Thoughts From Institute - Nov. 24th, 2008

I have had the amazing opportunity to teach adult institute last school year and this one as well. This semester we are studying the April Conference talks from the Ensign (next semester we will study Oct's conference.) Those talks have come alive for me and are so inspired for our day and time.

I must insert here that one of the main reasons why institute has been such a great learning opportunity is the fact that those who attend class each week come with a sincere desire to feast upon the Word. Their comments, insights, questions and testimonies create invigorating discussions and opportunities to feel the power of the Holy Ghost. I maintain that I am just a student along with them. I try very hard to let the Holy Ghost be the teacher. I often must stop myself from teaching my own agenda but I'm learning more and more how to let the Spirit be the teacher.

With that said, I have been counseled to record the lessons I learn each week in class. I have not been doing this and have felt a little chastised. This blog is giving me a great opportunity to record my thoughts and feelings.

Monday's lesson was on three talks:
"Righteous Traditions" Cheryl C. Lant
"Restoring Faith In The Family" Elder Kenneth Johnson
"Do You Know Who You Are?" Dean R. Burgess

My thoughts and impressions:
The family was designed as an educational institution - that may not be the right word but I can't think of a different one right now. It is in the family that God's laws must be taught. This is why satan attacks the family so fiercely. he has been able to persuade the world to cut God out of almost everything but he must not be allowed to convince us to cut God out of our homes. It is not just a nice idea to teach gospel principles in our home - it is a vital necessity.

When we follow God's laws and keep his commandments (which are designed to help, not hinder) we can stay above the spiritual fog that seems to be creeping in all around us. This allows us to know WHO WE ARE which helps us make righteous decisions because we can see the whole picture not just what is right in front of us. We must try every day to maintain an eternal perspective and rise above the fog.

Traditions are not just to be done around the holidays. Righteous traditions are day to day actions such as daily scripture study, family prayer, personal prayer, no inappropriate movies or tv etc. The list goes on but it doesn't need to be overwhelming. We just do the best we can and try harder the next day. By upholding these righteous traditions we will accomplish what our Father in Heaven meant for families - we will be teaching His laws and raising children who can walk away from the world because they know who they are and desire to be with our Father again. President Monson said, "Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God's Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells." Ensign, June 2008, pg. 90

The storm must stop at our door. That can happen as we remember the importance of teaching God's laws through practicing righteous traditions.