The Plan of Salvation

As I was reading today in 2 Nephi chapter 2, I wanted to gain a better understanding of the Plan of Salvation, how I can apply it better in my life. I searched through lds.org I found a talk that had been given by Duane B Gerrard in the October 1997 General Conference called The Plan of Salvation: A Flight Plan for Life.

Happy New Year

I can't believe that it's a new year?!  2015 went by really fast. I hope this year doesn't fly by as fast. This year instead of focusing on goals that my eventually fizz out, I wanted to focus on a word that would help me to accomplish the things I want to in this new year.

My word is DEDICATION.

More dedication to my family.

More dedication to my scripture study.

More dedication to my temple attendance.

More dedication to my Etsy shop.

More dedication to my essential oil business.

I think that by thinking of a word you are more inclined to tackle things, to accomplish more. I think that a list can be daunting. We tend to put too much on a list that we seem to lose track an interest.

So I challenge you, what is your word for the year?

What's your Motto?

Our Home Teachers came over yesterday afternoon, and they shared Sister Neill F. Marriott's talk from October's General Conference called Yielding Our Hearts to God. Before they shared their message they asked us if we had a family motto. Neither of answered because as a family we don't really have one.

In Sister Marriott's talk she has a motto, "It will all work out." In her talk she talks about her daughter that had passed away when she was young. Even though they prayed, they knew it will all work out the way the Lord needs it.

Scripture Study

I've been trying to find different ways to help me study the scriptures more effectively. I was invited by my cousin to follow on Instagram bofm365 to study the Book of Mormon for the year. Although I haven't been as regular in keeping up, I love how they break down the chapters and give you a question to ponder as you read.

I also had been pinning scripture study journaling ideas on Pinterest, and I finally settled on a way that will help me track my thoughts as I study. I settled on The Red Headed Hostess' scripture journal templates. I like her format.

I mean I've always had a journal for my spiritual thoughts, I just wanted a better way to do it. I'm just about done writing in one journal, so with my new one I already cut and pasted some of the template into it. I can't wait to start on this new way of studying.

What's your method to studying the scriptures?

Stand as a Witness at ALL Times

A couple weeks ago, it seemed like the theme in Sacrament meeting (worship service) was about standing as a Witness. Stand as a Witness to God; Stand as a Witness to the Gospel. It has stuck in my mind since then and got me thinking, Am I standing as a witness to what I believe? Am I teaching my children to stand as a witness? As a baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I made a covenant to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places. (Mosiah 18:9)

What does it mean to stand as a witness? To stand as a witness you first need to have a testimony of the Gospel and what it teaches. You also need a testimony of the scriptures and the knowledge that comes from reading them. If you don't, you need to pray for these testimonies and when you do the

Prayer

In my personal study I thought that I would concentrate on Prayer. This is a subject that I need improvement on. I will admit that I'm not the best at getting down on my knees every day to thank my Heavenly Father for the things that I need or have. It is something that I've committed to being better at. But I wanted to share my thoughts as I studied this topic, b/c there may be someone that needs to read this.

What is Prayer? - Prayer is our communicational life line with our Father in Heaven. It has a special language that we should use to show respect to our Heavenly Father. Elder Dallin H. Oaks (one of my favorite apostles) said, "We should address prayers to our Heavenky Father in words which speak of that language associated with love and respect and reverence and closeness." (1993 April Conference, The Language of Prayer) This was a fantastic talk by the way. I love how he mentions in this quote that the language should be in closeness. To me this means pray as if he was standing right next to you. For some that is hard to do and for others it's really easy. I'm stuck in between, but will get to that closeness.

When we are praying we should make it a special conversation and should do it in a private place, if we are doing it alone. Find a special spot where you won't be disturbed while pouring out your heart. In Matthew 6:6-7 this is what is says about praying in secret.

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into a thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to they Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking."

 Don't pray to gain an audience of others, but to have the audience of your Heavenly Father. We need to be sincere in our prayers or else they don't mean anything. Sometimes I feel like I'm repeating myself when I pray, but I try to be conscience of what I'm praying for, and how I'm praying. When we are praying from the heart then our prayers will be sincere and will be answered.

My other thought was when should we pray? Should I pray only in the morning or just at night? The answer is simple: ALWAYS.

In D&C (Doctrine and Covenants) 10:5 it says, "Pray always, that you may come of conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work."

