Preach My Gospel Chapter 6

How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?
Hope

Thinking about Hope this week---I really think HOPE and FAITH go hand in hand. Together like bread and butter!! I was also doing a lot of thinking about people in my life who have been great examples of these two Christlike Attributes.

I had the great opportunity of working in the Stake Primary for many years with Sister Darlene!! What a great example of so many things she was to me!!! When we had a problem or were concerned about something she would simply say with all the Faith and Hope, "Heavenly Father will help us!" And I knew He would, because she knew He would!

Also my Pioneer Ancestors came to mind---They put Hope into ACTION--and I am the beneficiary of that ACTION!
I thank them for their Hope of a better way, a better life, a better church.

This Week think about

Charity and Love

A man once asked Jesus, “Which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus replied: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:36–39). Charity is “the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). It includes God’s eternal love for all His children. We are to seek to develop that kind of love.

Scripture Study

What is charity?

Moroni 7:45–48 1 Corinthians 13 Bible Dictionary, “Charity”

How did Jesus Christ demonstrate charity?

1 Nephi 19:9 Ether 12:33–34 Luke 7:12–15
Alma 7:11–13

What do these verses teach you about charity?

2 Nephi 26:30 Alma 7:24 1 Timothy 4:12
Mosiah 2:17 Ether 12:28 1 Peter 4:8;
see footnote a
Mosiah 28:3 D&C 88:125

Ensign Tidbit--Jesus Christ, Our Perfect Friend

Lesson for this Week---July 25th

Our Path of Duty

Keith B. McMullin, “Our Path of Duty,” Ensign, May 2010, 13–15

Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence. It is not simply what is legal; it is what is virtuous.

Read His Talk here.

Information from the Canning Weekday Meeting

Pressure Cooker Testing

The USU Extension Office will be testing
Pressure Cookers
@ Larsen's Ace Hardware
July 30th
10:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00
They will be at
Barrett's Foodtown
Aug 8th
10:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00
This will be a great opportunity to get your cooker checked out!!

Recap of Mitzi's Lesson July 18

The Priesthood Organization

What is the difference between the priesthood and the keys of the priesthood? Which priesthood leaders receive keys?

There is a difference between being ordained to an office in the priesthood and receiving keys of the priesthood. President Joseph F. Smith taught:

“The Priesthood in general is the authority given to man to act for God. Every man ordained to any degree of the Priesthood has this authority delegated to him."

Deacons

Are assigned to keep Church buildings and grounds in good order.

Teacher

Teachers in the Aaronic Priesthood are to help Church members live the commandments.

Priest

He is to preach the gospel to those around him.

Bishop

A Bishop deals primarily with temporal matters.

Elder

Elders are called to teach, expound, exhort, baptize and watch over the Church.

High Priest

A High Priest is given the authority to officiate in the Church and administer spiritual things.

Patriarch

They are the word of the Lord personally to us.

Seventy

Seventies are special witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world.

Apostle

An Apostle is a special witness of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world. Each one is given all the keys of the kingdom of God on the earth.

Lesson This Week Chapter 14: Priesthood Organization

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is governed by the priesthood. The priesthood, which is always associated with God’s work, “continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years”

Chapter #14

Preach My Gospel Chapter 6

Faith

Thinking about Faith this week started with Morgan's talk in Sacrament Meeting--She told of turning Fear into Faith....I think sometimes Fear keeps us from doing things we should...I appreciate Morgan's council to turn that Fear into Faith. I also looked to the scriptures for examples of Faith. If you search Faith in the Scriptures you get 391 Hits! One of the first examples is in Ether...

And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

So this week I have been asking myself, what happens when your faith does not produce the results you want?

Council for this thought comes from Elder Scott-- His Talk
You will gather the fruits of faith as you follow the principles God has established for its use.

Some of those principles are:

• Trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed, no matter how challenging the circumstance.

• Obey His commandments and live to demonstrate that He can trust you.

• Be sensitive to the quiet prompting of the Spirit.

