“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.

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

Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence - March 22, 2015

Carolyn P. highlighted sections of Elder Jörg Klebingat's talk from October's General Conference, Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your spiritual confidence before God? Do you have a personal witness that your current offering as a Latter-day Saint is sufficient to inherit eternal life? Can you say within yourself that Heavenly Father is pleased with you? What thoughts come to mind if you had a personal interview with your Savior one minute from now? Would sins, regrets, and shortcomings dominate your self-image, or would you simply experience joyful anticipation? Would you meet or avoid His gaze? Would you linger by the door or confidently walk up to Him?

1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being.  Spiritual confidence increases when you take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ daily.

2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being. Spiritual confidence increases when your spirit, with the help of the Savior, is truly in charge of your natural man or woman.

3. Embrace voluntary, wholehearted obedience as part of your life. Spiritual confidence increases when you are truly striving, for the right reasons, to live a consecrated life in spite of your imperfections!

4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly. Spiritual confidence increases when you voluntarily and joyfully repent of sins, both small and great, in real time by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

5. Become really, really good at forgiving. “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life. Don’t hold grudges, don’t be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly, and don’t ever think that you are exempt from this commandment. Spiritual confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear no ill feelings toward another soul.

6. Accept trials, setbacks, and “surprises” as part of your mortal experience."

Principles of True Repentance - March 8, 2015

Natalie M. led the discussion about Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance from the Ezra Taft Benson manual and set the tone for a safe and honest discussion on repentance.

The gospel is the plan of happiness. 

• Why is that important to remember that repentance is a part of the plan of happiness as we repent?

"Young people especially sometimes feel that the standards of the Lord are like fences and chains, blocking them from those activities that seem most enjoyable in life. But exactly the opposite is true. The gospel plan is the plan by which men are brought to a fulness of joy. This is the first concept I wish to stress. The gospel principles are the steps and guidelines that will help us find true happiness and joy." Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

“O how love I thy law! … Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies. … Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. … Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” (Ps. 119:97–98, 105, 111.)
Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

Faith precedes true repentance

Therefore, repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior. Many men and women in the world demonstrate great willpower and self-discipline in overcoming bad habits and the weaknesses of the flesh. Yet at the same time they give no thought to the Master, sometimes even openly rejecting Him. Such changes of behavior, even if in a positive direction, do not constitute true repentance.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which sincere and meaningful repentance must be built. Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

• Why is a change of heart so important? 

As you replace the behavior you are repenting of with something better it can be simply wanting the Spirit of the Lord and that the old behavior would prevent that. A change of heart is the difference between a temporary change and a a permanent one.

Repentance involves a change of heart

And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. Mosiah 5:2

C.S. Lewis said we become new creatures. Jesus Christ can change us.

Thus, the change is likened to a new birth. Thousands of you have experienced this change. You have forsaken lives of sin, sometimes deep and offensive sin, and through applying the blood of Christ in your lives, have become clean. You have no more disposition to return to your old ways. You are in reality a new person. This is what is meant by a change of heart.
Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

• What can you do if you are waiting for a loved one to experience the change of heart? 

We can focus on becoming more like the Savior and being patient, while knowing you cannot control their change of heart.

Godly sorrow leads to true repentance

"No one is more anxious to see us change our lives than the Father and the Savior." Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." Ether 12:27

We must not lose hope

Day by day they move closer to the Lord, little realizing they are building a godlike life. They live quiet lives of goodness, service, and commitment. They are like the Lamanites, who the Lord said “were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.” (3 Ne. 9:20; italics added.)
Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

Freedom of Choice/Living Joyfully in Troubled Times - February 15, 2015

 Natalie M. taught a great lesson blending themes from 2 chapters of the Ezra Taft Benson manual:
 Chapter 3: Freedom of Choice, an Eternal Principle and Chapter 4: Living Joyfully in Troubled Times.

• In what ways have you seen that “the war that began in heaven … is not yet over”?

• How can we teach agency to youth children?

Let them have consequences in the home.



