"Sharing the Gospel" taught by Bishop J.

Bishop J. began by expressing his wish that we would be blessed to understand some of the mysteries of God and feel His love, and then he quoted King Benjamin in his address to his people:

..."for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view." -Mosiah 2:9

"Members are the Key":
Bishop J. referenced a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard several times in his lesson: https://lds.org/liahona/2000/09/members-are-the-key?lang=eng&query=ballard+relax+difference

Making a distinction between Missionary Work and Sharing the Gospel:
Bishop J.'s mission to Puerto Rico helped prepare him to share the gospel in some ways but not in others.
Missionary work is done by missionaries, while sharing the gospel is done by members.

Matt 28: 18-20:

18And ^aJesus came and spake unto them, saying, All ^bpower is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19¶Go ye therefore, and ^ateach all ^bnations, ^cbaptizing them in the name of the ^dFather, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20^aTeaching them to ^bobserve all things whatsoever I have ^ccommanded you: and, lo, I am ^dwith you alway, even unto the ^eend of the world. Amen.

Mark 16: 20

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Christ has just fulfilled his mission on Earth and now he is telling his disciples to "go" and put his sacrifice to use. He wants people to come under the umbrella of the atonement and receive the blessings of this gift. As we "go and teach", the Lord will work with us and confirm what is taught.

What makes a member more able to share the gospel effectively?

There are about 30,000 people in our ward. All of them are children of our Heavenly Father and a part of our ward-- all with varying levels of engagement.

In the book, "How Americans View Mormonism", Gary Lawrence discusses the results of a National survey he conducted and the six levels of awareness or engagement that people can be grouped into.
Level 1: "Awareness" (about 40% of Americans)
Level 2: "Awakening" (about 25%)
Level 3: "Curiosity"- they want to know why they are hearing so much about Mormons. (about 11%)
Level 4: "Interested"- they want to listen. (about 9%)
Level 5: "Investigation"- they want to know if it's true. (about 5%)
Level 6: "Conversion"- they want to help build the Kingdom. (about 1.7%)

*If these numbers are semi-accurate for the 30,000 people who live in our ward boundaries, then there should be about 1,500 people who are in the investigation category almost 3,000 who are interested enough to listen.

Lawrence also studied reasons why people who were in the investigation category hesitated to ask for more information. One of the reasons was that they were worried about getting too much information or more than they asked for.

How can we share the gospel in natural ways?
-It's important to listen to others before we share too much. Think about what they are looking for and be open, rather than actively trying to convince them. Build relationships and let the conversations be natural.

-When you have a conversation with someone about what you did over the week or weekend, don't "hide" your church involvement/activities, but also offer multiple ways for others to "engage" with you (ex: I watched a church broadcast, went on a walk, and went to a soccer game). That way they can choose to ask more about the church activity if they are interested but that isn't their only option to continue the conversation. Seemingly innocuous questions about life can be opportunities to share the gospel.

-Share the central claim of our church-- that we are the re-established original Christian church. (Only 12% of people polled in Gary Lawrence's study knew this.) Supplying correct information in a gentle way can help clear up misconceptions. Let the spirit guide you as you testify of truths.

"Gentle Messengers with a Bold Message"

-Be gentle messengers with a bold message, not bold messengers with a gentle message.
We should "Be still" and know that He is God, but don't be comatose! Kay Ryan, a poet, said "Intention doesn't sweeten. It must be picked young and eaten."
-Be like an athlete-- relaxed but ready and prepared to act.

Working together with the missionaries:

The missionaries are ordained and given power from the Lord to teach the gospel to those who are investigating (see levels of awareness above). In our area they are no longer knocking on doors and are focusing on doing service.

By sharing the gospel in natural ways, we can help others get a toehold for the next step/level of engagement with the gospel so they are ready to be taught by the missionaries.

We can also help the missionaries become powerful teachers by inviting them into our homes to teach us and then giving them helpful and constructive feedback.

*While we probably aren't called to be like Abinadi and give our life for our beliefs, we can follow the example of Ammon and find the joy that comes from engaging with others in sharing the gospel.

