Elders Quorum
Chapter 19, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith
I gave the lesson today. I have included it below. I have made some modifications to it to improve on where I failed in delivery or where I ran out of time to include all of the material I had prepared.
How many verses in the Word of Wisdom (Doctrine and Covenants 89) talk about alcohol, tobacco, and coffee? There are five or of twenty-one verses and yet this is where we tend to focus all of our time. When we talk about the Lord’s law of health that is what we mention. When the media reports on our health practices that is what they focus on, with an occasional mention that we don’t drink caffeine, which is not specifically in the Word of Wisdom, even though it is a drug that I believe we are abusing when using it for recreation.
Potentially, the reason we spend all the time there is because those substances are easily quantified. Alcohol - NO. Tobacco - NO. Coffee - NO. To make sense of the rest of the chapter we have to use our brains, the spirit, and more of our agency to get the benefits.
“I sometimes wonder if Latter-day Saints realize that [the Word of Wisdom] has been given to us for our exaltation; not only for our temporal blessing, but to prepare us for spiritual life. … “( In Conference Report, Apr. 1907, 19)
“… I firmly believe that by reason of neglect of this simple requirement, faith has diminished in the hearts of some of our people—that, by a more general observance of the Word of Wisdom, faith will be increased among the Latter-day Saints, and greater knowledge will flow to us as a result; for by obedience to it, there will come a disposition to obey other laws of our Father, and compliance with each insures a blessing.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1908, 83–84)
He mentions developing a disposition to obey. What does that mean?
I believe this life is to learn to mold our character, making us do what is right out of reflex and not by having to think about it at every decision. I think this is a disposition to obey.
Doctrine and Covenants 89:4
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
Do we have men that conspire to make a profit on selling us stuff they know is bad for us? Do those men hide the dangers under artificial flavors and additives to make us crave their products more? “Once you pop, you can’t stop.”
I believe these conspiring men are more than just the obvious drug dealers of alcohol and tobacco. Keep in mind that some of the same men that own alcohol and tobacco companies also own food companies that supply a lot of what we eat.
Does God spell it out exactly for us in the Word of Wisdom or does he teach us a general principle and expect us to apply it more specifically to our lives and add our own guidelines?
Doctrine and Covenants 58:26
26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
When I was on my mission we had the white handbook. These were rules over and above the commandments. The rules were described to me as the fence that helps keep us off the commandment wall. We never had to worry about trying to climb the commandment wall if we stayed behind the fence of the missionary rules.
Just like the missionary rules, we should set personal standards for ourselves that go beyond the standard the commandments set for us. In the case of the Word of Wisdom, we should read it and find out what it is saying beyond the high level of don’t drink and don’t smoke.
I hear lots of debates about caffeine or no caffeine. Can we drink herbal tea? Can we drink soda pop? Hot chocolate is a hot drink, isn’t it?
Elder Oaks said, “As a general authority, it is my responsibility to teach general principles.”
I think the Word of Wisdom also teaches us general, baseline principles and we need to figure out for ourselves the more specific principles that build on the general principles to make us strong and not just baseline. While doing this we should realize that some have only understood the baseline and are not necessarily accountable for what you found in your search.
We have been given general principles. We have also been given the Holy Ghost. Once we put our personal agenda aside and what we want, then the Holy Ghost can tell us what our standards should be. So long as we keep putting our lusts before the will of the Lord, the Holy Ghost is not going to be able to penetrate our heart to show us what is true.
Doctrine and Covenants 89:1-3
1 A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—
2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
“...adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints,” What does that mean? To me it feels like the Word of Wisdom was given to be the minimum acceptable performance and not the end goal.
“I look upon the Word of Wisdom as kind advice of our Father in heaven, who desires to see His children become more like Him. … I take it as the fatherly counsel of one who, knowing what I needed, said to me: “My son, these things are not good for you, and if you will avoid them I will give you the companionship of my Holy Spirit and joy while you live in the world and in the end eternal life.” How foolish I would be then to partake of these forbidden things, having the assurance that it is the counsel of the Lord I should abstain therefrom. I would feel under condemnation if I should partake of them, when He who knows better than anybody else says that they are harmful, and has warned me against them. …
“… He thought it of enough importance to give it unto us, and to warn us, and if He who knows all things thought it necessary to give advice and counsel upon these temporal matters, how carefully we, who know not what the morrow has in store for us, should observe that divine counsel. I feel that the Latter-day Saints have in the Word of Wisdom a law that will exalt them and lift them above those who fail to keep it.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1907, 19–21)
“Do you believe that the Lord gave to us the Word of Wisdom? Do you really think that he knows what is good for us? Do you think it would please him if we would observe that law? He says it would. Do you think he meant it?: (In Conference Report, Oct. 1935, 121)
Sunday School
3 Nephi 8-11
The people that were spared, who were arguably not the wicked, still lamented not listening to the prophets.
We now offer a broken heart and contrite spirit instead of animal sacrifice. It puts more of the responsibility on us.
You train a horse by breaking it first. You are not breaking it because you are cruel, but because you know it will be a better horse after. A wild horse is a poor companion.
It is better to humble and break our own bad habits than to have the Lord have to give us catalysts to instigate out humility and learning.
The Lord comes to us individual in subtle and quiet ways, just like the still voice that came to the people in Bountiful at the coming of the Savior to the people in the Book of Mormon.
Sacrament Service
We often say "why me?". Why not me?
Bad things can happen to anyone, why not me? Why do we think we have the right to be immune. We have the right to the Lord’s help to bear or struggles, but we do not have the right to be free from struggles. That’s why we are here to struggle and learn to overcome our struggles or to succeed in spite of our struggles. To succeed with our struggles still clinging to us.