• Act courageously on that prompting.

• Be patient and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.

I also turned to Elder Bednar...I love to listen to him speak..

I think he is talking right to me..

His council on the tender mercies of God. His Talk

I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.

I repeat again, the Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness and obedience enable us to receive these important gifts and, frequently, the Lord’s timing helps us to recognize them.

Faith the First Principle of the Church.

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?

The Christlike Attribute for this week is Hope.

Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. It is believing and expecting that something will occur. When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good. Hope helps you conquer discouragement.

Scripture Study
What is hope and what do we hope for?

2 Nephi 31:20 Moroni 7:40–48 Romans 8:24–25
Alma 58:10–11 D&C 59:23 Hebrews 6:10–20
Ether 12:4, 32 D&C 138:14 Topical Guide, “Hope”

Quote for July Visiting Teaching Message

More Diligent and Concerned at Home

Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

David A. Bednar, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 17–20

Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.

Recap of Shannon's Lesson July 11th "The Priesthood"

How?

How are we Baptized?
How can we renew our Baptismal Covenants?
How are Blessings given?
How are Eternal Marriages sealed?

The answer is The Priesthood!

By this power the universe is kept in perfect order. The Priesthood is God's Government on Earth. Through this power He accomplishes His work and glory, which is "to bring to pass the immortality an eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).

Think of a dark night----the electricity goes off----It's pitch black----you look for your flashlight----You turn it on ---NO BATTERIES!!! NO POWER! During the Dark Ages there was no priesthood power----yes there were small snatches of light, but not the Bright Power of the Restored Priesthood We Have Today.


Isn't a marvel to think of young 12 year old boys and their first experiences with the Priesthood and the preparation they go through to mature into young men who receive the Melchizedek Priesthood.


President David O. McKay promised every man who uses the priesthood in righteousness that he “will find his life sweetened, his discernment sharpened to decide quickly between right and wrong, his feelings tender and compassionate, yet his spirit strong and valiant in defense of right; he will find the priesthood a never failing source of happiness—a well of living water springing up unto eternal life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 116).

Weekday Activity

Wednesday July 14
7:00 pm
At the Church
Home Food Canning Demos
Please bring your favorite canning recipe!

July Visiting Teaching Message

Strengthening Families and Homes
Strengthening at every Opportunity

July Call to Action
As you study the July visiting teaching message, ask yourself,
What priorities can I change this month to better strengthen my own family and home?

Did you know that there is a Mormon Channel--Radio programs by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

They discuss the Visiting Teaching Message for July. It is long but good to listen to. Listen at Mormon Channel

Shannon's Lesson this week #13 "The Priesthood"

“Priesthood,” True to the Faith, (2004),124–28

The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

Preach My Gospel Chapter 6

In our last Stake Conference we were asked to look at Preach My Gospel Chapter 6.
How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?
We were asked to study and to work on developing these qualities. This is something I have been wanting to do, but life got in the way! So each week I am going to look at one of the qualities--Study the scriptures looking for examples and finding things to build my testimony about these qualities.

The restored gospel enables you to become like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Savior has shown the way. He has set the perfect example, and He commands us to become as He is (see 3 Nephi 27:27). Learn of Him and seek to incorporate His attributes into your life. Through the power of His Atonement, you can achieve this goal.

First Faith

When you have faith in Christ, you believe in Him as the Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father in the Flesh. You accept Him as your Savior and Redeemer and follow His teachings. You believe that your sins can be forgiven through His Atonement. Faith in Him means that you trust Him and are confident that He loves you. Faith leads to action, including repentance, obedience, and dedicated service. When you have faith in Jesus Christ, you trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments—even when you do not completely understand the reasons for them. You accomplish what the Lord wants you to accomplish. You help bring about good in your own life and the lives of others. You are able to do miracles according to the Lord’s will. Your faith will be manifest through diligence and work. Faith is a principle of power. God works by power, but His power is usually exercised in response to faith (see Moroni 10:7). He works according to the faith of His children. Doubt and fear are opposed to faith. Your faith will increase through diligent study, prayer, dedicated service, and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the commandments.

