Here is the last of my catch up before church today :-). See you shortly!
With much love,
Debbie
September 5, 2010
We had a wonderful Fast and Testimony meeting, started by Br. Pinto. He talked about searching our lives to see if our daily activities lead up to our ultimate goal of eternal life. He thanked all those who helped his family to move. He testified that in times of need, our prayers are answered by those around us – by people freely giving service to others.
Others that followed said that service is the essence of the gospel and that service is learned by example. One shared an experience of being able to help others and feeling grateful for having been able to serve. One member expressed that they have hope and peace and that they have us to thank for it. Another wondered where the power comes from to be able to go forth in faith and concluded that it came from knowing where the power came from. That’s when miracles occur, especially when serving others. Another shared an experience of talking with a neighbor about the gospel. They said that we shouldn’t be afraid to say that we are Mormon.
The last testimony talked about the time after the war in heaven. Our requirement was to come to Earth and finish the race. We don’t have to come in first; we just need to finish. Individually we can’t accomplish the race. We need to help our neighbors during the race. We need to finish together as a family and as a ward.
September 12, 2010
Laurie A was called to serve on the FHE committee. It is her first calling in the church, as she has only been a member since July 18.Cindy W was asked to talk about a favorite conference talk, and she chose “The Blessing of Scripture” by D. Todd Christofferson. She recounted the story of William Tyndale, who was strangled and burned at the stake, whose crime was to have translated and published the Bible in English. Tyndale, born in England, sought the approval of church authorities to translate the Bible into English so that all could read and apply the word of God. When they said no, Tyndale traveled to Germany, under an assumed name, where he lived much of the time in hiding. He finished the translation, had it published and smuggled into England, where they were in great demand.
Cindy then told us 3 ways that Scriptures help us. 1. – The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to him and the Father. 2. – The scriptures are the standard for distinguishing truth and error. God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. 3. – The scriptures bring us to Christ, our redeemer.
Dean D spoke on conference talks as well. Instead of talking about his favorite from the past conference, he spoke about memorable ones through the years. He started with the story from Mosiah when King Benjamin gave his great address. Everyone gathered and pitched their tents with the door toward the temple. King Benjamin had a tower erected so that everyone could hear him. Then Dean paraphrased the scripture and likened it to general conference. We all gather every 6 months to listen to the prophets. Pres Grant used radio so that all could hear, Pres. McKay expanded general conference to TV, Pres. Kimball utilized satellite TV and Pres. Hinckley the internet. In October we will all have the chance to watch or listen to our leaders.
As a missionary Dean had the question, “What does a living prophet say today?” posed to him a number of times. Dean then gave us highlights from many talks through the years; Boyd K. Packer’s talk about hard things, Bruce R McKonkie’s last testimony before he died…. He then tied them all together by telling us that all the talks he had mentioned had been given during either the Priesthood or Relief Society of conference. Dean encouraged us all to watch or listen to all the sessions of conference.
