It's Almost Here!

Dear Sisters,

We are so looking forward to this Thursday and our 

"Day of Covenants"!

What an exciting time! We have looked forward to this experience over the last six months and it is almost here. We hope that you are all planning on joining us this Thursday, March 29th at the Salt Lake Temple.

Remember the schedule:

Baptisms for the Dead - 3:00 pm

Endowment Session - 4:00 pm

Chapel Meeting with Temple Presidency and Stake Presidency - 6:00 pm

Endowment Session - 7:00

 We look forward to spending time together in the Temple and in spiritually preparing for the upcoming General Conference.

See you there!!! 

Welcome to Celebrate the Christ!

We hope that while you visit today (either here in the building or wherever you may be…) you will feel inspired to comment on how your reading of Jesus the Christ or The Book of Mormon has helped you to draw closer to Christ and prepare for greater temple blessings.

Our Lord the Christ

By  JAMES E. TALMAGE

Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles

T

HE Man Supreme!

   In whom dwelt manhood in completeness and the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

   Under the Father’s empowerment the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

   Jehovah, The Eternally Existing One, who is from everlasting to everlasting, the I AM of eternity past, of time, and of eternity to come.

   Whom the Father called His Chosen, His Beloved Son, His First-born of spirits, His Only Begotten in the flesh.

   The Word who was in the beginning, who was with God, who was God, who was made flesh and dwelt among men.

   Foremost of all who have trodden the earth with mortal feet.

  The Babe of Bethlehem, the Boy of Nazareth, the Man of Sorrows acquainted with grief.

   My Elder Brother and yours.

   The Teacher Preeminent.

   He who was condemned as a malefactor, died as a mortal, rose as a God Triumphant.

   Redeemer of the race from death, Savior from the effects of sin, source of life eternal.  

   The first to come forth from the tomb a Resurrected Soul.

   The Conquerer of death and hell.

   He who shall come in like manner as He went and shall reign personally upon the earth with His Saints.

   He who shall deliver the Father the cleansed and purified earth, with its hosts of the redeemed, saying, “’I have overcome and have trodden the wine-press alone’ – then shall He be crowned with the crown of His glory to sit on the throne of His power to reign forever and ever.”

   He has been repeatedly proclaimed by the Father’s voice as the Son Divine, and from boyhood to sacrificial death solemnly avowed His own exalted status as that Son of Man. Prophets and apostles in both olden and modern days, and the “common people’ who heard Him gladly, have reverently affirmed His divinity. Angels have sung and demons have shrieked His name as that of power and Godship.

   We acclaim Jesus Christ as the veritable Son of the Eternal Father in both spirit and body. He lived as a Man among men yet was wholly unique in that He combined within Himself the attributes of mortality as the heritage from a mortal mother and the powers of Godhood received as a birthright from His immortal Father.

   Thus He became capable of death and died, yet had power over death, and so held death in abeyance until He willed to die. This He affirmed while yet He was mortal: “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.”

   He was unique in having been accepted and foreordained to be the Redeemer and Savior of mankind, and yet again in the fact of His absolute sinlessness.

   He was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Christ of the New.

   No man can return to the Father except through the Son, for the name of Jesus Christ is “the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men.”

   He has manifested Himself in person to His prophets in the present dispensation, and has spoken with them as one man speaks to another.

   He is known to be in the likeness of the Eternal Father – the express image of the Father’s person – for both have been seen and heard in this the dispensation of consummation and fullness.

   Through the instrumentality of men commissioned to officiate for Him, He has reestablished His Church upon the earth, for the last time, and has bestowed upon it His name – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

   He has officered His Church as of old, with apostles, patriarchs, high priests, seventies, elders, bishops, priests, teachers and deacons.

   Again as aforetime He has called and is calling mankind to faith and repentance, then to baptism by water, and to baptism of the Spirit through the bestowal of the Holy Ghost by the authorized imposition of hands.

   He manifests His powers through the graces of the Spirit, as seen in gifts of revelation, prophecy, tongues and their interpretation, by inspired dreams and visions, by healings, and by a diversity of gifts called by man miracles.

   Through Him Redemption is assured and Salvation made possible to every soul. Salvation includes and exceeds redemption. It is the plan conceived in the mind of God the Eternal Father and given to man through Jesus Christ, whereby the degenerating and disastrous results of individual transgression may be atoned for; it is the means by which the loathsome malady of sin may be cured. Redemption, or rescue from death, is of universal assurance, salvation is of individual attainment, made possible in fulness through compliance with the laws and ordinances of the Gospel based on the Atonement accomplished by Him alone.

