Name:____________________________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week 2
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Clemson at Georgia Tech
Friday, September 11, 2009
Colorado at Toledo
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Idaho State at Oklahoma
Syracuse at Penn State
North Carolina at Connecticut
Eastern Michigan at Northwestern
Western Michigan at Indiana
Central Michigan at Michigan State
Stanford at Wake Forest
Fresno State at Wisconsin
Duke at Army
Pittsburgh at Buffalo
Iowa at Iowa State
Troy at Florida
Marshall at Virginia Tech
Arkansas State at Nebraska
Kent State at Boston College
Morgan State at Akron
Texas at Wyoming
Houston at Oklahoma State
TCU at Virginia
BYU at Tulane
Notre Dame at Michigan
Howard at Rutgers
Idaho at Washington
East Carolina at West Virginia
Louisiana Tech at Navy
Southern Methodist at UAB
UCLA at Tennessee
Weber State at Colorado State
Eastern Washington at California
Jacksonville State at Florida State
James Madison at Maryland
Murray State at North Carolina State
Florida international at Alabama
Vanderbilt at LSU
South Carolina at Georgia
Mississippi State at Auburn
Air Force at Minnesota
Bowling Green at Missouri
Ohio at North Texas
Hawaii at Washington State
Kansas State at Louisiana Lafayette
Illinois State at Illinois
New Hampshire at Ball State
Memphis at middle Tennessee State
Texas Southern at Louisiana Monroe
Central Florida at Southern Mississippi
Rice at Texas Tech
Kansas at UTEP
South Florida at Western Kentucky
Southeast Missouri State at Cincinnati
Western Illinois at Northern Illinois
USC at Ohio State
Miami Ohio at Boise State
Prairie view A&M at New Mexico State
Tulsa at New Mexico
Southern Utah at San Diego State
Northern Arizona at Arizona
Purdue at Oregon
Utah at San Jose State
Oregon State at UNLV
Tiebreaker: Total score in
USC at Ohio State__________
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Week One Results
The first week of college football is over. It was a good one. We all enjoyed watching the BYU Oklahoma game together in the theater. What a great game!
Here are the results from the first week of college football picks:
First-Michael -13
Second-Tammy -15
Third-Dad -22
Fourth-Mom -24 tiebreaker 56
Fifth-Mercedes -24 tiebreaker 74
Six-Lisa -25 tiebreaker 48
Seventh-Juliet -25 tiebreaker 55
Actual tiebreaker 27
Good job everybody! Good luck this week.
Here are the results from the first week of college football picks:
First-Michael -13
Second-Tammy -15
Third-Dad -22
Fourth-Mom -24 tiebreaker 56
Fifth-Mercedes -24 tiebreaker 74
Six-Lisa -25 tiebreaker 48
Seventh-Juliet -25 tiebreaker 55
Actual tiebreaker 27
Good job everybody! Good luck this week.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thought of the Day
I heard a quote yesterday from President Spencer W. Kimball that I liked. It was from a devotional on BYU TV. I don't remember the speaker. And I can't find the direct quote, but I will paraphrase. It went something like this:
"Failure, from an eternal perspective, is most often the result of selfishness." -- Spencer W. Kimball
A profound statement from a wise prophet.
That's my two cents.
"Failure, from an eternal perspective, is most often the result of selfishness." -- Spencer W. Kimball
A profound statement from a wise prophet.
That's my two cents.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Ezra Taft Benson Gems
While I was doing my research for my post yesterday, I came across this article in the July 1994 Ensign. This is not the entire article, just a few gems from President Benson. President Benson is the prophet who signed my mission call. So, I have a special affinity for him. He was a very wise man who taught us many wonderful things while he served as prophet. Here are just a few of them. By the way, if you would like to read the entire article, click on the title.
We Will Know Him
“Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us” (Ensign, Dec. 1988, p. 6).
Commitment to the Lord
“We must put God in the forefront of everything else in our lives. He must come first, just as He declares in the first of His Ten Commandments: ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me’ (Ex. 20:3).
“When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities” (Ensign, May 1988, p. 4).
Faith and Works
“I believe that, while we should ask the Lord’s blessing on all our doings and should never do anything upon which we cannot ask his blessings, we should not expect the Lord to do for us what we can do for ourselves. I believe in faith and works, and that the Lord will bless more fully the man who works for what he prays for than he will the man who only prays” (God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, p. 329).
Food Storage
“The revelation to store food may be as essential to our temporal salvation today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah” (Ensign, Jan. 1974, pp. 69, 80).
Debt
“[One] reason for increase in debt … is the rise of materialism, as contrasted with commitment to spiritual values. Many a family, in order to make a ‘proper showing,’ will commit itself for a larger and more expensive house than is needed, in an expensive neighborhood. Almost everyone would, it seems, like to keep up with the Joneses. … As a result, there is a growing feeling, unfortunately, that material things should be had now, without waiting, without saving, without self-denial” (Ensign, June 1987, pp. 3–4).
Work
“The earth was cursed for Adam’s sake. Work is our blessing, not our doom. God has a work to do, and so should we. Retirement from work has depressed many a man and hastened his death. … We should work at taking care of the spiritual, mental, social, and physical needs of ourselves and of those whom we are charged to help. In the church of Jesus Christ, there is plenty of work to do to move forward the kingdom of God. Missionary work, family genealogy and temple work, home evenings, receiving a Church assignment and magnifying it are but a few of our required labors” (Ensign, Oct. 1986, p. 2).
Importance of Good Homes
“No nation rises above its homes. In building character the church, the school, and even the nation stand helpless when confronted with a weakened and degraded home. The good home is the rock foundation—the cornerstone of civilization. There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from a good home, with the old-fashioned virtues at its base. If your nation is to endure, the home must be safeguarded, strengthened, and restored to its rightful importance” (in Conference Report, April 1966, p. 130).
There Is a Power in the Book
“[The Book of Mormon] helps us draw nearer to God. Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book.
“It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (see D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance” (Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 7).
Scripture Study
“When individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, … other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow” (Ensign, May 1986, p. 81).
Following the Counsel of Leaders
“One who rationalizes that he or she has a testimony of Jesus Christ but cannot accept direction and counsel from the leadership of His church is in a fundamentally unsound position and is in jeopardy of losing exaltation” (Ensign, May 1982, p. 64).
Humility and Pride
“The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. … Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of ‘my will and not thine be done.’ As Paul said, they ‘seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s’ (Philip. 2:21). …
“The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives (see Hel. 12:6). They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities versus God’s priesthood power, their accomplishments against His mighty works. …
“Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. … Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion” (Ensign, May 1989, pp. 4–7).
Improving Individuals
“Some may ask why we as a people and church quietly and consistently seek to change individuals while there are such large problems all about us. … But decaying cities are simply a delayed reflection of decaying individuals. … The commandments of God give emphasis to improvement of the individual as the only real way to bring about the real improvement in society” (A Plea for America, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1975, p. 18).
“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of the people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature” (Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 6).
We Will Know Him
“Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us” (Ensign, Dec. 1988, p. 6).
Commitment to the Lord
“We must put God in the forefront of everything else in our lives. He must come first, just as He declares in the first of His Ten Commandments: ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me’ (Ex. 20:3).
