February week 4 Linds

Ponderize Scripture 
James 1:6
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

2/23 Tues

John 9:15 Repentance requires that we "wash" (act). God provides the clay but we must do the washing ourselves- significant that He did not just heal him on the spot, he required that he go and wash himself. How is action required on my part to overcome sin? What can I do to make the Atonement work in my life? Turn to Him in prayer, recognize and believe He can heal me, partake of the sacrament, go to the temple, serve, move forward with faith to be obedient to what He has asked of me.

John 9 Samuel's thought- How does the Sabbath bring healing in my life? Why is it significant that the Savior healed on the Sabbath? Partaking of the sacrament and keeping the sabbath day holy gives me the renewal I need to start a new week fresh, free of sin.

John 9:34 Pharisees have the attitude that this man is born in sin and "how can he teach them"--> pride keeps us from learning from everyone around us- again the idea that God does not judge others and Satan is the one that makes us think that our works/faith/religion make us better than others. Not true. Am I humble enough to learn from those around me? Do I subconsciously make judgements of others and cut myself off from learning?  

John 9:39-41 God comes to humble everyone (the blind shall see and those that see shall be made blind)--> How am I blind? How do I maintain an attitude of humility in my life? Prayer- recognize His hand in everything daily (something I can work on daily at night). Attitude of gratitude- one of not complaining but instead being grateful for all of the many blessings I work hard to see daily.

2/24 Wed
John 10:4 "know his voice" keeps him from fleeing from Him. John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd and know my sheep and they know me" How do I come to know and trust Christ's voice through the Holy Ghost? 

Matt 11:28-30 "come unto me" 

Footnotes:

Psalm 55:22 "cast your burden on the Lord" and "He shall never suffer you to be moved" --> promise of overcoming Satan's temptations 

Isaiah 55:3 "incline your ear and come unto me"--> listening to the Hoky Ghost's promptings help us to come unto Him 

TG "problem solving" Do I come to God with all my problems or do I seek others? 

Prov 3:6 acknowledge Him and He shall direct paths--> trust that He is directing my ! paths

Prov 4:7 "with all thy getting get understanding"--> think of ways to apply what I learn with wisdom in my life, what am I doing with what I learn to increase my faith and act? 

Thurs 2/25

TG Problem solving- 

Mark 9:29 fasting and prayer help us come unto Him 

Luke 14:28 "count the cost" of your decisions or indecisions 

James 1:5-6 if any of you lack wisdom, let Him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given Him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

---this sensation is familiar. How do we ground ourselves in faith? What causes us to get picked up by the waves? Makes me think of swimming in the ocean.

BYU Speech "Some Lessons on Fear and Faith" Gregory Clark
"When I am living in faith, I don’t fear change, or changing myself, for the better. But when I am living in fear, I find change and changing—for the better, at least—almost impossible.' 
What is fear? 
"I think it is rooted in the assumption (one that comes all too easily to me if I am not paying attention) that I must solve all my problems and face all my challenges alone, using my own resources."
- Fear relates to pneumonia (bronchitis??)- it can become paralyzing if you don't recognize its first symptoms (feeling like you can't overcome problems or sorrows or like you have to do it on your own). You have to learn to recognize it early on. 
"Take very seriously the power of fear—to watch for its symptoms and to do what I must to address them directly when they come. Fear, coming on in little increments no more disabling than a nagging cough or stuffy nose, has the power to eventually cancel out the faith that would enable me to move ahead with confidence, knowing that with the Lord’s help I can indeed change myself and even the circumstances around me for the better."
Alma 32:21 Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things. "hope for things which are not seen, which are true" 
"Take very seriously the power of faith." We must choose faith daily--> "each day—and, on some days, each moment—I must choose to proceed on the basis of faith, remembering the Lord’s past blessings and believing in and acting upon my hope in His promises. I have to do that even when the evidence of present trouble is almost overwhelming. I have to remind myself constantly to choose faith and keep choosing faith in the face of realities that seem to contradict it and to do that for as long as it takes. This is, I think, what Moroni means by a “trial” of faith. I have to remind myself that this choice of faith will, sooner or later, result in answers to my prayers and miracles in my life."
"I have begun to think that faith might well be the path that the power of the Atonement must travel if it is to transform our lives. It may be only in the moments when I am filled with faith, crowding out my fears, that I make myself available to the healing and enabling power of the Atonement. It may be only then that I can be comforted, restored, and made able to overcome my problems and to change for the better. Put another way, it may be that acting in faith to keep our covenants, sometimes directly in the face of fear, is the very transformation of our souls that the Atonement promises."

