What's at your core?
Who do you want to become this year? Why?
The Lord has us on thus to "Become". It is a process, not an all or nothing proposition.
What are three single words that encapsulate who you want to become? Define what each word means to you.
Why does your heart beat today?
Heavenly Father how do you see me?
Heavenly Father help me see myself the way you do, so I can see others the way you do.
Heavenly Father, do you approve of my life?
Heavenly Father, what are you trying to teach me right now?
Heavenly Father, help me see the bigger picture that you have for me.
Decide what's important and discard everything else.
Do what you can today. I don't have to do everything, but I have good something.
What are you doing to feed your mind, body, and soul?
Take 100% ownership of your life.
I will never be happy so long as I am relying on the arm of flesh, so long as I rely on others to make me happy.
A problem you can solve.a fact you can't change. Learn what you can change and work on it. Learn what you can't change and learn how to handle it and live.
We are what we repeatedly do.
If I do today over again, what would I do?
If is about being diligent. It is not about perfection.
What am I grateful for today?
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 20 January 2013
Ward CouncilDoctrine and Covenants 6:22-23
22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.
23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?
How often do we receive peace or comfort on a matter and then later go back to worrying about it or get impatient for resolution.
Matthew 5:25 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Handbook 2 Sections 5.3 & 5.3.2
When people come to church they need someone to sit next to. What a great thing to have someone that wants to be with you.
Elders QuorumChapter 2 - Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow
2 Kings 5:1-19
Naamen wanted Elish to heal him. He was not prepared to have to be healed in some humble way like bathing in a the dirty Jordan river.
We need to set aside our agendas and how we think things should work.
“... laying aside the traditions, superstitions, and creeds of men, we will look to the word of God...” (From the manual)
John 3:2323 And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
“It says of John [the Baptist] that he baptized at Aenon, because there was much water [see John 3:23]; then if sprinkling had been the mode, we can hardly suppose he would have gone to Aenon, because there was much water at that place, for a very little water, indeed, would have sprinkled all Judea, which he could have obtained without having performed a journey to Aenon. We are told, also, that he baptized in Jordan, and that after the ordinance was administered to our Saviour, he came up out of the water, expressly signifying that he had been down into the water, in order that the ordinance might be administered in a proper manner [see Matthew 3:16]. Again; it speaks of the Eunuch, that he went down into the water with Philip, and then came up out of the water [see Acts 8:26–38]; now it must be acknowledged by every one who makes any pretensions to reason and consistency that had sprinkling a little water on the forehead answered the purpose, then those persons never would have gone into the water to have received the ordinance. Paul, in writing to the saints, gives us a plain testimony in favour of immersion. … That apostle states there that the saints had been buried with Christ by baptism [see Romans 6:4;Colossians 2:12].
It is plainly evident they could not have been buried by baptism without having been entirely overwhelmed or covered in water. An object cannot be said to be buried when any portion of it remains uncovered; so, also, a man is not buried in water by baptism unless his whole person is put into the watery element. This explanation of the apostle upon the mode of baptism very beautifully corresponds with that given by our Saviour, Except ye be born of water, etc. To be born of a thing signifies being placed in that thing; and emerging, or coming forth from it, to be born of water, must also signify being placed in the womb of waters and being brought forth again.” (From the Manual)
Sunday SchoolThe First Visionhttp://Josephsmithpapers.org has a lot of the early documents of the Church that have been checked through accepted scientific principles and practices for authenticity.
“My mind became seriously impressed with regard to the all important concerns for the welfare of my immortal soul, which led me to searching the scriptures, believing, as I was taught, that they contained the word of God. Thus applying myself to them and my intimate acquaintance with those of different denominations led me to marvel exceedingly, for I discovered that they did not adorn their profession by a holy walk and godly conversation agreeable to what I found contained in that sacred depository. This was a grief to my soul. …" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph smith, Chapter 1)
As a teen Joseph Smith was concerned about his soul and as he reads and ponders the scriptures he feels repentant.
Many people since Christ and the apostles died recognized that the true church was not on the earth and tried to piece it together from the Bible.
Joseph Smith History 1:9-12
9 My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.
10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?
11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
“This [upper state New York] is where the First Vision occurred. This is the pivotal thing of our story. Every claim that we make concerning divine authority, every truth that we offer concerning the validity of this work, all find their roots in the First Vision of the boy prophet. This was the great curtain-raiser on the dispensation of the fulness of times, when God promised that He would restore all the power, the gifts, the blessings of all previous dispensations in one great summing up, as it were, and we are right here where it occurred. And, I repeat, my beloved brethren and sisters, that becomes the hinge pin on which this whole cause turns.” (President Gordon B Hinckley, Missionary meeting, Rochester, New York, 12 July 1996)
Joseph Smith History 1:18 18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
We learn from the first vision
“They told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as His Church and kingdom: and I was expressly commanded ‘to go not after them,’ at the same time receiving a promise that the fullness of the Gospel should at some future time be made known unto me.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, Chapter 38)
He was told to not join and church, but members of his family do. This might mean that he hadn't related the entire experience and conveyed all the data he had received.
“Our entire case as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the validity of this glorious First Vision. It was the parting of the curtain to open this, the dispensation of the fulness of times.” (President Gordon B. Hinckley, What Are People Asking about Us?, General Conference October 1998)
Sacrament Service
A missionary that returned from the argentina Rosario mission spoke to us.
"Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you.” - Preach My Gospel
Doctrien and Covenants 64:33 33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.
23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?
How often do we receive peace or comfort on a matter and then later go back to worrying about it or get impatient for resolution.
Matthew 5:25 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Handbook 2 Sections 5.3 & 5.3.2
When people come to church they need someone to sit next to. What a great thing to have someone that wants to be with you.
Elders QuorumChapter 2 - Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow
2 Kings 5:1-19
Naamen wanted Elish to heal him. He was not prepared to have to be healed in some humble way like bathing in a the dirty Jordan river.
