs that always welcome us home with a wagging tail
. grateful that I finished the Book of Mormon last week so I can start over again.
. thankful that our General Conference is this weekend and I can hear  and see our prophet    and apostles speak
. grateful for the Relief Society organization that I belong too. 
. grateful to have served in this wonderful organizaton
. thankful for the new Relief Soceity book entitled; "Daugters Of My Kingdom". 
. grateful for the time served as a secretary to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers

http://www.aholyexperience.com" target="_blank">http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" >

Happy 98th Birthday To Aunt Della ~ A Sweet Celebration For A Grand Lady ~

Yesterday my precious Aunt Della turned 98 years old. My other Aunt Alene, age 90 and her husband Keith came up from Richfield, Utah (my home town) to celebrate this day with her sister. Presently, my Aunt Della is living in a retirement center. She has her own little apartment and enjoys partaking of her meals each day in the dinning room. Yesterday they gave us a special table to sit at for a birthday lunch with her. She had a number of the residents come by and wish her a Happy Birthday. Once you get to know my Aunt Della you would find her delightful and sharp as a tack; (an old saying) meaning that she has a phenomenal memory. One younger elderly gentleman, age 85 came by and talked with us for a few moment. He apparently sings for everyone at the center. He pointed out that the beautiful music being played in the other room was being played by a blind man. Wow, he was awesome at the piano. It was an enjoyable afternoon. They always tell good stories and there is lots of laughter and fun when we are together. When I left I felt a little melancholy because I  know that I won't have either of these sweet aunts in my life for two many more years.
I value their wisdom and love to listen to them talk together.

Aunt Alene and Aunt Della

98th Birthday Cake

 I have fond memories of my mother and her two sisters. They loved each other so much. They grew up when times were hard.  

Aunt Alene, my mother Leone, Aunt Della and my Grandmother Dora

Aunt Alene, Mother and Aunt Della

Aunt Alene, my mother, Leone, Aunt Della and My Grandmother

My Mother's 90th Birthday - Aunt Della, My Mother, and Aunt Alene

Their father passed a way during the great flu epidemic in 1922. At the time the three sisters were ages 8, 5 and 14 months old. My Aunt Della and Mother remembered that day. After he died; my grandmother had to sell their farm. She took the two oldest children, my Aunt Della and my mother to stay with a couple of relatives. She then took my Aunt Alene with her to Murray, Utah to live with an Uncle while she studied to become a nurse. When she came back she practised nursing for many years and walked from one end of the town of Richfield to the other end taking care of patients. Meanwhile, these three sisters helped hold the home together. My Aunt Della started to make bread when she was 11 years old. They all learned to cook, wash clothes, iron and keep a house.They helped tend a garden which provided a lot of their food. They walked every place and didn't have cars.
Here are some of the things that they did in that era.They loved to roller skate and play lots of fun games.They liked to make up plays and there was a trap door in their home so they would have a character come out of the trapped door and scare everyone. They had a small wagon and would make up signs to advertise their plays and take the wagon around the neighborhood. They charged 1 cent for the play. Their friends would come to their house and gather in the kitchen together before school. They would often go to the movies each week which cost  5 cents. They played outside various games with all the children in the neighborhood.
I asked them what their favorite memory was. My Aunt Alene said her favorite memory was when her husband, my Uncle Kirtley came home after serving in the army in Europe for 3 years during World War II. This is the first time that my Uncle Kirtley had seen his son Ronney.
I was born on that day and she was so excited about that, also. I had two older brothers so everyone was thrilled that I was a girl.
Her favorite job was Media Coordinator in Monroe Elementary school.
One of my Aunt Della's memories was that she cleaned house for a Lottie Andresen and she would do the washing. She didn't have a clothes line so she would hang it out on the bushes.
I remember the clothes lines; and feel so blessed to have washers and dryer in our day.
They named a few of the inventions that occurred during their life time. Their family had one of the few telephones in the town; due to my Grandmother being a nurse. In that day they had telephone operators and party lines. I remember the party lines. You would go to dial a call and there would be a neighbor on the phone. You would have to wait until they were through with their call. Of course, there was always the possibility that your neighbors would listen to your call.
They both think the technology of today is awesome. Aunt Alene told about the time that she worked with the Kindergarten and 1st grade children. She said it was so fun when the first TV and videos were used in the school. She said that the children would put on headsets and you could see their little bright eyes light up and how excited they were to see these things.
They also told stories of listening to the radio. I remember that they used to have radio mysteries that were fun to listen too.  Having 16 mm movie camera  was a  wonderful invention.  I remember my Uncle Kirtley taking movies of family events. He even filmed my wedding reception with the 16mm movie camera.
Through the years they would all visit each other in the various states they lived in . All three couples really enjoyed being together. They all loved to go to Fish Lake. I have so many fond memories of fishing on that lake when I was little and through the years with them all. They loved going out on the boats and trolling for fish. They stayed in trailers during the summer months.
Aunt Alene's advise for longevity is always keep busy and never get bored.
Being with them is never boring. I really miss having my mom as part of their threesome.
I didn't have any sisters so I have been so grateful that my Heavenly Father blessed me with three choice daughters to fill my life with so much joy. Of course, I have three awesome son's and I love my daughter in laws as though they were my own and always enjoy my moments with them. I would have loved having a sister; but I loved being with these sweet Aunts today. I did enjoy every moment.