   A Redeemer and Savior is essential to the accomplishment of the Father’s work and glory – “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

   Sometime, somewhere, the knowledge of the Lord shall come to every soul with saving or convicting effect; then every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

We will be at the 3rd/5th ward building on Stringham Avenue!

Another aside...

Sisters, as we finish up our reading this week, I hope this blog can continue with shared insights into our covenant keeping efforts. Sister Beck has a short, 3-minute video from lds.org that so beautifully sums up our mission as women. I hope that you will take a few minutes to listen to this encouragement from our dear Sister Beck. (Click on Sister Beck's name - it is the link to the video.)

With love and gratitude for the wonderful women you are and the many ways you have touched my life…
Janice Rampton
Parleys Stake Relief Society President

"Now I, Moroni, write somewhat as seemeth me good…" (Ether 13 - Moroni 10)

We have come to the end of our reading of the Book of Mormon this time around (or perhaps some of us are still reading or have started again!). I hope that this has become a meaningful experience for those of us who have put Moroni's promise to the test. To "…receive these things…ponder it in your heart…ask God…in the name of Christ…with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
And by the power of the Holy Ghost you will know the truth of all things."
I am trying not to get wordy in this last Book of Mormon post, (and I will fail), but let me give you a couple of key words and thoughts. 
-In the last chapters of Ether, I was struck by the incredible contrast between these war chapters and the war chapters in Alma (which was my last post). Spirit and preparation vs. blind hatred/anger and "harden(ed) hearts".
-Moroni 1-6 - The importance of ordinances and authority and administering by the Spirit.
-Moroni 7-9 -  lonely son's love for his father and his father's wise words of counsel for all of us. Especially the "conference talks" in chapters 8 and 9.
-thought…if I were tying off a book of remembrance for my posterity and I were to include well-loved counsel for my children from the prophets, what would I include? President Benson on "Pride" or the "Book of Mormon: The Keystone of our Religion"? Elder Bednar's "Tender Mercies"? President Eyring's "Remember, Remember"? President Kimball on "Lengthening our Stride"? President Hunter on having and keeping a Temple recommend? Elder McConkie, "The purifying Power of Gethsemane"? President Hinckley, "The Things of Which I Know"? Sister Beck "A Mother Heart"? Sister Dalton "Love Her Mother"? OBVIOUSLY, I could go on and on and more obviously this list is personal and not exhaustive. My testimony is that we have been and are being given loving guidance in our time here on earth. We are never alone and we are never without "The Way" back to our Heavenly Father. What are YOUR favorite Conference talks?


I, too, have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my testmony of a living prophet in President Monson. I am so very thankful for the words and counsel of prophets, living and dead, which help me to increase my testimony and love of the Savior. I know the Book of Mormon is true - that it was preserved for our day and translated through the power of the Holy Ghost to bring all of us closer to Christ and back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. I have a testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ and of His life and Atonement. I am thankful to be reading "Jesus the Christ" and learning from the beautiful insights there. I have a deep testimony of the Temple and the lasting covenants that we make there. I LOVE THE TEMPLE!  May I repeat that? I LOVE THE TEMPLE!  I cherish the covenants that I have made, and even though I am imperfect in keeping them, that doesn't diminish the knowledge I have that they are the way to unite my family and the way back to my Father in Heaven. Sisters, PLEASE - come and join with us in the Temple on March 29th! If it's the first or the thousandth time you have gone, we invite you to come and join with the Stake family. It is a privilege to serve you sisters and to serve with your wonderful presidents and the women in our Presidency. You are loved!


With love and joy in the journey,
Janice Rampton

Chapters 35 and 36

I feel fortunate to make a few comments on these two chapters about the crucifixion and spirit world as described and explained by Talmage. The crucifixion scenario has been relived through the scriptures,novels, poetry and movies because of its tragic ending as well as promise.
As I read these two chapters I thought of an experience I had as a child around ten years old. The gospel was not in our home at the time but I was intently watching a movie around Easter time about Christ's crucifixion. My wonderful father, who was not a member, reminded me that Jesus was a great teacher. But I had a quiet and distinct voice tell me that "He is the Son of God." This wonderful memory returned to me in my college years as I began to study the gospel and read the New Testament.

