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

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

1) Prepare in advance

2) Arrive early

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

4) Spiritually participate in the Sacrament Prayers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Self quiz:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keeping the Law of Chastity - August 9, 2015

Colette T. taught from Chapter 17: Keeping the Law of Chastity  in the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson with examples she has seen in the world and teachings from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. She reminded us of the many supporting influences we can be to youth learning this principle.

"Our Heavenly Father desires nothing for us but to be happy. He tells us only those things that will bring us joy. And one of the surest principles given by God to help us find that joy is the law of chastity. I pray with all my heart that you will consider most solemnly the joyful consequences of keeping this law, and the tragic consequences of violating it."(Keeping the Law of Chastity)

"When you are sexually pure, you prepare yourself to make and keep sacred covenants in the temple. You prepare yourself to build a strong marriage and to bring children into the world as part of an eternal and loving family. You protect yourself from the spiritual and emotional damage that come from sharing sexual intimacy outside of marriage. You also protect yourself from harmful diseases. Remaining sexually pure helps you to be confident and truly happy and improves your ability to make good decisions now and in the future." (For the Strength of Youth)

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.

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

Individual Responsibility - October 19, 2014

Natalie M. taught from Chapter 23: Individual Responsibility in the Joseph Fielding Smith manual with direction from the scriptures and Daughters in My Kingdom.

from “A Wide and Extensive Sphere of Action” in Daughters in My Kingdom

After break out groups discussed certain scriptures each reported some of the following findings:
We can only give ourself, recognizing it's personal and gradual.
Be cheerful and patient, Heavenly Father is there to get us through our burdens, turn to Him to get strength. He knows our problems and visits us in our afflictions.
See needs and do. Have faith, remain humble. Before we help others, we need to be able to take care of ourselves. Service by not having to constantly rely on others.
We can be more open to be angels to lift others.  Asking for and receiving help is part of being self-reliant, recognizing when you need help.
Do things in the Lord's way and time, don't be prideful.

• What can we do to teach children self reliance?

Start teaching skills at a young age, let them gain ownership. Give them space to be, to rely on The Lord.
Watch your attitude when serving or being self-reliant, don't be stressed out, see a need and get it done.
Be good example. "Cook your own turkey, put up your own tent"

The temple in our lives - October 12, 2014

Sue A. focused thoughts around the temple with insights from General Conference and Daughters in My Kingdom.

“Miss [Margaret] Cook … one day in conversation with me on the subject of a recent appeal for provisions, clothing, bedding and general supplies for the workmen and their families, remarked that she would be pleased to contribute needlework if it could be made available. I proffered material for her to make up, and suggested that others might feel as we did. We then [discussed] the subject of organizing a sewing society. The object of which should be to aid in the erection of the temple.

“About a dozen of the neighboring sisters by invitation met in my [home] the following Thursday.”

In that era, it was a popular practice for women to form their own organizations, often with constitutions and bylaws--sets of rules to govern the organizations. The women who met at Sarah Kimball’s home decided to establish a constitution and bylaws, and Eliza R. Snow accepted the responsibility to write them. Then the women asked Joseph Smith to review them and give his opinion of them. After the Prophet read them, he said they were “the best he had ever seen. ‘But,’ he said, ‘this is not what you want. Tell the sisters their offering is accepted of the Lord, and he has something better for them than a written constitution. I invite them all to meet with me and a few of the brethren … next Thursday afternoon, and I will organize the women under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood.’”
“Something Better”: The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo. Daughters in My Kingdom

Elder Russell M. Nelson taught, “As temples are prepared for the people, the people need to prepare themselves for the temple.”²

• How do you physically prepare to get to the temple?

Make a date with someone else, lunch, go for 2+ sessions, join with 9a-6p Thursday ladies, trade childcare, go with someone in a similar life phase, work around school schedules, early Saturday morning session gets you can be back by 10am, put it on the calendar early, just go, enjoy the drive, take babysitter with you, offer a ride/meet at church with someone else.

The temple is less busy earlier in the day, earlier in the week and earlier in the month.

• How do you prepare yourself spiritually?

Listening to lds.org recordings during daily activities; as Moses talked to God we can prepare to ask Him questions, what you bring to the altar.

'In Matthew 25 we read:

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

“And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. …

“[They that were] wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

“Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

“And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

“But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

“And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

“Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

“But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, Ye know me not.”⁵

I don’t think there is anyone, especially among those with tender hearts, who doesn’t feel sad for the foolish young women. And some of us just want to say to the others, “Can’t you just share so everyone can be happy?” But think about it. This is a story the Savior told, and He is the one who calls five of them “wise” and five of them “foolish.”

