Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
Love
If

:: Sunday School ::
If Thou Doest Well, Thou Shall Be Accepted
There

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Thoughts from Testimonies Shared
Most

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
Our Heavenly Family
We can better understand God and our relationship with Him by understanding that did not create us, but rather organized our intelligence. Knowing that our intelligence is co-eternal with God's, teaches us about ourselves and our own potential.

We all have unique personalities, dispositions, and abilities that were formed by our pre-mortal experiences. Some of these qualities are things we need to develop, and some are things we need to overcome.

The purpose of this life not to just grow closer to God, or to obey better, but to begin to become Gods ourselves. To do this, we needed to leave our pre-mortal home, because there are things we can't know about ourselves until were are making choices for ourselves.

:: Sunday School ::
Noah... Prepared an Ark to the Saving of His House
God needed to destroy the people of Noah's time because there were no families for God to send righteous spirits to. The purpose of the earth was to have a place for God to send children. This became impossible to do because all flesh had become corrupted and filled with violence. There was only one family that even had a chance, Noah's.

In Genesis 7, it seems to indicate that the animals went to the ark. They were sent, and obeyed.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Thoughts from Talks
Human legalism leads to human self-righteousness. Human, self-righteousness denies the need for the saving, enabling grace of Christ. Human righteousness embraces the cruelest of Satan's lies, that a person can be righteous by keeping the law. If that were true, there would have been no need for the birth, life, and death of Christ.

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
5th Sunday: The Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a guide and a comforter.
We all want and need some gentle guidance from the Holy Ghost.
One of the characteristics of the Holy Ghost is that He is a gentleman. He will be there if we ask Him in, but He will leave if we don't want him.
It takes moral character and hard work to gain spirituality.
We must be in-tune to receive messages form the Holy Ghost and to receive the power to do something about the message.
Always write down spiritual impression you receive, and review them. If we don't write it down, we may remember the feeling, but not the thought.

:: Sunday School ::
Because of My Transgression My Eyes Are Opened

Adam and Eve were told by God that they should not eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but also that they should not even touch it. We also have been told not to touch or partake of "fruits" in our own lives.

When God asked Adam, "Where art thou?" he knew where Adam was, He was checking to see if Adam knew where he was headed.

Being removed from the Garden of Eden was not a punishment for Adam and Eve, it was a natural consequence for exercising their agency; a transgression of the law, not a sin. We inherit the consequences of the fall, not the responsibility for it. The atonement saves us from the consequences of the fall.


:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Thoughts from Talks
Sometimes we need to change our attitude in order to have the Spirit in our families.

In order to teach by the Spirit, we need to keep the commandments, prepare, and be led by the Spirit. Anger and rebellion drives the Spirit away.

Learning by the Spirit: The best way to learn something is to teach it. The Spirit whispers gently. We must open our ears, hearts, and minds in order to hear it.

Zion: the pure in heart; the Church; City of Enoch, Ancient Jerusalem; The New Jerusalem; place for all who are exalted. The characteristics of Zion are faith, hope, and charity. The law of consecration governs Zion. Those who love the Lord keep the law of consecration. We should be seeking grace and gratefulness instead of riches.

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
TFOT: To Acquire Spiritual Guidance - Elder Richard G. Scott

Were you to receive spiritual guidance just for the asking, wyou would become weak and ever more dependent.
Spirituality yields to fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it.
God answers prayer and gives us spiritual direction when we live obediently and exercise the required faith in Him.
It's never a waste of time to serve Heavenly Father.
Satan is extremely good at blocking spiritual communication by inducing individuals, through temptation, to violate the laws upon which spiritual communication is founded.
Children learn more when you are having fun with them.
When we take the Sacrament, we take upon us the name of Christ which means we will be doing everything in our lives as if Christ were doing it.

:: Sunday School ::
The Creation
There are three accounts of the Creation: Abraham, Moses, and Genesis.
Moses saw the power of God. He also saw Satan and knew he was not a God. He had to overcome Satan.
We won't be ready to be Gods, yet, when we are resurrected.
Seven Days of Creation:

1. Matter organized; darkness and light
2. Water; Firmament
3. Dry land; Plants
4. Sun; Moon; Stars
5. Fish; Fowl
6. Animals; Man
7. Rest
Science and Religion will never look at the creation the same because science in a method, not and understanding Science does not look for the truth; it is always open to change.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Thoughts from Talks
We are a covenant people. We (covenantees) have made covenants with God (covenantor).
To keep our covenants, we must make good choices. God can't make our choices for us.
Our choices effect us as well as others. Private choices are not private - they have public consequences.
Be keenly aware of our obligations as a covenant people.