I also reflected as I read these two chapters of an experience we had in our Sunday School Class last year when we were asked to write down three things we know to be true about the gospel that we could describe if we had a missionary opportunity. I wrote: #1 Jesus is the Christ #2 Jesus and Heavenly Father love us and #3 that we can be with our loved ones again after death. I think these two chapters eloquently explain that these three principles are true.

Probably my favorite scripture is when Jesus prays: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Even under extreme duress and pain He only thought of his flock, the Jews, and those involved . He also remembered His mother and gave her care to his apostle, John. Nephi describes this situation: "And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men." (1 Nephi 19:9) Because of His loving kindness and charity for all of us, He was able to transcend all physical and emotional pain and forgive.

If you are interested in further knowledge, Elder Jeffey R. Holland has written a book called "Christ and the New Covenant" which describes in depth Old Testament and Book of Mormon "Types" of Christ's life, crucifixion and resurrection which compliment Talmage's descriptions.

I want you Sisters to know that I have a testimony of Christ and of His life and Resurrection and hope that as I live my life that I will be someday worthy to again to return to His presence along with my loved ones and friends in the Gospel.

Jesus the Christ chapters 37-38

Hi Sisters! My blog post is out of order but these chapters are important nonetheless.

The reading includes the resurrection and the acts of the apostles following the death and resurrection of the Savior.
In these chapters the apostles are learning the reality of the resurrection. Incomprehensible as it had been, they now are receiving a witness of the resurrected Lord as He appears to them on several most important occasions and they witness the wounds in his hands and feet and side. They are given their final commission to go and "teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. . . and lo I am with you alway. . . ".

They witnessed His ascension. Talmage describes in epic verbiage and testimony:
" The Lord's ascension was accomplished; it was as truly a literal departure of
a material Being as His resurrection had been an actual return of His spirit
to His own corporeal body, theretofore dead. With the world abode and
yet abides the glorious promise, that Jesus the Christ, the same Being
who ascended from Olivet in His immortalized body of flesh and bones,
shall return, descending from the heavens in similarly material form
and substance."
And then His apostles taught with magnified zeal and conviction the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church grew in numbers and conviction. Writes Talmage: "to them faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was of greater worth than the wealth of earth. Among them, there was nothing called "mine'" or "thine, but all things were theirs in the Lord." How about the lesson in that!?

I add my humble testimony in simple phrase, I know these things to be true! I know Christ was born of an earthly mother and of God the Father under simple yet significant circumstance. I know He dwelled and taught among Jew and Gentile performing miracles of body and spirit that testified of the Father. I know he was loved and recognized by many and hated and despised by others. I know that He willing submitted to persecution of the most extreme kind and ultimately He atoned for our sins and shortcomings of every kind out of an incomprehensible love of all mankind. I know that following His ignominious death at Calvary His body was restored and resurrected and ascended to His Father, our Father to return to us again at the appointed time. I know He did "not leave the world comfortless" (John 14:16,18) the Holy Ghost is real and ready. That the Savior "stands at the door and knocks" (Rev3:20), and His hand is stretched out still"(Isa5:25). I know He loves me and cares how I conduct my life and how I bear trial. I know. . .I know! My testimony is enhanced and increased from my study of Talmage's Jesus the Christ. I wish the same for all. I write this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen

Yours in the shared Gospel,
Shawn Morgan

Jesus the Christ Chapters 39 & 40

When we announced we were starting this reading project, I had two friends mention to me how meaningful and wonderful the notes were following each chapter. I have taken the time to read the notes and have gained a lot of insight to each chapter. For this post, I would like to focus on the notes following the chapters.

In Chapter 39, note #3 clarifies the Baptism Among the Nephites After the Lord's Visitation. "We read that before the second appearing of Christ to the Nephites, the chosen Twelve were baptized. These men had doubtless been baptized before. . . The baptism of the disciples on the morn of the Savior's second visit, was in the nature of a rebaptism, involving a renewal of covenants, and confession of faith in the Lord Jesus . . . In the church today a repetition of the baptismal rite on an individual is allowable under certain specific conditions, but is not commonplace."

The 5th note in Chapter 40 caught my attention, The Mission of Columbus and Its Results. "Unto Nephi was shown the future of his people. . . The coming of a man from among the Gentiles, across the deep waters, was revealed in such plainness as to positively identify that man with Columbus. . . 'And it came to pass that the angel said unto me, Behold the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren. And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land. And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters.' " I love that the journey of Columbus was known by Nephi.

