I find it interesting and challenging to live in this day of age and in this era of time. We are constantly faced with various experiences that test and try our souls. I have had many difficult moments and some of them I didn't think I could get through. Intermingled with these painful experiences I have found peace and hope through Jesus Christ.
I know that I have a Savior who walks with me through my experiences. He is always there. I just need to reach up and take his hand and the peace of the spirit, and the warmth of his love binds me to him, and I can get through whatever comes my way.
Twice each year The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold a general conference. Usually the first weekends of October and April. Here we listen to messages from our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, as well as each of the twelve Apostles.
We believe these men to be the Prophet and Apostles to the world and that they stand as witnesses of God The Father and The Savior Jesus Christ.
General conferences are among my favorite times of the year. It's such a blessing to hear and see these marvelous servants of the Lord. Listening to their messages fortifies my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel that I am receiving Living Water and true direction from my Heavenly Father through them. This is a wondrous tender mercy in my life.
I believe with all my heart that I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me and I do love Him. The following are some of the programs of our faith that will give you an quick overview of what we believe. We fully believe that we are Christians and we strive to follow our Savior Jesus Christ.
For the women of the church we have the Relief Society Declaration:
We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who:
Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study.
Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes.
Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.
Delight in service and good works.
Love life and learning.
Stand for truth and righteousness.
Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.
"Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present." - President Boyd K. Packer
The men of the church are to watch over and serve one another and build up the kingdom of God. The men have the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood.
We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:
Faith • Divine Nature • Individual Worth • Knowledge • Choice and Accountability • Good Works • Integrity • and Virtue
We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Note that the Boy Scout Oath has traditionally been considered to have three promises. Those three promises are delineated by the semicolons in the Oath, which divide it into three clauses. The three promises of the Scout Oath are, therefore:
- Duty to God and country,
- Duty to other people, and
- Duty to self
Men and women of the past worked to make America great, and many gave their lives for their country. By being a good family member and a good citizen, by working for your country's good and obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country. Obeying the Scout Law means living by its 12 points.
DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Many people need help. A cheery smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By doing a Good Turn daily and helping when you're needed, you prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world.
DUTY TO SELF: Keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and build your strength. Staying mentally awake means learn all you can, be curious, and ask questions. Being morally straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in your speech and actions, and to be a person of strong character.
We had three boys and three girls and these are the values that we tried to instill within them all with the help of the programs of our faith.
In September of 1995 the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ wrote a proclamation to the world entitled: The Family - A Proclamation To The World.
Take a moment and read this proclamation. We understand and try to follow the words of this proclamation.
During this past conference weekend there were beautiful messages given to help sustain us and bless our lives with goodness. You can find their messages here.
Our dear Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson told us that we now have 15 Million members throughout the world. In October of 2012 an announcement was made that the Church was lowering the age levels for young men and women to serve a mission. At that time we had approx. 58,000 missionaries serving throughout the world. We now have over 80,000 missionaries serving. The young women serve a period of 18 months and may begin at age 19. The young men serve 2 years beginning at the age of 18.
I have a strong testimony of the church missionary program. Four of our six children served missions. They learned of life and had experiences they could not have had in any other way. This has given them a solid framework for their own lives and the lives of their families.
May each of you know the love I have for you and I pray that this post will help you understand a little more of what I believe to be true.
7 comments:
Another beautiful post LeAnn. These are the things I know to be true as well. I only wish I had been able to embrace them when my children were growing up. Sadly my ex would not allow it and has led them all to believe the church is Satanic. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's really sad. I hope and pray each that they will be brave enough to want to find out for themselves instead of just taking what they were taught by him at face value. I have faith that my righteous prayers will be answered one day. Love you! xxoo
Wow! Great post LeAnn. You are a great example of a true saint. Blessings and Hugs to you!!!! Melody
What a wonderful post you have here. Conference is the best thing ever. I look forward to it like crazy and am sad when it's over.
=)
I love this post. I wish that we as relief society sisters said our declaration, like the young women do. It is such an amazing and powerful statement that think we forget about. I am going to make it a goal to memorize it! Thanks for reminding me about it.
You do such a great job explaining everything!
Sandy
a beautiful entry, i so admire your strong faith!!
What a beautiful and informative post. You have done such a good job of telling about the organization of our church. I add my testimony to yours. I am so glad that we get to hear from our church leaders twice a years at general conference. I feast on every word. I am sending you hugs my friend. Have a great week.
Post a Comment