I had never really noticed how the word 'conqueror' was spelled. I always would say conquer. I looked it up and it means self-mastery. So I read it again using self-mastery in its place and it made more sense. We need to pray to humble ourselves so that we can fight off Satan with Heavenly Father's help. By praying all the time it makes us stronger with the Lord, which leads me into the next scripture in Alma 13:28.

"But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering."

Not only should we be praying on our own, but with our families. When we pray as a family we become stronger. Just like the scripture in Alma is talking about. We need to take the time to pray as a family, because the world is not a place to out into without feeling the Lord's love and protection.

"Think of the power for good as you gather and thank God for all of his blessings. Think of the eternal significance of daily thanking him for each member of your family and asking him to guide and bless and protect each one. Think of the strength that will come to your family as, daily, one member or another pours out his or her soul in love to God for other family members." Elder John H. Gorberg (1982 April Conference, The Power of Family Prayer)

I've mentioned when we should pray, how we should pray, what about the why? Why should we pray? This was partially answered in D&C 10:5, to ask the Lord's help to overcome Satan. Why else are we praying for? For me it's to include Him in major life decisions. Like; should I marry this person? Is this the right school to go to? Should I take this job offer? Is this where my family should move to? We need to involve the Lord in our life to make it a richer, fuller life. I know that when we include Him in big decisions we feel at peace. It should also be to ask for his forgiveness, because we are not perfect and we need it.

In Mark 11:24-26 this is what it says about why we should pray.

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." 

Prayer is essential to our eternal progression. We need our Heavenly Father's help in this life. I know that I need to be more committed in communicating with him because I've seen the blessings that come from praying daily.

Missionary Moment

I wanted to get this down before I forgot.

For the last several weeks, I've been talking to a co-worker. We knew each other but just recently became friends since we bothe moved into the same suite and sat across from each other. she is such a sweet and generous person, that I have found a kindred spirit in her. She and I like many of the same hobbies and have enjoyed each other's company. 

Well in our many discussions we have talked openly about religion. She herself is a Christian and goes to church regularly and is teaching her little boy to love reading the Bible. She found out that I'm a Mormon and started asking me questions. I of course would answer and explain as best as I could so that she would understand what we are all about. Most of the time our conversations came up naturally, and so it has been easy to talk to her about what we all about. I told her that we believe that families are forever and she loved that concept. She said that most churches don't really talk about family. She also loves that I live what I'm taught and that I'm not contradicting my beliefs when I talk about it. I'm glad that I'm living in a way that is being noticed for good.

I have been able to share my testimony of a lot of the gospel principles with her and she has been very open it. I hope that I have planted a small seed, so that one day she will be ready to fully accept the gospel.

General Women's Conference

Tonight was the LDS General Women's Conference. All I really need to say is this.

 

I just want to share my testimony that I know the family is of God. I'm grateful that I have been married in the temple and have been sealed to my husband and beautiful children. I know that families are forever.

Tree of Life: Mist of Darkness

I've finally reached the last section of this chapter.

1 Nephi 8

vs. 23 - Mist of Darkness

At first this section was hard for me to study, I didn't know exactly where to start but after much contemplation the thoughts started to flow.

The mist of darkness is a representation of temptation. The devil is sneaky and will try to lead you away with temptations. We need to resist and not get side-tracked.

- 3 Nephi 18:18

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley gave some good advice, " You must keep control of your desires. For you there is no future in any course . . . Nonetheless, yielding to temptation can become like a wound that seems never to heal and always to leave an ugly scar." (2004 April conference, Stay on the High Road)

Keeping control of our desires is key. By keeping yourself in check you are warding off the temptation to sin. No one wants to sin.

"One of the great myths of life is when men think they are invincible. Too many think that they are men of steel, strong enough to withstand any temptation." - Pres. James E. Faust (2002 April conference, It Can't Happen to Me)

- Luke 8:13
- James 1:12

Elder W. Craig Zwick said this, "It requires courage to make good choices, even when other around us choose differently. As we make righteous choices day by day in little things, the Lord will strengthen us and help us choose the right during more difficult times." (2008 April conference, We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield)

It can be hard to be conscience of the choice you make, but it can also be rewarding. If your true desire is to not sin, then you will be blessed. The Lord wants us to come to him when the choices are hard. Find your knees and plead for his help. He wants us to.

- D&C 10:5

"We get side tracked by submitting to temptations that divert us past the bounds of safety. Satan knows our weaknesses. He puts attractive snares on our path at just those moments when we are most vulnerable." - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1990 Oct conference, The Straight and Narrow Way)

I know that I have been tempted at times to sway in the other direction, but when I do I go to the Lord and ask him to help me. I don't want to be walking through the mist of darkness alone because I can't always see what is out there. Stay conscience of your surroundings and steer clear of the things that will trip you up and bring you down to Satan's level. As Pres. Hinckley said we to say on the high road.

