Fledgling Finches and Family Life - Boyd K. Packer

This is such a powerful, moving and extremely important talk to listen to.... again, and again, and again....
Here is some fragments from the talk that ought draw your significant attention, and should be seriously looked over!

Download "Fledgling Finches and Family Life" By Boyd K. Packer 34:30 Total Talk Time

The Adversary’s Influence

There came into my mind the warnings spoken by the prophets. We will not always be safe from the adversary’s influence, even within our own homes. We need to protect our nestlings.
In order to do that, we must first acknowledge that Satan, the devil, lives; what his purposes are; what his intentions would be; and what our defenses should be.
He was lying in wait in the Sacred Grove when the boy Joseph entered. No doubt Satan was hoping to forestall the Restoration. He was an “actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as [the boy Joseph] had never before felt in any being” (JS-H 1:16).

A Dangerous World

We know that we are spirit children of heavenly parents here on earth to receive our mortal bodies and to be tested. We live in a very dangerous world that threatens those things which are spiritual. The family, the most fundamental organization of the Church, is under attack from forces seen and unseen. The adversary is about. His objective is to cause injury to the family. If he can weaken and destroy the family, he will have succeeded.
The scriptures tell us, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
We also know that the prophets have said that Satan cannot take one sparrow, or one finch, out of our nest unless we permit it. (3)

Perilous Times Have Come

Paul warned Timothy and warns us. (Notice how perfectly this warning describes what is going on around us now.)

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents [let me repeat that — “disobedient to parents,”], unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection [let me repeat that—“without natural affection”], trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [2 Timothy 3:1–7]

These verses serve as a warning, showing us the patterns to avoid. We must be ever watchful and diligent.
But Paul also gave us the key to our protection. Speaking in the same chapter, he identified healing power in this small phrase: “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).

In 2 Nephi we are warned:

Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!

Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well!

Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!

Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more! [2 Nephi 28:24–27]

Moroni spoke of the wickedness of the secret combinations and the wicked men to come among us. He warned us that they would be with us in our day and said:

When ye shall see these things come among you that ye [should] awake to a sense of your awful situation. . . .

Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved. [Ether 8:24, 26]

A Pattern in All Things

Do we need any more evidence to understand that we are at war with the adversary? The revelations teach us how to win this spiritual war:

And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations —
Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. [D&C 52:14–15]

God Is Our Father

From the accounts of the Council in Heaven we learn that God is our Father, and we are His children.5 We would do well to always remember Him as our Father. We are instructed to address Him as “our Father which art in heaven” (Matthew 6:9).

Our Father delegates to His priesthood leaders a commanding authority to preach, to teach, to minister, and to bless.

Those with a Body Have Power over Those Without

Joseph Smith taught that “wicked spirits have their bounds.” Now listen carefully:

Wicked spirits have their bounds, limits, and laws by which they are governed or controlled. . . . It is very evident that they possess a power that none but those who have the Priesthood can control. (6)

Joseph Smith also taught a principle crucial in importance that everyone, particularly those holding the priesthood, should fully understand. He said:

We came to this earth that we might have a body and present it pure before God in the celestial kingdom. The great principle of happiness consists in having a body. The devil has no body, and herein is his punishment. He is pleased when he can obtain the tabernacle of man. . . .

All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not [let me say that again—“all beings who have bodies have power over those who have not”]. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him. (7)

Satan cannot seduce us by his enticements unless we in our hearts consent and yield. Our organization is such that we can resist the devil; if we were not organized so, we would not be free agents. (8)

Moral Agency

The agency defined in the scriptures is a “moral agency,” which means that we can choose between good and evil.

That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. [D&C 101:78]

We feel free to choose our actions and our responses to life’s events and challenges, but we are not free to choose the consequences of those actions.

Tolerance Can Become a Vice

I must say something about tolerance. Tolerance is a virtue, but, like all virtues, when exaggerated it transforms itself into a vice. The permissiveness afforded by the weakening of the laws of the land to tolerate acts of immorality does not reduce the serious spiritual consequences that result from the violation of God’s law of chastity.

Let me say that again: We who have bodies have the power and authority over those who do not. And we are free to choose what we will and to pick and choose our acts, but we are not free to choose the consequences. They come as they will come.

Alma taught that “the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (Alma 45:16). In order to understand, we must separate the sin from the sinner.

While “the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance,” He is not condemning everyone because of sin. For example, when they brought Him a woman taken in adultery, obviously guilty, He dismissed the case with five words, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). That is the spirit and the letter of His ministry.

All Have the Light of Christ

We are born with the Light of Christ, a guiding influence which permits each person to recognize right from wrong.

