Sacrament Meeting
Mother's Day
First Speaker
Quoted from the proclamation on the family, "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children." She stated that the influence of mother is being shifted by our society to outside forces such as school, church, and daycare.
Second Speaker
Talked of various mothers in the scriptures.
-Eve - The mother of all living. Probably one of the most misunderstood and maligned mothers in the scriptures.
-Hannah - Mother of Samuel the prophet. She was willing to give her child up just to have the opportunity to be his mother.
-Sariah - Wife of Lehi, mother of Nephi. She was willing to have faith in her husband, the prophet to leave all her comforts.
-Mothers of the 2000 stripling warriors- The sons were valient and remember that "their mothers had taught them."
Motherhood is the highest calling. He quoted something from Elder Nelson, I think, but I did not catch the reference. Motherhood is the greatest profession, but since that was not an options that was available to him, he thought that being a doctor and taking care of people was as close as he could get.
Sunday School
The monkey trap - A box secured to the ground with a whole big enough for a monkey to get his open hand in, but not big enough to get its closed hand out. His greed will not allow him to let go of what he reached in to get, so he is trapped.
The story of the rich man that did everything, but possibly could not give up his riches. If he was not prepared to let go of his riches to follow God then Satan had him in a sort of monkey trap.
The rich casting money into the offering place of their abundance. The poor widow cast in all that she had. Which takes more faith to give our extra or to give everything.
These two stories show that we should be prepared to give everything to the Lord (Our time, our money, our vices...)
Priesthood
Forgiveness
It is a misconception that the offender must humble him to the dust before we can forgive them. Matthew stated, "15 But if ye aforgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matt 6:15)
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Sunday May 6, 2007
We were visiting in Elkhart, IN this week. They were doing a stake conference, but the majority of it was a satellite broadcast for the Eastern Midwest United Stated. It cut out several times during the broadcast which was a little frustrating, but if you kept focused and didn't let it distract you it was okay. We did miss a couple of keep points that speakers were trying to make.
Although it was interesting while we were singing an intermediate hymn that Salt Lake was putting words on the screen for and providing the accompaniment. The feed cut out through most of the song and the congregation continued on. It was nice to see that we were comfortable about how meetings work and with the hymn that we were able to keep going. It was a nice spirit and a nice feeling of common bond with the congregation.
The Young Men General President spoke first. He quoted something about "When we want to talk to God we should pray. When we want him to talk to us we should read the scriptures."
The 2nd councelor in the Relief Society General Presidency spoke. She also touched on the importance of prayer. She focused on praying with our families as well as family home evening and family counsils.
She went into the great value there is in teaching children to work. Through work they learn skills and also how to serve.
The President of the Seventy spoke next. He related the parable of the watchman from the Doctrine and Covenants and gave his thoughts on it. (D&C 101:43-62) He talked about the watchmen being prophets, church leaders, husbands, and fathers. The parable talks about the servants planting trees and begining to make all of the preparations that the nobleman commanded them for defending the field. Because the servants felt that everything was safe and peaceful they did not finish the preparations and the vineyard was overrun. If we are slack in doing the little preparations then when the big problems come they will over run our lives.
President Boyd K. Packer - Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke next. Over the years the personal contact of general authorities has had to be lessened due to the growth of the church. In spite of that we have technologies at our disposal that have allowed their messages and even their faces to go to more people.
He spoke of how Wilford Woodruff's missionary labors started in Tennessee. President Packer also shared some of those early experiences.
He also talked about President Hinckley and how close he has become to him and how well he has gotten to know him over the last 50 years.
The last speaker was President Hinckley. This area of the country has been an area of great missionary triumph and also tragedy.
He said that it was necessary to restore the gospel after the dark ages and not just reform it.
He encouraged us all to pray in our families and thanked us all for the prayers of support for him.
Although it was interesting while we were singing an intermediate hymn that Salt Lake was putting words on the screen for and providing the accompaniment. The feed cut out through most of the song and the congregation continued on. It was nice to see that we were comfortable about how meetings work and with the hymn that we were able to keep going. It was a nice spirit and a nice feeling of common bond with the congregation.
The Young Men General President spoke first. He quoted something about "When we want to talk to God we should pray. When we want him to talk to us we should read the scriptures."
The 2nd councelor in the Relief Society General Presidency spoke. She also touched on the importance of prayer. She focused on praying with our families as well as family home evening and family counsils.
She went into the great value there is in teaching children to work. Through work they learn skills and also how to serve.
The President of the Seventy spoke next. He related the parable of the watchman from the Doctrine and Covenants and gave his thoughts on it. (D&C 101:43-62) He talked about the watchmen being prophets, church leaders, husbands, and fathers. The parable talks about the servants planting trees and begining to make all of the preparations that the nobleman commanded them for defending the field. Because the servants felt that everything was safe and peaceful they did not finish the preparations and the vineyard was overrun. If we are slack in doing the little preparations then when the big problems come they will over run our lives.
President Boyd K. Packer - Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke next. Over the years the personal contact of general authorities has had to be lessened due to the growth of the church. In spite of that we have technologies at our disposal that have allowed their messages and even their faces to go to more people.
He spoke of how Wilford Woodruff's missionary labors started in Tennessee. President Packer also shared some of those early experiences.
He also talked about President Hinckley and how close he has become to him and how well he has gotten to know him over the last 50 years.
The last speaker was President Hinckley. This area of the country has been an area of great missionary triumph and also tragedy.
He said that it was necessary to restore the gospel after the dark ages and not just reform it.
He encouraged us all to pray in our families and thanked us all for the prayers of support for him.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Sunday April 22, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
One of the speakers quoted from the hymn Praise to the Man, "Sacrafice brings forth the blessings of heaven." He then quoted from the prophet Joseph Smith "...a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation;"
Another brother spoke on the service that his wife and he gave in the bishop's
storehouse the last two years. He also spoke about fast offerings. He
talked about that we have been told to give the cost of two meals to the
poor. He said that is the minimum and we should give ten times that much
when we are able.
Sunday School
People were saying that Jesus was a good man, but he deceived the people. (John 7:12) I
have heard people comment the same thing about the Church. They say it teaches good principles and the people of the church are generally good people, but the Church deceives people.
"If any man will do his will he will know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17) - If we want to know if something is true then live it and find out. If we want to know if God will keep his promise to poor out blessing when we pay tithing then we should do the test that Malachi gave us about trying it and see if the Lord will not do it. The same is true for any principle of the gospel.
Because he did not grow up in Bethlehem some of the people were saying that because he grew up in Galalee that he came out of Galalee and not Bethlahem, thus they thought he couldn't be a fulfillment of the prophecy.
Priesthood
Hand out from bishop and his two counselors, which reiterated his challenge for us all to pray morning and night. The letter quoted 2 Nephi 32:8-9. They testified that Heavenly Father does answer prayers. They then said, "Many blessings are withheld from us only because we do not ask Heavenly Father for them. May we always have the spirit of prayer foremost in our
thoughts."
We then went into the lesson. The instructor used as the basis for his lesson the talk from President Monson from the priesthood session of the last General Conference. 6.7 billion people in the world. Contrasting this with the number of Priesthood holders is very, very small. We have a lot of work to do.