“When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities” (Ensign, May 1988, p. 4).
Faith and Works
“I believe that, while we should ask the Lord’s blessing on all our doings and should never do anything upon which we cannot ask his blessings, we should not expect the Lord to do for us what we can do for ourselves. I believe in faith and works, and that the Lord will bless more fully the man who works for what he prays for than he will the man who only prays” (God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, p. 329).
Food Storage
“The revelation to store food may be as essential to our temporal salvation today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah” (Ensign, Jan. 1974, pp. 69, 80).
Debt
“[One] reason for increase in debt … is the rise of materialism, as contrasted with commitment to spiritual values. Many a family, in order to make a ‘proper showing,’ will commit itself for a larger and more expensive house than is needed, in an expensive neighborhood. Almost everyone would, it seems, like to keep up with the Joneses. … As a result, there is a growing feeling, unfortunately, that material things should be had now, without waiting, without saving, without self-denial” (Ensign, June 1987, pp. 3–4).
Work
“The earth was cursed for Adam’s sake. Work is our blessing, not our doom. God has a work to do, and so should we. Retirement from work has depressed many a man and hastened his death. … We should work at taking care of the spiritual, mental, social, and physical needs of ourselves and of those whom we are charged to help. In the church of Jesus Christ, there is plenty of work to do to move forward the kingdom of God. Missionary work, family genealogy and temple work, home evenings, receiving a Church assignment and magnifying it are but a few of our required labors” (Ensign, Oct. 1986, p. 2).
Importance of Good Homes
“No nation rises above its homes. In building character the church, the school, and even the nation stand helpless when confronted with a weakened and degraded home. The good home is the rock foundation—the cornerstone of civilization. There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from a good home, with the old-fashioned virtues at its base. If your nation is to endure, the home must be safeguarded, strengthened, and restored to its rightful importance” (in Conference Report, April 1966, p. 130).
There Is a Power in the Book
“[The Book of Mormon] helps us draw nearer to God. Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book.
“It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (see D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance” (Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 7).
Scripture Study
“When individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, … other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow” (Ensign, May 1986, p. 81).
Following the Counsel of Leaders
“One who rationalizes that he or she has a testimony of Jesus Christ but cannot accept direction and counsel from the leadership of His church is in a fundamentally unsound position and is in jeopardy of losing exaltation” (Ensign, May 1982, p. 64).
Humility and Pride
“The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. … Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of ‘my will and not thine be done.’ As Paul said, they ‘seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s’ (Philip. 2:21). …
“The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives (see Hel. 12:6). They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities versus God’s priesthood power, their accomplishments against His mighty works. …
“Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. … Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion” (Ensign, May 1989, pp. 4–7).
Improving Individuals
“Some may ask why we as a people and church quietly and consistently seek to change individuals while there are such large problems all about us. … But decaying cities are simply a delayed reflection of decaying individuals. … The commandments of God give emphasis to improvement of the individual as the only real way to bring about the real improvement in society” (A Plea for America, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1975, p. 18).
“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of the people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature” (Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 6).
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
To the Mothers in Zion - Ezra Taft Benson
I was watching BYU TV on Sunday night. There was a talk given by Elder Cecil Scott Grow which was really good. He mentioned a couple of quotes from President Ezra Taft Benson. This led me to search for the source of those quotes. The quotes were from a talk given at a fireside for parents in 1987, which was later made into a pamphlet by the Church.
Anyway, it is pretty long but I hope you will read it. I put a lot of effort into finding it and formatting it for this blog. It has taken me several hours to format it with Dragon. Not to mention I’m completely out of breath and tired now. It is hard for me to talk a lot. So I hope my efforts were not in vain.
I was going to mention some of the points that stuck out to me. But I think I will just let you read it and take from it what you will. Enjoy!
To the Mothers in Zion
President Ezra Taft Benson
Address given at a Fireside for Parents, 22 February 1987
(Produced as a pamphlet and given to Church members)
There is no theme I would rather speak to than home and family, for they are at the very heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church, in large part, exists for the salvation and exaltation of the family.
At a recent general priesthood meeting, I spoke directly to the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood regarding their duties and responsibilities. Shortly thereafter, at a general women’s conference, I spoke to the young women of the Church, discussing their opportunities and their sacred callings.
Tonight, at this fireside for parents, seeking the sweet inspiration of heaven, I would like to speak directly to the mothers assembled here and throughout the Church, for you are, or should be, the very heart and soul of the family.
No More Noble Work
No more sacred word exists in secular or holy writ than mother. There is no more noble work than that of a good and God-fearing mother. This evening I pay tribute to the mothers in Zion and pray with all my heart that what I have to say to you will be understood by the Spirit and will lift and bless your lives in your sacred callings as mothers.
President David O. McKay declared: “Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother’s image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child’s mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world” (Gospel Ideals, p. 452.)
President McKay continues: “Motherhood consists of three principal attributes or qualities: namely, (1) the power to bear, (2) the ability to rear, (3) the gift to love.
. . . This ability and willingness properly to rear children, the gift of love, and eagerness, yes, longing to express it in soul development, makes motherhood the noblest office or calling in the world. She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, . . . deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God” (Gospel Ideals, pp. 453-54). With all my heart I endorse the words of President McKay.
A Mother’s Role is God-ordained
In the eternal family, God established that fathers are to preside in the home. Fathers are to provide, to love, to teach, and to direct. But a mother’s role is also God-ordained. Mothers are to conceive, to bear to nourish, to love, and to train. So declare the revelations.
In section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord states that the opportunity and responsibility of wives is “to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may be glorified” (D&C132:63).
Husbands and Wives are Co-creators
With this divine injunction, husbands and wives, as co-creators, should eagerly and prayerfully invite children into their homes. Then, as each child joins their family circle, they can gratefully exclaim, as did Hannah, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him; therefore also I have lent him to the Lord: as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Isn’t that beautiful? A mother praying to bear a child and then giving him to the Lord. I have always loved the words of Solomon: “Children are an heritage of the Lord: and. . . happy is the man [and woman] that hath [their] quiver full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5). I know the special blessings of a large and happy family, for my dear parents had a quiver full of children. Being the oldest of eleven children, I saw the principles of unselfishness, mutual consideration, loyalty to each other, and a host of other virtues developed in a large and wonderful family with my noble mother as the queen of that home.
Young mothers and fathers, with all my heart I counsel you not to postpone having your children, being co-creators with our Father in Heaven. Do not use the reasoning of the world, such as, “We will wait until we can better afford having children, until we are more secure, until John has completed his education, until he has a better paying job, until we have a larger home, until we have obtained a few of the material conveniences,” and on and on. This is the reasoning of the world and is not pleasing in the sight of God. Mothers who enjoy good health, have your children and have them early. And, husbands, always be considerate of your wives in the bearing of children.
Do not curtail the number of children for personal or selfish reasons. Material possessions, social convenience, and so-called professional advantages are nothing compared to a righteous posterity. In the eternal perspective, children--not possessions, not position, not prestige--are our greatest jewels. Brigham Young emphasized: “There are multitudes of pure and holy spirits waiting to take tabernacles, now what is our duty?--To prepare tabernacles for them; to take a course that will not tend to drive those spirits into the families of the wicked, where they will be trained in wickedness debauchery, and every species of crime. It is the duty of every righteous man and woman to prepare tabernacles for all the spirits they can” (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 197). Yes, blessed is the husband and wife who have a family of children. The deepest joys and blessings in life are associated with family, parenthood, and sacrifice. To have those sweet spirits come into the home is worth practically any sacrifice.
