tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76800547671212406072024-02-22T13:38:53.826-08:00Singing Time and Sunday School Welcome! I started this blog to share my ideas as a Primary singing time children's chorister but now that I'm a Sunday School teacher, I am also sharing other gospel-related inspiration. It's all about Come Follow Me!Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-83855235443673171912022-01-16T19:43:00.002-08:002022-01-16T19:44:05.578-08:00The Creation: The Miracle of Adam and Eve, and the true meaning of sacrifice<span id="docs-internal-guid-bb51364f-7fff-103d-a594-74f0a75e593d"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love the parallel of starting a new study of the Old Testament with the start of the new year because Genesis has so many new beginnings. In fact, have you ever thought about just how new it truly was?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Miracle of the Creation</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7680054767121240607/3181848435892752378#" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Genesis 1:2</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, it says: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the earth was without </span><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/1?lang=eng&id=2#note2a" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">a</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">form</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and void; and </span><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/1?lang=eng&id=2#note2b" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">b</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">darkness</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">was</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> upon the face of the deep. And the </span><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/1?lang=eng&id=2#note2c" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">c</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spirit</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of God </span><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/1?lang=eng&id=2#note2d" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">d</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">moved</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> upon the face of the waters.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/genesis?lang=eng" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bible dictionary for Genesis</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> talks about how many beginnings we find in this account, “the introduction of sin, the revelation of the gospel to Adam, the beginning of tribes and races, the origin of various languages at Babel …” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we read Genesis, it takes us through the creation and the priority in which the Lord created the earth:</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 1 - He made Light, and divided Day and Night.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 2 - He made the firmament, creating a sky for the earth.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 3 - He made land and seas and plants.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 4 - He made the stars and the moon</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 5 - He made the birds that flew through the air and the whales and animals that swam in the sea.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 6 - He made creatures on land, like deer, including Adam and Eve.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 7 - He rested.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Elder D. Todd Christofferson said, “Whatever the details of the creation process, we know that it was not accidental but that it was directed by God the Father and implemented by Jesus Christ.” (“</span><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why Marriage, Why Family</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,” D. Todd Christofferson, April 2015 General Conference)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This brings to mind a talk about sequential patterns and how the Lord teaches through sequential order:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"The sequential order in which the earth was created gives us a glimpse not only of what is most important to God but also why and for whom He created the earth." (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7680054767121240607/3181848435892752378#" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"A House of Sequential Order,"</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Vaiangina Sikahema, October 2021 General Conference) </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, even for many that don’t follow Christianity, next comes one of the most famous stories in the scriptures. For after the world was created, the Lord made Adam and put him in the garden of Eden, and then made Eve, so that man would not be alone. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Adam and Eve eventually partook of the forbidden fruit and were kicked out of the garden. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Blessing of Adam and Eve Leaving Eden</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, the piece I take for granted in the Creation story, because I grew up learning this, is the teachings from the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price about this story. In 2 Nephi 2:25, It says, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Think about this from two perspectives: For those that grew up studying the Book of Mormon, how has that truth impacted your life? And for those that have never heard this before, what exactly does that mean? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Nephi 2:26 goes on to clarify: “And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our </span><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-old-testament-2022/03?lang=eng" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Come Follow Me Study guide</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> reminds us that when we study the Fall of Adam and Eve we should “focus not on the seeming tragedy but on the possibilities - not on the paradise Adam and Eve lost but on the glory their choice allows us to receive.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many years ago, before President Nelson became the prophet of our church, he reminded us, “The very purpose of creation was to provide bodies, to enable these eagerly awaiting spirits to enjoy mortal life and experiences.” He then said, “</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Adam did his part. He became the first man. But, in spite of the power and glory of creation to that point, the final link in the chain of creation was still missing. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All the purposes of the world and all that was in the world would be brought to naught without woman—a keystone in the priesthood arch of creation.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (</span><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1987/10/lessons-from-eve?lang=eng" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Lessons from Eve,”</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Russell M. Nelson, October 1987 General Conference).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We learn this insight further in Moses 5:10-11:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; line-height: 1.5999959999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pearl of Great Price</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.92; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: -37pt;"><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10 </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.92; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: -37pt;"><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">11 </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The True Meaning of Sacrifice</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are so many beautiful things to glean from the opening chapters of Genesis, and the Moses account of this story. One of the biggest ones for me was the focus on sacrifice. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Adam and Eve left Eden they were asked to make a sacrifice.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moses 5:7 says:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7 </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It seems harsh that the Lord so thoroughly rejected Cain’s offering of produce from his field, but not when you realize what an insult it was, because of what the sacrifice was intended to represent. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, came down to this earth and suffered the worst agonies, he bled from every pore while he poured out his soul in prayer for us. All that he did, was for us, and to honor his Father. And this sacrifice represented that.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, note that even the sacrifice that Abel made wasn’t that big in the scheme of things. The Lord didn’t ask Abel to sacrifice his entire livestock and have nothing to eat. He asked “for </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord.” (Moses 5:5)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bishop L.Todd Budge explains this beautiful insight:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In modern usage, the term </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sacrifice</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has come to connote the concept of “giving up” things for the Lord and His kingdom. However, in ancient days, the meaning of the word </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sacrifice</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was more closely tied to its two Latin roots: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sacer</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, meaning “sacred” or “holy,” and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">facere</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, meaning “to make.”</span><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/52budge?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2021%2F10%2F52budge%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D5449106A5684655E-2BE92CC1984A1632%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1642390150#note2" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">2</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Thus, anciently </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sacrifice</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> meant literally “to make something or someone holy.”</span><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/52budge?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2021%2F10%2F52budge%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D5449106A5684655E-2BE92CC1984A1632%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1642390150#note3" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">3</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Viewed as such, sacrifice is a process of becoming holy and coming to know God, not an event or ritualistic “giving up” of things for the Lord. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(</span><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/52budge?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2021%2F10%2F52budge%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D5449106A5684655E-2BE92CC1984A1632%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1642390150" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Give Holiness to the Lord,”</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> L. Todd Budge, October 2021 General Conference)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He later states:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Sacrifice is less about ‘giving </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">up</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’ and more about ‘giving </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’ the Lord. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(</span><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/52budge?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2021%2F10%2F52budge%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D5449106A5684655E-2BE92CC1984A1632%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1642390150" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Give Holiness to the Lord,”</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> L. Todd Budge, October 2021 General Conference)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I close with these scriptures references in the Come Follow Me manual:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 4:5 - </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3499999999999999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/2-cor/9?lang=eng&id=7#p7" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Corinthians 9:7</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.92; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: -37pt;"><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7 </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">so let him give;</span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver</span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3499999999999999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/omni/1?lang=eng&id=26#p26" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Omni 1:26</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.92; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: -37pt;"><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">26 </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">… I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel …</span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/moro/7?lang=eng&id=6-11#p6" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moroni 7:6–11</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.92; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: -37pt;"><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">11 </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">… a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil.</span></p><br /></span>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-68302042856182930732021-11-28T11:33:00.003-08:002021-11-28T11:33:28.406-08:00Hearken and Prepare (Doctrine and Covenants 133-134)Here are some of the main slides we used in our discussion last week about hearkening and being prepared. Click on each image to view it at a larger size. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5mSg2G_DVzJcEmPsH5o-uAqssSc_7BkSE7nKcEbunDeRRigV8UGTuJoLLlTQXCQusd5fFvZRYo9Ez8N5IxvGJzSIQChK7KlbbkvMNCdR6uQF2qNNxdjvrC2BKuFGMs1ZywrOaVj4YQI/s1278/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.17.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1278" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5mSg2G_DVzJcEmPsH5o-uAqssSc_7BkSE7nKcEbunDeRRigV8UGTuJoLLlTQXCQusd5fFvZRYo9Ez8N5IxvGJzSIQChK7KlbbkvMNCdR6uQF2qNNxdjvrC2BKuFGMs1ZywrOaVj4YQI/w497-h282/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.17.53+PM.png" width="497" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fI9mlYxofyHS0ucYoz_wMJdpq4i9ExTtOsBzkxSm5HWMgIltM1iZCbWb4gBRFZoS-2O9IP7hGt0O_LRsEx4_c9gylsXQEqsTEVQ0d_c1TYTriwMMeulDUlid708Smmn0Q2dPjULPCGY/s1282/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.18.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPnS-FMcLkVCIZvVpjYAZScbFxUMQCnirEzv2mNpSICrLVRjcpST7fxwv0hETCwHIi02UfCLABVmSPYD6WwJZ2_7-xnUB19w1yaNyLe0XA1_TDwisU5zE-1omWrYRRMvSpVXpVSB15OY/s1277/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.26.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1277" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPnS-FMcLkVCIZvVpjYAZScbFxUMQCnirEzv2mNpSICrLVRjcpST7fxwv0hETCwHIi02UfCLABVmSPYD6WwJZ2_7-xnUB19w1yaNyLe0XA1_TDwisU5zE-1omWrYRRMvSpVXpVSB15OY/w457-h260/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.26.21+PM.png" width="457" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlN0I3q96pDFTquG3sGAEDGNdh3GUOeatZiQwFQegCQdCQ5ZVF85JwT57ZbOryuSGwu960p2XjXXKgRuLbVBlP7vawhkpf3Fffr47t8P1fP7vMKpNoh38M71rz3qdwlqw4Hi07tQqRZQ/s1278/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.26.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1278" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlN0I3q96pDFTquG3sGAEDGNdh3GUOeatZiQwFQegCQdCQ5ZVF85JwT57ZbOryuSGwu960p2XjXXKgRuLbVBlP7vawhkpf3Fffr47t8P1fP7vMKpNoh38M71rz3qdwlqw4Hi07tQqRZQ/w434-h246/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.26.46+PM.png" width="434" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/image/captain-moroni-title-liberty-82ae654?lang=eng&collectionId=4e5955fc6b4a4ece90d4a1250de26258">Captain Moroni Raises the Title of Liberty painting</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqvULF9tvb9397cvnJwe-jWk4Cbf7LSnbxHUK1NXIYuevJVl-iCaB5ayubfkwu8cM2Qy1JdJlxCe2Zgb1CjVwRHgojbm42mrXlvwjKgnunL0I4DZr8zVqpdwbSsLK7E3savhRHKI8Iuc/s715/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.26.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="605" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqvULF9tvb9397cvnJwe-jWk4Cbf7LSnbxHUK1NXIYuevJVl-iCaB5ayubfkwu8cM2Qy1JdJlxCe2Zgb1CjVwRHgojbm42mrXlvwjKgnunL0I4DZr8zVqpdwbSsLK7E3savhRHKI8Iuc/w389-h459/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.26.56+PM.png" width="389" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />We also had a discussion in class about things we do in our personal study to study and learn from the scriptures. Here <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2012-07-1050-advice-for-studying-the-scriptures?lang=eng">how Elder Bednar studies</a> here: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz3U_taYffD1VPFQGsLhsasDtgFE9_sdPX7nl1fqaSb-clNn51673rnKLXw4PFg2-TVv0-rNhKwgLGyu5sM8A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TBcCfvFes3iu32i2V-jb0NYhnODpfNSF_KDh1K8k4fzifWzC5HEioRljUMUMjOjyEPf-cDmjfY5gT7B2N_kNoaJwCeHjqF1fg-VCarXitD9nSWHm9FWYVY_lz3mhOgzMSpjoKSY4RLg/s1272/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.27.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1272" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TBcCfvFes3iu32i2V-jb0NYhnODpfNSF_KDh1K8k4fzifWzC5HEioRljUMUMjOjyEPf-cDmjfY5gT7B2N_kNoaJwCeHjqF1fg-VCarXitD9nSWHm9FWYVY_lz3mhOgzMSpjoKSY4RLg/w473-h268/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.27.03+PM.png" width="473" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qFSs4R1qTQU7ciq9JFjMYUzj0Ag6olQ0JzuyxugJx6fSt_R-d-Z9hpp_-sBuIT3TEq0T68thdg6KsB1wG9zFQKt4RnFV9owv56R48YpIp8ZVsdEViFA6JHr6US91hx68qBiohlXpsqw/s1272/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.27.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1272" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qFSs4R1qTQU7ciq9JFjMYUzj0Ag6olQ0JzuyxugJx6fSt_R-d-Z9hpp_-sBuIT3TEq0T68thdg6KsB1wG9zFQKt4RnFV9owv56R48YpIp8ZVsdEViFA6JHr6US91hx68qBiohlXpsqw/w476-h270/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.27.17+PM.png" width="476" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVh2eJrJyw1prJKmHLUcPtoj9ZLhsncUl85DMQkRzuOK9N8DRCoVt0vcSTnRGCTWdjZlnnLOB84ZNzkDB5k52F9cWdDDMgNsNDYZNKHlTi0VoZ4PLKSh8MnmsoL5XWkIURpwraGhBsAc/s1275/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.27.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1275" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVh2eJrJyw1prJKmHLUcPtoj9ZLhsncUl85DMQkRzuOK9N8DRCoVt0vcSTnRGCTWdjZlnnLOB84ZNzkDB5k52F9cWdDDMgNsNDYZNKHlTi0VoZ4PLKSh8MnmsoL5XWkIURpwraGhBsAc/w498-h281/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.27.24+PM.png" width="498" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1APxBTBEIkxIcG27_mA5ig53-uJp6pOcP9gBukdsHVfDrlZmWALb4nL-cpU241KeHrv93a-7J-0zLaPQoGlIZ4SVlXkzjIN58zCWSxJwGeTP0w7aAj0oMI6KWbzkyhAHvII2EgNgLsd0/s1273/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.27.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1273" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1APxBTBEIkxIcG27_mA5ig53-uJp6pOcP9gBukdsHVfDrlZmWALb4nL-cpU241KeHrv93a-7J-0zLaPQoGlIZ4SVlXkzjIN58zCWSxJwGeTP0w7aAj0oMI6KWbzkyhAHvII2EgNgLsd0/w495-h280/Screen+Shot+2021-11-28+at+12.27.38+PM.png" width="495" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-52775955564029504142021-11-09T00:55:00.004-08:002021-11-10T17:41:22.815-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 121-128: Sacrifice, Affliction, Baptism for the Dead, and Turning to Christ. We lightly covered a little bit of the last three sections of our Come Follow Me study on Sunday:<div><br /></div><div>1. Doctrine and Covenants 121-123, when Joseph Smith and others were unfairly imprisoned for four months. </div><div>2. Doctrine and Covenants 124, when Joseph Smith continued to build temples.</div><div>3. Doctrine and Covenants 125-128, which talks about doing work for those that have gone before us.<br /><br />I wish we had been able to cover more material but we had a great discussion. This is a highlight of some of the main quotes and videos focused mainly around the topic of adversity, some that we covered and some that we did not. If you were in my class, these slides are not in the order of our class discussion, but instead in chronological order of the sections. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Highlights from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121?lang=eng&id=1-6#p1">Doctrine and Covenants 121</a></b></div><div>Joseph Smith and several other men were imprisoned for four months in a small, dark, space. Quentin L. Cook (Quentin L. Cook, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/46cook?lang=eng">Personal Peace in Challenging Times</a>, October 2021) shared his thoughts about this in our last General Conference:</div><div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">"I was recently assigned to dedicate
a portion of historic Nauvoo. As part of the assignment, I was able to visit
Liberty Jail in Missouri. As I viewed the jail, I contemplated the events that
make it such a significant part of Church history. The lives of the Saints were
threatened as the result of an extermination order issued by the governor of
Missouri. In addition, the Prophet Joseph and a few choice associates had been
unjustly imprisoned in Liberty Jail. blessings. I was deeply moved as I read
what the Prophet Joseph Smith declared as he was confined in Liberty Jail:" </span> </div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQSd0meBm1opG9J4FYJN27VAlpB239jW1dJ8s7ysNPAVjrJq_10L5N8VjtTPwd8zAUoXn1c9_okUlCxlzFosv6VJnko4lRHHd0GWIkXRxi6QpT0xS42NUQCSZnA54WurOVqoLYu90s14/s1768/Screen+Shot+2021-11-09+at+1.25.39+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1768" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQSd0meBm1opG9J4FYJN27VAlpB239jW1dJ8s7ysNPAVjrJq_10L5N8VjtTPwd8zAUoXn1c9_okUlCxlzFosv6VJnko4lRHHd0GWIkXRxi6QpT0xS42NUQCSZnA54WurOVqoLYu90s14/w534-h304/Screen+Shot+2021-11-09+at+1.25.39+AM.png" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our own desires, rather than a feeling of
“Thy will be done,”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/where-is-the-pavilion?lang=eng">2</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> create
the feeling of a pavilion blocking God. God is not unable to see us or
communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen or submit to His will
and His time.</span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our feelings of separation from God will
diminish as we become more childlike before Him. That is not easy in a world
where the opinions of other human beings can have such an effect on our
motives. But it will help us recognize this truth: God is close to us and aware
of us and never hides from His faithful children.</span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Henry B. Eyring, “<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/where-is-the-pavilion?lang=eng">Where is the Pavilion?</a>” October 2012</span></p></div></blockquote><div><p>
<!--EndFragment--></p></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
we become humble enough to submit ourselves to the will of Heavenly Father, we
reflect the light of Jesus Christ, who </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">always</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> submitted
Himself to the will of the Father (see </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/john/6.38?lang=eng">John
6:38</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">; </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/27.13?lang=eng">3 Nephi
27:13</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).</span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adrian
Ochoa, “<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/07/the-choice-of-humility?lang=eng">The Choice of Humility</a>,” Ensign, July 2020</span></p></div><div><br /></div></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvREdt7Q2F0nBpNZREdJzp_AazbMEvKuvUPMXhFrfsFqqDNk-0TkYBxtpSzQ4ZP4DvZc4aNrRJe8t676zP3jVDng8dj2J_1w5aa91qpSQH8bDijnphMvE1tBH65ZqzD5f1gvCrDiBSKhY/s1702/Screen+Shot+2021-11-09+at+1.28.27+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1702" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvREdt7Q2F0nBpNZREdJzp_AazbMEvKuvUPMXhFrfsFqqDNk-0TkYBxtpSzQ4ZP4DvZc4aNrRJe8t676zP3jVDng8dj2J_1w5aa91qpSQH8bDijnphMvE1tBH65ZqzD5f1gvCrDiBSKhY/w512-h275/Screen+Shot+2021-11-09+at+1.28.27+AM.png" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">T</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">he
test a loving God has set before us is not to see if we can endure difficulty.
It is to see if we can endure it well. We pass the test by showing that we
remembered Him and the commandments He gave us.</span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry B.
Eyring, “<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/image/go-ye-therefore-and-teach-all-nations-9c32aa0?lang=eng&collectionId=ef646c735e11e16b220fbed971db2ba35cee6f66">In the Strength of the Lord</a>,” </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">Ensign</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> or </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">Liahona,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> May
2004, 17.</span></p></div></blockquote><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Elder Hales suffered greatly, with health problems and major surgeries. About adversity he said:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxG7qthTGD2GlLYqUQIcN_C0Y0StzrxSOqiJlAGRU6oumKg27cOVuUFu7VMFiDyk0bziYIYuQdxpg1awZ4o3Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>This excerpt was taken from the talk, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2000/11/the-covenant-of-baptism-to-be-in-the-kingdom-and-of-the-kingdom.kicker1?lang=eng#kicker1"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">The
Covenant of Baptism: </span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2000/11/the-covenant-of-baptism-to-be-in-the-kingdom-and-of-the-kingdom.kicker1?lang=eng#kicker1">To Be in the Kingdom and of the
Kingdom.</a>”</span></div>
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><div><br /></div><div><b>Highlights from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/126?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 126</a></b></div><div>The Lord tells Brigham Young that his offering is acceptable to the Lord. He had served several missions far from his family and it was more important for him at that point to be with his family.<br /><br />This reminds me of 3 Nephi 17, which was the time when the Savior had been crucified, and then resurrected, visited the people in the Americas, after many signs, including darkness for three days. The people had gone to the temple in the land of Bountiful when the Savior appeared. Of that time period, Bruce C. Hafen says: </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"The
people in 3 Nephi 17 [</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/17?lang=eng">3
Ne. 17</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">] had
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">survived destruction, doubt, and darkness just to get to the temple with Jesus.