Sheryl D.'s Veggie Night, Part 1

Our wonderful evening of cooking with vegetables, with Sheryl at the helm, left us all inspired. Here are some of the recipes from that evening. Other cooking and shopping tips and techniques are coming in Part 2!

Sauteed Broccolinni with Cumin and Mustard Seeds

3/4 lb. broccolini
1-2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon of black mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds

3 cloves garlic
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flake (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Heat oil in large sautee pan over medium-high heat, add mustard seeds, shake and sautee until they begin to pop. Add cumin seeds, after about 30 seconds add in the garlic. Stir, then add the broccolini.

2. Toss until well coated with the flavored oil. Then add scant ¼ cup of water or stock to the pan and cover to steam the broccolini. When it is crisp tender, remove the lid and allow extra liquid to boil off. Stir to incorporate spices and serve. Can be served warm or room temperature.

Braising Greens and Beans

2 cloves garlic, chopped or pressed (just watch pressed closely as it will burn faster)
1 TB olive oil
1 bunch chard, or large bag of young braising greens
Pomegranate molasses or wine or verjus

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it starts to get fragrant and the slightest hint of brown. Do not overcook garlic or it will turn bitter. Sprinkle in some salt.
2. Add in cooking greens, toss with the oil. Cover with a lid (not necessary with very young or tender greens like spinach). Cook until it is the tenderness you like.
3. Add a scant T of pomengranate molasses or a bit of another acid and drained rinsed beans. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. You can add feta, goat or parmesan cheese if you would like, or toasted nuts, raisins or other dried fruit, or red pepper flakes.
5. The grilled polenta I served was a basic make the recipe on the bag and grill it. Here is a recipe from Bobby Flay.


Caramelized Onions

These are perfect on your burgers, sandwich, thrown in pasta, on top of meat, veggies, anything. They are pretty much the perfect food and dead easy to make. (They are also the base of French Onion Soup). I prefer yellow onions to sweet onions as does Cooks Illustrated, but others like the super sweetness of caramelized onions. Make a huge batch, freeze in ice cube trays (they won’t freeze completely because of the high sugar content), and pop it out for your sandwich or pasta. In fact use that tip for your pesto or complex sauces. Here is a link from Simply Recipes, and one from Epicurious to help.


Sorrel Pesto

Sorrel is a delicate lemony herb/green. It can be added raw to salads, used as an herb, or cooked alone or with other cooking greens. It has a spring to early summer season, but can appear here at other times. You can use this technique with all sorts of herb/nut combinations. Cilantro and pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) make a nice pesto for a Latin American themed dinner.

1 bunch sorrel
1 handful basil
¼ cup toasted hazelnuts
1-2 cloves garlic
Extra virgin olive oil (use something that tastes good to you)
Salt to taste

1. Blanch sorrel and basil and shock in ice bath.
2. Place in food processor or blender with hazelnuts, garlic and about 3 TB of olive oil.
3. Pulse and add in more olive oil as

Can I make it by hand? Sure, just chop everything finely and mix together for a relish type pesto.

Kicking up the flavor. The key to learning to cook veggies is to learn to taste. Recipes will only get you so far. The first key to flavor is when in doubt try a bit of salt or acid. Acids include vinegar (e.g. balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar), citrus juices, wines and verjus. Verjus is a non-alcoholic young grape juice which can be used in lieu of wine. We like Navarro verjus, but Fusion is more locally available. Another way to get flavor is caramelization or browning. This is achieved by cooking veggies in a hot pan, grill, etc. or roasting. Deglazing a pan with liquid (e.g. wine, verjus, orange or apple juice) after cooking means to add a small amount of liquid to the hot pan and scrape up the tasty brown bits on the bottom with a spatula. Then you simmer any excess liquid away. Remember to do this when your veggies are almost, but not quite done so you don’t overcook them.

Family Responsibilities taught by Jen W.

Responsibilities of the Parents

• What responsibilities do husbands and wives share in raising their children?

Each person has an important place in his or her family. Through prophets the Lord has explained how fathers, mothers, and children should behave and feel toward one another. As husbands, wives, and children, we need to learn what the Lord expects us to do to fulfill our purpose as a family. If we all do our part, we will be united eternally.

