The Weak and the Simple of the Church

Grandpa Robison's Experience Teaching Deacons

A number of years ago, just after moving to Provo, Utah, I was called to be the Deacons Quorum Advisor of the Sherwood Hills Ward. The month prior, I had been serving as the Bishop of the Burlington Ward in Ontario, Canada and then we moved to Utah.

Every Sunday, I would muster up my courage and go into that quorum of three boys and try to touch their hearts with something that would excite them about the gospel. I would follow the approved course of study, but sought for ways to reach the group, including our own son Jamie.

Each Sunday, the boys would lean back on their chairs, chew gum, and give me that "I dare you to teach me something I don't already know look." About six months later, I was called to be a Stake President. During my first week in that calling, I marveled at how the exact message I was giving to the high council and to the bishops of the Stake had been delivered to those deacons just a week prior. Only this time, rather than lean back on their chairs and chew gum, they leaned forward, took notes, and were reverently attentive. What a difference 40 more years makes added to the life of a deacon!

Well, those three boys all went on to serve valiant missions and it did not take 40 more years to produce wonderful servants of the Lord....it just took 7 more years (grin). This story came to my mind as I pondered the words of President Packer in the last General Conference. President Packer reminded us of these principles:

1) We sustain leaders and teachers in the Church whenever others are released. "It shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is know to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church. "(D&C 42:11)

2) All positions to teach and to lead are filled by members of the Church. "Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him form heave, and gave him commandments...the weak things of teh world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones." (D&C 1:17, 19-24)

To Every Member of the Church:

President J. Rueben Clark taught that it does not matter where you serve in the Church, but how. He also taught that one neither seeks nor declines a calling. Everything that is done in the Church, is done by ordinary people, just like you and me, "the weak things of the world."

Once a person receives the Holy Ghost, He will teach and comfort them and then they are prepared to receive whatever guidance, teaching, instruction or assignment the Lord would have them receive.

So this is another principle that distinguishes us from all other Churches: "No one of us is to consider himself of more value than the other." (D&C 38:24-25)

Little Girl at Parade in Brigham City, Utah

The story was told about a young girl in Brigham City named Janie Steed. I had a friend at BYU named John Steed. This could be his great grandmother. Anyway, she kicked a rock in front of a wagon carrying the prophet Brigham Young, during a parade and muttered, "He ain't no better than my grandpa!" All of the other children had been tossing out flower petals in front of the wagon as it passed. Well, you can imagine the shock of everyone around her and the older people quickly tried to correct young Janie.

President Packer continued, however, by saying that he is sure that Brigham Young would agree had he heard the comment. He would never consider himself of more worth than anyone else.

Will a frog jump high? Picture it!

When President Packer was first called to be a general authority, one of his high school teachers said "That just proves that you can't tell by looking at a frog, how high he is going to jump!"
Think of this image in your mind, as President Packer did. Make sure you picture that in such a way that you would never feel better than someone else.

As a final lesson by President Packer, he related the experience of when after this call to be a general authority, the First Presidency of the Church invited him in their office and asked him to bear his testimony. He was overwhelmed. What should he say? Well, he just bore the same testimony that he would bear any Fast Sunday in his home ward....plain and simple...and in the same words. The Brethren were pleased and proceeded then to set him apart.

He learned that he had, as you and I have "an abiding testimony in his heart of the Restoration of the fullness of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith, that we have a Heavenly Father, and that Jesus Christ is our redeemer."

"It doesn't matter where you serve, but how"

This is what I knew when I taught those deacons and wondered if they were listening. These are the same words I used when a week later I counseled with bishops and stake presidents. It is the same message. None of us are more important in Heavenly Father eyes and as President J. Reuben Clark said "it doesn't matter where you serve, but how."

Good, Better, Best

Good, Better, Best

This is a reoccurring theme of Elder Oaks. It is one he considers of great importance. A number of years ago he spoke of choices as a law student and how to know when he had studied for a term paper that he had done enough research.

In this case, his counsel is as timely for us now as it was then.

He introduces this them by telling us the story of Martha and Mary. Remember when the Savior taught this principle in the home of Martha "while she was cumbered about much serving."(Luke 10:40) Her sister Mary, "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word." When Martha complained that her sister had left her to serve alone, Jesus commended Martha for what she was doing, but taught her that "one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her." (verses 39-42). It was good for Martha to be "careful and troubled about many things" but it was better to learn the gospel from the Master. It was more "needful" as verse 41 says.

Consider the picture of Grandma Robison's pillows shown above. The bottom pillow is quite good, the middle pillow is better, but the top pillow is "down" and is best. In fact Grandma takes it on the plane in our suitcase whenever we travel because she needs it to get a good night's sleep. It costs more than other pillows, but for Grandma it is best because she gets a better rest.

Those people in sales are frequently plotting on graphs the comparison between good, better, and best. They know, as Elder Oaks taught, that it is not enough that something is good. Other products are better and still others are best. The most expensive ones often have great "features and capability" that make them the best selection.

Robison Family Vacation Memories
I remember a series of family vacations we took when the J's were growning up. We went to San Diego and saw Sea World, we went to Maui and swam in the ocean, we went to Florida and collected sea shells, we went to Petoskey in Northern Michigan and went water skiing. And we even went in a cramped motor home from Independence Missouri to Palmyra, New York. After those 5 wonderful trips, we asked each of the children what their favorite trip was. Each one of them answered that it was the trip in the cramped motor home. Super family trips are good for the family, but best is the family bonding on sacred sites.

Elder Oaks reminded us about a very important principle from a recent study. The number of families who report that the whole family usually eats dinner together has declined by 33%. This is alarming because studies also show that the time a family spends together eating meals at home is the strongest predictor of children's academic achievement and psychological adjustment. (Anderson and Dohert, Family Relations, 54:655). So there may be some important school activities or tennis, or golf events at the club, but the best thing we can do at dinner time is eat together.

