Sacrament Meeting
Jesus' ministry started and ended with an ordinance. It started with baptism and ended with the sacrament.
Something else one of the speakers either said or maybe made me think about was that the sacrament is an offering. I haven't entirely put my mind around what all that means, but I guess it makes sense, since the sacrifice offerings of the Old Testament were a symbol of Christ. Now we offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit. I guess I thought about that being done in our nightly prayers and our daily lives, which it is, but it is also an ordinance.
Sunday School
The lesson today was primarily on David's fall. One question I have had is can David repent? Has his committed the unpardonable sin by committing murder? The Sunday school teach said that he may never attain anything above the Telestial. If he had not received any level of forgiveness he would have received no glory and yet to have fallen so far to not be able to reach beyond the Telestial. Also the statements in 2 Sam 11-12 about his wives being given to another. Is that in this life or in the resurrection? Does anyone know the history of David at all? Did he lose his wives in this life? The scriptures reference that the Lord would do this thing before the sun. That kind of spoke of Celestial things to me, but I have nothing authoritative yet.
This discussion also brought us to our own weaknesses and how to avoid them. Couple of interesting analogies were made.
1. Temptation is like a thread wrapped around your wrists. When you are first tempted it like on strand. You can easily break it if you choose to. If you continue to entertain the temptation then the thread is wrapped more times around you. If entertain it long enough you can't just easily break it, but might need to get scissors to cut it off of you.
2. Someone related hearing something by a preacher on the radio about each of us having two dogs fighting within us. One is good and one is bad. The one that we feed more wins more.
Priesthood
Again the topic of praying even for the little things was taught. It started with praying for things that you have lost and moved into praying for removal of your anger and to soften your heart. Many times we think about asking God to soften others, but most times the situation could be helped by softening us. It may not entirely resolve the situation, but many times it can be substantially made better by just changing our own heart.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Sunday June 18, 2006
Father's Day
Sacrament Meeting
One speaker shared a poem or something that talked about God knowing about cars and being an accomplished musician and a master physician.
One sister talked about her father, the father of her children, and Heavenly Father.
Sunday School
Saul's jealousy was destructive. He was a man of strong character, but lost that by allowing his jealousy to consume him.
We compared Saul, David, and Jonathan.
We also talked about David respecting Saul's office, even though he was trying to kill him. It talks about that he behaved himself wisely. How do we behave ourselves wisely as we deal with those we work with in life?
Priesthood
We had pie and ice cream that was brought in by one of the sisters for Father's Day. And after that my daughter gave scripture in Primary, so I went and watched that. Thus, I missed most of the lesson in priesthood.
Sacrament Meeting
One speaker shared a poem or something that talked about God knowing about cars and being an accomplished musician and a master physician.
One sister talked about her father, the father of her children, and Heavenly Father.
Sunday School
Saul's jealousy was destructive. He was a man of strong character, but lost that by allowing his jealousy to consume him.
We compared Saul, David, and Jonathan.
We also talked about David respecting Saul's office, even though he was trying to kill him. It talks about that he behaved himself wisely. How do we behave ourselves wisely as we deal with those we work with in life?
Priesthood
We had pie and ice cream that was brought in by one of the sisters for Father's Day. And after that my daughter gave scripture in Primary, so I went and watched that. Thus, I missed most of the lesson in priesthood.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Sunday June 11, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
Repentance
What does it take for us to change our ways. Will we wait until something terrible happens? Until what we are doing kills us? Until our children have problems after our bad habits.
I myself put together ideas at one time for a talk that talked of something similar to this. My grandmother smoked for years. I would hide her cigarrettes, but she would not stop. Finally she was diagnosed with cancer. She then quit. It was too late.
Prayer
Before you pray, pray for what you should pray for. Many times it is hard to pray because it feels like we are saying the same thing each time.
Sunday School
We discussed Saul's good characterists and how he lost them. When he first was king he would not allow those that opposed him to be put to death.
As his time went on Saul became prideful and relied on his own authority. An example of this is when he offered the offering to the Lord when Samuel was late.
When Saul offered the sacrafice of the animals of the people that they were to completely destroy it was not a sacrafice, because it was not their animals.
Priesthood
Make our wants known and leave it in his hands.
We should take all things to the Lord. This would include solving a problem you are working on at work, even though the work you are doing is temporal.
Sometime perhaps just thank and don't ask.
We should also make sure we pay attention to others' needs and pray for them.
Repentance
What does it take for us to change our ways. Will we wait until something terrible happens? Until what we are doing kills us? Until our children have problems after our bad habits.
I myself put together ideas at one time for a talk that talked of something similar to this. My grandmother smoked for years. I would hide her cigarrettes, but she would not stop. Finally she was diagnosed with cancer. She then quit. It was too late.
Prayer
Before you pray, pray for what you should pray for. Many times it is hard to pray because it feels like we are saying the same thing each time.
Sunday School
We discussed Saul's good characterists and how he lost them. When he first was king he would not allow those that opposed him to be put to death.
As his time went on Saul became prideful and relied on his own authority. An example of this is when he offered the offering to the Lord when Samuel was late.
When Saul offered the sacrafice of the animals of the people that they were to completely destroy it was not a sacrafice, because it was not their animals.
Priesthood
Make our wants known and leave it in his hands.
We should take all things to the Lord. This would include solving a problem you are working on at work, even though the work you are doing is temporal.
Sometime perhaps just thank and don't ask.
