Thursday, August 27, 2009
Father's & Son's
Just a reminder about the Father's and Son's camp-out this weekend. Here's a link to the location. There will be some dutch oven training (seasoning, cooking, cleaning, etc.), and smores Friday night. Saturday morning breakfast will be provided by the EQ. There is a gate on the way to the property, you can either call Chris H. or someone else that you know is already up there, or you can just hang out and wait for a bit as there will people shuttling back and forth throughout the evening that can let people in.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Bring Souls Unto Me
Elder's Quorum Lesson 7-26-09
"Bring Souls unto Me"
Elder L. Tom Perry- Ensign, May 2009
Today's lesson had plenty of good discussion. I encourage all to read this talk again if you haven't already. Elder Perry dicusses the importance of member missionary work. I particularly enjoyed the comments that were discussed today in quorum concering the importance of "warning your neighbor." Bro. Jon F. asked, "who is our neighbor?" We could easily say that our neighbors are the people that we live next door to. Though this is correct and may be just the people we want to warn. But like any question asked by Jon, It seemed there was a bit more depth to his question. I would like for all of us to think about Jon's question again. Think about those we associate with, who we live by, and maybe even are own family members. Ask yourself, "How can I be a better member missionary?"
Bro. Rick P. suggested after reading D&C 123:11-15 it made him think of the word "EDUCATE" in place of the word "WARN." The use of good information when "educating" your neighbor is key to good missionary work. Elder Perry also references D&C 33:7-10 which encoruages us to "open our mouths." So my challenge in quorum was to answer Elder Perry's question ourselves by writing down "What would each of us say if we had to open our mouths 3 times?" I found by writing these 3 (or more) things out on a piece of paper will help me be more prepared when the time comes to open my mouth. I suggest you read and then re-read this portion of Elder Perry's talk.
I once again appreciated the opportunity to prepare this lesson. I hope by reading through this talk all of you can feel the spirit as I did during the prep of my lesson. Thanks to all who participated in today's discussion.
Sincerely, Rob S.
"Bring Souls unto Me"
Elder L. Tom Perry- Ensign, May 2009
Today's lesson had plenty of good discussion. I encourage all to read this talk again if you haven't already. Elder Perry dicusses the importance of member missionary work. I particularly enjoyed the comments that were discussed today in quorum concering the importance of "warning your neighbor." Bro. Jon F. asked, "who is our neighbor?" We could easily say that our neighbors are the people that we live next door to. Though this is correct and may be just the people we want to warn. But like any question asked by Jon, It seemed there was a bit more depth to his question. I would like for all of us to think about Jon's question again. Think about those we associate with, who we live by, and maybe even are own family members. Ask yourself, "How can I be a better member missionary?"
Bro. Rick P. suggested after reading D&C 123:11-15 it made him think of the word "EDUCATE" in place of the word "WARN." The use of good information when "educating" your neighbor is key to good missionary work. Elder Perry also references D&C 33:7-10 which encoruages us to "open our mouths." So my challenge in quorum was to answer Elder Perry's question ourselves by writing down "What would each of us say if we had to open our mouths 3 times?" I found by writing these 3 (or more) things out on a piece of paper will help me be more prepared when the time comes to open my mouth. I suggest you read and then re-read this portion of Elder Perry's talk.
I once again appreciated the opportunity to prepare this lesson. I hope by reading through this talk all of you can feel the spirit as I did during the prep of my lesson. Thanks to all who participated in today's discussion.
Sincerely, Rob S.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Our 18-monthly update (Testimony)
Since a large number of our quorum members are unable to attend our weekly quorum meetings due to their callings (primary, YM, etc.) we're going to try and keep this space updated with the quorum announcements and lesson summaries. It may end up being updated once every 18 months, as it has been so far, or maybe a little more frequently. We'll see.
We started off EQ this week discussing whether real men can go to a Jonas Bros. concert and maintain their man-standing. Mike S. may or may not have some longboard sticks that the Jonas Brothers ate longboards off of. Keep your eye on ebay for those to show up soon.
