Faith
VE1
When I keep a regular schedule of prayer, I feel more in tune with the spirit. I'm more aware of my surroundings, and I feel inspired by so many more things. Developing a closer relationship with God also comes through communicating with Him faithfully. I understand more of what He wants for my life as I am prompted in mostly little and sometimes big ways throughout my day.
VE 2
Discuss the qualities a woman needs to teach children to have faith and to base their decisions on gospel truths. (This prompt came after reading the roles of motherhood in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" and about the mothers of Helaman's stripling warriors in Alma 56:45-48 and 57:21.)Mom: "The qualities would be first that she would have to have faith herself. You can't teach or be an example of something you do not possess. I think these mothers of the stripling Warriors were great examples as it says they did not doubt their mothers knew. I like the word exactness in verse 21 of ch 57. That says to me that they knew what they were doing and did it with precision because of the things their mothers had done. I also like that they bring courage into the picture. In today's world I think parents and mostly mothers need courage to stand firm in their beliefs because children will be hit from many sources that will be trying to teach them that sin and immorality are okay and are to be embraced and considered the norm."
I've come to understand the importance of confidence. I know that I am a daughter of God, and that I have special talents and abilities that in combination with my spirit and mind cannot be duplicated. Yet there are times when I am timid, not so much in making righteous decisions, but in making any decision. I always know what I want, but am rarely willing to be the first to speak up about it. I want to be able to solidify that link between knowing who I am and what my purpose is with my daily actions. The mother's of the stripling warriors were exact in their teachings, not only through their words, but through their example in ALL things.
VE 3
Tithing is something I can do perfectly. I know that both physical and spiritual blessings come from paying 1/10 of my earnings. A little experience I had was when I was in college. Jake and I were really REALLY poor, like EXTRA poor one month. I thought that maybe I was supposed to be getting a refund for the excess of my student loans, so I went to the cashier's office to ask about it. After a few minutes, the woman helping me asked if I'd claimed my bank card with the funds on it, and I told her no because I'd signed up for direct deposit. She let me know that I hadn't done so with that particular office, and that I had an account with money waiting for me. I was really excited - even more so when I found out it was over $4,000! I know this was one of the many blessings of paying a tithing. I have faith to turn over what God has allowed me to have in the first place.
Divine Nature
- Dilligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity
- humble, submissive, gentle, easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. And see that ye have a faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works
- Charity, virtue, confidence
- Mother, nurturer
I can gain/strengthen these attributes in me by being aware of them, by knowing what they mean, and how they can help improve me and my experience. I can put each attribute to use after I learn of them. Experience is the best teacher.
What are important attributes for being a mother?
One of the talks I read was "A Mother Heart" by Julie B. Beck. It is full of gems, but one thing I especially like is "she is 'not weary in well-doing'.” One hang up I really had as a mother was patience when Cora was getting sleepy. She didn't want to be put down, but she didn't really want to be with me, and it could take her HOURS to fall asleep. I could feel myself getting anxious, and frustration would bubble up inside me. I felt horrible for the way I felt, so one fast Sunday I decided to fast for more patience. I was amazed at how different I felt.
VE3
I tried to show love through staying on top of our home. I often let things go a little too far before taking care of them, mostly just the laundry, but that is just about the bane of my existence. I unloaded the dishwasher each morning so the dishes would never have a chance to pile up. It was nice how staying on top of just one thing freed me up to take care of more and more. It was a snowball effect. I even mopped the floor twice in a row one day to make sure it was extra clean. Being in a clean, clutter free environment is really important to Jake and me. It helps us enjoy one another more, rather than worrying about what's going on around us. This is really important to Jake, especially with him being so busy with school and work. I want to make his life as stress free as possible.
Individual Worth
VE 1
Heavenly Father loves and is mindful of me.
VE3
I spent three weeks noticing things my mom did while she was with me after I had Cora. She always made sure we had good, balanced meals to eat. I saw something important in those three weeks that I will treasure forever. My mom takes care of the little things, she looks out for them. One day I was nursing Cora when dinner was brought over. Everyone at our house started eating right away, my mom was in her room resting, but noticed it also when I went to get her to eat when I was finished feeding Cora. When the same situation could have occurred the next time, my mom said, I'm going to wait for BrieAnn to finish with Cora. That little act meant a lot to me. I was able to feel like I was a part of the meal and conversation, and that me being part of that was worth waiting for.