We should also make sure we pay attention to others' needs and pray for them.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Sunday June 4, 2006
Sacrament Meeting (Testimony Meeting)
One person expressed that blessings are contingent upon work. Are there random blessings that he knows that we need? Perhaps. Are some of the blessings we receive trials or having things withheld from us. Many times, yes.
I think the statement that blessings are contingent upon work may be a little too specific, but I do think that work does bring us blessings and in many cases our blessings are contingent upon us doing something. I believe that sometimes when our prayers seem to not being answered that maybe we haven't sought out everything that is our responsibility in the matter or that until we reach out past ourselves we can't get the answer or the blessing.
Testimony: A testimony is not what we say, but what we express through our spirit. This is why it should be brief and to the point.
Sunday School
Thinking of ourselves causes our spirituality to decline. How many times do we not want to take the time or effort for Family Home Evening, Family Prayer, Family Scripture study, or even to fast?
We started the book of 1 Samuel today. We talked of Israel wanting a king because all the other nations had kings.
Priesthood
The lesson was taken from the First Presidency message from the June Ensign.
What types of voice are we hearing today? Political, profane, warring... Do we hear the voices of the spirit (love, peace...) much at work or on TV? Where will we or our kids hear them? Our kids will hear them from us or at church or in places where that is the primary concern. Our homes need to be places where that is the primary concern. We can here them at church, from our home teachers, at the temple, and so forth.
A couple of side points that were brought out in the lesson by class members:
One person expressed that blessings are contingent upon work. Are there random blessings that he knows that we need? Perhaps. Are some of the blessings we receive trials or having things withheld from us. Many times, yes.
I think the statement that blessings are contingent upon work may be a little too specific, but I do think that work does bring us blessings and in many cases our blessings are contingent upon us doing something. I believe that sometimes when our prayers seem to not being answered that maybe we haven't sought out everything that is our responsibility in the matter or that until we reach out past ourselves we can't get the answer or the blessing.
Testimony: A testimony is not what we say, but what we express through our spirit. This is why it should be brief and to the point.
Sunday School
Thinking of ourselves causes our spirituality to decline. How many times do we not want to take the time or effort for Family Home Evening, Family Prayer, Family Scripture study, or even to fast?
We started the book of 1 Samuel today. We talked of Israel wanting a king because all the other nations had kings.
Priesthood
The lesson was taken from the First Presidency message from the June Ensign.
What types of voice are we hearing today? Political, profane, warring... Do we hear the voices of the spirit (love, peace...) much at work or on TV? Where will we or our kids hear them? Our kids will hear them from us or at church or in places where that is the primary concern. Our homes need to be places where that is the primary concern. We can here them at church, from our home teachers, at the temple, and so forth.
A couple of side points that were brought out in the lesson by class members:
- Do we disrespect the gift of life by doing death defying things to get a rush or a high?
- People act like a stampede at times. They get something in their heads and don't hear influences that would help them to be safe.
- You can tell who you are by what you think when you don't have to think. (I think this one was from President Faust's talk.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sunday May 28, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
Agency - If we are given a box of legos and directions, we can follow the directions of build whatever we want. The speaker related that to if someone wrongs us we can choose to do what God would have us do or we can act out on our own.
Another speaker took his material from Elder Uchdorf's talk on Seeing the Beginning from the End. I have commented on this elsewhere, so I won't go into it too much, but the gist of it is that we have limited perspective and we can sometimes get lost in the trial at hand and can't see what the blessing is at the end of it. Elder Uchdorf talks of his lung disease that was healed due to the hard work he had to do as a kid to help provide for his family.
The speaker added the scripture Words of Mormon 1:7.
And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.
Sunday School
What do we want spoken about us? What one thing can we do this week to make that vision come true?
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Ruth became one of the children on Israel by marriage even thought Israel had been commanded to conquer her people.
Priesthood
The lesson was based on Elder Hales talk on Agency from last conference. I didn't catch all of the lesson since my foru-year old had gave a talk in Primary.
Agency - If we are given a box of legos and directions, we can follow the directions of build whatever we want. The speaker related that to if someone wrongs us we can choose to do what God would have us do or we can act out on our own.
Another speaker took his material from Elder Uchdorf's talk on Seeing the Beginning from the End. I have commented on this elsewhere, so I won't go into it too much, but the gist of it is that we have limited perspective and we can sometimes get lost in the trial at hand and can't see what the blessing is at the end of it. Elder Uchdorf talks of his lung disease that was healed due to the hard work he had to do as a kid to help provide for his family.
The speaker added the scripture Words of Mormon 1:7.
And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.
Sunday School
What do we want spoken about us? What one thing can we do this week to make that vision come true?
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Ruth became one of the children on Israel by marriage even thought Israel had been commanded to conquer her people.
Priesthood
The lesson was based on Elder Hales talk on Agency from last conference. I didn't catch all of the lesson since my foru-year old had gave a talk in Primary.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Sunday May 21, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
The speakers talked today about serving others. The following points were brought out:
After Joshua died the people were ruled by judges.
Some nations were not completely conquered to bring Israel into humility later.
Priesthood
Being born with gifts can be a great blessing to you and others, but it can also be a trial of your humility. We gain power by recognizing God's hand and asking for guidance in the use of our talents.
The speakers talked today about serving others. The following points were brought out:
- Even though we should encourage each other, we should avoid calling others to repentance.
- Be friendly to everyone, even those that aren't like us. Sometimes it is hard to be close with someone that does not have our interests or is not in our social circle or is not at our education level. We must learn to be close to all mankind.
- We should impart our substance to each other.