Special Promises of God
We realize that some women, through no fault of their own, are not able to bear children. To these lovely sisters, every prophet of God has promised that they will be blessed with children in the eternities and that posterity will not be denied them. Through pure faith, pleading prayers, fasting, and special priesthood blessings, many of these same lovely sisters, with their noble companions at their sides, have had miracles take place in their lives and have been blessed with children. Others have prayerfully chosen to adopt children, and to these wonderful couples we salute you for the sacrifices and love you have given to those children you have chose to be your own.
Rearing Children the Lord’s Way
Now, my dear mothers, knowing of your divine role to bear and rear children and bring them back to Him, how will you accomplish this in the Lord’s way? I say the “Lord’s way,” because it is different from the world’s way.
The Lord clearly defined the roles of mothers and fathers in providing for and rearing a righteous posterity. In the beginning, Adam--not Eve--was instructed to earn the bread by the sweat of his brow. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a mother’s calling is in the home, not in the marketplace.
Again in the Doctrine and Covenants, we read: “Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken” (D&C 83:2). This is the divine right of a wife and mother. She cares for and nourishes her children at home. Her husband earns the living for the family, which makes this nourishing possible. With that claim on their husbands for their financial support, the counsel of the Church has always been for mothers to spend their full time in the home in rearing and caring for their children.
We realize also that some of our choice sisters are widowed and divorced and that others find themselves in unusual circumstances where, out of necessity, they are
required to work for a period of time. But these instances are the exception, not the rule. In a home where there is an able-bodied husband, he is expected to be the
breadwinner. Sometimes we hear of husbands who, because of economic conditions, have lost their jobs and expect their wives to go out of the home and work even though the husband is still capable of providing for his family. In these cases, we urge the husband to do all in his power to allow his wife to remain in the home caring for
the children while he continues to provide for his family the best he can, even though the job he is able to secure may not be ideal and family budgeting will have to be tighter.
Counsel of President Kimball
Our beloved prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, had much to say about the role of mothers in the home and their callings and responsibilities. I am impressed to share with
you some of his inspired pronouncements. I fear that much of his counsel has gone unheeded, and families have suffered because of it. But I stand as a second witness to the truthfulness of what President Spencer W. Kimball said. He spoke as a true prophet of God.
President Kimball declared: “Women are to take care of the family--the Lord has so stated--to be an assistant to the husband, to work with him, but not to earn the living, except in unusual circumstances. Men ought to be men indeed and earn the living under normal circumstances” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 318).
President Kimball continues: “Too many mothers work away from home to furnish sweaters and music lessons and trips and fun for their children. Too many women spend their time in socializing, in politicking, in public services when they should be home to teach and train and receive and love their children into security” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 319).
Remember the counsel of President Kimball to John and Mary: “Mary, you are to become a career woman in the greatest career on earth--that of homemaker, wife, and mother. It was never intended by the Lord that married women should compete with men in employment. They have a far greater and more important service to render” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 128).
Again President Kimball speaks: “The husband is expected to support his family and only in an emergency should a wife secure outside employment. Her place is in the home, to build the home into a haven of delight. “Numerous divorces can be traced directly to the day when the wife left the home and went out into the world into employment. Two incomes raise the standard of living beyond its norm. Two spouses working prevents the complete and proper home life, breaks into the family prayers, creates an independence which is not cooperative, causes distortion, limits the family, and frustrates the children already born” (Spencer W. Kimball, San Antonio Fireside, 3 December 1977, pp. 9-10).
Finally, President Kimball counsels: “I beg of you, you who could and should be bearing and rearing a family: Wives, come home from the typewriter, the laundry, the
nursing, come home from the factory, the cafe. No career approaches in importance that of wife, homemaker, mother--cooking meals, washing dishes, making beds for one’s precious husband and children. Come home, wives, to your husbands. Make home a heaven for them. Come home, wives, to your children, born and unborn. Wrap the motherly cloak about you and, unembarrassed, help in a major role to create the bodies for the immortal souls who anxiously await.
“When you have fully complemented your husband in home life and borne the children, growing up full of faith, integrity, responsibility, and goodness, then you have achieved your accomplishment supreme, without peer, and you will be the envy [of all] through time and eternity” (Spencer W. Kimball, San Antonio Fireside, 3 December 1977, pp. 11-12). President Kimball spoke the truth. His words are prophetic.
Ten Ways to Spend Time with Children
Mothers in Zion, your God-given roles are so vital to your own exaltation and to the salvation and exaltation of your family. A child needs a mother more than all the things money can buy. Spending time with your children is the greatest gift of all. With love in my heart for the mothers in Zion, I would like to suggest ten specific ways our mothers may spend effective time with their children.
Be at the Crossroads. First, take time to always be at the crossroads when your children are either coming or going--when they leave and return from dates--when they bring friends home. Be there at the crossroads whether your children are six or sixteen. In Proverbs we read: “A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15). Among the greatest concerns in our society are the millions of latchkey children who come home daily to empty houses unsupervised by working parents.
Be a Real Friend. Second, mothers, take time to be a real friend to your children. Listen to your children, really listen. Talk with them, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, play with them, cry with them, hug them, honestly praise them. Yes, regularly spend unrushed one-on-one time with each child. Be a real friend to your children.
Read to Your Children. Third, mothers, take time to read to your children. Starting from the cradle, read to your sons and daughters. Remember what the poet said:
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be--
I had a mother who read to me.
(Strickland Gillilan, “The Reading Mother”).
You will plant a love for good literature and a real love for the scriptures if you will read to your children regularly.
Pray with Your Children. Fourth, take time to pray with your children. Family prayers, under the direction of the father, should be held morning and night. Have your children feel of your faith as you call down the blessings of heaven upon them. Paraphrasing the word of James: “The . . . fervent prayer of a righteous [mother] availeth much” (James 5:16). Have your children participate in family and personal prayers and rejoice in their sweet utterances to their Father in Heaven.
Have Weekly Family Home Evenings. Fifth, take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening. With your husband presiding, participate in a spiritual and an
uplifting home evening each week. Have your children actively involved. Teach them correct principles. Make this one of your great family traditions. Remember the
marvelous promise made by President Joseph F. Smith when home evenings were first introduced to the Church: “If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great
blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them” (James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
4:339). This wonderful promise is still in effect today.
Be Together at Mealtimes. Sixth, take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible. This is a challenge as the children get older and lives get busier. But happy conversation, sharing of the day’s plans and activities, and special teaching moments occur at mealtime because mothers and fathers and children work at it.
Read Scriptures Daily. Seventh, take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family. Individual scripture reading is important, but family scripture
reading is vital. Reading the Book of Mormon together as a family will especially bring increased spirituality into your home and will give both parents and children the power to resist temptation and to have the Holy Ghost as their constant companion. I promise you that the Book of Mormon will change the lives of your family.
