Here is my outline and quotes page from my lesson yesterday. By the way, if you're wondering what the lesson title acronym stands for, ask a returned missionary.
Helping Others Recognize the Whisperings of the Spirit
Vicki F. Matsumori
October 2009 General Conference
Understanding the Doctrine
Doctrine and Covenants 68:25
And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.
Share Personal Testimony
Provide an Environment Where the Spirit Can Dwell
Quote page:
The Holy Ghost causes our feelings to be more tender. We feel more charitable and compassionate with each other. We are more calm in our relationships. We have a greater capacity to love each other. People want to be around us because our very countenances radiate the influence of the Spirit. We are more godly in our character. As a result, we become increasingly more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus able to comprehend spiritual things more clearly.-Ezra Taft Benson April 1988 Ensign
I fear that some members of the Lord’s Church “live far beneath our privileges” with regard to the gift of the Holy Ghost. Some are distracted by the things of the world that block out the influence of the Holy Ghost, preventing them from recognizing spiritual promptings. This is a noisy and busy world that we live in. Remember that being busy is not necessarily being spiritual. If we are not careful, the things of this world can crowd out the things of the Spirit.
Some are spiritually deadened and past feeling because of their choices to commit sin. Others simply hover in spiritual complacency with no desire to rise above themselves and commune with the Infinite.
If they would open their hearts to the refining influence of this unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, a glorious new spiritual dimension would come to light. Their eyes would gaze upon a vista scarcely imaginable. They could know for themselves things of the Spirit that are choice, precious, and capable of enlarging the soul, expanding the mind, and filling the heart with inexpressible joy.
…Brothers and sisters, do we turn away the still, small voice? Do we do things that offend the Holy Ghost? Do we allow influences into our homes that drive the Spirit from our homes? The type of entertainment that we permit into our homes will certainly have an impact on the power of the Holy Ghost. Much of the entertainment of the world is offensive to the Holy Ghost. Surely we should not watch movies or television shows that are filled with violence, vulgar language, and immorality.
I invite you to ponder individually in a humble and prayerful manner and ask yourself: “Do I have the Spirit in my life? Am I happy? Am I doing anything in my life that is offensive to the Spirit and preventing the Holy Ghost from being my constant companion?” Have the courage to repent, if needed, and again enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Do we enjoy the influence of the Holy Ghost in our homes? Are we doing anything as a family that is offensive to the Spirit? Can we more effectively invite the Holy Ghost into our homes?
In these perilous times, we need this unspeakable gift in our lives. President Boyd K. Packer reminds us: “We need not live in fear of the future. We have every reason to rejoice and little reason to fear. If we follow the promptings of the Spirit, we will be safe, whatever the future holds. We will be shown what to do.”
-Joseph B. Wirthlin May 2003 ENSIGN
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Stone Olympics Medals
I have organized a competition for Memorial Day weekend, called the Stone Olympics, which includes a sprint triathlon, mini triathlon, 25 m swim, 50 m dash, race to gate, obstacle course, horseshoes, three-legged race, sack race, football toss, I think that's all. I may have forgotten an event or two. Anyway, I ordered some medals for the winners.
I wanted to give all of the participants something to look forward to, so I'm posting pictures of the medals. I know some of the kids have already been training. So keep up the good work. The triathlon events will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2010 and the other events will be held on Monday, May 31, 2010. Good luck everybody!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Punctuality
One of my biggest pet peeves is being late. It is extremely rude and disrespectful. I especially despise being late to church. Think about who you are disrespecting when you walk in late to church. Before my accident, I don’t remember one time I was late to church. In fact, I would always arrive at least 10 minutes early. Granted, I only had myself to worry about.
Now, I have to rely on others for everything, including taking me places. And it really bugs me to be late. Anywhere. Especially to church.
Being late is egotistical and selfish. Granted, there are unforeseen emergencies/obstacles. Which are understandable. But for the most part being late is a choice. An egotistical, selfish, disrespectful, rude choice. Being chronically late is not understandable nor okay. It is a serious character flaw.
