What's in a name. Feb 26th

The link to "Our Heritage" has not been working for a couple of weeks. Here is a link to a PDF file of the whole book: http://www.lds.org/gospellibrary/ourheritage/OurHeritage35448000.pdf


It is interesting that it took eight years before the church had an official name. It had been called the Church of Christ or The Church of Latter-day Saints. But the official name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives both ownership to the Lord and to the Saints. This, to me, is a great metaphor that we are in partnership with the Lord. That though He has power to do much more than we could dream of, he is giving us a partnership, a symbiotic relationship. We desperately need Him and He needs us, both necessary for the growth of the church and the progress of individuals.

Prophets and Armor. Feb 25th

Sections 21 and 27
It had to have been so surreal for Joseph to receive revelation and read back over it. Also, a relief to receive such direct, revelation to be written and referred to. For instance, vs. 7-8:

"For thus saith the Lord God: Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard. Yea, his weeping for Zion I have seen, and I will cause that he shall mourn for her no longer; for his days of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and the manifestations of my blessings upon his works."

How very important and necessary it is to have a prophet, and one who has all the keys of the kingdom and priethood. One who is a seer, who sees with spiritual eyes, a translator to give clearer meaning to words of our language or other languages, a teacher of truth, the teacher of truth on the earth, a special witness of Christ. And there is just one at a time, with all the keys, to reduce confusion and chaos, though he has apostles called as prophets to counsel and support him. We are told not to deify prophets, for they are men. They are men who have made good choices, just like we are capable of making, but they have actually made those choice and lived the life they should (and continue to work at it daily, just as we do). They have my respect and love and more. Praise to the man, indeed.

Section27: I have always loved the imagery of the armor of God. We have been given our bodies. Now, we have to make a conscious choice to protect our bodies and spirits. I will quote from the DC manual as it is written well :

"We have the four parts of the body that. . . [are] the most vulnerable to the powers of darkness. The loins, typifying virtue, chastity. The heart typifying our conduct. Our feet, our goals or objectives in life and finally our head, our thought. . . We should have our loins girt about with truth. . knowledge of things as they are, things as they were and things as they are to come. . . We shall have over our hearts a breastplate of righteousness. . [with which] we can judge between right and wrong. Your feet, objectives or our goals, should be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. And then finally the helmet of salvation. . salvation is to be saved from death and saved from sin."

Condensed Plan. Feb 23rd

In 1830, Joseph Smith was 24 years old. Could he, at the age of 14, have and any thought that he would be the means of organizing a church? He didn't ask God to verify that there was no true church. He ask which of the available churches was right. Then he entered into a steep learning curve and deep pondering of the doctrines of the gospel that he would bring forth. Then at the right time the Lord designated, at 24 years old, Joseph Smith is ordained the first elder of the church, the one to receive revelation for a group of people, and also for the world. Simple amazingm not to mention translating The Book of Mormon, going through major issues with associates and teaching his family and others about what he is learning.

I think it is interesting that as an introduction to the establishment of an official church and it's administrations, that the Lord states to the world that Joseph needed to receive a remission of his sins, which he did, but then became entangled in sin again, but he took care of it again. And knowing that this revelation came through Joseph, must have been a very humbling process in and of itself. Receiving words that display your mistakes to the world, then having the integrity, wisdom, humility and obedience to actually have them published, says something of the importance of alligning yourself with the will of God and the divine mission the prophet Joseph must have felt in helping God "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." This stuff isn't just made up by man, this is part of a great plan by the great Author.

Here are some great "one-liners" the sum of the importance, or definition of truths:
vs 7 "And gave unto him commandments, which inspired him." I have heard a lot of reasons for commandments and explanations, but this, I think, is the best. Commandments are to inspire us.

Also vs 11 "Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; "

vs12 Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen

Verses 17-28 are a quick run through of the history of man and the necessity of a Savior. This is common in all of scripture when teaching someone unaware of the Plan of Salvation to begin with the beginning of man.

Verses 29-34 talk about the importance of repentance, enduring, sanctification and justification. And here's the kicker: "But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God; Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation; Yea, and even let those who are sanctified take heed also." No one is immune to making mistakes, so we must always be diligent in keeping ourselves in line with the principles of the Gospel.

