Lesson Notes: "You Are my Hands"

1. We are the hands of Christ

"When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with,never down to, people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation.

That is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

2. True love requires action

• We can embrace. "I hope that we welcome and love all of God’s children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently. It is not good to make others feel as though they are deficient. Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand. Let us bestow upon our brothers and sisters in the Church a special measure of humanity, compassion, and charity so that they feel, at long last, they have finally found home."
• We can comfort. "a friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Prov. 17:17).
• We can serve. "This is the spirit of compassion: that we love others as ourselves, seek their happiness, and do unto them as we hope they would do unto us.?"

3. We can love as He does

Love is what inspired our Heavenly Father to create our spirits; it is what led our Savior to the Garden of Gethsemane to make Himself a ransom for our sins. Love is the grand motive of the plan of salvation; it is the source of happiness, the ever-renewing spring of healing, the precious fountain of hope.

Lesson Notes: "Act in All Diligence"

1. What does it mean to be diligent?

Diligence "is to learn what the Lord expects of you, make a plan to do it, act on your plan with diligence, and then share with others how your experience changed you and blessed others."

2. Does diligence simply mean to work harder?

No! As we keep the commandments, do as we're asked, fulfill our callings and/or serve others to the best of our ability, we will be blessed with joy.

3. Where do we start?

- "Ponder deeply and diligently in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets.

- Persist in prayer for the Holy Ghost to reveal to you the nature of God the Father and His Beloved Son.

- Plead that the Spirit will show you what the Lord wants you to do.

- Plan to do it.

- Promise Him to obey.

- Act with determination until you have done what He asked.

- And then pray to give thanks for the opportunity to serve and to know what you might do next."

Read the full talk here.

(Thank you, Sister Worsham, for the excellent lesson!)

Lesson Notes: Priesthood Organization

The Priesthood Is on the Earth Today

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” (D&C 84:17). It is upon the earth today. Men young and old are baptized into the Church, and when they are judged worthy they are ordained to the priesthood. They are given the authority to act for the Lord and do His work on the earth.

Two Divisions of Priesthood

The priesthood is divided into two parts: the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood (see D&C 107:1). “The first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood … because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.

The lesser priesthood is an appendage to the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is called the Aaronic Priesthood because it was conferred on Aaron and his sons throughout all their generations. Those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have authority to administer the outward ordinances of the sacrament and baptism. (See D&C 20:46; 107:13–14, 20.)

Those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood have the power and authority to lead the Church and direct the preaching of the gospel in all parts of the world. They administer all the spiritual work of the Church (see D&C 84:19–22; 107:8). They direct the work done in the temples; they preside over wards, branches, stakes, and missions. The Lord’s chosen prophet, the President of the Church, is the presiding high priest over the Melchizedek Priesthood (see D&C 107:65–67).

Keys of the Priesthood

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.

“But it is necessary that every act performed under this authority shall be done at the proper time and place, in the proper way, and after the proper order. The power of directing these labors constitutes the keys of the Priesthood. In their fulness, the keys are held by only one person at a time, the prophet and president of the Church. He may delegate any portion of this power to another, in which case that person holds the keys of that particular labor. Thus, the president of a temple, the president of a stake, the bishop of a ward, the president of a mission, the president of a quorum, each holds the keys of the labors performed in that particular body or locality. ” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 141; italics in original).

The Offices and Duties of the Aaronic Priesthood

• When the Aaronic Priesthood is conferred on a man or boy, he is ordained to an office in that priesthood. The offices in the Aaronic Priesthood are deacon, teacher, priest, and bishop. Each office carries duties and responsibilities. Each quorum is presided over by a quorum president, who teaches the members their duties and asks them to fill assignments.

The Offices and Duties of the Melchizedek Priesthood

• The offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood are elder, high priest, patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle.

Quorums

The Lord has instructed that the holders of the priesthood be organized into quorums. A quorum is a body of brethren holding the same priesthood office.

Importance of Priesthood Quorums

If a priesthood quorum functions properly, the members of the quorum are encouraged, blessed, fellowshipped, and taught the gospel by their leaders. Even though a man may be released from Church callings, such as teacher, quorum president, bishop, high councilor, or stake president, his membership in his quorum does not change. Membership in a quorum of the priesthood should be regarded as a sacred privilege.

