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)

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)

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

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

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

• How has the First Vision influenced your life?

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

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

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

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."

Joys of Scripture Study - November 30, 2014

Sue J was our guest speaker from the Palo Alto 1st/Redwood City 2nd ward guiding us through a plan for better scripture study and the blessings of regular personal study.

Take this personal inventory:

• How many times a month do you have personal scripture study?
• How many minutes each time?
• On a scale of 1-10, what is your quality? 10 being that you learning something relevant, connect with the Lord, and feel the Spirit every time.

30 days-60 minutes-10 quality is possible if you want it.
The Lord wants it for us but needs us to want it.

On her mission, Sue met a humble woman who cared for handicapped men in her home. Scripture study meant a lot to her. She would get up an hour early to be in the Book of Mormon.
Her sacrifice allowed the Lord to bless her.  Sue tested this and found the same blessings.
Her commitment not to miss a day brought her a relationship where the Lord is always teaching her.


The process to be open to what the Lord has to teach:

• Have a set time. For Sue it is first thing in the morning. When would you set aside an hour?

At Gethsemane, Jesus Christ found his disciples asleep and said:

"What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" Matthew 26:40

• Pray. For consciousness, to understand- a deeper meaning, to remember, I don't get this, have a conversation "help me" about what we're reading, revelation on concerns, direction/service, what to study, be more "(blank)"
  

Study General Conference talks, don't just read them.
Sue uses a journal and decides on a focus/principle.  Write.

Read till you find something to focus on.

For example, Sue was studying Elder Christofferson's talk from the most recent conference and wrote this passage in her journal:

It is God’s will that we be free men and women enabled to rise to our full potential both temporally and spiritually, that we be free from the humiliating limitations of poverty and the bondage of sin, that we enjoy self-respect and independence, that we be prepared in all things to join Him in His celestial kingdom.

I am under no illusion that this can be achieved by our own efforts alone without His very substantial and constant help. “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”²⁴ And we do not need to achieve some minimum level of capacity or goodness before God will help—divine aid can be ours every hour of every day, no matter where we are in the path of obedience. But I know that beyond desiring His help, we must exert ourselves, repent, and choose God for Him to be able to act in our lives consistent with justice and moral agency. My plea is simply to take responsibility and go to work so that there is something for God to help us with. 

I bear witness that God the Father lives, that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Redeemer, and that the Holy Spirit is present with us. Their desire to help us is undoubted, and Their capacity to do so is infinite. -Free Forever, to Act for Themselves By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

She chose "help" to be her study focus with thoughts of a couple she wanted to help.

• Begin in the Topical Guide or a scripture from memory.
• Write those scriptures in your journal.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Be still, and know that I am God Psalms 46:1-5, 10 

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:13-16 

This scripture made her feel comforted in worrying about how to help this couple.

• Write the words that come to you.
  

I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. 1 Nephi 3:7

Reading this scripture, she felt inspired. If she was commanded then He will help her.

Revelation - November 23, 2014

Natalie M. instigated discussion based on the two conference talks: "Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth" by President Uchtorf and "Continuing Revelation" by President Eyring.

• How we can we receive personal revelation?

Turn to the scriptures, develop a habit of prayer, let the spirit guide your prayers, limit distractions, be still, do your part/work, humble yourself before, set appropriate/righteous expectations.

Imagine Heavenly Father's joy when we choose the righteous path.

When Lehi heard Nephi speak..., the scripture says that “he was exceedingly glad.”¹ He was glad because he knew that Nephi had been blessed with confirming revelation that his father’s dream was a true communication from God. Nephi did not say, “I will go and do what my father told me to do.” Rather he said, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.” "Continuing Revelation" by President Eyring

Our children are also capable of making decisions from revelation.

President Boyd K. Packer described that identifying mark of the true Church this way: “Revelation continues in the Church: the prophet receiving it for the Church; the president for his stake, his mission, or his quorum; the bishop for his ward; the father for his family; the individual for himself.”² "Continuing Revelation" by President Eyring

We can receive revelation for those we love and have stewardship over.
It takes courage, as you act you can get more. We can be given revelation as we teach in our callings.

