Joseph and Emma Quilt lesson - July 7, 2015 by Dana Erikson

July 7, 2015

The lesson was based on the information given about the quilts on the back wall of the RS room. I contacted Susan Echols who was the maker of the quilts a few years back, she since then has moved out of our ward.  

-Dana Erikson

 "Sister Emma", Quilted by Susan Echols, pattern by Jodie Warner.

 "Brother Joseph", Quilted by Susan Echols, pattern by Jodie Warner.

HERE IS A COPY OF SUSAN'S EMAIL that gives the information the lesson was based on:

I was approached by President Louis Seletos in 200?? asking for ideas for the back wall in the Relief Society room of the Glendale North Stake Center.  At that time, the wall was covered with a  floor to ceiling sheer curtain behind which extra chairs were stored.  This was all going to be done away with and he wanted something relating to Relief Society on that blank wall.  Several months previous to this, I had been in SLC at Mormon Handicraft and found the the Brother Joseph and Sister Emma patterns.  I liked them so I bought them thinking I would use them at a later date.  At the moment I was talking with President Seletos, those patterns came to mind and I knew exactly what needed to go up on that wall.  In following the pattern, I tried to use only civil war reproduction fabrics as they would most closely resemble the fabrics available at that time.  It took several months and I felt like my machine applique abilities were truly enhanced.  I then sandwiched them together with backings and machine quilted them on my personal sewing machine.  I then showed them to President Seletos who wanted them put in a frame behind glass.  He went with me to the frame shop and allowed me to choose the frame.  With quilts in hand, my first thought was that the frames should be very ornate.  However, once the quilts were placed next to the frames, it was clear that more simple lines would look best.  Several weeks later, the frames were placed on the wall by church physical facilities personnel.
I can only recall one true change.  In the original patterns Joseph and Emma are looking opposite each other.  I turned Emma’s silhouette to face her beloved Joseph.  The following is a description of the symbolism by the original pattern designer, Jodie Warner.
Susan Knudsen Echols
"BROTHER JOSEPH" QUILT - BLOCKS DESCRIPTIONS & MEANINGS
(listed roughly clockwise on quilt photo from upper left)
PORTRAIT BLOCK - adapted from painting by D. A. Weggland
CHILDREN OF ISRAEL BLOCK traditional block; the translated Book of Mormon becomes a sitness and tool for preachng truth to Abraham's seed as promised.
VERMONT PATCHWORK BLOCK traditional block; birthplace of Joseph Smith 
GROVE TREE PANEL  "In accordance with . . . my determination to ask God, I retired to the woods . . . "
LOG CABIN BLOCKS While in Palmyra, the family worked together to clear sixty acres of heavy timber, to bild a 1 1/2 story log cabin as family home.
PRESIDING KEY when Priesthood keys were restored in 1829, Joseph Smith became the presiding authority for this dispensation
WORLD-WITHOUT-END BLOCKS traditional block; Joseph Smith received divine revelation leading to the building of temples with eternal blessings
MARTYR'S CROWN BLOCK W. W. Phelps poetized that Joseph Smith would be 'crowned in the midst of the prophets of old'.
SUGAR MAPLE LEAVES PANEL The Smith family livelihood while Joseph was young involved harvesting sap to produce syrup

"SISTER EMMA" QUILT - BLOCK DESCRIPTIONS AND MEANINGS
(roughly clockwise from upper left)
MOURNING BLOCK A quilt of this crazy-patch style is displayed in the Nauvoo Mansion House, reportedly made by Emma from clothing belonging to the martyred Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum.
HARMONY BLOCK Traditional block commemorating Emma's place of birth
PORTRAIT BLOCK
HEARTS OF HER CHILDREN PANEL Emma mothered 11, including adopted twins. Only 5 survived beyond infancy. Just days preceding her own death, Emma reported a dream of the afterlife wherein the Prophet Joseph said to her, "Be patient and you shall have all of your children."
HAND OF FRIENDSHIP BLOCK "I took by the hand on that night, my beloved Emma . . . the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart."
BASKETS OF CHARITY  BLOCKS Emma's life in Nauvoo was filled with caring, administering for instance to malaria sufferers before the swamp was drained.
RELIEF SOCIETY KEY BLOCK "I now turn the key in your behalf."
MANY HOMESTEADS PANEL From the early years of their married life until settlement in Nauvoo, Emma and the Prophet had to move many times, often being "put up" by Church members.
MANSION HOUSE PANEL remembering the spacious home where Emma and the Prophet could host and welcome many.
DRUNKARD'S PATH PANEL Prior to the adoption of the Word of Wisdom, Emma objected to the use of chewing tobacco an alcohol being consumed in her General Store

