Book of Mormon Class ~ Helaman 5

Taught by Sue G.

Nephi and Lehi hoping to honor their names, devote themselves to preaching the gospel.  They have great success among the Lamanites and convert approximately eight thousand before being imprisoned for preaching the truth.  

As their Lamanite captors try to destroy them, Nephi and Lehi are surrounded by fire; a cloud of darkness descends on the group of three hundred Lamanites and dissenters; the earth quakes and a voice from heaven calls upon men to repent.  
Nephi and Lehi talk with angels, and the entire multitude is encircled by fire.  
Samuel the Lamanite later preaches to these three hundred.

Lord, I Believe ~ Jeffrey R. Holland

Taught by Jeanine M.

The backdrop for Elder Holland's talk is from:

Mark 9:17-27

A man comes to ask that his son be healed. He asks, "If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us.."  ..the Lord replies,  "If thou canst believe..."  and the man "straightway" replies,  "Lord, I believe", then acknowledges that he needs help, "help, thou, my unbelief".  

Elder Holland emphasizes the point that this man had a strong desire to believe, and as we learn from Alma, we can let this desire work in us until it becomes belief.  The son is healed, and we learn great lessons about faith.

Elder Holland makes three main 

points in his talk:

• HOLD ON

He says, "In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited......hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes."

We've all heard the saying, when you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.  We can rely on our faith-building experiences and the testimony of the truths we do believe in when our faith is shaken or we have questions and doubts.  These become the 'knots' we hold onto.  Many sisters shared experiences that are ones that have helped their faith.   Sue Green reminded us that a great way to HOLD ON and remember our faith is to write our experiences and testimonies down so when we start to forget we can read and remember.

What do we hang on to? What experiences have shaped your faith?

Elder Holland said, "Even 

faith the size of a mustard seed is enough to move mountains.  The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue - it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know.  I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have.  I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have."

It's interesting that he uses the word "integrity" in relation to the faith we already have.  When he goes on to talk about the seed, it makes me think of the potential that little amount of faith has.

Do we have responsibility when we are given even a small amount of testimony?  Integrity is keeping our actions consistent with our belief, so what is the action we should take in relation to our little faith?

I think it has something to do with "Don't let those questions stand in the way of faith working it's miracle".  Even our little faith produces miracles, like the mustard seed.  We seem to think that those who do good works are those with big faith, but they aren't.  They are simply people who act on the little faith they have.  They exercise integrity.

"This is my constant prayer because it is the best I can do, and, it is enough.  I believe.  Help Thou Mine Unbelief.  What I know is that I have experienced God in this Church, notwithstanding every other doubt, dry spell, stupid thing someone has done, painful points of our history - I have experienced God.  I'll keep that.  I have question marks in my scriptures all over the place.  I add new ones all the time.  Over time, my question marks become periods and even exclamation points as answers or peace finally come."

• HOPE ON

Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation of moral courage than is an honest declaration of faith.  It is not.

The Book of Mormon calls "the greatness of the evidences." "Ye shall know them by their fruits," Jesus said, and the fruit of living the gospel is evident in the lives of Latter-day Saints everywhere.  As Peter and John said once to an ancient audience, I say today, "We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard," and what we have seen and heard is that "a notable miracle hath been done" in the lives of millions of members of this Church.  That cannot be denied.

Brothers and sisters, this is a divine work in process, with the manifestations and blessings of it abounding in every direction, so please don't hyperventilate if from time to time issues arise that need to be examined, understood, and resolved.  They do and they will.

Everyone is to walk by faith -- leap of faith, footsteps of faith -- faith is action.

"In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know.  And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith."  Faith is hope for something we cannot see.  We believe in the gospel truths and the teachings and hope that all things will work together for our good.

With the knowledge that each of God's children are required to walk by faith and that no one on earth has or ever will be perfect except Christ himself, we need to be patient and kind with them.  We shouldn't let the faults of our church leaders and teachers affect our testimony and shake our faith.

• JOURNEY ON

What would happen if this was posted in every bishop's office? Why are you here today? Does it require faith to be a member of our church? We are all human.

Even the term 'walk by faith' denotes that faith requires action.  Therefore, we need to use our faith to JOURNEY ON.  Elder Holland says, "When doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help.  If we want it as humbly and honestly as this father did (referring to the story in Mark)... God will send help from both sides of the veil to strengthen our belief."

Each of us has a quest for knowledge and testimony.  This requires effort on our part.  He's asking that as we hold on to what we know, have hope that things will work for our good and work to obtain a testimony of the things we don't know, we will find peace and comfort.