This week our lesson was on Testimony. We started off looking at the fall of the Nephites contained in 3 Nephi 5 - 3 Nephi 8. They went from "And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets . . ." (3 Nephi 5:1) to the conditions of extreme wickedness just before the visit from the Savior as described in 3 Nephi 7:8, 14-17, all in the period of 10 years or less (see Bro. Roman for exact details). We discussed some of the causes of this ranging from pride, selfishness, and a desire for power, to also apathy and finally as very astutely noted by Bro. Jeppson (at least for the purposes of today's lesson) possible lack of a true spiritual conversion, which segued very nicely into our discussion on testimony.
We discussed the basics of what a testimony is and its purpose in our life, as an anchor for our faith, a purpose for action, and to be shared with others. We discussed the recent instruction we have received from our Stake Presidency regarding the importance of testimony, the importance of Priesthood brethren leading out in bearing testimony both in our meetings, but also in our homes. We also touched on giving our children opportunity's to bear their testimonies outside of Sacrament Meeting. Mike mentioned that Pres. Wilcox' family has recently began adding testimony in to the FHE list of assignments on a weekly basis along with prayer, lesson, treats, etc.
The following two quotes were discussed briefly:
Simply stated, testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives. It changes how you think and what you do. It changes what you say. It affects every priority you set and every choice you make. To have a real and abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be “spiritually … born of God,” to “[receive] his image in your countenances,” and to experience a “mighty change in your hearts” (Alma 5:14). - Ballard Nov. 2004
“A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it. Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that ‘leap of faith,’ as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and step into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two " - Elder Packer.
Well, that's it for this week. Feel free to add your $.02 if you didn't get a chance to in class (either because you weren't there, or you were jumping up and down raising your hand, but were never called on because we were too busy figuring out the exact rate of corruption that occurred over the 10 year period as an inverse quotient to testimony efficiency).
We started off EQ this week discussing whether real men can go to a Jonas Bros. concert and maintain their man-standing. Mike S. may or may not have some longboard sticks that the Jonas Brothers ate longboards off of. Keep your eye on ebay for those to show up soon.
This week our lesson was on Testimony. We started off looking at the fall of the Nephites contained in 3 Nephi 5 - 3 Nephi 8. They went from "And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets . . ." (3 Nephi 5:1) to the conditions of extreme wickedness just before the visit from the Savior as described in 3 Nephi 7:8, 14-17, all in the period of 10 years or less (see Bro. Roman for exact details). We discussed some of the causes of this ranging from pride, selfishness, and a desire for power, to also apathy and finally as very astutely noted by Bro. Jeppson (at least for the purposes of today's lesson) possible lack of a true spiritual conversion, which segued very nicely into our discussion on testimony.
We discussed the basics of what a testimony is and its purpose in our life, as an anchor for our faith, a purpose for action, and to be shared with others. We discussed the recent instruction we have received from our Stake Presidency regarding the importance of testimony, the importance of Priesthood brethren leading out in bearing testimony both in our meetings, but also in our homes. We also touched on giving our children opportunity's to bear their testimonies outside of Sacrament Meeting. Mike mentioned that Pres. Wilcox' family has recently began adding testimony in to the FHE list of assignments on a weekly basis along with prayer, lesson, treats, etc.
The following two quotes were discussed briefly:
Simply stated, testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives. It changes how you think and what you do. It changes what you say. It affects every priority you set and every choice you make. To have a real and abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be “spiritually … born of God,” to “[receive] his image in your countenances,” and to experience a “mighty change in your hearts” (Alma 5:14). - Ballard Nov. 2004
“A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it. Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that ‘leap of faith,’ as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and step into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two " - Elder Packer.
Well, that's it for this week. Feel free to add your $.02 if you didn't get a chance to in class (either because you weren't there, or you were jumping up and down raising your hand, but were never called on because we were too busy figuring out the exact rate of corruption that occurred over the 10 year period as an inverse quotient to testimony efficiency).
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Personal Revelation
As the discussion of all of the upcoming changes in our ward and new stake is abounding throughout the neighborhood, I am reminded of a lesson once taught to me in a Doctrine & Covenants class at BYU. We were discussing the powers and possibilities of personal revelation, and the professor asked, “Is it possible for any of you to receive revelation about who the next Bishop or Stake President should be?”