Scripture Study

What is faith?
Alma 32:21 Hebrews 11:1; see footnote b Bible Dictionary, “Faith”
Ether 12:6 Topical Guide, “Faith” True to the Faith, “Faith,” 54–56

How do you obtain faith, and what can you do through faith?
2 Nephi 25:29 Alma 32 Moroni 7:33
2 Nephi 26:13 Helaman 15:7–8 Romans 10:17
Mosiah 4:6–12 Ether 12:7–22 Hebrews 11

What blessings come through faith?
Mosiah 3:17 Helaman 5:9–12 John 14:6
Mosiah 5:1–15

10 Tips for Terrific Talks in Sacrament Meeting

Ten Tips for Terrific Talks

John F. Cary, “Ten Tips for Terrific Talks,” Ensign, Dec. 1993, 62–63

Debbie’s turn to speak in sacrament meeting had come. As the youth speaker, she walked to the pulpit, arranged her books and papers, and literally proceeded to faint.

There are countless ways to approach a speaking assignment. Reactions like Debbie’s can be prevented if speakers will overcome most of their fear before standing up to speak. Here are some ideas to help you prepare and deliver your message better.

1. Prepare. The most important preparation comes from the Spirit, and prayer especially should have a high priority. Remember that sacrament meeting talks should center on Christ and gospel-related topics. In regular, daily prayers you can ask for help with your talk.

2. Brainstorm. Review all the ideas that have surfaced during your few days of carrying the subject around in your head. You might have jotted down story titles or descriptions, bits of quotes or scriptures you have remembered, personal experiences, examples, key questions, articles, poems, or hymns.

3. Let ideas incubate. If you have several weeks to prepare, ponder the subject for a few days. As you drive, jog, or walk, consider how your topic can be made relevant to Church members. Sift through your memory for ideas and record them, even if briefly, when they come to mind.

4. Research. Continue gathering material for your subject by using indexes, the scriptures with the Topical Guide, and the Church magazines. You can also search the indexes of priesthood and Relief Society study guides as well as other books on your shelf.

5. Expand research. Now is a good time to ask family and friends if they have any good ideas to share.

6. Sift and order. Concentrate on refining. You may have far more material than you can use in one talk, but you have probably already started to mentally sift through the ideas that appeal to you most.

List broad headings that summarize the various groups of ideas. Don’t worry about scratching out and moving ideas at this stage.

Now rearrange these headings in a logical sequence. Decide which material you won’t have time to include. Prioritize so that you don’t spend 90 percent of your allotted time approaching the subject, leaving only a few minutes to speak on the heart of the topic.

7. Prepare an outline. List a heading followed by the items or ideas that come under it. Arrange the talk so you will be able to say some things in your own words and look at the audience frequently.

8. Plan a creative beginning and end. Decide how best to interest the congregation from the start. Create readiness to listen by starting with a story, an interesting quote, or a question that will arouse curiosity.

Now look at your ending. Don’t finish with a “whimper” by not knowing exactly how you will conclude. Plan a summary of your message, perhaps linking back to your opening thought.

9. The final stage. Time yourself in a practice run. You may be inspired with new ideas or be prompted to use quotes or ideas you previously discarded.

You are now familiar with your talk. Consequently, you will be able to make eye-to-eye contact with the congregation as you speak, whether you are reading a quote or just glancing at your notes occasionally. You’ll be able to speak naturally and with expression in your voice.

10. Practice makes perfect. The more times you prepare for talks in this way, the easier it becomes. You will probably personalize the method suggested here. Don’t wait to be asked to speak, though. Simply choose a few topics and prepare some great talks you can condense onto small cards and keep in the back of your scriptures for emergencies. You’ll do a wonderful job!

Moms this is a must watch!!!

Moms--With tissue in hand watch this message from Elder Holland. It will give you a lift--a tear--and the hope you need!!!


Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God