The Values Of Friendships ~

I truly value friendships. I know that the one person I can rely on in my life is my dear husband; he is my best friend in every way. We have gone through many experiences of life and have weathered the storms and will continue to do so. We both have faith and a deep abiding love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. I view my Savior as my brother and my eternal friend. I do not know what I would do if I couldn't kneel in prayer to my Heavenly Father and know that my Savior walks with me through my life experiences.
However, I do think as woman we need good female friends. I can say that I have many good friendships that I treasure. I find it interesting that some friends you just feel an eternal bond with them. It feels like you were indeed sisters in heaven. These kind of friendships are lasting through out the good and the bad. These kinds of friends you can share your life with and you know that you will not ever be judged. You know that these friends are forever friends.

The Gypsy Mama

I have more to say; so I am not doing this 5 minutes exactly right!

We have moved several times through the years and have lived in 4 different states. In all of these areas I have formed forever friendships.
I have a friend here in the area we now live, that is an eternal friend. I know that we were sisters in heaven and that we knew each other well. We have the kind of friendship that will last through all of the ups and downs of life. Although we both have busy lives; we can always call one another when there is a need or just to talk for fun. 
Today I had a delightful lunch with four friends from Jr. High. We have so many memories that tie us together and we had a good time laughing and enjoying the moments of today. Each of these dear sisters are my sister in every sense of the word. We are forever friends. I lived away from them all for many years and it has been such a joy to reconnect with them. It was just as if we  had never been apart. We each shared today our joys and our pain and we each left feeling better for having been together for just a few hours. We laughed and talked a mile a minute and I am sure the waitress was very relieved when we left. I want to thank my Heavenly Father for such wonderful and devoted friends.
Just this week I read an article on the importance of women having friend in their lives. In fact it has been proven that have a good friend or many friends can and should be part of a healthy lifestyle. Having good friends can improve our life and perhaps even extend it. Another thing that is important to health and well being is to laugh a lot . Laughing causes the endorphins and serotonin to increase and therefore it improves our sense of well being and is very good for our health. We all need to laugh more and it is so much easier to find things to laugh about when you are with good friends.
I love this quote by Elder Maxwell:
..."We sometimes overlook: the intertwining of our lives. I acknowledge the Lord's hand in these intersections.....One of the reasons we love each other in the kingdom is that our friendships are not friendships of initiation at all but are, instead, friendships of resumption!
Each of us has circles of friendships, and within those lie the portion of the human family whom God has given us to love, to serve, and to learn from.
You and I may call these intersections 'conincidence.' This word is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence in not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by 'conincidence' but instead by
'devine desigh' ". -Elder Maxwell, "Brim with Joy" BYU Speeches, 1995-96
Thanks to all my dear friends for being a true sister to me. I enjoyed laughing, visiting, reminiscing and sharing our lives together today. Bless you all for improving my health for a few precious moments today. Love to all of my friends even in the blogging world. I know that we are all sisters and I find myself on a daily basis crying over your hurts and sharing in your joy. Love to you all!