I have loved reading Jesus the Christ. It has strengthened my testimony of our Savior. I am grateful for His loving example and His life I am truly grateful for the gospel and for each of you.

With love,

Liz

Towards the Promised Land Mormon 9-Ether 12

Moroni is the actual author of this last chapter in the book of Mormon. He bears strong testimony of an unchanging God. He reminds us that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. If He performed miracles then, He will perform them now. It is all based on our faith and belief. He reminds us that if we are not witnessing miracles, the problem isn't with God it is with us. Whenever I read these verses I have to stop and ask myself; What miracles am I witnessing? Am I witnessing miracles in my life? If I am not witnessing them, then I am not paying attention. They are all around! Just the fact that I am here now, writing this blog is a miracle! I made the decision at the beginning of the year( I refuse to call it a New Years resolution) to pay more attention to the Hand of God in my life. Then when I see a miracle occur I am going to write it down. This has lead to me being more aware of His hand in my life. I also decided I wanted to further document these miracles that I am witnessing. I went to Target and bought a little $2 photo album. If I see a beautiful flower, or a smiling child, I take a picture of it! I keep them in this little album and whenever I open it I see the hand of God!

It took me years to learn the lessons I needed to from the first few chapters of the Book of Ether. I have read it untold number of times. It is a compelling story. Jared and his brother are living at the time of the Tower of Babel. The Lord confounds the languages of the people and Jared begs his brother to ask the Lord not to confound theirs. The Lord agrees and they as well as their friends have their language saved. Jared asks his brother to inquire of the Lord where He is going to send them. The first part of the lesson it took me so long to learn is found in chapter 38 of Ether 1. Jared makes the statement " And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the Earth". What faith that shows. Yeah I know we are probably going to have to leave, but the Lord will take us somewhere better! It is in total contrast to Lots wife. She was looking back at what she was leaving behind. Not believing that where the Lord was taking her was better than where she had been! Jared's faith was forward looking. Believing that the Lord had good things ahead for them. It doesn't mean the journey was going to be easy. Yes there was a place the Lord wanted them, but growing and faith building opportunities lay ahead for them. Things were actually pretty good for them. So good that the Brother of Jared forgot to commune with God along the way. God corrected this during a 3 hour conversation. I really would love to know all that was said during those three hours! One thing he tells him is that the Spirit will not always strive with man. If we sin, by commission or omission, the Spirit can't dwell with us. If we are undertaking a journey,and we all are, we MUST have the Spirit with us to guide us. The Lord tells Jared to build barges. He is going to take them across the waters to the promised land. We all know the story about air and light. The Lord says make some holes and you will be able to breathe. Light was a bit harder. I love the way the Lord interacts with the brother of Jared here. He asks him What do you want me to do. I love this. It shows that the Lord knows the brother of Jared. He knows he  is capable and He will honor whatever he comes up with. This is a great lesson for us. The Lord knows we are bright, capable women. He will honor our righteous decisions and touch our stones to make them glow! This is what he did for the brother of Jared. They would now have light as they crossed the waters. Now onto what has been one of the best  lessons I have ever learned from the scriptures. It is found in Ether chapter 6. This journey that they undertake after entering into the barges. They were in these vessels for 344 days. It was not an easy ride. vs. 5 and 6 speak of a "furious wind" that is blowing them and causing mountainous waves that are driving them deep into the sea. I imagine I would have been terrified. When they were buried they cried unto the Lord and he brought them up again. Did you catch that. When the journey was difficult and scary they cried unto the Lord and he rescued them. That is one aspect of this great lesson. Turn to the Lord in our difficult times, but that for me wasn't the main lesson. The main lesson is this; those furious winds were blowing them TOWARDS the Promised Land. There was purpose behind those storms. Those storms were taking them somewhere. I was reading these verses one day and the Spirit gently told me that my storms,those trials and difficulties I have, are driving me on to my Promised Land. Of course my Promised Land is the Celestial Kingdom. It is living where God and Jesus live. My individual "furious winds" are moving me forward to that place. They are allowing me to ultimately get to where I want to be. They are refining me and teaching me. They make me more like He is. They teach me, as they did the Jaredites, to turn to the Lord and He will bring me up again. It is trusting the God knows where I am supposed to be and the kind of person I need to become. My storms of life, although difficult, keep me moving in His direction. They ultimately get me home!