Auxiliaries to the Priesthood

• All organizations in the Church work under the direction of priesthood leaders and help them carry out the work of the Lord. For example, the presidencies in a ward’s Relief Society, Young Women, Young Men, Primary, and Sunday School organizations serve under the direction of the bishopric. These organizations are called auxiliaries to the priesthood.

Fireside: Neurological Development and How it Affects Spiritual Growth

Adult Fireside "Neurological Development and How It Effects Spiritual Growth".

Donna Bateman,Neurodevelopment Specialist is returning to share with us her insights on neurological development and it's impact on spiritual development. Those who have attended this in the past have been very enthusiastic about what they learned about the brain and spiritual growth. The fireside will be held at the Commanche Building at 5700 Commanche Rd, San Jose, CA 95123. Friday, Aug. 13 in the Relief Society Room from 7-8:30 p.m. All adults are invited.

Neurological Development 101 seminar available to all interested adults. Donna Bateman, Neurodevelopmental Specialist will present an 8 hour seminar covering normal neurological development in children, and things you can do today to stimulate and support the neurological development of your child. This seminar would be especially helpful for parents who are struggling with a child with ADD/ADHD, Aspergers syndrome, Autism, social struggles, academic difficulties, emotional challenges, or for any child who has a brain. The cost is $50 per person or $75 per couple. It is highly recommended both spouses attend. The location is The Community Church, 3536 Monroe Street, Santa Clara, CA 95051-1419, Saturday, August 14, 2010, 9a.m.-5p.m. Snacks provided, lunch on you own. For more information or questions, see attached flyer, you may also contact Patty Ezell Phone # 408-362-9780 or email patrealee@gmail.com.

Lesson Notes: The Priesthood

Why Do We Need the Priesthood on the Earth?

We must have priesthood authority to act in the name of God when performing the sacred ordinances of the gospel, such as baptism, confirmation, administration of the sacrament, and temple marriage. If a man does not have the priesthood, even though he may be sincere, the Lord will not recognize ordinances he performs (see Matthew 7:21–23; Articles of Faith 1:5).

Men need the priesthood to preside in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to direct the work of the Church in all parts of the world.

Another reason the priesthood is needed on the earth is so we can understand the will of the Lord and carry out His purposes. God reveals His will to His authorized priesthood representative on the earth, the prophet. The prophet, who is President of the Church, serves as the spokesman for God to all members of the Church and all people on the earth.

How Do Men Receive the Priesthood?

The Lord has prepared an orderly way for His priesthood to be given to His sons on the earth. A worthy male member of the Church receives the priesthood “by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof” (Articles of Faith 1:5).

How Do Men Properly Use the Priesthood?

The priesthood should be used to bless the lives of our Heavenly Father’s children here on earth. Priesthood holders should preside in love and kindness. They should not force their families and others to obey them. The Lord has told us that the power of the priesthood cannot be controlled except in righteousness (see D&C 121:36). When we try to use the priesthood to gain wealth or fame or for any other selfish purpose, “behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man” (D&C 121:37).

What Blessings Come When We Use the Priesthood Properly?

The Lord has promised great blessings to righteous priesthood holders who use the priesthood to bless others:

“Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

“The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever” (D&C 121:45–46).

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).

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Need to Clean Out Your Closet?

Sisters,

We have a need for Sunday appropriate dresses or skirts & tops that you may want to clean out of your closet. The size would need to be anywhere from a 12 - 16. If you have anything, please send me an email or phone call.

Thanks,

Marcie

Visiting Teaching

Sisters, our Visiting Teaching Coordinator, Sister Cherish Winkleman, has challenged us to make our visits by the 15th of each month. If you are unable to personally meet with your sisters by the 15th, please mail them a message.

We know you can do it, and we thank you for your service!

Lesson Notes: Joyfully, Voluntarily, Quietly Submit Your Will to the Lord

Christ is the key to all we will experience while on earth. He fits every life experience, and every death experience that we or a loved one may face. He said “This is the gospel which I have given unto you – that I came into the world to do the will of my Father.” (3 Nephi 27:13) By so doing, he became our perfect example. Each of us should strive to use our agency choose Him and His ways – joyfully, voluntarily, quietly. When we do this, we allow our Savior to lift us up, back to our Father, clothed with immortality and eternal life.

