Saturday October 6, 2007 - Morning Session of General Conference

Saturday Morning Session of the 177th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Hinckley presented the names of General Church officers for sustaining (Text, Audio, Video). Included in that was calling a new councilor to the prophet, who would replace President James E. Faust who died recently.

Elder Henry B. Eyring was sustained as second councilor in the First Presidency.

Elder Quentin L. Cook was called to fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles left by Elder Eyring being called into the First Presidency.

Boyd K Packer - Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Weak and the Simple of the Church (Text, Audio, Video)
He talked about the practice of sustaining leaders. "We always know who is to called to lead or teach..." "In this way, the Church is protected from any impostor..."

He also spoke of our responsibility to accept callings. "Each member is responsible to accept the call to serve. " We all need to do our part. "The Church has no professional clergy. The call to leadership positions worldwide is drawn from the congregation. We have no seminaries for the training of professional leaders. "

He talked of how we do not have the problem of struggling to find clergymen. We can go into an area where there are members and set up a congregation with leadership being called from those local members.

He talked of how every calling in the Church is important. Every down to the level of nursey leaders and Sunday school teachers. Those teachers are giving those children a love for attending church and reenforcing the teachings they are receiving at home. For some they may be the only exposure gospel living that they get throughout the week.

He quoted a couple of scriptures service and humility. “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:27). “The same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all” (D&C 50:26). He talked about the relationship between children in a family. Is one of more worth than another?

Bishop Richard C. Edgley -First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
Enduring Together (Text, Audio, Video)
He started out talking about a newspaper article that talked about how Utah Mormons know everything about every other Mormon in town. The reporter said that it "...can be intrusive", but "It also happens to be one of our greatest strengths.” The reporter related a story about a car accident. Before the police and ambulance showed up the entire ward knew. “In 48 hours, the Quigley yard was mowed, home cleaned, laundry done, refrigerator stocked, relatives fed and a trust fund set up at a local bank. We would have given their dog a bath if they had one.”

Bishop Edgley quoted, “As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” (Mosiah 18:8–9)

He sited a few examples of tragedies that happened in his own ward. He said that his ward has learned five things through it all.

1. The Lord’s organization is fully adequate to know and care for those with even the most dire emotional and spiritual needs.


2. Adversity can bring us closer to God, with a renewed and enlightened appreciation for prayer and the Atonement, which covers pain and suffering in all their manifestations.


3. Members who suffer tragedy firsthand often experience an increased capacity for love, compassion, and understanding. They become the first, last, and often the most effective responders in giving comfort and showing compassion to others.


4. A ward, as well as a family, draws closer together as it endures together—what happens to one happens to all.


5. And perhaps most important, we can each be more compassionate and caring because we have each had our own personal trials and experiences to draw from. We can endure together.

I think I missed this when I listened to it the first time and when I read it. As I was listening to it again on the way into work this morning I noticed that he said, "what happens to one happens to all" at least three times. I have often noticed the opposite of what he expressed in his talk. Some of ideas that seem to get in the way of ward unity are:

1. They are capable of doing that themselves.
2. They brought this on themselves.
3. Nobody did x for me when y happened to me.
4. If they need help all they have to do is call me.
   

Mary N. Cook - Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
Strengthen Home and Family (Text, Audio, Video)
She quoted from the For the Strength on Youth pamphlet, “being part of a family is a great blessing. . . . Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Father’s plan”

She quoted President Hinckley from the talk he gave at the General Young Women meeting last spring. “(1) pray, (2) study, (3) pay your tithing, and (4) attend your meetings” (“Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2007, 115).

Sister Cook said to ask ourselves, “Who in my family could benefit from my personal prayers?”

She talked of how President Hinckley in the same talk mentioned above counciled to “get all of the education you can”

She quoted 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” and also referenced the Family section in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet.

She closed by quoting from the talk by Elder Robert D. Hales, “How Will Our Children Remember Us?” and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Elder Hales said, “If the example we have received from our parents was not good, it is our responsibility to break the cycle. . . "

Elder Enrique R. Falabella - Seventy
Why Are We Members of the Only True Church? (Text, Audio, Video)
He spoke of growing up poor and how his father taught him "that happiness does not depend on money."

After receiving the gospel his father set a goal to get his family to the temple. The temple was a 15-day trip with highways in poor condition, uncomfortable buses, not even knowing the route..."

His mother had passed away when he was very young and after they were all sealed to her in the temple they were glad to be an eternal family and not just till death do they part.

He stated that "The Church of Jesus Christ is a church of priests, 'a royal priesthood, an holy nation' (1 Peter 2:9)."

He related a story about him and his son. "When my son Daniel was six years old, he saw that I was worried because I had to attend a stake conference. I was unsure about what to teach the Saints. He came up to me and said, “Daddy, that’s really easy.” That’s how children see everything.

“Let’s see, Son,” I told him. “Since it’s easy, tell me what I can talk to them about.”

“Talk to them about prayer,” he told me.

“That’s a good subject,” I told him, “but they’ve heard a lot of talk about prayer; what could I tell them that’s new?”

“That’s easy too, Daddy. First tell them, ‘Before you start to talk to Heavenly Father, think about the things you want to tell Him.’ “

“That sounds like a magnificent idea,” I replied. “And then?”

“Well, once you’ve thought of it, tell it to Him! When you finish, wait and see if He has something to tell you.”"

Elder Spencer J. Condie - Seventy
Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises (Text, Audio, Video)
"The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." (Article of Faith 4)

He touched on that this is faith that he atoned for our sins (Isaiah 1:18) and that by His
Resurrection we too will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:21–23).

"In these latter days, the Lord revealed that “when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:21). The Lord makes generous promises, and He certifies that He will not vary from these promises, for, said He, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise” (D&C 82:10)." He gave some examples of this principle.

Commandment	Promise	Scripture
Confess and forsake sins	Forgiveness	D&C 58:43
Pay tithing	Opening the windows of Heaven	Malachi 3:10
Word of Wisdom	Great treasures of knowledge	D&C 89:19
Keep the Sabbath holy	Become unspotted from the world	D&C 59:9; Exodus 31:13
Feast upon the words of Christ	Divine guidance and inspiration	2 Nephi 32:3
liken all scriptures unto ourselves	Divine guidance and inspiration	1 Nephi 19:23
Pray	whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you	3 Nephi 18:20
Let virtue garnish your thoughts unceasingly	Holy Ghost will be our constant companion.	1 Nephi 19:23
Fast	“loose the bands of wickedness,” undo our “heavy burdens,” and “break every yoke”	Isaiah 58:6
Be sealed in the temple and keep your covenants.	“shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever”	D&C 132:19

Elder Dieter F. Ukdorf - Apostle
Have We Not Reason to Rejoice(Text, Audio, Video)
He quoted from one of the hymns we sang this morning:
Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation.
(“Now Let Us Rejoice,” Hymns, no. 3)

His family joined the Church while living in war torn Germany. He related a story about the war front moving toward their town and his mother and his siblings evacuating. During that time his family learned about the Church. Even in our times of trial, “My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

He expounded on the fourth article of faith. "We believe that the first principles and ^aordinances of the Gospel are: first, ^bFaith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, ^cRepentance; third, ^dBaptism by ^eimmersion for the ^fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ^ghands for the ^hgift of the Holy Ghost."(Articles of Faith 1:4)

Once we have received truth we are to endure to the end. Enduring is not hanging in there. It is an active process.

