"Learn from Alma and Amulek" - January 22, 2017

Hikari directed the discussion through the talk "Learn from Alma and Amulek" by President Uchtdorf from the October General Conference.

Every citizen of the Nephite nation must have known Alma’s story. The Twitters, Instagrams, and Facebooks of his day would have been filled with images and stories about him. He probably appeared regularly on the cover of the Zarahemla Weekly and was the subject of editorials and network specials. In short, he was perhaps the most well-known celebrity of his day.

But when Alma saw that his people were forgetting God and lifting themselves up in pride and contention, he chose to resign from public office and dedicate himself “wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God,”³ preaching repentance among the Nephites.

• What can I learn from Alma?

 Perhaps we think that we can do the work better by ourselves, or we are reluctant to inconvenience others, or we assume that others would not want to participate. Too often we hesitate to invite people to use their God-given talents and engage in the great work of salvation.

Think of the Savior—did He begin to establish His Church all alone?

No.

His message was not “Stand back. I’ll handle this.” Rather it was “Come, follow me.”⁹ He inspired, invited, instructed, and then trusted His followers “to do the things which ye have seen me do.”¹⁰ In this way, Jesus Christ built up not only His Church but also His servants.

In whatever position you currently serve... —to be successful, you must find your Amuleks.

It may be someone who is unassuming or even invisible within your congregations. It may be someone who seems unwilling or unable to serve. Your Amuleks may be young or old, men or women, inexperienced, tired, or not active in the Church. But what may not be seen at first sight is that they are hoping to hear from you the words “The Lord needs you! I need you!”

While some of us should be looking for an Amulek, for others the question might be “How am I like Amulek?”

• How am I like Amulek?

Perhaps you have, over the years, become less committed in your discipleship. Perhaps the fire of your testimony has dimmed. Perhaps you have distanced yourself from the body of Christ. Perhaps you have become disillusioned or even angry. Like some of the ancient Church of Ephesus, you may have left your “first love”¹²—the sublime, eternal truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps, like Amulek, you know in your heart that the Lord has “called [you] many times,” but you “would not hear.”

...my dear friends, let us seek out, find, inspire, and rely upon the Amuleks in our wards and stakes. There are many Amuleks in the Church today.

Perhaps you know one. Perhaps you are one.

Perhaps the Lord has been whispering to you, urging you to return to your first love, contribute your talents, worthily exercise the priesthood, and serve side by side with your fellow Saints in drawing closer to Jesus Christ and building the kingdom of God here on earth.

Our beloved Savior knows where you are. He knows your heart. He wants to rescue you. He will reach out to you. Just open your heart to Him. It is my hope that those who have strayed from the path of discipleship—even by only a few degrees—will contemplate the goodness and grace of God, see with their hearts, learn from Alma and Amulek, and hear the life-changing words of the Savior: “Come, follow me.”

 Hikari encouraged us to do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone that engages you more in the Gospel.

Walking the Savior's Path of Charity

Alison F. lead discussion around the lesson in Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity of the Howard W. Hunter manual.

The touchstone of compassion is a measure of our discipleship; it is a measure of our love for God and for one another. (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

• How does your love of God fuel your charity toward others?

An old axiom states that a man “all wrapped up in himself makes a small bundle.” Love has a certain way of making a small bundle large. The key is to love our neighbor, including the neighbor that is difficult to love. We need to remember that though we make our friends, God has made our neighbors—everywhere. Love should have no boundary; we should have no narrow loyalties. Christ said, “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matthew 5:46). (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

• How can we increase our love for neighbors who may be “difficult to love”?
  How was your heart changed or what blessing followed?
  Have you at times been "difficult to love"?

"These two virtues, love and service, are required of us if we are to be good neighbors and find peace in our lives." (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

• Do you remember a time when you felt love from someone who made you a priority by listening to you and sharing a topical experience from their life?
• What is your favorite scripture that shows how the Savior did this?

(The gospel of Jesus Christ) provides the only way the world will ever know peace. We need to be kinder with one another, more gentle and forgiving. We need to be slower to anger and more prompt to help. We need to extend the hand of friendship and resist the hand of retribution. In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us. (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

President Joseph Smith

“If we would secure and cultivate the love of others, we must love others, even our enemies as well as friends. … Christians should cease wrangling and contending with each other, and cultivate the principles of union and friendship in their midst.” (History of the Church, 5:498–99.)

In Moroni 7:48 it says: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ”

Find someone difficult to love and pray for them - listen for ways to show charity to that person.

