This Week at Church - My Notes From Church Services, Talks, Symposiums, Conferences

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

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:28:00 +0000

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.

Mosiah 2:17

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.

Alma 7:23

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.

Luke 17:12–19"

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)

Moroni 7:13-17

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.

Proverbs 29:18

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

Sunday Morning Session of General Conference October 4, 2009

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:45:00 +0000

Elder Dalin H. Oaks -

Love and Law

"Some seem to value God’s love because of their hope that His love is so great and so unconditional that it will mercifully excuse them from obeying His laws. In contrast, those who understand God’s plan for His children know that God’s laws are invariable, which is another great evidence of His love for His children. Mercy cannot rob justice,² and those who obtain mercy are “they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment” (D&C 54:6).

"We read again and again in the Bible and in modern scriptures of God’s anger with the wicked³ and of His acting in His wrath⁴ against those who violate His laws."

"The love of God is so universal that His perfect plan bestows many gifts on all of His children, even those who disobey His laws. Mortality is one such gift, bestowed on all who qualified in the War in Heaven.⁶ Another unconditional gift is the universal resurrection: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Many other mortal gifts are not tied to our personal obedience to law. As Jesus taught, our Heavenly Father “maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

"If a person understands the teachings of Jesus, he or she cannot reasonably conclude that our loving Heavenly Father or His divine Son believes that Their love supersedes Their commandments. Consider these examples.

When Jesus began His ministry, His first message was repentance.¹⁰

"When He exercised loving mercy by not condemning the woman taken in adultery, He nevertheless told her, 'Go, and sin no more' (John 8:11).

"Jesus taught, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21)."

Elder Robert D. Hales -

Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ

"From their testimonies, recorded in holy scripture, we know that '[God] created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness.'³Some people may be surprised to learn that we look like God. One prominent religious scholar has even taught that imagining God in the form of man is creating a graven image and is idolatrous and blasphemous.⁴ But God Himself said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'⁵

"The use of the words us and our in this scripture also teaches us about the relationship between the Father and the Son. God further taught, 'By mine Only Begotten [Son] I created these things.'⁶ The Father and the Son are separate and distinct individuals—as any father and son always are. This may be one reason the name of God in Hebrew, Elohim, is not singular but plural."

Elder Jorge F. Zeballos -

Attempting the Impossible

"God will not require more than the best we can give because that would not be just, but neither can He accept less than that because that would not be just either."

Elder Tad R. Callister -

Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration

"Suppose for a moment someone told you these three facts about a New Testament personality and nothing more: first, the Savior said of this man, “O thou of little faith” (Matthew 14:31); second, this man, in a moment of anger, cut off an ear of the high priest’s servant; and third, this man denied knowing who the Savior was on three occasions, even though he had walked with Him daily. If that is all you knew or focused upon, you might have thought this man a scoundrel or a no-good, but in the process you would have failed to come to know one of the greatest men who ever walked the earth: Peter the Apostle."

"First, does God love us as much today as He loved the people to whom He spoke in New Testament times? Second, does God have the same power today as He did then? And third, do we need Him as much today as they needed Him anciently? If the answers to those questions are yes and if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, as the scriptures so declare (see Mormon 9:9), then there is little doubt: God does speak to man today exactly as Joseph Smith testified."

"Many teach that there is one heaven and one hell. Joseph Smith restored the truth that there are multiple heavens. Paul spoke of a man who was caught up into the third heaven (see 2 Corinthians 12:2). Could there be a third heaven if there was no second heaven or first heaven?"

"If someone turns from these restored doctrines, where will he go to learn the true nature of God as taught in the grove of trees? Where will he go to find the doctrines of the premortal existence, baptism for the dead, and eternal marriage? And where will he go to find the sealing powers that can bind husbands and wives and children beyond the grave?"

Elder Kent D. Watson -
Being Temperate in All Things

"Tempered glass, like tempered steel, undergoes a well-controlled heating process which increases strength. Thus, when tempered glass is under stress, it will not easily break into jagged shards that can injure.

Likewise, a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today’s world."

"Likewise, a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today’s world.

"We all seek peace of mind, and we all desire security and happiness for our families. If we look for silver linings in this past year’s economic downturn, perhaps the trials some have faced have taught us that peace of mind, security, and happiness do not come from buying a home or accumulating possessions for which the debt incurred is larger than our savings or income can afford."

We should have patience. this includes patience for comforts we would buy.

Elder Neil L. Anderson -
“Repent . . . That I May Heal You”

"When we sin, we turn away from God. When we repent, we turn back toward God."

"For most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event. It is not easy. To change is difficult. It requires running into the wind, swimming upstream. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.”¹⁸ Repentance is turning away from some things, such as dishonesty, pride, anger, and impure thoughts, and turning toward other things, such as kindness, unselfishness, patience, and spirituality. It is “re-turning” toward God."

President Boyd K. Packer -
Prayer and Promptings

"The Prophet Joseph Smith promised that 'all beings who have bodies have power over those who have not.'^9"

Sunday Morning Session

Elder Henry B. Eyring -

Our Perfect Example

"That is the ideal of a loving family. In many of our homes, there are the words “Our Family Can Be Together Forever.” There is a gravestone near my home of a mother and grandmother. She and her husband were sealed in the temple of God to each other and to their posterity for time and all eternity. The inscription on the gravestone reads, “Please, no empty chairs.” She asked for that inscription because she knew that whether the family will be together depends on the choices each family member makes. The word “please” is there because neither God nor she can compel another to choose happiness. And there is Satan, who wants misery, not happiness, in families in this life and in the next.

"My hope today is to suggest some choices which may seem difficult but that would assure you that you have qualified for there to be no empty chairs in your family in the world to come."

Elder L. Tom Perry -
The Past Way of Facing the Future

"There is something about reviewing the lessons of the past to prepare us to face the challenges of the future."

Bishop H. David Burton -

Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Articles of Faith 1:13).

"We need only look around us to see what is taking place in our communities to realize that personal traits of virtue are in a steep decline. Reflect on the behavior of drivers on crowded highways; road rage happens all too often. Civility is all but absent in our political discourse. As countries around the world face financial and economic challenges, fidelity and honesty seem to have been replaced with greed and graft. A visit to a high school will often subject you to crude language and immodest dress. Some athletes display poor sportsmanship and seldom show humility unless publicly exposed for legal or moral infidelities. A large segment of our population feel little personal responsibility for their own temporal well-being. Some in financial distress blame bankers and lenders for loaning sums to satisfy insatiable wants rather than affordable needs. On occasion our generosity in support of good causes wanes as our appetite to acquire more than we need prevails."

Ann M. Dibb -
Hold On

She talked of workers that were killed working on a bridge because they did not use the safety equipment that hey had. We have been given safety equipment ( prayer, scriptures, church, and so forth). We often choose not to use them and try to work in dangerous places alone.

Elder Russel M. Nelson -
Ask, Seek, Knock

"Even more amazing than modern technology is our opportunity to access information directly from heaven, without hardware, software, or monthly service fees."

Doctrine and Covenants 76:5-7
5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am ^amerciful and gracious unto those who ^bfear me, and delight to honor those who ^cserve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their ^aglory.

7 And to them will I ^areveal all ^bmysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.

President Thomas S. Monson -

What Have I Done for Someone Today?

Father asked his children each night at supper who they had helped today.

"A few years ago I read an article written by Jack McConnell, MD. He grew up in the hills of southwest Virginia in the United States as one of seven children of a Methodist minister and a stay-at-home mother. Their circumstances were very humble. He recounted that during his childhood, every day as the family sat around the dinner table, his father would ask each one in turn, “And what did you do for someone today?”^1"

"My brothers and sisters, may we ask ourselves the question which greeted Dr. Jack McConnell and his brothers and sisters each evening at dinnertime: “What have I done for someone today?” May the words of a familiar hymn penetrate our very souls and find lodgment in our hearts:

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?^13"

Saturday Afternoon Session of General Conference October 3, 2009

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:00:00 +0000

Elder Dalin H. Oaks -

Love and Law

"We read again and again in the Bible and in modern scriptures of God’s anger with the wicked³ and of His acting in His wrath⁴ against those who violate His laws."

When Jesus began His ministry, His first message was repentance.¹⁰

"When He exercised loving mercy by not condemning the woman taken in adultery, He nevertheless told her, 'Go, and sin no more' (John 8:11).

"Jesus taught, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21)."

Elder Robert D. Hales -

Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ

Elder Jorge F. Zeballos -

Attempting the Impossible

"God will not require more than the best we can give because that would not be just, but neither can He accept less than that because that would not be just either."

Elder Tad R. Callister -

Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration

Elder Kent D. Watson -
Being Temperate in All Things

Elder Neil L. Anderson -
“Repent . . . That I May Heal You”

"When we sin, we turn away from God. When we repent, we turn back toward God."

President Boyd K. Packer -
Prayer and Promptings

"The Prophet Joseph Smith promised that 'all beings who have bodies have power over those who have not.'^9"

Saturday Morning Session of General Conference October 3, 2009

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Saturday Morning Session of General Conference

President Thomas S. Monson -
Welcome to Conference

"83 percent of our members live within 200 miles (320 km) of a temple. That percentage will continue to increase as we construct new temples around the world. Currently there are 130 temples in operation, with 16 announced or under construction. This morning I am pleased to announce 5 additional temples for which sites are being acquired and which, in coming months and years, will be built in the following locations: Brigham City, Utah; Concepción, Chile; Fortaleza, Brazil; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Sapporo, Japan."

Elder Richard G Scott -
To Acquire Spiritual Guidance

"Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it. These two capacities come together. That’s why Nephi could say, 'I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.'(1 Nephi 3:7) He knew the spiritual laws upon which inspiration and power are based. Yes, God answers prayer and gives us spiritual direction when we live obediently and exercise the required faith in Him."

"I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you."

"The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit."

Vicki F. Matsumori -
Helping Others Recognize the Whisperings of the Spirit

"Because the Spirit is often described as a still, small voice,(See 1 Kings 19:12; 1 Nephi 17:45; D&C 85:6) it is also important to have a time of quiet in our lives as well. The Lord has counseled us to “be still, and know that I am God.”(Psalm 46:10; see also D&C 101:16). If we provide a still and quiet time each day when we are not bombarded by television, computer, video games, or personal electronic devices, we allow that still, small voice an opportunity to provide personal revelation and to whisper sweet guidance, reassurance, and comfort to us."

Elder L. Whitney Clayton -

That Your Burdens May Be Light

"In a general sense, our burdens come from three sources. Some burdens are the natural product of the conditions of the world in which we live. Illness, physical disability, hurricanes, and earthquakes come from time to time through no fault of our own. We can prepare for these risks and sometimes we can predict them, but in the natural pattern of life we will all confront some of these challenges.