Having a place to to is home.
Having someone to love is family.
Having both is a blessing.
We don't need to know and understand everything about technology to use it. God works the same way.
We can't skip the steps of learning.

Elder Scott: "My dear wife died over eight years ago, and I love her even more today."
I've learned more about marriage in the two years since my wife has been gone than in the 38 years we were together. I am so greatful for eternal marriage.

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
Our Heavenly Father

Creation is making something from matter. Matter can be organized and reorganized, but there has to be an organizer.
There are laws of matter that we call miracles.
Everything testifies that there is a God, including our bodies, the Holy Ghost, answers to prayer, the resurrection, and the restoration of the Gospel.

God is omniscient - He knows all things; he knows us.
God obeys all the laws.
Fear and doubt are Satan's tools, not God's. There needs be an opposition in all things.

God will compensate us for our suffering. Life isn't fair, right now, but, in the end, it its.
We need to have the faith to acknowledge God's existence in ourselves.

:: Sunday School ::
Thou Wast Chosen Before Thou Wast Born
Foreordination: pre-mortal patriarchal blessing "with teeth."
Predestination = no agency.
We don't come into mortality as a blank page.
Foreordination is the acceptance of assignments.
Discernment generates the judgment.
We need to see each other through Heavenly Father's eyes.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Thoughts from Talks

Mother Teresa: "I know god trusts me, I just wish He wouldn't trust me so much!"
To endure is everything.
Christ doesn't point and say, "Go hither," he goes first and says, "Come, follow me!"

Our own needs are met when we serve others.
How will they know if we we don't teach them so?

Knowing the truth makes us free. Free from darkness, doubt, evil, and fear.

Sunday Reflections

:: Stake Conference ::
Adult Session Highlights:
Conference Theme: Righteous Patterns of Living for Eternal Families
Points of emphasis:
1. Strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and in the restoration of His Gospel.
2. Increase personal righteousness.
3. See the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
4. Emulate Christ in our daily lives.
5. Live the gospel more fully in our homes.
6. Enjoy the divine blessings of temple covenants and eternal life.

A father's priorities should be 1) Employment, 2)Family, 3) Church Calling, and 4) Self

Parents will be held accountable for the responsibility to to teach their children correct principles in a manner of love and righteousness.
Because of agency, we can choose for ourselves, but the consequences of our choices we do not get to choose.
If you make sure the back of the shovel is filled, the front will take care of itself.
A true friend will encourage you to become your best self.
If you don't have a plan, nothing happens.

Motto for missionary service: The Kingdom of God, or nothing.
The Lord needs adult missionaries.

We cannot expect temple blessing without temple attendance. It is possible to lose blessings due to non-attendance.
There is no ordinance in the church that is performed by one's self.
The temple is the Lord's house and he is there.

Have gratitude and appreciation for your heritage and what you learned in your growing-up years.
In your families, support one another in all things. Love one another.

General Session Highlights:
The Gospel can help overcome adversity.
Look at adversity with an eternal view.
Gain strength through overcoming adversity.
Trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

A mission is a spiritual boot camp.
Missionary work takes obedience, sacrifice, and diligence. Blessings far out-weigh the sacrifices.
Count your blessing before you decide to not serve a mission.

Over 4,500 people serve at the Provo Temple.

Everything that happens in the temple points to the Savior Jesus Christ and His atonement.
Christ has done everything, the rest is up to us.

Going to the temple once is like going to first grade for one day.
The temple is the Lord's home. He comes there frequently. He walks the halls and sees the faces of those who are there. He comes when the temple is busy, not when it is quiet.
In order for an ordinance to be valid, it must be performed and it must be recorded.

Some hear the voice of the Prophets and follow; some do not. some listen, but do not hear.
Good communication is essential in our families, but it should not be used to impose, command, or embarrass.
Listening is an important part of loving. Listening requires individual attention. Ask meaningful questions, and then listen compassionately. Learn to listen, then listen to learn from your children. You can learn more from your children than when you talk to them.
Heavenly Father has ears to hear our prayers. He is more apt to listen if we are keeping his commandments.

What goes on inside of the temple is what is important, not the building it self.
When we have faith in the Lord and follow His commandments, we reap the blessings and also the heartaches.
The eternal sealing of faithful parents will save themselves and also their posterity.

Pattern our lives after the righteousness in the life of the Savior:
1. Christ's pattern of self-discipline
2. Christ's pattern of service
3. Christ's pattern of steadfast testimony of who He was and His purpose
4. Christ's pattern of selfless sanctification
5. Christ's pattern of complete submission to Heavenly Father's will

Sunday Reflections

[I'm now on the 9:00 church schedule, and have time in the afternoon to post about my Sunday meetings.]