Now, how does this apply to our Church service? First, remember that some uses of individual and family time are better, and others are best. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families. (Elder Oaks)

Applications.

It is good to be a member of the Church, to keep all the commandments, and to fulfill all our assignments.
It is better to do things without being asked and anonymously.
It is best to do things with love and without any arrogance.

It is good to visit families to whom we have been assigned.
It is better to leave them with a message where you teach doctrine and principle during a brief visit.
It is best to make a difference in the lives of those we visit.

It is good to hold a meeting in the Church.
It is better to teach a principle.
It is best to actually improve lives as a result of the meeting.

Can you think of some good, better and best applications?

What about giving a talk?

It is good to prepare it yourself.
It is better to prepare it and include scriptures and quotes from living prophets.
It is best to teach it from the heart with very few notes.

What about teaching a lesson?

It is good to work on the lesson ahead of time.
It is better to have an outline and prepare much more material than you can cover.
It is best to think of the question that will improve lives and prepare to involve the student in the learning process.

Doctrine:

Heavenly Father, whose children everyone of us are, designed a plan for us to qualify for eternal life...the greatest of all the gifts of God. (D&C 14:7). Critical to this test are the choices we make between good, better, and best. As Elder Oaks once taught...it is not enough to be good, we must be good for something. We do that by making best choices.

Honoring the Sabbath Day

Honoring the Sabbath Day

Have you ever wondered about how to keep the Sabbath Day holy? Have you ever looked at Sunday more as a day when you can’t do things that as a day that is most special?

Doctrine:

Let’s first of all examine the question, what is the Sabbath Day?
There are at least three extremely important events in the history of the world

The first is the Creation. We learn about the Sabbath from following the example of our Heavenly Father.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day form all his work which had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it” (Genesis 2:2-3)

From this verse we learn at least two things about our Heavenly Father.

He needed rest from the work of the creation. He needed a day to rejuvenate or renew.

1. He blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. In other words, he made it holy and sacred.

Should we not want to follow the example of Heavenly Father in our desires to be like him.

A second important event was the Exodus. The Israelites were in bondage and as such were slaves. They could not do as they pleased on any day of the week. Heavenly Father delivered the Israelites from captivity and renewed a commandment to them saying “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8). They treated the Sabbath as a symbol of their deliverance and would not permit even their animals to work on that holy day. It is called a perpetual covenant. This means forever and reminds us all of our obligation to our Heavenly Father.

However, the most important event of all, is the third critical event that has shaped the world and our mortal existence forever…it is the Atonement. The Savior was resurrected on that day and from that time forth His followers appointed that day as the Sabbath. Until that time, the seventh day had been the Sabbath and to commemorate his resurrection on the Sunday, the first day, or Sunday was appointed as the Sabbath for the early Christians.

Principles:

So you see, the Sabbath is for man. It is a day appointed to remember God. We follow His example of setting aside one day for rest, we note the importance of the Sabbath as the fourth commandment, as given to the Israelites, and most importantly we remember the Atonement of the Savior as we renew sacred covenants of baptism each Sunday in partaking of the Sacrament.

Application:

Let’s examine the question, what is the Sabbath Day?

Answer: The word Sabbath means day of rest in Hebrew. The Sabbath day is every seventh day. In looking at the creation, the exodus, and the Atonement, three applications give us guidance as to how we should honor this day.

The Lord in modern day revelation counseled us “And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High.” (D&C 59:9, 10)

The following questions introduce to you three applications about the Sabbath. Each requires careful thought.

First, how is the Sabbath a day for our physical well-being?

(The Lord rested on the seventh day. He showed us the importance of renewing our bodies one day every week.)

Second, how is the Sabbath a day for our spiritual well-being?

(This is a commandment. It is what keeps us unspotted from the world. What a privilege it is to approach the Sacrament each Sunday with a repentant Spirit, knowing that we can become as clean from our sins as we were day we were baptized. It is the one day that we can clearly demonstrate to the Lord that we are different and we belong to His true church. It would be well to consider staying dressed for the Sabbath the entire day to remind ourselves of this holy day.)

Third, how does the Sabbath give us the opportunity to know God and to express our love for Him?

(What a great day set aside to pay devotions unto the Lord, to offer up our sacraments, and honor Him. We are given the gift of one day a week that we can give to others spiritually – we can gather in our families, we can visit the sick and the less active, we can honor our God through loving His children.)

Remember: The Sabbath is not a day to be a couch potato and lounge and do nothing. It is not a day to be preceded by late night activities on Saturday. President Kimball taught us that if we do nothing on the Sabbath, we are not keeping the day holy. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts.”

Activity: Isaiah said that we should “call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable.” (Isaiah 58:13)

Discuss activities we can do to keep the Sabbath holy:

Attend Church meetings

• Read scriptures and words of living prophets
• Visit the sick, aged and our loved ones
• Listen to uplifting music and sing hymns
• Pray to Heavenly Father with praise and thanksgiving
• Perform Church service
• Prepare family history records and write personal histories
• Tell faith-promoting stories
• Bear testimony to our family and share spiritual experiences
• Write letters to loved ones
• Fast with a purpose
• Share time with children and others in the home

Discuss activities that would be best to avoid to keep the Spirit of the Sabbath?

Discuss the blessings that come from keeping the Sabbath Day holy.

The Great Commandment

The Great Commandment

Discuss: What best defines us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Elder Wirthlin's teachings. In his October 2007 General Conference address, Elder Wirthlin taught that at the time Jesus walked the earth, the Pharisees tried to trick him with a question they thought was impossible to answer: "Which is the great commandment in the law?" This had been the subject of great debate and those Pharisees had made a list of over 600 commandments.

When the Savior responded, his answer dismayed them because he had identified their biggest weakness. He said"

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matt. 22: 37-40)

Can you think of examples where people have shown this type of love?