After listening to Him for hours in wonder, they grew too weary to comprehend
Him. As He prepared to leave, they tearfully looked at Him with such total
desire that He stayed and blessed their afflicted ones and their children. They
didn’t even understand Him, but they wanted to be </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">with
Him</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> more
than they wanted any other thing. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">So</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;"> He stayed. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Their</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">almost</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;"> was
enough.</span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">Almost</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> is especially enough when our own
sacrifices somehow echo the Savior’s sacrifice, however imperfect we are. We
cannot really feel charity—Christ’s love for others—without at least tasting
His suffering for others, because the love and the suffering are but two sides
of a single reality. When we really are afflicted in the afflictions of other
people, we may enter “the fellowship of his sufferings”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/the-atonement-all-for-all?lang=eng">27</a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> enough
to become joint-heirs with Him.</span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bruce
C. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hafen</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,
“The Atonement: All f</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">or All,” General Conference, April 2004</span></i></p></div></blockquote><div>
<!--StartFragment-->
<p style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></p></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Highlights from </b><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/127?lang=eng&id=2-4#p2" style="font-weight: bold;">Doctrine and Covenants 127</a><b> </b><br />Joseph Smith had been falsely accused, and to avoid imprisonment, was hiding out in friends' homes. In the meantime, he wrote letters, much like Paul did as he traveled around preaching and teaching the gospel, often with what he called "a thorn in his side." He starts his letter to members in this section as follows:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cZeWj409CiDphPUz9X_AaVQbFBva3G7MN4bCMMESRUs4jRYn4Z2LKkvGtCH-0R6JHZnYKzNWPdnflSVhDdEbalmOIsfVLHSNGH525b4QbjrhNlkZnWNv3GTZw68YztxMv3_wEj1EBaQ/s1758/Screen+Shot+2021-11-08+at+11.35.12+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1758" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cZeWj409CiDphPUz9X_AaVQbFBva3G7MN4bCMMESRUs4jRYn4Z2LKkvGtCH-0R6JHZnYKzNWPdnflSVhDdEbalmOIsfVLHSNGH525b4QbjrhNlkZnWNv3GTZw68YztxMv3_wEj1EBaQ/w537-h304/Screen+Shot+2021-11-08+at+11.35.12+PM.png" width="537" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Joseph himself draws parallels to Paul. We can gain further insight from this observation by Seely:<br /><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">The Prophet Joseph Smith must have felt a deep kinship with the Apostle Paul. </span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> <span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">Both began their service to the Lord through a life-changing vision.</span> </li></ul><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">Both were true to the vision they received and acted with unrelenting faith and courage to fulfill their missions, bearing testimony to a skeptical world (see </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.24-25?lang=eng#p24" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">JS—H 1:24–25</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">).</span> </li></ul><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">And both sealed their testimonies with their blood as witnesses to the gospel they had so fervently preached throughout their lives.</span> </li></ul><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1999/08/paul-untiring-witness-of-christ?lang=eng">"Paul, Untiring Witness of Christ,"</a> by David Rolph Seely and Jo Ann H. Seely</i></p></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Some observations about affliction:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
faced with unfairness, we can push ourselves away from God or we can be drawn
toward Him for help and support. For example, the prolonged warfare between the
Nephites and the Lamanites affected people differently. Mormon observed that
“many had become hardened” while others “were softened because of their
afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/">25</a></span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">Dale
G. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">Renlund</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">,
<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/25renlund?lang=eng13">“Infuriating Unfairness</a>,” April 2021 General Conference</span></p></div></blockquote><div>
<!--StartFragment-->
<p style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Do not let unfairness harden you or
corrode your faith in God. Instead, ask God for help. Increase your
appreciation for and reliance on the Savior. Rather than becoming bitter, let
Him help you become better.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/">26</a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> Allow
Him to help you persevere, to let your afflictions be “swallowed up in the joy
of Christ.”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/">27</a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> Join
Him in His mission “to heal the brokenhearted,”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/">28</a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> <br /></span></p></div><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">
strive to mitigate </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">unfairness,
and</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">
become a stonecatcher.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/">29</a></span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 14.4px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">Dale G. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">Renlund</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/25renlund?lang=eng13">“Infuriating Unfairness,”</a> April 2021 General Conference</span></p></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Doctrine and Covenants 124:4 also has a focus on temple work:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
I was serving as the Executive Director of the Temple Department, I heard
President Gordon B. Hinckley refer to this scripture spoken by the Lord
about the Nauvoo Temple: “</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let the work of my temple</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, and
all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease;
and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be
redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/16rasband.p26,p27,p28?lang=eng">12</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"> (D&C:127:4)</span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our
work in the temple is tied to our eternal reward. Recently we have been put to
the test. The Lord has called us to work in the temples with “diligence, …
perseverance, and patience.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; vertical-align: super;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/16rasband.p26,p27,p28?lang=eng">13</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Being
“recommended to the Lord” requires those qualities. We must be diligent in
living the commandments, persevere in our attention to our temple covenants,
and be grateful for what the Lord continues to teach about them and be patient
as we wait for temples to reopen in their fulness.</span> </p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ronald A. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rasband</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,
<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/16rasband.p26,p27,p28?lang=eng">“Recommended to the Lord,”</a> October 2020 General</span></i></p></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Highlights from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/128?lang=eng&id=17#p17">Doctrine and Covenants 128</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In Doctrine and Covenant 128, the Saints learned about Baptism for the Dead, that work could be done for those that died without learning about the gospel. This was a huge relief for Joseph Smith, who had struggled and worried about his brother Alvin, that had died. There is a great video about it here, called <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2013-08-0001-glad-tidings-the-history-of-baptisms-for-the-dead?lang=eng">Glad Tidings: The History of Baptisms for the Dead</a>. <br /><br />Here are some thoughts about temple work:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Jesus’s
Atonement </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
behalf of all represents a great vicarious sacrifice. He set the pattern under
which He became a proxy for all mankind. This pattern under which one man can
act </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
behalf of another is carried forward in the ordinances of the house of the
Lord. Here we serve </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
behalf of those who have died without a knowledge of the gospel. Theirs is the
option to accept or reject the ordinance which is performed. They are placed on
an equal footing with those who walk the earth. The dead are given the same
opportunity as the living. Again, what a glorious and wonderful provision the
Almighty has made through His revelation to His Prophet”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Gordon B.
Hinckley, “</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2005/04/the-great-things-which-god-has-revealed?lang=eng&para=42">The
Great Things Which God Has Revealed</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,” </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">Ensign</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> or </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: italic;">Liahona,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> May
2005, 82<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">83).</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 26pt;"> </span></div></blockquote>
<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many
of your ancestors did not receive those ordinances. But in the providence of
God, you did. And God knew that you would feel drawn to your ancestors in love
and that you would have the technology necessary to identify them. He also knew
that you would live in a time when access to holy temples, where the ordinances
can be performed, would be greater than ever in history. And He knew that He
could trust you to accomplish this work </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> behalf of your ancestors.</span></p></div><div><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry
B. Eyring, “<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/gathering-the-family-of-god?lang=eng">Gathering the Family of God</a>,” April</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 2017 General Conference</span></p></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are quite a few videos in the Come Follow Me for Sunday School manual related to Baptisms for the Dead. This is just a few of the ones I considered highlighting for the class. I wish we had time to watch them.<br /><br /></div><div>A Visit from Father - President Russell M. Nelson shares a personal family history story that bears testimony of the importance of temple and family history work for all families."<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQNnTpukRo5aK3UXLHvig2KK4xr13GIQDjwjqtPQ98_WchoEWiRlvwXz3ou0yBzCjDCeHQRVnN1Uuv6Piz9A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Connected to Eternal Families<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy4kP6ccQHURHaDe2yU98ewXRVNv6g22LTOCMXmZGtQW9Vid9-psUOkVXgQT768rk3ZGJhFk2M3p67WCOSxKA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>If We Put God First</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxwdcz9Ubogwa8cLmo8vh6Yk9r9uk23PrTd7ali42r7Hj1lifVNOhRKNPBgwO_sQhuVE9tpf0sDnUaOEWnjig' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Redeeming the Dead Redeemed Me<br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz5C3H8YqK8Ei-5XxJIR7PKTUCnyo2tp7E9Au5EB4IxVvZgMVyen3PVlF5DprX3u1gl8ehIV8XNojb_TBZ1ZA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-1081745593617063612021-08-02T01:51:00.001-07:002021-08-02T01:51:37.993-07:00Doctrine and Covenants 81-84 - On Priesthood Power and Helping Our NeighborI'd like to share a few questions and quotes that I used in my lesson today. This are not all of the slides but I did want to highlight the most significant ones:<div><br /></div><div>Doctrine and Covenants 84:17-28</div><div><b>How would your life be different without the priesthood of God?</b></div><div>In October 1995, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/10/blessings-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng">"Blessings of the Priesthood,"</a> Elder Robert D. Hales said:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kR4PF7hAT93G6NpuNZYdB3sWkH1fVuE5NKx_fnT-tqIHG6AQaEvdtQivXx5-cSaVlVGMWveqkYSJVOKMjA3ExBRGFs6FjppmFFXk8-lz6x9fdEOmU8gaYp7tO3165WwedQ5ffdX3tjI/s836/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.27.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="836" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kR4PF7hAT93G6NpuNZYdB3sWkH1fVuE5NKx_fnT-tqIHG6AQaEvdtQivXx5-cSaVlVGMWveqkYSJVOKMjA3ExBRGFs6FjppmFFXk8-lz6x9fdEOmU8gaYp7tO3165WwedQ5ffdX3tjI/w469-h402/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.27.42+AM.png" width="469" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Why are you grateful for the priesthood? What experiences have you had with priesthood power - in your families, callings, or personal lives?</b><div>M. Russell Ballard spoke at a BYU Devotional in August 2013, called <a href="https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/m-russell-ballard/let-us-think-straight-2/">"Let Us Think Straight."</a> He said:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjA6dY0IGS0v1I1XpGqJDpTBbRq5KrF0LAqgfyrpKLtXYsfj9G-0OmYOVa72IMQrFFmqmRLcqOcDNKd_bshV3-Tb3qFFzDTALp9aLDxvq_klCqut6so8jptxK4LSwaCC0If5Re8EZRXE/s856/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.32.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="856" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjA6dY0IGS0v1I1XpGqJDpTBbRq5KrF0LAqgfyrpKLtXYsfj9G-0OmYOVa72IMQrFFmqmRLcqOcDNKd_bshV3-Tb3qFFzDTALp9aLDxvq_klCqut6so8jptxK4LSwaCC0If5Re8EZRXE/w489-h419/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.32.32+AM.png" width="489" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>How do we gain access to the power of the priesthood?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Linda K. Burton, the 16th General President of the Relief Society from 2012-2017 spoke in June 2014, in a talk called, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2014/06/priesthood-power-available-to-all?lang=eng">Priesthood Power - Available to All."</a> She said:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGjO_ZU0JYuGvsNdVYZvRfimZcnbzvJe6hVs3Agi1CIenkZyCdZDXMsNG9FpT9KwGXZyf-oYO6LxaHRnc17TuMo_xgI_joMNhmpeDUNV4FmhndblPZJ7OYSyb6bN6LvpqaqNEe5D8wj0/s702/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.35.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="702" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGjO_ZU0JYuGvsNdVYZvRfimZcnbzvJe6hVs3Agi1CIenkZyCdZDXMsNG9FpT9KwGXZyf-oYO6LxaHRnc17TuMo_xgI_joMNhmpeDUNV4FmhndblPZJ7OYSyb6bN6LvpqaqNEe5D8wj0/w421-h369/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.35.05+AM.png" width="421" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Come Follow Me manual for Sunday School emphasizes that EVERYONE works with priesthood power. This snippet is from when we studied Doctrine and Covenants 20:38-60.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhRe_UU6yQ1yEIMpglbyq4ctR4OLvawIChbTh37cvbnjOaRFo8cG80hZGVPMX1JNIPKQ3KdEVliyJcfAyeNFPxMaLW0ktO693toiOEnClMNPcz1Kh95bM0645pou5KmU-Xa6prGGbZtg/s1217/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.36.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1217" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhRe_UU6yQ1yEIMpglbyq4ctR4OLvawIChbTh37cvbnjOaRFo8cG80hZGVPMX1JNIPKQ3KdEVliyJcfAyeNFPxMaLW0ktO693toiOEnClMNPcz1Kh95bM0645pou5KmU-Xa6prGGbZtg/w503-h283/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.36.27+AM.png" width="503" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also learn that the Lord sustains all those who serve him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXwgfULZMzKy8_8At710KqSo06zykBCSSmvYqkG3Jbz4fWP_pZ94GZ7XIdryrCU645gcz_-D2Dm5KXBYw_gbjqlDWT9RLq9KgBV1wUcAI-0f1udElKfLaFuwouP-NgnyspUUd1RvNPFw/s1313/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.38.37+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1313" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXwgfULZMzKy8_8At710KqSo06zykBCSSmvYqkG3Jbz4fWP_pZ94GZ7XIdryrCU645gcz_-D2Dm5KXBYw_gbjqlDWT9RLq9KgBV1wUcAI-0f1udElKfLaFuwouP-NgnyspUUd1RvNPFw/w472-h267/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.38.37+AM.png" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPQc3YAZhAqfLRkbSwSVmsbtNjthVxA1SxdJskhLZ9SnwM8XnZatj1mzcbMpqtUhgUzw96TUTvAeD9YG4uvHNgQ1a8QuUJpFl5ccVHyYAQz4tLa2Tad_9OJkyYm86jaomnfSSnUSwZgU/s1234/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.39.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1234" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPQc3YAZhAqfLRkbSwSVmsbtNjthVxA1SxdJskhLZ9SnwM8XnZatj1mzcbMpqtUhgUzw96TUTvAeD9YG4uvHNgQ1a8QuUJpFl5ccVHyYAQz4tLa2Tad_9OJkyYm86jaomnfSSnUSwZgU/w472-h259/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.39.41+AM.png" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the scripture above, what might the phrase "feeble knees" mean? How can we "strengthen" those with feeble knees?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfFB9YSGEzMZs-0ctwCZANpZv5hktk0gI9DwFha17LDzW5I1_JkIc9JrWirha2yiwhQeOV3D9vxyJl9nEblehDxD1liHbL6nrs1IEKvSzwkh0GJnkDndHvb3CR3ugQsdVXDhKhHsl8RI/s1322/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.41.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1322" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfFB9YSGEzMZs-0ctwCZANpZv5hktk0gI9DwFha17LDzW5I1_JkIc9JrWirha2yiwhQeOV3D9vxyJl9nEblehDxD1liHbL6nrs1IEKvSzwkh0GJnkDndHvb3CR3ugQsdVXDhKhHsl8RI/w448-h252/Screen+Shot+2021-08-02+at+2.41.15+AM.png" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elder Ashton, in the talk, "Strengthen the Feeble Knees," goes on to say, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">In
March of 1832 when this section was revealed, Church members had reason to be
fearful. In Hiram, Ohio, where the Prophet Joseph Smith was living, there was a
rising tide of hostility against the Saints. Joseph and Sidney Rigdon were
brutally attacked by a mob of fifty men.</span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Those
who would destroy at the present time no longer use tar and feathers; they
taunt and fault.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Today,
almost 160 years later, there is no doubt in my mind that the admonition to
strengthen feeble knees is more apropos than ever.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Who
among us has not experienced feeble knees or fear and uncertainty over the
responsibilities we encounter in this mortal existence?"</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">-
Strengthen the Feeble Knees, Marvin J. Ashton, General Conference October 1991</span></p></blockquote>
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some videos that I didn't have time to share in class today that I highly recommend:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2014-11-0009-works-of-god?lang=eng">Works of God</a> - 4 minutes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2012-05-1608-teachings-of-thomas-s-monson-rescuing-those-in-need?lang=eng&collectionId=b7b64b72a6784fd3a91a0f77326cfd72">Teachings of Thomas S. Monson: Rescuing Those in Nee</a>d - 6 minutes</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-35807808797928476552021-07-25T02:30:00.003-07:002021-07-25T02:31:17.812-07:00For Primary Choristers (and Teachers): A Prize Wheel<p>I searched for and looked into making a Prize Wheel for every year that I was in Primary. I never felt right about spending the Primary budget on one, nor could I find one in a price range that I felt was reasonable for its intended purpose, which was light use maybe once a quarter. I even bought a lid from Home Depot and started trying to fashion on myself (but then stopped when I moved onto a new calling ... but the weight thing was a little tough anyway. It has to be perfectly balanced or it will always land on the same triangle).</p><p>So, I'm thrilled to share that IKEA has a prize wheel for only $25 (plus ~$5 for shipping). </p><p><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/lustigt-prize-wheel-game-30387038/">https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/lustigt-prize-wheel-game-30387038/</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt4AxOKZ5UIbhnZOFQqMydtxuLRiMwdFXvBA8KCwvMtoZ62Y0VaIVvPqPQYW0hRksVpdTzX9qp3AjYXdKIAO8OTDS426l9sgDNWrqIGr14GIECVVNMTdXLZeI2pUWEegYZO9yYtkPJgU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="976" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt4AxOKZ5UIbhnZOFQqMydtxuLRiMwdFXvBA8KCwvMtoZ62Y0VaIVvPqPQYW0hRksVpdTzX9qp3AjYXdKIAO8OTDS426l9sgDNWrqIGr14GIECVVNMTdXLZeI2pUWEegYZO9yYtkPJgU/" width="241" /></a></div><br />If you have an IKEA in your area, you can check to see if they have it in stock. Not surprisingly, it is out of stock in Draper so I am having one shipped to me. If you have been considering one, I'd run to grab this before it is out of stock. It is the best price I have seen on a quality prize wheel, and better made than the ones I considered that were more expensive, based on the fact that I can see at least some of this birch plywood instead of being entirely made out of plastic.<p></p><p>Some IDEAS for using a Prize Wheel as a Primary Chorister:</p><p>1. Choosing WHAT song to sing. There are so many spaces that you can either make large pie slices so there are fewer options (just tape to wheel) or you can put the song and verse to break it up further.</p><p>2. Choosing HOW to sing a song (girls only, boys only, staccato, whisper, standing on one leg, while hopping on one leg, facing the back of the room, etc.)</p><p>3. Choosing WHO gets to come up to the front of the room for something, depending on how many people you have in in your primary. Or, for a larger primary, you can narrow down to which class.</p><p>4. Choosing HOW many points the class gets toward a common goal</p><p>5. Choosing how many more notes the pianist will play toward guessing what song she is singing (so it would be a bunch of low numbers, 1, 2, 3, 4, which repeat.) </p><p>etc. </p><p>So many things you could do with a prize wheel! See why I always wanted one? If you decide to buy one, and need some help with how to use it, feel free to ask questions below. If you list the songs you want to work on and any goals for that day, I can help you figure out out a fun way to use the wheel!</p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-77344827649977847382021-05-16T00:38:00.004-07:002021-05-16T00:38:25.247-07:00We can edify and rejoice together - that which is of God is light<p>One of the great beauties of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that because we are all equals, and we are all children of a loving father, we all have the opportunity to grow and enhance our spiritual gifts together. He wants to give to us all generously and has given us ways to learn and improve and take full advantage of <a href="https://singingmagic.blogspot.com/2021/05/blessings-and-gifts-from-god-doctrine.html">the gifts with which he has blessed us</a>.</p><p>One of the blessings from the Lord is the opportunity to edify and help each other grow and learn. In Doctrine and Covenants 50:13-22, the Lord talks about the roles of the Spirit, teachers, and students. </p><p>In verse 22 it says:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another and both are edified and rejoice together." </p></blockquote><p>In verse 24 it says:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." </p></blockquote><p>There is so much we can learn from these verses. When we work together to edify one another, we all benefit. It reminds me of one of my favorite sayings, "Rising tides raise all boats." In addition, when we bring light into our lives, it grows and grows. There is no limit to growing our light. What an amazing blessing! </p><p>A couple of weeks ago in Sunday School I emphasized a scripture and talk from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/14newman?lang=eng">Jan E. Newman</a> that I did not share on my blog. I want to share it now because it feels so relevant to Doctrine and Covenants 49-50, and the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/20?lang=eng">Come Follow Me</a> study emphasis: "That Which is of God is Light."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsiqkWB4TrAf9jnEQA0BeHJ4dd4coLzJQ2VwtbDKV2ZPhltOiryDTuyszClB-A62buHzJZaLAtHIwplJxcb9fqUAtEaalGmKe2u-nub_3_rCHbtMp7HS2QqzdnRpKHHtgXacrZ_2jlz4/s1127/Screen+Shot+2021-05-16+at+1.15.17+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1127" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsiqkWB4TrAf9jnEQA0BeHJ4dd4coLzJQ2VwtbDKV2ZPhltOiryDTuyszClB-A62buHzJZaLAtHIwplJxcb9fqUAtEaalGmKe2u-nub_3_rCHbtMp7HS2QqzdnRpKHHtgXacrZ_2jlz4/w440-h249/Screen+Shot+2021-05-16+at+1.15.17+AM.png" width="440" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh6zVM973V3YLgRQMX97HRaTS6pS4zsWuyK3VMn3IyFwOna3T74XQ9KkAokmuiuO7V4Q9YI2JBEeKEMzKRfnB7knAEMskktAf8X4vpEC5CaPHAMoKuDTD_7KrfMadTkkNjW7-Q7E0-bI/s777/Screen+Shot+2021-05-16+at+1.15.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="777" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh6zVM973V3YLgRQMX97HRaTS6pS4zsWuyK3VMn3IyFwOna3T74XQ9KkAokmuiuO7V4Q9YI2JBEeKEMzKRfnB7knAEMskktAf8X4vpEC5CaPHAMoKuDTD_7KrfMadTkkNjW7-Q7E0-bI/w449-h345/Screen+Shot+2021-05-16+at+1.15.26+AM.png" width="449" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we gather as a class, we shouldn't expect the teacher to talk at us. We should expect an open discussion where we can contribute not just what the Spirit whispers to us at that time, but what we learned in our homes and in our personal study. Some of the most edifying things I have learned in class were comments from parents that shared an experience about learning in their homes. For example, one sister shared that her child has anxiety. They had recently studied an ancestor of theirs together and learned that this ancestor also had anxiety. It gave the young girl a special connection with her ancestor that comforted her. It was a a powerful example to me during a lesson where we discussed family history work and learning as a family. I would not have that memorable story in my heart and mind had that young mother not decided to speak up and share her experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During General Conference in April, Jan E. Newman, the second counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, talked about this:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IZDC0xgk-QQEbyVHfvoTeX7O74ec8OrElSmDZvzbbw0BQ-rgHTKUo4YTztmPUt4xnf9iNpRIZhqKxXdOMWusBWZsBD0vLHvDIPYbLZy0DnIkKDPP_2qxhi7HGJMCildzFGBgo-9kKlU/s662/Screen+Shot+2021-05-16+at+1.15.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="662" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IZDC0xgk-QQEbyVHfvoTeX7O74ec8OrElSmDZvzbbw0BQ-rgHTKUo4YTztmPUt4xnf9iNpRIZhqKxXdOMWusBWZsBD0vLHvDIPYbLZy0DnIkKDPP_2qxhi7HGJMCildzFGBgo-9kKlU/w442-h380/Screen+Shot+2021-05-16+at+1.15.33+AM.png" width="442" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/14newman?lang=eng">Talk link here.<br /></a><br /></div><br /><p>To me, this is why is significant in Matthew 18:20 that, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." </p><p>What a powerful thing! That we can pray to Heavenly Father in our minds and in our hearts but we can also gather together to have him in our midst. </p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-58368803442069910442021-05-13T01:11:00.000-07:002021-05-13T01:11:17.148-07:00Blessings and gifts from God (Doctrine and Covenants 46-48)<p>The <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/19?lang=eng">Come Follow Me</a> study for Doctrine and Covenants 46-48 is called, "Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts." This is because Doctrine and Covenants 46 talks about how everyone is given at least one gift, so that we can go out and do good in the world with our gift.</p><p><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/46.7-33?lang=eng#p7#7">Doctrine and Covenants 46:11-12</a> says:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="verse active-item" data-aid="128368335" id="p11" style="--height: 57.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>For all have not every <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note11a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>gift</a> given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.</p><p class="verse active-item" data-aid="128368337" id="p12" style="--height: 57.