How do you feel about your mistakes? Satan wants you to feel bad about your mistakes. Why? So you will stay temporally focused and go deeper into spiritual darkness.
Heavenly Father wants you to recognize that you made a mistake, (temporal focus) turn from that mistake and come unto Him. (spiritual focus) He wants you to recognize that the bad feelings you have are the result of making a mistake and going into spiritual darkness. THe solution is for one to repent & come into the light, where one can receive the gifts of forgiveness, peace, joy, & help.
How does one create worldly sorrow? By focusing on the mistake and feeling about it. (a temporal focus)
How does one create Godly sorrow? By repenting, which requires one to leave the mistake & turn unto God in the spiritual world. And by experiencing the power of the atonement, along with the mental & spiritual anguish for which the Savior went through to pay for the mistakes.
Worldy sorrow keeps one in spiritual darkness. By focusing on the mistake or sin, one will feel bad about the mistake, and then condemn himself for making the mistake. The prices one pays for staying in spiritual darkness are: *feeling worthless, *feeling like junk, *feeling guilty, *feelings of hopelessness, *not feeling like praying, going to church or reading the scriptures, *a need to have others make them feel of worth or value, *a need to avoid all light & truth, * and finally, a need to be left alone, where Satan's influence can be fully acceptable.
Godly sorrow comes from leaving the mistake & coming unto the spiritual world for help, relief & forgiveness. Repentance means to turn back to God & live. (Ezekiel 18:30-31) That is, one needs to recognize he is in spiritual darkness, then take the responsibility to get back into the light. Ask Heavenly Father for help, for forgiveness and for the strength to get back into the light & stay there. One needs to feel some of the pain that the Savior went through to pay for this sin. And he needs to feel the Savior's great love for him personally & to know that this is why the Savior went through the Atonement, for this very sin, for him.
Monday, April 13, 2009
ALMA"S PROCESS to become one with Christ EXERCISING MY FAITH TO KNOW THE SEED IS GOOD Thought Pattern #10
SEE AS HE SEES - Understanding the Truth:
a. For the next week, review this section on Godly Sorrow.
b. Review the life of the Savior & His purpose of coming to earth.
c. Experience emotionally some of what the Savior went through for you. The pain, the suffering & the love.
d. Understand vain regrets. Also how to feel good about your past sins.
THINK AS HE THINKS - Hold the truth in your mind by prayer, throughout the day
a. Focus on the atonement of Christ for each of the next seven days. Seek to increase your capacity for Godly sorrow. Godly Sorrow is a gift of the Spirit.
b. Think of your past sins. See & feel the sacrifice of the Savior paying for your them in full, so you can serve Him out of love. Your gift to the Master is to allow His atonement to pay for your sins in full. Vain regrets for past sins mean that the atonement of Christ is not sufficient to pay for your sins.
FEEL AS HE FEELS - Continue to pray about these truths until you receive a witness by the Spirit that each is good
a. "Father, help me this day to feel the power of the atonement. I am so grateful for what the Savior has gone through for me. So I may be free from my sins & walk in Thy path, and serve Thee. I fully trust in Thy gift unto me. Help me to feel this great love that Thou and the Savior have for me."
Sing throughout each day, "I stand all Amazed."
DO AS HE DOES - OUT OF THE LOVE FELT FOR HEAVENLY FATHER & THE SAVIOR
a. For the next week, review this section on Godly Sorrow.
b. Review the life of the Savior & His purpose of coming to earth.
c. Experience emotionally some of what the Savior went through for you. The pain, the suffering & the love.
d. Understand vain regrets. Also how to feel good about your past sins.
THINK AS HE THINKS - Hold the truth in your mind by prayer, throughout the day
a. Focus on the atonement of Christ for each of the next seven days. Seek to increase your capacity for Godly sorrow. Godly Sorrow is a gift of the Spirit.
b. Think of your past sins. See & feel the sacrifice of the Savior paying for your them in full, so you can serve Him out of love. Your gift to the Master is to allow His atonement to pay for your sins in full. Vain regrets for past sins mean that the atonement of Christ is not sufficient to pay for your sins.
FEEL AS HE FEELS - Continue to pray about these truths until you receive a witness by the Spirit that each is good
a. "Father, help me this day to feel the power of the atonement. I am so grateful for what the Savior has gone through for me. So I may be free from my sins & walk in Thy path, and serve Thee. I fully trust in Thy gift unto me. Help me to feel this great love that Thou and the Savior have for me."
Sing throughout each day, "I stand all Amazed."
DO AS HE DOES - OUT OF THE LOVE FELT FOR HEAVENLY FATHER & THE SAVIOR
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
THOUGHT PATTERN #5 PRAYER SAMPLES
-Father, I am grateful unto Thee, that Thou has given me my agency. Help me this day to take charge of what I think, what I feel & what I do.
-Father, I have given the power Thou has given me to (whom or what), help me to take it back. In fact, help me take back the power or agency from all people. I will give no one the power to judge me or decide my value or worth. For that is my job to create high value and worth within my temple. Only Thou can judge me, and Thou always does that with love and through chosen servants.
-Father, my son is late. Help me to focus spiritually, so my faith will be sufficient to bring him home safety. I choose to stay up until he gets home. I choose to use this time to grow spiritually. I use this time to be steadfast in Christ. Help me Father to overcome this problem. Thou hast given me this stewardship & I desire to fulfill it because I love Thee. The tiredness I am feeling, the long hours I must wait, the unfairness of his lateness, I am willing to suffer for Thee.
NOTE: The parent who chooses to focus temporally, will worry. How? He will see the son being kidnapped, on drugs, in a car accident, picked up by the police, etc... By the time the son gets home, he is an emotional wreck, and who gets all the blame? The son, for making him worry (DISOWNING). By the way, disowning is very hard some people to give up because it makes them responsible for what they do, think, and feel. But the good news is that when one take this power of agency back, Heavenly Father can now expand that power of agency to overcome all things.
What the Prophets say;
"But where do we find hope in the midst of such turmoil and catastrophe? Quite simply, our hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ...Faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ is absolutely essential for us to maintain a balanced perspective through times of trial and difficulty."