The gift of friends!
. A sweet lunch with friends
. A call from a friend
. A listening friend
. A giving friend
. A wise friend
. A patient friend
. A kind and loving friend
. A moment with a friend
. A trusting friend
. A friend to laugh with

Our Family Contitution ~ 1984 - Joining the Celebration of the family 2011

Long before the The Family: A Proclamation To The World was instituted in 1995 our family made a Family constitution in the year 1984. This was written and voted on by our children  approx. 27 years ago. I suppose at that time and era the constitution was our family mission statement.  I thought I would share our constitution for the series of The Celebration Of The Family.

We, the undersigned Williams family, do hold that families exist for the mutual teaching, shelter,  nourishment, righteousness, and joy of all the members, and that each member is endowed with certain inalienable rights, we hold that these rights are:
1. True and righteous teaching 2. Love and understanding 3. Reasonable discipline 4. Nourishment 5. An orderly and comfortable home 6. Clean clothes 7. Sufficient privacy 8. Education.
We further hold that in a family, as elsewhere in life, rights are inseparably linked to responsibilities. Within our family, each member has a responsibility to:
1. Strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(a)  Attend all church meetings and activities (b) Fast as needed and monthly fast Sunday (c) Daily personal prayers and family prayers (d) Scripture study daily (e) Weekly Family Home Evenings (f) Personal priesthood interview as needed; quarterly and on Birthdays (g) Fathers blessings as needed and at beginning of school year (h) Temple attendance (i) Journal keeping  (j) Tithing and Fast Offerings to be paid each Fast Sunday (k) Contribute to Family Missionary fund (l) Serve our Neighbors (m) Obey the Word of Wisdom (n) Share and respect each other (o) Forgive one another (p) Refrain from quarreling (q) Repent when needed (r) Express love to one another in word and deeds -
2. Respect the rights of others:
(a) If something is destroyed by one member of the family; the offending member will be obligated to pay back with money or work.
3. Be loyal to the Family, help each other when in need.
4. Contribute to the welfare and progress of the family by sharing in the necessary work.
(a) Complete assigned work each morning and evening (b) May be asked to do extra work for additional pay
5. Obey the Family laws: You keep a law, you are blessed; you break a law you must pay the price.
(a) No one is served breakfast until dressed and bedroom tidy (b) No one goes to school until basic assigned work is done (c) Evening activities may not be started until the child has done his afternoon chores and homework (d) No eating and drinking of food or liquids away from the table (e) No taking food or goodies without permission; if broken, no special snacks or next meal (f) Dirty clothes belong in washroom or hamper, if found will be put in maid bag - must be paid for to redeem. A nickle an item or a job. (g) If toys or crayons are not put away, they will be placed in the unwanted toy bag until family member has proven responsible (h) If bikes, skateboards, balls and etc. are left out of place; family member will be restricted off for one week. (i) Bedtime will be 8 pm in the winter and 9 pm in the summer and a little earlier for the younger members of the family. Naps for all children under five.(j) Allowances will be paid 5 cents per each year of age - 10% tithing - 30% missionary fund - 60% as family member desires; hopefully with wisdom
5. Time outs will be used as thinking, repenting, and resolution for the following:
(a) fighting (b) arguing (c) sassing (d) general contention (e) teasing (f) lying (g) bad manners (h) bad table manners
6. TV watching rules:
(a) limited to special programs outlined and only when all work, homework and other assignments completed.
7. Musical interests:
(a) To begin some musical talents as finances and age permit (b) Practice time daily before or after school, no playtime or TV until completed
8. Special privileges:
 (a) No work required on Birthday or other designated day according to traditions

Amendment To The Williams Family Constitution
1. Any kind of a dangerous action will be punished; the punishment will be decided after a family court session.