We need to set aside our agendas and how we think things should work.
“... laying aside the traditions, superstitions, and creeds of men, we will look to the word of God...” (From the manual)
John 3:2323 And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
“It says of John [the Baptist] that he baptized at Aenon, because there was much water [see John 3:23]; then if sprinkling had been the mode, we can hardly suppose he would have gone to Aenon, because there was much water at that place, for a very little water, indeed, would have sprinkled all Judea, which he could have obtained without having performed a journey to Aenon. We are told, also, that he baptized in Jordan, and that after the ordinance was administered to our Saviour, he came up out of the water, expressly signifying that he had been down into the water, in order that the ordinance might be administered in a proper manner [see Matthew 3:16]. Again; it speaks of the Eunuch, that he went down into the water with Philip, and then came up out of the water [see Acts 8:26–38]; now it must be acknowledged by every one who makes any pretensions to reason and consistency that had sprinkling a little water on the forehead answered the purpose, then those persons never would have gone into the water to have received the ordinance. Paul, in writing to the saints, gives us a plain testimony in favour of immersion. … That apostle states there that the saints had been buried with Christ by baptism [see Romans 6:4;Colossians 2:12].
It is plainly evident they could not have been buried by baptism without having been entirely overwhelmed or covered in water. An object cannot be said to be buried when any portion of it remains uncovered; so, also, a man is not buried in water by baptism unless his whole person is put into the watery element. This explanation of the apostle upon the mode of baptism very beautifully corresponds with that given by our Saviour, Except ye be born of water, etc. To be born of a thing signifies being placed in that thing; and emerging, or coming forth from it, to be born of water, must also signify being placed in the womb of waters and being brought forth again.” (From the Manual)
Sunday SchoolThe First Visionhttp://Josephsmithpapers.org has a lot of the early documents of the Church that have been checked through accepted scientific principles and practices for authenticity.
“My mind became seriously impressed with regard to the all important concerns for the welfare of my immortal soul, which led me to searching the scriptures, believing, as I was taught, that they contained the word of God. Thus applying myself to them and my intimate acquaintance with those of different denominations led me to marvel exceedingly, for I discovered that they did not adorn their profession by a holy walk and godly conversation agreeable to what I found contained in that sacred depository. This was a grief to my soul. …" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph smith, Chapter 1)
As a teen Joseph Smith was concerned about his soul and as he reads and ponders the scriptures he feels repentant.
Many people since Christ and the apostles died recognized that the true church was not on the earth and tried to piece it together from the Bible.
Joseph Smith History 1:9-12
9 My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.
10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?
11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
“This [upper state New York] is where the First Vision occurred. This is the pivotal thing of our story. Every claim that we make concerning divine authority, every truth that we offer concerning the validity of this work, all find their roots in the First Vision of the boy prophet. This was the great curtain-raiser on the dispensation of the fulness of times, when God promised that He would restore all the power, the gifts, the blessings of all previous dispensations in one great summing up, as it were, and we are right here where it occurred. And, I repeat, my beloved brethren and sisters, that becomes the hinge pin on which this whole cause turns.” (President Gordon B Hinckley, Missionary meeting, Rochester, New York, 12 July 1996)
Joseph Smith History 1:18 18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
We learn from the first vision
- Satan is real.
- Satan is very aware and watching and actively trying to stop our progress and God's plan.
- God and Jesus are separate beings.
- God is a being and something indescribable.
- Revelation is real. Anyone can go to the lord and get an answer.
- If we are asking for revelation we need to be prepared to receive it.
“They told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as His Church and kingdom: and I was expressly commanded ‘to go not after them,’ at the same time receiving a promise that the fullness of the Gospel should at some future time be made known unto me.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, Chapter 38)
He was told to not join and church, but members of his family do. This might mean that he hadn't related the entire experience and conveyed all the data he had received.
“Our entire case as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the validity of this glorious First Vision. It was the parting of the curtain to open this, the dispensation of the fulness of times.” (President Gordon B. Hinckley, What Are People Asking about Us?, General Conference October 1998)
Sacrament Service
A missionary that returned from the argentina Rosario mission spoke to us.
"Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you.” - Preach My Gospel
Doctrien and Covenants 64:33 33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 13 January 2013
Ward Conference
Joint Priesthood MeetingSaving the Saints
Think of our hands and feet. Then think of the hands and feet with the nail marks.
What do we think about during the day?
"It is the heart of the activation effort of the Church.
“It is a calling that helps to fulfill the scriptural injunction: ‘Out of small things proceedeth that which is great’ (D&C 64:33).
“There is no greater Church calling than that of a home teacher. There is no greater Church service rendered to our Father in Heaven’s children than the service rendered by a humble, dedicated, committed home teacher." (President Ezra Taft Benson, To the Home Teachers of the Church, April 1987 General Conference)
"I feel that the time has come for each bearer of the priesthood to put on the full armor of Christ with respect to home teaching; to stand up like a man of God and do his duty by visiting the home of every member entrusted to his care, as often as is necessary;" (President Marion G. Romney, The Responsibilities of Home Teachers, Ensign, Mar 1973)
“The home teaching program is a response to modern revelation commissioning those ordained to the priesthood to 'teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church . . . and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties, . . . to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them; and see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking' “ (Teachings of Thomas S. Monson, comp. Lynne F. Cannegieter (2011), 139)
"If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his true friend. “ - Abraham Lincoln
Chapter 1 Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Lorenzo Snow
“...he never lost his thirst for learning. For example, when he was 80 years old and serving as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he stood before the Saints at the October 1894 general conference. Reflecting on the discourses his less experienced brethren had delivered earlier that day, he said, “Some ideas were advanced that I never thought of before, and they were very profitable.” (“Glory Awaiting the Saints,” Deseret Semi-Weekly News, Oct. 30, 1894, 1)
Doctrine and Covenants 93:36
36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:18
18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
We are apprentices to God. We need to learn everything to be like him and the more we push ourselves here, the further ahead we will be after this life.
