Protection from pornography- A Christ-focused home - September 28, 2014

Bishop G. taught a lesson based on Sister Reeves' conference talk "Protection from pornography- A Christ-focused home". He is serving as a Stake Service Missionary with the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) dealing with pornography addiction.

In his work with the ARP group, he has seen the deep sorrow this struggle brings and the amazing joy found as the atonement is applied in the lives of those he serves.

Pornography is a drug of the brain.

In 1972 the First Presidency issued this statement against pornography:

“There is abundant evidence of the damaging effect of obscenity on the solidarity of the family, on the moral fiber of the individual.

“We, with many leaders outside the church, are deeply concerned about this growing obscenity in print, on record and tape, on television, and in motion pictures.

“We therefore urge Latter-day Saint parents to teach their children to avoid smut in any of its insidious forms. ‘Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.’ (D&C 121:45.)

“The Lord has also said: ‘Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you.’ (D&C 90:18.)

“We also encourage Latter-day Saints as citizens to exert every effort to fight the inroads of pornography in their communities. History is replete with examples of nations which have fallen in a large measure through licentiousness.”

Ladies in our Relief Society fought against adult bookstores opening along El Camino many years ago.

 "We as leaders are increasingly concerned about the destruction that pornography is causing in the lives of Church members and their families. Satan is attacking with unprecedented fury."
Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home

Only former bishops are called to lead the recovery groups. The manual is based on the traditional 12 step program with additions to focus on utilizing the atonement of Jesus Christ.
In our area 5-10 attend. In Utah the average is more like 60.

• Why the difference?

Church statistics indicate that 30% of young women also have trouble with pornography.

Women of addicted husbands can attend a separate recovery group for support.

Elder Richard G. Scott has pleaded: “If you are free of serious sin yourself, don’t suffer needlessly the consequences of another’s sins. … You can feel compassion. … Yet you should not take upon yourself a feeling of responsibility for those acts.” Know that you are not alone. There is help. Addiction recovery meetings for spouses are available, including phone-in meetings, which allow spouses to call in to a meeting and participate from their own homes. Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home

• From men's perspective what were the gates?

Most are innocently exposed by another kid at an early age.
We are not the only church/group addressing pornography addiction.

• How do we talk about sexuality with our children and redefine what society tells them?

Pray, if you have a suspicion, it will surface, Heavenly Father will show you the truth.
Teach children to be prepared to deal with it.
Teach them to value themselves and talk with them/address the problem, how it is portrayed in the media.
Arm them with a plan before it happens so they have something already.
Let them know that you know it's out there, you aren't clueless.

Resources for Parents of Children and Teenagers
Filters for Apple and Android Smart phones and computers:
www.netnanny.com (fees)
www.commonsensemedia.com

Articles in Church Magazines on Pornography
New Era
"Stay Watchful", March 2014
"No Longer Addicted: My Journey to Overcome Pornography", December 2013
"The Secret Enemy", February 2011
The Friend
"Oh No, Now What", February 2014 What to do after accidentally seeing something bad.

Teaching Children about Sex
www.valuesparenting.com/talktokids; Linda and Richard Eyre

Deseret news articles
"Raising Real men: Teaching the whys of media consumption", Dec 17, 2013
"Linda and Richard Eyre: Porn is the villain, so what is the hero?", Nov 5, 2013
"In our opinion: Fighting against pornography", Jul 7 2013
"Hope and healing for pornography addiction", Sep, 12, 2012
"Helping others avoid and overcome pornography", Feb 12, 2012

Addiction Recovery:
Websites -
www.overcomingpornography.lds.org
www.arpsupport.org
www.fightthenewdrug.org

Books by LDS authors:
He Restoreth My Soul, D. Hilton
Clean Hands, Pure Heart, P. Harrison
He Did Deliver Me From Bondage, C. Harrison
Willpower is Not Enough, A. Boyd

Lesson Summary: September 21, 2014

Natalie M. gave a wonderful lesson about prayer.