- We will never acheive perfection so long as we are mostly concerned with our ours needs. We even do this with our own needs at church. I have seen people grumbling about having a hard time hearing a Sunday school lesson because a mother has a baby in the room and it is fussing a little. I agree that there comes a point that they need to be taken out, but the rest of us also should cut them some slack in order for them to be able to get some of the lesson.
There were a couple of other key points brought out. - When you walk where he is going then you can talk about where you are are going.
- We deny the Savior through our actions every day. We are sometimes judgemental of Peter for denying Christ 3 times before the cock crowed, but do our actions testify that the Church is true and that the atonement has power that others need?
After Joshua died the people were ruled by judges.Some nations were not completely conquered to bring Israel into humility later.
Priesthood
Being born with gifts can be a great blessing to you and others, but it can also be a trial of your humility. We gain power by recognizing God's hand and asking for guidance in the use of our talents.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Sunday May 14, 2006
Sacrament Meeting - Mother's Day
The point was brought out that Eve was called the mother of all living before she bore any children. One expressed the opinion that motherhood starts at when girls are born. They also pointed out that unless taught otherwise woman do mother things naturally.
Does mother of all indicate some sort of stewardship to take care of the earth and all creatures on it?
They talked about men having to be given something (priesthood) to be saviors of men.
Sunday school
We talked about the order of things as the Lord called Joshua to take Moses' place.
The left the 12 stones by the Jordon river as another reminder to them, like the many other things they were required to do.
Priesthood
We talked about not talking bad about other religions. Someone gave the quote, "Don't tear down another man's house in order to be able to build him a new one."
I thought on that a bit. If I build my neighbor new house and then let him move into it when he is ready he will probably be grateful. If I burn down his house just so I can build him a new one or even if I already have it built and then burn down his existing house, thus forcing him to move he will probably resent me.
The point was brought out that Eve was called the mother of all living before she bore any children. One expressed the opinion that motherhood starts at when girls are born. They also pointed out that unless taught otherwise woman do mother things naturally.
Does mother of all indicate some sort of stewardship to take care of the earth and all creatures on it?
They talked about men having to be given something (priesthood) to be saviors of men.
Sunday school
We talked about the order of things as the Lord called Joshua to take Moses' place.
The left the 12 stones by the Jordon river as another reminder to them, like the many other things they were required to do.
Priesthood
We talked about not talking bad about other religions. Someone gave the quote, "Don't tear down another man's house in order to be able to build him a new one."
I thought on that a bit. If I build my neighbor new house and then let him move into it when he is ready he will probably be grateful. If I burn down his house just so I can build him a new one or even if I already have it built and then burn down his existing house, thus forcing him to move he will probably resent me.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Sunday May 7, 2006
Sacrament Meeting (Fast Sunday)
Several primary kids gave testimony today. They went up alone and for the most part gave proper testimonies. They said what they knew and not what they were thankful for or a big long story.
Sunday School
We talked of the things that Irael had to remind them to follow God.
Deuteronomy means second law. Not necessarily a new law, but telling them the law again.
Priesthood
The lesson was based on Elder Hales priesthood talk from last conference.
The adversary can not have joy unless we sin. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. Satan wants us to be miserable.
Satan can not make us do anything. The Devil made me do it is false doctrine. He can only intice us, but not compel us.
Several primary kids gave testimony today. They went up alone and for the most part gave proper testimonies. They said what they knew and not what they were thankful for or a big long story.
Sunday School
We talked of the things that Irael had to remind them to follow God.
Deuteronomy means second law. Not necessarily a new law, but telling them the law again.
Priesthood
The lesson was based on Elder Hales priesthood talk from last conference.
The adversary can not have joy unless we sin. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. Satan wants us to be miserable.
Satan can not make us do anything. The Devil made me do it is false doctrine. He can only intice us, but not compel us.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Sunday April 16, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
My brother and his family were in town for a long weekend, so we attended church in my parents' ward where we had grown up.
A young boy sung. I believe he was the son of the sister of my friend Chris Miller, who I grew up in that ward with. He felt like he messed up a couple of times and had the pianist restart. He was a very small boy and Chris' sister tried to keep him moving. It was nice to see a young boy learning experience of contributing in church.
Chris's brother spoke. He is going to the MTC. He spoke of the resurrection being a free gift whether it be good or bad. He talked of the difference between Imortanlity, which is living forever, and Eternal Life, which is living forever with God. Chris's sister also spoke.
It was good to be at church with my brother. We missed seeing more of our old friends.
Sunday School
We talked of Miriam receiving Lepracy. We talked of why she was stricken and not Aaron. Some thought that perhaps she was the instigator in the who thing.
Priesthood
My son, Jason, was scared to go to class, so he went to priesthood with me. He needs to be in class, but it was nice to have him there with me.
The lesson was on the atonement.
My brother and his family were in town for a long weekend, so we attended church in my parents' ward where we had grown up.
A young boy sung. I believe he was the son of the sister of my friend Chris Miller, who I grew up in that ward with. He felt like he messed up a couple of times and had the pianist restart. He was a very small boy and Chris' sister tried to keep him moving. It was nice to see a young boy learning experience of contributing in church.
Chris's brother spoke. He is going to the MTC. He spoke of the resurrection being a free gift whether it be good or bad. He talked of the difference between Imortanlity, which is living forever, and Eternal Life, which is living forever with God. Chris's sister also spoke.
It was good to be at church with my brother. We missed seeing more of our old friends.
Sunday School
We talked of Miriam receiving Lepracy. We talked of why she was stricken and not Aaron. Some thought that perhaps she was the instigator in the who thing.