Reading a chapter a day is a good goal, but often we may need to spend our study session on a verse or even a sentence. We need to make an effort to understand and not just get through it.
“...we may read a few lines or pages of scripture every day and hope that will be enough.
“But reading, studying, and pondering are not the same. We read words and we may get ideas. We study and we may discover patterns and connections in scripture. But when we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Pondering, to me, is the thinking and the praying I do after reading and studying in the scriptures carefully.” (President Henry B Eyring, SERVE WITH THE SPIRIT, OCTOBER 2010 General Conference)
Sunday SchoolThis week - The Doctrine and Covenants witness of Christ
Next week . the first vision, JS.H 1:1-26, our heritage chapter 1
Bible Dictionary Covenant. The word is sometimes rendered testament.
Publishing was a huge deal in 1830. Time consuming and expensive.
Martin Harris was the only one Joseph Smith knew that had access to money. Martin ends up mortgaging part of his farm to pay for the printing of the book of Mormon.
Doctrine and Covenants 18:10
10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
The church at first had conference a lot more frequently than six months. This is likely because stakes and wards hadn't been fully established, so perhaps they had general conference as often as we have ward and stake and general conference all combined. Also, the church was still being instructed on the very basics of how it needed to organize itself.
Sacrament ServiceMy daughter talked about the Personal Progress program and her completing it.
The bishop talked about last year’s and this year’s goals.
Stand in holy places was one of the goals last year. Are our homes holier places than they were a year ago.
We had a goal to visit every temple in Utah while the Ogden temple is closed. May we have a greater appreciation for the Ogden temple when it is rededicated.
Goals for 2013
A member of the state presidency spoke.
2 Nephi 25:26
26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
Alma 40:23
23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.
“God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration.
“No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God!
“For what we love determines what we seek.
“What we seek determines what we think and do.
“What we think and do determines who we are—and who we will become.” (President Dieter F Uchtdorf, The Love of God)
Joint Priesthood MeetingSaving the Saints
Think of our hands and feet. Then think of the hands and feet with the nail marks.
What do we think about during the day?
"It is the heart of the activation effort of the Church.
“It is a calling that helps to fulfill the scriptural injunction: ‘Out of small things proceedeth that which is great’ (D&C 64:33).
“There is no greater Church calling than that of a home teacher. There is no greater Church service rendered to our Father in Heaven’s children than the service rendered by a humble, dedicated, committed home teacher." (President Ezra Taft Benson, To the Home Teachers of the Church, April 1987 General Conference)
"I feel that the time has come for each bearer of the priesthood to put on the full armor of Christ with respect to home teaching; to stand up like a man of God and do his duty by visiting the home of every member entrusted to his care, as often as is necessary;" (President Marion G. Romney, The Responsibilities of Home Teachers, Ensign, Mar 1973)
“The home teaching program is a response to modern revelation commissioning those ordained to the priesthood to 'teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church . . . and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties, . . . to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them; and see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking' “ (Teachings of Thomas S. Monson, comp. Lynne F. Cannegieter (2011), 139)
"If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his true friend. “ - Abraham Lincoln
Chapter 1 Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Lorenzo Snow
“...he never lost his thirst for learning. For example, when he was 80 years old and serving as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he stood before the Saints at the October 1894 general conference. Reflecting on the discourses his less experienced brethren had delivered earlier that day, he said, “Some ideas were advanced that I never thought of before, and they were very profitable.” (“Glory Awaiting the Saints,” Deseret Semi-Weekly News, Oct. 30, 1894, 1)
Doctrine and Covenants 93:36
36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:18
18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
We are apprentices to God. We need to learn everything to be like him and the more we push ourselves here, the further ahead we will be after this life.
Reading a chapter a day is a good goal, but often we may need to spend our study session on a verse or even a sentence. We need to make an effort to understand and not just get through it.
“...we may read a few lines or pages of scripture every day and hope that will be enough.
“But reading, studying, and pondering are not the same. We read words and we may get ideas. We study and we may discover patterns and connections in scripture. But when we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Pondering, to me, is the thinking and the praying I do after reading and studying in the scriptures carefully.” (President Henry B Eyring, SERVE WITH THE SPIRIT, OCTOBER 2010 General Conference)
Sunday SchoolThis week - The Doctrine and Covenants witness of Christ
Next week . the first vision, JS.H 1:1-26, our heritage chapter 1
Bible Dictionary Covenant. The word is sometimes rendered testament.
Publishing was a huge deal in 1830. Time consuming and expensive.
Martin Harris was the only one Joseph Smith knew that had access to money. Martin ends up mortgaging part of his farm to pay for the printing of the book of Mormon.
Doctrine and Covenants 18:10
10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
The church at first had conference a lot more frequently than six months. This is likely because stakes and wards hadn't been fully established, so perhaps they had general conference as often as we have ward and stake and general conference all combined. Also, the church was still being instructed on the very basics of how it needed to organize itself.
Sacrament ServiceMy daughter talked about the Personal Progress program and her completing it.
The bishop talked about last year’s and this year’s goals.
Stand in holy places was one of the goals last year. Are our homes holier places than they were a year ago.
We had a goal to visit every temple in Utah while the Ogden temple is closed. May we have a greater appreciation for the Ogden temple when it is rededicated.
Goals for 2013
- Doctrine and Covenants 88:119-121
119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
120 That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High.
121 Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings. - “We counsel parents and children to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities.” The First Presidency: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust (letter, 11 Feb. 1999; printed in the Ensign, June 1999, 80)
- Increase your food storage monthly.
- Have a family budget.
- Minister to one another through home and visiting teaching every month.
- Invite a neighbor to a ward activity.
A member of the state presidency spoke.
2 Nephi 25:26
26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
Alma 40:23
23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.
