Living the Covenant to it's Fullest
Happy New Year's Eve! I have been wanting to say that all day. I have been so confused the past few days as people all over social media are posting pictures of themselves saying Happy 2018! That does not start until tomorrow, right!? So I guess some of you may be reading this tomorrow or something. Happy to you all!
I hope your week has been filled with Joy and Adventure. I know that mine has been pretty good, but before I go into that let's move with the thoughts of the week. 3 Nephi 27:4-7
There is so much to talk about in this verse; Murmuring, Disputing, Enduring, Taking, Calling Upon, Doing, Reading, and so much more, but I will just trying to focus where my thoughts have been.
The Wednesday before Christmas, I had the opportunity to go out with the missionaries. We were visiting a family, who if you asked them, would say they are participating members of the church. I believe that they feel they are doing what is right in their mind to raise their family, hence, one of the reasons we were visiting them. Their oldest is now 11, going on 12, and has yet to be baptized. They don't want her to be baptized just because she turned a certain age, but because she wants to be baptized, which she does. She has been to church a few times, 4 times a year on average, throughout her life. She has friends who are members of the church and she wants to be like them. She is familiar with the scriptures, knows the basics of the gospel, but does not truly understand or live them.
As I met with her and her siblings, it became obvious to me that there are some Disputations among her family. In fact, sometimes they put her in a very uncomfortable situation. Yet, I understand why her parents have not been pushing the idea of baptism. They seem to have questions, doubts, and disputations themselves, but are not willing or interesting in seeking out the answers. They would rather just live life to the best of their knowledge and ability and put up with the occasional knock on the door from members of the ward. It is kind of sad.
As I read and ponder these verses, I see the covenants that are made with baptism.
Reading the Scriptures.
Following what is taught in the Scriptures.
Taking upon us the name of Christ.
Enduring to the End.
Calling upon the Father in Christ name.
Just for starters.
I wonder how much of this happens in this family's home? I wonder how much of it happens in mine? The question continues to come to mind, like her parents, would it be a good thing to let her be baptized?
Then I am taken to another block of verses. Moroni 6. Start with verse 3, here the covenant of taking Christ's name upon us, but more importantly, the word RECEIVED. These people were not received until they were willing.
Is she willing?
Now jump to verse 4, middle of the verse "...they were numbered among the people...that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God,to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ,..."
Verse 5, "...did meet together oft, to fast, and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls."
Now I question. Have I/We received this family? Have them been remembered? Are they being nourished? Do we meet with them oft? Do we fast and pray for/with them? Do we speak concerning the welfare of their souls?
Yes, there is a responsibility that falls upon parents and individuals, but as a whole, as a body, as a congregation, we also have a responsibility. Are we living up this this covenant?
Today we had a special meeting during the last hour. We talked about looking for those around us whom we can serve. Normally, when we think about service, we think about doing some act. Cleaning, shoveling, feeding, driving, or such, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that really, we are just being asked to live this covenant. Do we see their needs? Are we waiting for someone to see our needs? Do we realize that when we reach out and attempt to meet the needs of others, our own are met?
Think about it. I know I am.
There you go, my thoughts.
On with the week:
It has been a good week. We were so blessed on Christmas Day to visit with SnakPack. We communicate with him every week and cherish those brief moments, but it was good to actually see and hear his voice. It was also gave us a chance to visit with Songbird. We even got to see her twice this week.
It was one of the highlights of the day.
The Queen, Professor, and I have been off this week. It has been a while since we have all been off at the same time. I must admit we took advantage of the time and had some lazy days.
It did not last long. By Tuesday afternoon, the Queen was getting restless. She is amazing.
On Wednesday, we woke before the Sun was up and headed south to add another new temple to our bucket list. It was a beautiful day for a drive. We were prepared to make it two day trip, but didn't have to.
Thursday was what we called "Recovery Prep". The Queen was in a nesting mood of sorts. And then Friday she had a little procedure that has kicked her butt for the rest of the week. She is enduring well. We continue to care for her and hope for a speedy recovery. Needless to say, she will be off for the next several weeks, to her dismay.
The Professor has taken advantage of the past couple days to binge watch her favs and prepare for her return to the classroom, both as instructor and student.
Tall Man and Ehl-Bo spent a couple days with us last weekend. It was good to catch up. Work for both is going well, but they too have been getting restless. They took some risks of their own and headed out on an adventure on Saturday morning. We have not heard the full report, but it sounds like they had lots of fun, even though it was a very long day. We are glad they made it home safely.
Puddin and Lady Hawkins also spent a couple days with us last weekend. They headed out bright and early Tuesday morning for an adventure of their own. We have not heard much from them since they left, but get little snippets to know that they are alive and well. We look forward to hearing a full report soon and having the opportunity to celebrate Lady Hawkins birth.
As I close today, I hope you all had the chance to study Elder Rasband's words. I hope that you all make it a point in your lives to see the Hand of God in all that you do and are blessed with everyday. Most importantly, I hope that you take the time to let Him know that you see Him in your lives.
