We are beginning to study the Book of Mormon this Sunday. The scriptures for this week are:
1 Nephi 13:38–41; 19:23; 2 Nephi 25:21–22; 27:22; 29:6–9; Mormon 8:26–41; Ether 5:2–4; Moroni 1:4; 10:3–5; Doctrine and Covenants 10:45–46; 20:8–12; 84:54–58. Also study the introductory material to the Book of Mormon.
As part of the lesson will you please reflect on your testimony of the Book of Mormon and be prepared to share it?
REMEMBER WE START BRIGHT AND EARLY AT 9:00AM!
Be safe on New Year's Eve and set your alarm ;)!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Lesson 46
Today we studied the end of Revelations.
We discussed how these are perilous times, but there is hope because we know the end of the story.
The scriptures focused on were...
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/5.1-5?lang=eng#0
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/6?lang=eng
and Revelations 19-22
Here are some questions/quotes from today's lessons for ponderment...
What tactics does Satan use today to try to overcome the righteous?
That war, so bitter, so intense, has gone on, and it has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion, between the followers of Christ and those who have denied Him. His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men. They’ve murdered and destroyed and engaged in every other unholy and impure practice to thwart the work of Christ. …
“[Opposition] has been felt in the undying efforts of many, both within and without the Church, to destroy faith, to belittle, to demean, to bear false witness, to tempt and allure and induce our people to practices inconsistent with the teachings and standards of this work of God. …
“The war goes on. It is waged across the world over the issues of agency and compulsion. It is waged by an army of missionaries over the issues of truth and error. It is waged in our own lives, day in and day out, in our homes, in our work, in our school associations; it is waged over questions of love and respect, of loyalty and fidelity, of obedience and integrity. We are all involved in it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 55–58; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 42, 44–45).
After making the comments quoted above, President Hinckley added, “We are winning [the war against Satan], and the future never looked brighter” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 58; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 45).
_______________________________________________________________
How can we maintain hope and a positive outlook as we fight the war against Satan? What resources do we have to strengthen us against the power of Satan and his followers?
How can we limit the power of Satan in our lives right now?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle—and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions?” (“In His Steps,” Ensign, Sept. 1988, 2).
What are the dangers of setting our hearts on worldly things? In what ways do worldly things distract us from spiritual things?
__________________________________________________________________
We talked about making choices, relating to the scripture of how Jesus waits at the door for us to let him in and I mentioned how satan was waiting as well and couldn't come in unless we let him.
I referred to my kid's choose your own adventure books and how we have to make choices that decide our adventure and our fate at the end of the story.
I talked about the importance of temple attendance in our lives and that there are many blessings that are there, to not let whatever might try to get in the way to keep us from those blessings (in a nutshell). Side note: I misrepresented and exagerrated mine and Brandon's "debates". It's not usually an issue, but it was one of those things that came to mind when thinking of Satan trying to stand in our way of getting to the temple. :)
I referred to http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/18.11-18?lang=eng#10, which talks about the dangers of focusing on worldy things and related that to Christmas and the focus on gifts we give and receive and my quagmire of trying to find a balance in Christmas in trying to enjoy that aspect of Christmas, but also making sure it's not the only or even the main Christmas focus. That we can't remember the gifts we gave and while it's a struggle we need to give our families something more to make Christmas more meaningful.
In the end we are to have hope through the hard times and live our lives so that we can be excited about the 2nd coming, millenium and final judgment.
Here are other quotes used during the lesson....
Pres. Monson, Christmas address
The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have within our hearts and within our lives, not only at this particular season but also throughout the years.
A wise Christian once urged, “Let us not spend Christmas … but let us keep Christmas in our hearts and in our lives.” 3
This is my plea tonight, because when we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. 4 It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.
There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.
Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.
Choose eternal life.. Randall K. Bennett
The Savior’s arms of mercy are always extended to each of us.6 When we sincerely and fully repent, we can be completely forgiven of our mistakes and the Savior will remember our sins no more.7
In evaluating your choices and their consequences, you might ask yourself:
Am I seeking divine direction through daily scripture study, pondering, and prayer, or have I chosen to be so busy or apathetic that I don’t take time to study the words of Christ, ponder them, and converse with my Heavenly Father?
Am I choosing to follow the counsel of living prophets of God, or am I following the worldly ways and the opposing opinions of others?
Am I seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost daily in what I choose to think about, feel, and do?
Am I consistently reaching out to assist, serve, or help rescue others?
My dear brothers and sisters, your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice. It is never too late to begin to choose eternal life!
