A Christ Centered Christmas

I was recently called as the Relief Society President in my ward. We are short a couple of teacher's right now, so I ended up teaching the lesson this Sunday. I was really excited with it being the Sunday before Christmas but wanted to make sure it wasn't necessarily your typical Christmas lesson...I don't know if I ended up accomplishing that, however I LOVED this lesson. I know it is Christmas Eve but if you have time please read it (have the Bible with you, I didn't have time to actually type out the scriptures), it's never too late to remember the reason for the season!

As I was sitting in Sacrament meeting, I was thinking about the word Christmas. If you break it up into two words it's Christ mas, and in Spanish mas means more...so Christmas is More Christ which I think is pretty neat if you think about it!

In the 2010 Christmas Devotional, President Uchtdorf gave a wonderful talk called "Seeing Christmas through New Eyes." He said: "There are certain words that ring like bells in my soul and remind me of the beauty and meaning of Christmas--words such as 'And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus' and, of course, 'Joy to the World!' 'Away in a Manger,' and 'Silent Night.'
There are other words, more cautionary, that are worthy of our consideration as well--words such as:
        'Every Who
        Down in Who-ville
        Liked Christmas a lot...
        But the Grinch,
        Who lived just north of Who-ville,
        Did NOT!'

Uchtdorf went on to say that if we were always looking for what is wrong with Christmas like the Grinch did, we will find plenty of things to complain about. However if we look at everything with a fresh perspective, "even the eyes of a child" that we will be amazed by what we find and maybe, just maybe, our hearts will being to love that which you did not before.

My senior year of high school, I worked for Sears. I remember from November 1st until December 24th, there was always Christmas music playing over the loud speaker (and usually not the good stuff; you can only hear the 12 Days of Christmas so many times before it drives you bonkers). I remember being shocked by the callousness of many people as they came into shop; everyone was so impatient that they had to wait in line--perturbed that we ran out of certain items, or fighting over things with other customers. Every night I would go home just miserable--Christmas was forever changed for me. It wasn't until this year that I was finally able to enjoy listening to Christmas music and even get into the holiday spirit.

There is a book called "A Christ-Centered Christmas" which is what most of our lesson is going to be on. Each of the seven chapters discuss a Nativity member; Mary, Joseph, the Angel, the Shepherd, the Wise Men, the Lamb, and the Christ Child.

First there is Mary; Mary reminds us to ponder....

Mary reminds us that we need to find a moment to ponder the events of that sacred night in Bethlehem. In that moment we celebrate the miracle of Christ's birth, and the gift that Heaven gave.

Luke 1: 26-56

What do these verses teach us about Mary's character? What is most important to her?


Luke 2: 5-7, 19

What do you think Mary is pondering in her heart?

Second there is Joseph; he reminds us to serve...

Joseph represents the desires of our hearts. He reminds us of the secret acts of Christmas kindness given with sacrifice and love to the broken, the weary, the lost, or the lonely.

Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 2:1-7

Take a moment to consider what it must have felt like when Joseph realized there was no room in the inn. What would you have offered Joseph and his family if you had been there? How can performing secret acts of service help to make room for the Savior in our hearts today? Does Joseph remind you of someone you know who is in need this Christmas season?

Third is the Angel; the Angel reminds us to share the joy...

The Angel embodies a heart that runneth over with the good tidings and great joy of the season. The angel is a reminder that the anticipation of good things to come should fill our hearts with warmth overflowing.

Luke 2: 9-14

What was the great joy and good tidings that the angels brought? What would the news have meant to you if you were there? What does it mean to you today? How does their announcement create feelings of anticipation in your heart? What is your favorite Christ centered carol and why is it so dear to you?

Fourth we have the Shepherd who reminds us to testify.

The Shepherd symbolizes a testimony within, an inner conviction that we have come to know Christ. The shepherd is a reminder for us to come closer to The Lord, now and with haste, and then to share our testimony with others.

