Sunday, November 29, 2009

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 11-29-09




  33 And again, I remember that thou hast said that thou hast aloved the world, even unto the laying down of thy life for the world, that thou mightest take it again to prepare a place for the children of men.

  34 And now I know that this alove which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.

Elder Richard G. Scott's General Conference talk, To Acquire Spiritual Guidance.


"Throughout the ages, many have obtained guidance helpful to resolve challenges in their lives by following the example of respected individuals who resolved similar problems. Today, world conditions change so rapidly that such a course of action is often not available to us.

Personally, I rejoice in that reality because it creates a condition where we, of necessity, are more dependent upon the Spirit to guide us through the vicissitudes of life. Therefore, we are led to seek personal inspiration in life’s important decisions."

16 Above all, taking the shield of afaith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery bdarts of the wicked.
Fiery darts of the adversary-darts don't kill unless you don't remove them or unless there are many of them or poison. The point is that they can most times the nonfatal if removed. They also can be blocked fairly easily with little preparation and by keeping alert.

Moses 4:4
  4 And he became aSatan, yea, even the bdevil, the father of all clies, to ddeceive and to blind men, and to lead them ecaptive at his will, even as many as would not fhearken unto my voice.




  15 Wherefore, alift up your hearts and brejoice, and cgird up your loins, and take upon you my whole darmor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to estand.

  16 Stand, therefore, having your loins agirt about with btruth, having on the cbreastplate of drighteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of theegospel of fpeace, which I have sent mine gangels to commit unto you;

Put on your armor first thing in the morning. Putting on armor, when the enemy is already attacking you is too late.

The shield doesn't just repel the darts, but the Scripture says it quenches them.

Elder Tad R. Callister's General Conference talk, Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration




People can miss the power of Joseph Smith's ministry if you focus on his weaknesses.  The same is true for Peter.



  1 Now we beseech you, brethren, aby the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

  2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, aor be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by bletter as from us, as that the cday of Christ is at hand.

  3 Let no man deceive you by any means: afor that day shall not come, except there come a bfalling away first, and that cman of dsin be revealed, the son of perdition;

  2 aI knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the bbody, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the cthird dheaven.

Elder Callister asks, "Could there be a third heaven if there was no second heaven or first heaven?"

Matthew 11:28
  28 ¶ aCome unto me, all ye that blabour and are heavy laden, and I will give you crest.


From the Bulletin:
"Live righteously that your memory will give you roses in December. Live gloriously as though you would live forever.... you will. May the Lord be with you and inspire and guide you ... that your vision may be undimmed as you walk steadily toward the sunkist heights on which your ambitious eyes are fixed today, and that the peace which passeth understanding may come to you eternally." (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 156).

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah November 11-22-09

Mosiah 2:41
  41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and ahappy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they arebblessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out cfaithful to the end they are received into dheaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Joseph Smith was a man. We do not worship him. We do not worship him anymore and Protestants worship Moses, Elijah, or Paul.

"I have intended my remarks for all, both rich and poor, bond and free, great and small. I have no enmity against any man. I love you all; but I hate some of your deeds. I am your best friend, and if persons miss their mark it is their own fault. If I reprove a man, and he hates me, he is a fool; for I love all men, especially these my brethren and sisters." (Joseph Smith Jr., The King Follett SermonDocumentary History of the Church, volume 6, pages 302–17.)

Doctrine and Covenants 1:38
  38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my aword shall not pass away, but shall all be bfulfilled, whether by mine own cvoice or by the dvoice of my eservants, it is the fsame.

Revelations and miracles generally operate with subtlety. One must pay attention to recognize them.

What about the gospel makes you happy?

Some comments were based on Elder Neil L. Andersen's Conference talk, “Repent . . . That I May Heal You”

Repentance is like a trip to Disneyland. It is a struggle to get there, but it is worth the trip. Earning money for the trip, packing, kids fighting in the car, numerous potty breaks.

Repenting is like running into the wind or swimming upstream.

Our human reflex is to go on the defensive end and the offense. Often focusing on the weaknesses of others rather than working on repairing our own and listening.

The Lord allows us to remember our sins that we do not repeat them.

When was the last time he expressed intense gratitude to someone?

Luke 17:11-18

  11 ¶ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

  12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were alepers, which stood afar off:

  13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

  14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the apriests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

  15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

  16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him athanks: and he was a Samaritan.

  17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten acleansed? but where are the bnine?

  18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

I don't know a lot about physics, but I know enough that I apply my brakes sooner when it is snowing. I know enough about physics that I am more cautious on a ladder that I am on the ground. I know these things through having lived life. I don't understand every point of the gospel, but I have lived enough to know this church is the place I need to be to figure it out. People try to separate science and religion, but I think perhaps religion is another branch of science.  Physics, mathematics, and biology each by themselves do not answer all of life's questions.  All of them must be used.  Religion also needs to be added to our knowledge to be able to understand all things.