“God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration.
“No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God!
“For what we love determines what we seek.
“What we seek determines what we think and do.
“What we think and do determines who we are—and who we will become.” (President Dieter F Uchtdorf, The Love of God)
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 6 January 2013
Ward CouncilDoctrine and Covenants 88:63-64
63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
64 Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;
The best way to do missionary work is to incorporate nonmembers and members that are not active at church into our normal family activities (fhe, meals, etc). Also we should all know our neighbors a block on either side of us.
“Can we fold our arms in peace and cry ‘all is peace in Zion,’ when, so far as we have the power of the priesthood resting upon us, we can see the condition of the world? Can we imagine that our garments will be clean without lifting our voice before our fellow men and warning them of the things that are at their doors? No, we cannot. There never was a set of men since God made the world under a stronger responsibility to warn this generation, to lift up our voices long and loud, day and night so far as we have the opportunity and declare the words of God unto this generation. We are required to do this. This is our calling. It is our duty. It is our business” (in Journal of Discourses, 21:122).
Elders Quorum
The lesson was base on President Uchtdof’s October 2012 General Conference talk, Of Regrets and Resolutions
This life is not easy, but it is worth it. The Lord doesn't tell us to pray and read our scriptures for nothing. It is essential to get the most out of this life.
Relief Society
Doctrine and Covenants 88:11
11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
The light that shineth and giveth you light is through him. What are you doing to let his light shineth through you? What are you doing that keeps his light from shining through you?
This same light also quickeneth your understanding.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:13
13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.
This same light giveth life to all thing and the law by which all things are governed.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:38
38 And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:69
69 Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you; cast away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you.
Alma 12:14
Matthew 12:36
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:77
77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:118
118 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
Not good books or better books, but the best books.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:119
Prepare a house of:
Doctrine and Covenants 88:121
Cease from:
Cease to:
During trials and hard times, it is possible to have peace.
Do my choices match what matters most?
Sunday School
Doctrine and Covenants introduction, Section 1, and Our Heritage introduction
How do covenant disciples in the dispensation of the fulness of times faithfully live, administer, and receive the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?
"The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days.” (Doctrine and Covenants:Introduction)
Unique things about the Doctrine and Covenants
-We have the original text. Some are published online at JosephSmithpapers.org
-If we want to know what the people in the dnc look like we have photographs.
-It is not a translation of an ancient document. It is of modern origin and was given of God through his chosen prophets. What would it have been like to have been the ancient people and have been reading the Old or New Testaments or the Book of Mormon.
The book is of great value due to the testimony that it gives of Christ.
The Lord wants us to prepare for his coming, for his wrath will fall upon the wicked. The word prepare is found 90 times in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord always gives us time to prepare. That time is ample, but finite. Will we use the time we have been given.
Give your kids time to prepare (“You have five more minutes then you have to clean up.” “We are leaving in fifteen minutes. You need to have your shoes on and so forth.”
Some of the purposes of the Doctrine and Covenants are:
-Bear testimony of Christ.
-Teach men wisdom.
-Help men to repent.
-Give men knowledge.
-Make men humble and strong.
Do we have flawed characters in church history? Of course. Do we have flawed characters sitting in the same room with us at church? Do we have character flaws within ourselves?
Why do we need to read the Doctrine and Covenants? The things contained in there are going to happen. "shall all be fulfilled" - Doctrine and Covenants 1:37
"we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. " (President Dieter F Uchtdorf, Of Things That Matter Most, General Conference 2010)
Testament is another word for covenant. So the parts of our scriptures could be referred to as the Old Covenant, the New Covenant, Another Covenant, and the Doctrine and Covenants.
We will be judged the same way we judge others.
Sacrament Service
Slow down and see what is needful.
Always be prepared. You never know when the Lord will call on you to...
We are given the tools (prayer scriptures, talents, people around us) we need, be ready to see them and use them.
Use what happens in your life to strengthen your testimony.
Pray for a plan and follow it.
Repentance is always available to us.
Pray always and not just when things are needed.
Listen to and do the counsels of the Lord.
If you have a spouse, you do not have to do it alone. Work on spiritual goals together.
What does the gospel mean to you?
You need your family. Don’t shut them out.
You will be shown the truth when your heart is ready. Pray and do and make it ready.
63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
64 Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;
The best way to do missionary work is to incorporate nonmembers and members that are not active at church into our normal family activities (fhe, meals, etc). Also we should all know our neighbors a block on either side of us.
“Can we fold our arms in peace and cry ‘all is peace in Zion,’ when, so far as we have the power of the priesthood resting upon us, we can see the condition of the world? Can we imagine that our garments will be clean without lifting our voice before our fellow men and warning them of the things that are at their doors? No, we cannot. There never was a set of men since God made the world under a stronger responsibility to warn this generation, to lift up our voices long and loud, day and night so far as we have the opportunity and declare the words of God unto this generation. We are required to do this. This is our calling. It is our duty. It is our business” (in Journal of Discourses, 21:122).
Elders Quorum
The lesson was base on President Uchtdof’s October 2012 General Conference talk, Of Regrets and Resolutions
This life is not easy, but it is worth it. The Lord doesn't tell us to pray and read our scriptures for nothing. It is essential to get the most out of this life.
Relief Society
Doctrine and Covenants 88:11
11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
The light that shineth and giveth you light is through him. What are you doing to let his light shineth through you? What are you doing that keeps his light from shining through you?
This same light also quickeneth your understanding.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:13
13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.
This same light giveth life to all thing and the law by which all things are governed.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:38
38 And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:69
69 Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you; cast away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you.
Alma 12:14
- Our words will condemn us.
- Our works will condemn us.
- Our thoughts will condemn us.
