Thursday, January 31, 2013
Lesson Summary: January 27, 2013
An Unspeakable Gift from God
BY ELDER CRAIG C. CHRISTENSEN
Of the Presidency of the Seventy
Elder Christensen tells of his family's trip to the Bountiful, Utah temple open house.
"As we reverently walked through the temple, I found myself admiring the magnificent architecture, the elegant finishes, the light shining through towering windows, and many of the inspiring paintings. Every aspect of this sacred building was truly exquisite.
"Stepping into the celestial room, I suddenly realized that our youngest son, six-year-old Ben, was clinging to my leg. He appeared anxious—perhaps even a little troubled.
“"What’s wrong, Son?' I whispered.
“'Daddy,' he replied, 'what’s happening here? I’ve never felt this way before.'
"Recognizing that this was likely the first time our young son had felt the influence of the Holy Ghost in such a powerful way, I knelt down on the floor next to him. While other visitors stepped around us, Ben and I spent several minutes, side by side, learning about the Holy Ghost together. I was amazed at the ease with which we were able to discuss his sacred feelings"
How important it was for Elder Christensen to take the time to help his son discover the strong feelings he was experiencing.
"The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and, as such, like God the Father and Jesus Christ, He knows our thoughts and the intents of our hearts.3 The Holy Ghost loves us and wants us to be happy."
"Unlike Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, who have glorified bodies of flesh and bones, the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit who communicates to our spirits through feelings and impressions"
The holy ghost is many things: comforter, guide, teacher, and revelator.
He can bring us inspiration, peace, hope, and understanding.
When President Monson was bishop he went to the hospital to visit a sick sister, when he entered the room the lady in the next bed covered her head. When he had finished and was ready to leave:
“I could not leave her side. It was as though an unseen hand [was] resting on my shoulder, and I felt within my soul that I was hearing these words:‘Go over to the next bed where the little lady covered her face when you came in.’ I did so. …
“I approached the bedside of the other patient, gently tapped her shoulder and carefully pulled back the sheet which had covered her face. Lo and behold! She, too, was a member of my ward. I had not known she was a patient in the hospital. Her name was Kathleen McKee.When her eyes met mine, she exclaimed through her tears, ‘Oh, Bishop,when you entered that door, I felt you had come to see me and bless me in response to my prayers. I was rejoicing inside to think that you would know I was here, but when you stopped at the other bed, my heart sank,and I knew that you had not come to see me.’
“I said to [Sister] McKee: ‘It does not matter that I didn’t know you were here. It is important, however, that our Heavenly Father knew and that you had prayed silently for a priesthood blessing. It was He who prompted me to intrude on your privacy."
President Boyd K. Packer has taught: “The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. … While we speak of ‘listening’ to the whisperings of the Spirit, most often one describes a spiritual prompting by saying, ‘I had a feeling …’”18 It is through these sacred feelings from the Holy Ghost that we come to know what God would have us do, for this, as stated in scripture, “is the spirit of revelation.”19
At times the influence of the Holy Ghost will come to us as thoughts to help us in our trials, even everyday trials such as raising children.
The Holy Ghost can help bring things to our remembrance, to aid us in school or other endeavors, but we need to study. We can't remember things we don't know.
"Before baptism, all honest and sincere seekers of truth can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time. However, the opportunity to receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and the fulness of all the associated blessings is available only to worthy,baptized members who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands through those holding the priesthood authority of God."
Lesson Summary: December 9, 2012
TEACHINGS OF PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCH: GEORGE ALBERT SMITH Ch. 23:
“Of You It Is Required to Forgive”
George Albert Smith was a great example of forgiveness, when he approached a man who disreputed Pres Smith and asked for forgiveness for his feelings of disdain.
By forgiving others we free ourselves from the burden of hatred and prepare ourselves for eternal life.
Matt 18:21-21 - Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I aforgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until aseventy times seven.
-Sometimes it is really hard especially if we have been wronged, but we need to take care of what we can control, that's ourselves.
-Forgiving someone does not mean you have to trust them
-Forgiveness is not a destination but a process, and can be a long process
Don't let the hurt become anger.
In the Parable of the unmerciful servant (Matt 18:23-35) the King rescinded his forgiveness to the servant that was unforgiving to his fellowman:
Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matt 18:33-35)
Forgiveness goes with healing form the heart.
D&C 64:10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
Forgiving is a choice, but one grudge can affect a whole family (Romeo and Juliet anyone)
D&C 98:23-24 Now, I speak unto you concerning your families—if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded; But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you.
“Of You It Is Required to Forgive”
George Albert Smith was a great example of forgiveness, when he approached a man who disreputed Pres Smith and asked for forgiveness for his feelings of disdain.
By forgiving others we free ourselves from the burden of hatred and prepare ourselves for eternal life.
Matt 18:21-21 - Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I aforgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until aseventy times seven.