“…may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever” (Moroni 9:25)

Many thanks to Sister Cluff for her lesson.

Mother's Group - Park Day is tomorrow!

Hey moms! Don't forget Tuesday is our park day and this week we are meeting at Ryland Park (10:30 am). Ryland Park is under the overpass near the Target on Coleman. If you need directions let me know!

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Also, don't forget about our Beach Trip this Thursday! (details in the right side column!)

Lesson Notes: "He is Risen!"

This week's lesson was based on a talk given by President Monson during the April 2010 General Conference. You can find the entire text of the talk here.

"This glorious Easter morning I’d like to consider Job’s question—“If a man die, shall he live again?”—and provide the answer which comes not only from thoughtful consideration but also from the revealed word of God.

To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life. The dim light of belief must yield to the noonday sun of revelation, by which we know that we lived before our birth into mortality. In our premortal state, we were doubtless among the sons and daughters of God who shouted for joy because of the opportunity to come to this challenging yet necessary mortal existence.⁵ We knew that our purpose was to gain a physical body, to overcome trials, and to prove that we would keep the commandments of God. Our Father knew that because of the nature of mortality, we would be tempted, would sin, and would fall short. So that we might have every chance of success, He provided a Savior, who would suffer and die for us. Not only would He atone for our sins, but as a part of that Atonement, He would also overcome the physical death to which we would be subject because of the Fall of Adam.

No mere mortal can conceive the full import of what Christ did for us in Gethsemane. He Himself later described the experience: “[The] suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit.”⁸

At the last moment, the Master could have turned back. But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save all things. His lifeless body was hurriedly but gently placed in a borrowed tomb.

No words in Christendom mean more to me than those spoken by the angel to the weeping Mary Magdalene and the other Mary when, on the first day of the week, they approached the tomb to care for the body of their Lord. Spoke the angel:

“Why seek ye the living among the dead?

“He is not here, but is risen.”¹²

Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed.

The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job’s question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, If a man die, he shall live again.

The darkness of death can always be dispelled by the light of revealed truth. “I am the resurrection, and the life,” spoke the Master.¹⁵ “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.”¹⁶

My beloved brothers and sisters, in our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning: “He is not here: for he is risen.”¹⁷

He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory!¹⁸

As one of His special witnesses on earth today, this glorious Easter Sunday, I declare that this is true, in His sacred name—even the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior—amen."

How did this talk affect you? If you have any questions, ideas, or insights, please share them in the comments below.

Lesson Notes: The Atonement

The Atonement is necessary for our salvation.

As descendants of Adam and Eve, all people inherit the effects of the Fall. In our fallen state, we are subject to opposition and temptation. When we give in to temptation, we are alienated from God, and if we continue in sin, we experience spiritual death, being separated from His presence. We are all subject to temporal death, which is the death of the physical body (see Alma 42:6-9; D&C 29:41–42).

The only way for us to be saved is for someone else to rescue us. We need someone who can satisfy the demands of justice—standing in our place to assume the burden of the Fall and to pay the price for our sins. Jesus Christ has always been the only one capable of making such a sacrifice.

Jesus Christ was the only one who could atone for our sins.

From before the Creation of the earth, the Savior has been our only hope for "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" (D&C 59:23).

Only He had the power to lay down His life and take it up again. From His mortal mother, Mary, He inherited the ability to die. From His immortal Father, He inherited the power to overcome death. He declared, "As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself" (John 5:26).

Only He could redeem us from our sins. God the Father gave Him this power (see Helaman 5:11). The Savior was able to receive this power and carry out the Atonement because He kept Himself free from sin: "He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them" (D&C 20:22). Having lived a perfect, sinless life, He was free from the demands of justice. Because He had the power of redemption and because He had no debt to justice, he could pay the debt for those who repent.

Christ suffered and died to atone for our sins.

Jesus's atoning sacrifice took place in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary. In Gethsemane He submitted to the will of the Father and began to take upon Himself the sins of all people.

The Savior continued to suffer for our sins when He allowed Himself to be crucified—"lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world" (1 Nephi 11:33).