Two examples.

In his address, Elder Wirthlin gave a couple of stories. One was about a 14 year old boy that did not have anywhere to stay when he came to Nauvoo looking for his brother. It was winter and the boy did not have money or friends. When he asked about his brother, he was taken to a large house that looked like a hotel and was cared for. When he tried to leave the next day during a storm, the man of the house told him to wait for a while until a team of horses came. The boy responded that he did not have money, but the kind man said it would be taken care of. This man was none other than the prophet Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith was asked one time why he had so many followers. His reply was simple. He said that it was because he possessed the principle of love.

Another example taught by Elder Wirthlin was of an elderly man who started painting his wife's finger nails as she became increasingly blind. For five years he painted her nails because of the joy it brought to her.

Ask: Can you think of another story of someone who showed charity?

On our mission, I often quote President Benson to the missionaries. "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that very moment God will endow us with power." To this quote, Elder Wirthlin gave another dimension in his talk. "When we love the Lord, obedience ceases to be a burden and becomes a delight." He explained that when we love the Lord, we seek less for things that benefit us and turn our hearts more toward blessing the lives of those around us.

So, Elder Wirthlin gives us the answer to the question: "what quality defines us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Answer: We are a people who love the Lord with all our hearts, souls and minds, and we love our neighbors as ourselves. He said this is our signature as a people.

Look at the picture of the Savior.

When He meets with us on that final day, he will not ask us about our Church callings or about our things we have acquired or even about our accomplishments. He will ask if we have "ministered to the sick, gave food and drink to the hungry and succor to the weak. When we reach out to the least of these our brethren, we have done it unto Him." (Matt. 25:31-40)

Activity:

Can you make plans tonight to help someone you know? Can you visit someone that is sick, elderly, or in need of help?

Not Judging Others

Grandpa Robison teaches the story of the importance of not judging.

Many years ago, my family lived in Bozeman, Montana where I went to high school. Our father, Grandpa Robison used to stop at a truck stop to purchase a newspaper on his way into work each morning.

One day he saw a member of the bishopric, Brother Petitt, sitting at the counter in the truckstop drinking what Grandpa Robison could have assumed to be a cup of coffee. Grandpa Robison pretended he did not see Brother Petitt, because he did not want to cause him embarrassment. However, Grandpa Robison was frustrated deep down inside that this man would break the word of wisdom because especially members of bishoprics need to set good examples..

A couple of weeks later, Brother Petitt said "Hey, Brother Robison - I didn't get a chance to speak with you at the truck stop the other day. They have the best postum (a caffeine-free drink) there and I stop there all the time to get my postum. "

My father learned a valuable lesson that day in not assuming that others are in error when you do not know the entire story. Thankfully, he had not told anyone of his concern. That would have been gossiping and he never does that. Deep inside though, he had been bothered that a member of the bishopric would drink coffee. You can imagine his relief when he learned that was not the case.

Another example of the importance of not judging one another comes from the recent General Conference as shared in President Hinckley's talk on anger. He taught us that many make a great fuss of matters of small consequence - the offended or the person judging another. He said we would be much happier if we could brush aside the offending remarks of another person and just go on our way. He continues "grudges, if left to fester, can become serious maladies. Like a painful ailment, they can absorb all of our time and attention."

Guy de Maupassant wrote a story about this. It concerns Monsieur Hauchecome, who on market day went to town. He was afflicted with rheumatism, and as he stumbled along he noticed a piece of string on the ground in front of him. He picked it up and carefully put it in his pocket. He was seen doing so by his enemy, the harness maker. At the same time it was reported to the mayor that a pocketbook containing money had been lost. It was assumed that what Hauchecome had picked up was the pocketbook , and he was accused of taking it. He vehemently denied the charge.

A search of his clothing disclosed only the piece of string, but the slander against him had so troubled him that he became obsessed with it. Wherever he went he bothered to tell people about it. He became such a nuisance that they cried out against him. It sickened him. His mind kept growing weaker and about the end of December he took to his bed. He passed away early in January, and in the ravings of his death agony, he protested his innocence, repeating "A little piece of string--a littel piece of string. See, here it is, Monsieur le Mayor." (http://www.online-literature.com/Maupassant/270/.)

Another story from France is along the same lines: "A poor French woman was walking along the banks of the Seine River. On her stooped shoulders was draped a threadbare shawl. Suddenly she stopped, leaned down, picked up something that sparkled brightly in the sunlight and put it under her shawl.

A gendarme observed her actions and hurried over to her. In a very gruff voice, he said,"let me see what you are hiding under your shawl?"

The old woman drew out of the folds in the shawl a broken peice of glass, saying "It is only a sharp piece of broken glass. I picked it up so some barefoot boy might not step on it and cut his foot."

The policeman was doing his duty, but he was more willing to convict the woman of a misdeed before he could learn that she had acted with the nobility of a caring soul. (Marvin J. Ashton, May 1983 Ensign, p.30)

Questions:

As illustrated in Grandpa Robison's story, what main lessons can we learn? (not judging others, not gossiping, and not doing things that give the appearance to others that we are not living the gospel)

In the story of the "Piece of String" - why is it so important to not make a big deal about small things? (the little things can consume us and prevent us from drawing near unto our Savior)

The story of the French woman walking along the Seine River teaches us what principle about not judging our fellowman? (always assume the best in people)

What is the doctrine - what are the principles - and finally what applications can be learned from this lesson?

Doctrine - eternal truths - eternal life could be one of the doctrines

Principle - keeping the great commandment to love our neighbor as ourself

Application - don't obsess over matters of small consequence, don't judge, don't give the appearance of breaking a commandment

Conclusion:

If we judge our fellowman in error, we may be responsible for our delay in straightway heeding the call of our master to come follow Him. As we pursue the teachings of the Savior and as we live gospel principles, we may put aside the hurt and delay in happiness that may be caused by the people around us.