Do Things as a Family. Eighth, take time to do things as a family. Make family outings and picnics and birthday celebrations and trips special times and memory builders.
Whenever possible attend as a family events where one of the family members is involved, such as a school play, a ball game, a talk, a recital. Attend Church meetings together and sit together as a family when you can.
Mothers who help families pray and play together will stay together and will bless children’s lives forever.
Teach Your Children. Ninth, mothers, take time to teach your children. Catch the teaching moments. This can be done anytime during the day--at mealtime, in
casual settings or at special sit-down times together, at the foot of the bed at the end of the day, or during an early-morning walk together. Mothers, you are your
children’s best teacher. Don’t shift this precious responsibility to day-care centers or baby-sitters. A mother’s love and prayerful concern for her children are
her most important ingredients in teaching her own.
Teach children gospel principles. Teach them it pays to be good. Teach them there is no safety in sin. Teach them a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a testimony of its divinity. Teach your sons and daughters modesty and teach them to respect manhood and womanhood.
Teach your children sexual purity, proper dating standards, temple marriage, missionary service, and the importance of accepting and magnifying Church callings.
Teach them a love for work and the value of a good education.
Teach them the importance of the right kind of entertainment, including appropriate movies, videos, music, books, and magazines. Discuss the evils of pornography and drugs and teach them the value of living the clean life.
Yes, mothers, teach your children the gospel in your home, at your own fireside. This is the most effective teaching that your children will ever receive. This is the
Lord’s way of teaching. The Church cannot teach like you can. The school cannot. The day-care center cannot. But you can, and the Lord will sustain you. Your children will remember your teachings forever, and when they are old, they will not depart from them. They will call you blessed--their truly angel mother.
Mothers, this kind of heavenly, motherly teaching takes time--lots of time. It cannot be done effectively part-time. It must be done all the time in order to save
and exalt your children. This is your divine calling.
Truly Love Your Children. Tenth, and finally, mothers, take the time to truly love your children. A mother’s unqualified love approaches Christlike love.
Here is a beautiful tribute by a son to his mother: “I don’t remember much about her views of voting nor her social prestige; and what her ideas of child training, diet,
and eugenics were, I cannot recall. The main thing that sifts back to me now through the thick undergrowth of years is that she loved me. She liked to lie on the grass
with me and tell stories, or to run and hide with us children. She was always hugging me. And I liked it. She had a sunny face. To me it was like God. Of all the
sensations pleasurable to my life nothing can compare with the rapture of crawling up into her lap and going to sleep while she swung to and fro in her rocking chair and sang. Thinking of this, I wonder if the woman of today, with all her tremendous notions and plans, realizes what an almighty factor she is in shaping her children. I wonder if she realizes how much sheer love and attention count for in a child’s life.”
Mothers, your teenage children also need that same kind of love and attention. It seems easier for many mothers and fathers to express their love to their children
when they are young, but more difficult when they are older. Work at this prayerfully. There need be no generation gap. And the key is love. Our young people
need love and attention, not indulgence. They need empathy and understanding, not indifference from mothers and fathers. They need the parents’ time. A mother’s
kindly teachings and her love for and confidence in a teenage son or daughter can literally save them from a wicked world.
Blessings of the Lord upon Parents
In closing, I would be remiss this evening if I did not express my love and eternal gratitude for my sweetheart and companion and the mother of our six children. Her
devotion to motherhood has blessed me and our family beyond words of expression. She has been a marvelous mother, completely and happily devoting her life and her mission to her family. How grateful I am for Flora!
May I also express my gratitude to you fathers and husbands assembled this evening. We look to you to give righteous leadership in your home and families and, with
your companions and the mothers of your children, to lead your families back to our Eternal Father.
Now God bless our wonderful mothers. We pray for you. We sustain you. We honor you as you bear, nourish, train, teach, and love for eternity. I promise you the
blessings of heaven and “all that the Father hath” (see D&C 84:38) as you magnify the noblest calling of all--a mother in Zion. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Anyway, it is pretty long but I hope you will read it. I put a lot of effort into finding it and formatting it for this blog. It has taken me several hours to format it with Dragon. Not to mention I’m completely out of breath and tired now. It is hard for me to talk a lot. So I hope my efforts were not in vain.
I was going to mention some of the points that stuck out to me. But I think I will just let you read it and take from it what you will. Enjoy!
To the Mothers in Zion
President Ezra Taft Benson
Address given at a Fireside for Parents, 22 February 1987
(Produced as a pamphlet and given to Church members)
There is no theme I would rather speak to than home and family, for they are at the very heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church, in large part, exists for the salvation and exaltation of the family.
At a recent general priesthood meeting, I spoke directly to the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood regarding their duties and responsibilities. Shortly thereafter, at a general women’s conference, I spoke to the young women of the Church, discussing their opportunities and their sacred callings.
Tonight, at this fireside for parents, seeking the sweet inspiration of heaven, I would like to speak directly to the mothers assembled here and throughout the Church, for you are, or should be, the very heart and soul of the family.
No More Noble Work
No more sacred word exists in secular or holy writ than mother. There is no more noble work than that of a good and God-fearing mother. This evening I pay tribute to the mothers in Zion and pray with all my heart that what I have to say to you will be understood by the Spirit and will lift and bless your lives in your sacred callings as mothers.
President David O. McKay declared: “Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother’s image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child’s mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world” (Gospel Ideals, p. 452.)
President McKay continues: “Motherhood consists of three principal attributes or qualities: namely, (1) the power to bear, (2) the ability to rear, (3) the gift to love.
. . . This ability and willingness properly to rear children, the gift of love, and eagerness, yes, longing to express it in soul development, makes motherhood the noblest office or calling in the world. She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, . . . deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God” (Gospel Ideals, pp. 453-54). With all my heart I endorse the words of President McKay.
A Mother’s Role is God-ordained
In the eternal family, God established that fathers are to preside in the home. Fathers are to provide, to love, to teach, and to direct. But a mother’s role is also God-ordained. Mothers are to conceive, to bear to nourish, to love, and to train. So declare the revelations.
In section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord states that the opportunity and responsibility of wives is “to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may be glorified” (D&C132:63).
Husbands and Wives are Co-creators
With this divine injunction, husbands and wives, as co-creators, should eagerly and prayerfully invite children into their homes. Then, as each child joins their family circle, they can gratefully exclaim, as did Hannah, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him; therefore also I have lent him to the Lord: as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Isn’t that beautiful? A mother praying to bear a child and then giving him to the Lord. I have always loved the words of Solomon: “Children are an heritage of the Lord: and. . . happy is the man [and woman] that hath [their] quiver full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5). I know the special blessings of a large and happy family, for my dear parents had a quiver full of children. Being the oldest of eleven children, I saw the principles of unselfishness, mutual consideration, loyalty to each other, and a host of other virtues developed in a large and wonderful family with my noble mother as the queen of that home.
Young mothers and fathers, with all my heart I counsel you not to postpone having your children, being co-creators with our Father in Heaven. Do not use the reasoning of the world, such as, “We will wait until we can better afford having children, until we are more secure, until John has completed his education, until he has a better paying job, until we have a larger home, until we have obtained a few of the material conveniences,” and on and on. This is the reasoning of the world and is not pleasing in the sight of God. Mothers who enjoy good health, have your children and have them early. And, husbands, always be considerate of your wives in the bearing of children.