Priesthood
My son, Jason, was scared to go to class, so he went to priesthood with me. He needs to be in class, but it was nice to have him there with me.
The lesson was on the atonement.
Sunday April 30, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
One sister spoke of being born again and how it is sometimes misunderstood. She talked of someone stating that they were born again since they had stated that they believed in Christ.
The sister speaking today talked of being born again being born of the water and the spirit. She talked of this meaning baptism and the gift of the holy ghost. She said that believing in Christ was faith, which drives one to being born again.
She talked of being born again also comes from the death of our old lifestyle.
A brother spoke and he based his talk on a talk by M Russle Ballard. He spoke of the doctrines of Inclusion and Exclusion. He said that we needed to reject the doctrine of exclusion and embrace the doctrine of inclusion.
Exclusion
This has to do with not associating with those not of our faith or not of our race.
Inclusion
This is about knowing who our neighbors are. It also has to do with socializing with other no matter their race or religion. I believe this to be true, but what about those who beliefs bring bad things to our families. Is it possible to expect that we can be with them and not be negatively impacted by their ways?
Sunday School
We talked of the children of Israel wondering in the wilderness because of their lack of faith when they got to the promise land.
We talked of continuing to pray for things after the Lord has said no. An experience was shared about a lady that had prayed to marry a man. She felt that she had been told no and then she continued to pray and was told no. She finally got a yes answer and she ended up marrying him and had a horrible seven month marriage.
This discussion was prompted by talking about Balaam and his asking the Lord over and over again if it was okay to curse the chilren of Irael.
Joint Priesthood and Relief Society
We watched a video on the guy who found the Book of Mormon and the title page was gone, so he had no idea what the book was and how he spent his life looking for the church that it belonged to.
During the last fifteen minutes we had to excuse ourselves and got to help Jason with his talk. I went up and read a poem from the Friend in his ear and he recited it. He was violently against giving the talk when we went to church, but got up readily when it was his turn.
Alison gave the closing prayer.
One sister spoke of being born again and how it is sometimes misunderstood. She talked of someone stating that they were born again since they had stated that they believed in Christ.
The sister speaking today talked of being born again being born of the water and the spirit. She talked of this meaning baptism and the gift of the holy ghost. She said that believing in Christ was faith, which drives one to being born again.
She talked of being born again also comes from the death of our old lifestyle.
A brother spoke and he based his talk on a talk by M Russle Ballard. He spoke of the doctrines of Inclusion and Exclusion. He said that we needed to reject the doctrine of exclusion and embrace the doctrine of inclusion.
Exclusion
This has to do with not associating with those not of our faith or not of our race.
Inclusion
This is about knowing who our neighbors are. It also has to do with socializing with other no matter their race or religion. I believe this to be true, but what about those who beliefs bring bad things to our families. Is it possible to expect that we can be with them and not be negatively impacted by their ways?
Sunday School
We talked of the children of Israel wondering in the wilderness because of their lack of faith when they got to the promise land.
We talked of continuing to pray for things after the Lord has said no. An experience was shared about a lady that had prayed to marry a man. She felt that she had been told no and then she continued to pray and was told no. She finally got a yes answer and she ended up marrying him and had a horrible seven month marriage.
This discussion was prompted by talking about Balaam and his asking the Lord over and over again if it was okay to curse the chilren of Irael.
Joint Priesthood and Relief Society
We watched a video on the guy who found the Book of Mormon and the title page was gone, so he had no idea what the book was and how he spent his life looking for the church that it belonged to.
During the last fifteen minutes we had to excuse ourselves and got to help Jason with his talk. I went up and read a poem from the Friend in his ear and he recited it. He was violently against giving the talk when we went to church, but got up readily when it was his turn.
Alison gave the closing prayer.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Sunday April 23, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
Anthony Cool is leaving on his mission to the West Virginia Charleston Mission. Him, his mom, and his sister spoke.
He talked of trying not to fix everything about yourself all at once. He said that you can get very frustrated and discouraged with yourself.
Sunday School
We had the same lesson this week that we had at my parents' ward last week.
We talked of Israel moving toward the promise land, but continually looking back to what they had in Egypt. That kept them from being able to have faith in what was coming in the promised land.
Manna mean "What is this?"
Someone asked if the seven leaders called by Moses were the beginnings of the presidency of the seventy.
The point of the lesson seemed to be to support our leaders and not overstep our stewardship.
At one point we got off on a little bit of a tangent. The question was asked that if we want our families to be strong what are we doing about it? Do we fast and pray or yell to try to set things straight?
Relationships are strengthened by service. This includes work, church, and family relationships. Something interesting to think about as we get frustrated with those around us.
Priesthood
The lesson was based on a talk by Dallin H. Oaks. I think the subject was leading righteously. It was the one where he talked about being raised by his mother and what a strong woman she was and how it frustrated her to see men leading their homes unrighteously.
We touched on the need to have personal interviews with our children.
We also talked of the need for children to see that conflict and discipline can be resolved without anger.
Priesthood can't be used to serve ourselves. The gospel points us to the importance of serving others.
We get released from callings in the church, but not from are callings to be part of families. I think this speaks to just waiting for children to get out of the house. I think it also speaks to people that disown their family members because they make a bad choice or a choice that we perceive as bad.
Anthony Cool is leaving on his mission to the West Virginia Charleston Mission. Him, his mom, and his sister spoke.
He talked of trying not to fix everything about yourself all at once. He said that you can get very frustrated and discouraged with yourself.