What does faith look like in daily practice?--President Hinckley & Moroni- Faith is a DAILY CHOICE to use the Atonement to overcome fear.
"It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. . . . Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. . . . If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."
Ether 12:27 He gives me weakness that I can come unto Him and He can make weak things become strong --> when I am aware of my own fear, turn to God and realize my need for the Atonement and put trust in the Lord to help me overcome it. Fear is a lack of trust in the Lord - take our fear to the Lord and He will enable us. Humility encourages FAITH. Pride brings fear because it does not include trust in the Lord.
What do I need to do each day to be humble enough so that the Lord can strengthen my faith?
"And the first fruits of repentance is baptism, and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling of commandments, and the fulfilling commandments bringeth remission of sin, and remission of sin bringeth meekness and lowliness of heart..."
It's a process we should practice as regularly as sleeping. Repentance and renewal helps me maintain humility. Fear is the prompt to turn and return to the Lord.
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1 Nephi 15:8 when faced with a problem, "Have Ye inquired of the Lord?" Don't be like Laman and Lemuel who think God just has to give it to them.

Alma 37:37 Counsel (take counsel not give counsel to the Lord). Be humble and work it out with Him.

D&C 9:8 study it out in your mind- "you shall feel that it is right"

Fri 2/26

Behold Thy Mother (Jeffrey R. Holland)
What does it mean to "bear the burdens of others?" It means I listen and open up. Do I listen like a mother would? Do I take the opportunities to build and lift others by listening and making time for them? I think, too often, I get caught up in my own schedule, time, and life and don't make the time for others. Or rather, I don't recognize the opportunities to listen when they come.


Sat 2/27
Luke 10:27 "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and they neighbor as thyself." My main goal should always be to love God with all of my soul, strength, mind. When I fail to love others, I'm actually failing to love God. He is the one/source that will give me the strength and ability to love others. It is also a choice on our part, but the choice is easier when we seek to love God with all of our SOUL. What does that entail? I think of my true desires deep down, my thoughts, my actions, the way I spend my time.
Luke 10:36 Interesting that the parable of the good Samartin was really used to answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?" It is anyone that is need of compassion. Do I see needs for compassion and instead walk past? (Maybe I should carry food in my car for homeless people I see on the street, and a passalong card). What else could I do? Those at work or in my spheres of influence. Really, we all need more compassion and kindness. We all have a need for others around us to be more compassionate with us because we're all going through something!
Luke 10:40-42 Is my life so full and organized and planned out that it leaves me "cumbered about," "careful and troubled" and unwilling to yield to the enticings of the Holy Ghost? You can't always plan the Holy Ghost's promptings. Also, sometimes we need to just let our plan go and serve in the ways that are necessary in the moment and not in the ways we have planned or that we want to do.

Sun 2/28 

"We are not human beings having a spiritual beings but spiritual beings having a human experience." --my spiritual growth and development is primary to all other pursuits. It should show in my priorities. Do I put the Lord first in all I do?

February Week 3 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture: Luke 14:11  'For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Monday 2/15
Luke 12:8-9 "...Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth men before men shall be denies before the angels of God."  The more that I make Christ a part of my life, not just using the Atonement each day, but helping others to know of Christ through my actions and words is essential.
Luke 12:21 "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."  It is not bad to be rich; it is bad to be selfish and greedy.  Do I give freely of my goods and time?  Where is the line drawn between not helping someone because I don't have enough and because I have judged them to be not suited for my assistance?
Luke 12:46 JST "If the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through and the loss of his goods...be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."  The coming of Christ is not known, but it is important to be ready and prepared for when he does come.  How can I better prepare physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, etc...?

Tuesday 2/16
Luke 13:8-9 "And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."  Christ is the worker who works to save the barren fig tree.  He asks for mercy so that the tree will have more time to bear good fruit.  He fertilizes and waters and nourishes it and gives it time.  The Atonement of Christ shows the mercy of the Lord and that the gospel provides the best possible means for me to bear good fruit.
Luke 13:10-17 Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath Day.  There are so many references of Christ healing on the Sabbath Day.  The Sabbath Day should be a day of healing.  How can this day be a day of healing for me?  Sacrament, physical rest, visiting others to provide emotional healing, spiritual help, mental rest.  Focus to asking question, do the activities I do provide some sort of healing to myself and/or to others?