For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. [Moroni 7:16–17]

Teach yourself and teach your families about the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. [1 Corinthians 3:16–17]

We, brethren, as holders of the Holy Priesthood Posses The Power to thwart the work of the adversary, if we but stand righteous to use it, and consistently keep the commandments. That is why our Temple Covenants, and certainly all other Covenants we make with our Heavenly Father are so important to keep. We have the greatest Assurance from The Lord, when he said to Joseph Smith [Also given to Church in the "General Council" in Jacksson County, Missouri, April 26, 1832]:

"I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" (D & C Section 82:10)

Let us be righteous holders of the Priesthood, and we will ever be ready to Serve Our Lord!
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Plainview Texas Branch; Lubbock Stake Announcements;

October 3rd :Saturday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00
October 3rd :Saturday Priesthood Telecast 7:00pm

October 4th :Sunday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00

October 7th :Leadership Training @ Stake Center

23 LDS in Philippines are reported among fatalities in storm

 Let us Pray and hope things go well for the survivors. May the Lord bless them all!

In the wake of tropical storm Ketsana, 23 Church members in the Philippines are reported to be among the 140 confirmed fatalities, according to a Church statement issued Sept. 29. Not all Church members have yet been accounted for following the heaviest rainfall in four decades and the ensuing floods from the storm which struck Manila and surrounding areas Saturday, Sept. 26. More than 16 inches of rain fell in 12 hours Saturday.

The total number of members affected is still being assessed, with all but three stake and district presidents having been contacted by the time the report was issued. Fifteen meetinghouses sustained water damage and others are yet to be assessed, according to the Church report.

Associated Press

Flood victims extend their arms to receive relief goods from a military truck after water subsides Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 in suburban Cainta, east of Manila, Philippines. Weary victims of a tropical storm that unleashed worst flooding in more than a decades begun cleaning up their damaged homes as rescue workers plucked more dead bodies from muddy flood waters.

 

All missionaries are safe and accounted for and are joining with local members and others in clean-up efforts. Clothing and bedding donated by members in non-affected areas are being shipped to the disaster area. The Church has also purchased locally food, water, clothing, hygiene items and other relief supplies for distribution to members and others.

Of the 24 metro Manila stakes and two other stakes affected, 14 have been able to respond to their own needs.

Associated Press

In this photo released by the Philippine Air Force, some parts of Cainta township, east of Manila, Philippines, remain flooded three days after tropical storm Ketsana brought the worst flooding in metropolitan Manila in more than 40 years Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009.

Associated Press

Two women start to clean up the mess brought by flooding Tuesday, in suburban Quezon City north of Manila, Philippines.

 

At one point, 80 percent of Manila was submerged by the flooding, the report stated, adding that more than 115,000 are living in makeshift shelters.



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Plainview Texas Branch; Lubbock Stake Announcements;

October 3rd :Saturday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00
October 3rd :Saturday Priesthood Telecast 7:00pm

October 4th :Sunday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00

October 7th :Leadership Training @ Stake Center

President Henry B. Eyring: 'Enduring legacy of Relief Society'

(Photo Courtesy Deseret News;)

By Sarah Jane Weaver
Church News staff writer

Published: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009

Speaking of the great legacy early Latter-day Saint women have passed to women today, President Henry B. Eyring asked Relief Society members worldwide to remember that charity never faileth.


"I testify that charity is the pure love of Christ," said President Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency. "As we serve others with Him we feel His joy."

Thousands of women gathered in the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City for the Church's General Relief Society meeting Sept. 26. The meeting was translated and broadcast, via the Church's satellite system, to meetinghouses across the globe. In addition to President Eyring, the general Relief Society presidency -- Sister Julie B. Beck, Sister Silvia H. Allred and Sister Barbara Thompson -- also addressed the worldwide congregation.


During the meeting, President Eyring spoke on the enduring legacy of Relief Society, an organization that was founded in 1842.

"I will speak to you tonight of the great legacy those who went before you in the Relief Society have passed to you," said President Eyring. "The part of the foundation they laid for you which seems to me most important and persistent is that charity is at the heart of the society and was to come into the heart, to be part of the very nature, of every member."

He said charity meant to early Latter-day Saint women far more than a feeling of benevolence. "Charity is born of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is an effect of His Atonement working in the hearts of the members. There are many benevolent groups of women who do great good. There are many who have overpowering feelings of sympathy for the unfortunate, the sick and the needy. But this organization is unique and has been from its start."

The foundation of the organization – "charity never faileth" -- is at the center of the work, he said. "It served them at the beginning; it served them in the great period that followed; it serves them now in a new time; and it will serve the Relief Society in all the periods ahead."

President Eyring said the Relief Society is composed of women whose feelings of charity spring from hearts "changed by qualifying for and by keeping covenants offered only in the Lord's true church."

"Their feelings of charity come from Him through His atonement. Their acts of charity are guided by His example and come out of gratitude for His infinite gift of mercy and by the Holy Spirit, which He sends to accompany His servants on their missions of mercy. Because of that, they have done and are able to do uncommon things for others and to find joy even when their own unmet needs are great."