As we consider this parable as a pattern for temple preparation, consider the words of a latter-day prophet who taught that “the oil of spiritual preparedness cannot be shared.”⁶ President Spencer W. Kimball helped clarify why the five “wise” young women could not share the oil in their lamps with those who were “foolish” when he said: “Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions … —these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps.”⁷

Can you see the pattern of preparedness—drop by drop—that can help us as we think how we might be more diligent in our preparation to receive sacred ordinances for ourselves and others? What other small and simple things might we do to add precious spiritual drops of oil to our lamps of preparation?'
Linda K. Burton, Prepared in a Manner That Had Never Been Known, General Women's Meeting

Jane Clayson Johnson in an interview on the Mormon Channel, described a moment of choice when she chose to be modest and said we can lift others by our own example.
We can be an example.

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 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?

Lesson Summary May 11, 2014: "The Significance of the Sacrament"

Natalie M led the discussion using the Joseph Fielding Smith manual lesson #6 "The Significance of the Sacrament" 

Natalie started off the lesson sharing a story about her mother. She shared a discussion she had with her mother right before she passed away. Her mother wanted to be buried where she would get the most visitors. Her mother wanted to be remembered, just like the Savior wants us to remember him.

3 Nephi 18:7: 

7 And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

We meet every week to partake of the sacrament, and by partaking of the sacrament we remember Him. This is the most important part of the Sunday meeting.

Bible dictionary: Sacrifice

"Soon after Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, the Lord gave them the law of sacrifices, which included offering the firstlings of their flocks in a similitude of the sacrifice that would be made of the Only Begotten Son of God (Moses 5:4–8). Thereafter, whenever there were true believers on the earth, with priesthood authority, sacrifices were offered in that manner and for that purpose. This continued until the death of Jesus Christ, which ended the shedding of blood as a gospel ordinance. It is now replaced in the Church by the sacrament of the bread and the water, in remembrance of the offering of Jesus Christ."

How can we prepare ourselves each week for the sacrament?
different ideas were discussed, including taking advantage to prepare before hand.

The person who absents himself from a sacrament meeting week after week and month after month, and nothing prevents him from coming, is not loyal to the truth. He does not love it. If he did, he would be present to partake of these emblems—just a little piece of bread, a little cup of water. He would want to do that to show his love for the truth and his loyal service to the Son of God. (Joseph Fielding Smith manual) 

What can parents do to help children prepare to take the sacrament?

Ideas given: try not to play with toys/draw with crayons until sacrament over, appreciate people who set a good example to children of being reverent during the sacrament, love kids and be patient

Why do we partake of the sacrament? To remember the covenants we have made.
The sacramental prayer discusses these 4 covenants.

1. We eat in remembrance of the body of Jesus Christ, promising that we will always remember His wounded body slain upon the cross.

2. We drink in remembrance of the blood which was shed for the sins of the world, which atoned for the transgression of Adam, and which frees us from our own sins on condition of our true repentance.

3. We covenant that we will be willing to take upon us the name of the Son and always remember Him. In keeping this covenant we promise that we will be called by His name and never do anything that would bring shame or reproach upon that name.

4. We covenant that we will keep His commandments which He has given us; not one commandment, but that we will be willing to “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.” [D&C 84:44.]

How have these covenants influenced your life?
Susan W shared her experience:

Susan discussed how she took sacrament prayer for granted for a while.  She shared how her sons Timothy death has changed how she thinks of the sacrament. 

She discussed how her son was really determined in blessing the sacrament. Before he was able to bless the sacrament , he was told he needed to memorize the sacrament prayers. 3 weeks later he had sacrament prayers memorized.  He further talked to his bishop and got the blessing to recite the sacrament prayers. Of all the times he said the sacrament prayer (every week in whichever ward he attended) he never had to repeat the sacrament prayer. Since his death Susan listens to the sacrament prayer more closely every Sunday. 

D&C 59: 9-12 

What do we learn from these verses? Keep ourselves as unspotted from the world as possible

9 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;

 10 For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;

 11 Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;

 12 But remember that on this, the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.

The closing hymn was #185: Reverently and Meekly Now. This is the only hymn where Jesus is speaking to us.

