Primary
My daughter gave a talk today in Primary and this is what she said:
“The For the Strength of Youth had these thoughts on modesty:
“‘Your body is God’s sacred creation.’
“The way you dress ‘can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.’
“‘The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside.’
“‘Never lower your dress standards for any occasion.’
“‘If you are not sure what is appropriate, ask your parents or leaders for help.’”
Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on The Laborers in the Vineyard talk from conference by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
There is a cost the laborers at the end of the day had to pay before getting hired. They didn't know if they were going to get a job.
Those that come to Christ late have had to go through life without the spirit and have taken consequences for their not coming the Christ sooner.
Ether 12:27
27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
Would we be angry if we found out Hitler made it to the celestial kingdom? Or would we be curious of how it was done? What would the Lord have had to do to instigate change in such a man?
Sunday School
Alma 12-16
Alma 10:22-23
22 Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
23 But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent.
Alma 12:9
9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
Are we acting on what we are told and what are we doing with what we have been told? If we don't learn lesson 1 why would the Lord give us lesson 2. The lord gives us line upon line, little by little.
Alma 12:11
11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.
Our bad choices bind us and we are lead to hell.
We are in the middle act of a three act play. If we don't understand something of act one and three act two doesn't make much sense.
The plan of redemption hinges on faith, repentance, and holy works.
We are given a plan and then are given commandments that if we follow them the plan will work.
Justice is an immutable law. Mercy fulfills the demands of justice.
Today priests are in charge of the sacrament. In the old testament the priests were in charge of the sacrifices at the temple.
Sacrament Service
A missionary that recently returned from the Texas Lubbock mission.
1 Nephi 3:7
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go
and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the
Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall
prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he
commandeth them.
2 Nephi 2:27
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
From the Bulletin
“...the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:540)
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 17 June 2012
Elders Quorum
Teachings of George Albert Smith, Chapter 12: An Enthusiastic Desire to Share the Gospel
The scariest time, generally, for missionaries worldwide to bring people to church is fast Sunday. In most wards you go to there are people getting up and expounding overly deep doctrine or even things that are not doctrine. There are also generally people that gets up and tells a long uncomfortable story about their life. Sometimes this is confessing sins or taking care of some sort of private business publicly.
A testimony is short and to the point. It testifies and gets out of the way for the spirit to carry that testimony to the heart of those that hear it. For further discussion on this topic see my post on Testimony (http://scripturetopics.blogspot.com/2012/04/testimony.html)
“Our Father’s children everywhere are anxious to know what they should do, but, by reason of the evil influences that have pervaded the earth, they have been deceived; honorable men of the earth are blinded to the truth. … The adversary is at work, and the only power that can neutralize his influence is the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (George Albert Smith, In Conference Report, Apr. 1922, 53)
“And Philip answered, “Why, he came from Nazareth.” And then the good man said, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said, “Come and see.” (See John 1:43–46.)
Nathanael had been taught to believe that no good could come from Nazareth, and yet he was the man whom the Savior later referred to as an Israelite without guile—a good man, but deceived because of the stories that he had heard.” (George Albert Smith, In Conference Report, Oct. 1945, 120)
Do we fail to listen to true messages we hear because of who said it? Do we feel we have to avoid living in a certain place or move because of the reputation of that place?
The Lord loves us enough to allow us to be crushed, at times, with trials to make us want to reach for something better.
Sunday School
Alma 8-12
The class member study guide had this chart in it comparing the teachings of Alma and Amulek:
The cities of Melek and Amonihah were three days apart.
Alma is chased out of the city and spit upon. After he leave an angel appears to him and tells him to rejoice. He's got to be feeling very poorly, but the angel says to rejoice. He tells him to rejoice because he has been faithful. Additionally, he needs to rejoice because the lord is sending him a companion with whom to preach the gospel.
Why do missionaries generally go in pairs like Alma and Amulek? Safety, compensate for each others' weaknesses, give more than one witness of the message.
Zeezrum takes Amulek’s words out of context and tries to use them against him.
God saves us from our sins, not in our sins.
If we continue in our sins we make the atonement of null effect, other than that we will be resurrected.
In chapter 12 Zeezrom changes in that now he asks questions he actually wants answers to rather just to trip him up.
Sacrament Service
One speaker spoke on helping our families stand in holy places.
Three focuses on standing in holy places are temple, home, and church
“We unavoidably stand in so many unholy places and are subjected to so much that is vulgar, profane, and destructive of the Spirit of the Lord that I encourage our Saints all over the world, wherever possible, to strive to stand more often in holy places. Our most holy places are our sacred temples. Within them is a feeling of sacred comfort. We should seek to be worthy to take our families to the temple to be sealed together for eternity. We should also search for the records of our kindred dead so that they too can be sealed to us in one of the temples.” (James E Faust, Standing in Holy Places, April 2005 General Conference)
We solidify our relationship with our spouse by attending the temple together.