The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy - October 23, 2016

Julia J. presented a great overview of the talk "The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy" by Elder Peter F. Meurs from the October 2016 General Conference.

1) Prepare in advance

2) Arrive early

3) Sing and learn words from the words of the Sacrament hymn

4) Spiritually participate in the Sacrament Prayers

• What are we willing to sacrifice?
• We are promised to have his Spirit, how does that effect your life?
• How do you stay engaged during the prayers?

The prayer concludes with a sublime invitation and promise: “That they may always have his Spirit to be with them” (Moroni 4:3).

Paul wrote, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23). Beautiful blessings and gifts are available to us as we keep our covenants. ("The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy")

5) Ponder and Remember Him as the Sacrament Emblems are passed

As the bread is passed, we may contemplate that in the ultimate act of love for us, the Savior took “upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people” (Alma 7:12).

We may remember the glorious blessing of the Resurrection that “shall come to all, … both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame” (Alma 11:44).

As the water is passed, we may remember the plea of the Savior:

“Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; …

“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink” (D&C 19:16, 18).

We remember that He took “upon him [our] infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to [our] infirmities” (Alma 7:12). ("The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy")

Self quiz:

As we consider our sacrament experience, we might ask ourselves:

• What will I do this week to better prepare for the sacrament?
• Could I contribute more to the reverence and revelation that can accompany the beginning of sacrament meeting?
• What doctrine was taught in the sacrament hymn?
• What did I hear and feel as I listened to the sacrament prayers?
• What did I think about as the sacrament was passed?

Elder David A. Bednar taught: “The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually. The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins. But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins.” (David A. Bednar, “Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” )

Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins - September 25, 2016

Marguerite H. led us in a lovely review of Elder Bednar's talk "Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins" from last April's conference, with many gardener perspectives of how to become sanctified.

"The ordinances of salvation and exaltation administered in the Lord’s restored Church are far more than rituals or symbolic performances. Rather, they constitute authorized channels through which the blessings and powers of heaven can flow into our individual lives." ("Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins")

"The ordinances of baptism by immersion, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament are not isolated and discrete events; rather, they are elements in an interrelated and additive pattern of redemptive progress. Each successive ordinance elevates and enlarges our spiritual purpose, desire, and performance. " ("Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins")

Sow to yourselves in righteousness,
reap in mercy;
break up your fallow ground:
for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Hosea 10:12

• What is it like to break up the fallow ground of our souls?
• What is the 'digging bar' of the hard parts of our life?

• How do you sow seeds of righteousness to move toward being holy?
  
• How is the progress going in your life?  How does the weeding go?

Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. Helaman 3:35

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Isaiah 58:11

Marguerite told the story of the efforts of Jenny Butchart to restore beauty to a quarry created for cement.  The resulting gardens are now famous, though the process was painstaking.

We all have quarries in our lives.  As we turn to the Savior and break up our fallow ground and sow the seeds of righteousness - we see a miraculous transformation in our lives.

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper - August 21, 2016

Alex B. taught our lesson using Chapter 15: The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

We discussed the importance and symbolism of the Passover: the lamb, the blood, the sacrifice.  Christ cleansed the temple and fed the five thousand on different Passovers and of course instituted the sacrament at the Last Supper.

"That is why every ordinance of the gospel focuses in one way or another on the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, and surely that is why this particular ordinance with all its symbolism and imagery comes to us more readily and more repeatedly than any other in our life. It comes in what has been called “the mostsacred, the most holy, of all the meetings of the Church” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56, 2:340)." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "This Do in Remembrance of Me", October 1995)

A woman had been accidentally missed when the sacrament was passed. Right after the meeting she was invited into a classroom.

"A priesthood holder came in. He knelt down, blessed some bread, and handed her a piece. She ate it. He knelt down again and blessed some water and handed her a small cup. She drank it. Thereafter, Diane had two thoughts in rapid succession: First, “Oh, he [the priesthood holder] did this just for me.” And then, “Oh, He [the Savior] did this just for me.” Diane felt Heavenly Father’s love." ("That I Might Draw All Men unto Me", Elder Dale E. Renland, April 2016)

• How do you know you are worthy to take the Sacrament?

“For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul.” (3 Ne. 18:28–29.)

What does it mean to partake of the sacrament worthily? Or how do we know if we are unworthy?