He closed saying Jesus wants us to succeed. He has given us a lot of requirements, but he has made a plan that is entirely within our ability to attain for us if we follow him.

President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counseler in the The First Presidency
Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues (Text, Audio, Video)
He talked about death and how sad it can be for people and the hope that we have for what is after we die.

Saturday October 6, 2007 - Priesthood Session of General Conference

General Priesthood Session of the 177th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
L. Tom Perry - Apostle
Raising the Bar (Text, Video)
He talked about how when his son was in high school he was a high jumper. He said that his son was practicing high jumping against the minimum height to qualify. He suggested to his son that he raise it higher. His son said that he might miss. He told his son that if he just did the minimum he would never know what he was capable of.

He talked about potential missionaries should extend themselves above the minimum standards required to serve a mission. He counseled to study before going on a mission and to have a clean appearance even before you go on your mission.

Donald L. Hallstrom - Seventy
Do It Now (Text, Video)
He talked of the mentallity that many of us slip into with zoning out when we read or when lessons are giving because it feels like we have heard it all before. This can block the spirit's access to our minds.

He also talked about being slothful and procrastinating those things that are important.

“For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

“And now, . . . as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end” (Alma 34:32–33).

Quoted President Spencer W. Kimball on procrastination. "President Kimball also taught the profound principle that procrastination leads to the loss of exaltation. He said: “One of the most serious human defects in all ages is procrastination, an unwillingness to accept personal responsibilities now. . . . Many have allowed themselves to be diverted and have become . . . addicts to mental and spiritual indolence and to the pursuit of worldly pleasure” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 4–5)."

L. Whitney Clayton - Seventy
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (Text, Video)
He described fishing traps where fish can squeeze in, but was much more difficult to get out. He then talked about King David and how David got caught in a trap that was easy to get into, but impossible to get out of. He saw the bait and did not turn away from it.

He talked about how pornography is like this. Like David those that view pornography gradually get into more and trouble. Soon more explicit pictures are desired and the problem grows and becomes more addictive.

Walter F. Gonzalez - Member of the Presidency of the Seventy
Today is the Time (Text, Video)
"What are we doing today to engraven in our souls the gospel principles that will uphold us in times of adversity?"

President Henry B. Eyring - 2nd Counselor in the First Presidency
God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Holder (Text, Video)
He talked about how he now feels like he did when he was a young man and moved from a small ward to a large ward. The large ward had a complicated pattern for passing the sacrament efficiently to a large congregation. Even though he had passed the sacrament many times before he was scared that he would make a mistake in the new pattern.

He talked about giving a talk at a convention of churches where people were to decide which church to go to or at least which talk to go to on subsequent days. He said that preachers and people came up to him related how they had known members that had served not just their church, but the community. He said that he had been concerned about people not liking his message, but each day more and more people came. They came not because the talk was good, but because they had seen the impact of the message on lives of members of the Church.

President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counselor in the First Presidency
A Royal Priesthood (Text, Video)
He spoke about the characteristics of a true priesthood holder.
Vision, effort, faith, prayer, and virtue.

President Gordon B. Hinckley - Prophet
Slow to Anger (Text, Video)
"A proverb in the Old Testament states: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32)."

He said that many of the inmates in prison are probably there because they did something in anger.

"Divorce too often is the bitter fruit of anger."

Sunday September 30, 2007

Today we visited Yellow Creek Mennonite Church in Wakarusa, IN, because my wife's sister's boyfriend was giving a sermon there. It was the first time he had ever given one. I think they said that he was helping out the head pastor.

They started the service with having everyone stand and sing a few praise songs.


After the praise songs concluded a guy got up and talked about how they had been looking for a youth pastor. I'm not sure if he was giving a testimony or just a status report on how the search is going. He talked a little bit about how the committee that he was on had some great ideas and big plans and they are not working out. He talked of how Noah waited on the Lord and He came through.

They called up some new elders in the church. Elders in their church, as I understand it, are like a board of directors. There were a couple of guys called and one woman.

They asked the new elders some questions kind of like making promises. A little like when you see wedding vows being exchanged. One person, who I think is the new overseer or something like that asked similar questions to the congregation and the congregation stood and answered.

They gave introductions of the new elders and then the new elders gave a few words of acceptance. One of the elders in his acceptance talked about his thoughts as he considered accepting the position. He felt like he was not mature enough to do it, but he thought, "Is Jesus enough?" He thought about his weaknesses, but that he should not rely on himself or others, but that all he needed was to rely on Jesus.

They also called or as they said it, "installed" a new overseer. They said that he pastors the pastors. My sister-in-law told me that he represents the conference, which is the presiding authority over the pastor. It was interesting to me that his wife worships at a different Mennonite church. I guess he is a little like a high councilor in our church except that he is always responsible for being at the same church which is not his home church. Perhaps. I was a little unclear on that.

The overseer gave an acceptance speech. He said something about the congregation had a future that is not the past, but is connected to the past. I'm not sure, but I think he may have been referring to splits they have had into other congregations through disagreement and even though the future should not be that, the people should remember their history and also the positive heritage.

They prayed for the elders and the new overseer. They had anyone from the congregation come forwarded who wanted to lay hands on them while they prayed.

A woman introduced my sister-in-law's boyfriend. Then she mention a couple of kids in the congregation who had been in an accident or something that they needed to pray for. She then began to pray. In the prayer she then named others. It was a pretty lengthy prayer. Then a lady sang a song. Then they had a family go up there and give what they called a dramatic scripture reading of Psalm 136. I guess every other line in that Psalm is the same sentence. They mixed it up in their family reading the unique lines and then on the repeated lines he had the congregation chant them.

After that my sister-in-law's boyfriend spoke.
Generation to generation - Psalms of remembrance.
Psalms 78:1-7 - The what - Remember the praise worthy deeds of the Lord.
The why - So the next generation will trust the Lord and not forget the deeds.

He stated that God has four roles. God is the creator, but also the protector, sustainer, and leader.

He talked about the history of the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. He said that the congregation is 160 years old. It is known for developing its youth. He said that God leads to support missionaries and the community. One way he sited that they are doing that is through creating a carnival as an alternative to Halloween.

He stated that long ago the congregation split into two congregations. Theirs and the one across the way. After they split they shared a building for 40 years. There will be disagreements, but get along.

Sunday September 23, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
I was sustained as the 11 year old scout leader.

First Speaker
Being made in God's image.

Just as we teach our children the things necessary to be successful adults, God teaches us the things necessary to be successful beings in eternity.

Charity is something one becomes.

2nd Speaker
The Bishop spoke to us about some of the problems that we have in our ward.

We can not effectively grow our ward and strengthen our community if we keep our hearts tied to our favorite sins. Matthew 6:24 - 24 ¶ No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

DnC 101: - The Lord moved the saints to Jackson county Missouri. If the Lord moved them there, why were they driven out by the local people? It was in consequence of their transgressions. Our bishop said that all of the transgressions listed for the saints when they were driven out in verse 6 are present in out ward. 6 Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances.

He stated that The proclamation on the Family from 1995 was given as a proclamation to the world and not just to the Church.

