Faith
Lesson Review:"Individual Responsibility"
Joseph Fielding Smith Lesson 23Doctrine:
The object of our being here is to do the will of the Father as it is done in heaven, to work righteousness in the earth, to subdue wickedness and put it under our feet, to conquer sin and the adversary of our souls, to rise above the imperfections and weaknesses of poor fallen humanity, by the inspiration of the Lord and his power made manifest, and thus become the saints and servants of the Lord in the earth.
Joseph Smith was asked how he governed so great and diverse a people as the Latter-day Saints. He replied: “I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves.”
He who sent his Only Begotten Son into the world, to accomplish the mission that he did, also sent every soul within the sound of my voice, and indeed every man and woman in the world, to accomplish a mission, and that mission cannot be accomplished by neglect, nor by indifference, nor can it be accomplished by ignorance.
We should learn the obligation that we are under to the Lord and to each other; these things are essential, and we cannot prosper in spiritual things, we cannot grow in knowledge of the Lord or in wisdom, without devoting our thoughts and our efforts toward our own betterment, toward the increase of our own wisdom and knowledge in the things of the Lord.
We have these two great responsibilities. … First, to seek our own salvation; and, second, our duty to our fellow men. Now I take it that my first duty is, so far as I am individually concerned, to seek my own salvation. That is your individual duty first, and so with every member of this Church.
It is my duty, as it is your duty, my brethren and my sisters likewise—for responsibility is placed also upon you—to do the very best that is within our power, and not to shirk, but endeavor with all our soul to magnify the callings the Lord has given us, to labor diligently for the salvation of our own house, each one of us, and for the salvation of our neighbors, the salvation of those who are abroad.
The Lord expects us to be industrious in seeking temporal and spiritual blessings.
We believe it is by grace that we are saved after all that we can do, and that building upon the foundation of the atonement of Christ, all men must work out their salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord [see 2 Nephi 25:23; Mormon 9:27].
It is an important fact, shown by direct acts and by implication in all the scriptures, that God has done for men all that men cannot do for themselves to secure salvation, but he expects men to do all for themselves that is in their power.
Read or Listen to the entire lesson here:
https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/chapter-23-individual-responsibility?lang=eng
A conference talk that goes great with this lesson is, "Do We Know What We Have?" by Carole Stephens given in the Oct. 2013 general conference.
Daughters of God, do we know who we are? Do we know what we have? Are we worthy to receive the power and blessings of the priesthood? Do we receive the gifts given to us with gratitude, grace, and dignity? Do we embrace our roles and responsibilities to strengthen homes as mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts? Do we show respect for men, manhood, and fatherhood?
As covenant sons and daughters, do we have faith in our Heavenly Father and His eternal plan for us?
Do we have faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement? Do we believe that we have a divine nature and destiny? And in our efforts to achieve this destiny and receive all that the Father has,12 do we understand the importance of receiving priesthood ordinances and making, keeping, and renewing our covenants with the Lord?
Read or listen to the entire talk here: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/do-we-know-what-we-have?lang=eng
FAMILY
November is the start of my favorite time of year! I love the Thanksgiving season that we spend more time thinking about gratitude and what we are thankful for. Here are some fun family home evening ideas about gratitude:
How can you help your gratitude grow this month? You can think of things you are grateful for every day! Here’s a fun craft to fill your home with beautiful fall colors and your heart with gratitude.
https://www.lds.org/friend/2013/11/gratitude-tree?lang=eng&query=gratitude
Every night after I read my scriptures, I take just a few minutes to write about one thing I feel grateful for that day. Because the pages are small, there’s no pressure to write a lot, but I have to be creative to think of something new to be grateful for every day.
https://www.lds.org/new-era/2006/11/instant-messages/my-gratitude-journal?lang=eng&query=gratitude
The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. Gratitude will turn your heart to the Lord and help you recognize His influence and blessings in your life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you.
https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/gratitude?lang=eng
A grateful heart … comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. - The Divine Gift of Gratitude - President Monson Conference talk Oct. 2010
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-divine-gift-of-gratitude?lang=eng
And remember it is our Attitude that effects Gratitude!
RELIEF
“After [you] have [prayed], if [you] turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if [you] have [it], to those who stand in need—I say unto you, … your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and [you] are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.” What a stunning reminder that rich or poor, we are to “do what we can” when others are in need. - President Holland Conference talk - "Are We Not All Beggars?" Oct. 2014
Sweeping the Earth As If a Flood:
This time of year is a great time to share your testimony of the gospel. You can do this in open conversations with your family and friends or online. I have seen many friends who use Facebook and Instagram to express gratitude daily.I have recently found a new Facebook group called, " Preach My Gospel." Daily inspirational quotes including conference quotes are posted to the group. You can share the pictures on your own Facebook page for all your family and friends to see and include your own thoughts as well. This is what I shared on my Facebook page tonight:
Here is the link to the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PreachMyGospelMissionaryGuide
You can also save the images to use on other social media platforms.
Relief Society Announcements:
Our next Relief Society Activity will be THIS THURSDAY, November 6th. Please remember to invite those you visit teach and bring your neighbors for a wonderful night out.
Stake Conference is November 8th and 9th. (Next Sunday)
The Ward Christmas Party is December 2nd.
Recipes on the blog:
Have you seen all the new recipes on the blog? I just added several soup and crockpot recipes. Check them out and if you have a recipe you would like to share send them to: drbennett1@hotmail.com or call or text them to 208-351-7083.Visit the ward recipe blog: www.burton4threcipes.blogspot.com