Do not curtail the number of children for personal or selfish reasons. Material possessions, social convenience, and so-called professional advantages are nothing compared to a righteous posterity. In the eternal perspective, children--not possessions, not position, not prestige--are our greatest jewels. Brigham Young emphasized: “There are multitudes of pure and holy spirits waiting to take tabernacles, now what is our duty?--To prepare tabernacles for them; to take a course that will not tend to drive those spirits into the families of the wicked, where they will be trained in wickedness debauchery, and every species of crime. It is the duty of every righteous man and woman to prepare tabernacles for all the spirits they can” (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 197). Yes, blessed is the husband and wife who have a family of children. The deepest joys and blessings in life are associated with family, parenthood, and sacrifice. To have those sweet spirits come into the home is worth practically any sacrifice.
Special Promises of God
We realize that some women, through no fault of their own, are not able to bear children. To these lovely sisters, every prophet of God has promised that they will be blessed with children in the eternities and that posterity will not be denied them. Through pure faith, pleading prayers, fasting, and special priesthood blessings, many of these same lovely sisters, with their noble companions at their sides, have had miracles take place in their lives and have been blessed with children. Others have prayerfully chosen to adopt children, and to these wonderful couples we salute you for the sacrifices and love you have given to those children you have chose to be your own.
Rearing Children the Lord’s Way
Now, my dear mothers, knowing of your divine role to bear and rear children and bring them back to Him, how will you accomplish this in the Lord’s way? I say the “Lord’s way,” because it is different from the world’s way.
The Lord clearly defined the roles of mothers and fathers in providing for and rearing a righteous posterity. In the beginning, Adam--not Eve--was instructed to earn the bread by the sweat of his brow. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a mother’s calling is in the home, not in the marketplace.
Again in the Doctrine and Covenants, we read: “Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken” (D&C 83:2). This is the divine right of a wife and mother. She cares for and nourishes her children at home. Her husband earns the living for the family, which makes this nourishing possible. With that claim on their husbands for their financial support, the counsel of the Church has always been for mothers to spend their full time in the home in rearing and caring for their children.
We realize also that some of our choice sisters are widowed and divorced and that others find themselves in unusual circumstances where, out of necessity, they are
required to work for a period of time. But these instances are the exception, not the rule. In a home where there is an able-bodied husband, he is expected to be the
breadwinner. Sometimes we hear of husbands who, because of economic conditions, have lost their jobs and expect their wives to go out of the home and work even though the husband is still capable of providing for his family. In these cases, we urge the husband to do all in his power to allow his wife to remain in the home caring for
the children while he continues to provide for his family the best he can, even though the job he is able to secure may not be ideal and family budgeting will have to be tighter.
Counsel of President Kimball
Our beloved prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, had much to say about the role of mothers in the home and their callings and responsibilities. I am impressed to share with
you some of his inspired pronouncements. I fear that much of his counsel has gone unheeded, and families have suffered because of it. But I stand as a second witness to the truthfulness of what President Spencer W. Kimball said. He spoke as a true prophet of God.
President Kimball declared: “Women are to take care of the family--the Lord has so stated--to be an assistant to the husband, to work with him, but not to earn the living, except in unusual circumstances. Men ought to be men indeed and earn the living under normal circumstances” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 318).
President Kimball continues: “Too many mothers work away from home to furnish sweaters and music lessons and trips and fun for their children. Too many women spend their time in socializing, in politicking, in public services when they should be home to teach and train and receive and love their children into security” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 319).
Remember the counsel of President Kimball to John and Mary: “Mary, you are to become a career woman in the greatest career on earth--that of homemaker, wife, and mother. It was never intended by the Lord that married women should compete with men in employment. They have a far greater and more important service to render” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 128).
Again President Kimball speaks: “The husband is expected to support his family and only in an emergency should a wife secure outside employment. Her place is in the home, to build the home into a haven of delight. “Numerous divorces can be traced directly to the day when the wife left the home and went out into the world into employment. Two incomes raise the standard of living beyond its norm. Two spouses working prevents the complete and proper home life, breaks into the family prayers, creates an independence which is not cooperative, causes distortion, limits the family, and frustrates the children already born” (Spencer W. Kimball, San Antonio Fireside, 3 December 1977, pp. 9-10).
Finally, President Kimball counsels: “I beg of you, you who could and should be bearing and rearing a family: Wives, come home from the typewriter, the laundry, the
nursing, come home from the factory, the cafe. No career approaches in importance that of wife, homemaker, mother--cooking meals, washing dishes, making beds for one’s precious husband and children. Come home, wives, to your husbands. Make home a heaven for them. Come home, wives, to your children, born and unborn. Wrap the motherly cloak about you and, unembarrassed, help in a major role to create the bodies for the immortal souls who anxiously await.
“When you have fully complemented your husband in home life and borne the children, growing up full of faith, integrity, responsibility, and goodness, then you have achieved your accomplishment supreme, without peer, and you will be the envy [of all] through time and eternity” (Spencer W. Kimball, San Antonio Fireside, 3 December 1977, pp. 11-12). President Kimball spoke the truth. His words are prophetic.
Ten Ways to Spend Time with Children
Mothers in Zion, your God-given roles are so vital to your own exaltation and to the salvation and exaltation of your family. A child needs a mother more than all the things money can buy. Spending time with your children is the greatest gift of all. With love in my heart for the mothers in Zion, I would like to suggest ten specific ways our mothers may spend effective time with their children.
Be at the Crossroads. First, take time to always be at the crossroads when your children are either coming or going--when they leave and return from dates--when they bring friends home. Be there at the crossroads whether your children are six or sixteen. In Proverbs we read: “A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15). Among the greatest concerns in our society are the millions of latchkey children who come home daily to empty houses unsupervised by working parents.
Be a Real Friend. Second, mothers, take time to be a real friend to your children. Listen to your children, really listen. Talk with them, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, play with them, cry with them, hug them, honestly praise them. Yes, regularly spend unrushed one-on-one time with each child. Be a real friend to your children.
Read to Your Children. Third, mothers, take time to read to your children. Starting from the cradle, read to your sons and daughters. Remember what the poet said:
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be--
I had a mother who read to me.
(Strickland Gillilan, “The Reading Mother”).
You will plant a love for good literature and a real love for the scriptures if you will read to your children regularly.
Pray with Your Children. Fourth, take time to pray with your children. Family prayers, under the direction of the father, should be held morning and night. Have your children feel of your faith as you call down the blessings of heaven upon them. Paraphrasing the word of James: “The . . . fervent prayer of a righteous [mother] availeth much” (James 5:16). Have your children participate in family and personal prayers and rejoice in their sweet utterances to their Father in Heaven.
Have Weekly Family Home Evenings. Fifth, take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening. With your husband presiding, participate in a spiritual and an
uplifting home evening each week. Have your children actively involved. Teach them correct principles. Make this one of your great family traditions. Remember the
marvelous promise made by President Joseph F. Smith when home evenings were first introduced to the Church: “If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great
blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them” (James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
4:339). This wonderful promise is still in effect today.
