Day 78 -- Patience is a Virtue

Day 78:

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE DAY!

-Make sure you are caught up through 3 Nephi 8

OR

If you're up-to-date take time to study Helaman 13.

Something to think about: What did Samuel the Lamanite preach to the wicked Nephites before the Savior came? What are modern prophets teaching us as we prepare for Christ's second coming?

I read a talk tonight given by President Uchtdorf on Patience. He says, "The lessons we learn from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our happiness."

He also says, "Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter. Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace."

With that in mind, we must know that patience isn't just waiting. There's more to it! "Patience requires actively working toward worthwhile goals and not getting discouraged when results don’t appear instantly or without effort. There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!"

When we are impatient, that is a form of selfishness. "It is a trait of the self-absorbed. It arises from the all-too-prevalent condition called “center of the universe” syndrome, which leads people to believe that the world revolves around them and that all others are just supporting cast in the grand theater of mortality in which only they have the starring role."

Does that sound very Christ-like to you? I don't think so.

Let us all try to be more patient with one another.....and not have short fuses. Let us be more Christ-like :)

Day 77

Day 77:

-Read: 3 Nephi 6-8

-Mark: 3 Nephi 6:12-14

"I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us--insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn't measure our talents or our looks; He doesn't measure our professions or our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other."

~Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Something to think about: Why is pride "the great stumbling block of Zion"? What can help you be more humble?

If God truly does love each and every one of us equally, why do we feel like we can put ourselves above one another? Why treat His children poorly to make ourselves look better?

"Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too. When your heart is filled with love, others will love you." That is a primary song that I've known since childhood. They try to teach us that when we are young, but for some reason--sadly enough--as we grow older we forget this simple message. It's kind of like the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you want done unto you. You can't treat others like crap and then expect them to be nice to you. I mean, of course this is possible... Some people are just nice no matter the occasion, but those people are rarities. So if you know one, especially don't be mean to them and take advantage of that.

All-in-all, just treat people the way they deserve to be treated (not the way you might think they need to be treated), but as God would treat them.....as a good Father treats and loves his child.

Day 76...The Role of a Father

Day 76:

-Read: 3 Nephi 3-5

-Mark: 3 Nephi 3:12-14; 4:1o

"In providing out-of-home activities for the family, we must use care; otherwise, we could be like a father determined to provide everything for his family. He devotes every energy to that end and succeeds; only then does he discover that what they needed most, to be together as a family, has been neglected."

~President Boyd K. Packer

Something to think about: How can you help your family receive the strength that comes from being "gathered together"?

Today's reading, and the quote that was shared, reminded me of a story shared by a newly found friend of mine. I don't think he realizes, but I'm so thankful for him and his fine example, and that he decided to share this story with me. It just amazed me, and made me even more grateful for my earthly Father and the great job he has.

So this particular young man, once he graduates college, has plans of becoming a businessman per se. He served his mission in Brazil and loved everything about it (the people, the scenery, the food, the work....) so much that he wishes to return one day to live for a couple years. (Bytheway, these next photos are actual ones from his mission. He sent me a few.)

The story he shared with me you may be wondering? ....The men of that country work so dang hard. He knows of many men who sacrifice 120 HOURS a week (that's 17 hours a day!), working multiple jobs, just so they are able to make ends meet and care for and support their families. This leaves only 7ish hours each day for them to sleep and spend time with their wife and children. When I heard this, it not only amazed me of their loving sacrifice, but it made me very sad for them. My dad doesn't work nearly that many hours each week, and sometimes it still feels like we don't get enough time with him!

This story happily continues, because this young man has plans to go back to Brazil (like I before mentioned). Why? Well, he wants to take his business there, and offer jobs to these Courageous Fathers, making it so they only have to work 8 hour shifts, but still allowing them to make what they need to survive and feel comfortable. I this this is a very beautiful and noble decision on his part. I can't imagine how grateful those people will be to him one day (even more than they probably already are from his decision to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for them).