He read from the 2nd paragraph of the Proclamation on the Family - gender is important.

"ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."

Christ prayed that we all would be one as Christ and God are one. (John 17: 11, 21-22)

11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

He read from the 6th paragraph of the Proclamation on the Family - Husband and wife's duty to their children and each other
"children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations."

The bishop said the Lord must likes sports since he builds basketball hoops into the churches, but sports should not get in the way of us or our children doing our duties.

He talked about modesty. Some only dress modestly when convenient. He said that in Babylon clevage is in, but in God's way it is tucked in. It reminded me of the scripture about having to speak so plainly in front of wives and children. (Jacob 2: 7, 35)

7 And also it grieveth me that I must use so much boldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing unto God;
• • •
35 Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.

He read from the 8th paragraph of the Proclamation on the Family - The consequences of breaking covenants.
"WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

Sunday School
1 Corinthians
Paul was correcting some doctrines that had been altered since he originally talked them.
1. Proper relationships between husbands, wives, and God. (1 Corinthians 11:1-3, 1 Corinthians 11:11-12.)
2. Sacramment (1 Corinthians 11:17-29)
3. Spiritual Gifts or the importance of all spiritual gifts. the Corinthians were putting too much emphasis on the gift of tongues. The gift of tongues generally edifies only a small group of people and we should focus on all the gifts to edify everyone. (1 Corinthians 12-14)
1 Cor 12:8-10 - Talks about some of the gifts of the spirit.
4. Resurrection - Jesus was resurrected and as a free gift we can be too. (1 Corinthians 15)

Another aspect that Paul was touching on was our temporal gifts and the necessity of each person and those gifts. He wanted people to seek after the gifts that would best edify the Church and best complement others' gifts.

As I had been studying the part of the lesson on charity, it appeared to me that for the most part people have misinterpreted what it is. I think many focus on giving to the poor, but one of the verses said something about that if we have given everything we have to the poor and have not charity we are nothing. That would seem to indicate that charity is not giving to the poor. It can be in giving to the poor, but it is not giving to the poor in and of itself.

Charity is not prideful, does not act unseemly or poorly or profanely, not easily provoked, thinketh no evil...

Paul councils about not acting as a child. There is a lot of "third grade" humor in our society. We joke about sex and body parts much like an elemenary school child would. Additionally to acting like an adult, but we are also to grow beyond the immaturity of our human weaknesses.

The teacher said that she felt like she was a kind and loving person...95% of the time. She read where it said endure to end. She said it didn't say endure 95% of the time.

Sunday September 16, 2007

Announcements
-Relief Society Broadcast Dinner - September 29 at 6:00pm at the stake center.
-Special Temple Recommend Reassignment - This was previously scheduled for September 23 from 12-1, but has been postponed until further notice.
-Temple Gardening Assignment Louisville, Kentucky Temple. A temple recommend is not required for this service project. (Contact the high priest group leader if you can attend)
-Storehouse Assignment - September 18th 6am. Contact your priesthood leaders if you can attend.
-Many emails are being returned or failed due to old email addresses or blockages. Ward members are being asked to update their email information on the ward web site.

Sacrament Meeting
1st Speaker
Supporting Ward Leaders
When we raise our hands to sustain our leaders we are not voting for them. We are binding ourselves to help them. Leaders, if they were voted in, would be accountable to the people. Because they are called of God they are accountable to God. They may be accountable for the people, but not to the people.

How do we sustain our leaders?
-Obeyng their council.
-Praying for them.
-Paying our tithes and offerings that they may have adequate resources to serve those under their stewardship.

2nd Speaker
He started by talking about being in the ward when it was created from the 2nd ward. he talked about different families that are now that were here then and what he remembered about them from when he was a youth.

He talked about that the accient Church had apostles and prophets. He said that the current day Church has these offices too. He said that he had met some of these men. He testified that they were men of God.

He went to his sister's wedding at the Nauvoo temple yesterday.

He noted that if this church had been the work of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, or anyone else it would not have withstood the trials it has been put through in the early years.

Sunday School
Trials and Adversity
The instructor related that her husband had been complaining to someone about their son's room being a mess. The person asked if the son was into drugs or if he had been arrested. The father said no to both. He then realized that the room may have been an issue that needed to be addressed, but maybe wasn't near as big a deal as what he was making it out to be.
One in the class gave the perspective said that he asks himself as he is worry about things and asks himself if it is life threatening. If so he finds that he can more easily bring it into perspective and not worry so much about it.

Elder's Quorum
Chapter 18 - Teachings Spencer W Kimball - Honorable, Happy, Successful Marriage.
What are signs of a honorable, happy, successful marriage? Here are some opinions from class:-Being comfortable holding your wife's hand in public is one sign.-You world should revolve around your wife. She should not be a satelite around your world.
Trends in the world are frustrating the plan that Heavenly Father has for those individuals. The thought that men and women have no need for each other or that if they do they have no need for marriage. 'The Lord has said that in order to obtain the highest of the three heavens or degrees of glory in the celestial kingdom, "a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];"And if he does not, he cannot obtain it." (D&C 131:2-3.)'
There was a lot of comments about media and the trend to belittle others in a joking manner. It was expressed in a couple of different ways by a couple of different people that belittling your spouse in anyway is dangerous.
One of the brothers shared the five love languages from a book that was written recently.

Sunday September 9, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
A new deacon spoke. He told of how he was giving an assignment in school to bring in something that represented who he was. He took in a Book of Mormon. He talked about how important it was for him. His teacher asked how he got involved with the church. He shared his conversion story with her.

This young man became the president of the Deacons' quorum right after he became a deacon. He related how exciting that was for him and his father as they are recent convert to the Church.

The 2nd speaker spoke on the fifth article of faith. "5 We believe that a man must be acalled of God, by bprophecy, and by the laying on of chands by those who are in dauthority, to epreach the Gospel and administer in the fordinances thereof."

She sited several scriptures where the laying on of hands was used to pass on authority.

She also talked of how the family is the basic unit of the church and the strength of our congregations come from the strength of our families.

The choir sang abide with me. Afterward the bishop related that he went to a parochial school for several years and they would end the day with that song and a prayer, so it was something special to him.

A member of the stake high council was the last speaker. He spoke on receiving callings. He read D&C 1: 38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my aword shall not pass away, but shall all be bfulfilled, whether by mine own cvoice or by the dvoice of my eservants, it is the fsame."

In the service of the Lord it is not where you serve, but how.

Sunday School
The Church should have unity. Many churches have been created just because of differences of opinion on how things should be done.
Mosiah 18:21-22 - 21 And he commanded them that there should be no acontention one with another, but that they should look forward with bone eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts cknit together in unity and in love one towards another.
22 And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the achildren of God.

3 Ne. 11: 29 - 29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of acontention is not of me, but is of the bdevil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

Members of the Church in Paul's day were comparing themselves as to who was greater because of who baptised them or taught them.

The contention and immature ways of the members made it necessary for Paul to continue to feed them the milk of the gospel and hold back the meat of the gospel.

Helaman 5:12 - 12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Christ is the foundation. Don't build the foundation on a certain preacher or a certain teacher.

Elder's Quorum
Spencer W Kimball manual chapter 17 - The Law of Chastity
If young men would not date young women that dress immodestly the immodest styles would change.