VE 1
Knowledge and understanding are different.
Line upon line. We must gain wisdom to continue to increase in wisdom.
Knowlegde can give us an advantage
"It's impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."
We will carry whatever portion of intelligence we attain in this life with us to the next. One of my favorite scriptures is "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." We need to know what we know and believe.
VE2
Talents:
Loving people
Empathy
Cooking
Seeing the big picture
Writing
Taking care of Cora
Sticking to a budget
singing
Talents I'd like to develop:
Guitar
Singing
Painting
time management
Planning ahead is something I've been able to develop as I've been married and had a family of my own. I'm able to budget for our finances as well as plan out menus to help our home run more efficiently. It brings a sense of peace to not have to worry about things that have the potential to be very time consuming.
VE2
Talents:
Loving people
Empathy
Cooking
Seeing the big picture
Writing
Taking care of Cora
Sticking to a budget
singing
Talents I'd like to develop:
Guitar
Singing
Painting
time management
Planning ahead is something I've been able to develop as I've been married and had a family of my own. I'm able to budget for our finances as well as plan out menus to help our home run more efficiently. It brings a sense of peace to not have to worry about things that have the potential to be very time consuming.
Choice & Accountability
VE1
Developing a regular habit of scripture study and prayer helps me stay more in tune with the spirit to know what I should be doing throughout my day to help me be what God would have me be. (See Faith VE1)
VE2
I know that keeping our minds free of unbecoming language, violent images, and dishonest thoughts can help us tremendously. We have been counseled not to watch R-rated movies. I follow that counsel because I know that certain images and ideas can be permanently etched in my mind. Those thoughts, in many cases, can be overwhelming. They can lead to tainted actions.
VE3
We have been given the knowledge of good and evil. All that comes from God is good. Our obedience to Him will direct us towards the things he wants, desires, created for us, the good in the world. When we stray from choosing the right, we are turning away from the promptings of the Holy Ghost - one of the many things put in place to help us understand God's will for our lives.
We receive blessings through our obedience to God, and when we choose to turn away from what He would have us do, our consequence ends up being ourselves - the guilt we live with and must overcome.
Good Works
VE1
- My parents bought Jake and umbrella after his broke
- Jake drove to the airport with a friend
- Jake drove a few hours to give a blessing to a friend in need
- The ward helped the same family move twice
- My friend Ashleigh is always there to help anyone in a time of need
- Becky Gray helped Cora see Mark for eczema
- Ashley helping Rachel pick out outfits
There are too many acts of service I'm able to witness to list them all. People helping people is the most far reaching way God blesses our lives.
VE3
Mourn with those who mourn
Comfort those who stand in need of comfort
Stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places
Write letters/words of encouragement
Testify of Christ's atonement and resurrection
Pray for them
Praying for an individual is something that has helped me have a deeper understanding and appreciation for that person. I love them more when I pray for them. In this I am better able to understand and comfort them.
VE1
- My parents bought Jake and umbrella after his broke
- Jake drove to the airport with a friend
- Jake drove a few hours to give a blessing to a friend in need
- The ward helped the same family move twice
- My friend Ashleigh is always there to help anyone in a time of need
- Becky Gray helped Cora see Mark for eczema
- Ashley helping Rachel pick out outfits
There are too many acts of service I'm able to witness to list them all. People helping people is the most far reaching way God blesses our lives.
VE3
Mourn with those who mourn
Comfort those who stand in need of comfort
Stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places
Write letters/words of encouragement
Testify of Christ's atonement and resurrection
Pray for them
Praying for an individual is something that has helped me have a deeper understanding and appreciation for that person. I love them more when I pray for them. In this I am better able to understand and comfort them.
Integrity
VE1
The difference between God's standards and the world's standards have never been more apparent than they are at this time. The anything goes attitude crushes personal standards and integrity. I commit myself to living a higher law. It may not be the cool thing to do with everyone I meet, but it's the cool thing in terms of happiness. I will dress modestly, use intelligent language, participate in wholesome activities, be a responsible steward of the earth, serve those around me, be honest in all things, attend the temple regularly, strive to strengthen and continually develop my testimony of Christ's gospel, and be an example of peace and simple living.