(M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov 1992, pp. 32-33)
"After all, you have the right to make your own choices. That is correct. You have that right. It is your agency. The secret to solve problems in your life will be found in understanding and using the eternally beneficial interaction of your agency and His Truth... Simply state, one must use his energy to obey truth...Please understand that no one can change truth. Rationalization, overpowering self interest, akk of the arguments of men, anger, or self will cannot change truth. Satan knows that, so he tries to create an atmosphere where one unwittingly begins to feel that he can not only choose what to do, but can determine what is right to do. Satan strives to persuade us to live outside truth by rationalizing our actions as the right of choice. But our Heavenly Father defined truth and established what is right and wrong before the creation of this earth. He also fixed consequences of obedience and disobedience to those truths...Satan would try to persuade some to live without fixed standards in life so that decisions would be based on current circumstances, what appears convenient, or what provides the greatest personal return. In this way, Satan removes the power of truth from one's life so he can take that soul captive."
(Richard G. Scott, Nov 1992, pp. 60-62)
"We tend to think of agency as a personal matter. If we ask someone to define 'moral agency', the answer will probably be something like this; "Moral agency means I am free to make choices for myself." Often overlooked is the fact that choices have consequences; we forget also that agency offers the same privilege of choice to others. At times we will be affected adversely by the way other people choose to exercise their agency. Our Heavenly Father feels so strongly about protecting our agency that he allows his children to exercise it, either for good or evil...
We mortals have a limited view of life from the eternal perspective. But if we know and understand Heavenly Father's plan, we realize that dealing with adversity is one of the chief ways we are tested. Our faith in our Heavenly Father and his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, is the source of inner strength. Through faith we find peace, comfort, and the courage to endure. As we trust in God and His plan for our happiness with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding, hope is born. Hope grows out of faith and gives meaning and purpose to all we do. It can give us comfort in the face of adversity, strength in times of trials, and peace when we have reason for doubt or anguish."
(M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, pp. 23-24)
-Father, I have given the power Thou has given me to (whom or what), help me to take it back. In fact, help me take back the power or agency from all people. I will give no one the power to judge me or decide my value or worth. For that is my job to create high value and worth within my temple. Only Thou can judge me, and Thou always does that with love and through chosen servants.
-Father, my son is late. Help me to focus spiritually, so my faith will be sufficient to bring him home safety. I choose to stay up until he gets home. I choose to use this time to grow spiritually. I use this time to be steadfast in Christ. Help me Father to overcome this problem. Thou hast given me this stewardship & I desire to fulfill it because I love Thee. The tiredness I am feeling, the long hours I must wait, the unfairness of his lateness, I am willing to suffer for Thee.
NOTE: The parent who chooses to focus temporally, will worry. How? He will see the son being kidnapped, on drugs, in a car accident, picked up by the police, etc... By the time the son gets home, he is an emotional wreck, and who gets all the blame? The son, for making him worry (DISOWNING). By the way, disowning is very hard some people to give up because it makes them responsible for what they do, think, and feel. But the good news is that when one take this power of agency back, Heavenly Father can now expand that power of agency to overcome all things.
What the Prophets say;
"But where do we find hope in the midst of such turmoil and catastrophe? Quite simply, our hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ...Faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ is absolutely essential for us to maintain a balanced perspective through times of trial and difficulty."
(M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov 1992, pp. 32-33)
"After all, you have the right to make your own choices. That is correct. You have that right. It is your agency. The secret to solve problems in your life will be found in understanding and using the eternally beneficial interaction of your agency and His Truth... Simply state, one must use his energy to obey truth...Please understand that no one can change truth. Rationalization, overpowering self interest, akk of the arguments of men, anger, or self will cannot change truth. Satan knows that, so he tries to create an atmosphere where one unwittingly begins to feel that he can not only choose what to do, but can determine what is right to do. Satan strives to persuade us to live outside truth by rationalizing our actions as the right of choice. But our Heavenly Father defined truth and established what is right and wrong before the creation of this earth. He also fixed consequences of obedience and disobedience to those truths...Satan would try to persuade some to live without fixed standards in life so that decisions would be based on current circumstances, what appears convenient, or what provides the greatest personal return. In this way, Satan removes the power of truth from one's life so he can take that soul captive."
(Richard G. Scott, Nov 1992, pp. 60-62)
"We tend to think of agency as a personal matter. If we ask someone to define 'moral agency', the answer will probably be something like this; "Moral agency means I am free to make choices for myself." Often overlooked is the fact that choices have consequences; we forget also that agency offers the same privilege of choice to others. At times we will be affected adversely by the way other people choose to exercise their agency. Our Heavenly Father feels so strongly about protecting our agency that he allows his children to exercise it, either for good or evil...
We mortals have a limited view of life from the eternal perspective. But if we know and understand Heavenly Father's plan, we realize that dealing with adversity is one of the chief ways we are tested. Our faith in our Heavenly Father and his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, is the source of inner strength. Through faith we find peace, comfort, and the courage to endure. As we trust in God and His plan for our happiness with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding, hope is born. Hope grows out of faith and gives meaning and purpose to all we do. It can give us comfort in the face of adversity, strength in times of trials, and peace when we have reason for doubt or anguish."
(M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, pp. 23-24)
HEAVENLY FATHER HAS GIVEN ME THE POWER TO CHOOSE WHAT I THINK, WHAT I FEEL AND WHAT I DO
Man is free because of several conditions, which Lehi reviews in 2 Nephi 2:26-29. He teaches that man is free because he has been redeemed from the fall and he knows the difference between good & evil. This freedom provides one:
1. The power to choose
2. The power to act
3. The power to know good from evil, light from darkness
Therefore, man is free to become spiritually centered or temporally centered. One can overcome this world, master the body, and qualify for the riches of eternity. But there is one big problem. Satan. He fought agency in the pre-existence, and he is fighting it here. How does he do it?
One of the most effective ways to get each of us to give up this power of agency, is to DISOWN. Disowning is making something or someone else responsible for what I think, how I feel& what I do in the current moment of time. I use blaming or labeling to accomplish disownership.
Example:
1. Traffic makes me this mad.
2. My five children cause me to yell.
3. My parents did the same I do.
4. It's the IRS that makes me mad.
5. I do not feel accepted by the ward.
6. Food makes me do it.
7. I just cannot save money.
8. I will never make it to the Celestial Kingdom.
Why is disowning so popular? Because it allows the participant the opportunity to do nothing. His solution is to get others to change so he can feel better without any effort on his/her part. He has given his power of agency to others, to make him happy. The mother will say, "I will sure be glad when Mary gets her grades back up, then I won't have all this stress." She has given her daughter the power to produce stress in her temple. WHICH IS A LIE. The mother is using the daughter's poor performance to produce stress withing her temple, which is spiritual darkness. She does this by focusing on the daughter's poor performance, which is temporal.
