Sunday Inspiration: Womanhood

I look forward to Sundays for the physical break from the rest of the week – certainly being an RS Pres. takes a bit more time than any calling I have ever had, but compared to the rest of the week – Sunday’s are still a welcomed break.  I always try to make Sunday’s the Lord’s day, I usually work on calling responsibilities and assignments, spend time with family, surf lds.org, and the like.  This is a day that allows me to rest from my worldly responsibilities. 

Today I turned on the TV to see what was on the BYU TV channel, I caught the end of a BYU devotional from March 13, 2001, by M. Russell Ballard:" “Here Am I, Send Me”.  There were some wonderful sentiments, profound and powerful statements – so I looked it up online and watched it again – it was well worth the 38 1/2  minutes, perhaps you will find some inspiration in this talk as well. 

to watch it, listen, or read it click here:  http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=445

There is applicable guidance whether we are college age or have college age children or grand children. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

picture from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:11-stages-womanhood-1840s.jpg

Sunday Report: Generations Linked in Love – familysearch.org

April 25, 2010,  Teachings For Our Time - Generations Linked in Love,  Elder Russell M. Nelson taught by Sister Deandrade

When I think of the love I feel for each member of [my] family, I sense, to a slight degree, the love that our Heavenly Father bears for His children. While the family is under attack throughout the world, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims, promotes, and protects the truth that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” and our vast family history efforts are but two evidences of how this Church brings hope and help to the sacred institution of the family.

We teach that God’s love for His children is infinite. Regardless of race, nationality, or gender, He loves all of them.¹ … He also provided a way for them to be part of an eternal family. Every human being who comes to this earth is the product of generations of parents. We have a natural yearning to connect with our ancestors. This desire dwells in our hearts, regardless of age.  When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple.

Procedures have been simplified so that virtually every member of the Church can participate in temple and family history work.  No matter your situation, you can make family history a part of your life right now. Primary children can draw a family tree. Youth can participate in proxy baptisms. They can also help the older generation work with computers. Parents can relate stories of their lives to their posterity. Worthy adult members can hold a temple recommend and perform temple ordinances for their own kin.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead.”⁷ New technology makes it easier than ever to fulfill that responsibility. Temple and family history work is now facilitated by a system known as the “new FamilySearch.”⁸ This Internet-based system helps members identify their ancestors, determine what ordinance work needs to be done for them, and prepare their names for the temple. It can be accessed from home, a family history center,⁹ or wherever the Internet is available. The steps are easy to follow.¹⁰

1. You first identify individuals for whom you desire to do temple work.
2. Then you print out a Family Ordinance Request. This document provides the information needed at the temple and eliminates the need to take computer discs with you.
3. From the Family Ordinance Request, ordinance cards are printed at the temple.
4. After an ordinance is performed, it is recorded and entered into new Family Search on that very day.

Now what about those of you who have no access to a computer or prefer not to use this technology? Don’t worry! Take one step at a time. Start at home. Begin with an empty cardboard box, as suggested by President Boyd K. Packer.¹¹ Put in that box important information about you and your family. Add data gathered from others of your family. Then avail yourself of assistance from your ward or branch family history consultant. The new FamilySearch system enables a consultant to perform all needed computer functions for you, including preparing names for the temple. About 60,000 consultants serve throughout the world. One in your ward or branch can be very helpful to you.

The new FamilySearch system changes the dynamics of family history work by facilitating the creation of one common pedigree. In the past, a person worked separately, keeping his or her own family records. One often worked without knowing what other family members were doing. Now each person can contribute information while coordinating with others in developing their family tree.

While the new FamilySearch is a giant step forward, it is still just a step. There is more work ahead. Because the system facilitates access to information submitted to the Church over many decades from many sources, new FamilySearch may expose duplicate entries or errors that had not previously been recognized. This feature is especially useful for those with early pioneer ancestry. Duplications and errors need correction, and no one can do it better than each individual for his or her own family.