What state of spirit are we in when we are called upon to use our priesthood? Are we arguing with our wife? Are we watching something we should not? We should prepared to serve at all times. Do we ask ourselves before we do or say something, "I am carrying the
priesthood of God with me, should I do this?"
One of the speakers quoted from the hymn Praise to the Man, "Sacrafice brings forth the blessings of heaven." He then quoted from the prophet Joseph Smith "...a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation;"
Another brother spoke on the service that his wife and he gave in the bishop's
storehouse the last two years. He also spoke about fast offerings. He
talked about that we have been told to give the cost of two meals to the
poor. He said that is the minimum and we should give ten times that much
when we are able.
Sunday School
People were saying that Jesus was a good man, but he deceived the people. (John 7:12) I
have heard people comment the same thing about the Church. They say it teaches good principles and the people of the church are generally good people, but the Church deceives people.
"If any man will do his will he will know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17) - If we want to know if something is true then live it and find out. If we want to know if God will keep his promise to poor out blessing when we pay tithing then we should do the test that Malachi gave us about trying it and see if the Lord will not do it. The same is true for any principle of the gospel.
Because he did not grow up in Bethlehem some of the people were saying that because he grew up in Galalee that he came out of Galalee and not Bethlahem, thus they thought he couldn't be a fulfillment of the prophecy.
Priesthood
Hand out from bishop and his two counselors, which reiterated his challenge for us all to pray morning and night. The letter quoted 2 Nephi 32:8-9. They testified that Heavenly Father does answer prayers. They then said, "Many blessings are withheld from us only because we do not ask Heavenly Father for them. May we always have the spirit of prayer foremost in our
thoughts."
We then went into the lesson. The instructor used as the basis for his lesson the talk from President Monson from the priesthood session of the last General Conference. 6.7 billion people in the world. Contrasting this with the number of Priesthood holders is very, very small. We have a lot of work to do.
What state of spirit are we in when we are called upon to use our priesthood? Are we arguing with our wife? Are we watching something we should not? We should prepared to serve at all times. Do we ask ourselves before we do or say something, "I am carrying the
priesthood of God with me, should I do this?"
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Sunday April 8, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
Easter
The Primary sang.
One of the high councilmen from the stake spoke about his experience in churches before he joined our church and the things that he has learned about the savior through it all. He learned of the personal nature of the atonement and the importance of baptism.
The ward choir sang.
A member of the bishopric spoke. He said that the atonement removes the effects of sin from the repentant person and allows them to reconcile themselves to God.
He said that the opening hymn - I Believe in Christ - was written by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. He read Elder McConkie's testimony in the final talk he gave before he died. Elder McConkie bore testimony of the atonement.
The Bishopric member also quoted from Elder Eyring's talk from the last General Conference where he said that man's days have been prolonged to allow them time to repent.
He talked about how often we pray for rain, but don't plow our fields to receive the rain. How often do we want the atonement, but don't do our part.
Sunday School
Jesus talking about not giving the gospel to the dogs to the Canaanite woman. She knew that he meant that the gospel was not to be taught to any but the Jews at that time and not the Canaanites yet. She commented that even the dogs got to have the scraps from the table. She also knew the term for dog that he used was as a beloved pet and not just a wild dog. At that point he began opening up the teaching of the gospel to others than the Jews.
Miracles are based on faith.
The gospel started being taught to Adam and flowed from him to the chosen people to Israel. It then went to the gentiles. It is now in the process of returning to Israel.
Peter was given all the keys of the priesthood. From Moses he received the keys to the gathering of Israel. From Elijah he received the key to sealing on Earth and in Heaven.
God said to Peter, James, and John to hear his Son. When he says hear he means listen and obey.
Priesthood
Chapter 7 - Spencer W. Kimball
Personal Testimony
We all weave threads of golden testimony throughout our lives. Each testimony comes together at a different time, in different ways, with different threads, but form a beautiful tapestry of testimony.
Easter
The Primary sang.
One of the high councilmen from the stake spoke about his experience in churches before he joined our church and the things that he has learned about the savior through it all. He learned of the personal nature of the atonement and the importance of baptism.
The ward choir sang.
A member of the bishopric spoke. He said that the atonement removes the effects of sin from the repentant person and allows them to reconcile themselves to God.
He said that the opening hymn - I Believe in Christ - was written by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. He read Elder McConkie's testimony in the final talk he gave before he died. Elder McConkie bore testimony of the atonement.
The Bishopric member also quoted from Elder Eyring's talk from the last General Conference where he said that man's days have been prolonged to allow them time to repent.
He talked about how often we pray for rain, but don't plow our fields to receive the rain. How often do we want the atonement, but don't do our part.
Sunday School
Jesus talking about not giving the gospel to the dogs to the Canaanite woman. She knew that he meant that the gospel was not to be taught to any but the Jews at that time and not the Canaanites yet. She commented that even the dogs got to have the scraps from the table. She also knew the term for dog that he used was as a beloved pet and not just a wild dog. At that point he began opening up the teaching of the gospel to others than the Jews.
Miracles are based on faith.
The gospel started being taught to Adam and flowed from him to the chosen people to Israel. It then went to the gentiles. It is now in the process of returning to Israel.
Peter was given all the keys of the priesthood. From Moses he received the keys to the gathering of Israel. From Elijah he received the key to sealing on Earth and in Heaven.
God said to Peter, James, and John to hear his Son. When he says hear he means listen and obey.
Priesthood
Chapter 7 - Spencer W. Kimball
Personal Testimony
We all weave threads of golden testimony throughout our lives. Each testimony comes together at a different time, in different ways, with different threads, but form a beautiful tapestry of testimony.
Sunday April 1, 2007 - Afternoon Session of General Conference
The Message of the Restoration
The restoration of the gospel cleared up many misconceptions and points of contention among religious sects. One of them being the nature of God. When God and Jesus appeared to Joseph Smith this event revealed that God the Father and Jesus Christ were two separate beings and they each had "a body of flesh and bones that is glorified and perfected".
Elder Perry quoted from the Doctrine and Covenants about the bring forth of the Book of Mormon, "Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old" (D&C 20:7–11).
The restoration of the gospel cleared up many misconceptions and points of contention among religious sects. One of them being the nature of God. When God and Jesus appeared to Joseph Smith this event revealed that God the Father and Jesus Christ were two separate beings and they each had "a body of flesh and bones that is glorified and perfected".
Elder Perry quoted from the Doctrine and Covenants about the bring forth of the Book of Mormon, "Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old" (D&C 20:7–11).
Someday means not today. "Someday I will repent." "Someday I will forgive him." "Someday I will speak to my friend about the Church." "Someday I will start to pay tithing." "Someday I will return to the temple." "Someday. . . . "
He talked of the purpose of creation was for us to prove ourselves. When we lived with God before we were born we chose to come here. "Hard as we knew the test would be, we felt joy because we had confidence that we could pass it. Our confidence came from knowing that Jesus Christ would come into the world as our Savior. He would overcome death. He would make it possible for us to be cleansed of our sins by qualifying for the effects of His Atonement."