Section 20 is just a condensed version of everything that makes sense, but still leaves room for pondering.

I stand corrected

Correction from the Feb 8th post:
After the Sunday School lesson today, and talking with Mark, I learned there are two prayers that close "In the name of the Father, the of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost": the baptism prayer and the marriage sealing prayer. Which lends even more significance and importance to the ordinance that allows you enter the gate to the kingdom of heaven and the ordinance that allows you to enter the highest degree of the celetial kingdom. Very interesting. . .

Feb 23 - 27 readings

"The Only True and Living Church"
Mon, Feb 23: Doctrine and Covenants 20:1–36, 68–69, 75–79
Tues, Feb 24: DC 21
Wed, Feb 25: DC 27
Thurs, Feb 26: DC 115:1–4; Our Heritage,pages 14–16
Frd, Feb 27: Isaiah 29:14 D&C 27:6, 12–14 Daniel 2:44 D&C 65:2 Revelation 14:6–7

Blessings, duty and honor. Feb 20th. Long one.

Blessings
I have asked Mark a couple of times throughout our marriage, what it's like to give a priesthood blessing to someone. What is it like knowing that you are the mouthpiece for Heavenly Father? He has not been able to describe it very well to me, but has mentioned things like, feeling in tune and just feeling like what he is saying is right. I've wondered how during a blessing the voice will often say "we bless you. . . " or somehow indicate the voice in one way or another has a bit of a bias, which makes sense, but is the bias too biased? Anyway, I've been reading in the Priesthood manuals this week, the DC student manual and a book by John Widstoe and while I was reading the scripture regarding Nephi and the sealing power came to mind:

Helaman 10:5 "And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."

I don't know why this hasn't occured to me before, at least with as much meaning as it did today (line upon line I suppose), well maybe it's because I always assumed that this scripture should be taken in the context of the relationship of a prophet and Heavenly Father/Jesus Christ. I didn't think that today. When a worthy Priesthood holder gives a blessing and is properly prepared, the will of the Lord will either be revealed to him, or what the holder is saying is in line with the will of the Lord and it is upon the faith of the receiver (and also the giver) that the words are accepted as such. Big responsibility, don't you think? I do think one of the blessings that a Priesthood holder receives when he gives a blessing is that he receives the grace the Savior offers. Because no man is perfect, he must have the faith that whatever he lacks at the time of the blessing, the Savior will make up for, for the benefit of the giver and the receiver. Which is probably one of the reasons why the blessings are closed with ". . in the name of Jesus Christ."

Differences
I have struggled in the last few years to come to a proper understanding of why men hold the priesthood and women don't. My questioning is not that of angry feminist, but just out of curiousity. I've concluded this: there's really no comparison between men and women regarding who "gets" the priesthood, because I don't think Heavenly Father meant the topic to be a source of comparison. I've never really felt comfortable with saying men have the priesthood and women have babies, in trying to explain why women do not hold the priesthood, because it's usually said in a manner that tries to justify a woman's existence and power and I don't think a woman's existence or extent of power needs to be justified. It just is. Men and women have human powers. Men and women have godly powers. What matters is what we do with those powers, how we appreciate, respect and operate with those powers and if we remember where those powers come from, both the human and godly powers. When we are asked, "How do you obey and honor the priesthood?" Our answer should be given with the context of God's power, not man's power. Obeying and honoring the priesthood is not obeying and honoring the man administering the in the priesthood, but obeying and honoring God. This is a duty required of both man and woman. We have a duty to honor Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We can respect Priesthood holders, but Dieties get the honor and obedience.

The DC student manual has a great enrichment section on the priesthood you can read. There is a thought-provoking story at the end of enrichment M, after the summary. It is about fulfilling our duties while operating under the administration of Priesthood holders, but directing operating under Heavenly Father. I highly suggestion reading it.

I have many other feelings about the Holy Priesthood. I understand the need for it and my need for it, at least to this point in my life. I understand enough to know that it is larger than I can truly understand and requires my faith in following. This is one of the things that I look forward to grasping the big picture of, someday when my brain can handle it.

Review. Feb 19th

The link for "Our Heritage" is not working today for some reason, both from my blog and from the Sunday school manual. It is a short review of what we've read the last few days. I will not write anything today, but hope to write tomorrow regarding my feelings of the Priesthood.

