The Gift of Grace 

"A powerful expression of that love is what the scriptures often call the grace of God—the divine assistance and endowment of strength by which we grow from the flawed and limited beings we are now into exalted beings of “truth and light, until [we are] glorified in truth and [know] all things.”

What are moments you were strengthened or lifted up this past week? 

examples:- long work week and exhausted yet still able to have strength to serve others Man extremities are Gods opportunity. Learn by doing. 

Grace Unlocks the Gates of Heaven 

"Because we have all “sinned, and come short of the glory of God”and because “there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God,” every one of us is unworthy to return to God’s presence.

Even if we were to serve God with our whole souls, it is not enough, for we would still be “unprofitable servants.” We cannot earn our way into heaven; the demands of justice stand as a barrier, which we are powerless to overcome on our own. 

To inherit this glory, we need more than an unlocked gate; we must enter through this gate with a heart’s desire to be changed—a change so dramatic that the scriptures describe it as being “born again; yea, born of God, changed from [our worldly] and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters.”

Another element of God’s grace is the opening of the windows of heaven, through which God pours out blessings of power and strength, enabling us to achieve things that otherwise would be far beyond our reach. It is by God’s amazing grace that His children can overcome the undercurrents and quicksands of the deceiver, rise above sin, and “be perfect[ed] in Christ. 

Though we all have weaknesses, we can overcome them. Indeed it is by the grace of God that, if we humble ourselves and have faith, weak things can become strong. 

Throughout our lives, God’s grace bestows temporal blessings and spiritual gifts that magnify our abilities and enrich our lives. His grace refines us. His grace helps us become our best selves."

Do we understand our indebtedness to Heavenly Father and plead with all our souls for the grace of God? Why do we obey? 

Dear brothers and sisters, living the gospel faithfully is not a burden. It is a joyful rehearsal—a preparation for inheriting the grand glory of the eternities. We seek to obey our Heavenly Father because our spirits will become more attuned to spiritual things. Vistas are opened that we never knew existed. Enlightenment and understanding come to us when we do the will of the Father. 

I pray that we will see with new eyes and a new heart the eternal significance of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice. I pray that we will show our love for God and our gratitude for the gift of God’s infinite grace by keeping His commandments and joyfully “walk[ing] in [a] newness of life.” In the sacred name of our Master and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen

All We Can Do

Am I doing all I can do? 

quotes were obtained by the conference talk "The Gift of Grace" by President Uchtdorf.

April Hot Chocolate Morning

What a lovely morning in the park!  Thanks to Vivian for hosting!

Joseph Smith, an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord - April 19, 2015

Natalie M. reminded us of the many ways Joseph Smith sacrificed and followed the Lord as we discussed Chapter 7: Joseph Smith, an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord from the Ezra Taft Benson manual.

“I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.” (Joseph Smith--History 1:25).

• How has the First Vision influenced your life?

Joseph Smith the Prophet went willingly to his death. He sealed his testimony with his life--his own blood. On that fateful day in Nauvoo, Illinois, as he looked back upon his city and people whom he loved, on his way to Carthage Jail and his martyrdom, he declared: “This is the loveliest place and the best people under the heavens; little do they know the trials that await them” [History of the Church, 6:554].

Later the Prophet said feelingly, but calmly and courageously, “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am as calm as a summer’s morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men. If they take my life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood shall cry from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me, ‘He was murdered in cold blood’” [History of the Church, 6:555].

  Thus did the Prophet Joseph Smith climax his earth life and fulfill the mortal part of his divinely appointed mission. This mortal mission, he made clear, was not to end until fully completed. Like the mission of the Savior, “a lamb slain before the foundation of the world” [see Revelation 13:8], Joseph was truly foreordained to his great mission.
Chapter 7: Joseph Smith, an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord

The Comforter

Katie S taught the lesson from the April General Conference talk "The Comforter" By President Henry B. Eyring.

"My message to you tonight is that you can and must be an important part of His giving comfort to those who need comfort. You can play your part best if you know more of how He answers those prayers for help."

"A great change began in your heart when you came into the Church. You made a covenant, and you received a promise that began changing your very nature." 

"One of the attributes of the Savior we most appreciate is His infinite compassion."

Why is this attribute so important?

1) I feel strongly the love he individually has for me.-Alice 

2) When the Savior atoned for our sins, this was ultimate form of compassion so he can fully succor us through trials - Katie 

"You were given the power to help lighten those loads when you received the gift of the Holy Ghost."

"When He was about to be crucified, the Savior described the way He helps lighten loads and gives strength to carry them. He knew that His disciples would grieve. He knew that they would fear for their future. He knew they would feel uncertain of their capacity to move forward.  

So He gave them the promise that He makes to us and to all His true disciples:

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”³ 

Then He promised: 

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”⁴ 

Thoughts on savior's teaching of Holy Ghost: 

Through live continue to experience fear, doubt, etc... Savior remind us we are not alone. He will make the fear go away with joy and peace. "

Read Pres. Eyring's personal experience. What ways was he able to succor the family that were grieving? 

"Recently three generations of a family were grieving at the death of a five-year-old boy. He died accidentally while with his family on a vacation. I was granted the opportunity to watch once again how the Lord blesses the faithful with relief and the strength to endure. 

I watched the way the Lord made their great burden lighter. I was with them as the Lord’s covenant servant—as you will be often in your life—“to mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”5

Because I knew that was true, I was pleased and at peace when the grandparents invited me to meet with them and the parents of the little boy before the funeral. 

I prayed to know how I could help the Lord comfort them. They sat down with me in our living room. I had warmed the room on a cold night with a small fire in the fireplace.
I had felt to tell them that I loved them. I told them that I had felt the Lord’s love for them. In just a few words I tried to tell them that I mourned for them but that only the Lord knew and could experience perfectly their pain and grief. 

After saying those few words, I felt impressed to listen with love while they talked about their feelings. 

In the hour we sat together, they spoke far more than I did. I could feel in their voices and see in their eyes that the Holy Ghost was touching them. In words of simple testimony, they spoke of what happened and how they felt. The Holy Ghost had already given them the peace that comes with the hope of eternal life, when their son, who died without sin, could be theirs forever.

When I gave them each a priesthood blessing, I gave thanks for the influence of the Holy Ghost that was there. The Comforter had come, bringing hope, courage, and increased strength for all of us."

What did President Eyring do? 

1.Told them he loved them
2.He prayed to know how he could comfort them
3.Listen w love
4.Express the lords love
5. Provide physical comfort
6. Listen for promptings and act
7. Offer prayers and/or priesthood blessings
8. Give of time
9. Express Gratitude for the Holy Ghost

The lesson ended with people sharing how others have comforted them in time of need.
Thanks for the wonderful lesson Katie.