He talked of the purpose of creation was for us to prove ourselves. When we lived with God before we were born we chose to come here. "Hard as we knew the test would be, we felt joy because we had confidence that we could pass it. Our confidence came from knowing that Jesus Christ would come into the world as our Savior. He would overcome death. He would make it possible for us to be cleansed of our sins by qualifying for the effects of His Atonement."
Elder Gary J. Coleman - Seventy (Audio, Text)
"Mom, Are We Christians?"
He starts off his talk with the story of a girl that is scoffed at in school by those claiming that Latter-day Saints are not Christians.
Elder Coleman did not get into this in his talk, but I get to thinking about this every so often. So many lash out at the Church and most time at the members of the Church because some leader in the their church has told them that we are not Christians. It is interesting how they pick and choose who they label. Within protestantism there are churches that believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are the same person. There are other protestant churches that believe that they are individuals with a single purpose. One of these doctrines would have to be non biblical, yet I rarely hear protestants calling other protestants or protestant churches out as being a cult or nonChristian. On the other hand, I have heard it frequently from others that I am not a Christian. Not because my actions don't represent what a follower of Christ would do, but because I am a Latter-day Saint.
The definition of a Christian has become so blurred that I sometimes wonder if that is even a title that I should try to claim. Does Christian mean follower of Christ or does it just mean someone that only uses parts of the New and Old Testaments in their sermons?
"Mom, Are We Christians?"
He starts off his talk with the story of a girl that is scoffed at in school by those claiming that Latter-day Saints are not Christians.
Elder Coleman did not get into this in his talk, but I get to thinking about this every so often. So many lash out at the Church and most time at the members of the Church because some leader in the their church has told them that we are not Christians. It is interesting how they pick and choose who they label. Within protestantism there are churches that believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are the same person. There are other protestant churches that believe that they are individuals with a single purpose. One of these doctrines would have to be non biblical, yet I rarely hear protestants calling other protestants or protestant churches out as being a cult or nonChristian. On the other hand, I have heard it frequently from others that I am not a Christian. Not because my actions don't represent what a follower of Christ would do, but because I am a Latter-day Saint.
The definition of a Christian has become so blurred that I sometimes wonder if that is even a title that I should try to claim. Does Christian mean follower of Christ or does it just mean someone that only uses parts of the New and Old Testaments in their sermons?
Who's on the Lord's side?
He quoted the words of a young pioneer which is now part of one of our hymns:
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
("Who’s on the Lord's Side?" Hymns, no. 260)
He talked of David fighting Goliath and his response contrasted with the other young men of Israel. "Their response to the question "Who's on the Lord side?" was not "I am!" but rather "Who me?""
He also gave some good thoughts on resisting temptations and becoming stronger people.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Apostle (Audio, Text)
Point of Safe Return
Elder Uchtdorf often pulls from his experience as a pilot to relate that to the gospel. He did so again this time. He talked of how in piloting there is a point of safe return sometimes referred to as the point of no return. Before this point you have enough fuel to return safely to where you started. He said that Satan tries to convince us that we are pasted the point of safe return. He does this in our individual lives, our marriages, our families, and in our sorrows.
Closing Remarks
He summarized the conference and dismissed everyone. He cautioned everyone to be safe when leaving the conference. He counseled that we should use the May Ensign magazine, which will contain this weekends proceedings, in our family home evening to teach our families. He closed with telling wife's and husbands to be decent and supportive of each other and to their children.
He quoted the words of a young pioneer which is now part of one of our hymns:
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
("Who’s on the Lord's Side?" Hymns, no. 260)
He talked of David fighting Goliath and his response contrasted with the other young men of Israel. "Their response to the question "Who's on the Lord side?" was not "I am!" but rather "Who me?""
He also gave some good thoughts on resisting temptations and becoming stronger people.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Apostle (Audio, Text)
Point of Safe Return
Elder Uchtdorf often pulls from his experience as a pilot to relate that to the gospel. He did so again this time. He talked of how in piloting there is a point of safe return sometimes referred to as the point of no return. Before this point you have enough fuel to return safely to where you started. He said that Satan tries to convince us that we are pasted the point of safe return. He does this in our individual lives, our marriages, our families, and in our sorrows.
Repentance and Conversion
His talk seemed to build on the points Elder Uchtdorf made on there being hope. Elder Nelson went on to describe the steps of repentance and the urgency of doing so.
His talk seemed to build on the points Elder Uchtdorf made on there being hope. Elder Nelson went on to describe the steps of repentance and the urgency of doing so.
He summarized the conference and dismissed everyone. He cautioned everyone to be safe when leaving the conference. He counseled that we should use the May Ensign magazine, which will contain this weekends proceedings, in our family home evening to teach our families. He closed with telling wife's and husbands to be decent and supportive of each other and to their children.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Sunday April 1, 2007 - Morning Session of General Conference
President James E. Faust - 2nd Counselor to the Prophet ( Audio, Text)
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
He talked about killing of five girls in an Amish community recently. He talked about how quickly the Amish forgave the man that killed them. The healing that came from that was substantial.
He noted experts that had commented on the effect. He also talked of another tragedy that happen in UT in the 80s.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks - Apostle ( Audio, Text)
Divorce
Some place have laws where it is easier to sever a relationship with a spouse than it is to sever a relationship with an employee.
The best way to avoid a divorce from an undesirable person is not to marry one.
Elder Neil L. Andersen - Seventy ( Audio, Text)
It's true isn't it? Then what else matters?
He related a story that he heard President Hinckley give in 1973. There was a naval officer from Asia that converted to the Church. Elder Hinckley asked about how he would be received by his people when he returned home since his people were not Christian. The man said that his family would be disappointed and many of his opportunities would be closed.
"President Hinckley asked, 'Are you willing to pay so great a price for the gospel?'"
"With his dark eyes moistened by tears, he answered with a question: 'It's true, isn't it?'"
"President Hinckley responded, 'Yes, it is true.'
"To which the officer replied, 'Then what else matters?'"
Vicki F. Matsumori - Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency (Audio, Text)
A Lesson from the Book of Mormon
The army of Helaman was comprised of young men who had been taught by their mothers to obey God and to have faith in Him. Many were not raised to know God and have faith, so we may be more like the parents of the army of Helaman who started as nonbelievers and now have the responsibility to raise righteous children.
Some of the tools that we have to teach these children are scriptures, prayer, and covenants.
When we read our scriptures, pray, and keep our covenants our children will see that and also see the effects on us and also feel the spirit more because we will be doing things that invite the spirit in more frequently.
Elder Glenn L. Pace - Seventy (Audio, Text)
Do You Know?
"Some time ago I had a delightful conversation with an impressive 16-year-old young woman. I discovered she was the only member of the Church in her high school. I asked her, "What is the most difficult challenge you face being the only member?"
The Miracle of the Holy Bible
"My brothers and sisters, the Holy Bible is a miracle! It is a miracle that the Bible's 4,000 years of sacred and secular history were recorded and preserved by the prophets, apostles, and inspired churchmen.
"It is a miracle that we have the Bible's powerful doctrine, principles, poetry, and stories. But most of all, it is a wonderful miracle that we have the account of the life, ministry, and words of Jesus, which was protected through the Dark Ages and through the conflicts of countless generations so that we may have it today.
