Luncheon

 So fun spending a few hours with former teacher friends! Thanks for coming to lunch Kathryn Toland, Bonnie Tew, Paula Jenkins, Elizabeth Gardner, Sue Wood, and Diane Young. It was good to catch up on your family happenings!!

July

 

Cute Gifts

My ministering sister, Jeanne, brought over this cute gnome and the flag lawn ornament last night!!! 

I love them both so much. Wasn’t that sweet of her?

Load Picked Up!

 The first load just left and it was a big one, but the pile is still huge! Some of the trees were so big, he had to cut them down to fit on the trailer! 

I am sorry to cause so much work, but grateful beyond words! 

Update: He came back and took another trailer load and it is gone now!

Lawn Mowing

 Another day of making my yard look so good!

Service from Young Men and Leaders

After 2 hours of young men and leaders working. 

I can see the side of the house!!! I can’t thank them enough !!!  

Look at the pile they removed!!!! They will haul it off in the next few days.

Most of the work is finished ... visiting and having a treat ...

Siberian elms?

I hate Siberian Elms. They are so invasive. The branches get so thick that I am not strong enough to cut through with my loppers. This is a before picture …… after I worked on cutting them the other day until the wind started.

Wellness Check

Annual Wellness check….. some of the Medicare questions are interesting….definitely senior questions.

They had to draw my blood. Sometimes it is difficult to find a good flowing vein on me, so I always dread it just a little. Ask Beth about the time years ago when she watched it come out drop by drop literally!

Curtis got it on the first stick!!! Thank you so much !

The Battle is the Lord's

 “The Battle Is the Lord’s”

1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18

God calls people by prophecy to serve in His kingdom.

Boyd K Packer taught, “The pattern for official callings was established in the early days of the Church. The fifth article of faith teaches “that a man [and, for that matter, a woman] must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.” [A of F 1:5]

It is not in the proper spirit for us to decide where we will serve or where we will not. We serve where we are called. It does not matter what the calling may be.”  (Oct. 1997. “Called to Serve”)

As we read in this week’s assignment we saw that Saul was chosen to be king by the Lord.

I need someone to read 1Samuel 9:15-17.

1Samuel 9:   15 ¶ Now the ^aLord had ^btold Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,

16 Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt ^aanoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their ^bcry is come unto me.

17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.

 

We also saw that David was also chosen. (1Samuel 16:12) …And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.

What difference does it make, for the people called to know that God chooses people to serve in His Church?   

How about and for those who sustain them?

I have to admit that I am not a gracious acceptor of callings that I receive. I too often question the validity of these calls. First reaction may be to doubt and wonder if a mistake was made.  I am sure that I am not the only one who has felt this way.  

I have seen examples in the scriptures where this happened as well.  Gideon and Saul both questioned: why are you speaking to me in this manner?  My family is the least and I am the least of my family.  But they accepted and went forth, at least at the beginning, trying to do as asked to do.

Years ago, when Bishop Goodrich called me into his office to be RS President, I started listed all the reasons why I couldn’t be good at the job.  After admitting a few reasons, I looked at his face.  “I’m not making a difference in your opinion, am I?’  He smiled and told me “No, but that it was fun.”  

I accepted and went forth.  Any success that came from that definitely was due to the Lord and the good help that I was given by wonderful counselors.

 

Has anyone ever doubted a calling?  Did you accept that calling?

 

Henry B Eyring taught, “First, you are called of God. The Lord knows you. He knows whom He would have serve in every position in His Church. He chose you. He has prepared a way so that He could issue your call. He restored the keys of the priesthood to Joseph Smith. Those keys have been passed down in an unbroken line to President Hinckley (now to President Nelson). Through those keys, other priesthood servants were given keys to preside in stakes and wards, in districts and branches. It was through those keys that the Lord called you. Those keys confer a right to revelation. And revelation comes in answer to prayer. The person who was inspired to recommend you for this call didn’t do it because they liked you or because they needed someone to do a particular task. They prayed and felt an answer that you were the one to be called.