If someone invites you to their house, and you agree, it is common courtesy to show up at the appointed time. Especially for dinner, because the host puts forth much effort into preparing the meal to be served at the appointed time.
Any time you make an appointment to be somewhere, including standing appointments such as church service weekly, you should make every effort to be there on time. Once again, it is common courtesy and shows respect to be punctual.
You know in advance what time you need to be there, how long it will take you to travel, how long it will take you to get ready. Therefore, plan accordingly to allow enough time to arrive punctually.
Being on time is not about having enough time. It’s about planning and priorities. I hear it said quite often, “I didn’t have enough time…” That’s a bunch of malarkey. Everybody has the same amount of time. It’s about priorities.
People who are chronically late, are saying to everybody else that they are more important. “My time/priorities are more important than yours because I’m making you wait for me. ” I don’t think you could get much more egotistical than that.
When you are late to church, you are basically telling God that you are more important than Him. That is blasphemy. A very serious offense.
We are all late occasionally because of unforeseen obstacles. But there are those of us who are chronically late. If you are one of those, please look introspectively and figure out why you feel so much more important than your fellow man. And please try to correct that character flaw.
There is a joke in the church, that members of the church follow Mormon Standard Time. What does that say about us?
Please make an effort to be punctual.
That’s my two cents.
Now, I have to rely on others for everything, including taking me places. And it really bugs me to be late. Anywhere. Especially to church.
Being late is egotistical and selfish. Granted, there are unforeseen emergencies/obstacles. Which are understandable. But for the most part being late is a choice. An egotistical, selfish, disrespectful, rude choice. Being chronically late is not understandable nor okay. It is a serious character flaw.
If someone invites you to their house, and you agree, it is common courtesy to show up at the appointed time. Especially for dinner, because the host puts forth much effort into preparing the meal to be served at the appointed time.
Any time you make an appointment to be somewhere, including standing appointments such as church service weekly, you should make every effort to be there on time. Once again, it is common courtesy and shows respect to be punctual.
You know in advance what time you need to be there, how long it will take you to travel, how long it will take you to get ready. Therefore, plan accordingly to allow enough time to arrive punctually.
Being on time is not about having enough time. It’s about planning and priorities. I hear it said quite often, “I didn’t have enough time…” That’s a bunch of malarkey. Everybody has the same amount of time. It’s about priorities.
People who are chronically late, are saying to everybody else that they are more important. “My time/priorities are more important than yours because I’m making you wait for me. ” I don’t think you could get much more egotistical than that.
When you are late to church, you are basically telling God that you are more important than Him. That is blasphemy. A very serious offense.
We are all late occasionally because of unforeseen obstacles. But there are those of us who are chronically late. If you are one of those, please look introspectively and figure out why you feel so much more important than your fellow man. And please try to correct that character flaw.
There is a joke in the church, that members of the church follow Mormon Standard Time. What does that say about us?
Please make an effort to be punctual.
That’s my two cents.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Getting to Church Fiasco
Why is it that unforeseen things always go wrong when you have an appointment to make?
This morning as we were leaving to go to church, the car wouldn’t start. The battery was dead. And of course it was pouring down rain. So dad, had to go to his shop and get the battery charger and give us a jump. Then he also brought the portable battery charger in case the car wouldn’t start after church.
Well, we headed off to Eatonville. The battery light was on the entire time. So dad was getting worried that we were going to be stranded, and the battery wouldn’t even take a charge if we needed a jump.
He talked about turning around and going home several times, but we made it to the church about 15 minutes late. There was absolutely no parking whatsoever. Even in the gravel pit. We circled the church parking lot twice. Then dad finally decided we shouldn’t risk being stranded because that is the only vehicle I can ride in. So, after all that we headed home without so much as stopping the vehicle at the church. It was such a fiasco.