From the Bulletin
“Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes. Whom God calls, God qualifies.” (President Thomas S Monson, “Our Sacred Priesthood Trust”, April 2006 General Conference)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 16 September 2012
Ward Council
Handbook 2 section 14.1-Hymns and Uplifting Music
Elders Quorum
Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:33-39
Elders are called to teach by virtue of being ordained an elder. We are set apart to teach no matter if we have been given any specific assignment.
Chapter 18 Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith manual
We can skip home teaching for a month or two, but before we know it we may realize we have skipped it for a year or two.
“The Lord, in His kindness, seeing the attitude of His children, and knowing that they would need guidance, gave to us the Ten Commandments, and other commandments that have been given from time to time, to help us to find happiness. You observe people running to and fro in the world, seeking happiness but not finding it. If they would only pause long enough to accept the Lord’s advice happiness would follow, but they will find it in no other way.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1941, 25)
Sunday School
3 Nephi 1-7
The critics of the believers at the end of Helaman are telling the people that there is no way that they can know these thing. They additionally say that the believers just want them to believe so they have power over them. They also say the believers are blind followers. How can one be a blind follower and also have power over anything?
Sacrament Service
The children presented the Primary program today.
Handbook 2 section 14.1-Hymns and Uplifting Music
Elders Quorum
Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:33-39
Elders are called to teach by virtue of being ordained an elder. We are set apart to teach no matter if we have been given any specific assignment.
Chapter 18 Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith manual
We can skip home teaching for a month or two, but before we know it we may realize we have skipped it for a year or two.
“The Lord, in His kindness, seeing the attitude of His children, and knowing that they would need guidance, gave to us the Ten Commandments, and other commandments that have been given from time to time, to help us to find happiness. You observe people running to and fro in the world, seeking happiness but not finding it. If they would only pause long enough to accept the Lord’s advice happiness would follow, but they will find it in no other way.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1941, 25)
Sunday School
3 Nephi 1-7
The critics of the believers at the end of Helaman are telling the people that there is no way that they can know these thing. They additionally say that the believers just want them to believe so they have power over them. They also say the believers are blind followers. How can one be a blind follower and also have power over anything?
Sacrament Service
The children presented the Primary program today.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 9 September 2012
Elders Quorum
Ch 17 George Albert Smith manual
“We are informed that without faith we cannot please God [see Hebrews 11:6]. It is the moving cause of all action, and Scripture is replete with evidences of the power of faith. It was Noah’s faith that enabled him to build an ark, and as a result of obedience to the commandments of God he and his household were saved, while those who lacked faith were buried in the great flood” [see Genesis 6:13–22; 7:1–24]. (From the manual)
One thing that gets in the way of our faith is trying to rationalize why a miracle could not be possible. Many of the stories in the scriptures seem impossible and yet they happened.
“… It has been by faith that the men who have stood at the head of this work have been inspired, from time to time, to give the instructions that we have needed. It is by faith that we are edified … by those who minister in the name of the Lord, and the Comforter quickens their understanding, bringing things past to their remembrance and showing them things to come; thus evidencing the spirit of revelation.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1913, 102–3)
A missionary who had met with President Lee and the Twelve, years ago, said that someone asked president lee in that meeting why there are not more miracles today as there were in ancient times. President Lee expressed that there are many miracles happening and if the elders of the church were more dedicated, miracles would more prevalent.
Sunday School
Helaman 13-16
Helaman 13:27-28
27 But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet.
28 Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him.
"costly apparel" - preachers, movie stars, politicians, athletes
Helaman 13:29
29 O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light?
"foolish and blind guide" - blind in that they can not see God's will or plan.
"how long will you choose darkness?" - we would rather choose a path that is not lighted than to go where guide has shown us.
Helaman 14:13 - merits are things that entitle one to a reward
13 And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits.
If the Lord didn't care about us he wouldn't give us instruction and chasten us. He would just let us do what we want and suffer the consequences. The consequences of our choices are natural consequences and not God being mean to us.
Sacrament Service
A couple of service missionaries spoke as a team about:
How can our homes feel more like the temple?
Suggestions they had:
A stake high councilman spoke on revelation.
A home that is prepared like the temple is a place where revelation can be received.
Anyone who has received the holy ghost has received revelation.
We can be taught in dreams and visions.
Many revelations come as an impression or thought to one's mind.
From the Bulletin
"How wonderful it is that we believe in modern revelation. I cannot get over the feeling that if revelation were needed anciently, when life was simple, that revelation is also needed today, when life is complex. There never was a time in the history of the earth when men needed revelation more than they need it now." (President Gordon B Hinckley, Inspirational Thoughts, Ensign, September 2007, 6)
Ch 17 George Albert Smith manual
“We are informed that without faith we cannot please God [see Hebrews 11:6]. It is the moving cause of all action, and Scripture is replete with evidences of the power of faith. It was Noah’s faith that enabled him to build an ark, and as a result of obedience to the commandments of God he and his household were saved, while those who lacked faith were buried in the great flood” [see Genesis 6:13–22; 7:1–24]. (From the manual)
One thing that gets in the way of our faith is trying to rationalize why a miracle could not be possible. Many of the stories in the scriptures seem impossible and yet they happened.
“… It has been by faith that the men who have stood at the head of this work have been inspired, from time to time, to give the instructions that we have needed. It is by faith that we are edified … by those who minister in the name of the Lord, and the Comforter quickens their understanding, bringing things past to their remembrance and showing them things to come; thus evidencing the spirit of revelation.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1913, 102–3)
A missionary who had met with President Lee and the Twelve, years ago, said that someone asked president lee in that meeting why there are not more miracles today as there were in ancient times. President Lee expressed that there are many miracles happening and if the elders of the church were more dedicated, miracles would more prevalent.
Sunday School
Helaman 13-16
Helaman 13:27-28
27 But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet.
28 Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him.
"costly apparel" - preachers, movie stars, politicians, athletes
Helaman 13:29
29 O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light?
"foolish and blind guide" - blind in that they can not see God's will or plan.
"how long will you choose darkness?" - we would rather choose a path that is not lighted than to go where guide has shown us.
