"Trust in the Lord and Lean Not" and "Stand Up Inside and Be All In"- June 4, 2017

Suzi led our discussion of the April 2017 General Conference talks "Trust in the Lord and Lean Not" by Bonnie H. Cordon and "Stand Up Inside and Be All In" by Elder Gary B. Sabin

Leaps of Faith
There are many times in life when we must trust in the Lord's plan when we need to jump. We may have doubts and fear but we must move forward trusting we will be supported.

Elder Sabin says the Lord requires "our whole heart! When we are baptized, we are fully immersed as a symbol of our promise to fully follow the Savior, not half-heartedly. When we are fully committed and “all in,” heaven shakes for our good. When we are lukewarm or only partially committed, we lose out on some of heaven’s choicest blessings."

Elder Sabin warns: "When we are complacent with our covenants, we are complicit with the consequences."

Sister Cordon suggests way we can trust in the Lord:
*Feast on the words of christ
*Come to know the Lord and trust in him through prayer
*Serve others

Sisters were able to share many sacred stories of times when they had to trust in the Lord and were supported 

"Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear"- April 23, 2017

Hikari L. gave our lesson today based on the talk by Elder Dieter F. Uchdorf "Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear" from the April 2017 General Conference.

First, we discussed the many fears we have which include fears regarding our children, the political climate, safety, the unknown and our own inadequacies.

People often use fear tactics to get others to comply with their wishes, and advertising professionals have long known hot to use fear and our desire to be happy to sell their message. Elder Uchdorf encourages us to "contemplate how we use fear to motivate others- including ourselves."

He teaches: "It is true that fear can have a powerful influence over our actions and behavior. But that influence tends to be temporary and shallow. Fear rarely has the power to change our hearts, and it will never transform us into people who love what is right and who want to obey Heavenly Father.

People who are fearful may say and do the right things, but they do not feel the right things. They often feel helpless and resentful, even angry. Over time these feelings lead to mistrust, defiance, even rebellion...

Often, people may condemn bullying in others, yet they cannot see it in themselves. They demand compliance with their own arbitrary rules, but when others don’t follow these random rules, they chasten them verbally, emotionally, and sometimes even physically."

Elder Uchdorf then introduces a BETTER WAY. 

Question: What does it mean to say, "Perfect love casteth out all fear?"

• -Perfect love of Christ can center and ground us. Scary things may happen but the Lord will be with us, even in terrifying times
• -When we go through a trial we can know there can be strength in these experiences from God's love
• -We live in a world where we are "in a lion's den" and we can be protected through prayer just as Daniel was
• - A sister shared an anecdote someone once shared with her that stuck with her- "when you are not permanently doing the "right things" in your life nothing can permanently go right. When you do the "right things" nothing can permanently go wrong"

How Does Heavenly Father Father motivate us?

• He doesn't use fear.
• Gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned

Elder Uchdorf: "He wants to change more than just our behaviors. He wants to change our very natures. He wants to change our hearts. He wants us to reach out and take firm hold of the iron rod, confront our fears, and bravely step forward and upward along the strait and narrow path. He wants this for us because He loves us and because this is the way to happiness." 

"He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to show us the right way."

"God motivates through persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned. God is on our side. He loves us, and when we stumble, He wants us to rise up, try again, and become stronger."

"He is our mentor.

He is our great and cherished hope.

He desires to stimulate us with faith.

He trusts us to learn from our missteps and make correct choices.

This is the better way!"

Elder Uchdorf reminds us that the Lord will help us fight our battles. 

Remember: You don't have to do anything alone if you have Christ in your life!

"Repentance- A Joyful Choice"- March 26, 2017

Hiker L. gave our lesson today based on the talk "Repentance: A Joyful Choice" given at October 2016 General Conference by Elder Renlund

"The fact that we can repent is the good news of the gospel" (Elder Renlund)

Elder Renlund shared this in his talk: "The Christian writer C. S. Lewis wrote about the need and the method for change. He noted that repentance involves “being put back on the right road. A wrong sum can be put right,” he said, “but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on.”6 Changing our behavior and returning to the “right road” are part of repentance, but only part. Real repentance also includes a turning of our heart and will to God and a renunciation of sin" 

Little things can slowly lead us farther and farther away from where we need to be. If we do not correct our course and repent of even little things, we can soon become way off course. 