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.</p></blockquote><p>It is an incredible thing that our Father in Heaven is blessing each one of us with at least one gift, and that we not take that gift for granted. I talked about <a href="https://singingmagic.blogspot.com/2020/12/moroni-10-come-unto-christ-and-be.html">Spiritual Gifts</a> in December last year, <a href="https://singingmagic.blogspot.com/2020/12/moroni-10-come-unto-christ-and-be.html">here</a> so I don't want to re-write all that I shared previously. Instead, I'll comment that the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/19?lang=eng">Come Follow Me for Sunday School manual</a> asks:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">The Lord declared that gifts of the Spirit benefit those who are faithful and are “not for a sign” (</span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/46.9?lang=eng#p9" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">verse 9</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">). Perhaps class members could discuss how spiritual gifts benefit the faithful. How can these gifts help those who want to gain or strengthen their testimony of the gospel?</span></blockquote><p>This question made me think of an experience that I had over ten years ago. I was working for Hewlett-Packard, in a very busy and stressful role, when my bishop called me into his office and asked if I would be the new Girl's Camp director. He was not releasing me from my calling as Primary chorister, which was also a very busy calling that I put a lot of time into (as you know if you found this article through my original purpose of this blog, to share chorister activity ideas!). I thought, "How am I going to take a week off work at this time, and handle my workload and my other calling, too?" However, I accepted the calling and put my all into it, which for me meant that I was putting in hours of work every night for weeks and weeks to prepare for camp. </p><p>However, the week of camp finally came around and when I got to camp, I realized that I did most of the prep work before camp and that while I was camp, I could mostly just relax. I unexpectedly realized I was on a week-long vacation that I would not have taken from work on my own. I did sacrifice some things of course. My birthday happened during camp and I couldn't celebrate it with my husband the way I prefer. However, while at camp, I had an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. I love to be outside and I love to camp! Then, when I returned from camp, I suddenly had a couple of great job opportunities pop up, one of which I accepted. I truly feel that the Lord blessed me for my obedience. The Lord answers prayers in his own time and way for reasons that he can see that we cannot but at that time, it reminded me of the words, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."</p><p>I share this as I look at the gifts described in Doctrine and Covenants 46, and this verse 26:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse-number" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">26 </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px;">And all these </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">gifts</span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px;"> come from God, for the benefit of the </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">children</span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px;"> of God.</span></p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-23730238174948738812021-05-04T23:16:00.002-07:002021-05-04T23:16:03.673-07:00"You are not alone. Jesus is here."<p> I felt this message from a newly divorced single mom really was a great example about some of the things we talked about in <a href="https://singingmagic.blogspot.com/2021/05/doctrine-and-covenants-45-promises.html">Sunday School on Sunday</a>, as it touches on the discussion around turning to the Lord, and it'll all be okay, and how we can all teach each other, even the little ones.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxfF7yUVLEg3n4h4DYcg5XJq4a23uEBAYlbSf0tJi3wo3fSPn_VGMyUBk7mEXcS3BBkMbnDlqjRH9oqvvQomU4WkFTs7lcFuTPRdWX9MFaSe0T84-H5fUYmeWuNzys3YL_HzFlqXpMs0/s1638/Screen+Shot+2021-05-05+at+12.01.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1638" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxfF7yUVLEg3n4h4DYcg5XJq4a23uEBAYlbSf0tJi3wo3fSPn_VGMyUBk7mEXcS3BBkMbnDlqjRH9oqvvQomU4WkFTs7lcFuTPRdWX9MFaSe0T84-H5fUYmeWuNzys3YL_HzFlqXpMs0/w522-h383/Screen+Shot+2021-05-05+at+12.01.43+AM.png" width="522" /></a><br /><br /></div><h2 class="_6lAjh " style="-webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #262626; display: inline-flex; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class=" Igw0E IwRSH eGOV_ _4EzTm ItkAi " style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-direction: normal; -webkit-box-flex: 0; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: start; align-items: stretch; border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 0 0 auto; font: inherit; margin: 0px 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; place-content: stretch flex-start; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Jv7Aj mArmR MqpiF " style="border: 0px; display: inline; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">@<a class="sqdOP yWX7d _8A5w5 ZIAjV " href="https://www.instagram.com/churchofjesuschrist/" style="appearance: none; background: 0px 0px transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: inherit; user-select: auto; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" tabindex="0">churchofjesuschrist</a></span></div><div class=" Igw0E IwRSH eGOV_ _4EzTm ItkAi " style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-direction: normal; -webkit-box-flex: 0; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: start; align-items: stretch; border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 0 0 auto; font: inherit; margin: 0px 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; place-content: stretch flex-start; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="mTLOB Szr5J coreSpriteVerifiedBadgeSmall" style="background-image: url("/static/bundles/es6/sprite_core_2x_bcd90c1d4868.png/bcd90c1d4868.png"); background-position: -428px -142px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 440px 411px; border: 0px; display: block; flex-shrink: 0; font: inherit; height: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-indent: 110%; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: nowrap; width: 12px;" title="Verified">Verified</span></div></h2><p><span class="" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“This last year I became a single mom. While it has been the worst of times, it has also been the best as I have felt buoyed up and loved in so many other ways. I have two little boys. They are 15 months apart. They love me not because of what I do but because I am theirs. Their love is unconditional. That is now my job as a mom. It doesn’t matter what they do or what they don’t do. It is to help them know that I love them, their heavenly parents love them, and that that will never change. Going through hard times is part of this life, but I want them to know that I will always be here for them no matter what.<br /><br />“I have always felt that motherhood is a partnership with fatherhood. Going through the divorce, I often felt so hurt and scared and alone and worried that I am going to have to do this alone. I remember feeling this way and asking my oldest son, ‘How do you feel now that Daddy lives in a different house and we are all alone?’ He simply and beautifully replied, ‘Mommy, we aren’t alone. Jesus is here.’ It made me realize that I co-parent with Him. I let Him take on part of that role that I felt was missing. This has been such a comfort to me. You aren’t alone in motherhood, even if you’re single like I am. You get to partner with our Savior. He knows our pain and what we are going through, and He is the perfect partner on this journey.” —Rachel<br /><br />This week, may we give thanks to our mothers and all those who have filled that role in our lives. As you give thanks for mom, we invite you to tag <a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/churchofjesuschrist/" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" tabindex="0">@churchofjesuschrist</a> or send us a direct message so we can share your post on Mother's Day.</span></p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-81995872585042395672021-05-02T21:59:00.003-07:002021-05-02T21:59:50.844-07:00Doctrine and Covenants 45 - Promises Shall Be Fulfilled<p>In <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/45?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5</a> we read:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsXCEtbP9Xxqpfgb4v14IRtA3iihmYYWkXyOtT1zS1eLa0R44Jhvn-ME0S1NFJ8dlSFBl7jLLVzKbQ5fNV4Bd8XfqlnT3q8VvZwV-V2-bRjSH9mGHzsi_YdUjQXSzYgSPde3UJElyhCg/s764/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+6.29.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="722" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsXCEtbP9Xxqpfgb4v14IRtA3iihmYYWkXyOtT1zS1eLa0R44Jhvn-ME0S1NFJ8dlSFBl7jLLVzKbQ5fNV4Bd8XfqlnT3q8VvZwV-V2-bRjSH9mGHzsi_YdUjQXSzYgSPde3UJElyhCg/w378-h400/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+6.29.39+PM.png" width="378" /></a></div><br /><p>In Jeffrey R. Hollands's book, "Witness for His Names," he reminds us that the Savior is pleading our case for us, like a lawyer. In class today, we talked about how we can have the best lawyer in the world. but if we don't show up, there's only so much the lawyer can do for us. The Savior is our advocate, and that is a huge relief, but once we understand that we have him always on our side, we need to take his advice, too! </p><p>In 1993, D. Todd Christofferson reflected on this, saying, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"It is of great significance to me, that I may at any moment and in any circumstance approach through prayer the throne of grace, that my Heavenly Father will hear my petition, that my Advocate, him who did no sin, whose blood was shed, will plead my cause." (D. Todd Christfferson, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1993/05/i-know-in-whom-i-have-trusted?lang=eng&para=p9">"I Know in Whom I Have Trusted,"</a> April 1993 General Conference)</p></blockquote><p>Much of Doctrine and Covenants 45 is about "wars and rumors of wars," the "the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men's hearts shall fail them," (Doctrine and Covenants 45:26) so it's a great reminder that yes, we will face troubling times, but, as Jesus reminded his twelve disciples shortly before his crucifixion: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4h-wEtYCKqhvJCl8o1tusO3SshYA0vY-4Cr7v3aJC7LcCSjtYY2ArGPv_J915pSCoHtFcUA7cQIYumthZ4YKXdImbHZdSpiIHYX66I8sI73rr4NRaEGTtJLbHJ1Xp4vYhSQe99tufNs/s1080/1+Let+not+your+heart+be+troubled+ye+believe+in+God%252C+believe+also+in+me.+18+I+will+not+leave+you+comfortless+I+will+come+to+you.+27+Peace+I+leave+with+you%252C+my+peace+I+give+unto+you+not+as+the+world+giveth%252C+give+I+unto+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4h-wEtYCKqhvJCl8o1tusO3SshYA0vY-4Cr7v3aJC7LcCSjtYY2ArGPv_J915pSCoHtFcUA7cQIYumthZ4YKXdImbHZdSpiIHYX66I8sI73rr4NRaEGTtJLbHJ1Xp4vYhSQe99tufNs/w400-h400/1+Let+not+your+heart+be+troubled+ye+believe+in+God%252C+believe+also+in+me.+18+I+will+not+leave+you+comfortless+I+will+come+to+you.+27+Peace+I+leave+with+you%252C+my+peace+I+give+unto+you+not+as+the+world+giveth%252C+give+I+unto+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>President Nelson recently reminded us, in the talk, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/37nelson?lang=eng">Embrace the Future with Faith</a>:"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0n2agC1v-VcvyS0xdii137ZNtYWrm35s1UpxVnZAjCk09e0U8gBehcUs9R8gCTmHL1q64Iot5tFB69MPFc7QCLwPcp0QS28SsRnsyl_isTEyffUH9c7b2pJDK3skMUR2eaC4HKByjCM/s706/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+6.51.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="651" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0n2agC1v-VcvyS0xdii137ZNtYWrm35s1UpxVnZAjCk09e0U8gBehcUs9R8gCTmHL1q64Iot5tFB69MPFc7QCLwPcp0QS28SsRnsyl_isTEyffUH9c7b2pJDK3skMUR2eaC4HKByjCM/w369-h400/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+6.51.24+PM.png" width="369" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I also really loved Lisa L. Harkness talk, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/42harkness?lang=eng">"Peace, Be Still,"</a> from the same conference. She said:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_UWEnCDRhXoR8GQxq1N83KYjbsD4-otQ8n_siaBiq6us7CvcJ2vczRdfpxoyfdPaHS3YPqfAqFTvd-95IRna6tv75cXIyQmmIhYNqJsU2vM-zfKd3raHl4rtRFwGNT_iRKaUBd8rnQI/s934/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+6.53.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="934" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_UWEnCDRhXoR8GQxq1N83KYjbsD4-otQ8n_siaBiq6us7CvcJ2vczRdfpxoyfdPaHS3YPqfAqFTvd-95IRna6tv75cXIyQmmIhYNqJsU2vM-zfKd3raHl4rtRFwGNT_iRKaUBd8rnQI/w400-h274/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+6.53.17+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sister Harkness drove this point home by reminding us that the disciples of the Lord were on the boat with him when it began to sink. These were extremely experienced fishermen, and for them to feel such fear, the situation was dire. Indeed, they were only human to have "waves of fear" distract them, but, Sister Harkness reminds us, "Regardless of our circumstances, we can intentionally make efforts to build and increase our faith in Jesus Christ."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Jeffrey R. Holland also puts the world we are dealing with in perspective for us:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxLe2fPBKz1jNhDdO2ZCsaTGvZ7rPqE3QZqAbPSsrD2RePpxf93HbDMNad0kXXRpAEq4wwXb-gk_KqYSpITrupnhqI7AOKfg8tGEewl4rkUUTjroFiM4pMrJFWAKCkJ4WBobZaHpMbvM/s844/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+10.42.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="844" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxLe2fPBKz1jNhDdO2ZCsaTGvZ7rPqE3QZqAbPSsrD2RePpxf93HbDMNad0kXXRpAEq4wwXb-gk_KqYSpITrupnhqI7AOKfg8tGEewl4rkUUTjroFiM4pMrJFWAKCkJ4WBobZaHpMbvM/w400-h326/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+10.42.59+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ijQIY97fV_4JlFCSwIgHko7W_AAfNYScT-MdgYgRzL5WUfBRubOPkRC0_PbNGNWfc71aaWJkZwy3OapYI0Nk7NPhJx5W9WqI88wJPbOP5oWwO_36_B5mEDxh2fyLf522ysD8dYqXw60/s762/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+10.43.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="762" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ijQIY97fV_4JlFCSwIgHko7W_AAfNYScT-MdgYgRzL5WUfBRubOPkRC0_PbNGNWfc71aaWJkZwy3OapYI0Nk7NPhJx5W9WqI88wJPbOP5oWwO_36_B5mEDxh2fyLf522ysD8dYqXw60/w400-h355/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+10.43.09+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I highly recommend watching <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/pages/mens-hearts-shall-fail-them?lang=eng">this four-minute video</a> from President Nelson in November 2011, called "Men's Haert Shall Fail Them." He talks about surviving an almost plane crash and why his heart did not fail him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I ran out of time in my lesson today because of the great discussion, so I did not get to encourage a discussion about what it means in Doctrine and Covenants 45:31-32 to "stand in holy places, and ... not be moved." I will cover this in a separate post later but for now leave you with this thought, that Zion is a holy place, and it's a place that we are all welcome to access, no matter where we live. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/the-gathering-of-scattered-israel?lang=eng">The Gathering of Scattered Israel</a>, we learned:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRi6xdPoWEfJIq0Av1bEH9QbXJyt7idplHBM97ESym_L2wfQuotU_ITLNxPNKMAKjDHgYoH3I8f4jV0ZaVtpxBylsUMgxeob2us6TZSep44yDcodU2AiVcBhtuY3eOtnX3IdNh_M39IQ/s1263/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+10.56.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1263" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRi6xdPoWEfJIq0Av1bEH9QbXJyt7idplHBM97ESym_L2wfQuotU_ITLNxPNKMAKjDHgYoH3I8f4jV0ZaVtpxBylsUMgxeob2us6TZSep44yDcodU2AiVcBhtuY3eOtnX3IdNh_M39IQ/w400-h195/Screen+Shot+2021-05-02+at+10.56.15+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-81826620536024149962021-04-28T15:49:00.006-07:002021-04-28T15:49:58.662-07:00Teach Me to Walk<p> This is such a beautiful video. </p><p>"Teach Me to Walk in the Light," by Tadpole River<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImmRvNnF2ng">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImmRvNnF2ng</a></p><p><br /></p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-45237183376904902852021-04-25T13:01:00.001-07:002021-04-25T13:01:08.225-07:00Doctrine and Covenants 41-44 - Assemble Yourselves Together<p>Sometimes when I teach adult Sunday School, we have a great conversation with a lot of participation. Sometimes, and I'm grateful to say this is more rare, very few people participate. I can talk for the entire length of the lesson, and I believe, people will walk away edified. Yet, if the collective group brings to the room their spirit, their thoughts, what inspired as they met and studied at home, we can all walk away that much more edified. </p><p>Visually, I think of it as a rainbow. I can bring blue. And to most, the blue will be vibrant and beautiful, and fun to look at, so some will enjoy looking at that color of the rainbow. However, maybe someone's entire house is blue. So when they come, and stare at more blue, they don't really get much out of it. Now imagine someone brings with them the red. And someone else brings the orange. And someone else brings yellow, etc. Now everyone benefits, no matter what color is dominant in their home. </p><p>Why do I share this analogy? By the time we reach Doctrine and Covenants 41, the church has many new members, and the Lord has given the guidance that they need to move to Ohio. There is now a great gathering of new members in Ohio that are trying to live the way Christ would have them live. However, at the heart of all this, is a group of religious God-loving people who came from a number of other religions, trying to find God, and trying to figure out their interpretations of the Bible and how best to follow His example. </p><p>In Doctrine and Covenants 41:1-6, the Lord provides guidance around this. He says, </p><p>"Hearken, O ye elders of my church whom I have called, behold I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word; And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me. And I will be your ruler when I come; and behold, I come quickly." (Doctrine and Covenants 41:2-4).</p><p>One of the principles here is assembly.</p><p>Why do we assemble, and how does that help us? </p><p>We are reminded in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."</p><p>We learned from last week's study that gathering today looks different than gathering back then. We can gather in our different countries, and in our homes. For families separated by distance and for other reasons, we can gather via Internet chat rooms or by telephone. The point is though, that we can bring our collective thoughts and inspirations and edify one another.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">In General Conference, Jan E. Newman said, "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;">I invite leaders and teachers in every organization of the Church to counsel together with parents and youth in order to dramatically improve teaching at every level—in stakes, in wards, and in homes. This will be achieved by teaching the doctrine and inviting Spirit-filled discussion about the truths the Holy Ghost has taught us in the quiet moments of our personal study." </span><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/14newman?lang=eng">"Teaching in the Savior's Way,"</a> Jan E. Newman, April 2021 General Conference</p></blockquote><p>There is a lot to "unpack" in that statement but one of the things I love is that we can dramatical improve teaching at every level. We do this as we teach and share what we learned in our own personal study. How powerful are those words! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-78811479897190308372021-04-18T22:58:00.004-07:002021-04-18T22:58:48.825-07:00What it means to "be one" (Doctrine and Covenants 37-40)<p>In December 1830, the Lord asked the members of the church to move to Ohio. This was a big deal. They would be leaving behind their farms and all they had done to build up their livelihoods. It took a great act of faith to do this, and many suffered from significant financial loss for their great show of faith. Yet, they did it because they trusted the Lord and his greater knowledge. </p><p>And, in fact, learn in <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1/10-gathered-in.34-43?lang=eng#p34#34">"Gathered In Saints: The Story of The Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Volume 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815-1846,"</a> that <span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I
hold forth and deign to give unto </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">you</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> greater riches, even a land of promise,”
the Lord declared, “and I will give it unto you for the land of your
inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Lord was gathering his saints to protect them from the wicked, and as he did so, he asked them to "be one."</span></p>
<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><p><span style="background-color: white;">In Doctrine and Covenants 38:26, the Savior asks, "For what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other: Be though clothed in rags and sit thou there - and looketh upon his sons and saith I am just?" </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">Or, in other words, what kind of father treats one son like a king and another so poorly, and can call himself a fair man?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">He then says, in verse 27, "Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one, and if ye are not one ye are not mine." </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. That means we are all brothers are sisters. We are HIS. So if we are one, we are treating each other as if we are not HIS, and therefore, acting as though Jesus Christ is not our brother. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">I love the way that William K. Jackson says it, in his October 2020 talk, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/27jackson?lang=eng">"The Culture of Christ:"</a></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p data-aid="144619712" id="p8" style="--height: 308px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">This culture is grounded in the testimony that our Heavenly Father exists, that He is real and loves each one of us individually. We are His “work and [His] glory.”<a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note1" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">1</sup></a> This culture espouses the concept of equal worth. There is no recognition of caste or class. We are, after all, brothers and sisters, spirit children of our heavenly parents—literally. There is no prejudice or “us versus them” mentality in the greatest of all cultures. We are all “us.” We are all “them.” We believe that we are responsible and accountable for ourselves, one another, the Church, and our world. Responsibility and accountability are important factors in our growth.</span></p><p data-aid="144619715" id="p9" style="--height: 112px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">Charity, true Christlike caring, is the bedrock of this culture. We feel real concern for the needs of our fellowman, temporal and spiritual, and act on those feelings. This dispels prejudice and hatred.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="background-color: white;">President Russell N. Nelson said it very profoundly way back in 1978, in a talk called, "Building Bridges" that was re-shared in 2018 at the "Be One" celebration <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/latest/2018-06-01/president-nelsons-full-remarks-from-the-lds-churchs-be-one-celebration-10970">as shared here</a>.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ultimately, we realize that only the comprehension of the true Fatherhood of God can bring full appreciation of the true brotherhood of men and the true sisterhood of women. That understanding inspires us with passionate desire to build bridges of cooperation instead of walls of segregation.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;">It is my prayer and blessing that I leave upon all who are listening that we may overcome any burdens of prejudice and walk uprightly with God — and with one another — in perfect peace and harmony. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="background-color: white;">How do we live "in perfect peace and harmony?" In his talk, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/24gong?lang=eng">"All Nations, Kindreds, Tongues,"</a> from October 2020 General Conference, Gerrit W. Gong explains:</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;">In the household of faith there are to be no strangers, no foreigners,</span><a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note7" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">7</sup></a><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;"> no rich and poor,</span><a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note8" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">8</sup></a><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;"> no outside “others.” As “fellowcitizens with the saints,”</span><a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note9" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">9</sup></a><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;"> we are invited to change the world for the better, from the inside out, one person, one family, one neighborhood at a time.</span></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="background-color: white;">We can do this as we support each other, learn about each other, show compassion and mercy for each other. In "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/31eubank?lang=eng">By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power with God,</a>" Sharon Eubank says, </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p data-aid="144619770" id="p8" style="--height: 140px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/jacob/2.17?lang=eng#p17" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jacob 2:17</mark></span></a><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> reads, “Think of your [brothers and sisters] like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.” Let’s replace the word </mark></span><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">substance</mark></span></i><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> with </mark></span><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">mercy</mark></span></i><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">—be free with your </mark></span><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">mercy</mark></span></em><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> that they may be rich like unto you.</mark></span></span></p><p data-aid="144619773" id="p9" style="--height: 56px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We often think of substance in terms of food or money, but perhaps what we all need more of in our ministering is mercy.</mark></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="background-color: white;">And finally, in April 2021 General Conference, in the talk, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/15stevenson?lang=eng">"Hearts Knit Together,"</a> Gary E. Stevenson says, "</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;">We have a primary responsibility to set a tone and be role models of kindness, inclusion, and civility—to teach Christlike behavior to the rising generation in what we say and how we act. It is especially important as we observe a marked societal shift toward division in politics, social class, and nearly every other man-made distinction.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;">... </span><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;">The Lord expects us to teach that inclusion is a positive means toward unity and that exclusion leads to division.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;">... </span><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;">As we look through a gospel lens, we recognize that we too are under the watchcare of a compassionate caregiver, who extends Himself in kindness and a nurturing spirit.</span><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span></span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Good Shepherd knows each one of us by name and has a personal interest in us.</mark></span><a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note19" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><mark class="sc-jTzLTM OjpnX" color="yellow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: unset; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">19</sup></mark></span></mark></span></a><span style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px;"> The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said: “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep. … And I [will] lay down my life for the sheep.”