Wednesday 2/17
Luke 14:11 "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."  It seems like when I am prideful, when I am putting myself up and am thinking that I am hot stuff and not seeking to understand and empathize with others, I don't have any room for God (the source of all power and good) or for others.  The power comes from within, which really isn't power because I really don't have the power.  It only comes from God. When I am humble, when I am looking to God for guidance and support or to others on how I can understand and support or learn from them, then there is room for them to help me, for my learning to increase and for the power of God to work in my life.  Progression is a divine process, created by God.  One key to life is to always seek that learning and understanding, calling upon the Holy Ghost and seeking wisdom from others.

Thursday 2/18
Luke 14:33 "...whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple"  What type of sacrifice is Christ asking me to make here? To follow him and do what he did.  That doesn't seem too different from the way I want to live my life...to love others and serve them. D&C 103:27-28 "Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again.  And whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple."  I really like this related scripture; it describes the willingness or desire to sacrifice.  It is important to have the desire to love and serve others and be willing to sacrifice for them in wisdom if needed.  Not all sacrifices will be required of me like what was required of Christ to fulfill the Atonement, but sacrifice will be required.  If I am already trying to live as he did then it shouldn't be as hard of a sacrifice as if I'm not already trying to live as he did.

Friday 2/19
Matthew 18:12-13 "How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, surely I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray."  This to me shows the worth of souls.  Sometimes I haven't understood this but really lost sheep (me) has had fear, doubt, bad experiences, and suffered that the good sheep don't have to experience so it is fair and just when the Master is happy over the lost sheep.  Positive reinforcement helps those who are struggling to change.  The Lord is so happy with me when I change and follow after him.
Luke 15:7 "...joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."  I like the sound of this.  It feels like that is a major reason to be on the earth--to change and become better.  There is joy in heaven.  I think that there is joy on earth from loved ones when I repent and change for the better, too.  I wonder also if repentance means progression...?

Saturday 2/20
Luke 15:11-32 'Prodigal Son' Process of Repentance v.13 "...wasted his substance with riotous living." 1) sin;  v.16 "...he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him." 2) consequences of sin; 3) v.17-18 "...when he came to himself...I will arise and go to my father...I have sinned against heaven...and am no more worthy to be called thy son."  3) humility/asking for forgiveness; v. 21 "...Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son." 4) Confession; v.20 "...But when he was a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." 5) Encouragement (love)/power to change; v.22-24 "bring forth the best robe...and bring hither the fatted calf...for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found..." 6) Forgiveness/joy/renewed strength

v.31-32 "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.  It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."  How important it is to be happy for those who repent and change their lives, to forgive and encourage them to continue in their repentance.  It is better to not sin than to sin and come back but either way, the Lord welcomes back all who come unto him.  How can I do a better job at this?  Pray for charity, look at others and myself the way that God looks at me...with great hope and encouragement and when I do what is right, great blessings.  Elder Holland gave a talk about this--reread about it.

Sunday 2/21
Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." Little things lead to big things.  I need to make sure that the small things in my life are set in order and are going to lead me toward God: my thoughts, words, and actions.  It begins with desires which lead to thoughts, that turn into words and ultimately my actions.  Do I desire to love God and serve him?  Do I think about him and his desires for me or what he would do in my situation? Do I pray to him and include him in my councils of my life and assistance to others? Do I speak kindly of others and of myself? Do I serve others to the very best that I know how? It starts with the little things.

Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon."  I have noticed lately how easy it is to be attracted to what the world offers...acceptance with the clothes I wear, the car I drive, the friends that I have, the vacations that I have gone on and things that I have done with my life, my education, the media (movies and music) I expose myself to, the social things I do, the activities that I do, and how I use my weekends.  God offers something better-peace and joy in this life and eternal life in the world to come through following his commandments.  These are things that all people seek through what the world offers but don't find it.  When I care more what others think of me than what God thinks of me I need to re-evaluate on where I am in serving God or mammon.

Luke 16:15 "...God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." I really like this, that God knows how I feel about him and what my desires are.  Are my desires focused on returning back to him with my family or on being accepted by the world?  It is interesting that most of what the world offers doesn't really help me to want to serve others or strengthen my family and be selfless in my service to others.  It is about me, myself, and I.  It is about my own gain than it is about others.  How can I recognize when I am being attracted to worldy (temporary) desires?  Constant work to serve and love God (prayer, scripture study, service to others each day).