Matthew 12:36
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:77
77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:118
118 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
Not good books or better books, but the best books.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:119
Prepare a house of:
- Prayer
- fasting
- faith
- learning
- glory
- order
- God
Doctrine and Covenants 88:121
Cease from:
- All your light speech
- All laughter associated with light speech
- All your lustful desires
- All your pride and light-mindedness
- All your wicked doings
Cease to:
- Be Idle
- Be unclean
- Find fault one with another. Retire to bed early that you are not weary and arise early that your minds and bodies are invigorated.
During trials and hard times, it is possible to have peace.
Do my choices match what matters most?
Sunday School
Doctrine and Covenants introduction, Section 1, and Our Heritage introduction
How do covenant disciples in the dispensation of the fulness of times faithfully live, administer, and receive the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?
"The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days.” (Doctrine and Covenants:Introduction)
Unique things about the Doctrine and Covenants
-We have the original text. Some are published online at JosephSmithpapers.org
-If we want to know what the people in the dnc look like we have photographs.
-It is not a translation of an ancient document. It is of modern origin and was given of God through his chosen prophets. What would it have been like to have been the ancient people and have been reading the Old or New Testaments or the Book of Mormon.
The book is of great value due to the testimony that it gives of Christ.
The Lord wants us to prepare for his coming, for his wrath will fall upon the wicked. The word prepare is found 90 times in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord always gives us time to prepare. That time is ample, but finite. Will we use the time we have been given.
Give your kids time to prepare (“You have five more minutes then you have to clean up.” “We are leaving in fifteen minutes. You need to have your shoes on and so forth.”
Some of the purposes of the Doctrine and Covenants are:
-Bear testimony of Christ.
-Teach men wisdom.
-Help men to repent.
-Give men knowledge.
-Make men humble and strong.
Do we have flawed characters in church history? Of course. Do we have flawed characters sitting in the same room with us at church? Do we have character flaws within ourselves?
Why do we need to read the Doctrine and Covenants? The things contained in there are going to happen. "shall all be fulfilled" - Doctrine and Covenants 1:37
"we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. " (President Dieter F Uchtdorf, Of Things That Matter Most, General Conference 2010)
Testament is another word for covenant. So the parts of our scriptures could be referred to as the Old Covenant, the New Covenant, Another Covenant, and the Doctrine and Covenants.
We will be judged the same way we judge others.
Sacrament Service
Slow down and see what is needful.
Always be prepared. You never know when the Lord will call on you to...
We are given the tools (prayer scriptures, talents, people around us) we need, be ready to see them and use them.
Use what happens in your life to strengthen your testimony.
Pray for a plan and follow it.
Repentance is always available to us.
Pray always and not just when things are needed.
Listen to and do the counsels of the Lord.
If you have a spouse, you do not have to do it alone. Work on spiritual goals together.
What does the gospel mean to you?
You need your family. Don’t shut them out.
You will be shown the truth when your heart is ready. Pray and do and make it ready.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 30 December 2012
I was sick today, so I got no notes, but my wife brought some notes home for me that I have included here.
Sunday School
Consider, for example, the Savior’s benediction upon his disciples even as he moved toward the pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary. On that very night, the night of the greatest suffering that has ever taken place in the world or that ever will take place, the Savior said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
I submit to you, that may be one of the Savior’s commandments that is, even in the hearts of otherwise faithful Latter-day Saints, almost universally disobeyed; and yet I wonder whether our resistance to this invitation could be any more grievous to the Lord’s merciful heart. I can tell you this as a parent: as concerned as I would be if somewhere in their lives one of my children were seriously troubled or unhappy or disobedient, nevertheless I would be infinitely more devastated if I felt that at such a time that child could not trust me to help or thought his or her interest was unimportant to me or unsafe in my care. In that same spirit, I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands or trust in his commandments. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Come unto Me”, Ensign April 1998)
“I would like to urge every man and woman … and every boy and girl who is old enough to read to again read the Book of Mormon during this coming year. This was written for the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of the living God. That is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book. ((Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 44)
“No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon” (Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1961, 18)
“The Book of Mormon is studied in our Sunday School and seminary classes every fourth year. This four-year pattern, however, must not be followed by Church members in their personal and family study. We need to read daily from the pages of the book that will get a man ‘nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book’ (History of the Church, 4:461)” (President Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 3; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 4).
“Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit.” (Ensign, May 1975, p. 65).
Sacrament Service
Prayers
Great prayers take a lot of effort. We need to meditate and ponder during our prayers.
Be honest and sincere in your prayers.
We can pray at anytime and anywhere.
The Lord taught that we should pray morning and evening.
You can not have a testimony of something if you are not doing it.
Study
Set goals to live what you are learning.
Write in a journal when you study the gospel/scriptures.
Love/Service
Love leads us to action.
Study the scriptures/gospel, pray, and love everyday.
Make the effort, it will take you to the end.
The Prophet
If the prophet can do his calling, then you can fulfill your calling as _________________.
It’s all the little things that keeps evil at bay. Little things like prayer, doing your callings at church and home, going to your meetings, reading the scriptures.
See others as they may become .
Strengthen your testimony by doing the little things.
Others see what you do and learn from your testimony.
Pray for the prophet daily and for your family.
From The Bulletin
“‘If ye love me, keep my commandments,’14 Jesus said. So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. Elder Jeffrey R Holland
Sunday School
Consider, for example, the Savior’s benediction upon his disciples even as he moved toward the pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary. On that very night, the night of the greatest suffering that has ever taken place in the world or that ever will take place, the Savior said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
I submit to you, that may be one of the Savior’s commandments that is, even in the hearts of otherwise faithful Latter-day Saints, almost universally disobeyed; and yet I wonder whether our resistance to this invitation could be any more grievous to the Lord’s merciful heart. I can tell you this as a parent: as concerned as I would be if somewhere in their lives one of my children were seriously troubled or unhappy or disobedient, nevertheless I would be infinitely more devastated if I felt that at such a time that child could not trust me to help or thought his or her interest was unimportant to me or unsafe in my care. In that same spirit, I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands or trust in his commandments. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Come unto Me”, Ensign April 1998)
“I would like to urge every man and woman … and every boy and girl who is old enough to read to again read the Book of Mormon during this coming year. This was written for the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of the living God. That is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book. ((Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 44)
“No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon” (Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1961, 18)
“The Book of Mormon is studied in our Sunday School and seminary classes every fourth year. This four-year pattern, however, must not be followed by Church members in their personal and family study. We need to read daily from the pages of the book that will get a man ‘nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book’ (History of the Church, 4:461)” (President Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 3; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 4).
“Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit.” (Ensign, May 1975, p. 65).
Sacrament Service
Prayers
Great prayers take a lot of effort. We need to meditate and ponder during our prayers.
Be honest and sincere in your prayers.
We can pray at anytime and anywhere.
The Lord taught that we should pray morning and evening.
You can not have a testimony of something if you are not doing it.
Study
Set goals to live what you are learning.
Write in a journal when you study the gospel/scriptures.
Love/Service
Love leads us to action.
Study the scriptures/gospel, pray, and love everyday.
Make the effort, it will take you to the end.
The Prophet
If the prophet can do his calling, then you can fulfill your calling as _________________.
It’s all the little things that keeps evil at bay. Little things like prayer, doing your callings at church and home, going to your meetings, reading the scriptures.
See others as they may become .
Strengthen your testimony by doing the little things.
Others see what you do and learn from your testimony.
Pray for the prophet daily and for your family.
From The Bulletin
“‘If ye love me, keep my commandments,’14 Jesus said. So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. Elder Jeffrey R Holland
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 23 December 2012
Elders Quorum
Lesson based on elder Holland’s Oct 2012 conference talk.
We are saved by grace, but it requires action to partake of that grace. We do that through repentance, a broken heart and a contrite spirit. - find scripture
Do we go back to our old life after having a spiritual conversion? As the Savior said, do we love these more than him? Do we love our sins, addictions, agendas more than the savior?
“There is almost no group in history for whom I have more sympathy than I have for the eleven remaining Apostles immediately following the death of the Savior of the world. I think we sometimes forget just how inexperienced they still were and how totally dependent upon Jesus they had of necessity been.”
“Quite a staggering prospect for a group of newly ordained elders.”
John 21:15-17
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon,son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him,Feed my sheep.
I don't know that I have ever fathomed the depth of this conversation. I had always limited my perception of this conversation as a replaying that Peter had denied the Savior three times and perhaps Peter needed to ponder some on that.
When Elder Holland talked about them going fishing it made me wonder if they hadn't relaxed a bit and went back to their jobs or recreation. Perhaps because they were overwhelmed. Perhaps they didn't know what else to do.
I now wonder if part of the reason for the conversation was to emphasize what Peter and the other apostles needed to be doing. He ate with them helped them have a successful trip, but it now seems that maybe he was getting them working on feeding the sheep.
"Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation? Wasn’t it obvious then and isn’t it obvious now that if I want fish, I can get fish? What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith."
Sunday School
Moroni 1-6
Moroni is in hiding because of the warring the Lamanites are doing among themselves. They are bloodthirsty and they especially hate Nephites.
I hadn't thought about this before today, but did Moroni have a wife and children who were killed by the Lamanites?
After all of that and watching the depravity of the Lamanites, he still loves them, prays for them, writes about them being a chosen people, and details their salvation.
They knew it was true because it was according the commandments of Christ - Moroni 4
It was pointed out that priesthood meeting starts with business with the entire priesthood to go over before the lesson. On the other hand, relief society and young women meet separate from the beginning. This is due to the entire priesthood having responsibilities.
In our homes it is the priesthood holder's responsibility to lead. It is not a power thing. It is responsibility thing. It reminds men to take responsibility for their lives. For their family. For their neighborhood.
When a wife lovingly expresses her expectation that her husband will take responsibility in their family, he will become stronger and his love for her will increase.
Lesson based on elder Holland’s Oct 2012 conference talk.
We are saved by grace, but it requires action to partake of that grace. We do that through repentance, a broken heart and a contrite spirit. - find scripture
Do we go back to our old life after having a spiritual conversion? As the Savior said, do we love these more than him? Do we love our sins, addictions, agendas more than the savior?
“There is almost no group in history for whom I have more sympathy than I have for the eleven remaining Apostles immediately following the death of the Savior of the world. I think we sometimes forget just how inexperienced they still were and how totally dependent upon Jesus they had of necessity been.”
“Quite a staggering prospect for a group of newly ordained elders.”
John 21:15-17
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon,son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him,Feed my sheep.
I don't know that I have ever fathomed the depth of this conversation. I had always limited my perception of this conversation as a replaying that Peter had denied the Savior three times and perhaps Peter needed to ponder some on that.
When Elder Holland talked about them going fishing it made me wonder if they hadn't relaxed a bit and went back to their jobs or recreation. Perhaps because they were overwhelmed. Perhaps they didn't know what else to do.
I now wonder if part of the reason for the conversation was to emphasize what Peter and the other apostles needed to be doing. He ate with them helped them have a successful trip, but it now seems that maybe he was getting them working on feeding the sheep.
"Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation? Wasn’t it obvious then and isn’t it obvious now that if I want fish, I can get fish? What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith."
Sunday School
Moroni 1-6
Moroni is in hiding because of the warring the Lamanites are doing among themselves. They are bloodthirsty and they especially hate Nephites.
I hadn't thought about this before today, but did Moroni have a wife and children who were killed by the Lamanites?
After all of that and watching the depravity of the Lamanites, he still loves them, prays for them, writes about them being a chosen people, and details their salvation.
They knew it was true because it was according the commandments of Christ - Moroni 4
It was pointed out that priesthood meeting starts with business with the entire priesthood to go over before the lesson. On the other hand, relief society and young women meet separate from the beginning. This is due to the entire priesthood having responsibilities.
