Sunday, January 31, 2016

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 31 January 2016

Joint RS/Priesthood/Youth
“The more we incline our hearts and minds toward God, the more heavenly light distills upon our souls. And each time we willingly and earnestly seek that light, we indicate to God our readiness to receive more light. Gradually, things that before seemed hazy, dark, and remote become clear, bright, and familiar to us.

“By the same token, if we remove ourselves from the light of the gospel, our own light begins to dim—not in a day or a week but gradually over time—until we look back and can’t quite understand why we had ever believed the gospel was true. Our previous knowledge might even seem foolish to us because what once was so clear has again become blurred, hazy, and distant.”(President Dieter F Uchtdorf, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth”, October 2014 General Conference)

The more we incline our hearts and minds toward God, the more heavenly light distills upon our souls. And each time we willingly and earnestly seek that light, we indicate to God our readiness to receive more light. Gradually, things that before seemed hazy, dark, and remote become clear, bright, and familiar to us.”(President Dieter F Uchtdorf, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth”, October 2014 General Conference)

2 Nephi 26:22
22 And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever.

We were introduced to a Video for children, “What Should I Do When I See Pornography?

We discussed the January 2016 Ensign article, “Our Best Defense against Pornography”.

In the day that we live in it is impossible to not encounter pornography.

A Parents Guide on the church’s website to help know how to deal with pornography.

We watched a video with Elder Holland in it called, “Stay within the Lines”

Sunday School
My teaching partner’s lesson on how the Holy Ghost can help me learn.

Sacrament Service
“If you have been a constant friend, if you have proved your love by service and so become trusted, they may turn to you with that question. When they do, you can say, knowing that their hearts are prepared, ‘Yes, there is, and I can tell you where it is and what you can do to find it.’“ (Elder Henry B Eyring, “To Touch a Life With Fatih”, October 1995 General Conference)

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 24 January 2016

Ward Conference
Elders Quorum
Dnc 124:137
137 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you John A. Hicks, Samuel Williams, and Jesse Baker, which priesthood is to preside over the quorum of elders, which quorum is instituted for standing ministers; nevertheless they may travel, yet they are ordained to be standing ministers to my church, saith the Lord.

Dnc 107:12
12 The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no higher authorities present.

What are spiritual things?

John 21:1-11
1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.


What does it mean to give reverence to God? What does it mean to give respect and reverence to our family?

Alma 26:26-31
26 But behold, my beloved brethren, we came into the wilderness not with the intent to destroy our brethren, but with the intent that perhaps we might save some few of their souls.
27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.
29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.
30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.
31 Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us.


Sunday School
The bishop spoke to us.
“It Works Wonderfully!”, President Dieter F Uchtdorf’s from talk last conference
Does my life have meaning?
Do I believe in God?
Do I believe that God hears and answers my prayers?
Am I truly happy?

Is my experience in the Church working for me?
Is my experience in the Church bringing me closer to Christ?
Is my experience in the Church blessing me and my family with peace and joy as promised?

“Many members will answer with great warmth that their experience as a member of the Church is working exceptionally well for them. They will testify that whether during times of poverty or prosperity, whether things are pleasant or painful, they find great meaning, peace, and joy because of their commitment to the Lord and their dedicated service in the Church. Every day I meet Church members who are filled with a radiant joy and who demonstrate in word and deed that their lives are immeasurably enriched by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

“But I also recognize that there are some who have a less-than-fulfilling experience—who feel that their membership in the Church sometimes isn’t quite what they had hoped for.”

Why does it seem to work better for some than others?

“are we making our discipleship too complicated?”

Being a member of the church requires sacrifice.

Sacrament Service
The family should pray and read scriptures together and be considerate of each other.

3 Nephi 18:21
21 Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.

The stake president related the movie Frozen to our lives and who we want to be.

Doctrine and Covenants 121:39-40
39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.

