I started putting these together for myself, but my missionary's birthday made me get them done really fast. Sharing the wealth - enjoy these printable PDF files of the April 2017 general conference.
General Women's Meeting
Saturday Morning Session
Saturday Afternoon Session
Priesthood Session
Sunday Morning Session
Sunday Afternoon Session
Showing posts with label vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vision. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Monday, July 22, 2013
Hard vs. Easy
I keep getting mental kicks about a project I should be working on, all in very good ways.
Sitting in a sacrament meeting almost a month ago with two rows of boys from a National Youth Leadership Training staff, something was said that made me think about hard vs. easy when it comes to promptings from the Lord.
I think our own definitions of each of those would be different. For instance, early in this year we felt like it was suddenly time to have a 7th child, and at this point I'm almost 20 weeks pregnant. September of last year I felt prompted that I should volunteer to be over something that involves men almost entirely (once in a while there are one or two women). I acted on that right away, and while I don't know all the reasons, I feel like I've glimpsed a couple and it's been a good experience.
To many, both of those might seem pretty hard, but they have both been easy for me (so far - baby is still in utero of course).
So this other project (that I will continue to be vague on, the reason I'll use being so this is more personally applicable to the two people who will read this) for whatever reason is hard for me. I come up with plenty of reasons for that. Like, I've never done it before. But I've never had 7 children and I had never done the other volunteer thing either, so not a good excuse. Another excuse - I can't see the whole picture to know all the steps. With the volunteer example I did feel like I was also inspired with plans I could use, and while that would also rely on those attending, I just felt it would happen. Baby, well, at this point they don't have a place to eventually call their own, although I figure if that doesn't totally happen before birth, he/she will be close in our bedroom for a few months at least anyway. And again, I just feel like it will work out. With this other project, I don't feel like I have a grasp of a whole lot of steps, or that feeling like it will just work out. I keep telling myself I need to get to the edge of the light that I can see and I'll be shown the next steps, and I guess that's where my fear, feelings of "not good enough," and overall lack of faith is holding me back. Working more to forget all that and just move forward.
During NYLT I was reminded of an incredible quote, that after these thoughts just a a couple days before, struck home even more. "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard" (John F. Kennedy). Do the easy things stretch us? To a point, yes, but not really. In getting to the moon, Kennedy's vision was so great, it included using "new metal alloys, some of which have not yet been invented." That line gets me every time. Doing this very hard thing meant stretching a whole lot of fields further than they had ever been. Makes me wonder how much pushing forward this one vision rippled to further other discoveries as well, and how much stretching myself will take me to other things as well.
I heard someone say once that when something is hard they know they shouldn't do it. I don't feel that way with this. I feel like it's something I need to put effort towards. Unfortunately I have to keep kicking all those excuses out of the way.
By the way, lest you think I'm some kind of wonder woman thinking that having 7 kids will be easy, cleaning and organizing my home is something on my hard list. I think anyone that has that down is a wonder woman! Happy to say I'm better than I have been, but it's something I am constantly working on.
(For fun, here are the full quotes of the two I referenced. I think the whole first one is especially powerful. Read/listen/watch the full speech here.)
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.
"But if I were to say, my fellow citizens, that we shall send to the moon, 240,000 miles away from the control station in Houston, a giant rocket more than 300 feet tall, the length of this football field, made of new metal alloys, some of which have not yet been invented, capable of standing heat and stresses several times more than have ever been experienced, fitted together with a precision better than the finest watch, carrying all the equipment needed for propulsion, guidance, control, communications, food and survival, on an untried mission, to an unknown celestial body, and then return it safely to earth, re-entering the atmosphere at speeds of over 25,000 miles per hour, causing heat about half that of the temperature of the sun--almost as hot as it is here today--and do all this, and do it right, and do it first before this decade is out--then we must be bold."
Sitting in a sacrament meeting almost a month ago with two rows of boys from a National Youth Leadership Training staff, something was said that made me think about hard vs. easy when it comes to promptings from the Lord.