1. The power to choose
2. The power to act
3. The power to know good from evil, light from darkness
Therefore, man is free to become spiritually centered or temporally centered. One can overcome this world, master the body, and qualify for the riches of eternity. But there is one big problem. Satan. He fought agency in the pre-existence, and he is fighting it here. How does he do it?
One of the most effective ways to get each of us to give up this power of agency, is to DISOWN. Disowning is making something or someone else responsible for what I think, how I feel& what I do in the current moment of time. I use blaming or labeling to accomplish disownership.
Example:
1. Traffic makes me this mad.
2. My five children cause me to yell.
3. My parents did the same I do.
4. It's the IRS that makes me mad.
5. I do not feel accepted by the ward.
6. Food makes me do it.
7. I just cannot save money.
8. I will never make it to the Celestial Kingdom.
Why is disowning so popular? Because it allows the participant the opportunity to do nothing. His solution is to get others to change so he can feel better without any effort on his/her part. He has given his power of agency to others, to make him happy. The mother will say, "I will sure be glad when Mary gets her grades back up, then I won't have all this stress." She has given her daughter the power to produce stress in her temple. WHICH IS A LIE. The mother is using the daughter's poor performance to produce stress withing her temple, which is spiritual darkness. She does this by focusing on the daughter's poor performance, which is temporal.
**ALL SOLUTIONS TO ALL PROBLEMS ARE FOUND IN THE SPIRITUAL WORLD**
The mother tells herself that she is responsible for Mary's poor grades, and a good LDS mother wouldn't have these kinds of problems. All of which are lies. How can one tell? The Holy Ghost does not confirm these statements. What could the mother do to remove the stress? She could go to the spiritual world and seek divine guidance (help). She could review the plan of salvation each morning, pray, read scriptures, and seek spiritual enlightenment until she felt the Spirit. This would confirm that she still is in the strait & narrow path, clean & forgiven, & still a candidate for the Celestial Kingdom. Now that she has hope to be raised up unto Eternal Life, she is prepared to seek divine help with her stewardship to help her daughter, on Heavenly Father & Heavenly Mothers behalf, about her power of agency which can produce results that will bring happiness. She now sees this situation as her opportunity to be steadfast in Christ & practice overcoming the world.
Another example of using one's agency to focus spiritually
Another person who would get mad in traffic, when other drivers would pull in front of him or turn & not signal, or drive too close, or drive too fast, decided to overcome his problem. First, he recognized that he was giving his power of agency to other drivers. Next, he recognized that these drivers were only giving him enticements to see if he would react or respond. He decided to respond. How did he do it?
Whenever a driver enticed him, he would thank Heavenly Father for the reminder, then he would mentally go into the Garden of Gethsemane & feel the sacrifice of the Savior paying for his mistakes, and ask God to help him love the Savior's sacrifice more than the act of the driver. Her heart soften and tears would come to his eyes. He was lucky because he lived around a lot of drivers that would help him go the Garden of Gethsemane. He said that he grew spiritually every time he would drive the car. He felt he had learned how to use the enticements of this world to grow spiritually, and he had learned how to make progress in overcoming this world. One who disowns, would honk, yell, etc... trying to get the other person to change so they could feel better.
-One driver said he overcame the same problem by just picturing the Savior in each car. The Savior had the right of way any time He wanted.
THOUGHT PATTERN #2 PRAYER SAMPLES
-Father, I am Thy son/daughter, born & reared in the courts of glory. I know Thou lovest me with perfect love. Help me feel Thy love this day, as I value myself as Thou valuest me.
-Father in Heaven, help me to feel my great worth this day. I know that it is my responsibility to value myself as Thou valuest me. I know that only I can determine what will become dominant within my temple. I know that as I hold the truth that I am Thy child, that I am born & reared in Thy courts of glory, with Thy help I can make these feelings dominant.
-I know that that Thou lovest me beyond any measure. It is y responsibility to feel Thy love for me, moment by moment, for Thou never stoppeth loving me. Thy love for me is not based upon what I do, what I say, what I think, or how I feel. It is perfect love. I accept full responsibility to feel my great worth & sustain very high self esteem within me.
-I know that I am born & reared in Thy courts of glory, by Thee 7 Heavenly Mother, that I am a noble, faithful spirit. I was faithful in the pre-existance & was given the right & privilege to come unto this earth life in this most glorious age in the history of man upon the earth. I was not sent to this earth to prove my worth, but to feel my great worth as Thy son.
-I know Thou art my Father. I know that Thou lovest me. I know that Thou & Heavenly Mother value me beyond any measure. I know that Thou hast given me my eternal intelligence spirit form, just as my earthly mother & father have given me a mortal body. I know that I am unique, one of a kind, made of eternal intelligence which gives me a claim upon eternal life.
-Help me Father to see myself & my family with my spiritual eyes, to see their greatness, to see their godliness, to see them in Thy presence. As I feel Thy perfect love for me, I will be able to feel Thy perfect love for them. As I treat myself with awe 7 respect, I will be able to treat my family with awe & respect.
-I see all others as great spiritual beings, born & reared in the courts of glory by Thee & Heavenly Mother. These feelings are sustained not by what they do, nor by what they say, nor by how they treat me, but by my knowledge & testimony of who they are & what they can become, if they so choose. I know that most people act contrary to their true identity, but I know who they are & what their destiny can be. I treat all people, including myself, as Thou wouldst have me do according to our true identity, and not how they treat themselves nor how they treat me.
-Father in Heaven, help me to feel my great worth this day. I know that it is my responsibility to value myself as Thou valuest me. I know that only I can determine what will become dominant within my temple. I know that as I hold the truth that I am Thy child, that I am born & reared in Thy courts of glory, with Thy help I can make these feelings dominant.
-I know that that Thou lovest me beyond any measure. It is y responsibility to feel Thy love for me, moment by moment, for Thou never stoppeth loving me. Thy love for me is not based upon what I do, what I say, what I think, or how I feel. It is perfect love. I accept full responsibility to feel my great worth & sustain very high self esteem within me.
-I know that I am born & reared in Thy courts of glory, by Thee 7 Heavenly Mother, that I am a noble, faithful spirit. I was faithful in the pre-existance & was given the right & privilege to come unto this earth life in this most glorious age in the history of man upon the earth. I was not sent to this earth to prove my worth, but to feel my great worth as Thy son.