Be Together at Mealtimes. Sixth, take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible. This is a challenge as the children get older and lives get busier. But happy conversation, sharing of the day’s plans and activities, and special teaching moments occur at mealtime because mothers and fathers and children work at it.
Read Scriptures Daily. Seventh, take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family. Individual scripture reading is important, but family scripture
reading is vital. Reading the Book of Mormon together as a family will especially bring increased spirituality into your home and will give both parents and children the power to resist temptation and to have the Holy Ghost as their constant companion. I promise you that the Book of Mormon will change the lives of your family.
Do Things as a Family. Eighth, take time to do things as a family. Make family outings and picnics and birthday celebrations and trips special times and memory builders.
Whenever possible attend as a family events where one of the family members is involved, such as a school play, a ball game, a talk, a recital. Attend Church meetings together and sit together as a family when you can.
Mothers who help families pray and play together will stay together and will bless children’s lives forever.
Teach Your Children. Ninth, mothers, take time to teach your children. Catch the teaching moments. This can be done anytime during the day--at mealtime, in
casual settings or at special sit-down times together, at the foot of the bed at the end of the day, or during an early-morning walk together. Mothers, you are your
children’s best teacher. Don’t shift this precious responsibility to day-care centers or baby-sitters. A mother’s love and prayerful concern for her children are
her most important ingredients in teaching her own.
Teach children gospel principles. Teach them it pays to be good. Teach them there is no safety in sin. Teach them a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a testimony of its divinity. Teach your sons and daughters modesty and teach them to respect manhood and womanhood.
Teach your children sexual purity, proper dating standards, temple marriage, missionary service, and the importance of accepting and magnifying Church callings.
Teach them a love for work and the value of a good education.
Teach them the importance of the right kind of entertainment, including appropriate movies, videos, music, books, and magazines. Discuss the evils of pornography and drugs and teach them the value of living the clean life.
Yes, mothers, teach your children the gospel in your home, at your own fireside. This is the most effective teaching that your children will ever receive. This is the
Lord’s way of teaching. The Church cannot teach like you can. The school cannot. The day-care center cannot. But you can, and the Lord will sustain you. Your children will remember your teachings forever, and when they are old, they will not depart from them. They will call you blessed--their truly angel mother.
Mothers, this kind of heavenly, motherly teaching takes time--lots of time. It cannot be done effectively part-time. It must be done all the time in order to save
and exalt your children. This is your divine calling.
Truly Love Your Children. Tenth, and finally, mothers, take the time to truly love your children. A mother’s unqualified love approaches Christlike love.
Here is a beautiful tribute by a son to his mother: “I don’t remember much about her views of voting nor her social prestige; and what her ideas of child training, diet,
and eugenics were, I cannot recall. The main thing that sifts back to me now through the thick undergrowth of years is that she loved me. She liked to lie on the grass
with me and tell stories, or to run and hide with us children. She was always hugging me. And I liked it. She had a sunny face. To me it was like God. Of all the
sensations pleasurable to my life nothing can compare with the rapture of crawling up into her lap and going to sleep while she swung to and fro in her rocking chair and sang. Thinking of this, I wonder if the woman of today, with all her tremendous notions and plans, realizes what an almighty factor she is in shaping her children. I wonder if she realizes how much sheer love and attention count for in a child’s life.”
Mothers, your teenage children also need that same kind of love and attention. It seems easier for many mothers and fathers to express their love to their children
when they are young, but more difficult when they are older. Work at this prayerfully. There need be no generation gap. And the key is love. Our young people
need love and attention, not indulgence. They need empathy and understanding, not indifference from mothers and fathers. They need the parents’ time. A mother’s
kindly teachings and her love for and confidence in a teenage son or daughter can literally save them from a wicked world.
Blessings of the Lord upon Parents
In closing, I would be remiss this evening if I did not express my love and eternal gratitude for my sweetheart and companion and the mother of our six children. Her
devotion to motherhood has blessed me and our family beyond words of expression. She has been a marvelous mother, completely and happily devoting her life and her mission to her family. How grateful I am for Flora!
May I also express my gratitude to you fathers and husbands assembled this evening. We look to you to give righteous leadership in your home and families and, with
your companions and the mothers of your children, to lead your families back to our Eternal Father.
Now God bless our wonderful mothers. We pray for you. We sustain you. We honor you as you bear, nourish, train, teach, and love for eternity. I promise you the
blessings of heaven and “all that the Father hath” (see D&C 84:38) as you magnify the noblest calling of all--a mother in Zion. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Monday, August 31, 2009
2009 College Football Picks Week One
College football season is upon us. Each year our family participates in doing college football picks weekly. I put together the list every week and it's always fun to see who wins. At the end of the season we have a party to celebrate the winner. Last year our winner was dad and the trophy was a football mug. I've decided to post my picks each week for those of you who would like to play along. I love college football and can't wait for the season to begin!
Name:____________________________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week One
Thursday, September 3, 2009
North Dakota State at Iowa State
South Carolina at North Carolina State
Troy at Bowling Green
North Texas at Ball State
Utah State at Utah
Oregon at Boise State on ESPN 7:15 p.m.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tulsa at Tulane
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Portland State @ Oregon State
Central Arkansas at Hawaii
Towson at Northwestern
Montana State at Michigan State
Appalachian State at East Carolina
Minnesota at Syracuse
Navy at Ohio State
Liberty at West Virginia
Toledo at Purdue
Northern Iowa at Iowa
Western Kentucky at Tennessee
Jacksonville State at Georgia Tech
Youngstown State at Pittsburgh
Northeastern at Boston College
Nicholls State at Air Force
Weber State at Wyoming
San Jose State at USC
Nevada @ Notre Dame
Western Michigan at Michigan
Baylor at Wake Forest
Georgia at Oklahoma State
Jackson State at Mississippi State
Missouri versus Illinois
Rice at UAB
Southern Illinois at Marshall
Citadel at North Carolina
Middle Tennessee State at Clemson
William and Mary at Virginia
Louisiana Tech at Auburn
Missouri State at Arkansas
Charleston Southern at Florida
Wofford at South Florida
Richmond at Duke
Florida Atlantic at Nebraska
Connecticut at Ohio
BYU versus Oklahoma on ESPN 4:00 p.m.