Keys and blessings. Wed, Feb 18th

Another proof of the necessity of learning line upon line: The Priesthood was restored in 1829, but the keys for gathering Isreal, the keys to seal, the keys of the dispensation, were restored in 1836. Nearly seven years that Joseph surely knew about the possibility of sealings as well as the necessity of the gathering, but knew he must wait for the right time. Joseph was very good at waiting. He was very patient. This is a good thing for me to read and think about. I may have referenced this before, because such a great thought, but Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: "Patience is a willingness, in a sense, to watch the unfolding purposes of God with a sense of awe and wonder, rather thanf pacing up and down the cell of our circumstance."

Here is a really great scripture to ponder upon concerning the Priesthood: JS-H 1:74 (one scripture beyond the reading)
"Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of. In the meantime we were forced to keep secret the circumstances of having received the Priesthood and our having been baptized, owing to a spirit of persecution which had already manifested itself in the neighborhood. "

Now this comment comes after Joseph adn Oliver received, first the Aaronic Priesthood, then they were baptized, the Holy Ghost descended upon them at that time, but they did not have the Melchizedek Priesthood to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost. But after these two ordinances their minds were enlightened, they understood the true meaning and intention of scripture. This enlightenment came of desire, obedience and action. All men and women are able to have the same enlightenment provided they follow the same course. Good stuff.

Records. Tues, Feb 17th

I was reading in the Priesthood manual today and it said that every priesthood holder should have their priesthood lineage, that is, who ordained them, who ordained them, who ordained them all the way back until Jesus Christ to Adam. Here you have the lineage in the scriptures. 84:6–30

And this greater apriesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the bkey of the cmysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the dknowledge of God.

Is one of the keys of the mysteries of God orderliness and organization? I think so.

Therefore, in the aordinances thereof, the power of bgodliness is manifest. I'm going to have to think about this one.

The Priesthood is one of the truths and topics that I feel like I only know facts about, but not the real purpose. I hope to delve into this topic a little deeper this week, gather my thoughts and write a little more at the end of the week.
107:1–20

Organization. Mon. Feb 16th

Doctrine and Covenants 13; 20:38–67; 27:12–13
Here is what I think is amazing: Joseph Smith experienced "the first vision" in 1820, the priesthood was not given to him until 1829. Here's what happened during those nine years:

• Joseph discovered that he could ask God a question and had faith he would receive an answer, as the Bible directed and learns that Satan is real.
• Joseph received his answer, also discovering the God has a body as well as Jesus Christ, that he is known to both, that he has a mission, that ancient scripture is in fact true and the prophecies contained therein must be fulfilled, among other things.
• Joseph is visited by Moroni four times, who rehearses scripture, again verifying their truth and necesity and introducing the necesity of new scripture, which he would have part in bringing to light according to the time and will of God.
• People come to Joseph to help the will of God go forth
• Translation of The Book of Mormon begins
• Joseph and others learn about the workings of the Spirit, callings from the Lord, and have many opportunities to repent including the biggie of continually asking for something they shouldn't and then losing the manuscript
• Joseph is told to look forward to the revelation of the Priesthood
• He learns how Satan works and why

There are many, many more things that he learned that are recorded and even more he learned that are not recorded. My point in listing all of these things is that Joseph and others interested learned core truths necessary for righteous living and having a relationship with God and Jesus Christ before the Priethood of Aaron was restored. This is so intriguing to me! This exemplifies the truth that the things of God must be learned line upon line precept upon precept. I think this is so intriguing because nearly 200 years after the first vision, we have gotten so used to having the priesthood available that it almost become a question of which came first, the chicken or the egg? After Joseph and others learned core truths, then they were ready to be organized. Enter the Priesthood. Now, I know that the Priesthood is the power to act in the name of God and there is great power in that. But more and more I appreciate the Priesthood in it's two categories: 1)organization and 2) to bless people personally and in a variety of ways. The two categories are often intertwined and I appreciate that, but I seem to have a clearer understanding when I appreciate them seperately.