In the sacred responsibilities of parenthood, “fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). They should work together to provide for the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of the family.

Quote: Elder Robert D. Hales said, “Strengthening families is our sacred duty as parents, children, extended family members, leaders, teachers, and individual members of the Church.”

“Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty,” Ensign, May 1999

Quote: What Is the Difference between a Stable Family and One That Is Dysfunctional?

The members of a stable family know who they are, where they are going, and what they want to achieve. The members of a dysfunctional family do not know who they are; they have no plan, no anchor, and no core set of values or standards to set their course.

Barbara Thompson, October 2007

Some responsibilities must be shared by the husband and the wife. Parents should teach their children the gospel. The Lord warned that if parents do not teach their children about faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sin will be upon the heads of the parents. Parents should also teach their children to pray and to obey the Lord’s commandments. (See D&C 68:25, 28.)

Quote: Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.

Elder L. Tom Perry, April 2010

One of the best ways parents can teach their children is by example. Husbands and wives should show love and respect for each other and for their children by both actions and words. It is important to remember that each member of the family is a child of God. Parents should treat their children with love and respect, being firm but kind to them.

Quote: What Is Happening to Families?

Satan is working overtime to attack the family. He tells us that marriage is not important, that children do not need a father and a mother, and that strong families are not important. He tells us that moral values are old-fashioned and silly. When challenges come, Satan tells us to abandon our beliefs and go with the ways of the world. He entices us with fame and fortune and tells us where to find the easy life. He attacks our faith in God and tries to discourage even the strongest and most loving families. Satan is delighted when we give in—even just a little.

Barbara Thompson, October 2007

Parents should understand that sometimes children will make wrong choices even after they have been taught the truth. When this happens, parents should not give up. They should continue to teach their children, to express love for them, to be good examples to them, and to fast and pray for them.

The Book of Mormon tells us how the prayers of a father helped a rebellious son return to the ways of the Lord. Alma the Younger had fallen away from the teachings of his righteous father, Alma, and had gone about seeking to destroy the Church. The father prayed with faith for his son. Alma the Younger was visited by an angel and repented of his evil way of living. He became a great leader of the Church. (See Mosiah 27:8–32.)

Parents can provide an atmosphere of reverence and respect in the home if they teach and guide their children with love. Parents should also provide happy experiences for their children.

Responsibilities of the Mother

Quote: President Boyd K. Packer praised women who were unable to have children of their own yet sought to care for others. He said: “When I speak of mothers, I speak not only of those women who have borne children, but also of those who have fostered children born to others, and of the many women who, without children of their own, have mothered the children of others” (Mothers [1977], 8).

Quote: I am a single woman and do not have any children of my own. I think Sister Beck thought that I was qualified to talk about families because I have never made a mistake with any of my own children. Many women can’t claim that.

I was in the Tabernacle when President Gordon B. Hinckley first delivered the proclamation on the family at the general Relief Society meeting in September of 1995. That was a great occasion. I felt the significance of the message. I also found myself thinking, “This is a great guide for parents. It is also a big responsibility for parents.” I thought for a moment that it really didn’t pertain too much to me since I wasn’t married and didn’t have any children. But almost as quickly I thought, “But it does pertain to me. I am a member of a family. I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a niece, and a granddaughter. I do have responsibilities—and blessings—because I am a member of a family. Even if I were the only living member of my family, I am still a member of God’s family, and I have a responsibility to help strengthen other families.”

Barbara Thompson, October 2007

Latter-day prophets have taught, “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). A mother needs to spend time with her children and teach them the gospel. She should play and work with them so they can discover the world around them. She also needs to help her family know how to make the home a pleasant place to be. If she is warm and loving, she helps her children feel good about themselves.

What is “nurture?”

Quote: Someone has said: “Be kind to the women. They constitute half the population and are mothers to the other half.”

My dear sisters, you marvelous women who have chosen the better part, I stand in great admiration for all that you do. I see your hands in everything.

Many of you are mothers, and that is enough to occupy one’s full time.

You are companions—the very best friends your husbands have or ever will have.

You are housekeepers. That doesn’t sound like much, does it? But what a job it is to keep a house clean and tidy.