HIDDEN POCKETS PANEL On Feb. 15, 1839, Emma and her children crossed the frozen Mississippi to escape Missouri. Under her skirts in two cotton bags, Emma carried the manuscript for the "inspired" Bible translation.

A lesson about Friendship

Thank you Krista Stone for the amazing lesson you taught today.

Here is a brief summary:

By: Elder Monte J. Brough of the Seventy

Friendship is a wonderful gift.  The more often we give it, the more often we receive it.  I hope we are all grateful for quality friends. And may we all seek to be truly good friends-to bring out the best in each other and help each other live righteous lives.

What are some qualities that you look for in a good friend?

Loyalty, kindness, thoughtfulness, humor, ability to listen, strong testimony

Latter-day Saint women, strong in faith and testimony, have truly been given the "errand of angels." Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: "Every sister in this church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God."

What are some of the trials we go through where we could use the support of a good friend"

Cancer, death of spouse or family member, infertility, depression, loneliness, health problems, divorce, suicide, financial responsibilities, out of work, drug abuse

The fellowship of  true friends who can hear you out, share your joys, help carry your burdens, and correctly counsel you is priceless.  For one who has been in the prison of depression, the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith have special meaning when he said, "How sweet the voice of a friend is; one token of friendship from any source whatever awakens and calls into action every sympathetic feeling." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 134.)

President Ezra Taft Benson said, "To lose yourself in righteous service to others can lift your sights and get your mind off personal problems, or at least put them in proper focus. "When you find yourselves a little gloomy, said President Lorenzo Snow, "look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated."

How to Share the Gospel Effectively

Thank you Jessica Christensen for the wonderful lesson you taught today.  The Spirit was so strong. If you missed this lesson, please visit here to read it. It's a good lesson for all of us.

Here is a brief summary of the lesson:

"I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideas but rather love them into doing the thing that is right." George Albert Smith

Jessica talked about how we need to bless every soul we come in contact with and not judge them, love them and invite them to feel the spirit through your actions and thoughts. 

Here are the key points of the lesson:

1) Daily, seek to attain charity for all men

2) Gain/solidify personal testimony

3) live with true happiness

4) Acknowledge already existing strengths and virtues in others

5) Using existing strengths and virtues as a foundation, present the more complete truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ with boldness and kindness

Revelation from God to his Children

Dear Sisters,

Thank you to Lora Johnson for teaching a wonderful lesson Sunday about receiving revelation from God in our own lives. Here is a brief summary:

Heavenly Father guides us individually and as a church through the Holy Ghost.

At the beginning of the lesson Lora talked about a powerful experience that George Albert Smith shared in a conference talk about an airplane flight to Salt Lake City. She had a sister summarize the story. This is what she said:

He talks about the flight he was on and how it was really foggy. He couldn't see anything. He thought to himself...How are they flying this plane? We are going to crash. He was really nervous. He asks the pilot, how are we not getting lost? This is really scary. The co-pilot explained that in this head peace they can hear a beep if they get off course of the beam and they hear humming if they are on course. Then they arrived safely.

President Smith closed his story by saying the following:

"Not only has the Lord given us the advice already recorded in the scriptures to guide us but he has placed a leader in this Church, one of his sons who has been chosen and ordained and set apart to be the President. He is our pilot and he will be directed by a voice that will enable him to lead us where we should go. If we are wise we will not set up our judgement against him but will be happy to honor him in his place as long as the Lord Sustains him."

Lora asked us all to think about the fog in our own daily lives. She said the beam is the path to our eternal life and the humming is the Holy Ghost letting us know we are on the right path.

Lora shared this quote by George Albert.