Personal Fact Sheet About the Church

Article of Faith #1

We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

Idea for Family Home Evening Lesson:
Write your own Fact Sheet about what we believe as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints AND brief responses to questions people might ask us about the Church.







This was a challenge or assignment given to each of us in the talk by Elder Ballard during the October 2007 General Conference.


What I believe? (be prepared to tell people what you believe)


First, get a copy of the Articles of Faith. Every child before the age of 12 is challenged to memorize them.

What are they?


Answer: In 1842, Joseph Smith was inspired to write a fact sheet about the Church in which he listed 13 statements of believe in response to a request by a newspaper editor. The list of beliefs called the Wentworth letter) was later titled the "Articles of Faith." These thirteen items were first published in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons in March 1842 and were later included in the 1851 British Mission pamphlet The Pearl of Great Price, compiled by Elder Franklin D. Richards.


That pamphlet was revised in 1878 and again in 1880. In the 1880 General Conference, the Church voted to add the Pearl of Great Price to the standard works of the Church, thus including the thirteen articles.


Second, Elder Ballard suggested we prepare a one page fact sheet to go along with our personal copy of the Articles of Faith (found immediately following the Pearl of Great Price in your scriptures).


Response: What did Nephi say in 1 Nephi 3:7 when he was given such assignments? "I will go and I will do." (So can you pull up a blank word document or get a blank sheet of paper and begin yours today?)

Personal Fact Sheet on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Mormon - a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as "Mormons" because of a belief in the Book of Mormon. They are also called "Latter-day Saints" or "LDS". The word Saint means "member" according to the Bible.
• Book of Mormon - a second witness for the Bible. A proof that Joseph Smith was a prophet. A record of the people who lived on the American continents at the same time prophets lived in Jerusalem.
• Church history - restored in 1830 in upstate New York by Joseph Smith who was the first prophet in these days. Today the headquarters of the Church is in Salt Lake City, Utah and Gordon B. Hinckley is the current prophet.
• Membership - there are over 13 million people who belong to the Church and they live in 176 countries. About 6 million members live in the United States where it is the fourth largest Christian denomination. It is one of the fastest growing Christian religions in the world and completes a new chapel every day of the year. Members follow the commandment of old in paying a tithe of their earnings making this possible.
• West Indies Mission - there are over 6,400 members living in the West Indies Mission. The mission includes the islands ofSt. Maarten, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago; and the countries of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
• No Paid Clergy - local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions, but no position is more important than another.
• Family - Mormons place strong emphasis on the family as the basic unit of the Church and of society. We have a deep commitment to marriage (defined as a union between one man and one woman).
• Polygamy - a limited practice, also found in the Old Testament, discontinued by revelation in 1890, some 117 years ago.
• Sunday worship - anyone can attend Sunday services in our meeting houses. Here we worship together, instructing one another from the scriptures.
• Programs for all ages - The Church has auxiliary programs for women, youth and children as a support to the family.
• Geneology - the highest and most sacred ordinances of our faith relate to our families, both living and dead. Some of these ordinances take places in temples. For this reason there is much focus on extended family, geneological research, and personal family history.
• Health code - Mormons neither smoke, drink coffee, tea or alcohol, or take drugs. In 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the Word of Wisdom, which is the way to live in order to enjoy a long and healthy life.
• Missionaries - over 70,000 members volunteer at their own expense to serve for 18 to 24 months in humanitarian efforts, Church service assignments and full-time missionary service throughout the world.
• Priesthood - in 1978 the Lord revealed the instruction that all worthy males should hold the Priesthood, which is the authority to act in God's name.

Highlights of October 2007 General Conference

In his closing remarks, President Hinckley said: "All of the proceedings of this conference will appear in a subsequent issue of the Ensign. We encourage you again to read the talks in your family home evenings and discuss them together as families. They are the products of much prayer and meditation and are well worthy of careful consideration."

The General Conference of this past weekend was historic. A new member of the First Presidency was called and a new apostle.

Who was named as the new 2nd counselor in the First Presidency?

Yes, it was Henry B. Eyring.

And who was sustained as the newest apostle in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles?

And that would be Elder Quentin L. Cook. When we were interviewed to be a mission president couple by Elder Wirthlin, he was joined in the interview by Elder Quentin Cook.

As a family, what would be the best way to study the conference talks and make them the walk and talk of your lives (Harold B. Lee quote) for the next six months?

Now, let's identify what themes stood out to you as a result of this General Conference?

Many would say that there were two general themes - one on Saturday and a different them on Sunday. On Saturday, it was if the theme focused on missionary work. It was a primer for this mission and all other missions about what our message is to the world.
On Sunday, the theme was more personal and gave insights and direction on how to draw closer to the Spirit.

Can you list the the Members of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles in order and give a sentence or two about what they said?

Possible Answers:

First Presidency

President Hinckley - spoke to the Priesthood Brethren about anger and counseled about how to be more loving and less reactionary. Also spoke Sunday about how the Lord is fulfilling his promise to man that the gospel will roll forth as the stone cut out of the mountain (Dan 2;31-45).

President Monson - remembered a non-member in his neighborhood he had comforted about the death of her soldier son and taught about the plan of salvation.

President Eyring - spoke about the importance of remembering something wonderful Heavenly Father has blessed you with every day and recording it in a journal

Quorum of Twelve

President Packer - taught about how no person is more important in Church leadership than another person

Elder Perry - spoke about raising the bar and gave counsel on how to prepare for a mission

Elder Nelson - spoke about scriptural witnesses of the restoration. He taught how the Book of Mormon compliments the Bible.

Elder Oaks - reminded us about setting priorities between good, better and best

Elder Ballard - gave the Church talking points for how we should answer questions about the Church

Elder Wirthlin - almost fell down and was steadied by Elder Nelson as he so eloquently spoke about the Great Commandment - to have charity for our fellowman.