You are shoppers. Until I got older I never dreamed of what a demanding responsibility it is to keep food in the pantry, to keep clothing neat and presentable, to buy all that is needed to keep a home running.

You are nurses. With every illness that comes along, you are the first to be told about it and the first to respond with help. In cases of serious sickness, you are at the bedside day and night, comforting, encouraging, ministering, praying.

You are the family chauffeur. You are driving your children about on paper routes, taking them to athletic events, driving them on ward outings, hauling here, there, and everywhere as they pursue their busy lives.

And so I might go on. My children are now all grown. Some are in their 60s. But when they call and I answer the phone, they say, “How are you?” And before I can answer, they ask, “Is Mother there?

She has been their strength all of their lives. Since they were babies they have looked to her, and she has always responded with affection, guidance, teaching, blessing their lives in every way.

Gordon B, Hinkley, Oct 2003

Quote: Women are confronted with many options and need to prayerfully consider the choices they make and how those choices affect the family.

These are very emotional, personal decisions, but there are two principles that we should always keep in mind. First, no woman should ever feel the need to apologize or feel that her contribution is less significant because she is devoting her primary efforts to raising and nurturing children. Nothing could be more significant in our Father in Heaven’s plan. Second, we should all be careful not to be judgmental or assume that sisters are less valiant if the decision is made to work outside the home. We rarely understand or fully appreciate people’s circumstances. Husbands and wives should prayerfully counsel together, understanding they are accountable to God for their decisions.

Quentin L. Cook, April 2011

Note: We recognize that women have varying and often difficult family circumstances. Discussions about the family can be painful and confusing for some people. Above all, we hope each woman understands that she is a daughter of Heavenly Father and that He cares very deeply about each of his children. If you have any questions or anything that you would like to discuss with Marguerite, she invites you to contact her.

Sneak Peak at Sheryl's Veggie Evening

This past Tuesday, July 11th, our fabulous local foodie and blogger Sheryl D. inspired a gathering of sisters from our ward about how to select, prepare, cook and enjoy veggies beyond carrots and broccoli. We got to watch her step-by-step preparations, hear about her wonderful resources, and taste the wonderful dishes the evening produced. The menu included:

-Roasted kale chips
-Roasted beets with pickled fennel and cheese
-Polenta with beans, braised greens, and feta
-Broccolini with cumin and mustard seed
-Shaved zucchini salad with sorrel pesto and cherry tomatoes
-Carrot halwa ice cream

Tips and recipes are forthcoming, but we just wanted to whet your appetite! In the meantime, you can check out Sheryl's inspiring blog.

Sheryl working the carmelized onions

Thank you, Sheryl! 

Summer Activities with Kids - Katie S.

New to the Area?

It is hard to believe that I've lived here for 9 years, when I still feel like the 22 year old that came into this ward, fresh off of my honeymoon.  Three children later, I have a few ideas of fun things to do in the area - especially with young children.  I am by no means an expert on this.  In fact, my first piece of advice is to ask each new friend you meet about her favorite spot.  You are sure to develop a big fat wish list that will entertain you and your family for months to come.

So in no particular order, here are a few of my favorite haunts:

1) The Los Altos Farmers Market):  Every summer my family looks forward to Thursday evenings at the Farmer's Market.  We sample the fresh fruits, enjoy live music, and eat delicious food for dinner.  We love the Indian naan wraps, Rotisserie chicken with roasted potatoes, crepes, and shaved ice.  The kids especially enjoy dancing to the music.  This also gives me the chance to visit my favorite children's book store: The Linden Tree which is pretty much our version of You've Got Mail's "Shop Around the Corner."

2)  Speaking of children's books, I love the Palo Alto Children's Library.  This library was renovated in 2007 and is gorgeous.  They host story times for all ages and have a giant reading room that is even friendly for crawling babies and roaming toddlers.  The outdoor "Secret Garden" features mini benches and chairs and is a charming little place to enjoy the outdoors.

3) Shoup Park: Although Palo Alto has many really fun parks, I especially love this park in Los Altos because it has giant towering trees, a bubbling creek, lots of grass, and extra fun play structures.  It feels set apart from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

4) Rinconada Pool: This clover-shaped pool is great for small kids and a fun place to take swimming lessons.   There is even an area that is shallow enough for a little baby to sit and splash.