</span><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note20" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">20</a></sup></span></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-90330920446213762022021-04-11T01:35:00.002-07:002021-04-11T01:40:00.895-07:00Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ - (Come Follow Me Study: Doctrine and Covenants 30-36)<p>Our last <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/15?lang=eng">Come Follow Me study</a> covers <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/30?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 30-36</a>. During these six sections, the Lord delivered messages to twelve different men through Joseph Smith (including Joseph Smith). The most dominant theme was the title of this study, "Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ," as all of these men were called to teach the gospel.</p><p>I researched a little bit about each of the eleven men (excluded Joseph Smith) as it helped to learn about the revelations given in context of the men to whom they were given. I made a little overview chart (click to expand) but I will highlight some of the things I recorded in the chart in more detail below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTcuTydK701mfbrVkCajCubtJJMkE4mISH4xj76_VwPEASSclTOeYSXyLhDm-GY2lhDvmtMBZKCnWcMq7Qt3BcgzrbA8s5Pl1Dpoh51-VwV6KqSCW3zobKeV5lbQuhGyeCI5CFVz9GHc/s1355/Screen+Shot+2021-04-11+at+2.32.02+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1355" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTcuTydK701mfbrVkCajCubtJJMkE4mISH4xj76_VwPEASSclTOeYSXyLhDm-GY2lhDvmtMBZKCnWcMq7Qt3BcgzrbA8s5Pl1Dpoh51-VwV6KqSCW3zobKeV5lbQuhGyeCI5CFVz9GHc/w541-h307/Screen+Shot+2021-04-11+at+2.32.02+AM.png" width="541" /></a></div><br /><p>Some of these individuals that received revelations through Joseph Smith, like David Whitmer, were chastised and later excommunicated, so it is important to remember that the Lord chastises because he loves them. David Whitmer had the opportunity to choose differently. Others were reminded, like Edward Partridge in Section 36 that "you shall receive my Spirit." I have chosen not to focus on Thomas B. Marsh this time, as he gets another revelation later in the Doctrine and Covenants, but I will say, his story shows how willing the Lord is to forgive. He stepped so far away from the gospel of Jesus Christ that he helped get 15,000 Saints evicted from the state of Missouri. Some died. Yet Thomas B. Marsh was welcomed back into the church when he repented 19 years later.</p><p>As I was studying these individuals, some passages struck me, like this one:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Saints then, like Saints now, came in all sorts. Some knew from the beginning the dimension of the commitment that they were making, others recognized only the sweet, strong taste of the truth and, hungering for more, followed where the search led them, step by step. (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1978/09/challenge-to-greatness-the-nineteenth-century-saints-in-new-york?lang=eng">Challenge to Greatness: The Nineteenth-Century Saints in New York</a>, by Lavina Fielding Andersen)</span></span> </i></p></blockquote><p>Some of these twelve men were faithful throughout their live though, like Joseph, they often faced great sacrifice. Some of them left for a time and then were re-baptized, and some were excommunicated and never returned, often after having made great contributions to the furthering of the gospel, like Sidney Rigdon.</p><p>One of the things that really struck me as I studied was a realization of how angry and divided the world around them was at the time over religion, and how hard it must have been to hold to their beliefs in the face of so much anger and mob mentality. Take the many signifiant and angry issues that are affecting us today, and then remember that this is what they were facing at the time, over religion. We have a small inkling of what the climate was at the time. And, while the bullying done via social media today can be pretty terrible, back then, many faithful followers of God literally died when they were kicked out of their homes by a massive extermination order of 15,000 Saints from Missouri, as they traveled to new places to build a new home.</p><p>I couldn't help but compare the anger of that time period to the fear that Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's family faced when he was a young boy living in World War II, and having to flee their homes twice before he was twelve. He shared in our last General Conference session, on Easter weekend:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Back then .. I often wondered, 'Is there any hope left in the world?' As I pondered this question, I thought about our young American missionaries who served among us during those years. They had left the safety of their homes half a world away and traveled to Germany - land of their recent enemies - to offer divine hope to our people. They came not to blame, lecture, or shame. They willingly gave of their young lives without thought of earthly gain, wanting only to help others to find the joy and peace they had experienced. </i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i>To me, these young men and women were perfect. I am sure they had flaws, but not to me. I will always think of them as being bigger than life - angels of light and glory, ministers of compassion, goodness, and truth. </i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i>While the world was drowning in cynicism, bitterness, hatred, and fear, the example and teachings of these young people filled me with hope. The gospel message they offered transcended politics, history, grudges, grievances, and personal agendas. It gave divine answers to important questions we had during those difficult times.</i> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i>(<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/12uchtdorf?lang=eng">"God among Us,"</a> Dieter F. Uchtdorf, </i><i>General Conference April 2021</i><i>)</i></p></blockquote><p>The missionaries during the time period immediately following World War II, were to Elder Uchtdorf, angels. Think about that. I have quoted Carlos A. Godoy several times already so I won't repeat again from my last few posts but, we can be angels on earth. That is the importance of missionary work, especially when you realize the incredible sacrifice of many of the missionaries.</p><p>One incident that shows what life was like for the early saints was shared about the faithful man, Edward Partridge, to which Section 36 was written. Emily and Eliza were some of Partridge's children:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Emily and her thirteen-year-old sister, Eliza, had just gone to a nearby spring for water, when a large body of armed men came and took her father away on 20 July 1833. She remembered anxiously listening to the yelling and shouts from the village square. Then, frightened, she saw an acquaintance, Albert Jackman, carrying a hat, coat, and vest, accompanied by a grotesque looking individual. Fearful, Emily ran upstairs to hide. It was actually her father, covered with tar and feathers. (See “Incidents,” pp. 25–26.) </span></span>(<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1979/06/steadfastness-and-patient-endurance-the-legacy-of-edward-partridge?lang=eng">"Steadfastness and Patient Endurance": The Legacy of Edward Partridge,"</a> by Dean Jessee) </i></p></blockquote><p>While these stories are upsetting, it's powerful to realize that Edward, once he had the true gospel of Christ in his life, was unwilling to turn away from God. </p><p>He had been a successful hatter with five children to feed, but he and his wife willingly gave up their wealth, home, were rejected by some of their family, were imprisoned, and were separated as Partridge went years without seeing his wife and children as he faithfully obeyed the instruction from the Lord to serve a mission. (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1979/06/steadfastness-and-patient-endurance-the-legacy-of-edward-partridge?lang=eng">"Steadfastness and Patient Endurance": The Legacy of Edward Partridge,"</a> by Dean Jessee). Yet, while his life was full of trials, in Doctrine and Covenants 36:1, "thus saith the Lord God, the Mighty One of Israel: Behold, I say unto you, my servant Edward, that you are blessed." In church history, we also have this accounting:</p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="line-height: 14.4px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: -0.25in; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: normal;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>“B</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>ehold, I am well pleased with my servant Isaac Morley [Edward’s last companion] and my servant Edward Partridge, because of the integrity of their hearts. … Verily I say unto you their sins are forgiven them; </i></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>therefore say unto them in my name, that it is my will that they should tarry for a little season, and attend the school, and also the solemn assembly, for a wise purpose in me.” </i>(<span style="font-style: italic;">History of the Church, </span>2:302–3.)</span></span></span></div></blockquote><p>Another great men, who was faithful to the gospel of his days, was Orson Pratt, who, at age 19, heard the gospel from his older brother, Parley P. Pratt. Orson was key to the conversion of many people, and also to many of the changes to the Book of Mormon text that makes it easier to read, including adding cross-references to the Book of Mormon. </p><p>
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 10pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Orson
Pratt held a lifelong conviction that the Book of Mormon was one of mankind’s
greatest treasures. “And yet,” he lamented, “how many there are of the
Latter-day Saints who suffer this book to remain upon their shelves, week after
week, without ever reading a page of these precious things.” (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1984/04/orson-pratt-early-advocate-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng">Orson Pratt: Early Advocate of the Book of Mormon</a>)</i></span></p></blockquote><p>In Doctrine and Covenants 34:4, the Lord revealed to Pratt, "And blessed are you because you have believed; And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel."</p><p>Ezra Thayre was extremely skeptical of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, as Joseph Smith and his brother and father had worked for Thayre, and Thayre knew the extent to which Joseph Smith was uneducated. Yet, when he was finally convinced to go hear the Smiths speak, he knew that what he was hearing was true. Of Thayre, it is said:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because
of the deeply spiritual experiences that led to his conversion, Thayer acted on
the revelation’s call to share his belief </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in spite of</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> risks to his reputation and livelihood.
He later wrote, “When God shows a man such a thing by the power of the Holy </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ghost</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> he
knows it is true. He cannot doubt it.” (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/revelations-in-context/ezra-thayer-from-skeptic-to-believer?lang=eng">"Ezra Thayer: From Skeptic to Believer," by Matthew McBride</a>)</span></i></p></blockquote><p>Thayre was true to the gospel to the end of his life, heading the revelation given to him in Doctrine and Covenants 33:17-18: "Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen."</p><p>I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, for these men and women who came before us and sacrificed so greatly to carry the work of the Lord forward, I talked about the men and their missionary work but their wives supported them in making these great sacrifices, in particularly, Joseph's wife, Emma Smith, Edward Partridge's wife, Lydia Partridge.</p><p>Reading these scriptures this week made me more appreciate of all of the "knights in shining armor" that contributed in these latter-days to making this book available to us. It makes me think about the reminder from the Lord that we need to "harken and hear ... the Lord God" (Doctrine and Covenants 34:1) and be faithful because, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I come quickly." (Doctrine and Covenants 34:12). </p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-10759064375437524202021-04-04T01:33:00.005-07:002021-04-04T12:21:34.920-07:00Easter Sunday<p>Happy Easter. I'm so grateful for the Savior Jesus Christ. Last week and leading up to Easter on my instagram account @iliketocreatestuff, I've been sharing some background and relevant quotes each day. I'd like to share some of them here, as an accompaniment to all of the beautiful scriptures that <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/14?lang=eng">Come Follow Me</a> recommends for Easter study. I shared too many quotes to put them all into one post so I've chosen the "intro" I used for each day and tried to stick to only one or two quotes for each day I highlighted.</p><p>I also want to share my Easter Sunday message that I posted on my Instagram feed:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2011U25BDccHikNRdF0FpenmXbHhPw2sHwTH65gGLburDITncdkhOf8nQyJNfUbe5gHmkrtZNF8m-pzpWR6eXReo1YD4Y6R7SB8kMfu5avC57FATFYgGBhLeDyFzBS6lB7kF4r0uaKA4/s474/Screen+Shot+2021-04-04+at+1.20.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2011U25BDccHikNRdF0FpenmXbHhPw2sHwTH65gGLburDITncdkhOf8nQyJNfUbe5gHmkrtZNF8m-pzpWR6eXReo1YD4Y6R7SB8kMfu5avC57FATFYgGBhLeDyFzBS6lB7kF4r0uaKA4/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-04-04+at+1.20.20+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy Easter! These little juncos have become some of my favorite local birds. They have an inquisitive, gentle nature and prefer to look for their food on the ground, unlike some birds that prefer to work their way up the trunk of a tree looking for insects, or nibbling along on tender branches. I thought it would be appropriate to share my recent painting of them today as I have been pondering the week leading up to Easter Sunday. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Christianity, we believe in the Godhead, Heavenly Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. That's one set of three, but there are also many other references that come in threes. In the Bible, in 1 Corinthians 13:13, it talks about the importance of faith, hope, and charity. Dieter F. Uchtdorf called this the three-legged stool that "stabilize our lives regardless of the rough or uneven surfaces we might encounter at the time." He said, "Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. ... Hope is the gift of the Spirit. It is hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in in the Savior." ("The Infinite Power of Hope," Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2008). </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This Easter Sunday, and every day, I'm grateful for Jesus Christ. He taught, died, and rose again, all for each and every one of us.</span></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>My thoughts with some of the accompanying quotes I used to express my thoughts about Easter this week:</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The Sunday before Easter</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uZUI7HdBjEz2g-eQFkS7rIzAH_hcSJ6riZpiLDOuaMZAcyuSuKxgFeqtAv9CxZwBwiaNfJCjXQai2_c69_kGRN10Nt5oU-MCoenPwk_UqwXbUc-5G4uNEnq5wzPBehptY6sjuCi_kaU/s1080/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uZUI7HdBjEz2g-eQFkS7rIzAH_hcSJ6riZpiLDOuaMZAcyuSuKxgFeqtAv9CxZwBwiaNfJCjXQai2_c69_kGRN10Nt5oU-MCoenPwk_UqwXbUc-5G4uNEnq5wzPBehptY6sjuCi_kaU/s320/2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkFz5RJroapKFM5Rzv8xeueoG6GPq_94GSsiC9C9MeK3PKsUbvCq2IQ_3YjJLghPDXFbH0u4eVxCUfiq5_AoTAYL3FPlbTCte6pZi4Ixxq0XP11B9HX3Rg253stzjSZ0xaDkitwvAwck/s1080/3+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkFz5RJroapKFM5Rzv8xeueoG6GPq_94GSsiC9C9MeK3PKsUbvCq2IQ_3YjJLghPDXFbH0u4eVxCUfiq5_AoTAYL3FPlbTCte6pZi4Ixxq0XP11B9HX3Rg253stzjSZ0xaDkitwvAwck/s320/3+%25281%2529.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Monday before Easter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb47yJ1p8QQQPGVReNdb6drMNrg3tiFHCu30n10X_lsAZZ8fu6qqTW0NDX_UEtW_mKVaU9YiPxCNgngSDBQipnmYT7Ntx0OFNvf99SUrmHBdd9tQUk58ssmdoEa6vxVu2SaVX6kMD-hc/s1080/3+%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAb47yJ1p8QQQPGVReNdb6drMNrg3tiFHCu30n10X_lsAZZ8fu6qqTW0NDX_UEtW_mKVaU9YiPxCNgngSDBQipnmYT7Ntx0OFNvf99SUrmHBdd9tQUk58ssmdoEa6vxVu2SaVX6kMD-hc/s320/3+%25282%2529.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNo8L_-jXVBW5MJdn1SW8UUCuE8w7TKGh48Y2-W8SdZr5RYWiF2lnCGEYFWYewUDwHfIq8kD9keMim4T3bEmpdI-tcpMP_ogsbIWjCz-tgnqUe78uOPSONYy_xJVnXrXdMzdF7FdRQtM/s1080/13.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNo8L_-jXVBW5MJdn1SW8UUCuE8w7TKGh48Y2-W8SdZr5RYWiF2lnCGEYFWYewUDwHfIq8kD9keMim4T3bEmpdI-tcpMP_ogsbIWjCz-tgnqUe78uOPSONYy_xJVnXrXdMzdF7FdRQtM/s320/13.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Tuesday/Wednesday before Easter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7HRf5c-1v3W1irfU7JsyWfzKGoyAaImWNt-C-cQTVnDDMZvuCrS8WT3DUbIhzrHZISlKv0JKRqvkKN96IHJ5_TDPda4OGhTCwX9n3s0npAix16CSHsURofSubdrkwIHr9EFY8gHU9_I/s1080/4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7HRf5c-1v3W1irfU7JsyWfzKGoyAaImWNt-C-cQTVnDDMZvuCrS8WT3DUbIhzrHZISlKv0JKRqvkKN96IHJ5_TDPda4OGhTCwX9n3s0npAix16CSHsURofSubdrkwIHr9EFY8gHU9_I/s320/4.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8htzl_IEARFg6PC7cP75Upa7BzAM1EiEKn4WxDIfUsORILCw6izIdHm1Iy7who4BkaGZzRdiAEfbVPftEPISMXAdB8gPtc6WmhsUERDZ8cD6VSD2dDjZuwrpIGo0Vws7w08t44TNv5qQ/s1080/1+%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8htzl_IEARFg6PC7cP75Upa7BzAM1EiEKn4WxDIfUsORILCw6izIdHm1Iy7who4BkaGZzRdiAEfbVPftEPISMXAdB8gPtc6WmhsUERDZ8cD6VSD2dDjZuwrpIGo0Vws7w08t44TNv5qQ/s320/1+%25282%2529.png" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQamaDUvs5F0tPo6M-5oBQj89Y265T1K15_pVa7YDtRR0Atw-ZpuLtpbBbyjLWn_eXYrYC9nav3-8sn6WIAGq3h6OVWZPI9z8VbSplLwTgnltYRj46J0YvrAqKn8bTZKCEqlgGLG-4xV4/s1080/10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQamaDUvs5F0tPo6M-5oBQj89Y265T1K15_pVa7YDtRR0Atw-ZpuLtpbBbyjLWn_eXYrYC9nav3-8sn6WIAGq3h6OVWZPI9z8VbSplLwTgnltYRj46J0YvrAqKn8bTZKCEqlgGLG-4xV4/s320/10.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Thursday before Easter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PEY7tqtrNutSdQnEmjRwkw4GGnMvX1KAKfoZAgsMdTPTpy85HyVby9FtcB0zjgipimpoexn4Lo6Jd6IjXX0UBtzqKFo9AxOxIUvYTEoIGfW6OjhNhB1BUYW8lPuq53qlUaqzrdQuyNg/s1080/5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PEY7tqtrNutSdQnEmjRwkw4GGnMvX1KAKfoZAgsMdTPTpy85HyVby9FtcB0zjgipimpoexn4Lo6Jd6IjXX0UBtzqKFo9AxOxIUvYTEoIGfW6OjhNhB1BUYW8lPuq53qlUaqzrdQuyNg/s320/5.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2CnF1NBtV5QbENBOrhFLAFdZCfxl_2BVaKCIJaCs1cDsruKYxRIqqFNrvqcTas0pmKVTlskAEsC71VaVqsLi2CFdiIrUYHkmbTLPJE-wvUuNDB7lSXU30_ieniIcnswotwyHuMOn_RY/s1080/14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2CnF1NBtV5QbENBOrhFLAFdZCfxl_2BVaKCIJaCs1cDsruKYxRIqqFNrvqcTas0pmKVTlskAEsC71VaVqsLi2CFdiIrUYHkmbTLPJE-wvUuNDB7lSXU30_ieniIcnswotwyHuMOn_RY/s320/14.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Friday before Easter</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAIQrzh9UmH_SnCrdWHaxEE006tTv3GiM3lcuzFbVxknJ1i0jxBJ6iw5rQ4HIji4m7AzaQCdQ2bEOMmmDG9HfVbjxaD7kKPaTcmjyKllykLUZZmMWI0xpa9p0ibRGCyDlprMniKqsl4E/s1080/6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAIQrzh9UmH_SnCrdWHaxEE006tTv3GiM3lcuzFbVxknJ1i0jxBJ6iw5rQ4HIji4m7AzaQCdQ2bEOMmmDG9HfVbjxaD7kKPaTcmjyKllykLUZZmMWI0xpa9p0ibRGCyDlprMniKqsl4E/s320/6.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlaRmzDz7C98iDIPKqd-KrKBfsSNWg2BI8989BDfag1PGCI2oHpG8hJHYCEd8g8UlrNA70yv8Olb0H58Et714JtI5FW8GhPlpZG-dQmWJPsU57YEZTL0s1mhZfugmhkluGZh25dAOonY/s1080/16.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlaRmzDz7C98iDIPKqd-KrKBfsSNWg2BI8989BDfag1PGCI2oHpG8hJHYCEd8g8UlrNA70yv8Olb0H58Et714JtI5FW8GhPlpZG-dQmWJPsU57YEZTL0s1mhZfugmhkluGZh25dAOonY/s320/16.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The day before Easter</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcQv6-p6_Jo3PeoaSTV5JaH5BjjtM0ZaLHMRp_7vIBkaKF4BVPLNGiYlkdyWd2SMLcljoLiazzOXq-VAKAwM7MEFZVjx5GICTwgYxokOn7DfGOT79mojXjMHB7wR2tjYwx0KQU_YZ1Zo/s1080/7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcQv6-p6_Jo3PeoaSTV5JaH5BjjtM0ZaLHMRp_7vIBkaKF4BVPLNGiYlkdyWd2SMLcljoLiazzOXq-VAKAwM7MEFZVjx5GICTwgYxokOn7DfGOT79mojXjMHB7wR2tjYwx0KQU_YZ1Zo/s320/7.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hFpdy56gvxKNSgGOnmwX4oAtH3H5HI5kU8Db_wErrbCdsJl5-H9jGhG1g7dTStEGCz0ry0tUtsLjQqoDwk-zH5E-ZW8A_iRlRmUbHNkRV4NRTYIKw2vzUmaFESoR1wHXy67ek7q-DI4/s1080/17.png" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Easter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWlbQ39Irl8uz4aHl4CIgTvPfEkGA4azC8W5wyfnZNIfQqq3dtF1p1zjxhYhPgWelId_AUKm4u_Zt40V-zTSoyH2Q7jONS8NHXhrrnTg5HR4RzAqJpLHkSyOQp6TwyGxXRkAomGOrrIA/s1080/8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWlbQ39Irl8uz4aHl4CIgTvPfEkGA4azC8W5wyfnZNIfQqq3dtF1p1zjxhYhPgWelId_AUKm4u_Zt40V-zTSoyH2Q7jONS8NHXhrrnTg5HR4RzAqJpLHkSyOQp6TwyGxXRkAomGOrrIA/s320/8.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-rfhOKQiD2xN-FaJtvS750dg_AdAKq8gq69-ktR7Qef3cBbTn5Aa3TCeeiAHer_6aFXPADGIB6sNugz64_Z5ZvT2jaDJWVg2sMUfWuTz2ghaG1EqRg3OrI3n33pG9noMC_r14YiH8HM/s1080/2+%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-rfhOKQiD2xN-FaJtvS750dg_AdAKq8gq69-ktR7Qef3cBbTn5Aa3TCeeiAHer_6aFXPADGIB6sNugz64_Z5ZvT2jaDJWVg2sMUfWuTz2ghaG1EqRg3OrI3n33pG9noMC_r14YiH8HM/s320/2+%25282%2529.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-81858827018516463102021-03-28T15:22:00.001-07:002021-03-28T15:22:32.034-07:00Jesus Christ Will Gather His People (Doctrine and Covenants 29)<p>This week's <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng">Come Follow Me Study</a> of the Doctrine and Covenants covers <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/29?lang=eng">Section 29</a>. This was revelation given through Joseph Smith to the early leaders of the church on September 26, 1830. I think it's important to note this because it was new information for them. I think about how in the Old Testament, followers of God were given the Law of Moses. Then when the Savior came to earth, he gave them a new, and better law. It was hard for many people to make the switch, that there could be a "better" law when the first one was given divinely, too.</p><p>This is why it is important to listen closely to the words of our prophets and understand that modern revelation can change something that was right at the time, but there is something better, now.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/29.1-8,14-21?lang=eng#p1#1">Doctrine and Covenants 29:1-8</a>, the Lord reveals:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="verse" data-aid="128366202" id="p1" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: var(--fontSize16); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span>Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great <span class="deity-name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="small-caps" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note1a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I Am</a></span></span>, whose arm of <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note1b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">mercy</a> hath <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note1c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">atoned</a> for your sins;</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128366203" id="p2" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: var(--fontSize16); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span>Who will <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note2a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">gather</a> his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note2b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">humble</a> themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128366204" id="p3" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: var(--fontSize16); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note3a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">sins</a> are <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note3b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">forgiven</a> you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you.</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128366205" id="p4" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: var(--fontSize16); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span>Verily, I say unto you that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note4a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">voice</a> of a trump.</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128366206" id="p5" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: var(--fontSize16); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>Lift up your hearts and be <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note5a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">glad</a>, for I am in your <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note5b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">midst</a>, and am your <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note5c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">advocate</a> with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note5d" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">kingdom</a>.</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128366207" id="p6" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: var(--fontSize16); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>And, as it is written—Whatsoever ye shall <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note6a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ask</a> in <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note6b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">faith</a>, being <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note6c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">united</a> in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive.</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128366208" id="p7" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: var(--fontSize16); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span>And ye are called to bring to pass the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note7a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">gathering</a> of mine <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note7b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">elect</a>; for mine elect <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note7c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">hear</a> my voice and <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note7d" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">harden</a> not their <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note7e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">hearts</a>;</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128366209" id="p8" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: var(--fontSize16); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note8a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">gathered</a> in unto one place upon the face of this land, to <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note8b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">prepare</a> their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng#note8c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">tribulation</a> and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.</p></blockquote><p>I love this imagery of a hen gathering her chickens, or a shepherd gathering his sheep, two analogies that have been used to describe the Savior. </p><p>The <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/13?lang=eng">Come Follow Me for Sunday School</a> manual asks:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>1. How have we experienced Christ gathering and protecting us, like a hen gathers and protects her chickens?</p><p>2. How do we gather to the Savior?</p></blockquote><p>As I read those questions, I could help but reflect on the tumultuous year of 2020 and into 2021. During a year where the turmoil and despair around us was heard around the world, I also saw the Lord gathering us. How did he gather us?</p><p><b>1. Through the voice of the prophet</b><br />President Russell M. Nelson was awakened one night and prompted to gather the world and share a message, a "simple remedy to help us find joy in hard times - gratitude." President Nelson said, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"As the inspiration came, specific details, including when and how I should share this message, came to my mind and heart. The video message shared today was not one that came by chance; it is one that came from heaven." ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/the-story-behind-my-global-prayer-of-gratitude?lang=eng">The Story behind my Global Prayer of Gratitude,</a>" Russell M. Nelson)</p></blockquote><p>His <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2020-11-1100-president-russell-m-nelson-on-the-healing-power-of-gratitude?lang=eng">Give Thanks</a> message, on the power of gratitude, is one that many prophets and leaders of the church have shared before him. But the the Lord gathered us together, like a hen gathering her chicks, to hear this message at this time when so many of us were weighed down by doubt and despair. I think it's important to see this message in its entirety so rather than quoting from it, the previous link goes to his live message, or you can <a href="https://assets.ldscdn.org/ac/ce/acce1d6a5b114c8c6eb33605830000a4176eb859/prayer_of_gratitude_video_and_awareness_materials.pdf">read the full transcript here</a>.