Helaman 14:13 - merits are things that entitle one to a reward
13 And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits.
If the Lord didn't care about us he wouldn't give us instruction and chasten us. He would just let us do what we want and suffer the consequences. The consequences of our choices are natural consequences and not God being mean to us.
Sacrament Service
A couple of service missionaries spoke as a team about:
How can our homes feel more like the temple?
Suggestions they had:
- Have gospel centered pictures displayed in our homes.
- Have a priesthood holder dedicate the home with the priesthood.
- Have a sacred place where family members can read, prayer, and/or ponder.
- When we answer our door welcome those that are there with love. Perhaps even salesmen.
- Have scriptures all over your home. Where at anytime one can pause and
- read them.
A stake high councilman spoke on revelation.
A home that is prepared like the temple is a place where revelation can be received.
Anyone who has received the holy ghost has received revelation.
We can be taught in dreams and visions.
Many revelations come as an impression or thought to one's mind.
From the Bulletin
"How wonderful it is that we believe in modern revelation. I cannot get over the feeling that if revelation were needed anciently, when life was simple, that revelation is also needed today, when life is complex. There never was a time in the history of the earth when men needed revelation more than they need it now." (President Gordon B Hinckley, Inspirational Thoughts, Ensign, September 2007, 6)
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 2 September 2012
Ward Council
Handbook 19.1.1
New converts should be given an appropriate calling or another responsibility to serve as soon as possible. Some new members may be ready for callings as soon as they are baptized and confirmed. Others may need to receive simple assignments that would help them prepare to receive callings. A member of the bishopric interviews new converts before calling them to teach children or youth.
People who are not members of the Church may be called to some positions, such as organist, music director, and assistant Scout leader. However, they should not be called to teaching or administrative positions or as Primary music leaders. The allowance to call nonmembers to some positions does not apply to excommunicated members, who may not have any callings. (Handbook 2: Administering the Church, Callings in the Church) 19.1.1 last paragraphs
Section 76
Acts 7
Section 138
Primary
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. (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 3)
When we do what Heavenly Father asks us to do He makes us strong to be able to do more than we think we can.
Dollar Tree by Sandy's Foods in Ogden is hiring.
Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on Elder David A Bednar’s New Era article, “Because We Have Them before Our Eyes”, April 2006
“The scriptures are like a written ‘recording’ of the ‘voice’ of the Lord—a voice we feel in our hearts more than we hear with our ears. As we study the written word of God, we learn to hear His voice in the words we read. As we return repeatedly to the holy scriptures, we gain experience and confidence in hearing and feeling His voice.”
Studying the scriptures is like learning a new language. A language we use to understand what God is trying to communicate.
Enos 1:1-4
Why do we read the scriptures? Goals, curiosity, seeking the Lord's will.
Make a specific place to read your scriptures so you don't tend to be remind of other things and get your brain off topic.
Why is pondering the scriptures important? Our minds are more focused and more connections are made in our brain between the scriptures and things in our lives.
Breakdown a complicated subject and explain it to a child.
The instructor also quoted from Elder Henry B Eyring’s book, “To Draw Closer to God”
“When I was the president of Ricks College years ago, I remember having a man who was my priesthood leader come to my house each month to interview me about my home teaching. He brought with him a notebook in which he wrote notes. He recorded not only my report as a home teacher, but my observations about the gospel and life as well.
“I remember at first being very flattered. Then one Sunday he and I were visiting what was then called junior Sunday School. He was a few rows in front of me. The speaker was a little girl, no more than six or seven, probably not yet old enough to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. I glanced over at the man and noticed with surprise that he had that same notebook open. As the little girl spoke, he was writing with as much speed and intensity as he had in the study of my home. I learned a lesson from him that I haven’t forgotten. He had faith that God could speak to him as clearly through a child as through the president of a college.
“I watched him over the years. He kept listening, even to children and novices called to teach him. He lived the commandments, he seemed to grow in wisdom, and he served for a time as the bishop. Tragedies of both illness and sin came to him family. Many years have gone by now, I don’t know all the facts, but the facts I do know tell me that all his children have come back to productive happy lives through the blessings of heaven, the power of the Atonement, and the ministrations of that humble father. Those miracles came, I believe in large part, because he could hear the voice of God in words of the weak and the simple.”
Write down the ideas that your fellow brethren had in class and implement them in your life.
Sunday School
Helaman 6-12
It says the people were grossly wicked. Is that gross like a measurement or gross like disgusting?
A testimony is like a car. When you are using your parents' car it means less than when the car is your own.
When you are going along and doing things in life because of your parents testimony it is very different when you have to make choices because of your own testimony.
Also, as parents, if our testimony is soft then we are establishing a weak foundation for our children to build their own testimonies upon.
Malachi 4:6
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Will the earth be smitten by a curse because God smites it or is it just a natural consequence of not having the work done. Could a curse be the lack of blessings? When He comes will the earth be cursed because it will not be prepared and consequently be unable to receive what the Lord has prepared for them.
From the Bulletin
“The question is sometimes asked, ‘Are Mormons Christians?’ We declare the divinity of Jesus Christ. We look to Him as the only source of our salvation. We strive to live His teachings, and we look forward to the time that He shall come again on this earth to rule and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the words of a Book of Mormon prophet, we say to men today, ‘There [is] no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent’ (Mosiah 3:17).” (President Ezra Taft Benson, He Lives! The Witness of Latter-day Prophets, Ensign, March 2008)
Handbook 19.1.1
New converts should be given an appropriate calling or another responsibility to serve as soon as possible. Some new members may be ready for callings as soon as they are baptized and confirmed. Others may need to receive simple assignments that would help them prepare to receive callings. A member of the bishopric interviews new converts before calling them to teach children or youth.