5) Gilroy Gardens: If you are looking for an all day amusement park experience, this is a really fun place, especially for kids ages 2-9.  The park is set amidst botanical gardens, is well shaded, and is often not too crowded.  Besides 1 or 2 roller coasters, all of the rides are geared towards smaller children.  The park feels very small town, with rides like "Artichoke Dip," "Strawberry Sundae," and "Garlic Twist."  Don't forget to eat your lunch while watching the "Musical Market Show" which features singing fruits and vegetables.

So these are a handful of my favorites, but I didn't even mention the beaches, the Academy of Sciences, Happy Hollow, the Palo Alto Jr. Museum and Zoo, and many more fun places to explore.  Welcome to Palo Alto!  

Sunday, July 10th Lesson #36- The Family Can Be Eternal by Julie C.

From The Family: A Proclamation to the World:

The Family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His Children.

Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of:

• Faith
• Prayer
• Repentance
  
• Forgiveness
• Respect
• Love
• Compassion
• Work
• Wholesome recreational activities

This lesson is not intended to make anyone feel bad. We all come from different situations and not all have what is considered the "ideal family." Hopefully each of us can use the tools of the gospel to help us improve whatever situation might be ours.

There is sometimes a chasm between the eternal potential of families and the reality of our own family. We need to remember that Heavenly Father is merciful, loving and wants us to return to Him. You are a child of God and part of His family. He can help you improve your family and make it successful in whatever form it may be in.

We should remember that we determine our own destiny. We are not saved based on decisions that our spouses or children make. We choose how we will live.

"I believe that the best place to prepare for ... eternal life is in the home."

-President David O. McKay

Why is the home so important in preparing us for our eternal lives?

• It is a small group where we can best give the individual attention children need to learn important lessons.
• We must learn to live with, love and forgive people because they will always be our family. We may change our friends or roommates, but we can't change our family.
• Though we often have friction and conflict, most of time we are still loved and forgiven. Through this, we learn to be more like Heavenly Father.

How can we help our youth learn the sacredness of families and the importance of the marriage covenant?

• We can speak to our children with compassion about other family/extended family members who may be difficult to live with, rather than gossiping or criticizing.
• Spouses can speak with kindness and patience to each other, which helps create a "haven of peace" in the home. Children observe when their parents or friends' parents are in conflict.
• Recognize that the children look at other marriages outside of just their parents to see what they admire. We can all set an example for them.
• The temple covenants and ceremonies teach us of our individual worth and purpose. The messages there counteract the messages we often hear elsewhere about our worth. The youth should be taught these positive messages about their worth and purpose as children of God.

How can you help your home to have more harmony?

• Get enough sleep, eat well. Make sure your basic needs and your children's basic needs are met. When these are not met we tend to not be as nice to each other.
• Say a prayer for people in your family that may be bothering you. It helps to remember that they are often having a hard time.
• There is a benefit to having patience and being forgetful. Despite the natural conflict that comes with most families, over time we usually still love each other and forget about it.
• We can sing uplifting songs during difficult times. (ex. "Choose the Right" when children are struggling to make decisions)
• Keep children separated when they are having a hard time getting along.
• Teach your children in simple terms that Satan wants us to be selfish and mean. Jesus wants us to be kind and share.

What do you do to foster prayer and repentance?

• Have compassion for everyone. Julie worked at a mental health agency with children with behavioral problems. It was helpful to realize that their parents came from difficult circumstances, sometimes for generations back. We should have compassion for everyone as we don't always know their circumstances.
• Try to be the best example you can. If your own family is struggling, help your children to find examples and role models from church or other families. try to be positive and let children know that the family difficulties will improve with time.
• Apologize to your children. This helps them learn to apologize to each other and recognize when they've done something wrong. You also realize how quick children are to forgive you, which helps you be quick to forgive them.

Julie encouraged us to look over the list of principles of successful families and write down any specific ways that come to mind that we can strengthen our families.

Giving Meaningful Service Within Our Means - April F.

