Religious: Obedience

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 5 June 2008

After Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, Adam offered the firstlings of their flocks unto the Lord. An angel appeared to Adam and asked him why he was offering sacrifices. “ . . .And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me,” (Moses 5:6). Adam didn’t know why he was offering these animals, only that he had been commanded to do so. Adam was willing to be obedient even when he didn’t understand why. -- Read More

Religious: Respect for Missionaries

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 2 June 2008

The young men and women who serve missions sacrifice 18 months-2 years of their lives. While their peers are advancing through college, earning money, and experiencing social activities, these young people are out preaching the gospel. Many have worked and saved their own money to pay for their missions and when they return from their missions, many have very little money left. Many missionaries miss out on weddings, births, and other family celebrations while they are gone. -- Read More

Religious: Missionary Work is Rigorous

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 29 May 2008

“Missionary work is rigorous. It is demanding. It is difficult. It has never been easy and it never will be. It requires strength of body, strength of mind, strength of spirit.” Gordon B. Hinckley

One of the reasons we moved to the country was to allow our kids to learn a work ethic. We wanted to allow them the opportunity to be responsible for animals and the work it takes to care for animals on a daily basis.

My oldest son wanted to raise pigs. Since I’m a city girl, I really had no idea what it meant to raise pigs and my husband’s family had raised cattle. We built a pen and then bought four piglets. A neighbor donated an 800 lb. sow. We were set, or so we thought. -- Read More

Religious: Faith in Jesus Christ

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 26 May 2008

To better serve as a full-time or member missionary it’s important to have a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of the gospel.

The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often accused of not being Christians even though the name Jesus Christ is included in the title. The reason some claim we are not Christians is because of our belief that Lucifer and Jesus are brothers.

Other religions do not believe in the pre-existence where we all enjoyed relationships as brothers and sisters, and children to heavenly parents before mortality. We believe that we were all created as spirits before we were born. We learned and grew spiritually while in the pre-existence and for a time we lived in harmony and peace. -- Read More

Religious: Ideas for Mission Prep

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 22 May 2008

Since the bar has now been raised for young people to serve missions, it is important for parents to realize that preparation for serving a mission starts long before the teenage years. Preparation should begin shortly after birth and continue throughout childhood and adolescence. Here are some ideas to help your son or daughter prepare to serve an honorable mission:

1. Set a pattern of prayer in your home. Have regular family prayer and encourage children to have their own personal prayers. Set the example by allowing your children to see and hear you pray.

2. Have regular Family Home Evenings. FHE was instituted many years ago as a way to combat the growing evil in the world. Today, our families are continually assaulted and the need for regular, consistent FHE is even greater than ever before. The home is the best place for children to learn the gospel. -- Read More

Religious: Missionary Work By Example

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 19 May 2008

It’s come down to the two Davids. I’m not at all surprised, they’re both so talented. David Cook has such an amazing ability to make a song his own. David Archuleta sings with such conviction and sincerity, he brings tears to my eyes.

I love to watch American Idol and see these kids not only share, but improve, their talents each week. They use their musical talent to share themselves with the world.

David Archuleta now has the world as his audience and has an opportunity to share something else with the world: the gospel of Jesus Christ. -- Read More

Religious: The Spirit of Missionary Work

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 15 May 2008

Mother's Day is always a wonderful day. My children all spoiled me with poems, cards, candy, and hugs. They were so cute. My honey also spoiled me with yummy dark chocolate, red licorice, and a beautiful card.

A very fun part of the day was when my missionary called. He'd said he'd call right after church so we all rushed home. (I'd told my kids that if they didn't go directly to the car after church, they'd be walking home). We all hovered over the phone, anticipating the call. -- Read More

Religious: Sacrifice Brings Forth Blessings

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes
on yourLDSneighborhood Newsstands - 12 May 2008

Several years ago, I heard a knock at my front door. I opened it to two older gentleman who wanted to teach me about their religion. They shared several scriptures, interpreting them much differently than what I was used to. I listened politely. At the conclusion of their remarks, they said, "We go out and preach the gospel regularly because we believe in what we're doing. Do you know of any other religion that sends out missionaries?"

I'm sure they didn't expect my response, "As a matter of fact, I do." I then went on to explain how the LDS Church has a missionary force of tens of thousands. Though I found it hard to believe they weren't aware of our missionaries, I didn't want to assume they were deliberately trying to be deceptive. After all, they believed enough in their religion that they were willing to give up their time to share their message. ~ Read More

Religious: The MTC Experience

by Rebecca Talley on Rebecca Talley Writes

My son has been serving in the Italy Rome mission. Interestingly enough, his first mission president was our family doctor, which made me feel a little better about sending my first child halfway around the world.

As the day approached for my son to enter the MTC, I had mixed feelings. It was a day I’d looked forward to for 19 years, a culmination of all of my teaching, prodding (he might say harassing), and efforts to help my son prepare to serve his mission. I was thrilled he’d not only made the choice to serve, but was also worthy to do so. I was very proud of him. Yet, I knew that his absence would create a hole in the family and a hole in my heart. He’d been such a part of the family for so many years and none of his younger siblings knew life without him. I knew it wouldn’t be the same without him and though he was serving the Lord, it would be hard without him. ~ Read More