Sacrament Meeting
A couple that returned a few months ago from a service mission to inner city Indianapolis spoke to us today and reported on their mission.
Sunday School
We talked about why Jesus was baptized. He was baptized because he obeyed every commandment of his father.
5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being aholy, should have need to be bbaptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be cbaptized, yea, even by water! (2 Ne. 31: 5)
We talked about the difference between immortality and eternal life. Immortality being to live forever and not die. Eternal Life to live forever with God.
We talked about the Lord fasting for forty days. Fasting makes the body weak, but makes the spirit strong.
Priesthood
The Elders' quorum president went over the responsibilities of an elder. He then specifically focused on home teaching. We then listed all those in the quorum who were not present today. It was an interesting approach.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Sunday January 21, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
One of the youth talked of the members of the Godhead being separate, distinct beings. She sites scripture and then testified that they were separate beings with one purpose. The speaker that followed her expounded on that thought.
A member of the bishopric spoke last and he also talked about the Holy Ghost. He went down the road of how we can have the spirit with us more. He talked about cleaning the junk out of our lives, both spiritually and physically.
He also talked about that we don't need to be entertained all the time. We don't need to have the TV on all the time. We don't need to have a CD going or the radio on when we travel. He said that sometimes just a quiet time to think is enough. Might be a good time for light meditation and pondering.
He said that we also need to keep our hobbies from eatting up all our time. What if service was our hobby?
Sunday School
We touched on Jesus' remarks when his mother found him teaching int he synagog. Yes he was about his father's business, as he should be, and it was a reminder to his parents of his purpose. On the other hand, even though Jesus was perfect, in that he never committed sin, did not mean that he didn't learn line upon line and precept upon precept. He wasn't sinning because he hadn't been mindful of where his parents were, but maybe he just didn't entirely understand and needed to be taught.
Priesthood
Chapter 2 in the Spencer W Kimball manual.
Tragedy was with Spencer early in his life when before the age of 12 he lost 2 sisters and his mother to death. Did the Lord cause these deaths? Does he cause the deaths of those that die in car wrecks, plane crashes, and such? President Kimball said he didn't know. The Lord takes some he needs, but others go when it is their time. Perhaps when they have accomplished all that they could here.
We didn't come to earth to be protected or for a life of ease. We came for trials and tests.
One of the youth talked of the members of the Godhead being separate, distinct beings. She sites scripture and then testified that they were separate beings with one purpose. The speaker that followed her expounded on that thought.
A member of the bishopric spoke last and he also talked about the Holy Ghost. He went down the road of how we can have the spirit with us more. He talked about cleaning the junk out of our lives, both spiritually and physically.
He also talked about that we don't need to be entertained all the time. We don't need to have the TV on all the time. We don't need to have a CD going or the radio on when we travel. He said that sometimes just a quiet time to think is enough. Might be a good time for light meditation and pondering.
He said that we also need to keep our hobbies from eatting up all our time. What if service was our hobby?
Sunday School
We touched on Jesus' remarks when his mother found him teaching int he synagog. Yes he was about his father's business, as he should be, and it was a reminder to his parents of his purpose. On the other hand, even though Jesus was perfect, in that he never committed sin, did not mean that he didn't learn line upon line and precept upon precept. He wasn't sinning because he hadn't been mindful of where his parents were, but maybe he just didn't entirely understand and needed to be taught.
Priesthood
Chapter 2 in the Spencer W Kimball manual.
Tragedy was with Spencer early in his life when before the age of 12 he lost 2 sisters and his mother to death. Did the Lord cause these deaths? Does he cause the deaths of those that die in car wrecks, plane crashes, and such? President Kimball said he didn't know. The Lord takes some he needs, but others go when it is their time. Perhaps when they have accomplished all that they could here.
We didn't come to earth to be protected or for a life of ease. We came for trials and tests.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Sunday January 14, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
One of the young men spoke on what it take to prepare to become a priest. He read the duties of a priest. He said that thereby we would better understand what it takes to prepare.
Here I am paraphrasing somethings that one of the other speakers said. You can not give your light to another if your candle is not lit. You can not light another's fire unless yours is burning. Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.
Sunday School
We talked about the conceptions of John the Baptist and Jesus.
Priesthood
Chapter 1 in the Spencer W Kimball manual.
We talked about the purpose of life. That purpose is to be like Heavenly Father and return to live with him. This goes along with God's work, which is to bring to pass the imortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)
One of the young men spoke on what it take to prepare to become a priest. He read the duties of a priest. He said that thereby we would better understand what it takes to prepare.
Here I am paraphrasing somethings that one of the other speakers said. You can not give your light to another if your candle is not lit. You can not light another's fire unless yours is burning. Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.
Sunday School
We talked about the conceptions of John the Baptist and Jesus.
Priesthood
Chapter 1 in the Spencer W Kimball manual.
We talked about the purpose of life. That purpose is to be like Heavenly Father and return to live with him. This goes along with God's work, which is to bring to pass the imortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Sunday January 7, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
Testimonies
A member of the stake presidency was with us today. He bored his testimony of tithing. He said that when he grew up in Idaho there were several occasions when storms came and the next day they could see the damage to their neighbor's property and could see that the damage stopped and the damage stopped just before getting to his property.
Sunday School
If we see thing the way God does then we will not be biased by current philosophies and traditions of society.
Some stumbled at the gentiles being able to be part of the church.
Priesthood
We met with the high priests today since our leadership was all gone. The high priests talked about their goals for the year and then had a lesson on our responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach.
Testimonies
A member of the stake presidency was with us today. He bored his testimony of tithing. He said that when he grew up in Idaho there were several occasions when storms came and the next day they could see the damage to their neighbor's property and could see that the damage stopped and the damage stopped just before getting to his property.
Sunday School
If we see thing the way God does then we will not be biased by current philosophies and traditions of society.
Some stumbled at the gentiles being able to be part of the church.
Priesthood
We met with the high priests today since our leadership was all gone. The high priests talked about their goals for the year and then had a lesson on our responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Sunday December 31, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
The home is the only place that compares to the sacredness of the temple. Things that we let into our homes can decrease how close our home is to being like the temple.
Setting goals keeps us focused and moving in the right direction.
Sunday School
Intro to the study of the New Testament for next year.
A Testament is a covenant with mankind and deity.
The teacher handed out a handout on Study Skills.
Study Skills
Before Reading
Third Hour
For the fifth Sunday third hour meeting the bishop talked about things he wanted to see changed in the ward. Points he covered were as follows:
The home is the only place that compares to the sacredness of the temple. Things that we let into our homes can decrease how close our home is to being like the temple.