A good organization is based on rules that will stand, that will always be, that will maintain organization and not chaos. Here are the extremely basic rules for the organization: men will have the priesthood, there will be two levels of priesthood, Aaronic and Melchizedek, each will have their own duties so that we know that each duty will be performed. Can we question the order of this organization? Yes. Can we even fight against the order of this organization? Yes, we are given that right. But for the sake of the organization, to be organized as was intended (by God, by the way) the rules must stand.

My thoughts are not finished about this (and I don't expect they will be for a while which is a hopeful and lovely thing) and I will enjoy thinking more about the Priesthood this week. Please share you thoughts, I'm very interested to here different perspectives.

Readings Feb 16th - Feb 19th

The Restoration of the Priesthood

Mon, Feb 16th: Doctrine and Covenants 13; 20:38–67; 27:12–13
Tues, Feb 17th: 84:6–30; 107:1–20
Wed, Feb 18th: 110:11–16; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–73
Thurs, Feb 19th: Our Heritage,pages 11–14.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost. Thurs, Feb 12th

I do not know everything. I have a small glimpse of the purpose of life and am still discovering my own purpose. The members of the Godhead know everything. Members of the LDS church believe that there are three seperate members of the Godhead, with three seperate bodies/beings, not all three in one personage. I think this is amazing. I think it is amazing that we have Heavenly Father, who is the master of all, the Father who sent His Son, the Father of our spirits, He is in charge. We have Christ who atoned for our sins, who died so that we may live spiritually and physically and experience joy. Then we have the third member of the Godhead who makes sure we know all of these things and more. There are a few reasons I can think of why there needs to be a third member, when the first two seem to have quite enough power to do whatever they need and we need. 1. The rule of witnesses - Heavenly Father needs two witnesses. 2. We need to have some degree of tangible proof of direction, guideance, an indication of love and the experiences of feeling true joy, which can only come by the designated vehicle of the Holy Ghost. I am so very grateful for this. I'm sure there are many more reasons. What do you think?

Baptism. Wednesday, Feb 11

There is no parable here. The commandment to be baptized is not in parable form only for those who have ears to hear. We must be baptized of the water and spirit:

John 3:3-5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Mosiah 18:10: "Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"
Baptism is your witness to Heavenly Father that you will follow Him and the Savior by the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Perhaps receiveing the Holy Ghost is a witness to you from Heavenly Father that He will help you keep your covenant.

DC 20:73: "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." Is there any other prayer in the church that is invoked in the name of all three members of the Godhead? I can't think of any. This is quite significant. I hadn't thought of this before.

DC 68:25: "And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. "

I take this pretty seriously. I've heard people question whether the age of eight is really appropriate to make such a huge decision. It is my opinion, having an eight year old, is that they are capable of making such a decision, though their spectrum of accountability is narrow, since their life-knowledge is narrow. It is a great parental leap of faith to teach and encourage children to be baptized and hope that they follow in suit, especially when you have observed the behavior of the child, good and bad. Most eight-year-olds have the tools to make good choices, though this is highly variable according to how seriously the parents have taught them right from wrong, up until this point in life and how to make choices. So, whether the child is prepared for baptism, in my mind, is almost completely the responsibility of the parent teaching responsibility and accountability to the child and a test of faith more for the parent than the child. When in Moroni (addressed to Elders of the church) it says to: "teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children." Parents need to have faith that eight-year-olds need to be baptized. What better hope can a parent have than to know their child has access to the gift of the Holy Ghost for a guide when they are not there?

Repentance. Tues, Feb 10th

D&C 58:42–43, D&C 1:32, 58:42, ; D&C 109:53: Here's an interesting thing about repentance and being human: for some reason when we sin, we think that have completely failed and we have a tendency to put off repentance because we feel so badly about failing at something that God commands. Here's hope for us: "he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." I feel that Heavenly Father sees our failures as progress, He's just waiting for us to see it that way. This doesn't mean we shouldn't take our sins seriously, if we don't, repentance is not real. But perhaps we assume Heavenly Father's love is conditional because of our actions, because sometimes the love we show each other is conditional, i.e. he hurt me, therefore I love him less. Not true with Heavenly Father. He loves us because we are part of Him, because we have great potential. He may wish that we make wiser choices because He knows we will be happier if we do, but His love for us is constant no matter what we think of ourselves.