"Real repentance must involve faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, faith that He can change us, faith that He can forgive us, and faith that He will help us avoid more mistakes. This kind of faith makes His Atonement effective in our lives. When we “perceive afterwards” and “turn around” with the Savior’s help, we can feel hope in His promises and the joy of forgiveness. Without the Redeemer, the inherent hope and joy evaporate, and repentance becomes simply miserable behavior modification." (Elder Renlund)

Elder Renlund also quoted President Boyd K. Packer in his talk "The Atonement leaves no tracks, no traces. What it fixes is fixed. … It just heals, and what it heals stays healed.” (quote taken from Pres. Packers April 2015 conference talk)

To accept the atonement and repent is a choice. What keeps us from repenting? Some ideas:

-Distractions. Remember to try to turn away from the bad and towards God

-Pride, lack of humility

-Blaming others

-Excusing ourselves because we think it is "just part of our personality." We can change even things about ourselves that we think are part of our personality. 

-Lack of faith

Hikari challenged us to take some time to purposely be thankful for Christ and the atonement when we repent. 

Building Faith- March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

Ward Conference- Special Lesson by our Stake Relief Society President Sister Linebarger
"Building Faith"

Sister Linebarger began her lesson by describing the Millennium Tower in San Francisco. Although this skyscraper was claimed to be a luxury structure, it is now sinking and tilting. Many problems were overlooked as it was being built. The engineers and builders took structural shortcuts that have compromised the building. Now repairs must be made and secondary structural supports are being but in place to help straighten out the building and keep it from sinking and tilting any further.

Sister Linebarger likened the tilting skyscraper to our own lives. Many times we are building our towers and unforeseen trials shift and tilt us in our faith. We need various supports to help straighten us out and get us back on track.

Sister Linebarger also used Elder Rasband's talk as a guide from October 2016 General Conference titled, "Let Thou Forget."

Do you ever feel like you are sinking or tilting in your faith?

Why does our faith sometimes start to fail? Some ideas offered from our sisters:
-"Good things can distract us from better things". We must put our #1 priorities first
-We don't know how satan will come at us
-We think we are building up, but then real life hits and knocks us off center
-Complacency (We think we will never lose our faith, but we must be active our faith)
-External supports m ay fail
-We are tempted by things that test our faith. Some challenges we can anticipate, others we don't even know are coming. There are unforeseen challenges and twists we don't see coming
-Opinions of other people, popular opinion

Sister Linbarger shared a quote from Elder Rasband's talk where he related what he tells his friends who are struggling with their faith:  "I encouraged them, as I encourage you now, to recall, especially in times of crisis, when you felt the Spirit and your testimony was strong; remember the spiritual foundations you have built. I promise that if you will do this, avoiding things that do not build and strengthen your testimony or that mock your beliefs, those precious times when your testimony prospered will return again to your memory through humble prayer and fasting. I assure you that you will once again feel the safety and warmth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.''

How do we know if we are starting to sink or twist?
What tools do we have to help us know if we are straight or sinking?
-Stay close to the spirit
-Alma 5:26 "if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?"
-We may not feel so now, but the spirit can help us k now if we are sinking, tilting, or shifting (church leaders can help us have an eternal perspective and comprehensive view)
-Remember what the Lord has done for our ancestors. Recall stories of how they found the Lord and the sacrifices they made for their faith

If we are sinking or someone else we know/love is, what are things we can do to be an external support to them?
-Love them through their faith struggle
-Pray for them
-Strengthen yourself spiritually first
-Pray to serve and know those you visit teach, your love and friendship is more important than any lesson given
-listen without judgment to hear their heart, be friendly
-Discuss family history stories of trials with your children. Remind them they can do hard things

Elder Rasband mentions several ways to fortify ourselves:
* Ponder scriptures regularly, write down impressions and thoughts
*Attend church meetings, especially sacrament
*Partake of the sacrament and renew covenants
* Share your testimony and record it
*Never forget or ignore personal, sacred, spiritual experiences
*Do not forget your divine heritage, even in life greatest storms

We were challenged to DIG DEEPER! We must build our faith strong starting down at the bedrock.
What do you do to dig deeper?
-Eliminate distractions
-Make choices to give up things that take time away from your prayer and scriptures
-Pray (with listening!) like Enos who spent all day in fervent prayer
-Dig deeper as your study the scriptures and keep a notebook for thoughts and impressions
-We can fast with a dedication to focus our intentions and eliminate distractions
-Serve others
-Act on promptings, acting on a prompting will lead to more!
-Receive invitations and challenges to act

Faith and Testimony

Tina D. led the discussion from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter Manuel.         Lesson 21: Faith and Testimony

               "The supreme achievement of life is to find God and know that He lives"- President Hunter

1. Through faith, we can find God and know that He lives. 

Hebrews 11:1-6
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2  For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrificethan Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

What is the role of faith in accomplishing the quest of finding God?