February Week 1 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture: John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Monday 2/1
Luke 10:2 "...The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."  The Lord is calling for all to join in on the missionary effort.  How can I become more involved in missionary work?  The Lord suggests prayer (first part in act of faith)-pray that the missionaries will have the spirit and that I can have opportunities to share (be bold and confident and not have a filter) and then act (second part in act of faith)-seek opportunities, prayer in my heart...
Luke 9:56 "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."  Jesus is our Savior.  This just gives me such hope.  I just feel my Savior's love.

Tuesday 2/2
Hugh W. Pinnock Ten Keys to Successful Dating and Marriage Relationships (BYU Speech)
"...those of you who will dedicate an important part of your earthly lives to making your eventual eternal marriages succeed."  Marriage is one of the most things I will do; the most important things should require the most time, focus, work, etc... because it will have the greatest impact and potential and outcome than most anything else.  "I know of nothing worthwhile in life that comes easy. However, nothing in life is as valuable as a strong marriage and a secure family."  I love this; this is what I want most in my life.

"Many challenges, however, are very complex.  But I have learned that when we utilize the teachings of the Master, the solutions to even the most difficult of life's challenges are usually basic and easy to implement."  I really like this.  Seek to use the gospel teachings; the solution should be fairly simple.

-Obedience, no sexual experiences, built-in (character) traits already present-these must be present in dating before marriage to find the right person.

"Our marriages and families are built upon heavenly concepts and principles, not upon worldly ideas or solutions."  If I want an eternal family and marriage, then it needs to be based on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

-Belief in Eternal Marriage-some people are fearful of this (I am stuck with this person for the rest of my life?!), but how much more enlightening to realize and maintain the eternal perspective that I can grow together with my wife and it will keep getting better and better.
-Spirituality-"To really succeed, your eternal marriage must be Christ centered."  I think some ways of doing this is to always be talking about the gospel...share what was learned in the scriptures each day, pray together and personally for each other and for charity, do service for each other and together, attend church and discuss what was learned, make goals and help keep each other accountable, D&C 121:36-46-priesthood is only exercised on principles of righteousness.
-Communication-I could quote this entire section; it is so good!  "Do not feel that an intense disagreement in your dating procedure or eventually in marriage indicates that it cannot succeed.  If we are to really communicate, we must be honest when we disagree...A serious disagreement between partners does not mean the two are becoming allergic to one another or that the situation is hopeless.  It merely means that they are human and not yet perfect individuals.  If we can just acknowledge our differences in mature ways, then we will realize that our dating procedure is okay or our marriages eventually will be alright.  Often what happens is that we have simply failed to communicate...let us first communicate about feelings, those throbbings from within, and then we can be concerned with the historical aspects of communication, where we have been and what we have seen."  When issues come up it is probably because of a lack of communication.  It's ok to disagree, but to be respectful of the other's opinion, feelings.  I like this outlook.  It is important to communicate our feelings.
-Kindness-"Never make your date or mate the object of jokes, either in private or in public."  This shows respect.
-Trust-"Both during the dating period and after marriage, do not smother one another with excessive restrictions."  I really like the example he used of our Heavenly Father giving us free-agency and allowing us to grow and develop talents and experience and enjoy life.  It takes love/trust.  "The most fulfilling of all marriages that I have observed seem to be those in which the husband and wife together commit their love to the Savior's keeping and to each other.  They are interested in one another, and yet they set each other free to take on new challenges and to pursue new interests."  The most important is God, second to each other and in that allowing each other to spread his/her wings allows for maximum joy/growth.  I love this!