Lesson Summary: June 23, 2013

Amanda V. taught the lesson from the talk Four Titles by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. We pondered together the titles each of us hold as a daughter of Heavenly Father, a disciple of Jesus Christ, a healer of souls and an heir of eternal life.

Daughter of Heavenly Father - we are loved by the Savior

• Why is the title of "daughter of Heavenly Father" so important and something we should never forget?

"It can be discouraging at times to know what it means to be a [daughter] of God and yet come up short. The adversary likes to take advantage of these feelings. Satan would rather that you define yourself by your sins instead of your divine potential. [Sisters], don’t listen to him.
"We have all seen a toddler learn to walk. He takes a small step and totters. He falls. Do we scold such an attempt? Of course not. What father would punish a toddler for stumbling? We encourage, we applaud, and we praise because with every small step, the child is becoming more like his parents." (2013 April General Conference, Four Titles, Priesthood Session - By  Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

The eternal perspective is what the Lord looks at.  As we step forward each day looking at life in an eternal perspective we will have the desire to come unto the Lord, understand Him, ourselves and through the Saviour will find the greatest joy we can obtain on this mortal journey and the eternities.

• What does it mean to you to be a daughter of God?  How much do you think of the title that you are a daughter of God?

2 Corinthians 6:17-18

"and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

• How can we constantly keep what it means to be a daughter of God in our lives?

The Lord wants us to succeed, he doesn't put stumbling blocks in our path to have us fail.

Disciples of Jesus Christ - as you follow the Savior you understand your individual role in the Lord's work

• What does a disciple of Jesus Christ look like to you?

3rd Nephi 15:12

"Ye are my disciples; and ye are a light unto this people..."

When we come unto Christ we come to know who we really are.

Healers of souls - love as the Savior loves

'It is our job to build up, repair, strengthen, uplift, and make whole. Our assignment is to follow the Savior’s example and reach out to those who suffer. We “mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”⁵ We bind up the wounds of the afflicted. We “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”⁶  ...

'The Savior is the worker of miracles. He is the great Healer. He is our example, our light, even in the darkest moments, and He shows us the right way.' (2013 April General Conference, Four Titles, Priesthood Session - By  Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Heirs of Eternal Life - the blessings/gifts from our Savior

'Do you not know that “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to [put to shame] the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to [put to shame] the things which are mighty”?¹⁰

Perhaps it is true that we are weak. Perhaps we are not wise or mighty. But when God works through us, no one and nothing can stand against us.¹¹ ' (2013 April General Conference, Four Titles, Priesthood Session - By  Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Empowerment and Sisterhood Event

Saturday we met together for 3 great workshops:
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Jeni W.
Sharing Medical Decision Making with Sue A.
Superhero Juice and Packing Healthy Picnics with Cathrine B. and Sheryl D.

Below are some of the supporting documents referenced by each leader.

Navigating Difficult Conversations
Click here for a copy of the presentation Jeni gave and here's a funny video that you can test your skill on.

 

Sharing Medical Decision Making

For the online toolkit from the American Bar Association, either click for the printable (.pdf) or straight to the site (.html).

Also click here for the fill-in family book .doc for storing all your important details in case you are incapacitated so your household can continue to function.

Superhero Juice and Packing Healthy Picnics

Superhero Juice recipe

2 carrots 

equal volume celery and cucumbers

1 green apple [all peeled if you're sensitive to pesticides] 

juice of 1 lime

1 lemon

touch of honey 

1 glass of water 

spinach or kale

First blend all but spinach/kale, then blend and add handfuls of spinach/kale until goo turns dark green. Pour over cloth covered bowls, pick up corners of cloth, twist to strain.  Serve over ice.

19 Perfect Picnic Menus (click here for .doc)

1. The Farmer’s Market
• Assorted cheeses
• Assorted cured meats, smoked salmon or trout
• In season fruit or raw veggies
• Bread or crackers

 