Sunday School
We had the same lesson this week that we had at my parents' ward last week.
We talked of Israel moving toward the promise land, but continually looking back to what they had in Egypt. That kept them from being able to have faith in what was coming in the promised land.
Manna mean "What is this?"
Someone asked if the seven leaders called by Moses were the beginnings of the presidency of the seventy.
The point of the lesson seemed to be to support our leaders and not overstep our stewardship.
At one point we got off on a little bit of a tangent. The question was asked that if we want our families to be strong what are we doing about it? Do we fast and pray or yell to try to set things straight?
Relationships are strengthened by service. This includes work, church, and family relationships. Something interesting to think about as we get frustrated with those around us.
Priesthood
The lesson was based on a talk by Dallin H. Oaks. I think the subject was leading righteously. It was the one where he talked about being raised by his mother and what a strong woman she was and how it frustrated her to see men leading their homes unrighteously.
We touched on the need to have personal interviews with our children.
We also talked of the need for children to see that conflict and discipline can be resolved without anger.
Priesthood can't be used to serve ourselves. The gospel points us to the importance of serving others.
We get released from callings in the church, but not from are callings to be part of families. I think this speaks to just waiting for children to get out of the house. I think it also speaks to people that disown their family members because they make a bad choice or a choice that we perceive as bad.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Sunday April 9, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
It was fast Sunday again. There was a lot of publicly thanking and being gratful.
Sunday School
We talked about the calling of Moses. I found myself getting confused between scripture and tradition.
We talked about Moses' speaking problem. It was interesting to me that as I read the scriptures I found that Aaron was not just the spokesman, but that he was actually mostly functioning in the roles that we normally think of Moses functioning in, especially when we see the Chalton Heston performance.
Priesthood
What matters most lasts the longest.
Someone talked about a mother not wanting her child to read something that was offensive to them in school. She ended up taking her kid out of school and home schooling them. It got me thinking, why don't people who don't have kids in school raise a stink about these things. Their tax money pays for those books.
It was fast Sunday again. There was a lot of publicly thanking and being gratful.
Sunday School
We talked about the calling of Moses. I found myself getting confused between scripture and tradition.
We talked about Moses' speaking problem. It was interesting to me that as I read the scriptures I found that Aaron was not just the spokesman, but that he was actually mostly functioning in the roles that we normally think of Moses functioning in, especially when we see the Chalton Heston performance.
Priesthood
What matters most lasts the longest.
Someone talked about a mother not wanting her child to read something that was offensive to them in school. She ended up taking her kid out of school and home schooling them. It got me thinking, why don't people who don't have kids in school raise a stink about these things. Their tax money pays for those books.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Sunday April 2, 2006
General Conference
We have now passed 12.5 million.
Elder Hales talked about Agency. He quoted something President Kimball said to him, "Robert, the adversary can never have joy unless you and I sin." Elder Hales then cited 3 Ne 9:2 "Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people." and pointed out that, "It is our sins that make the devil laugh, our sorrow that brings him counterfeit joy." He also talked about, as the scriptures say, acting for ourselves instead of being acted upon.
President Monson talked about things that like fishing lures to us. We grab after them without thinking about the consequences.
President Faust gave a talk in the priesthood session. He is an interesting paragraph from it:
I would like to say a word about the ministering of angels. In ancient and modern times angels have appeared and given instruction, warnings, and direction, which benefited the people they visited. We do not consciously realize the extent to which ministering angels affect our lives. President Joseph F. Smith said, "In like manner our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, or reproof and instruction, to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh."6 Many of us feel that we have had this experience. Their ministry has been and is an important part of the gospel. Angels ministered to Joseph Smith as he reestablished the gospel in its fulness.
Elder Uchtdorf talked in the priesthood session about seeing the End from the Beginning. We have trouble seeing what we are going through at the moment as being for our god. He told about when he was eleven and had to peddle this old bike around town delivering laundry to help his family make money. It was intense work for him. Years later he went in for a physical to enter the air force that he had had a lung disease in his early teenage years. Had he not worked his lungs so hard delivering that laundry he might have not overcome the disease and not have had his dream come true of becoming a pilot.
We complain about our trials or we make choices for immediate gratification and don't think about the future.
We have now passed 12.5 million.
Elder Hales talked about Agency. He quoted something President Kimball said to him, "Robert, the adversary can never have joy unless you and I sin." Elder Hales then cited 3 Ne 9:2 "Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people." and pointed out that, "It is our sins that make the devil laugh, our sorrow that brings him counterfeit joy." He also talked about, as the scriptures say, acting for ourselves instead of being acted upon.
President Monson talked about things that like fishing lures to us. We grab after them without thinking about the consequences.
President Faust gave a talk in the priesthood session. He is an interesting paragraph from it:
I would like to say a word about the ministering of angels. In ancient and modern times angels have appeared and given instruction, warnings, and direction, which benefited the people they visited. We do not consciously realize the extent to which ministering angels affect our lives. President Joseph F. Smith said, "In like manner our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, or reproof and instruction, to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh."6 Many of us feel that we have had this experience. Their ministry has been and is an important part of the gospel. Angels ministered to Joseph Smith as he reestablished the gospel in its fulness.
Elder Uchtdorf talked in the priesthood session about seeing the End from the Beginning. We have trouble seeing what we are going through at the moment as being for our god. He told about when he was eleven and had to peddle this old bike around town delivering laundry to help his family make money. It was intense work for him. Years later he went in for a physical to enter the air force that he had had a lung disease in his early teenage years. Had he not worked his lungs so hard delivering that laundry he might have not overcome the disease and not have had his dream come true of becoming a pilot.