In our homes it is the priesthood holder's responsibility to lead. It is not a power thing. It is responsibility thing. It reminds men to take responsibility for their lives. For their family. For their neighborhood.
When a wife lovingly expresses her expectation that her husband will take responsibility in their family, he will become stronger and his love for her will increase.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 16 December 2012
Ward Council
Doctrine and Covenants 4:2
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
Annual Histories
Doctrine and Covenants 47:3-4
3 And again, I say unto you that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church record and history continually; for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to another office.
4 Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen.
Doctrine and Covenants 69:2-6
2 Wherefore, I, the Lord, will that my servant, John Whitmer, should go with my servant Oliver Cowdery;
3 And also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church;
4 And also that he receive counsel and assistance from my servant Oliver Cowdery and others.
5 And also, my servants who are abroad in the earth should send forth the accounts of their stewardships to the land of Zion;
6 For the land of Zion shall be a seat and a place to receive and do all these things.
Doctrine and Covenants 85:1-2
1 It is the duty of the Lord’s clerk, whom he has appointed, to keep a history, and a general church record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all those who consecrate properties, and receive inheritances legally from the bishop;
2 And also their manner of life, their faith, and works; and also of the apostates who apostatize after receiving their inheritances.
Meeting About New Youth Curriculum
Introduction to New Youth Lessons
"Giving a man a fish feeds him for one meal. Teaching a man to fish feeds him for a lifetime. As parents and gospel instructors, you and I are not in the business of distributing fish; rather, our work is to help our children learn “to fish” and to become spiritually steadfast. This vital objective is best accomplished as we encourage our children to act in accordance with correct principles—as we help them to learn by doing. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God” (John 7:17). Such learning requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception." (Elder David A Bednar, Watching with All Perseverance, General Conference April 2010)
We can't just open the youth's heads and poor in what we know or our life experience.
John 21:15-17
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon,son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
"It is also the Holy Ghost, in His character as the Holy Spirit of Promise, that confirms the validity and efficacy of your covenants and seals God’s promises upon you." (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, The Power of Covenants, General Conference April 2009)
When you see that someone is having a spiritual experience or is asking a question everything needs to stop. We need to focus on cultivating that experience. This helps them to learn how to recognize the spirit and to grow their conversion.
Sacrament Service
A missionary who recently returned from a mission to South Carolina spoke to us.
He said he talked to thousands of people on his mission and taught hundreds and no one got more out of it than he.
Alma 43:48-50
48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts—yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage.
49 And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage.
50 And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power; and in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them; and they fled even to the waters of Sidon.
Your temptations and trials can flee from us as we have faith. Perhaps they will not be entirely removed, but they will not stop us.
As long as we are trying our best, Christ is pleased. He will often nudges us to increase our ability, but he is pleased as long as we grab on and continue giving everything we can.
Christ is the light of the world. We look to him for knowledge, for guidance, for direction.
Doctrine and Covenants 4:2
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
Annual Histories
Doctrine and Covenants 47:3-4
3 And again, I say unto you that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church record and history continually; for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to another office.
4 Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen.
Doctrine and Covenants 69:2-6
2 Wherefore, I, the Lord, will that my servant, John Whitmer, should go with my servant Oliver Cowdery;
3 And also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church;
4 And also that he receive counsel and assistance from my servant Oliver Cowdery and others.
5 And also, my servants who are abroad in the earth should send forth the accounts of their stewardships to the land of Zion;
6 For the land of Zion shall be a seat and a place to receive and do all these things.
Doctrine and Covenants 85:1-2
1 It is the duty of the Lord’s clerk, whom he has appointed, to keep a history, and a general church record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all those who consecrate properties, and receive inheritances legally from the bishop;
2 And also their manner of life, their faith, and works; and also of the apostates who apostatize after receiving their inheritances.
Meeting About New Youth Curriculum
Introduction to New Youth Lessons
"Giving a man a fish feeds him for one meal. Teaching a man to fish feeds him for a lifetime. As parents and gospel instructors, you and I are not in the business of distributing fish; rather, our work is to help our children learn “to fish” and to become spiritually steadfast. This vital objective is best accomplished as we encourage our children to act in accordance with correct principles—as we help them to learn by doing. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God” (John 7:17). Such learning requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception." (Elder David A Bednar, Watching with All Perseverance, General Conference April 2010)
We can't just open the youth's heads and poor in what we know or our life experience.
John 21:15-17
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon,son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
"It is also the Holy Ghost, in His character as the Holy Spirit of Promise, that confirms the validity and efficacy of your covenants and seals God’s promises upon you." (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, The Power of Covenants, General Conference April 2009)
When you see that someone is having a spiritual experience or is asking a question everything needs to stop. We need to focus on cultivating that experience. This helps them to learn how to recognize the spirit and to grow their conversion.
Sacrament Service
A missionary who recently returned from a mission to South Carolina spoke to us.
He said he talked to thousands of people on his mission and taught hundreds and no one got more out of it than he.
Alma 43:48-50
48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts—yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage.
49 And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage.
50 And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power; and in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them; and they fled even to the waters of Sidon.
Your temptations and trials can flee from us as we have faith. Perhaps they will not be entirely removed, but they will not stop us.
As long as we are trying our best, Christ is pleased. He will often nudges us to increase our ability, but he is pleased as long as we grab on and continue giving everything we can.
Christ is the light of the world. We look to him for knowledge, for guidance, for direction.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 2 December 2012
Ward Council
The person giving the spiritual thought shared thoughts from President Thomas S Monson’s December 2012 Ensign article, Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit.
Chapter 3 of the Handbook 2:Administering the Church
This training was also given in Relief Society broadcast a few weeks ago.
Section 3.1
"This pattern—being a faithful disciple in order to help others become faithful disciples—is the purpose behind every calling in the Church."