One sister commented it is the magic of trying even if it is not perfect. 

2. To obtain a knowledge of the reality of God, we must make a faithful effort, do His will, and pray for understanding. 

President Hunter said "the task was not easy... and the burden was not light." Much devoted effort must be put into gaining and keeping a testimony. 

3. We must believe in order to see.

The disciple Thomas wanted to see with his own eyes before he would believe. We discussed how faith is related to the future, and we like Thomas,  must turn toward the future with confidence even when we might not feel satisfied with what we cannot see. Having faith can give us confidence in things that may not be visible.  Thomas was contrasted with the man born blind in John 9. Although he could not see Jesus with his own eyes, he had faith and chose to believe. 

John 20:29

"Blessed are they who  have not seen, and yet have believed."

"Faith does not take precedence over doubt when one must feel or see in order to believe." (President Howard W. Hunter.)

4. Acting on our faith leads to personal testimony

We took time to read Alma 32:37-43 and discussed in small groups how we must nourish the seed that is our testimony. 

"37 And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.

38 But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.

39 Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.

40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.

41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing upunto everlasting life."

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.

Our Committment to God - October 16, 2016

Hikari led us in a discussion of the Chapter 19 Our Commitment to God.

Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in the furnace (Daniel 3)

“Today I finished most of my work at the office. Nearly all of the pending matters are completed. I was alone in the office today with the realization that my practice of law was now at an end. I made notes on a number of files and left them on the desk. … I had a sick feeling as I left the office. I have enjoyed the practice of law and it has been my life for the last number of years, but in spite of this I am pleased and happy to respond to the great call which has come to me in the Church.”²

Elder Hunter knew from personal experience that “submitting to our Father’s will is not always easy.”³ Nevertheless, he knew the importance of being fully committed to God. Concerning that commitment, he wrote: “Most people do not understand why persons of our religious faith respond to calls made to serve or the commitment we make to give our all. I have thoroughly enjoyed the practice of law, but this call that has come to me will far overshadow the pursuit of the profession or monetary gain.” (Our Commitment to God)

As I think of the blessings God has given us and the many beauties of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I am aware that along the way we are asked to make certain contributions in return, contributions of time or of money or of other resources. These are all valued and all necessary, but they do not constitute our full offering to God. (Our Commitment to God)

• When or how do you evaluate your commitment?

For the families awaiting the coming of Christ in the Book of Mormon, "And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass." (3 Nephi 1:7, emphasis added).  It's okay for us to have these moments when our commitment becomes more difficult, we need to move on with faith, pray for courage and an understanding of the plan of salvation for you.

When speaking to the multitudes, the Master said: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21.)

As I listen to these words, it seems to me that the Lord is saying, “Just because a person may acknowledge my authority or have a belief in my divine nature, or merely express faith in my teachings or the atoning sacrifice I made, does not mean he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven or attain a higher degree of exaltation.” By implication he is saying, “Belief alone is not sufficient.” Then he expressly adds, “… but he that doeth the will of my Father,” that is, he that works and prunes the vineyard that it may bring forth good fruit. (Our Commitment to God)

•  Pick something new that makes you DO something to make you a Living Member.

Yes, men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.  (Ezra Taft Benson)

Marriage—An Eternal Partnership : September 11, 2016

Colette T. presented thoughts from Chapter 16, Marriage—An Eternal Partnership from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

• Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and is intended to be eternal.
• When deciding whom to marry, be patient, have faith, and stay worthy of receiving divine assistance.
• No blessing, including that of eternal marriage and an eternal family, will be denied to any worthy individual. While it may take somewhat longer—perhaps even beyond this mortal life—for some to achieve this blessing, it will not be denied. …
• Successful marriage requires our best efforts to live the principles of the gospel.
• Husbands and wives should work together to strengthen the bonds of marriage.

