Sunday, December 30, 2012

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 30 December 2012

I was sick today, so I got no notes, but my wife brought some notes home for me that I have included here.

Sunday School
Consider, for example, the Savior’s benediction upon his disciples even as he moved toward the pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary. On that very night, the night of the greatest suffering that has ever taken place in the world or that ever will take place, the Savior said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).


I submit to you, that may be one of the Savior’s commandments that is, even in the hearts of otherwise faithful Latter-day Saints, almost universally disobeyed; and yet I wonder whether our resistance to this invitation could be any more grievous to the Lord’s merciful heart. I can tell you this as a parent: as concerned as I would be if somewhere in their lives one of my children were seriously troubled or unhappy or disobedient, nevertheless I would be infinitely more devastated if I felt that at such a time that child could not trust me to help or thought his or her interest was unimportant to me or unsafe in my care. In that same spirit, I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands or trust in his commandments. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Come unto Me”, Ensign April 1998)

“I would like to urge every man and woman … and every boy and girl who is old enough to read to again read the Book of Mormon during this coming year. This was written for the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of the living God. That is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book. ((Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 44)

“No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon” (Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1961, 18)

“The Book of Mormon is studied in our Sunday School and seminary classes every fourth year. This four-year pattern, however, must not be followed by Church members in their personal and family study. We need to read daily from the pages of the book that will get a man ‘nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book’ (History of the Church, 4:461)” (President Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 3; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 4).

“Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit.” (Ensign, May 1975, p. 65).

Sacrament Service
Prayers
Great prayers take a lot of effort.  We need to meditate and ponder during our prayers.

Be honest and sincere in your prayers.

We can pray at anytime and anywhere.

The Lord taught that we should pray morning and evening.

You can not have a testimony of something if you are not doing it.

Study
Set goals to live what you are learning.

Write in a journal when you study the gospel/scriptures.

Love/Service
Love leads us to action.

Study the scriptures/gospel, pray, and love everyday.

Make the effort, it will take you to the end.

The Prophet
If the prophet can do his calling, then you can fulfill your calling as _________________.

It’s all the little things that keeps evil at bay.  Little things like prayer, doing your callings at church and home, going to your meetings, reading the scriptures.

See others as they may become .

Strengthen your testimony by doing the little things.

Others see what you do and learn from your testimony.

Pray for the prophet daily and for your family.

From The Bulletin
“‘If ye love me, keep my commandments,’14 Jesus said. So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord.  Elder Jeffrey R Holland

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 23 December 2012

Elders Quorum
Lesson based on elder Holland’s Oct 2012 conference talk.

We are saved by grace, but it requires action to partake of that grace.  We do that through repentance, a broken heart and a contrite spirit. - find scripture

Do we go back to our old life after having a spiritual conversion?  As the Savior said, do we love these more than him?  Do we love our sins, addictions, agendas more than the savior?

“There is almost no group in history for whom I have more sympathy than I have for the eleven remaining Apostles immediately following the death of the Savior of the world. I think we sometimes forget just how inexperienced they still were and how totally dependent upon Jesus they had of necessity been.”

“Quite a staggering prospect for a group of newly ordained elders.”

John 21:15-17
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon,son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him,Feed my sheep.

I don't know that I have ever fathomed the depth of this conversation.  I had always limited my perception of this conversation as a replaying that Peter had denied the Savior three times and perhaps Peter needed to ponder some on that.

When Elder Holland talked about them going fishing it made me wonder if they hadn't relaxed a bit and went back to their jobs or recreation.  Perhaps because they were overwhelmed.  Perhaps they didn't know what else to do.

I now wonder if part of the reason for the conversation was to emphasize what Peter and the other apostles needed to be doing.  He ate with them helped them have a successful trip, but it now seems that maybe he was getting them working on feeding the sheep.

"Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation? Wasn’t it obvious then and isn’t it obvious now that if I want fish, I can get fish? What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith."

Sunday School
Moroni 1-6
Moroni is in hiding because of the warring the Lamanites are doing among themselves.  They are bloodthirsty and they especially hate Nephites.

I hadn't thought about this before today, but did Moroni have a wife and children who were killed by the Lamanites?

After all of that and watching the depravity of the Lamanites, he still loves them, prays for them, writes about them being a chosen people, and details their salvation.

They knew it was true because it was according the commandments of Christ - Moroni 4

It was pointed out that priesthood meeting starts with business with the entire priesthood to go over before the lesson.  On the other hand, relief society and young women meet separate from the beginning.  This is due to the entire priesthood having responsibilities.

In our homes it is the priesthood holder's responsibility to lead.  It is not a power thing.  It is responsibility thing.  It reminds men to take responsibility for their lives.  For their family.  For their neighborhood.

When a wife lovingly expresses her expectation that her husband will take responsibility in their family, he will become stronger and his love for her will increase.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 16 December 2012

Ward Council
Doctrine and Covenants 4:2
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

Annual Histories
Doctrine and Covenants 47:3-4
3 And again, I say unto you that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church record and history continually; for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to another office.
4 Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen.

Doctrine and Covenants 69:2-6
2 Wherefore, I, the Lord, will that my servant, John Whitmer, should go with my servant Oliver Cowdery;
3 And also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church;
4 And also that he receive counsel and assistance from my servant Oliver Cowdery and others.
5 And also, my servants who are abroad in the earth should send forth the accounts of their stewardships to the land of Zion;
6 For the land of Zion shall be a seat and a place to receive and do all these things.