"My advice to you is to get the Spirit of God and keep it and the only way we will retain it is by living near him, by keeping his commandments. Listen to the still small voice that will always direct you if you are worthy of it in a path that means eternal happiness."

Lora asked us all to pray to receive our own revelation about the truths of the church and the commandments. She said we are entilted to know these things. Through prayer and keeping the commandments you will grow closer to Heavenly Father and will be able to receive personal revelations and hear the still small voice to keep you on the path of happiness.

For the complete lesson visit here.

Becoming Truly Converted

Dear Sisters,

Thank you to Sarah Allred for teaching a wonderful lesson on Sunday about being truly converted to the Gospel. Here is a brief summary:

The Gospel is all encompassing and should permeate every aspect of our lives. We need to strive to be truly converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ask yourself this question, “How has your life changed as you have become more or less converted to the Gospel?”

Many sisters shared how their lives have changed as they have become converted to the Gospel. Some of the things that were shared are listed below:

• The Gospel has brought happiness that I never knew existed and that happiness grows each and every day as I strive to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
• The Gospel brought me exposure to good women who taught me so many great things and most importantly taught me how to be a good mother.
• Remember that conversion is a process. The Gospel has great depth and you understand more as you experience different things in life. Each experience gives us insight and hopefully makes us more humble and grateful for all that we have. Conversion is not one great event, but in the process of life.
• If you want to know if the Gospel is true, live like you believe it and you will get your answer.
• For helps in making decisions that will lead you on the path of true conversion, ask yourself, “In what choice am I going to fine lasing happiness?”

Sister Allred presented a personal poll for us to take to tell us where our conversion is at. The questions are as follows:

1. Have I experienced or witnessed acts of deity in my life? When you do experience such things, which you will recognize as you live close to the Spirit, make sure to record it in your journal. If you record such experiences they can buoy up your testimony and anchor you in times of trials.
2. Is your perspective one of hope or fear of the days ahead? Read and study D&C 122 and look for ways in which the Lord was able to change Joseph Smith’s perspective.
3. When I see someone else not living the Gospel, is my attitude one of sadness or judgment?
4. Do you, like King Benjamin’s people, have no more disposition to do evil but to do good continually?

Let us all strive a little more to more fully converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sunday Lesson Synopsis

If you were not in RS on Sunday, we missed you!  Here is a very brief synopsis of the lesson: 

TFOT lesson: You Matter to Him by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:  taught by Amber McBride

We Are Not Forgotten

Another way Satan deceives is through discouragement. He attempts to focus our sight on our own insignificance until we begin to doubt that we have much worth. He tells us that we are too small for anyone to take notice, that we are forgotten—especially by God.

…At the time, Big Spring, despite its name, was a small, insignificant, and unknown place. And I often felt exactly the same way about myself—insignificant, unknown, and quite alone. Even so, I never once wondered if the Lord had forgotten me or if He would ever be able to find me there. I knew that it didn’t matter to Heavenly Father where I was, where I ranked with others in my pilot training class, or what my calling in the Church was. What mattered to Him was that I was doing the best I could, that my heart was inclined toward Him, and that I was willing to help those around me. I knew if I did the best I could, all would be well.

And all was well.¹⁵

The Lord doesn’t care at all if we spend our days working in marble halls or stable stalls. He knows where we are, no matter how humble our circumstances. He will use—in His own way and for His holy purposes—those who incline their hearts to Him.

God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history. They are the blessed, humble souls who emulate the Savior’s example and spend the days of their lives doing good.¹⁶

You Matter to Him

My dear brothers and sisters, it may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember—you matter to Him! If you ever doubt that, consider these four divine principles:

First, God loves the humble and meek, for they are “greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”¹⁷

Second, the Lord entrusts “the fulness of [His] gospel [to] be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world.”¹⁸ He has chosen “the weak things of the world [to] come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones”¹⁹ and to put to shame “the things which are mighty.”²⁰

Third, no matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities, how ordinary your appearance, or how little your calling in the Church may appear to you, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. Together, they form a lasting testimony of your fidelity and faith.

Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him.²¹ Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.

Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”²²

Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.

God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him.

May we ever believe, trust, and align our lives so that we will understand our true eternal worth and potential. May we be worthy of the precious blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for us is my prayer in the name of His Son, even Jesus Christ, amen.