While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families.

We are exalted when we can dwell together with our extended families in the presence of Almighty God. The Prophet Joseph Smith foresaw our duty: “The great day of the Lord is at hand . . . ,” he said. “Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter‑day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple . . . a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.”¹⁴

The preparation of that record is our individual and collective responsibility. As we work together, we can make it worthy of all acceptation by the Lord. That record enables ordinances to be performed for and accepted by our deceased ancestors, as they may choose. Those ordinances can bring liberty to captives on the other side of the veil.¹⁵

If you have access to a computer, go to new.familysearch.org. To register for the first time, you will need your membership number and your birth date. You can obtain this information from your ward clerk. Once logged into the system, you can verify that your ancestors' information is in the system and what temple ordinances are needed. You can identify ancestors who are not now known to you and add them to your family tree. Print out a Family Ordinance Request form to take to the temple and thus open the way for needed ordinances to be performed.

Sunday Report: The Holy Ghost

Sunday, April 18, 2010, Gospel Principles #7 The Holy Ghost Taught by: Sister Jucar Excerpts and quotes used in today’s lesson: 

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead (see 1 John 5:7; D&C 20:28). He is a “personage of Spirit” (D&C 130:22). He can be in  only one place at a time, but His influence can be everywhere at the same time.

Sister Jucar related an  example of physical influence like the influence of the Holy Ghost  is the light/ heat from the sun – the sun is in one place yet many can feel it’s light/ heat.

Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are called the Godhead. They are unified in purpose. Each has an important assignment in the plan of salvation. Our Heavenly Father is our Father and ruler. Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Holy Ghost is the revealer and testifier of all truth. The Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father’s messenger and is a special gift to us

The Holy Ghost will witness to us that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer (see 3 Nephi 28:11; D&C 20:27). He will reveal to us that our Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits. He will help us understand that we can become exalted like our Heavenly Father. (See Romans 8:16–17.) The prophets of the Lord have promised, “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5). 

(in art we will often find the Holy Ghost represented as a dove, as seen on the right)

President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even of the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], 2:151).

President Smith also said, “Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:48).

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we should make ourselves worthy to receive this special messenger and witness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Sunday Report: Doing our Duty

April 11, 2010, Ward RS Presidency Message: Taught by: Sister Kimball

Excerpts and quotes used in today’s lesson: 

Coming to an Understanding with Ourselves:"President David O. McKay counseled: ' "The greatest battle of life is fought within  the silent chambers of your own soul.". . . It is a good thing to  sit down and commune with yourself, to come to an  understanding with yourself and decide in that silent moment what your duty is to your family, to your Church, to your country, and . . . to your fellowmen' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1967, 84-85)." Thomas S. Monson, "Choose You This Day," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 68

What Is This Thing Called Duty?

The duty of which I speak is what we are expected to do and to be. It is a moral imperative summoning forth from individuals and communities that which is right, true, and honorable. Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence. It is not simply what is legal; it is what is virtuous. It is not reserved to the mighty or high in station but instead rests on a foundation of personal responsibility, integrity, and courage. Doing one’s duty is a manifestation of one’s faith. President Monson said of it: “I love and cherish the noble word duty.”¹⁰ For members of the Church of Jesus Christ, our path of duty is keeping our covenants in daily life.  Our Path of Duty, Bishop Keith B. McMullin, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric April 2010 General Conference

Duty (from "due," that which is owing) is a term that conveys a sense of moral commitment to someone or something. The moral commitment is the sort that results in action and it is not a matter of passive feeling or mere recognition. When someone recognizes a duty, that person commits himself/herself to the cause involved without considering the self-interested courses of actions that may have been relevant previously. This is not to suggest that living a life of duty precludes one of the best sorts of lives but duty does involve some sacrifice of immediate self-interest. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Our Duty is: Our Priority, Purpose, Worth, Responsibility, Obligation.

To Whom and to What Are We Duty Bound?