"It is a miracle that the Bible literally contains within its pages the converting, healing Spirit of Christ, which has turned men's hearts for centuries, leading them to pray, to choose right paths, and to search to find their Savior."
President Gordon B. Hinckley - Prophet (Audio, Text)
He said that the wind is blowing and he feels like the last leaf on the tree, but he said that his health is quite good even though he is now 96.
The Nicaean Creed was a man made statement resulting from a compromise of not being able to come to an agreement on the nature of God. It was made between the various Christian leaders of the time.
President Hinckley testified of things that he knows that have been revealed from God and not through a consensus of men. God is our Father in Heaven. Jesus lives. Jesus is the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Messiah of the New.
Marriage is not intended to be "Till death do you part", but it is intended to be for all eternity.
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
He talked about killing of five girls in an Amish community recently. He talked about how quickly the Amish forgave the man that killed them. The healing that came from that was substantial.
He noted experts that had commented on the effect. He also talked of another tragedy that happen in UT in the 80s.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks - Apostle ( Audio, Text)
Divorce
Some place have laws where it is easier to sever a relationship with a spouse than it is to sever a relationship with an employee.
The best way to avoid a divorce from an undesirable person is not to marry one.
Elder Neil L. Andersen - Seventy ( Audio, Text)
It's true isn't it? Then what else matters?
He related a story that he heard President Hinckley give in 1973. There was a naval officer from Asia that converted to the Church. Elder Hinckley asked about how he would be received by his people when he returned home since his people were not Christian. The man said that his family would be disappointed and many of his opportunities would be closed.
"President Hinckley asked, 'Are you willing to pay so great a price for the gospel?'"
"With his dark eyes moistened by tears, he answered with a question: 'It's true, isn't it?'"
"President Hinckley responded, 'Yes, it is true.'
"To which the officer replied, 'Then what else matters?'"
Vicki F. Matsumori - Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency (Audio, Text)
A Lesson from the Book of Mormon
The army of Helaman was comprised of young men who had been taught by their mothers to obey God and to have faith in Him. Many were not raised to know God and have faith, so we may be more like the parents of the army of Helaman who started as nonbelievers and now have the responsibility to raise righteous children.
Some of the tools that we have to teach these children are scriptures, prayer, and covenants.
When we read our scriptures, pray, and keep our covenants our children will see that and also see the effects on us and also feel the spirit more because we will be doing things that invite the spirit in more frequently.
Elder Glenn L. Pace - Seventy (Audio, Text)
Do You Know?
"Some time ago I had a delightful conversation with an impressive 16-year-old young woman. I discovered she was the only member of the Church in her high school. I asked her, "What is the most difficult challenge you face being the only member?"
She was thoughtful and gave a very astute answer: "It is believing something is true when everyone else believes it is false, and believing something is wrong when everyone else believes it's all right.""
Elder M. Russle Ballard - Apostle ( Audio, Text)The Miracle of the Holy Bible
"My brothers and sisters, the Holy Bible is a miracle! It is a miracle that the Bible's 4,000 years of sacred and secular history were recorded and preserved by the prophets, apostles, and inspired churchmen.
"It is a miracle that we have the Bible's powerful doctrine, principles, poetry, and stories. But most of all, it is a wonderful miracle that we have the account of the life, ministry, and words of Jesus, which was protected through the Dark Ages and through the conflicts of countless generations so that we may have it today.
"It is a miracle that the Bible literally contains within its pages the converting, healing Spirit of Christ, which has turned men's hearts for centuries, leading them to pray, to choose right paths, and to search to find their Savior."
President Gordon B. Hinckley - Prophet (Audio, Text)
He said that the wind is blowing and he feels like the last leaf on the tree, but he said that his health is quite good even though he is now 96.
The Nicaean Creed was a man made statement resulting from a compromise of not being able to come to an agreement on the nature of God. It was made between the various Christian leaders of the time.
President Hinckley testified of things that he knows that have been revealed from God and not through a consensus of men. God is our Father in Heaven. Jesus lives. Jesus is the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Messiah of the New.
Marriage is not intended to be "Till death do you part", but it is intended to be for all eternity.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Saturday March 31, 2007 - Priesthood Session of General Conference
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin - Apostle (Text)
Life's Lessons Learned
Early like experiences made him who he is. Without them he would've been a different person. They shaped his character.
Act with honor and never take your eye off the ball.
"Priesthood means service; bearing the priesthood, I will serve."
Elder Robert D. Hales - Apostle (Text)
To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision
His chose not to prepare on the flight simulator and died in a fighter crash. The copilot had prepared and parachuted to safety. "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." (Alma 34: 32)
What type of friends do you want? Are you that type of friend? What type of spouse do you want? Are you that type of person?
Our 20s are the decade of decision.
Bishop Keith B. McMullin - 2nd Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric (Text)
Lay Up in Store
"if ye are prepared ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30)
Bishop McMullin quoted Paul and then each of the first presidency:
Message to My Grandsons
"Priesthood is the authority delegated to man to minister in the name of God. It is a power that no one can assume on his own initiative. As Paul said, "No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." (Hebrews 5:4.) It is an authority beyond all human power to create."
"All you young men who hold the priesthood have the duty to respect womanhood. As you date the lovely young women of the Church, you have a duty to protect their physical safety and virtue. "
President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counselor to the prophet (Text)
The Priesthood—a Sacred Gift
"My brethren, the priesthood is a gift which brings with it not only special blessings but also solemn responsibilities. It is our responsibility to conduct our lives so that we are ever worthy of the priesthood we bear. We live in a time when we are surrounded by much that is intended to entice us into paths which may lead to our destruction. To avoid such paths requires determination and courage."
President Gordon B. Hinckley - Prophet (Text)
"I Am Clean"
"I regret that I am so old at a time when life is increasingly exciting."
He recounted statistics of things that have happened since he was called as a general authority.
"In a world that wallows in filth, be clean—in language, in thought, in body, in dress.
"To each of you I say, be clean in your language. There is so much of filthy, sleazy talk these days"
Life's Lessons Learned
Early like experiences made him who he is. Without them he would've been a different person. They shaped his character.
Act with honor and never take your eye off the ball.
"Priesthood means service; bearing the priesthood, I will serve."
Elder Robert D. Hales - Apostle (Text)
To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision
His chose not to prepare on the flight simulator and died in a fighter crash. The copilot had prepared and parachuted to safety. "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." (Alma 34: 32)
What type of friends do you want? Are you that type of friend? What type of spouse do you want? Are you that type of person?
Our 20s are the decade of decision.
Bishop Keith B. McMullin - 2nd Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric (Text)
Lay Up in Store
"if ye are prepared ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30)
Bishop McMullin quoted Paul and then each of the first presidency:
"A cardinal principle of the gospel is to prepare for the day of scarcity. Work, industry, frugality are part of the royal order of life. Remember these words from Paul: "If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."13
"Seated before us are the three presiding high priests who constitute the First Presidency of the Church.