“I encourage you to establish your own goal of how frequently you will avail yourself of the ordinances offered in our operating temples. What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness for a couple than worshipping together in the temple?” (Elder RIchard G Scott, Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need, April 2009 General Conference)
“If every man in this church who has been ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood were to qualify himself to hold a temple recommend, and then were to go to the house of the Lord and renew his covenants in solemnity before God and witnesses, we would be a better people. There would be little or no infidelity among us. Divorce would almost entirely disappear. So much of heartache and heartbreak would be avoided. There would be a greater measure of peace and love and happiness in our homes. There would be fewer weeping wives and weeping children. There would be a greater measure of appreciation and of mutual respect among us. And I am confident the Lord would smile with greater favor upon us.” (President Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1995, 53)
“In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life. Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there. Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, “What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple”, Ensign Aug 1985)
“Our chapels are dedicated to the Lord as holy places. We are told we should go to the house of prayer and offer up our sacraments upon His holy day. 11 Partaking of the sacrament is a solemn and sacred privilege. In our chapels we are instructed in principles of the gospel, children are blessed, members are confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, and testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel are borne. A convert in Texas said, when she walked through the chapel door, there was a feeling of holiness that she had never before experienced in her life.
“We must try harder to be a holy people. We live in the fulness of times. So much has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. This places upon us a special relationship to the Lord. We are the beneficiaries, guardians, and caretakers of these responsibilities under the delegation, authority, and direction of President Hinckley, who holds all the keys. As children of the Lord we should strive every day to rise to a higher level of personal righteousness in all of our actions. We need to guard constantly against all of Satan’s influences.” (President James E Faust, Standing In Holy Places, April 2005 General Conference)
Help children be reminded of family birthdays and other important dates.
Another speaker spoke on father.
The dictionary defines father as "male parent". A father is much more than a male parent, just as a mother does not just mean a female parent. One can operate in a father role without having children and one can operate as a father with regard to children that are not our children by law or by blood.
Make our conduct that which will allow us to be guided in our decisions and lives by the spirit of the Lord.
Teachings of George Albert Smith, Chapter 12: An Enthusiastic Desire to Share the Gospel
The scariest time, generally, for missionaries worldwide to bring people to church is fast Sunday. In most wards you go to there are people getting up and expounding overly deep doctrine or even things that are not doctrine. There are also generally people that gets up and tells a long uncomfortable story about their life. Sometimes this is confessing sins or taking care of some sort of private business publicly.
A testimony is short and to the point. It testifies and gets out of the way for the spirit to carry that testimony to the heart of those that hear it. For further discussion on this topic see my post on Testimony (http://scripturetopics.blogspot.com/2012/04/testimony.html)
“Our Father’s children everywhere are anxious to know what they should do, but, by reason of the evil influences that have pervaded the earth, they have been deceived; honorable men of the earth are blinded to the truth. … The adversary is at work, and the only power that can neutralize his influence is the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (George Albert Smith, In Conference Report, Apr. 1922, 53)
“And Philip answered, “Why, he came from Nazareth.” And then the good man said, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said, “Come and see.” (See John 1:43–46.)
Nathanael had been taught to believe that no good could come from Nazareth, and yet he was the man whom the Savior later referred to as an Israelite without guile—a good man, but deceived because of the stories that he had heard.” (George Albert Smith, In Conference Report, Oct. 1945, 120)
Do we fail to listen to true messages we hear because of who said it? Do we feel we have to avoid living in a certain place or move because of the reputation of that place?
The Lord loves us enough to allow us to be crushed, at times, with trials to make us want to reach for something better.
Sunday School
Alma 8-12
The class member study guide had this chart in it comparing the teachings of Alma and Amulek:
| Doctrine | Amulek’s Witness | Alma’s Witness |
| The Atonement | Alma 11:40 | Alma 12:33–34 |
| Repentance | Alma 11:40 | Alma 12:24 |
| Judgment | Alma 11:41 | Alma 12:14 |
| Resurrection | Alma 11:41–42 | Alma 12:24–25 |
The cities of Melek and Amonihah were three days apart.
Alma is chased out of the city and spit upon. After he leave an angel appears to him and tells him to rejoice. He's got to be feeling very poorly, but the angel says to rejoice. He tells him to rejoice because he has been faithful. Additionally, he needs to rejoice because the lord is sending him a companion with whom to preach the gospel.
Why do missionaries generally go in pairs like Alma and Amulek? Safety, compensate for each others' weaknesses, give more than one witness of the message.
Zeezrum takes Amulek’s words out of context and tries to use them against him.
God saves us from our sins, not in our sins.
If we continue in our sins we make the atonement of null effect, other than that we will be resurrected.
In chapter 12 Zeezrom changes in that now he asks questions he actually wants answers to rather just to trip him up.
Sacrament Service
One speaker spoke on helping our families stand in holy places.