Luke 2: 15-18

What can we learn from the shepherds' relationship with each other when they spoke "one to another" and went as a group to find The Lord? Consider the significance of bearing testimony of the Savior; what does your testimony mean to you?

Fifth is the wise men, they remind us to journey another way...


The Wise Men exemplify the journey each of us takes as we seek The Lord. They remind us that as we draw closer to Him, we will be led to continue our journey another way.

Matthew 2: 1-12

Discuss the lessons of the Wise Men. Focus on the privilege of their search and their ability to be spiritually sensitive. Talk about their journey and what it means to journey another way.

Sixth there is the lamb; it reminds us to give thanks...

The lamb reminds us to prepare our hearts to recognize the hand of The Lord in our life, and then, in that instant, to give thanks.

Luke 2: 25-38

Consider the lessons of Simeon and Anna; how can we prepare our heats to recognize The Lord? What are some ways that would help to make our recognition instant and our gratitude immediate? How does becoming a true follower of Christ help us to become one of His sheep?

And finally, we have the Christ Child, who reminds us to believe....

Christ reminds us to offer a gift to The Lord this Christmas season; a gift based on the true work of Christmas, one that will allow us to focus on Christ all year long.


Luke 2: 11-12

The greatest Christmas gift ever given was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Consider what that gift means to you. How has your life been blessed because of the birth of Christ? What are some of the gifts He gives?

I was so grateful to prepare for this lesson because it allowed me to really remember why we celebrate this season. It is not only a time to take out the old and bring in the new, but it's also a time to give more of yourself to others. The Lord is mindful of us in all things and loves us all very much. Thank you for taking the time to read this and ponder the questions that were asked.

Merry Christmas!

The Atonement

The Atonement

For everyone, the Atonement is very personal. For myself, I view the Atonement as something that is constant in my life; something I have always been able to rely upon. And not only is the Atonement a way for me to be redeemed of my sins, but it is also a source of comfort. Christ suffered for our sins, but he also felt every pain and sorrow that we have felt; the Atonement offers the ultimate comfort for us. The Atonement has made me into the person that I am today and for that I am eternally grateful. 

Read the following scriptures; what principle is being taught in each one? And why is that important to know?

Luke 24:36-39, 45-46

     "And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 

     But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 

     And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 

     Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have...

     Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

     And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day;"

John 20:26-29

     "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

     Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

     And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

     Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou has seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

1 Corinthians 15:6

     "After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remaim unto this present, but some are fallen asleep."

3 Nephi 11:14-15

     "Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

     And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust heir hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth on by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come."

Alma 11:42-44

     "Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.

     The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt. 

     Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil."

Alma 40:23

     "The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame."

Alma 41:2-4

    "I say unto thee, my son, that the plan of restoration is requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things should be restored to their proper order. Behold, it is requisite and just, according to the power and resurrection of Christ, that the soul of man should be restored to its body, and that every part of the body should be restored to itself.

     And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good. 

     And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them for evil. Therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame--mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption--raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one on one hand, the other on the other--"

Doctrine and Covenants 29:43

     "And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation--that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe;"

1 Peter 1:3

     "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

Alma 27:28

     "And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it."

08 September 2013

Stake Conference

Marcus Nash

Start with the basics-do not bite off more than you can chew. Begin with sincere prayers, regular Family Home evenings, and take your struggles one at a time. Choose one commandment or sin that you are struggling with and work on it. We cannot claim perfection in one day-take it one step at a time. 

Seek to emulate Christ through all of your trials. Resist the urge to give the Lord a time table, instead have patience and endure to the end. The Lord is mindful of us all, pray to Him for strength and healing as you are going through your trials. 

Carl McConkie

Through the Atonement, we may become perfect; we can be forgiven of all our sins. Do not let your faith or testimony falter because of our poor choices. The outcome for those that have chosen a path different from the Lord's is a hard road--we will be condemned by our words and actions. Our hearts can and will be changed  by the power of Christ's Atonement. The Atonement not only takes away the guilt we harbor for sins we have committed, but it also helps strengthen us, forgive others, and make our burdens lighter. We can endure all things through Christ as we draw closer to Him. 