Tree of Life: Straight and Narrow Path

Today I will be sharing my thoughts on the Straight and Narrow Path.

1 Nephi 8

Vs. 20 - Straight and Narrow Path

As I was reading, these were my thoughts about the straight and narrow path.

• the iron rod runs along side the path

• without either we cannot find our way home

• they lead us to eternal life

• we need to teach our children the importance of staying on the path

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom said this about the path, "No child needs to walk the path alone so long as we speak freely to our children of the plan of salvation." (2010 Oct conference, Stay on the Path)

I love how she says that we need to teach our children of the plan of salvation. By doing so I know that we are reinforcing them to understand that eternal life is the goal.

- D&C 68:25, 28

A hymn came to my mind as I read Sister Wixom's quote and that is Teach Me to Walk in the Light (177).

Teach me to walk in the light of his love;

Teach me to pray to my Father above;

Teach me to know of the things that are right;

Teach me, teach me to walk in the light

Come, little child, and together we'll learn

Of his commandments, that we may return

Home to his presence, to live in his sight

Always, always to walk in the light.

Father in Heaven, we thank thee this day

For loving guidance to show us the way.

Grateful, we praise thee with songs of delight!

Gladly, gladly we'll walk in the light.

How simple are these words!?

We should also help others come to the path and help those who have lost their way. Our love for others will help us in this effort, because everyone deserves a chance at happiness for eternal life. 

- D&C 132:22

In order to teach and help others to stay on the path we need to do the same.

"How can we keep ourselves on the straight and narrow way? The Lord have the answer over and over again. We must learn the word of God by studying the scriptures and apply his word by praying daily to the Lord and serving our fellowmen." - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1990 Oct conference, The Straight and Narrow Way)

We should also be encouraging our youth to be virtuous which will keep them on the path. Help them to put on the whole ARMOR of GOD. 

Sister Mary N. Cook said, "Center your life on the Savior and develop daily habits of righteous living." (2009 April conference, A Virtuous Life - Step by Step)

Let us all strive to create and keep daily habits of righteous living so that we can help others and our families gain eternal life.

Tree of Life: Iron Rod

I know that it's been awhile since I last posted. I just haven't had a chance to sit down to post the rest of my thoughts from the Tree of Life chapter. The next part that I wanted to share is on the Iron Rod.

1 Nephi 8

Vs. 19 - Iron Rod

The Iron Rod is a representation of the Word of God, in other words the gospel.

- 1 Nephi 11:25

"Continually holding fast to the rod means that we strive to keep all of God's commandments, to have daily personalanf family prayer, and to study the scriptures daily." - Elder Kevin S. Hamilton (2013 Oct conference, Continually Holding Fast)

I love the hymn The Iron Rod, it's simple and states the purpose the iron rod has in our life. I will share with you the words of this beautiful hymn.

The Iron Rod - 274

To Nephi, seer of olden time,

A vision come from God.

Wherein the holy word sublime

Was shown an iron rod.

While on our journey here below

Beneath temptations pow'r

Through mists of darkness we must go

In peril ev'ry hour.

And when temptation's pow'r is nigh,

Our pathway clouded o'er,

Upon the rod we can rely,

And heaven's aid implore.

And, hand o'er hand, the rod along,

Through each succeeding day,

With earnest prayer and hopeful song,

We'll still pursue our way.

Afar we see the golden rest

To which the rod will guide,

Where, with the angels bright and blest

Forever we'll abide.

Chorus:

Hold to the rod, the iron rod;

'Tis strong, and bright, and true.

The iron rod is the word of God;

'Twill safely guide us through.

"Holding to the iron rod is not always easy. We may let go because of peer pressure or pride, thinking we can find our way back - later. When we do so, we are leaving our safety equipment behind." - Sister Ann M. Dibb (2009 Oct conference, Hold On)

I know that I've been tempted to let go. In fact I had "let go" for a short time. I wasn't going to church, I wasn't paying my tithing. At the time I also wasn't teaching my little boy the scriptures. My home didn't have the spirit. It was a rough patch for our family spiritually.