40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Face to Face with Elder Rasband, Sister Oscarson and Brother Owen 20 January 2016

Face to Face with Elder Rasband, Sister Oscarson and Brother Owen
Well, at that point I was stunned and speechless. And the only thing I could really say to President Monson was "Well, President, I'm completely overwhelmed by this calling." And President Monson, in his loving way, said to me, ‘Brother Rasband, just know that we've all been overwhelmed by it for all these years.’

2 Nephi 31:20
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

John 15:16
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

I think a lot of youth struggle with their feelings of self-worth. And I prefer that term over self-esteem because I think it's more reflective of the answer to their question. And that is, where do you find your validation in life?

Every single week our young women stand up and repeat the Young Women theme. And they say, ‘We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us.’ And yet I wonder if we really have that in our hearts, because if we really understood that we are literal sons and daughters of Heavenly Father, I don't think we would ever question our value again. He loves us. Just like a father here on earth loves his children, our Heavenly Father loves us with even more power. And that should give us power.

And I think the greatest evidence that Heavenly Father loves each one of us is that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth to suffer and die for our sins. And that should give us just even an inkling of the value we have in our Heavenly Father's eyes--that He would send His Son to do that for us. He must love us beyond our comprehension to understand that. We are of infinite value to Him.

And when we turned 14, I remember my friends started drinking and smoking. And it was a real challenge for me to be with my friends because I felt when I was with my friends, I had to defend my parents, because my parents were noticing this. When I was with my parents,I felt like I had to defend my friends.

How can I stand for what's right without offending my nonmember friends?

Love and example are contagious. And other people will catch your love, and they will catch your example. And you can help to change an environment by being loving, being understanding and not judgmental, and be an example of one of the believers. And Heavenly Father can work through you to be a great miracle for others even in your own family, amongst those who love you the most.”

I was the only LDS girl in my high school when I was in high school. And I think what helped me answer questions and kind of be different was just to own it, to be joyful in my beliefs and be proud of what I was. And that goes a long way towards having other people accept it. If you own who you are and what you are and just stand up for that cheerfully, people tend to accept that and respect that. “

Moroni 7:16
16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know 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.

Isn't that a great clue for how we know if something comes from the Spirit or from us? If it persuades us to do good, if it persuades us to believe in Christ, it's good. It comes from God. It's the Spirit.”

It's not always going to be clear. He wants us to work at it a little bit. And we have to do our part for it. But I can promise you that that's one of the greatest spiritual abilities that you can learn to develop in your life, is listening to the Spirit.”

I think I've gotten better at listening to the Spirit, the older I've gotten. And as I act upon the things that I'm given, then He's going to give me more.”

How can I do better at not letting outside influences take over that peace and confidence that I get on Sunday from the gospel?"

Well, at church on Sunday, we partake of the sacrament. And at the end of the sacrament prayer, we're given a promise that we will always have His Spirit to be with us. And so you must remember, as you go through your daily battles in life, that you've been given the gift of the Holy Ghost to be your constant companion and that you're making covenants every week in the sacrament where Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are promising you if you'll do your part of the sacrament prayer, They will bless you to always have the Lord's Spirit with you.”

They talked a lot about having the holy ghost with us.  To strengthen us and to give us revelation.

One of the things I think someone who is preparing for a mission needs to do is--Elder Bednar has taught this a lot--become a missionary before you go on a mission. Don't just go on a mission--’I'm going on a mission’--but prepare and become a missionary now, in your youth. That doesn't mean that you need to wear a white shirt and a tie and have a name tag or a dress, but what you need to do is prepare so that you can talk to people.”

So engaging people in a conversation--and get rid of the cell phones every once in awhile and start talking in a face-to-face setting like we're doing right now, and really engage them in a conversation. And you know what happens when you engage someone in a conversation is, you begin to understand them, because when you become a missionary,we teach people, not lessons.”

We can't just read it and let it stay up here in our head. It has to sink deep into our heart so that you can understand what someone who is learning about the Church might be feeling, so that you can sense the Spirit, recognize the Spirit. It's very, very important that you in your youth now--that's one of the ways to become a missionary, is be sensitive to the Spirit and then follow it.”

“...we can't make other people do anything. We're only responsible for our own attitudes and feelings towards things, but we can love family members. We can set a good example for them. We can influence them by serving them and being patient and loving with them.”