Alma 5:13, Alma 7:14 What is a change of heart? How are we born again? I think this is when you realize what you really are - a human being with human tendancies, hoping for real joy and realizing that because of human tendancies, you really can't achieve true joy on your own. This is when your heart is broken and your spirit is contrite. You cannot do this on your own. You need the miracle of Christ's atonement. . . . .

D&C 18:11–13 ; D&C 19:16–19 ; 2 Nephi 2:6–9, . . . . . which is described in these verses. Reading these verses just makes me amazed. So, I wonder, if we know this, why is it we don't repent faster than we do? Pride. It think we don't seek repentance because of pride. We think we can deal with it ourselves, or we've rationalized that we've made the right choice, when we really haven't. Sometimes we don't want to admit we're wrong, sometimes we think we deserve to live in shame and should punish ourselves, sometimes we make the happiness from our choices pass for joy, but it's really not. There are many facets of pride. In fact, my favorite talk "Beware of Pride" by President Benson is worth reading at least once a year.

D&C 1:33, 19:17–18, D&C 29:17, This doesn't sound great. If you don't repent.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Mon, Feb 9th

I think I will just highlight each reference given and comment a little. Or a lot.

Joseph Smith—History 1:11–14, Joseph Smith—History 1:29 The Joseph Smith references teach us that faith is learning something and acting upon what that nugget of knowledge my dictate. Also that we can have confidence that we will receive answers.

D&C 19:23 "walk in the meekness of my spirit and you shall have peace." faith =peace? Most of the time. But sometimes not. We don't receive peace until we are in line with the will of the Lord. Until we reach that point, we can feel quite tumultuous.

88:118. "all have not faith. . . but seek ye out of the best books. Keep your mind open, keep learning, learn what you need to know so you can catch the answer when it comes. Also, this from the BD: "Although faith is a gift, it must be cultured and sought after until it grows from a tiny seed to a great tree."

Alma 32:27 Awake and arouse your facalties, just have a small desire. You might not have the time for it, but let it stay within you, and when the time is right, there will be a place for it and you will act upon it.

D&C 20:69 works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures. You've got to read the manual to know how it works.

James 2:14–17 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" No!! Why not? The Bible Dictionary definition: "Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true (Heb. 11: 1; Alma 32: 21), and must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. The Lord has revealed himself and his perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in him without reservation. Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith (Rom. 10: 14-17)."
This would imply that faith is a state of belief, but the Bible Dictionary continues with this: "All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for." Which leads us to the next scripture:

D&C 8:10"but without faith you can DO nothing." Faith and works are inextricably tied together. It is a cycle. A great one.

D&C 35:9 "whosoever shall ask in faith IN MY NAME. . . . they shall cast out devils. . . . heal the sick. . " Stop and pause before you say "in the name of Jesus Christ" and consider the power you are invoking regarding the things you said in your prayer. This though makes me straighten up my prayers (in continual works).

42:48–51 also Moroni 7:33 Our faith is subject to the will of God, "he who has faith, and is not appointed to death, shall be healed"

63:9–11 signs follow faith. Answer, indications, promptings.

D&C 10:46–52 is a prime example of something happening because the will of the Lord is the same as the will of the prophet, or vice versa. We look on it this request of the prophets and think, well of course the gospel has gone forth to all people, or is in the process, but the prophets didn't know that. But what they asked for was in perfect allignment of Heavenly Father's will. It happened. Isn't that lovely?

One other thought on faith comes from "The Lectures on Faith."
"Three things are necessary for true faith: (1) an idea that God does exist, (2) a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes, and (3) the assurance that one's course of life is according to and harmonious with God's mind and will." #1 becomes factual in one's mind when accepted. #2 is in constant development. That is, I did not understand the role of a father as well until I became a parent, I didn't understand the need for justice until I was dealt with unjustly, I didn't understand the need for mercy until I was in despair. My understanding of God's characters, perfections and attributes become more clear as I experience life. #3 is a precious truth to me. That even though my faith in God is continually evolving (proportional to how much work I put into it), I can still know if the course of my life is harmonious with God's mind and will. Now, that is merciful and wonderful. I like faith.