- Luke 8:11-12

"If there is any one thing most needed in this time of tumult and frustration, when men and women and youth and young adults are desperately seeking for sneers to the problems which afflict mankind, it is an "iron rod" as a safe guide along the straight path on the way to eternal life." - Pres. Harold B. Lee (1973 April conference, Stand Ye in Holy Places)

I love this quote that I found from Elder Robert D. Hales, "Standing obedient and strong on the doctrine of our God, we stand in holy places, for His doctrine is sacred and will not change." (2013 April conference, Stand Strong in Holy Places)

- D&C 87:8

- D&C 101:22

When we stand firm in holy places, such as the temple, church or a spiritually uplifting home we are grasping and holding strong to the iron rod.

Tree of Life: River of Water

Today I'm going to expand on the river of water.

1 Nephi 8

Vs. 13 - River of Water

- water is filthy and the depths of hell
- it ran near the tree but not to it, I saw the significance of this because no unclean thing can be in Heavenly Father's presence

"Be clean - in language, in thought, in body, in dress." - Pres Gordon B. Hinckley (2007 Apr Conference, I Am Clean)

"Our behavior in public must be above reproach. Our behavior in private is even more important. It must clear the standard set by the Lord." - Pres Gordon B. Hinckley (2002 Apr Conference, Personal Worthiness to Exercise the Priesthood)

"We cannot indulge in sin, let alone try to cover our sins. We cannot partake of the vanity of unrighteous ambition. . . If we do any of these things, the powers of heaven are withdrawn. The Spirit of the Lord is grieved. The very virtue of our priesthood is nullified. Its authority lost." - Pres Gordon B. Hinckley (2002 Apr Conference, Personal Worthiness to Exercise the Priesthood)

- I may not hold the priesthood, but access to it may be denied if I am not worthy

•  Col 1:10

- I need to always strive to be clean and worthy, teach my children the importance of living a worthy life

"Imagine, the consoling, liberating, exalting feeling that will come to you when you see the reality of the Atonement and the practical, everyday value of it to you individually." - Elder Boyd K. Packer (1997 Apr Conference, Washed Clean)

- The atonement is there for us to be made clean and pure

- 3rd Article of Faith: We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

Tree of Life: Fruit

I love that I can find related topics through lds.org to help me learn and understand what I'm studying in the scriptures. Today I'm going to share about the Fruit from the Tree of Life.

1 Nephi 8

vs. 10-12 - Fruit

- this represents Eternal Life; the Plan of Salvation
- eternal life will be sweet with the ones we love
- in order to have eternal life we must partake of the fruit which is faith in Christ
- we need to keep the commandments

"However, conversion and baptism alone are not sufficient to one's assurance of eternal life. To receive exaltation in the kingdom of God, a person must abide the fullness of celestial law." - Elder Delbert L. Stapley (1973, Oct Conference, The Path to Eternal Life)

"Your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice. It is never to late to begin to choose eternal life." - Elder Randall K. Bennett (2011 Oct Conference, Choose Eternal Life)

• John 3:36 
• 1 John 5:11-12

"God's way provides man a divine way of life. The Lord promised his children salvation in the kingdom of God if they would live and follow his ways. It is important to know that man can become Godlike through the thoughts and ways of the Lord." - Elder Bernard P. Brockbank (1973 Oct Conference, God's Way to Eternal Life)

Tree of Life: Large and Spacious Building

It's been awhile since I last posted, but does not mean I haven't forgotten about what I'm studying. Life was pretty hectic during the holidays. Well anyway, time to catch up on what I have learned.

1 Nephi 8

Vs. 9 - Large and Spacious Building

• In the verse it is referred to as a field, but in the footnotes you go to 1 Nephi 12:16-18 and it is now a building, I think that they can be interchangeable
• It represents the pride of the world

"Trying to please others before pleasing God is inverting the first and second great commandments. And yet, we have all made that mistake because of the fear of men. . . This peer pressure tries to change a person's attitudes, if not behavior, by making one feel guilty for giving offense." - Elder Lynn G Robbins (201 Oct Conference, Which Way Do You Face?)

• Which way do you face?
• Do you have your heart set on things of the world or of God?

"In reality these stories are not of the crowds but individuals among those crowds. . . I think each one of us understands what it means to partake of the fulfilling fruit of the tree of life within sight and sound of those who mock and what it means to exert every courageous effort to pay them no heed." - Elder Dennis Neuenschwander (2008 Apr Conference, One Among the Crowd)

• Jeremiah 7:24

"Pride is a very misunderstood sin, and many are sinning in ignorance. . .Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing. The central feature of pride is enmity - enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen." - Pres Ezra Taft Benson (1989 Apr Conference, Beware of Pride)

- I was never aware that pride was such a complex sin. It really does make you think, "Am I sinning? Do I recognize the signs of this sin?"