Elder Holland said, "I said I was speaking to the young.  I still am.  A 14 year old boy recently said to me a little hesitantly, "Brother Holland, I can't say yet that I know the Church is true, but I believe it is." I hugged that boy until his eyes bulged out.  I told him with all the fervor of my soul that belief is a precious word, and even a more precious act, and he need never apologize for "only believing."  I told him that Christ Himself said, "Be not afraid, only believe," a phrase which, by the way, carried young Gordon B. Hinckley into the mission field.  I told this boy that belief was always the first step toward conviction and that the definitive articles of our collective faith forcefully reiterate the phrase "We believe."  And I told him how very proud I was of him for the honesty of his quest."

Elder Holland bears a strong testimony of things he knows.  He says, "What was once a tiny seed of belief for me has grown into the tree of life, so if your faith is a little tested in this or any season, I invite you to lean on mine.  I know this work is Gods' very truth and I know that only at our peril would we allow doubt or devils to sway us from its path.  Hope on. Journey on.  Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe."

May each of us 

"Fan our Flame of Faith" 

each day so that our testimonies can 

grow and be strengthened.

Know Your Neighbor ~ Jessop's

The Jessop Family

Camille and Doug Jessop have lived in our neighborhood for almost six years.  They really like living here in Centerville.

Camille grew up in Bountiful as the second of six children and the oldest daughter in her family.  She graduated from Bountiful High School.  She then attended Utah State University and graduated in family and human development.  Camille enjoys reading history,  doing genealogy, traveling, getting to know people, and most recently being a grandma!  Her current calling in the ward is Relief Society chorister and she is enjoying this new challenge.

Doug grew up in Southern California as the oldest of four children and the only son in his family.  He graduated from California High School where he was in the chess club and participated in track and field.  He then attended Utah State University where he was on the debate team.  He was also a disc jockey for the campus radio station and at a local country station.  He graduated in broadcast management and business administration.  Doug works as a Senior Account Manager at Channel 4 Television (which also owns channel 30).  He enjoys gardening and working in the yard (he has an amazing back yard), classic cars, history, aquariums, collecting hats, and being a grandpa.  Doug is currently a financial clerk in the ward.

Camille and Doug met while they were both attending Utah State.  They met at a Relief Society homemaking meeting (not many couples can say that).  They started dating after Camille's roommate sent a Christmas card to Doug and signed her and Camille's names on it.  when Doug returned to school after Christmas break, he called Camille and asked her out.  They were married in the Salt Lake Temple a year and a half later.

Camille and Doug have four children.  Their oldest son, Michael and his wife Allison, live in Roy with their daughter Natalia, who is five months old.  Their daughter, Michelle and her husband Steven, live in Ohio where she is attending pharmacy school.  Their daughter Celise, is currently living in Logan and planning to move home to Centerville in July.  Their son, David and his wife Camas, live in Bountiful and are expecting their first child in November.  Camille and Doug also have a sweet dog named Molly, who is very friendly and wholeheartedly defends her territory.

As a family, the Jessop's like to get together for dinner or a barbecue to celebrate holidays and special occasions.  Camille and Doug love to travel together.  They also make it a point to go on a weekly date together.

We are happy to have the 

Jessop family in our neighborhood!

"Come into the Temple"

Taught by Becky S.

     *Through the temple ordinances we form sacred ties that can bind families together or time and eternity.

  
     We have received much wisdom and knowledge of things which astonish the world when we speak of them.  We have learned that, in temples, we are able to form ties which are not dissolved at death, but which reach into eternity; sacred ties which bind families together for time and eternity.

     "Like you, I don't want to lose any of my children.  I want to be together forever with all of my family. The temple gives all of us extra hope of continuing and improving these relationships, even after this life.  Sealings bestowed in the temple promise additional blessings" "The Temple is about families by: Richard H Winkel)

     *When we enter the temple with a pure heart, the Lord blesses us according to what He knows is best for us.

     It may be safely anticipated that every faithful Saint who enters that House will receive a blessing that will give much satisfaction to the recipient.  Before those who would enter the Temple (leave) it, somethings (will) arise in their hearts and understanding which (will) be serviceable to them in their future lives.  To this, as true latter-day Saints, they (are) entitled.

     D&C 109:22  And we ask thee, Holy father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them.

     *In temples we receive the ordinances of exaltation in behalf of our kindred dead.