Setting goals keeps us focused and moving in the right direction.
Sunday School
Intro to the study of the New Testament for next year.
A Testament is a covenant with mankind and deity.
The teacher handed out a handout on Study Skills.
Study Skills
Before Reading
- Prayer
- Ezra 7:10
- Get Background Information
- Bible Dictionary
- Section Headings
- Ask Questions
- Who wrote these verses?
- To whom?
- Why is this teaching includes in the scripoture?
- What do I want to know or learn as I read today?
- What would the Lord have me know or learn as I read today?
- Read the chapter headings.
- Don't be afraid to stop
- Don't be so caught up in getting through a chapter that you don't take time to stop or slow down in order to understand.
- Look up the meaning of words you don't understand.
- Also, looking up words that you do know can show you alternate meanings or giving you perspectives on words that you had not thought of before.
- Use the study helps in the LDS editions of the scriptures.
- Liken the scriptures.
- Ask yourself how the fits in your own life or how the scripture possible is speaking to you and not just about others.
- Example, Moses 1:39 - Insert your name in place of the word man.
- Visualize
- Look for connecting words (and, but, because, therefore, and nevertheless).
- Look for patterns
- If then patterns (Leviticus 26:3-4, 18, 23-24, 40-42).
- Look for lists (Ten Commandments, Beatitudes).
- Ask questions.
- Questions in the scriptures and their answers.
- 3 Nephi 27:27 - What manner of men ought ye to be? Even as I am.
- Look for types and symbolic meaning.
- Parables
- 1 Nephi 11-14 - Lehi's vision
- Write
- Ponder
- Joshua 1:8
- D&C 76:15-20;138:1-11
- Liken the Scriptures to Yourself.
- What Principles of the gospel are taught in the scriptures I just read?
- How do those principles relate to my life?
- Reread
- Write
- Apply
- "Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." 2 Nephi 32:3
Third Hour
For the fifth Sunday third hour meeting the bishop talked about things he wanted to see changed in the ward. Points he covered were as follows:
- Not bringing food into the chapel.
- Be in seats ten minute early.
- Bear testimonies properly and end testimony meeting on time.
- Keeping our homes clear. Not that there aren't toys on the floor or something, but clean like not dirty.
- Stay in seats during sacrament. Very rairly should one have to leave the meeting. He talked about exceptions being people with health problems or people that have to take small children out to quiet them.
- Sit in the chapel and only open the overflow when necessary.
- The need to contribute to the ward mission fund since we have some many missionaries out and getting ready to go out.
- Dressing modestly.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Sunday December 24, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
The first councilor in the bishopric wrote a Christmas program again this year. He read from the scriptures. He also read some stories. One of the stories was about a boy who showed up for an auction every time to bid on bikes. He always bid one dollar and was always out bid. The auctioneer noticed that he got especially excited when the racer bikes came up. On one occasion the bidding went to eight dollars. The auctioneer called out, "Do I hear nine. Sold to the buy in the corner for nine dollars." He then took eight dollars out of his pocket and laid it on the counter and took the dollar from the boy. He gave it in pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. He then rushed away. Suddenly he paused, carefully parked his bike, and ran up to the auctioneer and gave him a big hug.
The primary sang a song and the ward choir sang some too.
Sunday School
The Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord
Prophecy fulfilled:
-Malachi 4:5-6 -
The first councilor in the bishopric wrote a Christmas program again this year. He read from the scriptures. He also read some stories. One of the stories was about a boy who showed up for an auction every time to bid on bikes. He always bid one dollar and was always out bid. The auctioneer noticed that he got especially excited when the racer bikes came up. On one occasion the bidding went to eight dollars. The auctioneer called out, "Do I hear nine. Sold to the buy in the corner for nine dollars." He then took eight dollars out of his pocket and laid it on the counter and took the dollar from the boy. He gave it in pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. He then rushed away. Suddenly he paused, carefully parked his bike, and ran up to the auctioneer and gave him a big hug.
The primary sang a song and the ward choir sang some too.
Sunday School
The Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord
Prophecy fulfilled:
-Malachi 4:5-6 -
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.
-Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland temple on April 3, 1836 and restored the keys of sealing families together for eternity. D&C 110:13-15
Prophecies yet to be fulfilled:
Zachariah 12:2,3,8,9 - A battle will take place at Jerusalem. Jews will be under siege. God will show his power and deliver them.
D&C 45 -
Zachariah 14 - The Lord will stand on the Mount of Olives and it shall split in two. The Jews will flew into the passage that is created from that.
Zachariah 12:10 - The Jews will recognize the Lord.
Priesthood
We met with the high priests since the elders' quorum presidency was out of town. We had the same lesson as last week, since the high priests were a week behind us.
Chapter 24 in the Wilford Woodruff manual.
My son gave scripture in primary, so I went there for post of this hour. He gave John 3:16 as his scripture on the topic of showing that God fulfilled his promise to send a savior.
-Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland temple on April 3, 1836 and restored the keys of sealing families together for eternity. D&C 110:13-15
Prophecies yet to be fulfilled:
Zachariah 12:2,3,8,9 - A battle will take place at Jerusalem. Jews will be under siege. God will show his power and deliver them.
D&C 45 -
Zachariah 14 - The Lord will stand on the Mount of Olives and it shall split in two. The Jews will flew into the passage that is created from that.
Zachariah 12:10 - The Jews will recognize the Lord.
Priesthood
We met with the high priests since the elders' quorum presidency was out of town. We had the same lesson as last week, since the high priests were a week behind us.
Chapter 24 in the Wilford Woodruff manual.
My son gave scripture in primary, so I went there for post of this hour. He gave John 3:16 as his scripture on the topic of showing that God fulfilled his promise to send a savior.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Sunday December 17, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
The Relief Society president shared several stories of compassion.
The Bishop detailed the birth of the Savior through Luke and Isaiah and other scriptures. He then went on to summarize the rest of his life.
Sunday School
The teacher said that she grew up in another church and always felt that it was unfair that people in the bible had prophets to lead them and we didn't.
The teacher presented a time line of events:
721 BC - Assyria the greatest empire in the world.
612 BC - Had been since been destroyed by the Babylonians.
562 BC - Nebuchadnezzar died.
539 BC - Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians under the leadership of Cyrus.
Cyrus commanded the temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Possibly after seeing his name in one of Isaiah's prophecies, which was 150 years before Cyrus was born.
The Samaritans were in Jerusalem when the Jews returned. Samaritans were Jews that had intermarried with Gentiles. They wanted to help rebuild the temple, but the Jews refused because they felt that they were not true Israelites.