Robert D. Hales

Whether you can attend the temple or not, you should make sure you are worthy to have a temple recommend. Make sure you are paying your tithing; not only is tithing your "fire insurance" but it also teaches us to not give in to worldly things--we have to learn to live not only within our means, but with 90% of what we earn. The Lord will give you immeasurable blessings if you pay your tithing. By paying your tithing, you are showing the Lord that you love Him enough to sacrifice for Him, and that you have the faith that He will take care of all of your needs. 

Prayer, Family Home Evening, and Family Councils will bind your family together. In this day and age we are in a constant battle with the adversary. He finds little ways to slowly bind you to him and you find that it will be easier, and easier to give in to temptation. Be careful of the TV shows/movies that you watch in your home, or even the music that you are listening to; make sure that both are uplifting. 

L. Tom Perry

"Union is strength" build up your relationships with your fellow Saints. Build up your "watch towers" and be ever mindful of the adversary and his tricks. Watch our selection of how you utilize the technology we have been given and what your read/watch; choose wholesome and uplifting materials.

3 March 2013--The Priesthood

Sunday School 

What is the Priesthood? 

       It is the power that governs the universe. It is a delicate balance, we are all intelligent beings and must not take away other's free agency. 

What do we use the Priesthood for?

       We use the Priesthood for blessings such as 

                      *Healing of the sick

                      *Confirmations

                      *Ordinations/setting apart

                      *Patriarchal blessings

       We also use the Priesthood for saving ordinances such as baptism, sealing's in the temple, receiving revelation, and much more. 

Joseph Smith History 1:68-72

     "We still continued the work of translation, when, in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us saying:

      He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize me. 

      Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me--after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood--for so we were commanded. 

      The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James, and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger, and baptized."

Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery went unto the Lord to receive a better understanding or baptism, because of this John the Baptist appeared unto them. He restored the Aaronic Priesthood keys to the Earth again.  

Doctrine and Covenants 107:14 & 20

     "Why it is called the lesser priesthood is because it is an appendage of the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances...

       The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments."

Doctrine and Covenants 13:1 

     "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth; until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness." 

The Priesthood will not be taken away from this earth again "until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness." What an amazing blessing for us to know that the Priesthood is not going to be taken away from the earth until the Coming of Christ! 

Doctrine and Covenants 107: 18-19; 22-23

     "The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church--

      To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant...

      Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church. 

      The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world--thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling." 

What are the spiritual blessings of the church that you receive, even on a day to day basis? 

      I know for myself that I can receive answers to my own prayers; I am able to be healed from a sickness through the power of the Priesthood AND my faith. I feel/hear promptings from the Spirit as long as I am worthy and actually listening to him. 

When people are put into callings, they must be sustained--the law of common consent. If you sustain individuals, pray for them and support them in their endeavors! They can feel our prayers for them and they are greatly appreciated. 

Doctrine and Covenants 128: 11

     "Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summon bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living."

    Keys are the directing power; Bishops have the keys to decide in what direction the ward will go. Keys are very specific, certain callings allow the priesthood to use their keys for specific things. 

Doctrine and Covenants

Doctrine and Covenants

"The Book of Mormon is the 'keystone' of our religion, and the Doctrine and Covenants is the capstone, with continuing latter-day revelation. The Lore has placed his stamp of approval on both the keystone and capstone (President Ezra Taft Benson)." The capstone on the Salt Lake City temple, is the upper portion of the ball on which Moroni stands; the Doctrine and Covenants is considered the final piece of the LDS religion. It gives us details on the organization and administration of His church that we do not find in any other scriptures. The Doctrine and Covenants is for our time; the language is more modern and easier for us to understand, you see the questions that are being asked by earlier members and then how God answers them. Many converts to the church have said that they find The Doctrine and Covenants easier to understand then either the Bible or the Book of Mormon because of the language, lack of parables and symbolism, and they can relate to it. 