:: Relief Society ::
Setting Personal and Family Goals

If you don't know where you are going, you'll get there.
Even if you're on the right path, if you just stand there, you'll get run over.
Write down your goals.
Write down the specific steps you'll take to accomplish your goals.
Write down the resulting achievements gained through your golas.
Make goals for all your roles.
Try a vision board.
Heavenly Father has a vision board for each of us.
You can teach a lot more to your children when you are having fun with them instead of preaching at them.

:: Sunday School ::
This Is My Work and My Glory
There is a pattern that God follows when we pray in earnest: First, He takes us back a few steps so that we can get a better perspective.

There are many ancient and modern apostles and prophets who have been transfigured (whole being is processing information), and have had God say to them, "Just a minute, let's get the bigger picture: Moses; Paul; Nephi; Joseph Smith; Sidney Rigdon; Orson Pratt; Brigham Young; Melvin J. Ballard; George F. Richards; David B. Haight.

We must have the discerning of spirits.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Thoughts from Testimonies Shared

People are blessed at Christmas because of the teachings of the Savior.
Strive to be more like the Savior this coming year.
I believe in miracles and the power of prayer.
There is a gospel plan that is worth getting up for each day.
Act upon the good feelings of your heart.
We are a church of sacrifice - it may be hard to send our missionaries out, but we never know who the will reach with gospel message.

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
Truths from the Saviors Parables in Matthew 13

Joseph Smith set the example for how we should study the scriptures, and how to ask for understanding and light.

The Savior taught in parables so that those who believed on his word could understand his message as they were prepared receive it. There is always more we can learn. When we have not prepared ourselves for increased understanding, we can't receive additional light. We need to read the scriptures, pray, and keep the commandments so that our spiritual wee with our spiritual eyes and ear with our spiritual ears. When we have prepared ourselves, we will be ready and our understanding will be added upon.

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I se it, but because by it I see everything else. --C.S. Lewis

:: Sunday School :: This Is The Spirit of Revelation
There is a need for personal revelation to help us in our temporal and spiritual lives.
We are entitled to the same personal revelations as the prophets.
If you really have a testimony, you have received personal revelation.

To receive personal revelation we need to:
1. Study things out in your mind. You really have to want it.
2. Ponder, meditate, and study on the scriptures. The scriptures can be our own Urim and Thummin.
3. Inquire of the Lord in faith. When you kneel in prayer, speak "and listen". It takes strength to pray.
4. Be obedient. Not being obedient turns off the "communication switch."
5. Be meek and humble. Be willing to do what needs to be done to be back in tune with the spirit.
6. Focus on the things of God. Inspiration comes about in peaceful, reverent settings. The adversary is behind irreverence that obstructs the delecate balance of Revelation.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Sister Morgan: Be prayerful. Prayer is a very personal things, but you can't do it alone. Heavenly Father is there always, and is ready to help at any time. Always remember who you are talking to when you pray.

Sister Murray: We have to learn and understand the doctrines of the gospel in order to keep the commandments. We do this by reading our scriptures, praying, keeping the Sabbath Day holy, etc. No one can pray or read the scripture for us. It is a very personal thing. When we keep the commandments, we are honoring what has been written on our hearts.

Brother Moffat: Testimonies of the gospel come to different people, at different times, in different ways. We are witness of Jesus Christ through our testimonies. Do those things necessary to generate your own testimony.

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
Presidency Message: The Sacrament
Elder John H. Groberg: Come unto Christ and be perfected in him (Moroni 10:32). None are barred except by themselves. One of the most beautiful and important ways (to come unto Christ) is through the ordinance of the sacrament. The sacrament is an intensely personal experience, and we are the ones who knowingly are worthy or otherwise.

:: Sunday School ::
Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is the New Covenant in that it teaches us the Law of Consecration and Stewardship. And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do that which I have written-- (Doctrine & Covenants 84:57)

"A parent may whip a child, and justly, too, because he stole an apple; where as, if the child had asked for the apple, and the parent had given it, the child would have eaten it with a better appetite; there would have been no stripes; all the pleasure of the apple would have been secured, all the misery of stealing lost." (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith p255-6).

There are so many things in this life that, if we remember this analogy, we can make wiser choices: having children, polygamy, killing, etc. There is a time and season for everything. We need to be careful not "run before we are sent," as Oliver Cowdry had a tendancy to do.

:: Fast and Testimony Meeting ::
From Testimonies:
It is a blessing to be able to look into your faces and know how much Heavenly Father loves you. In a preiesthood blessing I was prompted to tell a sister of Heavently Father's love for her, not because it had been said before in blessings, but because it was the truth for her.