Wednesday 2/3
---Continuation from yesterday---
-Paying compliments-"And remember, dear friends, that that is part of the responsibility of dating, to handle that precious relationship as if it were fragile because it is.  We all tend to become the persons described in the compliments that our spouses and friends pay us.  We will do almost anything to live up to the compliments and encouragements of a boyfriend or a girlfriend or a proud wife or husband."  I have seen this firsthand.  After receiving a compliment or encouragement I want to do better or continue doing what I started.  I am so grateful for the encouragement that my girlfriend gives me because it helps me to desire to become the best person I can be for her.  It is interesting that it is harder to see the good in oneself than to see the good in others, thus sharing the good qualities that one has with them helps them to see the tender mercies of the Lord in their life.
-Talking Openly-"Never resort to the silent treatment.  Always be open and straightforward with each other."  "The times when we shut others out are often the times when we need their help the most.  Of course we need times of privacy, to think alone.  Of course we need time to pray and to meditate.  And we should understand the respect those needs in others.  However, we should never be inconsiderate or unappreciative of a concerned husband or wife who is trying to help at a time of trouble and discouragement."  Agreed.  Sometimes I need to process what I am thinking but I should allow the other to know that I am doing that and then to share when I do.  Also, I think that I need to do better at letting know what she can do for me.  Most importantly, to remember that we each have the best intentions and desires for each other, so the best way is to communicate openly.
-Apologizing and Forgetting-"Some of the strongest marriages of which I am aware have been between partners who could say, 'I am sorry' and who could forgive.  In addition to saying they're sorry and really meaning it, husbands and wives must avoid bringing up the past."
-Confiding Only in the Bishop-"Never ever, never ever, confide your marriage troubles to a third party, no, not even to your closest friend...Lean on the Savior and rely upon your bishop and your stake president...Remember that because, as the years quickly come and go, there will be stressful times when you will need to talk to someone.  Remember who it should be."  True wisdom in this.
-Having Fun-"Have clean, wholesome fun during your dating years and retain the same joy in marriage.  God intends for us to find joy in life.  Man is that he might have joy.  Most marriages begin with joy, and those that succeed retain it."  How true this is.  I have loved the fun that I have had and I have the goal of having fun forever.  Having fun invites joy into our lives.
"Much of life does not change, but let me testify to you that one area of life is good and will never change--that's when we live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ."  This is most important.  Seeking Christ should be the most important thing that I do in my life, my first priority.

Thursday 2/4
John 7:17 "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."  An invitation to try out what Jesus was teaching as well as a check to see if it is right or not. That is one sure find way...if the activity helps me to come closer to God or I feel the love of God then it of him.  I feel like a lot of learning comes from doing, taking the chance or making the risk and then it is very apparent if it is good or not, but it takes that first step of faith first before I will know.  v. 18 "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him." This is a warning about pride.  How am I prideful?  How can I seek more the glory of God and not mine own?  If the sentence has me in it...?   v.24 JST "Judge not according to your traditions, but judge righteous judgment."  I really like this.  From how I was raised and things that I have seen in my life, I have seen certain things and/or have a certain perspective that is one more of tradition than one of doctrine.  My biases come out; it seems foreign to me even though it may not be bad.  How can I recognize what traditions cloud my judgement?...pray for eyes to see and ears to hear, for charity, see everyone is a child of God, put myself in their shoes...try to see others as God would see them.

Friday 2/5
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland How Do I Love Thee?

Saturday 2/6
Elder Lynn G. Robbins Agency in Love and Marriage

February Week 2 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture: Matt 11: 28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Tuesday 2/9
John 8:2 "And early in the morning he came again into the temple..."  I am amazed at how many times it says that Christ got up early and went out to a solitary place or to the temple to pray or otherwise.  He went often and sought Heavenly Father.  How more can I seek my Father-the best time is in the morning, first thing.
John 8:10-11 "...Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?  She said, No man, Lord.  And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."  When I sin and fall short, Christ does not condemn me or say that there is no way back.  Through Christ there is always hope, always a way back to God.  I can do the same for others.  I should always be hopeful and try to overcome my shortcomings and be forgiving and hopeful of others shortcomings.
John 8:12 "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."  Christ invites all to follow him and he will enable and empower/fill with light.  That means service to others and to Heavenly Father, prayer, repentance (using the Atonement), inviting others to know of the gospel.  How better can I follow/be a disciple of Christ?   31-32 "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  Exercising faith in Christ and doing his teachings helps me to see what is true/most important/what really matters.

Wednesday 2/10
John 9:39 "And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." What does 'see not' mean? It could mean those who have sin (see 1 Timothy 1:25, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"), or are ignorant or haven't been taught the gospel, or those who have to use faith (don't see at first).  Those who 'see' could be those who have the gospel, or are learned, or who are no longer exercising faith etc...  I really like this idea of always exercising faith (not seeing at first), which helps me to look to Christ.  Only through him can I really see.   v.41 "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth."  In one way this verse means that having a knowledge of the gospel and what is right and wrong brings about sin.  Another way, pride is 'seeing' where humility is 'blindness' and brings about repentance and forgiveness of sins.

