I have been back and forth from Utah in the past 3 weeks dealing with some family things and events. I too have missed all of you! I am back and glad to be in the swing of things again.
Sunday we had a great lesson on The Sabbath Day by Sarah Udall. I am so thankful to our teachers who plan and prepare so well. I am also so thankful that our lessons are going back to the basics. I think we all can use refocus and reminding of the things of most importance.
Remembering our Savior and his sacrifice for us in a day where we rest from our normal routines is crucial for our spiritual development and feeling closer to our Savior.
I am so thankful for our newest Sister. Sister Angeny was brave and shared with us how she received an understanding of the Sabbath Day and gained a testimony of it.
Sister Jeni Jones shared how her part-member family chose as a family that they were going to keep the Sabbath Day holy by not frequenting stores and restaurants. She bore testimony how it has made for more quality time at home with her family.
Both of these small things made a strong impression to me. Here two woman/families who are relatively new to the church both showing faith in keeping an important commandment that has been given. Thank you Sisters for sharing your testimonies with us about things you are trying hard to do in your life.
Something that Sarah Udall brought up is how do we teach the principle of The Sabbath Day to our Children? She talked about one way she thought we can teach is:
How do we treat the Sabbath Day when we are on vacation?
I think she is spot on in that question. I think how we act on Sundays when we are out of our normal surroundings speaks volumes to our families of our testimonies all around. I remember a Mormon ad from when I was a youth that said: “Is the Sabbath Day a HOLY DAY or a HOLIDAY” and showed a family taking their boat out. That very AD sticks in my head now. It was a lasting impression to me that even now, I can recall it.
I know that this topic can get a little touchy. Everyone has their own strong feelings on what we can and can not do on the Sabbath or what is or isn’t appropriate. There is no need for hurt feelings, or feelings of frustration on the subject. We all know that we ALL have areas for improvement. Yesterday, I found ways that I could better honor my Saviors Day and give more to being still and reverent in honor of him and all he as done for me. President Hinckley would ALWAYS tell us to try a little harder, to do a little more, to be a little better. In every commandment we have to take an inventory and see what we could do to give a little more in that area, it is a great feeling that a little at a time we can do that.
Sarah gave us THREE questions that we as families or individuals can do to make sure our Sabbath Day’s are best being spent with our families.
We can Ask:
· Will the activity uplift or inspire us?
· Does it direct my thoughts to Him?
· Does it show respect to the Lord?
I bear testimony that as we keep the commandments and work with ourselves and our families to find a deeper sense of reverence for the Sabbath Day that we will see testimonies within the walls of our homes increased. We will have more family unity. And Sundays will be more anticipated than dreaded. When we understand the WHY’s of keeping the Sabbath Day holy, it is more easy to DO!
“Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even your children.” Elder Ballard
As a former EFY employee I saw the fruits of your efforts in your youth. We have scriptorian youth out there that KNOW the scriptures and the stories. They know who they are and know right from wrong. I recognize that a lot of that comes from the teachings and examples in your homes. I also know that it also comes from them on their own WORKING to get that testimony and praying that it be true. And then they also have some great leaders who inspire and put the teaching into terms that they connect with and grasp onto. One of my favorite EFY leaders is John Bytheway. Here is a clip for you where he teaches in simple terms about the Sabbath Day. I think you will enjoy! I love you Sisters. You are doing a great job! Thanks for trying to be your best, I notice!
Meg
No comments:
Post a Comment