Priesthood
Chapter 24 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church Wilford Woodruff.
Preparing for the Second Coming
What is the Church doing to prepare for the second coming? It is preparing us as individuals.
You get out of the gospel what you put into it.
President Woodruff said that the time was near, but he was still planting cherry trees. We still need to live our lives and continue to progress and do good.
The Relief Society president shared several stories of compassion.
The Bishop detailed the birth of the Savior through Luke and Isaiah and other scriptures. He then went on to summarize the rest of his life.
Sunday School
The teacher said that she grew up in another church and always felt that it was unfair that people in the bible had prophets to lead them and we didn't.
The teacher presented a time line of events:
721 BC - Assyria the greatest empire in the world.
612 BC - Had been since been destroyed by the Babylonians.
562 BC - Nebuchadnezzar died.
539 BC - Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians under the leadership of Cyrus.
Cyrus commanded the temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Possibly after seeing his name in one of Isaiah's prophecies, which was 150 years before Cyrus was born.
The Samaritans were in Jerusalem when the Jews returned. Samaritans were Jews that had intermarried with Gentiles. They wanted to help rebuild the temple, but the Jews refused because they felt that they were not true Israelites.
Priesthood
Chapter 24 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church Wilford Woodruff.
Preparing for the Second Coming
What is the Church doing to prepare for the second coming? It is preparing us as individuals.
You get out of the gospel what you put into it.
President Woodruff said that the time was near, but he was still planting cherry trees. We still need to live our lives and continue to progress and do good.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sunday December 10, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
We visited my parent's ward this week.
Santa tells us to be good. Christ tells us what good is and to do it. Christ also tells us what bad is and how to avoid it.
Sunday School
Daniel 2
Daniel prayed to prepare to interpret the king's dream. He didn't just jump into it without seeking guidance.
Nebuchadnezzar went to his wise men to get answers. Daniel went to God. President Kimball, a modern day prophet gave an interpretation of the dream in a talk he gave in 1976. A summary of the interpretation follows.
Stone cut without hands - means it was not made by man.
Gold Head - Nebuchanezer, a world power.
All the pieces under that were the kingdoms that would take over and follow after.
The stone is the kingdom of God on earth and will break to pieces the worldly kinddoms.
Priesthood
Chapter 23 of the Wilford Woodruff manual - Unity
The godhead is one in purpose, even though its members are individuals.
When changes in programs and leadership come it may take us out of our comfort zone. That doesn't make it wrong. We are to stretch and grow.
We visited my parent's ward this week.
Santa tells us to be good. Christ tells us what good is and to do it. Christ also tells us what bad is and how to avoid it.
Sunday School
Daniel 2
Daniel prayed to prepare to interpret the king's dream. He didn't just jump into it without seeking guidance.
Nebuchadnezzar went to his wise men to get answers. Daniel went to God. President Kimball, a modern day prophet gave an interpretation of the dream in a talk he gave in 1976. A summary of the interpretation follows.
Stone cut without hands - means it was not made by man.
Gold Head - Nebuchanezer, a world power.
All the pieces under that were the kingdoms that would take over and follow after.
The stone is the kingdom of God on earth and will break to pieces the worldly kinddoms.
Priesthood
Chapter 23 of the Wilford Woodruff manual - Unity
The godhead is one in purpose, even though its members are individuals.
When changes in programs and leadership come it may take us out of our comfort zone. That doesn't make it wrong. We are to stretch and grow.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Sunday December 3, 2006
Fast and Testimony Meeting
Lots of people in the ward seem to be having trials right now. Several are health related and several are home and family things. It is a hard thing to say, but it seems to be working as a catalyst to draw our members closer and also to bring people back to the church. Much like the trials my parents had when I was a kid caused them to seek out a church.
Sunday School
Daniel refused the king's meat because it violated the law of Moses and he then asked for things that were more healthy. Could this have been a precursor to the Word of Wisdom? Could this have been a part of the preparatory law preparing the people for the Word of Wisdom? The Word of Wisdom talks of hidden treasures of knowledge. The people talked of how Daniel was mentally sharper after the ten days.
Priesthood
Our lesson was based on the first presidency message from the December Ensign - Treasured Gifts - by President Thomas S. Monson.
The talk quoted a Christmas story about O. Henry. It was about a wife that sold her hair to pay for a chain for her husbands watch and her husband some his watch to pay for a comb for her hair. This story was contrasted against all of the things we see and hear about buying these extravagant gifts for people. I hear all year round commercial for jewelry and how buying these expensive jewelry pieces will "show her your love."
Lots of people in the ward seem to be having trials right now. Several are health related and several are home and family things. It is a hard thing to say, but it seems to be working as a catalyst to draw our members closer and also to bring people back to the church. Much like the trials my parents had when I was a kid caused them to seek out a church.
Sunday School
Daniel refused the king's meat because it violated the law of Moses and he then asked for things that were more healthy. Could this have been a precursor to the Word of Wisdom? Could this have been a part of the preparatory law preparing the people for the Word of Wisdom? The Word of Wisdom talks of hidden treasures of knowledge. The people talked of how Daniel was mentally sharper after the ten days.
Priesthood
Our lesson was based on the first presidency message from the December Ensign - Treasured Gifts - by President Thomas S. Monson.
The talk quoted a Christmas story about O. Henry. It was about a wife that sold her hair to pay for a chain for her husbands watch and her husband some his watch to pay for a comb for her hair. This story was contrasted against all of the things we see and hear about buying these extravagant gifts for people. I hear all year round commercial for jewelry and how buying these expensive jewelry pieces will "show her your love."
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Sunday November 26, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
Perseverance
Thomas Edison was deaf by the time he was a teenager. He was self taught from the time he was a young age. Einstein had education, but Edison persevered to get his knowledge. He invented the phonograph in spite of being deaf.
Patience
In England Solitaire is called Patience. Buddhism has patience as one of the six things needed to attain. As time went on, the scriptures has more references per author on patience. Do we have more problems with impatience in our day?
Patience is not indifference.
Impatience may indicate that out timetable is more important than the Lord's.
Sunday School
Whenever a temple is dedicated we do a hosanna shout. It is because it is a grand spiritual event when a new temple is operating on the earth.
Ezekiel says that the lord walks in his temples.
Ezekiel 47 - The water is the Gospel. It is the truths that come out of the temple. Truth will heal that war torn land.
Priesthood
M Russel Ballard's talk from last conference on being wise.
