OUR FAMILY: "Come Follow Me" Alma and Amulek teach the Zoramites

Monday, July 20, 2020

Sunday, July 19th, 2020

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Light of the World

Isaiah 2:5

O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 36:1-16

April General Conference

"Opening the Heavens for Help"

President Russell M. Nelson

Symbolically, Jesus Christ is standing under an arch. The arch reminds us of the resurrected Savior emerging from the tomb on the third day following His Crucifixion. This symbol should feel familiar to many, as we have long identified the restored gospel with the living, resurrected Christ. The symbol will now be used as a visual identifier for official literature, news, and events of the Church. It will remind all that this is the Savior's Church and that all we do as members of His Church centers on Jesus Christ and His gospel.

I spent the morning working on finishing up the "Come Follow Me" lesson in my Sunday journal. I wanted to have this finished before we went to the Crane's at 10:30 for our group study of Alma 32-35. I love these chapters. I love how Alma lays out to the Zoramites the need for faith and how faith can grow within our hearts as we learn about the Savior and His Atonement. Amulek testifies of the Savior and our need for His Atonement after Alma has laid the foundation of faith. I love the idea that we can pray and worship God anywhere, anytime and that we should always have a prayer in our hearts. My testimony of the truthfulness of these principles was strengthened as I studied these chapters.

As we met at the Crane's there were six of us, the Crane's, the Goodman's, and James and I. Brother Peeler took Brother Kostusiak to the valley to be stitched up again. He and Chuck are the ministering brothers and they take turn making trips to the valley with them. Donna's son came to visit so she stayed home with him.

I learned today that the Goodman's bought Brother Kostusiak a new chair so it will be easier for him to get up and down without putting pressure on his chest where the stitches are. Another example of service which they so readily give.

During our lesson discussion Kathy and Chuck learned that being "poor in spirit" is a good thing as it signifies humility and our dependence upon God. We watched Amulek's speech to the Zoramites which was so good. We also watched Alma's.

There were no refreshments because we were asked to fast for moisture by our stake president, President Beeler.

We were so happy to have Barbara back with us. She has been recovering from her shoulder surgery the past several weeks. She still had her arm in a sling. Kathy let me borrow their movie, "The Fighting Preacher."

This afternoon I read all of the talks we are studying this week for our Lambson Study Group. Here is the list:

"What Lack I Yet?"

Elder Larry R. Lawrence

October 2015 GenCon

"Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

October 2015 GenCon

"Seek Learning by Faith"

Elder David A. Bednar

Feb. 3, 2006

After my study we did FaceTime with Jared, Kacey, Charlie, and Tanner. Some things we discussed: Tanner wants to be a mechanic. Summer is staying alone in a hotel room because she does have symptoms of Covid-19 even though she tested negative. Charlie likes to hide and has picked out a couple of favorite spots in the house. She also thinks if she covers her eyes, you can't see her because she can't see you.

Jared initiates our Zoom meetings. Sheri did not attend today. Max and Evan were over at Shayna's watching their new puppy so they got a late start having their church meeting which coincided with our meeting. At the end when we were saying our goodbyes, Charlie wanted to know where Sheri was.

Stacy participated today having read the talks ahead of time and sharing some of her favorite quotes. It was so nice to have her and I enjoyed her input. Kacey did not get to participate much because of Charlie but Jared did share a story about how she exercised faith by stepping into the unknown when she left her husband without knowing where she would live and if she would get a job. Things did work out to her advantage. I'm not sure I would have had the faith she had but I am so proud of her for doing what she felt was right.

Kim and Brian participated. One thing I remember Kim saying was that she learned the importance of the learner participating actively in the learning process. She said she wishes she would have allowed Joe to do this more when he was growing up.

This is one of the quotes that Stacy shared from Elder Andersen's talk: "How we live our lives either diminishes or enhances our faith."

This evening James and I both wrote letters to our missionary, Elder Trezise. I am determined to write to him at least once or twice a month. He only has a little over a month before he finishes his mission.

I also worked on my blog this evening. We went to bed before I posted pictures because the computer was too slow. We were going to watch "The Fighting Preacher" but there just wasn't time.

It was a wonderful Sabbath Day!