"From President James E. Faust, Second Counselor, we hear: "Every father and mother are the family's storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like to have in the case of an emergency . . . [and] God will sustain us through our trials."14
"From President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor, we hear: "Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year's supply of food . . . and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free."15
"From President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Lord's prophet, we hear:
""The best place to have some food set aside is within our homes. . . .
""We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week's food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. . . . I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all.
""Begin in a small way, . . . and gradually build toward a reasonable objective."16"
Message to My Grandsons
"Priesthood is the authority delegated to man to minister in the name of God. It is a power that no one can assume on his own initiative. As Paul said, "No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." (Hebrews 5:4.) It is an authority beyond all human power to create."
"All you young men who hold the priesthood have the duty to respect womanhood. As you date the lovely young women of the Church, you have a duty to protect their physical safety and virtue. "
President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counselor to the prophet (Text)
The Priesthood—a Sacred Gift
"My brethren, the priesthood is a gift which brings with it not only special blessings but also solemn responsibilities. It is our responsibility to conduct our lives so that we are ever worthy of the priesthood we bear. We live in a time when we are surrounded by much that is intended to entice us into paths which may lead to our destruction. To avoid such paths requires determination and courage."
President Gordon B. Hinckley - Prophet (Text)
"I Am Clean"
"I regret that I am so old at a time when life is increasingly exciting."
He recounted statistics of things that have happened since he was called as a general authority.
"In a world that wallows in filth, be clean—in language, in thought, in body, in dress.
"To each of you I say, be clean in your language. There is so much of filthy, sleazy talk these days"
Friday, April 06, 2007
Saturday March 31, 2007 - Afternoon Session of General Conference
Elder Boyd K. Pack - Apostle (Audio, Text)
He commented on music not becoming a performance, like one of the morning speakers did. He said, "...the organist, who understood that excellence does not call attention to itself...". He talked about several places in the scriptures where they talk about the Lord speaks in a still small voice and not the whirl wind and such. He cautioned against aspiring for the praises of men.
He talked of the revelations that had been revealed to the church in the tabernacle that was rededicated this weekend.
Elder Earl C. Tingey - Seventy (Audio, Text)
Prophets—Pioneer and Modern Day
He talked of Brigham Young and Gordon B. Hinckley.
Brigham Young had the Salt Lake tabernacle built. He started 3 temples and dedicated 1 shortly before he died.
"One writer said of Brigham Young: 'He led a ragged and impoverished band, stripped of virtually all their earthly goods, into an unknown territory. His critics and biographers note that the man was unique among the leaders of modern history, for he alone, without any political and financial backing, established from scratch in the desert an ordered and industrious society, having no other authority than the priesthood and the spiritual strength with which he delivered his teachings. By constant exhortations and instructions, he drew his people together and inspired them in carrying out the divine mandate to build up the kingdom of God on earth.'"
President Hinckley
"He has traveled the world, meeting kings, queens, and presidents. He has been interviewed by the world's media. He continues to bring the Church 'out of obscurity.' 9 More than 75 temples have been built in the last 12 years.
H. David Burton - Presiding Bishop (Audio, Text)
Spoke of his assignment to have the tabernacle restored. He talked of what that tabernacle has seen. He talked of the various changes that had been made to it.
Bonnie D. Parkin - Recently Released Relief Society General President (Audio, Text)
Gratitude: A Path to Happiness
Murmuring, complaining, and criticizing are ungrateful acts and do not bring happiness. They also make it difficult for the spirit to work with us.
Luke chapter 17 - Only one of the ten lepers that were healed returned to give thanks. Do we recognize things we should be grateful for in our lives and give thanks?
Elder Marlin K. Jensen - Seventy (Audio, Text)
Remember and Perish Not
We need to always remember the Lord, so that we do not fall into temptation.
"And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.
"But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." (Mosiah 4:29–30)
We should remember the history of the church, our personal history, and our family history. We also have made covenants to always remember Christ that he may have his spirit to be with us.
President James E. Faust - 2nd Counselor to the Prophet (Audio, Text)
Salt Lake Tabernacle Rededication
His father brought him to the tabernacle as a young boy to attend priesthood meeting. He also talked about how they started preparation for a tabernacle in Nauvoo to shelter the people as they listen to the Prophet. Because of the exodus they were not able to construct one, but they had acquired a large tarp to begin it.
President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counselor to the Prophet (Audio, Text)
Tabernacle Memories
He talked about his call to the 12 and the day that he was sustained in the tabernacle. He has given 102 addresses in the tabernacle.
President Gordon B. Hinckley - Prophet (Audio, Text)
A Tabernacle in the Wilderness
He spoke about the tabernacle and then offered a dedicatory prayer to rededicate the building after the renovation.
He commented on music not becoming a performance, like one of the morning speakers did. He said, "...the organist, who understood that excellence does not call attention to itself...". He talked about several places in the scriptures where they talk about the Lord speaks in a still small voice and not the whirl wind and such. He cautioned against aspiring for the praises of men.
He talked of the revelations that had been revealed to the church in the tabernacle that was rededicated this weekend.
Elder Earl C. Tingey - Seventy (Audio, Text)
Prophets—Pioneer and Modern Day
He talked of Brigham Young and Gordon B. Hinckley.
Brigham Young had the Salt Lake tabernacle built. He started 3 temples and dedicated 1 shortly before he died.
"One writer said of Brigham Young: 'He led a ragged and impoverished band, stripped of virtually all their earthly goods, into an unknown territory. His critics and biographers note that the man was unique among the leaders of modern history, for he alone, without any political and financial backing, established from scratch in the desert an ordered and industrious society, having no other authority than the priesthood and the spiritual strength with which he delivered his teachings. By constant exhortations and instructions, he drew his people together and inspired them in carrying out the divine mandate to build up the kingdom of God on earth.'"
President Hinckley
"He has traveled the world, meeting kings, queens, and presidents. He has been interviewed by the world's media. He continues to bring the Church 'out of obscurity.' 9 More than 75 temples have been built in the last 12 years.
H. David Burton - Presiding Bishop (Audio, Text)
Spoke of his assignment to have the tabernacle restored. He talked of what that tabernacle has seen. He talked of the various changes that had been made to it.
Bonnie D. Parkin - Recently Released Relief Society General President (Audio, Text)
Gratitude: A Path to Happiness
Murmuring, complaining, and criticizing are ungrateful acts and do not bring happiness. They also make it difficult for the spirit to work with us.
Luke chapter 17 - Only one of the ten lepers that were healed returned to give thanks. Do we recognize things we should be grateful for in our lives and give thanks?
Elder Marlin K. Jensen - Seventy (Audio, Text)
Remember and Perish Not
We need to always remember the Lord, so that we do not fall into temptation.
"And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.
"But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." (Mosiah 4:29–30)
We should remember the history of the church, our personal history, and our family history. We also have made covenants to always remember Christ that he may have his spirit to be with us.
President James E. Faust - 2nd Counselor to the Prophet (Audio, Text)
Salt Lake Tabernacle Rededication
His father brought him to the tabernacle as a young boy to attend priesthood meeting. He also talked about how they started preparation for a tabernacle in Nauvoo to shelter the people as they listen to the Prophet. Because of the exodus they were not able to construct one, but they had acquired a large tarp to begin it.
