Okay - yet another new feature - I'm starting a new thread called Sunday Scriptures - since they are something I struggle with - I'm no scriptorian - but I am trying to read my own more often and at least have a clue of what is going on with our Sunday School Class - I'm starting this along the schedule that our own ward keeps (keep in mind that you may be a lesson ahead or behind depending on where you live.) Next week's Lesson is

I have to say that I love this part of the Old Testament - Ruth, Hannah and Naomi are always good strong women who make me strive harder to be a great woman in my own right -

This lesson speaks about Eli specifically tho, and how he honored his sons above what he knew to be right and it brings to mind the question of what kinds of things we honor unrightously without even thinking about it - The lesson asks the question In what areas of our lives do we sometimes honor and please ourselves rather than the Lord? Our entertainment? Sabbath observances? Fasting? Church Callings?

Now call me dumb - I know I've read this section of scripture before but it never clicked for me before. In one section of my reading I read how Eli, after reprimanding his sons did NOTHING else - obviously losing out on the Lord's blessings - I see this today running rampant - Parents who can't be bothered to do any more than throw words that mean nothing since they aren't backed with any consequences. I struggled a bit with the questions in the lesson about honoring other things and finally decided I need an actual definition of honor - so I found this one at dictionary.com To hold in respect; esteem. To show respect for. I'm not sure how this applies to the questioned subjects - we're pretty strict about our entertainment - HOWEVER, there have been times when the sentence This is a great movie, but enters into my vocabulary and I guess that in that regard - well it applies - the same could be said in regard to coveting food on fast sunday or choosing to do things before fulfilling my callings not just in my everyday callings - but also in my calling as a visting teacher. I am improving on that one - so far so good this year.

It also talks about Hannah's son Samuel - and how he was willing to serve - with honor.

I love the story about Hannah and Samuel - He reminds me a lot of other scripture heroes like Nephi who hand such a strong unyielding faith. I imagine him to be a gentle giant of sorts -

The lesson goes on to remind us that the standards set in the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet are standards for adults as well as youth -

I think this reminder is a good one - one I often need. Since having my kids in YW/YM we have read and reread this little pamphlet often and I think since I am an adult I forget to keep myself in check. While dress and dating aren't really an issue - the reminder on the things we watch, the language we speak and the actions we portray are good ones.

“Some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to a calling. Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies” (Thomas S. Monson in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 62; or Ensign, May 1996, 44).