On the cross, He allowed Himself to die. His body was then laid in a tomb until He was resurrected and became "the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20). Through His death and Resurrection, He overcame physical death for us all.

The Atonement and Resurrection bring immortality (physical resurrection) to all.

Jesus Christ redeems all people from the effects of the Fall. All people who have ever lived on the earth and who ever will live on the earth will be resurrected and brought back into the presence of God to be judged (see 2 Nephi 2:5–10; Helaman 14:15–17). Through the Savior's gift of mercy and redeeming grace, we will all receive the gift of immortality and live forever in glorified, resurrected bodies.

The Atonement makes it possible for those who have faith in Christ to be saved from their sins.

Although we are redeemed unconditionally from the universal effects of the Fall, we are accountable for our own sins. But we can be forgiven and cleansed from the stain of sin if we "apply the atoning blood of Christ" (Mosiah 4:2). We must exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Next week: Teaching For Our Times, "He is Risen!", President Monson

Changes

It is with very mixed feelings that I write this last blog. Today a change was made in our Relief Society Presidency. I, Linda Hansen, was released as President and Marcie West replaced me. Vanessa Thurmond was called as her 1st counselor and Shelley Cluff and Doris Jean Stevens remained as 2nd counselor and secretary. I have grown to love the sisters in the Cherry Glen Ward and I am going to miss all of you terribly. I don't know where life will take us next or where the Lord will have need of us but we most likely will be moving out of the ward. I love my Savior. I love His Gospel. I love the scriptures and the Prophets that have left these words for us. My prayer for all is that we draw close to our Savior and rely on His strength and His mercy to do His will. I love you. Good-bye.

Linda

Lesson Notes

The Fall of Adam and Eve

God prepared this earth as a home for His children. Adam and Eve were chosen to be the first people to live on the earth. Their part in our Father's plan was to bring mortality into the world. they were to be our first parents.

The Lord promised Adam great blessings: "I have set thee to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art a prince over them forever."

Eve was "the mother of all living". God brought Adam and Ever together in marriage. We can look to Adam and Eve as a great example of marriage relationships. They were united in all things. They worked together in the garden and they worked side by side in their separate but equal responsibilities to their family and, therefore, to all of us.

Life in the garden seems to us to be quite idilic with no death, no work, no pain, no suffering. But "they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin." (2 Nephi 2:23) They had to leave the garden to have the opportunity to choose between good and evil, experience pain and suffering so they can also appreciate the peace and joy that comes with choosing the good. They had to leave the presence of God to learn to walk by faith.

We are here on this earth because of the choice Adam and Eve made in the garden. Through the urging of Lucifer they began to see that to accomplish their mission on this earth they would have to leave the garden in order to receive physical bodies and bring children into the world. In the garden they had physical life and spiritual life but not mortal life. Mortality was brought about by reason of the fall.

Three great blessings resulted from Adam and Eve's transgression in partaking of the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Because of the Fall, we are blessed with physical bodies, the right to choose between good and evil, and the opportunity to gain eternal life. None of these privileges would have been ours had Adam and Eve remained in the garden.

"Adam fell that man might be; and men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:-25)

NEXT WEEK: Gospel Principles lesson 7 The Holy Ghost. page 31

Lesson Notes

"Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship." President Dieter F Uchtdorf

What defines us as members of Christ's church and true disciples? President Uchdorf tell us that it Love. The love we have for our Heavenly Father and the love we have for His children. The Savior said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." This is the essence of what it means to be a true disciple; those who receive Christ Jesus walk with Him.

When asked to name the two greatest commandments, the Savior said "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment and the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." God did not give these commandments because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny or even defile His name. He does not need us to love him. But oh, how we need to love Him.

What we love determines what we seek.

What we seek determines what we think and do.

What we think and do determines who we are - and who we will become.

President Uchdorf says that "love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood.

Love is the way of the disciple. We should each seek to become true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Especially at this Easter Season, Let us remember Him and all He did for us. We an show that we remember Him and love Him by keeping his commandment to love His children.

