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 29, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
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”
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.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
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?
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.
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
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?
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
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.
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.
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 03, 2007
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?
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.
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
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.
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
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 alearnbwisdom 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.
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 alearnbwisdom 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
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)
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 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)