What I’ve learned from being the recipient of service given in love

When I was 14 my friend’s father died in a tragic plane crash. I thought long and hard
about what I could do to help console her, and finally decided the best thing to do would
be to get her a puppy. Thankfully, before going to the animal shelter, I consulted with
some older and wiser friends who gently suggested the best thing I could do for her was
to continue being her friend, be a good listener, and tell her I loved her.

There is no perfect way to serve another, but when service is thoughtfully and prayerfully
given, we are able to offer appropriate and inspired support to those who need it.

I have had many opportunities to be on the giving and receiving end of service. The
experience of being served by others has been humbling, strengthening, comforting, and
at times, miraculous. It has also taught me more about how to better serve others around
me, even when my time and resources are limited.

The limiting factors currently in my life include 4 small kids who are at home all day
for the summer, wreaking havoc on the bedroom they all share, enthusiastically tearing
through the house and yard and down the street like wild animals, taking off their dirty
diapers on the trampoline so they can jump naked… you get the picture. Therefore, most
of the “service” I give these days is taking care of the needs of my own family.

But I’ve found there is also tremendous joy and perspective that comes from looking for
ways to serve outside of those who live under my roof. As I’ve tried to make service a
habit in my life, I have found ways to fit it in—mostly ideas that have come from service
I have first received.

Here are just a few examples of ways I have found to serve others when life already
seems very full:

Make taking dinner easy on yourself and the recipient:
• Reduce cooking time and pick up a meal that’s partially or already prepared.
Ex: When I pick up a rotisserie chicken from Costco I can easily pick one up for
someone else, split a two-pack of bread loaves, add a simple salad, and there’s the
meal.
• If delivering is hard, pair up with someone else who may not have time to cook
and ask them to pick up the meal you’re preparing and deliver it for you.
• If possible, put food in disposable containers, re-sealable bags, or Tupperware that
you don’t need returned (and let your recipient know you don’t need it back).

Add small acts of service into your own routine:
• Going to the grocery store or running errands? Call a friend and offer to pick up
what they need as well.
• Watching someone’s children? If it’s not too much, invite another child to come
over as well.
• Give plentifully of smiles, hugs, and encouraging words.

Notice others around you and pray to “see” their needs:
This sounds so easy but can make such a difference to others—I know it has in my life.
• Pray that you will be attuned to the needs of those around you, and then act on
thoughts and promptings that come to you.
• Actively listen to your coworkers, friends, and neighbors.
• Strike up a conversation with another mom at the park or the person you don’t
recognize at church.

Serving others doesn’t need to be complicated. It simply comes from a desire to love
the Lord and glimpse our brothers and sisters on this Earth in the way that He sees
them. “Charity never faileth”, even when the roast is undercooked, the words come out
all-wrong, or the child you're watching gets bitten by one of your children (all things I’ve
personally been responsible for).

We all have limits and challenges that ebb and flow through our lives, but I believe we
can find small ways to serve even when our burdens feel like more than we can bear.
Allowing others to share our burdens can be a blessing to them, strengthening friendships
and faith. I have also found great comfort in my own trials by reflecting on the examples
of others who, in trials of their own, have faithfully endured.

Thank you, wonderful women of the PA2 Ward, for teaching me about charity and for
your countless acts of service quietly and lovingly rendered.

Sunday, July 3rd Lesson- "Teaching and Learning" by Eva T.

Discussion: Why do we spend so much time teaching/learning at church?

• We don't usually learn things the first time we hear them. If we were following all the principles we were taught we might not need to hear about them so often.
• Each time we teach/are taught is an opportunity for the spirit to teach us. As we're taught in various forums the spirit can teach us in different ways.
• Each time we hear a lesson it counters the many incorrect teachings we often hear each day.
• In the church we have many opportunities to both learn and teach. Each experience is valuable to us.
• At different stages and situations people need different things. If the messages are not continuously repeated they may not appeal to the right person at the right time.

Scriptures about teaching:

• D&C 88:77
• 3 Ne 26:19
• Mosiah 4:15
• D&C 38:23
• D&C 88:118
• Colossians 3:16

Scriptures about learning:

• D&C 88:123
• Proverbs 1:55
• Proverbs 9:9
• D&C 90:15
• D&C 109:8
• Romans 15:4