Hope Steven Snow, April 2011
Our hope in the Atonement empowers us with eternal perspective. Such perspective allows us to look beyond the here and now on into the promise of the eternities. We don’t have to be trapped in the narrow confines of society’s fickle expectations. We are free to look forward to celestial glory, sealed to our family and loved ones.
Next Year! :) We're studying the Book of Mormon. Bro. Miller asked me to pass on that there the First Presidency has asked us to read the Book of Mormon along with the lessons. That's something we should be doing anyway, but there's extra incentive.
Church starts at 9:00am on January 1st.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#kids-and-christmas
We discussed how these are perilous times, but there is hope because we know the end of the story.
The scriptures focused on were...
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/5.1-5?lang=eng#0
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/6?lang=eng
and Revelations 19-22
Here are some questions/quotes from today's lessons for ponderment...
What tactics does Satan use today to try to overcome the righteous?
That war, so bitter, so intense, has gone on, and it has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion, between the followers of Christ and those who have denied Him. His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men. They’ve murdered and destroyed and engaged in every other unholy and impure practice to thwart the work of Christ. …
“[Opposition] has been felt in the undying efforts of many, both within and without the Church, to destroy faith, to belittle, to demean, to bear false witness, to tempt and allure and induce our people to practices inconsistent with the teachings and standards of this work of God. …
“The war goes on. It is waged across the world over the issues of agency and compulsion. It is waged by an army of missionaries over the issues of truth and error. It is waged in our own lives, day in and day out, in our homes, in our work, in our school associations; it is waged over questions of love and respect, of loyalty and fidelity, of obedience and integrity. We are all involved in it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 55–58; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 42, 44–45).
After making the comments quoted above, President Hinckley added, “We are winning [the war against Satan], and the future never looked brighter” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 58; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 45).
_______________________________________________________________
How can we maintain hope and a positive outlook as we fight the war against Satan? What resources do we have to strengthen us against the power of Satan and his followers?
How can we limit the power of Satan in our lives right now?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle—and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions?” (“In His Steps,” Ensign, Sept. 1988, 2).
What are the dangers of setting our hearts on worldly things? In what ways do worldly things distract us from spiritual things?
__________________________________________________________________
We talked about making choices, relating to the scripture of how Jesus waits at the door for us to let him in and I mentioned how satan was waiting as well and couldn't come in unless we let him.
I referred to my kid's choose your own adventure books and how we have to make choices that decide our adventure and our fate at the end of the story.
I talked about the importance of temple attendance in our lives and that there are many blessings that are there, to not let whatever might try to get in the way to keep us from those blessings (in a nutshell). Side note: I misrepresented and exagerrated mine and Brandon's "debates". It's not usually an issue, but it was one of those things that came to mind when thinking of Satan trying to stand in our way of getting to the temple. :)
I referred to http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/18.11-18?lang=eng#10, which talks about the dangers of focusing on worldy things and related that to Christmas and the focus on gifts we give and receive and my quagmire of trying to find a balance in Christmas in trying to enjoy that aspect of Christmas, but also making sure it's not the only or even the main Christmas focus. That we can't remember the gifts we gave and while it's a struggle we need to give our families something more to make Christmas more meaningful.
In the end we are to have hope through the hard times and live our lives so that we can be excited about the 2nd coming, millenium and final judgment.
Here are other quotes used during the lesson....
Pres. Monson, Christmas address
The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have within our hearts and within our lives, not only at this particular season but also throughout the years.
A wise Christian once urged, “Let us not spend Christmas … but let us keep Christmas in our hearts and in our lives.” 3
This is my plea tonight, because when we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. 4 It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.
There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.
Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.
Choose eternal life.. Randall K. Bennett
The Savior’s arms of mercy are always extended to each of us.6 When we sincerely and fully repent, we can be completely forgiven of our mistakes and the Savior will remember our sins no more.7
In evaluating your choices and their consequences, you might ask yourself:
Am I seeking divine direction through daily scripture study, pondering, and prayer, or have I chosen to be so busy or apathetic that I don’t take time to study the words of Christ, ponder them, and converse with my Heavenly Father?
Am I choosing to follow the counsel of living prophets of God, or am I following the worldly ways and the opposing opinions of others?
Am I seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost daily in what I choose to think about, feel, and do?
Am I consistently reaching out to assist, serve, or help rescue others?
My dear brothers and sisters, your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice. It is never too late to begin to choose eternal life!
Hope Steven Snow, April 2011
Our hope in the Atonement empowers us with eternal perspective. Such perspective allows us to look beyond the here and now on into the promise of the eternities. We don’t have to be trapped in the narrow confines of society’s fickle expectations. We are free to look forward to celestial glory, sealed to our family and loved ones.