We complain about our trials or we make choices for immediate gratification and don't think about the future.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Sunday March 26, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
One of the talks today talked about how some other churches have "children's church". This is a service that goes on while church is going on. The speaker talked of how different it was to have the chatter of children in a church service. I think I understand why they would have such a thing, yet I think it is good to have kids learn to sit through a church service and also be able to have time for training at their level. Also I think there is value in allowing all members to have one meeting that they can go to. Those who would lead a children's meeting during services would not be able to go to an adult service.
Sunday School
We were asked to imagine that we were dead. We were then asked to reflect on what trials we had in mortality. What did we learn? How could we have used our time better? I think we got into talking about that as we talked of Joseph's trials.
Pharoah's dream
Someone in class stated that Pharoah had dreams all the time, which is why he had people on staff to interpret them. This time no one had any idea what the dream meant.
It is interesting that Pharoah listened to the Joseph since he was in prison and since Pharoah did not believe in God.
Joseph bringing his family into Egypt to save them is how the children of Israel ended up in Egypt before Moses had to get them out of there.
We got to talking about Joseph laying up food for the famine and lean times. We also talked about how important food storage will be for us and how the prophets have told us that food storage may be as important to us as building the art was to Noah.
Priesthood
What matters most lasts the longest.
Someone talked of a family in Lawrence township not wanting their kid to read a book that they considered offensive. The family ended up pulling the kid out of school as the school said that they were going to continue to use the book. I think they said that the school did say that the kid did not have to read it. I got to thinking about people who pay taxes to buy those books. I should think that some of them should be upset whether they have kids in school or not. Their money is paying for those books.
One of the talks today talked about how some other churches have "children's church". This is a service that goes on while church is going on. The speaker talked of how different it was to have the chatter of children in a church service. I think I understand why they would have such a thing, yet I think it is good to have kids learn to sit through a church service and also be able to have time for training at their level. Also I think there is value in allowing all members to have one meeting that they can go to. Those who would lead a children's meeting during services would not be able to go to an adult service.
Sunday School
We were asked to imagine that we were dead. We were then asked to reflect on what trials we had in mortality. What did we learn? How could we have used our time better? I think we got into talking about that as we talked of Joseph's trials.
Pharoah's dream
Someone in class stated that Pharoah had dreams all the time, which is why he had people on staff to interpret them. This time no one had any idea what the dream meant.
It is interesting that Pharoah listened to the Joseph since he was in prison and since Pharoah did not believe in God.
Joseph bringing his family into Egypt to save them is how the children of Israel ended up in Egypt before Moses had to get them out of there.
We got to talking about Joseph laying up food for the famine and lean times. We also talked about how important food storage will be for us and how the prophets have told us that food storage may be as important to us as building the art was to Noah.
Priesthood
What matters most lasts the longest.
Someone talked of a family in Lawrence township not wanting their kid to read a book that they considered offensive. The family ended up pulling the kid out of school as the school said that they were going to continue to use the book. I think they said that the school did say that the kid did not have to read it. I got to thinking about people who pay taxes to buy those books. I should think that some of them should be upset whether they have kids in school or not. Their money is paying for those books.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Sunday March 19, 2006
Sacrament Meeting
The theme today was on prayer. The following points were brought out:
The theme today was on prayer. The following points were brought out:
- We have to want to talk to him if we want him to talk to us.
- Prayer is the way that the will of the child is brought to the will of the Father.
- We should not ask for anything that we are not willing to help accomplish.
My thoughts
- Point 1 - Is it sometimes difficult to feel like praying? Maybe we don't feel like talking to anyone. If we want to have personal revelation we have to be in the get ourselves in the mood to have a conversation.
- Point 2 - Prayer teaches us to want what Father wants.
- Point 3 - To get an answer we need to do something.
- I got to thinking about the Lord's prayer. Many use this as a prayer they can recite to give them power or bring about what they need without asking for it. I'm speaking from what I have observed. I recognize that I may be over simplifying this.
- The Lord's prayer is not something to recite, but a pattern to follow to learn to pray.
Sunday School
Joseph given the birthright when he was the eleventh. As I looked into this after church I found the following in Ellis T. Rasmussen, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Sept. 1980, 51.
"Jacob, also known as Israel, married at least four wives in the following order: Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah. From these wives Jacob had twelve sons (listed in the order of their birth, with the name of the mother in parentheses): (1) Reuben (Leah), (2) Simeon (Leah), (3) Levi (Leah), (4) Judah (Leah), (5) Dan (Bilhah), (6) Naphtali (Bilhah), (7) Gad (Zilpah), (8) Asher (Zilpah), (9) Issachar (Leah), (10) Zebulun (Leah), (11) Joseph (Rachel), and (12) Benjamin (Rachel)."
"As the firstborn son of the first wife, Reuben was the birthright son. When Reuben proved to be unworthy by committing adultery with Bilhah (see Gen. 35:21–22; Gen. 49:3–4), the birthright went to the firstborn son of the second wife—Joseph, the son of Rachel (see 1 Chr. 5:1). Although Joseph was the eleventh-born son in order of birth, he was second in line for the birthright because he was the firstborn son of the second wife. Jacob had a special coat made for Joseph so that the other brothers would recognize Joseph’s right to preside over the family upon his father’s death."
In commenting about the unfairness of the situations that Joseph was placed in and how they eventually worked out for his good some one quoted someone I can not remember right now. "Irony is the hard crust on the bread of adversity."