Jacob, brother of Nephi - wants to know if his people are going to reject the words like the Lamanites did. He tells them, "Oh be wise. What can I say more?"
Focus on people not the programs.
Perseverance
Thomas Edison was deaf by the time he was a teenager. He was self taught from the time he was a young age. Einstein had education, but Edison persevered to get his knowledge. He invented the phonograph in spite of being deaf.
Patience
In England Solitaire is called Patience. Buddhism has patience as one of the six things needed to attain. As time went on, the scriptures has more references per author on patience. Do we have more problems with impatience in our day?
Patience is not indifference.
Impatience may indicate that out timetable is more important than the Lord's.
Sunday School
Whenever a temple is dedicated we do a hosanna shout. It is because it is a grand spiritual event when a new temple is operating on the earth.
Ezekiel says that the lord walks in his temples.
Ezekiel 47 - The water is the Gospel. It is the truths that come out of the temple. Truth will heal that war torn land.
Priesthood
M Russel Ballard's talk from last conference on being wise.
Jacob, brother of Nephi - wants to know if his people are going to reject the words like the Lamanites did. He tells them, "Oh be wise. What can I say more?"
Focus on people not the programs.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Sunday November 19, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
As the speaker spoke today about gratitude and the fact that the topic was inspired by it being the week of Thanksgiving, I thought about the excitement of the holidays and even gathering with friends that I have lost over the years. Holidays have become just time off of work. Gatherings with friends use to feel like I was going to miss something if I was not there. Now gatherings with friends feel mostly like work.
One speaker took parts of his talk from an article written by President Faust. It talked of how he grew up during the Great Depression. He said that they had homemade soap made from ashes. He said that they bathed once a week, so they were cleaner than when they got in the bath, but smelled worse and the soap was gritty and uncomfortable to use. Because of that he appreciates the soft soaps we have today that smell good. I don't ever want to go through something like the depression, but I do want to appreciate what we have more and not have an appetite for "better" things.
The speaker went on to talk about miracles that are around us every day. He talked of counting the miracles we see every day and giving thanks for them. There are a lot of things we don't pay attention to as miracles.
Sunday School
Ezekiel
We talked of good shepherds and bad shepherds. Bad shepherds are self serving and do not have the welfare of the sheep in their minds and hearts. The difference between the good and the bad is is loving the sheep and just being there for the money. It came to my mind about our employment. Are we just there for the money or do we honestly do our best. This scripture is about teaching God's people, but it brought out other interesting thoughts to me.
Priesthood
Lesson 22 in the Teachings of Wilford Woodruff manual.
President Woodruff taught that those who labor with their education should also find ways to work manually. He said that we should not look down at manual work as being beneath us.
As the speaker spoke today about gratitude and the fact that the topic was inspired by it being the week of Thanksgiving, I thought about the excitement of the holidays and even gathering with friends that I have lost over the years. Holidays have become just time off of work. Gatherings with friends use to feel like I was going to miss something if I was not there. Now gatherings with friends feel mostly like work.
One speaker took parts of his talk from an article written by President Faust. It talked of how he grew up during the Great Depression. He said that they had homemade soap made from ashes. He said that they bathed once a week, so they were cleaner than when they got in the bath, but smelled worse and the soap was gritty and uncomfortable to use. Because of that he appreciates the soft soaps we have today that smell good. I don't ever want to go through something like the depression, but I do want to appreciate what we have more and not have an appetite for "better" things.
The speaker went on to talk about miracles that are around us every day. He talked of counting the miracles we see every day and giving thanks for them. There are a lot of things we don't pay attention to as miracles.
Sunday School
Ezekiel
We talked of good shepherds and bad shepherds. Bad shepherds are self serving and do not have the welfare of the sheep in their minds and hearts. The difference between the good and the bad is is loving the sheep and just being there for the money. It came to my mind about our employment. Are we just there for the money or do we honestly do our best. This scripture is about teaching God's people, but it brought out other interesting thoughts to me.
Priesthood
Lesson 22 in the Teachings of Wilford Woodruff manual.
President Woodruff taught that those who labor with their education should also find ways to work manually. He said that we should not look down at manual work as being beneath us.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Sunday November 12, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
We have two young men leaving on missions this week and they spoke today.
One of the them related a survey of returned missionaries about what they felt they should've done before leaving on their missions that would've better prepared them. Many of them said they would've studied more and become more familiar with the scriptures.
It was stated that missionaries should focus less on prepared lessons and more on teaching by the spirit. That does not mean to go in blind and not prepare, but to not focus on getting through a lesson plan.
One of the speakers talked of having gone to the temple for the first time recently. I believe he said that he went through a couple the last week or so. He testified of the sacredness of the temple and that all should become worthy and attend often.
Our new stake high councilor spoke. He introcduced himself. He said that he and his family are new to the area. He said that his wife is an actress and has been in several, now syndicated, television shows.
In his talk he said that in the scriptures the Lord does not use the word mission. Instead he uses the phrase to gather. He also expressed tht the measure of a successful missionary is the degree to which they obey the mission rules. A successful life could be measure in much the same way.
Sunday School
I was mistaken. We did not get through all of Jeremiah last week.
We talked about the miracles Israel had seen and yet built a golden calf. Turn that around and what if they saw our day and how foolish would we seem to them with foolish things we do with all the miracles that are done around us?
Do we fish for men as seriously and passionately as fishermen and hunters do for game?
Priesthood
Chapter 21 Wilford Woodruff
Why does God allow suffering?
1. Sometimes it is caused by others or ourselves and we and they have our agency. God will not remove that.
2. Also our purpose here is to be tried. We are to prove that we will be faithful. God knows what we will do, so we are mostly proving it to ourselves.
3. We are strengthen by doing. We learn by overcoming. Learning is another of our purposes.
We have two young men leaving on missions this week and they spoke today.
One of the them related a survey of returned missionaries about what they felt they should've done before leaving on their missions that would've better prepared them. Many of them said they would've studied more and become more familiar with the scriptures.
It was stated that missionaries should focus less on prepared lessons and more on teaching by the spirit. That does not mean to go in blind and not prepare, but to not focus on getting through a lesson plan.
One of the speakers talked of having gone to the temple for the first time recently. I believe he said that he went through a couple the last week or so. He testified of the sacredness of the temple and that all should become worthy and attend often.
Our new stake high councilor spoke. He introcduced himself. He said that he and his family are new to the area. He said that his wife is an actress and has been in several, now syndicated, television shows.
In his talk he said that in the scriptures the Lord does not use the word mission. Instead he uses the phrase to gather. He also expressed tht the measure of a successful missionary is the degree to which they obey the mission rules. A successful life could be measure in much the same way.
