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

Blended Families

Most children in the United States, 60%, will spend some of their life living with someone other than both of their biological parents. There are many families whose parents are separated because of divorce, death, or some other reason. Many people choose to remarry after these tragedies. This is a unique situation when two families come together to make a new family. There are some things the new parents can do to help establish this new family.

1. Be patient. Studies show that it takes at least two years to establish normalcy in a blended family. A blended family is different than a traditional family and it takes time for the members of the blended family to feel comfortable and normal in their new family.
2. The birth parent should be in charge of handling the heavy discipline of their birth children. When two families come together, they come with different rules and expectations. Their new parent needs to establish a warm healthy relationship with their new children before they can effectively discipline them.
3. The step-parent needs to build a good relationship with their new children. They need to be supportive, loving, and encouraging to them. They also should stand by their new spouse in their parenting of their birth children.
4. The couple needs to take time to counsel with one another. They need to make sure they are communicating with one another so they can rely on one another for support. The transitioning into a blended family is difficult and the best way to help children adjust is for the parents to build a strong relationship with one another.

The Refiner's Fire

This video is so inspiring! I know that our trials can make us stronger as we draw closer to the Lord and learn to rely on Him.

Having Children in Faith

I love this video! I look forward to having children with my husband someday!

Disciplining Children

My information comes from Michael Popkin's "Active Parenting"

Popkin uses 5 different steps for parents to use when they have a problem with their child's behavior.

1. Polite Request: ask your child, politely, to do something or stop doing something
2. "I" Message: this is when you explain how the problem is making you feel.
1. Start with "I have a problem with _____" - this helps the child know you are upset with the problem and not with them personally.
2. "I feel _____" - this shows the child how their actions are effecting others.
3. "Because _____" - this explains why you have a problem with their actions
4. "I would like you to _____" - this reaffirms what you would like the child to do to fix the problem.
3. Firm Reminder: if the problem persists, you may make a firm reminder of what you have already asked your child to do. Keep it short, simple, and respectful.
4. Logical Consequences: if nothing has worked, give the child a consequence for not doing what you have asked. This allows the child to choose to change their behavior and avoid the consequence or accept the consequence. 
1. either/or: puts a limit on the child's behavior, makes them stop doing something
2. when/then: two activities that would happen normally, but one must be done before the other
5. Use the FLAC method:
1. Feelings: Share your feelings about the problem and recognize your child's feelings as well. This develops a sense of empathy.
2. Limits: Lets your child know there are still limits on their behavior.
3. Alternatives: Find a solution that both of you can live with. If nothing is agreed upon, parent is in charge of making sure the consequence is fair and appropriate.
4. Consequences: Logical consequences that will follow if the problem isn't fixed. Follow up and make sure the problem is being solved.

Work

Adam and Eve
Work has always been a part of this earthly experience. Adam and Eve were commanded to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28). This commandment was given while they were in the garden, so they were to "subdue" the earth from the very beginning. When they were cast out of the garden they were to work also. "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread" (Genesis 3:19). Since man was placed on the earth, we have been commanded to work.
Blessings of Family Work
Family work is something that most people wish they could just get rid of. This opportunity to work together on a common goal while doing tasks that don't require much thinking, allows from some great things to happen. While a family works, bonds can be strengthened and meaningful conversations can emerge. Working as a family lets us see our interdependence on each other and encourages us to sacrifice for one another. Insisting that children to help with family work helps them develop responsibility and a sense of self-worth. If they know that the work can't be completed without them, they will more willingly participate. And children learn to think of others as they do work for others rather than just making their own bed.

I know that family work is a blessing. That families and individuals are strengthened as they work together to make a happy home.