Book of Mormon class - Alma chapter 63

Taught by Sue G.

     We are now coming to the end of the Book of Alma. Basically the Book has covered about 39 years.  We will be bidding farewell to Moroni and watching as some Nephites spread out to settle other lands. Moroni dies at about age 42 or 43.  He was 25 years old when he was appointed to be commander-in-chief of all the Nephite armies. (Alma 43:17)
     
     In individual council to his sons, Alma commended Shiblons steadiness, faithfulness, patience, diligence and long-suffering.  Shiblon had not faltered even though he had been imprisoned and stoned by the apostate Zoramites. Alma promised his son who had been faithful since his youth, that if he would continue trusting in God, he would be delivered doubt of his trials and be lifted up at the last days.  Alma bore testimony to Shiblon that only in and through Christ can one be saved. That is, saved from Spiritual bondage.     
     
     After Helaman dies, Shiblon assumes responsibility for the sacred records his nephew Helaman takes the records when Shiblon dies. Both are righteous men. copies of the records other than those forbidden by Alma are made and distributed among the people of the land.  Moroni dies. approximately 5,400 Nephite men, along with their wives and children, leave the land of Zarahemla and go into the land to the north. 

     The Book of Mormon records that the Civilization expanded into the land north ward.  A man named Hagoth constructed a ship to transport men, women, children and provisions by way of the west sea to the land northward.  While this ship was gone, Hagoth built other ships.  On a subsequent trip the first ship was lost.  One other ship also sailed and was lost.
     Latter day Saints believe groups such as these, became the ancestors of the Nephites, the polynesian  peoples of the Pacific.  This belief is substantiated by statements made by several general authorities.

     Elder Mark E. Petersen said, "The Polynesian Saints are characterized by a tremendous faith.... Why do they have this great faith?  It is because these people are of the blood of Israel.  They are heirs to the promises of the Book of Mormon.  God is now awakening them to their great destiny.  As Latter-day Saint we have always believed that the Polynesians are descendants of Lehi and blood relatives of the American Indians, despite the contrary theories of other men."

     Stuart Meha a Maori sent a telegram to President Joseph F smith asking if his people perhaps were descended from Hagoths people.  Pres. Smith replied, "I would like to say to you brethren and sisters from New Zealand, you are some of Hagoth's people, and there is NO perhaps about it."

     President David O Mckay said in a prayer about the Polynesian people, "We express gratitude to these fertile Islands thou didst guide descendants of Father Lehi and hast enabled them to prosper."
     

Sacred Family Relationships

Lesson taught by Beth G.

Anticipating his 70th birthday, President Lorenzo Snow called together a family reunion. 

“The more I reflect upon this subject of a family reunion,” he wrote, “the greater are my anxieties and desires for a family gathering, that I may see you all once in my life, and give you a father’s blessing.”

He urged them to let nothing prevent their attendance “except the most serious and insurmountable obstacles.” 

Why is a family reunion so important?

 … Those connections formed here, that are of the most enduring character, shall exist in eternity.”

A question to ponder: If we don't create relationships here, will we have them in the next life?

All of my family live in the South. My son Jaris was called on a mission there. I have a cousin who wouldn't let anyone in. My momma warned Jaris that all my cousin wanted to do was go fishin! When Jaris knocked on his door and told him he was my son, he said, "come back tomorrow and we will go fishin. Jaris had already warned his mission president so he had permission to go fishing with him. He was able to teach him and he was baptized after Jaris was transferred.

Our relationships give us a grounding connection and security.

I only had one living grandparent, my grandmother who lived next door. I could run to her anytime I had some troubles. Now that I don't live by her, I love to go to Hobby Lobby because there is a section with a candle that smells just like her house. I would tell my kids how good it smelled and make them smell it so they would know a part of her.

Now that I am a grandmother, I will do just about anything to keep my children and grandchildren close. I do lots of things to help build our relationships and we truly enjoy being together. There's nothing better than sitting together on the front porch in the rocking chairs, teaching them the proper way to rock!

Family relationships are sacred and can grow stronger in eternity.

The Lord has shown us that if we are faithful we will associate with each other in an immortal and glorious state; that those connections formed here, that are of the most enduring character, shall exist in eternity.

Faithful Latter-day Saints who are unable to marry or raise children in this life will be able to receive all the blessings of exaltation in the life to come.

People who have no opportunity of marrying in this life, if they die in the Lord, will have means furnished them by which they can secure all the blessings necessary for persons in the married condition. The Lord is merciful and kind, and He is not unjust.

When husband and wife enjoy a oneness of feeling, they encourage love and kindness in the home.

Gary, being a banking numbers man, was always a little exasperated at our check book. He wanted to do something one time and I said, "We can't, just look at the check book". He picked up the check book, looked and just threw it down on the counter. Gary is not one to argue or get upset. Our son came in that night crying and said, "Don't get a divorce".  Just that small thing upset him.  

Hold your tongue until you are calmed down. Your children or grandchildren are watching you. You are the example.

Children learn the gospel best when their parents seek inspiration and set good examples.

Strive to teach your children in such a way, both by example and precept, that they will unhesitatingly follow in your footsteps and become as valiant for the truth as you have been.

Tina S. shared a comment that she thought she was seeking inspiration through prayer with the challenges of raising her children, but that she had really only barely tapped into inspiration. She found that she really needed to study the scriptures and become more spiritually in tune. Doing that allowed her to truly love her children more, be a little less frustrated and gain more patience with them. This allowed a better relationship and in effect, gave her a better position to be of influence. 

May we all cultivate and strengthen our 

family relationships!

Know Your Neighbor ~ Salt's

The Salt Family

Let's all join in welcoming the Salt family, who recently moved into our ward!  They moved from South Salt Lake and bought the Wallis’ house on 600 West. 

Cassie and Spencer met online.  They were married in August 2006 in the Salt Lake Temple.  They have two adorable sons--Brighton Alexander who is 20 months old, and new addition, Colin Kendall, who was born on March 18th.

Matthew Spencer (who goes by his middle name) grew up in Sugarhouse, Utah as the oldest of two children.  He graduated from East High School and served a mission in Houston, Texas.  Spencer attended the University of Utah and graduated with a degree in civil engineering.  He currently works as an engineer at Ovivo Water in West Valley.  He enjoys baseball and motorcycles.

Cassie grew up in Bountiful, Utah as the youngest of two children.  She enjoyed playing recreational softball from ages 8 through 19.  Cassie graduated from Bountiful High School.  She then attended the University of Utah where she majored in English with a minor in sociology.  She worked as a writer and editor at Alphagraphics until Brighton was born.  
Cassie now enjoys being a stay-at-home mom.  She also likes to read, write and exercise.  One of her favorite ways to exercise is walking hills.

Shortly after Cassie and Spencer were married they adopted a dog from the animal shelter.  Jack is an Australian Shepherd mix.  Cassie says he was their first baby, and he has become a friendly and loving member of their family.

Together the Salts enjoy playing softball and ultimate frisbee.  They love to be outdoors and go backpacking and camping.  Most of all they enjoy spending time together as a family.

We are happy to have the Salt family in our neighborhood and look forward to getting to know them better!