So when you have these somewhat difficult challenges in your family or in your school or with your friends, always remember before you make a comment, before you draw a conclusion, before you become judgmental, think of how first you can love them. Once you have that foundation of love, you'll be amazed at how you're inspired to take the next step.”

So we have to listen to His words, and then we do as He has done.”

I love Elder Oaks's talk about ‘good, better, and best.’ And sometimes we have to make choices about what things we're going to get involved in. And if we find ourselves neglecting family home evening and Mutual night and some things that are going to nourish us spiritually, then maybe we have to let go of some things that are good to choose something better.”

What can she do to ensure a successful marriage for all eternity?

“I would say to Jane that as important as the Church makes missionary service sound, in terms of your eternal progression, nothing is more important than for all of you to set a goal on attending the temple and ultimately being sealed there for time and all eternity with your companion. That ensures your eternal salvation in the highest degree of Heavenly Father's kingdom.

“So that ought to suggest that if that's the highest goal, if eternal life is the greatest blessing,we ought to make sure what we're doing in our lives is working towards that goal, working towards a temple experience and a temple sealing.”

And I know there are many of you around the world who are listening to this tonight. You may not live exactly close to a temple. But you can get the temple spirit by doing family history work. This is called the spirit of Elijah. It's a spirit that broods in us to care for our departed ancestors.”

Here we have some of our grandchildren here tonight, and my heart turns to them. But my heart has also turned to my grandparents, who are gone. And so I'm in a wonderful time of life to be able to see this eternal family.”


I think that's the difference between a lot of marriages that you may be view in the world, is that often marriage is viewed as something--’Well, if it's inconvenient or it doesn't fit what I want to do with my life, then we can always just get a divorce.’ We don't view marriage like that, do we? We see it as something that is eternal, that when you prepare for marriage, it's going to be forever.

“And so that puts some responsibility on you to be the kind of person who, number one, is worthy and ready to go to the temple for that kind of commitment. But you're going to be looking for someone who shares the same values you do. And if you both have the same values and both have your eyes on the Savior and serving Him through your whole life, you have a much better prospect of having an eternal marriage. That's what our goal is. And if we can keep that as our model and example, then I think we'll be OK.”
I didn't quite know that in my call to be a Seventy, I would receive the sealing power of God,which is a very, very sacred authority. The highest authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood is the sealing power.”

I think the key to raising children in a wicked world--and it is out there--I think, as parents, sometimes you must be scared to let your kids go out the door--is to create a haven within your home, to make your home a place that puts the shield and the armor of God on them so that when they walk out that door, they're protected.

It's in the home where we teach the children to be strong and to withstand temptation and what's right and what's wrong. So take advantage--if you live in a home where you're being taught the truths of the gospel, that's your sanctuary and that's your protection for when you walk out into the world. Remember the values that you've been taught.”

So wherever we live in the world, we can have the stakes, our homes, the temples in very wicked places. But there we can come to know our Redeemer.”


How can I prepare to be a mother? Well, number one, we've looked at Jesus Christ. He sets the example for us in all things. He's the perfect example for both men and women. And you look at the attributes that Christ had and exemplified, and those are the attributes a mother needs, too.

“But I think we also have great role models around us. Look to your own mother and see what qualities she has that have helped you become the good person you are. And look to your grandparents; look to your grandmothers.
“And then look to your Young Women leaders. Look to your bishop's wife. There are some great role models around you in your home and in the Church that can teach you how to be a good mother someday. And at the basis of it all is Christlike behavior.”

“When we are resurrected, will our body be the same age as when we died? For example, will those who died in childhood rise as children?

“Well, that's a good doctrinal question you're very steeped in, right?

“Oh, boy. I defer to you on that one, Elder Rasband.

“Well, I think the right answer for that is, it precisely has not been revealed to us yet. Did you hear what I said? Yeah. I mean, several of the leaders of the Church over the years have opined on that question, but I wouldn't know where to turn unless someone could help me to a scripture or something that could give you an absolutely scriptural, doctrinal answer to that.

