After two years of missing the parade and the candy-tossing, we made it to the right location and in time to see the WHOLE parade this year. Last year was such a bust! It rained and rained and we sat waiting in the van with Tracy and Brayden for the parade to go by. We had the radio on as we waited and happened to hear a 9/11 tribute. It was very somber and actually scared Will! We ended up missing the whole parade and heading home with 4 very disappointed children.
Even though the parade lasted about 10 minutes and they didn't throw any candy this year- the other activities made up for it. The tractor pull was lots of fun and WAY harder than the kids thought it was going to be. Every participant was given a candy cowtail, so nobody felt too bad if they couldn't pull it clear to the end of the "track". There was also a coloring contest divided up by age group. Emily was chosen as the winner in her age group with her purple cow picture. Will and Jessa were really excited to be a part of the egg toss-unfortunately, they ended up missing it when we went home for lunch. They also had tractor demonstrations and food booths, (one was homemade Amish ice cream that we all wanted desperately to try because it was BLAZING hot and looked delicious, but brought no money with us-boo!). The final event of the day was a toy tractor drawing for the kids. There had to be about 30 different toy tractors all donated for this drawing for the kids, which I thought was very generous. All the kids were so excited to gather up right in front of the table of tractors to listen in hopes of hearing their name be called. The second name called was JESSA! I think it really surprised her! Will is usually the won to win when there are contests and drawings. (He actually didn't win anything that day- he felt kinda bad, but I know it was good for him, too.) She stood up, picked her tractor, rushed over to show me and then couldn't stop smiling the rest of the time we were there. So cute! Anyway, that's how the Farm Heritage Days treated us this year. Next year, maybe Daddy will get to come with us-he had to work that Saturday- and baby boy should be here too! Exciting! I'm looking forward to it!
D&C Student Choice Assignment #3: “An Elect Lady”What are ten attributes of “an elect lady” that you observe in your reading of section 25? Reference and explain them in your own words.1) Abandon worldly things (vs. 10)Rise above the carnal wants and desires of the natural man2) Be a comfort to her husband (vs. 5)Offer consolation and share one another’s burdens3) Seek for things that are better (vs. 10)“If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” – Article of Faith 134) Receives callings from the Lord to serve in His kingdom (vs. 11)Implies worthiness to be trusted with the work of the Lord5) Has a rejoicing heart (vs. 13)Views all things with an eternal perspective that bring her peace and lasting happiness6) Possesses a spirit of meekness (vs. 14)Is humble and teachable7) Delights in her husband (vs. 14)Finds joy in her spouse and her marriage8) Keeps the commandments (vs. 15)Is obedient to God’s laws9) Cleaves unto her covenants (vs. 13)Has an ever-present awareness of her promises with God and holds them close to her heart10) No place for pride in her (vs. 14)So full of righteous living that there is not any room for pride to enter her lifeWhat do you know about Emma’s life that matches well with the admonitions given to her in this revelation? Emma was chosen, or “called”, (vs. 3). In order for her to fill the role as companion to the prophet, Joseph, she would have to be faithful, strong, supportive, encouraging, and determined because of all of the adversity that she and her family would have to go through. Her mother-in-law said of her, “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure . . . she has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman.” (Lucy Mack Smith)What in this list would be difficult for women of the world to understand, accept, or even appreciate? I think everything on my list would be difficult for a woman of the world to accept because she does not live with an eternal perspective, thus, marriage is disposable, the most important person in her life is herself, (pride and selfishness), and the accumulation of riches and the recognition of mankind are the things that matter most to her.In what ways are women of the church different from women of the world? I’ve touched on the answer to this question in the previous questions, but women of the church value things that are eternal in nature; Christ, salvation, and her family. They pray, study God’s word and serve those in need.Read Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Sister Julie Beck’s message on the women of God and share your impressions and a meaningful quote from each talk Julie B. Beck: Meaningful quote- “When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.” Sis. Beck shares that being a mother who knows means doing 