     "Just as our Redeemer gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for all men and in so doing became our Savior, even so we, in a small measure, when we engage in proxy work in the temple, become as saviors to those on the other side who have no means of advancing unless something is done in their behalf by those on the earth" President Hinckley

     *We should strive to perform temple and family history work, even if it requires sacrifice on our part.

     "If you have been to the temple for yourselves and if you live within relatively close proximity to a temple, your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly.  There is much to be done in our temples in behalf of those who wait beyond the vail.  As we do the work for them, we will know that we have accomplished what they cannot do for themselves.  President Joseph F. Smith, in a mighty declaration, stated, "Through our efforts in their behalf, their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them, and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties"  My brothers and sisters, the work is ours to do."  (The Holy Temple-a Beacon to the World, by President Thomas Monson)

     Do you know what will be the main labor during the thousand years of rest, (the Millennium)?  It will be that which we are trying to urge the Latter-day Saints to perform at the present time.  Temples will be built all over this land, and the brethren and sisters will go into them and perhaps work day and night in order to hasten the work and accomplish the labors necessary before the Son of Man can present His kingdom to His Father.  This work  has got to be accomplished before the Son of Man can come and receive His kingdom to present it to His Father.

Book of Mormon Class ~ Helaman 3

Taught by Sue G.

The Book of Mormon is not primarily a history of ancient inhabitants of the Americans, rather, as stated by Moroni in the title page of the Book of Mormon, it is holy scripture which bears witness of Christ and shows how the Lord deals with people.  It's contents are intentionally selected to give us hope and encouragement, to warn us against evil and to continually remind us of the power of the Savior's Atonement to cleanse and heal as he invites us to return safely to Him and the Father.

Mormon is an inspired master teacher.  As he begins, he will seemingly casually mention pride, as if it were just a side issue.  But before this chapter is over, he will develop the theme of pride more, demonstrating that it can grow into a spiritually devastating illness among members.  

(Helaman 3:33-34)

Helaman pauses in his record to tell about the large group of Nephites who left Zarahemla and migrated to the North.  They establish nine thriving civilization that covers the entire land and building houses, Temples and synagogues.  He verifies that many records were kept during this period chiefly by the Nephites.  He returns to his record to say that Helaman is filling the judgement seat with justice and equity, walking in righteousness.  Tens of thousands are converted to the Church and are baptized.  The Church prospers exceedingly.  Helaman dies and his son Nephi assumes the judgment seat.

We read that these Nephites become expert in using cement to construct not only their houses, but entire cities.  Trees were few, so other means had to be devised.   Mormon provides many historical details stating that these people were experts in the use of cement, a claim which was much criticized early on by Book of Mormon critics, but one that has now been well proven by archeological findings.   In fact, cement began to be used extensively in Meso America around this time (46 B.C.).  Found in the Valley of Mexico, the oldest known concrete has been dated at approximately 200 B.C. after which it was used on a large scale as exemplified in the immense ruins of  Teotithuacan near Mexico City. In Guatemala archaeologists have unearthed 2,000 year old cement tombs and burial vaults.  (Helaman 3:7)

Next Mormon mentions the people of Ammon, (the Lamanite converts who joined the Church during the 14 year missions of the four son's of Mosiah).  They were originally known as the Anti-Nephi-Lehis. (Alma 23:17)  The 2,000 stripling soldiers, led by Helaman some 13-15 years ago at this point in the Book of Mormon history, were son's of these converts.

Mormon seems to almost always use the word dissensions meaning apostatasies in conjunction with people leaving the Church and/or adopting wicked lifestyles. (Helaman 3:14)

A repeating theme of the Book of Mormon is that righteousness brings prosperity, not only spiritually but also in terms of physical and financial well-being. 

The great increase in Church membership among the Nephites before the coming of the Savior is similar to the great increase in members of the Church in our last days before the second coming,  This prosperity and growth of the Church is almost startling to many of us and the rapid growth in the days of Helaman, surprised the leaders of the Church in his day.  (Helaman 3:25-26)   There was a training meeting where a member of the quorum of the twelve was told by way of prophecy, to stop thinking in terms of 10-15 million members of the Church, rather they were counseled to raise their sights to 50-100 million and beyond as they prepare for modern-day growth in the Church.

We are told that the Nephites response to persecution included:

• fasting
• prayer
• increased humility and faith
• yielding their hearts to God

Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, "It is only by yielding to God that we can begin to realize His will for us.  And, if we truly trust God, why not yield to His loving Omniscience.  After all, He knows us and our possibilities much better than we do"  (Helaman 3:35)

Major concept:
In order to become pure and holy, we must yield our hearts to the Savior.  Helaman 3:28

Redemption

Taught by Jeanine M.

