Scripture Power

Our Primary president has chosen the song for the primary children to learn this month - "Scripture Power". Here's a link to it if you want to listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOvkLfobHgc. When I first heard it I really hated it. I hated the tune (I still kinda hate the tune) and I hated the way the song was written...and I even hated the title. I'm the music person in primary and this song says:

Because I want to be like the Savior, and I can

I'm reading His instructions, I'm following His plan

Because I want the power His word will give to me

I'm changing how I live, I'm changing what I'll be

I'll find the sword of truth in each scripture that I learn.

I'll take the shield of faith from these pages that I turn.

I'll wear each vital part of the armor of the Lord

And fight my daily battles, and win a great reward

CHORUS

Scripture power keeps me safe from sin

Scripture power is the power to win!

Scripture power, everyday I need

The power that I get each time I read.

I read Ephesians 6:11 (below) and got the kids to put on a bunch of Jordan's hockey gear as we talked about how reading the scriptures gives you strength and protection. The kids loved singing this song. The words are kind of cheesy and I wouldn't be surprised if I saw Ted Flanders' kids singing this on the Simpsons - but the words are true and the message is so very important that I love this song despite it's package. I also love watching the kids belt this song, they're not snobs, they just love what is good, true and kinda fun. I think that's admirable.

11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

More thoughts on the widows mite

Linds posted some beautiful thoughts on the story of the widows mite a few weeks ago but when I was reading it today in Luke 21 I was reminded again how much I absolutely love this story. Dad and I have this Christensen print hanging in our room because its such a favorite of ours.

To me this story is about one of the founding principles of Christianity - Sacrifice. It was Christ's sacrifice for each one of us which will allow us all to return to live with God again. And sacrifice stems from one source. Christ explained this to us when he described the action

of another woman who had served him:

He said...'for she loved much' (Luke 7:47). The impetus for sacrifice - Love.

A Strong Purpose to Defend

I came across a great scripture in Alma 43 today, verse 9. I know it's not from the New Testament but I wanted to share.
"And now the design of the Nephites was to support their lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their children, that they might preserve them from the hands of their enemies; and also that they might preserve their rights and their privileges, yea, and also their liberty, that they might worship God according to their desires." I love this verse. The Nephites were working hard to defend themselves against the Lamanites. Their reason in doing so was to uphold their homes and families, whereas the Lamanites wanted monarchy and power.

I have been thinking about protecting and upholding families in more ways than one- First of all, by being prepared for emergencies: small or big. One way to do this is to have 72 hour kits for everyone, with food, water, games and appropriate clothes for each person. By following this God given counsel we can defend our lives and homes and liberty should we find ourselves in dire straits. Spence and I are on the Emergency Prep committee in our ward & I am in charge of overseeing this aspect of preparation so it's really on my brain. Caleb pointed out the kit Puentes have the other day and I know for sure he's proud of it. Spencer and I are also continuing to build ours up.

A second way we can defend and uphold our families is through spiritual preparation. This is important too. If we have been feeding our testimonies and praying and helping others then we will be morally strong, with oil in our lamps shoudl we find ourselves in a tough setting. Anyway, can anyone think of other ways we can defend and uphold our families? Love you guys :)