A few yeas ago we read this to our children at a family reunion and they LOL and asked if they really did take a vote on all of this? Of course we did!
The next question is did we actually accomplish all of it? I would say that we tried hard to follow but we were a family in progress and it didn't always go that way. We did have successful moments and accomplished many good things.

>

"The Miracle Of Forgiveness" ~

Several years ago I read a book entitled, "The Miracle of Forgiveness" by our then prophet; President Spencer W. Kimball. This book had a profound effect upon the way that I looked at the divine gift of forgiveness. There are two very important principles that surround the miracle of forgiveness. First, we are must forgive others and second we must forgive ourselves when we fall short and repent.
Through the years I have found that the main training ground for the principle of forgiveness is found within the family circle. Sometimes it is easier to forgive a friend than it is to forgive a family member. Satan knows this well and if he can destroy a family; he has accomplished a huge victory.
Is there such a thing as righteous judgement? On this question we usually don't have all of the facts; we just think we do. Is it OK to have an unforgiving heart? The following scriptures will support the fact that no; it is not right.
3 Nephi 14: 2;  "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again".
Luke 6:37; "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven."
We are to forgive one another regardless of the fact that the other person may not repent or ever change.  An important question that is asked of us when we get a temple recommend  Is the following: "Is there anything in your conduct relating to members of your family that is not in harmony with the teachings of the Church?" This is a very important question that we should all think about more deeply.
President Thomas S. Monson in the Woman's Conference stated the following in his message; "Charity Never Faileth ;"
"Rather than being judgemental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey of life." The following is a story from this message:
"A young couple, Lisa and John, moved into a new neighborhood. One morning while they were eating breakfast, Lisa looked out the window and watched her next-door neighbor hanging out her wash.“That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t know how to get clothes clean!”John looked on but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, Lisa would make the same comments. A few weeks later Lisa was surprised to glance out her window and see a nice, clean wash hanging in her neighbor’s yard. She said to her husband, “Look, John—she’s finally learned how to wash correctly! I wonder how she did it.”
John replied, “Well, dear, I have the answer for you. You’ll be interested to know that I got up early this morning and washed our windows!”
From a conference message entitled: "Is There A Point Of No Return".  by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf; the following question was answered: How Does Extending Forgiveness Help Us to Receive God’s Forgiveness?
"Jesus taught us eternal truth when He taught us to pray: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. … For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not … neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (3 Nephi 13:11, 14–15). 

Therefore, extending forgiveness is a precondition to receiving forgiveness.For our own good, we need the moral courage to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Never is the soul nobler and more courageous than when we forgive. This includes forgiving ourselves.
Each of us is under a divinely spoken obligation to reach out with pardon and mercy and to forgive one another. There is a great need for this Christlike attribute in our families, in our marriages, in our wards and stakes, in our communities, and in our nations.
We will receive the joy of forgiveness in our own lives when we are willing to extend that joy freely to others. Lip service is not enough. We need to purge our hearts and minds of feelings and thoughts of bitterness and let the light and the love of Christ enter in. As a result, the Spirit of the Lord will fill our souls with the joy accompanying divine peace of conscience (see Mosiah 4:2–3).
President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “The essence of the miracle of forgiveness is that it brings peace....  (The Miracle of Forgiveness, 363, 368).

The Carpenter

Take a moments and read this sweet testimony from my daugher
http://asmallmoment.blogspot.com/2011/09/listening-to-promptings.html







 

My Gratitude Gifts

. gift of repentance

. gift of forgiveness

. children that walk in truth

. a caring husband

. gift of charity

. gift of testimony

. gift of Sacrament

. Great friends

. Great neighbors

. Great family

. Great Ancestors

"Dear To The Heart Of The Shepherd" ~

Sunday was our Fast and Testimony Meeting. This Sacrament meeting is held once a month. Essentially we fast for 2 meals and give the portion of money that we would have used for food as a Fast Offering. These funds are used to care for those who have temporal needs. During Fast and Testimony meetings members are encouraged to come to the pulpit and share their testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As I sat there listening to a few of the testimonies, I felt the spirit and desired to share my own testimony. The meeting was sweet and the spirit was present.The ward members are humble and testimonies were deeply felt. 
 As the afternoon meetings concluded  we were busy talking with two individuals that have temporal needs. As I listened to their pleas for assistance; my heart ached for them. There is so much poverty within our Inner City Mission. So many of these needy souls have a hard time coming and requesting help. Their hearts are tender and tears are often shed.
In the evening the verses to the hymn; "Dear to The Heart Of The Shepherd" came to my mind and continued on this morning.

Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are the sheep of his fold;

Dear is the love that he gives them, Dearer than silver or gold.

Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are his "other"lost sheep;

Over the mountains he follows, Over the waters so deep.

Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;

Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.

Enjoy listening to all of the verses by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

There are so many out there that are hungry and helpless and cold. The Savior will come to their rescue but He needs us to seek out and find these poor and the needy brothers and sisters. The following are familiar verses in the New Testament.
 Luke 15: 4-7 :
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.Our Living Prophet of today President Thomas S. Monson is known for rescuing the one.

Here are some touching quotes by our beloved Prophet. 
"Tears came to my eyes when I read of a mere boy in one of our eastern cities who noticed a vagrant asleep on a sidewalk and who then went to his own room, retrieved his own pillow, and placed it beneath the head of that one whom he knew not. Perhaps there came from the precious past the welcome words: ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me’ (Matt. 25:40)."

"Each of us, in the journey through mortality, will travel his own Jericho Road. What will be your experience? What will be mine? Will I fail to notice him who has fallen among thieves and requires my help? Will you? Will I be one who sees the injured and hears his plea, yet crosses to the other side? Will you? Or will I be one who sees, who hears, who pauses, and who helps? Will you?"


"The desire to lift, the willingness to help, and the graciousness to give come from a heart filled with love. The poet wrote, ‘Love is the most  noble attribute of the human soul.

"At the final day, the Savior will not ask about the nature of our callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame.He will ask if we ministered to the sick. gave food and drink to the hungry, visited those in prison, or gave succor to the weak. When we reach out to the least of Heavenly Father's children, we do it unto Him. That is the essence of the Gospel." (Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Nov. 2007, p 28). Let us all seek out and find those wondering sheep. Let us reach out in love to those in need.

If any of you would like to follow my Inner City Mission Journal Blog please email @
templetop@msn.com  It is by invitation only.

I am grateful for -
.a living prophet today
.the scriptures
.the priesthood of God
.for prayer
.for service
.for the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
.for my Heavenly Father
.for my Savior, Jesus Christ
.for the Spirit of the Holy Ghost
.for my Eternal Companion
.for my Forever Family

The Priesthood of Aaron

During the last 7 months my husband and I have traveled to Utah, Idaho, Washington to attend the ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood of our four; 12 year old grandsons. Each of these young men have made the choice to receive the Priesthood. We are so grateful for their faith and testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are strong in the faith, love the scriptures and are willing to serve their Heavenly Father. The activity arm of the priesthood is the Boy Scouts of America Programs .They will be involved in the scouting program and working hard to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Joseph

Austin

Christian

Michael

"In the Church today, worthy male members may receive the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12. These young men, typically ages 12–17, receive many opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of the gospel." (Aaronic Priesthood - lds.org)

The Aaronic Priesthood is named after Aaron, the brother of Moses, the biblical prophet. Aaron was a leader at the time of Moses.

A man or a boy who is at least 12 years old can hold the Aaronic Priesthood. Men and boys who have this Priesthood can teach people. Some can baptize people. They help people remember Jesus.
The offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are deacon, teacher, priest, and bishop.
A male member of the Church may receive the priesthood and be ordained a deacon if he is at least 12 years old. He must obey the commandments of Jesus and the rules of the Church.
These are the duties of a deacon:

1. Pass the sacrament ~ Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament

2. Give Service ~ Sacred Keys of the Aaronic Priesthood

3. Watch over and help members of the church and within the quorums of the Priesthood ~Aaronic Priesthood Responsiblities

4. Assist the Bishop ~Ways of Helping the Bishop

5. Collecting Fast Offerings ~ Gathering of Fast Offerings

To learn more about the Priesthood visit Organization of the Priesthood