Modern Revelation to meet the Needs of our Day

Explanatory Introduction (of the Doctrine and Covenants) paragraph 3:

   "The book of Doctrine and Covenants is one of the standard works of the Church in company with the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price. However, the Doctrine and Covenants is unique because it is not a translation of an ancient document, but is of modern origin and was given of God through his chosen prophets for the restoration of his holy work and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth in these days. In the revelations on hears the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking anew in the dispensation of the fulness of times; and the work that is initiated herein is preparatory to his second coming, in fulfillment of and in concert with the words of all the holy prophets since the world began."

The Doctrine and Covenants is different from other scriptures because "it is not a translation of an ancient document." It is modern day revelation that has been given to us for OUR time to prepare us for Christ's second coming.

Explanatory Introduction paragraph 6: 
     "These sacred revelations were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations involving real people. The prophet and his associates sought for divine guidance, and these revelations certify that they received it. In the revelations one sees the restoration and unfolding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times. The westward movement of the Church from New York to Pennsylvania, to Ohio, to Missouri, to Illinois, and finally to the Great Basin of western America, and the mighty struggles of the saints in attempting to to build Zion on the earth in modern times, are also shown forth in these revelations."

We receive these revelations "in answer to prayers" that were given when the Saints needed answers the most. These are not fictitious scenarios, but rather real people in our church's history.

Explanatory Introduction paragraph 8:
     "In the revelations the doctrines of the gospel are set forth with explanations about such fundamental matters as the nature of the Godhead, the origin of man, the reality of Satan, the purpose of mortality, the necessity for obedience, the need for repentance, the workings of the Holy Spirit, the ordinances and performances that pertain to salvation, the destiny of the earth, the future conditions of man after the resurrection and the judgment, the eternity of the marriage relationship, and the eternal nature of the family. Likewise the gradual unfolding of the administrative structure of the Church is shown in the calling of bishops, the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and the Seventy, and the establishment of other presiding offices and quorums. Finally, the testimony that is given of Jesus Christ--his divinity, his majesty, his perfection, his love, and his redeeming power--makes this book of great value to the human family and of more worth than the riches of the whole earth."

There are so many fundamental Gospel doctrine that can be answered in the Doctrine and Covenants; we can easily understand what we are supposed to do and when.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:1-4
    "Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together.
      For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated. 
      And the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.
      And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days."

This warning is given to ALL church members not just the rebellious ones. He is telling us that if we do not do what we are supposed to for His church, He will find someone else that will.

Doctrine and Covenants 1: 23 and 30
     "That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.
      And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually--"

Our destiny is to spread the Gospel throughout the WORLD. Missionaries young and old, as well as members of the church need to be participating in missionary work. "Every member a missionary!"

Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38
     "Search these commandments for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.
      What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."

We are commanded to search the commandments that have been given to us and to listen and apply what we have been taught by the leaders of our church. 

Doctrine and Covenants 112:30-32
     "For unto you, the Twelve, and those, the First Presidency, who are appointed with you to be your counselors and your leaders, is the power of this priesthood given, for the last days and for the last time, in the which is the dispensation of the fulness of times.
      Which power you hold, in connection with all those who have received a dispensation at any time fromt he beginning of the creation;
      For verily I say unto you, the keys of the dispensation, which ye have received, have come down from the fathers, and last of all, being sent down from heaven unto you."

This is the last dispensation--collectively this is it, we will not get a do over.

"Prophet's, priests and kings...have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesized of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us to see, participate in and help roll forward the Latter-day glory, 'the dispensation of the fulness of times.'"

~President Joseph Smith Jr. 

"There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time as there is for us."

