Elder Nelson started off by having all the children in the stake congregation stand up so he could see them : ) He then realized that nothing really changed- so he accordingly directed them to stand on the benches and chairs which made us all laugh. The kids stood up wondering what would happen next. He told them how great they looked and what a joy it was to see them. Then he asked for a favor... If they could sing I am a Child of God for him. A few kids in the front even were invited up on the stand next to the apostle.
He had Sister Porter-Orlando strum the notes and started the kids off.
It took about two seconds for the spirit to rush into that room and send goosebumps all over my body! It was amazing!! Such a simple task for the kids of course, but the spirit that came over the congregation and what I felt had such a power: it was immediate love and gratitude for the kids. I knew that angels were there in the room singing along- even if they weren't audible- and those kids sounded perfect as they all sang together. Such soft sweet voices bore their testimonies of the most simple but important principle of the gospel that children NEED to know. I AM A CHILD OF GOD.
I knew what the spirit was telling me instantly. I felt pure intelligence flowing into my mind and the whole message that Elder Nelson was about to share was already understood. I felt of how special, important, and dependent those kids are as they go through their youth here on this earth. It is OUR responsibility as adults and much more importantly as parents, to save these children from the world, from their natural selves, and from the power of the destroyer! Families are such a huge part of God's plan for His children. That IS the ultimate reason we are here on this earth!
The main theme I felt Elder Nelson was conveying was that we need to teach our children that they are loved by a literal Father in Heaven. He knows them so well and watches over them constantly. Elder Nelson made many comments but most of which I'll summarize as follows;
- We are created in God's image.
- He wants us to be teachable! i.e.- humble, having a contrite spirit.
- Whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life.
- God has always taught His children through Prophets on the earth.
- Read the scriptures to/with your children. They should be able to remember the voices of their parents reading to them.
- He really is our Father in Heaven.
- Teach them to seek the words of the Prophets.
- Teach children of the restoration of the priesthood upon the earth once again. Both Aronic and Melchizedek, along with the keys of the restoration. Moses- gathering. Ilija- sealing power.
- Help them to know the Temple is where you go for consummate blessings and of the importance of the covenants made therein.
- Teach and show them how to be worthy missionaries and emissaries of the Lord.
- Word of Wisdom. (healthy living)
- Vigorously support good political candidates.
- Feast upon the words of Christ.
We have been charged to be like our Father in Heaven in the most significant and aggrandizing way we can, which is through Parenthood. He loves us so much that He wants us to have all that He has. To have knowledge and wisdom and experience in choosing what is right and wrong- and in teaching that to the ones we love the most. Don't treat it lightly! Prepare, repent, humble yourselves and turn to the Lord so He can teach you how to be happy and how to be free from all the negative and distracting influences out there. I know families are the most important thing to our Heavenly Father. He wants us to succeed and be immensely Happy. He wants all HIs children to return and live with Him again someday and if we will turn to Him in all we do, He can lead us back and help us attain true joy and happiness.
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