Three focuses on standing in holy places are temple, home, and church
“We unavoidably stand in so many unholy places and are subjected to so much that is vulgar, profane, and destructive of the Spirit of the Lord that I encourage our Saints all over the world, wherever possible, to strive to stand more often in holy places. Our most holy places are our sacred temples. Within them is a feeling of sacred comfort. We should seek to be worthy to take our families to the temple to be sealed together for eternity. We should also search for the records of our kindred dead so that they too can be sealed to us in one of the temples.” (James E Faust, Standing in Holy Places, April 2005 General Conference)
We solidify our relationship with our spouse by attending the temple together.
“I encourage you to establish your own goal of how frequently you will avail yourself of the ordinances offered in our operating temples. What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness for a couple than worshipping together in the temple?” (Elder RIchard G Scott, Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need, April 2009 General Conference)
“If every man in this church who has been ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood were to qualify himself to hold a temple recommend, and then were to go to the house of the Lord and renew his covenants in solemnity before God and witnesses, we would be a better people. There would be little or no infidelity among us. Divorce would almost entirely disappear. So much of heartache and heartbreak would be avoided. There would be a greater measure of peace and love and happiness in our homes. There would be fewer weeping wives and weeping children. There would be a greater measure of appreciation and of mutual respect among us. And I am confident the Lord would smile with greater favor upon us.” (President Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1995, 53)
“In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life. Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there. Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, “What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple”, Ensign Aug 1985)
“Our chapels are dedicated to the Lord as holy places. We are told we should go to the house of prayer and offer up our sacraments upon His holy day. 11 Partaking of the sacrament is a solemn and sacred privilege. In our chapels we are instructed in principles of the gospel, children are blessed, members are confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, and testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel are borne. A convert in Texas said, when she walked through the chapel door, there was a feeling of holiness that she had never before experienced in her life.
“We must try harder to be a holy people. We live in the fulness of times. So much has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. This places upon us a special relationship to the Lord. We are the beneficiaries, guardians, and caretakers of these responsibilities under the delegation, authority, and direction of President Hinckley, who holds all the keys. As children of the Lord we should strive every day to rise to a higher level of personal righteousness in all of our actions. We need to guard constantly against all of Satan’s influences.” (President James E Faust, Standing In Holy Places, April 2005 General Conference)
Help children be reminded of family birthdays and other important dates.
Another speaker spoke on father.
The dictionary defines father as "male parent". A father is much more than a male parent, just as a mother does not just mean a female parent. One can operate in a father role without having children and one can operate as a father with regard to children that are not our children by law or by blood.
Make our conduct that which will allow us to be guided in our decisions and lives by the spirit of the Lord.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 10 June 2012
Elders Quorum
Home teaching isn't just about visiting. We need to challenge our home teaching families to make their lives better.
President George Albert Smith related the gift of the holy ghost to the clicking in the radio in an old airplane that tells you when the plane gets off course.
The teacher mentioned the book Putting on the armor of God.
God doesn't leave us alone to interpret the scriptures. He is
constantly giving us the opportunity for revelation. He is constantly
giving us direction from modern prophets.
“Salvation cannot come without revelation [and I am not now speaking about the revelation that gave the dispensation in which we live—I am speaking of personal revelation to individuals]; it is vain for anyone to minister without it.” (Bruce R McConkie, Teachings, p. 160.)
Sunday School
Alma 4-7
Alma the younger is the chief judge, high priest, and military leader. He was very busy.
Alma chapter 7:10
10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.
If you are going to describe to people outside Utah or outside the United States that your home town is Taylorsville you would probably clarify it as near Salt Lake City. You might even leave out Taylorsville entirely and just say from Salt Lake City.
If the savior had not been born there, who would ever have known where Bethlehem was?
Sacrament Service
What prevents us from doing missionary work?
Our former Bishop's son, who just returned from a mission to Milan, Italy, spoke to us.
Stake Employment Specialists Meeting
“When our wagon gets stuck in the mud, God is much more likely to assist the man who gets out to push than the man who merely raises his voice in prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration.” (Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf, Two Principles for Any Economy, October 2009 General Conference)
Home teaching isn't just about visiting. We need to challenge our home teaching families to make their lives better.
President George Albert Smith related the gift of the holy ghost to the clicking in the radio in an old airplane that tells you when the plane gets off course.
The teacher mentioned the book Putting on the armor of God.
God doesn't leave us alone to interpret the scriptures. He is
constantly giving us the opportunity for revelation. He is constantly
giving us direction from modern prophets.
“Salvation cannot come without revelation [and I am not now speaking about the revelation that gave the dispensation in which we live—I am speaking of personal revelation to individuals]; it is vain for anyone to minister without it.” (Bruce R McConkie, Teachings, p. 160.)
Sunday School
Alma 4-7
Alma the younger is the chief judge, high priest, and military leader. He was very busy.
Alma chapter 7:10
10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.
If you are going to describe to people outside Utah or outside the United States that your home town is Taylorsville you would probably clarify it as near Salt Lake City. You might even leave out Taylorsville entirely and just say from Salt Lake City.
