Faith
Lesson Review:"Preparing for the Coming of Our Lord"
Joseph Fielding Smith - Lesson 26Doctrine:
We are rapidly approaching the great day of the Lord, that time of “refreshing,” when he will come in the clouds of heaven to take vengeance upon the ungodly and prepare the earth for the reign of peace for all those who are willing to abide in his law [see Acts 3:19–20].
Many things have taken place … to impress faithful members of the Church with the fact that the coming of the Lord is near. The gospel has been restored. The Church has been fully organized. The priesthood has been conferred upon man. The various dispensations from the beginning have been revealed and their keys and authorities given to the Church. Israel has been and is being gathered to the land of Zion. The Jews are returning to Jerusalem. The gospel is being preached in all the world as a witness to every nation. Temples are being built, and ordinance work for the dead, as well as for the living, is performed in them. The hearts of the children have turned to their fathers, and the children are seeking after their dead. The covenants which the Lord promised to make
The words of the prophets are rapidly being fulfilled, but it is done on such natural principles that most of us fail to see it.
Invitation to Action:
I plead with the Latter-day Saints to stand firm and faithful in the discharge of every duty, keeping the commandments of the Lord, honoring the priesthood, that we may stand when the Lord comes—Whether we be living or dead, it matters not,—to be partakers of this glory.
There are many events in the world today which indicate that the great day of the Lord is drawing near when the Redeemer will again
We do not need to be worrying about the times and the seasons when Christ shall come, but we do need to watch and pray and be ready.
The righteous will rejoice when he comes, because then peace will come to the earth, righteousness to the people, and that same spirit of peace and joy and happiness which prevailed upon this continent for two hundred years [see 4 Nephi 1:1–22] shall again be established among the people and eventually shall become universal, and Christ shall reign as Lord of lords and King of kings for a thousand years. We are looking forward to that time.
For one thousand years shall this happy time of peace prevail and in due time all the inhabitants of the earth shall be brought into the fold of the Church.
Read or Listen to the entire lesson here:
FAMILY
With the new year it seems like the perfect time we all reflect on the past year and set goals and resolutions for the new year. I found a great article from the 2002 Ensign on setting and tracking goals with our family.
Tracking New Years Goals:
Setting goals and striving to achieve them at times can seem to be an insurmountable task. Often we procrastinate setting goals until we feel we are more committed or “the time is right.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Our family has discovered an easier way to set and achieve goals. We record our progress on a New Year’s goal poster.
- 1. We reserve the first family home evening of the year for setting goals. It helps to teach the importance of prayer in selecting goals. By taking time to pray and ponder about our goals, we are able to focus on what will most benefit our family. Then we have a short lesson on the importance of goals, types of goals, how to choose a goal by focusing on what is realistic and most important, and how to achieve goals.
- 2. We list our goals on a poster. To establish the goals we want to achieve, we list them on posters made of construction paper. Posterboard, cardstock, and other materials work well too. Then we spread magazines that we have saved, including Church magazines, on the table. With scissors and glue handy, we cut out pictures and words that represent the goals we are planning to work on throughout the year and paste them on the poster. Each poster is labeled with a family member’s name and the year. Then we help our children understand the importance of choosing goals in four different categories: spiritual, educational, physical, and temporal.
- 3. We display our posters in a prominent area. After we finish the posters, we take turns showing them to each other. Then we hang the posters in a prominent place in our rooms. The posted goals are a daily visual reminder of what we plan to achieve. As we reach our goals, we cross them off. The first year we made goal posters, we were surprised when we reached all our goals.
Each December we review the goals we have accomplished for that year and save the posters in our books of remembrance. My husband and I began this goal-setting tradition during our first year of marriage. When we saw the successful results of our efforts, we decided to continue the tradition, especially when children came into our home.
Listing our goals on a poster allows us to review our commitment on a daily or weekly basis. Making goal posters at the beginning of every new year is an eagerly anticipated event for our family that has helped us successfully set and achieve worthwhile goals.—, Maeser First Ward, Vernal Utah Maeser Stake
.jpg)
Another great article is found in the January 2014 Ensign by President Uchtdorf,
"The Best Time to Plant a Tree."
RELIEF
It seems like there are so many opportunities around us to serve others. Sometimes it feels overwhelming or we may feel inadequate. I loved this talk by President Uchtdorf, "Happiness is your Heritage."
"I believe that the women of the Church, regardless of age or family status, understand and apply best the words of James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan: “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” 11 Often I have witnessed quiet acts of kindness and compassion by noble women who extended themselves in unselfish charity. My heart swells when I hear stories of the sisters of the Church and how they rush to the aid of those in need.
My dear sisters, I have a simple faith. I believe that as you are faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, as you draw closer to Him in faith, hope, and charity, things will work together for your good. 14 I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father—as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others—God will encircle you in the arms of His love. 15 Discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace, and fulfillment.
As spirit daughters of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage.
You are choice daughters of our Heavenly Father, and through the things you create and by your compassionate service, you are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you. We love and admire you."
I
***Please also remember those that are lonely this year. I recently visited a couple of the widows in our ward. They loved every minute I could spend with them. They would enjoy getting to know you and your family. A visit is the best gift you could ever give them and it doesn't cost you a thing!
Sweeping the Earth As If a Flood:
This was found on LDS.org
Sharing the Gospel - Center Your Relationships on Jesus Christ
As you share online, focus on relationships and messages that bring you closer to Jesus Christ. Use the Spirit as you find ways to share the gospel online. Have courage to share your testimony of the Savior when you feel prompted by the Spirit. Try to help those you associate with online realize the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
“As you participate in this conversation and utilize the tools of new media, remember who you are—Latter-day Saints. . . . There is no need to argue or contend with others regarding our beliefs. There is no need to become defensive or belligerent. Our position is solid; the Church is true. We simply need to have a conversation, as friends in the same room would have, always guided by the prompting of the Spirit and constantly remembering the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, which reminds us of how precious are the children of our Father in Heaven.” — Elder M. Russell Ballard (“Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet,” Ensign, July 2008).
“I offer two questions for consideration in your personal pondering and prayerful studying: 1. Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life? 2. Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?” — Elder David A. Bednar (“Things as They Really Are,” Ensign, June 2010).
Relief Society Announcements:
Lesson Schedule for January:
January 4th - President's Instruction
January 11th - Ezra Taft Benson #1 - "The Great Commandment" - Love the Lord
January 18th - Ezra Taft Benson #2 - "Pray Always"
January 25th - Teachings For Our Time - "Joseph Smith" by Elder Neil L. Anderson - November General Conference
2015 Relief Society Curriculum:
Teachings of President's of the Church - Ezra Taft Benson
Recipes on the blog:
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. We would love to have your favorite holiday recipes!Visit the ward recipe blog: www.burton4threcipes.blogspot.com