NEXT WEEK: GENERAL CONFERENCE

Lesson Notes

In the scriptures we have three major accounts of the Creation. They are found in Genesis, Moses and Abraham. Since Moses was the author of Genesis the accounts in Genesis and Moses are similar with more information given in Genesis. Abraham's account differs slightly. Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated, "The Mosaic accounts set forth the temporal or physical creation, the actual organization of element or matter into tangible form. They are not accounts of the spirit creation. Abraham gives a blueprint as it were of the Creation. He tells the plans of the holy beings who wrought the creative work...Then he says they performed as they had planned, which means we can, by merely changing the verb tenses and without doing violence to the sense and meaning, also consider the Abrahamic account as one of the actual creation. (McConkie, 1982) The scriptures tell us, "I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth." (Moses 3:7) Every living thing, both plant and animal, that is found on the earth was created and lived as a spirit prior to its appearance on earth.

When It was time for us to leave that spirit work and enter mortality a place was prepared for us. By the power of the Priesthood, which is the power and authority to act in God's name, Jesus Christ created this earth and everything in it. It was ordered and organized and then the work commenced. There were seven periods of creation, all under the direction of our Heavenly Father. Existent matter was organized and formed into this earth. Atmosphere was formed that would support life. Dry land was separated from water and plants were placed. The Sun, Moon and Stars were put in place and started their rotation and orbit. Sea animals birds, and fish were formed. Land animals were created and put in their place. All with the power to multiply after their own kind. The animals are obedient to the commands and directions that God gave to them. Finally God created Man, his finest creation. Man was created in the image of God and was placed on the earth and given dominion over all the animals on earth. Then God rested from all his labors.

Just as all matter and the elements were obedient to God in the formation of the earth, we should be obedient to all the commands of God. When we consider all the creations, we begin to understand what wise, powerful, and loving beings Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father are. They have shown great love for us by providing for all of our needs. Plant life and animal life were made to give us joy. "Men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)

NEXT WEEK: "The Love of God" President Uchtdorf October General Conference address. Saturday AM session. Nov. Ensign page 76

Lesson Notes

Agency is an eternal principle given to us by a loving Father in Heaven that enables us to choose between good and evil and to act for ourselves. If we were forced to choose the right, we would not be able to show what we would choose for ourselves. Also, we are happier doing things when we have made our own choices.

Agency makes our life on earth a period of testing. We cannot choose righteousness unless the opposites of good and evil are placed before us. God allows Satan to oppose the good Satan does all he can to destroy God's work. He seeks "the misery of all mankind..He seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Nephi 2:18,27) He does not love us. He does not want any good thing for us. He does not want us to be happy. He wants to make us his slaves. He uses many disguises to enslave us. When we follow Satan, we limit our choices. Making wrong choices limits the range of choices we can make as we are burdened with the consequences of those choices.

Even though we are free to choose our course of action, we are not free to choose the consequences of those actions. The consequences, good or bad, follow as a natural result of any choice we make. Because we are able to choose, we are responsible for our actions.

Even if a situation is thrust upon us that is not of our choosing we can choose how we act or react. If a situation seems beyond our control we can always ask God for help. Our Heavenly Father will not allow us to be tempted beyond our power to resist.

Know this that every soul is free

To choose his life and what he'll be;

For this eternal truth is given:

That God will force no man to heaven.

He'll call, persuade, direct aright,

And bless with wisdom, love, and light,

In nameless was be good and kind,

But never force the human mind.

Hymn #240

NEXT WEEK: Gospel Principles Lesson 5: The Creation, page 23

Lesson Notes

In the midst of the Great Depression of the 1930s the Church started its welfare system based on this gospel principle. President Heber J. Grant explained the principles this way, "Our primary purpose was to set up, insofar as it might be possible, a system under which the curse of idleness would be done away with, the evils of a dole abolished, and independence, industry, thrift, and self-respect be once more established amongst our people. the aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership," (Conference Report, Oct. 1936)

President Thomas S. Monson said, "Basic principles do not change. They will not change. They are revealed truths. Direct counsel has been given regarding the application of these revealed truths." He arranged these guiding principles as: work, self-reliance, caring for the extended family, sound financial management, a year's supply and wise use of Church resources.