If the savior had not been born there, who would ever have known where Bethlehem was?
Sacrament Service
What prevents us from doing missionary work?
- Fear
Doctrine and Covenants 38:30
30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
- We don't know what to do
Our former Bishop's son, who just returned from a mission to Milan, Italy, spoke to us.
Stake Employment Specialists Meeting
“When our wagon gets stuck in the mud, God is much more likely to assist the man who gets out to push than the man who merely raises his voice in prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration.” (Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf, Two Principles for Any Economy, October 2009 General Conference)
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 3 June 2012
Ward Council
Doctrine and Covenants 68:6
6 Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.
Handbook 2 section 12:intro-2
Sunday School Responsibilities
Elders Quorum
THe lesson was based on President Thomas S. Monson General Conference priesthood session talk - Willing and Worthy to Serve
“The Holy Priesthood is the channel through which God communicates and deals with man upon the earth; and the heavenly messengers that have visited the earth to communicate with man are men who held and honored the priesthood while in the flesh; and everything that God has caused to be done for the salvation of man, from the coming of man upon the earth to the redemption of the world, has been and will be by virtue of the everlasting priesthood.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff (2004), 38)
“The priesthood … is … the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and act legitimately; not assuming that authority, nor borrowing it from generations that are dead and gone, but authority that has been given in this day in which we live by ministering angels and spirits from above, direct from the presence of Almighty God.” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 139–40; emphasis added)
“What is priesthood? … It is the government of God, whether on the earth or in the heavens, for it is by that power, agency, or principle that all things are governed on the earth and in the heavens, and by that power that all things are upheld and sustained. It governs all things—it directs all things—it sustains all things—and has to do with all things that God and truth are associated with.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (2001), 119)
Words to describe Priesthood
-endless
-gods power
-heavenly messengers
-tool
-action
-government
-sustaining
-service
-privilege - See “Your Potential, Your Privilege” by President Deiter F Uchtdorf from April 2011 General Conference
-love
-duty
Doctrine and Covenants 130:5
5 I answer, Yes. But there are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it.
Nothing significant happens in the church until love becomes our motivation.
Duty isn't enough to sustain us. We must change our character to be motivated by love in addition to our sense of duty.
Sunday School
Mosiah 28-29, Alma 1-4
At this point Alma the elder is the leader of the church and Mosiah, the son of King Benjamin, is king.
Sacrament Service
Most times miracles come when things are hard. If they came when things are easy they would just be happenings or common place.
Doctrine and Covenants 68:6
6 Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.
Handbook 2 section 12:intro-2
Sunday School Responsibilities
Elders Quorum
THe lesson was based on President Thomas S. Monson General Conference priesthood session talk - Willing and Worthy to Serve
“The Holy Priesthood is the channel through which God communicates and deals with man upon the earth; and the heavenly messengers that have visited the earth to communicate with man are men who held and honored the priesthood while in the flesh; and everything that God has caused to be done for the salvation of man, from the coming of man upon the earth to the redemption of the world, has been and will be by virtue of the everlasting priesthood.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff (2004), 38)
“The priesthood … is … the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and act legitimately; not assuming that authority, nor borrowing it from generations that are dead and gone, but authority that has been given in this day in which we live by ministering angels and spirits from above, direct from the presence of Almighty God.” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 139–40; emphasis added)
“What is priesthood? … It is the government of God, whether on the earth or in the heavens, for it is by that power, agency, or principle that all things are governed on the earth and in the heavens, and by that power that all things are upheld and sustained. It governs all things—it directs all things—it sustains all things—and has to do with all things that God and truth are associated with.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (2001), 119)
Words to describe Priesthood
-endless
-gods power
-heavenly messengers
-tool
-action
-government
-sustaining
-service
-privilege - See “Your Potential, Your Privilege” by President Deiter F Uchtdorf from April 2011 General Conference
-love
-duty
Doctrine and Covenants 130:5
5 I answer, Yes. But there are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it.
Nothing significant happens in the church until love becomes our motivation.
Duty isn't enough to sustain us. We must change our character to be motivated by love in addition to our sense of duty.
Sunday School
Mosiah 28-29, Alma 1-4
At this point Alma the elder is the leader of the church and Mosiah, the son of King Benjamin, is king.
Sacrament Service
Most times miracles come when things are hard. If they came when things are easy they would just be happenings or common place.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 27 May 2012
Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on “The Vision of Prophets regarding Relief Society: Faith, Family, Relief”, Julie B Beck, April 2012 General Conference
“I will organize the women under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood. … The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.” (Quoted in Sarah Granger Kimball, “Auto-biography,” Woman’s Exponent, Sept. 1, 1883, p. 51)
The title "relief" society is instructive to its purpose.
We as fathers need to show our daughters that being a mother is a sacred thing. Not just raising children, but being a nurturer in their communities, even if they do not have children. When we hear doctrines of the world as to what women should be, especially those that conflict with motherhood, we need to we need to testify of the truth to them.