Sunday School
I was mistaken. We did not get through all of Jeremiah last week.
We talked about the miracles Israel had seen and yet built a golden calf. Turn that around and what if they saw our day and how foolish would we seem to them with foolish things we do with all the miracles that are done around us?
Do we fish for men as seriously and passionately as fishermen and hunters do for game?
Priesthood
Chapter 21 Wilford Woodruff
Why does God allow suffering?
1. Sometimes it is caused by others or ourselves and we and they have our agency. God will not remove that.
2. Also our purpose here is to be tried. We are to prove that we will be faithful. God knows what we will do, so we are mostly proving it to ourselves.
3. We are strengthen by doing. We learn by overcoming. Learning is another of our purposes.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Sunday November 5, 2006
Fast and Testimony Meeting
We have had a lot of trouble with irreverence in the chapel. Our new bishop has implemented some things to try to help with that. He has had the elders' quorum set up ushers to make sure the overflow curtain stays closed until a few minutes before the meeting starts, so that the chapel fills up more before going to the overflow. The ushers are also supposed to keep people who come late from entering the chapel during sacrament meeting.
We have also had trouble with testimony meeting running over every month. People would not only run long with their testimonies, but they would also get up when the meeting was already supposed to be over to sit in line on the stand. They announced today that they would like people to respect that they want the meeting to wrap up by five till the hour.
Sunday School
We did the entire book of Jeremiah today.
It was pointed out that different prophets have different missions. Each of us also have different missions. We should not be jealous of the callings that other people get. Jeremiah and Mormon were called to give an apostate people one last change, but not succeed in getting them to repent. Others have been called to be successful. Some prophets prosper. Some live in poverty. Some are tortured. Some are killed.
Priesthood
The lesson was based on a April 1996 conference talk given by Thomas S. Monson. The talk was titled Duty Calls.
Where does the path of duty lie? First is the duty to prepare. Second is the duty to serve. You must know your duty and learn what it is. Then you must do it.
We have had a lot of trouble with irreverence in the chapel. Our new bishop has implemented some things to try to help with that. He has had the elders' quorum set up ushers to make sure the overflow curtain stays closed until a few minutes before the meeting starts, so that the chapel fills up more before going to the overflow. The ushers are also supposed to keep people who come late from entering the chapel during sacrament meeting.
We have also had trouble with testimony meeting running over every month. People would not only run long with their testimonies, but they would also get up when the meeting was already supposed to be over to sit in line on the stand. They announced today that they would like people to respect that they want the meeting to wrap up by five till the hour.
Sunday School
We did the entire book of Jeremiah today.
It was pointed out that different prophets have different missions. Each of us also have different missions. We should not be jealous of the callings that other people get. Jeremiah and Mormon were called to give an apostate people one last change, but not succeed in getting them to repent. Others have been called to be successful. Some prophets prosper. Some live in poverty. Some are tortured. Some are killed.
Priesthood
The lesson was based on a April 1996 conference talk given by Thomas S. Monson. The talk was titled Duty Calls.
Where does the path of duty lie? First is the duty to prepare. Second is the duty to serve. You must know your duty and learn what it is. Then you must do it.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Sunday October 29, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
The primary gave the program today.
At the end the Bishop reiterated his challenge to become a unified ward. He also quoted from Matthew where he states to become like a little child.
Sunday School
We finished up Isaiah today.
Someone share that when you set up a tent the further your stake are out the stronger the tent becomes. This was related to the statement in Isaiah 54:2 to enlarge the habitation and strengthen stakes.
If we strengthen ourselves we will then beable to lengthen the cords and strengthen and add to the stakes.
Joint Priesthood/Relief Society
We had a presentation from LDS Family Services. They reviewed what they do and some new things that they do or at least changes in policy. They do adoptions, family counseling, 12 step programs for addiction (the 12 steps are free and based on LDS doctrine and values), and ecclesiastical consultations.
The primary gave the program today.
At the end the Bishop reiterated his challenge to become a unified ward. He also quoted from Matthew where he states to become like a little child.
Sunday School
We finished up Isaiah today.
Someone share that when you set up a tent the further your stake are out the stronger the tent becomes. This was related to the statement in Isaiah 54:2 to enlarge the habitation and strengthen stakes.
If we strengthen ourselves we will then beable to lengthen the cords and strengthen and add to the stakes.
Joint Priesthood/Relief Society
We had a presentation from LDS Family Services. They reviewed what they do and some new things that they do or at least changes in policy. They do adoptions, family counseling, 12 step programs for addiction (the 12 steps are free and based on LDS doctrine and values), and ecclesiastical consultations.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Richard Neitzel Holzapfel - BYU Sperry Symposium 10-28-2006
Notes from an address given at the BYU Sperry Symposium on How the New Testament Came to Be.
Richard Neitzel Holzapfel - Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture - Brigham Young University
The Da Vinci Code, the Gospel of Judas, and Other Bad Ideas
He listed some bad ideas and then went on to discuss them:
1. We can learn something about Jesus Christ and early Christianity from The Da Vinci Code.
2. The Dead Sea Scrolls are proto-Mormon documents that can help us prove the Church is true.
3. The Gospel of Judas, along with other Gnostic texts such as the Nag Hammadi Library, provides insights into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
4. The New Testament apocrypha contains the “plain and precious things” removed from the Bible.
5. The 1611 King James Version is a new revelation from God and is superior to the original Hebrew and Greek texts on which the translation was based.
6. New Testament scholars are evil, they are atheists (agnostic at best), and they deserve to go to you-know-where.
7. Past Latter-day Saint scholarship is the best scholarship.
8. The Joseph Smith Translation is only a footnote to the King James Version text.
He recommended David Daniell's book, The Bible in English as the best book on the history of the English Bible to that date.
Richard Neitzel Holzapfel - Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture - Brigham Young University
The Da Vinci Code, the Gospel of Judas, and Other Bad Ideas
He listed some bad ideas and then went on to discuss them:
1. We can learn something about Jesus Christ and early Christianity from The Da Vinci Code.
2. The Dead Sea Scrolls are proto-Mormon documents that can help us prove the Church is true.
3. The Gospel of Judas, along with other Gnostic texts such as the Nag Hammadi Library, provides insights into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
4. The New Testament apocrypha contains the “plain and precious things” removed from the Bible.
5. The 1611 King James Version is a new revelation from God and is superior to the original Hebrew and Greek texts on which the translation was based.