Let's look at each principle:

WORK: President Monson said "Work is basic to all we do...Today many have forgotten the value of work. Some falsely believe that the highest goal in life is to achieve a condition in which one no longer needs to work. President Marion G. Romney said "No member should voluntarily shift the responsibility for his own maintenance to another. Rather, each member, through work, should seek to find great satisfaction in personal achievement; and thus, he will be entitled to the fruits of his labors - both temporal and spiritual.

SELF-RELIANCE: Self-reliance implies the individual development of skills and abilities and then their application to provide for one's own needs and wants. It further implies that one will achieve those skills through self-disciplineand then, through self-restraint and charity, use those skills to bless himself and others. (President Romney)

CARING FOR EXTENDED FAMILY: President Romney taught, "The immediate family is obligated to help each other; the extended family has the opportunity to help each other. And when our vision of Christlike love matures, we will joyfully take advantage of the opportunities."

SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Elder Robert D. Hales said, "We live in an age of entitlement. Many believe they should have all that other have - right now. Unable to delay gratification, they go into debt to buy what they cannot afford...It takes great faith to utter those simple words, 'We can't afford it.' It takes faith to trust that life will be better as we sacrifice our wants in order to meet our own and other's needs. Provident Living means joyfully living within our means and preparing for the ups and downs of life."

A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF LIFE'S NECESSITIES: Most members plan to do it. Too few have begun. President Ezra Taft Benson said, "From the standpoint of food production, storage, handling, and the Lord's counsel, wheat [or other grain], is essential. Other basics could include honey or sugar, legumes, milk products or substitutes, an salt. the revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." (Ensign, Mov. 1980)

WISE USE OF CHURCH RESOURCES: When we need help beyond what we or our extended family can give then the Bishop has resources available to help us. President Monson stressed that "The assistance given by the bishop is temporary and partial. Remember, Church assistance is designed to help people help themselves."

When we can let us build the resources we need to become self-reliant. Work to strengthen ourselves and our families so that we can help others.

NEXT WEEK: Gospel Principles Lesson 4 " Freedom to Choose" p. 17

Lesson Notes

Today we studied President Packer's talk from General Conference titled "Prayer and Promptings". President Packer reminded us that when we left our pre-earth life to come to earth, our Heavenly Father did not send us here without guidance. "Every child of our Father sent to earth is provided with the Spirit of Christ, or the Light of Christ. We are, none of us, left here without guidance and hope of redemption."

After baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there comes the ordinance of "Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Articles of Faith 1:4) The Holy Ghost communicates with out spirits mostly through our thoughts and feelings. President Packer said, 'The Lord has many ways of pouring knowledge into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, to correct us, to warn us. the Lord said, 'I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.' (D&C 8:2)"

Our teacher, Sister Stevens, taught us of four ways that we can be worthy to have the Spirit prompting us.

1. Desire to have the Holy Ghost. If we have a desire to feel the closeness of the spirit it will lead us to seek his companionship.

2. Invite the Holy Ghost into our lives through sincere worship in our homes, our churches and the temple.

3. Heed the simple promptings. When the spirit moves us to act then we must do so even at those times when they don't seem important.

4. Heed quickly. take action quickly when prompted to do so. If we are quick to act when the Lord calls us He will have more confidence in us. If we fail to act then He will be slow to call on us.

President Packer counseled "Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. the lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with 'Thy will be done.'"

Experiences of promptings and prayer are part of the revelation our Heavenly Father has provided for us. We pray to him and he answers through promptings of the Holy Ghost.

NEXT WEEK: RS Presidency message

lesson Notes

Todays lesson was "Jesus Christ Our Chosen Leader and Savior". When we lived in the pre-earth life with our Heavenly Father he presented his plan for us. His plan was for us to come to earth where we could learn to live by faith. Father knew that while we were away from Him some of us would sin and some of us would lose our way. He loved us so much that He provided a way for us to return. The plan called for a Savior who would pay for our sins and teach us how to return to our Heavenly Father.

Our Father asked "Who shallI send?" Jesus Christ, who was called Jehovah, said, "Here am I, send me." (Abraham 3:27) Jesus was willing to come to earth, give His life for us, and take upon Himself our sins. satan, who was called Lucifer, also came, saying "Behold, here am I, send me, and I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor." (Moses 4:1) Lucifer wanted to force us all to do his will. Under his plan we would not be allowed to choose.