The relief society was not created as busy work. It was created because there is a real need.
Sunday School
“Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers” (Mosiah 26:1)
Mosiah 26:25-26
25 And it shall come to pass that when the second trump shall sound then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before me.
26 And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.
-Tthe second trump starts the second resurrection
We as humans love to have authority, but we hate to have responsibility. Thus, we love to pass judgement on others, but dread to be called to positions of responsibility in the church.
70 times 7 is an expression from Hebrew that basically means infinity plus one or to forgive completely and entirely.
Holding a grudge is like drinking poison in order to harm the person we have a grudge against
.
Disciplinary actions of the church have 3 purposes. 1 - To help a person repent. 2 - To protect the innocent. 3 - To protect the good name of the church.
Sacrament Service
Alma 5:11-14
11 Behold, I can tell you—did not my father Alma believe in the words which were delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? And was he not a holy prophet? Did he not speak the words of God, and my father Alma believe them?
12 And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.
13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.
14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
Doctrine and Covenants 59:4
4 And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me.
This scriptures seems to be tieing blessings to commandments. People generally equal restrictiveness and having something taken away from them when they are given commandments and guidelines, rather than being given more and gaining freedom.
Doctrine and Covenants 59:9-11
9 And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
10 For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
11 Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;
It says we should keep our covenants everyday, but Sunday more so. This scripture says that on the sabbath we should go to the house of pray and offer up our sacraments. Additionally it says the DAY is to rest from OUR labors and pay devotion unto the most high. The entire day to rest and the entire day to pay devotion to God. Not just for the time we are in church services, but all day. Not go to church and then go play with your family, but all day pay devotions to the Most High.
How can we make the most out of the lord's day?
Sometimes we think of resting from our labors as merely letting the hay baler stand idle in the field or putting a Closed sign on the business door. Yet in today’s world, labor includes the everyday work of our lives. This could mean business activities we may accomplish from home, athletic competitions, and other pursuits that take us away from Sabbath day worship and the opportunity to minister to others. (Elder L Tom Perry, The Sabbath and the Sacrament, April 2011 General Conference)
Moroni 7:48
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
The sabbath is a day of rest. Rest does not equal recreation.
“Whether at home or in church, your thoughts and your conduct should be always in harmony with the spirit and purpose of the Sabbath. Places of amusement and recreation, while at proper times may serve a needed end, are not conducive of spiritual growth and such places will not keep you ‘unspotted from the world’ but will rather deny you the ‘fullness of the earth’ promised to those who comply with the law of the Sabbath. You who make the violation of the Sabbath a habit, by your failure to ‘keep it holy,’ are losing a soul full of joy in return for a thimble full of pleasure.” (Harold B Lee, Decisions for Successful Living, pp. 147–48.)
“Saturday is a special day.
It’s the day we get ready for Sunday:
We clean the house, and we shop at the store,
So we won’t have to work until Monday.
We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes,
And we call it our get-the-work-done day.
Then we trim our nails, and we shampoo our hair,
So we can be ready for Sunday!” (“Saturday:, Primary Children’s Song Book)
“We do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or even solely to be instructed. We go to worship the Lord. It is an individual responsibility, and regardless of what is said from the pulpit, if one wishes to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, he may do so by attending his meetings, partaking of the sacrament, and contemplating the beauties of the gospel. If the service is a failure to you, you have failed. No one can worship for you; you must do your own waiting upon the Lord.” (Spencer W Kimball, Ensign, Jan. 1978, 4–5)
“I have noticed that an increasing number of our leaders and members do not sing the congregational songs. Perhaps they do not know them or there are not enough hymnbooks. We should sing the songs of Zion—they are an essential part of our worship.” (Elder Boyd K Packer, “Reverence Invites Revelation”, October 1991 General Conference)
“I believe He also desires us to dress appropriately. Our youth may think the old saying “Sunday best” is outdated. Still, we know that when Sunday dress deteriorates to everyday attire, attitudes and actions follow. Of course, it may not be necessary for our children to wear formal Sunday attire until the sun goes down. However, by the clothing we encourage them to wear and the activities we plan, we help them prepare for the sacrament and enjoy its blessings throughout the day.” (Elder L Tom Perry, “The Sabbath and the Sacrament”, General Conference April 2011)
People seem to get caught up in the part about “may not be necessary for our children to wear formal attire until the sun goes down.” They miss the phrase “formal Sunday attire”. Elder Perry didn’t say they should not stay in Sunday attire, he said it didn’t have to be formal. I interpret that to mean ties, suit coats, and perhaps stockings. The rest of the quote seems to indicate that The entire day should be Sunday attire. After all it is Sunday attire and it is Sunday.
The lesson was based on “The Vision of Prophets regarding Relief Society: Faith, Family, Relief”, Julie B Beck, April 2012 General Conference
“I will organize the women under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood. … The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.” (Quoted in Sarah Granger Kimball, “Auto-biography,” Woman’s Exponent, Sept. 1, 1883, p. 51)
The title "relief" society is instructive to its purpose.