Thursday 2/11
John 10:1-21 Parable of the Good Shepherd. v.9 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."  Only 'through' Christ can I be saved. v.10 "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."  Christ was resurrected so that all might live again (ie 'have life') and the he made it possible that I 'might' have an abundant life.  It is my choice completely.  The Atonement enables me to overcome sin and weakness, to experience joy and peace, to be supported in the difficulties of life, to hope for a better one, to make a change of heart and become better, to have and keep a supportive group (family), to have the presence of God to guide my life (Holy Ghost).  It makes my life worth living and being excited about-an abundant life.  I love my Savior Jesus Christ.  I love learning about him and desiring to follow after him.  I want this abundant life more in my life.  v.11 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."  Christ has the greatest love to have died for me and for all people.  A good shepherd walks in front of his sheep-he leads and guides them if they let him.  How can I better let the Lord guide my life.  The key is allowing/letting/desiring to follow him with the knowledge and trust that he will lead me to better places, greener pastures.  This is sure.  It takes my faith in him and action in following and doing what he does.

Friday 2/12
Matt 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." There is a lot of symbolism with a yoke.  It requires two people in order to function properly to pull a load.  Christ's yoke is easier to pull than mine because it is powered by the enabling power of the Atonement.  Christ doesn't have the sins and burdens that I do and so he is able to help me bear it.  I think the key here is that only with Christ can I overcome the trials, weaknesses, shortcomings, sin in my life.  No other avenue offers a way for this to occur. In order to use the Atonement, I have to first learn of Christ.  Christ has invited all to do this.

Saturday 2/13
Luke 10:25-37 Parable of the Good Samaritan v.27 "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." The greatest commandment is to put the Lord first in my life.  That should be the most important and to make sure that I do that first and foremost.  The second is to love my neighbor (all people I come in contact with) as I would myself.  This requires being compassionate with  myself and my shortcomings, being ok with who I am and knowing my value is being absolute, not changing.  If I focus on loving God first, it will help me to love myself and following my neighbour. v.33 "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him."  How can I have more compassion in my life? Help can I see others in need and be able to help them?

Sunday 2/14
Luke 10:38-42 "...Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, doest thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Interesting-how do I get cumbered with the things of the day to forget to include the things of God in my life?  It is so easy to do.  Simplify, simplify, simplify! All things should be in a balance.
Luke 11:28 "...blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."  It is more important to keep the commandments than any other thing.  Blessings only come through obedience to the commandment on which it is predicated.

February Week 2-Linds

Tues 2/9

Luke 9:23-26 Christ's way is to focus on others and lose our lives; Satan's way is to figure out what you want and to focus on yourself. What can I do to "lose my life" today? And focus on others? 

Mark 8:32-33 Peter says that Christ was wrong and Christ rebukes Satan. Very interesting that Satan was working in Peter or influencing him. We should analyze ourselves and our thoughts to figure out where they are coming from. Discouragement or negativity never come for God.
What Lack I Yet? (Larry R. Lawrence)

Wed 2/10
 The Pleasing Word of God (Francisco J. Vinas) 
"It is important that we realize that just like the remission of sins, repentance is a process and not something that happens at one particular moment. It requires consistency in each of its steps."
How can I make progress in overcoming personal weakness? The last talk from yesterday was about finding out "What lack I yet?" and what we need to work on, but for me, the question still remains, how do we actually overcome those weaknesses and change who we are?
1. Partake of the sacrament- "an expression of our sincere intent"
2. Remember Him each day (scripture study, thoughts, inviting the Spirit into our lives)
3. Obedience in actions
4. Try not to be entangled in the "vanities of the world"---how might that happen? not showing up to sacrament on time or having examined ourselves beforehand and sought repentance (do I do that?), using cell phone, texting 
5. Actively try to submit our "will, passions, and feelings" to God-- change our desires

Thurs 2/11 ShipShape and Bristol Fashion: Be Temple Worthy-in good times and in bad times
Quentin L Cook
How do we keep ourselves in shipshape and bristol fashion? (in addition to temple worthiness) 
1. Self-control- "Self-control is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Avoiding something tempting once will help you develop the ability to resist other temptations in the future." I love this principle and it makes me want to practice self-control in my eating/other aspects of my life (too much chocolate lately) so that I can practice in spiritual ways as well. Reminds me of the idea that nothing is purely termporal- it always relates to our spiritual side too.
2. Honor Sabbath day- how can I make sure I keep the Sabbath day holy?
3. Divine Protections are provided when we are righteous- the Holy Ghost as a cleansing agent.

Fri 2/12
 Matthew 7:202-21 "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (prayer and fasting are the avenues to build and exercise faith) How can I build my faith? Does the Savior require faith porportionate to the miracles we want? NO, that is the beautiful thing about the gospel- as we exercise as little faith as a mustard seed, He is able to bless us hundredfold our efforts (move mountains)
Luke 9:43 We have to have faith first in order to understand the mysteries of the kingdom; we should not fear to ask the Lord to help us understand when we don't understand
Luke 9:46-48 "for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great" How am I serving others today?