Priesthood
If we do not have the Holy Ghost, we have no business teaching.
I am not capable, nor is any man capable of teaching the children of men and edifying them in the Gospel of Jesus Christ without the Holy Spirit, without revelation, without the inspiration of Almighty God. (Teachings of Wilford Woodruff p.59)
Some get into speculating and expressing opinions rather than teaching by the spirit. Speculating is a source false doctrine comes from. It can get passed down as fact. Many of the traditions religion have today are not founded on anything more than someone speculating and it getting picked up as doctrine.
When we teach we need to prepare. Students must prepare too. Someone today pointed out that lessons are caught not taught. The teacher prepares something by the spirit and throws it out. It can be a perfect throw, but if the student is not prepared to catch it then it is gone. Only the student can prepare themselves.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Sunday March 12, 2006
Sacarment Meeting
The speakers talked about the importance of the temple. One of them made the statement that the temple should be sacred second only to our homes. I think I have heard similar things before, but it always makes me think about what goes on in our homes.
Sunday School
We talked about Abraham's servant going to get Isaac a wife.
The servant postponed eating until he had told why he was there. He also hastened to go rather than rest and partake of the festivities that the family wanted to put on.
Why was it significant that Rebecca offered to water the camels. We talked about that each camel needed 30 gallons of water and Abraham's servant had ten camels with him. That would be 300 gallons of water for her to dip out of the well and deliver to the camels.
Priesthood
The Holy Ghost and Personal Revelation
We had a good discussion on how recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
I have often thought that it might be a rather personal thing, which is why it can be so hard. It is different for each person much like different people people feel loved in different ways (some like touch. Some like words). Maybe it is, but it is probably more like figuring out how you body works. Like when you learn how to play a sport of some kind. You have to figure out how to make your muscles do what you want them to. It is probably even more basic than that. Maybe like walking or potty training for a child.
What was brought out in class was that the more we are obdient the more we feel the spirit. In addition, the more times we act on what we are prompted to do or not do and pay attention to the fact that we received a prompting, the more we will understand what the promptings feel like.
The speakers talked about the importance of the temple. One of them made the statement that the temple should be sacred second only to our homes. I think I have heard similar things before, but it always makes me think about what goes on in our homes.
Sunday School
We talked about Abraham's servant going to get Isaac a wife.
The servant postponed eating until he had told why he was there. He also hastened to go rather than rest and partake of the festivities that the family wanted to put on.
Why was it significant that Rebecca offered to water the camels. We talked about that each camel needed 30 gallons of water and Abraham's servant had ten camels with him. That would be 300 gallons of water for her to dip out of the well and deliver to the camels.
Priesthood
The Holy Ghost and Personal Revelation
We had a good discussion on how recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
I have often thought that it might be a rather personal thing, which is why it can be so hard. It is different for each person much like different people people feel loved in different ways (some like touch. Some like words). Maybe it is, but it is probably more like figuring out how you body works. Like when you learn how to play a sport of some kind. You have to figure out how to make your muscles do what you want them to. It is probably even more basic than that. Maybe like walking or potty training for a child.
What was brought out in class was that the more we are obdient the more we feel the spirit. In addition, the more times we act on what we are prompted to do or not do and pay attention to the fact that we received a prompting, the more we will understand what the promptings feel like.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Sunday March 5, 2006 (Fast Sunday)
Testimony Meeting
I have been thinking a lot the last few months about the talk entitled Pure Testimony that was given by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the October 2004 session of general conference. He talked about what a testimony is and what it is not. More recently Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy talked about this in his Ensign article titled Bearing Testimony in October 2005. I have included below some points that these two brethren made.
What a testimony is not:
Sunday School
We talked about Abraham and sacrafice. Being saved by Jehovah prepared him to trust the Lord later in life.
Arab nations are decendants Ishmael. Israelis are decendants of Isaac. With the way that the Arabs and Israelis fight with each other the thought occurred to me of how similar that is to the Lamanites and Nephites. Both brothers were blessed with great blessings, but the younger brother was given the blessing to be a leader.
Priesthood Meeting
The lesson was on prophets having words for their day. We talked about some of the messages President Hinckley has given to us. One of them included his cousel to stay away from gambling.
We considered the billboards that talk of casinos being good for Indiana due to the number of jobs that it creates. What it doesn't mention is the damage to families while fathers and mothers waste their families money and partake of things that could put their marriages at risk.
I got to thinking about day trading being a form of gambling. You don't necessarily get all the trappings that usually accompany gambling, but it can be addictive and waste or tie up money that could be used elsewhere.
I have been thinking a lot the last few months about the talk entitled Pure Testimony that was given by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the October 2004 session of general conference. He talked about what a testimony is and what it is not. More recently Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy talked about this in his Ensign article titled Bearing Testimony in October 2005. I have included below some points that these two brethren made.
What a testimony is not:
- A list of things that we are thankful for.
- A list of things that we love.
- Story, travelogue, lecture, talk, or sermon.
- A testimony can be identified by the use of powerful verbs such as know, testify, believe, certify, declare, affirm, bear witness, bear record.
- An admission ("I have a testimony").
- An exhortation.
- A public confession.
- Not a long explanation of how you know.
- A testimony is a witness or confirmation of eternal truth impressed upon individual hearts and souls through the Holy Ghost.
- Simply stated, testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives.
- Anchored very early to the first principles of the gospel.
- Centered on the Savior, the doctrines of the gospel, the blessings of the Restoration, and the teachings of the scriptures.
- A declaration ("I know").
- Brief and concise.