First, our path of duty is to God, our Eternal Father. He is the author of the plan of salvation, “the framer of heaven and earth,” the creator of Adam and Eve.¹¹ He is the fountain of truth,¹² the embodiment of love,¹³ and the reason there is redemption through Christ.¹⁴

Said President Joseph F. Smith: “All that we have comes from [God]. . . . In and of ourselves we are but a lifeless lump of clay. Life, intelligence, wisdom, judgment, power to reason, all are the gifts of God to the children of men. He gives us our physical strength as well as our mental powers. . . . We should honor God with our intelligence, with our strength, with our understanding, with our wisdom, and with all the power that we possess. We should seek to do good in the world. This is our duty.”¹⁵

One cannot do his or her duty to God the Father without doing likewise to the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. To revere one requires reverence for the other, for the Father has appointed that it is only in and through the name of Christ that one can completely fulfill this dutiful charge.¹⁶ He is our Exemplar, our Redeemer, and our King.

As men and women and boys and girls do their duty to God, they feel impelled to do their duty to one another, to their family, to their church and nation, to all things entrusted to their care. They are duty bound to magnify their talents and to be a law-abiding, good people. They become humble, submissive, and easily entreated. Temperance conquers indulgence; obedience guides their diligence. Peace distills upon them. Citizens become loyal, communities become benevolent, and neighbors become friends. The God of heaven is pleased, the earth is pacified, and this world becomes a better place.¹⁷  Our Path of Duty, Bishop Keith B. McMullin, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric April 2010 General Conference

Additional Quotes about Our Duties and Responsibilities:

“On occasion, however, the duty to respond is downright overpowering. All of us have a solemn duty to honor the priesthood and labor to bring many precious souls unto the Lord.” Duty Calls Thomas S. Monson Ensign, January 2002

“Duty is never worthily performed until it is performed by one who would gladly do more if only he could.” The Sacred Call of Service Thomas S. Monson Ensign, May 2005

“The performance of one’s duty brings a sense of happiness and peace. I acted, and behold— Duty was joy.” The Sacred Call of Service Thomas S. Monson Ensign, May 2005

“The call of duty can come quietly as we who hold the priesthood respond to the assignments we receive.” The Sacred Call of Service Thomas S. Monson Ensign, May 2005

“Your desire to learn your duty is evident. The old adage is ever true: “Do your duty, that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.” Most service given by priesthood holders [and Relief Society Sisters] is accomplished quietly, without fanfare.” To Learn, to Do, to Be Thomas S. Monson Ensign, November 2008

“Finally, let us choose the stone of LOVE OF DUTY. Duty is not merely to do the thing we ought to do, but to do it when we should, whether we like it or not.” Meeting Your Goliath Thomas S. Monson New Era, June 2008

“May we learn what we should learn, do what we should do, and be what we should be.” Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 61

“I have found through the years and in a series of Church responsibilities that as long as I balance the load, delegate and shift the burden if it becomes too cumbersome, making sure that family, business, and other interests counterbalance my load of duty, it becomes light. I delight in carrying this burden for as long as my duty requires.” Service in the Church Spencer H. Osborn Ensign, November 1984

“Our duty lies in assisting others, through the power of the Spirit, to know and understand the doctrines and principles of the gospel.” Now Is the Time M. Russell Ballard Ensign, November 2000 

“There is no power given to the adversary of men’s souls to destroy us if we are doing our duty.” Chapter 3: Walking in the Path That Leads to Life Eternal Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant

“So far, these organizations have accomplished a most excellent primary work. I pray God to bless all our auxiliary organizations, from the first to the last, that they may do their duty, that they may not sit idly down and neglect to work. We are laboring for the salvation of souls, and we should feel that this is the greatest duty devolving upon us.” Chapter 38: Serving in the Church Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith

“Let us feel, every one of us, … that it is our duty to do something to build up the Church, as the Church’s duty is to build on truth and redeem mankind from sin. It is the duty of a representative of any individual group or organization to strive to represent that individual group or organization in honor.”  Chapter 12: Priesthood, the Responsibility to Represent God Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay

Our Relief Society Duties: “Through Relief Society, women have an official role in the Church with great responsibilities, “including working in the temple and teaching the gospel.”⁹ Further, Relief Society is to help women “plant and make grow . . . a testimony of [Jesus] Christ and of the Gospel,”¹⁰ “strengthen the family and the home,”¹¹ and “attend to all family duties.”¹² It has responsibility to take care of the “necessities of the poor, the sick and the needy,” but President Joseph F. Smith said that the larger part of its work is “to look after the spiritual welfare [and salvation] . . . of all the female members of the Church.”¹³

The purpose of Relief Society, as established by the Lord, is to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life.

To fulfill the purpose of Relief Society, the Lord has commissioned each Relief Society sister and the organization as a whole to:

1. Increase in faith and personal righteousness.
2. Strengthen families and homes.
3. Serve the Lord and His children.

Each one of these responsibilities supports and reinforces the other two. When we increase our faith, the result of that effort strengthens our family. When we serve the Lord and His children, our faith and capacity for righteousness increase. The three responsibilities are inseparably connected. 

The First Presidency has counseled, “However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform.”¹⁶ Children being born now are growing up in an increasingly sinful world. Our homes are to be their refuge from the daily encounters they have with evil. Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society, Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President , October 2009

Sunday Report: Doing our Duty

April 11, 2010, Ward RS Presidency Message: Taught by: Sister Kimball

Excerpts Quotes used in today’s lesson: 

Coming to an Understanding with Ourselves:"President David O. McKay counseled: ' "The greatest battle of life is fought within  the silent chambers of your own soul.". . . It is a good thing to  sit down and commune with yourself, to come to an  understanding with yourself and decide in that silent moment what your duty is to your family, to your Church, to your country, and . . . to your fellowmen' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1967, 84-85)." Thomas S. Monson, "Choose You This Day," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 68

What Is This Thing Called Duty?

The duty of which I speak is what we are expected to do and to be. It is a moral imperative summoning forth from individuals and communities that which is right, true, and honorable. Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence. It is not simply what is legal; it is what is virtuous. It is not reserved to the mighty or high in station but instead rests on a foundation of personal responsibility, integrity, and courage. Doing one’s duty is a manifestation of one’s faith. President Monson said of it: “I love and cherish the noble word duty.”¹⁰ For members of the Church of Jesus Christ, our path of duty is keeping our covenants in daily life.  Our Path of Duty, Bishop Keith B. McMullin, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric April 2010 General Conference

Duty (from "due," that which is owing) is a term that conveys a sense of moral commitment to someone or something. The moral commitment is the sort that results in action and it is not a matter of passive feeling or mere recognition. When someone recognizes a duty, that person commits himself/herself to the cause involved without considering the self-interested courses of actions that may have been relevant previously. This is not to suggest that living a life of duty precludes one of the best sorts of lives but duty does involve some sacrifice of immediate self-interest. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Our Duty is: Our Priority, Purpose, Worth, Responsibility, Obligation.

To Whom and to What Are We Duty Bound?

First, our path of duty is to God, our Eternal Father. He is the author of the plan of salvation, “the framer of heaven and earth,” the creator of Adam and Eve.¹¹ He is the fountain of truth,¹² the embodiment of love,¹³ and the reason there is redemption through Christ.¹⁴

Said President Joseph F. Smith: “All that we have comes from [God]. . . . In and of ourselves we are but a lifeless lump of clay. Life, intelligence, wisdom, judgment, power to reason, all are the gifts of God to the children of men. He gives us our physical strength as well as our mental powers. . . . We should honor God with our intelligence, with our strength, with our understanding, with our wisdom, and with all the power that we possess. We should seek to do good in the world. This is our duty.”¹⁵

One cannot do his or her duty to God the Father without doing likewise to the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. To revere one requires reverence for the other, for the Father has appointed that it is only in and through the name of Christ that one can completely fulfill this dutiful charge.¹⁶ He is our Exemplar, our Redeemer, and our King.

