...and I should probably split this into separate posts, but don't feel like it.
1) As part of the introduction to Joseph Smith's teachings, we watched a portion of The Restoration video in Priesthood meeting today (Ashlee said they did so in Relief Society, also). I couldn't help but notice the three things Joseph's family did that helped get him to the point where he was spiritually self-reliant:
Family Scripture Study
Family Prayer
Church Attendance
And even though he most assuredly did not love every minute of any of these three, it was because of them that Joseph sought to know for himself which church was true.
I don't doubt that our children will have moments of "boredom" in church (Joel will say, "Dad, I'm booooring"), but having them be where they are supposed to be is the only way they will begin asking--and seeking answers to--their own religious questions.
2) Something that has been on my mind lately is this: Is it more helpful and empowering to think, "The Lord loves me," or that, "I love the Lord?"
4 comments:
It is always good to be reminded that those simple things are so important, especially when you are in the hall with a screaming child EVERY single week. Sometimes I wonder, why are we even here? but I am reminded by these lessons as well as other peoples experiences that in the long run it is SO worth it.
It was difficult to even get Liam into sacrament meeting without screaming much less stay in the meeting for longer than 10 minutes and it took, believe it or not, two years before we could get him to sit through a meeting. but the fact that there has been progress with him gives me hope with Kailey!
I also try to remind myself that my childrens stubborness will be a great thing as they grow older, so long as it is steared in the right direction!
1) Couldn't agree more. It's hard to sit through meetings with the feeling that you're not learning anything because you have a rampant child on the loose, but then there are times when you can tell that your kid learned something, and that makes it worth it. One time a storm was blowing in and Seth claimed that he had his own Liahona like Nephi. In the next breath he claimed that the storm was coming because he was tying his parents up and he was wicked. So maybe the lessons aren't always the right ones...at least they're learning something.
2) Do you have to choose? I think either one naturally leads to the other thought.
In response to question two, I tend to think that "The Lord loves me" is something instilled in one at a younger age, and then reminds one of the fact at random (needful) moments throughout their life.
"I love the Lord," though, is a concept and motivator one grasps throughout a life of obedience--even when it seems fruitless (children at church, etc).
On the 2nd thought: "The Lord loves me" is what I say and remember when I mess up and sin--as in, the lord still loves me; a good rebound remembering phrase.
Whereas, "I love the Lord" is a statement and declaration, the feelings of which are usually a precursor to the bearing of testimony.
Maybe the more important question is, when do we have these impressions? If we feel that "the lord loves me" after we have a spiritual experience, and we are identifying in humility his hand in that experience, then I believe we have fulfilled the phrase.
Likewise, if we have a similar spiritual experience and say "I love the Lord", you are in essence repeating the same sentiment--humbly recognizing the hand of the Lord through that phrase.
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