The Work of Latter-day Women: "Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause" - November 9, 2014

Tori G. led the discussion of women's roles in the Church and our place in the gospel.

• What is our role as women?

A role is defined as actors part in a play, or a position in a in a situation

• What do we learn about the role women play in the scriptures?

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

“The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me” (D&C 25:12)

Moses 5:1-12

"We may read in the Pearl of Great Price that after the consequences brought upon Adam and Eve by the fall, Eve preached the discourse." Chapter 24: The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: “Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause”

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

Women play a key role

"These patterns have been restored in the latter days through the organization of the Relief Society. The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.”¹⁵ Sister Eliza R. Snow, the second Relief Society general president, reiterated this teaching. She said: “Although the name may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin. We were told by our martyred prophet that the same organization existed in the church anciently.”¹⁶

Besides Joseph Smith, other latter-day prophets have testified that the organization of Relief Society is an inspired part of the Restoration, whereby women in the Church are called in ecclesiastical positions to serve one another and to bless the entire Church."  Daughters in My Kingdom

'The “Female Relief Society of Nauvoo” was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith assisted by Elder John Taylor. The Lord had revealed that the women of the Church should be organized into a society, for there was important work for them to do in aiding to “bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.” [D&C 6:6.] This labor of the sisters was primarily to be for the benefit, encouragement, and advancement of the women of the Church that they might be prepared in all things for a place in the celestial kingdom. The responsibility was also given them to aid in the work of mercy and relief from distress and suffering of the poor, the sick, and afflicted throughout the Church. All through the years since that organization, the sisters of this society have been true to their calling and have magnified themselves in their faithfulness in that work. No task assigned has been too hard; no responsibility neglected, and through their ministrations thousands have been blessed. Chapter 24: The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: “Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause”

The 3 missions of Relief Society are:
- Increase in faith and personal righteousness
- Strengthen home and family
 - Service/help those in need

Every woman baptized into the Church has the hands of the elders laid on her head for the gift of the Holy Ghost that she may have the guidance of that Spirit in all truth. It is the will of the Lord that none may be without divine guidance which will reveal to them the truth and enable them to discern the light from the darkness and, thus, be fortified and given power to resist all false doctrines, theories, and notions, which are so prevalent in the world today.

Our sisters are entitled just as much to the inspiration for their needs of the Holy Spirit as are the men, every bit. They are entitled to the gift of prophecy concerning matters that would be essential for them to know. … When they pray they should pray earnestly, expecting to have an answer to their prayers. The Lord will hear them, if they are earnest, true, just as well as he will the brethren.

The Lord has promised to all, males and females alike, the gift of the Holy Ghost on conditions of faithfulness, humility, and true repentance. They are required to study and to know the truths of the gospel and to prepare themselves by study, faith, and obedience to all commandments to seek for light and truth that they may be entitled to celestial glory.

Chapter 24: The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: “Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause”

Emma Smith said:

“I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I might be able to overcome whatever of tradition or nature that would not tend to my exaltation in the eternal worlds. I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through His servants without doubting.”

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father and that should guide our actions!

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

Planning for a temple marriage - September 7, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• What can you be doing to be temple ready?

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

Thanks for a great lesson Wendy!

Lesson Summary: August 10, 2014

Tina D. gave the lesson from Chapter 19 In the World but Not of the World with emphasis on how to help the youth.

"Despite the grief President Smith experienced [at the loss of his son], he was comforted by the memory of Lewis’s good life." (Chapter 19: In the World but Not of the World)

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

Tina has felt the comfort and peace that President Joseph Fielding Smith spoke of since she's joined the Church. Trials seemed easier, and now there's peace, often through priesthood blessings.

• Think about some challenges our youth face today when their parents are not with them?

We need to give them as many opportunities to go to Heavenly Father before they leave our homes and let them know that they love you in all circumstances.