As men and women and boys and girls do their duty to God, they feel impelled to do their duty to one another, to their family, to their church and nation, to all things entrusted to their care. They are duty bound to magnify their talents and to be a law-abiding, good people. They become humble, submissive, and easily entreated. Temperance conquers indulgence; obedience guides their diligence. Peace distills upon them. Citizens become loyal, communities become benevolent, and neighbors become friends. The God of heaven is pleased, the earth is pacified, and this world becomes a better place.¹⁷  Our Path of Duty, Bishop Keith B. McMullin, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric April 2010 General Conference

Additional Quotes about Our Duties and Responsibilities:

“On occasion, however, the duty to respond is downright overpowering. All of us have a solemn duty to honor the priesthood and labor to bring many precious souls unto the Lord.” Duty Calls Thomas S. Monson Ensign, January 2002

“Duty is never worthily performed until it is performed by one who would gladly do more if only he could.” The Sacred Call of Service Thomas S. Monson Ensign, May 2005

“The performance of one’s duty brings a sense of happiness and peace. I acted, and behold— Duty was joy.” The Sacred Call of Service Thomas S. Monson Ensign, May 2005

“The call of duty can come quietly as we who hold the priesthood respond to the assignments we receive.” The Sacred Call of Service Thomas S. Monson Ensign, May 2005

“Your desire to learn your duty is evident. The old adage is ever true: “Do your duty, that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.” Most service given by priesthood holders [and Relief Society Sisters] is accomplished quietly, without fanfare.” To Learn, to Do, to Be Thomas S. Monson Ensign, November 2008

“Finally, let us choose the stone of LOVE OF DUTY. Duty is not merely to do the thing we ought to do, but to do it when we should, whether we like it or not.” Meeting Your Goliath Thomas S. Monson New Era, June 2008

“May we learn what we should learn, do what we should do, and be what we should be.” Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 61

“I have found through the years and in a series of Church responsibilities that as long as I balance the load, delegate and shift the burden if it becomes too cumbersome, making sure that family, business, and other interests counterbalance my load of duty, it becomes light. I delight in carrying this burden for as long as my duty requires.” Service in the Church Spencer H. Osborn Ensign, November 1984

“Our duty lies in assisting others, through the power of the Spirit, to know and understand the doctrines and principles of the gospel.” Now Is the Time M. Russell Ballard Ensign, November 2000 

“There is no power given to the adversary of men’s souls to destroy us if we are doing our duty.” Chapter 3: Walking in the Path That Leads to Life Eternal Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant

“So far, these organizations have accomplished a most excellent primary work. I pray God to bless all our auxiliary organizations, from the first to the last, that they may do their duty, that they may not sit idly down and neglect to work. We are laboring for the salvation of souls, and we should feel that this is the greatest duty devolving upon us.” Chapter 38: Serving in the Church Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith

“Let us feel, every one of us, … that it is our duty to do something to build up the Church, as the Church’s duty is to build on truth and redeem mankind from sin. It is the duty of a representative of any individual group or organization to strive to represent that individual group or organization in honor.”  Chapter 12: Priesthood, the Responsibility to Represent God Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay

Our Relief Society Duties: “Through Relief Society, women have an official role in the Church with great responsibilities, “including working in the temple and teaching the gospel.”⁹ Further, Relief Society is to help women “plant and make grow . . . a testimony of [Jesus] Christ and of the Gospel,”¹⁰ “strengthen the family and the home,”¹¹ and “attend to all family duties.”¹² It has responsibility to take care of the “necessities of the poor, the sick and the needy,” but President Joseph F. Smith said that the larger part of its work is “to look after the spiritual welfare [and salvation] . . . of all the female members of the Church.”¹³

The purpose of Relief Society, as established by the Lord, is to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life.