We as fathers need to show our daughters that being a mother is a sacred thing. Not just raising children, but being a nurturer in their communities, even if they do not have children. When we hear doctrines of the world as to what women should be, especially those that conflict with motherhood, we need to we need to testify of the truth to them.
The relief society was not created as busy work. It was created because there is a real need.
Sunday School
“Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers” (Mosiah 26:1)
Mosiah 26:25-26
25 And it shall come to pass that when the second trump shall sound then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before me.
26 And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.
-Tthe second trump starts the second resurrection
We as humans love to have authority, but we hate to have responsibility. Thus, we love to pass judgement on others, but dread to be called to positions of responsibility in the church.
70 times 7 is an expression from Hebrew that basically means infinity plus one or to forgive completely and entirely.
Holding a grudge is like drinking poison in order to harm the person we have a grudge against
.
Disciplinary actions of the church have 3 purposes. 1 - To help a person repent. 2 - To protect the innocent. 3 - To protect the good name of the church.
Sacrament Service
Alma 5:11-14
11 Behold, I can tell you—did not my father Alma believe in the words which were delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? And was he not a holy prophet? Did he not speak the words of God, and my father Alma believe them?
12 And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.
13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.
14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
Doctrine and Covenants 59:4
4 And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me.
This scriptures seems to be tieing blessings to commandments. People generally equal restrictiveness and having something taken away from them when they are given commandments and guidelines, rather than being given more and gaining freedom.
Doctrine and Covenants 59:9-11
9 And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
10 For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
11 Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;
It says we should keep our covenants everyday, but Sunday more so. This scripture says that on the sabbath we should go to the house of pray and offer up our sacraments. Additionally it says the DAY is to rest from OUR labors and pay devotion unto the most high. The entire day to rest and the entire day to pay devotion to God. Not just for the time we are in church services, but all day. Not go to church and then go play with your family, but all day pay devotions to the Most High.
How can we make the most out of the lord's day?
Sometimes we think of resting from our labors as merely letting the hay baler stand idle in the field or putting a Closed sign on the business door. Yet in today’s world, labor includes the everyday work of our lives. This could mean business activities we may accomplish from home, athletic competitions, and other pursuits that take us away from Sabbath day worship and the opportunity to minister to others. (Elder L Tom Perry, The Sabbath and the Sacrament, April 2011 General Conference)
Moroni 7:48
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
The sabbath is a day of rest. Rest does not equal recreation.
“Whether at home or in church, your thoughts and your conduct should be always in harmony with the spirit and purpose of the Sabbath. Places of amusement and recreation, while at proper times may serve a needed end, are not conducive of spiritual growth and such places will not keep you ‘unspotted from the world’ but will rather deny you the ‘fullness of the earth’ promised to those who comply with the law of the Sabbath. You who make the violation of the Sabbath a habit, by your failure to ‘keep it holy,’ are losing a soul full of joy in return for a thimble full of pleasure.” (Harold B Lee, Decisions for Successful Living, pp. 147–48.)
“Saturday is a special day.
It’s the day we get ready for Sunday:
We clean the house, and we shop at the store,
So we won’t have to work until Monday.
We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes,
And we call it our get-the-work-done day.
Then we trim our nails, and we shampoo our hair,
So we can be ready for Sunday!” (“Saturday:, Primary Children’s Song Book)
“We do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or even solely to be instructed. We go to worship the Lord. It is an individual responsibility, and regardless of what is said from the pulpit, if one wishes to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, he may do so by attending his meetings, partaking of the sacrament, and contemplating the beauties of the gospel. If the service is a failure to you, you have failed. No one can worship for you; you must do your own waiting upon the Lord.” (Spencer W Kimball, Ensign, Jan. 1978, 4–5)
“I have noticed that an increasing number of our leaders and members do not sing the congregational songs. Perhaps they do not know them or there are not enough hymnbooks. We should sing the songs of Zion—they are an essential part of our worship.” (Elder Boyd K Packer, “Reverence Invites Revelation”, October 1991 General Conference)
“I believe He also desires us to dress appropriately. Our youth may think the old saying “Sunday best” is outdated. Still, we know that when Sunday dress deteriorates to everyday attire, attitudes and actions follow. Of course, it may not be necessary for our children to wear formal Sunday attire until the sun goes down. However, by the clothing we encourage them to wear and the activities we plan, we help them prepare for the sacrament and enjoy its blessings throughout the day.” (Elder L Tom Perry, “The Sabbath and the Sacrament”, General Conference April 2011)
People seem to get caught up in the part about “may not be necessary for our children to wear formal attire until the sun goes down.” They miss the phrase “formal Sunday attire”. Elder Perry didn’t say they should not stay in Sunday attire, he said it didn’t have to be formal. I interpret that to mean ties, suit coats, and perhaps stockings. The rest of the quote seems to indicate that The entire day should be Sunday attire. After all it is Sunday attire and it is Sunday.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 20 May 2012
Ward Council
From Handbook 2
“17.1 Where Uniformity Is Required
“To know which adaptations might be appropriate, leaders must first
understand the doctrines, ordinances, and practices that are
established by the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets
and apostles. These are to be uniform throughout the Church.