Section 3.2.1
“‘When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren’ (Luke 22:32). When leaders are converted and are growing spiritually, they can help others become converted and grow spiritually.”
Section 3.2.2
“In councils, leaders meet under the direction of presiding officers to discuss ways to help individuals and families.”
Section 3.2.3
“Like the Savior, leaders seek to minister to individuals and families, both spiritually and temporally. They care about each person, not just about managing an organization. They reach out to new members, less-active members, and those who may be lonely or in need of comfort.”
Everyone, not just members
Elders Quorum
I had some business in my son’s deacons quorum today, so I missed most of the elders quorum lesson.
Lesson based on conference talk Beware Concerning Yourselves, by Elder Anthony D. Perkins
Sunday School
Mormon 5-9
What is the intent of the book of Mormon?
Another testament of Jesus Christ
Chapter 8 and 9 of Mormon was written by Moroni
The book of Ether was abridged by Moroni
Chapters 7, 8,9 of Moroni are letters from Mormon
Who is the Book of Mormon for?
The seed of the lamanites and the Gentiles and the unbelievingly of the Jews
Mormon 5:14-15
14 And behold, they shall go unto the unbelieving of the Jews; and for this intent shall they go—that they may be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God; that the Father may bring about, through his most Beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in restoring the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to the land of their inheritance, which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling of his covenant;
15 And also that the seed of this people may more fully believe his gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the Gentiles; for this people shall be scattered, and shall become a dark, a filthy, and a loathsome people, beyond the description of that which ever hath been amongst us, yea, even that which hath been among the Lamanites, and this because of their unbelief and idolatry.
“...that [they] may more fully believe his gospel...” There are many that believe the gospel. The Book of Mormon is to strengthen their faith and help them to more fully believe.
First Presidency Christmas Devotional
President Dieter F Uchtdorf, The Good and Grateful Receiver
People sometimes get to a point where they can’t accept a gift or a compliment without feeling embarrassment or with the feeling that they have to return a more extravagant gift.
John 13: 8-10
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou needest not to wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Matthew 18:3
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
At this Christmas season, maybe we can see the wonderment of children and understand what it means to be a little child.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:33
33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.
“...we have it within us to experience this Christmas season with the wonder and the awe of a child. We have it within us to say, “My heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God”10—the Giver of all good gifts.”
Be good and grateful receivers.
President Henry B Eyring, The Perfect Gift
The missionaries offer the gift of The Book of Mormon to everyone they meet. This great gift that God preserved over the centuries for us.
Jesus was the perfect gift from our Heavenly Father.
President Thomas S Monson, Christmas Is Love
It is easy to lose the spirit of the season by over doing. Too many activities. Too much to eat. Too many presents.
The joy of the season is not in the hurrying and scurrying and the presents.
Christmas is not tinsel and ribbons.
The person giving the spiritual thought shared thoughts from President Thomas S Monson’s December 2012 Ensign article, Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit.
Chapter 3 of the Handbook 2:Administering the Church
This training was also given in Relief Society broadcast a few weeks ago.
Section 3.1
"This pattern—being a faithful disciple in order to help others become faithful disciples—is the purpose behind every calling in the Church."
Section 3.2.1
“‘When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren’ (Luke 22:32). When leaders are converted and are growing spiritually, they can help others become converted and grow spiritually.”
Section 3.2.2
“In councils, leaders meet under the direction of presiding officers to discuss ways to help individuals and families.”
Section 3.2.3
“Like the Savior, leaders seek to minister to individuals and families, both spiritually and temporally. They care about each person, not just about managing an organization. They reach out to new members, less-active members, and those who may be lonely or in need of comfort.”
Everyone, not just members
Elders Quorum
I had some business in my son’s deacons quorum today, so I missed most of the elders quorum lesson.
Lesson based on conference talk Beware Concerning Yourselves, by Elder Anthony D. Perkins
Sunday School
Mormon 5-9
What is the intent of the book of Mormon?
Another testament of Jesus Christ
Chapter 8 and 9 of Mormon was written by Moroni
The book of Ether was abridged by Moroni
Chapters 7, 8,9 of Moroni are letters from Mormon
Who is the Book of Mormon for?
The seed of the lamanites and the Gentiles and the unbelievingly of the Jews
Mormon 5:14-15
14 And behold, they shall go unto the unbelieving of the Jews; and for this intent shall they go—that they may be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God; that the Father may bring about, through his most Beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in restoring the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to the land of their inheritance, which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling of his covenant;
15 And also that the seed of this people may more fully believe his gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the Gentiles; for this people shall be scattered, and shall become a dark, a filthy, and a loathsome people, beyond the description of that which ever hath been amongst us, yea, even that which hath been among the Lamanites, and this because of their unbelief and idolatry.
“...that [they] may more fully believe his gospel...” There are many that believe the gospel. The Book of Mormon is to strengthen their faith and help them to more fully believe.
First Presidency Christmas Devotional
President Dieter F Uchtdorf, The Good and Grateful Receiver
People sometimes get to a point where they can’t accept a gift or a compliment without feeling embarrassment or with the feeling that they have to return a more extravagant gift.
John 13: 8-10
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou needest not to wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Matthew 18:3
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
At this Christmas season, maybe we can see the wonderment of children and understand what it means to be a little child.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:33
33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.
“...we have it within us to experience this Christmas season with the wonder and the awe of a child. We have it within us to say, “My heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God”10—the Giver of all good gifts.”
Be good and grateful receivers.
President Henry B Eyring, The Perfect Gift
The missionaries offer the gift of The Book of Mormon to everyone they meet. This great gift that God preserved over the centuries for us.
Jesus was the perfect gift from our Heavenly Father.
President Thomas S Monson, Christmas Is Love
It is easy to lose the spirit of the season by over doing. Too many activities. Too much to eat. Too many presents.
The joy of the season is not in the hurrying and scurrying and the presents.
Christmas is not tinsel and ribbons.
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