If we desire to improve (which is to repent) and are not under priesthood restriction, then, in my opinion, we are worthy. (Elder John H. Groeberg, The Beauty and Importance of the Sacrament, October 1989)

Come Back and Feast at the Table of the Lord

Colette T. led our thoughts today from Chapter 12 in the President Howard W. Hunter manual: Come Back and Feast at the Table of the Lord.

"Reach out to the less active and realize the joy that will come to you and those you help."

A group of sisters from the ward choir sang the Primary hymn, "Little Lambs So White and Fair."

 

1. Little lambs so white and fair

Are the Shepherd's constant care.

Now he leads their tender feet

Into pastures green and sweet.

2. Now they listen and obey,

Following where he leads the way.

Heav'nly Father, may we be

Thus obedient unto thee.

Words and music: Anon.

True Greatness - June 19, 2016

Sara G. led our thoughts from Chapter 11: True Greatness from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, frequently said "I am the greatest!" His biography sits in many libraries.
Have you considered the question: Why do some people have books about them in the library?

The Lord does admonish us to write down our own personal story and to study those of our ancestors. "For the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life, and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand" (Alma 5:58)

The world’s definition of greatness is often misleading and can prompt damaging comparisons.

• Are we affected by the world's definition of greatness?  Is popular put above valuable?

“Those things which we call extraordinary, remarkable, or unusual may make history, but they do not make real life.

“After all, to do well those things which God ordained to be the common lot of all mankind, is the truest greatness."

True greatness comes from persevering in the difficulties of life and from serving in ways that are often unnoticed.

True greatness requires consistent, small, and sometimes ordinary steps over a long period of time.

 … Giving consistent effort in the little things in day-to-day life leads to true greatness. Specifically, it is the thousands of little deeds and tasks of service and sacrifice that constitute the giving, or losing, of one’s life for others and for the Lord.

As President Joseph F. Smith has said, “Let us not be trying to substitute an artificial life for the true one.” (Juvenile Instructor, 15 Dec. 1905, p. 753.) Let us remember that doing the things that have been ordained by God to be important and needful and necessary, even though the world may view them as unimportant and insignificant, will eventually lead to true greatness.

The small things are significant. We remember not the amount offered by the Pharisee but the widow’s mite, not the power and strength of the Philistine army but the courage and conviction of David.

"What is my depth but layers and layers of shallow?"  e e cummings

Frequently it is the commonplace tasks we perform that have the greatest positive effect on the lives of others, as compared with the things that the world so often relates to greatness.

But all things must come to pass in their time.

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. (Doctrine and Covenants 64:32-33)

To Be of Use by Marge Piercy

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.

The Scriptures—The Most Profitable of All Study

Tina D. taught our lesson today from Chapter 10: The Scriptures—The Most Profitable of All Study in the Howard W. Hunter manual.



Video of the story of Jairus


Living with Purpose and Real Intent

Developing the Love of Christ: Rescuing Lost Sheep

Bishop M. led a discussion around another aspect of our ward theme, Developing the Love of Christ, by using the parable of the lost sheep.

• How are we using our time outside of church to practice True Christianity?

Matt S. spoke about a few ideas specifically toward rescuing the youth.  Find out and support their events, invite them to camp outs or your family gatherings.  Include them in what you do and discover what they are interested in.

Bishop M. then shared the many people who had helped rescue him along his way: his mom, his bishop, his home teacher, his mission president and his stake president.

• Who rescued you?

When searching for who to help the following video gives proof that they are all around and all of us.

• What are we going to do differently to rescue those in need of aid?

Taking the Gospel to All the World - May 1, 2016

Miriam D.  led our discussion using Chapter 8: Taking the Gospel to All the World from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

It is in understanding and accepting this universal fatherhood of God that all human beings can best appreciate God’s concern for them and their relationship to each other. This is a message of life and love that strikes squarely against all stifling traditions based on race, language, economic or political standing, educational rank, or cultural background, for we are all of the same spiritual descent. We have a divine pedigree; every person is a spiritual child of God.

In this gospel view there is no room for a contracted, narrow, or prejudicial view. The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” (Taking the Gospel to All the World)

“The purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to bring about love, unity, and brotherhood of the highest order,” he said. (Taking the Gospel to All the World)

Miriam brought up a quote from a book that saw deep feelings emerge as a friendship grew between a successful art dealer and a homeless man.
“You was the onlyest person that looked past my skin and past my meanness and saw that there was somebody on the inside worth savin...We all has more in common than we think. You stood up with courage and faced me when I was dangerous, and it changed my life. You loved me for who I was on the inside, the person God meant for me to be, the one that had just gotten lost for a while on some ugly roads in life.”
― Ron Hall, Same Kind of Different as Me

We need to battle the 'walls' we build in our own mind that slow us in sharing the gospel: the comfort wall, financial wall, grandchildren wall, health wall, lack of self-confidence wall, self-satisfied wall, transgression wall, or the walls of fear, doubt, or complacency.