Pairing off should be postponed until 16 or older and even then much judgement should be used.
Start early in life to teach our children standards of chastity.

Sunday September 2, 2007

Testimony Meeting
Nothing to report.

Sunday School
We talked about the differences of opinions that were taking place in the early Church. The contensions about taking the gospel to the gentiles and also about blending the law of Moses into the gospel. Even the brethren contended these points. Revelation from God came and settled it.

We saw some of this after Joseph Smith's death. As different people were contending over who should lead the church.

We also see this among the various churches as doctrines are debated and various people have their opinions about what the scriptures say.

Elder's Quorum
The prophet has counceled us to look at our finances and get out of debt. In this months Ensign magazine there was an insert of finances. We talked about this a bit.

In the insert there was an exerpt of a talk from October 1998 General Conference by President Hinckley.
"I urge you, brethren, to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage.

"...If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wives and children and peace in your hearts. That’s all I have to say about it, but I wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable." (Ensign Nov 1998, 54)

In the insert there were also exepts from talks from the rest of the first presidency and a budget worksheet.

The following principles were shared to gain a few months' reserve.

• Pay an honest tithe and give a generous fast offering.
• Avoid debt.
• Use a budget to record expenses and plan spending.
• Save some money, if only a few coins each week.
• Teach family members these principles.

Sunday August 26, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
There is a family history fair coming up on September 15.

The first speaker talking about judging others. (Matthew 7:1-2)

The bishop was the last speaker. It is interesting that the bishop spoke next since is he called to be a judge in his role to lead a congregation.

The bishop talked about the law of the fast. He reviewed that we fast for two consecutive meals once a month. On that fast Sunday we are to attended our testimony meeting and contribute at least the cost of the two meals that we did not eat to the poor. He said that in our ward we are not doing a very good job of taking care of our needy. He said that our fast offering fund in in the hole and that other congregations in the Church are having to pitch in to take care of our members.

He remind us that when we fast we should fast with a purpose and not just go hungry. He shared a couple of examples of fasting from the scriptures.

I didn't catch the reference of the first one, but I think he said that Alma was teaching in a city and the people were not responding to him. He left the city and fasted. He then returned to the city and came across a man, Amulek I think, that said that he had been shown in a vision that Alma would come and teach him.

The second example he gave was in Luke 4 when the Savior was tempted he fasted. He then closed with the words from one of our hymns:
Because I have been given much, I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With ev’ry brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me
(“Because I Have Been Given Much,” Hymns, 1985, no. 219)

Sunday School
Paul and Silas cast out devils from a woman. She was employed by someone and after that she was worthless to them and they had Paul and Silas arrested for doing this. We see that Paul used this adversity for them to convert this jailer, who had been prepared.

They ended up in Athens. The Athenians replaced revelation with reason and learning. They were distracted by always wanting some new thing.

We watched a short video presentaion on the second coming. It was exerpts from talks from a couple of apostles reiterating that no man knoweth the day of the second coming. We should not fret, nor should we give up because we think the time is so close.

PriesthoodChapter 16 - Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball - The Sabbath a Delight
The sabbath is not a day for business or recreation.

Businesses will not be open on that sacred day if they are not patronized.

Don'ts
Golf
Sporting events
Family Picnics
Shows
Swimming
Boating
Fishing
Hunting
Conventions
Business as usual
Harvesting/Planting
Traveling for Vacation

There is a season for everything. There is a time for playing. There is a time for worship.
Some people must work on the sabbath and some are truly necessary, but it is our motives that are the most important consideration.

Dos
Worship
Meditation
Man is temporarily released from the injuction, "By the sweat of thy brow..."
Prayer
Preparing lessons
Visiting sick
Church meetings
Letters to missionaries
Proper Courting
Rest

Sunday August 19, 2007

Stake Conference
There was a small orchestra and choir made up of members of the stake that provided some of the music. The orchestra did the prelude music, which seemed to have a nice effect.

Sister Corey - Wife of the President of the Indianapolis Indiana Mission
She introduced herself. She said that President Faust extended their call to this mission to them. They were called recently.

President David L. Corey, President of the Indianapolis Indiana Mission
He read part of the dedication prayer of the kirtland temple (D&C 109:55-57). He also read some of the acceptance (D&C110:7-9,11-15). This where the prophet Elijah returned and restored the sealing power.

He cited a couple of passages on missionary work.
James 5:19-20 - If we help to convert one from error then we will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins.
Mosiah 18:30 - He substituted the name Indiana in this verse for the word Mormon. Just as those at the waters of Mormon were converted were blessed and beautiful, so will be those that we bring to a knowledge of the Redeemer here in Indiana.

Stake Relief Society President
She talked of being content with her meager home when she first got married until she visited with someone else who had a bigger and fancier house. She then read that in Heavenly Father's house there are many mansions (John 14: 2). She then realized that following Heavenly Father is where her happiness and peace would come.

She talked about an exercise that she witnessed where one was blind folded and stood in the middle of a circle of others. The blind folded were to fall and be caught by the others. When they would call out that they were ready to catch every blind folded person turned their back to the same young man. They knew his voice and that they could trust him.

President Glen Moyes 2nd Councilor in Stake Presidency
He quoted 1 Nephi 2:6-7 about sacrafice. He talked about that sacrafices have been required of God's people to be as a similitude of the Savior's sacrafice for us. What are we called upon to sacrafice today? Money for tithes and offerings, time for service, time for attending an inconvenient meeting, or a new TV in order to be prepared with food in storage and money in our savings account.

He shared an experience by Elder Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Eyring said that he and his father volunteered to pull weeds in one of the church's fields. At the end of the day someone came and told his dad the weeds he had pulled had been sprayed and would've been dead in a few days anyway. His dad laughed thinking that it was a funny irony. He asked his dad how he could laugh about wasting so much time for nothing. His father responded that he wasn't there for the weeds.

President Paul Sinclair - President of the Indiana Indianapolis North Stake
He said that he hoped that we have been taking notes. Not of what the speakers said, but of the things that the spirit speaks to us about what the speaker is saying.

He also said that he came across the Dangerous Book for Boys in a book store. It had essential things that boys should know and what gear boys should have in their pockets, under their beds, or in their car trunk. He said that his talk was going to be much the same for us.

The first thing the book said that every boy should have is a swiss army knife, because it is so versitile. He said that the first thing we should all have with us is the scriptures. Have them in your heart and mind more than just have them crammed in your pocket. The scriptures will help us avoid and get out of danger.

The next thing a boy should have is a compass. For us that would be to have the Holy Ghost with us. It will direct us and make sure we are going in the right direction.

The next thing a boy could have is a hankerchief. For us this would be the covenants we have made.

A magnifying glass. Our callings.

Shooter marble. We should carry the symbols of who we want to be. CTR rings, YW madalions.

Box of matches. Testimony.

He talked of having a car that his teenaged children use. He said he needed to take the car in for work to be done on it. He opened the trunk to put something in it and found several things that his kids apparently thought they might need. A sled, in August. A car seat for a younger sibling. A tamborine. A length of rope. As he moved things around to fit what he had into the trunk he found two sacrament trays. One for bread and one for water. His son had been doing his duty to take the sacrament to those that were physically unable to come out to church.




What happened with you this week at church?