6. New Testament scholars are evil, they are atheists (agnostic at best), and they deserve to go to you-know-where.
7. Past Latter-day Saint scholarship is the best scholarship.
8. The Joseph Smith Translation is only a footnote to the King James Version text.
He recommended David Daniell's book, The Bible in English as the best book on the history of the English Bible to that date.
Robert J. Matthews - BYU Sperry Symposium 10-28-2006
An address given at the BYU Sperry Symposium on How the New Testament Came to Be.
Robert J. Matthews - Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture - Brigham Young University
Joseph Smith and the New Testament
The current dispensation is conducted in the same way as previous dispensations. The ordinances are the same as well.
Men do not appoint themselves, but must be called of God by revelation.
"...if one man cannot understand these things but by the Spirit of God, ten thousand men cannot; it is alike out of the reach of the wisdom of the learned, the tongue of the eloquent, the power of the mighty." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 205;See reference sited in the later work - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith Chapter 33: The Spiritual Gifts of Healing, Tongues, Prophecy, and Discerning of Spirits 379–89)
The natural man does not have the Holy Ghost, so he can not understand the things of God.
e [Elder Pratt] mentioned that as Joseph used the Urim and Thummim in the translation of the Book of Mormon, he wondered why he did not use it in the translation of the New Testament. Joseph explained to him that the experience he had acquired while translating the Book of Mormon by the use of the Urim and Thummim had rendered him so well acquainted with the Spirit of Revelation and Prophecy, that in the translating of the New Testament he did not need the aid that was necessary in the 1st instance." (Minutes of the School of the Prophets, Salt Lake City, 14 January 1871, Family and Church History Department Archives, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.)
Joseph understood much about previous dispensations since he had been visited by the leaders of those dispensations. He had been schooled by them and the Lord to restore that which had been lost, so he had to understand what had been before.
The complete gospel plan was preached in every dispensation beginning with Adam. The new testament dispensation was unique since it contained the Savior's birth, life, and ministry, but the doctrines were the same.
Men were saved by this great plan of redemption as much before the coming of Christ as since.
Our current New Testament is marvelous, but it is just a hint of what it once was.
The Book of Mormon does not lessen the New Testament or the holy land, but enlarge of view of an active and caring savior who is God of the whole world.
The Topic Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide in the Latter-day Saint scriptures contains 19 pages of scriptures supporting many subtopics about Jesus.
1 Nephi 13 talks of the Book of Mormon restoring the plain and precious things that have been removed from the Bible.
There are places in the Bible where there is ambiguity, which has caused some confusion. Mark 15:2 states "And aPilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, bThou sayest it." Some have stated that Jesus did not answer that he was the Son of God, but with, "That's what you say."
Joseph Smith's translation of this verse states,
3 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
4 And Jesus answering, said unto him, I am, even as thou sayest.
The ten commandment, the beatitudes, and the articles of faith all start with our relationship with God and they end up with out relationship to man, which matches with what the Savior said in Matthew 22:
The first four beatitudes are missing from the New Testament and if we know the pattern we can immediately see that something is missing. The Savior teaches us about our relationship to God and then our relationship to man.
One o fthe purposes our scripture is to keep the Lord's commandments in front of our eyes.
Robert J. Matthews - Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture - Brigham Young University
Joseph Smith and the New Testament
The current dispensation is conducted in the same way as previous dispensations. The ordinances are the same as well.
Men do not appoint themselves, but must be called of God by revelation.
"...if one man cannot understand these things but by the Spirit of God, ten thousand men cannot; it is alike out of the reach of the wisdom of the learned, the tongue of the eloquent, the power of the mighty." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 205;See reference sited in the later work - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith Chapter 33: The Spiritual Gifts of Healing, Tongues, Prophecy, and Discerning of Spirits 379–89)
The natural man does not have the Holy Ghost, so he can not understand the things of God.
e [Elder Pratt] mentioned that as Joseph used the Urim and Thummim in the translation of the Book of Mormon, he wondered why he did not use it in the translation of the New Testament. Joseph explained to him that the experience he had acquired while translating the Book of Mormon by the use of the Urim and Thummim had rendered him so well acquainted with the Spirit of Revelation and Prophecy, that in the translating of the New Testament he did not need the aid that was necessary in the 1st instance." (Minutes of the School of the Prophets, Salt Lake City, 14 January 1871, Family and Church History Department Archives, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.)
Joseph understood much about previous dispensations since he had been visited by the leaders of those dispensations. He had been schooled by them and the Lord to restore that which had been lost, so he had to understand what had been before.
The complete gospel plan was preached in every dispensation beginning with Adam. The new testament dispensation was unique since it contained the Savior's birth, life, and ministry, but the doctrines were the same.
Men were saved by this great plan of redemption as much before the coming of Christ as since.
Our current New Testament is marvelous, but it is just a hint of what it once was.
The Book of Mormon does not lessen the New Testament or the holy land, but enlarge of view of an active and caring savior who is God of the whole world.
The Topic Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide in the Latter-day Saint scriptures contains 19 pages of scriptures supporting many subtopics about Jesus.
1 Nephi 13 talks of the Book of Mormon restoring the plain and precious things that have been removed from the Bible.
There are places in the Bible where there is ambiguity, which has caused some confusion. Mark 15:2 states "And aPilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, bThou sayest it." Some have stated that Jesus did not answer that he was the Son of God, but with, "That's what you say."
Joseph Smith's translation of this verse states,
3 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
4 And Jesus answering, said unto him, I am, even as thou sayest.
The ten commandment, the beatitudes, and the articles of faith all start with our relationship with God and they end up with out relationship to man, which matches with what the Savior said in Matthew 22:
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
The first four beatitudes are missing from the New Testament and if we know the pattern we can immediately see that something is missing. The Savior teaches us about our relationship to God and then our relationship to man.
One o fthe purposes our scripture is to keep the Lord's commandments in front of our eyes.
Robert L. Millet - BYU Sperry Symposium 10-28-2006
An address given at the BYU Sperry Symposium on How the New Testament Came to Be.
Robert L. Millet - Department of Ancient Scripture - BYU
The Closed Canon: Blessings, Challenges, and Prospects
He talked of a canon of scripture being authoritative and books are included because they are deemed authoritative. There was a lot of discussion about books to be included in the Bible. There was a lot of Christian writings at the time, but they tried to determine which were authoritative.
Jesus continued to teach His people from the Law of Moses, the words of the prophets, and other sacred writings. Those records testified of him to and it was of continued importance that the people learn and understand those scriptures too.