We heard from the sister missionaries serving in our ward about how we just need to open our mouths and show true caring for others that will open the door to sharing the gospel.  Sinclaire also told of a success story with inviting people - even those who seem disinterested - to hear the gospel message.

Continuous Revelation through Living Prophets - April 17, 2016

Colette gave us an original presentation of the lesson as the host of Late Night with Ginny Fallon complete with a humorous opening monologue and applause breaks.

She hosted 3 guests who answered the question:

• When you were a missionary, what did you tell people that was unique about our Church?

First up was faux author of a book entitled "The Bishop's Wife," Andrea.  She served in France and said that she often taught that we have a living prophet and only he can receive revelation for the entire Church from Christ who is the head of the Church.

Only the President of the Church has the right to receive revelations for the entire Church or to give official interpretations of the scriptures or the doctrines of the Church:

“No one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting [the President of the Church], for he receiveth them even as Moses” (D&C 28:2). (President Howard W. Hunter Continuous Revelation through Living Prophets)

Next up was faux host of the TV show "First Time Moms," Lanae who served in Winnipeg, Canada. She would teach people about the eternal nature of the plan of happiness and about the preexistance.

Finally, our recently returned Sinclaire was the faux star of the movie "On Trial in Taiwan." Temples and the Book of Mormon stood out as powerful doctrines that recurred in Taiwan.

We who are met here today [in general conference] claim a special, unique knowledge of the Savior’s gospel. Most striking of all, to those who first became acquainted with us, is our declaration to the world that we are guided by a living prophet of God—one who communicates with, is inspired by, and receives revelation from the Lord. (President Howard W. Hunter Continuous Revelation through Living Prophets)

Thanks for the entertaining and enlightening lesson 'Ginny', we'll 'stay tuned' for more!

Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration: March 20, 2016

Megan J. lead us through a discussion of chapter 5 Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

• What do you KNOW about the Joseph Smith?
• How does what you know bring you closer to Christ and His Gospel?

[Elder] John A. Widtsoe defines a prophet as a teacher—one who expounds truth. He teaches truth as revealed by the Lord to man, and under inspiration explains it to the understanding of the people. The word “prophet” is often used to designate one who receives revelation and direction from the Lord. Many have thought that a prophet is essentially a foreteller of future events and happenings, but this is only one of the many functions of a prophet. He is a spokesman for the Lord.

A seer is one who sees. This does not mean that he sees through his natural eyes but rather through spiritual eyes. The seeric gift is a supernatural endowment. Joseph was like unto Moses, the ancient seer, and Moses saw God face to face, but he explains how he saw him in these words:

“But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him” (Moses 1:11).

A revelation makes known something unknown or which has been previously known by man and taken from his memory. Always the revelation deals with truth, and always it comes with the divine stamp of approval. Revelation is received in various ways, but it always presupposes that the revelator has so lived and conducted himself as to be in tune or harmony with the divine spirit of revelation, the spirit of truth, and therefore capable of receiving divine messages.   (Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration)

• What blessings have come to you through Joseph Smith?
• What can we learn from his example?

“My Peace I Give unto You” - January 17, 2016

Suzi J. asked us all to consider how we cultivate peace in our lives, using topics, quotes and scriptures from Chapter 2 in the Howard W. Hunter manual.
She began by reading the book If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano which emphasizes that if you want something, you cannot be distracted by other things.

“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” (John 14:27)

“… in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33.)

President Hunter spoke often about inner peace, teaching that a person can receive it only by turning to God—by trusting Him, exercising faith, and striving to do His will. ("My Peace I Give unto You")

• How do we come to trust God?

In late 1975 a doctor recommended brain surgery for President Hunter’s wife, Claire. President Hunter agonized over whether the surgery was in Claire’s best interest, since it would strain her fragile body and might not improve her condition. He went to the temple, counseled with family members, and soon felt that the surgery offered the best hope for giving Claire some relief. Describing his feelings on the day of the operation, he wrote:

“I went with her as far as the doors to the operating room, gave her a kiss, and she was taken on through the doors. As time went by, I waited and wondered. … Suddenly the tense anxiety turned into a feeling of peace. I knew the right decision had been made and that my prayers had been answered.” ("My Peace I Give unto You")

We also heard from Alison F., Becca J. and Leanne G. on how they have found peace through their trials.