"Other burdens are imposed on us by the misconduct of others. Abuse and addictions can make home anything but a heaven on earth for innocent family members. Sin, incorrect traditions, repression, and crime scatter burdened victims along the pathways of life. Even less-serious misdeeds such as gossip and unkindness can cause others genuine suffering.

"Our own mistakes and shortcomings produce many of our problems and can place heavy burdens on our own shoulders. The most onerous burden we impose upon ourselves is the burden of sin. We have all known the remorse and pain which inevitably follow our failure to keep the commandments."

"Burdens provide opportunities to practice virtues that contribute to eventual perfection. They invite us to yield 'to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and [put] off the natural man and [become] a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and [become] as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father.'(Mosiah 3:19.) Thus burdens become blessings, though often such blessings are well disguised and may require time, effort, and faith to accept and understand."

Russell T. Osguthorpe -
Teaching Helps Save Lives

"Our son saves lives by sharing his knowledge of medicine; missionaries and teachers in the Church help save lives by sharing their knowledge of the gospel."

Elder David A. Bednar -

More Diligent and Concerned at Home

"I want to suggest three ways each of us can become more diligent and concerned in our homes."

"Suggestion Number One: Express Love—and Show It"

"Sometimes in a sacrament meeting talk or testimony, we hear a statement like this: 'I know I do not tell my spouse often enough how much I love her. Today I want her, my children, and all of you to know that I love her.'

"...spouse and children should not be hearing this apparently rare and private communication in public at church!"

“If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

"Suggestion Number Two: Bear Testimony—and Live It"

"Brethren and sisters, when was the last time you bore testimony to your eternal companion? Parents, when was the last time you declared your witness to your children about the things you know to be true? And children, when was the last time you shared your testimony with your parents and family?"

"We should remember that bearing a heartfelt testimony is only a beginning. We need to bear testimony, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to live it. We need to both declare and live our testimonies."

"Suggestion Number Three: Be Consistent"

"Today if you could ask our adult sons what they remember about family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening, I believe I know how they would answer. They likely would not identify a particular prayer or a specific instance of scripture study or an especially meaningful family home evening lesson as the defining moment in their spiritual development. What they would say they remember is that as a family we were consistent."

“Do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:3)

"...children often are the most alert and sensitive when it comes to recognizing hypocrisy."

"The commandment 'Thou shalt not bear false witness' (Exodus 20:16) applies most pointedly to the hypocrite in each of us. We need to be and become more consistent. 'But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity' (1 Timothy 4:12)."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf -

The Love of God

"...those who receive Christ Jesus walk with Him. (See Colossians 2:6)

"But this may present a problem for some because there are so many 'shoulds' and 'should nots' that merely keeping track of them can be a challenge. Sometimes, well-meaning amplifications of divine principles—many coming from uninspired sources—complicate matters further, diluting the purity of divine truth with man-made addenda. One person’s good idea—something that may work for him or her—takes root and becomes an expectation. And gradually, eternal principles can get lost within the labyrinth of 'good ideas.'"

"Love should be our walk and our talk."

"What we think and do determines who we are—and who we will become."

"The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try."

"Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship."

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 9-27-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:49:00 +0000

Alma 26:22

22 Yea, he that ^arepenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good ^bworks, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the ^cmysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be ^dgiven to ^ereveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.

Three reasons we do service - Fear, Duty, Charity

Unselfish Service, Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Fear focuses on you.

Duty focuses beyond you yo God.

Charity focuses on love. You do it because you are like God to some degree.

Sunday School

The symbolism of building the Salt Lake Temple is like our life. They buried the foundation of the temple to protect it from what they fear the army would do to it. They found when they redug the foundation that the stones they had used were not holding. They had to redo it with stronger stone.

Do we learn about our foundations as we go through trials in our lives and have to rebuild them with stronger materials? Do our testimonies get buried at times and we have to spend time digging them out.

Elder Oaks quoted, "You can’t be a life saver if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach." (Ardeth Greene Kapp, I Walk by Faith (1987), 97)

From the Bulletin:

"Remember, a good attitude produces good results, a fair attitude fair result, a poor attitude poor results. We each shape our own life, and shape of it is determined largely by our attitude." (Elder M. Russell Ballard)

Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best — better than does God. Or at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God's purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable." (Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 9-20-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:43:00 +0000

I was sick and not at church today, so this is all I was able to gather:

From the Bulletin:

"I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.

My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith." President Thomas S. Monson, "Be of Good Cheer", Ensign, May 2009, 80 — 92.

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 9-13-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Share with our wives the challenges we are having to give them the opportunity to fill their role as our help meet and support. Allow her to share the same with you that you may also fulfill your role. Listen to her. Listening while driving, reading a book, watching TV, or working on the internet do not always count as having listened. Often you must look directly in her eyes engaging her so she feels you have taken in what she has said and not just heard it. Trying to fix what she is sharing should be only as prompted by the spirit or by her.

Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well - Richard G. Scott, Ensign, November 2008
Nurturing Marriage - Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 2006
Daughter of God - Yoshihiko Kikuchi, Ensign, May 1988
Marriage and Divorce - David B. Haight, Ensign, May 1984
Thou Shalt Love Thy Wife with All Thy Heart - Henry D. Taylor, Ensign, January 1974
Daughters of God - M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 2008

From Elder Ballards's talk:

"What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children?

"First, show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you.

"Second, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child’s needs and what you can do to help.

"Third, give your wife a “day away” now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for a while will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does. You may do a lot of lifting, twisting, and bending!

"Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don’t put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children."

One of the wives in the ward shared these pieces of advice to be shared with us in the lesson:

• Listen, and empathize, don't try to fix
• Strenghten her with your testimony
• Counsel with her
• Be a patriarch
• Do the dishes (or whatever housework she hates most!)
• Give her a break
• Express confidence in her as a mother and wife
• Notice what she does and say "Thank You"
• Offer a proper perspective, "reality check"
• Walk through trials together, hand in hand, with the Lord
• Send her love notes (text, email, phone calls, voice mail)

Our mortal lives are a journey to the promised land and all other treks to a promised land are in similitude of that journey.

People led to a promised land

Israelites
Jaredites
Lehi and his family
The pioneers
The pilgrims

DnC 136:19

19 And if any man shall seek to build up himself, and seeketh not my ^acounsel, he shall have no power, and his ^bfolly shall be made manifest.

Our selfishness take our power, even if we are not striving for office or power over a large group.

DnC 136:27

27 Thou shalt be ^adiligent in ^bpreserving what thou hast, that thou mayest be a wise ^csteward; for it is the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou art his steward.

Second witness of this is Pres Hinckley, “Our pioneer forebears lived by the adage, ‘Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without’ ” (“I Believe,” Ensign, Aug. 1992, 6)

“I believe one of the gravest dangers plaguing modern American culture is fiscal irresponsibility. Never before have so many had so much stuff and so little freedom. Debt is forcing us to work more and more, stealing from us our precious time as well as our happiness. Money problems are breaking our marriages, our homes and health, and are a prime motivating factor for crime and domestic abuse. Even the destruction of our environment can be linked to our over consumption. For millions debt is turning the American dream into a nightmare.” - The 5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me - Preface

Doctrine and Covenants 104:78

78 And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts—behold it is my will that you shall ^apay all your ^bdebts.

From the Bulletin:

"We welcome you to the Sabbath Day. Today, we take time to ponder what we are doing, thinking, saying, and feeling. Among other things, we renew our promises with God to live our lives better this coming week. Let us celebrate our victories and build on them. Let us be honest with ourselves and make simple course corrections so that the Lord may abundantly shower us with blessings.

"This earth life is the time for us to prepare to meet God. Let's not procrastinate. Let us focus on the basics so that our lives may be anchored and not tossed around by every challenge that comes our way. Please seek a personal connection to God and Jesus daily. Please study his scriptures. Pray earnestly, honestly, openly. Fast.

"The Lord has said, 'If ye are prepared ye shall not fear' (D&C 38:30).

"Foolishness is doing the same wrong things over and over again expecting different results. To experience true happiness, we must learn and follow correct principles.

We are children and apprentices of a Heavenly heritage. As we follow THEIR ways, we will experience THEIR success. There is no other way."

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 9-6-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Doctrine and Covenants 20

46 The ^apriest’s duty is to preach, ^bteach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament,
47 And visit the house of each member, and exhort them to ^apray ^bvocally and in secret and attend to all ^cfamily duties.

The duties of a priest are also the duties in every priesthood office beyond priest, thus they all have the duty stated in DnC 20 46-47.

Good , Better , Best - Elder Dalin H. Oaks October 2007 General Conference talk.

We should not let our hobbies or internet get in the way of our Church or family duties. We should not let our hobbies or internet get in the way of our employment. If we are pursuing hobbies on company time it can jeopardize our employment or cause us to have to work longer hours to make up for the time we used on other things. Those longer hours then get in the way of us doing our family and Church responsibilities.

“No man of himself can lead this church. It is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ; he is at the head. …

“He chooses men and calls them to be instruments in his hands to accomplish his purposes, and he guides and directs them in their labors. But men are only instruments in the Lord’s hands, and the honor and glory for all that his servants accomplish is and should be ascribed unto him forever.

“If this were the work of man, it would fail, but it is the work of the Lord, and he does not fail” (President Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Apr. 1970, 113; orImprovement Era, June 1970, 26).

Doctrine and Covenants 107

22 Of the ^aMelchizedek Priesthood, three ^bPresiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and ^cupheldby the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church.

23 The ^atwelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve ^bApostles, or special ^cwitnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.

24 And they form a quorum, ^aequal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned.

Every decision the 12 make as a body is unanimous. Think of how hard it is to get 12 men to agree on anything. Most other bodies only require a majority of one type or another for the vote to be "won".

Things look more clear when looking through the glasses of the gospel.

"Someone once said, 'The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot.' Please let's invest our time usage among chief priorities and let things that are not eternally significant find room on dusty shelves of 'interesting but not important.' We have covenanted with God to be dutiful, valiant and faithful. He is anxious to bless us. Elder Maxwell, former member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, said this about our faith (paraphrasing), 'To wonder if our faith is strong enough is natural. The father of Elder Bruce R. McConkie, in a situation of stress years ago, prayed for adequacy — the capacity and abilities of Enoch.

The answer to his prayer was Enoch's faith came through personal righteousness. We are reminded in D&C 121 that we cannot CONTROL the powers of heaven except upon the principles of righteousness.'

Elder Maxwell ends with, 'If you and I want to be more effective, we must be more righteous. If we want to have more faith we must be more righteous, and we might just as well face that reality.' (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Insights from My Life," 26 October 1886. The Inexhaustible Gospel.)