We were lucky to have a class of Primary children drop in and sing "Choose the Right Way" for all of us.

Choose the Right Way  160

1. There's a right way to live and be happy;
It is choosing the right ev'ry day.
I am learning the teachings of Jesus;
They will help me and show me the way.

Choose the right way and be happy.
I must always choose the right.

2. Through the gospel I learn to be prayerful,
To have faith, to repent, to obey,
And I know if I live by his teachings,
I will truly be happy each day.

Words and music: Clara W. McMaster, 1904–1997.
© 1981 IRI

 … Satan’s program is “play now and pay later.” He seeks for all to be miserable like unto himself [see 2 Nephi 2:27]. The Lord’s program is happiness now and joy forever through gospel living.
We are free to choose, but we are not free to alter the consequences of those choices.
Chapter 3: Freedom of Choice, an Eternal Principle

While a man may take some temporary pleasure in sin, the end result is unhappiness. “Wickedness never was happiness.” (Alma 41:10.) Sin creates disharmony with God and is depressing to the spirit. Therefore, a man would do well to examine himself to see that he is in harmony with all of God’s laws. Every law kept brings a particular blessing. Every law broken brings a particular blight. Those who are heavy-laden with despair should come unto the Lord, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Chapter 3: Freedom of Choice, an Eternal Principle

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

• When have you given the Lord your burden and it was made light?

The biggest business of any life is making decisions.
Chapter 3: Freedom of Choice, an Eternal Principle

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

• What does it mean to you to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause”?

Living Joyfully in Troubled Times

• Why does faith give hope and peace?

16 Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.
Doctrine & Covenants 101:16

We have no cause to really worry. Live the gospel, keep the commandments. Attend to your prayers night and morning in your home. Maintain the standards of the Church. Try and live calmly and cheerfully. … Happiness must be earned from day to day. But it is worth the effort.
There are times when you simply have to righteously hang on and outlast the devil until his depressive spirit leaves you. As the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.” (Doct&Cov 121:7–8.)
Pressing on in noble endeavors, even while surrounded by a cloud of depression, will eventually bring you out on top into the sunshine.
Chapter 4: Living Joyfully in Troubled Times

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
Mosiah 2:41

• What are some experiences that let you know that Heavenly Father wants you to be happy?

The Birth of Jesus Christ: “Good Tidings of Great Joy” - December 21, 2014

Natalie M. taught our Christmas themed lesson using story, song and a sweet spirit.

Her husband told of the story of the WW1 Christmas truce between British and German troops then sang/played the Garth Brooks song "Belleau Wood" written about the event.

• What do you do in your home to remember the Savior at Christmastime?

.

.
Natalie shared a family story of longed-for, store-bought dolls and the Christmas two sisters would have received them but instead learned a more important lesson as they generously gave them to two girls who had suddenly lost their father.

There is also the poignant Parable of the Bicycle which parallels Christ's gift of grace to each of us.

Preparing for the Coming of Our Lord - November 16, 2014

Tina D. presented thoughts from Chapter 26: Preparing for the Coming of Our Lord from the Joseph Fielding Smith manual.

President Joseph Fielding Smith once told a group of Latter-day Saints that he was “praying for the end of the world.” He said, “If it came tomorrow I would be glad.” In response to that declaration, a woman spoke out, loudly enough for others to hear. “Oh, I hope not,” she said.

Sharing this experience some time later, President Smith taught:

“Do you not want the end of the world to come?

“Most people have the wrong idea of what is meant by the end of the world. …

“… When Christ comes there will be an end to the world. … There will not be any war, any turmoil, envying, lying; there will be no wickedness. Men will learn then to love the Lord and keep His commandments, and if they don’t they will not stay here. That’s the end of the world, and that is what the Savior prayed for when His disciples came to Him and said, ‘Teach us to pray.’ What did He do? He taught them, ‘Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.’ [See Luke 11:1–2.]

“That’s what I’m praying for. The Lord was praying for the end of the world, and so am I.”  Chapter 26: Preparing for the Coming of Our Lord

This perspective can be very different than that of the world.