May you find the inner peace you strive for today.

The Life and Ministry of Howard W. Hunter - January 3, 2016

Sue A. led a wonderful gospel discussion as we walked through the history of President Hunter's life events.

 At the time of Howard’s birth, the Church had only one small branch in Boise. Howard’s mother was an active member of the branch who raised her children in the gospel. Of her, Howard said, “She was always faithful. … She served as president of the Primary and [Young Women]. I can remember going to church with mother, sometimes before the scheduled hour for the meetings, and then staying after so she could complete her work.” Although Howard’s father was not a member of the Church, he did not object to the family’s participation and occasionally attended sacrament meeting with them.
In addition to leading her children in Church activity, Nellie Hunter helped them build a strong religious foundation at home. “It was mother who took the lead in teaching us the gospel,” Howard recalled. “It was at her knee that we learned to pray. … I received a testimony as a boy at my mother’s knee." (The Life and Ministry of Howard W. Hunter)

• How do you approach your relationships with family members that are not very active in the Church?

“We drove to Palos Verdes and parked on the cliffs where we could watch the waves roll in from the Pacific and break over the rocks in the light of a full moon. We talked about our plans and I put a diamond ring on her finger. We made many decisions that night and some strong resolutions regarding our lives.”
Those resolutions influenced Howard to make a life-changing decision four days before the wedding. After his band performed that night, he packed up his instruments and never played again professionally. Providing music for dances and parties “was glamorous in some respects,” he said, “and I made good money,” but he felt that parts of the lifestyle were incompatible with the life he envisioned for his family. “This left a void of something I had enjoyed, [but] the decision has never been regretted,” he said years later. His son Richard observed, “I have often thought of the remarkable discipline (I call it grit) it must have taken to give up something he deeply loved because he valued something more.” (The Life and Ministry of Howard W. Hunter)

• Do you know someone who sacrificed something important to them to gain something better?

“While I was speaking to the congregation, … my father and mother came into the chapel dressed in white. I had no idea my father was prepared for his temple blessings, although Mother had been anxious about it for some time. I was so overcome with emotion that I was unable to continue to speak. President Pierce [the temple president] came to my side and explained the reason for the interruption. When my father and mother came to the temple that morning they asked the president not to mention to me that they were there because they wanted it to be a birthday surprise. This was a birthday I have never forgotten because on that day they were endowed and I had the privilege of witnessing their sealing, following which I was sealed to them.” (The Life and Ministry of Howard W. Hunter)

• Do you remember a time when you saw someone unexpectedly in the temple?

“I also invite the members of the Church to establish the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of their membership and the supernal setting for their most sacred covenants. It would be the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church be temple worthy. I would hope that every adult member would be worthy of--and carry--a current temple recommend, even if proximity to a temple does not allow immediate or frequent use of it.
“Let us be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people. Let us hasten to the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances allow. Let us go not only for our kindred dead, but let us also go for the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety which is provided within those hallowed and consecrated walls. The temple is a place of beauty, it is a place of revelation, it is a place of peace. It is the house of the Lord. It is holy unto the Lord. It should be holy unto us.”(The Life and Ministry of Howard W. Hunter)

• What does the temple mean to you?  What can you do to "hasten to" it and make it a sanctuary for you?

“First of all, I would invite all members of the Church to live with ever more attention to the life and example of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially the love and hope and compassion He displayed. I pray that we might treat each other with more kindness, more courtesy, more humility and patience and forgiveness.” (The Life and Ministry of Howard W. Hunter)

A Christ-Centered Life - December 20, 2015

Cecily M. led our discussion on living a Christ-Centered life using Chapter 24 in the Ezra Taft Benson manual.  We began by making a list of goals for next year, including ways to become more focused on the Savior.

• What is your favorite trait of the Savior?