President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counselor to the Prophet (Audio, Text)
Tabernacle Memories
He talked about his call to the 12 and the day that he was sustained in the tabernacle. He has given 102 addresses in the tabernacle.
President Gordon B. Hinckley - Prophet (Audio, Text)
A Tabernacle in the Wilderness
He spoke about the tabernacle and then offered a dedicatory prayer to rededicate the building after the renovation.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Saturday March 31, 2007 - Morning Session of General Conference
General Conference
News Story from Deseret News
Morning Session
F. Michael Watson (Audio, Text ) gave the statistical report. A hundred thousand or so short of 13 million. Just under 300,000 convert baptisms this year.
Elder Richard G. Scott - Apostle (Audio, Text)
Prayer
The most powerful being in the universe encourages us to have audience with him on a daily basis. This is extended to everyone no matter of worldly status. The audience can be for as long as we want.
Prayers could be improved by:
1. Trying to ask for what he wants for us and not what we want for ourselves.
2. When we don't feel like praying or don't feel worthy of prayer is when we need to pray the most.
3. Don't wait until we encounter a totally over powering problem to go to God in prayer.
4. Do your part to study the problem and work on a solution yourself while waiting on the Lord.
Answers don't necessarily come while you are praying. They come as we exercise faith through our obedience.
Elder Jay E. Jensen - Seventy(Audio, Text)
Music in our meetings should not be a performance. Music becomes a performance when it draws attention to itself.
Music has great power. We can prepare ourselves to receive the messages of church meetings by coming early and listening to the prelude music.
Sing hymns as lullabies for our children.
Inappropriate music drives the Spirit from us.
Elder John B. Dickson - Seventy(Audio, Text)
Directed to the youth of the church.
Word of Wisdom
He said that we are less tempted by things we haven't partaken of. That is a different that what some say about trying something to find out you won't like it or the teaching that one should take time to "sow their wild oats" before they settle down.
Choose before you have to choose. Choose now that vulgar words and jokes will never fall from your lips. Choose now that you will never lie or cheat.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - Apostle(Audio, Text)
He talked of James counseling us that he that bridals his tongue control the entire body is a perfect man. A horse can be controlled with a bit in his mouth. A boat is controlled with a comparably small rudder. The savior said, "Not that which goeth into the mouth adefileth a man; but that which cometh out of the bmouth, this defileth a man." (Matt. 15: 11)
He condemned abuse (verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, or any kind) and also gossip and backbiting. He said to speak positively about everyone including ourselves. "The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh, but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones."—Apocrypha., Ecclesiasticus 28:17 He noted that verbal abuse knows no gender.
One should never call their children names. We should also be careful when comparing children. When we say that one child is smart and one is pretty. All the children here is that one of not smart and one is not pretty.
He said that we should be cheerful. No misfortune is so bad that whining can't make it worse. There was undoubtedly someone in the golden age of society who complained that everything was too yellow.
Elder David A. Bednar - Apostle (Audio, Text)
He talked of how a pickle is created by a specific process. If you alter that process it does not become a pickle. You must prepare the cucumber by cleaning it properly and submerse it in salt brine for a certain time. If you just sprinkle it with salt or just occasionally dunk it in the brine you will not get a pickle.
We must be prepared and follow the process to become born again. Just occasionally reading our scripture, praying, going to church, giving service, performing any of the other parts of the gospel of Jesus Christ does not make us born again. We must be totally immersed in the gospel. Also, the process takes time. It does not happen immediately. One must keep immersed and keep at it.
President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counselor to the Prophet (Audio, Text)
He shared some thoughts on the hope we have after death. Death is not like some imagine. It is much like going into another room.
He quoted from Acts 7 to talk about the resurrection. "55 But he, being full of the aHoly Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the bglory of cGod, and dJesus estanding on the fright hand of God," We see here the distinct beings, God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.
News Story from Deseret News
Morning Session
F. Michael Watson (Audio, Text ) gave the statistical report. A hundred thousand or so short of 13 million. Just under 300,000 convert baptisms this year.
Elder Richard G. Scott - Apostle (Audio, Text)
Prayer
The most powerful being in the universe encourages us to have audience with him on a daily basis. This is extended to everyone no matter of worldly status. The audience can be for as long as we want.
Prayers could be improved by:
1. Trying to ask for what he wants for us and not what we want for ourselves.
2. When we don't feel like praying or don't feel worthy of prayer is when we need to pray the most.
3. Don't wait until we encounter a totally over powering problem to go to God in prayer.
4. Do your part to study the problem and work on a solution yourself while waiting on the Lord.
Answers don't necessarily come while you are praying. They come as we exercise faith through our obedience.
Elder Jay E. Jensen - Seventy(Audio, Text)
Music in our meetings should not be a performance. Music becomes a performance when it draws attention to itself.
Music has great power. We can prepare ourselves to receive the messages of church meetings by coming early and listening to the prelude music.
Sing hymns as lullabies for our children.
Inappropriate music drives the Spirit from us.
Elder John B. Dickson - Seventy(Audio, Text)
Directed to the youth of the church.
Word of Wisdom
He said that we are less tempted by things we haven't partaken of. That is a different that what some say about trying something to find out you won't like it or the teaching that one should take time to "sow their wild oats" before they settle down.
Choose before you have to choose. Choose now that vulgar words and jokes will never fall from your lips. Choose now that you will never lie or cheat.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - Apostle(Audio, Text)
He talked of James counseling us that he that bridals his tongue control the entire body is a perfect man. A horse can be controlled with a bit in his mouth. A boat is controlled with a comparably small rudder. The savior said, "Not that which goeth into the mouth adefileth a man; but that which cometh out of the bmouth, this defileth a man." (Matt. 15: 11)
He condemned abuse (verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, or any kind) and also gossip and backbiting. He said to speak positively about everyone including ourselves. "The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh, but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones."—Apocrypha., Ecclesiasticus 28:17 He noted that verbal abuse knows no gender.
One should never call their children names. We should also be careful when comparing children. When we say that one child is smart and one is pretty. All the children here is that one of not smart and one is not pretty.
He said that we should be cheerful. No misfortune is so bad that whining can't make it worse. There was undoubtedly someone in the golden age of society who complained that everything was too yellow.
Elder David A. Bednar - Apostle (Audio, Text)
He talked of how a pickle is created by a specific process. If you alter that process it does not become a pickle. You must prepare the cucumber by cleaning it properly and submerse it in salt brine for a certain time. If you just sprinkle it with salt or just occasionally dunk it in the brine you will not get a pickle.
We must be prepared and follow the process to become born again. Just occasionally reading our scripture, praying, going to church, giving service, performing any of the other parts of the gospel of Jesus Christ does not make us born again. We must be totally immersed in the gospel. Also, the process takes time. It does not happen immediately. One must keep immersed and keep at it.
President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counselor to the Prophet (Audio, Text)
He shared some thoughts on the hope we have after death. Death is not like some imagine. It is much like going into another room.
