The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life - November 22, 2015

Today Megan J. taught a discussion based on Elder Richard J. Maynes' talk, "The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life," from the October General Conference.

First, we shared 1-3 scriptures that were important in our life journeys in groups of 3 ladies. (Megan's examples were John 14:27, Alma 34:28, and the hymn "My Savior's Love") Then we discussed the following 4 quotes.

• "Centering our lives in Jesus Christ and His gospel will bring stability and happiness to our lives..." (The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life)

• "Living a Christ-centered life means we learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel and then we follow His example and keep His commandments with exactness."(The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life)

• If our lives are centered in Jesus Christ, He can successfully mold us into who we need to be in order to return to His and Heavenly Father’s presence in the celestial kingdom. The joy we experience in this life will be in direct proportion to how well our lives are centered on the teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life)

• When we perform these measurable duties properly, they produce a series of highly desirable results which are less measurable but very real. Indeed, when we have personal, reinforcing spiritual experiences, they will almost always occur in the course of our carrying out the duties just named. Further, carrying out these duties will entitle us to an ever-increasing companionship of the Holy Ghost. And when we have the Spirit with us, it means we have achieved significant Christocentricity in our lives, for we cannot be close to one member of the Godhead without being close to all three! (Elder Neil A. Maxwell, "The Christ-Centered Life")

Thanks for a great exchange, Megan!

Chapter 21: Principles of Temporal and Spiritual Welfare

Tina D. taught the lesson using Chapter #21 from the Ezra Taft Benson manual. 

"In 1936, as people all over the world struggled with the economic challenges of the Great Depression, the First Presidency introduced a new welfare program. This program, called the Church Security Plan, was established not to provide handouts for people in need but “to help the people to help themselves.”¹ As the First Presidency and other Church leaders established this program, they taught foundational principles of hard work, self-reliance, and service. They encouraged Church members to pay tithing and fast offerings, produce and store food, avoid unnecessary debt, and save money for future needs."

Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson

1

The Lord is anxious and willing to bless His people temporally and spiritually.

2

Through energetic, purposeful, unselfish work, we obtain life’s necessities and grow in godly attributes

3

When we produce and store food, we reap immediate benefits and prepare for future needs.

4

Peace and contentment come into our hearts when we save a portion of our earnings and avoid unnecessary debt.

Leadership - November 8, 2015

Colette T. presented some great stories and thoughts inspired by Chapter 19: Leadership from the Ezra Taft Benson manual.

She opened with a story from 2nd grade when the children in her class had discovered a large hole to play in before school.  When the neighborhood dog, Skippy, followed them in one day, he couldn't get out without help.   Struggling between the punishment of being late/skipping school and worry that Skippy would starve they tried to help rescue him with a ladder. When forcing him up by his hind legs didn't work (he wiggled away) and bribing him with pineapple Lifesavers didn't work (he just jumped back in the hole) they felt they needed to go to school before they got in too much trouble.

Halfway to school they heard barking. It was Skippy. He knew how to climb the ladder the whole time, he just needed to be led to see the way and he followed.

President Benson was known for conducting concise meetings.

When “he felt that adequate discussion had taken place, he typically said, ‘I think we’ve got enough hay down now. Let’s bale a little,’ bringing the issue to resolution.” (Leadership)

He also taught:

Effective leaders stand firm in the faith and set a good example. ...

No wise leader believes that all good ideas originate with himself. (Leadership) 

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. Mark 10:43-44

Blessings of the Commandments - November 1, 2015

Rebecca S. lead a great discussion about the Lord's commandments with quotes from President Thomas S. Monson's talk "Keep the Commandments" and Carol M. Stevens talk “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments”.
Some may feel the commandments are a restriction but if you realize that they are a manifestation of God's love, our obedience can serve as a reply of love back to Heavenly Father.

Have there been times where you had to decide to keep the commandments?

God’s commandments are not given to frustrate us or to become obstacles to our happiness. Just the opposite is true. He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just how we need to live our lives in order to obtain the greatest happiness possible. He has provided us with guidelines which, if we follow them, will see us safely through this often treacherous mortal journey. We remember the words of the familiar hymn: “Keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace.” "Keep the Commandments"

When was a time you remember being led by the Holy Ghost?

I admonish you to turn the volume down and to be influenced instead by that still, small voice which will guide you to safety. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head after you were baptized, confirming you a member of the Church and saying, “Receive the Holy Ghost.”⁵ Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice which testifies of truth. As the prophet Isaiah promised, “Thine ears shall hear a word … , saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.”⁶ May we ever be in tune, that we might hear this comforting, guiding voice which will keep us safe. "Keep the Commandments"

Sister Stevens outlined in her talk that we needed to:

• Trust in God
• Trust in Jesus
• Trust in the whisperings of the Spirit
• Trust the counsel of living prophets