People who are not members of the Church may be called to some positions, such as organist, music director, and assistant Scout leader. However, they should not be called to teaching or administrative positions or as Primary music leaders. The allowance to call nonmembers to some positions does not apply to excommunicated members, who may not have any callings. (Handbook 2: Administering the Church, Callings in the Church) 19.1.1 last paragraphs
Section 76
Acts 7
Section 138
Primary
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. (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 3)
When we do what Heavenly Father asks us to do He makes us strong to be able to do more than we think we can.
Dollar Tree by Sandy's Foods in Ogden is hiring.
Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on Elder David A Bednar’s New Era article, “Because We Have Them before Our Eyes”, April 2006
“The scriptures are like a written ‘recording’ of the ‘voice’ of the Lord—a voice we feel in our hearts more than we hear with our ears. As we study the written word of God, we learn to hear His voice in the words we read. As we return repeatedly to the holy scriptures, we gain experience and confidence in hearing and feeling His voice.”
Studying the scriptures is like learning a new language. A language we use to understand what God is trying to communicate.
Enos 1:1-4
Why do we read the scriptures? Goals, curiosity, seeking the Lord's will.
Make a specific place to read your scriptures so you don't tend to be remind of other things and get your brain off topic.
Why is pondering the scriptures important? Our minds are more focused and more connections are made in our brain between the scriptures and things in our lives.
Breakdown a complicated subject and explain it to a child.
The instructor also quoted from Elder Henry B Eyring’s book, “To Draw Closer to God”
“When I was the president of Ricks College years ago, I remember having a man who was my priesthood leader come to my house each month to interview me about my home teaching. He brought with him a notebook in which he wrote notes. He recorded not only my report as a home teacher, but my observations about the gospel and life as well.
“I remember at first being very flattered. Then one Sunday he and I were visiting what was then called junior Sunday School. He was a few rows in front of me. The speaker was a little girl, no more than six or seven, probably not yet old enough to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. I glanced over at the man and noticed with surprise that he had that same notebook open. As the little girl spoke, he was writing with as much speed and intensity as he had in the study of my home. I learned a lesson from him that I haven’t forgotten. He had faith that God could speak to him as clearly through a child as through the president of a college.
“I watched him over the years. He kept listening, even to children and novices called to teach him. He lived the commandments, he seemed to grow in wisdom, and he served for a time as the bishop. Tragedies of both illness and sin came to him family. Many years have gone by now, I don’t know all the facts, but the facts I do know tell me that all his children have come back to productive happy lives through the blessings of heaven, the power of the Atonement, and the ministrations of that humble father. Those miracles came, I believe in large part, because he could hear the voice of God in words of the weak and the simple.”
Write down the ideas that your fellow brethren had in class and implement them in your life.
Sunday School
Helaman 6-12
It says the people were grossly wicked. Is that gross like a measurement or gross like disgusting?
A testimony is like a car. When you are using your parents' car it means less than when the car is your own.
When you are going along and doing things in life because of your parents testimony it is very different when you have to make choices because of your own testimony.
Also, as parents, if our testimony is soft then we are establishing a weak foundation for our children to build their own testimonies upon.
Malachi 4:6
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Will the earth be smitten by a curse because God smites it or is it just a natural consequence of not having the work done. Could a curse be the lack of blessings? When He comes will the earth be cursed because it will not be prepared and consequently be unable to receive what the Lord has prepared for them.
From the Bulletin
“The question is sometimes asked, ‘Are Mormons Christians?’ We declare the divinity of Jesus Christ. We look to Him as the only source of our salvation. We strive to live His teachings, and we look forward to the time that He shall come again on this earth to rule and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the words of a Book of Mormon prophet, we say to men today, ‘There [is] no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent’ (Mosiah 3:17).” (President Ezra Taft Benson, He Lives! The Witness of Latter-day Prophets, Ensign, March 2008)
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 26 Aug 2012
Ward Council
Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on President Uchtdorf’s conference talk "The Merciful Obtain Mercy".
When we use a computer program that has defaults set to things that are harmful or inconvenient to us it is frustrating and makes it
difficult for us. The same is true when our default as people is to think the worst of people when they say or do things the wrong way.
Sunday School
I visited my son's primary class today.
The Plan of Salvation
3 Nephi 8
2 And now it came to pass, if there was no mistake made by this man in the reckoning of our time, the thirty and third year had passed away;
3 And the people began to look with great earnestness for the sign which had been given by the prophet Samuel, the Lamanite, yea, for the time that there should be darkness for the space of three days over the face of the land.
Sacrament Service
Family History
“The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead. … For it is necessary that the sealing power should be in our hands to seal our children and our dead for the fulness of the dispensation of times—a dispensation to meet the promises made by Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world for the salvation of man. … Hence, God said, ‘I will send you Elijah the prophet’” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 475)
“Yet there are many members of the Church who have only limited access to the temples. They do the best they can. They pursue family history research and have the temple ordinance work done by others. Conversely, there are some members who engage in temple work but fail to do family history research on their own family lines. Although they perform a divine service in assisting others, they lose a blessing by not seeking their own kindred dead as divinely directed by latter-day prophets.” (Howard W. Hunter, "A Temple-Motivated People," Ensign, Feb. 1995, 2–5
)
Malchi 4
Moses 1:39
“In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves but measurably, saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation.” ( Elder John A. Widtsoe, Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934, p. 189; see also History of the Church, 6:59–61.)
"This spiritual guidance is available in all aspects of our lives, including education, employment, and marriage." (The Gospel and the Productive Life Student Manual - Religion 150 Chapter 2 - The Guidance of the Spirit)
“These are trying days, in which Satan rages, at home and abroad, hard days, evil and ugly days. We stand helpless as it seems before them. We need help. We need strength. We need guidance. Perhaps if we would do our work in behalf of those of the unseen world who hunger and pray for the work we can do for them, the unseen world would in return give us help in this day of our urgent need. There are more in the other world than there are here. There is more power and strength there than we have here upon this earth. We have but a trifle, and that trifle is taken from the immeasurable power of God. We shall make no mistake in becoming collaborators in the Lord’s mighty work for human redemption” (Elder John A. Widtsoe, in Conference Report, Apr. 1943, 39).
"Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives." (Elder David A Bednar, The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn, October 2011 General Conference)
Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on President Uchtdorf’s conference talk "The Merciful Obtain Mercy".
When we use a computer program that has defaults set to things that are harmful or inconvenient to us it is frustrating and makes it
difficult for us. The same is true when our default as people is to think the worst of people when they say or do things the wrong way.
Sunday School
I visited my son's primary class today.
The Plan of Salvation
3 Nephi 8
2 And now it came to pass, if there was no mistake made by this man in the reckoning of our time, the thirty and third year had passed away;
3 And the people began to look with great earnestness for the sign which had been given by the prophet Samuel, the Lamanite, yea, for the time that there should be darkness for the space of three days over the face of the land.
Sacrament Service
Family History
“The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead. … For it is necessary that the sealing power should be in our hands to seal our children and our dead for the fulness of the dispensation of times—a dispensation to meet the promises made by Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world for the salvation of man. … Hence, God said, ‘I will send you Elijah the prophet’” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 475)
“Yet there are many members of the Church who have only limited access to the temples. They do the best they can. They pursue family history research and have the temple ordinance work done by others. Conversely, there are some members who engage in temple work but fail to do family history research on their own family lines. Although they perform a divine service in assisting others, they lose a blessing by not seeking their own kindred dead as divinely directed by latter-day prophets.” (Howard W. Hunter, "A Temple-Motivated People," Ensign, Feb. 1995, 2–5
)Malchi 4
Moses 1:39
“In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves but measurably, saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation.” ( Elder John A. Widtsoe, Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934, p. 189; see also History of the Church, 6:59–61.)
"This spiritual guidance is available in all aspects of our lives, including education, employment, and marriage." (The Gospel and the Productive Life Student Manual - Religion 150 Chapter 2 - The Guidance of the Spirit)
“These are trying days, in which Satan rages, at home and abroad, hard days, evil and ugly days. We stand helpless as it seems before them. We need help. We need strength. We need guidance. Perhaps if we would do our work in behalf of those of the unseen world who hunger and pray for the work we can do for them, the unseen world would in return give us help in this day of our urgent need. There are more in the other world than there are here. There is more power and strength there than we have here upon this earth. We have but a trifle, and that trifle is taken from the immeasurable power of God. We shall make no mistake in becoming collaborators in the Lord’s mighty work for human redemption” (Elder John A. Widtsoe, in Conference Report, Apr. 1943, 39).
"Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives." (Elder David A Bednar, The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn, October 2011 General Conference)
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 19 Aug 2012
Ward Council
John 15:13
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
This could mean dying for someone or it could mean lay down the things you live for, like hobbies, work, vacation, and so forth.
6.1 and 6.11 from handbook 2
First, be self reliant. Second, care for the poor and needy Third, give service. We often spend more time on 2 and 3 than on 1.
Elders Quorum/High Priest
The instructor mentioned there is a Mormons in America thing on TV this week. Something call Rock Center with Brian Williams.
Chapter 16 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith manual
The chapel is sometimes referred to as the sanctuary. It is like an exposure to a glimpse of the temple. Often we instead view the chapel as a socializing place.
One person shared that he heard of someone who kept a stopwatch on their kids in sacrament meeting and for every minute they acted up in the chapel was a minute that they would have to sit still on the couch when they got home.
I have often taught my kids that as boring and uncomfortable the chapel can be, the hallway is even more so. If I have to take them to the hall they will be very uncomfortable. Even a baby can be held and consoled in the hall, but face the wall with no scenery to look at. The chapel has people and things to look at and they can be there if they are quiet.
Sunday School
Alma 53, 56-58
The teacher talked about the Army of Helaman that was in the Bountiful, Utah Pioneer Day parade that has been posted by several people on YouTube.
Alma 56:47-48
47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
The people of Ammon buried their weapons, perhaps because if they got mad they would have to go dig up their sword and by the time they would be done, maybe they wouldn't be mad anymore.
The parents of the army of Helaman covenanted to not shed blood anymore. The army of Helaman covenanted to never give up liberty and in all cases to protect the nephites. These were lifelong covenants.
Sacrament Service
A young woman expressed that she saw missionaries on temple square speaking to others in languages other than English. She said that gospel is true, no matter what language it is spoken in.
A missionary that returned from a mission to Argentina nine months ago spoke to us.
John 15:13
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
This could mean dying for someone or it could mean lay down the things you live for, like hobbies, work, vacation, and so forth.
6.1 and 6.11 from handbook 2
First, be self reliant. Second, care for the poor and needy Third, give service. We often spend more time on 2 and 3 than on 1.
Elders Quorum/High Priest
The instructor mentioned there is a Mormons in America thing on TV this week. Something call Rock Center with Brian Williams.
Chapter 16 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith manual
The chapel is sometimes referred to as the sanctuary. It is like an exposure to a glimpse of the temple. Often we instead view the chapel as a socializing place.
One person shared that he heard of someone who kept a stopwatch on their kids in sacrament meeting and for every minute they acted up in the chapel was a minute that they would have to sit still on the couch when they got home.
I have often taught my kids that as boring and uncomfortable the chapel can be, the hallway is even more so. If I have to take them to the hall they will be very uncomfortable. Even a baby can be held and consoled in the hall, but face the wall with no scenery to look at. The chapel has people and things to look at and they can be there if they are quiet.
Sunday School
Alma 53, 56-58
The teacher talked about the Army of Helaman that was in the Bountiful, Utah Pioneer Day parade that has been posted by several people on YouTube.
Alma 56:47-48
47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
The people of Ammon buried their weapons, perhaps because if they got mad they would have to go dig up their sword and by the time they would be done, maybe they wouldn't be mad anymore.