</p><p><b>2. Through the leadership of our General Conference </b><br />I look forward to General Conference next week, as it is an incredible blessing to have the Lord inspire so many people and for us to hear those messages. We have also been encouraged to prepare for conference by thinking in advance what our questions are, so we can hear answer to prayer and receive our own personal revelation as we listen to conference. What an incredible thing! </p><p>One of the messages I want to share, that the scripture about a hen gathering her chickens, was from M. Russell Ballard's talk "Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always." Elder Ballard said, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"During the past few months I have had the impression come to me that the best way to help the current world situation is for all people to rely more fully upon God and to turn their hearts to Him through sincere prayer. Humbling ourselves and seeking heaven's inspiration to endure or conquer what is before us will be our safest and surest way to move confidently forward through these troubling times."</p></blockquote><p><b>3. Through service to each other<br /></b>So many wonderful things have been shared about our ability to minister to each other. I had three stories from recent General Conference talks pop into my mind, as well as a fourth, personal one:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared the story of a newly baptized member of the Church who suddenly felt like he no longer fit into his ward. His attendance began to decline, and he began to stray from the flock - or the hen, so to speak. A fellow ward member extended a ministering hand to him, and he returned. That man is Elder Carlos A. Godoy, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy. (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/shepherding-souls?lang=eng">"Shepherding Souls,"</a> Gary E. Stevenson).<br /><br /></li><li>Elder Carlos A. Godoy shared his story of people that reached out to him and made him feel part of the group. He said, "Brothers and sisters, I believe in angels! We are all here today, a giant army of angels set apart for these latter days, to minister to others as extensions of the hands of a loving Creator." ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/44godoy?lang=eng">I Believe in Angels</a>," Carlos A. Godoy)<br /><br /></li><li>A woman devastated by divorce was reluctant to attend church alone, where she would be surrounded by whole families. She prayed nobody would speak to her. A young woman looked at her during the meeting, in concern. Still, this woman hoped the young woman would leave her alone. Sister Michelle D. Craig quotes the woman in this story, "During the next hour, I noticed her looking back at me occasionally. As soon as the meeting ended, she made a beeline for me. 'Hi Rozlyn,' I whispered. She wrapped me in her arms and said, 'Sister Smith, I can tell today is a bad day for you. I'm so sorry. I love you.' As predicted, the tears came as she hugged me again. But as I walked away, I thought to myself, 'Maybe I can do this after all.' That sweet 16-year-old young woman ... found me every Sunday for the rest of that year to give me a hug and ask, 'How are you?' ... Someone cared." ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/14craig?lang=eng">Eyes to See,</a>" Michelle D. Craig)<br /><br /></li><li>When I was a young woman and stopped attending the weekday young women's activity, the young women's leader, Sue, made a special trip to my house, gave me a "return with honor" ring, and told me that she missed seeing me at the activities. Her special trip meant a lot to me (I lived in California, which, unlike Utah, meant that you had to drive to get from one member's house to another.)</li></ul><p></p><p><b>How do we gather in unity? <br /></b>In General Conference April 2018, Reyna I. Aburto spoke about how we are in a journey together. She quoted Doctrine and Covenants 38:27, "Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine." </p><p>She said,</p><p>"Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of unity with His Father. They are one in purpose, in love, and in works, with "the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father." (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/with-one-accord.p17?lang=eng">"With One Accord,"</a> Reyna I. Aburto)</p><p>She talked about how </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"Miracles happen when the children of God work together guided by the Spirit to reach out to others in need."</p></blockquote><p>I have seen this happen in many places this year, as individuals reach out to help and serve each other. When President Russell M. Nelson was able to get the vaccine for Covid-19 on January 19, he stated on his Instagram account @russellmnelson, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"We are thankful for the countless doctors, scientists, researchers, manufacturers, government leaders, and others who have performed the grueling work required to make this vaccine available. We have prayed often for this literal godsend. As a former surgeon and medical researcher, I know something of the effort needed to accomplish such a remarkable feat. Producing a safe, effective vaccine in less than a year is nothing short of miraculous."</p></blockquote><p>This is not his full message but he concluded, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"Receiving the vaccine today was part of our personal efforts to be good global citizens in helping to eliminate Covid-19 from the world."</p></blockquote><p>Wow, what a message! In sharing this message, he came back around to his earlier November message about how gratitude can help with many trials. Look at all the people he recognized and thanked. Then, look at the miracle he recognized, how amazing and incredible it is to have a vaccine available less than a year after the pandemic began to spread. Look at the unity it took among groups for that to happen.</p><p>I'm grateful to know that we, as chicks stumbling along the way, doubting when we should have faith, have the Savior that is always willing and wanting to gather us in his arms. He reminds us, in Doctrine and Covenants 29:1-2, "Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins; Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer."</p><p>This Palm Sunday, as we head into Easter week, may we remember the message of hope that has been given to us through the Savior Jesus Christ. </p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-78595512689137940132021-03-21T14:41:00.002-07:002021-03-21T14:41:39.300-07:00Doctrine and Covenants 27-28: "All Things Must be Done in Order"<p> This week's <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/12?lang=eng">Come Follow Me Study</a> covers Doctrine and Covenants 27-28.</p><p>As a recap:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Doctrine and Covenants 27 - Revelation given in August 1830 - The sacrament, the Armor of God</li><li>Doctrine and Covenants 28 - Revelation given September 1830 - The living prophet is God's mouthpiece for the Church</li></ul><p></p><p>Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-18 covers the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/27.15-18?lang=eng#p15#15">"Armor of God."</a></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="verse active-item" data-aid="128367166" id="p15" style="--height: 100px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">15 </span>Wherefore, <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note15a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>lift up</a> your hearts and <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note15b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>rejoice</a>, and <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note15c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>gird</a> up your loins, and take upon you my whole <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note15d" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">d</sup>armor</a>, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note15e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">e</sup>stand</a>.</p><p class="verse active-item" data-aid="128367167" id="p16" style="--height: 100px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">16 </span>Stand, therefore, having your loins <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>girt</a> about with <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>truth</a>, having on the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>breastplate</a> of <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16d" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">d</sup>righteousness</a>, and your feet shod with the preparation of the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">e</sup>gospel</a> of <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16f" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">f</sup>peace</a>, which I have sent mine <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16g" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">g</sup>angels</a> to commit unto you;</p><p class="verse active-item" data-aid="128367168" id="p17" style="--height: 50px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">17 </span>Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note17a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>fiery</a> darts of the wicked;</p><p class="verse active-item" data-aid="128367169" id="p18" style="--height: 125px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">18 </span>And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note18a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>Spirit</a>, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note18b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>caught up</a>, that where I am ye shall be <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note18c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>also</a>. Amen.</p></blockquote><p>It was reinforced to me as I read this how frequently the Lord reminds us to turn to Him and not take our eyes off the path of righteousness. If we can do this, everything else will work itself out, we can "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." The Lord also reminds us in Doctrine and Covenants 28 that Joseph Smith, as the prophet of the church, is the mouthpiece of the church.</p><p>It says in Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"... on one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receveith them even as Moses." </p></blockquote><p>It says in Doctrine and Covenants 28:4-5, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it. But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom." </p></blockquote><p>In General Conference in October 2020, our prophet President Russell M. Nelson reminded us, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul! The wording willing is crucial to this interpretation of Israel. We all have our agency. We can choose to be of Israel or not. We can choose to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not." (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/46nelson?lang=eng">"Let God Prevail,"</a> Russell M. Nelson)</p></blockquote><p>We are asked to listen to the prophet, and guess what the prophet reminds us to do? Turn the Savior, always, and let God prevail in our lives. </p><p>Today, in answer to prayer, I read these reassuring words from Jeffrey R. Holland,</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"... faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some suffering until we see His arm revealed in our behalf. That can be difficult in our modern world when many have come to believe that the highest good in life is to avoid all suffering, that no one should ever anguish over anything. But that belief will never us to "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."</p></blockquote><p>Later he adds, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"And whether that be a short period or a long one is not always ours to say, but by the grace of God, the blessings will come to those who hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ." </p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">Today's message is short but I hope, reminds you that at the end of it all, we can always look toward Christ, and we can put on the Armor of God to make that path a little easier as those arrows bounce off our armor.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-7055577848242445592021-03-14T12:53:00.006-07:002021-03-21T23:56:51.905-07:00Doctrine and Covenants 23-26 "Strengthen the Church"<p> This week's "Come Follow Me" study covered Doctrine and Covenants 23-26, with the theme "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/11?lang=eng">Strengthen the Church</a>."</p><p><b>Recap of Scriptures Covered</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/23?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 23</a> -</b> (April 1830) - Revelation for Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith, Sen., and Joseph Knight, Sen. around specific duties for each of them</li><li><b><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/24?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 24</a> -</b> (April 1830) - Revelation for Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery "to strengthen, encourage, and instruct" them during a time of intense persecution. (Four months after the church had been organized.)</li><li><b><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/25?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 25</a> -</b> (April 1830) - Revelation given for Emma Smith, "an elect lady."</li><li><b><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/26?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 26</a> -</b> (July 1830) - Revelation given for Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer that all things are done by commandment.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Exhort the Church<br /></b>One of themes in this set of scriptures is that the Lord teaches to exhort.</p><p>In Doctrine and Covenants 23, the Lord shares specific duties for some of his faithful followers.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In 23:4 he says to Samuel H. Smith, "thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church." </li><li>He then repeats the same words to Joseph in 23:5, "thy calling also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church."</li><li>Finally, the Lord repeats this in 23:7 to Joseph Knight, "and give your language to exhortation continually." </li></ul><div>Three months later, in July 1830, the Lord gives revelation to Joseph Smith for Emma Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 25:7, where he says:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>"And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit."</li></ul></div><div>What does it mean to exhort? The Google dictionary, which gets its definitions for Oxford Languages, states that to exhort is to "strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something."</div><div><br /></div><div>When Samuel, Joseph, Joseph Knight, Sen, and Emma were told to exhort the church, did they struggle to grasp how they could do it, or what that meant? Remember, the first copies of the Book of Mormon were not made available to the public until March 1830. The church was not organized until the same month that many of them were instructed to exhort, in April (with Emma in July). I would imagine that they had faith but that this was a very new and intimidating thing for them. We have the advantage today of more resources at our fingertips as we study out what it means to exhort. </div><div><br /></div><div>For instance, look at the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/tg/exhort?lang=eng">topical guide for "exhort."</a> The references are incredible and eye opening:</div><div><br /></div><p></p><header style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><h1 data-aid="128465285" id="title1" style="--height: 33.8906px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.25em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 1.5em 0.5em; position: unset; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Exhort</span></h1></header><div><div class="body-block" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><nav class="index" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ul class="reference" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="title" data-aid="128465286" id="title2" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">See also</em> <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/tg/exhortation?lang=eng" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Exhortation</a>; <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/tg/warn?lang=eng" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Warn</a></p></li></ul></nav><nav class="index" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.65em 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ul style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465287" id="p1" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhorting</span> them to continue in the faith, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/acts/14.22?lang=eng#p22" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Acts 14:22</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465288" id="p2" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">he that <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhorteth</span>, on exhortation, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/rom/12.8?lang=eng#p8" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rom. 12:8</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465289" id="p3" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">thought it necessary to <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span> the brethren, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/2-cor/9.5?lang=eng#p5" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Cor. 9:5</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465290" id="p4" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">we command and <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span> by our Lord, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/2-thes/3.12?lang=eng#p12" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Thes. 3:12</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465291" id="p5" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">These things teach and <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span>, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-tim/6.2?lang=eng#p2" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Tim. 6:2</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465292" id="p6" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span> with all longsuffering and doctrine, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/2-tim/4.2?lang=eng#p2" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Tim. 4:2</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465293" id="p7" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">sound doctrine both to <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span> and to convince, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/titus/1.9?lang=eng#p9" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Titus 1:9</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465294" id="p8" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span>, and rebuke with all authority, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/titus/2.15?lang=eng#p15" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Titus 2:15</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465295" id="p9" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span> one another daily, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/heb/3.13?lang=eng#p13" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Heb. 3:13</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465296" id="p10" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhorting</span> one another, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/heb/10.25?lang=eng#p25" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Heb. 10:25</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465297" id="p11" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">I have written briefly, <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhorting</span>, and testifying, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-pet/5.12?lang=eng#p12" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Pet. 5:12</a>.</p></li></ul></nav><nav class="index" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.65em 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ul style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465298" id="p12" style="--height: 46px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span> them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/8.37?lang=eng#p37" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Ne. 8:37</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465299" id="p13" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhorting</span> them to all diligence, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/10.2?lang=eng#p2" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Ne. 10:2</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465300" id="p14" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span> my brethren to faithfulness, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/17.15?lang=eng#p15" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Ne. 17:15</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465301" id="p15" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhorting</span> all men to come unto God, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/omni/1.25?lang=eng#p25" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Omni 1:25</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465302" id="p16" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span> you to have patience, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/34.40?lang=eng#p40" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Alma 34:40</a>.</p></li></ul></nav><nav class="index" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.65em 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ul style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465303" id="p17" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">preach, <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span>, declare, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/19.37?lang=eng#p37" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">D&C 19:37</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465304" id="p18" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">to teach, expound, <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span>, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/20.42?lang=eng#p42" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">D&C 20:42</a> (<a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/20.46-47,50,59?lang=eng#p46" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">20:46–47, 50, 59</a>).</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465305" id="p19" style="--height: 46px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">visit the house of each member, <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhorting</span> them to pray, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/20.51?lang=eng#p51" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">D&C 20:51</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465306" id="p20" style="--height: 23px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">ordained … to <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhort</span> the church, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/25.7?lang=eng#p7" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">D&C 25:7</a>.</p></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="entry" data-aid="128465307" id="p21" style="--height: 46px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; text-indent: -1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">scattered remnants are <span class="key-word" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">exhorted</span> to return to the Lord, <a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/113.10?lang=eng#p10" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">D&C 113:10</a>.</p></li></ul></nav></div></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div>We learn here some of the ways that we can exhort, about long-suffering, diligence, faithfulness, patience, praying, and teaching.</div><div><br /></div><div>In August 19, 2014, Elder Bednar, speaking at Campus Education Week at Brigham Young University, said, </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth - messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy - and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood." ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng">To Sweep the Earth as With a Flood,</a>" David A. Bednar, Campus Education Week, BYU)</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Elder Bednar gives the example of using social media to incrementally "press forward using the Lord's pattern of 'line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little' (2 Nephi 28:30)."</div><div><br /></div><div>Can we use the ways we connect with people to share things that are lovely and praiseworthy? Can we as members individually add a drop of water to that ocean of good, and help to flood the earth with things that edify and talk of Christ? Absolutely. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>The strength of meekness</b></div><div>One other scripture I want to emphasize, as I think about the power of exhorting with the spirit of meekness, is Doctrine and Covenants 25:5, where the Lord tells Emma, "And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness." Later, in 25:14, He says, "Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride."</div><div><br /></div><div>As I studied the word "meekness," it became clear how often today meekness is incorrectly associated with weakness, and wouldn't that be a great plan of wickedness, to try to corrupt something that is good so that it seems shameful, somehow?</div><div><br /></div><div>Elder David A. Bednar explained:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">“The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others” (“</span><a class="cross-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng&para=29#p29" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Meek and Lowly of Heart</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">,” </span><cite style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ensign</cite><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"> or </span><cite style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Liahona,</cite><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"> May 2018, 32).</span></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Joseph Smith never had an easy life. He came from a poor family and worked hard on the farm. At age 14, when he prayed to know which church was true, he was met with condemnation from "leaders" of churches that somehow, while claiming to be followers of God, thought it was appropriate to persecute a teenager. When they tried to have their first baptisms in the newly organized church, mobs destroyed their baptismal font that they had prepared. The Lord prepared a way but he did not hand it to him on a silver platter, by any stretch of the imagination.</div><div><br /></div><div>Emma, choosing to marry him, was pulled into a difficult life with a lot of adversity as well. The constant strain of worrying about the safety of her family and especially Joseph Smith, would have been difficult enough. In fact, her mother-in-law, Lucy Mack Smith, said of her, "I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal and patience, which she has always done." (Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual). </div><div><br /></div><div>As I read Lucy Mack Smith's description of Emma, Elder Bednar's words came to mind "Meekness is ... strong ... courageous ... restrained ... not easily provoked." </div><div><br /></div><div>In March 1983, Neal A. Maxwell explained, </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"Actually, meekness is not an attribute which is essential only in itself, said Moroni. It is also vital because one cannot develop those crucial virtues - faith, hope, and charity - without meekness. In the ecology of the eternal attributes, these cardinal characteristics are inextricably bound up together. Among them, meekness is often the initiator, facilitator, and consolidator." ("Meekness - A Dimension of True Discipleship," Neal A. Maxwell)</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>In October 2013, Ulisses Soares said of meekness:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"Meekness is vital for us to become more Christlike. Without it we won't be able to develop other important virtues. Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self-worth, and self-control. Meekness was one of the most abundant attributes in the Savior's life. He Himself taught His disciples, 'Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.'" ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/be-meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng">Be Meek and Lowly in Heart</a>," Ulisses Soares)</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>I want to end with one last thought about the beauty of meekness, from Henry B. Eyring:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">"Brothers and sisters, the Lord has opportunities near you to feel and to share His love. You can pray with confidence for the Lord to lead you to love someone for Him. He answers the prayers of meek volunteers like you." </span><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">("</span><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/try-try-try?lang=eng" style="font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif;">Try, try, Try,"</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;"> Henry B Eyring, October 2018)</span></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>As we seek to follow the Lord, exhort as he asks us to do, and follow other commandments that are given to us to guide and protect us, that the Lord will answer "the prayers of meek volunteers."</div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-15920406131432265982021-03-07T13:04:00.002-08:002021-03-07T13:05:29.754-08:00The Restoration of the Church on Earth<p>This week's <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/10?lang=eng">Come Follow Me</a> study covered <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/20?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 20-22</a>, in April 1830 when the Church of Christ was restored on earth once again. </p><p>A brief reminder of the timing:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1820 - At age 14, Joseph Smith went into the woods to pray (Joseph Smith History 1:14-20)</li><li>1829 - At age 23, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic Priesthood (Section 13)</li><li>1830 - At age 24, Joseph Smith gathered with 40-ish believers in the home of Peter Whitmer and organized the church (Section 21)</li></ul><p></p><p>The Come Follow Me manual references a history of the church called <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/revelations-in-context/build-up-my-church?lang=eng">"Build Up My Church" by Jeffrey G. Cannon</a>. It helps bring the experience and story to life, of what was happening in the restoration of the gospel on the earth at that time. It strengthens my testimony and understanding of the gospel as I read this account and picture 40-ish faithful followers of God squeezing into the home of Peter Whitmer, as they partook of the first sacrament of the restored church on earth and experienced something that, I, as someone who grew up learning about the gospel, and grew up attending church regularly, have always known as a part of my life.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr4M9lTZLrj54HTbnTeBeV91r2pYv9XJq_PekcDXpYSU7SLmSepFkFW2UAVIFMvOjYmx1lIGU0PRmhzhPqnklZt1WFMMmrvvtOKPrdPep-TjGKmCAyg-qGaDiTL08z5F_Z8wUdqvgExw/s2048/Screen+Shot+2021-03-07+at+12.49.44+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr4M9lTZLrj54HTbnTeBeV91r2pYv9XJq_PekcDXpYSU7SLmSepFkFW2UAVIFMvOjYmx1lIGU0PRmhzhPqnklZt1WFMMmrvvtOKPrdPep-TjGKmCAyg-qGaDiTL08z5F_Z8wUdqvgExw/w515-h288/Screen+Shot+2021-03-07+at+12.49.44+PM.png" width="515" /></a></div><p>I taught Sunday School today, and we talked about the comparison of the full gospel of Christ on earth at this time (above). I want to highlight a couple of points discussed during class today:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How true it was that the gospel was once again restored on the earth because you can see that having the doctrine, ordinances, priesthood authority, and prophets are the same.</li><li>How slowly the gospel of Christ unfurled in ancient times (as they moved away from the law of Moses) and how relatively quickly the principles of the gospel came forth on the earth today.</li></ul><p></p><p>In April 2020, President Russell M. Nelson, our prophet of God on the earth today, shared a proclamation, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-restoration-of-the-fulness-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ/a-bicentennial-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng">"The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."</a> It's a great time to study this proclamation as we study the restoration of the church on the earth, and what that meant for those who were willing to listen and learn. I love how this proclamation starts with, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"We solemnly proclaim that God loves his children in every nation of the world." </p></blockquote><p>In October 2020, President Russell M. Nelson reiterated the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior for us. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him, 'black and white, bond and free, male and female.'" (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/11/46nelson?lang=eng">"Let God Prevail,"</a> Russell M. Nelson, October 2020 General Conference).</p></blockquote><p><b>The Lord Speaks through Prophets<br /></b>In <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/21?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 21:5-6</a>, the Lord says, "For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you ..."</p><p>What a blessing it is to have prophets on the earth today, that we can receive the Lord's word "as if from mine own mouth."</p><p>President Nelson has given us plenty of advice and encouragement over the last few years. For instance, he told us to in April 2018 that we should be taking more efforts to receive personal revelation. He encouraged us that as we pray and study, that we should write down the feelings and follow through on the promptings that come to our mind. As a result of his guidance, I have a notebook that I keep next to my bed stand and take with me to other parts of the house when I study scriptures. As I read, if something comes into my mind, I write it down. If I am a praying, and have a thought about something, I write it down. I'm not always great or consistent about this, but I am improving. President Nelson has counseloed us that "As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will "grow into the principle of revelation." ("Revelation for the Church, Revelation of Our Lives," Russell M. Nelson, April 2018 General Conference)</p><p>Also powerful in the above scripture is that, by following direction from the prophet, "the gates of hell shall not prevail against you."</p><p>The theme of "prevailing" has been particularly poignant in a year where the turmoils of individuals around the world are perhaps more shared evident, but where trials and tribulation in one's life are certainly nothing new.</p><p>President Nelson said, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives. For centuries, prophets have foretold this gathering, and it is happening right now! As an essential prelude to the Second Coming of the Lord, it is <i>the most</i> important work in the world." (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/11/46nelson?lang=eng">"Let God Prevail,"</a> Russell M. Nelson, October 2020 General Conference)</p></blockquote><p>Doctrine and Covenants 20 talks about the organization of the different duties of elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members. </p><p>One thing that I want to emphasize here is that in our all responsibilities, President Uchtdorf said, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"From the newest ordained deacon to the most senior high priest, we all have lists of what we could and should do in our priesthood responsibilities. That what is important in our work, and we need to attend to it. But it is in the why of priesthood service that we need to discover the fire, passion, and power of the priesthood. The what of priesthood service teaches us what to do. They why inspires our souls. The what informs, but the why transforms." ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/the-why-of-priesthood-service?lang=eng">The Why of Priesthood Service</a>," Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2012)</p></blockquote><p>While Doctrine and Covenants 20 focuses on the duties of different priesthood callings, its focus, as it says in Doctrine and Covenants 20:38, is also "and members of the church of Christ," including ensuring they are baptized when ready and that they partake of the sacrament. </p><p><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/10?lang=eng">The topic guide about priesthood power on</a> www.churchofjesuschrist.org addresses this, quoting from Joseph Smith's teachings about Priesthood, Temple, and Women.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click to enlarge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1lS5hvGv7NA4raJXyjaUYCMyi4SpAHYLW_PG2t_5VxM57DH1kMFwcSgo664H6tF-2xkF04QrQzWl2S3aOHC41aPkUBDlG2kAFmUamg7_YkH9hi-3gcZ4sD42x0HVRXS9JHZIWpN6i7A/s1720/Screen+Shot+2021-03-07+at+1.46.03+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1lS5hvGv7NA4raJXyjaUYCMyi4SpAHYLW_PG2t_5VxM57DH1kMFwcSgo664H6tF-2xkF04QrQzWl2S3aOHC41aPkUBDlG2kAFmUamg7_YkH9hi-3gcZ4sD42x0HVRXS9JHZIWpN6i7A/w453-h266/Screen+Shot+2021-03-07+at+1.46.03+PM.png" width="453" /></a></div><br /><p>I hope today's thoughts are one that fill you with a sense of purpose in how and WHY to overcome, and a feeling of hope that we CAN overcome. I love the reminder that the Lord loves all of us, no matter what kind of person that we are, where we were born, where we live now. What he cares about is that we know that he loves us and that because he does, he wants us to prevail. And, as we do, it will open the doors to let him help to carry us: </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"Now how does the Lord feel about people who will let God prevail? Nephi summed it up well, "[The Lord] loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea even Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and he remember[s] the covenants which he [has] made. And what is the Lord willing to do for Israel? The Lord has pledged that He will "fight [our] battles, and [our] children's battles, and our children's children's [battles] ... to the third and fourth generation." (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/11/46nelson?lang=eng">"Let God Prevail,"</a> Russell M. Nelson, October 2020 General Conference)</p></blockquote>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-46225297608584532262021-02-28T12:44:00.003-08:002021-02-28T12:44:57.006-08:00The Worth of Souls is Great in the Sight of God - ALL Souls<p>This week's <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/09?lang=eng">"Come Follow Me"</a> study covers Doctrine and Covenants 18-19. </p><p>When I was a youth growing up in California, I attended Seminary at 6:30 a.m. every school day before going to class, as there was no time to go back home between seminary and school. Part of our program was memorizing especially impactful scriptures, called "Scripture Mastery." Many of you of course will have had similar experiences. I remember that I enjoyed memorizing these scriptures, and as a result, got to know them fairly well. Some scriptures have "stuck" better than others. This is one of them.</p><p><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/18.10-16?lang=eng#p10#10">Doctrine and Covenants 18:10, 15-16</a> says:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="verse" data-aid="128365526" id="p10" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>Remember the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/09?lang=eng#note10a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">worth</a> of <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/09?lang=eng#note10b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">souls</a> is great in the sight of God;</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128365531" id="p15" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">15 </span>And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/09?lang=eng#note15a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">soul</a> unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128365532" id="p16" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: var(--serif); font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">16 </span>And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/09?lang=eng#note16a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">kingdom</a> of my Father, how great will be your <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/09?lang=eng#note16b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">joy</a> if you should bring many <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/09?lang=eng#note16c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">souls</a> unto me!</p></blockquote><p>The Lord loves every one of us, equally. He doesn't qualify that his joy will be great if you bring a white soul unto him, or a soul of a man with great wealth or fame, or the soul of the most beautiful woman in the country unto him. He simply says, "save it be one soul unto me." </p><p>When President Russell M. Nelson spoke in October 2020 General Conference he stated:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p data-aid="144620376" id="p19" style="--height: 168px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The gospel net to gather scattered Israel is expansive. There is room for each person who will fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each convert becomes one of God’s covenant children,<a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note15" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">15</sup></a> whether by birth or by adoption. Each becomes a full heir to all that God has promised the faithful children of Israel!<a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">16</sup></a></p><p data-aid="144620379" id="p20" style="--height: 196px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Each of us has a divine potential because each is a child of God. Each is equal in His eyes. The implications of this truth are profound. Brothers and sisters, please listen carefully to what I am about to say. God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">all</em> to come unto Him, “black and white, bond and free, male and female.”<a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note17" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">17</sup></a></p></blockquote><p> <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/46nelson?lang=eng">"Let God Prevail,"</a> Russell M. Nelson, General Conference 2020<br /></p><p>When the Savior came to earth to teach us how to be like him and return to Heavenly Father, he also took upon him the sins of the world so that through baptism and repentance, we could return to Him. After making such a great sacrifice for ALL mankind, of course the Savior would want us to do all we could to follow the path he had created for us.</p><p>In Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19, another piece of "Scripture Mastery" that we memorized as youth in seminary, it says:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="verse" data-aid="128365575" id="p16" style="--height: 57.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">16 </span>For behold, I, God, have <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>suffered</a> these things for all, that they <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>might</a> not suffer if they would <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note16c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>repent</a>;</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128365577" id="p17" style="--height: 34.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">17 </span>But if they would not repent they must <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note17a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>suffer</a> even as I;</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128365579" id="p18" style="--height: 103.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">18 </span>Which <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note18a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>suffering</a> 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 <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note18b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>not</a> drink the bitter cup, and shrink—</p><p class="verse" data-aid="128365581" id="p19" style="--height: 57.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">19 </span>Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note19a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>finished</a> my preparations unto the children of men.</p></blockquote><p>I want to emphasize these words, that "I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent." He has given us the path and the key, and he did this at great sacrifice and with great love "for all." For every single one of us. </p><p>I'm so grateful for our Savior, the shepherd, that humbly walked on earth among us to teach us and to guide us, and that, even now, looks for every one of his lost sheep, and gathers us into his fold, no matter of far we've traveled, what mud we've dragged our wool through. He loves each of us, and his sacrifice was for every single one of us.</p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-43813511292963941762021-02-21T13:23:00.004-08:002021-02-21T18:08:01.294-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 14-17 - Stand as a Witness<p>Doctrine and Covenants 14-17 all takes place in June 1829, when Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and Emma Smith have moved in with the Whitmer family.</p><p>I taught adult Sunday School, and two of the participants in class talked about visiting the Whitmer home and being a little surprised to see the reality of how small it was to be housing extra guests. This reminder brings home some of the great sacrifices that the Whitmer family made because they believed that what Joseph Smith was doing was the work of the Lord. Keep in mind that there were three Whitmer sons, a Whitmer daughter, and the parents living in the home at the time, and then Joseph, Oliver, and Emma joined them. This was notably a great strain on Mary Whitmer, the mother, as it increased her workload when she already had quite a lot to do. They also of course, now had extra mouths to feed.</p><p>There are so many excellent sources about this time in history that I don't want to re-tell something that can be told elsewhere. Here are a few relevant points for today, and then I will recommend some places for great additional insight.</p><p><b>Mini-summary of background to Doctrine and Covenants 14-17</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Joseph Smith was translating the scriptures, with Oliver Cowdery as scribe, in Harmony, Pennsylvania (with some financial backing from Joseph Knight, Sr.) </li><li>The locals in Harmony had become hostile and Oliver and Joseph were concerned about their safety. </li><li>Oliver Cowdery wrote to David Whitmer to ask if he, Joseph, and Emma could move in with them. Oliver asked his father for permission, and after a miracle where the field had been plowed overnight (angels), Peter Whitmer, Sr. said yes, and willingly met with and brought them into their home.</li><li>As Joseph and Oliver were translating the scriptures, some of the Whitmers express concern about what they should be doing, and Joseph, praying on their behalf, received individual revelation fro David Whitmer, John Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer, Jr.</li></ul><p></p><p>There's so much more between the lines here but the point is the great faith of the Whitmer family, and that with all they were already doing to advance the work of the Lord, that they still wanted to know what else they could. Just as the Lord had replied to Joseph Knight Senior in Doctrine and Covenant 12, he did the same for David Whitmer (D&C14), John Whitmer (D&C14), and Peter Whitmer, Jr. (D&C 16). </p><p style="text-align: center;">(Click to zoom in/expand)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyeLu7JZgoodnSeIlsVjvrcg5BvgUd7aL60l8yBDtCty3FhLboqEAMgdDsSmRIktMdkz0st5mRW1EHsEoTAIDN8oeACiMK_geAYbL9hLc1S-gxmEUFDvRaAVZhWkk2zD5X0xrZF4j3R4/s1471/Screen+Shot+2021-02-21+at+1.16.49+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1471" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyeLu7JZgoodnSeIlsVjvrcg5BvgUd7aL60l8yBDtCty3FhLboqEAMgdDsSmRIktMdkz0st5mRW1EHsEoTAIDN8oeACiMK_geAYbL9hLc1S-gxmEUFDvRaAVZhWkk2zD5X0xrZF4j3R4/w483-h240/Screen+Shot+2021-02-21+at+1.16.49+PM.png" width="483" /></a></div><br /><p>I think it's meaningful that the Lord responded to these Whitmers separately as every individual is of great worth, but it's also important because the Lord, throughout the scriptures, has emphasized important things through repetition. So, what kind of things does he repeat? He tells all of them the importance of missionary work and bringing souls unto him. The Lord repeatedly reminds us, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"For behold the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he my treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God." (Doctrine and Covenants 14:3 ... but similar scriptures in D&C 4, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16). </p></blockquote><p><b>Behold the Field is White Already to Harvest</b><br />I found a little visual lesson in the April 2015 New Era Magazine called, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/magazines/new-era/2015/04/april-2015-new-era-magazine_1432272_prt.pdf">Thrust in Your Sickle</a>." It talks about how a sickle is a tool, sharp, common, and personal, and what those qualities mean. I am sharing it as I feel like it's a great visual took for a conversation with your family. I talks about how we have many tools, like social media, to open our mouths. One of the reminders is that a sickle is sharp. Elder Kevin R. Duncan, quoted in this visual, talks about how, "we kept a file on hand to sharpen our sickle every day. In missionary work and indeed in all areas of life, we need to keep our spiritual sickles sharp so that we can achieve our own best potential." (This quote was from his article, "Abandoned Seeds in Rocky Places," New Era, July 14, 18).</p><p><b>Witnesses<br /></b>Several of these men became witnesses to the gold plates. This is significant because the Lord has said repeatedly throughout the scriptures that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (Doctrine and Covenants 6:28). </p><p>Dallin H. Oaks said, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">Witnesses and witnessing are vital in God’s plan for the salvation of His children. In the Godhead, the function of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father and the Son (see </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.18?lang=eng#p18" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Ne. 31:18</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">). The Father has borne witness of the Son (see </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/3.17?lang=eng#p17" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Matt. 3:17</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">; </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/17.5?lang=eng#p5" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Matt. 17:5</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">; </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/john/5.31-39?lang=eng#p31" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">John 5:31–39</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">), and the Son has borne witness of the Father (see </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/john/17?lang=eng" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">John 17</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">). The Lord has commanded His servants to testify of Him (see </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/43.10?lang=eng#p10" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Isa. 43:10</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">; </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/18.9?lang=eng#p9" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mosiah 18:9</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">; </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.62?lang=eng#p62" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">D&C 84:62</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">), and all of the prophets have borne witness of Jesus Christ (see </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/acts/10.43?lang=eng#p43" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Acts 10:43</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">; </span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/rev/19.10?lang=eng#p10" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rev. 19:10</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">). (</span>"The Witness: Martin Harris," Dallin H. Oaks, May 1999)</div></blockquote><p>So how do we remain true to what we know? I'd like to share some quotes from church leaders over the years.</p><p><b>Ezra Taft Benson on sharing our witness of the Book of Mormon said:</b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="--height: 112px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">“The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to ‘sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out [His] elect.’ (<a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/moses/7.62?lang=eng#p62" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Moses 7:62</a>.) This sacred volume of scripture needs to become more central in our preaching, our teaching, and our missionary work.</div><div style="--height: 112px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">“… In this age of the electronic media and the mass distribution of the printed word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way.</div><div style="--height: 112px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">“We have the Book of Mormon, we have the members, we have the missionaries, we have the resources, and the world has the need. The time is now!</div><div style="--height: 112px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">“My beloved brothers and sisters, we hardly fathom the power of the Book of Mormon, nor the divine role it must play, nor the extent to which it must be moved” (<cite style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson</cite> [2014], <a class="cross-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-ezra-taft-benson/chapter-10-flooding-the-earth-and-our-lives-with-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng&para=36-39#p36" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">143–44</a>). (Quote from the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/08?lang=eng">Come Follow Me Sunday School manual.</a>)</div></blockquote><p><b>Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in talking about Daniel being taken captive to Babylon</b> to learn their ways, while still faithfully holding on to the God that he had been taught about and knew to be true, said:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">Many of you know how it feels to defend an unpopular truth. In the Internet slang of today, we talk about getting “flamed” by those who disagree with us. But Daniel wasn’t just risking public ridicule. In Babylon, those who challenged the religious authorities understood what it means—figuratively and literally—to be “flamed.” Just ask Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.</span><a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note2" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">2</sup></a></p></blockquote><p>In the same talk he also said: </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">Because of our belief, we will never hunger, never thirst.</span><a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note13" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">13</sup></a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;"> The gifts of God’s grace will enable us to be true to our faith and will fill our soul like “a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”</span><a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note14" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">14</sup></a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;"> We will experience true and lasting joy.</span><a class="note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note15" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0.1em;">15</sup></a></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/10/be-not-afraid-only-believe?lang=eng">Be Not Afraid, Only Believe</a>," Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2015 General Conference)</p></blockquote><p><br /><b>Gordon B. Hinckley reminds us </b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">I wish that every member of this church would put those words where he might see them every morning as he begins his day. They would give us the courage to speak up, they would give us the faith to try, they would strengthen our conviction of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that more miracles would happen over the earth.</span></p></blockquote><p> ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1996/02/be-not-afraid-only-believe?lang=eng">Be Not Afraid, Only Believe</a>," Gordon B. Hinckley, First Presidency Message, February 1996) </p><p><b>Sources I recommend for additional study:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/revelations-in-context/the-knight-and-whitmer-families?lang=eng">The Knight and Whitmer families</a> (This one was linked from the Come Follow Me manual)</p><p><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2001/02/joseph-smiths-susquehanna-years?lang=eng">Map</a> showing where Joseph Knight Sr. lived in context to where Joseph Smith was translating scriptures in Harmony.