VE2
I've always had this weird thing about telling little white lies to smooth over a situation. I'd never thought twice about it, until I was concocting one for someone else to use, and she said, "that would be lying." I've always said I'm a horrible liar, and I am. I'm no good at telling big untruths, but I never thought about the little ones I'd say. I suppose I used to justify these little lies as ways to keep peace, but a lie is a lie. I've been working on finding a way to smooth over a situation with truth. It's much more respectful to all parties involved. A little lie cuts the person being lied to short because it's like I don't think they're capable enough to handle the reality of the situation. The reality in my situation is usually forgetfulness. I hope that I will never be inclined to do this again.
VE3
Integrity is not departing from the things you believe in - even when your freedom/life is at stake. There are several examples of people with integrity in the scriptures. They stood up for what was right even though they were in a position to be killed for doing so. Now, rather than being killed, the worry is that we might appear unpopular or naive for sticking to our standards. I will never forget the time I was at Girl's Camp and I, along with several other girls, were getting ready for bed in the bathroom. They were cussing up a storm. I wasn't part of the stake any more, I'd moved, but went with my old ward. I knew a lot of the girls (they weren't from my ward), and I didn't think I'd say anything, but when I finished brushing my teeth, I finally found my courage. I said something like the ground we were on was dedicated to the Lord, and that we were disrespecting that and opening ourselves up for unkind spirits to enter in among us. When I was done with my little schpiel, there was silence, and a lot of eyes staring at me. I just walked out without another word, feeling so proud and dumb all at the same time. Right after I got out the door, a girl I'd gone to school with came out and caught my arm. I don't remember everything she said, but she did say what I did was cool, and she apologized on behalf of the girls cussing, as well as said they shouldn't be doing that. It made me feel so good that her integrity validated my own.
VE1
The difference between God's standards and the world's standards have never been more apparent than they are at this time. The anything goes attitude crushes personal standards and integrity. I commit myself to living a higher law. It may not be the cool thing to do with everyone I meet, but it's the cool thing in terms of happiness. I will dress modestly, use intelligent language, participate in wholesome activities, be a responsible steward of the earth, serve those around me, be honest in all things, attend the temple regularly, strive to strengthen and continually develop my testimony of Christ's gospel, and be an example of peace and simple living.
VE2
I've always had this weird thing about telling little white lies to smooth over a situation. I'd never thought twice about it, until I was concocting one for someone else to use, and she said, "that would be lying." I've always said I'm a horrible liar, and I am. I'm no good at telling big untruths, but I never thought about the little ones I'd say. I suppose I used to justify these little lies as ways to keep peace, but a lie is a lie. I've been working on finding a way to smooth over a situation with truth. It's much more respectful to all parties involved. A little lie cuts the person being lied to short because it's like I don't think they're capable enough to handle the reality of the situation. The reality in my situation is usually forgetfulness. I hope that I will never be inclined to do this again.
VE3
Integrity is not departing from the things you believe in - even when your freedom/life is at stake. There are several examples of people with integrity in the scriptures. They stood up for what was right even though they were in a position to be killed for doing so. Now, rather than being killed, the worry is that we might appear unpopular or naive for sticking to our standards. I will never forget the time I was at Girl's Camp and I, along with several other girls, were getting ready for bed in the bathroom. They were cussing up a storm. I wasn't part of the stake any more, I'd moved, but went with my old ward. I knew a lot of the girls (they weren't from my ward), and I didn't think I'd say anything, but when I finished brushing my teeth, I finally found my courage. I said something like the ground we were on was dedicated to the Lord, and that we were disrespecting that and opening ourselves up for unkind spirits to enter in among us. When I was done with my little schpiel, there was silence, and a lot of eyes staring at me. I just walked out without another word, feeling so proud and dumb all at the same time. Right after I got out the door, a girl I'd gone to school with came out and caught my arm. I don't remember everything she said, but she did say what I did was cool, and she apologized on behalf of the girls cussing, as well as said they shouldn't be doing that. It made me feel so good that her integrity validated my own.
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