From the Bulletin:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns our denials and "pity parties" into acceptance of things and confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude adds meaning to our prayers, makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a clearer vision for our tomorrows." - Melody Beattie (edited)

We must be grateful for the gift and especially for the giver of the gift. Gratitude is a form of returning love to God.

Scriptural admonishments:
Cease not to give thanks,
Eph. 1: 15 - 16,
Live in thanksgiving daily,
Alma 34:38
He who receives all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious,
D&C 78:19
In everything give thanks, D&C 98:1 1 Thes. 5:18). Notice the word "everything." Humbly, we can even be thankful for the tutoring that comes from our trials as they help fashion us in the countenance of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah November 11-15-09


  20 Now, it was for the sole purpose to get again, because they received their wages according to their bemploy, therefore, they did cstir up the people to driotings, and all manner of disturbances and wickedness, that they might have more employ, that they might eget fmoney according to the suits which were brought before them; therefore they did stir up the people against Alma and Amulek.

  17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the bservice of your cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

  23 And now I would that ye should be ahumble, and be bsubmissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

Matthew 5:14
 14 Ye are the alight of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Matthew 25:35-40
  35 For I was an ahungred, and ye bgave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a cstranger, and ye took me in:


  36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye avisited me: I was in bprison, and ye came unto me.

  37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

  38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

  39 Or when saw we thee asick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

  40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have adone it unto one of the bleast of these my cbrethren, ye have done it unto me.

Gratitude

From the 
For the Strength of Youth pamphlet section on Gratitude

" 'He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious' (D&C 78:19).

The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you.

In your prayers, before you ask for blessings, pour out your heart to God in thanks for the blessings you have already received. Thank Him for your family, for friends and loved ones, for leaders and teachers, for the gospel, and for His Son, Jesus Christ.

You can also express gratitude to the Lord by the way you live. When you keep His commandments and serve others, you show that you love Him and are grateful to Him. Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in any way.


Taking notes before and after prayer. Take notes of things to thank for and ask for.  Some have expressed that they have known people that put dates and times on when what they asked for was fulfilled.  Let's note that being fulfilled is not necessarily getting what you asked for or getting what you asked for in the way you wanted it.

A missionary that recently returned from Norway spoke.

Why is it, at times, difficult to follow the spirit?

"I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit." (Elder Richard G. Scott, 
To Acquire Spiritual Guidance, October 2009 General Conference)





  13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do agood continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and benticeth to do cgood, and to love God, and to serve him, is dinspired of God.

  14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is aevil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

  15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to ajudge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

  16 For behold, the aSpirit of Christ is given to every bman, that he may cknow good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

  17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do aevil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

    18 Where there is no avision, the people bperish: but he that ckeepeth the dlawehappy is he.


From the Bulletin:

"It is critical that we ALL study and learn ALL aspects of the Atonement. In our lives, we ALL will need the influence of ALL aspects of the Atonement many, many times." The Bishop

"The Lord Almighty leads this Church, and he will never suffer you to be led astray if you are found doing your duty. You may go home and sleep as sweetly as a babe in its mother's arms, as to any danger of your leaders leading you astray, for if they should try to do so the Lord would quickly sweep them from the earth." Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 9 p. 289, 1862.
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1.

"Can we truly sustain God, our prophet and local leaders without doing our home teaching, visiting teaching and callings to the best of our abilities? Most of our spiritual experiences will come as we are engaged in serving others in our "routine callings." (paraphrased from Elder Neal A. Maxwell.)

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 11-8-09

Mosiah 7:33

33 But if ye will aturn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all bdiligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.

"In Nauvoo, the Saints often gathered together to hear the Prophet Joseph Smith speak to them. Because there was no building in Nauvoo large enough to hold all the Saints, the Prophet often spoke outside. He frequently spoke in a grove located just west of the temple, where thousands could assemble. A portable platform was constructed for Church leaders and speakers, and the congregation sat on the grass or on logs or bricks. The Prophet also spoke in other locations in Nauvoo, including the unfinished temple and private homes. A visitor to Nauvoo in early 1843 reported seeing meetings held 'on the rough floor of the basement of the Temple, and then the Prophet frequently preaches.'1" (Chapter 43: “He Was a Prophet of God”: Contemporaries of Joseph Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission p493)

I have been to the empty park and seen the foundation stones before the Nauvoo temple was rebuilt. I saw the basement being dug and footers being driven on the Internet. I've been in the Temple since it has been rebuilt, at open houses and in doing work once it was dedicated. The above paragraph made me recall these memories.

“In the work of redeeming the dead there are many tasks to be performed, and … all members should participate by prayerfully selecting those ways that fit their personal circumstances at a particular time. … Our effort is not to compel everyone to do everything, but to encourage everyone to do something” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Family History: ‘In Wisdom and Order,’ ” Ensign, June 1989, 6).