Elder Scott - taught about how truth is the foundation of correct decisions and how important it is to have the Spirit as we make choices.

Elder Hales - spoke on the topic of personal revelation and the examples that have been set for us by modern and ancient prophets.

Elder Holland - gave the bold talk. His talk blasted those who say Mormons are not Christians and how only the Latter-day Saints and the members of Christ's Church when He lived on the earth had the truth.

Elder Uchtdorf - addressed the conference about why we have reason to rejoice. He spoke of the joy this religion brings to all.

Elder Bednar - chose the topic of clean hands and a pure heart and pointed out that it is possible to have clean hands but not a pure heart

Elder Cook - gave his first address as an apostle in teaching about living by faith and not by fear.

Preach My Gospel Lesson Five

Lesson Five: Laws and Ordinances (After Baptism and Confirmation)

What are recently baptized members of the Church taught after their baptism? When we were baptized, we covenanted to begin living the laws and ordinances of the gospel. The following seven points are the primary components of lesson five. It is designed to be taught in several installments and as such would be great for seven different family home evening lessons. As you prepare a lesson, the first step is to study the doctrine from each point and then prepare a lesson outline.

1. Priesthood and Auxiliaries

Doctrine: Priesthood is the power and authority to act in God's name for the salvation of His children.

2. Missionary Work

Doctrine: When we are baptized, we covenant to always stand as a witness of God. The Lord commanded His followers to preach the gospel in all the world giving every person the opportunity to accept or reject it. A key doctrine is that of eternal life or the plan of happiness.

3. Eternal Marriage

Doctrine: The basic unit of the Church is the family and within the family, people experience life's greatest joys and sorrows. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and central to God's eternal plan of happiness.

4. Temples and Family History

Doctrine: Again, the plan of happiness dictates that all of Heavenly Father's children have the opportunity to accept or reject the gospel. God has commanded His people to build temples and in those temples we make sacred covenants and are endowed with power and knowledge from on high.

5. Service

Doctrine: The plan of happiness teaches us that the crucial part of the test in coming to this world is to serve one another.

6. Teaching and Learning in the Church

Doctrine: We are all teachers and are to teach the doctrine of eternal life to our families and to our fellowmen.

7. Endure to the End

Doctrine: After baptism and confirmation, it is not over but only the beginning. The plan of happiness requires that we serve Heavenly Father and His children all of our days.

Preach My Gospel Lesson Four

Lesson Four from Preach My Gospel is entitled: The Commandments.

It is organized much differently than the first three lessons. The first three lessons presented the basic doctrines: Priesthood and Atonement are found in lesson one, Eternal Life and God Head are found in lesson two, and the Doctrine of Christ is given in Lesson three.

In studying the Preach My Gospel lessons, it is important to note a key scripture found in Alma 12:32 "Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil...."

When we teach the commandments or the rules, this should be done after teaching the doctrine (why) first and the principles (what) second. The commandments about prayer, scripture study, and following the prophet could be done with the first three lessons. The remaining commandments: tithing, the law of the fast, the ten commandments, the law of chastity, and the word of wisdom are great lessons on their own.

The Commandments

1. Obedience. The first law of heaven is obedience. It is a principle. When you teach using the triangle, it is often helpful to teach the doctrine and then depending upon the commandment, obedience is one of those principles that fits every time. "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated--And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:20-21)

Ask: Can you identify the blessings of obedience? How about including the blessings not only in this life, but also in the life to come.

2. Pray Often. 2 Nephi 32:8-9 tells us that it is a commandment to pray. "And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but treacheth him that me must not pray. But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faith; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that they performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."

Ask: Why do we pray? What do we pray for? (Teach the language of prayer as modeled in the Lord's prayer.)

3. Study the Scriptures. "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3) "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses: but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (1 Nephi 19:23) Prophets have consistently taught us to study the scriptures every day, especially the Book of Mormon.

Ask: Why is it important to study the scriptures every day? How have the scriptures blessed your life?

4. The law of the Sabbath. I like this as number 4 because it is also the 4th of the ten commandments. A favorite way of teaching this principle is found in Doctrine and Covenants 59:3-4. "Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel; for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall bring forth in its strength. And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time--they that are faithful and diligent before me." So the reward for being obedient is more commandments...but that is really good news because the more obedient we are, the more the Holy Ghost will direct our paths and isn't that what life is all about?

Ask: Can you using the triangle explain how the law of the Sabbath works? )The doctrine is the Atonement or eternal life. The principle is obedience. The commandment is the law of the Sabbath. - This is just one of many ways you could explain it.)

5. Baptism and Confirmation. We show our love for the Lord by following His way. His way is through baptism and confirmation. When we are baptized and confirmed, we make a covenant that we will take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and that we will always remember Him and keep His commandments. We promise to stand as witnesses of God at all times and to help those in need.

Mosiah 18:8-9 teaches "...now as ye are desireous to come into the fold of God and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." In return for all of this, Heavenly Father promises us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of sins, and being born again.

Ask: What can we do to remember that baptism is just the entry onto the path toward eternal life? What must we do to remember our baptism covenants?

6. Follow the Prophet. Heavenly Father wants all of His children to know the truth. A prophet is called and chosen by God and reveals to him truth through the Holy Ghost. The Lord commands His prophet to teach the truth to all people. We have numerous opportunities to sustain the Lord's prophet and His other chosen servants. Those who follow their counsel will not go astray.

Ask: What does it mean to you personally that Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet of God today?

7. Keep the Ten Commandments. This is one of my favorite lessons for to prepare children for baptism. I love to teach them out of Exodus 20 the ten commandments in order. I do by first teaching them ten pegs to help them remember the ten commandments.

First - think of a telephone pole looking like the number one - then think "no other Gods before me."