 

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.

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?

“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)

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?

Perseverance - September 6, 2015

Jo Ann had many inspirational stories and quotes on Perseverance to encourage us along our way.

The example of John Rowe Moyle and his dedication are presented in this video.

Perseverance and Never Giving Up

"I was taught the way of progress is neither swift nor easy." Marie Curie.

"Let me tell you the secret that has led to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity." Louis Pasteur

"I am a slow walker, but I never walk back." Abraham Lincoln

"Every strike bring me closer to the next home run." Babe Ruth

"It always seems impossible until it's done." Nelson Mandela

"Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th." Julie Andrews

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." Confucius

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." Robert Collier

"Fall seven times and stand up eight." Japanese Proverb

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill

"It's not that I'm smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." Albert Einstein

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at that end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow'." Mary Anne Radmacher

Marriage and Family - Ordained of God/The Sacred Callings of Fathers and Mothers

Thanks to Rebecca S. for a great mash-up of two chapters from the Ezra Taft Benson Manual: Marriage and Family—Ordained of God and The Sacred Callings of Fathers and Mothers.  Kind guidance for us as a daughter, wife or mother, if we are now or are preparing to be. I know I've applied many of these to my role as an aunt.  Thanks again Rebecca!

There can be no satisfactory substitute for the home. Its foundation is as ancient as the world. Its mission has been God-ordained.

No nation ever rises above its homes. This Church will never rise above its homes. We are no better as a people than are our firesides, our homes. … The good home is the rock foundation, the cornerstone of civilization. It must be preserved. It must be strengthened.
 

Some people ask me as a Church leader why we place so much emphasis on the home and family when there are such larger problems around us? The answer is, of course, that the larger problems are merely a reflection of individual and family problems. (Marriage and Family—Ordained of God)

The scriptures tell us: “Adam began to till the earth … as I the Lord had commanded him. And Eve, also, his wife, did labor with him. … They began to multiply and to replenish the earth. … And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord. … And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters. … And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God.” (Moses 5:1–2, 4, 12, 16.)
 

From this inspired record we see that Adam and Eve provided us with an ideal example of a covenant marriage relationship. They labored together; they had children together; they prayed together; and they taught their children the gospel--together. This is the pattern God would have all righteous men and women imitate. (Marriage and Family—Ordained of God)

• Have you had times when your two vantage points merged together?

Spiritual growth comes by solving problems together--not by running from them. Today’s inordinate emphasis on individualism brings egotism and separation. Two individuals becoming “one flesh” is still the Lord’s standard. (See Gen. 2:24.) (Marriage and Family—Ordained of God)

"I said what I said and I meant what I said, an elephant is loyal 100%." Horton Hatches the Egg

Be fiercely loyal.

• How do you create a foundation of support?

Sister Benson acknowledged: “No one is perfect. In our family it is not our objective to magnify each other’s shortcomings, but to encourage one another to improve.” (The Sacred Callings of Fathers and Mothers)

Returning to Faith - July 5, 2015

Today Nettie made us think about how we approach our own struggles with faith using some thoughts from the talk by Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, “Returning to Faith.”

• How do you deal with questions of faith? 
• What do you do or are doing to deal with issues you struggle with?

"In a 1953 letter, Mother Teresa wrote: “Please pray specially for me that I may not spoil His work and that Our Lord may show Himself—for there is such terrible darkness within me, as if everything was dead. It has been like this more or less from the time I started ‘the work.’ Ask Our Lord to give me courage.”

Archbishop Périer responded: “God guides you, dear Mother; you are not so much in the dark as you think. The path to be followed may not always be clear at once. Pray for light; do not decide too quickly, listen to what others have to say, consider their reasons. You will always find something to help you. … Guided by faith, by prayer, and by reason with a right intention, you have enough.”

My friend thought if Mother Teresa could live her religion without all the answers and without a feeling of clarity in all things, maybe she could too. She could take one simple step forward in faith—and then another. She could focus on the truths she did believe and let those truths fill her mind and heart." (Returning to Faith)

"She learned that when she came up against a statement that caused her to doubt, she “could stop, look at the whole picture, and make the gospel personal.” She said, “I would ask, ‘Is this the right path for me and my family?’ Sometimes I would ask myself, ‘What do I want for my children?’" (Returning to Faith)

"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)