Sunday August 12, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
Stake conference is next week. Saturday: Leadership meeting 4-6pm. Adult session 7-9. Sunday: 10-noon.

Baptism for the dead is a way to serve others. Baptism is a physical ordiance, so it must be done in mortality. Many did not have the gospel in their area before they died and others are getting a second chance before resurrection and the opportunity closes.

A brother gave a talk in Spanish and a missionary translated. He talked about going to the temple with his family for the first time three years ago. He talked of the peace and cleanness in the temple. He said that he had been shaving and blood ended up on his collar by the time they reached the temple. He was concerned that his shirt was not white to enter the temple. One of the workers dabbed a little water on his collar and cleaned it off. He was amazed that they were able to get it clean so easily.

He said that recently they were to go to the temple and traffic was terrible and was going to prevent him from being able to go. He prayed as he traveled and the cars parted and he was able to make it on time.

He said that the greatest thing for a hispanic in america is having a job and a car. He said that for him and his family it was finding the church.

Sunday school
Teacher shared that she always felt that it was unfair that people in old times got to have prophets and that direct guidence from God. When she heard that the church had prophets she was very excited. As a continuance of that, years later when President Hinkley state that women were not to have more than one piercing in their ears and men were to have none and no one was to have tatoos she was also excited. She had more than one piercing in her ears and was happy to receive guidence from God through a prophet.

We talked about the similarity between the gentiles receiving the gospel in Peter's day and blacks receiving the priesthood in our day. The gentiles were a people that had been separated by their culture from the Jews. In our day events separated blacks and whites. The Lord kept those separations in place for a time and then said that those things needed to change.

A brother related on how one of the Church magazine's name was changed years ago and what a number of letters that generated to the Church offices. He was comparing that to who grumble about other policy changes.

There were those that grumbled about giving blacks the priesthood and some that grumble because it was ever kept from them. Just like in Peter's vision on food and giving the gospel to the gentiles what God commands does not necessarily match man's wisdom.

Elders' Quorum Meeting
Spencer W Kimball manual ch 15 We Should Be a Reverence People
It is more about what it is in our hearts than an outward action. Although our hearts will influence our outward action.

Guy shared that his mom said that if he wouldn't do something in front of he then they he shouldn't be doing it. She told him that when he got married then if he wouldn't do it in front of his wife then he shouldn't do it. He said that more accurately or to take it to the next level, if we would not do it in from of Jesus then we shouldn't do it.

We teach our kids to be reverent and fold their arms when leaving class and going to the bathroom. That may be all we can get to with a small child, but as adults we should be able to get a bit deeper with ourselves about reverence.

Reverence comes from the word revere. We should consider what it means to revere something.



What happened with you this week at church?

Sunday August 5, 2007

Fast and Testimony Meeting
One of the young men that just turned 18 talked of being ordained an elder. He also talked about preparing to put in his mission papers shortly.

A brother got up and talked about the documentary he went out to Utah to be a part of about black people in Latter-day Saint history. He said that there is a web site about it (http://untoldstoryofblackmormons.com). The project isn't sponsored by the church, but this brother said that it is important.

Sunday School
The apostles having to call others to assist in serving the church. People were grousin at them about the people not being provided for well enough. "Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables." (Acts 6: 2)

We discussed the various benefits that the individuals performing service and the congregation get from serving others.

We went over the stoning of Stephen and the conversion of Saul.

Sometimes we wonder why conversions and things don't happen for us as dramatically as they did in the old days. The answer is that they were uncommon back them as well. The are the exceptions. The rule is to study it out and pray to gain an answer.

Elder's Quorum Meeting
First presidency message from president Faust. Welcoming Every Single One.
"My desire in this message is to offer opportunities for development and happiness for all members, whether married or single."

Happiness isn't measured by what happens outside of you, but what happens inside of you. Pray often. Heavenly Father knows you best.
Parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-6)

I left the meeting early since my son was giving a talk in primary on the Holy Ghost.


What happened with you this week at church?

Sunday July 29, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
One of the youth reported on the youth conference we just had. The conference had been scheduled to start Thursday. Due to the service project needing to be changed and not as much labor being needed on it as had been needed on the originally scheduled project the start day of the conference was moved to Friday. Initially the youth grumbled about that and some were pretty determined to not have a good time because of it, but in the end many of those youth were very moved by the experience.

The first adult speaker related a story from the emergency room. A fifteen year old was brought after crashing a car he had stolen. The parents of the boy were blaming the incident on the owner of the car for not having locked the doors.

I believe the first speaker referenced The Gift by Blaine M. Yorgensen. For some reason I made a note about it, but can't find it online to refresh myself on why I made a note about it.

Second Speaker
There are 6 steps to repentance and none of them include excuses, denial, and blaming others.

The book of Ether has 2 examples of repentance. One a righteous man and on not so righteous. One repented quickly and one was slow to get around to repenting.

Join Priesthood and Relief Society Meeting

The bishop showed a standard organization pyramid where there are a few people on top like a CEO and such. He then showed an inverted pyramid with the bishop on the bottom.
He talked of several areas where we do well in supporting our bishop. Things like funerals where people assist witht he setup and such.

He then talked of an area where we need to do a lot better. Home and visiting teaching. He said that in home teaching the men are getting to about one family a month per home teaching companionship. There are a lot of people that we can't find or who are not active in church that can be difficult to get to, but the numbers reflect that we aren't even getting out to see those that are active.

It is the responsibility of everyone who has taken on them the name of Christ to take care of each other.



What happened with you this week at church?

Sunday July 22, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
The last couple of weeks we have had piano prelude music. It was a lot better than the organ music. I have thought a bit about how the organ just makes people talk over it when they visit before the meeting. I thought that perhaps it would be better to turn the organ volume down, but I think the piano is much better than even that.

The bishop recognized a young man who graduated from primary, got his Faith in God award, and was receiving the Aaronic Priesthood and being ordained a deacon.

One of the youth reported on Especially For Youth(EFY) that some of the youth went to this past week.

First Speaker
Pioneer Day coming up this week. She spoke of what the Utah pioneers saw when they entered the valley.

Brigham Young set forth some rules for the new land. He also set the plat for the temple and the city was plotted around it.

After they planted their crops the crickets came and were destroying everything. Everyone prayed and the seagulls came. They would gorge themselves on crickets, purge themselves in the Salt Lake and do it again.

A member of the bishopric spoke. He talked of everyone being a pioneer in some way as we better our families, wards, and communities. He also talked of those in the scriptures who are pioneers (Moses, Lehi, Ruth).

Those that serve in the church, including the bishopric, do not receive a salary of kickback on their tithing.

We should act as pioneers and not murmur and complain, but do our duties.

Sunday School
Resurrection
Where in the plan of salvation does resurrection fit? God's purpose is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). Resurrection accomplishes the immortality part of that. Immortality will be given to all men whether they were good, bad, or somewhere in between. Everything that was outside of our ability to do was done by Christ. The rest is left for us.

The women came on Sunday to finish preparing the body after having quickly done a little preparing late Friday to get done before their sabaath (Saturday). When they got there they found him gone having not understood what he taught about rising the third day.

Priesthood
The instructor based his remarks on a talk by President Thomas S. Monson.
Service is the primary purpose of the priesthood. We can only use it for others. We can not bless ourselves when we are sick. We can not baptise ourselves.