-I know Thou art my Father. I know that Thou lovest me. I know that Thou & Heavenly Mother value me beyond any measure. I know that Thou hast given me my eternal intelligence spirit form, just as my earthly mother & father have given me a mortal body. I know that I am unique, one of a kind, made of eternal intelligence which gives me a claim upon eternal life.
-Help me Father to see myself & my family with my spiritual eyes, to see their greatness, to see their godliness, to see them in Thy presence. As I feel Thy perfect love for me, I will be able to feel Thy perfect love for them. As I treat myself with awe 7 respect, I will be able to treat my family with awe & respect.
-I see all others as great spiritual beings, born & reared in the courts of glory by Thee & Heavenly Mother. These feelings are sustained not by what they do, nor by what they say, nor by how they treat me, but by my knowledge & testimony of who they are & what they can become, if they so choose. I know that most people act contrary to their true identity, but I know who they are & what their destiny can be. I treat all people, including myself, as Thou wouldst have me do according to our true identity, and not how they treat themselves nor how they treat me.
**HOW I FEEL ABOUT OTHERS IS ONLY A REFLECTION OF HOW I FEEL ABOUT MYSELF**
HIGH FEELINGS OF SELF WORTH
What is your main source for feelings of self worth? Are your sources from the temporal or spiritual world? Review the list below to see if you are using these sources for your feelings of self worth.
A. Performance:
1. I feel of greater worth when I:
-lost weight, keep the commandments, my children do well, my marriage is going well.
2. I fee somewhat worthless when I:
-I gain weight, break the commandments, my children get kicked out of school, or when my marriage is not doing well.
B. Possessions:
1. I feel of greater worth when my:
-Home & car is as good as my friends, my bills are being paid, my clothes are as nice if not better than others.
2. I feel of lesser value when my:
-Friends can pay their bills & live in a much better home, my car keeps breaking down, and my clothes are always the same.
C. Opinions:
1. I feel I have greater worth when:
-Others praise me, recognize what I do, like my new outfit, accept me just the way I am, appreciate the effort I am making.
2. I feels of lesser value when:
-No one recognizes what I do, as if I do not count nor exist. No one accepts my opinions, and everyone wants me to be different.
D. Honors:
1. I feel of greater worth when:
-I am called into leadership positions, I finish my degree(s) & people look up to my job.
2. I feel of lesser value because:
-I never finish my degree. They keep diving the ward, and I am never called to leadership positions. My occupation is not respected.
A. Performance:
1. I feel of greater worth when I:
-lost weight, keep the commandments, my children do well, my marriage is going well.
2. I fee somewhat worthless when I:
-I gain weight, break the commandments, my children get kicked out of school, or when my marriage is not doing well.
B. Possessions:
1. I feel of greater worth when my:
-Home & car is as good as my friends, my bills are being paid, my clothes are as nice if not better than others.
2. I feel of lesser value when my:
-Friends can pay their bills & live in a much better home, my car keeps breaking down, and my clothes are always the same.
C. Opinions:
1. I feel I have greater worth when:
-Others praise me, recognize what I do, like my new outfit, accept me just the way I am, appreciate the effort I am making.
2. I feels of lesser value when:
-No one recognizes what I do, as if I do not count nor exist. No one accepts my opinions, and everyone wants me to be different.
D. Honors:
1. I feel of greater worth when:
-I am called into leadership positions, I finish my degree(s) & people look up to my job.
2. I feel of lesser value because:
-I never finish my degree. They keep diving the ward, and I am never called to leadership positions. My occupation is not respected.
** ALL THE ABOVE SOURCES CREATE A DEPENDENCY UPON THE TEMPORAL WORLD FOR YOUR FEELINGS OF SELF WORTH, AND THUS CREATE LOW FEELINGS OF SELF WORTH**
****************************************************************************
THE MAIN SOURCE FOR HIGH FEELINGS OF SELF WORTH COMES FROM THE SPIRITUAL WORLD, AND IS FOUNDED UPON TWO CONCEPTS
SPIRITUAL WORTH means for one to value himself as he is valued by his eternal parents and his Elder Brother, Jesus Christ.
(RSC 1980-1981, pg. 140)
SPIRITUAL PERFORMANCE occurs when one centers his heart & mind upon Heavenly Father & serves Him with all his soul.
One's performance determines which kingdom he will spend in eternity, and has nothing to do with his worth. Heavenly Father loves him with perfect love, it never varies. It is never based upon performance, for it is perfect love. One performs to glorify his Father in Heaven. One performs to qualify for His divine grace, his divine assistance. One performs to qualify for His Spirit, and for the riches of eternity. One never uses the good feelings of performance to honor oneself (glorify self). If he does, the Savior says, "you have your reward." When one performs out of the love he feels for Heavenly Father, the act is written in the book of life, if he is on the straight & narrow path. When one performs to create feelings of self worth, the act is not recorded in the book of life.
When a person gets good feelings or bad feelings from the temporal world (through performances, opinions of others, possessions, & from the honors of men) he never uses them to determine his worth. These feelings are conditional and if he uses them to create feelings of self worth, then he is choosing to accept the world's position on worth, that is conditional, and not choosing to accept Heavenly father's position on worth, that one's worth is unconditional.
Spiritual performance is essential for one to create high feelings of self worth, since this type of performance is necessary for one to have the Spirit. And the Holy Ghost is the source that witnesses to him of who he is and how God values him. One must be in the light in order to feel God's perfect love, & keeping the commandments is how one stays in the light.
THOUGHT PATTERN #1 PRAYER SAMPLES
-Help me Father to feel Thy Spirit today. May I walk in Thy strait & narrow path and feel Thy direction in each activity of the day.
-I can hear the voice of the Lord saying unto me in that day; "Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth.
-Help me Father, to feel Thy Spirit this day, so I can know that I am clean & forgiven. That I am still numbered among the righteous. That if I should die this day, I will be invited into Paradise, or lifted up if the Savior should come. Help me to focus spiritually 7 serve Thee in all things this day.
-(Today is Sunday) Father, as I listen to the teachers, the speakers, the Bishop, and other friends, may I be taught by Thee. Help me to hear their words through Thy Spirit, so I may know what Thou would have me learn & do.
-Father, I am grateful to know that I am Thy son. That if I am true & faithful to my covenants this day, that I have the absolute guarantee of eternal life. That the gifts of Paradise, receiving a Celestial body, being lifted up, being with the Savior during the Millennium, receiving the gift of perfection, invited into exaltation & becoming joint heirs with Christ, are mine because of Him who gave His life for me. I thank Thee.