I think our own definitions of each of those would be different. For instance, early in this year we felt like it was suddenly time to have a 7th child, and at this point I'm almost 20 weeks pregnant. September of last year I felt prompted that I should volunteer to be over something that involves men almost entirely (once in a while there are one or two women). I acted on that right away, and while I don't know all the reasons, I feel like I've glimpsed a couple and it's been a good experience.To many, both of those might seem pretty hard, but they have both been easy for me (so far - baby is still in utero of course).
So this other project (that I will continue to be vague on, the reason I'll use being so this is more personally applicable to the two people who will read this) for whatever reason is hard for me. I come up with plenty of reasons for that. Like, I've never done it before. But I've never had 7 children and I had never done the other volunteer thing either, so not a good excuse. Another excuse - I can't see the whole picture to know all the steps. With the volunteer example I did feel like I was also inspired with plans I could use, and while that would also rely on those attending, I just felt it would happen. Baby, well, at this point they don't have a place to eventually call their own, although I figure if that doesn't totally happen before birth, he/she will be close in our bedroom for a few months at least anyway. And again, I just feel like it will work out. With this other project, I don't feel like I have a grasp of a whole lot of steps, or that feeling like it will just work out. I keep telling myself I need to get to the edge of the light that I can see and I'll be shown the next steps, and I guess that's where my fear, feelings of "not good enough," and overall lack of faith is holding me back. Working more to forget all that and just move forward.
During NYLT I was reminded of an incredible quote, that after these thoughts just a a couple days before, struck home even more. "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard" (John F. Kennedy). Do the easy things stretch us? To a point, yes, but not really. In getting to the moon, Kennedy's vision was so great, it included using "new metal alloys, some of which have not yet been invented." That line gets me every time. Doing this very hard thing meant stretching a whole lot of fields further than they had ever been. Makes me wonder how much pushing forward this one vision rippled to further other discoveries as well, and how much stretching myself will take me to other things as well.
I heard someone say once that when something is hard they know they shouldn't do it. I don't feel that way with this. I feel like it's something I need to put effort towards. Unfortunately I have to keep kicking all those excuses out of the way.
By the way, lest you think I'm some kind of wonder woman thinking that having 7 kids will be easy, cleaning and organizing my home is something on my hard list. I think anyone that has that down is a wonder woman! Happy to say I'm better than I have been, but it's something I am constantly working on.
(For fun, here are the full quotes of the two I referenced. I think the whole first one is especially powerful. Read/listen/watch the full speech here.)
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.
"But if I were to say, my fellow citizens, that we shall send to the moon, 240,000 miles away from the control station in Houston, a giant rocket more than 300 feet tall, the length of this football field, made of new metal alloys, some of which have not yet been invented, capable of standing heat and stresses several times more than have ever been experienced, fitted together with a precision better than the finest watch, carrying all the equipment needed for propulsion, guidance, control, communications, food and survival, on an untried mission, to an unknown celestial body, and then return it safely to earth, re-entering the atmosphere at speeds of over 25,000 miles per hour, causing heat about half that of the temperature of the sun--almost as hot as it is here today--and do all this, and do it right, and do it first before this decade is out--then we must be bold."
Monday, January 28, 2013
Help Them Aim High
I taught Relief Society yesterday. When I first got the lesson schedule I was so excited to get to discuss President Eyring's talk "Help Them Aim High" for my first lesson. Jamie had it playing in the car shortly after general conference. I listened for a while, taken in by all President Eyring was saying, then mentioned to Jamie that I didn't remember it, and was told it was a priesthood talk. Lucky guys again! I think I printed it the moment we got home so I could read and think about it, and even used it for my November visiting teaching lesson.
I love teaching. The study is different knowing that you'll be presenting the information, and I walk into the class knowing that the insight I get from others will expand my learning even more.
The basic gist of the talk is that being individuals with individual missions to fulfill in life, we are blessed with different spiritual gifts to help us in that. Not only do we need seek to recognize our own gifts, we need to recognize the gifts that others have, especially our children, and help them to "see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God's kingdom."