</p><p><a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/joseph-smith-prophet-man/close-friends-witnesses-joseph-smith-joseph-knight-families">Details about the Knight family</a> from BYU (writer William G. Hartley)</p><p>An Ensign article about how the <a href=" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1979/08/the-whitmers-a-family-that-nourished-the-church?lang=eng">Whitmers nourished the church.</a></p><p>Another Ensign article about how the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1989/02/true-to-the-book-of-mormon-the-whitmers?lang=eng">Whitmers were true to the Book of Mormon</a></p><p>Excerpt from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1/07-fellow-servants.13-29?lang=eng#p13#13">Saints Volume 1</a></p><p><br /></p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-50575762771741938552021-02-14T13:22:00.005-08:002021-02-21T13:52:05.746-08:00I Believe in Angels (Come Follow Me - Doctrine and Covenants 12-13 and Joseph Smith History)<div><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/13?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 13</a> is just one verse long. It says:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div class="body-block" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="verse" data-aid="128364734" id="p1" style="--height: 149.688px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span>Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note1a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>confer</a> the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note1b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>Priesthood of Aaron</a>, which holds the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note1c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>keys</a> of the ministering of <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note1d" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">d</sup>angels</a>, and of the gospel of <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note1e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">e</sup>repentance</a>, and of <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note1f" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">f</sup>baptism</a> by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note1g" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">g</sup>sons of Levi</a> do offer again an offering unto the Lord in <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note1h" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">h</sup>righteousness</a>.</p></div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOT59amFLambrBd9fhoBvmMlENexk0v1mF9fa-dr11EyipzPBGVccUgndei9GjC6g0tGkbx38E-1jl9dYRr9vu8-Kxpwbyr0XRavdYd4mJrH8G9zZwa-GuqICx06qHwdymovUqgciYGw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1504" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOT59amFLambrBd9fhoBvmMlENexk0v1mF9fa-dr11EyipzPBGVccUgndei9GjC6g0tGkbx38E-1jl9dYRr9vu8-Kxpwbyr0XRavdYd4mJrH8G9zZwa-GuqICx06qHwdymovUqgciYGw/w259-h353/image.png" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Ensign:Sans", Arial, "noto sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: #3a3d40; color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">John the Baptist Conferring the Aaronic Priesthood (The Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood), by Del Parson (62013); GAK 407; GAB 93; Primary manual 3-11; Primary manual 5-15; Primary manual 6-52; Doctrine and Covenants 13; Joseph Smith—History 1:68–73</span></div><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/image/aaronic-priesthood-given-to-joseph-bb88c20?lang=eng">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/image/aaronic-priesthood-given-to-joseph-bb88c20?lang=eng</a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd like to focus today on "the key of the ministering of angels." In the gospel of Jesus Christ, we often talk about the Holy Ghost, and in fact, this was the theme of a recent post of mine, "<a href="https://singingmagic.blogspot.com/2021/01/doctrine-and-covenants-6-9-this-is.html">This is the Spirit of Revelation</a>." We talk a little less often about angels, so it was interesting for me to study this topic a little more deeply last week and see what the Holy Ghost and angels have in common. You can go to the Guide to the Scriptures for a more technical explanation of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/gs/angels?lang=eng">angels</a>. What interests me is how angels work in our lives. Just like the Holy Ghost, angels can warn, guide, and comfort.</div><div><br /></div><div>In his 2008 General Conference talk, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/the-ministry-of-angels?lang=eng">The Ministry of Angels</a>," by Jeffrey R. Holland, he gives several example of angels in the scriptures, for example, an angels visited Adam and Eve many times, an angel told Mary that she would be the earthly mother of the Savior, and an angel guided Joseph of the "coat of many colors" fame. </div><div><br /></div><div>Elder Holland said,</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"... God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children. ... the scriptures or our own latter-day history ... are filled with accounts of angels ministering to those on earth." He then describes that angels are usually not seen, but "they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times."</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>In a speech given at Brigham Young University in 1974, called <a href="https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/ezra-taft-benson/jesus-christ-gifts-expectations/">"Jesus Christ - Gifts and Expectations,"</a> Ezra Taft Benson said,</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">"God loves us, he’s watching us, he wants us to succeed, and we’ll know someday that he has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us. If we only knew that there are heavenly hosts pulling for us—friends in heaven, whom we can’t remember now, who yearn for our victory. This is our day to show what we can do—what life and sacrifice we can daily, hourly, instantly bring to God. If we give our all, we will get his all from the greatest of all."</span></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Let's go back to the scripture. It says the Priesthood of Aaron confers the "key of the ministering of angels." What does that mean for us? In a talk from 1982 about the Priesthood of Aaron, Gordon B. Hinckley said, </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"Think of it, my dear young brethern. This priesthood which you hold carries with it the keys of the ministering of angels. That means, as I interpret it, that if you life worthy of the priesthood, you have the right to receive and enjoy the very power of heavenly beings to guide you, to protect you, to bless you."</div></blockquote><div><br /><div>This does NOT mean that women are exempt from receiving this same power of heavenly beings. M Russell Ballard is one of many that have clarified this. In August 2013, at a BYU devotional he gave a talk called, "Let Us Think Straight." Elder Ballard explained that women can also receive the same access to the Lord's power, including the ministering of angels. He said,</div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div>"Our Father in Heaven is generous with His power. All men and all women have access to this power for help in our own lives. All who have made sacred covenants with the Lord and who honor those covenants are eligible to receive personal revelation, to be blessed by the ministering of angels, to commune with God, to receive the fulness of the gospel, and ultimately, to become heirs alongside Jesus Christ of all our Father has. </div></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>Elder John A. Widtsoe explained that the priesthood is for the benefit of all members of the Church. Men have no great claim than women upon the blessings that issue from the Priesthood and accompany its possession. Woman does not hold the Priesthood, but she is a partaker of the blessings of the Priesthood. (Priesthood and Church Government - Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1938, 83)."</div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>What a miracle, what a blessing that we all have the ability to be blessed by the ministering of angels. (I say "all" because even if you are not a baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ, the gospel is welcome to all. God loves everyone, we are all equal in his eyes, and the gospel is for everyone.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Moroni 7:29 says</div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Ensign:Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-size: 16px;">"... have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have </span><a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/gs/angels?lang=eng#note29a" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">angels</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-size: 16px;"> ceased to minister unto the children of men."</span></div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>One more quote, from Wendy Nelson, the prophet's wife, from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/sister-nelson-challenges-byu-womens-conference-attendees-to-keep-covenants?lang=eng">when she spoke at a BYU Women's conference in May 2015</a>. According to Church News staff writer Marianne Holman Prescott, she said, </div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;">"As we keep our covenants, we can ask for angels to help us. Literally. ... I'm not talking praying for fantasy angels with wings to magically fairy-dust our problems away. I'm not talking about praying to angels. I'm talking about praying to your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for those on the other side to be dispatched to assit you. Perhaps a loved one or two could be sent to help you with whatever you need."</div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>What an awesome, special thing it is to know that through our deepest trials and our greatest despair, that God is watching over us, and that his angels are watching over us. One final note. I called my thoughts today "I Believe in Angels" because I firmly do believe in angels. Not the kind with big white wings and a shiny halo, but the kind that look like translated beings, some who we get to read about in the Bible from when they were here on this earth, like Peter, or in the Book of Mormon, like Moroni. I also believe that we have the power and ability to act like earthly angels, as Carlos A. Godoy discusses in his talk, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/44godoy?lang=eng">I Believe in Angels</a>." I believe in angels and I'm grateful for the priesthood power that brought the keys of the ministering of angels back to our earth when the gospel of Jesus Christ was once again restored to the earth.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-89078565091456986482021-02-07T13:34:00.005-08:002021-02-07T13:35:09.249-08:00Doctrine & Covenants 10-11: "That Ye May Come Off Conquerer" <p> The <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/06?lang=eng">Come Follow Me Study</a> material for February 1-7 is <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/10?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 10-11</a>.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Doctrine and Covenants 10 - The Lord tells Joseph that they will not retranslate the lost 114 pages of the manuscript because Satan has a plan to manipulate the original manuscript to make it look like Joseph's translations are inconsistent, and therefore, not of God.</li><li>Doctrine and Covenants 11 - The Lord responds to Joseph's questions from Hyrum and explains the functions of the Holy Spirit.</li></ul><p></p><p>There's always so much inspiration in studying the scriptures, and I'm trying to hold back and no overwhelm, so I've picked three topics that I will touch on briefly, that aligns with topics in the Come Follow Me guide:</p><p><b>1. Satan seeks to destroy the work of God<br /></b>One of the themes and discussion points for Doctrine and Covenants 10 is the different ways that Satan tries to destroy the work of the Lord. In learning about these ways, we see that Satan continues to use the same methods today. <i>That means that his methods work on enough people that it's worth his effort.</i> Isn't that a scary thought?</p><p>I've made a chart below but I'll focus on just one of the way that Satan seeks to deceive. In Doctrine and Covenants 10:7, the Lord says:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span><span face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="background-color: white;">And for this cause I said that he is a wicked man, for he has sought to take away the things wherewith you have been entrusted; and he has also sought to destroy your gift.</span></p></blockquote><p>What gifts do you have today that the devil might be trying to steal away from you? I've talked about spiritual gifts many times in the past, particularly here "<a href="https://singingmagic.blogspot.com/2020/12/moroni-10-come-unto-christ-and-be.html">Moroni 10: Come Unto Christ and Be Perfected in Him</a>k" so I won't go into detail about this again. However, I do want to share a simple chart about spiritual gifts from "Friend" magazine, March 2017, called "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/friend/2017/03/what-are-your-spiritual-gifts?lang=eng">What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?</a>"</p><p>One of the spiritual gifts you could be given, for example, is "showing love." Can you see how the wicked might want you to lose that gift, so that you didn't go about doing good for others? <br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">(Click to enlarge)</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7Xgy-1IiSlgMZwA7Ua3-8TXl-zsRWaMALiDbpqCOWIAIIZ5b1muDmXqNppbwhbGXfapdfgE5TY7lkcF-vSdZAWOsfAMyZOowKJ8qYkjOc7x9ALh5BmqDSNZu-QW2Q0bHIfZfjO5_tcg/s1064/Screen+Shot+2021-02-07+at+2.08.25+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1064" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7Xgy-1IiSlgMZwA7Ua3-8TXl-zsRWaMALiDbpqCOWIAIIZ5b1muDmXqNppbwhbGXfapdfgE5TY7lkcF-vSdZAWOsfAMyZOowKJ8qYkjOc7x9ALh5BmqDSNZu-QW2Q0bHIfZfjO5_tcg/w515-h282/Screen+Shot+2021-02-07+at+2.08.25+PM.png" width="515" /></a></div><p><b>2. The Lord's "wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil."<br /></b>In Doctrine and Covenants 10:43, it says:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">43 </span><span face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="background-color: white;">I will not suffer that they shall destroy my </span><a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note43a" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>work</a><span face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="background-color: white;">; yea, I will show unto them that my </span><a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note43b" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>wisdom</a><span face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="background-color: white;"> is greater than the cunning of the devil.</span></p></blockquote><p>I think one of the faith-building things about the pandemic is how much members of our church have been able to see the guidance that the Lord has given with this in mind. What examples can you think of? </p><p>A few that come to mind for me:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Lord guided Moroni to abridge a second record knowing that Joseph Smith would lose the 114 translated pages of the manuscript, so that the records of these people wouldn't be lost.</li><li>The prophet creating two-hour church and home-centered church in advance of the pandemic.</li><li>The guidance from church leaders for decades to build up our home storage and reserves for emergencies like this one.</li></ul><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Dieter F. Uchtdorf said:<div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p data-aid="144619050" id="p13" style="--height: 168px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There are still a lot of unknowns about this virus. But if there is one thing I do know, it is that this virus did not catch Heavenly Father by surprise. He did not have to muster additional battalions of angels, call emergency meetings, or divert resources from the world-creation division to handle an unexpected need.</p></div><div><p data-aid="144619054" id="p14" style="--height: 84px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My message today is that even though this pandemic is not what we wanted or expected, God has prepared His children and His Church for this time. </p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/28uchtdorf?lang=eng">"God will do Something Unimaginable,</a>" October 2020 General Conference </p></blockquote><p> </p><div><p></p><p><b>3. If we ask of God, we will receive<br /></b>I still have my seminary scriptures, from when I was a teenager, with these verses of Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-14 highlighted, with my note on the side that these are "functions of the Spirit."</p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p class="verse" data-aid="128362533" id="p12" style="--height: 80.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note12a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>trust</a> in that <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note12b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>Spirit</a> which <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note12c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>leadeth</a> to do <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note12d" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">d</sup>good</a>—yea, to do <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note12e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">e</sup>justly</a>, to walk <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note12f" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">f</sup>humbly</a>, to <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note12g" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">g</sup>judge</a> righteously; and this is my Spirit.</p></div><div><p class="verse" data-aid="128362534" id="p13" style="--height: 80.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13 </span>Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note13a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>enlighten</a> your <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note13b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>mind</a>, which shall fill your soul with <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note13c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>joy</a>;</p></div><div><p class="verse" data-aid="128362535" id="p14" style="--height: 80.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14 </span>And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of <a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note14a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>righteousness</a>, in faith believing in me that you shall receive.</p></div></blockquote><div><p>What an incredible gift. When we are baptized, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost, and that gift, that Spirit, "leadeth to do good." I love to read the different ways that the Holy Spirit can guide us, and that if we turn to him, he can "enlighten your mind" and "fill your soul with joy."</p><p>A decade ago, President Boyd K. Packer said:</p><p data-aid="127787814" id="aside1_p1" style="--height: 280px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Sans", Zoram, "Zoram ldsLat", Arial, sans-serif-light, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em 76px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">“The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart. … It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church.”</p><div class="citation-info" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 76px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><p data-aid="127787815" id="aside1_p2" style="--height: 55px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Sans", Zoram, "Zoram ldsLat", Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Counsel to Youth,” <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ensign,</em> Nov. 2011, 17–18.</p></div><p><br /></p><p>I am so grateful that I can go through this life, and the trials that inevitably come, knowing that with God, all things are possible, and that with the gift of the Holy Ghost, and my faith in my Savior, I can "come off conquerer."</p></div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-54657992356283317242021-01-31T13:22:00.005-08:002021-02-07T19:36:18.198-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 6-9: "This is the Spirit of Revelation"<p><i>This week's study from the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/05?lang=eng">Come Follow Me</a> manual covered:</i></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><li><i>Doctrine and Covenants 6 - Response to Olivier Cowdery - what greater witness can you have than that of God?</i></li><li><i>Doctrine and Covenants 7 - A translation from the parchment of John the disciple</i></li><li><i>Doctrine and Covenants 8 - Response to Oliver Cowdery about the Spirit of Revelation</i></li><li><i>Doctrine and Covenants 9 - Response to Oliver Cowdery about the calling of translating the Book of Mormon</i></li></blockquote><p>In each of these sections, Joseph Smith went to the Lord with very specific questions, many on behalf of Oliver Cowdery. The Lord responded.</p><p>One of the things I have felt very aware of over the last couple of years is the emphasis that President Russell M. Nelson has placed on our ability and responsibility to seek personal revelation. He has shared many personal experiences with seeking revelation and he has made it clear that personal revelation is available to everyone.</p><p>In April 2018, he said:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"One of the things the Spirit has repeatedly impressed upon my mind since my new calling as President of the Church is how willing the Lord is to revel His mind and will. The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His Children." ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng">Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives</a>," Russell M. Nelson, April 2018 General Conference)</p></blockquote>The prophet is emphasizing something that is certainly not new. Prophets have been recording the Lord's guidance on this since the beginning of the earth, and that the Lord has re-stated this to Joseph Smith in modern revelation: <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw6UMSPu_Ni6VVz7Z8j_PHVLK75R2j8088mh57jKWrm2O_0eJNwUIDbHFyQxPAigAnWLz3R3QaSOAdsaklDrfykX5-BKGAFmbb5mWYu2Z7t4awiLTdBTqIxyTqLD1PdYXTVqDXd3tBG0/s1090/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+12.10.05+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1090" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw6UMSPu_Ni6VVz7Z8j_PHVLK75R2j8088mh57jKWrm2O_0eJNwUIDbHFyQxPAigAnWLz3R3QaSOAdsaklDrfykX5-BKGAFmbb5mWYu2Z7t4awiLTdBTqIxyTqLD1PdYXTVqDXd3tBG0/w491-h279/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+12.10.05+PM.png" width="491" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The Come Follow Me guide for Sunday School Teachers asks these questions:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. How does the Holy Ghost speak to us?</div><div>2. How can we recognize personal revelation?</div><div>3. How can we prepare ourselves to receive personal revelation?</div><div>4. What experiences have you had with recognizing personal revelation?</div><div>5. What if it feels like the Lord isn't answering your prayers and providing personal revelation?</div><div><br /></div><div>Each of these questions can be an entire lesson (or blog post) but I went through and looked for the answers to these questions and have some brief thoughts on each, for you to take forward in a more comprehensive personal study.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. How does the Holy Ghost speak to us?</b></div><div>For those of us raised in the gospel, we learn from the time we are children that the Holy Ghost often speaks to us in a "still, small voice." Often, this can be a feeling, or a prompting, and it can be easy to doubt or ignore. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had this experience many years ago when a woman's name came into my mind out of the blue, with no real direction. I knew this woman but we had had very little personal interaction other in recent years. I had taught one of her children as a Primary teacher many years ago and she had worked with me in a previous calling, but I doubt if we had talked to each other more than once or twice in over a year simply because we hadn't seen each other or even passed one another in the hallways at church (I was always in the Primary room). Therefore, due to lack of recent interaction, it was a surprising name to have pop into my mind. This happened maybe twice that week. I thought, "Hm, maybe this is a prompting. I'll do something nice for her soon." The following Sunday, I learned in church that she was very ill, and when I did, I also knew exactly what I could do for her. I had a specific skill set that was unique that I was able to use in a small and simple way, that she appreciated. I have always felt honored that I was given that task by the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div>The thing about that example, for those that feel like they never get any revelation, is that it was quite subtle, just a simple name popping into my mind with no other direction. Her name though, did dwell on my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKtFYI3yRaO0gkw5YegISIL7dAGaKKZ2UoR3xaBIfZU33dHNMdn3AO1lXcTY4j2gaXL5YkZnc2sZEl8QNbIB01V7YV4JQ4imqse96tqo4WnL-7pJAyPgiwSQfXQGq2j5wMSQOhzvBflQ/s1063/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.20.25+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1063" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKtFYI3yRaO0gkw5YegISIL7dAGaKKZ2UoR3xaBIfZU33dHNMdn3AO1lXcTY4j2gaXL5YkZnc2sZEl8QNbIB01V7YV4JQ4imqse96tqo4WnL-7pJAyPgiwSQfXQGq2j5wMSQOhzvBflQ/w448-h252/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.20.25+PM.png" width="448" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm currently reading, "Silent Souls Weeping," by Jane Clayson Johnson, in which she shares a story about a woman who was dealing with a period of depression and feelings of failure, when during prayer asking for help she was prompted to serve someone else. This woman said, "I was also a little angry. How could that be the answer when I was already feeling overwhelmed?" In the morning, she followed a prompting to knock on a woman's door, and the woman, answering said that when she had prayed, the Lord said, "Hang in there; Sue Clark will call in the morning." This isn't an example about doing more than you feel capable of, it's about listening to quiet feelings and impressions. The Lord understands things that we don't and helping Sue Clark helped her.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. How can we recognize personal revelation?</b></div><div>In the same General Conference talk I referenced earlier, President Nelson said (click to make larger):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF70K5SUNCQ2t2xDo9Xndg-y2QEg4M-au7S4soKuGD34a2CA1OhzQvmurr-Ff3jBOxadDQTn9mxT2Xmnfis1dOP1Nor5PwDFrQjH8kEm7JS0Wiu-_SHPQ-igcjFAqUuVOyCMCm030n0o/s1081/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.22.43+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1081" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF70K5SUNCQ2t2xDo9Xndg-y2QEg4M-au7S4soKuGD34a2CA1OhzQvmurr-Ff3jBOxadDQTn9mxT2Xmnfis1dOP1Nor5PwDFrQjH8kEm7JS0Wiu-_SHPQ-igcjFAqUuVOyCMCm030n0o/w431-h245/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.22.43+PM.png" width="431" /></a><br /><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng" style="text-align: left;">Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives</a></div><br /><div>I love that guidance that we can grow into the principle of revelation as we practice listening and writing down the thoughts that come to our mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>I keep a notebook just for writing down promptings. As I study scriptures, prayer, and ponder, I write down thoughts that come to my mind. Sometimes I wake up in the morning from a dream or have a thought right when I wake up, or as I'm falling asleep, and I keep my notebook nearby to write those down too. Not all thoughts are promptings to do something but as I practice this principle, I like knowing that I am "growing in the principle of revelation."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. How can we prepare ourselves to receive personal revelation?</b></div><div>The Lord reveals his answer to Oliver Cowdery through Joseph Smith. When I read this, I think of the phrase, "Faith without works is dead." A little analogy: I once had someone tell me about how they prayed that the Lord would wake them up at a certain time before laying down to take a nap. While this faith is commendable, I think the Lord would have appreciated it if they set their alarm clock, too!