The person who called you did not issue the call simply because he learned by interviewing you that you were worthy and willing to serve. He prayed to know the Lord’s will for you. It was prayer and revelation to those authorized of the Lord which brought you here. Your call is an example of a source of power unique to the Lord’s Church. Men and women are called of God by prophecy and by the laying on of hands by those God has authorized.

You are called to represent the Savior. Your voice to testify becomes the same as His voice, your hands to lift the same as His hands. His work is to bless His Father’s spirit children with the opportunity to choose eternal life. So, your calling is to bless lives. That will be true even in the most ordinary tasks you are assigned and in moments when you might be doing something not apparently connected to your call. Just the way you smile or the way you offer to help someone can build their faith. And should you forget who you are, just the way you speak and the way you behave can destroy faith.

Your call has eternal consequences for others and for you. In the world to come, thousands may call your name blessed, even more than the people you serve here. They will be the ancestors and the descendants of those who chose eternal life because of something you said or did, or even what you were. If someone rejects the Savior’s invitation because you did not do all you could have done, their sorrow will be yours. You see, there are no small callings to represent the Lord. Your call carries grave responsibility. But you need not fear, because with your call come great promises.”  (Rise to Your Call, October 2002)

 “To obey is better than sacrifice.”   1 Samuel 13:5–14; 15    

The Bible teaches a marvelous story about Samuel and Saul. Saul had been set apart by the prophet Samuel under the direction of the Lord to become king of the Israelites. Saul had been a choice young man. The scriptures say, “There was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he” (1 Sam. 9:2).  (Robert D Hales, June 1999)

 

Saul started out strong and committed, but along the way started making poor choices and decisions.  

 

We read about some of these:   Saul was waiting for Samuel to come and offer burnt offerings to the Lord before a battle.  Saul got tired of waiting and made the offering himself.  He wasn’t authorized to do this. He was king, not spiritual leader.  He knew what he did was wrong, but put the blame on the people.

 

Later Saul was commanded to smite and destroy the Amelikites and all they have.  He saved some animals to sacrifice.  Again, he tried to put the blame on others. 

 

 

 

 

Read 1 Samuel 15:22

1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great ^adelight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the ^bvoice of the Lord? Behold, to ^cobey is better than ^dsacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of ^erams.

Saul decided to practice selective obedience by obeying only part of the commandments.

Robert D Hales asks us, “My brothers and sisters, are we hearkening with exactness to the voice of the Lord and His prophets? Or, like Saul, are we practicing selective obedience and fearing the judgments of men?” (Agency:Essential to the Plan of Life, 10/2010)

 

Rebellion against the Lord is significant.  Saul also failed to take responsibility for his actions, even though he was in charge of his army and the prophet had told him exactly what to do.

 

We should ask ourselves:  What would God have me do or stop doing to be eligible to receive His choicest blessings?

 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”

What are some good things we do in our lives that we sometimes choose instead of obeying God? 

 (Taking on a job, but one that takes us away from our standards, Use of our time,  taking a big, vacation or just spending one on one time with children, Saving for a mission, but not paying your tithing:  go to church on Sundays but treat others unkindly)

Dallin Oaks gave a talk entitled “Good, Better, Best” in October 2007. Go look it up and reread it.  It is worth it!

Why is obedience to God better than those other good things?

 

Thomas S Monson: Obedience is a hallmark of prophets; it has provided strength and knowledge to them throughout the ages. It is essential for us to realize that we, as well, are entitled to this source of strength and knowledge. It is readily available to each of us today as we obey God’s commandments.

 

The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments. I quote once again the words of the Lord from D&C 93:28: “He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.”  (Obedience Brings Blessings, 04/2013.)

 

 “The Lord looketh on the heart.”     

Read 1 Samuel 16:6–7,   

6 ¶ And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on ^aEliab, and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.

7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord ^aseeth not as ^bman seeth; for man looketh on the outward ^cappearance, but the ^dLord looketh on the ^eheart.