“Stake presidents, bishops, and other local leaders have a sacred
obligation to maintain the uniformity and purity of the Church in all
of the categories outlined below. This need for uniformity is based on
the scriptural principle of ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism’
(Ephesians 4:5; see also Mosiah 18:21).”
Ephesians 4
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one
hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
We maintain unity in the church not because we are mindless followers, but because it binds us together. If we are wise we will cling first to our identity as Saints and not by what school we went to, what ailments we have, what our race is, what our profession is, or anything that is less than the identity of being a member of the Lord's household.
Elders Quorum
Reading the Scriptures
Reading scriptures with kids is a great way to teach them to read.
At different stages of life we get different things out of different parts of the scriptures.
“We may not possess a library of two or three thousand volumes, but we may possess at small cost a priceless library that has cost the best blood that has ever been in this world.” (President George Albert Smith, In Conference Report, Oct. 1917, 43)
Sunday School
Mosiah 18-24
We make covenants with God through ordinances.
How did Alma know how to baptize and how did he get his authority? Was he around before Noah was king? Was the church in place, while corrupted somewhat by the priests? Is there more to Abinadi's speech or ministry that we do not have in the Book of Mormon?
Sacrament Service
Mosiah 2:9
9 And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.
Mosiah 18:8-10
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
Our (men) most important callings in life are in this order:
1. Husband (if you are given this calling)
2. Father (if you are given this opportunity)
3. Home teacher
John 10 - parable of the good shepherd.
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
We should put God first in our lives. We should help our spouses to put God first in their lives.
From the Bulletin
President Wilford Woodruff (1807 — 1898), who served as President of the Church during some of its most difficult times, taught this about the importance of the Holy Ghost: "Every man or woman that has ever entered into the church of God, and been baptized for the remission of sins
[and received the gift of the Holy Ghost] has a right to revelation, a right to the Spirit of God, to assist them in their labors."
President Woodruff explained that "this Spirit reveals, day by day, to every man who has faith, those things which are for his benefit." This is the gift God has given to sustain us in our difficult journey through mortality when we walk by faith.
If we are to have this precious guidance, we must keep the commandments. President Woodruff taught: "The Holy Ghost will not dwell in an unholy tabernacle. If you would enjoy the full powers and gifts of your religion, you must be pure. If you are guilty of weakness, follies and sins, you must repent of them.”
From Handbook 2
“17.1 Where Uniformity Is Required
“To know which adaptations might be appropriate, leaders must first
understand the doctrines, ordinances, and practices that are
established by the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets
and apostles. These are to be uniform throughout the Church.
“Stake presidents, bishops, and other local leaders have a sacred
obligation to maintain the uniformity and purity of the Church in all
of the categories outlined below. This need for uniformity is based on
the scriptural principle of ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism’
(Ephesians 4:5; see also Mosiah 18:21).”
Ephesians 4
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one
hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
We maintain unity in the church not because we are mindless followers, but because it binds us together. If we are wise we will cling first to our identity as Saints and not by what school we went to, what ailments we have, what our race is, what our profession is, or anything that is less than the identity of being a member of the Lord's household.
Elders Quorum
Reading the Scriptures
Reading scriptures with kids is a great way to teach them to read.
At different stages of life we get different things out of different parts of the scriptures.
“We may not possess a library of two or three thousand volumes, but we may possess at small cost a priceless library that has cost the best blood that has ever been in this world.” (President George Albert Smith, In Conference Report, Oct. 1917, 43)
Sunday School
Mosiah 18-24
We make covenants with God through ordinances.
How did Alma know how to baptize and how did he get his authority? Was he around before Noah was king? Was the church in place, while corrupted somewhat by the priests? Is there more to Abinadi's speech or ministry that we do not have in the Book of Mormon?
Sacrament Service
Mosiah 2:9
9 And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.
Mosiah 18:8-10
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
Our (men) most important callings in life are in this order:
1. Husband (if you are given this calling)
2. Father (if you are given this opportunity)
3. Home teacher
John 10 - parable of the good shepherd.
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
We should put God first in our lives. We should help our spouses to put God first in their lives.
From the Bulletin
President Wilford Woodruff (1807 — 1898), who served as President of the Church during some of its most difficult times, taught this about the importance of the Holy Ghost: "Every man or woman that has ever entered into the church of God, and been baptized for the remission of sins
[and received the gift of the Holy Ghost] has a right to revelation, a right to the Spirit of God, to assist them in their labors."
President Woodruff explained that "this Spirit reveals, day by day, to every man who has faith, those things which are for his benefit." This is the gift God has given to sustain us in our difficult journey through mortality when we walk by faith.
