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.”
