Day 14 Priesthood Blessings

On May 15th over 170 years ago the Priesthood was restored again to the earth by the hand of John the Baptist to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Just like the apostles of old the authority to act in the name of God was given throught he laying on of hands. Since that time many have been blessed through the Priesthood power.
I did not grow up in a home where the Priesthood power was part of our everyday life until much later in life. At times it's easy to forget the blessings that come from the Priesthood in our homes. We are often guilty of taking it for granted.

Task of the Day: Give or partake in an ordinance of the Priesthood. Give thanks for the blessings of the Priesthood in your life.

Day 13 Being Loyal

The Book of Ruth is only 85 scriptures long, but contains a story of critical importance to the Old Testament. It gives evidence of the lineage of David and also gives a great example of loyalty that is evidenced through the story of Ruth and Naomi. For Ruth’s famous words,

"Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

Today’s lesson: Be loyal to those who are absent.

Day 12 The Yoke of Christ

28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

As Christ tells us in Matthew, His is the only way to find true peace and happiness in this life.

Task of the day: Read Matthew 11 and contemplate how the yoke of Christ can benefit you and your marriage.

Day 11 Speak Kind Words

Simply put, today is the day to speak kind words and only kind words to your spouse. As we read in the hymn, "

1. Let us oft speak kind words to each other
At home or where’er we may be;
Like the warblings of birds on the heather,
The tones will be welcome and free.
They’ll gladden the heart that’s repining,
Give courage and hope from above,
And where the dark clouds hide the shining,
Let in the bright sunlight of love.

[Chorus]
Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live
And sunshine forever impart.
Let us oft speak kind words to each other;
Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.

2. Like the sunbeams of morn on the mountains,
The soul they awake to good cheer;
Like the murmur of cool, pleasant fountains,
They fall in sweet cadences near.
Let’s oft, then, in kindly toned voices,
Our mutual friendship renew,
Till heart meets with heart and rejoices
In friendship that ever is true.

Task of the day: Speak Kind words to your spouse.

Day 10 "Friends"

This is a message from a friend in response to the story of Bartimaeus:

"It is so true that we get discouraged easily, and that God wants us to keep trusting Him even in hard times. This is a very relevant story for our all of us in these tough economic times.

In reading about Bartimaeus, I was also reminded of the time when our Lord healed the man who was paralyzed. I think it is especially meaningful that in this instance, because the man was unable to pursue Jesus on his own, his friends brought him to where Jesus was and "lifted him up" on his mat to bring him into the presence of the true Healer.

Sometimes we need friends to "lift us up" in prayer to God in those times when, for whatever reason, we are unable to ask for help ourselves.

Also, in this story, it is significant that Jesus clarifies that it is far more important the state of our souls than the state of our physical circumstances. We are so in need of Him to be our Savior, and forgive our sins... and this is even more important than asking Him to heal us of our physical woes and sicknesses (although He shows he has power to do that as well!)

Isn't it great how all the examples in the Bible show us a bit more about God's character and love for us? I suppose it is good for our character to learn to let others help us, and "lift us up" before the Lord, who can really help us on a deeper level.

This life is an exciting journey."

Task for the day:

• Read Matthew 9: 2-8.
• Pray for your friends, including those friends who share your home.
• Do a kind act of service or encouragement for a friend or someone you know.

Day 9 "Finding the good in others"

"Never Fail To Mark The Good."
(Dallin H. Oaks)

A lesson that is frequently forgotten.

Today's task:
• When you find good in someone, tell them.

Day 8 "Avoiding Criticism"

I came across this scripture many months ago. Since then, I have heard it repeated silently in mind many times, especially when I am in a heated moment with one of the children.

Colossians 3:21

"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged."

Let's dissect.

Fathers - that means everyone.

provoke - to give rise to, induce, or bring about.

'to' anger - this is either a verb or noun

• verb

to arouse anger or wrath in.

• noun

a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong; wrath; ire.

or

A strong feeling of hostility

discouraged - to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.

That seems like the opposite of what we are trying to accomplish in our relationships.

What are we without HOPE?

Fact: It is 10 times easier to criticize than to encourage.

Task for the Day:

• For every negative thing you say to anyone else (including the children in your life), say 10 phrases of genuine encouragement.