After hearing both sons speak, Heavenly Father said, "I will send the first." (Abraham 3:27)

Jesus Christ was chosen and foreordained to be our Savior. Lucifer was not happy and a war was waged in heaven. Satan and his followers fought against Jesus and His followers. The Savior's followers "overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." (Revelation 12:11)

A third part of the hosts of heaven chose to follow Satan and were cast out of heaven. They were denied the right to have a mortal body. Because we are here on earth we know that we chose to follow Christ.

The Lord said, "this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) The Lord's work is to get us to eternal life. Our work is to keep the commandments and follow Him in faith.

Satan is still fighting the war begun to Heaven. Satan and his followers are here on earth, but as spirits. They have not forgotten who we are, and they are around us daily, tempting us and enticing us to do things that are not pleasing to our Heavenly Father. Christ is always with us also, still freeing us from satan's grasp.

By following Christ's teachings, we can inherit a place in the celestial kingdom. He did His part to help us return to our heavenly home. It is now up to each of us to do our part and become worthy of exaltation.

NEXT WEEKS LESSON: President Boyd K. Packer's address from October General Conference, "Prayer and Promptings". November Ensign, p. 43

Lesson Notes

Today we discussed "Our Heavenly Family". God is not only our creator; He is our Heavenly Father. All men and women are literally the sons and daughters of heavenly parents. We lived with our Heavenly Father before we came to earth. There He taught us about His plan for us and prepared us for our life here on earth.

In pre-earth life we all had certain talents and abilities that we brought with us when we came here to earth. Our challenge here is to learn how to use these God-given gifts to help us find a way back to Him.

We could not progress beyond a certain point unless we left the presence of our Father and came to earth to get a body and be tried and tested.

A veil covers our memories of our premortal life. This is necessary so we can exercise our agency to choose good or evil without being influenced by the memory of living with our Heavenly Father. Thus we can obey Him because of our faith in Him, not because of our knowledge or memory of Him. If we had a knowledge of God and could remember all He taught us then this life wouldn't be a test. We must prove ourselves worthy to be in His presence by passing through the trials and tests of this life by relying on His guidance and counsel.

If we place our faith in Him, obey His word and follow His example, we can be exalted and become like our Heavenly Father. We can receive a fulness of joy.

Next Week's Lesson: Gospel Principles Lesson 3 "Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior"

Lesson Notes

The pathway we are traveling in this life is strewn with many boulders. Obstacles in our way that make our climb more challenging. Some are troubles we bring on ourselves by the choices that we make, some are thrown at us by other people because of things they do and some seems to appear out of nowhere to keep us off balance.

But we are also given tools that will help us to navigate around the boulders and find higher ground. Some of these tools are:

• Finding the Lord's peace. The world would have us believe that peace comes from wordly wealth or the "things" we have. The Lord's peace come from within. The Lord said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you." (John 14:27)

• Trust in the Lord. He will always lead us in the right way. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths."

• Forgive an enemy. Grudges we hold are an unnecessary weight which will keep us from progressing on the path.

• Give thanks. "...live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." (Alma 34:38)

• Feed his lambs. Three times the Lord asked Peter "... lovest thou me?" and three times when Peter answered "Yea Lord, thou knowest that I love thee" He was told "Feed my lambs." (John 21:15-17) We are to help others along the path also that they may navigate through the boulders.

We are not lost in the darkness. We have been given the tools to find our way back to Christ, standing on higher ground with Him.

Our closing song expressed it very well:

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord.

Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!

What more can he say than to you he hath said,

Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

In every condition - in sickness and health,

In poverty's vale or abounding in wealth,

At home or abroad on the land or the sea,

As thy days may demand, so Thy succor shall be.

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

ForI am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I'll strengthen thee, help thee and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow,

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace all sufficient, shall by thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume and thy gold tro refine.

E'en down to old age, all my people shall prove

My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love,

And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn

Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I'll never, no never, no never forsake!

NEXT WEEK'S LESSON: Gospel Principles lesson 2 "Our Heavenly Family"

Lesson Notes

Today the Bishop taught a combined Relief Society and Priesthood. He started by asking a series of questions: Who is God? Who is man? Is God aware of us? Does He care? Does He know who you are? Does He have the power to help us?