He quoted from Acts 7 to talk about the resurrection. "55 But he, being full of the aHoly Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the bglory of cGod, and dJesus estanding on the fright hand of God," We see here the distinct beings, God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sunday March 25, 2007
Testimony Meeting
Sunday School
Symbols used to represent Christ:
Rock Light Bread
Foundation Truth Sustenance
How does one demonstrate faith? Obedience.
Priesthood
Talk on Tithing from last conference.
Tithing is a commandment. Tithing is any increase (Income from a business, personal income, alimony...). Tithing is a lower law. The higher law is consecration, everyone having all things in common or giving all of your surplus to the Lord. Much like the Beatitudes. Ye heard that it was said...But I say unto you... Tithing would be the "Ye heard that it was said". Giving you surplus would be the "But I say unto you".
Sunday School
Symbols used to represent Christ:
Rock Light Bread
Foundation Truth Sustenance
How does one demonstrate faith? Obedience.
Priesthood
Talk on Tithing from last conference.
Tithing is a commandment. Tithing is any increase (Income from a business, personal income, alimony...). Tithing is a lower law. The higher law is consecration, everyone having all things in common or giving all of your surplus to the Lord. Much like the Beatitudes. Ye heard that it was said...But I say unto you... Tithing would be the "Ye heard that it was said". Giving you surplus would be the "But I say unto you".
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Sunday March 18, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
The young women gave a musical program.
Sunday School
Parables
He taught in parables so that those who had the spirit would be able to understand and those who didn't would not. Those that understood would be accountable.
Seeds that fell by wayside - Birds came and ate them.
Seeds in Stony Places - No roots.
Seeds among thorns - Thorns choked them out.
Seeds in good soil - Bring forth fruit.
Seed = Word of God
Wayside = People that hear the Word and do not understand (lack of faith, sin, leaning on their own understanding)
Stony places = Hear and receive and don't allow it to take root (Accepted the gospel and then fell away)
Thorny places = Hear the word of God, but are distracted by the cares of the world (Accepted the gospel and then have worldly things pulls us away. Sin, temporal concerns, and such)
Priesthood
Ch 6 - Discovering the scriptures
Even after having read the scriptures 76 times President Kimball related to someone that they had explained a scripture in a way he had never considered. There is always more to learn. There is always something more to the scriptures that we have missed or a perspective that we have not looked at them from.
The young women gave a musical program.
Sunday School
Parables
He taught in parables so that those who had the spirit would be able to understand and those who didn't would not. Those that understood would be accountable.
Seeds that fell by wayside - Birds came and ate them.
Seeds in Stony Places - No roots.
Seeds among thorns - Thorns choked them out.
Seeds in good soil - Bring forth fruit.
Seed = Word of God
Wayside = People that hear the Word and do not understand (lack of faith, sin, leaning on their own understanding)
Stony places = Hear and receive and don't allow it to take root (Accepted the gospel and then fell away)
Thorny places = Hear the word of God, but are distracted by the cares of the world (Accepted the gospel and then have worldly things pulls us away. Sin, temporal concerns, and such)
Priesthood
Ch 6 - Discovering the scriptures
Even after having read the scriptures 76 times President Kimball related to someone that they had explained a scripture in a way he had never considered. There is always more to learn. There is always something more to the scriptures that we have missed or a perspective that we have not looked at them from.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Sunday March 11, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
One would be lost on a journey without consulting an authoritative map. Yet, many go through life's unfamiliar journey using maps that only have partial information (Oprah, mediums, scholars) and refuse to consult the complete map (scriptures, prayer, prophets).
Scriptures are not designed to be a history.
Sunday School
Some think that religion is a burden and heavy. Because it requires us to limit our activities. Even though it frees us from the worries and troubles that can come with not limiting yourself.
Priesthood
Chapter 5 Spenser W Kimball manual - Prayer the Passport to Spiritual Power
-Prayer is not an optional activity.
-A brother shared what I think he said was a Japanese saying. When we pray our feet should be moving.
-"We are to live the gospel as honestly and earnestly as we pray." (Spencer W. Kimball Ensign, Oct. 1981, 6)
One would be lost on a journey without consulting an authoritative map. Yet, many go through life's unfamiliar journey using maps that only have partial information (Oprah, mediums, scholars) and refuse to consult the complete map (scriptures, prayer, prophets).
Scriptures are not designed to be a history.
Sunday School
Some think that religion is a burden and heavy. Because it requires us to limit our activities. Even though it frees us from the worries and troubles that can come with not limiting yourself.
Priesthood
Chapter 5 Spenser W Kimball manual - Prayer the Passport to Spiritual Power
-Prayer is not an optional activity.
-A brother shared what I think he said was a Japanese saying. When we pray our feet should be moving.
-"We are to live the gospel as honestly and earnestly as we pray." (Spencer W. Kimball Ensign, Oct. 1981, 6)
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Sunday March 4, 2007
Testimony Meeting
One brother talked about his being asked to come to Salt Lake City to speak at a Genesis Group meeting. I looked it up online when I got home and found that it was a group for African American members of the church. I didn't understand all of it, but it appeared that it was like a support group, since the Church has been historically predominantly white. The has been around since the early 70s.
Sunday School
We talked about treasures in heaven and what they might be. Treasures as in sealing up you treasures in Heaven and focusing on the treasures of earth. I figure they are probably the things that we can take with us, since earthly treasures are things we can't take. Things that we could take would be knowledge, character, joy, friendships, and families.
We read Matthew 6. We talked about the Lord's prayer. It was interesting to that just before Matthew goes into the prayer he records that the Savior said to avoid vain repetitions. Yet many people repeat this prayer.
Priesthood
March Ensign - First Presidency Message
Compassion
One brother talked about his being asked to come to Salt Lake City to speak at a Genesis Group meeting. I looked it up online when I got home and found that it was a group for African American members of the church. I didn't understand all of it, but it appeared that it was like a support group, since the Church has been historically predominantly white. The has been around since the early 70s.
Sunday School
We talked about treasures in heaven and what they might be. Treasures as in sealing up you treasures in Heaven and focusing on the treasures of earth. I figure they are probably the things that we can take with us, since earthly treasures are things we can't take. Things that we could take would be knowledge, character, joy, friendships, and families.
We read Matthew 6. We talked about the Lord's prayer. It was interesting to that just before Matthew goes into the prayer he records that the Savior said to avoid vain repetitions. Yet many people repeat this prayer.
Priesthood
March Ensign - First Presidency Message
Compassion
Monday, February 26, 2007
Sunday February 25, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
The bishop challenged everyone in the ward to pray twice a day, morning and night. He said that there are things that are only withheld from us because we don't take the time to ask Heavenly Father for them.
Sunday School
The Beatitudes
Priesthood
Talk from last conference M Russle Ballard Oh Be Wise.
The bishop challenged everyone in the ward to pray twice a day, morning and night. He said that there are things that are only withheld from us because we don't take the time to ask Heavenly Father for them.