• Romans 12:16

The Tree of Life - Dark and Dreary Waste

Today as I was listening to the Book of Mormon it came to the chapter of Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life. As the chapter finished I decided that I would study this chapter a little bit more in depth. There is so much to learn from this one little chapter, so I'm going to start with the Dark and Dreary Waste. The following are my thoughts and quotes that I found that helped me to understand this section better.

1 Nephi 8

Vs 7: Dark and Dreary Waste

• sometimes we wander aimlessly in our trials b/c we are confused
• we feel lost

"It seems that down through the ages people have wandered to and fro in the earth, and many never find their way out of the wilderness in which they are lost. The dictionary describes wilderness as an empty or pathless area or region, a pathless waste of any kind, a confusing multitude or mass. And thus those who aimlessly wander through life, confused and uncertain, waste the precious time that they have been given to prove themselves in this important stage of their existence." - Elder N. Eldon Tanner (1974 Oct Conference, Why Is My Boy Wandering?

- there are many things that will cause us to be confused 

"Let us diligently strive to understand the wonderful things of God. The jewels of the gospel of Jesus Christ are within our reach. But we must seek - ask and strive for - and live the principles of truth." - Elder Royden G. Derrick (1984 Oct Conference, By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them)

- What are you doing to not feel lost?

- Are you asking for help?

" How stimulating and edifying to approach Him in prayer each morning and evening and feel His nearness and His love as we acknowledge His hand, and in our need, seek His help." - Elder Rex C Reeves (1982 Oct Conference, Look to God)

Article of Faith 10

I was in charge of our Family Home Evening lesson last night and it was on the 10th Article of Faith. As I had mentioned before we learning about the Articles of Faith. Well I created a lesson outline for it so that I could effectively teach it. It is a pretty involved one. I wanted to share my outline with you. Remember this how I taught my lesson and you are welcome to alter sections to your families needs. I created this lesson into 2 parts because the article of faith itself has 2 parts.

Article of Faith 10

10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

What 5 things are listed in this Article of Faith?
1. Literal gathering of Israel
2. Restoration of the 10 tribes
3. Zion will be built upon the American continent
4. Christ will reign personally upon on the Earth
5. Earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory

Part 1

for this part of the lesson create a puzzle with 12 pieces that says 12 Tribes6 of Israel

Literal Gathering if Israel
Give short background into the Israelites coming into bondage in Egypt.

What is the gathering of Israel

- To bring together the people of Zion
- There was a first gathering of Israel (read Exodus 12:31)
- Read paragraph from Gathering Scattered Israel: Then and Now, July 1998 Ensign.

After generations of servitude, the Israelites were miraculously delivered by Moses. Their migration from Egypt back to the land of Canaan took place over a 40-year period of travail in the wilderness. The exodus from Egypt and subsequent settlement of the promised land was the first gathering of the people now called Israel. Moses sought not only to restore them to their land but also to recommit them to their faith in God.

- After the first gathering God gave the people of Moses a commandment and a promise (read Deut 4:23, 27 {commandment}; Deut 30:3 {promise}) Also read another paragraph from Gathering Scattered Israel

The Lord informed the people through Moses that if they turned away from his commandments he would “scatter [them] … from the one end of the earth even unto the other” (Deut. 28:64). But he also promised that he would eventually “gather [them] from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered [them]” (Deut. 30:3).

- The second gathering is happening right now

Restoration of the 10 Tribes

How will the restoration go about to gather the tribes?

- Read 3 Ne 21:4, 9 & 26
- Read paragraph from Gathering Scattered Israel

The resurrected Savior outlined to the Nephites a sequence of events that would be a prologue to the gathering of Israel. First, the Gentiles would be established “in this land, and be set up as a free people”; then the gospel would be restored as a “marvelous work among them” and the converts from among the Gentiles would see that the “gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people.” The Lord says, “Verily … at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, even the tribes which have been lost” (see 3 Ne. 21:4, 9, 26).

- How will they be gathered? Who will gather them?
- How will they know what tribe they belong to? (parents and older siblings talk about your patriarchal blessing, which tells of what tribe you belong to)
- Where will they be gathered to?

Zion (New Jerusalem) will be Built Upon the American Continent

display a picture of a temple

Where will Zion be built?

- Refer back to 3 Ne 21:4 - - - "they should be established in this land . . ."
- Where is "this land"?
- What will it be called? (read 3 Ne 21:23)
- Why is important?