7 particular things. Those things include, having a desire to bear children, honoring sacred ordinances and covenants, are nurturers, leaders, teachers, permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally, and stand strong and immovable. I really appreciated the quote she shares from President Ezra Taft Benson when he taught “in the eternal perspective, children—not possessions, not position, not prestige—are our greatest jewels.” This was an awesome talk that confirmed many of my personal choices and actions and called me to be better and do better in others. I’m printing off a copy of it to carry with me in my scripture case, so that I can refer to it more.Neal A. Maxwell: Meaningful quote- “God trusts women so much that He lets them bear and care for His spirit children.” Ah! There were so many fantastic quotes in this talk that to just pick one is not an easy task. I include two, but know that the entire talk was inspiring! “You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms.” After reading this talk, I feel that it too, needs to be made tangible and accessible in my church bag that I may refer to it often and share it with others. Another thought Elder Maxwell shared that touched my heart was the scene that will meet us when we are received into heaven and how it will be beautiful beyond what we have ever seen and filled with glorious music, the likes of which we have never before heard and then he goes on to ask how these conditions would be met if not for the careful preparations of a dear Heavenly Mother. These two talks have lifted and encouraged me. They have reminded me of the truly sacred and important calling it is to be a righteous woman and mother. It is a large and heavy task, but I have been given all of the necessary skills and tools to meet the challenge and be victorious. I’m thankful for that knowledge and for the constant and eternal support I receive from Heavenly Father to be and do all that He would have me be.
Lesson 3: Student Choice AssignmentChoice #4 (Doctrine and Covenants, section 19):“This revelation came in response to Martin Harris’s inquiry to the Prophet regarding his standing before the Lord. Troubled in spirit by his transgression, concerned about his farm, which he had mortgaged to finance the printing of the Book of Mormon, and perhaps sobered by the responsibility attendant to the remarkable vision shown to him and the other special witnesses of the book of Mormon, Martin was desirous to receive both confirmation and direction from the Lord.” (Joseph F. McConkie and Craig J. Ostler, Revelations of the Restoration, Deseret Book, 2000, pg. 143)Joseph Knight, Sr., remembering the occasion, made the following remarks:[Martin Harris] Came to us and after Compliments he says, “The Books will not sell for no Body wants them.” Joseph says, “I think they will sell well.” Says he, “I want a Commandment [revelation].” “Why,” says Joseph, “fulfill what you have got.” “But,” says he, “I must have a Commandment.”Joseph put him off. But he insisted three or four times he must have a Commandment. [The following day] he got up and said he must have a Commandment to Joseph and went home. And along in the after part of the Day Joseph and Oliver Received a Commandment, which is in Book of Covenants [section 19]. (“Joseph Knight’s Recollection of Early Mormon History,” BYU Studies, Autumn 1976, p. 37)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------• How does the above account help and change your understanding of section 19 of the Doctrine and Covenants? What lessons did you learn that apply to your life right now? Joseph Knight, Sr.’s memoirs of the manner in which section 19 was received changed my understanding of section 19 in that it made me feel a little irritated with Martin Harris for harping, begging, insisting, and repeatedly pleading once again for Joseph to ask the Lord for something. My mind keeps returning to the 116 pages and how that all worked out. I can’t help but think, (just a little bit), “This guy just can’t learn a lesson!” However, my next thought is filled with awe and gratitude for the clarification, mercy, and beauty that flows from section 19! It really is awesome and I wonder how it would be different or if it would have existed at all, if Martin Harris hadn’t been so . . . insistent? It has helped change my understanding of the Doctrine and Covenants by illuminating the purpose that the Lord has to get us to more fully understand His desire to help us, have mercy on us, and save us. Some lessons that I learned that currently apply to my life from this section are found in verses 20, 23, and 31-32. Verse 20 reminds me of my constant need to repent and abandon my sin and weaknesses. It is meaningful to me that we are constantly commanded throughout the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants to repent, so that we can have part in Christ’s atonement. It is a testimony of mercy and love that He wants us to inherit