So what I have to say to you today is: just be grateful that we live in such a wonderful place where for the most part, such extremes are not needed. For those of you that are already fathers.....if the 120 hour work weeks are not needed: please plan your life and make changes so that you can have that extra time to spend with your wife on a date, or playing with and teaching your children. They need that. Family time is so very important. Why do you think that Heavenly Father made it so we can be together with our families for ETERNITY, but we can't take our earthly possessions (the things that don't really matter in the end: money, cars, electronics, etc.) with us when we die? We need one another.

Most of my Christmas break was spent with my family just talking, playing games, having family dinner, and just enjoying one another's company. It was wonderful. I noticed a big difference in how we acted toward one another compared to Christmas break last year. For me, last year most of my friends were still here and so I spent a lot of time hanging with them, when in reality, I should have made more time for my forever best friends; my family.

For those of you who are not yet fathers, but plan to take on that role one day: please take all of this into consideration as well, and make your life plans accordingly. Work hard in school so that you are able to gain a good education so that you can not only be a support to your future family, but you can be a Father to them and help in teaching them and loving them.

The role of being a Mother is beautiful thing, but so can the role a Father plays. Also, in the church, Fathers have the opportunity to hold something very powerful.....the Priesthood. That is not something us women get the chance to do. In D&C 121:39 and 41 it says:

39) We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.

41) No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

A quote from the talk "The Role of Fathers", given by A. Theodore Tuttle in 1973 says,

"There is yet another intrusion into the home that needs to be mentioned. It is an unwise father who carries to his family his daily business cares. They disturb the peace existing there. He should leave his worries at the office and enter his home with the spirit of peace in his heart and with the love of God burning within him. If there is friction, his presence should soothe it. If there is turmoil, he should resolve it."

He continues:

"Fathers, draw close to your children. Learn to communicate. Learn to listen. This means giving a father’s most valuable commodity—time! Only good results occur when a father interviews his sons and daughters regularly. He can know their problems and their hopes. He can align himself with them as their unconditional friend. To the extent we become friends with our children in unconditional love, to that extent we become like our Heavenly Father."

To Mothers and Fathers both: Always remember how important family is, and the time that is spent is vitally important. Love one another. Make time for one another. But also make time for your children :)

To my friend: a quick thank you for sharing your story with me. I was very impressed, and I've thought a lot about it since then, and so today when I did my scripture reading, I knew exactly what I wanted to share with everyone. So, thank you :)

To my Father: Thank you for the Father you have been to me and the Father you still are today. Your example is tremendous, and I KNOW for 100% fact that you love me. I love you so much!!

Day 75

Day 75:

-Read: Helaman 16 – 3 Nephi 2

-Mark: 3 Nephi 1:12-13

“Gifts of the Spirit which the Lord bestows upon those who believe and obey the gospel of Christ are called signs. That is, their receipt stands as an evidence or sign of the presence of that faith which results from believing the truth. Signs are wonders and miracles; they always and invariably are manifest to and among the faithful saints.”

~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Something to think about: Why did Satan want the faithful Nephites to believe in the signs? What lies does he send today to try to keep you from believing the witness you've received as a result of your faith?

Elder McConkie's quote made me think: if we aren't being faithful and doing our part, showing the Lord we are committed, why should He give unto us signs and answers? We must do our part before He will help us! Don'tcha think?

Day 74

Day 74:

-Read: Helaman 13-15

-Mark: Helaman 14:30-31

"Spiritual maturity is understanding that we cannot blame anybody else for our actions. Some factors may make it harder for us to perform according to God’s plan for us, but being accountable for how we use our agency means being answerable for our own behavior.”

~ Sister Elaine Cannon

Something to think about: In what ways do you use your agency to help you to grow?

I apologize for not adding anything extra today--I'm finishing up packing and then picking up my roommate from the airport. We're going back down to Cedar City for the Spring semester, so today is kinda hectic for me! I just wanted to make sure I got my scripture reading done for the day! Keep it up!