OUR FAMILY: Lisbon Portugal temple dedicated

Manaus, Brazil

138th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 June 2012

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Glory of

Alma 13:24

For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 4;18-5:4

New Testament "Be Ye Reconciled to God" 2 Corinthians 1-7

Review

General Conference

Look Unto Jesus Christ

Elder Kim B. Clark

"Have we not cause to rejoice? We do! We hold the holy priesthood of God. As we look unto Jesus Christ, live our covenants, and rivet our focus on Him, we will join with our sisters and minister in a holier way, gather scattered Israel on both sides of the veil, strengthen and seal our families, and prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It will happen. I so testify."

I had a difficult time going to sleep last night. I was so wound up from the evenings events that I couldn't shut my mind off. I finally went in and took some Nyquil, something I don't like to do too often. It worked, I finally went to sleep.

James had to wake me up this morning. When I asked him what time it was he said, "7:30." What? I never sleep in this late! It was difficult for me to get out of bed, but somehow I managed.

I just had time to eat some breakfast, take a shower and get ready for church before it was time to leave. It looked like it might rain so I took my umbrella. I'm glad I did because it rained on me as I walked into sacrament meeting.

Bishop Miller conducted the meeting today. Chuck was on the stand but Brother Thompson is still in the valley. He will have his knee surgery on Wednesday.

The bishop read in several new families to the ward. One of the families is McKenzi and Tyler Forrester. McKenzi is one of my former young women and it's great to have her back in the ward.

I met a family sitting behind us who is new but I can't remember their names. Duh.

We had two Tys speak with us today. One was an Applegate and the other the high councilman whose last name is Woods.

Ty A.'s topic was "How I Can Invite Others to Come unto Christ."

He talked about how difficult this can be at the high school. He said that it's important to be seen as a leader. He said we have choices everyday. Are we going to tease, gossip, or encourage and lift others up. Be a good example. Give someone the scriptures with your testimony in them. He closed by bearing his testimony. His parents can be proud of him, he did a good job!

Brother Woods' talk was on hearing and following the right voices.

He used Elder Homer's talk from conference as the basis of his talk but he shared different experiences. He talked about Korihor listening to the wrong voices and how it pretty much destroyed his life.

There are many voices in this life and most people follow what is most convenient. Some truths will never change, such as, the Proclamation to the world on the family. This proclamation is a test for this generation. He quoted Moroni 10:4-5. Brother Woods is an avid hiker and he said that it is important when hiking on glaciers to follow the guidelines and gave an example of going off the path and his pole sinking into a huge hole.

Apostles and prophets help to keep us on the straight and narrow path. We must have faith and trust in Heavenly Father and His timing. We need to know how the Holy Ghost speaks to us. Be sensitive to the impressions you receive. Communicate with family members. Effort before answers. Pray with real intent. Most promptings are very subtle. Take time to meditate and pray. (The reason I got up at 4 am when my children were in the home). You will receive comfort not necessarily solutions. Proceed with faith. Faith is complete trust in God. Teach by the power of the Holy Ghost.

At the end of his talk Brother Woods told about an experience of talking a group of boys hiking. The hike was long and treacherous up the side of a mountain. As they neared the peak. They sat down to rest in an area of thick trees. You couldn't seek the peak of the mountain. He gave the boys as choice as to whether they wanted to continue or wait here. Some of the boys said, we aren't going any further than we have to. Others said, we aren't coming this far without going to the top. The ones that chose to go to the top left the others behind in the trees. As they left the trees and could see the peak of the mountain, it was spectacular. Someone said, "I'm sure if those boys who chose to stay behind could see this, they would have come." He likened this to our progression towards the Celestial Kingdom. Many give up just before the end. Part of the gospel of Jesus Christ is enduring to the end.

During the second hour I attended the teacher council meeting conducted by our Sunday School president Brother Allen. Those attending the class: Brother and Sister Allen, Amy Reynolds, Sean and Stefani Hunsaker and their daughter Camrie, Brother Curtis, Sam Gordon, the Applegates, and Bishop and Anne Miller, Becky Skousen, and of course myself.

We had a good discussion. Amy wanted to know some good attention getters. Here were some of the suggestions: Start with a thought provoking question. Share a spiritual experience. Show a Mormon Messages video.

We discussed last night's meeting and Alma 7:11 - 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. (See also vs. 12-13).

When teaching we need to learn to be comfortable with silence. Allow people to sit and ponder.

Encourage your class members to study the lesson in advance.

Sister Skousen mentioned that the Relief Society sends out an email of the lesson along, the week of the lesson, with questions for the sisters to ponder.

I believe the Elders Quorum does the same thing.

We talked about the difference between the "Come Follow Me" lessons in the book for individuals and families and the one for Sunday School teachers. We wish they were more alike but Sister Allen says her answer is to open up the Sunday School teacher's lesson when she is attending Sunday School. Good idea.

Bishop reminded us that this program is fairly new and a work in progress and we need to be patient.

Remember we come to feed, not to be fed.

I was still tired when we got home after our meetings. James fixed lunch and then cleaned the kitchen before rest time.

We did FaceTime with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie which is the highlight of our Sabbath day.

We listened to a message on YouTube from "The Power of Teaching" about next week's lesson on 2 Corinthians 8-13. The name of the lesson is, "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver." I challenged the family to give abundantly this week and then share with us their experiences.

I worked on my blog but Saturday's post is going to take awhile.

Happy 19th Birthday James Hayden!