To fulfill the purpose of Relief Society, the Lord has commissioned each Relief Society sister and the organization as a whole to:

1. Increase in faith and personal righteousness.
2. Strengthen families and homes.
3. Serve the Lord and His children.

Each one of these responsibilities supports and reinforces the other two. When we increase our faith, the result of that effort strengthens our family. When we serve the Lord and His children, our faith and capacity for righteousness increase. The three responsibilities are inseparably connected. 

The First Presidency has counseled, “However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform.”¹⁶ Children being born now are growing up in an increasingly sinful world. Our homes are to be their refuge from the daily encounters they have with evil. Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society, Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President , October 2009

Sunday Report: General Conference

April 4,  2010

What a wonderful  Conference – We were reminded to make our families a priority, we need to continually nourish our spirits, we need to stand for truth and righteousness and not be desensitized by worldliness.

Wow!  Technology has blesses our lives – the 180th Annual General Conference has just wrapped up an hour and half ago and we can read, listen, and watch it all over again – almost immediately we can review the messages shared.  Here is the written version linked via the Church News Coverage of Conference.  http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/59130/180th-Annual-General-Conference----Church-News-coverage.html

Easter

Amid the hubbub of Easter baskets and candy, dyed eggs and chocolate bunnies, & matching Easter dresses for church services on Sunday, we find ourselves celebrating two distinctive  holidays  simultaneously.  The fun, light hearted, frivolous pastel, candy coated Easter that has more to do with spring time and worldly traditions and folklore and the other a deeply religious reminder of the death and resurrection of our Savior.

The Candy Coated Easter:  Egg hunts, Easter bunnies,  spring flowers, carrots being left out over night for the Easter bunny  - who magically brings baskets of goodies and candy – hidden all over the house.

How I remember it: When I was in kindergarten (5 years old), as all children do we compared notes about what holiday traditions occur in each family – we needed to compare notes to ensure appropriate distributions among each other – these traditions would certainly vary but this was also the tell for helping with tradition corrections – as was the result with Easter. 

As our class was preparing for the Easter bunny to visit the school, we as kindergarteners were able to see him first!, we were comparing traditions.  Tradition in my house had it that   the Easter baskets would be left in an obvious but interesting place – not the case of my fellow students – whose Easter bunny would leave their baskets in all sorts of places – hidden! so when they awoke Easter  morning they had to hunt – and find their basket.  I thought this was a wonderful idea and I needed to in form my Easter bunny (fyi: our family  wasn’t much into making Santa and the EB as the bearers of all holiday gifts – they are concepts and traditions but we knew how it worked – “Santa” and “Easter Bunny” were like the holiday alias of our parents and that was just fine).  So I sat down with my EB (Mom) and we had a discussion “The Easter Bunny is doing it all wrong!” I explained, we discussed how the baskets were supposed to be hidden in places like the dryer, in closets, inside cabinets – and hidden so well that it was a challenge to find the baskets.  The EB got better and hiding our baskets became tradition! 

My Favorite Easter Tradition: we had and still have and I will continue to carry on with my future family – We separate Easter fun from Easter spiritual:  As long as I can remember our EB came the Saturday before Easter  - Saturday was the day for hyped up candy, over dosing on chocolate, playing with a new toy, Easter egg hunts, and the like.    Sunday was for Easter dresses, new shoes, and Sunday bests, Church Services, Easter Sunday Dinner with family and most importantly it was about Jesus Christ.  So we have always had an Easter Saturday and an Easter Sunday!

The Religious Easter: Easter is a deeply religious reminder of the death and resurrection of our Savior.  Living in a pretty religious community, I pass a lot of churches on my way to church on Sundays, I have always loved seeing Easter Sunday with church parking lots full (our church lot will be fairly empty this year due to Easter falling on General Conference Sunday and so many watching conference at home now!)  parishioners donning their Sunday best, car loads walking into services, it is nice to see that Easter Sunday is a priority to so  many.  I see their Easter symbols on the front lawns: crosses with purple shrouds, banners with calls to join in Easter services, Signs declaring “He is Risen!” even Easter lilies for sale on the road side. 