Feb 9 - 14 readings

There are no more than 13 scripture references in this weeks reading. So I've taken the references from the teacher's manual. Since this is topical study, there is a lot of skipping around. Thank goodness for quick links! The theme this week is "First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel", so we'll take a principle each day.

Mon, Feb 9th, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ : Joseph Smith—History 1:11–14, Joseph Smith—History 1:29, D&C 19:23; 88:118; Alma 32:27, D&C 20:69; James 2:14–17, D&C 8:10 , D&C 35:9; 42:48–51; 63:9–11; Moroni 7:33, D&C 10:46–52.

Tues, Feb 10th, Repentance: D&C 58:42–43, Alma 5:13, D&C 18:11–13 ; D&C 19:16–19 ; 2 Nephi 2:6–9, (Alma 7:14), D&C 1:33, 19:17–18, D&C 29:17, D&C 1:32, 58:42, ; D&C 109:53

Wed, Feb 11th, Baptism: D&C 18:22; 49:13–14, 2 Nephi 9:23; 2 Nephi 31:10–13, 17; Mosiah 18:17, D&C 20:37 ; Mosiah 18:8–10, D&C 76:51; John 3:3–5; Romans 6:3–4. D&C 22; D&C 20:72–74; D&C 20:71; 29:46–47; 68:25; Moroni 8:9–12

Thurs, Feb 12th, Gift of the Holy Ghost: D&C 130:22; D&C 33:15; 35:5–6; D&C 20:41; D&C 20:77; . Fuctions of Holy Ghost:

a. D&C 18:18; 39:6; 42:14; 75:10; 79:2. (He is a teacher; see also John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Nephi 10:19; Moroni 10:5.)

b. D&C 39:6. (He is the Comforter; see also John 14:16.)

c. D&C 42:17; 100:8. (He is a testifier; see also John 15:26; Alma 5:46.)

d. D&C 11:12. (He leads us to do good, walk humbly, and judge righteously.)

e. D&C 11:13; 76:10. (He enlightens our minds and fills our souls with joy.)

f. D&C 84:33. (Through Him we are sanctified; see also 3 Nephi 27:20.)

g. D&C 31:11; 75:27; 84:85. (He inspires us in where to go, what to do, and what to say.)


Fri, Feb 13th, Endure to the end: 2 Nephi 31:19–20 ; D&C 14:7; D&C 24:8

Hope you don't get dizzy!

Indications. Thurs. Feb 5th

Wed, Feb 4th : DC 11, 50:23–24, DC 9

I didn't check the online student guide with the actual student guide, we were supposed to read section 9. So, today I'll post about both. Plus, I had a crazy day yesterday!

I love to talk about how people feel the spirit. It seems to be a little different for everyone and many times different with every circumstance, which keeps us on our spiritual toes! I am really grateful that the Savior has provided us with guidelines to understand guidelines. Here are some of the ways listed in sec 9 and 11 in which we can feel the Holy Ghost:

• It will feel right
• your bosom shall burn
• your mind will be enlightened
• your soul will be filled with joy
• He will lead you to do justly
• He will lead you to walk humbly
• He will lead you to judge righteously
• He will lead you to do what is good

There are many other ways that people receive answers through the Holy Spirit: words come to your mind, feelings come to your heart, your skin gets prickly, etc. It is my opinion that crying is not feeling the Holy Ghost, but one's reaction to feeling the Holy Ghost. I had a friend who didn't cry very often. She didn't share her testimony in sacrament meeting much because she was afraid that if she didn't cry people would think her testimony wasn't strong or relevant. Bah!

The Savior, thankfully, also provides us with the opposite of feeling the Holy Ghost, just so we have that distinction in helping us along the path:

• you will not have burning in bosom
• you will not feel that it is right
• you will have a stupor of thought
• you will forget the thing which is wrong

There is one other thing I think is worthy of note. Oliver Cowdery was told to study it out in his mind, then to ask if it is right. This, in my opinion, does not mean that the formal answer will come after the formal question is asked. The process of studying it out in you mind is like taking a long conversational walk with the Holy Ghost. There may be little enlightenments along the way that must be credited to the Holy Ghost, not just the epiphany at the end of a quest. While sometimes I get impatient with the longer walks I've taken, I can appreciate that I won't know answer y until I know what to plug into the equation. Sometimes I start with knowing some of the variables, sometimes I don't know any of the variables. But I have confidence in the promise "knock and ye shall receive" where ever I am in the process of investigation.