 Some may say, “But I have so far to go to become like those you describe.” The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that the desires of our hearts can be transformed and our motives can be educated and refined. When we are baptized into the true fold of God, we begin the process of becoming new creatures (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Mosiah 27:26). Each time we renew the covenant of baptism by partaking of the sacrament, we are one step closer to that ultimate goal.⁵ As we endure in that covenant, we access the strength to mourn with those who mourn and to comfort those who need comfort (see Mosiah 18:9). In that covenant, we find the grace that enables us to serve God and keep His commandments, including loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves.⁶ In that covenant, God and Christ succor us so we can succor those who stand in need of our succor (see Mosiah 4:16; see also verses 11–15) (Elder Michael T. Ringwood, Truly Good and without Guile, April 2015 General Conference)

• What is something concrete that you do to become closer to Christ?

As President Benson exhorted the Saints to follow the Savior’s perfect example, he reminded them that they could do so only with the Savior’s help. He declared:

“I know the Lord lives. I know that He loves us. I know that apart from Him no one can succeed, but as a partner with Him no one can fail.

“I know that God can make a lot more out of our lives than we can.

“May we all have the moral courage from this moment forward to more fully strive each day to think on Christ, learn of Him, walk in His steps, and do what He would have us do.” (A Christ-Centered Life)  

Blessings of reading the scriptures - November 29, 2015

In our joint meeting, Brother S. opened a time of reading the Book of Mormon and a short sharing time with his testimony and the following quote:

"Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon give us the beautiful assurance that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. I hold in my hand a copy of the first edition of the Book of Mormon in French, published by John Taylor as he began the work in France in 1852. Some or all of the Book of Mormon is now in 110 languages across the world. It provides a spiritual and tangible witness of the truthfulness of the Restoration. When was the last time that you read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover? Read it again. It will increase your faith."  Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice by Neil L. Anderson, October 2015 General Conference.

Enjoy your feast as we endeavor to finish reading the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.

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!

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

October 25, 2015 - “Why the Church"

This week's lesson was taught by Lanae S. using the October 2015 General Conference talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson “Why the Church".

• When you think of the church what do you think of?
• How has the church been a tool to getting closer to Heavenly Father?

The ancient purpose remains: that is, to preach the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and administer the ordinances of salvation--in other words, to bring people to Christ.
Without the capabilities of His Church in place, the Savior’s commission to take the gospel to all the world could not be realized. There would not be the apostolic keys, the structure, the financial means, and the devotion and sacrifice of thousands upon thousands of missionaries needed to carry out the work. Remember, “this Gospel of the Kingdom [must] be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come.” “Why the Church"

• How have you been helped by the aggregate strength of the church?

...a major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of Saints that will sustain one another in the “strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life. “Why the Church"

• How can you help the community of saints in their path of discipleship?

In the Church we not only learn divine doctrine; we also experience its application. As the body of Christ, the members of the Church minister to one another in the reality of day-to-day life. All of us are imperfect; we may offend and be offended. We often test one another with our personal idiosyncrasies. In the body of Christ, we have to go beyond concepts and exalted words and have a real “hands-on” experience as we learn to “live together in love.” “Why the Church"

• Which element of discipleship will you work on as you serve this week?

"On Being Genuine"- June 28, 2015

Rebecca S. had us thinking about our motivations when we put our best foot forward as we discussed President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's April 2015 talk "On Being Genuine."

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me...Isaiah 28:13

• It is part of human nature to want to look our best. Why do we do this? Why do we put forth our best?

The Church is not an automobile showroom--a place to put ourselves on display so that others can admire our spirituality, capacity, or prosperity. It is more like a service center, where vehicles in need of repair come for maintenance and rehabilitation. (On Being Genuine)

I wonder if our organizational and personal goals are sometimes the modern equivalent of a Potemkin village. Do they look impressive from a distance but fail to address the real needs of our beloved fellowmen? (On Being Genuine)

• What am I putting out for others to see?

Whether your testimony is thriving and healthy or your activity in the Church more closely resembles a Potemkin village, the good news is that you can build on whatever strength you have. Here in the Church of Jesus Christ you can mature spiritually and draw closer to the Savior by applying gospel principles day by day.
With patience and persistence, even the smallest act of discipleship or the tiniest ember of belief can become a blazing bonfire of a consecrated life. In fact, that’s how most bonfires begin--as a simple spark. (On Being Genuine)

The greatest, most capable, most accomplished man who ever walked this earth was also the most humble. He performed some of His most impressive service in private moments, with only a few observers, whom He asked to “tell no man” what He had done. When someone called Him “good,” He quickly deflected the compliment, insisting that only God is truly good. Clearly the praise of the world meant nothing to Him; His single purpose was to serve His Father and “do always those things that please him.” We would do well to follow the example of our Master. (On Being Genuine)