Second - think of the rhyme...one two buckle my shoe - think of a golden shoe and people kissing the shoe - then think "thou shalt have no graven images."

Third - think of a tree...rhymes with three - carved in the tree is "don't take the Lord's name in vain"

Fourth - think of a golfer trying to hit a golf tee with a mustard seed on it....don't golf on Sunday - honor the Sabbath day.

Fifth - think of a little boy driving and his parents in the back seat of the car - "honor your parents."

Sixth - think of the fact that sticks rhyme with six - that could be how someone kills somebody - with a stick - "Thou shalt not kill."

Seven - rhymes with heaven - oh you can't get to heaven if you kiss your neighbor's wife - thou shalt not commit adultry.

Eight - rhymes with gate - there is a lock on the gate - "thou shalt not steal."

Nine - rhymes with fine - you get a fine for lying (line) - "thou shalt not bear false witness or lie."

Ten - think of a big fat hen that lays a golden egg - think that you do not want that hen, but rather one like it..."thou shalt not covet."

Ask: Can you repeat the ten commandments in reverse order?

8. Live the Law of Chastity. This is a perfect opportunity to use the triangle of doctrine, principles and guidelines or rules. First teach the doctrine. The doctrine is that of eternal life. Living the law of chastity is critical to our peace and happiness.

The principle is that of obedience. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God." (D&C 121:45). Here are other principles that apply: thoughts - positive and pure thoughts push negative and immoral ones out, pornography must be shunned, and we should not read, view, listen to anything that describes the body or sexual conduct in a disrespectful way; words - let your words build up others; actions - always treat others with respect and be modest in all you do.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we read: "There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

The rule or commandment is that we reserve sexual intimacy for marriage, we have strict abstinence from sexual relations before marriage, and complete fidelity and loyalty to spouse after marriage. We obey the law by controlling our thoughts, words and actions. The Savior taught "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matt. 5:27-28)

Ask: How will living the law of chastity bless your life?

9. Obey the Word of Wisdom. This commandment was revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith as a health code. We should remember that our bodies are sacred. Again this is a great law to discuss using the doctrine, principles and guidelines triangle. The doctrine is eternal life.

The principle is obedience. It is also that God has commanded you to take care of your body. "All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings...shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." (D&C 18-20)

The commandment, guideline, or rule is " no tobacco products, no form of alcohol, no tea, no coffee, and no drug that destroys your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Ask: What are the blessings for living the word of wisdom and why is it called the Lord's health code?

10. Keep the Law of Tithing. Prophets have always taught about the law of tithes. It is an ancient law. For example, Abraham paid tithes of all he possessed. Malachi 3:10 teaches us that the Lord "will open the windows of heaven and pour out a bless, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Again, it is best explained using the doctrine, principle, and rule.

The doctrine again is eternal life. It is a commandment, we want to obey God's commandments to live with him.

The principle is faith. We pay tithing with faith, not money as the living prophet teaches us.

The rule is that we pay 10% of our increase to the Lord. Is not everything we have that which belongs to the Lord. He only asks that we give back 10%.

Ask: How does it work that as you pay tithing, even if you do not have enough money to cover your needs, that your needs will be met? What experience have you had in obeying this law and what blessings have you enjoyed.

11. Observe the Law of the Fast. Pure religion includes caring for the poor. Great blessings are available to those who obey God's commandment to fast. Fasting means going without food or drink for a period of time. Usually, the first Sunday of the month is set aside as a special day to fast for two consecutive meals, pray and bear testimony. Fasting and prayer go together and should be done for specific purposes. It is a private and spiritual act and should not be down to draw attention to ourselves. We contribute to the Church the money that we would have spent on the two meals that we have skipped. This money is used to bless the lives of the poor and needy. However, our donation should not be limited to the cost of two meals.

Ask: How have you seen special blessings that come from fasting and prayer?

12. Obey and Honor the Law. In the 12th Article of Faith we read: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

Ask: Why is it important to obey the laws of the country in which you reside?

Preach My Gospel Lesson Three

The following lesson plan has been prepared for the third missionary lesson in Chapter Three of Preach My Gospel.

It is entitled "The Gospel of Jesus Christ." Gospel means "good news." The gospel of Jesus Christ is our Heavenly Father's plan for our happiness and for our salvation.

The reason why we call it the gospel of Jesus Christ is because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to Heavenly Father's plan for us. In this plan, Heavenly Father would send His Son Jesus Christ to earth to show us how to live meaningful lives and how to return to live in His presence. Through the grace and mercy of the Savior, we can become clean from sin and live worthy enough to come live with Heavenly Father and Jesus.

To receive strength to live worthy and peace to enjoy our lives, we need to learn and follow the principles and ordinances of the gospel. A principle is an eternal truth based on doctrine that we can apply and an ordinance is a sacred act performed by Priesthood authority where we often covenant with the Lord to keep certain promises. However in the case of the Holy Ghost is is a gift. If we are worthy and continue to be worthy, the Holy Ghost will stay with us all the time. The first principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. The first ordinances of the gospel are baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost represent an entry into the Lord's kingdom, but are not a destination. What is critical is what we do after these ordinances and this is called "enduring to the end."

Ask: Try to define the words in the preceding overview of Lesson 3 that are marked in bold.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

1. Through Christ We Can Be Cleansed From Sin. Heavenly Father sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whsoever believeth in him should not perios, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into teh world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16, 17) King Benjamin gives additional clarification to this wonderful Biblical message just quoted. In Mosiah 3:17 he teaches "And moreover, I say unto you there there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Chirst, the Lord Omnipotent." So we see that only through the Savior's grace and mercy can we become clean form sin. Ours is the responsibility to accept the Savior, repent and obey.

Ask: What is the gospel of Jesus Christ and what does it mean for you personally?

