This lesson was about the Lord's Law of Health, Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, by Sister Pam Bitsch who provided this summary.
We started out by reviewing the history of this section as told by Pres. Ezra Taft Benson in April conference 1983. The brethren came from miles around to attend the "School of the Prophets" where Joseph Smith instructed them in things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. In the absence of a temple, the meetings were held in a room in the home of Bishop Newel K. Whitney. After breakfast, the brethren would meet together in this room where they would light up their pipes and smoke while discussing the gospel. Then when the pipes had gone out, they would take a large chew of tobacco. The Prophet would find himself in a large cloud of smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean the floor, led him to inquire of the Lord relating to this and the Lord gave him the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom.
We went on the talk about this being a "principle" and not a hard and fast set of rules. Yes, many things are spelled out as to what we should put into our bodies and should not, but not everything is listed. How could it be? We need to be in touch with the Spirit and think about the principle of this revelation and relate it to the things we eat. Science, in our day, has borne out the proof of the things which Joseph Smith received. In his time, no one would have guessed that smoking or chewing tobacco or drinking tea and coffee could be bad for your health. The Word of Wisdom does not specifically say "tea and coffee", but not to use "hot drinks". Brigham Young said that hot drinks referenced tea and coffee -- and those were the drinks of that day. Sometimes today we will see studies saying that drinking tea and coffee are good for one. But we should know that following the Lord's counsel will always lead us to the best thing and not following the counsel of man. It also does not say to not use caffeine, but science in our day has shown us that caffeine has many bad side effects, too. There must be wisdom in the things we partake of. God gave us a body to house our spirits. It becomes a temple for our spirits and we need to care for it the best we can. Another thing Brigham Young commented about was resting to renew our strength and not to try to do "two days work in one" by using stimulants and drugs to keep ourselves going when we are tired.
We made a point of looking at the promises associated with keeping the Word of Wisdom, "to run and not be weary and to walk and not faint" and to have "great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures" made available to us. These are certainly wonderful promises and something we should all be striving to obtain.
I am so grateful to know that I have a Heavenly Father who cares about me so much that He even has revealed things that help me keep my body healthy. It is so hard to increase one's spirituality when you don't feel good so I know that God is helping us have the ability to have our good health and a healthy spirit work together for our good.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Of Things that Matter Most - RS Lesson, March 6, 2011
Sister Christine Breshears gave the lesson taken from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's General Conference talk of October, 2010 titled, Of Things that Matter Most.
President Uchtodorf reminds us that "when stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be". How many of us judge our self worth as a mother, wife, grandmother, etc. by the length of our TO DO list? The wise "resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life".
How can we stay focused on what matter most?
Elder Oaks gave a wonderful talk several years where he taught us that "we have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best". Remember this Good, Better, and Best talk? When we have decisions to make regarding how to spend our time and efforts, we can ask ourselves "What is the best use of my time?" Again President Uchtdorf reminds us that we "would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most". All of our circumstances are different, we need to evaluate ourselves (not the woman next to us) and decide what Heavenly Father expects of us.
So what are the Basics?
President Uchtdorf tells us that four key relationships are the basics of things that matter most. As we improve one relationship, the other relationships are strengthened.
1) Relationship with Heavenly Father - This relationship is nourished as we learn of Him and of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we keep His commandments, pray daily, study the scriptures, attend the temple, and spend meaningful time alone with Him our relationship with Him is strengthened.
2) Relationship with our Families - This bond is strengthened as we spend time together by doing simple things - family dinner, family home evening, etc. These are activities that don't require money as we are giving of our time. In fact President Uchtdorf says that love within a family is spelled T-I-M-E. He tells us that spending time together is the "key for harmony at home". Sounds like a great promise to me!
3) Relationship with our Fellowman - we develop relationships with others one person at a time. As we share our time and talents with others, we develop lasting relationships with those in our ward and neighborhoods. Visiting teaching provides us the opportunity to develop new relationships. We may find missionary opportunities also as we reach out to those around us.
4) Relationship with Ourselves - We need to remember that we our children of a Heavenly Father and we are of divine worth to Him. Let us focus on our strengths and not criticize and belittle ourselves.
One final reminder by President Uchtdorf " If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."
President Uchtodorf reminds us that "when stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be". How many of us judge our self worth as a mother, wife, grandmother, etc. by the length of our TO DO list? The wise "resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life".
How can we stay focused on what matter most?
Elder Oaks gave a wonderful talk several years where he taught us that "we have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best". Remember this Good, Better, and Best talk? When we have decisions to make regarding how to spend our time and efforts, we can ask ourselves "What is the best use of my time?" Again President Uchtdorf reminds us that we "would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most". All of our circumstances are different, we need to evaluate ourselves (not the woman next to us) and decide what Heavenly Father expects of us.
So what are the Basics?
President Uchtdorf tells us that four key relationships are the basics of things that matter most. As we improve one relationship, the other relationships are strengthened.
1) Relationship with Heavenly Father - This relationship is nourished as we learn of Him and of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we keep His commandments, pray daily, study the scriptures, attend the temple, and spend meaningful time alone with Him our relationship with Him is strengthened.
2) Relationship with our Families - This bond is strengthened as we spend time together by doing simple things - family dinner, family home evening, etc. These are activities that don't require money as we are giving of our time. In fact President Uchtdorf says that love within a family is spelled T-I-M-E. He tells us that spending time together is the "key for harmony at home". Sounds like a great promise to me!
3) Relationship with our Fellowman - we develop relationships with others one person at a time. As we share our time and talents with others, we develop lasting relationships with those in our ward and neighborhoods. Visiting teaching provides us the opportunity to develop new relationships. We may find missionary opportunities also as we reach out to those around us.
4) Relationship with Ourselves - We need to remember that we our children of a Heavenly Father and we are of divine worth to Him. Let us focus on our strengths and not criticize and belittle ourselves.
One final reminder by President Uchtdorf " If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
RS Birthday Dinner, March 1, 2011
We enjoyed a wonderful evening to honor the organization of Relief Society.
After a delicious dinner we were privileged to hear from Sister Rodriguez, first counselor in the Stake Relief Society presidency.
Sister Rodriguez spoke about the legacy of Relief Society. Relief Society has provided so much for women over the years and for many has been a blessing and influence.
She quoted Sister Julie B. Beck, who said, "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. I would like to say that again. 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."
The sisters are organized under the priesthood and in the manner of the priesthood. The Prophet Joseph said, "that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor—searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants—to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the community."
Relief Society is to strengthen families. We need to focus and come closer to the Savior.
Our challenge is to see what we can do to let the light of Relief Society shine in us. There is no other organization like Relief Society. We need to reach out.
Sister Vannucci closed the evening with this statement: "As Satan grows stronger, Heavenly Father needs us to be strong and focus on what is right and to strengthen each other."
After a delicious dinner we were privileged to hear from Sister Rodriguez, first counselor in the Stake Relief Society presidency.
Sister Rodriguez spoke about the legacy of Relief Society. Relief Society has provided so much for women over the years and for many has been a blessing and influence.
She quoted Sister Julie B. Beck, who said, "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. I would like to say that again. 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."
The sisters are organized under the priesthood and in the manner of the priesthood. The Prophet Joseph said, "that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor—searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants—to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the community."
Relief Society is to strengthen families. We need to focus and come closer to the Savior.
Our challenge is to see what we can do to let the light of Relief Society shine in us. There is no other organization like Relief Society. We need to reach out.
Sister Vannucci closed the evening with this statement: "As Satan grows stronger, Heavenly Father needs us to be strong and focus on what is right and to strengthen each other."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