• How does this account from the life of Joseph Fielding Smith influence your feelings about the end of the world?

A song about preparing for the Saviors coming

“As thou knowest, O our God, we are living in the last days when the signs of the times are being shown forth; when thou art hastening thy work in its time; and when we have already heard the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight …

“O, our Father, we long for the day when the Prince of Peace shall come, when the earth shall rest and righteousness be found again upon her face; and it is our prayer, spoken out of humble and contrite hearts, that we shall abide the day and be found worthy to live with him whom thou hast appointed to stand as King of kings and Lord of lords, to whom be glory and honor and power and might both now and forever.” (from the dedicatory prayer of the Ogden Utah Temple) Chapter 26: Preparing for the Coming of Our Lord

• How can the prophecies help us prepare for the coming of the Lord?

Elder Oaks teaches the importance of preparing for the Second Coming

The Savior's parable of the fig tree (Doctrine and Covenants 45:16-39) teaches that we need not be frightened or troubled by the calamities that will come in the last days.

Be Not Troubled video about the parable of the fig tree

"Lord, is it I?" - October 26, 2014

Carolyn P. provided an overview of President Uchtdorf's talk "Lord, is it I" from the October 2014 Priesthood session of General Conference and opened up a conversation from what sisters felt.

Imagine the last supper around a round table. Imagine the feeling at the table when Christ said "one of you will betray me."
President Uchtdorf offers the parable of the dandelions, similar to the mote/beam parable in the New Testament, where a man notes a single dandelion in another's pristine yard but doesn't work on the many dandelions in his own.

Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? …

Another example of missed perception is a man who thought lemon juice made him invisible to a camera and robbed two banks. Professors studied how people perceived themselves. People overestimated their accomplishment and underestimated others accomplishments.

Once-worthy [members] start to tell themselves that the Church is a good thing for [others] but not for them. Or some are convinced that their busy schedules or unique circumstances make them exempt from the daily acts of devotion and service that would keep them close to the Spirit.
“Lord, Is It I?”

Sometimes during General Conference we may think "I hope someone is listening to this." We need to hope we are all improving.

... none of us likes to admit when we are drifting off the right course. Often we try to avoid looking deeply into our souls and confronting our weaknesses, limitations, and fears. Consequently, when we do examine our lives, we look through the filter of biases, excuses, and stories we tell ourselves in order to justify unworthy thoughts and actions.
But being able to see ourselves clearly is essential to our spiritual growth and well-being. If our weaknesses and shortcomings remain obscured in the shadows, then the redeeming power of the Savior cannot heal them and make them strengths. Ironically, our blindness toward our human weaknesses will also make us blind to the divine potential that our Father yearns to nurture within each of us. ...
May I suggest that the holy scriptures and the talks given at general conference are an effective mirror we can hold up for self-examination. ...
As you hear or read the words of the ancient and modern prophets, refrain from thinking about how the words apply to someone else and ask the simple question:  “Lord, is it I?” ...
Over the course of my life, I have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the most competent and intelligent men and women this world has to offer. When I was younger, I was impressed by those who were educated, accomplished, successful, and applauded by the world. But over the years, I have come to the realization that I am far more impressed by those wonderful and blessed souls who are truly good and without guile.
“Lord, Is It I?”

We need to set aside pride. He will lead us by the hand and we will be made strong and blessed.

We need to consider what is the expectation, our effort, it's a partnership with The Lord.
Humility is not putting our self down or thinking less of our contributions.
Where am I in relation to the gospel and where am I going?
Do we hide from The Lord?
Cassy B. suggested two books in addition to the scriptures that helped focus her improvement Anatomy of Peace and The Screwtape Letters.

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

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

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

Pornography is a drug of the brain.

In 1972 the First Presidency issued this statement against pornography:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Why the difference?