-Father, I do not feel Thy Spirit in great abundance this day, but I know when I am walking in light & truth. Help me keep Thy truths alive within me throughout this day. I know the angels are watching over me, and Thou art near. I know Thou lovest me & want me to stay spiritually focused throughout this day. For Thee I will be steadfast.
-I can hear the voice of the Lord saying unto me in that day; "Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth.
-Help me Father, to feel Thy Spirit this day, so I can know that I am clean & forgiven. That I am still numbered among the righteous. That if I should die this day, I will be invited into Paradise, or lifted up if the Savior should come. Help me to focus spiritually 7 serve Thee in all things this day.
-(Today is Sunday) Father, as I listen to the teachers, the speakers, the Bishop, and other friends, may I be taught by Thee. Help me to hear their words through Thy Spirit, so I may know what Thou would have me learn & do.
-Father, I am grateful to know that I am Thy son. That if I am true & faithful to my covenants this day, that I have the absolute guarantee of eternal life. That the gifts of Paradise, receiving a Celestial body, being lifted up, being with the Savior during the Millennium, receiving the gift of perfection, invited into exaltation & becoming joint heirs with Christ, are mine because of Him who gave His life for me. I thank Thee.
-Father, I do not feel Thy Spirit in great abundance this day, but I know when I am walking in light & truth. Help me keep Thy truths alive within me throughout this day. I know the angels are watching over me, and Thou art near. I know Thou lovest me & want me to stay spiritually focused throughout this day. For Thee I will be steadfast.
"No one of us can survive in the world today, much less what it soon will become without personal inspiration...While we may not see an immediate miraculous transformation, as surely as the Lord lives, a quiet one will take place. The spiritual power in the lives of each member and in the Church will increase. We will be less troubled, less confused. We will find revealed answers to personal & family problems, without all the counseling whilc we now seem to need."
(Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Nov. 91, page 23)
IMPLEMENTATION
The 12 Thought Patterns of Christ are to help one see, think, feel & do as Christ does.
The Steps to Implementation:
1. Read & study the thought pattern. Seek divine understanding. (The Holy Ghost is the one we rely upon to teach us all truths and to confirm all truth.) Add or modify the thought pattern to match the Savior's as directed by the Spirit.
2. Decide which principle you want to get rooted within you.
3. Then exercise faith in the principle by praying about it throughout the day. (Always pray about the principle-do not just repeat the thought pattern over and over. Prayer invites the Powers of Heaven to help-repeated affirmations leaves us on our own.)
Suggestion:
Work on one thought pattern each week. In twelve weeks you will have completed the course. In one year the twelve thought patterns can be repeated four times!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Q and A
A. Why am I upon this earth? What is my purpose for me coming here?
1. I came here to: a) gain a physical body, and b) to determine the kingdom where I will spend eternity.
2. I have decided to work towards exaltation and Eternal Life. (The highest degree in the Celestial Kingdom.)
3. What is required for me to qualify for the Celestial Kingdom?
a. I must enter the strait & narrow path.
b. This requires me to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of my sins, be baptized by one having that authority, and receiving the gift & companionship of the Holy Ghost. ( Nephi 31:17-18)
4. Once I am in the strait & narrow path, what must I do each day? (2 Nephi 31:30)
a. Press forward (progress spiritually in the path)
b. With a steadfastness in Christ (becoming one with Christ)
c. Having a perfect brightness of hope (to be raised up unto life eternal (Moroni 7:41)
d. And a love of God and all men.
e. Feasting upon the words of Christ (scriptures & the living prophets)
f. And endure to the end (of this mortal life)
B. Where did I come from?
I lived with my Heavenly Father before I came to this earth. Therefore, I am a son of God, born & reared in the courts of glory by Heavenly Parents. I left this heavenly place to come to this earth to:
a. Receive a body.
b. Master the body.
c. Overcome the world.
d. And qualify for the riches of eternity.
C. Where am I going?
Since I have decided to qualify for the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom, I am seeking to go into Paradise, (or be lifted up when the Savior comes), receive a celestial body, be invited to work with the Savior during the Millennium, receive the gift of perfection, and be invited to pass by the angels and Gods to be received into the presence & glory of my Heavenly Father-to be joint heirs with Christ.
1. I came here to: a) gain a physical body, and b) to determine the kingdom where I will spend eternity.
2. I have decided to work towards exaltation and Eternal Life. (The highest degree in the Celestial Kingdom.)
3. What is required for me to qualify for the Celestial Kingdom?
a. I must enter the strait & narrow path.
b. This requires me to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of my sins, be baptized by one having that authority, and receiving the gift & companionship of the Holy Ghost. ( Nephi 31:17-18)
4. Once I am in the strait & narrow path, what must I do each day? (2 Nephi 31:30)
a. Press forward (progress spiritually in the path)
b. With a steadfastness in Christ (becoming one with Christ)
c. Having a perfect brightness of hope (to be raised up unto life eternal (Moroni 7:41)
d. And a love of God and all men.
e. Feasting upon the words of Christ (scriptures & the living prophets)
f. And endure to the end (of this mortal life)
B. Where did I come from?
I lived with my Heavenly Father before I came to this earth. Therefore, I am a son of God, born & reared in the courts of glory by Heavenly Parents. I left this heavenly place to come to this earth to:
a. Receive a body.
b. Master the body.
c. Overcome the world.
d. And qualify for the riches of eternity.
C. Where am I going?
Since I have decided to qualify for the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom, I am seeking to go into Paradise, (or be lifted up when the Savior comes), receive a celestial body, be invited to work with the Savior during the Millennium, receive the gift of perfection, and be invited to pass by the angels and Gods to be received into the presence & glory of my Heavenly Father-to be joint heirs with Christ.
**FOR ME TO QUALIFY FOR THE RICHES OF ETERNITY, IT IS VITAL FOR TO USE EACH DAY TO GROW SPIRITUALLY AND BECOME ONE WITH THE SAVIOR**
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
HOW CAN I STOP GIVING THE TEMPORAL WORLD THE POWER TO CONTROL ME?
The first step is to recognize who has the BEAM IN HIS/HER EYE.
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
(Matthew 7:3-5)
Before I choose to work on helping someone else change their behavior, I must first become spiritually centered. That is, I will work on getting the beam out of my own eye, and focus my eye of faith from the disturbing behavior of others to the spiritual world. This beam (Stupid drivers, child getting kicked out of school, or what my parents did) keeps me from walking in truth & light. It keeps me temporally focused, and closes off the powers of heaven from helping me use the problems of the day for spiritual growth & development.