I was looking forward to attending the three block meeting today. Since it’s been a few weeks since we attended all three meetings at church. But of course, the battery decides to konk out on our way to church. Why couldn’t it die on the way to the grocery store or shopping or something? Something that wasn’t such a big deal. But no, it has to die on us after a concerted effort to get ready for, and drive to church.
If I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.
That’s my two cents.
This morning as we were leaving to go to church, the car wouldn’t start. The battery was dead. And of course it was pouring down rain. So dad, had to go to his shop and get the battery charger and give us a jump. Then he also brought the portable battery charger in case the car wouldn’t start after church.
Well, we headed off to Eatonville. The battery light was on the entire time. So dad was getting worried that we were going to be stranded, and the battery wouldn’t even take a charge if we needed a jump.
He talked about turning around and going home several times, but we made it to the church about 15 minutes late. There was absolutely no parking whatsoever. Even in the gravel pit. We circled the church parking lot twice. Then dad finally decided we shouldn’t risk being stranded because that is the only vehicle I can ride in. So, after all that we headed home without so much as stopping the vehicle at the church. It was such a fiasco.
I was looking forward to attending the three block meeting today. Since it’s been a few weeks since we attended all three meetings at church. But of course, the battery decides to konk out on our way to church. Why couldn’t it die on the way to the grocery store or shopping or something? Something that wasn’t such a big deal. But no, it has to die on us after a concerted effort to get ready for, and drive to church.
If I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.
That’s my two cents.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Plague Called Bikini Baristas
My sister-in-law tackled this topic on her blog yesterday. So I wanted to add my two cents. Thankfully, I have not personally been touched by this plague. But, I have seen the stories on the news, and read news articles about this problem, And apparently, this plague has affected my brother and nephews.
The plague of which I speak is bikini baristas. Which apparently, is a misnomer. Because they are not clothed except for some pieces of adhesive material. The fact that this is even an issue in our society is absurd. This is something I’m would expect to hear about coming from Europe or Brazil. But here, in the United States of America, we have decency laws. Well, supposedly.
What happened to the days when perverted scumbags had to go to a shady part of town to a dark dingy strip club or adult bookstore to get their jollies? What happened to laws about places of ill repute being far away from schools, neighborhoods, and basically anywhere that children may be? Let alone, decent people who don’t want to see naked women selling coffee in the middle of town. Or worry about their children being exposed to this plague, and being scarred for life.
Yet, people going about their everyday business are being exposed to the plague of naked women selling coffee. And the law does nothing about it. It’s mind-boggling. How do these people get licenses to do business? Why does the law allow this to happen? I’ve read in the news about many people complaining. So why is nothing being done? My guess is, it comes down to two things. Money and morals. Our society has become so amoral that many people don’t see anything wrong with these establishments. And, of course these establishments are making a lot of money so that’s what fuels the fire.
Well, it is unabashedly wrong. People driving through town to go grocery shopping, or deposit a check at the bank, or even driving their kids to school, or for whatever reason, should not have to be exposed to naked women selling coffee. It is called indecent exposure, and I’m pretty sure it’s still on the books.
I’m not sure if this plague is localized to Western Washington, or more widespread. I would hope it’s the former. I sure hope this plague epidemic is eradicated before it becomes a pandemic. If it hasn’t already. I’m not going to hold my breath.
That’s my two cents.
The plague of which I speak is bikini baristas. Which apparently, is a misnomer. Because they are not clothed except for some pieces of adhesive material. The fact that this is even an issue in our society is absurd. This is something I’m would expect to hear about coming from Europe or Brazil. But here, in the United States of America, we have decency laws. Well, supposedly.
What happened to the days when perverted scumbags had to go to a shady part of town to a dark dingy strip club or adult bookstore to get their jollies? What happened to laws about places of ill repute being far away from schools, neighborhoods, and basically anywhere that children may be? Let alone, decent people who don’t want to see naked women selling coffee in the middle of town. Or worry about their children being exposed to this plague, and being scarred for life.