Next Year! :) We're studying the Book of Mormon. Bro. Miller asked me to pass on that there the First Presidency has asked us to read the Book of Mormon along with the lessons. That's something we should be doing anyway, but there's extra incentive.
Church starts at 9:00am on January 1st.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#kids-and-christmas
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Lesson 45 - He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things
We're in Revelations...good stuff.
This week we studied Rev. 1-3 and 12. If you haven't studied it recently I would encourage you to do so :). I am not listing all of the findings to the symbolism...for fun if you email me with the answers, I'll bring you dessert :).
Some background from the manual...
"the Apostle John, author of the book of Revelation, came out of a culture that used symbolism extensively in its language and literature. Readers today often have difficulty with the symbolism in John’s writings. If we interpret the images literally, the book of Revelation can seem strange and confusing. If we remember that many of the images are symbolic and represent people, things, or concepts with which we are already familiar, the book becomes easier to understand."
We talked about the symbols used in the first three chapters, candlesticks, seven stars, two-edged sword and keys.
Also found in those chapters are words of the Lord to the seven branches of the church in Asia. He corrected them and then gave them promises for overcoming the trials and tribulations of mortality. One example was, "shall not be hurt of the second death".
I briefly mentioned Revelations 12 and told who represented what. The woman was the church of God, the child was the kingdom of God or the government that will exist upon the earth during Jesus' millennial reign and the dragon was Satan.
The lesson pointed out the theme of Revelations is that "there will be an eventual triumph on this earth of God over the devil; a permanent victory of good over evil" Bible Dictionary, Revelation of John
There is a war going on, we know how it ends. I used quotes from the following talks repesenting how imporant a strong testimony is and how our trials/tribulations are helping us become who we are supposed to be.
http://lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/the-power-of-a-strong-testimony?lang=eng
"As your testimony is fortified, Satan will try harder to tempt you. Resist his efforts. You will become stronger and his influence on you weaker. 9 Satan’s increasing influence in the world is allowed to provide an atmosphere in which to prove ourselves. While he causes havoc today, Satan’s final destiny was fixed by Jesus Christ through His Atonement and Resurrection. The devil will not triumph.
Even now, he must operate within bounds set by the Lord. He cannot take away any blessing that has been earned. He cannot alter character that has been woven from righteous decisions. He has no power to destroy the eternal bonds forged in a holy temple between a husband, wife, and children. He cannot quench true faith. He cannot take away your testimony. Yes, these things can be lost by succumbing to his temptations. But he has no power in and of himself to destroy them."
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/more-than-conquerors-through-him-that-loved-us?lang=eng
"Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”5
Recently a nine-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. The doctor explained the diagnosis and the treatment, which included months of chemotherapy and major surgery. He said it would be a very difficult time for the boy and his family but then added, “People ask me, ‘Will I be the same after this is over?’ I tell them, ‘No, you won’t be the same. You will be so much stronger. You will be awesome!’”"
Next week's lesson is the last of the year! Revelation 5-6; 19-22.
Have a great week!
This week we studied Rev. 1-3 and 12. If you haven't studied it recently I would encourage you to do so :). I am not listing all of the findings to the symbolism...for fun if you email me with the answers, I'll bring you dessert :).
Some background from the manual...
"the Apostle John, author of the book of Revelation, came out of a culture that used symbolism extensively in its language and literature. Readers today often have difficulty with the symbolism in John’s writings. If we interpret the images literally, the book of Revelation can seem strange and confusing. If we remember that many of the images are symbolic and represent people, things, or concepts with which we are already familiar, the book becomes easier to understand."
We talked about the symbols used in the first three chapters, candlesticks, seven stars, two-edged sword and keys.
Also found in those chapters are words of the Lord to the seven branches of the church in Asia. He corrected them and then gave them promises for overcoming the trials and tribulations of mortality. One example was, "shall not be hurt of the second death".
I briefly mentioned Revelations 12 and told who represented what. The woman was the church of God, the child was the kingdom of God or the government that will exist upon the earth during Jesus' millennial reign and the dragon was Satan.
The lesson pointed out the theme of Revelations is that "there will be an eventual triumph on this earth of God over the devil; a permanent victory of good over evil" Bible Dictionary, Revelation of John
There is a war going on, we know how it ends. I used quotes from the following talks repesenting how imporant a strong testimony is and how our trials/tribulations are helping us become who we are supposed to be.
http://lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/the-power-of-a-strong-testimony?lang=eng
"As your testimony is fortified, Satan will try harder to tempt you. Resist his efforts. You will become stronger and his influence on you weaker. 9 Satan’s increasing influence in the world is allowed to provide an atmosphere in which to prove ourselves. While he causes havoc today, Satan’s final destiny was fixed by Jesus Christ through His Atonement and Resurrection. The devil will not triumph.