2. Faith in Jesus Christ. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. " (Heb 11:1). We are to believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. He wants us to accept and follow His teachings. As we obey, we receive blessings. A great example of faith is the law of tithing. President Hinckley was quoted in the October 2007 General Conference in Sister Cook's talk as saying that 'tithing is something we pay with faith." The doctrine is eternal life, the priniciple is faith, the law is tithing - one example of how you teach the law of tithing using the doctrine, principles, and rules triangle from a previous FHE lesson on this blog. A great scripture to use in this lesson is the reminder from Ether 12:6 "And now, I Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

Ask: What does it mean to have faith? How can faith give you strength? Please give another example of rule like we did for tithing on the doctrine, principles, rules triangle and apply it to faith?


3. Repentance. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ means that you will want to change your life to be better. Repentance means change. Missionaries are to preach nothing save it be faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. We do this to get people to change their lives. We all need to change. My favorite scripture in teaching repentance is found in 2 Corinthians 7: 9-11. Paul says "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nother. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of, but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what claring of yourselves, yea what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter."

Faith in Christ leads to repentance, we feel godly sorrow, we stop doing things that are wrong and continue doing things that are right, we confess our sins, and we receive forgiveness. Guilt and sorrow are then replaced by peace.

Ask: What does it mean to repent? Why does everyone need to repent?

4. Baptism, Our First Covenant. "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto theee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5). "Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) in response to the question of the apostles in verse 37 "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" And in Ephesians 4:5 we are taught there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism."

Ask: Why does everyone need to be baptized?

5. The Gift of the Holy Ghost. President Packer teaches us that you must not say baptism with out the Gift of the Holy Ghost for they go together. Baptism by immersion is followed then by the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The two are inseparable. Priesthood holders confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. The Holy Ghost teaches us, cleanses us, comforts us, and testifies of the truth. It warns us and directs us. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) "Behold, again I say unto you, that if ye will enter in by teh way and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show you all things what ye should do. Behold this is the doctrine of Christ." (2 Nephi 32:5)

Ask: What is the Holy Ghost? How can the Holy Ghost bless your life?

6. Endure to the End. We must continue on the path to return to our Heavenly Father's presence once we have been baptized and confirmed. To do this we must do our utmost to remain free of sin in order that we can keep the Holy Ghost with us. By faithfully following the gospel path of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, making and keeping covenants and receiving the Holy Ghost, we qualify for eternal life. Note how baptism is the example of making and keeping covenants. Remember the Sacrament prayers as we weekly renew our baptism covenants. "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of CHirst, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20)

Ask: What does it mean to endure to the end?

Preach My Gospel Lesson Two

The following is the lesson plan outline for the second lesson that missionaries teach from Preach My Gospel.

Missionary lessons just as Family Home Evening Lessons are not meant to be taught in a certain order.

This lesson, "The Plan of Salvation" is also known as the "Plan of Happiness." It answers the questions, where did we come from, why are we here and where are we going after we die.

It is centered on the Atonement and brings great comfort.

The Plan of Salvation

1. Where did I come from? Your life did not begin when you were born and it will not end when you die. You are made up of a spirit body (soul) and a physical body. In Jeremiah 1:5 we read the following: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew theee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Before we were born our spirits lived with God in a place called the pre-existence.

Ask: What was your relationship with God before you were born?

2. The Creation. This earth was created as a place for us to gain experience and a body. Adam and Eve were the first of Heavenly Father's children to come to earth and lived in a place called the Garden of Eden. "Behold the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it." (1 Nephi 17:36)

Ask: Why was it important for you to be given a physical body? Why did Heavenly Father want you to come to earth?

3. The Fall. Heavenly Father gave Adam and Eve agency or the freedom to choose. They were told not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but if they obeyed this commandment they could not progress and learn from experiences and challenges. Satan tempted them to eat the forbidden fruit and the chose to eat it. In 2 Nephi 2:25 we find the following: "If Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained int he garden of Eden...And Adam and Even would have had no children; wherefore 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. But behold all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy."

Ask: What is the Fall? Why was it necessary?

4. Earth Life. Because of the Fall, we were separated from the presence of our Heavenly Father. This is called spiritual death. Our purpose again in coming to earth is to gain a body and to be tested to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In Alma 24:32 there is a scripture on the purpose of this life: "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors."

Ask: What is the purpose of your life here? How could this knowledge affect the decisions you make each day? (Notice the importance of teaching the why - the doctrine which is eternal life).

5. The Atonement. Our Heavenly Father loves us. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay for our sins. This payment is part of what is called the Atonement of Jesus Christ. "For God so love the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). There is another scripture that helps us understand the Atonement a little better: "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might ake upon him the sins of his people that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and nwo behold, this is the testimony which is in me. (Alma 7:11-13)

Ask: What is the Atonement? How can it help you in your daily life?

6. Where Will I Go After This Life? Many think death is the end, but it is a beginning...a step forward in Heavenly Father's plan. Alma explains this in Alma 40:11-2: "Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection--Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirts of all me, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those who are rightesous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."

Ask: What is the Spirit World? What happens there? (1 Peter 4:6)

7. What Is the Resurrection? One of the great gifts of God to all of his children who come to this world is the resurrection, made possible by the Atonement of the Savior. In the book of Alma, chapter 11: 43-44 we read: "The spirt and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt. Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its pefect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil."

Ask: What does it mean to be resurrected? Who will be resurrected? Why is resurrection important?

8. Kingdoms of Glory. After you are judged, you wil live in a state of glory. This is described in 1 Corinthians 15:40-41: "There are celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial; but the glory fo the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corrruption; it is raised in incorruption. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live in the Celestial Kingdom and if you live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ and are cleansed from sin by the Atonement, you will live there too. The terrestial kingdom is for those who refuse to accept the gospel but live honorable lives. The telestial kingdom is for those who continue in their sins and do not repent.