Yet, people going about their everyday business are being exposed to the plague of naked women selling coffee. And the law does nothing about it. It’s mind-boggling. How do these people get licenses to do business? Why does the law allow this to happen? I’ve read in the news about many people complaining. So why is nothing being done? My guess is, it comes down to two things. Money and morals. Our society has become so amoral that many people don’t see anything wrong with these establishments. And, of course these establishments are making a lot of money so that’s what fuels the fire.
Well, it is unabashedly wrong. People driving through town to go grocery shopping, or deposit a check at the bank, or even driving their kids to school, or for whatever reason, should not have to be exposed to naked women selling coffee. It is called indecent exposure, and I’m pretty sure it’s still on the books.
I’m not sure if this plague is localized to Western Washington, or more widespread. I would hope it’s the former. I sure hope this plague epidemic is eradicated before it becomes a pandemic. If it hasn’t already. I’m not going to hold my breath.
That’s my two cents.
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Award
I watched, “The Award” last night. It is such an awesome movie. For those of you unfamiliar with “The Award”, it is a very low-budget movie produced by the Cypress California stake in 1985. It is based upon the story by Jack Weyland.
I first saw “The Award” in seminary when I was in high school probably right after it was made. I have seen it several times since then, and it always makes me smile. It has a wonderful message, which I think every youth should see. For those of you involved with young men/young women’s-perhaps a combined activity idea. It's only 45 minutes long.
It is quite dated and the quality of the film and acting is not very good but the message is great and timeless.
Perhaps one of the reasons I like it so much is because it was made when I was a youth. The high school scenes remind me of my high school. The acting isn't very good, but that's what makes it fun. And you've got to love the original songs with the 80s synthesized sound. "Always a Lady" is a classic.
“The Award” has a powerful message that will stay with you forever. For those of you who have never seen it or who haven’t seen it in a while, I highly suggest watching it.
That’s my two cents.
I first saw “The Award” in seminary when I was in high school probably right after it was made. I have seen it several times since then, and it always makes me smile. It has a wonderful message, which I think every youth should see. For those of you involved with young men/young women’s-perhaps a combined activity idea. It's only 45 minutes long.
It is quite dated and the quality of the film and acting is not very good but the message is great and timeless.
Perhaps one of the reasons I like it so much is because it was made when I was a youth. The high school scenes remind me of my high school. The acting isn't very good, but that's what makes it fun. And you've got to love the original songs with the 80s synthesized sound. "Always a Lady" is a classic.
“The Award” has a powerful message that will stay with you forever. For those of you who have never seen it or who haven’t seen it in a while, I highly suggest watching it.
That’s my two cents.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Pastor and His Granddaughter
Let me start out by saying, when I’m sick/not feeling well, I get pretty grumpy. Well, okay downright mean. I have not been feeling well for several weeks now. So, with that preface, I will tell you about an experience I had last week.
As I mentioned before, I don’t like it when people treat me differently because I’m in a wheelchair. I am the same person I was before my accident, I just look a little different now. Obviously, my life is completely different now but, what I meant by that was, to total strangers who don’t know me, all they see is the outward appearance. So, to them, all they see is a freak in a wheelchair, instead of a pretty young lady.
Last week, after waiting outside for two hours for dad to get his allergy medication from the walk-in clinic, we went to grab a bite to eat at Wendy’s. You may ask, why was I waiting outside? Well, the way I saw it, it was much better to wait outside in the cold, than in a waiting room full of sick people, hacking up lungs.
But I digress.
As we were finishing up our $2.99 value meal, we were approached by a pastor and his granddaughter. They proceeded to introduce themselves and do a little missionary work and invited mom and dad to their church. Okay, that was fine. I don’t mind them doing their missionary work. (after all, I spent 18 months of my life doing missionary work.) And it didn’t really bother me that they didn’t address me. But then, the pastor asked dad if they could pray for me.
I started to feel some steam come out of my ears. It wasn’t the fact that they offered to pray for me. Because heaven knows, I can use all the prayers I can get. It was the fact that they singled me out because I’m in a wheelchair, so obviously I need more prayers than everyone else. In their twisted minds.