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

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

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

• From men's perspective what were the gates?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lesson Summary: August 3, 2014

Katie S. gave a wonderful lesson on following the 

"covenant path"

She referenced the following 4 talks for her lesson:

A Priceless Heritage of Hope by President Henry B. Eyring

Daughters in the Covenant by President Henry B. Eyring

Wanted: Hands and Hearts to Hasten the Work by Linda K. Burton

Keeping Covenants Protects Us, Prepares Us, and Empowers Us by Rosemary M. Wixom

2nd Nephi 31:20:

Highlighted in this scripture are the joys of following the covenant path.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

"As women of all ages, we walk in His light. Our journey on the path is personal and well lit with the Savior’s love". Rosemary Wixom

Think about the different covenants you have made and how you felt:

Nettie:  Feeling of "glory" when she was confirmed member of church. 

Heather C: amazed at blessings she received when first going through temple.  Felt better equipped for the journey. 

"You may not have clapped your hands when you first heard that invitation to covenant by baptism, but you surely felt the love of the Savior and a greater commitment to nurture others for Him. I can say “surely” because those feelings are placed deep in the hearts of all of Heavenly Father’s daughters. That is part of your divine heritage from Him." Elder Eyring

What takes us away from feeling the joy of our covenants? 

Jen W: Distraction   Talked about when she thought  she was on the right pathway but was on the wrong path. Realized the right path was so much better. 
Suzi J: Stated we often forget about how blessed we are with our children,where we live, etc... 
Katie S: The laziness and daily frustration of life can make you forget 

Elder Eyring gives us tools to help remember others on our covenant path:

"Whoever you are and wherever you may be, you hold in your hands the happiness of more people than you can now imagine. Every day and every hour you can choose to make or keep a covenant with God.

Wherever you are on the path to inherit the gift of eternal life, you have the opportunity to show many people the way to greater happiness. When you choose whether to make or keep a covenant with God, you choose whether you will leave an inheritance of hope to those who might follow your example".

Katie shared a story about how her grandmother joined the church and how the decision to join church affected many generations.

"One way to Remember that we are children of god.  Treat every person you meet as child of god. Each person you meet is his loves spirit child" Elder Eyring.

Katie encouraged us to read the talks to discover how we can help each other on this covenant path. Thanks Katie for the wonderful lesson. 

Lesson Summary June 15, 2014

Tori B led the discussion using Chapter 10 in the Joseph Fielding Smith Manual "Our Search for Truth". 

Secular and spiritual learning can go hand in hand:

"We believe in education. As a people we have always sought learning in every field, and as a Church we have spent great sums and made considerable sacrifice to make education opportunities available to the Church members. And particularly in this day of scientific research and development. We think our young people should get as much education and technical training as in wisdom is necessary. But we think this pursuit of worldly learning should be tempered with a like pursuit of spiritual understanding. It is more important, a thousand times over, to have a knowledge of God and his laws, so that we can do the things which bring salvation, than it is to have all the worldly knowledge that can be obtained" (Joseph Fielding Smith Manual)

Knowledge follows us in the next life: D&C 130: 18-19

18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us   in the resurrection.
 19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through hisdiligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. 

Why is spiritual knowledge important?
The following scripture were discussed among 6 different groups:

1) Psalms 119:105

 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

2) 2 Timothy 3: 15-17

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, forreproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

3) 2 Nephi 32: 3

 3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

4) Helaman 3: 29-30

29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which isquick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrowcourse across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked— 

 30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.

5) D&C 19:23

23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

6) D&C 88: 77-80

77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another thedoctrine of the kingdom. 

 78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructedmore perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; 

 79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of thenations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms— 

 80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnifythe calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.

How do we gain spiritual knowledge? (per discussion)

• Invest time
• Seek it and want it
• Ponder and pray
• Read the scriptures out loud
• Experiment on the word
• Search scriptures daily

Need for daily sustenance video: Daily Bread

“The things of God are understood by the Spirit of God. That Spirit is real. To those who have experienced its workings, the knowledge so gained is as real as that which is acquired through the operation of the five senses. I testify of this.” (President Hinckley)