Since I was sure I knew the answer, I quickly raised my hand and answered that we only get revelation concerning those things for which we have stewardship. For example, I can receive revelation for myself, my family, and my calling. In other words, my answer to the professor’s question was, “No.”
My reasoning was that it’s the job of a general authority to receive such revelations, not mine. Such personal claims would undermine the line of authority and divine inspiration of the Prophets.
As I was sure the professor would agree with my answer and then essentially explain my thought process to the rest of the class, I was instead surprised at his silence. He looked at me, offered a partial nod of the head, and then searched the room for another answer. No-one attempted. He then smiled and said, “you most certainly can and SHOULD receive such revelation.”
I was rather stunned by his answer. I didn’t know what to think? How was he going to explain that answer? For a split-second I actually thought, “he’s about to undermine the line of authority and divine inspiration of the Prophets!”
What he did teach was a powerful lesson in personal revelation. We CAN know things like who the next Bishop will be so that when we raise our hands to sustain that brother in his new calling, that its not just a good-will gesture. It is an opportunity to have the Holy Ghost provide a “personal witness” to us an individuals, so that we can truly cast that sustaining vote. He pointed out that we are NOT choosing this person, but sharing in the divine inspiration.
Needless to say, I have that a lot about that experience this week. I have also been pondering and preparing myself to be apart of this process that is going on here in our ward. Not the process of extending callings (obviously), but rather, taking part in the divine inspiration that will be available to me and for me.
As I was thinking about all of this today, I was reminded of a talk by Elder Bruce R. McConkie entitled, “How To Receive Personal Revelation.” It was given at a BYU devotional many years ago. It’s not only appropriate for these next few days / weeks, but for our ALL of our days. I encourage all who read this blog to give it a listen. (I’ve provided a link for download below)http://download.yousendit.com/FD4D0B4D6219B4ED
---Tom
Since I was sure I knew the answer, I quickly raised my hand and answered that we only get revelation concerning those things for which we have stewardship. For example, I can receive revelation for myself, my family, and my calling. In other words, my answer to the professor’s question was, “No.”
My reasoning was that it’s the job of a general authority to receive such revelations, not mine. Such personal claims would undermine the line of authority and divine inspiration of the Prophets.
As I was sure the professor would agree with my answer and then essentially explain my thought process to the rest of the class, I was instead surprised at his silence. He looked at me, offered a partial nod of the head, and then searched the room for another answer. No-one attempted. He then smiled and said, “you most certainly can and SHOULD receive such revelation.”
I was rather stunned by his answer. I didn’t know what to think? How was he going to explain that answer? For a split-second I actually thought, “he’s about to undermine the line of authority and divine inspiration of the Prophets!”
What he did teach was a powerful lesson in personal revelation. We CAN know things like who the next Bishop will be so that when we raise our hands to sustain that brother in his new calling, that its not just a good-will gesture. It is an opportunity to have the Holy Ghost provide a “personal witness” to us an individuals, so that we can truly cast that sustaining vote. He pointed out that we are NOT choosing this person, but sharing in the divine inspiration.
Needless to say, I have that a lot about that experience this week. I have also been pondering and preparing myself to be apart of this process that is going on here in our ward. Not the process of extending callings (obviously), but rather, taking part in the divine inspiration that will be available to me and for me.
As I was thinking about all of this today, I was reminded of a talk by Elder Bruce R. McConkie entitled, “How To Receive Personal Revelation.” It was given at a BYU devotional many years ago. It’s not only appropriate for these next few days / weeks, but for our ALL of our days. I encourage all who read this blog to give it a listen. (I’ve provided a link for download below)http://download.yousendit.com/FD4D0B4D6219B4ED
---Tom
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Quickening
I have noticed a change in a number of my brothers in the gospel lately. More of us seem to be doing our home teaching. I know of many of you who diligently attend the temple every week as a group of brethren. Topics of a spiritual nature are creeping into conversations regarding football and pop culture. It feels like the level of spirituality is increasing in many members of our ward.
Why is this the case? Nephi prophesied of a time when the power of the Lamb of God "descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory." Robert Millet, author of "Men of Valor", suggests that that day and time prophesied by Nephi are upon us.