As we invest our time learning and applying truth, repenting, seeking to be more righteous and devoted each day, our lives will become centered, peaceful, confident, and fulfilled even in the face of great stress. I bear witness that this is so.

What can you (I) do today to take 'nice words' and turn them to action?"

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 8-30-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:05:00 +0000

The primary responsibility of a bishop or any leader is to teach.

One of the greatest fears of men is that they are inadequate.

Romans 8:17

17 And if children, then heirs; ^aheirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we ^bsuffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

We should be careful comparing ourselves to others. Being members of the Church we have a different measuring stick to measure ourselves by, due to the covenants we have made. We should be careful not to judge others by our standards. We should keep our standards and teach others, but we should not be judgmental of those that are not keeping our standards who do not understand and have covenanted to keep those standards.

Perfection equals and increase in quantity and quality.

We are apprentices here on earth. Masters train their apprentices to be their replacement or competition. God is eternal and there is no competition for the job of God, but he is training us to have all he has. All knowledge. All love. All power.

An oath is the highest form of a guarantee.

We make an oath every time we raise our hands to sustain our leaders.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-44

33 For whoso is ^afaithful unto the obtaining these two ^bpriesthoods of which I have spoken, and the ^cmagnifying their calling, are^dsanctified by the Spirit unto the ^erenewing of their bodies.

34 They become the ^asons of Moses and of Aaron and the ^bseed of ^cAbraham, and the church and kingdom, and the ^delect of God.

35 And also all they who receive this priesthood ^areceive me, saith the Lord;

36 For he that receiveth my servants ^areceiveth me;

37 And he that ^areceiveth me receiveth my Father;

38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s ^akingdom; therefore ^ball that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

39 And this is according to the ^aoath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.

40 Therefore, all those who receive the ^apriesthood, receive this ^boath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.

41 But whoso breaketh this ^acovenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall ^bnot have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come.

42 And wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have received, which I now confirm upon you who are present this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens; and even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels ^acharge concerning you.

43 And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give ^adiligent ^bheed to the words of eternal life.

44 For you shall ^alive by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.

None of us are losers. We are all designed to be like God.

Our wives want the three Ps. To be Pursued. To have Passion. To be Protected.

One difference between a divine covenant and a legal contract of man's making is that with a divine covenant only you can break it. God will not.

The priesthood is not a cloak we can put on and take off

The following story travels around in various different forms and I don't know the author.

"A man went to a fair where several young men had gathered to look for work. He interviewed the boys and asked them what their skills were. One young man said, 'I can buck hay really well.' Another said, 'I'm good with animals.' One boy said, 'I can sleep when the wind blows.' The man didn't know what to make of that answer, but it intrigued him. After talking to all the applicants, he decided to take the boy with the peculiar answer home with him.

They did all the chores around the farm and then went to bed. Later that night, a huge storm picked up. The farmer dashed around to secure all the doors and windows, to find that they were already secure. The Animals had enough hay and weren't nervous. Everything was put to order, and the farmer went back to bed, able to relax. His new helper had never awakened at all, and the farmer finally understood what the boy meant when he said, 'I can sleep when the wind blows.' He knew he had already taken care of everything, so there was no reason to get up and madly dash around to set things to rights - they already were right." - Author Unknown

If we have done everything to prepare, when trials come we can have peace.

"True disciples of Jesus Christ have always been concerned for the one. Jesus Christ is our greatest example. He was surrounded by multitudes and spoke to thousands, yet He always had concern for the one. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost,”¹ He said. “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”²

This instruction applies to all who follow Him. We are commanded to seek out those who are lost. We are to be our brother’s keeper. We cannot neglect this commission given by our Savior. We must be concerned for the one.

Today I would like to talk about those who are lost—some because they are different, some because they are weary, and some because they have strayed." (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 2008 General Conference, Concern for the One)

Doctrine and Covenants 88:81
81 Behold, I sent you out to ^atestify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to ^bwarn his neighbor.

“ ‘There are many who struggle and climb and finally reach the top of the ladder, only to find that it is leaning against the wrong wall’ ” (“The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord,” 1976 Devotional Speeches of the Year, Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University, pp. 266–67)

"When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He 'quickens" us, that is to say, enlightens and enlivens the inner man or woman. As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul. We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more that we otherwise could do on our own. We yearn to become a holier person." (Elder Keith K. Hilbig, "Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man", October General Conference 2007)

John 14:26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 8-16-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Is the importance and elegance of womanhood at times lost under the fluff that the world sells them on. Excessive jewelry, makeup, fashions, and frills rather than substance?

“Sisters of the society, shall there be strife among you? I will not have it. You must repent, and get the love of God. Away with self-righteousness." (History of the Church, 5:24–25; paragraph divisions altered; from a discourse given by Joseph Smith on June 9, 1842, in Nauvoo, Illinois; reported by Eliza R. Snow.)

Speak not that which ought not be true.

Don't complain. Half the people don't care and the other half are glad it is happening to you.

A closed mouth gathers no feet

"Those saints who neglect it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation." (History of the Church, 4:231)

Check our spiritual dipsticks to make sure our engines don't burn out due to lack of the stuff that keeps them lubricated.

Is there sufficient evidence to convict you of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ?

Prayers for Those We Serve

"Do those we serve hear us pray for them with faith and sincerity? If those we love and serve have not heard and felt the influence of our earnest prayers in their behalf, then the time to repent is now. As we emulate the example of the Savior, our prayers truly will become more meaningful." (Elder David A. Bednar, "Pray Always," Ensign, November 2008, 44.)

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 8-9-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:11:00 +0000

The prophet Joseph Smith had a 3rd grade education and yet he was a mayor, a judge, a military leader, and an editor all at the same time.

"I found that there was a great clash in religious sentiment; if I went to one society they referred me to one plan, and another to another; each one pointing to his own particular creed as the summum bonum of perfection. Considering that all could not be right, and that God could not be the author of so much confusion, I determined to investigate the subject more fully, believing that if God had a Church it would not be split up into factions, and that if He taught one society to worship one way, and administer in one set of ordinances, He would not teach another, principles which were diametrically opposed." (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church Joseph Smith p.438 first paragraph)

In the early days they sold the Book of Mormon to cover the price of printing. How awkward is missionary work today at times when we give the Book of Mormon away for free? How much more awkward would it be to ask for money for it.

"Although persecution may rage against the Church, nothing can stop the progress of truth." (Teaching of the Presidents of the Church Joseph Smith p.441 Last Heading) Do we hold as true in our lives? Does trial make us waver? Does life beat upon us and yet nothing can stop us from clinging to and living the truth?

“Be fiercely loyal one to another” (President Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Feb. 1999, 4)

Helaman 5:12

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the ^arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your ^bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty ^cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Just like with icebergs, we often can only see a small part of the dangers in choices we have in life. This is why Father has given us a detailed plan to help us avoid problems.

D&C 88:15-16

15 And the ^aspirit and the ^bbody are the ^csoul of man.
16 And the ^aresurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul.

I gave a talk, which I have included here below.

"One of my favorite scriptures from the life of the Savior is a conversation Jesus had with Peter after many people were leaving the Savior because of being offended by the truths that he shared with them. It is found in John 6:60,66-68.

"Verse 60 starts it off with, "Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" He told them there was more revealed by God than the law of Moses.

"Many today are offended when we say we have living apostles and priesthood authority and that there is more revealed by God than what is in the Bible.

"Larry Hiller said his June Ensign article, Hope: The Misunderstood Sister, 'For me, things I don’t understand about the gospel are like pieces of a larger puzzle I’m working on. If I don’t see where they fit, I put them aside and work on other parts of the picture. From time to time I pick them up and look at them. If I still don’t see how they fit, I put them aside again. I have already received a witness that the whole picture—the restored gospel—is true and complete, so I don’t worry about the pieces that haven’t come together for me yet. They will.'

"There are things that confuse me at times, but show me another church that has continuing revelation, the same structure as the church Christ established, and that holds me accountable when I do things that are wrong.

"Verses 66-69 continues, "66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God."

"If I believe the critics of the Church or cave to my own weaknesses and I left the Church where else would I go? The Lord has already given me the words of eternal life.

"I joined the Church when I was 14 with my 9 year old brother and my parents. The only thing I knew when I was baptized was that I did not want to be baptized by myself later if I figured out it was true, so I go baptized with the rest of my family.

"When I joined the Church I did not know if it was true. I know now. We have been given the words of eternal life."

{End of My Talk}

Obedience Brings the Lord's Promises "Becoming unspotted from the world is a promise to those who keep the Sabbath holy (see D&C 59:9; Exodus 31:13). Divine guidance and inspiration are promised to those who 'feast upon the words of Christ' (2 Nephi 32:3) and who 'liken all scriptures' unto themselves (1 Nephi 19:23).

"The Lord also promised that 'whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you' (3 Nephi 18:20). We are promised that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion when we 'let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly' (see D&C 121:45,46). We can claim the spiritually liberating promise of fasting, which will 'loose the bands of wickedness,' unto our 'heavy burdens,' and 'break every yoke' (Isaiah 58:6)."

Elder Spencer J. Condie, "Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 16.

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 8-2-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Alma 7:23

Be Your Best Self - Conference talk President Monson

Challenges today - Degredation of values, debt.

Helps we have - revelation, the temple(if you are worthy you avoid many pitfalls that lead to challenges), tithes and offerings (gives us perspective and faith), Family Home Evening (To keep family close and teach kids when young), those who went before/pioneers. To get revelation pray and read.

After battle warriors take off armor. We live in a time that we are constantly in battle and can not take off our spiritual armor.

"Let us never despair, for the work in which we are engaged is the work of the Lord. It has been said, 'The Lord shapes the back to bear the burden placed upon it.'" - From President Monson's talk.

Nauvoo - name is of hebrew origin. Means to be beautiful.

Commandments always have a blessing or blessings tied to obedience to that commandment.

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 7-26-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:04:00 +0000

Juliet gave a talk in Primary today. I helped her deliver material from Sabbath Day Observance section of the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet.

"The Lord has given the Sabbath day for your benefit... Observing the Sabbath will bring you closer to the Lord and to your family.

Your dress before, during, and after church meetings should show respect for the Sabbath.

Sunday is not a holiday or a day for recreation or athletic events. Do not seek entertainment or spend money on this day. Let your friends know what your standards are so they will not try to persuade you to participate in activities that are not appropriate for the Sabbath."

End of Juliet's talk.

Genesis 2:2-3
2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had ^amade; and he ^brested on the seventh day from all his ^cwork which he had made.
3 And God blessed the ^aseventh day, and ^bsanctified it: because that in it he had ^crested from all his work which God ^dcreated and made.