eternal life and eternal happiness. Verse 23 applies so very much to my life right now because most days I feel so overwhelmed and suffocated with everything that demands my attention that a feeling of defeat easily follows. The Lord provides a recipe for peace in vs. 23. Study, learn, be obedient to His laws in a spirit of humility and then we will be filled with peace. I need to be more diligent in these things, so that I can receive this peace on a daily basis. I need it daily, for sure! Vs. 31-32 tells me what to fill my life’s work in doing. I find great comfort in the Lord’s words; “this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life.” It is wonderful to know exactly what He expects and exactly what qualifies as acceptable to Him.• Besides the commandment to Martin Harris to sell part of his land to pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon, what other doctrines were revealed in this revelation that furthered the restoration of the Gospel and our understanding of the Plan of Salvation? Other doctrines that were revealed in this revelation that furthered the restoration of the Gospel and our understanding of the Plan of Salvation were to preach repentance, share the happiness and the joy that come from the knowledge of the Gospel, and the invaluable blessing that prayer is to our lives. • What doctrines in this section differ from those of other Christian faiths? From what I understand, other Christian faiths have different views as to Christ’s suffering and to the concept of hell. The book of Luke in the Old Testament is the only record containing specific record that the Savior had shed great drops of blood as He suffered in Gethsemane. Many people have taken this in the figurative sense, but in Doctrine and Covenants, Christ himself speaks of how the pain and suffering caused him to literally bleed at every pore. This section also clears up for us a mistaken view of God’s punishment. It was MORE than enlightening to read this section again after reading the Student Manual on section 19 and to understand with a brighter and clearer vision, what lie in store for those in “hell”. James E. Talmage expounded the scriptures in verses 6-7 and 11-12 as Christ refers to punishment, torment, and damnation. “To hell there is an exit as well as an entrance. Hell is no place to which a vindictive judge sends prisoners to suffer and to be punished principally for his glory; but it is a place prepared for the teaching, the disciplining of those who failed to learn here upon the earth what they should have learned. True, we read of everlasting punishment, unending suffering, eternal damnation. That is a direful expression; but in his mercy the Lord has made plain what those words mean. ‘Eternal punishment,’ he says, is God’s punishment, for he is eternal; and that condition or state or possibility will ever exist for the sinner who deserves and really needs such condemnation; but this does not mean that the individual sufferer or sinner is to be eternally and everlastingly made to endure and suffer. No man will be kept in hell longer than is necessary to bring him to a fitness for something better. When he reaches that stage the prison doors will open and there will be rejoicing among the hosts who welcome him into a better state. The Lord has not abated in the least what he has said in earlier dispensations concerning the operation of his law and his gospel, but he has made clear unto us his goodness and mercy through it all, for it is his glory and his work to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1930, p. 97.) • What other insights can you find in this section concerning God’s punishment and his loving mercy? If we do not repent, we must suffer as Christ suffered. That suffering will be more than we can comprehend, (19:15,17)- punishment He promises to “pour out His Spirit” upon those who will pray always. (19:38)- mercy He declares that in order to save, to spare the children of men from suffering, He has done the suffering for us if we repent (19:16)- mercy Christ does not present anything for the understanding of mankind that we are unprepared to receive (19:22)- mercy Eternal punishment is NOT endless torment/punishment. It is referred to as ‘Eternal’ because it is God’s punishment and He is eternal- it is a reference to Him. Eternal damnation, however, is different and refers to a damnation, or a stopping of progression forever- not being permitted to grow for eternity (19:6-7, 11-12) punishment and mercy
After two years of missing the parade and the candy-tossing, we made it to the right location and in time to see the WHOLE parade this year. Last year was such a bust! It rained and rained and we sat waiting in the van with Tracy and Brayden for the parade to go by. We had the radio on as we waited and happened to hear a 9/11 tribute. It was very somber and actually scared Will! We ended up missing the whole parade and heading home with 4 very disappointed children. 