Last conference Elder Christofferson spoke about the meaning of the Redemption.  

He defined two parts to the redeeming atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  

The first is to redeem us from the Fall by providing a way for us to over come our physical death.  This redemption is unconditional.  

The second aspect redeems us from our own sins.  He says, "Because we are accountable and we make the choices, the redemption from our own sins is conditional---conditioned on confessing and abandoning sin and turning to a godly life, or in other words, conditioned on repentance."

Click the link: 

The Parable of the Stranded Daughter

For an enlightening story about Jeanine's husband and daughter.

President Eyring told us how he turns to the Savior to have a godly life.  He said, "I experienced the joy of coming closer to the Savior and of His coming closer to me most often through simple acts of obedience to the commandments."

It is also important to remember that "The atonement also satisfies the debt justice owes to us by healing and compensating us for any suffering we innocently endure." Elder Christofferson 

This is helpful to remember if we have been the victim of tragedy or trial that might affect our family or our development.  It is also helpful in regards to choices our children make.  President Eyring gives us the following promise: "My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family.  But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you and your family with what is best.  You will have the comfort of His love and feel the answer of His drawing closer as you reach out your arms in giving service to others.  As you bind up the wounds of those in need and offer the cleansing of His Atonement to those who sorrow in sin, the Lord's power will sustain you.  His arms are outstretched with yours to succor and bless the children of our Heavenly Father, including those in your family." Elder Christofferson

In the story of Les Miserables, Jean Valjean has been in prison for 19 years.  He can't find work and is poorly mistreated.  He finally ends up finding food and shelter for a night with Bishop Bienvenu.  That night he steals some silver and is later caught.  When he is brought before the Bishop, the response is, "But I gave you the candlesticks also.. Why did you not take them along with your plates?".  He then tells Jean Valjean to take the silver and to become an honest man.  Jean Valjean does just that and he leads a selfless life helping those in need.

This story is a perfect example of someone who helps redeem another soul.  In turn, that person redeems himself and others as he lives a life of service.  We have all covenanted at baptism to provide support and service to others.  We do this collectively as a Relief Society, a ward and a church community.  We are also obligated to do individual acts of service.  we do this through serving in our callings, being good visiting teachers, doing redemptive work for the dead in the Temple and bringing our families and those around to Christ.

"The greatest service we can provide to others in this life, beginning with those of our own family, is to bring them to Christ through faith and repentance so they may experience His Redemption-peace and joy now and immortality and eternal life in the world to come." Elder Christofferson

"Every covenant servant of His within His kingdom on earth and in the spirit world will receive His guidance by the Spirit as they bless and serve others for Him.  And they will feel His love and find joy in being drawn closer to Him." President Eyring

May we all not "wave him on", but beckon him in and find peace and joy through the blessing of the  atonement.

June 2013 Calander

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*Tonight is the Neighborhood WALK-ABOUT!

It starts at 6:30pm.

Wander around to the yards @ 

Pages ~ 347 Willow Wood Drive

Haddocks ~ 352 Willow Ridge Circle

Willis's ~ 1612 North 400 West

We will munch and mingle for fun!!!

Bring your neighbors!!

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HAVE YOU HEARD!!!!

Yeah!!!!!

The Month for our 

Summer Social and Service Activity 

has arrived!!

IT'S THE:

SNAZZY SISTER SWITCHEROO

Thursday, JUNE 27th 6:30pm

We will be exchanging women's clothing, 

jewelry, and accessories

as well as children's clothing and accessories.

(No mens items please)

Bring your items to Leila's house 

(368 Willow Ridge Circle) 

by June 26th.

You will be able to just "shop" through everything and pick whatever you want.

All leftover items will be donated to the 

Women's Shelter.

This will be such a fun evening 

out together!!!

Be sure to join us!!

*No need to donate to come :)

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*Also note your calendar for 

"Project Joy" 

our Women's encampment at Terry's cabin 

~ August 2nd and 3rd ~

This is the BEST TIME EVER!!!

You don't want to miss!

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The Book of Mormon Class is every Tuesday evening at Sue's House ~ 371 Willow Ridge Circle

 7:30pm

If you've never come you are missing out on some awesome discussions about not only the 

Book of Mormon but Family and Life!

It is AWESOME!!!

Come and join in.....you will be so glad you did!

*There will be no Pinterest Group during the Summer.

We will pick it back up in September.