Day 68 - Either 12-14

Spiritual Thought:
 "This promised Zion (as spoken of in Ether 13) always seems to be a little beyond our reach. We need to understand that as much virtue can be gained in progressing toward Zion as in dwelling there. It is a process as well as a destination. We approach or withdraw from Zion through the manner in which we conduct our daily dealings, live within our families, whether we pay an honest tithe and generous fast offering, how we seize opportunities to serve and do so diligently. Many are perfected upon the road to Zion who will never see the city in mortality." (Elder Robert D. Hales, C.R., April 1986, p. 38)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
Ether 12:6 - "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things:  I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

Ether 12:19 - "And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad."
Ether 12:27 - "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

Daily Questions:  Why is it so important to develop faith in Jesus Christ?  What does the scripture mean when it talks about having an "eye of faith"?  Do I believe that God will make weak things become strong?

For Kids/teens/adults:
Click here to watch video of "I love to see the Temple"
Click here to watch video of "I have a Family Here on Earth" - featuring Jimmy Osmond Family

Food for Thought:  Eye of Faith -
To develop an Eye of Faith, we visualize something before it happens. If we want our children to go on missions - we need to HOPE FOR IT  +  VISUALIZE IT ALREADY HAPPENING WITH AN EYE OF FAITH.  How do we do that? We show our faith by ACTING as IF it has already happened.

USING MY EYE OF FAITH - FOR MY SON TO GO ON A MISSION

1.  We talk about our own missions and about our son going on a mission when he grows up.

2.  We have the missionaries over to dinner and talk to them about their missions.

3.  We become missionaries ourselves and invite someone to take the discussions in our home.

4.  We have our sons start saving for their mission funds while they are young.

5.  We attend our cousins and friends Farewell and Homecomings to feel that missionary spirit.

6.  We financially contribute to help support other missionaries on their missions.

By doing all of these things - We are creating a picture in our child's mind  (Eye of Faith) - we are helping them to VISUALIZE themselves going on missions.

Faith = Things hoped for + not yet seen with physical eye (but with an eye of faith)

This principle of having an Eye of Faith can be applied to every gospel principle.  How do you teach (help visualize) your child to have an Eye of Faith regarding them being married in the temple?

USING MY EYE OF FAITH - FOR MY DAUGHTER  TO GET MARRIED IN THE TEMPLE:

1.  As parents, attend the temple often and let them see your example of the peace it brings to you.

2.  When children are little, take them to the temple and have their pictures taken in front of it.

3.  As they get older, take your children to the temple as a family and do baptisms and confirmations on a regular basis.

3.  Have pictures of the temple displayed in your home.

4.  Talk about "WHEN" they get married in the temple

5.  Attend others temple weddings and have your children be outside of the temple when the bride and groom come out.

6.  Teach your children to dress appropriately NOW, to make it easier when they begin wearing the temple garment LATER.

7.  Encourage them to date ONLY those who are worthy now to take them to the temple.  Teach them that we marry those we date.

BOMING Picture: 

Help your children VISUALIZE themselves being married in the temple, going on a mission and having a close relationship with our Savior.