What is the purpose of prayer? For me personally?

1. To understand we are his children
2. To align our will with His 

Bible dictionary: 

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

What can we do so our prayers will draw us near to our Heavenly Father? 

-Remembering He is our father
-Remembering prayer is something to help us change and grow. As we pray we come more in tune with what He desires.  

Reference scriptures:

Hannah's prayer 1 Samuel 2:1 

1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. (Old Testament, 1 Samuel, 1 Samuel 2)

Amulek teaching people to pray :Alma 34. 18-28  

 18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
 19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
 20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
 21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
 22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
 23 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to allrighteousness.
 24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
 25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
 26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
 27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts befull, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.
 28 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if yeturn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.

Discussion of scriptures from Alma (per above) :
-Last verse: describes how we answer other peoples prayers
-Continually pray. Recognition that we receive blessings constantly. -Be aware of when we do get answers. Prayers answered in the Lords term.-Think of prayer as an open dialogue on an ongoing basis. 

What people and matters should you include more often in your prayers? 

-Include visiting teachees in prayer
-when you pray for others it changes how you feel about them. 

Thanks Natalie for the lesson.  please see the manual for the reference lesson titled: 

Chapter 22: Prayer—A Commandment and a Blessing

Planning for a temple marriage - September 7, 2014

We had the Young Women join us and Wendy P. taught a lesson about the temple and attributes of a good marriage.  Though not all women will marry in this life, there are many principles in the scriptures pertaining to marriage.

And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man. Doctrine & Covenants 49:15

When Wendy was in high school a teacher asked what to look for in a good husband.  Wendy answered, "a good kisser!" Looking back she saw how there were many more important values that a partner should have.

• What are good attributes to look for in a suitable husband?

Acceptance of who I am, a sense of humor and can laugh at himself, how a son treats his mother, being kind, one who holds the priesthood, honest, trustworthy, puts other's needs before his own.

In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.  Doctrine and Covenants 131:1-3

Even after over 30 years, marriage is still a work in progress.  Once sealed, a couple still needs to keep the commandments, live the gospel, go to church, pray and maintain their relationship.

Elder Russell M. Nelson said, "a temple marriage is not only between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God." (Celestial Marriage, October 2008 General Conference)

• What can you be doing to be temple ready?

Go to the temple often and build your relationship with God.

Thanks for a great lesson Wendy!

Power of Prayer- Sunday August 31st

Sundays lesson was combined with the brethren. Brother Trockel led a discussion about prayer and presented three questions.

1) What is the power of prayer?

Alma 37:37 

 37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

2) How have you learned about the role of prayer in your life?

Hymn 142: Sweet hour of prayer

1. 1. Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
   That calls me from a world of care
   And bids me at my Father's throne
   Make all my wants and wishes known.
   In seasons of distress and grief,
   My soul has often found relief
   And oft escaped the tempter's snare
   By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
   And oft escaped the tempter's snare
   By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
2. 2. Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
   Thy wings shall my petition bear
   To him whose truth and faithfulness
   Engage the waiting soul to bless.
   And since he bids me seek his face,
   Believe his word, and trust his grace,
   I'll cast on him my ev'ry care
   And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
   I'll cast on him my ev'ry care
   And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

 

Psalm 55:16-17,22

16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.

17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Philippians 4:6-7

 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shallkeep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

D&C 103:31

 31 Behold this is my will; ask and ye shall receive; but men do notalways do my will.

3) How can you Increase power of prayer in your life? 

Using the Supernatural Gift of Prayer, Elder Scott 2007 general conference

Should you ever feel distanced from our Father, it could be for many reasons. Whatever the cause, as you continue to plead for help, He will guide you to do that which will restore your confidence that He is near. Pray even when you have no desire to pray. Sometimes, like a child, you may misbehave and feel you cannot approach your Father with a problem. That is when you most need to pray. Never feel you are too unworthy to pray.