screen shot of Cookie & Fudge on lds.org

a continuation of my personal study notes from last Sunday about Pres. Uchtdorf’s general conference talk “Of Things That Matter Most.”

“Our second key relationship is with our families. Since “no other success can compensate for failure” here, we must place high priority on our families. We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home.”

Things to do to develop a better relationship with my family:

• follow schedule of one-on-one time with each child
• weekly date night with Mr. FR
• help children to recognize and develop their talents (piano lessons, art instruction, cooking, etc.)
• plan better family home evenings
• attend the temple more frequently
• discuss the scriptures more during our daily family scripture study
• declutter our house, get rid of our excess so there is less time spent on “stuff” (cleaning, repairing) and more time spent on each other
• reduce screen time – no tv, less computer time (still need for school) during the day, especially now that the weather is beginning to warm up a bit
• keep studying The Family: A Proclamation to the World with the children during morning devotionals

“The third key relationship we have is with our fellowman. We build this relationship one person at a time—by being sensitive to the needs of others, serving them, and giving of our time and talents.”

 
Matthew 22:36-40 – 1st and great commandment…”…And the second is like unto it, though shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

cross-referenced with Matthew 25:40 ” . . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

cross-referenced with Mosiah 2:17 ” . . . when ye are the in service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

Ideas for serving more:

1. write to missionaries (we have seven serving from our ward!)
2. look at and choose humanitarian projects online
3. notice those I see at church – who needs a pick me up? who is sick and not there? DO something about it!!
4. specifically pray for opportunities to serve
5. LISTEN to the Spirit and follow through on the promptings I receive
6. Recognize service that needs to be done without being told all the time. Doctrine and Covenants 58:26 “For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.”
7. develop my talents so I CAN serve when the opportunity presents itself
8. look at my patriarchal blessing for ways I have been specifically asked to serve
• “talents and abilities to be used for the blessing of those around me”
• “cheerful disposition”
• “lift up those who are discouraged”
• “give hope to those who are in despair”
• “be sensitive to the needs of those around me”

Doctrine & Covenants 46:10 – 26  Gifts of the Spirit listed (verses 10-25) “And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.” (verse 26)

“The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.“

1. Study patriarchal lesson again
   • make a list of ALL talents/abilities/traits spoken of in there
   • recognize which ones I have already developed (and need to continue to develop)
   • work on developing others
   • be HONEST about changes that nee to be made
   • follow through with those changes

2. take time to ponder and meditate
3. go on nature walks
4. Study the creation

“Let us turn to the pure doctrinal waters of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us joyfully partake of them in their simplicity and plainness. . . 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. Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most. Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace.”

Scriptures that come to mind:
Matthew 7:24-27 – the wise man and the foolish man
Helaman 5:12 ” . . .remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation”
2 Nephi 25:28 ” . . .I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.”
2 Nephi 33:6 “I glory in plainess; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.”

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