This week, we are moving on to Elder Stevenson. Make it part of your day.
I hope your week has been filled with Joy and Adventure. I know that mine has been pretty good, but before I go into that let's move with the thoughts of the week. 3 Nephi 27:4-7
There is so much to talk about in this verse; Murmuring, Disputing, Enduring, Taking, Calling Upon, Doing, Reading, and so much more, but I will just trying to focus where my thoughts have been.
The Wednesday before Christmas, I had the opportunity to go out with the missionaries. We were visiting a family, who if you asked them, would say they are participating members of the church. I believe that they feel they are doing what is right in their mind to raise their family, hence, one of the reasons we were visiting them. Their oldest is now 11, going on 12, and has yet to be baptized. They don't want her to be baptized just because she turned a certain age, but because she wants to be baptized, which she does. She has been to church a few times, 4 times a year on average, throughout her life. She has friends who are members of the church and she wants to be like them. She is familiar with the scriptures, knows the basics of the gospel, but does not truly understand or live them.
As I met with her and her siblings, it became obvious to me that there are some Disputations among her family. In fact, sometimes they put her in a very uncomfortable situation. Yet, I understand why her parents have not been pushing the idea of baptism. They seem to have questions, doubts, and disputations themselves, but are not willing or interesting in seeking out the answers. They would rather just live life to the best of their knowledge and ability and put up with the occasional knock on the door from members of the ward. It is kind of sad.
As I read and ponder these verses, I see the covenants that are made with baptism.
Reading the Scriptures.
Following what is taught in the Scriptures.
Taking upon us the name of Christ.
Enduring to the End.
Calling upon the Father in Christ name.
Just for starters.
I wonder how much of this happens in this family's home? I wonder how much of it happens in mine? The question continues to come to mind, like her parents, would it be a good thing to let her be baptized?
Then I am taken to another block of verses. Moroni 6. Start with verse 3, here the covenant of taking Christ's name upon us, but more importantly, the word RECEIVED. These people were not received until they were willing.
Is she willing?
Now jump to verse 4, middle of the verse "...they were numbered among the people...that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God,to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ,..."
Verse 5, "...did meet together oft, to fast, and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls."
Now I question. Have I/We received this family? Have them been remembered? Are they being nourished? Do we meet with them oft? Do we fast and pray for/with them? Do we speak concerning the welfare of their souls?
Yes, there is a responsibility that falls upon parents and individuals, but as a whole, as a body, as a congregation, we also have a responsibility. Are we living up this this covenant?
Today we had a special meeting during the last hour. We talked about looking for those around us whom we can serve. Normally, when we think about service, we think about doing some act. Cleaning, shoveling, feeding, driving, or such, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that really, we are just being asked to live this covenant. Do we see their needs? Are we waiting for someone to see our needs? Do we realize that when we reach out and attempt to meet the needs of others, our own are met?
Think about it. I know I am.
There you go, my thoughts.
On with the week:
It has been a good week. We were so blessed on Christmas Day to visit with SnakPack. We communicate with him every week and cherish those brief moments, but it was good to actually see and hear his voice. It was also gave us a chance to visit with Songbird. We even got to see her twice this week.
It was one of the highlights of the day.
The Queen, Professor, and I have been off this week. It has been a while since we have all been off at the same time. I must admit we took advantage of the time and had some lazy days.
It did not last long. By Tuesday afternoon, the Queen was getting restless. She is amazing.
On Wednesday, we woke before the Sun was up and headed south to add another new temple to our bucket list. It was a beautiful day for a drive. We were prepared to make it two day trip, but didn't have to.
Thursday was what we called "Recovery Prep". The Queen was in a nesting mood of sorts. And then Friday she had a little procedure that has kicked her butt for the rest of the week. She is enduring well. We continue to care for her and hope for a speedy recovery. Needless to say, she will be off for the next several weeks, to her dismay.
The Professor has taken advantage of the past couple days to binge watch her favs and prepare for her return to the classroom, both as instructor and student.
Tall Man and Ehl-Bo spent a couple days with us last weekend. It was good to catch up. Work for both is going well, but they too have been getting restless. They took some risks of their own and headed out on an adventure on Saturday morning. We have not heard the full report, but it sounds like they had lots of fun, even though it was a very long day. We are glad they made it home safely.
Puddin and Lady Hawkins also spent a couple days with us last weekend. They headed out bright and early Tuesday morning for an adventure of their own. We have not heard much from them since they left, but get little snippets to know that they are alive and well. We look forward to hearing a full report soon and having the opportunity to celebrate Lady Hawkins birth.
As I close today, I hope you all had the chance to study Elder Rasband's words. I hope that you all make it a point in your lives to see the Hand of God in all that you do and are blessed with everyday. Most importantly, I hope that you take the time to let Him know that you see Him in your lives.
This week, we are moving on to Elder Stevenson. Make it part of your day.
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