Sunday School
We talked about Abraham and sacrafice. Being saved by Jehovah prepared him to trust the Lord later in life.
Arab nations are decendants Ishmael. Israelis are decendants of Isaac. With the way that the Arabs and Israelis fight with each other the thought occurred to me of how similar that is to the Lamanites and Nephites. Both brothers were blessed with great blessings, but the younger brother was given the blessing to be a leader.
Priesthood Meeting
The lesson was on prophets having words for their day. We talked about some of the messages President Hinckley has given to us. One of them included his cousel to stay away from gambling.
We considered the billboards that talk of casinos being good for Indiana due to the number of jobs that it creates. What it doesn't mention is the damage to families while fathers and mothers waste their families money and partake of things that could put their marriages at risk.
I got to thinking about day trading being a form of gambling. You don't necessarily get all the trappings that usually accompany gambling, but it can be addictive and waste or tie up money that could be used elsewhere.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Sunday February 26, 2006
I got the idea to start this at the end of church today, so I didn't make good notes. I don't remember everyone's names and don't have all the details.
Sacrament Meeting
One of the speakers in sacrament meeting talked about Faith being an action word and cited James 2:14, 17
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith•, and have not works? can faith save him?
17 Even so faith•, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
We also talked about this briefly in priesthood meeting.
Sunday School
We talked about Abram separating himself from Lot. Lot and Abram's workers were arguing over resources it seems. Abram had the right to choose, but he gave the choice to Lot. This could have cost Abram much money and advantage. To keep a good relationship with Lot he allowed this.
How do WE respond to conflicts with coworkers? Do we dig in and defend our positions or do we be kind and try to make sure that our coworker is uplifted? What about our interactions outside of work? What about the idea of defending our right to do this or that and losing sight of our responsibilities?
Sacrament Meeting
One of the speakers in sacrament meeting talked about Faith being an action word and cited James 2:14, 17
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith•, and have not works? can faith save him?
17 Even so faith•, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
We also talked about this briefly in priesthood meeting.
Sunday School
We talked about Abram separating himself from Lot. Lot and Abram's workers were arguing over resources it seems. Abram had the right to choose, but he gave the choice to Lot. This could have cost Abram much money and advantage. To keep a good relationship with Lot he allowed this.
How do WE respond to conflicts with coworkers? Do we dig in and defend our positions or do we be kind and try to make sure that our coworker is uplifted? What about our interactions outside of work? What about the idea of defending our right to do this or that and losing sight of our responsibilities?
Thursday, December 25, 2003
This Week At the Brownsburg Ward Indianapolis Indiana North Stake Bishopric Christmas Letter December 2003
To our Dear Ward Family,
As we approach the culminating holiday of this wonderful Christmas season, our thoughts are turned towards the events of a special night, just over two thousand years ago, when a heaven sent babe was born in Bethlehem. On that night, the hopes and prayers of four thousand previous years were answered. Long had the world awaited the promised Messiah; the one that would heal all hurts, atone for all sin, fulfill all covenants, and place all of heaven's greatest blessings within the reach of all God's children. Righteous men and women, that had long ago gone the way of all the earth, sang with the chorus of angels in praising God and declaring "Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Men."
Is there any doubt that we sang with them? We had not yet come into our mortal probation, but we can be sure that we watched this beginning of the life of the Savior of Men with great earnestness, knowing what his earthly mission would mean for us when our turn to prove ourselves would come. Jesus Christ was the very best and purest gift from God the Father to us, and we sang his praises that holy night.
In the December 2003 Ensign that we just received, there is a re-published article by Elder Orson F. Whitney. He says in part about "God's Greatest Gift":
May the blessings of Peace and Love be yours this season!
As we approach the culminating holiday of this wonderful Christmas season, our thoughts are turned towards the events of a special night, just over two thousand years ago, when a heaven sent babe was born in Bethlehem. On that night, the hopes and prayers of four thousand previous years were answered. Long had the world awaited the promised Messiah; the one that would heal all hurts, atone for all sin, fulfill all covenants, and place all of heaven's greatest blessings within the reach of all God's children. Righteous men and women, that had long ago gone the way of all the earth, sang with the chorus of angels in praising God and declaring "Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Men."
Is there any doubt that we sang with them? We had not yet come into our mortal probation, but we can be sure that we watched this beginning of the life of the Savior of Men with great earnestness, knowing what his earthly mission would mean for us when our turn to prove ourselves would come. Jesus Christ was the very best and purest gift from God the Father to us, and we sang his praises that holy night.
In the December 2003 Ensign that we just received, there is a re-published article by Elder Orson F. Whitney. He says in part about "God's Greatest Gift":
"By that Spirit and by that alone can men know God and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent—to know [Them], and to act consistently with that knowledge, is to lay hold upon eternal life. No greater thing can come to men while in the flesh than the knowledge of how to secure that greatest of all heavenly gifts.It is our testimony to you that Jesus Christ is our Provider of Heavenly Gifts. Our faith in him and obedience to his commandments, will someday bring us back into his presence where he will present us to the Father, saying: -These are my friends". May we always live worthy of his love, and know that his mercy is boundless to those who will believe and hearken to his voice.
To know God, man must know himself, must know whence he came, why he is here, what is expected of him by the One who sent him here, where he is going when he leaves this mortal life, and what awaits him in the great hereafter. The Holy Spirit is the fountain from which flows this knowledge, the most precious that men can possess. By means of it comes the testimony that Jesus Christ was and is divine."
May the blessings of Peace and Love be yours this season!
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