The parents of the army of Helaman covenanted to not shed blood anymore. The army of Helaman covenanted to never give up liberty and in all cases to protect the nephites. These were lifelong covenants.
Sacrament Service
A young woman expressed that she saw missionaries on temple square speaking to others in languages other than English. She said that gospel is true, no matter what language it is spoken in.
A missionary that returned from a mission to Argentina nine months ago spoke to us.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 12 Aug 2012
There is a family in our ward whose house burned down recently. An account has been set up at Golden West Credit Union where people can make donations. The name of the account is the Leonard Handy Fund.
Elders Quorum
Chapter 15 Teachings of George Albert Smith manual.
“When George Albert Smith was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1903, Church membership stood at just over 300,000.” It makes me pause thinking that today Church membership grows by 300-400 thousand each year.
Much missionary work happened through military servicemen, who were LDS, during World War II, even though the official missionary program of the Church was greatly reduced due to the war.
The Mormon tabernacle choir has been a great missionary tool. Music and the Spoken Word is the longest running radio and also the longest running television program. It is also expanding to the Internet (http://musicandthespokenword.com/).
"And then there are those who accept nominal membership in the Church but who seem to feel themselves exempt from rendering any kind of service. But sooner or later they find themselves uneasy in their hearts, and doubtful in their thoughts, as we all do when we fail to do what we know to be our full duty. A man who is living in accordance with the gospel of Jesus Christ is never in doubt about its success; but the man who neglects his duty, who fails to keep his covenants, loses the Spirit of the Lord" - from the manual.
Sunday School
Alma 43-52
Moroni gives the army of Zerahemnah the opportunity to make a covenant to give up the weapons and never come to war again. Moroni had stopped his armies even though they could've overpowered them. They give up their weapons, but Zerahemnah refuses to make the covenant of peace. Moroni gives them back their weapons.
Alma 44:10
10 And now when Zerahemnah had made an end of speaking these words, Moroni returned the sword and the weapons of war, which he had received, unto Zerahemnah, saying: Behold, we will end the conflict.
Alma 46:10-12
10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake.
11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
Moroni posts this title of liberty all over town to remind the people what they are fighting for. Things that were not on the title of
liberty: destroy, take captive, get revenge.
Sacrament Service
“On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Lovest thou me?” Each time Peter’s reply was the same: “Thou knowest that I love thee.” And each time the Savior instructed Peter: “Feed my lambs. … Feed my sheep. … Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17).” (M Russell Ballard, “The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work”, April 2003 General Conference)
Doctrine and Covenants 88:81
81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
Moroni 9:6
6 And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.
I don’t think this means that we rest when we are done. I think it means that we gain rest while laboring. Just as with the Sabbath being a day of rest, I think we need a better understanding of the word rest.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
He states for all those who are heavy laden to take a yoke upon then. That initially seems like taking on more work, but a yoke allows two oxen to pull together. These verses also talk about finding rest while being yoked, which would seem to indicate continuing to labor.
One of the definitions of rest in the dictionary is “mental or spiritual calm; tranquillity”. This does not necessarily mean you are doing nothing. It just means that your mind and spirit are at ease.
We don’t have to focus on making sure people join the Church. The scriptures just say that we are to warn or bring them opportunities to learn for themselves.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:81
81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
Sharing the gospel is not about you. It is about them, so talk about them.
Choose to see people as innocent children, no matter their behavior, then you can more easily feel the love father has for them.
2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:8
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
“I wish that every member of this Church would put those words where he might see them every morning as he begins his day” (“Be Not Afraid,” Friend, Feb. 2005, 2)
From the Bulletin
“Missionary work is the lifeblood of the Church and the lifesaving blessing to all who accept the message.” (Elder Ronald A Rasband, The Divine Call of a Missionary, Ensign, May 2010, 51)
Employment Specialist Meeting
Elders Quorum
Chapter 15 Teachings of George Albert Smith manual.
“When George Albert Smith was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1903, Church membership stood at just over 300,000.” It makes me pause thinking that today Church membership grows by 300-400 thousand each year.
Much missionary work happened through military servicemen, who were LDS, during World War II, even though the official missionary program of the Church was greatly reduced due to the war.
The Mormon tabernacle choir has been a great missionary tool. Music and the Spoken Word is the longest running radio and also the longest running television program. It is also expanding to the Internet (http://musicandthespokenword.com/).
"And then there are those who accept nominal membership in the Church but who seem to feel themselves exempt from rendering any kind of service. But sooner or later they find themselves uneasy in their hearts, and doubtful in their thoughts, as we all do when we fail to do what we know to be our full duty. A man who is living in accordance with the gospel of Jesus Christ is never in doubt about its success; but the man who neglects his duty, who fails to keep his covenants, loses the Spirit of the Lord" - from the manual.
Sunday School
Alma 43-52
Moroni gives the army of Zerahemnah the opportunity to make a covenant to give up the weapons and never come to war again. Moroni had stopped his armies even though they could've overpowered them. They give up their weapons, but Zerahemnah refuses to make the covenant of peace. Moroni gives them back their weapons.
Alma 44:10
10 And now when Zerahemnah had made an end of speaking these words, Moroni returned the sword and the weapons of war, which he had received, unto Zerahemnah, saying: Behold, we will end the conflict.
Alma 46:10-12
10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake.
11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
Moroni posts this title of liberty all over town to remind the people what they are fighting for. Things that were not on the title of
liberty: destroy, take captive, get revenge.
Sacrament Service
“On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Lovest thou me?” Each time Peter’s reply was the same: “Thou knowest that I love thee.” And each time the Savior instructed Peter: “Feed my lambs. … Feed my sheep. … Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17).” (M Russell Ballard, “The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work”, April 2003 General Conference)
Doctrine and Covenants 88:81
81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
Moroni 9:6
6 And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.
I don’t think this means that we rest when we are done. I think it means that we gain rest while laboring. Just as with the Sabbath being a day of rest, I think we need a better understanding of the word rest.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
He states for all those who are heavy laden to take a yoke upon then. That initially seems like taking on more work, but a yoke allows two oxen to pull together. These verses also talk about finding rest while being yoked, which would seem to indicate continuing to labor.