Part 2

Christ will Reign Personally Upon the Earth

use second coming picture

What needs to happen before Christ can come back?

- Reference to Elder Oaks talk Preparation for the Second Coming; he says,

Biblical and modern prophecies give many signs of the Second Coming. These include:

 

           1. The fulness of the gospel restored and preached in all the world for a witness to all nations.

           2. False Christs and false prophets, deceiving many.

           3. Wars and rumors of wars, with nation rising against nation

           4. Earthquakes in divers places.

           5. Famine and pestilence.
           6. An overflowing scourge, a desolating sickness covering the land.
           7. Iniquity abounding.
           8. The whole earth in commotion.
           9. Men’s hearts failing them.

- Gathering of the faithful

What will Christ do when he comes back?

- Once all of the things listed above have happened Christ "will return to the earth in power and great glory to reign personally during a millennium of righteousness and peace." (Elder Oaks, Preparation for the Second Coming)

What do you think the world will become like?

Earth will be Renewed and Receive its Paradisiacal Glory

How will the Earth be renewed?

- D&C 101:25; 1 Ne 22:15
- Explain that the first cleansing was by water, with Noah and the flood. Second cleansing is by fire by fire.

What does Paradisiacal mean?

- definition: a place of ideal beauty or loveliness; a state of delight
- What will the earth look like in a paradisiacal state?

Family Home Evening - The Articles of Faith

I've neglected this blog. But I hope that I can get back into writing my thoughts and ideas on here again. I gotta make it a habit.

Well for the last 8 weeks or so we have been studying The Articles of Faith for our Family Home Evening lessons. So far it been great! It's fun to learn more about the church with the built in gospel topics through the articles of faith. We all have been able to find study helps through lds.org to create a lesson and use the primary songs for the articles of faith. My son is learning them and we hope that he can pass them off later this year.

Daughters in My Kingdom

I've recently started reading the new book that came out about the Relief Society called Daughters in My Kingdom, and love what I have read so far. We had a Relief Society dinner a few weeks ago that was centered around it and it was very inspiring. The book has been on my night stand next to my scriptures for awhile now and I felt like it's time to read it.

{source LDS online store}

As I was reading I highlighted some quotes that have struck me and thought that I would share them on here as I read each chapter.

Chapter 1

- He (Christ) invited them (Mary and Martha) to become His disciples and partake of salvation, "that good part" that would never be taken from them. {scripture reference Luke 10:38-42} pg. 4

- His (Apostle Paul) description of a righteous widow identified characteristics of many women in the early Church: "Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work." {scripture reference 1 Timothy 5:10, Apostle Paul} pg. 4-5

- Paul also counseled Titus to encourage older women to serve and teach young women about their eternal role as wives and mothers, "that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children." {scripture reference Titus 2:4} pg. 5

- The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, "The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized."

- President Joseph F. Smith, the sixth President of the Church, said, "This organization is divinely made, divinely authorized, divinely instituted, divinely ordained of God to minister for the salvation of the souls of women and of men."

- Sister Julie B. Beck, the fifteenth Relief Society general president, taught: "Through Relief Society we practice being disciples of Christ. We learn what He would have us learn, we do what He would have us do, and we become what He would have us become." {reference Nov 2007 Ensign}

I hope that these have touched you as they have me.

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

Today I taught the lesson in Primary and it wss title I Can Tell Other about Jesus Christ. This was such a fun lesson to prepare because it was about trying to be a missionary as a child. I had the kids draw pictures of doing missionary work so that we could send them to our Missionaries from our ward. The kids were really excited and got into it. Good thing that we currently only have 4 out b/c it took pretty much our entire class time afer I had shared a couple stories from the lesson. At the end of class I handed each kid a missionay tag that I had made. I had seen the plastic ones that said Future Missionary but didn't want to spend money so I made paper ones with items that I had on hand, printer, cardstock, contact paper for lamenation and brooch pins. They were pretty excited when I showed them the tags. So I thought that I would share with you the printable that I made so that you can use them.
Missionary Tags

I'm a Mormon

Our church leaders have challenged each one of us to create a profile on the mormon.org website. This is so that the missionaries can help investigators relate better to other members of the church and to see that we are just like them. I took up the challenge and created my profile. At first I wasn't sure what I would say but they gave us a few tips to help us out and I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to write as much as I did.

If you would like read my profile go HERE.

This is a really neat website will all kinds of inspiring stories from other church members.