Ask: What is heaven? Why are there different levels of glory?

Preach My Gospel Lesson One

It would be wonderful in Family Home Evening, if you could each go through the five missionary lessons from Preach My Gospel.

The first lesson is entitled "The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." On the cover of the missionary tract of the first lesson is a picture of the Savior holding a lost lamb.

There are 8 principle points of the first lesson. Perhaps in Family Home Evening you could cover just a few points each time.

Lesson Outline and key scriptures:

1. God is our loving Heavenly Father . In Romans 8:16-17 we read that the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of GOd, and joint-heirs with Christ; if is so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together.

Ask: What does it mean to you that God is your Heavenly Father?

2. The Gospel blesses families. Mosiah 2:41 says "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of neverending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

Ask: What are the blessings that you enjoy by being a member of a family?

3. Heavenly Father reveals His Gospel. In Amos 3:7 we read that "surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." This is the way God has always spoken to man.

Ask: What is the role of a prophet? Why is it important to know that God speaks to prophets?

4. Savior's earthly ministry. When Jesus lived on the earth, He established His Church. In Ephesians 2:19-20 we find a description of the Savior's church. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are buildt upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ helmself being the chief cornerstone. Verse 11 of Ephesians 4 gives additional details about the organization: "And he gave some apostles and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers."

Ask: How should the Church of Jesus Christ be organized today? What does it mean to have priesthood authority? (Matt. 10:1 and John 15:16).

5. The Great Apostacy. Following the death of the Savior, wicked people persecuted the members and leaders of His church. The apostles were killed and the priesthood authority was taken from the earth. Heavenly Father knew there would be an apostacy. In Amos 8:11-12 it is recorded that "Behold, the days come...that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thrist for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord...And (people) shall wander frm sea to sea, and form the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."

Ask: What happened with the authority of Jesus Christ was lost? What were some the results found on the earth due to the apostacy?

6. The Restoration of the Gospel. In 1820, our Heavenly Father chose a prophet by the name of Joseph Smith to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ and the authority to act in His name. Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. In his own words, in Joseph Smith History 1:16-17 (Pearl of Great Price), we read "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me inthe air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" The skies were not closed. Heavenly Father again spoke to His children. Through that young man, the Church of Jesus Christ that was previously taken from the earth was restored.

Ask: What does it mean to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored through Joseph Smith?

7. The Book of Mormon. In restoring His gospel, Heavenly Father brought forth the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus-Christ. By the power of God, Joseph Smith translated the book from gold plates that were given to him by the angel Moroni, one of the prophets who lived in the American continent shortly after the resurrection of the Savior. In the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 20: 9-11 is given a great description of the purpose of the Book of Mormon in the words of the Savior. The Book of Mormon "which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also. Which was given by inspiration and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them--proving to the world that the holy scriptures are ture and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old."

Ask: What is the Book of Mormon? How is it a witness of Joseph Smith's calling as a prophet. (See Book of Mormon title page and introduction)

8. Pray to know the truth through the Holy Ghost. You can know that the gospel is true. If you ask Heavenly Father, as Joseph Smith did, you can receive an answer from Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost. In Moroni 10:4-5 is recorded "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Chirst, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Gost ye may know the truth of all things."

Ask: What is the role of the Holy Ghost? How would you describe what it feels like to receive personal revelation from the Holy Ghost?

Hint: The most effective way to learn about the gospel is to experience the gospel. Having homework as a result of lessons is one of the most effective ways to remember the principles and doctrines taught.

Suggestions for General Conference

1) We must Consider the ages. We need to remember the age of each grand- child and what they are capable of understanding. For example a Gracie at the age of five, could listen, to a few talks but would have a difficult time paying attention the whole time, whereas Julia, Rachel and Dallin should have the attention span to listen to more of the talks. We do not want General Conference to be a negative association, so let's make sure that we are not expecting too much out of our younger children.

2) Find something that will help hold the attention of each grandchild while they listen to conference. One fun idea is conference bingo. You just create a bingo sheet with words that they are likely to hear at conference, and then have the grandchildren children fill in the spaces as they hear the words. It is best to only give out prizes in between talks. Another possible idea, for older Robison grandchildren is to have them take notes on the talks and receive rewards based on the notes that they took.

3) When President Hinckley speaks make a special point of encouraging each grandchild to listen closely. This is especially important with the younger grandchildren, because they will listen attentively to the prophet.

4) After conference is over, discuss over lunch and over dinner the session you have just listened to and and the key points that were taught. Talk about how you can apply these to your family and how you can do the things that we are asked to do.

5 Come with a reverent manner to conference. The way that we sit, dress, and act has a lot to do with what we get out of conference. If we are dressed in Sunday clothes, it will help us to listen more attentively, and will remind the grandchildren that they are participating in a special event. It is nice to attend at least one session at the church building (especially with older children) because this reminds them of the importance of conference.

General Conference is a special time to spend learning about Jesus Christ and the things that we need to do in order to return to live with Him. As you listen to conference with an open heart and mind that you will feel the Spirit and be strengthened.

Activities:

1. Print off a picture of each apostle and see if you can name each one and put them in order of seniority. ( Hinckley, Monson, Packer, Perry, Nelson, Oaks, Ballard, Wirthlin, Scott, Hales, Holland, Eyring, Uchtdorf, Bednar.) Whoops, there are only fourteen?

2. Watch closely for which apostle will replace President Faust in the First Presidency.

3. Listen carefully to hear who will be the new apostle.

Suggestions:

1. Get plenty of rest the night before conference.

2. Do not wear your pajamas to watch conference.

3. Do not try to do two things at once during conference.

4. Pray about a question you have and then come to conference seeking the answer.

5. Raise your hand during the sustaining of the officers on Saturday afternoon.

6. Watch all 5 sessions and make them the walk and talk of your lives during the next six months.