~President Ezra Taft Benson

"This is the season of a thousand opportunities. It is ours to grasp and move forward. What a wonderful time it is for each of us to do his or her small part in moving the work of the Lord on its magnificent destiny."

~President Gordon B. Hinckley

This truly is the fulness of times; we were saved by our Heavenly Father to help bring in this dispensation. Each one of us knew what He had planned for us and we agreed to do it, now we need to do our part. We must constantly be prepared for this battle against Satan; he so very much wants us to be not only miserable, but he also wants us to lose our bodies. He is so envious of the fact that we have bodies and will eventually be able to reunite with our Father in Heaven with both our bodies and spirit. Don't let him win; fulfill your callings to fullest extent, read your scriptures and pray daily, and keep the Holy Ghost with you at all times!

Gifts of the Spirit

Every single one of us has been given at least one spiritual gift from our Heavenly Father--for some it is more obvious than others what our gifts are. Some may have received more than one gift but don't fret if you feel you have one spiritual gift because you can ask Heavenly Father for more and you can develop more. In one of my Sunday School classes we were given a list entitled Gifts of the Spirit. I would like to share this with you now. The italicized words from the scriptures are gifts that have been given, you can develop, or ask Heavenly Father for.

Doctrine and Covenants 46:13-25
     "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
       To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
       And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences in administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
      And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the SPirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
      And again, verily I say unto you, to some it is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
      To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise, and to have knowledge.
      And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed.
      And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
      And again, to some is given the working of miracles.
      And to others it is given to prophesy;
      And to others the discerning of spirits,
      And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
      And to another is given the interpretation of tongues."

Moroni 10:9-16
     "For behold, to on is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom;
      And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
      And to another, exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
      And again, to another, that he may prophesy concerning all things;
      And again, to another, the beholding of angels and ministering spirits;
      And again, to another, all kinds of tongues;
      And again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues."

1 Corinthians 12:5-10
     "And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
      And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
      But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every to profit withal.
      For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
      To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
      To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy; to another discerning the spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:"

Elder Marvin J. Ashton's less conspicuous gifts (October 1987 General Conference)

1. Asking
2. Listening
3. Hearing and using the still, small voice
4. Being able to weep
5. Avoiding contention
6. Being agreeable
7. Avoiding vain repetition 
8. Seeking that which is righteous
9. Not passing judgment
10. Looking to God for guidance
11. Being a disciple
12. Caring for others
13. Being able to ponder
14. Offering prayer
15. Bearing a mighty testimony
16. Receiving the Holy Ghost

Elder Boyd K. Packer (General Authority Training Meeting, 1983)

1. Prophecy
2. Seeing as seers see
3. Revelation (prophets, seers, and revelators)
4. Discernment
5. Visions
6. Dreams
7. Visitations
8. Promptings
9. Ability to read thoughts (not body language)
10. Administration (not to the sick, to lead Church) 
11. Prepare or manage events that we recognize could not be merely coincidence (genealogical work)
12. Feelings
13. Sensing whether a decision is right or wrong 
14. Healing 
15. Warnings
16. Raising the dead
17. Tongues
18. Interpretation of tongues
19. Translation
20. Teach by the spirit
21. Seeing God

All of these are gifts from our Heavenly Father for His beloved children. Use these talents; do not hide them under a bushel but rather let them shine--develop them. If we bury our gifts/talents we will remain stagnant and unchanging. We were put on this Earth to have agency, to grow, and to change. Develop your talents and ask for more of them when you are ready to develop them. Think about the talents and gifts that you have now; what are they and what can you do to develop them? 

30 December 2012

Sacrament Meeting:

When setting goals you cannot compare yourself to others; goals are for YOU to accomplish not for your next door neighbor or friend. 