President Eyring talks very specifically about how he did that for each of his children. Through his other talks you can tell he's a great, caring man, but it was wonderful to see the special love and time he gives to his children and grandchildren. A great example.
Something that was specifically brought up and clarified during the discussion was that he wasn't helping his children discover these gifts as part of their future occupation, but as ways they can bless others in service. Seeking after those gifts will certainly strengthen who you are, though, and would bless your life in a variety of other ways, including occupation. He never once mentions his children's occupations, but does share ways his children used their gifts in service.
Studying this has helped me to think more about how I can help my kids "aim high." Thank goodness President Eyring says we don't have to carve to do it. This talk reminded me of something my aunt and uncle did for their family. Another beautiful way - no carving. :)
I've been watching my children more, and if nothing else, pointing out to them things that I see. I've never been given anything concrete like a height board or framed scripture from someone regarding what they see in me, but I've had a few people here and there in my life mention things they see in me, even quickly in casual conversation, that I didn't realize. It's hard to really see yourself, though, don't you think? Or even if I think I might have some gift, it's nice to know that someone else recognizes it too. When I realize someone sees that in me, it's easier to focus on developing that more, which is why it's so important to recognize those things in others, especially our children.
Anyone want to discuss it more? So many good things in there to talk about.
I love teaching. The study is different knowing that you'll be presenting the information, and I walk into the class knowing that the insight I get from others will expand my learning even more.
The basic gist of the talk is that being individuals with individual missions to fulfill in life, we are blessed with different spiritual gifts to help us in that. Not only do we need seek to recognize our own gifts, we need to recognize the gifts that others have, especially our children, and help them to "see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God's kingdom."
President Eyring talks very specifically about how he did that for each of his children. Through his other talks you can tell he's a great, caring man, but it was wonderful to see the special love and time he gives to his children and grandchildren. A great example.
Something that was specifically brought up and clarified during the discussion was that he wasn't helping his children discover these gifts as part of their future occupation, but as ways they can bless others in service. Seeking after those gifts will certainly strengthen who you are, though, and would bless your life in a variety of other ways, including occupation. He never once mentions his children's occupations, but does share ways his children used their gifts in service.
Studying this has helped me to think more about how I can help my kids "aim high." Thank goodness President Eyring says we don't have to carve to do it. This talk reminded me of something my aunt and uncle did for their family. Another beautiful way - no carving. :)
I've been watching my children more, and if nothing else, pointing out to them things that I see. I've never been given anything concrete like a height board or framed scripture from someone regarding what they see in me, but I've had a few people here and there in my life mention things they see in me, even quickly in casual conversation, that I didn't realize. It's hard to really see yourself, though, don't you think? Or even if I think I might have some gift, it's nice to know that someone else recognizes it too. When I realize someone sees that in me, it's easier to focus on developing that more, which is why it's so important to recognize those things in others, especially our children.
Anyone want to discuss it more? So many good things in there to talk about.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Parable of the Chicken House
Once upon a time we got six really adorable baby chickens. All they needed was a big box for a house, a change of newspaper every day or two, some food, and water.
But then they grew...
And grew...
And grew...
...until they needed a new house. Because of the timing, we were very busy and didn't have a chance to work on their house more than this (four boards screwed together to make a base)...
...before going out of town for a week to be all scouty with the family (yes, there is an extra in that picture, and Madeleine is on Jamie's back).
When we got home, the need for the chickens to have a new house was even greater, but since Jamie was heading to scout camp for a week and then out of town for a week, it was me or no one.
Thank goodness I had some drill using lessons during our week away.
And so I began. I had already looked at a lot of pictures online and saved a bunch in the style I wanted (but nothing exactly what I wanted), so I printed some out, figured the size I wanted, went and bought a bunch of wood, and went crazy.
(I thought I took more "during" pictures than that!)
I was very impressed with my skills and how well things were going together. Then suddenly I would realize I didn't know what to do next. I would pull out the pictures I had printed - good ideas, but again not exactly what I wanted. So I would sit in a camp chair in the shade next to where I was building and just stare at the chicken house for a while. Before long, an idea would come, I would know just what to do next, and I would get back to work.