Feb Week 1 Linds

Mon 2/1

Mark 8:11-13 when I demand answers in the way I want instead of being humble and open to His will, am I any different than the Sadducees? 

Mark 8:21 how often do we experience miracles and not understand them or let them sink into our hearts? 

Mark 8:23-25 why does the Savior heal this man "in stages?" It's certainly not because He couldn't have done it all at once. I think it's because sometimes in order for our benefit healing takes a lot longer than we want. If He had healed this blind man all at once, maybe he wouldn't have been acclimated to the light and it would have been damaging? Or maybe it was a test of this man's faith? 

Matt 16:15 "but whom say Ye that I am?" It doesn't matter what we know about Christ historically; it only matters if we have a personal relationship with Him. Christ's interrogation about who Peter thinks He is vs who the world thinks He is shows that we will be accountable for our own personal experiences with the Savior. Am I making time for Him? How can I be more like Him today?

Tues 2/3
 And the Greatest of these is Love- President Hinckley (BYU Speech)
 

Wed 2/4
10 Keys to Successful Dating and Marriage Relationships Hugh W Pinnock (BYU Speech)
-Put the same amount of work into your marriages that you to accomplishing other

-find someone with a "wholesome respect for regulations" (obedience), no sexual experiences, and with built-in characteristics you want (don't expect to change him/her)

-good marriages are not built on worldly advice but on gospel principles

1. Belief in eternal marriage

2. Spirituality "To really succeed, your marriages must be Christ-centered." Rely on personal revelation; righteous exercise of the Priesthood; true charity as motivation.

3.  Communication "Do not feel that an intense disagreement in your dating procedure or eventually in your marriage indicates that it cannot succeed. If we are to really communicate, we must be honest when we disagree. We must express hurts and let our feelings show."

 

"If we can just acknowledge our differences in mature ways, then we will realize that our dating procedure is okay or our marriages eventually will be all right. Often what happens is that we have simply failed to communicate. And differences can be worked out without jeopardizing a relationship. As we communicate, brothers and sisters—may I say this quickly—let us first communicate about feelings, those throbbings from within, and then we can be concerned with the historical aspects of communication, where we have been and what we have seen. But let us communicate our feelings first. And if something just doesn’t feel quite right—leaves you with kind of an uncomfortable feeling—that needs to be said to your date or to your husband or wife." 

 

4. Kindness- never make your date/spouse object of public or private mockery. Respect them.

5. Trust- help your spouse fulfill their full potential; do not smother with restrictions

-same thing goes for your future children: "[Giving children] gobs of freedom, almost beyond logic sometimes, they will grow in precious ways that will give them the confidence to do what needs to be done." How does this freedom give children the ability to succeed and build confidence?

 

"[The best couples] are interested in one another, and yet they set each other free to grow and mature—never free to flirt, but free to take on new challenges and to pursue new interests."

6. Paying compliments- "Every husband needs a wife who will build him up, and every wife needs a husband to honor and to respect her." It's not my responsibility to keep my husband/spouse humble. Give sincere compliments. 

-treat your relationship as fragile because it is; we will become the persons we believe people think we are (compliments)

7.  Talking openly - don't ever resort to silent treatment

8. Apologizing and forgetting- godly sorrow in repentance and forgiveness

9. Confiding only in Bishop- don't share struggles with friends/family

10. Having fun- maintain a joyful, happy childlike friendship

 Thurs 2/5
How do I Love Thee? Jeffrey R. Holland (BYU Speech)
 

Fri 2/6 

Yielding our hearts to God Neill F Marriott (GC 2015)

Sat 2/7 

Agency and Love in Marriage 

January Week 4 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture:
Matt 18:3-5 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
"And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."

Monday 1/25
Matt 17:19-20 "Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible for you." Faith is so powerful.  A mustard seed is so small yet the tree that it can turn into is large and strong.  The potential of the mustard seed is tremendous.  Faith starts very small and grows.  Interesting how Jesus says that only a little is needed to do great things.  Self-evaluation-what fear and doubts keep me from having faith and trusting in God?  The promise of the Savior is that nothing shall be impossible for you.  How can I increase my faith each day?  Start by putting the Lord first in my life.
Mark 9:23 "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.  And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."  An admonition from the Savior to have faith and a man's plea to God to rid him of his fear/doubt.  It is visible to see when someone believes and when someone doesn't believe.  They show by their actions.  The Savior says that with faith all things are possible.  We can have a little bit of faith but need a little help to increase that faith and remove the doubt/fear from our hearts.  It is a plea to God to rid one of those things that rob faith.  It is looking to Christ.  I think of the general conference talk by Elder Holland about this.  When I feel lacking somewhat in faith or I have fear and doubts, I should immediately pray to God for deliverance and increased perspective.