Living the gospel will always bless you, but in the Lord's way not always ours.

Love and take care of your families. They are so important. They are everything.

When we feel unworthy to pray is when we need to do it the most. Heavenly Father loves us and He hears and answers our prayers.

When I decided to sing A Child's Prayer and Did You Think To Pray as I settled my children for bed one night, my five-year old began to cry. Through his tears, he explained, "I'm crying, but I am happy!"

Sunday Reflections

:: Stake Conference ::

Elder Lance B. Wickman

Adult Session Highlights:

We must deal with the days of our lives, just as those before us had to deal with theirs. We can find what we need when we attend the temple regularly. The temple is a place where we can see and hear more clearly.

1Timothy 4:12 -- 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.

Teach each other and love each other.

The Provo Temple is unique in two ways:
1) because ordinances are done in 82 different languages, and
2) because it depicts a cloud by day (the round, white cloud) and a pillar by night (the spire).

We receive the "gift" of the Holy Ghost at confirmation, but we need the temple ordinances to receive the fullness of the Holy Ghost.

The House of the Lord and our own soul can be a Holy Place.

The temple endowment is a gift of power and knowledge that keeps on giving.

“It’s not that I am in the temple, but that the temple is in me. When I leave, the temple goes with me.”

When a priest says the sacrament prayer, he represents the Savior who introduced the ordinance of the sacrament. Christ was the advocate and great mediator to the Father for us. The priest places us under covenant and gives us the promise. When we take the sacrament we ratify the promise that was made by the priest.


General Session Highlights:

Our personal worship is a sacred thing. We can feel our divine nature and the love of our Savior and of our Heavenly Father. We can receive revelation and divine counsel.

Be not slack in our devotions. Converse with God alone. That relationship is worth more than all the riches of the world.

D&C 98: 1-3 -- 1 Verily I say unto you my friends. fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; 2 waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. 3 Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord.

Christ should be the center of our homes. We must get beyond rote repetitions in family prayer and scripture study, and in family home evenings. To live the gospel more fully in our homes we should be more active in personal preparation, express our love and teach with love, practice patience, and start somewhere by choosing something and begin.

The temple washing and anointing gives people sight and insight. Insight to see and understand relationships: with god, the adversary, family, and each other.

It doesn't matter where you are, you can worship anywhere.

It is in our charity that we express our humility. It is when we get outside our own problems and help others that the Lord is able to help us.

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
Presidency Message:
From "Born Again" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson 5/08

Entry into the kingdom of God requires the one be born again--born of water and of the Spirit.

Our spiritual rebirth comes about through a team effort with our Heavenly Father after our physical and spiritual baptisms. This process of rebirth is most often an on-going process involving lots of patience, not a miraculous happening such as Alma the Younger.

We cannot be casual in our efforts for spiritua rebirth.

:: Sunday School :: D&C 1
This section contains the words of the Savior given as the preface to the Book of Commandments. The Doctriine and Covenants is for ALL. It was written "to" us, while the book of Mormon was written "for" us.

In order for all of us, as unique individuals, to benefit from studying the themes of the Doctrine and Covenants, we must rely on the Holy Ghost to teach us, we need have "conversations" with those who were there at the time these revelations were given such as Joseph Smith, and learn from the prophets since those times. A helpful resource for what the prophets have said about the scriptures in the D&C can be found at www.scriptures.byu.edu. It will greatly help us to understand the Doctrine and Covenants if we know what was happening in Chruch History when each of the revelations was given.

:: Fast and Testimony Meeting ::
President Jackson: Conferences are for the blessing and edifying of God's children. We get what we receive because of our preparation.
Sister Schmutz: Grateful for Elders Bednar and Holland who spent their time on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day speaking to the missionaries in the MTC.
Sister Stott: Grateful for our military who are protecting our families and our freedoms.
Sister Jones: Make sure your children and grandchildren hear or read your testimony of the gospel.
Bishop Urie: What Joseph Smith said happened DID happen.
Brother Jones: It hasn't been that long since the "changing of my heart," but the positve consequences and the changing of the hearts of others has been long-reaching.
Sister Nielsen: I have a renew desire to worship and feel the spirit.

Sunday Reflections

Silent Night, Holy Night
From time to time, the spirit of God touches minds, improves lives...


by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Quorum of the Twelve
Published: Saturday 20 Nov 2008

From time to time, if we are living worthily, the Spirit of God touches our hearts and minds that our lives are improved forever. A warm feeling penetrates our hearts. The silent still, small voice speaks to us quietly, communicating through a burning in our bosom (see Doctrine and Covenants 9:8). Knowledge given to us from God draws us closer to Him, sanctifying us and strengthening our desire to return to His presence.