The first major step to take the power of agency back has begun, once I recognize that I have a problem, whenever someone does a dumb behavior (i.e., drivers who do not signal, son who cheats in school, parents who didn't express feelings of love, etc.). Because of this recognition, I am now free to turn unto Heavenly Father for help. And since all solutions to all problems come through Him, I am now on the road to overcoming.
The second major step is to stay spiritually focused, until I have the spirit, peace, the hope, and the feelings of God's love filling my temple. Now the beam has been removed, the powers of heaven are available, and everything I do to help another with his or her 'mote' will be done while walking in light & truth. If the other person never changes, it is ok, I have been well paid for the time and effort that was required for me to take control of my temple and remove the 'beam' from my inner world. All of which qualifies me for the riches of eternity, i.e., to be lifted up when the Savior comes, or to be invited into paradise, and to receive a celestial body, and gain the gift of Eternal life. Now I am using the events and problems of life for expanding my power of agency.
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
(Matthew 7:3-5)
Before I choose to work on helping someone else change their behavior, I must first become spiritually centered. That is, I will work on getting the beam out of my own eye, and focus my eye of faith from the disturbing behavior of others to the spiritual world. This beam (Stupid drivers, child getting kicked out of school, or what my parents did) keeps me from walking in truth & light. It keeps me temporally focused, and closes off the powers of heaven from helping me use the problems of the day for spiritual growth & development.
The first major step to take the power of agency back has begun, once I recognize that I have a problem, whenever someone does a dumb behavior (i.e., drivers who do not signal, son who cheats in school, parents who didn't express feelings of love, etc.). Because of this recognition, I am now free to turn unto Heavenly Father for help. And since all solutions to all problems come through Him, I am now on the road to overcoming.
The second major step is to stay spiritually focused, until I have the spirit, peace, the hope, and the feelings of God's love filling my temple. Now the beam has been removed, the powers of heaven are available, and everything I do to help another with his or her 'mote' will be done while walking in light & truth. If the other person never changes, it is ok, I have been well paid for the time and effort that was required for me to take control of my temple and remove the 'beam' from my inner world. All of which qualifies me for the riches of eternity, i.e., to be lifted up when the Savior comes, or to be invited into paradise, and to receive a celestial body, and gain the gift of Eternal life. Now I am using the events and problems of life for expanding my power of agency.
LIBERTY OR CAPTIVITY?
A. What is it that makes man free?
"And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever..."
(2 Nephi 2:26)
B. What do you mean, I am free? (2 Nephi 2:26-29)
1. I am free because I know the difference between good & evil.
2. I am free to choose (what I will think, feel & do) (LIBERTY or CAPTIVITY)
3. I a free to act for myself not to be acted upon.
4. I am free to follow the 'will of the flesh' or the 'will of the Spirit.'
5. I am free to enjoy the day and make it worthwhile.
"And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free." (Helaman 14:30)
"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for THE POWER IS IN THEM, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward."
(D & C 58:26-28)
C. Jesus said, "THE POWER IS IN THEM.
If one adds the power of the Holy Ghost to his power of agency, he becomes a temple president that is in charge of what he sees, thinks, feels & does.
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (I Corinthians 3:16-17)
D. How do I give my power of agency away?
By giving others (the temporal world) the responsibility for your happiness.
You mean to tell me that I am responsible for my happiness, and not others? This is scary! I am not sure I want all that responsibility. I am not sure I can handle it!
You are correct, it is scary, if you take on this responsibility alone. But if you invite Heavenly Father, the Savior, and the Holy Ghost to assist you, it becomes enjoyable and exciting. It never was Heavenly Father's intention to send us all here to earth without providing the assistance we needed to endure and overcome this world. However, the heavens will not interfere with our sacred "power of agency" and therefore, the heavens must wait for our invitation. This applies to the Godhead, the angels, and our loved ones who have passed on.
EXAMPLES OF USING ONE'S "POWER OF AGENCY."
The school principle calls and informs this particular parent that their son has been kicked out of school for cheating. The parent will have to come down to the school before he can be readmitted. After the parent hangs up the phone, they observed how the felt. They felt unhappy, hurt, and disappointed. Why? The parent says, "because of what the son had done." And as the hours went by, the parents did not feel any better.
TO WHOM has the parent given their "power of agency?" (the principal & their son)
Observe how the parents argue so they can keep giving their "power of agency" away.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN my unhappiness does not come from what my son did?" You are nuts! I did not cause this to happen. I have to suffer embarrassment. I have to go to school and meet with the principle. I have to try to get my son to change his ways. I do not deserve this. I do not have time nor the energy to handle this problem on top of everything else. Wait until he comes home, boy is he going to get it!"
ANOTHER EXAMPLE of a temporal focus would be as follow:
"I guess it is my fault. If I were a better mother, and if his father would have spent more time with him, this probably would not have happened. I guess we need to take some of the blame. I know he is hurt and embarrassed. I better give him some time before I tell his father, and all hell breaks loose!"
OBSERVE HOW THIS MOTHER KEEPS HER "POWER OF AGENCY".
"Thank you Father, for this opportunity for me to grow spiritually. Thou knowest this is hard for me, but I am thankful for the opportunity to serve Thee. Tim has made a serious mistake and needs Thy help. Help me to draw closer unto Thee, so I can be an instrument in Thy hands. Help me, to help him work this through, to repent, and learn from this mistake. Help me to stay spiritually focused and not waiver, so I can be a light unto him. Help me to overcome my embarrassment, and my negative feelings, so Thy love can fill my soul, and so I can be at peace, and feel good about all that I will soon go through for Thee & Tim. I recognize that I have been given this stewardship assignment. Help me to be steadfast in Christ."
The above are examples of THREE DIFFERENT WAS OF SELF COUNSELING FROM THE VERY SAME EVENT. What will be the result for the parents, and the son from the different paradigms used for self counseling? Which parents will grow spiritually from the event? Which parents will be of most help and assistance for the son? Which parents will take charge of their temple the quickest? Which parents have maximized the power to act.
The first two self counseling sessions come from a temporal focus. The third comes from a person who is seeing with her spiritual eyes. All three sets of parents will feel the pain, the embarrassment, and the sadness which comes from the event. But each will determine the end result for these emotions, by what they tell themselves about the event, and how they choose to see it. Jesus counseled:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
(Mathew 11:28)
The last parent have empowered the spiritual world to help them determine their happiness. They are using their son's poor performance (behavior) to grow spiritually and to draw closer to their Heavenly Father. Their joy & happiness comes from serving Heavenly Father & feeling the Spirit. They are in charge of their happiness. They did not empower their son's performance nor the Principal's attitude to determine what they were going to think, feel & do.