One of the definitions of rest in the dictionary is “mental or spiritual calm; tranquillity”. This does not necessarily mean you are doing nothing. It just means that your mind and spirit are at ease.
We don’t have to focus on making sure people join the Church. The scriptures just say that we are to warn or bring them opportunities to learn for themselves.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:81
81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
Sharing the gospel is not about you. It is about them, so talk about them.
Choose to see people as innocent children, no matter their behavior, then you can more easily feel the love father has for them.
2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:8
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
“I wish that every member of this Church would put those words where he might see them every morning as he begins his day” (“Be Not Afraid,” Friend, Feb. 2005, 2)
From the Bulletin
“Missionary work is the lifeblood of the Church and the lifesaving blessing to all who accept the message.” (Elder Ronald A Rasband, The Divine Call of a Missionary, Ensign, May 2010, 51)
Employment Specialist Meeting
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 5 Aug 2012
Ward Council
Someone gave a thought based on Elder Jeffrey R Holland’s Ensign article, Standing Together for the Cause of Christ
Training was from Handbook 2 section 3.1
3.1 The Savior’s Way of Leading
All Church leaders are called to help other people become “true followers of … Jesus Christ” (Moroni 7:48). To do this, leaders first strive to be the Savior’s faithful disciples, living each day so that they can return to live in God’s presence. Then they can help others develop strong testimonies and draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Church programs and activities help achieve these purposes.
Leaders can best teach others how to be “true followers” by their personal example. This pattern—being a faithful disciple in order to help others become faithful disciples—is the purpose behind every calling in the Church.
When leaders serve according to this pattern, they help Church members desire to be worthy of temple marriage and the blessing of an eternal family.
Elders Quorum
The Elders Quorum presidency reviewed how to bless/dedicate a baby.
1. Addresses Heavenly Father.
2. States that the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
3. Gives the child a name.
4. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Lesson was based on the First Presidency message by President Monson from August 2012, The Savior’s Call to Serve
Moses 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
“...whom the Lord calls, He qualifies.” (ELDER CLAYTON M. CHRISTENSEN, Seven Lessons on Sharing the Gospel, Ensign February 2005)
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.
Luke 1: 37
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
“O Cromwell, Cromwell!
Had I but served my God with half the zeal
I served my king, He would not in mine age
Have left me naked to mine enemies.” (William Shakespeare, “King Henry the Eighth”, Act 3, scene 2, lines 455–58)
One of Satan's best tools is keeping good men busy with good things and getting them to neglect better or best things.
Sunday School
Alma 41-42
The Plan of Salvation
Alma calls it the plan of restoration and the plan of salvation and the great plan of happiness and the plan of redemption and the great
plan of mercy.
"“The Lord has described his plan of redemption as the Plan of Happiness. … Conversationally, we reference this great design almost too casually at times; we even sketch its rude outlines on chalkboards and paper as if it were the floor plan for an addition to one’s house. However, when we really take time to ponder the Plan, it is breathtaking and overpowering!” (Elder Neal A Maxwell, “Thanks Be to God,” Ensign, July 1982, 51)
Satan tries to play on out built in desire for agency and say that we can choose whatever we want. He also tries to minimize our agency's impact on our salvation.
Topical Guide Problem-Solving
Someone gave a thought based on Elder Jeffrey R Holland’s Ensign article, Standing Together for the Cause of Christ
Training was from Handbook 2 section 3.1
3.1 The Savior’s Way of Leading
All Church leaders are called to help other people become “true followers of … Jesus Christ” (Moroni 7:48). To do this, leaders first strive to be the Savior’s faithful disciples, living each day so that they can return to live in God’s presence. Then they can help others develop strong testimonies and draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Church programs and activities help achieve these purposes.
Leaders can best teach others how to be “true followers” by their personal example. This pattern—being a faithful disciple in order to help others become faithful disciples—is the purpose behind every calling in the Church.
When leaders serve according to this pattern, they help Church members desire to be worthy of temple marriage and the blessing of an eternal family.
Elders Quorum
The Elders Quorum presidency reviewed how to bless/dedicate a baby.
1. Addresses Heavenly Father.
2. States that the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
3. Gives the child a name.
4. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Lesson was based on the First Presidency message by President Monson from August 2012, The Savior’s Call to Serve
Moses 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
“...whom the Lord calls, He qualifies.” (ELDER CLAYTON M. CHRISTENSEN, Seven Lessons on Sharing the Gospel, Ensign February 2005)
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.
Luke 1: 37
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
“O Cromwell, Cromwell!
Had I but served my God with half the zeal
I served my king, He would not in mine age
Have left me naked to mine enemies.” (William Shakespeare, “King Henry the Eighth”, Act 3, scene 2, lines 455–58)
One of Satan's best tools is keeping good men busy with good things and getting them to neglect better or best things.
Sunday School
Alma 41-42
The Plan of Salvation
Alma calls it the plan of restoration and the plan of salvation and the great plan of happiness and the plan of redemption and the great
plan of mercy.
"“The Lord has described his plan of redemption as the Plan of Happiness. … Conversationally, we reference this great design almost too casually at times; we even sketch its rude outlines on chalkboards and paper as if it were the floor plan for an addition to one’s house. However, when we really take time to ponder the Plan, it is breathtaking and overpowering!” (Elder Neal A Maxwell, “Thanks Be to God,” Ensign, July 1982, 51)
Satan tries to play on out built in desire for agency and say that we can choose whatever we want. He also tries to minimize our agency's impact on our salvation.