Opportunities to Do Good

 Dear Sisters,

Thank you to Julie Gundersen for teaching a wonderful lesson this week.  Here is a brief summary:

"Opportunities to Do Good" by Henry B. Erying

"Try a little harder to be a little better." 
— Gordon B. Hinckley

We are not talking about service to feel bad at what we don’t do.  We don’t need to compare to others and what they can juggle. To get down on ourselves. 

With that said I hope this lesson is motivating enough to help us all want to do more.

Thomas Monson…..I am confident it is the intention of each member of the Church to serve and to help those in need. How many times has your heart been touched as you have witnessed the need of another? How often have you intended to be the one to help? And yet how often has day-to-day living interfered and you’ve left it for others to help, feeling that “oh, surely someone will take care of that need.”

Why does God give us commandments to serve and ask us to look for opportunities to do good?

·         Because he wants us to progress and have joy

·         2 Nephi 2:25:  Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

Our agency is essential to existence and progression.

*again following the commandments is for our benefit and learning. By us looking for opportunities to do good we are greatly blessed

President Marion G. Romney said, “You cannot give yourself poor in this work.” And then he quoted his mission president, Melvin J. Ballard, this way: “A person cannot give a crust to the Lord without receiving a loaf in return.”

Henry B. Eyring: I have been grateful for those who helped me meet my needs. I have been even more grateful over the years for those who helped me become self-reliant. And then I have been most grateful for those who showed me how to use some of my surplus to help others.

What blessings come from serving our family?

·         Relationships, Trust, Greater love, Memories

Wise parents see in every need of others a way to bring blessings into the lives of their sons and daughters.

What can we teach our children that can bring them happiness?

·         Teach them how to serve (as it will bring them closer to their Heavenly Father and bring them joy):

Our actions of service will speak the loudest to our families.  When we serve them and others they will notice.

Henry B. Eyring suggests:  Draw your family into the work with you so that they can learn to care for each other as they care for others. Your sons and daughters who work with you to serve others in need will be more likely to help each other when they are in need.

Community:

Often we live side by side but do not communicate heart to heart. There are those within the sphere of our own influence who, with outstretched hands, cry out, “Is there no balm in Gilead?”

David O. McKay made this statement: “Man’s greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others.”

What blessings come from directly involving ourselves and serving with our community?

·         Feel more united, Happier, Influence those around us for good, Love for those we serve

President J. Reuben Clark Jr.: “Giving has … brought … a feeling of common brotherhood as men of all training and occupation have worked side by side in a Welfare garden or other project.”4  The feelings of unity will multiply the good effects of the service you give. And those feelings of unity in families, in the Church, and in communities will grow and become a lasting legacy long after the project ends.

Thomas S. Monson shared poem.

I have wept in the night

For the shortness of sight

That to somebody’s need made me blind;

But I never have yet

Felt a tinge of regret

For being a little too kind.

Marriage between a man and a woman is a vital part of God’s plan

Dear Sisters,

Thank you Lexy Perry for teaching a great lesson on Eternal Marriage.  Here is a brief summary of the lesson:

Gospel Principles lesson #38  Eternal Marriage. 

What are the blessings of an eternal marriage in this life and in eternity?

1. Our marriage can last forever: Death can part us from one another only temporarily. Nothing can part us forever except our own disobedience. This knowledge helps us work harder to have a happy, successful marriage.

How can an eternal perspective influence the way we feel about marriage and families?


2. Family Relations can continue throughout eternity: This knowledge helps us be careful in teaching and training our children. It also helps us show them greater patience and love. As a result, we should have a happier home.
3. An Outpouring of the Spirit on our marriage as we remain worthy: As long as we were married in a temple by the proper authority.
4. We can live in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom of God.
5. We can be exalted as God is and receive a fullness of joy. 

What can we do to help youth prepare for eternal marriage?

President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “Marriage is perhaps the most vital of all the decisions and has the most far-reaching effects, for it has to do not only with immediate happiness, but also with eternal joys. It affects not only the two people involved, but also their families and particularly their children and their children’s children down through the many generations. In selecting a companion for life and for eternity, certainly the most careful planning and thinking and praying and fasting should be done to be sure that of all the decisions, this one must not be wrong” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 193). 