The recent changes I've noticed are evidence of that fact. As we become converted to the Lord, we naturally desire to be in his temples. As we become converted, we desire to serve the Lord and gain a relationship with Him. We can't afford to be complacent. The stakes are too high for us and for our families.
It is not enough to merely have a testimony of the gospel. A testimony is a necessary but insufficient condition for salvation. Even the devils "believe and tremble" (James 2:19). It is time for us to "awake from a deep sleep, arise from the dust and be men." It is time for us to "put on the armor of righteousness", for we are truly at war against the adversary and his minions.
"We have a world to awaken, a society to save, an ensign to erect, a message to deliver - a message containing glad tidings of great joy." (Men of Valor)
If you have not felt the Spirit working on your heart, I ask you if you can feel it now? It is time to ask yourself, "What kind of man have I become." Even more important, it is time to ask yourself, "What kind of man do I want to be?" Perhaps most important, "What kind of the man does Heavenly Father and the Savior need me to be?"
Truly, as the revelations attest, "the enemy is combined" (D&C 38:12), and modern Israel's righteous force will be successful in deflecting the fiery darts of the adversary only to the extent that the men of God take their rightful place as "mighty men of valor."
The priesthood is the power and authority of God, delegated to men on earth, to act in all things pertaining to the salvation of the human family. It is God's power, loaned for a season to you and me, to make a difference in a world that desperately needs it. It is the Almighty's authorization, a divine investiture of authority, to bless people and preserve goodness and decency in our society.
If ever there was a time, if ever there was a season, if ever there was a cause that cried out for men of purpose and men of purity to step forward and draw upon the powers of heaven, it is today.
The God of us all expects those who have been ordained to stand in the office to which they have been called; to take up their cross daily - to deny themselves of ungodliness and every worldly lust; to occupy their minds with uplifting thoughts, to ponder upon that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and worthy of praise; to avoid places and influences and even people that would degrade or dilute the power of the priesthood; to rise up and reach out to make a difference; and to allow the holy priesthood to be felt and enjoyed by every member of the family, thereby creating within the home a bit of heaven on earth.
It is time for us to awake, to nudge our consciences, to educate our desires, to call us to higher ground, and to provoke us to glimpse and grasp the power with which we have been endowed.
If we will let Him, Jesus Christ will shine his kindly and Kingly light upon us and through us. The time to step forward and be counted is now.
It is my hope that each of us can strive to follow the counsel of President Hinckley and strive to "Stand a little taller" each and every day. Thank you for your examples and inspiration that you have provided me. I highly encourage everyone to read "Men of Valor" by Robert Millet. It will surely inspire you and help you on your quest to become more like the Savior. I look forward to His glorious Second Coming and pray that we all might be ready.
Owen Mecham
Why is this the case? Nephi prophesied of a time when the power of the Lamb of God "descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory." Robert Millet, author of "Men of Valor", suggests that that day and time prophesied by Nephi are upon us.
The recent changes I've noticed are evidence of that fact. As we become converted to the Lord, we naturally desire to be in his temples. As we become converted, we desire to serve the Lord and gain a relationship with Him. We can't afford to be complacent. The stakes are too high for us and for our families.
It is not enough to merely have a testimony of the gospel. A testimony is a necessary but insufficient condition for salvation. Even the devils "believe and tremble" (James 2:19). It is time for us to "awake from a deep sleep, arise from the dust and be men." It is time for us to "put on the armor of righteousness", for we are truly at war against the adversary and his minions.
"We have a world to awaken, a society to save, an ensign to erect, a message to deliver - a message containing glad tidings of great joy." (Men of Valor)
If you have not felt the Spirit working on your heart, I ask you if you can feel it now? It is time to ask yourself, "What kind of man have I become." Even more important, it is time to ask yourself, "What kind of man do I want to be?" Perhaps most important, "What kind of the man does Heavenly Father and the Savior need me to be?"
Truly, as the revelations attest, "the enemy is combined" (D&C 38:12), and modern Israel's righteous force will be successful in deflecting the fiery darts of the adversary only to the extent that the men of God take their rightful place as "mighty men of valor."