Topical Guide Problem-Solving
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 29 July 2012
Ward Council
We should write our testimony in our journals and to others.
“How the Ward Council Strengthens the Ward through Temple and Family History Work
“Temple and family history work is not only about redeeming the dead. This work is actually an integral part of one great work— the work of salvation (see Ephesians 1:10). As ward councils focus on the work of salvation, they should consider how temple and family history work can be a resource in accomplishing
the many aspects of the work of salvation.
“Ward councils do the following:
• “Strive to help individuals build testimonies, receive saving ordinances, keep covenants, and become consecrated followers of Christ (see Moroni 6:4–5)” (Handbook 2, 4.4).
• Determine how temple and family history work can help the ward accomplish the work of salvation, including member missionary work, convert retention, activation, and teaching the gospel.” (To Turn the Hearts, p13)
Joint Priesthood/Relief Society Meeting
Lesson on finance based on the pamphlet "One For the Money"
Doctrine and Covenants 29:34
34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.
Being in debt is being in bondage. God does not want his people in bondage. The banks would have us believe it is freedom.
You can request your credit history for free online once a year.
Sunday School
Alma 36-39
Chapter 36 contains a chiasmus, which is a type of poetic writing.
Poetry is generally done deliberately and it would appear that Alma presents it this way to his son intentionally.
The center point of a chiasmus is the most important part. The atonement is at the center of the chiasmus in chapter 36.
Alma 36:17-19
17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
Sacrament Service
Another one of the young women reported on girls camp.
One of the camp leaders also spoke.
Doctrine and Covenants 18:10
10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
Doctrine and Covenants 38:27
27 Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.
Our yw pres spoke about camp too.
We must sacrifice things of value for things of worth.
From the Bulletin:
“Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you. 7
“God does not look on the outward appearance. 8 I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.” (President Dieter F Uchtdorf, “The Love of God”, October 2009 Conference)
We should write our testimony in our journals and to others.
“How the Ward Council Strengthens the Ward through Temple and Family History Work
“Temple and family history work is not only about redeeming the dead. This work is actually an integral part of one great work— the work of salvation (see Ephesians 1:10). As ward councils focus on the work of salvation, they should consider how temple and family history work can be a resource in accomplishing
the many aspects of the work of salvation.
“Ward councils do the following:
• “Strive to help individuals build testimonies, receive saving ordinances, keep covenants, and become consecrated followers of Christ (see Moroni 6:4–5)” (Handbook 2, 4.4).
• Determine how temple and family history work can help the ward accomplish the work of salvation, including member missionary work, convert retention, activation, and teaching the gospel.” (To Turn the Hearts, p13)
Joint Priesthood/Relief Society Meeting
Lesson on finance based on the pamphlet "One For the Money"
Doctrine and Covenants 29:34
34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.
Being in debt is being in bondage. God does not want his people in bondage. The banks would have us believe it is freedom.
You can request your credit history for free online once a year.
Sunday School
Alma 36-39
Chapter 36 contains a chiasmus, which is a type of poetic writing.
Poetry is generally done deliberately and it would appear that Alma presents it this way to his son intentionally.
The center point of a chiasmus is the most important part. The atonement is at the center of the chiasmus in chapter 36.
Alma 36:17-19
17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
Sacrament Service
Another one of the young women reported on girls camp.
One of the camp leaders also spoke.
Doctrine and Covenants 18:10
10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
Doctrine and Covenants 38:27
27 Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.
Our yw pres spoke about camp too.
We must sacrifice things of value for things of worth.
From the Bulletin:
“Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you. 7
“God does not look on the outward appearance. 8 I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.” (President Dieter F Uchtdorf, “The Love of God”, October 2009 Conference)
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 22 July 2012
Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on a conference talk by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, Converted to His Gospel through His Church.
Elder Holstein conference talk
Conversion to the Church vs converted the gospel.
Conversion to the church is outward and conversion to the gospel is inward.
God has given us general commandments. We should implement specific commandments for ourselves on how to keep His commandments and keep them more fully.
It is a lot easier to assess what others need to do and give them an implementation plan than it is to do it for ourselves.
We must be careful not to stagnate in our excuses. Assess where we are at and keep walking.
God has the power to enable us to keep moving. Grace = Enabling power.
Sunday School
Alma 31-35
Why is the story of Korihor so important to include in the bom? We have people like this in our lives at times. We also may find ourselves questioning our own faith.
Alma quotes Zenos much like Jacob did in allegory of the olive tree.
Infinite and eternal atonement. Infinite- it covers all people in every aspect if their lives. Eternal- it lasts for all time.
Alma 34:33-34
33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.
Sacrament Service
1 Timothy 4:12
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
One of the YW spoke about girls camp.
A guy the recently returned from a mission to the Sydney Australia mission spoke to us.
Make our prayers specific and just about general things.
The lesson was based on a conference talk by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, Converted to His Gospel through His Church.
Elder Holstein conference talk
Conversion to the Church vs converted the gospel.
Conversion to the church is outward and conversion to the gospel is inward.
God has given us general commandments. We should implement specific commandments for ourselves on how to keep His commandments and keep them more fully.
It is a lot easier to assess what others need to do and give them an implementation plan than it is to do it for ourselves.
We must be careful not to stagnate in our excuses. Assess where we are at and keep walking.
God has the power to enable us to keep moving. Grace = Enabling power.
Sunday School
Alma 31-35
Why is the story of Korihor so important to include in the bom? We have people like this in our lives at times. We also may find ourselves questioning our own faith.
Alma quotes Zenos much like Jacob did in allegory of the olive tree.
Infinite and eternal atonement. Infinite- it covers all people in every aspect if their lives. Eternal- it lasts for all time.
Alma 34:33-34
33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.
Sacrament Service
1 Timothy 4:12
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
One of the YW spoke about girls camp.
A guy the recently returned from a mission to the Sydney Australia mission spoke to us.
Make our prayers specific and just about general things.
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