He described some of the history of how we got the Bible in the form we have it today. There was much debate of the the books to be included Old Testament and even the entire Old Testament itself. There were also disputes over what to include in the New Testament. There was also much that was removed and attempted to be removed that didn't match what some people wanted to believe. For example Martin Luther not like the Epistle of James because it talked so much about the need for works.
Some books were removed from the canon because they were not in narrative form. They didn't tell a story. They were trying to make Christianity more palatable to the rest of the world.
Professor N.T. Wright, a bishop in the Church of England stated, "The canonization of scripture, both Jewish and Christian, was no doubt complicated by all kinds of less than perfect human motivations."
Some writers in the early Church add titillation to their writings to make them more palatable to non Christians often taking liberties with the doctrines. The canonized books of the Bible helped keep some of that in check.
On the other hand too much reliance on the canon can shut off people to being open to further instruction from God. It can also lead to complacency if a point of doctrine is not dealt with directly in the Bible some may assume that God doesn't care how we deal with it. It can border on scripture worship.
Scripture points away from itself and toward God and delegated to Christ.
One Protestant scholar has inquired tellingly into the erroneous doctrine of a closed canon. He writes: “On what biblical or historical grounds has the inspiration of God been limited to the written documents that the church now calls its Bible? . . . If the Spirit inspired only the written documents of the first century, does that mean that the same Spirit does not speak today in the church about matters that are of significant concern?”(Lee M. McDonald, The Formation of the Christian Biblical Canon, rev. ed. (1995), 255–56.)
Who authorized the canon to be closed?
Didn't the apostles in New Testament times declare that the canon was no more closed .
The Bible is a wonderful tool in the hand of God, but horrible when used as a weapon.
We do not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, but we do believe that what we have today is what God intended for us to have.
Before we can write the Gospel in our own book of life we must learn the Gospel as it is in the books of scripture. - Bruce R. McKonkie 1982
We read the Bible through the lenses of restoration scriptures. Christians have been likewise taught to read the Old Testament through the lenses of the New Testament. They would probably rather read the book of John or other writings of the apostles than the book of Leviticus they nonetheless confess a love for the entire Bible. The same is true for Latter-day Saints. We would most like modern scripture, but we love all scripture.
Robert L. Millet - Department of Ancient Scripture - BYU
The Closed Canon: Blessings, Challenges, and Prospects
He talked of a canon of scripture being authoritative and books are included because they are deemed authoritative. There was a lot of discussion about books to be included in the Bible. There was a lot of Christian writings at the time, but they tried to determine which were authoritative.
Luke 24: 44-45
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be afulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be afulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their aunderstanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Jesus continued to teach His people from the Law of Moses, the words of the prophets, and other sacred writings. Those records testified of him to and it was of continued importance that the people learn and understand those scriptures too.
He described some of the history of how we got the Bible in the form we have it today. There was much debate of the the books to be included Old Testament and even the entire Old Testament itself. There were also disputes over what to include in the New Testament. There was also much that was removed and attempted to be removed that didn't match what some people wanted to believe. For example Martin Luther not like the Epistle of James because it talked so much about the need for works.
Some books were removed from the canon because they were not in narrative form. They didn't tell a story. They were trying to make Christianity more palatable to the rest of the world.
Professor N.T. Wright, a bishop in the Church of England stated, "The canonization of scripture, both Jewish and Christian, was no doubt complicated by all kinds of less than perfect human motivations."
Some writers in the early Church add titillation to their writings to make them more palatable to non Christians often taking liberties with the doctrines. The canonized books of the Bible helped keep some of that in check.
On the other hand too much reliance on the canon can shut off people to being open to further instruction from God. It can also lead to complacency if a point of doctrine is not dealt with directly in the Bible some may assume that God doesn't care how we deal with it. It can border on scripture worship.
Scripture points away from itself and toward God and delegated to Christ.
One Protestant scholar has inquired tellingly into the erroneous doctrine of a closed canon. He writes: “On what biblical or historical grounds has the inspiration of God been limited to the written documents that the church now calls its Bible? . . . If the Spirit inspired only the written documents of the first century, does that mean that the same Spirit does not speak today in the church about matters that are of significant concern?”(Lee M. McDonald, The Formation of the Christian Biblical Canon, rev. ed. (1995), 255–56.)
Who authorized the canon to be closed?
2 Nephi 28:26-31
26 Yea, wo be unto him that ahearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!
26 Yea, wo be unto him that ahearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!
30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon aprecept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn bwisdom; for unto him that creceiveth I will give dmore; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
Didn't the apostles in New Testament times declare that the canon was no more closed .
The Bible is a wonderful tool in the hand of God, but horrible when used as a weapon.
We do not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, but we do believe that what we have today is what God intended for us to have.
Before we can write the Gospel in our own book of life we must learn the Gospel as it is in the books of scripture. - Bruce R. McKonkie 1982
We read the Bible through the lenses of restoration scriptures. Christians have been likewise taught to read the Old Testament through the lenses of the New Testament. They would probably rather read the book of John or other writings of the apostles than the book of Leviticus they nonetheless confess a love for the entire Bible. The same is true for Latter-day Saints. We would most like modern scripture, but we love all scripture.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Sunday October 22, 2006
Priesthood
Our meeting schedule was reversed today due to needing to change our bishop. In order for the stake presidency to be there they needed to have Sacrament meeting last.
The instructor talked of a time when he knew of a minister that was studying with the missionaries. He commented on the sacrifice that would be required of that man to accept the gospel. He probably went to college to be a minister. If he choose to join the Church he will still be able to be a "minister", but he will have to get a different job and possibly start his education over again in order to get that job.
The instructor pointed out that Nephi's brother Jacob was eye witness to many miracles. He quoted from a conference talk or a scripture the phase, "Oh be wise. What can I say more?" If we are being wise in our behaviors we will be obeying the commandment. If we think about the things that we do. How many of them are foolishness and if we thought about what we were doing and tried to be wise would we be wetter off?
The instructor pointed out that we should focus on principle and people rather than on programs.
A phrase was used today that I know I have heard a while ago. "Catch others doing something right." We often catch others doing wrong or what we perceive to be wrong, but how many times do we recognize the good that others do? When they do a good parenting thing. When they go out of their way to help someone else.
We talked of motivating others with love and sincere appreciation and not with guilt.
Sunday School
I was reflecting back recently on illnesses my kids have had and how they have wanted to be held by me when taking medicine or cleaning a wound. It has made me think about the story of Joseph Smith getting his leg operated on. I have often thought about how hard that surgery would be for him and for his father to watch, but now I see a new perspective. How it is to have built a relationship with your children where just being held by you gives them comfort as they have pain and allows them to shoulder the pain.