In this next example, observe how one uses their self counseling to give his "power of agency" away.
"These stupid drivers, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be so upset. They drive too close. They do not even signal! And they drive over the speed limit and recklessly. It just infuriates me to no end!"
This person has given his agency away to other drivers. What each driver does determines what happens inside his temple. He lets the drivers behavior determine if he will do an upset or a steadfastness in Christ.
AGAIN, IT IS NOT WHAT OTHERS CHOOSE TO DO THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, BUT WHAT HE IS TELLING HIMSELF ABOUT THEIR BEHAVIOR THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
"And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever..."
(2 Nephi 2:26)
B. What do you mean, I am free? (2 Nephi 2:26-29)
1. I am free because I know the difference between good & evil.
2. I am free to choose (what I will think, feel & do) (LIBERTY or CAPTIVITY)
3. I a free to act for myself not to be acted upon.
4. I am free to follow the 'will of the flesh' or the 'will of the Spirit.'
5. I am free to enjoy the day and make it worthwhile.
"And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free." (Helaman 14:30)
"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for THE POWER IS IN THEM, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward."
(D & C 58:26-28)
C. Jesus said, "THE POWER IS IN THEM.
If one adds the power of the Holy Ghost to his power of agency, he becomes a temple president that is in charge of what he sees, thinks, feels & does.
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (I Corinthians 3:16-17)
D. How do I give my power of agency away?
By giving others (the temporal world) the responsibility for your happiness.
You mean to tell me that I am responsible for my happiness, and not others? This is scary! I am not sure I want all that responsibility. I am not sure I can handle it!
You are correct, it is scary, if you take on this responsibility alone. But if you invite Heavenly Father, the Savior, and the Holy Ghost to assist you, it becomes enjoyable and exciting. It never was Heavenly Father's intention to send us all here to earth without providing the assistance we needed to endure and overcome this world. However, the heavens will not interfere with our sacred "power of agency" and therefore, the heavens must wait for our invitation. This applies to the Godhead, the angels, and our loved ones who have passed on.
EXAMPLES OF USING ONE'S "POWER OF AGENCY."
The school principle calls and informs this particular parent that their son has been kicked out of school for cheating. The parent will have to come down to the school before he can be readmitted. After the parent hangs up the phone, they observed how the felt. They felt unhappy, hurt, and disappointed. Why? The parent says, "because of what the son had done." And as the hours went by, the parents did not feel any better.
TO WHOM has the parent given their "power of agency?" (the principal & their son)
Observe how the parents argue so they can keep giving their "power of agency" away.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN my unhappiness does not come from what my son did?" You are nuts! I did not cause this to happen. I have to suffer embarrassment. I have to go to school and meet with the principle. I have to try to get my son to change his ways. I do not deserve this. I do not have time nor the energy to handle this problem on top of everything else. Wait until he comes home, boy is he going to get it!"
ANOTHER EXAMPLE of a temporal focus would be as follow:
"I guess it is my fault. If I were a better mother, and if his father would have spent more time with him, this probably would not have happened. I guess we need to take some of the blame. I know he is hurt and embarrassed. I better give him some time before I tell his father, and all hell breaks loose!"
OBSERVE HOW THIS MOTHER KEEPS HER "POWER OF AGENCY".
"Thank you Father, for this opportunity for me to grow spiritually. Thou knowest this is hard for me, but I am thankful for the opportunity to serve Thee. Tim has made a serious mistake and needs Thy help. Help me to draw closer unto Thee, so I can be an instrument in Thy hands. Help me, to help him work this through, to repent, and learn from this mistake. Help me to stay spiritually focused and not waiver, so I can be a light unto him. Help me to overcome my embarrassment, and my negative feelings, so Thy love can fill my soul, and so I can be at peace, and feel good about all that I will soon go through for Thee & Tim. I recognize that I have been given this stewardship assignment. Help me to be steadfast in Christ."
The above are examples of THREE DIFFERENT WAS OF SELF COUNSELING FROM THE VERY SAME EVENT. What will be the result for the parents, and the son from the different paradigms used for self counseling? Which parents will grow spiritually from the event? Which parents will be of most help and assistance for the son? Which parents will take charge of their temple the quickest? Which parents have maximized the power to act.
The first two self counseling sessions come from a temporal focus. The third comes from a person who is seeing with her spiritual eyes. All three sets of parents will feel the pain, the embarrassment, and the sadness which comes from the event. But each will determine the end result for these emotions, by what they tell themselves about the event, and how they choose to see it. Jesus counseled:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
(Mathew 11:28)
The last parent have empowered the spiritual world to help them determine their happiness. They are using their son's poor performance (behavior) to grow spiritually and to draw closer to their Heavenly Father. Their joy & happiness comes from serving Heavenly Father & feeling the Spirit. They are in charge of their happiness. They did not empower their son's performance nor the Principal's attitude to determine what they were going to think, feel & do.
WHAT A PERSON TELLS HIMSELF ABOUT THE EVENT WILL DETERMINE IF HE IS KEEPING HIS "POWER OF AGENCY" OR IF HE IS GIVING IT AWAY.
In this next example, observe how one uses their self counseling to give his "power of agency" away.
"These stupid drivers, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be so upset. They drive too close. They do not even signal! And they drive over the speed limit and recklessly. It just infuriates me to no end!"
This person has given his agency away to other drivers. What each driver does determines what happens inside his temple. He lets the drivers behavior determine if he will do an upset or a steadfastness in Christ.
AGAIN, IT IS NOT WHAT OTHERS CHOOSE TO DO THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, BUT WHAT HE IS TELLING HIMSELF ABOUT THEIR BEHAVIOR THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
ONE GIVES UP SOME OF HIS AGENCY (FREEDOM) BY DISOWNING, THAT IS, BY MAKING SOMEONE ELSE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT IS HAPPENING WITHIN HIS TEMPLE, HE IS EMPOWERING OTHER'S BEHAVIOR TO DETERMINE WHAT HE WILL FEEL, THINK & DO. HE IS ALSO USING THIS PERSON'S BEHAVIOR TO KEEP THESE NEGATIVE EMOTIONS ALIVE FOR SOME TIME AFTER THE EVENT. AND HE HAS EMPOWERED THE OTHER PERSON'S BEHAVIOR TO GET HIM UPSET IN THE FUTURE.