Gifts. Feb 3rd

Tues, Feb 3rd : DC 8, D&C 85:6

"Yea, thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest"

Today I was impressed by the importance of gifts. Oliver Cowdery was told that he has two gifts: The Spirit, or knowing what the Spirit says (and this before he was baptized) and the gift of Aaron. By using both of these gifts he will be delivered and will receive answers to his questions. He is told to "apply unto" his gift and it will deliver him. He is told "whatsoever you ask by that means (gift of Aaron), that will I grant. I guess I just never considered that answers will come through the gifts that I've been given (other than the obvious - or sometimes not so obvious - gift of the Holy Ghost). So, I'm going to have to do some pondering and remembering about what my gifts are and how I've possibly received answers in the past by "applying to" these gifts.

There are a few things that are implied when thinking about using spiritual gifts to receive answers. 1. That you actually know what your gift(s) are. 2. That you are conscious of your
gift(s) and keep them current, that is work to keep them in your life and apply them. This will be a good exercise for me, and a personal one, so I won't publish my results. I will say this about gifts though: often in conversations about gifts and talents we have, musical abilities and outward acts are brought to attention first. While these things are definitely talents and are very useful in feeling the Spirit, I feel like we need to dig a little deeper. After all, the Savior talked about gifts given (see DC 46 ), and musical talent was not included (again, not defaming musical talent, but perhaps the cause of the musical talent or purpose?). It is also worthy of note that spiritual gifts can be attained, not just given. What spiritual gift do you want? Go for it. But be ready for any answer :).

Here are a few quotes that are in the DC student manual pertaining to personal revelation. Pres. Packer lists some things we can do, guidelines, to prepare ourselves to receive personal revelation. They are Sunday School answers. Which means THEY ARE IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO REPEAT AT LEAST EVERY SUNDAY UNTIL WE GET IT THROUGH OUR THICK HEADS!! Myself included.

• Keep the Word of Wisdom
• Read the scriptures
• Listen to your parents and to the leaders of the Chruch
• Stay away from places and things that common sense tells you will interfere with inspiration.
• Develop your spiritual capacities.
• Learn to tune out the static and the interference.
• Avoid the substitutes and the counterfeits!
• Learn to be inspired and directed by the Holy Ghost.
• Pray and spiritually listen.
• Be prepared to learn line upon line.

Also by Pres. Packer: "I am persuaded, my brothers and sister, that it is irrational to hope to escape the lusts of the world without substituting for them as the subjects of our thoughts the things of the Spirit." and "It may be that you are not doing anything wrong. It may be that you have not done the right things long enough. Remember, you cannot force spiritual things."

Two or Three Witnesses. Feb 2nd

Mon, Feb 2nd : Doctrine and Covenants 6

Jesus Christ seemed concerned in this section that Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery are sure that they have received information, confirmation and direction from the Holy Ghost. In fact in vs 28 he gives the notorious "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." But in previous verses He points out personal experiences to verify this process and truth:

• vs 14: "as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time."
• vs 15: "Behold, thou knowest that thou thast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth"
• vs 16: "I tell thee , that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart."
• vs 23: "Did I not speak peace to you mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?"
• My favorite: "Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee." How much more proof do you need to know that the Savior knows you than Him verifying that He knows your name.

It is wonderful that we can receive answers and confirmation of who we are from God. It is wonderful that the Spirit offers identifiable feelings, thoughts and experiences to indicate answers. Sometimes though, when we receive answers, we recognize them and hopefully act upon them, but there are other answers that come that we don't recognize until the question/situation is over with. I'm going to think back on answers I've received and ponder on the peripheral answers that I didn't give much attention to, but have blessed my life.

Feb 2-6th readings

We are reading section 6 and 8 over again, but focusing on how the Holy Ghost communitcates with us.

Mon, Feb 2nd : Doctrine and Covenants 6
Tues, Feb 3rd : DC 8, D&C 85:6
Wed, Feb 4th : DC 11, 50:23–24
Thurs, Feb 5th : D&C 8:2–3 D&C 128:1 D&C 9:8–9 D&C 136:32–33 D&C 42:61