After days of work, the chicken house was completed! The chickens were very happily removed from their box and introduced to their lovely new home where they will hopefully live happily ever after, or at least until they go to chicken heaven.
THE END
(For my personal interpretation of this parable, check back in a week or so. I'm using this in a Relief Society lesson and don't want to spill the beans yet in case someone that will be there reads this.)
But then they grew...
And grew...
And grew...
...until they needed a new house. Because of the timing, we were very busy and didn't have a chance to work on their house more than this (four boards screwed together to make a base)...
...before going out of town for a week to be all scouty with the family (yes, there is an extra in that picture, and Madeleine is on Jamie's back).
Thank goodness I had some drill using lessons during our week away.
And so I began. I had already looked at a lot of pictures online and saved a bunch in the style I wanted (but nothing exactly what I wanted), so I printed some out, figured the size I wanted, went and bought a bunch of wood, and went crazy.
(I thought I took more "during" pictures than that!)
I was very impressed with my skills and how well things were going together. Then suddenly I would realize I didn't know what to do next. I would pull out the pictures I had printed - good ideas, but again not exactly what I wanted. So I would sit in a camp chair in the shade next to where I was building and just stare at the chicken house for a while. Before long, an idea would come, I would know just what to do next, and I would get back to work.
After days of work, the chicken house was completed! The chickens were very happily removed from their box and introduced to their lovely new home where they will hopefully live happily ever after, or at least until they go to chicken heaven.
THE END
(For my personal interpretation of this parable, check back in a week or so. I'm using this in a Relief Society lesson and don't want to spill the beans yet in case someone that will be there reads this.)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Book Review: Little Women
I love "Little Women." I've been basking in the glow of its wonderfulness since I finished it a couple weeks ago. This is the first book I've wanted to study deeply and write about since graduating from Utah State 10 years ago (no, this isn't that). It is on my list of books I want to study for the rest of my life.In a very small nutshell, this book is about values, and most especially, family values. I found the simple teachings to be deeply refreshing.
"Learn to know and value the praise which is worth having."
"Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault."
"Trifles show character."
"A woman's happiest kingdom is home, her highest honor the art of ruling it not as a queen, but as a wise wife and mother."
"Principles...may seem like prison walls to impatient youth, but will prove sure foundations to build character upon."
Mrs. March is a wise mother in every way. One of my favorite passages comes after Meg has been out with friends and overhears her friend's mother gossiping about the "plans" Mrs. March has put into play for her daughters by encouraging them to be close to their wealthy neighbor and his grandson. Meg is upset by the assumption, and upon arriving home and discussing it with her mother, she eventually asks her if she does have "plans" for them.
"Yes, my dear, I have a great many; all mothers do, but mine differ somewhat from Mrs. Moffat's. . . I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved, and respected; to have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman, and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience. . . My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world--marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. . . I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace."
Mrs. March's words, actions, and example were perfect to help her daughters reach that vision. Her wisdom and teaching to help them reach it were so pure, I underlined just about everything she says. Her determination in this shows by how firmly she has trained herself. Apparently she had a temper of her own like Jo's, till she finally decided "I must try to practice all the virtues I would have my little girls possess, for I was their example. . . The love, respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy."
Funny, the week after I finished "Little Women" I read a little snippet about an article where the author calls it not only "stale" and ranks it with other "badly written" books, but he also says it's "a little creepy." No, I am not bitter. Just sad that those of lesser vision don't realize the beauty of this book.
I could say much more about it, but suffice it to say, I definitely definitely definitely recommend it.
P.S. Just found this review that has a lot of good points as well.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Vision
Jamie and I were having a nice chat on vision the other day while we were driving, and I'm going to toss down some of those thoughts so I can remember them.
