Lesson Notes

Our lesson today was from the last General Conference address by President Uchtdorf entitled "The Way of the Disciple". President Uchtdorf said, "We live in a time when many...are concerned about the future and doubt their ability to resolve the challenges that confront them....

"...the world is not bashful in offering numerous new answers to every problem we face. People run from one new idea to the next, hoping to find something that will answer the burning questions of their souls.

"It's not that these worldly options don't contain elements of truth-many of them do. Nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives. After the excitement wears off, the hollowness remains as we look for the next new idea to unlock the secrets of happiness.

"In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems... It is not someone's theory of proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. and with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel - a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success.

We must become disciples of Jesus Christ. This takes patience and faith. "Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God's will rather than ours."

Our teacher Sister Chintaram challenges us to look at our lives and pick an area where we can better become a disciple of Christ. Only as we walk in the Savior's path will we find the true happiness and peace we are seeking.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Oct 3-4 General Conference

Oct 8 Book Club

Oct 17 Super Saturday Activity - Learn how to be an 8 cow woman.

Notes from Ward Conference

Sunday was our Ward Conference and we heard much good counsel from our stake leaders. Sister Stewart, our Stake Relief Society President reminded us of the importance of the

relief Society program and its origin in doing service and helping others. Sister Fields, 2nd counselor in the Stake Relief Society spoke of the importance of the family and making our homes a refuge from the world. I shared my thoughts on how to find peace in an increasingly troubled world.

Sister Kathleen Hughes of the General Relief Society stated "Life often feels like a great pile of obligations, frustrations, and disappointments. But the Lord is there, always the same, His arms still outstretched. When we feel overwhelmed, we have to remember the peace He has spoken to us on previous occasions. His peace brings comfort and strength; the world cannot give that to us." (Remembering the Lord's Love, Ensign Nov. 2006, 111-12)

How do we find peace?

The Lord gave us the answer. In D&C 19:23 He said, "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my spirit and you shall find peace in me,"

Peace found in our Savior will always sustain us through any of life's trials.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sat. Sept 26 General Relief Society Broadcast and dinner at the Commanche building 6 PM

Sat and Sun Oct. 3-4 General Conference

Notes from today's lesson

The Wentworth Letter. The Prophet, Joseph Smith was asked to write a brief account of his life and the church to be published in a history of Vermont. In answer, he wrote what has come to be known as the Wentworth Letter. In it he gave an account of "the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints," including the statements known as the Articles of Faith. He recounted his experience in the sacred grove when, in answer to his prayer, The Father and Son appeared to him. The Heavens were opened once again and God was calling a living prophet for this dispensation. What a glorious occasion. Through the power and gift from God he was able to translate the gold plates of the Book of Mormon and take the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. He wrote "Our missionaries are going forth to different nations,...the standard of truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.

He concluded the letter the a statement of the Articles of Faith.

Sister Winkelmen, our teacher, challenged us to know what we believe and be able to share it with others as we are called upon to do so. The 13 Articles of Faith are published at the end of the Pearl of Great Price. I believe that these were given to Joseph Smith by divine inspiration and in brief form give what we as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe. Study them and learn them.

You can read the Wentworth Letter in its entirety in the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Joseph Smith manual pages 438-446 or go to lds.org and search under Wentworth Letter.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Book Club will meet Thursday, Sept 17 at the home of Margaret Williams.

Sunday, Sept 20 will be our Ward Conference

Saturday Sept 26 - RS General Broadcast and dinner. 6 PM at the Comanche building.

Last Week

Sister Stevens taught for me last week while I was away for my first granddaughter's baby blessing. I thank her very much. I missed her lesson but she shared the handout with me and I will pass it on to you.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said in Ensign April 2005:

"No member of this church must ever forget the terrible price paid by our Redeemer, who gave His life that all men might live- The agony of Gethsemane, the bitter mocking of his trial, the vicious crown of thorns tearing at his flesh, the blood cry of the mob before Pilate, the lonely burden of the heavy walk along the way to Calvary, the terrifying pain as great nails pierced his hands and feet. We cannot forget it. We must never forget it for here our Savior, our Redeemer, the Son of God gave himself a vicarious sacrifice for each one of us."

What a powerful statement. We owe so much to our Savior for this great gift of His life that he gave for us.

Sister Stevens used the following scriptures. I urge each of us to study them and learn more about this great gift.

1. D&C 76:40-42

2. Genesis 3:15

3. Moses 5:5-8

4. Mosiah 18:19-20

5. 3 Nephi 11:1-17

6. D&C 19:16-18

7. Moroni 9:25

8. D&C 18:11