During such unforgettable moments, revelation comes to us and forever alters our view, sharpening our focus on what matters most in life. We sense more profoundly our eternal relationship with Him as the literal Father of our spirits. We also feel more acutely our complete dependence upon the merciful atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ. I had just such a revealing experience.

It was Christmas time in the Bavarian Alps in 1937. I have always loved Christmas. There is a special spirit about it. The chill in the winter air is the perfect counterpoint to the warmth that should fill our hearts as we contemplate the message of salvation found in the birth, and life, and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

I experienced that warmth many years ago while serving as a missionary for the Church just prior to the outbreak of World War II. As you might expect, the possibility of armed conflict was very intense. But, as Christmas approached, our thoughts were drawn to the Savior. We rejoiced in the privilege of serving Him during that sacred season in the famous city of Salzburg, Austria.

On Christmas Eve, Elder Staker Olson and I visited the village of Oberndorf, nestled securely in the beautiful Bavarian Alps. It was a crisp, clear winter night. We walked under a canopy of stars, across the smooth stillness of new-fallen snow to a humble little church where a familiar melody beckoned with its message of hope and peace. Inside, a choir was singing in German a carol that brought warmth to our hearts on that cold winter night. Though we were far from our homes and families, we were filled with our Heavenly Father's love and comforted by His Spirit as we listened to the calming strains of Silent Night! Holy Night!

Perhaps it was like the night that more than a century earlier inspired the assistant pastor in that quaint village to write the words to one of the most beloved hymns in all of Christendom. In 1818, Joseph Mohr was walking in the mountains above Oberndorf when he was overcome with the sublime beauty that surrounded him: The towering, majestic mountains; the brilliance of the stars in the sky; the shimmering glow of moonlight reflected on snow-covered hills and valleys; and the warm, welcoming lights of the village.

The setting provided inspiration for the new hymn Joseph Mohr was writing for Christmas services the next day. As he made his way homeward, words and phrases came together in his mind:

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace;
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth;
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
— Hymns, no. 204

Joseph Mohr took his words to Franz Gruber, the church organist. Since the church's organ was broken, Gruber had to compose music for the new hymn on his guitar. But the tune came easily, and the next day "Silent Night" had its first performance in that unique little church. Sung by its creators to Gruber's guitar accompaniment, it probably sounded a little different from the full, rich, harmonious version we sing today. But the message was the same.

As we listened to the choir's harmony while standing in the very same church where the first rendition of this sacred song was sung, we were spiritually moved. We were filled with the true spirit of Christmas.

As we left Oberndorf and walked about fifteen miles to our humble lodgings in old Salzburg, we spoke of life more confidently. Our goals and aspirations were clear, and we were both focused as to our direction in life.

Much of our conversation centered on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We felt closer to Him that Christmas Eve. As we savored that sense of God's love for us, we also felt an outpouring of His love toward all mankind. Even with the threat of war hanging heavily over Austria and the rest of the world, for one night, at least, all [was] calm, all [was] bright. It was, truly, a holy night, a Christmas that we will never forget.

We determined that we would be even more diligent in our missionary efforts to proclaim Christ's gospel of repentance, and we resolved that, upon our return home, we would serve the Master all our lives through magnifying our assignments in the Church. With humble hearts it was a time to reflect on the attributes of godliness as exemplified by the perfect life of the Savior.

We had been studying The Book of Mormon. As we walked, we spoke of what we could do to follow Alma's great admonition to the church which was established in the valley of Gideon (Alma 6:8):

And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works (Alma 7:23-24).

We desired with greater fervor than ever before to be strong, faithful men with valiant testimonies upon whom the Lord could rely. We wanted to always abound in good works; to be kind and loving towards others. As missionaries, we had learned to preach and teach the great atonement, the resurrection, and the restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

While we missed the company of cherished family and loved ones, we did not dwell on our absence from home. I expressed my goal to find a girl with qualities of character that stem from a deep and abiding spiritual foundation. We now knew that the virtues and attributes enumerated in Alma's admonition were the qualities we were looking for. My companion and I wanted to be married for time and all eternity. I did find such a companion who possessed all these qualities I had hoped for. Her name is Elisa Young Rogers. She exceeded all of my dreams expressed on that sacred night.

Of course, it wasn't just the hymn that had such impact on us. It was the song's message of the dawn of redeeming grace. To think that the Son of God would come into the world so humbly, live His life so perfectly, teach His gospel so completely, atone for our sins so graciously and do it all so willingly!