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:34-36

This scripture can be daunting to youth but they need to accept that they are enough, they can consecrate themselves to the Lord, and He responds with abundance.

And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
Doctrine & Covenants 59:9-10

"Nothing is so distressing or shocks the feelings of a refined person more than to hear some uncouth, ignorant, or filthy creature bandy around the name of Deity. Some individuals have become so profane that it appears almost impossible for them to speak two or three sentences without the emphasis--as they think--of a vulgar or blasphemous oath."
(Chapter 19: In the World but Not of the World)

It can be hard to live up to the Gospel. Basic commandments are challenging in this world, especially as a youth.
Tina related a story from a vacation to Las Vegas. After becoming frazzled protecting her boys she prayed for help and saw the promotional street teams ignore her sons she knew she needed to let go and trust the Lord will take care of them.

• What can we do to help the youth stay strong in making good choices in such situations?

Teach them your process for dealing with life's struggles, how prayer can lead to the best choice.

• What are the blessings when we do keep the commandments?

Instead of seeing the commandments as limiting and punitive, see them as "Joy guidelines."

Lesson Summary: July 27, 2014

Tori G. gave the lesson using the following general conference talks: "Grateful in Any Circumstances" by President Uchtdorf and "Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease" by Elder Bednar. 

Tori started off the lesson by discussing her adventure while on a boat from Italy. She discussed how her "deck" seats were less than desirable and how she was extremely grateful when able to upgrade to a cabin seat. She discussed how grateful she was for the simple luxuries during this trip. 

"Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.We can be grateful!It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding" Elder Uchtdorf

Have gratitude in the midst of challenges. The blessings we receive when we are grateful carry us through the tough times. 

Examples of gratitude- class discussion: 

• Kathryn L. discussed how everything good comes from God and we should be grateful.

• Alice M. discussed how a gratitude journal helped prevent her from falling into "ruts"

• Carolyn T. described how she found gratitude among pain after experiencing a painful trial. We can be grateful even when acknowledging things are bad.

"In any circumstance, our sense of gratitude is nourished by the many and sacred truths we do know: that our Father has given His children the great plan of happiness; that through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ, we can live forever with our loved ones; that in the end, we will have glorious, perfect, and immortal bodies, unburdened by sickness or disability; and that our tears of sadness and loss will be replaced with an abundance of happiness and joy, “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." Elder Uchtdorf

Tori then summarized Elder Bednar's story about a friend who acquired a truck and got stuck in the snow. HIs friend got out of the vehicle and started cutting his firewood. After he had filled the truck with his heavy load, he was able to move the truck back onto the road. see Elder Bednar's talk for the full story. 

When was a time you turned to the Savior when pulling a heavy load?

• Jule S. shared how she was amazed at all they were able to accomplish with the Lord's help when recently moving. 

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
Mosiah 24:14-15

Thanks Tori 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) 

Lesson Summary June 8, 2014

Natalie M. led our discussion of Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost in the Joseph Fielding Smith manual.

• When has the Spirit prompted you to help someone?

"The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings." (Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost)

• In what ways is communication to our spirits different from communication to our ears or our eyes? How is it more powerful?

"Every man can receive a manifestation of the Holy Ghost, even when he is out of the Church, if he is earnestly seeking for the light and for the truth. The Holy Ghost will come and give the man the testimony he is seeking, and then withdraw." (Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost)

Elder Bednar described it as the beams of a sunrise.

• What are some differences between receiving a manifestation of the Spirit and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost?

"What a glorious privilege this is to be guided constantly by the Holy Ghost and to have the mysteries of the kingdom of God made manifest." (Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost)

• In what ways have you been blessed through the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost?

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

• What can we do to prepare to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost?

"It is the privilege of every baptized person to have an abiding testimony of the restoration of the gospel, but this testimony will grow dim and eventually disappear unless we are constantly receiving spiritual good through study, obedience, and diligent seeking to know and understand the truth." (Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost)

• How can parents teach their children to recognize and receive this guidance? How can we teach others about the Spirit?