New Mexico at Texas A&M
Louisiana Monroe at Texas
Northern Illinois at Wisconsin
Northern Colorado at Kansas
North Dakota at Texas Tech
Mississippi Valley State at Arkansas State
Massachusetts at Kansas State
San Diego State at UCLA
Indiana State at Louisville
Western Carolina at Vanderbilt
Idaho at New Mexico State
Alabama versus Virginia Tech
Stanford at Washington State
Stephen F. Austin at Southern Methodist
Central Michigan at Arizona
Buffalo at UTEP
Idaho State at Arizona State
Maryland at California
UC Davis at Fresno State
Sacramento State at UNLV
LSU at Washington
Monday, September 7, 2009
Cincinnati at Rutgers
Miami at Florida State
Tiebreaker: Total score in
BYU versus Oklahoma_________
Name:____________________________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week One
Thursday, September 3, 2009
North Dakota State at Iowa State
South Carolina at North Carolina State
Troy at Bowling Green
North Texas at Ball State
Utah State at Utah
Oregon at Boise State on ESPN 7:15 p.m.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tulsa at Tulane
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Portland State @ Oregon State
Central Arkansas at Hawaii
Towson at Northwestern
Montana State at Michigan State
Appalachian State at East Carolina
Minnesota at Syracuse
Navy at Ohio State
Liberty at West Virginia
Toledo at Purdue
Northern Iowa at Iowa
Western Kentucky at Tennessee
Jacksonville State at Georgia Tech
Youngstown State at Pittsburgh
Northeastern at Boston College
Nicholls State at Air Force
Weber State at Wyoming
San Jose State at USC
Nevada @ Notre Dame
Western Michigan at Michigan
Baylor at Wake Forest
Georgia at Oklahoma State
Jackson State at Mississippi State
Missouri versus Illinois
Rice at UAB
Southern Illinois at Marshall
Citadel at North Carolina
Middle Tennessee State at Clemson
William and Mary at Virginia
Louisiana Tech at Auburn
Missouri State at Arkansas
Charleston Southern at Florida
Wofford at South Florida
Richmond at Duke
Florida Atlantic at Nebraska
Connecticut at Ohio
BYU versus Oklahoma on ESPN 4:00 p.m.
New Mexico at Texas A&M
Louisiana Monroe at Texas
Northern Illinois at Wisconsin
Northern Colorado at Kansas
North Dakota at Texas Tech
Mississippi Valley State at Arkansas State
Massachusetts at Kansas State
San Diego State at UCLA
Indiana State at Louisville
Western Carolina at Vanderbilt
Idaho at New Mexico State
Alabama versus Virginia Tech
Stanford at Washington State
Stephen F. Austin at Southern Methodist
Central Michigan at Arizona
Buffalo at UTEP
Idaho State at Arizona State
Maryland at California
UC Davis at Fresno State
Sacramento State at UNLV
LSU at Washington
Monday, September 7, 2009
Cincinnati at Rutgers
Miami at Florida State
Tiebreaker: Total score in
BYU versus Oklahoma_________
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Law of the Harvest
As I was eating my lunch today -- corn on the cob from our garden -- I was thinking about the law of the harvest. I marveled at the fact that two or three months ago we planted a seed in the ground and now we have ears of corn to eat. Planting seeds, watering, fertilizing, weeding, and finally harvesting. It's cool to be able to see the whole process and "reap what we have sown". This is the gospel law of the harvest. You reap what you sow.
Of course, we are not just talking about corn and zucchini. But it's a wonderful analogy. Our thoughts and actions are what we sow, and the consequences of such are what we reap.
People who make poor choices must reap the consequences of those choices.
Also, the law of the harvest says we need to work for what we get. If we want to eat corn we need to plant the seed, nurture it, and then comes the harvest.
This is what I was talking about when I was talking about socialism and the sense of entitlement that people in this country seem to have. They want something for nothing. This is contrary to the gospel law of the harvest.
"No matter how it is disguised, getting something for nothing is contrary to the gospel law of the harvest: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7; see also 2 Corinthians 9:6)." -- Dallin H. Oaks
There you have it, from the mouth of one of the 12 apostles. Anyway, this is what I was thinking about during my lunch today.
That's my two cents.
Of course, we are not just talking about corn and zucchini. But it's a wonderful analogy. Our thoughts and actions are what we sow, and the consequences of such are what we reap.
People who make poor choices must reap the consequences of those choices.
Also, the law of the harvest says we need to work for what we get. If we want to eat corn we need to plant the seed, nurture it, and then comes the harvest.
This is what I was talking about when I was talking about socialism and the sense of entitlement that people in this country seem to have. They want something for nothing. This is contrary to the gospel law of the harvest.
"No matter how it is disguised, getting something for nothing is contrary to the gospel law of the harvest: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7; see also 2 Corinthians 9:6)." -- Dallin H. Oaks
There you have it, from the mouth of one of the 12 apostles. Anyway, this is what I was thinking about during my lunch today.
That's my two cents.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Relief Society Lesson -- Unselfish Service
I just finished teaching my lesson this month. So I thought, once again I would post my outline/visual aids. Enjoy!
Unselfish Service
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
April 2009 General Conference
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” Matthew 16:25
It is not easy to give up our personal priorities and desires.
“He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity.”
-Gordon B. Hinckley
We do not serve our Savior well if we fear man more than God.
“We cannot walk as other men, or talk as other men, or do as other men, for we have a different destiny, obligation, and responsibility placed upon us, and we must fit ourselves [to it].” -Elder John A. Widtsoe
The values of the world wrongly teach that “it’s all about me.”
The plan of the gospel of Jesus Christ lifts us above our selfish desires and teaches us that this life is all about what we can become.
Unselfish Service
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
April 2009 General Conference
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” Matthew 16:25
It is not easy to give up our personal priorities and desires.
“He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity.”
-Gordon B. Hinckley
We do not serve our Savior well if we fear man more than God.
“We cannot walk as other men, or talk as other men, or do as other men, for we have a different destiny, obligation, and responsibility placed upon us, and we must fit ourselves [to it].” -Elder John A. Widtsoe
The values of the world wrongly teach that “it’s all about me.”
The plan of the gospel of Jesus Christ lifts us above our selfish desires and teaches us that this life is all about what we can become.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Cocaine Tainted Money
I just read a news article that stated that 90% of US currency is contaminated with cocaine. Isn't that a sad commentary on our society? Some of the major cities such as Detroit, Boston, Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles, etc. had 100% of their bills test positive for cocaine. Salt Lake City came in at 77%. Don't worry, there's not enough cocaine on the bills to affect your health. But the bad thing about this is that people who handle money a lot, i.e. people who work in a bank and use counting machines, are being exposed to the cocaine when the money is counted. The cocaine becomes airborne, they breathe it in and can test positive for cocaine on a drug test.
Anyway, I thought this was interesting so I thought I would share it on my blog. And since lately, I've been talking about the sad state of our society, I thought I would use this as yet another example.
That's my two cents.
If you would like to read the article, click on the title and it will link you to the article.
Anyway, I thought this was interesting so I thought I would share it on my blog. And since lately, I've been talking about the sad state of our society, I thought I would use this as yet another example.
That's my two cents.
If you would like to read the article, click on the title and it will link you to the article.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Nothing Is Free
Nothing is ever free. It may be free for some people but somebody always has to pay for it. This is what people don't understand about socialism. Take for example the CARS program a.k.a. cash for clunkers. It sounds like a great idea. You buy a new car, trade in your used car and get $4500 from the government. This may be good for the automakers and a few people who buy new cars. But, where is the $4500 coming from? Taxpayers like you and I. And who else suffers from this socialist program? The used car industry. And those who buy used cars. Because of the cash for clunkers program there are far fewer used cars on the market. Therefore the law of supply and demand says that when supply goes down and demand remains constant or goes up the price will go up. This is what is happening to the used car industry. The price of used cars is going up because there are not as many used cars on the market. So, in actuality, the cash for clunkers program is actually costing society instead of helping. This is what socialism does. It benefits a few at the expense of many.