“99 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence” (D&C 107:99).

"14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." (1 Tim 4:14-16)



What happened with you this week at church?

Sunday July 15, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
Youth speaker
Faith is like a muscle. Use it or lose it. If you exercise your faith it grows stronger.

2nd speaker
To be a good cook it takes more than a cookbook. One can read a cookbook from cover to cover and will not become a good cook until they practice what they read.

One can read the scriptures from cover to cover, but not be a Christian until they live what is in the scriptures.

Third speaker
How does one explain what salt tastes like to one who has never tasted it? How does one explain how they know Jesus is the son of God to one who doesn't know? How does one explain how they know the Bible and Book of Mormon are the word of God to one who does not know?

Sunday School
The crucifixion
The teacher related the story from the Bible and also showed a short video about the Last Supper, Garden of Gethsemane, the Crucifixion, and the resurrection.

Priesthood Meeting
Chapter 14 of the Teaching of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball
“Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods before Me”

From the manual, "Whatever thing a man sets his heart and his trust in most is his god; and if his god doesn’t also happen to be the true and living God of Israel, that man is laboring in idolatry. " Another way to look at it might be, anything that we are willing to do rather than server God is an idol. For example:
- Sleeping in rather than going to our church meetings.
- Things that make us late for church.
- Things that keep us from keeping the Sabbath day holy.
- Things that keep us from doing our home teaching.
- Things that keep us from paying our tithing.

We have all heard or witnessed the phenomenon where when a talk is being given or a scripture is being read that we immediately think that so and so needs to listen to this. I am also starting to recognize another phenomenon where we recognize it is talking to us and we joke about it, but have no intention of doing anything about it to change. Football seems to be one of those topics that fall into this category. It is like people feel that is something that won't matter in the long run in spite of the fact that it breaks at least two of the basic ten commandments.
Exodus 20:3 - 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:8 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

What happened with you this week at church?

Sunday July 8, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
One of the primary children turn 12, graduated from primary, received the Aaronic priesthood, and became a Deacon.

My wife spoke and here is her talk with source citations added by myself:

Start of my wife's talk -

President Heber J.Grant declared: "It is our duty to teach our children in their youth...I may know that the gospel is true, and so may my wife, but I want to tell you that our children will not know that the gospel is true, unless they study it and gain a testimony for themselves." (Quoted in conference by President Thomas S. Monson, "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear," Ensign, November 2004, 115 (Text, Audio))

Margaret S. Lifferth, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency stated in the
October 2006 General Conference (Text, Audio), "Children are open to gospel truths more
than at any other time, and protected childhood is literally a one-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to teach and strengthen children to choose the right. It's easy to know
what to teach. The scriptures and our prophets are clear about what to teach our
children. Nephi summarizes in 2 Nephi 25:26.

"Knowing that we teach of Christ and His gospel, how do we do it? Begin by following
the counsel of our prophets and making time in our homes for family prayer, scripture
study, and family home evening. Have we heard that counsel so often that it seems too
simple? Or are we so busy that adding one more thing feels too complex? I testify that
even when our family worship seems less than effective, obedience alone invites the
blessing of the Lord.

"In fact personal obedience and example in every part of our lives are the ultimate
gospel lesson for children. So study, learn, and apply the gospel. We cannot teach
principle that we do not know and that we do not live who we are and what is in our
heart ae discerned by children more quickly than we think."

President James E. Faust said in the April 2003 General Conference, "Who are good
parents? They are those who have lovingly, prayerfully, and earnestly tried to teach
their children by example. In D&C 68:28 it states, 'Successful parents are those who
have sacrificed and struggle struggles to do the best they can in their own family
circumstances.'" ("Dear Are the Sheep That Have Wandered," Ensign, May 2003, 61 Text,
Audio)

Megan Northrup, Research Assistant, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University (as
found at
http://foreverfamilies.net/xml/articles/parents_first_teachers.aspx?&publication=lds)
wrote, "The scriptures tell us to teach our children in the spirit of love. Christ
himself declared, 'Whoso shall offend one of these little ones. . . it were better for
him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth
of the sea' (Matthew 18:6). Paul wrote to the Ephesians: 'And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4). Remember the ancient proverb, 'a soft answer turneth away wrath' (Proverbs 15:1)."

President Faust stated in the talk referenced previously, "An important element of
doing the best we can as parents is to provide loving but firm discipline. If we do not
discipline our children, society may do it in a way that is not to our liking or our
children’s. Part of disciplining children is to teach them to work. President Gordon B.
Hinckley has said: 'One of the greatest values . . . is the virtue of honest work.
Knowledge without labor is profitless. Knowledge with labor is genius.'

"Satan’s pervasive snares are increasing, and raising children is becoming harder
because of this. Therefore, parents need to do the very best they can and to enlist the
help that Church service and activity can provide. If parents misbehave and stray even
temporarily, some of their children may be prone to take license from that example."

"We learn much of parenting from our own parents. My love for my father deepened
profoundly when he was kind, patient, and understanding. When I damaged the family car,
he was gentle and forgiving. But his sons could expect strong discipline if there was
any shading of the truth or continued breaking of the rules, particularly showing
disrespect for our mother. My father has been gone for almost half a century, but I
still sorely miss being able to go to him for wise and loving counsel. I admit I
questioned his counsel at times, but I could never question his love for me. I never
wanted to disappoint him."

In preparing for my sharing time I came across this story (Editor's note: talk was
paraphased when the talk was given due to time constraints, but has been included here
in it's entirety).

What Have You Done with My Name?
(George Albert Smith)

"A number of years ago I was seriously ill. In fact, I think everyone gave me up but my
wife. With my family I went to St. George, Utah, to see if it would improve my health.
We went as faras we could by train, and then continued the journey in a wagon, in the
bottom of which a bed hadbeen made for me.

"In St. George we arranged for a tent for my health and comfort, with a built-in floor
raisedabout a foot above the ground, and we could roll up the south side of the tent to
make the sunshineand fresh air available. I became so weak as to be scarcely able to
move. It was a slow andexhausting effort for me even to turn over in bed.

"One day, under these conditions, I lost consciousness of my surroundings and thought I
had passed to the Other Side. I found myself standing with my back to a large and
beautiful lake,facing a great forest of trees. There was no one in sight, and there was
no boat upon the lake or any other visible means to indicate how I might have arrived
there. I realized, or seemed to realize, that I had finished my work in mortality and
had gone home. I began to look around, to see if I could not find someone. There was no
evidence of anyone living there, just those great,beautiful trees in front of me and
the wonderful lake behind me.

"I began to explore, and soon I found a trail through the woods which seemed to have
been used very little, and which was almost obscured by grass. I followed this trail,
and after I had walked for some time and had traveled a considerable distance through
the forest, I saw a man coming towards me. I became aware that he was a very large man,
and I hurried my steps to reach him,because I recognized him as my grandfather [George
A. Smith]. In mortality he weighed over three hundred pounds, so you may know he was a
large man. I remember how happy I was to see him coming. I had been given his name and
had always been proud of it.

"When Grandfather came within a few feet of me, he stopped. His stopping was an
invitation for meto stop. Then . . . he looked at me very earnestly and said: 'I would like to know what you have done with my name.'