Why is Disowning so Popular?
It creates the feeling that I am not responsible for what is happening to me, therefore, I do not have to do anything. The solution, the effort, and the repentance must all come from someone else. I am free from any responsibility to solve this problem.
It creates the feeling that I am not responsible for what is happening to me, therefore, I do not have to do anything. The solution, the effort, and the repentance must all come from someone else. I am free from any responsibility to solve this problem.
Why is Disowning so Destructive?
First, it places other people in charge of my temple., my happiness, and my day. I become completely dependant upon others to see the need to change, and to make the great effort to effect change within themselves, so I no longer will be enticed. Secondly, if this person doesn't repent or change the behavior so I can be happy again, then my only other choice is to make the other person feel the same misery that I feel. I will hate them, say bad things about them, treat them rudely, and try to find ways to get even with them. I will point out their faults. I will tell them how dumb the are. I will find ways to disrupt their life. In other words, I have completely turned over to them all my duties as a temple president. They are now in complete charge of what is happening within my temples. They will determine my happiness, what I think about, and how I act. They have become my God for these moments in time.
The DISADVANTAGE of disowning is that it places my happiness in the hands of other people or events. I become dependant upon others or events to make me feel happy. The events of the day determine if I will have a good day or a bad day. I have given my power of agency to how other people treat me, and if they like me, or to how my children perform. Why is this the Big lie? Because other people are not in charge of my being happy, or sad, or disappointed. THAT IS MY JOB! I am in charge of my temple. What I think, feel & do is under my leadership. No one can take away this God given power without my permission and approval.
TO WHOM OR TO WHAT HAVE I GIVEN SOME OF POWER?
1. Parents (I have this problem or habit because of my parents)
2. Children (My children drive me up the wall)
3. Traffic (I can't stand these stupid drivers)
4. Food (I wouldn't have this problem if it weren't for food)
5. Spouse (He/She makes me so mad at times)
6. Bills (The collectors are causing me so much stress)
7. My job (I hate my job)
8. Family members (Her family is so unforgiving)
9. Politicians (I am so tired of listening to these politicians)
10. The Ward (It is not very friendly)
11. The Bishop (He does not spend any time trying to help me)
12. Requests (I wish people would quit asking me for help)
13. They cut my pay! (I am so mad)
14. I feel worthless (no one treats me with respect)
Disowning is Satan's best program to take away agency. He did not like us having agency in the pre-mortal life and he doesn't like us having this power of agency here. He wanted this power of agency given to him, for his own glory.
Heavenly Father gave us our power of agency to use for good or bad. He will not interfere with our use of it. He keeps inviting us to come unto Him, so He can help us expand this power of agency to see, think, feel & act. Satan invites us to give up our agency by disowning (making others and/or events responsible for what is occurring within our temples). One choice brings misery while the other brings immense joy, happiness and worthwhileness into our lives.
WHAT PRICES DO I PAY FOR GIVING THE TEMPORAL WORLD MY POWER OF AGENCY?
1.I feel helpless
2.I am controlled by others
3. I am powerless
4. I am dependant upon others
5. I feel worthless
6. I am tossed to & fro
7. I am not sure of myself
8. I lack confidence in myself
9. I need others so much
10. I am upset at my self and others most of the time
WHAT BENEFITS DO I RECEIVE FOR KEEPING MY POWER OF AGENCY OVER WHAT I SEE, THINK, FEEL & DO?
1. I am able to love others
2. I am able to help others
3. I am in charge of what I see, think, feel & do
4. I feel closer to Heavenly Father & the Savior
5. I have great hope to being raised up unto eternal life
6. I feel at peace
7. I laugh at myself
8. I feel of great worth
9. I am growing spiritually
10. I feel the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in my life daily
FEELING OVERWHELMED
An overwhelm is something one does. It is not that hard to do. All one has to do is first, focus temporally, and secondly, look at all the things that have to be done for the day.
King Benjamin recommends the following:
"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength." (Mosiah 4:27) (D & C 10:4)
Nephi says,
"...for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."
(2 Nephi 32:3)
-Read the scriptures and list all the things you should do to reach exaltation. Focus on this list and you will be able to do an overwhelm.
Then Nephi give us the solution:
"For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:5)
The only way to enjoy the day and make it worthwhile is to select what you will do during the day by the Spirit. And then do each activity out of the love you have for Heavenly Father & the Savior.
Therefore, review the following principles from the first 6 thought patterns of Christ:
1. The three worlds (temporal, spiritual and inner-world)
2. How to change and improve thought patterns (See, think, feel & do)
3. The Six thought patterns of Christ
a. Self worth and high feelings of worth the Saviors way
b. Performance used for spiritual growth
c. Seeing all things spiritually
d. Using enticements to focus spiritually
e. Learning how to rejoice in your adversities
Seek Heavenly Father's help in selecting what would be the best for your spiritual growth today. For example, you may feel impressed to separate your worth from your performance. You may feel impressed to work on that for the next three months. The other thought patterns can wait until another day. This way, one will enjoy the journey and not do an overwhelm. For one is now focusing on their spiritual progression and not on the temporal "to do" list.
King Benjamin recommends the following:
"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength." (Mosiah 4:27) (D & C 10:4)
Nephi says,
"...for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."
(2 Nephi 32:3)
-Read the scriptures and list all the things you should do to reach exaltation. Focus on this list and you will be able to do an overwhelm.
Then Nephi give us the solution:
"For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:5)
The only way to enjoy the day and make it worthwhile is to select what you will do during the day by the Spirit. And then do each activity out of the love you have for Heavenly Father & the Savior.
Therefore, review the following principles from the first 6 thought patterns of Christ:
1. The three worlds (temporal, spiritual and inner-world)
2. How to change and improve thought patterns (See, think, feel & do)
3. The Six thought patterns of Christ
a. Self worth and high feelings of worth the Saviors way
b. Performance used for spiritual growth
c. Seeing all things spiritually
d. Using enticements to focus spiritually
e. Learning how to rejoice in your adversities
Seek Heavenly Father's help in selecting what would be the best for your spiritual growth today. For example, you may feel impressed to separate your worth from your performance. You may feel impressed to work on that for the next three months. The other thought patterns can wait until another day. This way, one will enjoy the journey and not do an overwhelm. For one is now focusing on their spiritual progression and not on the temporal "to do" list.
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