Julie Wilkes
RS President Parleys 7th ward

Pride before the Fall 3 Nephi 26-Mormon 8

I have spent a lot of time thinking about these chapters. It is one of the sweetest and most bitter parts of the Book of Mormon to me. In short, the Nephites go from having a personal visitation from the Savoir and living in a Zion society for two hundred years, to total annihilation. I took many notes on what seemed important but as I continued to ponder what we can learn from these chapters only a couple of items stood out strongly.

In 3 Nephi 27:27 the Savior asks a very pertinent question. He said, "Therefore, what manner of men (and I'll add women) ought ye to be?" Then he gave the answer, "Verily I say unto you, even as I am." That question has burned itself into my mind. How am I doing each day to live up to that charge? I was also struck that the term "I am" is another name for Jehovah; that had never hit me quite that way before. The Savior invites us repeatedly to COME unto him. He only wants to give us everything that he has. But we much choose to follow him. He told the Nephites, and us, exactly what that would entail. The words are fairly simple, the ability to heed them will take us a lifetime. He has instructed us to repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure faithfully. What I love about it all is that I am entirely capable of doing just what he asks if I allow him to be my guide. It is by doing the line upon line, precept by precept that we will be able to learn all that he needs us to so that we can become all that he needs us to be. He has said that he "will try the faith of his people" to enable them to develop the strength to stand firmly when the harder times come.

The sin of pride is the antithesis of Christ. Pride goes against everything the savior stands for. When we place something before Him in importance we are much more likely to succumb to pride and what I call the 3 Cs take over--comparing, complaining, criticizing. That is just what happened to the Nephites. They began ranking themselves by their worldly goods; setting their hearts upon the riches of the world not the riches of eternity. They put more emphasis on wearing the right clothes as opposed to clothing the naked. If that is the path we follow we will eventually lose the influence of the holy Spirit, fail to recognize and use the gifts we have been given, and delight in wrong doing. Mormon and Moroni give powerful examples of what will happen to society if that is the road taken.

The Book of Mormon teaches us how to avoid pride and stay true to our Heavenly Father and Savoir. Mormon gives four reasons why he compiled the lessons from all those thousands of plates that he did. They include: 1) we are accountable for our actions, 2) fortify our belief in Jesus Christ, 3) witness to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ, and 4) encourage all to repent and come unto Christ--persuade the faithful to continue and convince the wander to return.

Moroni tells of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in a time of great wickedness that will only get worse. As I thought about this I realized the Book of Mormon is still coming forth to many lands and people so we are right in the middle of that time. In Mormon 8:35-40, Moroni asked several valuable questions about where our hearts are focused. As I read over the questions I was reminded of Sister Kristen Westenskow's Saturday night Stake conference talk about what women in the church should be. I have thought frequently about what worldly pleasures, praises, and gains do I place as more important than things of God.

I hope, Sisters, that we will look closely at our lives and where our hearts are. Do we tend to stand more on the side of pride and let the world dictate what we become or are we standing firmly and faithfully next to Christ; taking his name firmly into our hearts and acting as he would have us do.

I know that the Book of Mormon is the work God. That it is true and contains the teachings that we will need to find ultimate joy.

Love,
Karri Hoyt, Stk RS secretary

A Reminder of "WHY" we are doing this...

Sisters,
I contacted and received permission from Sister Arline Holbrook (3rd Ward and currently serving as a missionary in Russia!) to re-post her comment from the 1st post on this blog way last July! Her comment is a reminder to us, that the reason we have been doing this reading challenge is to help us be more prepared to MAKE and KEEP our Covenants as we Come Unto Christ.


From Arline...

"I never realized before what a blessing it is to be able to have something like A Day of Covenants. I hope the sisters don’t take it for granted or think they are too busy to take advantage of it. Do you realize how blessed we are in Salt Lake? Dave and I are presently serving in Russia. In many of our classes (RS and SS) we have talked about temples and temple work, but it’s something that presently is simply not possible for most people here. After saving up for quite awhile, one fairly well-to-do couple went to the Kiev Temple. It’s a 6-day drive from here – each way (flying is even more expensive). Most people who are lucky enough to get to the temple will go once in their lives. I strongly urge EVERYONE who can possibly attend A Day of Covenants to do so. If nothing else, go for a sister in Russia who can’t!"