We are a little bit different in our Easter Service – Certainly the ward choir sings, there are talks given, perhaps lessons gear a little more toward an Easter theme… but nothing distinctly out of the ordinary from other Sundays.  We talk on the Life and Resurrection of the Savior and his infinite atonement often, every Sunday as we partake of the sacrament we are reminded of the Atonement and His sacrifice for us and in preparation for the Sacrament we sing many familiar “Easter” hymns.  It is as though we celebrate Easter Sunday -every Sunday and yet with out the traditional physical symbolism in the front yard of the church.   It is often asked Why aren’t there Crosses on our church buildings and temples, in our homes, or worn to express our faith.  President Gordon B. Hinkley  addressed this in the April 2005 Ensign, Fist Presidency Message: Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Symbol of Our Faith,” Ensign, Apr 2005 

“Following the renovation of the Mesa Arizona Temple some years ago, clergy of other religions were invited to tour it on the first day of the open house period. Hundreds responded. In speaking to them, I said we would be pleased to answer any queries they might have. Among these was one from a Protestant minister.

Said he: “I’ve been all through this building, this temple which carries on its face the name of Jesus Christ, but nowhere have I seen any representation of the cross, the symbol of Christianity. I have noted your buildings elsewhere and likewise find an absence of the cross. Why is this when you say you believe in Jesus Christ?”

I responded: “I do not wish to give offense to any of my Christian colleagues who use the cross on the steeples of their cathedrals and at the altars of their chapels, who wear it on their vestments, and imprint it on their books and other literature. But for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the Living Christ.”

He then asked: “If you do not use the cross, what is the symbol of your religion?”

I replied that the lives of our people must become the most meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship.”

As we celebrate and bear testimony of  the Life and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we cannot help but contemplate the miracles that come from his incredible sacrifice for each of us.  Because of the Atonement we are saved, because he paid the price of our sins we can repent and be forgiven.  Miraculous indeed. 

from Mormon Messages:

180th Annual General Conference

General Conference is this weekend!

We gather together as an entire church to hear the words of our Prophet ,  Apostles, and General Authorities. I encourage all of us to attend all the sessions – they are for our benefit.  As we prepare ourselves to listen and heed the voice of Lord through his chosen servants we will find answers to our prayers, guidance and direction in our lives, strength in the Gospel and greater Faith in Jesus Christ. 

General Conference Activities for Children and Youth: 

• www.ConferenceGames.lds.org 
• Conference Note book
• Conference Squares – like bingo
•  Conference Coloring Page
• http://lds.about.com/od/generalconferencegames/General_Conference_Activities_and_Games.htm
• http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851

April 3 & 4 General Conference: Sessions on both days: 12-2pm, 4-6pm (8pm Priesthood on Saturday at the church building) Speakers will include the First Presidency, Apostles, General Authorities and General Auxiliary Leaders. Conference can be seen at any Ward Building with Satellite Transmission, live video/ audio streams can also be watched on the internet at lds.org, byutv.org, and on Television KBYU: Direct TV # 374 and Verizon Fios #290

April Fools

Here is a funny story – unfortunately not true  (email debut in 2003)– but clever none the less – makes for a fun April fool’s day tale.
 
An atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter & Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews & observances of their holy days. The argument was....it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized day.
The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, “Case dismissed.”

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, “Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter & others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur & Hanukkah. Yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays.” The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, “But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant.” The lawyer said, “Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.” The judge said. The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Ps. 14: 1 and Ps. 53: 1 states, “The fool says in his heart, there is no God.” Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned.

How I know it’s not a true story – well at least the litigation part: http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/atheist.asp

Where/ How did April Fool’s Day start?

• http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1635223/20100331/story.jhtml  
• http://www.infoplease.com/spot/aprilfools1.html 
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools'_Day