"Everything I had ever done passed before me as though it were a flying picture on a
screen---everything I had done. Quickly this vivid retrospect came down to the very
time I was standing there.My whole life had passed before me. I smiled and looked at my
grandfather and said: 'I have never done anything with your name of which you need be ashamed.'

"He stepped forward and took me in his arms, and as he did so, I became conscious again
of my earthly surroundings. My pillow was as wet as though water had been poured on
it---wet with tears of gratitude that I could answer unashamed.

"I have thought of this many times, and I want to tell you that I have been trying,
more than ever since that time, to take care of that name. So I want to say . . . :
Honor your fathers and your mothers. Honor the names that you bear, because some day
you will have the privilege and the obligation of reporting to them (and to your Father
in heaven) what you have done with their name."

More of the article by Megan Northrup follows: "The Family: A Proclamation to the World states that 'parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness . . . to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live'"

"Teaching children is often not easy. For some parents it is the the greatest challenge
of their lives. But it is not without rewards. President James E. Faust (1990) said,
"While few human challenges are greater than that of being good parents, few
opportunities offer greater potential for joy. Surely no more important work is to be
done in this world than preparing our children to be God-fearing, happy, honorable, and
productive."

"...John the Beloved wrote that we will have no greater joy in this life than to see
our children walk in righteousness, as we have taught them."

"Elder Dallin H. Oaks (1999) said: "In the Lord's great plan of salvation there are no
more important teachers than parents, who teach their children constantly by example
and by precept" (p. 78)." (Text, Audio)

"Do your part to build a happy home. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others.
Many problems in the home are created because family members speak and act selfishly or
unkindly." "Remember that the family is the most sacred unit of the Church."(For the Strength of Youth p 10-11)

In Enos 1:13, Enos is remembering the words of his father. "Behold, I went to hunt
beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning
eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart. "

And in Alma Helaman talks about the 2,000 stripling warriors. These young me who were
going to war for the first time. Alma 56:47-48 reads, "47 Now they never had fought,
yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their
fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers,
that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. 48 And they rehearsed unto me the
words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it." What examples
these women must have been to their children.

"Elder Boyd K. Packer (2000) reminded us that all who consider themselves followers of
Christ are commanded to be "even as he is" (1 John 3:7), and He was a teacher of
children." (Megan Northrup)

"Paul prophesied of wicked and corrupt forces that would lead the children of men away
from the gospel. He prophesied that 'in the last days perilous times shall come' (2
Timothy 3:1) and that 'evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
being deceived' (2 Timothy 3:13). Fortunately, as Elder Boyd K. Packer (2000) taught,
we can be safe. Our safety is in teaching the children, by example and by
precept."(Megan Northrup)

-End of my wife's talk

The choir sang.

One of the high councilmen spoke. He shared with us the parable of the iceberg. He talked of how someone notice the intense wind that were blowing on this iceberg. The observer noted that with the surface area of the iceberg the wind should be pushing it all around. Someone then told him that the amount of ice that was under the water and untouched by the wind was much larger than that the wind was pushing on. Thus the currents moved the iceberg and not the wind.

The currents that flow in our families are stronger than the winds of the adversary that blows on the individuals. Of course if those currents are rough and pushing in the wrong direction that is going to quickly lead the members of the family into dangerous waters.

Sunday School
Atonement = garden + cross.

The diciples sleeping.
Why were Peter, James, and John there? They were the head of the Church after Christ died. Was there something they were supposed to learn? What responsibilities or learning experiences are we sleeping through? Some would argue that staying awake was such a simple thing, so to take it a step farther, what simple responsibilities are we sleeping through?

Jesus went and started his prayer three times in the same way, asking if the responsibility of the atonement could be removed from him, but either way he stated that he would do the will of the Father.

Priesthood Meeting
Spencer W. Kimball manual chapter 13 - Obedience
"True Faith motivates us to do the will of God."

"Obedience based on faith is not blind obedience."

"Is it blind obedience when one regards the sign 'High Voltage --Keep Away' or is it the obedience of faith in the judgment of experts who know the hazard?"



What happened with you this week at church?

Sunday July 1, 2007

We were in Minnesota this weekend, so we visited the Viriginia, MN ward. We only got to sacrament meeting due to their Sunday school and such starting at 9:30 and because we were being slackers. We had been having a tough time getting up at a consistent time while we were camping.

The building is tan brick. It feels like a small chapel like maybe the building is a phase 2 building. There were just enough people to almost fill the little chapel. Since it covers such a large area I was a little suprised at how few people there were. Some people talked in their testimonies about how it seemed weird to call the congregation a ward, since they were a branch for so long. There were a ward several years ago when we came here, so that was odd to hear people still talking about the days of being a branch. It sounded like their temple is the Chicago temple.

Fast and Testimony Meeting
My son was very excited as they blessed the sacrament, since one of the priests looked like Mickey Dolenz from the Monkees. That is one of our kids favorite shows. Not that this fact has anything to do with anything spiritual that we may have taken from the meeting, but it still made me chuckle.

I have always enjoyed the fact that the church is uniform and world wide, so that when we travel we do not have to figure out if we are going to find a good church when we get there. One of my wife's uncles also commented on that as we talked about going to church. As the members of the Virginia ward talked in testimony meeting today several of them also talked about having the church with them whereever they went. That was interesting, since it was something that was on my mind and heart.

There were several people talking about patriotic things. It was good to sing the Star Spangled Banner.

Sunday June 24, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
Freedom
Freedom to choose does not always equate to freedom. We can choose much that will bind us.

One of the speakers gave some historical things about the United States. He also talked about Joseph Smith prophesying in 1832 about the coming of the civil war (D&C 87).


The speaker was from Tennessee. He said that has seen evidence while living there that progress had been stunted by the role of Tennessee in the Civil War or more specifically the trading of human life. He said that seems to be true in much of the South. I don't know much about the South, but this was an observation he made.

Sunday School
The teacher had one of the men in the ward sing Love One Another to give us the impact of the scripture.

Christ instituted the sacrament since he knew that he was going to be leaving his apostles soon. He did this right before he had done the things that are the things the symbols represent.

Those who serve are the greatest and all should be serving and all should be great. When Christ served he always gave the glory to the Father.

Christ also taught the apostles to receive service and to receive it with humility.

Priesthood
We covered the ward goal again of praying twice a day. We talked about praying and also working toward those things we pray for.



What happened with you this week at church?

Sunday June 17, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
Fathers' Day
Many of society's problems are because of Father's not taking on their responsibilities.

Primary sang a song to fathers and one to grandfathers.

Sunday School
Our teacher was back and we went over the parable of the ten virgins again and also the parable of the talents.

The teacher shared that when she joined the church if someone told her that she would teach Sunday school one day she may not have stayed with the church or at least told them that she would never do that. It reminded me a bit of my own parents refusing to speak in church or teach Sunday school lesson when we first joined the Church. They eventually grew into that. I'm sure like me it still scares them to death, but they sometimes do it.

Our talents are not necessarily to profit others, but being faithful in using them may teach us about ourselves and help us to grow in confidence and spiritualality.

Priesthood
Integrity-The willingness and ability to live by our beliefs and commitments.We talked about returning things that we borrow and repairing or replacing them if we break them.
We talked about keeping our covenants. Marriage coventants(to honor our wives), baptisimal covenants(to obey God), and so forth.