What can we do to encourage young people to set a goal to be married in the temple? How can we help them prepare for this?

An eternal marriage should be the goal of every Latter-day Saint. This is true even for those already married by civil law. To prepare for an eternal marriage takes much thought and prayer. Only members of the Church who live righteously are permitted to enter the temple (see D&C 97:15–17). We do not suddenly decide one day that we want to be married in the temple, then enter the temple that day and get married. We must first meet certain requirements.

When you ask for a temple recommend, you should remember that entering the temple is a sacred privilege. It is a serious act, not something to be taken lightly. We must seek earnestly to obey every covenant that we make in the temple. The Lord has said that if we are true and faithful, we will enter into our exaltation. We will become like our Heavenly Father. Temple marriage is worth any sacrifice. It is a way of obtaining eternal blessings beyond measure.

Moments Make Up Eternity

Dear Sisters,

Thank you Laurie Martin for teaching a great lesson on Precious Moments and Relationships.  Here is a summary of the lesson:

The longer we live the more we realize Life is Precious and Fleeting…

We need to try to pay attention to those moments and actively enjoy, create, participate in the moments that build closeness to others and bring us nearer to God.

President Monson gave a talk entitled………. Finding Joy In The Journey …… President Monson talked about the things that matter most as we go through life and it boils down to relationships.

Relationships:  the heart of our lives,,,Life is so much happier when we enjoy the relationships we are blessed with and that are a part of our lives.

Situations and stages in our lives have an impact on our relationships……we have these relationships and then we have these situation and stages that often result in feelings (Positive or Negative)

Feelings…….sometimes we let ourselves be defined by our feelings : loved, offended, hurt, angry….In general conference in his talk Desire  Elder Oaks said to being with a desire for Christ like attributes and then ask God for help with our “feelings” .  I believe this affects our relationships too. The Lord will refine us if we allow Him to. 

He will help us ask ourselves the proper questions to view the situations that happen with an eternal perspective giving others the benefit of the doubt instead of stewing over a situation for days.

“Have you ever noticed that people can usually find whatever they are looking for? Look hard enough and you can discover both good and bad in almost anyone and anything. “

Looking For The Good  - President Uchtdorf

In the quote from President Uchtdorf’s talk, is basically “what we look for we find”…. So if 95% of relationship is good don’t obsess on the 5% that is bugging you.

Give others the benefit of the doubt……..when we consider them as people with similar thoughts, feelings, insecurities, needs, like ourselves…..we are able to think about the situations differently.

We enjoy the relationships in our lives more when we are secure enough in ourselves to know we are of worth and  when we believe we are strong enough to reach out to others, to forgive, to overlook, to help.

We are not mortal beings having spiritual experiences but spiritual beings having mortal experiences….

….we don’t have to “prove” or “defend” how wonderful we are …….because we are automatically of great worth…….Every sister in this room has wonderful qualities and gifts…..I could take the next hour and go around the room telling you the wonderfulness I see….even in those of you I don’t know well.  If you are brand new……I can still see great 1^st impression wonderfulness….we also each have quirks about us too….hopefully we can overlook each other’s quirks and focus on the wonderfulness.  Our wonderfulness is not diminished by how others treat us!!

…..are you living in harmony with your values and the things you have learned in life? …..self-esteem comes from doing what you believe to be right or important…….no one else can give it to you…….

Look for the good in your relationships and enjoy the moments that makeup eternity!

“Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world”… Of Things That Matter Most President Uchtdorf

As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten

Dear Sisters,

Thank you Tara Larsen for leading a great discussion on this lesson.  Here is a brief summary:

"As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten" by Elder Christofferson 

^{Story of the Currant bush:}

God uses another form of chastening or correction to guide us to a future we do not or cannot now envision but which He knows is the better way for us. President Hugh B. Brown, formerly a member of the Twelve and a counselor in the First Presidency, provided a personal experience. He told of purchasing a rundown farm in Canada many years ago. As he went about cleaning up and repairing his property, he came across a currant bush that had grown over six feet (1.8 m) high and was yielding no berries, so he pruned it back drastically, leaving only small stumps. Then he saw a drop like a tear on the top of each of these little stumps, as if the currant bush were crying, and thought he heard it say:

“How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. … And now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me. … How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.”