I pray that our hearts and homes may resonate with this marvelous message of love, hope and peace during the holiday season and forever. With the apostle John, I testify that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:1)

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
5th Sunday: FamilySearch Indexing


Today, the bishop and his wife taught us how to become part of the indexing "movement." If you have a computer and some time, you can help transfer handwritten documents to the digital format. Just go to familysearch.org and choose Index Records. Register as a volunteer, go through the tutorials and you are ready to go...

:: Sunday School :: Mormon 7-9
In spite of all they experienced, Mormon and Moroni remained strong and faithful, even in the face of death. They continued writing, preaching, and being steadfast.

Mormon 7:9 - For behold, this [the Book of Mormon] is written for the intent that ye may believe that [the Bible]; and if ye believe that [the Bible] ye will believe this [the Book of Mormon] also; and if ye believe this [the Book of Mormon] ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrtought by the power of God among them.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Brother Schmutz: The examples set by my two brothers and sister serving missions has helped me to decide to serve also. There mission scriptures are: 2 Nephi 2:8; 2 Nephi 31:20; and Mosiah 24:21.
Sister Fetzer: God never leaves us alone. He uses angels to convey love and concern for his children. Sometimes the angels are seen, but most often they are unseen. By losing ourselves in the service of others, we find ourselves. We can even be an angel on earth for someone else.
Sister Tanner: God has kept His promises in the past, and He will keep them in the future. When we have hope for something, it equals faith. when we have hope in something, it equals chrarity.
Brother Stone: A large part of coming to Zion is caring for the poor. The Lord measures individuals and peoples by how they take care of the poor. When we have all things in common, we are living the higher law of consecration or the United Order. When we compare ourselves to the world, we are far from poor...

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
Finding Joy in the Journey - President Thomas S. Monson: Let us relish life as we live it, find foy in the journey and share our love with friends and family. We all experience change in our lives - both good and bad; fast and slow. We need to not dwell in the past, but take advantage of opportunities as they come our way. Never let a problem to be solved become more important thatn a person to be loved. Always be grateful for life and what it offers us.

:: Sunday School :: Mormon 1-6; Moroni 9
These chapters are full of distruction, carnage, blood and horror. It is hard to read, but it is there because we will need to know of these things because there is a Savior and a temptor in all worlds, and if we are to ever have worlds of our own, we will have to know all things.

The consequences of apostasy are great. The more we know the more we are accountable for, just as when we climb a ladder, the higher we climb, the farther we have to fall.

The American continent will not escape the ravages of the signs of the times, but we need not fear if we always keep in our minds 1) the covenants of the Father and 2) the Savior - there is hope! [see Book of Mormon title page and Mormon 5:14.

The Holy Ghost is the first comforter, and Jesus Christ is the second comforter.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Brother Bott: We can show our gratitude by being there for each other, living so we can enjoy the blessings of the temple, obeying our parents, and praying daily.

Brother Nimmer: No matter our adversities, we can still be grateful and happy. Instead of grumbling about what you don't have, be grateful you don't get what you deserve.

Brother Kemp: May we be more aware of those around us who need our help.

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
A Heart Full of Love and Faith: The Prophet's Letters to His Family


Josesph Smith had great trust in the Lord and untold love for his wife, Emma, and their children. Although he spent much time away from his family sharing the restored gospel, or imprisoned by enemies, he still wrote to his family often to strengthen them and comfort them. He prayed for them and taught them no matter where he was.

We need to trust in the lord, build strong bonds of love with our families, and keep the lines of communication open both to heaven and here on earth.

:: Sunday School :: 3 Nephi 22-26
These chapters in the Book of Mormon are what the resurrected Savior tells the Nephites and includes repeats of Isaiah 54 and Malachi 3-4:
3 Nephi 22 - the gathering of Israel and the establishment of Zion
[Isaiah 54]
3 Nephi 23 - searching the scriptures and keeping records
3 Nephi 24 - the second coming [Malachi 3]
3 Nephi 25 - in the last days the proud and the wicked will burn and there shall be baptism for the dead [Malachi 4; D&C 128:17-18]
3 Nephi 26 - those in the Chruch of Christ have all things common among them.