 

What are some ways people judge others “on the outward appearance?”

What do you think it means to look “on the heart” (verse 7). 

 

Marvin J Ashton taught us:  “We tend to evaluate others on the basis of physical, outward appearance: their “good looks,” their social status, their family pedigrees, their degrees, or their economic situations.

The Lord, however, has a different standard by which he measures a person. When it came time to choose a king to replace King Saul, the Lord gave this criteria to his prophet Samuel: “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; … for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7.)

When the Lord measures an individual, He does not take a tape measure around the person’s head to determine his mental capacity, nor his chest to determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and potential to bless others.

…..The measure of our hearts is the measure of our total performance. As used by the Lord, the “heart” of a person describes his effort to better self, or others, or the conditions he confronts. “(The Measure of Our Hearts, 10/1988)

 

Elder Richard C Edgley stated in October 1999 conference “… you can describe a man in inches, pounds, complexion, or physique. But you measure a man by character, compassion, integrity, tenderness, and principle. Simply stated, the measures of a man are embedded in his heart and soul, not in his physical attributes (see 1 Sam. 16:7). But they can be viewed in conduct and demeanor. The qualities of manhood are so often evident in this thing we call countenance. When Alma queried, “Have ye received his image [meaning the Savior—the true man] in your countenances?” (Alma 5:14), he, my friend, was talking about the attributes of true manhood.”

How can we learn to see the way the Lord sees? 

Have you had  experiences that taught you the importance of looking on the heart rather than the outward appearance?

The Lord can help us overcome any challenge.    

Have someone review the story of David and Goliath, 1Samuel 17.

What do we know about Goliath?

9 feet 9 inches tall, very strong, confident

Coat of armor 125 lbs, spear tip 15-20 lbs.

Man of war since his youth

What did they learn about David?

Small, shepherd boy

A youth 

David knew God was on their side and would deliver.

Armed with 5 smooth stones – no armor

His Speech:  1 Samuel 17:46-47

It is very likely that some of you are facing challenges that may seem as daunting as Goliath did to Saul and his army. Most of us have felt that way, probably more than once in our life time.

What are some things that might be “Goliaths” in our day?  List on the board

How can we use the story of David and Goliath to help us face challenges with faith in the Lord?

President Spencer W Kimball was speaking with the priesthood, but we can liken it to all of us…..told us to “Remember every David has a Goliath to defeat, and every Goliath can be defeated. He may not be a bully who fights with fists or sword or gun. He may not even be flesh and blood. He may not be nine feet tall; he may not be armor-protected, but every boy has his Goliaths. And every boy has his sling, and every boy has access to the brook with its smooth stones.

You will meet Goliaths who threaten you. Whether your Goliath is a town bully or is the temptation to steal or to destroy or the temptation to rob or the desire to curse and swear; if your Goliath is the desire to wantonly destroy or the temptation to lust and to sin, or the urge to avoid activity, whatever is your Goliath, he can be slain. But remember, to be the victor, one must follow the path that David followed:

“David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.” (1 Sam. 18:14.)  (The Davids and the Goliaths, Oct 1974)

 

President Thomas S. Monson explained that we must face our challenges in order to overcome them:

“Is there a Goliath in your life? Is there one in mine? Does he stand squarely between you and your desired happiness? Your Goliath may not carry a sword or hurl a verbal challenge of insult that all may hear and force you to decision. He may not be ten feet tall, but he likely will appear equally as formidable, and his silent challenge may shame and embarrass. …

“The giant you face will not diminish in size nor in power or strength by your vain hoping, wishing, or waiting for him to do so. Rather, he increases in power as his hold upon you tightens” (“Meeting Your Goliath,” New Era, June 2008, 5).

 

 

Should there be a Goliath in our lives, or a giant called by another name, we need not “flee” or be sore afraid” as we go up to battle against him.  Rather we can find assurance and receive divine help from Him of whom David wrote in his inspired psalm:  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…. Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:1,4) Victory will be ours.