Sunday School
The Beatitudes
| Ye heard that it was said?: | But I say unto you: |
| Thou shalt not kill.(Matt 5:21) | Do not get angry.(Matt 22) |
| Thou shalt not commit adultary.(Matt 5:27) | Avoid lustful thoughts.(Matt 5:28) |
| Perform oaths unto the Lord.(Matt 5:33) | Keep your word.(Matt 5:34-37) |
| An eye for an eye.(Matt 5:38) | Turn the other cheek.(Matt 5:39-40) |
| Love thy neighbor and hate thy enemy.(Matt 5:43) | Love your enemies.(Matt 5:44-47) |
Priesthood
Talk from last conference M Russle Ballard Oh Be Wise.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Sunday February 18, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
A return missionary who served as a Cambodian speaking missionary in Tacoma, WA and Boston, MA spoke to us today.
Sunday School
We talked about the miracles that Jesus performed. Why would Jesus have told the people he healed to tell no one. Ordinences, like healing the sick, are sacred. We should not speak lightly of them. We should not speak of them to just anyone in any situation.
Priesthood
We talked about repentance and the miracle of forgiveness.
We listed the steps of repentance:
1. Godly sorrow/Appropriate guilt
2. Confession
3. Restitution
4. Forsaking the sin
There was a discussion about whether one who is convicted of murder can be forgiven of that. There were many scriptures shared about the condemnation of murderers. It was also brought out that it is not our place to judge. It was stated that we don't know the killers state of mind or the circumstances of the death and until the judgement comes we should not give up on people.
A return missionary who served as a Cambodian speaking missionary in Tacoma, WA and Boston, MA spoke to us today.
Sunday School
We talked about the miracles that Jesus performed. Why would Jesus have told the people he healed to tell no one. Ordinences, like healing the sick, are sacred. We should not speak lightly of them. We should not speak of them to just anyone in any situation.
Priesthood
We talked about repentance and the miracle of forgiveness.
We listed the steps of repentance:
1. Godly sorrow/Appropriate guilt
2. Confession
3. Restitution
4. Forsaking the sin
There was a discussion about whether one who is convicted of murder can be forgiven of that. There were many scriptures shared about the condemnation of murderers. It was also brought out that it is not our place to judge. It was stated that we don't know the killers state of mind or the circumstances of the death and until the judgement comes we should not give up on people.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Sunday February 11, 2007
Sacrament Meeting
One of the youth spoke on dating. He shared things from the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet.
Don't date someone that you do not consider marriage material. The pamphlet says "Date only those that have high standards and in whose company you can maintain your standards." He also said that you should be someone worth Marrying and you find people to date.
He talked about the council to not date before 16. The pamphlet states not only that you wait until 16, but that those early dating experiences should be in group. It also states that "...good friendships can and should be developed at every age."
One of the youth spoke on dating. He shared things from the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet.
Don't date someone that you do not consider marriage material. The pamphlet says "Date only those that have high standards and in whose company you can maintain your standards." He also said that you should be someone worth Marrying and you find people to date.
He talked about the council to not date before 16. The pamphlet states not only that you wait until 16, but that those early dating experiences should be in group. It also states that "...good friendships can and should be developed at every age."
Sunday School
Many people don't take Jesus literally when they read Jesus' words. When He says that he is the Son of God. When he says that baptism is necessary for eternal life. When he says that keeping the commandments is necessary to have eternal life. When he says that we should be like him.
Priesthood
We usually think of the symbolism of the sacrament being the body and the blood. Another way to look at it might be from the standpoint of the statements he made of him being the bread of life and living water.
Jesus is the God of the old testament. Jehovah is Jesus. Although that does not mean that they are the same entity. God the Father in the New Testament is not Jehovah.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Sunday February 4, 2007
Testimony Meeting
One of the youth bore testimony about prayer. He said he has thought a lot about the hymn "Did You Think to Pray". He said that he thought about the line "When your heart is filled with anger" a couple of times this week. He said that he prayed and it restored his heart to a good place.
Sunday School
Being Born Again
John 3
One must be born of the water and the spirit (v5). Baptism is a requirement.
Evidences of being born again:
Jesus is our sure foundation. What is it like to have a house that is not on a sure foundation. Here are a few foundations that I have heard of recently that were not sure.
One of the youth bore testimony about prayer. He said he has thought a lot about the hymn "Did You Think to Pray". He said that he thought about the line "When your heart is filled with anger" a couple of times this week. He said that he prayed and it restored his heart to a good place.
Sunday School
Being Born Again
John 3
One must be born of the water and the spirit (v5). Baptism is a requirement.
Evidences of being born again:
- Experience a mighty change in our hearts.
- Mosiah 5
2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty achange in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do bevil, but to do good continually. - Alma 512 And according to his faith there was a mighty achange wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye aspiritually been bborn of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty cchange in your hearts?
26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a achange of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the bsong of redeeming love, I would ask, ccan ye feel so now? - Be changed from carnal to righteous state.
- Mosiah 27
25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be aborn again; yea, bborn of God, cchanged from their carnal and dfallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his esons and daughters; - Become God's sons and daughters
- Mosiah 27:25
- Mosiah 5
7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the achildren of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are bchanged through faith on his name; therefore, ye are cborn of him and have become his dsons and his daughters. - Become new creatures
- Mosiah 27
26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in anowise inherit the kingdom of God. - Have the image of God engraven upon our countenances.
- Alma 5
14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye aspiritually been bborn of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty cchange in your hearts?
19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the aimage of God engraven upon your countenances? - Repent so our garments are purified until they are cleansed from all stain through the blood of Christ.
- Alma 5
21 I say unto you, ye will know at that day that ye cannot be asaved; for there can no man be saved except his bgarments are washed white; yea, his garments must be cpurified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins.
33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto aall men, for the barms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. - Alma 22
18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck aas if he were dead.
Jesus is our sure foundation. What is it like to have a house that is not on a sure foundation. Here are a few foundations that I have heard of recently that were not sure.
- A house that build on land that was not properly researched and now the house is sinking into the water table.
- Houses built on ice that are dropping into the sea due to climate changes. Not only were they built on ice, but right on the coast of the ocean.
- House built on the banks of a river. When spring rains come of melting snow they find their yards, basements, and other areas of their property flooded.
- Building an entire city in a bowl surrounded by the ocean and a large lake that has been damned up.
Saturday February 3, 2007
There was a black history event at the building where the White River ward meets. They had an hour and a half meeting that I think was supposed to be an hour. A few people spoke. There was a black lady from the Zionsville ward, member of a bishopric in one of the wards in the stake, and Brother Gill from our ward. A black brother from the stake high council conducted the meeting. President Cowley spoke last. The stake president was going to be there and speak, but he got called away on business. He talked about black friends he had growing up. He also talk about being a military kid in the south. He said that they built a special school for the military kids because they did not want them segregated. They wanted them to not have any division in the ranks.
There were at least two black people that were not members of the church.
After that meeting we all went to the cultural hall. They had displays with things that are happening in the church in Africa. They had printouts of various famous black people. They had African art displays.
There were also food samples and the Gills played some jazz.
They had a black lady from town who does bible readings come in and do a reading.
There were at least two black people that were not members of the church.
After that meeting we all went to the cultural hall. They had displays with things that are happening in the church in Africa. They had printouts of various famous black people. They had African art displays.
There were also food samples and the Gills played some jazz.
They had a black lady from town who does bible readings come in and do a reading.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sunday January 28, 2007
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.
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 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.
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