Avoid the Great and Spacious Building

 

There has been mocking and finger pointing as of late in the church concerning the church's handbook clarification on gay/lesbian couples and the children in their home. This morning I re-listened to a talk from October Conference called Let the Clarion Trumpet Sound by Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer of the Seventy. Like all of the messages from our leaders, it is so timely.

Here is an excerpt from his remarks:

 "Over the many years that I have studied the story of Lehi’s dream in the Book of Mormon, I have always thought of the great and spacious building as a place where only the most rebellious reside. The building was filled with people mocking and pointing at the faithful who had held on to the iron rod, which represents the word of God, and had made their way to the tree of life, which represents the love of God. Some could not bear up under the pressure of the people mocking them and wandered off. Others decided to join the mockers in the building. Did they not have the courage to speak boldly against the criticisms or messages of the world?

As I watch the current world moving away from God, I think this building is growing in size. Many find themselves today wandering the halls of the great and spacious building, not realizing that they are actually becoming part of its culture. They often succumb to the temptations and the messages. We eventually find them mocking or chiming in with those who criticize or mock.

For years I thought the mocking crowd was making fun of the way the faithful live their lives, but the voices from the building today have changed their tone and approach. Those who mock often try to drown out the simple message of the gospel by attacking some aspect of the Church’s history or offering pointed criticism of a prophet or other leader. They are also attacking the very heart of our doctrine and the laws of God, given since the Creation of the earth. We, as disciples of Jesus Christ and members of His Church, must never let go of that iron rod. We must let the clarion trumpet sound from our own souls.

The simple message is that God is our loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is His Son. The gospel is restored in these latter days through living prophets, and the evidence is the Book of Mormon. The path of happiness is through the basic family unit as originally organized and revealed by our Heavenly Father. This is the familiar melody of the message that many can recognize because they have heard it from their premortal life.

It is time for us, as Latter-day Saints, to stand up and testify.

Grateful to Serve

For our November Scout Pack Meeting the scouts made craft Turkeys and assembled care packages for the single sisters in our ward. These included Christmas music, a DVD about Jesus Christ, a candle, cookies, candy kisses,  soup in a jar, and a handmade card signed by each of the young boys. The boys then went with their family to deliver the basket and visit with one sister. 

 This was a great learning experience for the boys to learn to give to others. In Primary the theme for the month is Mosiah 2:7, "When ye are in the service of your Fellow Beings, You are only in the Service of your God". 

I am grateful for parents who taught me the fulfillment and joy that comes from serving others.

Here are a few comments made from some of the sisters who received a basket:  

Joyce Kristofferson I was privileged to receive one of our scouts projects. Thank you scouts. The turkey is awesome. The gifts on the tray wonderful and so perfect for the coming holiday. 

 

Susan Clark Williams-Ashby My mother was overwhelmed by the generosity and love shown to her tonight. Thanx to all the scouts and their families and my mother's thoughtful Angel Shelly, you all really made her feel special tonight!!!

Marsha Whiting Dutson What a special surprise for me and Madi. She couldn't have been more excited. Thanks for making us feel so special

Simple....Gospel....Teachings

This is a post shared by my friend:
"Can I be in charge of the lesson for Family night tonight, Mom?"
It caught me off guard and I'm not sure why.
She made a request for scissors, fabric, a sweater, a piece of paper, and a pen. 30 minutes later she had a beautiful, accurate, and well thought out lesson about the Good Samaritan.
...

In church on Sunday we discussed the importance of the organization of stakes. What an odd lesson, I thought.
However, once we got into the meat of the lesson I was in tears. It is because of the organization of the church that my kids are being taught what they are.
I don't have all the time in the world. And I teach my kids what I can. But sometimes I can't. And sometimes I don't know the stories as well as I'd feel comfortable admitting. But because of their teachers, who were called by the bishop, who was called by the stake president...because of these volunteers, my kids are learning gospel stories. And understanding them. And loving church.
Sometimes it's hard to love going to church...sacrament meeting especially. Like when your kid decides to take a marker to the church bench, or they all simultaneously have screaming meltdowns and you have to carry 2 of the 3 out while crying yourself because you are so embarrassed, or whatever the reason may be.
But, because of the inspired organization that there is, and because of the disciples of Christ that I am surrounded by...relief comes.
Having to be the recipient of so many service opportunities isn't easy. But I'm learning to accept and appreciate them. And someday, I'll be able to repay. Someday.
Life isn't easy.
This post evolved.
The church is true.
The end.

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My reply:  Love you and love that your kids listened as I taught and had the kids act out the account of the good Samaritan in sharing time! The real key that I learned just a few years ago is to follow the outline that the church organization puts out. Simple...gospel...teachings!