Sisters, there are 3 more weeks until the "official" end of our reading challenge, but we hope that if you haven't started, you start from where we are now or at least choose to read SOMETHING in either "Jesus the Christ" or "The Book of Mormon". We actually have a few more weeks to enjoy reading until  we "Celebrate the Christ" at our Saturday morning breakfast/sharing - March 3rd, 9:00 a.m., 3rd/5th Ward Cultural Hall. Even if haven't read anything, please come and share in the Spirit of these great books as weprepare to go to the Temple in March.

Book of Mormon - 3rd Nephi 11-25

These sections are probably some of the most powerful of the whole Book of Mormon for me and I'm excited that I get the honor to blog on them.

I love this part because it shows Christ coming to the Americas to teach his "other sheep". The same instruction, light and knowledge that we find in the bible for the Jews is now also found in the Book of Mormon for the Nephites. It shows that the Lord is no respecter of persons and he wants His message spread to everyone so that all may have the ability to worship and strive for eternal life.

These sections are so full of important topics that I can't blog on them all but I will do my best to recapitulate the highlights. Christ appears to the Nephites and allows them to see the marks left from his crucifixion so that they will know who He is.

He introduces them to the correct way to baptize (Chap 11), the Lords prayer (13), the correct way to bless and take the sacrament (18 & 20) and what tithes are (24). He talks about the how the Law of Moses has been fulfilled in Him and his sacrifice (15) and how he has other sheep such as the Lost Tribes that He is very aware of (16-17).

He also calls 12 disciples and gives another version of the Be Attitudes in Chapter 12. Basically these sections are a teaching of how Christ's church is to be organized and the manner of saint that he expects us to be as His followers.

I love the part in Chapter 21 about the restoration of the Gospel and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in the Latter Days. I can't imagine how much information the Nephites were probably trying to digest and remember about all of the events that had not happened yet but were prophesied. I also like how Christ touches on events of the 2nd Coming and what to expect that will happen to the wicked at that time and what the righteous can expect as well.

Many of the words spoken mirrored words of Isaiah and Malachi in the bible. Although they are taught in the bible to the Jewish culture, Christ clarifies and provides added insight about many of those topics in an easier to understand way here in the Book of Mormon. The bible and the Book of Mormon go hand in hand to further explain each principle. Without both, many topics and ordinances could be confused or misinterpreted.

We have so much knowledge at our finger tips and we only have to spend a few precious moments each day reading to give ourselves information that so many in our world are so desperate to find. I'm grateful that we have the Book of Mormon and that Christ made it a point to again teach the basics to the Nephites so that would have a further testament of his Ministry. I hope we each understand how blessed we each are and how much our Lord and Savior loves us. We should try every day to use the light and knowledge that we have to be better people and to bless the lives of others we come in contact with. The Book of Mormon is true!

Heleman 18-3 Nephi:10
What an honor it is to write about these chapters in the Book of Mormon. My husband and I have recently been talking about the question, "What is the essence of true religon," We have concluded that the answer at its' very root is; "find out who God is, what He wants from us, and live it". I think that is what most religons of the world are striving for.

In these wonderful chapters Samuel tells the people of Nephi who God is, what He wants from us, and even when He will come. Some learned and followed God's will, and others persecuted the message giver and those that beleived. God was giving all the answers that His children needed to follow true religon. Even when the signs of Christ's coming became to be fulfilled, some followed and others went the opposite way.

The real question for us now is, what kind of person am I? Do I listen to the prophet, read my scriptures, listen to my leaders, and pray to my Heavenly Father to truly know and understand Him? Do I follow when I find those answers? The proof of our devotion comes in action. Will I be a follower of Christ and DO once I am taught? Life is a progression of learning, trying hard, failing, and hopefully succeeding.

These chapters help me recognize what kind of disciple I am and what kind I want to work hard to become. I feel so blessed to have so many ways to feel the spirit and learn more of my God. I pray for the strength to be one of those that then does what I am called on to DO. I want to be counted as one of the disciples of Christ that is ready and anxious for His return.
Teri Lyn Baucom
Parley's 5th Ward

Image of Christ - Jesus the Christ chapters 31 & 32

I've been reading fairly quickly to make sure I can catch up from the days i was unable to read, and I have found it an interesting way to get different insight. The chapters and teachings have blended into a nice tapestry of the overall message, mission, and life of Christ.

