….We Seek After These Things!

Here is my outline for Joseph Smith Lesson #29, Living with Others in Peace and Harmony

Show various pictures such as scenery, temples, world, ending with sacred grove and O Jerusalem. With each picture ask how the sisters feel as they view each picture. (see if library has a picture of the Lion and Lamb together.) (more…)

(In preparation I plan to have a picture of the Kirtland Temple, a china tea cup and saucer, a couple of hand made doilies, and a string of christmas lights with bulbs removed and given to the sisters in the room for an object activity near the end of the lesson)

On December 27, 1832, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a commandment from the Lord that the Saints were to begin building a temple in Kirtland (see D&C 88:119). On June 1, 1833, the Lord gave further instructions to the Prophet: “Now here is wisdom, and the mind of the Lord—let the house be built, not after the manner of the world … ; let it be built after the manner which I shall show unto three of you” (D&C 95:13–14). (more…)

Avoid Criticism (in self or toward other)Criticism is the forerunner of divorece,
the ciltivator of rebellion, acatalyst that leads to failure.
I am asking that we turn from the negative that so permeates our society
and look for th remearkable good among those with whom we associate,
that we speak of one another’s virtures more that we speak of one another’s faults,
that optimismreplace pessimism,
that our faith exceed our fears.
When I was a youngman and was prone to speak critically,
my father would say: “Cynics donot contrubute, skeptics do not create,
doubters do not achieve.”

This is from Stand a Little Taller. I figured it was a good thought for the day! I hope to remember it more often.

by Michael

I was watching the news last night and there were two stories that touched my heart deeply.
The first was of interest to me because of Michael’s job at the prison. It was about inmates that are helping to build low income housing with a reach program at the prison. The inmates are able to learn a trade and help society while they are at it. Many of them are able to even work through their apprenticeship while still in prison so when they are released they are able to find jobs right away. What a great program to help others work and make a living so they are prepared when they are back among society!

The second was about a woman that has terminal cancer that lost her dog. This dog is considered a service dog and helps her with her treatments. She has no children and no family just this little dog. The night before last there was a story about her coming home and finding the dog gone with just the collar in the yard. No one around had seen the little animal. Last night they ran the story that someone had found the dog and she was returned to her owner. Talk about a joyous reunion. That dog was so happy to be home! This sweet woman cried and cried. She has been fighting her cancer for so long, and had felt that this dog was the only reason for her to continue to fight as long as she can. As someone that loves dogs I found it to be such a touching a beautiful story of affection and hope.

So what good news have you seen lately that has warmed your heart to the good in the world?

By Tigersue

My husband did our family home evening lesson tonight. He used the Preach the Gospel manual and centered the lesson on Charity. He used the scriptures from my favorite chapter, Moroni chapter 7, verses 45-48, I want to talk about verse 45.

Moroni 7:45
And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

I realized suddenly that this verse is the 13th article of faith and that article of faith is all about charity! Why I had not connected the dots before, I have no idea. As we discussed the various attributes, I wondered what is the difference between beareth, and endureth? There must be a difference for them both to be there and separated by hope. Something for me to ponder, but I would love to know what you think about this concept. Any ideas to help me in this journey of new understanding I would surely love the input.

By Tanya