If we are to have this precious guidance, we must keep the commandments. President Woodruff taught: "The Holy Ghost will not dwell in an unholy tabernacle. If you would enjoy the full powers and gifts of your religion, you must be pure. If you are guilty of weakness, follies and sins, you must repent of them.”
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 13 May 2012
Elders Quorum
George Albert Smith manual - chapter 9
“I was trained at the knee of a Latter-day Saint mother. One of the first things I remember was when she took me by the hand and led me upstairs. In the room there were two beds, the bed in which my parents slept, and a little trundle bed over on the other side. I can remember it as if it were yesterday. When we got upstairs, she sat down by my little trundle bed. She had me kneel in front of her. She folded my hands and took them in hers, and taught me my first prayer. I will never forget it. I do not want to forget it. It is one of the loveliest memories that I have in life, an angelic mother sitting down by my bedside and teaching me to pray.”
Even if our prayers sometimes feel lame, we should still pray everyday. If we make it a habit not all prayers will be golden, but the will get better at it over time. If we don't make it happen and
only prayer when we have a solid prayer to give then you will have much fewer solid prayers than if it was a habit to do it daily whether a perfect prayer or not. Empty prayers often times become good prayers as we are delivering them..
Sunday School
Mosiah 12-17
Part of the reason we have the scriptures is so that we can learn from others mistakes. Have we learned from them or do we still choose to learn by making the same mistakes ourselves?
The priests of King Noah pulled out Isaiah to try trip up Abinadi and they end up being hoisted on their own petard.
The law of Moses was a temporary thing.
Mosiah 13:28-31
28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.
29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiff necked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God;
30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.
31 But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come.
Galatians 3:24
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
As children get older some of our rules change for them. Even for different children with different personalities, challenges, and so forth we have to adapt the rules. The same with the Law of Moses and
the Lord.
Sacrament Service
My daughter gave a mother's day talk about her mother.
She talked about my wife's epilepsy and my wife's attitude toward it.
One of the other speakers talked about his wife and some of the struggles she has gone through recently.
John 15:13
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
‘One cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God.” (President Thomas S Monson, “Behold Thy Mother”, Esign April 1998)
One speaker talked about the power of a mother's example.
The 2000 stripling warriors - mama's boys
Alma 56:48
48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
From the Bulletin
"We are living in a great season for all women in the Church. Sisters, you are an essential part of our Heavenly Father's plan for eternal happiness; you are endowed with a divine birthright. You are the real builders of nations wherever you live, because strong homes of love and peace will bring security to any nation."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Influence of Righteous Women," Ensign, Sept. 2009, 7–8
George Albert Smith manual - chapter 9
“I was trained at the knee of a Latter-day Saint mother. One of the first things I remember was when she took me by the hand and led me upstairs. In the room there were two beds, the bed in which my parents slept, and a little trundle bed over on the other side. I can remember it as if it were yesterday. When we got upstairs, she sat down by my little trundle bed. She had me kneel in front of her. She folded my hands and took them in hers, and taught me my first prayer. I will never forget it. I do not want to forget it. It is one of the loveliest memories that I have in life, an angelic mother sitting down by my bedside and teaching me to pray.”
Even if our prayers sometimes feel lame, we should still pray everyday. If we make it a habit not all prayers will be golden, but the will get better at it over time. If we don't make it happen and
only prayer when we have a solid prayer to give then you will have much fewer solid prayers than if it was a habit to do it daily whether a perfect prayer or not. Empty prayers often times become good prayers as we are delivering them..
Sunday School
Mosiah 12-17
Part of the reason we have the scriptures is so that we can learn from others mistakes. Have we learned from them or do we still choose to learn by making the same mistakes ourselves?
The priests of King Noah pulled out Isaiah to try trip up Abinadi and they end up being hoisted on their own petard.
The law of Moses was a temporary thing.
Mosiah 13:28-31
28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.
29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiff necked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God;
30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.
31 But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come.
Galatians 3:24
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
As children get older some of our rules change for them. Even for different children with different personalities, challenges, and so forth we have to adapt the rules. The same with the Law of Moses and
the Lord.
Sacrament Service
My daughter gave a mother's day talk about her mother.
She talked about my wife's epilepsy and my wife's attitude toward it.
One of the other speakers talked about his wife and some of the struggles she has gone through recently.
John 15:13
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
‘One cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God.” (President Thomas S Monson, “Behold Thy Mother”, Esign April 1998)
One speaker talked about the power of a mother's example.
The 2000 stripling warriors - mama's boys
Alma 56:48
48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
From the Bulletin
"We are living in a great season for all women in the Church. Sisters, you are an essential part of our Heavenly Father's plan for eternal happiness; you are endowed with a divine birthright. You are the real builders of nations wherever you live, because strong homes of love and peace will bring security to any nation."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Influence of Righteous Women," Ensign, Sept. 2009, 7–8
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