It doesn't say that he played. It doesn't say he had a feast. It says he rested.

On Sunday we do special things we don't do on other days or do other special things more than what we do on other days, since other days are filled with non-sabbath things.

Exodus 20:8
8 Remember the ^asabbath day, to keep it ^bholy.
Is a football game a holy activity?

Saturday

by Rita S. Robinson and Chester W. Hill Arr. Margaret C. Richards

Saturday is a special day, it’s the day we get ready for Sunday; We clean the house and we shop at the store, so we won’t have to work until Monday; We brush our clothes and we shine our shoes, and we call it our “get-the-work-done” day; Then we trim our nails and we shampoo our hair, so we can be ready for Sunday!

We must guard against individual apostasy. Recognize the deceptions of Satan to get us to leave the truth in any degree. Be on the look out of rationalizations we devise for ourselves to do wrong.

Husbands do something special for your wives every day. Wives praise your husband for something each day. This needs to tailored to your spouse. Some people respond to acts of service, some respond to words of affirmation or praise, some to touch, some to spending quality time with them, and some to gifts, no matter if they are a man or a woman (See The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman).

There are natural laws that if they cease to work the way they do, things would go wrong and there would be chaos. The same is true for the spiritual laws. When followed things work. When they are not followed there is confusion and chaos. One of the statements we have on how things work is the proclamation on the family.

"While standards generally may totter, we of the Church are without excuse if we drift in the same manner. We have standards — sure, tested, and effective. To the extent that we observe them, we shall hinder our own progress and bring embarrassment to the work of the Lord. These standards have come from Him. Some of them may appear a little out-of-date in our society, but this does not detract from their validity nor diminish the virtue of their application. The subtle reasoning of men, no matter how clever, no matter how plausible it may sound, cannot abridge the declared wisdom of God." President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Pursue the Steady Course", Ensign, January 2005, 5.

Interfaith Fireside at the Ogden Tabernacle 7-19-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:04:00 +0000

Alan Osmond, Suzanne Osmond, and some of their sons spoke and sang at an interfaith fireside at the Ogden Tabernacle next to the Ogden temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alan's sons perform as The Osmonds Second Generation.

A Methodist minister gave the opening prayer. She unfolded a piece of paper and laid it out in front of her before she started and it sounded like she was reading it. It was strange to me since we do not prepare and read prayers. The only thing close we have is the sacrament prayer and that is the same every time.

Another thing that was strange was the clapping after songs and the calling out from the audience. I'm use to church meetings being held in that meeting where clapping and audience participation is inappropriate.

David Osmond - Talked about that we sometimes sing the hymns in the hymn book and forget to listen to the words and meaning and truth contained in them. He then sang "How Great Thou Art".

Alan Osmond - He said that success is spelled W O R K.

He talked of having bunk beds and Donnie bouncing from bunk to bunk to bunk.

He also shared some about his deaf older brothers from when they were kids. He said that he taught them sign language and that came in very useful in the recording industry. He said they were all able to communicate with each other even when they were recording by using sign language.

He said that the two things that his parents heard most often were either that the kids were good, but not that good or that they shouldn't put them in a business with all those fast women and such.

When they were looking to move to California the prophet told them always choose that which will bring you closer to your Father in Heaven.

They set up a studio in Utah when the Donny and Marie show was picked up by ABC for a second season.

He talked about how heavily he has relied on Jesus to keep him going through MS and he has gotten some of his functionality of his body back.

David sang and Alex played the guitar and on "I No That My Redeemer Lives"

Suzanne Osman - She and Alan didn't see each other their entire engagement, because he was performing in Vegas. She announced at a family reunion that they were engaged and her grandma informed her that they were cousins. It was second step cousins, so grandma said it was okay.

She talked about all the interesting stories she knows about her ancestors and the only reason she knows is because someone wrote them down.

Another son spoke, but I did not catch his name. He talked about how when they were younger they did not think their dad was cool. One day they were at some event and saw Steven Tyler standing near by. Steven then turned and saw their dad and called out, "Alan". They then realized that Steven Tyler knew their dad and thought he was cool.

That son, David, and I think David's wife sang "Listen to His Heart Beat".

David spoke some more. He stated that pain is part of life, but suffering is optional. If you are going through hard times it will change. If you are going through good times, it will change.

David also spoke a little about his experience on American Idol.

He shared some scriptures.

Alma 34: 32

32 For behold, this ^alife is the time for men to ^bprepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of ^cthis life is the day for men to perform their ^dlabors.
Helaman 5:6-7
6 Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first ^aparents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were ^bgood.
7 Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them.

He talked fo President Thomas S. Monson speaking at his grandfather's funeral. I didn't catch the quote exactly, but he said that President Monson said something like this, 'This life was a great example. What are you going to do with it?"

David went on to talk about having the name of Osmond, which was his grandpa's name and what there was to live up to with that. He also said that when he was eight years old he took on another name as well. When he was baptized he took on the name of the savior.

He said that people often times say, "I know exactly how you feel." He said that there is some who really does always know exactly how we feel. The Jesus has literally taken on our sins and our pains and our afflictions. He knows exactly what we feel like.

He sang "He Walked a Mile in My Shoes from the CD on Joseph Smith that he did with a guy from Diamond Rio.

He talked a little bit of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis like his father.

He quoted Dr. Seuss, “I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”

He also quoted Socrates, "If all misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart."

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 7-19-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Priesthood Opening
Matthew 5:41
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

The person sharing the scripture told of how a Roman could come by a Jew and command them to carry their stuff. They didn't schedule a time with them they just came and basically said, "You take this and come with me."

It was expressed that this is what the scripture was referring to. If someone made you carry their stuff for a mile, be cordial to them and offer to go another mile with them.

Elders' Quorum
Chapter 37: Charity, the Pure Love of Christ 423–34
“The Holy Spirit … shall be poured out at all times upon your heads, when you are exercised with those principles of righteousness that are agreeable to the mind of God, and are properly affected one toward another, and are careful by all means to remember those who are in bondage, and in heaviness, and in deep affliction for your sakes. And if there are any among you who aspire after their own aggrandizement, and seek their own opulence, while their brethren are groaning in poverty, and are under sore trials and temptations, they cannot be benefited by the intercession of the Holy Spirit, which maketh intercession for us day and night with groanings that cannot be uttered [see Romans 8:26].

The Holy Spirit sanctifies us when we repent. If we are not caring for others then the Holy Ghost will not be with us to sanctify us.

Alma 60:7-8

7 Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless ^astupor, while your enemies are spreading the work of death around you? Yea, while they are murdering thousands of your brethren—

8 Yea, even they who have looked up to you for protection, yea, have placed you in a situation that ye might have succored them, yea, ye might have sent armies unto them, to have strengthened them, and have saved thousands of them from falling by the sword.

Does the above scripture describe our inaction in be valiant in the Gospel?

Sunday School
Lesson 27: “They Must Needs Be Chastened and Tried, Even as Abraham” 150
They must be chastened and tried, even as Abraham? What does that mean for our lives? Do we have to be tried? Abraham was tried. Or do we have to be tried to the level that Abraham was tried?

Big rewards and responsibilities require big learning experiences and big tests. Life will become more challenging as we get better at it and yet at the same time our burdens will feel lighter.

From the manual, "President Hugh B. Brown said that God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac because “Abraham needed to learn something about Abraham” (in Truman G. Madsen, The Highest in Us [1978], 49). What might Abraham have learned about himself from this experience? What have you learned from your trials? "

Doctrine and Covenants 95:1
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I ^alove I also chasten that their sins may be ^bforgiven, for with the ^cchastisement I prepare a way for their ^ddeliverance in all things out of ^etemptation, and I have loved you—

Doctrine and Covenants 105:6
6 And my people must needs be ^achastened until they learn ^bobedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they ^csuffer.

Sacrament Service
A missionary that just returned from Germany and Austria spoke to us. He said the area had been badly battered by religion. Some of it due to the government telling them what to believe. He said that wards are very small and spread out there.

From the Bulletin

"Joseph Smith encountered intense persecution after [the first vision] had become public knowledge. He wrote:

"I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me, and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while [abusers] were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely do so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision, I know it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it, at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation" (JS — H 1:25).

"We regard that theophany — which we designate as the First Vision — and subsequent communications of heavenly beings with the Prophet Joseph Smith to be as real as my conversation with you now. These and other visitations relating to the promised restitution of the Church are well documented." Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Combating Spiritual Drift — Our Global Pandemic," Ensign, November 1993, 104 — 5.

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 7-12-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:40:00 +0000

Stake Priesthood Meeting
The Second Coming

Doctrine and Covenants 45
Matthew 24 and 25
Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 24 and 25

" Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and the temple, and water come out from under the temple, and the waters of the Dead Sea be healed. It will take some time to rebuild the walls of the city and the temple, &c.; and all this must be done before the Son of Man will make His appearance, There will be wars and rumors of wars, signs in the heavens above and on the earth beneath, the sun turned into darkness and the moon to blood, earthquakes in divers places, the seas heaving beyond their bounds; then will appear one grand sign of the Son of Man in heaven. But what will the world do? They will say it is a planet, a comet, &c. But the
Son of Man will come as the sign of the coming of the Son of Man, which will be as the light of the morning cometh out of the east." (History of the Church Volume 5)

Alma 12:9
9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to ^aknow the ^bmysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart ^conly according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.

Ward Priesthood Opening
Enos 1:2-10

2 And I will tell you of the ^awrestle which I had before God, before I received a ^bremission of my sins.

3 Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the ^ajoy of the saints, ^bsunk deep into my heart.

4 And my soul ^ahungered; and I ^bkneeled down before my Maker, and I ^ccried unto him in mighty ^dprayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

5 And there came a ^avoice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are ^bforgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.

6 And I, Enos, knew that God ^acould not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.

7 And I said: Lord, how is it done?

8 And he said unto me: ^aBecause of thy ^bfaith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee ^cwhole.

9 Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a ^adesire for the ^bwelfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did ^cpour out my whole soul unto God for them.

10 And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my ^amind again, saying: I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments. I have ^bgiven unto them this land, and it is a holy land; and I ^ccurse it not save it be for the cause of iniquity; wherefore, I will visit thy brethren according as I have said; and their ^dtransgressions will I bring down with sorrow upon their own heads.

Elders' Quorum
Chapter 36: Receiving the Ordinances and Blessings of the Temple 412–22
It was proposed by a class member today that the temple is a perfectly designed school. Everyone can learn at the level they are at.

