Sunday Recap

This past Sunday our lesson was given by Kelli Dixon on two talks from November's Conference Ensign: "The Power of Scripture" by Richard G. Scott, and "The Book of Mormon - a Book from God" by Tad R. Callister

Here is a lesson summary:

In his talk, Richard G Scott taught us:

"Our Father in Heaven understood that for us to make desired progress during our mortal probation, we would need to face difficult challenges. Some of these would be almost overpowering. He provided tools to help us be successful in our mortal probation. One set of those tools is the scriptures. 

Throughout the ages, Father in Heaven has inspired select men and women to find, through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, solutions to life’s most perplexing problems. He has inspired those authorized servants to record those solutions as a type of handbook for those of His children who have faith in His plan of happiness and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We have ready access to this guidance through the treasure we call the standard works—that is, the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price."

He then went on to discuss how the scriptures are "pure truth" that we can fully trust, and "packets of light that illuminate our minds" and our lives, they provide "strength and authority" in what we believe, and that indeed the scriptures can become BEST FRIENDS to us.

How is this possible? How is it that the scriptures can become our friends?

Scriptures, like friends, give us inspiration and can motivate us to change for the better. 

One way that this is particularly effective is through MEMORIZING Scriptures. Elder Scott teaches us that "A memorized scripture becomes an enduring friend that is not weakened with the passage of time". 

Several sisters in the ward shared how this is true with experiences they had with scriptures that they had memorized. 

Samm Child shared that she had memorized D&C 31:1-3, replacing "Thomas" with her own name:

"1.Thomas, my son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work.

 2. Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church.

 3. Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare aglad tidings of great joy unto this generation."

At the time in her life that Samm memorized this scripture, her parents were going through a terrible divorce that left her extremely distraught.  At the time, this scripture offered great comfort to her for the future and hope in the promises of the Lord. Today, this same scripture reminds her to make good decisions as a mother and a wife for her family.

Marie Oyler shared James 1:5:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him"

While this scripture was used as the "default scripture" whenever Marie's mother called for a scripture when Marie was hurrying out the door on a busy morning in high school, last year came a time in her life where suddenly she faced difficult situation in which she felt that it was she that truly "lacked wisdom".  It was then that the words to this scripture would flood into her mind, and she knew that she could pour her heart out to the Lord and he would provide comfort and answers when she most needed it. 

Chelsea Newbold shared several verses from Isaiah 54, some of which are below:

"7. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord...(9) let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

There wasn't a specific instance that Chelsea recounted regarding this scripture, but how she has looked to it for comfort and support countless times! She truly testified that when you know the scriptures they can be your best friend - your support.

Emily Walker shared D&C 88:63:

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you"

While in the temple one day, perturbed by a feeling of imbalance in her life and seeking desperately to know how in the world she could do everything that she wanted/needed to do, this scripture came flooding into Emily's mind.  She was reminded that to know how to best balance her life, the most important thing to do would be draw near to the Lord and he would help her to know what was most important for her to do.  He then reminded her, clearly, before she left the room how much He loved her, leaving a deep, lasting impression of the experience in her heart forever. 

What is common among all of these stories/scriptures?? 

 Comfort - again "A memorized scripture becomes an enduring friend that is not weakened with the passage of time"

What are some other ways that we can find/mark scriptures that are significant to us???

-write them on a 3x5 card

-write in a spiritual journal or personal journal about your experience with that scripture and how it applies to your life at that time

-put pictures and bookmarks in certain spots in your scriptures

-have copies of the Book of Mormon that you can mark up specifically for different topics - gratitude, prayer, callings, etc...

-share the scriptures and what they mean to you with others

In Elder Callister's talk, we learn that the Book of Mormon is essential to help us to correctly interpret doctrine that is found in the Bible.  Why are there so many churches out there??? because they all interpret the writings of the Bible differently. The Book of Mormon provides a second witness of the true teachings of the Father and clarifies doctrine.

In the end of this lesson we were issued a CHALLENGE: CHOOSE A SCRIPTURE AND MEMORIZE IT.

This is a real challenge we will be doing together as sisters! Please choose one and find the way that works best for you to memorize it - it can only strengthen us! Follow up with your visiting teachers about how this challenge is going for you.