Some are close to temples. Some have computers. Some have the records or access to family members. Everyone can do some part of the work.

Daniel 12:1
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Luke 10:38-42
38 ¶ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named aMartha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art acareful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath achosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

The one needful thing that was missing from Mary and Martha was balance.

"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power." (Julie B. Beck, Mothers Who Know, October 2007 General Conference)

"The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple." (Elder Russle M. Nelson, Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings, General Conference, April 2001)

"Spiritual preparation is enhanced by study. I like to recommend that members going to the temple for the first time read short explanatory paragraphs in the Bible Dictionary, listed under seven topics: 26 “Anoint,” 27 “Atonement,” 28 “Christ,” 29 “Covenant,” 30 “Fall of Adam,” 31 “Sacrifices,” 32 and “Temple.” 33 Doing so will provide a firm foundation." (Elder Russle M. Nelson, Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings, General Conference, April 2001)

Be prepared for church-be on time, be dressed appropriately, be rested, go with a prayer in our heart, go with a willingness to learn, read lessons before hand (you can help guide the lesson).

“The Sabbath is a day on which to take inventory—to analyze our weaknesses, to confess our sins to our associates and our Lord. It is a day on which to fast. … It is a day on which to read good books, a day to contemplate and ponder, a day to study lessons for priesthood and auxiliary organizations, a day to study the scriptures and to prepare sermons, a day to nap and rest and relax, a day to visit the sick, a day to preach the gospel, a day to proselyte, a day to visit quietly with the family … , a day for proper courting, a day to do good, a day to drink at the fountain of knowledge and of instruction, a day to seek forgiveness of our sins, a day for the enrichment of our spirit and our soul, a day to restore us to our spiritual stature, a day to partake of the emblems of [Jesus’] sacrifice and atonement, a day to contemplate the glories of the gospel and of the eternal realms, a day to climb high on the upward path toward our Heavenly Father” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 216).

3 Nephi 18:28-29
28 And now behold, this is the commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it;
29 For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and ablood bunworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul; therefore if ye know that a man is unworthy to eat and drink of my flesh and blood ye shall forbid him.

1 Nephi 2:12
12 And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them.

Do we know the dealings of the God who created us? Do our lives show that we know? Do we murmur against the truth?

Helaman 5:41
41 And Aminadab said unto them: You must arepent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have bfaith in Christ, who was taught unto you by Alma, andcAmulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you.

If we have areas in our lives of weakness until we are stronger, until our faith grows, and until our testimonies are firm, we should cry unto the Lord.

3 Ne. 9: 22
22 Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laiddown my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.

Matt. 23: 37
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have dgathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye ewould not!

From the Bulletin:
"Come to the temple." If not now, come soon. Pray fervently, set your lives in order, save whatever you can in hopes that that day may come. Start now that sometimes very difficult and discouraging journey of repentance. The temple transforms the individual and makes abundantly worthwhile any efforts made to get there. For some who live at great distances from a temple, the temples will come to you before you might come to them. Keep your faith and your hope and determine that you will come --- that you will be worthy and that you will come to the temple. "Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple," booklet, taken from "The Holy Temple" by Elder Boyd K. Packer.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 11-1-09








One lesson drew from Elder Gonzalez talk from last general conference 

3 Nephi 7:18
  18 And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were anot possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.


Having priesthood authority does not mean we have power. We gain power through faith and worthiness. Disobedience weakens our power.


Why do we not have the same sorts of experiences as the prophets in the Scriptures? If not it could be because we are casual in our prayers, not studying, or are not obedient with exactness.


The first thing we need to get closer to God is praying and reading our Scriptures. The first thing that goes out of our life when we start to slide is prayer and scripture study.

Ephesians 2:19-20
  19 Now therefore ye are no more astrangers and foreigners, but bfellowcitizens with the csaints, and of the dhousehold of God;

  20 And are built upon the foundation of the aapostles and bprophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief ccorner stone;


From the Bulletin:







My wonderful Brothers and Sisters.


As a Bishopric and other ward leaders, we love you so!! We really do.


We have such a wonderful ward with people striving to order their lives for blessings both now and in the eternities.


Lest we should ever forget who we really are, we are not your "average Joes and Janes." For some reason that I don't fully comprehend, Heavenly Father has allowed us to have the Gospeiln our lives. With it, we committed at baptism to follow living prophets and inspired leaders with exactness and consistency.


Last Saturday, many of you missed one of the most inspiring talks ever given by our great Stake President at a Saturday session of Stake Conference. Among other things, he asked us ALL to sign up as "indexers"and to be actively engaged in it...lead by our High Priests. As we do so,
the Lord WILL open other blessings unto us. Please sign up today. Please see a clerk for directions regarding how to get started. May God then bless us all.