This week, I didn't get very far in the reading before I was struck by something highlighted by Elder Talmage. I have come back to this teaching many times during the week. Right at the beginning of chapter 31, there is a discussion of the question "What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?" The question was designed to give Christ's enemies a reason to bring to him "justice". A "yes" answer would turn the multitude against Christ and a "no" answer would allow a denunciation to the Romans based on sedition. Instead Christ asked to see a coin and replied with the famous words "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

What struck me was the discussion around of Christ looking at the coin and using the image of Caesar to render to Caesar and the following discussion regarding the "render unto God" portion of the response.

If we want to render ourselves to God, we should have the image of God on our countenances. The teachings of Alma support this when he talks of having the image of God on our countenances. (Al 5). Elder Talmage stated the "every human soul is stamped with the image and superscription of God" even if they get blurred by sin. The admonition is to render to God ourselves.

Neal Maxwell stated that there is nothing we can give to God that He doesn't already have, except our wills - our willingness to do what is asked and becoming what He wants us to be. By turning our lives over to the Lord and allowing Him to mold us, we become the best we can be and become tools in the Lord's hands. At that time, we begin to "render to God" our souls.

This isn't easy, nor do I think that it is possible to always move in the right direction. Often the realities of mortality slow us down, knock us back, or impede our progress. However, with the atonement of Christ, we are able to overcome anything that mortality brings. As we get closer to reading more about the atonement and the final events of Christ's mortality, we are able to gain a better understanding of how it all fits together and the importance of Christ's mission. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn new lessons, relearn old lessons, and become closer to Christ. Because of His mission, His willingness to complete the mission, His love for us, all things are possible.

What a great opportunity.

Staying firm, never faltering from the truth, repent and follow the Lord's prophets

Helaman 5-15 are the hardest parts of the Book of Mormon for me to read, because I'm sadden to know of the great iniquity the Nephite nation was so heavily involved in. The Nephite's who were the righteous people of the Lord had now forgotten their God, set their hearts on riches, pride, boasting and supporting unrighteous groups like the Gadianton Robbers. The Lamanite nation who were a 'ferocious people,' later on in the Book of Mormon converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, They stayed righteous, continued to preach the word of God and didn't falter from the truth. The Lamanites became so righteous, that a Lamanite prophet (Samuel the Lamanite) was asked by the Lord to call the Nephite nation to repentance and to prophesy the birth & crucifiction of Jesus Christ.

The theme I gathered from my reading is to " stay firm, never faltering from the truth, repent and follow the Lord's prophets." How can we do this? Helaman 5-15, gives us great scriptural examples of how we can stay firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ:

1. We must build our foundation on Jesus Christ, the Son of God, which is a sure foundation that cannot fall.

2. Our 'names' invite us to pattern our lives after the good examples of our forebearers.

3. Being worthy to feel and hear the "still voice of perfect mildness" of the Holy Ghost.

4. Continue to be a member missionary and preach the word of God.

5. Don't sin against the truth that you know to be true.

6. Continue to grow in the knowledge of the gospel, keeping your covenants & commandments of the Lord, walking in truth & righteousness.

7. Have a desire & believing the word of God.

8. Look upon Christ with faith and contrite spirit.

9. Consistency of living the gospel.

10. Repent, turn to the Lord and follow His chosen prophets.

11. Don't allow yourselft to be overcome by Satan's temptations.

12. Thank the Lord in all things.

I've probably have mentioned this before, but we are so blessed to have the Book of Mormon! I'm grateful for these ancient prophets who wrote their histories and testimonies of Jesus Christ "by way of commandment, prophecy & revelation." I'm grateful for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith and the translation of the Book of Mormon.

I think this is my last blog from our Book of Mormon readings--this has been a great experience reading all of your posts. I've enjoyed my participation with all the great sisters in the Parley's stake!

Staci Dearden -Parleys' 7th ward

Hi Parleys Women!! 2012 here we go!!! How unfortunate to BEGIN the new year already behind!! I admittedly had to skip a few of Talmage’s rich chapters to read and post about chapter 30. However. this is not the first time I have fallen behind and I know how to catch up.

The Christmas season was remarkably enhanced by my reading. How about you? I found Jesus Christ to be forefront in my mind even though the twinkles and sparkles and bells tried to distract me from Him. What a magnificent celebration of His birth when Its purpose had been refreshed and magnified through Talmage’s insight!