“Could we read and comprehend all that has been written from the days of Adam, on the relation of man to God and angels in a future state, we should know very little about it. Reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience through the ordinances of God set forth for that purpose. Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject. … I assure the Saints that truth … can and may be known through the revelations of God in the way of His ordinances, and in answer to prayer. (History of the Church, 6:50–51; paragraph divisions altered; from a discourse given by Joseph Smith on Oct. 9, 1843, in Nauvoo, Illinois; reported by Willard Richards and Times and Seasons, Sept. 15, 1843, p. 331; this issue of the Times and Seasons was published late.)

Sunday School
Lesson 26: “Go Ye into All the World, and Preach My Gospel” 145

“Discouraged at being unable to secure a place to preach, Parley decided to leave Toronto. Before going he stopped at the Taylors to get some of his luggage and to say goodbye. While he was there, Leonora Taylor told her friend Mrs. Isabella Walton about Parley’s problem and said she was sorry he was leaving. ‘He may be a man of God,’ she said. Mrs. Walton replied that she had been inspired by the Spirit to visit the Taylors that morning because she was willing to let Elder Pratt stay at her home and preach. He did so and was eventually invited to attend a meeting of John Taylor’s group, in which John read the New Testament account of Philip’s preaching in Samaria. ‘Now,’ said he, ‘where is our Philip? Where is our receiving the Word with joy, and being baptized when we believed? Where is our Peter and John? Our apostles? Where is our Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands? …’ When Parley was invited to speak, he declared that he had answers to John Taylor’s questions.

“For three weeks John Taylor attended Elder Pratt’s meetings, making detailed notes of his sermons and carefully comparing them with the scriptures. Gradually he became convinced that the true gospel of Jesus Christ was restored. He and his wife, Leonora, were baptized on 9 May 1836” (Church History in the Fulness of Times [Church Educational System manual, 1993], 157; see also Parley P. Pratt, Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt [1975], 134–40, 151).

Sacrament Service
Some of the youth and leaders reported on youth conference.

During part of youth conference they pulled handcarts to learn part of what it was like for the pioneers. They noted that their hands and feet were not frost bitten, it wasn't cold outside, and their bodies were not malnourished and fatigued, yet it was still hard. They imagined what it would be like to have a task so hard and have all of those other ailments as well.

At one point the women and girls took the carts alone while the men watched, since some of the pioneer women had to go it alone when their husbands and sons died.

Standards and Lifestyle
Do we find that many who state that the LDS lifestyle is too controlling and restrictive are ones that are bound by their own lifestyles and addictions and are generally not free to easily change the course they are on. Whether it be addictions they have bound themselves with or tattoos that they are not free to remove without great expense or single parenting or diseases or poverty. The last few things I listed can come upon a person just through life in general, but many times these trial happen through what we have chosen.

We are free to choose to do what we want, but are not free to choose the consequences of our choices.

From the Bulletin
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I think about his great country that we live in I am very grateful for all of the time and planning the Lord took in preparing this land for the restoration of His church in these latter days.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom He hath chosen for his own inheritance." (Psalms 33:12). As the Lord states in Psalms we are blessed individually and as a nation when we follow his commandments and remember him. It is my prayer that we remember this great land we live in and all of the people that have helped to prepare this land for us.

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 7-05-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Announcements

Next Sunday 7:15am priesthood meeting at Sullivan Hollow ward building.
July 18th 5pm ward activity to plays games at the Sullivan Hollow ward building.

Priesthood Opening
James 1

Elders' Quorum
Priesthood Responsibilities, Elder Claudio R. M. Costa, General Conference April 2009

“Each of us has a fourfold responsibility. First, we have a responsibility to our families. Second, we have a responsibility to our employers. Third, we have a responsibility to the Lord’s work. Fourth, we have a responsibility to ourselves.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Rejoicing in the Privilege to Serve,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, June 21, 2003, 22)

Doctrine and Covenants 20:38-45 - Some of the duties of an elder.
38 The ^aduty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ—An ^bapostle is an ^celder, and it is his calling to ^dbaptize;

39 And to ^aordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons;

40 And to administer ^abread and wine—the ^bemblems of the flesh and blood of Christ—

41 And to ^aconfirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of ^bhands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;

42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church;

43 And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost;

44 And to take the ^alead of all meetings.

45 The elders are to ^aconduct the ^bmeetings as they are ^cled by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God.

Baptize
Ordain
Administer the sacrament
Confirmation of the Holy Ghost
Watch over the Church with teaching and expoundings

When running a race one should put in a consistent effort throughout the race. The same is true for life. We will be better people with that consistent effort.

Sunday School
Lesson 25: Priesthood: “The Power of Godliness” 140
Reasons to be grateful to be members of the Church:

Temple blessings
Community/fellowship
Direction/revelation
Knowledge

The priesthood was restored in roughly this order:

Aaronic priesthood
Melchizedek priesthood
Bishops
Apostles
70s
Area authorities

“Sometimes, unintentionally, even certain extracurricular Church activities, insensitively administered, can hamper family life. Instructively, after the resurrected Jesus taught the Nephites, He said, ‘Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said,’ and pray and prepare ‘for the morrow’ (3 Nephi 17:3). Jesus did not say go to your civic clubs, town meetings, or even stake centers!” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 120; or Ensign, May 1994, 89).

“Those who hold the priesthood must never forget that they have no right to wield priesthood authority like a club over the heads of others in the family or in Church callings. … Any man who … seeks to use the priesthood in any degree of unrighteousness in the Church or in the home simply does not understand the nature of his authority. Priesthood is for service, not servitude; compassion, not compulsion; caring, not control” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 105; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 78).

From the Bulletin
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (Declaration of Independence)

A major THEME of the Book of Mormon "... they shall prosper upon the face of this land and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And IF it so be that they shall keep HIS commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land, and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever." (2 Nephi 1:9 among many others.)

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 6-28-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Announcements

July 12 7am Priesthood Meeting at Sullivan Hollow meeting house.

Priesthood/Relief Society Joint Meeting
The bishop encouraged us to work on the Family Search Indexing project.

This meeting was to plan block parties to have with our neighbors.

At the close of the meeting someone read an excerpt from Elder Ucktdorf's conference talk

We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down.

Does what we are doing matter most?

Sunday School
Lesson 24: “Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness” 134
We should recognize the deceptions of Satan that can lead us into apostasy.

Not recognizing the prophet as the source of revelation for the Church
Pride
Being critical of leaders’ imperfections
Being offended
Rationalizing disobedience
Accepting the false teachings of the world

We can remain valiant in our testimonies and avoid deception.

We can know clearly whom the Lord has called to lead the Church
We should study the scriptures and the doctrines of the Church
We should recognize that the things of God will always edify us
We should apply the Lord’s pattern for protecting ourselves from being deceived

Thomas B. Marsh took his wife's side when she was dealing dishonestly with another sister while they were sharing milk from their cows. As a result he ended up getting bitter and left the church for a time. In commenting on it President Gordon B. Hinckley stated, "What a very small and trivial thing—a little cream over which two women quarreled." (Small Acts Lead to Great Consequences, Ensign May 1984)

"After 19 years of darkness and bitterness, Thomas B. Marsh painfully made his way to the Salt Lake Valley and asked Brigham Young to forgive him and permit his rebaptism into the Church. He wrote to Heber C. Kimball, First Counselor in the First Presidency: 'I began to awake to a sense of my situation; … I know that I have sinned against Heaven and in thy sight.' He then described the lesson he had learned: 'The Lord could get along very well without me and He has lost nothing by my falling out of the ranks; But O what have I lost?! Riches, greater riches than all this world or many planets like this could afford'” (quoted by James E. Faust, in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 6; or Ensign, May 1996, 7).

Sacrament Service
4th Article of Faith
We believe that the first principles and ^aordinances of the Gospel are: first, ^bFaith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, ^cRepentance; third, ^dBaptism by ^eimmersion for the ^fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ^ghands for the ^hgift of the Holy Ghost.

These are the first things we need to do and then endure to the end.

Concrete is made up of so much water, so much gravel, so much sand, so much cement, and so forth. If you have more or less of any of them it does not work. Much the same is true for our lives. We have things we need to do to come out right. We need prayer, study, recreation, service, and so forth, but if things are not in the right balance in our lives it doesn't work.

The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to build. So it is with our lives. Little by little.

Num. 27: 18, 22-23
18 ¶ And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee ^aJoshua the son of ^bNun, a man in whom is the ^cspirit, and ^dlay thine hand upon him;
• • •
22 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:
23 And he ^alaid his ^bhands upon him, and gave him a ^ccharge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.

Deut. 34: 9

9 ¶ And Joshua the son of ^aNun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had ^blaid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel ^chearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

Often members sustain our leaders with our hand while the rest of our body is doing something else like correcting a kid or sleeping. Our hands go up quickly and come down just as quickly.

"In my judgment, one of the most important acts performed at the conferences of the Church is that in which we hold up our hands before the Lord to sustain the authorities of the Church and the organization thereof as it exists. But it is one of the important things that we do which rests with little weight upon some people. In other words, some people go away after holding up their hands to sustain the authorities of the Church and think no more about it, and act in many respects as though they had merely gone through a form to which they did not attach any importance whatever. I conceive this to be a wrong principle. … Those who covenant to keep the commandments of the Lord, and then violate that covenant by failing to observe those commandments, do no more than they do who raise their hands in token of a covenant to uphold and sustain the authorities of the Church and then fail to do it. The principle is the same in both cases: it is a violation of the covenant we make." (Joseph F. Smith, Deseret News: Semi-Weekly, 14 May 1895, 1)

Sustaining our leaders does not end when our hands come down.

From the Bulletin
"I encourage you to reach out to those you serve and to love them. When you really love those you serve, they will not find themselves in that dreaded "Never, Never Land" — never the object of concern, never the recipient of needed aid. It may not be your privilege to open gates of cities or doors of palaces, but true happiness and lasting joy will come to you and to each one you serve as you take a hand and reach a heart. Should you become discouraged in your efforts, remember that sometimes the Lord's timetable does not coincide with ours.

As we succeed, as we bring a woman or man, a girl or boy back into activity, we will be answering a wife's or sister's or mother's fervent prayer, helping fulfill a husband's or brother's or father's greatest desire. We will be honoring a loving Father's direction and following an obedient Son's example (see John 12:26; D&C 59:5). And our names will forever be honored by those whom we reach." President Thomas S. Monson, Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul, Ensign, July 2009, 6 -7 .

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 6-21-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:29:00 +0000

Priesthood Opening
Alma 5:38
38 Behold, I say unto you, that the good ^ashepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not ^bhearken unto the voice of the ^cgood shepherd, to the ^dname by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd.

Elders' Quorum
Chapter 35: Redemption for the Dead 401–11
Those who die with a knowledge of the gospel are not automatically damned. Those who do know better will not necessarily get a second chance in the hereafter.