-Sometimes it is really hard especially if we have been wronged, but we need to take care of what we can control, that's ourselves.
-Forgiving someone does not mean you have to trust them
-Forgiveness is not a destination but a process, and can be a long process
Don't let the hurt become anger.
In the Parable of the unmerciful servant (Matt 18:23-35) the King rescinded his forgiveness to the servant that was unforgiving to his fellowman:
Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matt 18:33-35)
Forgiveness goes with healing form the heart.
D&C 64:10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
Forgiving is a choice, but one grudge can affect a whole family (Romeo and Juliet anyone)
D&C 98:23-24 Now, I speak unto you concerning your families—if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded; But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Gifts to Give Ourselves and our Families
1. Develop spiritual strength:
Commit to follow the counsel of the prophets
Commit to read our scriptures every day
Commit to pray every day
Repent of something we need to repent of
Stand in holy places (especially attend the temple)
2. Take better care of your physical self
Live a more healthy life style
3. Put your house in financial order
Get out of debt
Live within your means
Save even a little every month
4. Educational Development
Learn a new skill
Renew an old skill
Teach someone a skill
5. Spend time with a loved one.
6. Commit to accomplish a goal
Make a plan to accomplish the goal
-Florence Madsen
Commit to follow the counsel of the prophets
Commit to read our scriptures every day
Commit to pray every day
Repent of something we need to repent of
Stand in holy places (especially attend the temple)
2. Take better care of your physical self
Live a more healthy life style
3. Put your house in financial order
Get out of debt
Live within your means
Save even a little every month
4. Educational Development
Learn a new skill
Renew an old skill
Teach someone a skill
5. Spend time with a loved one.
6. Commit to accomplish a goal
Make a plan to accomplish the goal
-Florence Madsen
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Lesson Summary: January 20, 2013
Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Teacher - Barbara Nuenswander
Even after gaining a testimony of the gospel, Lorenzo Snow wrestled with the decision to be baptized, because he would have to leave behind some of his worldly ambitions. Many of the sisters in our ward were baptized after the age of 8 and shared some sweet remembrances with us.
Sister Shill remembers a feeling of lightness, and a noticeable difference to her friends who were not of our faith.
As a teenager Sister Harris liked to visit different churches with a friend, one Sunday the preacher was saying unflattering things about the Mormons, so they asked their Mormon friend and set up an appointment to ask the missionaries all their questions. They went back to the preacher to let him know they wouldn't be attending again since they were joining the Mormon church. He told them they would go the Hell if they did.
Sis Lewis found it hard when none of her family attended her baptism, even with all the friends who came to support her. Looking out from within the font of those who came she thought they will be my family, this is what heaven must look like. Friends loving and there .
When sister McDonald remember her baptism day she misses her sweet cow that was hit by a car and died the same day.
Sis Walker set the tone for her baptism by giving some cash to someone who found themselves just a little short in the check-out line.
Sis Paradise thought it was pretty awesome to be baptized in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. The font was removed when it was renovated and retrofitted for earthquake safety a few years back.
John 3:5- "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannon enter into the kingdom of God."
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this … ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him.” 5
We need to live so that the Holy Ghost can ever be with us, for he cannot dwell in unholy places. We always need to listen for those promptings and guidance. The Holy ghost can bring us instruction, revelation, peace, comfort, guidance, and wisdom.
Teacher - Barbara Nuenswander
Even after gaining a testimony of the gospel, Lorenzo Snow wrestled with the decision to be baptized, because he would have to leave behind some of his worldly ambitions. Many of the sisters in our ward were baptized after the age of 8 and shared some sweet remembrances with us.
Sister Shill remembers a feeling of lightness, and a noticeable difference to her friends who were not of our faith.
As a teenager Sister Harris liked to visit different churches with a friend, one Sunday the preacher was saying unflattering things about the Mormons, so they asked their Mormon friend and set up an appointment to ask the missionaries all their questions. They went back to the preacher to let him know they wouldn't be attending again since they were joining the Mormon church. He told them they would go the Hell if they did.
Sis Lewis found it hard when none of her family attended her baptism, even with all the friends who came to support her. Looking out from within the font of those who came she thought they will be my family, this is what heaven must look like. Friends loving and there .
When sister McDonald remember her baptism day she misses her sweet cow that was hit by a car and died the same day.
Sis Walker set the tone for her baptism by giving some cash to someone who found themselves just a little short in the check-out line.
Sis Paradise thought it was pretty awesome to be baptized in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. The font was removed when it was renovated and retrofitted for earthquake safety a few years back.
John 3:5- "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannon enter into the kingdom of God."
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this … ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him.” 5
We need to live so that the Holy Ghost can ever be with us, for he cannot dwell in unholy places. We always need to listen for those promptings and guidance. The Holy ghost can bring us instruction, revelation, peace, comfort, guidance, and wisdom.
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