Sacrament Meeting
They released Bishop Brown today and called Bishop Wagner. Everyone was saying good bye, so there was little to really document.
Our meeting schedule was reversed today due to needing to change our bishop. In order for the stake presidency to be there they needed to have Sacrament meeting last.
The instructor talked of a time when he knew of a minister that was studying with the missionaries. He commented on the sacrifice that would be required of that man to accept the gospel. He probably went to college to be a minister. If he choose to join the Church he will still be able to be a "minister", but he will have to get a different job and possibly start his education over again in order to get that job.
The instructor pointed out that Nephi's brother Jacob was eye witness to many miracles. He quoted from a conference talk or a scripture the phase, "Oh be wise. What can I say more?" If we are being wise in our behaviors we will be obeying the commandment. If we think about the things that we do. How many of them are foolishness and if we thought about what we were doing and tried to be wise would we be wetter off?
The instructor pointed out that we should focus on principle and people rather than on programs.
A phrase was used today that I know I have heard a while ago. "Catch others doing something right." We often catch others doing wrong or what we perceive to be wrong, but how many times do we recognize the good that others do? When they do a good parenting thing. When they go out of their way to help someone else.
We talked of motivating others with love and sincere appreciation and not with guilt.
Sunday School
I was reflecting back recently on illnesses my kids have had and how they have wanted to be held by me when taking medicine or cleaning a wound. It has made me think about the story of Joseph Smith getting his leg operated on. I have often thought about how hard that surgery would be for him and for his father to watch, but now I see a new perspective. How it is to have built a relationship with your children where just being held by you gives them comfort as they have pain and allows them to shoulder the pain.
Sacrament Meeting
They released Bishop Brown today and called Bishop Wagner. Everyone was saying good bye, so there was little to really document.
Sunday October 15, 2006
7am Priesthood meeting
President Alexander was released since he is moving due to his work.
Sacrament Meeting
Prophets are more important than scripture. The scriptures told the Jews that they were the chosen people. Paul told them that the Gentiles were to be given the opportunity to be chosen as well.
Sunday School
I missed Sunday school today.
Priesthood
Agency makes us responsible for our actions. We fought in the war in Heaven for our agency. Why was it so important that it would cause a war.
Someone stated that evil is not a paying job. They quote President Woodruff in saying, "I have never committed a sin that didn't cost me more than what it was worth."
President Alexander was released since he is moving due to his work.
Sacrament Meeting
Prophets are more important than scripture. The scriptures told the Jews that they were the chosen people. Paul told them that the Gentiles were to be given the opportunity to be chosen as well.
Sunday School
I missed Sunday school today.
Priesthood
Agency makes us responsible for our actions. We fought in the war in Heaven for our agency. Why was it so important that it would cause a war.
Someone stated that evil is not a paying job. They quote President Woodruff in saying, "I have never committed a sin that didn't cost me more than what it was worth."
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Sunday October 8, 2006
Fast Sunday
Sacarment Meeting
Many expressed gratefulness for having conference last week.
One brother expressed an interesting thought. He said that his sister had told him before, in trying to teach him to be a better listener, that if you listen long enough, even to a fool, you will learn something.
Sunday School
We watched a video called Touch of the Master's Hand that was a video representation of the story about the beat up old violin at an auction. It was being auctioned for only a few dollars. Then someone came from the back and cleaned and tuned it. They then played a song on it. After that it was auctioned for thousands.
The short video was all we had time for since the testimonies given in sacrament meeting ran us way long, but the teach gave us a handout that I have entered below.
"The Wonderful Things the Savior has Done for Us."
Isaiah 29:9-10, 13 -> Joseph Smith - History 1:18-19
Isaiah 29:11-12 -> Joseph Smith - History 1:63-65
Isaiah 29:14 -> Doctrine and Covenants 4:1, 6:1
Priesthood
We went over Chapter 10 of Teachings of the Prophets, Wilford Woodruff titled Following the Living Prophet.
We talked about that different prophets seem to have a theme or something that they particularly drive. President Bensen's theme many would say was to read the Book of Mormon. We asked what President Hinckley's would be. He seems to be focused on getting temples to the people, but also on strengthening the youth. Examples of this would be the statements that missionaries need to prepare better before their missions. They should no longer live a wayward life and then repent before going on their mission.. They should also no longer gain their testimony after they are on their mission. They need to have a testimony before they leave.
Sacarment Meeting
Many expressed gratefulness for having conference last week.
One brother expressed an interesting thought. He said that his sister had told him before, in trying to teach him to be a better listener, that if you listen long enough, even to a fool, you will learn something.
Sunday School
We watched a video called Touch of the Master's Hand that was a video representation of the story about the beat up old violin at an auction. It was being auctioned for only a few dollars. Then someone came from the back and cleaned and tuned it. They then played a song on it. After that it was auctioned for thousands.
The short video was all we had time for since the testimonies given in sacrament meeting ran us way long, but the teach gave us a handout that I have entered below.
"The Wonderful Things the Savior has Done for Us."
- The Savior opens the door to Heavenly Father's presence (Isaiah 22:22).
- The Savior shows mercy for those in Spirit Prison (Isaiah 24:21-22).
- The Savior is a strength and a refuge (Isaiah 25:1-4, 32:1-2).
- The Savior will prepare a feat and destroy the vail (Isaiah 25:6-9).
- The Savior wipes away our tears (Isaiah 25:8).
- The Savior will bring the resurrect (Isaiah 26:19).
- The Savior is our sure foundation (Isaiah 28:19).
- *The Savior will restore the gospel to the earth (Isaiah 29:4, 9-14, 18, 24).
- The Savior knows our trials and directs our paths (Isaiah 30:19-21).
Isaiah 29:9-10, 13 -> Joseph Smith - History 1:18-19
Isaiah 29:11-12 -> Joseph Smith - History 1:63-65
Isaiah 29:14 -> Doctrine and Covenants 4:1, 6:1
Priesthood
We went over Chapter 10 of Teachings of the Prophets, Wilford Woodruff titled Following the Living Prophet.
We talked about that different prophets seem to have a theme or something that they particularly drive. President Bensen's theme many would say was to read the Book of Mormon. We asked what President Hinckley's would be. He seems to be focused on getting temples to the people, but also on strengthening the youth. Examples of this would be the statements that missionaries need to prepare better before their missions. They should no longer live a wayward life and then repent before going on their mission.. They should also no longer gain their testimony after they are on their mission. They need to have a testimony before they leave.
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