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw3l3V-jvTFiTTm1GetmzVUqX2zhY31sbb6s1aOICyUQVnVR1nwamZm8kUh26JZ2L37qYnn_TWfC7PU0s5vagFk1EcRnD2nq4GNDi0pvW_79VZipudcHHddJJr-I65eDNt3O__G4qbeA/s1082/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.33.47+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1082" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw3l3V-jvTFiTTm1GetmzVUqX2zhY31sbb6s1aOICyUQVnVR1nwamZm8kUh26JZ2L37qYnn_TWfC7PU0s5vagFk1EcRnD2nq4GNDi0pvW_79VZipudcHHddJJr-I65eDNt3O__G4qbeA/w421-h239/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.33.47+PM.png" width="421" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Click to enlarge)</div><div><br /></div><div>The advice the Lord gives Oliver Cowdery on answer to pray is actually quite similar to what we learn in more advanced careers in the work field. A junior person might say, "Hey manager, there's a problem. How will you fix it for me?" (They are not going to get promoted anytime soon this way.) In an advanced field, with advanced skill sets, the employee would say, "Hey manager, there's a problem. I have looked at the possible solutions, and there are three. I will present them to you all here. I believe that solution C is the best approach. Do you agree/support me?" See the difference? If there's only one right way to do things, the Lord may "cause that your bosom shall burn within you" when you correctly choose "C." If all the answers are good, he may leave you to it to decide which solution you recommend. It may be as simple as that you don't get a bad feeling about any of the possible solutions. This is just my own little analogy but the point is, that we have to prepare. </div><div><br /></div><div>As President Nelson mentioned in the quote earlier, that means also finding a quiet place, humbling ourselves, and sincerely talking to the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. What experiences have you had with recognizing personal revelation</b></div><div>I've already shared one of my experiences so I'll leave it that for now but I do want to re-state this question so you can think about it. I know this can be a sensitive topic for some that don't feel like they hear personal revelation as clearly as others but it may be more about recognizing it, sometimes, which is a skill that you work on!</div><div><br /></div><div>President Nelson said, "I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that 'if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peacable things - that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal." ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng">Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives</a>," Russell M. Nelson, April 2018 General Conference)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sheri Dew, then the second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, and speaking at a Women's session of General Conference said:</div><div><br /></div><div><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">"It is vital that we, the sisters of Relief Society, learn to hear the voice of the Lord. Yet I worry that too often we fail to seek the guidance of the Spirit. Perhaps we don’t know how and haven’t made it a priority to learn. Or we’re so aware of our personal failings that we don’t feel worthy, don’t really believe the Lord will talk to </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">us,</em><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;"> and therefore don’t seek revelation. Or we’ve allowed the distractions and pace of our lives to crowd out the Spirit. What a tragedy! For the Holy Ghost blesses us with optimism and wisdom at times of challenge that we simply cannot muster on our own." ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1998/11/we-are-not-alone?lang=eng">We are Not Alone</a>," Sheri Dew, November 1998 General Conference)</span></div><div><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. What if it feels like the Lord isn't answering your prayers / providing personal revelation?</b></div><div>(Again, click to enlargen). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KSaj6wPnTG7KzM9tUn06EGOsw4UmYE0B-HJb96RDORX_su5NhWSr7Obp2yL6JQPKuvHtOIQgCXU5OiYqPbmGZbIonyCjvK-VjLDIHaM_xRTjnej31fUNV3vr4xLkIEgoQMF3ospyYE0/s991/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.45.38+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="991" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KSaj6wPnTG7KzM9tUn06EGOsw4UmYE0B-HJb96RDORX_su5NhWSr7Obp2yL6JQPKuvHtOIQgCXU5OiYqPbmGZbIonyCjvK-VjLDIHaM_xRTjnej31fUNV3vr4xLkIEgoQMF3ospyYE0/w457-h233/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.45.38+PM.png" width="457" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTTjSoz_HcBACYN9AnyslEF-a7-BfHGtTCSmjz9pcjdyxGbtyyqVQtoLfXIx97KXqLx4YVw8ruyxp5bQB_uunkHO-q3iwQwEkIdcWxIpsP6luuXegSg6vV5D39Xc6utXDi_igi_cO3FI/s984/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.45.44+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="984" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTTjSoz_HcBACYN9AnyslEF-a7-BfHGtTCSmjz9pcjdyxGbtyyqVQtoLfXIx97KXqLx4YVw8ruyxp5bQB_uunkHO-q3iwQwEkIdcWxIpsP6luuXegSg6vV5D39Xc6utXDi_igi_cO3FI/w450-h210/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.45.44+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl_nVgdK8LJRmoQT_9SjLldjVXD2L9O0_X0P3L7LkCfWvP4HoiYmfJlvBowR71oAlnRMnmN9ZFWUG11LaqvvdXtbZkntpQ1YinyyRCQaWY_JWDvZ18qUIhPdeXwTEKCnTkxcGWirE4Ig/s994/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.45.52+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="994" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl_nVgdK8LJRmoQT_9SjLldjVXD2L9O0_X0P3L7LkCfWvP4HoiYmfJlvBowR71oAlnRMnmN9ZFWUG11LaqvvdXtbZkntpQ1YinyyRCQaWY_JWDvZ18qUIhPdeXwTEKCnTkxcGWirE4Ig/w431-h226/Screen+Shot+2021-01-31+at+1.45.52+PM.png" width="431" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>I wish I could put all of the thoughts I have about revelation into this post but I think the thing I want to end with is that it is available to everyone, everywhere. You don't have to be a baptized member of my faith. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ started with Joseph Smith reading James 1:5, and learning that he had the privilege of praying to Heavenly Father. We grow in our abilities to talk to the Lord and hear the Lord's responses as we faithfully practice and develop our relationship with him. I'm so grateful for a Father in Heaven that wants to hear from us and wants to help us!</div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-58630550408854528992021-01-24T11:33:00.004-08:002021-01-24T12:08:20.826-08:00Doctrine and Covenant 3-5: "My Work Shall Go Forth"<p>This week's <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/04?lang=eng">Come Follow Me Study</a> covered <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/3?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 3-5</a>. </p><p>A brief summary of each section:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>D&C 3 - The Lord chastises but also encourages Joseph Smith after Martin Harris loses the 116 pages of manuscript that Joseph had translated.</li><li>D&C 4 - The Lord tells Joseph Smith's father what he can do now (missionary work).</li><li>D&C 5 - The Lord chastises and teaches Martin Harris about faith.</li></ul><div>What themes came to mind for you as you studied these scriptures? </div><div><br /></div><div>I had several scriptures that stood out to me:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZGSby8h8EBAJJRGcf0hHtOLzOXc49rBA5DicG_q9Ce90iwFjBP8bCKpqhwiSnkhb_5bpIfKOvbK2W3RMvtUjq5fBGibzaZh1VGBGsZVPFdqyT5zfrEh6iZEbOJrrsgNVxbqCTyTgzxA/s1070/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.38.23+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1070" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZGSby8h8EBAJJRGcf0hHtOLzOXc49rBA5DicG_q9Ce90iwFjBP8bCKpqhwiSnkhb_5bpIfKOvbK2W3RMvtUjq5fBGibzaZh1VGBGsZVPFdqyT5zfrEh6iZEbOJrrsgNVxbqCTyTgzxA/w539-h304/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.38.23+AM.png" width="539" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">D&C 3:4 is one that I have been thinking about a lot because I recently read a wonderful, thought-provoking talk by President Dallin H. Oaks (before he was in the first presidency), called "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1994/10/our-strengths-can-become-our-downfall?lang=eng">Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall</a>," from 1992. He said: (click to enlarge quote)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DZktapjpMwYxoBFltx8h8V8-0tz6kBN2BWXRqr0v3wU9FrPk8fkg-prGs69JkiBBtbCiWVkGAKJqZNx57hIIwPkoats8_jmzb-aSzIYpCRTtPxzYQX7VhOD4zl9ONx7S_DLTbf8lCBc/s1071/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.41.09+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DZktapjpMwYxoBFltx8h8V8-0tz6kBN2BWXRqr0v3wU9FrPk8fkg-prGs69JkiBBtbCiWVkGAKJqZNx57hIIwPkoats8_jmzb-aSzIYpCRTtPxzYQX7VhOD4zl9ONx7S_DLTbf8lCBc/s1071/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.41.09+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj4ljYQjaoM2MFBM3TLVLaeaP7w75ifeoizhsv-bNSXGOE6zzgAnbfGDQYLbyLslcgjoXGmMp5vVuLvms1hSykRGv0Lw098RpdKRFLPrHmhFjHr3f6dAOOzRjdNb6q4DZcm40516pP-Q/s1068/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.38.35+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1068" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj4ljYQjaoM2MFBM3TLVLaeaP7w75ifeoizhsv-bNSXGOE6zzgAnbfGDQYLbyLslcgjoXGmMp5vVuLvms1hSykRGv0Lw098RpdKRFLPrHmhFjHr3f6dAOOzRjdNb6q4DZcm40516pP-Q/w521-h293/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.38.35+AM.png" width="521" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif54ZrfNl-aPcELFNPKLCbaquj9OELwhFY5siC9OFTLpdnx9jQfzJMthPim8rgMTfNSbxSR586wWtB24YvSQOkoESiOIAj-EDZIJQ15ltbdHOoA7WJLjvJW6M_qQ9co3fG5EJ2aujym2Y/s1079/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.41.03+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1079" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif54ZrfNl-aPcELFNPKLCbaquj9OELwhFY5siC9OFTLpdnx9jQfzJMthPim8rgMTfNSbxSR586wWtB24YvSQOkoESiOIAj-EDZIJQ15ltbdHOoA7WJLjvJW6M_qQ9co3fG5EJ2aujym2Y/w467-h260/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.41.03+AM.png" width="467" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbxJTUE8y0VwTyf93DPjhK3Ps3c9RQx52kyfOpz5b08-RcGDatDkArK0oPkWCXSTfkWPW-95KlDH3GlIGO4PwpuGP7YAZsnAuZn4g2Ors9SWRXDJ7b-5FKK332eoSNe58hvRI_VNKUh0/s1071/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.41.09+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1071" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbxJTUE8y0VwTyf93DPjhK3Ps3c9RQx52kyfOpz5b08-RcGDatDkArK0oPkWCXSTfkWPW-95KlDH3GlIGO4PwpuGP7YAZsnAuZn4g2Ors9SWRXDJ7b-5FKK332eoSNe58hvRI_VNKUh0/w462-h258/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.41.09+AM.png" width="462" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The interesting thing about President Oaks caution and the reprimand given to Joseph Smith is that Joseph Smith was quite a humble and obedient man. The Lord was unhappy with him because he had already said, "no" to allowing Joseph to give Martin Harris the pages 116 pages of the manuscript to take home to his doubting wife and family, but Joseph kept asking. In some ways, I admire the deep relationship that Joseph Smith had with the Lord that like a child to a father (for isn't that what he was?) he heard "no" and asked again and again. However, the Lord reminds Joseph that as our Heavenly Father:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that he he hath said, therefore, his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round." (Doctrine and Covenants 3:2)</div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Joseph was not the first, and likely not the last, prophet to be reprimanded by the Lord for letting his mortal fears get the best of him. I was really touched by the additional perspective about Joseph Smith and Martin Harris that was given in the "Come Follow Me - For Individuals and Families" manual:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p data-aid="142363196" id="p3" style="--height: 168px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Early in Joseph Smith’s ministry, good friends were hard to come by—especially friends like Martin Harris, a respected, prosperous man, who was in a position to provide valuable support. And Martin willingly supported Joseph, even though it cost him the respect of his peers and required financial sacrifice.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p data-aid="142363198" id="p4" style="--height: 253px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So it’s easy to see why Joseph wanted to honor Martin’s request to take the first portion of the Book of Mormon translation to show his wife, who doubted the truth of the Book of Mormon. Joseph continued to ask the Lord about this request, even when He forbade it, until finally, after Joseph asked a third time, the Lord said yes. Tragically, the manuscript was lost while it was in Martin’s possession, and Joseph and Martin were sharply chastised by the Lord (see <cite style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Saints,</cite> <a class="cross-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1/05-all-is-lost?lang=eng&para=47-61#p47" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1:51–53</a>).</p></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As well as by: <span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">See also “</span><a class="cross-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/revelations-in-context/the-contributions-of-martin-harris?lang=eng" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Contributions of Martin Harris</a><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">,” </span><cite style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Italic", Palatino-Italic, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Revelations in Context,</cite><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;"> 1–9, </span><span class="language" face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" lang="eng" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org</span><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: white;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's easy to see someone's mistake in hindsight, but doesn't this personalize things so much more? How much more can you relate to losing these manuscripts now that you see that Joseph DID ask and wait to get a "yes" but he asked persistently because he so badly wanted to help Martin Harris. I identify with this experience so much. In a previous calling, I had a Martin Harris, which is to say, like Martin Harris, this individual was a very good person that did a lot of selfless things in the name of the Lord. I made a decision that I thought would benefit my "Martin Harris" because I loved this person and wanted to reassure this person about their self-worth. However, my desires, though they came from a good place, were maybe not as in line with the Lord's as I thought they would be, and I experienced my own loss of manuscripts, essentially. It was a pivotal moment in my scripture study this week to read this perspective about Martin Harris and Joseph Smith, and look at it from the context of my own devastating experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Lord goes on to remind Joseph that he should not have feared man more than God. It's a powerful reminder that "fear" does not have to mean sheer terror. The point is that the Lord will support us and be with us if we will rely in him. I think this advice could be extended to Martin Harris, that Joseph could have felt that Martin's problems would eventually be resolved without the need to take home the 116 pages of the manuscript.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4N88H5X2odV0sTa8GJI-lrz3PDENsdlXTVPQ1Xx5Kw-nG_g6j5wizv56HE38hg2TPdoxeVNlxfAMWtkIRJskrYQbSm5cu3xej3N0-ZiBAu1z3-tn-CRoG2YCFAGz75HrLSIqv-Lms0BQ/s1071/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.58.46+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1071" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4N88H5X2odV0sTa8GJI-lrz3PDENsdlXTVPQ1Xx5Kw-nG_g6j5wizv56HE38hg2TPdoxeVNlxfAMWtkIRJskrYQbSm5cu3xej3N0-ZiBAu1z3-tn-CRoG2YCFAGz75HrLSIqv-Lms0BQ/w511-h286/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.58.46+AM.png" width="511" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I shared this quote because President Nelson reminds us that not only do we need not fear with God in our life, but we should turn to the Lord for revelations so that we can have increased direction in our life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3Cyzl9S70rBsKMd_5bsiu-1iPpzQ0PgPIzc8C73qfZb56BIemt75OIuJM4zxkd68pdcIFvDMyRY9hbsNKKMCT4nARiPw2mLTLNEAgKvgP9d3kMm8vuqjNQ8Xj-tr04PcpMwIom4uwbE/s1073/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.58.53+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1073" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3Cyzl9S70rBsKMd_5bsiu-1iPpzQ0PgPIzc8C73qfZb56BIemt75OIuJM4zxkd68pdcIFvDMyRY9hbsNKKMCT4nARiPw2mLTLNEAgKvgP9d3kMm8vuqjNQ8Xj-tr04PcpMwIom4uwbE/w487-h272/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.58.53+AM.png" width="487" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's also to remember that the Lord has said he chastises whom he loves. God is merciful:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFBbbwC2gfDSJ9vFXvTnOYvKU3rysohZFKjttS0f9rzHeArzmPJqJpfHHDXOOh0L3Cw7BAiJU3IY-OFlGccdHrd5N5M0p_lVB_4cSFOMMFhbub3JsKav3kBLGeBKCKFx1I94jyEB4IQs/s1052/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.59.10+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1052" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFBbbwC2gfDSJ9vFXvTnOYvKU3rysohZFKjttS0f9rzHeArzmPJqJpfHHDXOOh0L3Cw7BAiJU3IY-OFlGccdHrd5N5M0p_lVB_4cSFOMMFhbub3JsKav3kBLGeBKCKFx1I94jyEB4IQs/w490-h279/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.59.10+AM.png" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many scriptures to ponder and discuss here but I'll settle on just one more:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrDgDQAms60_GJHl15j9ovg2i5Erlm62bA3tWkEM6-0Cj705pMWD_acdwAVSIFLO591mx9QglNH-Uc6RLodCgHaGZEUR6nbCL4eqt6ijQL0Wkdw1QfOWi-pJ0YmTh6xsC1pVm0REdpZQ/s1070/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+12.13.39+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1070" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrDgDQAms60_GJHl15j9ovg2i5Erlm62bA3tWkEM6-0Cj705pMWD_acdwAVSIFLO591mx9QglNH-Uc6RLodCgHaGZEUR6nbCL4eqt6ijQL0Wkdw1QfOWi-pJ0YmTh6xsC1pVm0REdpZQ/w456-h258/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+12.13.39+PM.png" width="456" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, this reminds of Neil L. Anderson's talk, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/45andersen?lang=eng">We Talk of Christ.</a>" that was quoted in sacrament by an outgoing missionary today:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif" style="background-color: rgba(252, 219, 59, 0.32); font-size: 18px;">I promise you that as you prepare yourselves, as President Nelson did, you too will be different, thinking more about the Savior, speaking of Him more frequently and with less hesitation. As you come to know and love Him even more deeply, your words will flow more comfortably, as they do when you speak of one of your children or of a dear friend. Those listening to you will feel less like debating or dismissing you and more like learning from you.</span></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second, I think one valuable way to read this scripture as a family is to have each family member pick one of the qualities listed for doing the Lord's work and have each person share what they picked and why. Or, pick one a day and spend some time studying each of those qualities. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I picked three qualities above and have three quotes to share:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hraAIw9aMW5uHeqGvJNnQjTA2AMailRZMO4j9IsBh-Om4RcpI0tXf27oFYz3E1Oz7gW2ja7R-DnFuz-dPNN4-SVBq0g8STJiheJXjiUkQlMqjYbRiVCEAusxjDuHolAahAEIzbbAKzA/s1069/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+12.16.30+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1069" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hraAIw9aMW5uHeqGvJNnQjTA2AMailRZMO4j9IsBh-Om4RcpI0tXf27oFYz3E1Oz7gW2ja7R-DnFuz-dPNN4-SVBq0g8STJiheJXjiUkQlMqjYbRiVCEAusxjDuHolAahAEIzbbAKzA/w536-h304/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+12.16.30+PM.png" width="536" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/a-return-to-virtue?lang=eng">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/a-return-to-virtue?lang=eng</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUC1zbqFvWTCFLg0Zw_Wr0Ep0hW4ZuHgwENqZPc7-NXEuxjsRUri-JA-7Xat57muLCShWODbmgqbWN8e4tSLA-Tpgca6Qdny1IQ1GSofwjIdB2LVGnEWwRJr09sPmfKJlIBrbT5Cd0u4/s1065/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+12.16.39+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1065" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUC1zbqFvWTCFLg0Zw_Wr0Ep0hW4ZuHgwENqZPc7-NXEuxjsRUri-JA-7Xat57muLCShWODbmgqbWN8e4tSLA-Tpgca6Qdny1IQ1GSofwjIdB2LVGnEWwRJr09sPmfKJlIBrbT5Cd0u4/w558-h315/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+12.16.39+PM.png" width="558" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's his story about the semi-truck losing its tire:</div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;">A few years ago, I was driving home from work when a large semitruck, traveling in the opposite direction, lost one of its dual tires. The tire flew over the median separating our lanes. It came bouncing down my side of the freeway. Cars were swerving in both directions, drivers not knowing which direction the tire would bounce next. I dodged left when I should have dodged right, and the tire took its final bounce right on the corner of my windshield.</span></div><p data-aid="28844121" id="p13" style="--height: 168px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", McKay, "McKay ldsLat", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino-Roman, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 0.889em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A friend called my wife to inform her of the accident. She told me later that her first thought was of lacerations from shattered glass. Indeed, I was covered with beads of broken glass but did not suffer a single scratch. It was definitely not because of my driving skills; rather, it was because the windshield of my little car was made of tempered glass."</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/being-temperate-in-all-things?lang=eng">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/being-temperate-in-all-things?lang=eng</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KU-2g7sRB9dSZa7sVVxv8XRR8DlJcZmkdyLiSwoSuTR8zQEH6D37Bh5gK1xJEca4_jcFQWqd2lhKrlBW4jWBsM7WN5ysiQjwz8LpUr_0PgZC9zq68aLfZZAHl1ltY5OVd7joP0EAeCo/s1072/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+12.16.56+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1072" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KU-2g7sRB9dSZa7sVVxv8XRR8DlJcZmkdyLiSwoSuTR8zQEH6D37Bh5gK1xJEca4_jcFQWqd2lhKrlBW4jWBsM7WN5ysiQjwz8LpUr_0PgZC9zq68aLfZZAHl1ltY5OVd7joP0EAeCo/w524-h294/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+12.16.56+PM.png" width="524" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1999/04/teach-them-the-word-of-god-with-all-diligence?lang=eng">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1999/04/teach-them-the-word-of-god-with-all-diligence?lang=eng</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess I will share one more scripture. In Doctrine and Covenants 5:33-35, the Lord says, "33. And there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off the face of the earth; and for this cause, that thy days may be prolonged, I have given unto thee these commandments. 34. Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee. 35. And if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt be lifted up at the last day. Amen."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I share my testimony that I know my Heavenly Father is real and true, and that thou there may be enemies that "wait to destroy" upon this earth, our Father in Heaven loves us and has a plan for us, that we can follow by remaining faithful to his commandments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7680054767121240607.post-44383533910491157292021-01-17T13:02:00.001-08:002021-01-17T13:02:39.692-08:00"The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to their Fathers"<p>This week's <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/03?lang=eng">Come Follow Me Study</a> (Jan 11-17) covered <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/2?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 2</a> and <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng">Joseph Smith History 1:27-65</a>. </p><p>The Come Follow Me manual chose this line from D&C 2:2 as its topic title "... and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers." </p><p>This really stood out to me as I read the assigned scriptures first, and then went back and looked at the manual. For context, this section of scripture study takes place after what is known as the First Vision (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/first-vision?lang=eng">summary here</a> on the church's website), when an angel of the Lord (Moroni) came to visit Joseph 3 times during the night, then 1 more time during the day, in the scripture leading up to this one.</p><p>Joseph Smith - History 1:49-50:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>"The first thing that I can recollect was a voice speaking unto me, calling me by name. I looked up, and beheld the same messenger standing over my head, surrounded by light as before. He then again related unto me all that he had related to me the previous night, and commanded to me to go my father and tell him of the vision and commandments which I had received."</p><p>"I obeyed; I returned to my father in the field, and rehearsed the whole matter to him. He replied to me that it was of God, and told me to go and do as commanded by the messenger. ..."</p></blockquote><p>When I was reading in Joseph Smith History, I thought it was significant and memorable that Joseph Smith was told by an angel to turn to his father and that he did, and that he listened to the guidance of his father. This obedience and respect for his father reminded me of that moment in 1 Nephi 3:7 when Nephi said to his father:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"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."</p></blockquote><p>The next verse, 1 Nephi 3:8, says:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord."</p></blockquote><p>Joseph Smith and Nephi both obeyed the commandments of God and they both respected their fathers.</p><p>As a child, this phrase, "The hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers," was confusing for me. We can turn our hearts to our fathers by listening to what they taught (e.g., studying the Book of Mormon and the Bible) and doing temple work for ancestors (e.g., <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptisms-for-the-dead?lang=eng">baptisms for the dead</a>).</p><p>There's a great article in the October 2020 Ensign called, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/10/turning-our-hearts?lang=eng">Turning Our Hearts</a>," by Margot Hovley, where she talks about this concept. First, we turned our hearts to our fathers when Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon so that we could learn from the prophets of old. We continue to turn our hearts to our fathers as we learn about our family histories. Hovley's article has great ideas on how you can help children to explore ways to work on family history that are fun and interesting.</p><p>I have been interviewing my parents bit by bit over the years, but this year in particular, I have been astounded by what I have learned. My parent's faith and perseverance through difficult challenges that I never knew about teaches me about how I can proceed with my own challenges. I have felt my heart turning to my ancestors as I have turned to my parents to learn their stories and as my parents have done to make sure their temple work is completed. (More on The Purpose of Temple and Family History Work can be found <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/family-history/purpose-family-history-work?lang=eng">here</a>.)</p><p>In recent years, our prophet has emphasized the importance of hearing the Lord in our life. </p><p>During General Conference October 2020, President Nelson said, "... our ultimate security comes as we yoke ourselves to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! Life without God is a life filled with fear. Life with God is a life filled with peace. This is because spiritual blessings come to the faithful. Receiving personal revelation is one of the greatest of those blessings. The Lord has promised that if we will ask, we may receive 'revelation upon revelation.' I promise that as you increase your capacity to receive revelation, the Lord will bless you with increased direction for your life and with boundless gifts of the Spirit." ("<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/37nelson?lang=eng">Embrace the Future with Faith</a>," President Russell M. Nelson). </p><p>We can Hear Him in so many ways, but one of them, is in turning our hearts to our fathers. You can looked up <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/hearhim?lang=eng">"Hear Him"</a> at the churchofjesuschrist.org to listen to different men and women that are close to the Lord and what they do to Hear Him in their lives. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07780142126740826889noreply@blogger.com0