2. The All American
• Fried Chicken
• Potato Salad with Bacon
• Watermelon
• Chocolate Chip Cookies

3. Not Your Potluck Pasta Salad
• pesto pasta salad
• shrimp salad
• tomatoes with olive oil
• lemon bars

4. Far East Noodles
• spicy sesame or peanut noodle salad
• snap peas
• mochi

5. Mezze
• Salads: tabouli, cucumber and tomato salad
• Spreads: hummus, baba ganoush, flatbread
• Dolmas
• baklava

6. Asian Inspired
• Grilled flank steak with dipping sauce
• Sesame slaw
• Apricot bars

7. Latin flair
• Empanadas
• chili roasted cauliflower
• alfajores

8. Wrap It Up
• Chicken and avocado wrap
• nectarines with mint
• oatmeal sandwich cookies

9. Summer Rolls
• summer rolls
• tomato and watermelon salad
• coconut cupcakes

10. Picnic Tart
• roasted veggie and goat cheese tart
• marinated baby kale salad
• chocolate covered strawberries

11. Tuscany
• grilled panzanella
• rosemary grilled lamb loin
• lemon cake

12. Grain Salads
• Bulgur salad
• grilled asparagus or roasted green beans
• cashew caramel bars

13. Southwest
• Black bean salad
• Guacamole with pears and pomegranate/chips
• Chili chocolate brownies

14. Dip it
• Chicken tenders with honey mustard dip
• caprese salad skewers
• mixed melon salad
• s’more bars

15. Stromboli and Friends
• Stromboli and reuben bake
• Crudité
• almond cake

16. Vegan with a Vengeance
• Grilled Veggie Sandwich (minus goat cheese for true vegan)
• root veggie chips
• vegan chocolate truffles

17. Superfood
• quinoa, walnut and beet salad
• kale chips
• blueberry hand pies

18. Brunch
• rhubarb almond tart
• hard boiled eggs
• granola and greek yogurt
• bacon wrapped figs or melon

19. Scandinavian
• Smoked salmon smorrebrod
• pickled beets
• dilled cucumber salad
• berries and skyr

other recipes:

http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Kale-and-Chicken-Brown-Rice-Salad-with-Cherries

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/02/dining/02mini.html?_r=0

http://www.seriouseats.com/2013/03/southern-style-slaw-with-pecans-and-maple-dij.html

http://www.seriouseats.com/2013/01/asian-slaw-with-ginger-peanut-dressing.html

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/08/quinoa-salad-corn-tomatoes-avocado-lime-recipe.html

http://www.chow.com/recipes/11798-potato-salad-with-peas-and-mint

http://www.chow.com/recipes/29466-wild-rice-and-edamame-salad

http://leitesculinaria.com/76698/recipes-sausage-and-chutney-puffs.html

http://leitesculinaria.com/76442/recipes-zucchini-cake-lemon-poppyseed.html

http://leitesculinaria.com/82122/recipes-tomato-basil-tart.html

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Bean-Thread-Noodles-with-Pickled-Vegetables-51170220

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Rosemary-Cookies-with-Tomato-Jam-358790

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/World-Peace-Cookie-360733

Some Basics of Food Storage - Andrea L.

Most people are under the impression that Long-Term Food Storage is just that... Food purchased and Stored LONG TERM! (Or at least until you throw it away after a few years because you're sick of moving it or storing it or it has expired or all the kids have moved out!)

Here are a few tips that I have found helpful for long term food storage:
-If there's an item your family absolutely hates, don't buy it. Instead, substitute something similar or just buy more of a more familiar ingredient.
-If a family member is allergic to any of the basic food storage items, then don't purchase it. An emergency situation where you're hunkered down with 500 pounds of wheat is not the time to discover that someone in the family is allergic to gluten. So plan around food allergies now, while time is on your side.
-Begin incorporating recipes that contain these basic ingredients. There's no sense in stocking up on large bags of dried pinto beans, hoping your family will fall in love with them in a dire emergency, if they're not a part of your current diet. That's not the way it works, and if you've ever dealt with picky eaters, you know that!
-Take one basic staple, black beans, for example, that your family usually doesn't eat. Can you sneak a few of them in a bean dish you already make? If you make homemade refried beans, try using half black beans and half pinto. If you can slip one of these unfamiliar staples into a familiar dish, your family will become accustomed to the flavor and texture, and possibly discover a new favorite! Last fall we tried Cindy P.'s black bean brownies and other yummy black bean recipes.

Now, the secret of food storage pros is to have recipes that utilize these ingredients and begin incorporating them into your family's meals. Use up and replenish your food storage this way by writing down all the meals you enjoy for 1 or 2 weeks. Write down the ingredients you need to make those meals. Next time you go to the store, buy 2 of that meal. One to eat now, one to eat later. One sister I know of purchased a $25 bookcase from Walmart and put her 3 month's supply of food storage on that. You can store under beds, in back of closets, in baskets that sit on shelves, in footlockers, etc. You can stack your boxes from the Cannery four high, cover with fabric and you have a night stand. You can store like items together or you can store meal ingredients together.

The most important thing is to store what you and your family will eat.