Sunday, October 23, 2011

The Rod

"Every act of self discipline increases our self esteem." - Tyler Norton

Over the weekend, TCD's seminary teacher called and asked if I would substitute for him next week.  (EEK!)  There's nothing like being asked to teach the Old Testament to a group of high school kids at 6:00am to make you re-evaluate the things you know and the choices you're making.  

It's been FOREVER since I've really gotten into my scriptures.  

It's been FOREVER since I've regularly attended the Temple.

It's been FOREVER since I've regularly exercised.

it's been FOREVER since I've played the piano.

This morning the Bishop talked about the Day of Service and the youth rappelling trip.  He equated a lot of the experiences with the ability to hold fast to the rod.  When mists of darkness come, whether through circumstances beyond our control or as consequences of our own actions, we need to hold tighter, stay more firmly committed, and keep doing the things we know are right.  This isn't the time to LET GO of the rod.  


I haven't let go of anything, but my grip isn't as tight.  Things have been slipping and it's definitely time to start hanging on again. 


There are 20 seminary kids who will be looking closely at me next week.  There are 8 Beehives who regularly watch the things I do and listen to everything I say.  And most importantly, there are 4 impressionable kids in my home who notice every move I make, every mood swing and frustration, every sarcastic remark and impatient tone.  They are the first to notice when I'm not at my best.  And that feeling trickles into places that I don't want it to settle. 


One of the people I love the very most in my life is totally immovable about some things.  I love that.  I'd like to have more of that quality.  Immovable in my testimony.  Unshakable in my faith. 
Mosiah 5:15: “Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life.”
3 Nephi 6:14: “The church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.”
I want to be willing with all diligence.  I want to be sealed His.   I want everlasting salvation and eternal life.  And I want my children and the teenagers I am called to teach to know without a doubt that I have a testimony of the gospel and of the Savior...that He knows us and loves us, that He has felt every pain we will ever feel, and that if we rely on Him to help us through the mists of darkness, the rewards will be SO worth it.   



Be Good.  Be Patient.  Don't Forget. 

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