We talked about losing our integrity by not acting when could, but aren't necessarily compeled to by commitment. Avoiding sins of ommission.

The last ten minutes of class they had pie for the men for Father's day.

Sunday June 10, 2007

Ward Conference
Sacrament Meeting
Our bishop is a truck driver. He related a story of prayer while he was driving. It was interesting and humerous listening to his use of truck driving terminology in his story.

President Cowley of the stake presidency
Prayers are answered in three ways.
1. A warm feeling or in a way that communicates to us, perhaps in our "love language." - A positive answer.
2. A Stupor of thought - a negative answer.
3. Nothing - Some action is required by us.

The ward choir sang Jesus Name of Wondrous Love.

President Sinclair - President of the Indiana Indianapolis North Stake
The time has past when praying when praying once a day was sufficient to protect our families.

Sunday School
The Stake Sunday School President gave the lesson today.
Matthew 25 - Parable of the ten virgins
Oil - Testimony, preparedness
Virgins - Church Memebers
Groom - Jesus
Wedding - Jesus' Second Coming

Priesthood
Provident Living - self reliance and preparedness.
Our high councilman gave the lesson.
Financial Self Reliance
1. Pay tithing
2. Get out of debt and where possible don't get into debt.
3. Get an education.
4. Save.

Sunday June 3, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
Testimony Meeting
My 11 year old daughter got up and bore her testimony today.

Sunday School
Hypocrite - One who is something different than what he believes.

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem

The people were not only in the city when Jesus rode in for the passover, but also to see him since they had heard about Lazarus being raised from the dead.


Focus on what matters. People get caught up in extraneous doctrines. What matters is how we are living our lives and raising our families. The intricacies of how God does what he does and the details of everything before and after our lives don't matter to our salvation. They need to be in place, but we have no control over that, so giving our focus to those things wastes our time and distracts us from more important things that we do have control of.

Priesthood
The war in Heaven (Rev 12) continues today just on a different battle field. The war is over the souls of men. Satan presented enticing ideas there and he continues to present enticing ideas here.

One thought I had during the lesson today was, "Do our temptations witness to us that the gospel is true?" I was thinking of God telling us that if we do certain things then it has certain effects on us. Do we see those effects? Also, if we pay attention do we see Satan inches us to bigger things?


What happened with you This Week at Church?

Saturday June 2, 2007 - Baptism

Today my son was baptized. There were two talks given on two topics as usually.

Baptism
She had a bowl of soapy water, a bowl of mud, and a small white thermos. She talked about how kids play outside and get dirty on the outside and she put mud on it. She also talked about making bad choices gets mud on the inside. She then washed the outside and showed that the side was still dirty. She then talked about repentance and baptism.

Holy Ghost
She gave my son a gold gift box with a drawing of someone having hands placed on their head.

Sunday May 27, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
First Speaker
Elder DeFreeze, one of the missionaries serving in our ward.
He quoted from a fortune cookie that they had seen recently. "Happiness is not a destination, but a journey." Not exactly an authoritative resource, but still something worth thinking about.

Second Speaker
Sister Simmons, wife of the president of the Indiana Indianapolis mission.
She related how she talked to the apostle Elder Oaks before they started serving their mission. She wanted council on how they could be a good mission president and wife of a mission president. His response was, "Just love them."

Piano Solo
"My Heavenly Father Loves Me,” Children’s Songbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 228–29

Third Speaker
President Simmons
He spoke about opposition. He related how butterflies emerge underdeveloped and weak if they are helped to get out of their cocoon.

He also talked about how some people you meet are not willing to change their life for the better. This does not mean we give up hope for them. Those that were not ready yesterday may be ready tomorrow. A wedding, a death, the birth of a child or some other life changing event may soften their heart and make them begin to ponder the direction their life is taking.

Sunday School
The unjust judge. Always pray that the Lord will give us our righteous desires.

It is hard to get into trouble if you are praying throughout the day.

Joint Priesthood and RS Meeting
The missionaries talked to us about missionary work.

As part of the ward mission plan they talked about having family mission plans. Just like the gospel works from the family and individual level so does missionary work. Making plans for ourselves and our families that coincided with the ward's plan probably makes a lot of sense.

Sunday May 20, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
The first speaker was one of the young women. She chose 4 standards (agency, media, repentance, and education) from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet to speak on.

Below is what the pamphlet says on each subject with comments I noted from the speaker.

Agency and Accountability
Pamphlet- "Choose righteousness and happiness, no matter what your circumstances. Take responsibility for the choices you make. Develop your abilities and talents, and use them for good. Avoid idleness and be willing to work hard."

Education
Pamphlet- "Prepare to be an influence for good in the world. Obtain an education, and be enthusiastic about learning. Attend seminary."
Speaker - She noted that being diligent in your school work is very important education also means seeking after spiritual knowledge. She also quoted Alma 37: 35"O, remember, my son, and ^alearn^bwisdom in thy ^cyouth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God."

Entertainment and the Media
Pamphlet - "Choose uplifting entertainment. Avoid anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Commit to keeping God’s standards."

Speaker - She quoted the 13th Article of Faith. "^aWe believe in being ^bhonest, true, ^cchaste, ^dbenevolent, virtuous, and in doing ^egood to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we ^fhope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to ^gendure all things. If there is anything ^hvirtuous, ⁱlovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."Repentance
Pamphlet - "Through the Savior’s Atonement, you can receive forgiveness and be cleansed from your sins when you repent. Confess your sins to the Lord and to those you have wronged. If the sins are serious, you also need to confess them to your bishop."

Second speaker
Young Woman Personal Progress program
The true measure of growth is not how tall you are, but what is in your heart.Third speaker
Duty to God program for young men
The program is for young men to learn how to serve God and be good men. One aspect of this is when young men reach a certain age they are expected to help visit everyone in their congregation. He also quoted Alma 37: 35.

The folly of youth is not what is expected. They may still act foolishly at times, but this program let's them know that is not what is expected of them.

Sunday School
Luke 15 and Matthew 18:11-14
Prodigal son
We get very caught up in how much work it is to take care of the 99 that we don't go after the 1.

Ten Lepers
Nine were healed skin deep, but only one was made whole.

Priesthood
The reality of Satan. He seeks to make everyone miserable like unto himself (2 Ne. 2: 27).

His tactics are like the frog in boiling water. He slowly turns up the heat and you don't even notice. He gives you little temptations. If you give into it, then the next things is slightly bigger and more severe of a sin. We get use to things being shown to us that are sinful and we resist it less. Gradually the frog is boiled, because he doesn't realize the water is getting hot.

One does not yield to a henous sin without having first yielded to smaller ones.
Satan can not force us to do anything. Through using our agency, free will, we are more powerful than he is. To bolster our will, we should call upon God through Christ when those temptations start and be prepared to listen to the promptings we receive from him.

Right decisions are easier to make before we are in the depths of temptation.
Satan knows that where we were weak before we will be vulnerable again. We must fortify our weaknesses. We must be extra cautious around temptations that have tripped us up before.

When cows break through the fence they will again return to the spot in the fence that they broke before, so the owner of the cow must be very carefull to put extra fortifications in that area.

Sunday May 13, 2007

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 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.