We have received the lesser knowledge with the promise that those that believe and have faith will be given greater things. Many things were spoken by Christ that were not recorded, but we do have five related scriptures in Joseph Smith-History [verses 36-39] and in the Doctrine and Covenants that give us more light and knowledge about chapters 22-26 in 3 Nephi.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Sister Morgan: Instead of getting caught up and dwelling on the negative, look for the positive and show gratitude.
Sister Hawks: Called to serve in the Florida Ft. Lauderdale Mission - We can be like Christ by being obedient to Heavenly Father's commandments. Keeping the commandments is an expression of our love for Heavely Father and our Savior. If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Sister Schumtz: Called to serve in the Argentina Resistencia Mission - What manner of man/woman out you to be? Even as I am. We can learn to be loving and merciful simply by learning and improving one step at a time, by being committed to the gospel, enduring to the end, and following the examples of the Savior and the Prophets.
Bishop Urie: Four ways that we can ensure that every member is a missionary: 1. Encourage children and grandchildren to serve missions. 2. Fellowship less active members. 3. Share the gospel with non-members with the help of full-time missionaries. 4. Serving missions as couples.

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society :: Writing Your Own Obituary
Leave a legacy instead of just a beginning and ending date.
What do I need to do to be remembered for what I want to be remembered for?
If your are not enjoying life, then you are doing something wrong...

Sister Hinckley quoting Linda Bentley Johnson: I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making peanut butters sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.


:: Sunday School :: 3 Nephi: 16, 20-21
Christ instructs the Nephites. Imagine capturing what was happening to these people in their journals...

Prophesy: Scattering and Gathering
1917 - Balfour Delcaration: Britain is the first Great Power committed to a Jewish home in Palestine.
1948 - Establishment of Israel in what was once Palestine. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. [Isaiah 60:3]
1948-51 - Immigration of Jews. 28 people per hour, 24 hours a day for three and one half years.

Prophesy: Gathering of saints to Zion
When the gospel was first restored the saints literally gathered in Nauvoo, Kirkland, etc. and then in Utah. The gathering now is a spiritual gathering. In General Conference, April 1975 President Kimball taught: The “gathering of Israel” is effected when the people of the faraway countries accept the gospel and remain in their native lands. The leaders are migrating and they need to stay and establish the church where they are.

:: Sacrament Meeting :: Testimonies
• Avoid mannequinism. Don't let yourself become deadened to the things that are spiritually important.
• Keep your families close to you.
• Heavenly Father must have great character in order to love us all with our unique personalities.
• Our testimonies are strengthened by each other in so many different ways.
• We are lost if we don't have the faith to find hope.
• Think about who you are thankful to for what you have.
• We can learn from the experiences and trials of others.
• Power in my prayer instead of power in prayer. This trial has helped me to be humble to learn.
• Appreciate the freedoms we have.
• This love can continue for ever.
• Testimonies born and lived have strengthened me.
• Fasting brins into focus those things that are most important in life.

Sunday Reflections

:: Relief Society ::
Ask in Faith - Elder David A. Bednar: Meanigful prayer requires both holy communicaiton and consecrated work. Prayer is essential for our spiritual development and protection. Asking in faith can make our prayers more meaningful. We need to learn to plead and then perform. Communications needs to be followed by righteous action. Prayer is a privilege.
Born Again - Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Spiritual rebirth originates with faith in Jesus Christ, by whose grace we are changed. This change happens gradually over time. The mighty change that happened to the people of King Benjamin and Alma were remarkable, not typical.

:: Sunday School :: 3 Nephi 17-19
Verses 17-19 put the grease in the gears as far as relevance to us in our times. No one is baptized until verse 19 when the disciples are baptized, yet the Savior administers the sacrament to the people because they are worthy to receive it. The Holy Ghost can come to a pure person. The sacrament represents the body and blood of the Savior. The blood represents the mortal, and the resurrected body represent the spiritual.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::
Sister Harper: Individual Worth - Every person is a child of God. Each person has something unique and special to offer. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. [Eleanor Roosevelt]
Sister Pope: Whenever the the sealing power fo the priesthood has been given to men on earth, the blessings of temple marriage have been realized. That Proclamation on the Family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship. While salvation is an individual matter, exaltation is a family matter. [Russell M. Nelson, October 2008]
Brother Cunningham: My grandmother Henry was born four years before the Salt Lake Temple was finished. When I did baptisms for the dead at the age of 8, there were twelve temples. Now there are over 100 temples. In just four generations the temples are dotting the earth.

Sunday Reflections

:: General Relief Society Meeting ::

Sister Beck: The purpose of Relief Society, as established by the Lord, is to organize, teach, and inspire his daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life. To fulfill the purpose of Relief Society, the Lord has commissioned each sister, and the organization as a whole to
increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and serve the lord and his children.

Sister Allred: The Lord has always asked his people to build temples. We have been instructed to build temples so that holy ordinances may be performed for both the living and the dead. The temple is the house of the Lord. It is a sacred, holy place of revelation and service. It is a house of learning and a source of spiritual power and strength. We should attend as often as possible.