At this point, I was still calm on the outside, but steaming inside. Then the pastor proceeded to address me for the first time, and asked my name. I just snapped, and blew up at him. I told him in effect, I don’t need your prayers, you don’t know me, why don’t you ask my mom and dad or the people at the next table if you could pray for them, why are you asking me?
I felt like they were picking on me. Like a bullied child. And I couldn’t take it anymore. I was tired of just smiling and being cordial to everybody, and laughing it off, Grandma Wall style.
I also felt like the pastor and his granddaughter were acting as the Pharisees and Sadducees in the Bible. Or the Zoramites in The Book of Mormon...Praying in public for the praise of men.
Luke 18:9-12
"9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess."
Alma 38:13
"13 Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom."
Anyway, this is what came to mind when they asked to pray for me. I didn’t feel any sincerity, or caring on their part. In fact, just the opposite. I felt bullied and picked on, and used for their own benefit.
In reality, the pastor and his granddaughter are just ignorant. They did not have any ill intentions, I don’t think. In fact, I believe they thought they were doing a good deed. I feel bad that they were the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. 7+ years of pent-up frustration, in dealing with ignorant people, was directed to this old man and his granddaughter. I'm sure that's not the reaction they were expecting.
Speaking of pastors, I was reminded [as I laid awake unable to sleep] of an experience I had on my mission. Thinking of this Pastor and this experience. One day, my companion and I were tracting and came across an eccentric old fellow. He always wanted to talk politics, this was during the Clinton -Bush campaign in 1992. This man was hard-core Democrat and kept trying to convince us to vote for Clinton. Even though we told him we are politically neutral and cannot vote during our missions. We ended up teaching him a few discussions, but didn’t finish. Anyway, I liked him even though he was kind of crazy. One thing he told us, stuck out in my mind and, has been with me ever since. And it is this, “The path to h*** is paved with preacher’s heads.”
When I first heard this, I thought it was just another one of his crazy remarks. But after thinking about it for a while, I think it’s a pretty profound and true statement. Of course, this is just a generalization, but there are a lot of corrupt members of clergy of any faith. Who use the mantle of clergy to do evil.
Anyway, that was kind of a random thought/story. But that’s what I thought of after this Pastor offended me so.
To finish the story, after I made a scene and yelled at the Pastor, he walked away. We left the dining room of the restaurant and I started bawling outside in the parking lot. I’m sure the passersby were wondering what was going on. It totally ruined my day and I couldn’t sleep that night. This is how distraught I was over the entire incident. Even though I knew the offense was not intentional, it still hurt me just as much as if it was intentional.
This leads me to mention something about intentions. I would argue that the results of your actions weighs much more heavily than your intentions. You could have the best of intentions, as Travis Tritt says, but what really matters is the results of your actions. Let me give you a few examples.
You get in your car and have every intention to follow the law. But you have a heavy foot and end up exceeding the speed limit. The result: you get pulled over and receive a ticket. I don’t think the police officer really cares that you intended not to speed. You still must pay the consequences.
Another example: an adulterous spouse who doesn’t intend to hurt his spouse. But the results of his actions are exactly that. I’m sure I could think of more examples but you get the idea.
I guess the moral of this story is: 1-I’m tired of ignorant people. 2-think before you act. 3-if you’re not sure whether your actions will offend somebody, then don’t do it.
That’s my two cents.
As I mentioned before, I don’t like it when people treat me differently because I’m in a wheelchair. I am the same person I was before my accident, I just look a little different now. Obviously, my life is completely different now but, what I meant by that was, to total strangers who don’t know me, all they see is the outward appearance. So, to them, all they see is a freak in a wheelchair, instead of a pretty young lady.
Last week, after waiting outside for two hours for dad to get his allergy medication from the walk-in clinic, we went to grab a bite to eat at Wendy’s. You may ask, why was I waiting outside? Well, the way I saw it, it was much better to wait outside in the cold, than in a waiting room full of sick people, hacking up lungs.
But I digress.