Chapter 30 tells of the last miracle witnessed by the Savior’s followers. And some of the final parables. The final miracle, the blighting of the fig tree, is powerful and unique. Talmage notes that while other miracles were wrought for relief, blessing and for the general good, this one “appears as an act of judgment and destructive execution”. It is a lesson in
1) His control over natural forces,
2) His jurisdiction over life and death,
3) His power to not only heal but to destroy.

He chooses a barren, fruitless tree to illustrate His irrefutable power, rather than any of his enemies. By this, his disciples are taught of His unconditional love of all mankind. He exhibits the power to destroy but in a few days He will submit willingly to His captors and destroyers. How could there be any doubt among the apostles of his voluntary sacrifice.

Then Talmage illuminates the symbolism. The fig tree is a symbolism of Judaism, a religion that claimed to be that of the chosen of the Lord and yet in its pretentious show it had degenerated into an artificial, empty, hollow, meaningless and distant “religionism” far from the guidance of the spirit, full of hypocrisy. Just as the tree was full of showy leaves and yet produced no fruit, the Jewish elders and rabbinical leaders talked the talk but did not walk the walk. Lots of showy leaves, No Fruit.

Jesus used three parables to teach “many are called, but few are chosen”, in very plain terms. The Parable of the Two Sons, The Parable of the wicked Husbandmen and the Parable of the Royal Marriage Feast all speak of God the Father sending prophets and then his Son, only to be rejected, persecuted and killed by His covenant people. The lesson here for me is in the Lord’s Question posed in the opening sentence of the Parable of the Two Sons. . . “But what think ye?” The question, then, was to the chief priests, scribes and elders of the people. The question, today, is to me, and to you. “But what think ye?”

Where do I stand? Am I the son who ,when asked by the Lord to work in the vineyard, says ‘I go’ and go not? Or am I the son who, when asked, answers ‘I will not’, but then repents and goes? I hope to be able to repent and go and do the things that are asked of me.

My testimony of the Savior, His miraculous entry into this world, His divine ministry of miracles, His atoning sacrifice and selfless submission to insure us the opportunity of change, rebirth and reentry into the presence of the Father has increased through this study of Jesus the Christ. I look at others through new eyes. I feel small yet resolute in changing. Isn’t it lovely to have a new year, a new month, or even the start of a new day to try again. It is not easy for me to keep up. It is most definitely worth the effort. We would love to hear of your testimony and your insights. Love you all!!!!

Late, but thoughtful… Alma 45-55…The War Chapters

I found, when I was teaching Gospel Doctrine many years ago, I would always begin my preparation and my lessons with the question, "What about this reading assignment, was important enough that prophets wrote and sacrificed to preserve this for me to read now?" We can then ask ourselves for this reading, "If Mormon was so limited in space and materials, why did he spend so much time and effort in recording the war years?"


A couple of different outside readings have helped me to put these chapters in perspective and have helped them to become some of my favorites in the Book of Mormon. One is from a 2002 issue of Religious Educator and is entitled "Captain Moroni's Wartime Strategies: An Application for the Spiritual Battles of Our Day" (click on the title and it will take you to the article! and then click on your browser's back arrow to take you back to the blog!) and was written by Richard McClendon. He does a great job of applying the things that Captain Moroni did in preparing his people for battle to what we need to do daily in our homes and families.


Another reading is from Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet's book, "Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon", pp321-327. They discuss 7 things that we can learn from these chapters, but I want to focus on just a couple of them. #4 "The power and influence of a righteous home", is the most obvious in light of the "Stripling Warriors". We know the story, we know the responsibility and I am not trying to put anyone on a guilt trip here so, enough said. More interesting to me was #5 "A person's external circumstances need not determine his attitude or faithfulness." In Alma 48:11-13, 17, we have a description of Captain Moroni, " 11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery; 12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people. 13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ… 17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men."


 I don't know about you sisters, but I gain great courage from the example of Captain Moroni and the prophet, Helaman and those who defended their beliefs with their lives and the families who sent their loved ones into battle. I also can't help but wonder if that was one of the reasons that Mormon put so much of their experience into the record - he too, was surrounded by the wickedness of the world and tried valiantly to stand for God and family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He must have taken great courage, as can we, from the examples of those who did not allow their external circumstances to alter their faith and testimony. 


Which brings us to Brothers McConkie and Millet and their final reason for these chapters #7 "A prophetic pattern of what is to come." What good does it do us to read if we don't learn and apply?