President Brown replied, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down.’”

Years later, President Brown was a field officer in the Canadian Army serving in England. When a superior officer became a battle casualty, President Brown was in line to be promoted to general, and he was summoned to London. But even though he was fully qualified for the promotion, it was denied him because he was a Mormon. The commanding general said in essence, “You deserve the appointment, but I cannot give it to you.” What President Brown had spent 10 years hoping, praying, and preparing for slipped through his fingers in that moment because of blatant discrimination. Continuing his story, President Brown remembered:

“I got on the train and started back … with a broken heart, with bitterness in my soul. … When I got to my tent, … I threw my cap on the cot. I clenched my fists, and I shook them at heaven. I said, ‘How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything I could do to measure up. There is nothing that I could have done—that I should have done—that I haven’t done. How could you do this to me?’ I was as bitter as gall.

“And then I heard a voice, and I recognized the tone of this voice. It was my own voice, and the voice said, ‘I am the gardener here. I know what I want you to do.’ The bitterness went out of my soul, and I fell on my knees by the cot to ask forgiveness for my ungratefulness. …

“… And now, almost 50 years later, I look up to [God] and say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.’”⁵

God knew what Hugh B. Brown was to become and what was needed for that to happen, and He redirected his course to prepare him for the holy apostleship.

If we sincerely desire and strive to measure up to the high expectations of our Heavenly Father, He will ensure that we receive all the help we need, whether it be comforting, strengthening, or chastening. If we are open to it, needed correction will come in many forms and from many sources. It may come in the course of our prayers as God speaks to our mind and heart through the Holy Ghost (see D&C 8:2). It may come in the form of prayers that are answered no or differently than we had expected. Chastening may come as we study the scriptures and are reminded of deficiencies, disobedience, or simply matters neglected.

In all of this, God’s purpose is that we, His children, may be able to experience ultimate joy, to be with Him eternally, and to become even as He is. Some years ago Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.”1

The Spirit of Revelation

Dear Sisters,

Thank you Lila McCleery for teaching a wonderful lesson on the Spirit of Revelation.  Here is a brief summary:

TFOT Lesson: The Spirit of Revelation by David A. Bednar

Revelation is communication from God to His children on the earth and one of the great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The Holy Ghost is a revelator,” and “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations”

Elder Bednar’s talk describes 2 patterns for receiving Revelation.

Immediate and Intense – “A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once.  Many of us have experienced this pattern of revelation as we have been given answers to sincere prayers or been provided with needed direction or protection, according to God’s will and timing.   Descriptions of such immediate and intense manifestations are found in the scriptures, recounted in Church history, and evidenced in our own lives.  Indeed, these mighty miracles do occur.  However, this pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common.”

Subtle and Gradual – “The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept”.  Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation.   Such communication from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon our souls as the dews from heaven”.   This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare.”

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery gained valuable experience with the spirit of revelation as they translated the Book of Mormon.   These brethren learned they could receive whatever knowledge was necessary to complete their work if they asked in faith, with an honest heart, believing they would receive.  And over time they increasingly understood the spirit of revelation typically functions as thoughts and feelings that come into our minds and hearts by the Power of the Holy Ghost.   As the Lord instructed them: “Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.   Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it.”

Next weeks lesson:

July 31: "As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten" by Elder Christofferson

Family Responsibilites

Dear Sisters,

Thank you Lori Olson for teaching a wonderful lesson on Family Responsibilities.

Here is a summary for those of you who missed it:

Gospel Principles lesson #37 “Family Responsibilities” 

Responsibilities of the Parents

Each person has an important place in his or her family. Through prophets the Lord has explained how fathers, mothers, and children should behave and feel toward one another. As husbands, wives, and children, we need to learn what the Lord expects us to do to fulfill our purpose as a family. If we all do our part, we will be united eternally. In the sacred responsibilities of parenthood, “fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Some responsibilities must be shared by the husband and the wife. Parents should teach their children the gospel. The Lord warned that if parents do not teach their children about faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sin will be upon the heads of the parents. One of the best ways parents can teach their children is by example. Parents should understand that sometimes children will make wrong choices even after they have been taught the truth. When this happens, parents should not give up. They should continue to teach their children, to express love for them, to be good examples to them, and to fast and pray for them.