Sister Thompson: Relief Society is not just a class on Sunday. It isn't a place we go if we are not teaching in primary or young women organizations. It is the Lord's organization for women. Now, more than ever, we need women to step up and be strong. We need women to declare the truth with strength, faith, and boldness. We need women to set an example of righteousness. We need women to be anxiously engaged in a good cause. We need to live so that our lives bear witness that we love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

President Uchtdorf: Creating and being compassionate are two objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father's perfect happiness. Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we. as his spirit childrencan, and should emulate.

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. Creation brings deep satisfaction fulfillment and happiness. If you feel incapable of creating, start small. See how many smiles you can create. The more you trust and rely upon the spirit, the greater your capacity to create.

Disciples of Christ throughout the ages of the word have been distinguished by their compassion. When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our own lives are blessed as well. As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.

:: Sacrament Meeting ::

Sara Larsen: We have our free agency to choose right or wrong, but we can't choose the consequences of those choices. We need to be responsible for our choices and not blame
others when our decisions go bad. We are accountable for the talents and abilities we have been given.

Sister Whitney Tanner . Called to serve in Ecuador Quito Mission: Obedience was the reason I decided to serve a mission. Blessings are received when we obey. The saints in Texas who obeyed the counsel to be prepared have the food, water, and other necessities to sustain them after the hurricane. Church obligations are a blessing not a burden. The more I read and study the scriptures, the more I want to learn.

Happy Larsen: The church is there no matter where you are. When I joined the church my father would not let me attend until I turned eighteen. I have never found an excuse to not go to church. It means too much to me.

Sunday Reflections

Science vs. God

A science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students,
"Let me explain the problem science had with religion..."


The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before the class, and then asks one of his new students to stand. "You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"
"Yes, sir," the student says.
"So, you believe in god?"
"Absolutely."
"Is God good?"
Sure, God's good.
Is God all.powerful? Can God do anything?
Yes.
Are you good or evil?
The Bible says I'm evil.
The professor grins knowingly. Aha! The Bible. He considers for a moment.

Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here, and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? would you try?
Yes, sir, I would.
So you're good?
I wouldn't say that.
But, why not say that? You"d help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would, if we could. But God doesn't
The student does not answer, so the professor continues: He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?
The student remains silent.
No, you can't, can you? The professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?
Er...yes. The student says.
Is Satan good?
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. No.
Then where does Satan come from?
The student falters. From God.
That's right. God made Satan, didn't He? Tell me son, is there evil in the world?
Yes, sir.
Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And, God made everything, correct?
Yes.
So who created evil?
The professor continues: If God created everything, then God created evil. Since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.
Again the student has no answer.
Is there sickness, immorality, hatred, ugliness? All these terrible things; do they exist in the world?
The student squirmed in his seat. Yes.
So, who created them?
The student does not answer, again, so the professor repeats his question.
Who created them?
There is still no answer.

Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
Tell me, he continues onto another student, Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. Yes, Professor, I do.
The old man stops pacing. Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?
No, sir, I've never seen him.
Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?
No, sir, I have not.
Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus, or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God, for that matter?
No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.
Yet you still believe in him?
Yes.
According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God
doesn't exist. What would you say to that. son?
Nothing. The student replies.. I only have my faith.
Yes, faith. The professor repeats. And, that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.

The student stands quietly for a moment before asking a question of his own. Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Yes. The professor replies. There's heat.
And, is there such a thing as cold?.
Yes, son there's cold too.
No, sir, there isn't.
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes quiet. The student begins to explain. You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat, or no heat, but we don't have anything called cold. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat. But, we can't go any further than that. There is no such thing as cold. Otherwise, we would be able to go colder than the minus 458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458º) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units, because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Yes. The professor replies without hesitation. What is night if it isn't darkness?
You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something, it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, flashing light, but, if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and, it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make the darkness darker, wouldn't you?
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester.
So what point are you making, young man?
Professor, my point is: Your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.
The professor's face cannot hid his surprise this time. Flawed? can you explain how?

You are working on the premise of duality. The student explains. You argue that there is life and then there"s death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure, sir. Science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life, is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.

Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from monkeys?
If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.
Have you ever observed evolution with you own eyes, sir?
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work, and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion. sir? Are you now not a scientist. but a preacher?

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what i mean.
The student looks around the room. Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?
The class breaks out into laughter.
Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir. So, if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?
Now, the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student. His face unreadable. Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. I guess you'll have to take them on faith.
Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life.
The student continues, Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?
Now uncertain, the professor responds. Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of violence everywhere in the world.
These manifestations are nothing else but evil.
To this the student replied: Evil does not exist, sir. Or, at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have god's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.

The professor sat down.

Thanks for sharing Leslie]