It is the same thing with health-care reform or in other words socialized medicine. I posted a YouTube video of Ronald Reagan's response regarding socialized medicine. It is 10 minutes long but if you have the time is worth watching/listening to. What happened to the days when people actually paid for services they received? When I go to the doctor, or dentist, I pay cash. When I need medicine, I pay cash. There is a need for government-funded health care for those who can't afford it. But for the majority of citizens of the United States of America, the health insurance programs available through employers or self-pay is sufficient. Granted, health care is extremely overpriced. But that's another story.
My point is, that nothing is free. Someone always has to pay. We live in a society where debt is at an all-time high, people's sense of entitlement is at an all-time high, and it seems like nobody wants to work anymore. People use other people's money to buy things they don't need, they expect to get something for nothing. And then they don't want to work to pay it back. When the debt gets too high, they just go bankrupt and wipe clean the slate. It is not right. Especially when you are the debtor and are owed a lot of money. But, this is how society is now. And with Korihor in office, things are spiraling downward even faster.
That's my two cents.
It is the same thing with health-care reform or in other words socialized medicine. I posted a YouTube video of Ronald Reagan's response regarding socialized medicine. It is 10 minutes long but if you have the time is worth watching/listening to. What happened to the days when people actually paid for services they received? When I go to the doctor, or dentist, I pay cash. When I need medicine, I pay cash. There is a need for government-funded health care for those who can't afford it. But for the majority of citizens of the United States of America, the health insurance programs available through employers or self-pay is sufficient. Granted, health care is extremely overpriced. But that's another story.
My point is, that nothing is free. Someone always has to pay. We live in a society where debt is at an all-time high, people's sense of entitlement is at an all-time high, and it seems like nobody wants to work anymore. People use other people's money to buy things they don't need, they expect to get something for nothing. And then they don't want to work to pay it back. When the debt gets too high, they just go bankrupt and wipe clean the slate. It is not right. Especially when you are the debtor and are owed a lot of money. But, this is how society is now. And with Korihor in office, things are spiraling downward even faster.
That's my two cents.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Socialism in the United States
A friend sent me an e-mail with these quotes. It's pretty scary that 65 years later, Norman Thomas's prediction is now reality.
A Socialist Party candidate for President of the USA, Norman Thomas, said this in a 1944 speech: "The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But under the name of liberalism, they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened." He went on to say: "I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democratic Party has adopted our platform."
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." ~~Margaret Thatcher
The stupidity of my fellow American citizens still amazes me. It's hard for me to fathom that anyone with half a brain would vote for Obama. Or as I like to call him, Korihor. It is obvious to me and many others that he is destroying our country from the inside. As I have said before, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. But I can't place all the blame on him. He is just the instrument in Satan's hand. The American people gave him the power he now has to destroy our wonderful country. Along with many others in political office. It hasn't taken very long to turn a once free, moral, hard-working, God-fearing country into the socialistic, amoral, apathetic, expecting something for nothing country we've become.
As Margaret Thatcher said, mine and other taxpayers money will eventually run out. The smart people who are wise with their money are having to bail out, against their will, all the stupid people who make poor financial decisions i.e. stimulus package, CARS program, so-called health care reform, etc.. The hard-working, moral taxpayers can only support the lazy, amoral, good for nothing leeches for so long. Socialism doesn't work.
That's my two cents.
A Socialist Party candidate for President of the USA, Norman Thomas, said this in a 1944 speech: "The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But under the name of liberalism, they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened." He went on to say: "I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democratic Party has adopted our platform."
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." ~~Margaret Thatcher
The stupidity of my fellow American citizens still amazes me. It's hard for me to fathom that anyone with half a brain would vote for Obama. Or as I like to call him, Korihor. It is obvious to me and many others that he is destroying our country from the inside. As I have said before, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. But I can't place all the blame on him. He is just the instrument in Satan's hand. The American people gave him the power he now has to destroy our wonderful country. Along with many others in political office. It hasn't taken very long to turn a once free, moral, hard-working, God-fearing country into the socialistic, amoral, apathetic, expecting something for nothing country we've become.
As Margaret Thatcher said, mine and other taxpayers money will eventually run out. The smart people who are wise with their money are having to bail out, against their will, all the stupid people who make poor financial decisions i.e. stimulus package, CARS program, so-called health care reform, etc.. The hard-working, moral taxpayers can only support the lazy, amoral, good for nothing leeches for so long. Socialism doesn't work.
That's my two cents.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Homegrown Corn
Yesterday Dad harvested our first two ears of corn from our garden. It was so exciting. This is the first time we have ever tried to grow corn. I was able to sample it. It was delicious. Although it was harvested a little early, the kernels weren't quite mature but they were still really sweet and delicious. Just a little small.
It is so cool to be able to eat vegetables that were grown in your own garden. Mom also made a delicious zucchini casserole out of homegrown zucchini from our garden. It is fun to learn how to grow different vegetables. This is what the prophet has asked us to do, to learn how to grow a garden. It is very rewarding to plant a seed and watch it grow to produce different crops. I am so excited that we actually got some corn harvested from our first attempt at growing it. And it was delicious! I look forward to eating many more ears in the coming weeks.
We also got our wheat grinder back from the repair shop and were able to grind some wheat and make some wheat bread yesterday. It was fun. And quite delicious. I'm not a big fan of wheat bread but for being 100% whole wheat bread it was good. It was fun to watch wheat kernels turn into bread in a matter of hours.
It is so cool to be able to eat vegetables that were grown in your own garden. Mom also made a delicious zucchini casserole out of homegrown zucchini from our garden. It is fun to learn how to grow different vegetables. This is what the prophet has asked us to do, to learn how to grow a garden. It is very rewarding to plant a seed and watch it grow to produce different crops. I am so excited that we actually got some corn harvested from our first attempt at growing it. And it was delicious! I look forward to eating many more ears in the coming weeks.
We also got our wheat grinder back from the repair shop and were able to grind some wheat and make some wheat bread yesterday. It was fun. And quite delicious. I'm not a big fan of wheat bread but for being 100% whole wheat bread it was good. It was fun to watch wheat kernels turn into bread in a matter of hours.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Drug Addict Celebrities
Why is it that every celebrity death seems to be caused by drugs? I should say, drugs used in an inappropriate manner. I just read an article on the Internet that Billy Mays, the commercial pitchman who died recently from a heart attack, had cocaine and prescription painkillers and tranquilizers in his system. The autopsy reported that cocaine was the cause of his heart attack. I need not mention the other much more famous celebrity who recently died because of drugs. It saddens me that people think they have to deal with their problems by using drugs. I cannot understand the pressure/stress that extremely famous people must endure. But there must be a better way to deal with it,than turning to drug abuse. The answer of course is the gospel. But, if they had the gospel in their lives, they probably wouldn't be celebrities. The two lifestyles are not conducive with each other. Except for Donny and Marie of course :-). Anyway, it just really saddens me when I hear people throwing their lives away because of poor choices. More specifically, turning to drugs to deal with their problems.
That's my two cents.
That's my two cents.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Pierce County Fair
The Pierce County fair is this weekend here in Graham. It is located at frontier Park on Meridian. I have never been but I thought maybe you guys would be interested in taking your kids there. It looks like admission is five dollars for adults and three dollars for kids six to 15. I posted a link to their website if you click the title. It starts today , the hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Anyway I just thought I would let everybody know in case you were interested.
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