“And I think that that's a good lesson for all of you. You don't always also have to have the answer to a question when you're asked a question. I'll tell you one thing I'm going to do is study that a little bit more. And if I can give you a better answer, I'll get back to you and I'll give you a better answer.

“But sometimes you might be confronted by one of your friends with a question that, in the moment, you don't have the foggiest idea how to answer. You can always say, ‘I don't know, but I will do my best to try and find out.’ And that's my answer tonight.”

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 17 January 2016

Elders Quorum  
Chapter 2 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W Hunter
When was the time you felt the most piece?

Peace comes when you are focused on the right things. Peace also comes by putting time and quality into our prayers, rather than just rattling off a list.

President Packer said, “As I was speaking, there was some excitement in the back of the hall. Men in military uniforms had entered the room. They sent a note to President Hunter. I turned and asked for instructions. He said, ‘There’s been a bomb threat. Are you afraid?’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Neither am I; finish your talk.’”3 “The dedication services proceeded without incident; there was no bomb.”

It is important to always have the spirit with you so that you can have accurate information from God when emergencies unexpectedly happy.

When Christ left his disciples he left them not with riches or worldly comforts. He left them with the ability to have the Holy Ghost communicate to them information and feelings that would give them peace.

Sunday School
My lesson on How can I help others learn about Heavenly Father?
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Do you have anything you have been studying this week that was cool that you would like to share with everyone?

Have you had any conversations this week that ended up being about gospel things with friends or family?

Today the lesson suggested we talk about how we can teach others about Heavenly Father.  I’m going to expand that into how can we teach others about the members of the Godhead.

What does the first Article of Faith say?  Let’s say it together.
“We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:1)

Likely this is the most repeated article of faith.  Who is it that we are talking about in this article of faith?  Who are they?

What can we learn from the Godhead about working together in unity?

Which member of the Godhead has particularly special meaning to you?

How can we strengthen our relationship with the members of the Godhead?

The last Sacrament cup, Ensign Dec 2015

Who is God the Eternal Father?

The book True to the Faith says,
“He is the ultimate Creator, Ruler, and Preserver of all things. He is perfect, has all power, and knows all things. He “has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s” (D&C 130:22).”

Creator, Ruler, and Preserver as what Heavenly Father is.  How does that compare to what an earthly husband and father’s role is?

The Family:  A Proclamation to the World states,
“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.”

What are three main roles of a husband and father here in earth life?  Provide, Preside, and Protect.

Read again in True to the Faith what is Heavenly Father?  Creator, Rules, Preserver.

A creator is one who creates something and provides it to someone else.  So a creator in a way is one who provides, right?

A ruler is one who presides over a set of people and is responsible for them, true?  So a ruler is one who presides, right?

A preserver is one who preserves something.  Could you say that a preserver is one who protects?

We have a pattern on what a father should be by looking at what God is.

What are some ways that husbands and fathers should provide for their family?  Making sure that his wife and the mother of his children has everything she needs to fulfill her role in the family.  Making sure the family has the resources they need to obtain and education.  Making sure that the family has food to eat, adequate shelter, and clothing.

What are some ways that husbands and fathers should preside in their family?  Making sure that FHE, family prayer, and family scripture study happen.

What are some ways that husband and fathers should protect their families?  Making sure they have a year’s supply of food storage.  Making sure they have 72 hours kits for their families.  Not allowing their children to speak unkindly to their mother, since she is sacred and vitally important to the family.
}

Sacrament Service
A missionary that recently returned from the Oklahoma Tulsa Missionary spoke to us.

It’s not our job to bring those we teach to common ground. It is our job to bring them to sacred ground.

To make a snowman it takes many little snowflakes.  To do great things out often takes many small things.

Have we read the scriptures enough to know what is in each book. Do we know generally what is in each chapter so we know where to find things when we need them.

If we leave church each week with a few grains of doctrine or testimony perhaps not much, put those grains in our virtual bag each time we go to church and each time we pray and each time we read our scriptures. Little grains of sand together in a sandbag protect when the floods rise.