Doctrine and Covenants 85:1-2
1 It is the duty of the Lord’s clerk, whom he has appointed, to keep a history, and a general church record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all those who consecrate properties, and receive inheritances legally from the bishop;
2 And also their manner of life, their faith, and works; and also of the apostates who apostatize after receiving their inheritances.

Meeting About New Youth Curriculum
Introduction to New Youth Lessons
"Giving a man a fish feeds him for one meal. Teaching a man to fish feeds him for a lifetime. As parents and gospel instructors, you and I are not in the business of distributing fish; rather, our work is to help our children learn “to fish” and to become spiritually steadfast. This vital objective is best accomplished as we encourage our children to act in accordance with correct principles—as we help them to learn by doing. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God” (John 7:17). Such learning requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception." (Elder David A Bednar, Watching with All Perseverance, General Conference April 2010)

We can't just open the youth's heads and poor in what we know or our life experience.

John 21:15-17
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon,son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
"It is also the Holy Ghost, in His character as the Holy Spirit of Promise, that confirms the validity and efficacy of your covenants and seals God’s promises upon you." (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, The Power of Covenants, General Conference April 2009)

When you see that someone is having a spiritual experience or is asking a question everything needs to stop.  We need to focus on cultivating that experience.  This helps them to learn how to recognize the spirit and to grow their conversion.

Sacrament Service
A missionary who recently returned from a mission to South Carolina spoke to us.

He said he talked to thousands of people on his mission and taught hundreds and no one got more out of it than he.

Alma 43:48-50
 48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts—yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage.
 49 And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage.
 50 And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power; and in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them; and they fled even to the waters of Sidon.

Your temptations and trials can flee from us as we have faith.  Perhaps they will not be entirely removed, but they will not stop us.

As long as we are trying our best, Christ is pleased.  He will often nudges us to increase our ability, but he is pleased as long as we grab on and continue giving everything we can.

Christ is the light of the world.  We look to him for knowledge, for guidance, for direction.

Sunday, December 02, 2012

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 2 December 2012

Ward Council
The person giving the spiritual thought shared thoughts from President Thomas S Monson’s December 2012 Ensign article, Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit.

Chapter 3 of the Handbook 2:Administering the Church
This training was also given in Relief Society broadcast a few weeks ago.
Section 3.1
"This pattern—being a faithful disciple in order to help others become faithful disciples—is the purpose behind every calling in the Church."

Section 3.2.1
“‘When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren’ (Luke 22:32). When leaders are converted and are growing spiritually, they can help others become converted and grow spiritually.”

Section 3.2.2
“In councils, leaders meet under the direction of presiding officers to discuss ways to help individuals and families.”

Section 3.2.3
“Like the Savior, leaders seek to minister to individuals and families, both spiritually and temporally. They care about each person, not just about managing an organization. They reach out to new members, less-active members, and those who may be lonely or in need of comfort.”

Everyone, not just members

Elders Quorum
I had some business in my son’s deacons quorum today, so I missed most of the elders quorum lesson.

Lesson based on conference talk Beware Concerning Yourselves, by Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Sunday School
Mormon 5-9
What is the intent of the book of Mormon?
Another testament of Jesus Christ

Chapter 8 and 9 of Mormon was written by Moroni
The book of Ether was abridged by Moroni
Chapters 7, 8,9 of Moroni are letters from Mormon

Who is the Book of Mormon for?
The seed of the lamanites and the Gentiles and the unbelievingly of the Jews

Mormon 5:14-15
 14 And behold, they shall go unto the unbelieving of the Jews; and for this intent shall they go—that they may be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God; that the Father may bring about, through his most Beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in restoring the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to the land of their inheritance, which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling of his covenant;
 15 And also that the seed of this people may more fully believe his gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the Gentiles; for this people shall be scattered, and shall become a dark, a filthy, and a loathsome people, beyond the description of that which ever hath been amongst us, yea, even that which hath been among the Lamanites, and this because of their unbelief and idolatry.

“...that [they] may more fully believe his gospel...”  There are many that believe the gospel.  The Book of Mormon is to strengthen their faith and help them to more fully believe.


First Presidency Christmas Devotional
President Dieter F Uchtdorf,
The Good and Grateful Receiver
People sometimes get to a point where they can’t accept a gift or a compliment without feeling embarrassment or with the feeling that they have to return a more extravagant gift.

John 13: 8-10
 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou needest not to wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Matthew 18:3
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

At this Christmas season, maybe we can see the wonderment of children and understand what it means to be a little child.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:33
 33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.

“...we have it within us to experience this Christmas season with the wonder and the awe of a child. We have it within us to say, “My heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God”10—the Giver of all good gifts.”

Be good and grateful receivers.

President Henry B Eyring, The Perfect Gift
The missionaries offer the gift of The Book of Mormon to everyone they meet.  This great gift that God preserved over the centuries for us.

Jesus was the perfect gift from our Heavenly Father.

President Thomas S Monson, Christmas Is Love
It is easy to lose the spirit of the season by over doing.  Too many activities.  Too much to eat.  Too many presents.

The joy of the season is not in the hurrying and scurrying and the presents.

Christmas is not tinsel and ribbons.