As we were finishing up our $2.99 value meal, we were approached by a pastor and his granddaughter. They proceeded to introduce themselves and do a little missionary work and invited mom and dad to their church. Okay, that was fine. I don’t mind them doing their missionary work. (after all, I spent 18 months of my life doing missionary work.) And it didn’t really bother me that they didn’t address me. But then, the pastor asked dad if they could pray for me.
I started to feel some steam come out of my ears. It wasn’t the fact that they offered to pray for me. Because heaven knows, I can use all the prayers I can get. It was the fact that they singled me out because I’m in a wheelchair, so obviously I need more prayers than everyone else. In their twisted minds.
At this point, I was still calm on the outside, but steaming inside. Then the pastor proceeded to address me for the first time, and asked my name. I just snapped, and blew up at him. I told him in effect, I don’t need your prayers, you don’t know me, why don’t you ask my mom and dad or the people at the next table if you could pray for them, why are you asking me?
I felt like they were picking on me. Like a bullied child. And I couldn’t take it anymore. I was tired of just smiling and being cordial to everybody, and laughing it off, Grandma Wall style.
I also felt like the pastor and his granddaughter were acting as the Pharisees and Sadducees in the Bible. Or the Zoramites in The Book of Mormon...Praying in public for the praise of men.
Luke 18:9-12
"9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess."
Alma 38:13
"13 Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom."
Anyway, this is what came to mind when they asked to pray for me. I didn’t feel any sincerity, or caring on their part. In fact, just the opposite. I felt bullied and picked on, and used for their own benefit.
In reality, the pastor and his granddaughter are just ignorant. They did not have any ill intentions, I don’t think. In fact, I believe they thought they were doing a good deed. I feel bad that they were the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. 7+ years of pent-up frustration, in dealing with ignorant people, was directed to this old man and his granddaughter. I'm sure that's not the reaction they were expecting.
Speaking of pastors, I was reminded [as I laid awake unable to sleep] of an experience I had on my mission. Thinking of this Pastor and this experience. One day, my companion and I were tracting and came across an eccentric old fellow. He always wanted to talk politics, this was during the Clinton -Bush campaign in 1992. This man was hard-core Democrat and kept trying to convince us to vote for Clinton. Even though we told him we are politically neutral and cannot vote during our missions. We ended up teaching him a few discussions, but didn’t finish. Anyway, I liked him even though he was kind of crazy. One thing he told us, stuck out in my mind and, has been with me ever since. And it is this, “The path to h*** is paved with preacher’s heads.”
When I first heard this, I thought it was just another one of his crazy remarks. But after thinking about it for a while, I think it’s a pretty profound and true statement. Of course, this is just a generalization, but there are a lot of corrupt members of clergy of any faith. Who use the mantle of clergy to do evil.
Anyway, that was kind of a random thought/story. But that’s what I thought of after this Pastor offended me so.
To finish the story, after I made a scene and yelled at the Pastor, he walked away. We left the dining room of the restaurant and I started bawling outside in the parking lot. I’m sure the passersby were wondering what was going on. It totally ruined my day and I couldn’t sleep that night. This is how distraught I was over the entire incident. Even though I knew the offense was not intentional, it still hurt me just as much as if it was intentional.
This leads me to mention something about intentions. I would argue that the results of your actions weighs much more heavily than your intentions. You could have the best of intentions, as Travis Tritt says, but what really matters is the results of your actions. Let me give you a few examples.
You get in your car and have every intention to follow the law. But you have a heavy foot and end up exceeding the speed limit. The result: you get pulled over and receive a ticket. I don’t think the police officer really cares that you intended not to speed. You still must pay the consequences.
Another example: an adulterous spouse who doesn’t intend to hurt his spouse. But the results of his actions are exactly that. I’m sure I could think of more examples but you get the idea.
I guess the moral of this story is: 1-I’m tired of ignorant people. 2-think before you act. 3-if you’re not sure whether your actions will offend somebody, then don’t do it.
That’s my two cents.
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