I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from The Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.
- President Marion G. Romney

Friday, February 27, 2009

Create - President Uchtdorf

I saw this at Mormon Women and at Blog Segullah, and it is beautiful so I thought I would share it here as well. It is from President Uchtdorf's "Happiness, Your Heritage" talk at the last General Relief Society Meeting. Down load the video here.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

I've been off the radar this past week or so...my apologies. I'll get a new rotation up this week.

Happy Sunday!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Living Scripture - The Ministry of Angels

This weeks conference talk is from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. It is "The Ministry of Angels". In this talk Elder Holland reminds us that the Lord knows sometimes we have hard, lonely days and explains that the Lord sends angels to comfort us. He tells some of the history of angels, and reminds us that often times angels are the people that walk among us, that live in our neighborhoods.

Elder Holland closes his talk with this urging: "...May we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves - with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and the 'covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.'"

After you had read the talk, ponder it and share any thoughts that struck you. Have you had any experience with angels in your life? What can we do to be angles to someone else?

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

I the Lord Remember Them No More

Please read the following scriptures regarding the second principle of the Gospel: Repentance.

Doctrine & Covenants 58:42-43, & 2 Nephi 2:6-9, as well as the following scripture chain:

Scripture Chain: Repentance and the Atonement

2 Nephi 25:23

D&C 19:15–19

Alma 42:13–24

Articles of Faith 1:3

D&C 18:10–13

What are your feelings about repentance? How do we make a part of our every day life? What role does the Atonement play in personal repentance? Any other thoughts?

Monday, February 9, 2009

Living Scripture - Come What May...


This week's conference talk is Come What May, and Love It by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin.

This talk focuses on how we react to adversity and how it is a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the talk:

"...Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times to become stronger, wiser and happier as a result."

"The next time you're tempted to groan, you might try laughter instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."

"Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training."

"The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner...He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be successful."
What are some of the quotes that really speak to you? Have you had any times when you have said, "come what may"? Please, share your thoughts on this wonderful talk.

Learn of Me and Listen to My Words

We're going to be jumping around again this week. We'll be discussing the basics (hooray!): faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Today let's talk about faith. Our reading assignment is Doctrine & Covenants 19:23, 88:118, and Alma 32:27. We can read and ponder 3 verses in a day, right??!!! Yes, we can.

As you think about these verses, consider what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ. Really. What does that mean to you? How does it influence you? Does it influence you?

Also, how can you strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ? The verses we're reading give some great guidance in this regard. What stands out to you?

Please share your thoughts in the comments. And if you haven't commented before (or it's been a while), consider this your personal invitation to enrich our discussion with your point of view.

Also, if you'd like to get started on the reading for tomorrow, we'll be in Doctrine & Covenants 58:42-43, & 2 Nephi 2:6-9, as well as the following scripture chain:

Scripture Chain: Repentance and the Atonement

2 Nephi 25:23

D&C 19:15–19

Alma 42:13–24

Articles of Faith 1:3

D&C 18:10–13


Let's keep discussion for today focused on the faith scriptures.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Lesson 6 - Part 3

Today we will cover the last bit of lesson 6. These verses teach us how to recognize the still, small voice. Read the following scripture chain:

Did any of these verses jump out at you? For me, I know that when I go to the Lord with a decision, if it is not right then I feel doubt and confusion; and I know that this is the still, small voice speaking to me {see section 9:8-9}.

I'll end with this quote from Neal A. Maxwell, "My humble praise flows not only to God the Father for his loving plan of salvation and to Jesus, the Lord of the universe, for His marvelous and remarkable Atonement, but also to the Holy Ghost, about whom we speak less. Among His many roles I express my particular and personal gratitude for the recent ways in which He has been the precious Comforter, including in the mid-night moments!" (Ensign, May 1997, pg. 12; italics added)

Share your thoughts...

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Lesson 6 - Part 2

We have read sections 6; 8; 9; and 11, so now we will dive into the questions in the assignment.

"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
"Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground." --D & C 8:2-3
"Yea, thus sayeth the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest..." --D&C 85:6

These verses teach us how the Holy Ghost communicates with us. Why is it important for us to understand how the Holy Ghost communicates? How can we be more trusting of the peace that the Spirit speaks to our minds? Why should we submit our will to God's will when we seek personal revelation? How can we know whether a revelation is from God?

"And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good- yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.
"Verily, verily I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;
"And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive." --D&C 11:12-14

Please, feel free to share your thoughts. Tomorrow : A scripture chain on recognizing the still, small voice.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Doctrine and Covenants~Lesson 6

Last week, during lesson 5, we learned about personal revelation and how it is vital to all of us. Together we read sections six (for discussion on this section click here) and eight (for discussion click here). Today, we will read sections nine and eleven.

Section 9 ~ This is revelation given through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery; and he is admonished to be patient and be content with being a scribe rather than the translator.

Section 11~ This is revelation given through Joseph Smith to his brother, Hyrum Smith. In these thirty verses, we are taught to seek wisdom, repent and to trust in the Spirit.

I urge you to read these sections today, and think about what they mean to you. Then, return and share your thoughts and insights with us.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Living Scripture- The Infinite Power of Hope by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Infinite Power of Hope by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I'm thrilled that this is the talk that is next in the line up. I remember hearing the talk and feeling the testimony of his words during conference. It answered many prayers both spoken and unspoken and calmed my troubled heart.

Please read the section, even if you don't feel like sharing your thoughts, you will be greatly uplifted. For those interested, we'd love to hear your thoughts, feelings and impressions.

I've read this talk 5 times since posting this. My thoughts are all over the place. I have hesitated to post, for fear of tainting the swimming pool before anyone else has a chance to get their feet wet.

I love the simple way that he defines hope. The simple way that he talks about hope, charity and faith being a 3 legged tripod. No matter how hard we try too much focus on anyone of the 3 legs will create an imbalance.

I was also touched by the part where he said we must avoid the temptation to give up hope, I've always thought of temptation as tempting to sin. But I now know that it can be to give up something good and make room for something less.

Another point that I truly loved was when he spoke about his mother, I imagine searching for my children under those circumstances and the temptation to stop and cry is great. But like he said she put her faith and hope to work. And got busy doing. Like the scriptures say, 'faith without works is dead'. I believe that it goes the same for hope. Hope without action does us no good.