Sunday School
Lesson 23: “Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith” 127
D&C 88:118
118 And as all have not ^afaith, seek ye diligently and ^bteach one another words of ^cwisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best ^dbooks words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

2 Timothy 3:6-7

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly ^awomen laden with sins, led away with divers ^blusts,

7 Ever ^alearning, and never able to come to the ^bknowledge of the ^ctruth.

Sacrament Service
D&C 103

8 But inasmuch as they ^akeep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them.

9 For they were set to be a ^alight unto the world, and to be the ^bsaviors of men;

10 And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as ^asalt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

"Those of us who have served missions have seen the miracle in the lives of some we have taught as they have come to realize that they are sons and daughters of God. Many years ago an elder who served a mission in the British Isles said at the end of his labors, “I think my mission has been a failure. I have labored all my days as a missionary here and I have only baptized one dirty little Irish kid. That is all I baptized.”

Years later, after his return to his home in Montana, he had a visitor come to his home who asked, “Are you the elder who served a mission in the British Isles in 1873?”

“Yes.”

Then the man went on, “And do you remember having said that you thought your mission was a failure because you had only baptized one dirty little Irish kid?”

He said, “Yes.”

The visitor put out his hand and said, “I would like to shake hands with you. My name is Charles A. Callis, of the Council of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am that dirty little Irish kid that you baptized on your mission.” 15

That little Irish boy came to a knowledge of his potential as a son of God. Elder Callis left a lasting legacy for his large family. Serving as a mission president for 25 years and in his apostolic ministry for 13 years, he blessed the lives of literally thousands. I feel privileged to have known this great Apostle of the Lord when I was a young man." (Elder James E. Faust, Them That Honour Me I Will Honour, April 2001 General Conference)

"Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness." (Bible Dictionary, Temple)

From the Bulletin
Happy Father's Day

We, the people of the Sullivan Hollow 2nd Ward are so very fortunate to live where we live.

We live in a land foreordained by our HEAVENLY FATHER to be a land that currently still remains free for us to believe and practice what we will. With that freedom comes the blessed opportunity to fashion our future and to be accountable and blessed for all the good choices that we think, say and do.

We live in a land where, under inspiration of our First Father (God), our FOUNDING FATHERS sacrificed, in some cases, nearly all that they had in order to bring us the germinating kernels of this free country.

We have the FATHER of our ETERNAL LIVES, Jesus Christ, to thank for all that He did in the atonement to bring us peace and joy and eventually eternal life and exaltation. As we live in accordance with the commandments, He has made our eternal options endless. In truth, if Jesus had not sacrificed himself for us and literally purchased our lives through the ransoming affect of the atonement (thereby Jesus becoming the "Father" of our eternal lives), we would be forever doomed.

And then, there are our EARTHLY FATHERS. They are just "Dads". Thank goodness for just "Dads!!"

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 6-14-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Announcements

June 27 - 10-11:30am - Primary activity at Sullivan Hollow ward building.
July 4 - 4th of July breakfast for the neighborhood at Sullivan Hollow ward building.
Tuesday June 16 - 9am-9pm - Disney Train at Union Station in Ogden, promoting Disney’s A Christmas Carol which open in November.
http://iutah.tv/event/view/147645
http://www.theunionstation.org/
http://www.disneynewsarchive.com/blog/2009/05/disney-rolls-out-nationwide-christmas.html
http://www.uptake.com/blog/attractions/disney-christmas-carol-holiday-travel_4055.html
July 12 - Priesthood meeting @Sullivan Hollow ward building.

Priesthood Opening
The bishop said that ward's only stay cohesive is if we have social and service activities. He recommended that we each plan with our LDS neighbors.

Elders' Quorum
Chapter 34: The Power of Forgiving 390–400
Mercy is a principle that we all should be practicing. "Justice delivers what we deserve; mercy delivers a charity we do not deserve." (Elder Lance B. Wickman, “'Friends Again at Last': Justice and Mercy in the Warming Glow of Charity", Ensign June 2000)

“Ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent or ask forgiveness, our heavenly Father would be equally as merciful unto us.” (As referenced in Chapter 34 of Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith originally from History of the Church, 3:383; from a discourse given by Joseph Smith on July 2, 1839, in Montrose, Iowa; reported by Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards.)

Why do we find it hard to forgive others? Perhaps because we do not have the love we ought to for mankind in general. If our children wrong or offend us, how quickly do we forgive them? Contrast that with how slowly we forgive others for similar offenses.

We find it difficult to sacrifice our feelings in order to be right or in order to hold a grudge. If we are one with Christ we will forgive as He would forgive personal offenses against himself.

Sunday School
Lesson 22: The Word of Wisdom: “A Principle with Promise” 121
The food Pyramid was created in 1980. The Word of Wisdom, which is very similar in the parts about food, was given by God as a code of health by God in 1833.

We could perhaps use the pyramid model to create a plan for how to use our time to be spiritually healthy. For example, we could put junk uses of time at the top, smallest part of the pyramid like we do for junk food on the food pyramid.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

16 Know ye not that ye are the ^atemple of God, and that the ^bSpirit of God dwelleth ^cin you?

17 If any man ^adefile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is ^bholy, which temple ye are.

1 Corinthians 6: 19
19 What? know ye not that your ^abody is the ^btemple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your ^cown?

D&C 89: 4
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of ^aevils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of ^bconspiring men in the last days, I have ^cwarned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

Some thoughts on D&C 89:4 and the rest of the section as well:

Cigarette companies place warnings on their product advising that it causes cancer. They sell products to get off of their other products because they are so addictive.
We tend to focus on the cigarette and alcohol companies as the conspiring men, but we should recall that the word of wisdom is not just for abstaining from Cigarettes and alcohol. It is also not just about abstaining for coffee and tea, but also about our diet. There is great marketing effort put into getting us to eat junk.

The things that we are counseled to not put in our bodies have legitimate used. For example, tobacco for bruises.

“Drunken with strong drink, men have lost their reason; their counsel has been destroyed; their judgment and vision are fled. … Drink has brought more woe and misery, broken more hearts, wrecked more homes, committed more crimes, filled more coffins, than all the wars the world has suffered” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1942, 8).

D&C 49:21
21 And wo be unto man that ^asheddeth blood or that ^bwasteth ^cflesh and hath no need.

D&C 89:12-17

12 Yea, ^aflesh also of ^bbeasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used ^csparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be ^aused, only in times of winter, or of cold, or ^bfamine.

14 All ^agrain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

15 And ^athese hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

16 All grain is good for the ^afood of man; as also the ^bfruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—

17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.

Sacrament Service
Article of Faith 11

"We claim the ^aprivilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the ^bdictates of our own ^cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them ^dworship how, where, or what they may."

Isaiah 41:29
29 Behold, they are all ^avanity; their works are nothing: their molten ^bimages are wind and confusion.

How are our idols of today (TV, movies, cars, sports) a wind and confusion?

D. Todd Christofferson's talk from last conference was referenced.

God sets the terms of our covenants. If we keep those covenants we are blessed and benefit from those covenants.

From the Bulletin
"With all of our uniqueness, we all have some things in common. We are all in the probationary test of mortality. And, wherever we live, that test will become increasing difficult. We are in the last dispensation of time. God's prophets have seen these times for millennia. They saw that wonderful things were to happen. There was to be a restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The true Church was to be brought back with prophets and apostles. The gospel was to be taken to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Most marvelous of all, the true Church and its members are to become worthy for the coming of the Savior to His Church and to His purified disciples.

But the true prophets also saw that in the last days Satan would rage. There would be wars and rumors of wars. That would inspire fear. The courage of many would fail. There would be great wickedness. And Satan would deceive many.

Yet, happily, many would not be overcome. And many would not be deceived."

'"The Holy Ghost Is the Key.... For all of us there will be at least three requirements. None of them can be gained and retained from a single experience. All of them must be constantly renewed.... First, receiving the Holy Ghost takes faith in our Heavenly Father and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.... A second requirement for frequent companionship and direction from the Holy Ghost is to be clean.... A third requirement for the companionship of the Holy Ghost is pure motive. If you want to receive the gifts of the Spirit, you have to want them for the right reasons."
Elder Henry B Eyring, "Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times", Ensign, June 2007, 18 — 24.

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 6-7-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:22:00 +0000

Priesthood Opening
Doctrine and Covenants 33:16
16 And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your ^ainstruction; and the power of my ^bSpirit ^cquickeneth all things.

Elders Quorum
"Those handcart pioneers who said they came to know God in their extremities ..." (Elder Bruce C. Hafen, The Atonement: All for All, General Conference April 2004)
As we are beat upon in our daily lives we also learn to know God.
Brigham Young sent help. When those around us are beat upon, we are to be there for them.

After we have a time consuming calling or get old, we don't pull back our level of service. We are to endure to the end.

The Lord has paid large debts for us as we are slothful at times and sin. We should give liberally to our fellow men with our time and talents. It is a small thing compared to the debts that have been paid for us and blessings we will continue to receive.

Sunday School
Lesson 21: “Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord to Come” 115
“How do you prepare for the Second Coming? Well, you just do not worry about it. You just live the kind of life that if the Second Coming were to be tomorrow you would be ready. Nobody knows when it is going to happen. … Our responsibility is to prepare ourselves, to live worthy of the association of the Savior, to deport ourselves in such a way that we would not be embarrassed if He were to come among us. That is a challenge in this day and age” (Church News, 2 Jan. 1999, 2, President Gordon B. Hinckley)

Watch for the signs of the second coming -"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30)

Gospel restored and sent to all nations.
Elijah and other prophets return. Keys of priesthood restored.
Iniquity will abound.
Plagues

Testimony Meeting

From the Bulletin
Tomorrow's joy OR tomorrow's despair [emphasis added] has it roots in decisions we make today. Perhaps some people think to themselves: 'I know I need to change some things in my life. Maybe later, but not now.' Those who stand at the threshold of life always waiting for the right time to change are like the man who stands at the bank of a river waiting for the water to pass so he can cross on dry land. Today is the man who stands at the bank of a river waiting for the water to pass so he can cross on dry land. "Today is the day of decision." (Josh. 24:15) [from Joseph B Wirthlin, "Three Choices", Ensign, November 2003, 78.]

If we are truly serious about our eternal inheritance and having blessings here and now, we must obey God's guidance (commandments, prophets, etc.) here, now and continuously. Even with what little we do in comparison to all that is given by HIM to us, it must be this way because love cannot be one-sided, or as in human relationships, the relationship will not exist for very long. This is why Jesus says in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Obedience is the way we show and reciprocate His love toward us. It's just that simple.