Alma 30:44 says "...all things denote there is a God; yea even the earth and all things that are upon the face of it...do witness that there is a supreme creator."

God is our Father, we lived with Him in the preexistence before we came to this earth. There he outlined a plan for us that, if we prove ourselves worthy, we can live with him forever. This plan is called the "plan of salvation" or the "plan of happiness." It was presented to us in the spirit world. We knew the plan, we approved the plan and we fought against those who didn't want to follow God's plan.

Even though we knew our Heavenly Father and understood the plan when we came to earth a "veil of forgetfullnes" was placed upon us. On this earth we must learn to walk by faith. He did not send us here without help. He has given us prophets and others to guide us. We each have the light of Christ burning within us that whispers to us that He cares and that He watches over us. We were given a Savior who would show us the way back into God's presence.

We knew this life would be hard. It is full of trials and challenges. But through adversity- trials, troubles, and distress- man can have many experiences that lead to spiritual growth and eternal progress by turning to the Lord.

The key is have faith in the Lord and turn to him for help in times of trouble. "He that endureth in faith shall overcome the world." D&C 63:20

NEXT WEEKS LESSON: Relief Society Presidency Message

Lesson Notes

Today we discussed Elder Holland's talk from General Conference titled "Safety for the Soul". Elder Holland said, "Prophecies regarding the last days often refer to large-scale calamities such as earthquakes, or famines or floods. These in turn may be linked to widespread economic or political upheavals of one kind or another.

"But there is one kind of latter-day destruction that has always sounded to me more personal than public, more individual than collective - a warning, perhaps more applicable inside the Church than outside it. The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect could be deceived by the enemy of truth. I we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy. Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus's declaration that in the last days 'men's hearts[shall fail] them.'

"The encouraging thing is that our Father in Heaven knows all of these latter-day dangers, these troubles of the heart and soul, and has given counsel and protections regarding them."

We discussed many of the helps that our Father in Heaven has given us such as the scriptures, our families, the temple, the Church, the programs of the Church, and our own testimonies.

The Book of Mormon especially has the answers to all of life's problems. It is amazing how the people of the Book of Mormon so closely mirror the people of our day. They had the same challenges, the same problems, the same adversary as we do today. By studying the Book of Mormon we can better be prepared to face the dangers of our world and find the strength to meet life's challenges.

Lesson Notes

Today we started the lessons from the Gospel Principles book. It is good to get back to the basics of gospel study. Today's lesson was "Our Heavenly Father". What are some things that testify that there is a God? Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, wrote "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motions, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator" (Alma 30:44) We can see the work of God in the heavens and on the earth.

Why is it important for us to understand who God is and come to know Him? When Alma was teaching Korihor and Korihor came to understand the existence of God, Korihor said,"...I always knew that there was a God...but the devil hath deceived me...and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no God..." (Alma 30:52-53)

If we fail to understand the nature of God and come to know His attributes we are in danger of being fooled, like the people of Zarahemla, into thinking that we are following an unknown God, so why bother keeping His commandments.

We can know God if we will:

1. Believe that He exists and that He loves us (see Mosiah 4:9)

2. Study the scriptures. (see Timothy 3:14-17)

3. Pray to Him. (see James 1:5)

4. Obey all His commandments as best we can. (see John 14:21-23)

As we do these things, we will come to knowGod and eventually have eternal life.

Lesson Notes

Responsibilities of a Relief Society Sister:

“President Boyd K Packer “Attendance at Sunday meeting is but a small part of your duty. Some of you have not understood this and have set aside much of what Relief Society has meant over the years.

“If you sisters follow the pattern [set by the priesthood]…you will serve your organization, your cause – the Relief Society…

“Service in the Relief Society magnifies and sanctifies each individual sister. Your membership in Relief Society should be ever with you.” (Quoted by Sister Julie B. Beck in General Relief Society Meeting, Sept. 2009)

Each month we will outline another of the ideas Sister Beck gave to fulfill our responsibilities as Relief Society sisters.

JAN. To fulfill my responsibility as a Relief Society Sister I will “Work in the Lord’s Way.”

1. Manage time more wisely

2. Set priorities and eliminate one non-essential thing that clutters your life.