"Every accountable child of God needs to set goals (Ezra Taft Benson)." Think about what your long term goals are and your short term goals. Write down your goals of what you would like to accomplish each day. Keep in mind the covenants that you have made as you go about your daily tasks. Make sure that when you set goals, that they are ATTAINABLE goals, work on them in accordance and pray for your Heavenly Father's help. Be specific but also do not set yourself up for failure with your goals. Set a time limit for accomplishment; make sure you give yourself a sufficient amount of time to accomplish your goals but not too much time. 

Setting short term goals help us to accomplish long term goals. What is it that you want to accomplish right now? In a year? In your life? Do not procrastinate accomplishing goals--you will not accomplish nearly as much if you put it off until the end. Don't trip over your feet trying to get there--take your time and ensure that you are accomplishing your goal correctly and with the right amount of time and effort. 

Do we make sure that we put enough time aside for spiritual things? Yes it is important to do the daily things such as eating, exercising, spending quality time with our family, but are we making sure that we are putting time aside for the Lord? It is ESSENTIAL to make time to read your scriptures, pray individually as well as with your family/spouse, attend the temple, etc. Righteous living will strengthen our testimony--knowing the gospel is the true church of God is the basis of our testimony, if you are not doing the little things our testimony itself will begin to crumble. 

The best indicator of if/when we have come unto Christ is the way that we treat other people despite how they treat us. By accomplishing spiritual goals we will have better relationships with others; the spirit of contention will truly dissipate when we make the effort to put the Lord in our lives. 

Doctrine and Covenants 100:5--
     "Therefore verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men;" If we are prepared (if you do your scripture study), when you are placed in situations where people are asking you about the gospel, the spirit will bring to mind scriptures that you have read in the past to answer their questions. If we act upon the promptings from the Spirit, we will begin to receive more promptings form the Lord. If we don't, they will cease to com to us.  

We have no idea of when trials will come our way; so instead of dreading them or forgetting that we do have trials we need to prepare now for them. That way when trials do come upon us, we will be ready and they will not overcome us. Helaman 5: 12 says-- " And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." Without a firm foundation, our trials will overcome us; without the Lords help we will fail our trials. 

Sunday School:

Moroni 7:4-9 
     "And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your peaceable walk with the children of men. 
      For remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.
      For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. 
      For hehold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.
      For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God.
      And likewise also is it counted evil unto man, if he shall pray not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such."

It is not enough for us to do good works; but rather we should WANT to do good works. If we are grudgingly doing acts of service we are doing ourselves more harm then good. Verse 6 has a footnote that tells us to read Leviticus 19:5--
     "And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will." 

Dallin H. Oaks gave the following in a CES Fireside on 1 March 1998:

6 Principles of Righteous Judgment

1. A righteous judgment must, by definition, be intermediate. 
2. A righteous judgment will be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, not by anger, revenge, jealousy, or self-interest. 
3. To be righteous, an intermediate judgment must be within our stewardship. 
4. We should, if possible, refrain from judging until we have adequate knowledge of the facts. 
5. Whenever possible we will refrain from judging people and only judge situations. 
6. If we apply unrighteous standards, our judgement will be unrighteous.

You have to make judgements every day--I'm not saying you are casting judgment upon other people but rather you are an intermediate judge. Moroni 7:13-14 states:
     "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. 
      Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil." 
When making judgment calls, ask yourself "Does______________ invite me to love and serve God? Is ___________ inspired of God?"

Moroni 7:15-19 continues with 
     "For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. 
      For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
      But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. 
      And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgement which ye judge ye shall also be judged. 
      Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not,  ye certainly will be a child of Christ. 

When you are beginning to feel down--as if the world is weighing you down, ask the Lord for help. He wants you to succeed and triumph against them. Moroni 7: 26 & 33 states:
    "And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you...
     And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me."

There are many examples of how the Lord has provided help to those that have had faith in Him not only in the Book of Mormon but also in the Bible--we hear of the children of Israel that were told if they would look at the brass serpent that was fashioned by Moses they would be healed of their bites. The children Israel were starving and thirsty; Christ provided ways for Moses and the children of Israel to have food and water throughout their trip--but they had to have faith.