The Lord goes on further to state that as we obey Him, He will bless us. Indeed, by eternal law. He is required to bless us. (D&C 82:10) Much like planting seeds in fertile soil and obeying the laws of nature, we eventually reap the fruits of our labors even though we do so little in comparison to what God does to nourish the plants to maturity.

If we wish to have specific blessings, we must keep the commandments associated with those blessings. (D&C 130:20, 21) It is all very simple.

The Bishop

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 5-31-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:34:00 +0000

Priesthood Opening
Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs at Dee Events Center at Weber State University on July 15th. Tickets are free and available for ages 8 and up. Limit six per family.

3 Nephi 11:5-11
5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did ^aopen their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.

6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:

7 Behold my ^aBeloved Son, ^bin whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they ^asaw a Man ^bdescending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.

9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

11 And behold, I am the ^alight and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter ^bcup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in ^ctaking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the ^dwill of the Father in all things from the beginning.

Elders' Quorum
The instructor referenced a talk by Elder Richard G. Scott from April 2009 General Conference, Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need.

"I strive to participate in all the different ordinances available in the temple." (Elder Scott)

Here are some bullet points Elder Scott shared in his talk (emphasis added):

Understand the doctrine related to temple ordinances, especially the significance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.¹
While participating in temple ordinances, consider your relationship to Jesus Christ and His relationship to our Heavenly Father. This simple act will lead to greater understanding of the supernal nature of the temple ordinances.
Always prayerfully express gratitude for the incomparable blessings that flow from temple ordinances. Live each day so as to give evidence to Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son of how very much those blessings mean to you.
Schedule regular visits to the temple.
Leave sufficient time to be unhurried within the temple walls.
Rotate activities so that you can participate in all of the ordinances of the temple.
Remove your watch when you enter a house of the Lord.
Listen carefully to the presentation of each element of the ordinance with an open mind and heart.
Be mindful of the individual for whom you are performing the vicarious ordinance. At times pray that he or she will recognize the vital importance of the ordinances and be worthy or prepare to be worthy to benefit from them.
Recognize that much of the majesty of the sealing ordinance cannot be understood and remembered with one live experience. Substantial subsequent vicarious work permits one to understand much more of what is communicated in the live ordinances.
Realize that a sealing ordinance is not enduring until after it is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise. Both individuals must be worthy and want the sealing to be eternal.

The best way to get the most out of the temple is to not go there and feast and then fast for a month or two before going back.

There are musts, coulds, and shoulds. If we don't set conscious priorities the coulds and shoulds will take the time from the musts.

Sunday School
Lesson 20: The Kingdoms of Glory 110
John 5:28-29

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the ^agraves shall ^bhear his voice,

29 And shall ^acome forth; they that have done good, unto the ^bresurrection of life; and they that have done ^cevil, unto the resurrection of ^ddamnation.

Joseph Smith was translating the Bible and he had some questions.

The teacher passed out the following talks:

Consecrate Thy Performance, Elder Neal A. Maxwell, General Conference April 2002

"These remarks are addressed to the imperfect but still striving in the household of faith. As always, my immediate audience is myself."
"Spiritual submissiveness is not accomplished in an instant, but by the incremental improvements and by the successive use of stepping-stones. Stepping-stones are meant to be taken one at a time anyway."
"We may, for instance, have a specific set of skills which we mistakenly come to think we somehow own. If we continue to cling to those more than to God, we are flinching in the face of the consecrating first commandment. Since God lends us "breath . . . from one moment to another," hyperventilating over these distractions is not recommended! (Mosiah 2:21)."
"But if we lack proportion, the next few yards can seem so formidable. Though aware of how God blessed ancient Israel to escape from mighty Pharaoh and his hosts, myopic Laman and Lemuel still lacked faith in God to help them with a mere local Laban."

Be Valiant in the Fight of FaithElder Bruce R. McConkie, General Conference October 1974

"Members of the Church who have testimonies and who live clean and upright lives, but who are not courageous and valiant, do not gain the celestial kingdom. Theirs is a terrestrial inheritance. Of them the revelation says, 'These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.' (D&C 76:79.)

As Jesus said, 'No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.' (Luke 9:62.)"

James 1: 22-23

22 But be ye ^adoers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a ^ahearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a ^bglass:

Celestial is to be one with Christ as he is one with the Father. Vote how he would vote. Do what he would do. Say what he would say.

Those who are not valiant and do not do their duty to the fullest are like a soldier that does not do all of his duty. For example, if a soldier's duty is to guard the camp and he doesn't do all of his duty he could be killed and perhaps jeopardize others. A soldier like that will not be given more responsibilities or rewards and will likely be disciplined.

Sacrament Service
Mosiah 2:16-18

16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.

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.

18 Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to ^aserve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?

"Those who serve will strive to ennoble, build, and lift their fellowmen; therefore, they will find the good in others, and they will not find reason or have time to become offended. They develop the virtue of praying for those who criticize. They don’t expect recognition or reward. They possess the love of Christ." (Elder Carlos A. Amado, Service, a Divine Quality, General Conference April 2008)

Alma 53:20
20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for ^acourage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

The Lord knows who will be faithful, but often we have to learn about ourselves.

The Terrestrial kingdom includes lukewarm members of the Church. Those who were not valiant in their testimony. Those that know, but don't do.

From the Bulletin
"In October 1856, during a general conference, President Young learned that two hand-cart companies, the Martin company and the Willie company, were traveling late in the season and would face harsh winter weather on the plains of the western United States. He stood at the pulpit as a prophet of God and declared: 'Many of our brethren and sister are on the plains with handcarts.... And they must be brought here, we must send assistance to them...This community is to send for them and bring them in...'

'That is my religion; that is the dictation of the Holy Ghost that I possess, it is to save people... I will tell you all that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one should of you in the celestial kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains.'

As a result of President Young's call to action, wagons with teams of mules, men to drive them and flour and other supplies were immediately sent to rescue the people stranded on the plains." Bishop Richard Edgley, "This Is Your Phone Call", Ensign April 2009, 53 — 55

As we hear council from our church leaders, we need to remember that any request large or small is a call, not from the person giving the council, but from God. Sustaining our leaders means following council we are given by them after praying to know the truthfulness of the things they teach us. This is particularly relevant when it comes to fundamentals such as daily scripture study, daily prayer and family home evening. Your salvation will be largely determined by the things you are doing when only our Heavenly Father is watching.

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 5-24-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Priesthood Opening
Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-13

12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your ^atrust in that ^bSpirit which ^cleadeth to do ^dgood—yea, to do ^ejustly, to walk ^fhumbly, to ^gjudge righteously; and this is my Spirit.

13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall ^aenlighten your ^bmind, which shall fill your soul with ^cjoy;

Elders' Quorum
Chapter 33: The Spiritual Gifts of Healing, Tongues, Prophecy, and Discerning of Spirits 379–89
Every gift of the spirit must be cultivated. It is not enough to just be given them.

From the manual:
"

“We crossed the public square, and entered Brother [Elijah] Fordham’s house. Brother Fordham had been dying for an hour, and we expected each minute would be his last. I felt the power of God that was overwhelming his Prophet. When we entered the house, Brother Joseph walked up to Brother Fordham, and took him by the right hand. … He saw that Brother Fordham’s eyes were glazed, and that he was speechless and unconscious.

“After taking hold of his hand, [the Prophet] looked down into the dying man’s face and said: ‘Brother Fordham, do you not know me?’ At first he made no reply; but we could all see the effect of the Spirit of God resting upon him.

“[Joseph] again said: ‘Elijah, do you not know me?’ With a low whisper, Brother Fordham answered, ‘Yes!’ The Prophet then said, ‘Have you not faith to be healed?’

“The answer, which was a little plainer than before, was: ‘I am afraid it is too late. If you had come sooner, I think I might have been.’ He had the appearance of a man awaking from sleep. It was the sleep of death. Joseph then said: ‘Do you not believe that Jesus is the Christ?’ ‘I do, Brother Joseph,’ was the response.

“Then the Prophet of God spoke with a loud voice, as in the majesty of the Godhead: ‘Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole!’"

Do we ourselves find that our trials have gone on too long and get hopeless that God will not help?

Faith applies to not just being healed from physical illness, also from spiritual weaknesses that continually work on us. Just like an illness may not be removed from us, so it is with spiritual weakness. We may have to continue to endure them to make us stretch our faith and our character.

Sunday School
Lesson 19: The Plan of Salvation 105
How does knowing the plan of salvation help us to make big decisions in our lives? It may be hard, but we have made decisions to do hard things before (when Father gave us the choice to choose the plan of salvation and come to earth to be tested).

Someone shared that they had a tattoo that they hoped was removed in the resurrection. We all have tattoos on our souls. The goal is to stop injecting ink into them and to repent in order to have the atonement fade them off our soul.

Sacrament Service

“ ‘The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them’ (D&C 20:53). This is the mandate of the Lord. I hope that home teachers and visiting teachers will experience two things: first, the challenge of the responsibility that is in their great calling, and second, the sweetness of results from their work, particularly with those among us who are less active. I hope that these teachers will get on their knees and pray for direction, and then go to work to bring these wandering prodigals back into the fold of the Church. If home and visiting teachers respond to this challenge, I honestly believe that they will taste the sweet and wonderful feeling which comes of being an instrument in the hands of the Lord in leading someone back into activity in His church and kingdom.

“I am making a plea for us to reach out to our brethren and sisters who have known the beauty and the wonder of this restored gospel for a brief season and then for some reason have left it.

“May all home teachers recognize that they have an inescapable responsibility to go into the homes of the people and teach them to live the gospel principles more faithfully, to see that there is no iniquity or backbiting or evil speaking, to build faith, to see that the families are getting along temporally. That is a very serious responsibility; it really is. But it is not a heavy burden—it just takes a little more faith. It is worthy of our very best effort.” (Instruments of the Lord, Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign May 1997)

“Remember, both quality and quantity home teaching are essential in being an effective home teacher. You should have quality visits, but you should also make contact with each of your families each month. As shepherds to all of your families, both active and less active, you should not be content with only reaching the ninety and nine. Your goal should be 100 percent home teaching every month” (Ensign, May 1987, 51).

From the Bulletin
This weekend and this month we celebrate and honor both our heroes, ancestors, and the restoration of the Priesthood of God.

On this weekend and beyond, let us remember those many persons who have gone before us-those who paid the price for our freedoms and religion-and on whose shoulders we stand. If we are to retain our freedoms and opportunities, we must seek consistent and exacting obedience to our Father in Heaven-for He holds nations in His hands and so Eagerly Yearns to Bless the Obedient.

Though said every week and though we may almost become numb to the message sometimes, exacting and consistent obedience to God's laws and principles will bring us peace, power, capacity, healing, and joy. There is no other way. Through exacting obedience, we will be optimistic and healing, and joy. There is no other way.

