Principles from Acts Chapter 9

Accepting the Call: Acts 9:18-20 If the Lord calls us to the work, then we must immediately accept the call and go to work.
This is the story of Saul, the man who was going to bind all those who believed on Christ. He had a vision, where the Lord appears to him and Saul loses his sight. He fasts for three days until Ananias comes and restores his sight. He is then baptized and then verse twenty says, “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” This was a man who was actively trying to destroy the church, but then gains a testimony and immediately testifies to others of the truth. I think that we sometimes have a hard time fulfilling our callings in the church because we feel that we are not good enough, we don’t know enough, or that we don’t speak well enough. I’m sure that Saul felt inadequate and thought that no one would listen to him because he had opposed the church so actively. But Saul immediately goes to work. This shows that we need to have faith to act. If we try our best to fulfill the roles the Lord has given us, He will bless us to accomplish the things we need to.

Seeing others as the Lord sees them: Acts 9: 13-15 If we choose to judge others based on the worlds view of them, then we will never see them as the Lord sees them.
I think a lot of times it is easy to see others (or ourselves) and judge based on mistakes of the past and shortcomings. I think when the Lord sees people he sees them for what they can be, not what they have done. Everyone around us has divine potential. Just as Saul probably didn't seem like a likely candidate to "bear the name of the Lord before the Gentiles, and kings, and children of Israel", but the Lord saw him as a chosen vessel, he saw him for his potential. I love a quote by President Monson that says, "If we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are." I know that I can do a better job of see and treating others as the Lord would.

Parenthood

My favorite quotes from this week:

• Brother Satterfield, “The ultimate test of godhood is parenthood!”
• President Benson: “This life is intended to provide an opportunity to help our Father in Heaven with His great plan, and we do that through honorable parenthood”

Don’t delay having children:

• President Kimball: “Young married couples who postpone parenthood until their degrees are attained might be shocked if their expressed preference were labeled idolatry."
• President Benson: “When God said it was our responsibility to multiply and replenish the earth, that marriage was primarily for that purpose, He didn’t insert any provisions."
• Elder Oaks: “Our covenants with God and the ultimate purpose of life are tied up in those little ones who reach for our time, our love, and our sacrifices.”

I recently became a mother a couple of months ago when our beautiful daughter was born. Being a mother is hard. I only have one child, but I know as more come there will be more stress, worries, trials, long nights, and hard days. I also know that those who follow the commandment to have children are blessed beyond measure. The Lord gives you the extra strength to accomplish the things that you need to. And those same children that make you worry bring the most joy ever conceivable and make your heart overflow with love.

Link to Brother Satterfield’s talk- The Family Under Siege: The Role of Man and Woman 

http://emp.byui.edu/satterfieldb/PDF/Role%20of%20Man%20and%20Woman.pdf