Responsibilities of the Father “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). A worthy father who is a member of the Church has the opportunity to hold the priesthood, making him the priesthood leader of his family. He should guide his family with humility and kindness rather than with force or cruelty. The scriptures teach that those who hold the priesthood should lead others by persuasion, gentleness, love, and kindness (see D&C 121:41–44; Ephesians 6:4).

The father should spend time with each child individually. He should teach his children correct principles, talk with them about their problems and concerns, and counsel them lovingly. Some good examples are found in the Book of Mormon (see 2 Nephi 1:14–3:25; Alma 36–42). It is also the father’s duty to provide for the physical needs of his family, making sure they have the necessary food, housing, clothing, and education. Even if he is unable to provide all the support himself, he does not give up the responsibility of the care of his family.

Responsibilities of the Mother  President David O. McKay said that motherhood is the noblest calling (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 156). It is a sacred calling, a partnership with God in bringing His spirit children into the world. Bearing children is one of the greatest of all blessings. If there is no father in the home, the mother presides over the family.

President Boyd K. Packer praised women who were unable to have children of their own yet sought to care for others. He said: “When I speak of mothers, I speak not only of those women who have borne children, but also of those who have fostered children born to others, and of the many women who, without children of their own, have mothered the children of others” (Mothers [1977], 8).

Responsibilities of the Children Children share with their parents the responsibilities of building a happy home. The Lord has commanded children to honor their parents. He said, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land” (Exodus 20:12). To honor parents means to love and respect them. It also means to obey them. The scriptures tell children to “obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).

President Spencer W. Kimball said that children should learn to work and to share responsibilities in the home and yard. They should be given assignments to keep the house neat and clean. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 120.)

Accepting Responsibilities Brings Blessings

A loving and happy family does not happen by accident. Each person in the family must do his or her part. The Lord has given responsibilities to both parents and children. The scriptures teach that we must be thoughtful, cheerful, and considerate of others. When we speak, pray, sing, or work together, we can enjoy the blessings of harmony in our families. (See Colossians 3.)

The Family Can Be Eternal

Dear Sisters, 


Thank you Lexi Perry for leading a great discussion on how we can help strengthen our families and prepare them for eternal life.  


Gospel Principles lesson #36  "The Family Can Be Eternal"


Here is a brief synopsis of the lesson:



Why is the home the best place to prepare for eternal life?
 President David O. McKay said, “With all my heart I believe that the best place to prepare for … eternal life is in the home
At home, with our families, we can learn self-control, sacrifice, loyalty, and the value of work. We can learn to love, to share, and to serve one another.

The Eternal Family

Families can be together forever. To enjoy this blessing we must be married in the temple. When people are married outside the temple, the marriage ends when one of the partners dies. When we are married in the temple by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, we are married for time and eternity. If we keep our covenants with the Lord, our families will be united eternally as husband, wife, and children. Death cannot separate us.

How to Have a Successful Family

President Harold B. Lee taught, “The most important of the Lord’s work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 134).

Satan knows how important families are to our Heavenly Father’s plan. He seeks to destroy them by keeping us from drawing near to the Lord. He will tempt us to do things that will draw our families apart.

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared, “Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

The family is the most important unit in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church exists to help families gain eternal blessings and exaltation. The organizations and programs within the Church are designed to strengthen us individually and help us live as families forever.

Here are some ways to help strengthen your families: 

1. 1. 
   Have family prayer every night and morning (see 3 Nephi 18:21). Pray together as husband and wife.
2. 2. 
   Teach children the gospel every week in family home evening.
3. 3. 
   Study the scriptures regularly as a family.
4. 4. 
   Do things together as a family, such as work projects, outings, and decision making.
5. 5. 
   Learn to be kind, patient, long-suffering, and charitable (see Moroni 7:45–48).
6. 6. 
   Attend Church meetings regularly (see D&C 59:9–10).
7. 7. 
   Follow the counsel of the Lord in D&C 88:119: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”
8. 8. 
   Keep a family history, perform temple work together, and receive the sealing ordinances of the temple.