Tuesday 1/26
Matt 18:2 "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."  Little children are clean and pure and without guile.  Conversion is total committment to something.  What am I totally committed to?  Am I totally committed to the gospel? To other activities or interests in my life?
Matt 18:3 "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  What does it mean to truly be humble?  In one way, I think it means to know your own value, yet know of your own weakness and who to look to for deliverance.  When I am humble, I am willing to listen, to receive instruction and have the desire to apply what is learned in my life.  I am not above it.  One who listens and applies and strives to become better progresses faster and better and to me would be a lot further along when arriving in heaven than one who doesn't.

Wednesday 1/27
Matt 18:11 JST "For the Son of man is come to save that which is lost, and to call sinners to repentance; but these little ones have no need of repentance, and I will save them."  The Savior came not only for the Atonement but to invite all to change (repent to me is the opportunity to change).  I haven't thought of that, but through his teachings and by his example he did invite all to repent.  I love the mercy of God-little children don't have sin and are already saved.
Matt 18:15 "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."  I love this!  Communication!  Being open about how I feel and letting that person know who said something or did something or whatever that I perceived against me-I should talk to that person and try to reconcile.  It is better that way-straight to the source.
Matt 18:21-22 "How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?...Until seventy times seven!"  Forgiving others is a commandment, no matter how many times they mess up and fail.  I think most times people don't intentionally hurt others.  Some do and it is wise to leave that situation but by and large Jesus taught that we should give people the benefit.  How can I remember this and not be hurt in the moment?  Put myself in their situation...?

Thursday 1/28
Mark 9:44 JST "Therefore, let every man stand or fall, by himself, and not for another; or not trusting another."  I had always not understood this passage of scripture that says that if thy eye offend thee to pluck it out.  JST helps to clarify it more with this scripture saying that every man has his own agency and it is not another that makes one to sin.  Each person by his/her own actions will be saved or not.  Circumstances are not excuses though I think that God is merciful and looketh on the heart to judge as well.  However, it does say that friends/family and others can influence us, so it is important to surround oneself with good influences.  Do I surround myself with good influences?
Mark 9:50 "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."  If I want others to see the good of living the gospel then I need to live the gospel and share it with them.  The good example is key here.  Followers of Christ are the salt to season the earth if they are living the way that Christ would live.  "Have salt in yourselves"-live the gospel and the Holy Ghost and light of Christ will be with you and "have peace one with another"-have charity for others, serve them.  How can I increase my love for others...serve them.

Friday 1/29
Matt 18:33 "Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?"  Because of the mercy of Jesus Christ in performing the Atonement, a requirement if I want to be forgiven is to also forgive others.  How can I be forgiven if I don't have the attitude of being able to forgive others?!
Luke 9:62 "...No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."  Thoughts-looking back is longing for what the world is offering as opposed to what God is asking me to do.  If my heart is not in it or if I am not focused then I won't be successful in my purpose.  Do I ever look back, long for the excitement or lack of responsibility from not being active in the gospel?  It would be so much easier but the way of the Lord is service and responsibility and the consequences are becoming like God and returning to enjoy living with him because I will be like him.

Sunday 1/31
Elder David A. Bednar Therefore They Hushed Their Fears "'But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but ... should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them.  Therefore they hushed their fears.'  Notice Alma did not hush the people's fears.  Rather, Alma counseled the believers to remember the Lord and the deliverance only He could bestow.  And knowledge of the Savior's protecting watchcare enabled the people to hush their own fears.  Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace.  He declared, "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."  The true source of peace is Jesus Christ!  Learn of me-pray, study the scriptures, sing hymns, talk to others/listen to their experiences; listen to my words-it takes a desire to not just hear, but to listen and understand...pondering the words, being open to it and having the Holy Ghost with me to guide me and touch my heart; walk in the meekness of my Spirit-acting on the promptings of the Holy Ghost, trusting that he knows best and will guide and direct in the best way possible.   The blessing is peace.  The lack of peace comes from the adversary.  Doing this things will bring that peace into my life more.  How can I improve upon what I am doing to have more lasting peace?