 

Overpowering our Goliaths.

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught:   “There are Goliaths all around you, hulking giants with evil intent to destroy you. These are not nine-foot-tall men, but they are men and institutions that control attractive but evil things that may challenge and weaken and destroy you. …

“… But you need not fear if you have the slingshot of truth in your hands. … You have the stones of virtue and honor and integrity to use against these enemies who would like to conquer you. Insofar as you are concerned, you can hit them ‘between the eyes,’ to use a figurative expression. You can triumph over them by disciplining yourselves to avoid them. You can say to the whole lot of them as David said to Goliath, ‘Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied’ [1 Samuel 17:45]. Victory can be yours.” (“Overpowering the Goliaths in Our Lives,” Ensign, May 1983,  46, 51).

 

 

President Russell M. Nelson has said, when you are facing your own Goliaths, “you are entitled through your worthiness to receive revelation to help you with your righteous endeavors.  You may take upon you the name of the Lord.  You may pray in His holy name …. Your prayerful access to help is just as real as it was when David battled his Goliath.”

With God’s help, you can stand your ground with faith and be triumphant.

 

You may feel too weak to overcome your challenges of bullying, fear, worry, tests, tough relationships, and more.  Your trials may feel like a giant Goliath standing in front of you.  Others may not think you’re big enough or strong enough to overcome your fears and challenges, but with God, all things are possible.  He may not remove the challenge, but He will definitely provide a way for you to endure it.  If you look to Him and not forget Him in your trials, you will be stronger and more like Him. 

 

 

Testimony

If we have faith to move forward with the few smooth stones we have, that will be enough for the Lord to accomplish His work.  In 1Nephi 3:7 we learned: … I ^awill go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no ^bcommandments unto the children of men, save he shall ^cprepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

Do we really believe that?  If so, we can arm ourselves with 5 stones: Jesus Christ in the center of our lives, our heart in the right place, Trust, Faith and Determination and we can conquer anything.

 

I hope that we can learn from the stories and examples of the Bible … good and bad…and be better people because of it.

 

 

Sunday school

Here comes another Sunday School lesson in a couple of hours. There are always so many concepts that we need in our lives to be better people embedded in these lessons.

Today we will talk about how the Lord calls people to positions by prophecy, that it is always better to obey than to sacrifice, that the Lord sees and measures us by our hearts, and that we will face Goliaths in our life and can be victorious!

Ants - Yikes!

When you finally go out to try to cut down your weeds, make sure you are NOT standing in the middle of an ant nest….   . Dozens of little tiny black ants were crawling all over me and the bites stung ! No, I didn’t get much done. 

I hope a shower will help!

More decorations

 

Lawn Mowing

My lawn was mowed and I love it!!!! Also the extra weeding, including chainsaw cuttings is priceless. I can’t even start to tell you what that means to me!

I never learned how to do a lot of outdoor work such as pruning,etc. and this part of aging -getting old - doesn’t help either. Thanks so much for good and kind people!

Rozy

 Rozy home and happy!!!

Ann

I was contacted today and learned that my cousin, Ann, is in the hospital. She has a brain tumor. This scares me to death. 

I don’t like aging and the world changing. It is frightening losing so many that I love.

Ann has always been the most important relative in my life, outside of my immediate family.  She is an only child and 6 years older than me.  We probably saw and visited her home with her parents, Leo and Florence, more than any other relative. Ann always treated me special.  She made sure that I had attention no matter what else was happening and whoever else was around.  I truly thought of her as a sister.

It was difficult for me losing her parents... They always had unconditional love for me.  I knew that I was always accepted and loved in their home.

This tumor is terminal and I can't stand the thought of losing Ann, too.  Yes, we are all aging and death will happen, but thoughts of it are hard.  I know we need to look at it as a gift because we know to prepare for it.  My selfishness has a difficult time though.  It brings on an emptiness.

 

Thank goodness for our knowledge of the plan of salvation and that we all can be reunited again.

June