Through exacting obedience, we will be optimistic in the face of all issues since we know we are completely on the Lord's side and HE will support us.

Hence, with this REAL optimism and faith built on consistent obedience, we will be aware of problems, but recognize solutions; know about difficulties but, believe

they can be overcome; see negative, but accentuate positives; be exposed to the worst, but expect the best; have reason to complain, but choose to smile.

Know is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. (Johan Wolfgang von Goeth)

THANK YOU to all who understand sacrifice NOW so that others may stand on your shoulders. I am humbled to be numbered among you, the noble and great ones.

The Bishop

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 5-17-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 17 May 2009 20:45:00 +0000

Elders Quorum
There are things that we would consider a persecution with the way certain people address our ideas and ideals. Do we do the same to others with the way we communicate about their ideas? How do we stand up for what is right and against what is wrong without attacking?

"What is man that the servant of God should fear him," (Letter from Joseph Smith and his counselors in the First Presidency to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, Jan. 16, 1839, Liberty Jail, Liberty, Missouri, Church Archives)

Sunday School

Malachi 4
5 ¶ Behold, I will ^asend you ^bElijah the prophet ^cbefore the coming of the ^dgreat and dreadful ^eday of the Lord:

6 And he shall ^aturn the ^bheart of the ^cfathers to the ^dchildren, and the heart of the ^echildren to their fathers, lest I come and ^fsmite the ^gearth with a ^hcurse.

The Kirkland temple was a meeting place with a few more functions than we see today in meeting houses and less functions than we see in subsequent temples. There were no endowment or sealing rooms since those ordinances had not been revealed yet. The Kirkland temple could perhaps be termed a preparatory temple. The Lord taught the early saints line upon line what to do with the temple.

The Kirkland temple was built because the prophet needed a place to teach the people and the Lord needed a place to teach the prophet and the people. That temple was a little like a temple, a tabernacle, and a meetinghouse all-in-one.

Sacrament Service
1 Nephi 3:7 is an example of obedience to parents and God.
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I ^awill go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no ^bcommandments unto the children of men, save he shall ^cprepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

A missionary that just returned from Rochester, New York spoke.

Being reverent is more than being quiet. "Reverence is profound respect mingled with love," (David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1967, 86)

Sunday's a different day. We do different things. We do things that draw us nearer to Christ. Even though we do that on other days, on Sunday it is our primary, and as much as possible, our only focus.

Satan creates a lot of noise in our lives that we can get too distracted to hear the spirit.

Doctrine and Covenants 9: 8
8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must ^astudy it out in your ^bmind; then you must ^cask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your ^dbosom shall ^eburn within you; therefore, you shall ^ffeel that it is right.

Doctrine and Covenants 25:10
10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the ^athings of this ^bworld, and ^cseek for the things of a ^dbetter.

Every good team needs a good coach.

When we come to church we should wear of the best clothes we have. Whatever our best is that is what we should be wearing.

From the Bulletin
We attend church to renew our covenants and to worship God, but our worship is genuine and meaningful only if we do it with an attitude of reverence. Such an attitude can also impact others who attend meetings with us. President Packer said, “Our sacrament and other meetings need renewed attention to assure that they are truly worship services in which members may be spiritually nourished and have their testimonies replenished and in which investigators may feel the inspiration essential to spiritual conversion.” 8

Feelings of reverence ought to be maintained at all times while at church, but particularly during the sacrament. Respectful, contemplative silence should be the norm. Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone of the Seventy commented: “We must prepare and then partake with a broken heart and contrite spirit. The spiritual preparation we make to partake of the sacrament is essential to receiving a remission of our sins.” 9

Priesthood holders who participate in this sacred ordinance should be especially mindful of the need to be reverent. I remember with a smile an incident from my youth when my father demonstrated his belief in this principle. I was a priest at the sacrament table, and my brother Marvin, a deacon, was sitting on the front row directly in front of me. As the bishop began the meeting by sharing the announcements, Marvin and another deacon continued to carry on an intense conversation. Suddenly, my father rose from his bench in the middle of the chapel, made his way to the aisle, and strode toward the front of the chapel. Poor Bishop Powell stopped speaking as my father walked to the front row and firmly took hold of my brother’s arm, stood him up, and escorted him back to the bench where our family was sitting. The bishop then continued with the announcements. I remember a very quiet congregation after that—particularly the row of deacons in front of me. From that time forth, my brother sat quietly in sacrament meeting and was especially reverent when performing his sacramental responsibilities. (Elder Keith L. Smith, "Reverence", Ensign 2003 July)

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 5-10-09

brookniebauer@gmail.com (Brook) — Sun, 10 May 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Priesthood Opening
Doctrine and Covenants 76:5-10

5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am ^amerciful and gracious unto those who ^bfear me, and delight to honor those who ^cserve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their ^aglory.

8 Yea, even the wonders of ^aeternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.

9 And their ^awisdom shall be great, and their ^bunderstanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall ^cperish, and the understanding of the ^dprudent shall come to naught.

10 For by my ^aSpirit will I ^benlighten them, and by my ^cpower will I make known unto them the ^dsecrets of my ^ewill—yea, even those things which ^feye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man.

We, the Latter-day Saints, are a very blessed people.

If we are strictly and consistently obedient to the principles of God then we will have all that God has.

Elders' Quorum
Chapter 31: “God Shall Be with You Forever and Ever”: The Prophet in Liberty Jail 358–68
Prophets throughout the scriptures have been brought to "law" (imprisoned, stoned, exiled, crucified, shot) (Stephen, Jesus, John the Baptist, John the Beloved, Joseph Smith, Abinidi).

Sunday School
Lesson 17: The Law of Tithing and the Law of the Fast 93
“During World War II, my widowed mother supported her three young children on a schoolteacher’s salary that was meager. When I became conscious that we went without some desirable things because we didn’t have enough money, I asked my mother why she paid so much of her salary as tithing. I have never forgotten her explanation: ‘Dallin, there might be some people who can get along without paying tithing, but we can’t. The Lord has chosen to take your father and leave me to raise you children. I cannot do that without the blessings of the Lord, and I obtain those blessings by paying an honest tithing. When I pay my tithing, I have the Lord’s promise that he will bless us, and we must have those blessings if we are to get along’ ” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 43–44; or Ensign, May 1994, 33).

Doctrine and Covenants 119:4
4 And after that, those who have thus been ^atithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.

Malachi 3:10-11
10 Bring ye all the ^atithes into the storehouse, that there may be ^bmeat in mine house, and ^cprove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not ^dopen you the ^ewindows of heaven, and pour you out a ^fblessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will ^arebuke the ^bdevourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

If we are not a farmer do we still have "fruits of our ground"? What are our fruits? Our children, providing for our family, doing well in our profession (not necessarily climbing the corporate ladder, but being good at what we do), doing well in our schooling, food, shelter, clothing...

Doctrine and Covenants 120
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord, the time is now come, that ^ait shall be ^bdisposed of by a council, composed of the First Presidency of my Church, and of the bishop and his council, and by my high council; and by mine own voice unto them, saith the Lord. Even so. Amen.

Sacrament Service
Alma 56

47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the ^aliberty of their ^bfathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their ^cmothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their ^amothers, saying: We ^bdo not doubt our mothers knew it.

One of the speakers read this poem:
"I love you mother, said little Nell

I love you more than tongues can tell.
Then teased and pouted for half the day
Till her mother rejoiced when she went out to play.

I love you mother, said little John
Forgetting his work, his cap went on.
Then he was off to the garden swing
Leaving his mother the wood to bring

I love you mother, said little Ann
Today I'll help you all I can
Then stepping softly she took the broom
Swept the floor and tidied the room.

I love you mother, again they said
Three little children all going to bed.

Now which one do you suppose really loved Mother the most?"

It is a miracle and a privallege that we can ask and receive answers from God.

From the Bulletin
"Adam and Eve fell that they might have joy. But they didn’t skip merrily out of Eden singing and wishing everyone a nice day. They walked in sorrow into a lonely world, where they earned their bread by the sweat of their brows and learned about joy in the midst of misery and pain. Can you imagine how Eve felt when she learned that her son Cain had taken the life of her son Abel and that God had banished Cain?

How could Mother Eve possibly have found joy in the middle of such affliction? She found it by letting the atonement of Christ heal her pain and sanctify her experience. Indeed, her experience with sin and misery played a crucial role in preparing her for the joy she ultimately found. In Eve’s own words, 'Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.' (Moses 5:11.)

Women in the modern world, like women in the ancient world, go forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. In such a world, we must be spiritually strong and wise as serpents, like Mother Eve, who 'ceased not to call upon God.' (Moses 5:16.)" (Sister Marie K. Hafen, "Celebrating Womanhood", Ensign, June 1992, 50)

"My dear brothers and sisters, I feel it both a privilege and a blessing to be present at this inspirational conference, and I know that the answers to many of today’s problems are to be found in the messages being given by our leaders.

Regardless of the difficulties existing in the world today, we as a people must recognize that we have been blessed abundantly with the resources of this world; yet we know that whatever we have is the Lord’s and that he has blessed us with these things to see how we will use them.

I think it might be said, Life is God’s greatest gift to man, and what we do with our life is our gift to God.

President Brigham Young, in referring to making our life a gift to God, had this to say: “Our religion is worth everything to us and for it we should be willing to employ our time, our talent, our means, our energies, our lives.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 11, p. 119.)

And, “If we do right, there will be an eternal increase among this people in talent, strength and intellect, and earthly wealth, from this time, henceforth, and forever.” (JD, vol. 1, p. 110.)

“No blessing that is sealed upon us will do us any good unless we live for it.” (JD, vol. 11, p. 117.)

It is interesting to note that here, as elsewhere in the scriptures, promises of earthly wealth and increased talents are made to those who live the gospel principles, and counsel is given to use our talents and wealth for the building of the kingdom. Many scriptures, however, contain words of admonition regarding temptations brought about through the acquisition of wealth and its use for unrighteous purposes.

The great apostle Paul, in writing to his beloved associate Timothy, told him that “the love of money is the root of all evil,” and to “charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute. …” (1 Tim. 6:10, 17–18.)

Throughout the history of the Church its leaders have taught the value of the principles of work, industry, and thrift; and as they have been practiced, Church members have prospered in numerous ways. Likewise, members have been counseled to establish and maintain their economic independence, and employment-creating industries have been encouraged.

In furtherance of these teachings, every man who has property and means should live so as to obtain wisdom to know how to use them in the best possible way to produce the greatest amount of good for himself, for his family, for his fellowmen, and for the kingdom of God." (Elder Franklin D. Richards, Ensign June 1971, 45)