Even now, he must operate within bounds set by the Lord. He cannot take away any blessing that has been earned. He cannot alter character that has been woven from righteous decisions. He has no power to destroy the eternal bonds forged in a holy temple between a husband, wife, and children. He cannot quench true faith. He cannot take away your testimony. Yes, these things can be lost by succumbing to his temptations. But he has no power in and of himself to destroy them."
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/more-than-conquerors-through-him-that-loved-us?lang=eng
"Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”5
Recently a nine-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. The doctor explained the diagnosis and the treatment, which included months of chemotherapy and major surgery. He said it would be a very difficult time for the boy and his family but then added, “People ask me, ‘Will I be the same after this is over?’ I tell them, ‘No, you won’t be the same. You will be so much stronger. You will be awesome!’”"
Next week's lesson is the last of the year! Revelation 5-6; 19-22.
Have a great week!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Lesson 44- God is Love
I'm sure the format will morph and pitter :). Here are links to talks/etc. shared, with excerpts for the digest version :),and the manual list for sciptures used. I think it's worthy to note that two talks and the video and President Uchtdorf's refer to "What Matters Most". Hope you enjoy and that you have a great week. Hope to see you on Friday!!
Study Manual
http://lds.org/manual/new-testament-class-member-study-guide/lesson-44-god-is-love?lang=eng
1 John 4:7-8 :)
7 Beloved, let us alove one another: for blove is of God; and every one that loveth is cborn of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not aknoweth not God; for God is love.
Video:
http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#mormon-messages-what-matters-most
"Love at home" President Monson
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/08/love-at-home-counsel-from-our-prophet?lang=eng
“Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey and share our love with friends and family. One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows. Let us not put off what is most important.”2
"The Love of God" -President Uchtdort
http://lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/the-love-of-god?lang=eng
Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.
"Finding Joy through Service" Elder Ballard
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service?lang=eng
When this pure love of Christ—or charity—envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel, and act. Our motivation and heartfelt desire are like unto that of the Savior.
Of things that Matter Most
http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng&query=matters+most+uchtdorf+(name%3a")
We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study, and Sunday worship.
The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.
and bonus article from two weeks ago.
"The Tongue of Angels" 0f Elder Holland
http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-tongue-of-angels?lang=eng&query=tongues+angels
In all of this, I suppose it goes without saying that negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak—or at least think—critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long we and everybody around us are miserable.
I love what Elder Orson F. Whitney once said: “The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.” 6 We should honor the Savior’s declaration to “be of good cheer.” 7 (Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!) Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. As someone once said, “Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow.”
Study Manual
http://lds.org/manual/new-testament-class-member-study-guide/lesson-44-god-is-love?lang=eng
1 John 4:7-8 :)
7 Beloved, let us alove one another: for blove is of God; and every one that loveth is cborn of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not aknoweth not God; for God is love.
Video:
http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#mormon-messages-what-matters-most
"Love at home" President Monson
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/08/love-at-home-counsel-from-our-prophet?lang=eng
“Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey and share our love with friends and family. One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows. Let us not put off what is most important.”2
"The Love of God" -President Uchtdort
http://lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/the-love-of-god?lang=eng
Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.
"Finding Joy through Service" Elder Ballard
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service?lang=eng
When this pure love of Christ—or charity—envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel, and act. Our motivation and heartfelt desire are like unto that of the Savior.
Of things that Matter Most
http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng&query=matters+most+uchtdorf+(name%3a")
We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study, and Sunday worship.
The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.
and bonus article from two weeks ago.
"The Tongue of Angels" 0f Elder Holland
http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-tongue-of-angels?lang=eng&query=tongues+angels
In all of this, I suppose it goes without saying that negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak—or at least think—critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long we and everybody around us are miserable.
I love what Elder Orson F. Whitney once said: “The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.” 6 We should honor the Savior’s declaration to “be of good cheer.” 7 (Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!) Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. As someone once said, “Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow.”
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Welcome
to mark my upcoming one year anniverary as the Gospel Doctrine teacher (and to try to better magnify my calling) I wanted to do something get the word out. I've sent emails in the past and we're going to try something new. I hope that this will be beneficial to you. I welcome any suggestions and proddings for updates as needed! We are studying the Book of Mormon next year so it should be fun! See you on Sunday.
Jennifer
Jennifer
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