At Wood Badge, the first time I remember really being taught about vision, one of the first lessons taught is called, "Values, Vision, and Mission." In that and throughout the rest of the week, participants are taught that you need to have a vision to know where you are going. In that capacity the main way they are looking at it is having a vision for where the group of scouts you work with can be in the next 18 months, but it was easy to see how it related at least personally for my family and church responsibilities. Having a vision, seeing what you'd like to have happen, allows you to put goals in place to getting there.
About a month ago I bought some CDs on Teaching Self-Government (you can also find her blog from there, which also has a lot of great information). In the first one, Nicoleen talks about creating a family vision.
Not something vague, we'll all live happily every afterish. She suggests a vision of a specific family gathering 20 years down the road - who will be there, what time of year or even the day it will be (hers is a Christmas party), the things you'll eat and do, and even what you'll talk about. After husband and wife create the vision, Nicholeen says to take it to the family and share it with your children. Let them know every detail you see and help them to "see" it too, so they can be a part of making that vision happen.
She talks more about making it happen, but since I'm just talking about vision right now that's as far as I'll go. But I love how she emphasized being specific and sharing the vision.
Jamie went to a meeting recently where the leader there said that he doesn't always follow things told to him because his vision is different than theirs. Sorry I'm not being more specific on that, but it's all about protecting the innocent. :) This tossed around in my head until the drive while Jamie and I were talking about vision. This leader gets a lot of dissenting opinions. Why? Because his followers don't know what his vision is! If they knew his vision, since obviously he has one, then maybe it would be easier for people to follow his vision.
That same lesson has been reiterated to me through some of the capacities I've filled through church and scouting. The more information we give parents, the more help we get back from them. If the parents know what they need to do to help their children accomplish the achievements, we get tons of support. If I notice we have some less than supportive parents, the first thing I check is to make sure they know what we need them to be doing. More times that I care to admit, I was the first one to drop the ball, not them.
I have great goals for my family. I know each member of our family has strengths and talents that need to be developed, and I know each of us has a great mission to fulfill in this life. Having a family vision and helping everyone to work towards it is a big step in getting there. Now for ours...
At Wood Badge, the first time I remember really being taught about vision, one of the first lessons taught is called, "Values, Vision, and Mission." In that and throughout the rest of the week, participants are taught that you need to have a vision to know where you are going. In that capacity the main way they are looking at it is having a vision for where the group of scouts you work with can be in the next 18 months, but it was easy to see how it related at least personally for my family and church responsibilities. Having a vision, seeing what you'd like to have happen, allows you to put goals in place to getting there.
About a month ago I bought some CDs on Teaching Self-Government (you can also find her blog from there, which also has a lot of great information). In the first one, Nicoleen talks about creating a family vision.
Not something vague, we'll all live happily every afterish. She suggests a vision of a specific family gathering 20 years down the road - who will be there, what time of year or even the day it will be (hers is a Christmas party), the things you'll eat and do, and even what you'll talk about. After husband and wife create the vision, Nicholeen says to take it to the family and share it with your children. Let them know every detail you see and help them to "see" it too, so they can be a part of making that vision happen.She talks more about making it happen, but since I'm just talking about vision right now that's as far as I'll go. But I love how she emphasized being specific and sharing the vision.
Jamie went to a meeting recently where the leader there said that he doesn't always follow things told to him because his vision is different than theirs. Sorry I'm not being more specific on that, but it's all about protecting the innocent. :) This tossed around in my head until the drive while Jamie and I were talking about vision. This leader gets a lot of dissenting opinions. Why? Because his followers don't know what his vision is! If they knew his vision, since obviously he has one, then maybe it would be easier for people to follow his vision.
That same lesson has been reiterated to me through some of the capacities I've filled through church and scouting. The more information we give parents, the more help we get back from them. If the parents know what they need to do to help their children accomplish the achievements, we get tons of support. If I notice we have some less than supportive parents, the first thing I check is to make sure they know what we need them to be doing. More times that I care to admit, I was the first one to drop the ball, not them.
I have great goals for my family. I know each member of our family has strengths and talents that need to be developed, and I know each of us has a great mission to fulfill in this life. Having a family vision and helping everyone to work towards it is a big step in getting there. Now for ours...
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