The priesthood is the power and authority of God, delegated to men on earth, to act in all things pertaining to the salvation of the human family. It is God's power, loaned for a season to you and me, to make a difference in a world that desperately needs it. It is the Almighty's authorization, a divine investiture of authority, to bless people and preserve goodness and decency in our society.
If ever there was a time, if ever there was a season, if ever there was a cause that cried out for men of purpose and men of purity to step forward and draw upon the powers of heaven, it is today.
The God of us all expects those who have been ordained to stand in the office to which they have been called; to take up their cross daily - to deny themselves of ungodliness and every worldly lust; to occupy their minds with uplifting thoughts, to ponder upon that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and worthy of praise; to avoid places and influences and even people that would degrade or dilute the power of the priesthood; to rise up and reach out to make a difference; and to allow the holy priesthood to be felt and enjoyed by every member of the family, thereby creating within the home a bit of heaven on earth.
It is time for us to awake, to nudge our consciences, to educate our desires, to call us to higher ground, and to provoke us to glimpse and grasp the power with which we have been endowed.
If we will let Him, Jesus Christ will shine his kindly and Kingly light upon us and through us. The time to step forward and be counted is now.
It is my hope that each of us can strive to follow the counsel of President Hinckley and strive to "Stand a little taller" each and every day. Thank you for your examples and inspiration that you have provided me. I highly encourage everyone to read "Men of Valor" by Robert Millet. It will surely inspire you and help you on your quest to become more like the Savior. I look forward to His glorious Second Coming and pray that we all might be ready.
Owen Mecham
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The Peacegiver
I have to thank Jason Christensen for a great book recommendation. "The Peacegiver" provides a totally unique view of the Atonement and the power it has in our lives. The story is compelling and the examples from the scriptures shed a perspective on the Atonement that I had not read before. Without giving it all away, here is a summary of some of the insights I gleaned from this book.- We are each of us sinners, entitled to nothing but hell and therefore utterly and equally dependent upon the mercies of the Lord.
- I can receive of the Lord's mercy - and the happiness, healing, and peace that attend it - only to the extent I extend the same to others.
- The Lord mercifully removes any justification for failing to extend mercy to others. For the Lord has taken the sins of others upon his own head and personally atoned for them. What possible justification could there be for demanding more for others' sins than the Lord has given?
- I can recover mercy by remembering Abigail's offering, the Lord's question to Jonah, and my own sins, the memory of which brings me to the Lord and invites me to rediscover his mercy and peace.
This book is a quick read but I promise that it will provide insights into the Atonement that will make you think more about the Lord's sacrifice on your behalf.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Our Beloved Prophet
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the impact that President Hinckley has had on my life. When I heard the news, my first reaction was sadness, because I had lost such a great leader. Those feelings quickly turned to joy as I imagined the sweet reunion of the Prophet and his eternal companion. I have no doubt where our prophet is and who he is with.
One of my favorite things about President Hinckley is his upbeat and positive attitude. He was always the optimist amidst a world of chaos and turmoil. His message was always one of encouragement, to "stand a little taller". That's what I want to focus on this year. To do a little bit better tomorrow than I did today.
I had the opportunity to teach in Elder's quorum today, and the discussion centered on President Hinckley and on the restoration of the gospel. During the prophet's funeral services, I couldn't help but notice that the first thing that was mentioned in the opening prayer was thankfulness for the restoration. The restoration was mentioned numerous times throughout the service. Having a testimony of the first vision and the prophet Joseph Smith is central to being a member of this faith.
In his last two addresses, the prophet bore strong testimony of the restoration. The prophet said "To you, this day, I affirm my witness of the calling of the Prophet Joseph, of his works, of the sealing of his testimony with his blood as a martyr to the eternal truth. Each of you can bear witness of the same thing. You and I are faced with the stark question of accepting the truth of the First Vision and that which followed it. On the question of its reality lies the very validity of this Church. If it is the truth, and I testify that it is, then the work in which we are engaged is the most important work on the earth."
Thank you President Hinckley for your life, for your tireless work in building the kingdom of God. I have come to know more of the Savior by listening to your council and applying it to my life. God be with you til we meet again!
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