President Eyring said the history of Relief Society is filled with accounts of such remarkable selfless service.
Early Latter-day saint women "came from a great diversity of circumstances. All faced the universal trials and heartaches of life. Their determination born of faith to serve the Lord and others seemed to take them not around the storms of mortal life but into them.

"Some were young and some old. They were from many lands and peoples as you are today. But they were of one heart, one mind, and with one intention. They were determined to help the Lord build His Zion."
President Eyring said the love of God dwelt in the hearts of early members of the Relief Society.

Then, he said, because of hard circumstances, for nearly four decades, Relief Society ceased to function as a Churchwide organization. After that period, Brigham Young called Eliza R. Snow to assist bishops in organizing Relief Societies.

"The record of Relief Society shows that when the leaders approached the sisters across the Church to begin again formal Relief Society work they found that charity in their hearts was undiminished. They had continued to reach out in mercy to those in need. For those who stayed faithful to their covenants, the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ, had endured. It was still theirs."

In the years that followed, the Relief Society grew in numbers and in power to serve those in need, said President Eyring. The women created a small hospital and supported women in going to the east to get medical training to staff it. They began the worldwide Church social services programs. They created a grain storage system. They organized the Primary and Young Women organizations. And the Relief Society was at the heart of the beginning of the Church's power to give humanitarian aid across the world.

President Eyring said it is clear from the record that the Lord was in the work with the women of the first period of Relief Society. "He prospered it and they felt joy and light."

President Eyring said it must have been hard for Relief Society sisters when the Lord led them to another season. The hospital system, for example, was handed to others as the women had faith that the Lord saw a greater need for their service elsewhere.

"A precious part of your Relief Society heritage is that same faith in the hearts of the leaders and the members of the Relief Society. The Lord had known where their great talents would be needed in the next season and where they would find an even greater joy than in the wonderful enterprises they had begun and built."
For a new season, the Lord provided a way to provide succor and comfort across the Church. This would come as two sisters would accept their assignment to visit another as a call from the Lord, he said.
"The members of the Relief Society have always been trusted by local priesthood shepherds. Every bishop and every branch president has a Relief Society president to depend upon. She has visiting teachers who know the trials and the needs of every sister. She can, through them, know the hearts of individuals and families. She can meet needs and help the bishop in his call to nurture individuals and families.

"A wonderful part of the heritage of Relief Society is evident in the way the priesthood has always shown respect and received it from the Relief Society in turn. I have seen it as you have."
President Eyring then asked the worldwide congregation to pass "this marvelous and sacred legacy of Relief Society" on to those who will follow them.

"It will take small and simple things. Just remember that it is passed from heart to heart. Charity, the pure love of Christ, is part of the mighty change of heart which the Lord promises to His faithful disciples."

Ultimately, he said, Relief Society members pass their heritage along as they help others receive the gift of charity in their hearts. "They will then be able to pass it to others."
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    As far as my personal opinion, I know that the Relief Society and all that are in it, are inspired of righteous Priesthood Leaders and are given revelation not only as Mothers, but also as leaders. I have seen many wonderful examples of how this program is truly inspired of God. Sister Black was inspirational to me. She always did what she could, and seemed to exceed the need requested. I have also seen that calling of the Relief Society Branch Presidency change and inspire others. Sister Sharp is wonderfully dedicated, and I see the Spirit with her in all she does, and know her counselors are very inspired. Even women whom are simply regular members of the Relief Society, show that charity doesnt stop at callings, but outside of everything we do in church, charity should be clearly visible - I say that a miraculous example of this, whom now is my inspiration (As a dedicated Teacher) Sister Masters shows us all, how much our spiritual investment of time and study, will definativly increase our Spiritual Stock; May the Lord continue to guide us all!



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Plainview Texas Branch; Lubbock Stake Announcements;

October 3rd :Saturday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00
October 3rd :Saturday Priesthood Telecast 7:00pm

October 4th :Sunday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00

October 7th :Leadership Training @ Stake Center

"Choose This Day" : (Joshua 24:15)

Church Responds to
Flooding in the Philippines

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PHILIPPINES 28 September 2009 Tropical storm Ketsana struck the Philippines on Saturday, 26 September 2009, triggering the heaviest rainfall in forty years and causing significant flooding.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing food, water, clothing, hygiene items and other relief supplies which are being purchased locally and distributed to those in the affected region. Local Church members and missionaries are assisting with clean-up efforts. Church members in nonaffected areas of the Philippines are mobilizing to donate clothing and bedding as Church leaders continue to monitor the situation.

Of the 140 confirmed fatalities, 24 Church members have been reported dead with others still missing. The total number of members affected by the flooding is still being assessed, however all Church missionaries are safe and accounted for. 

Fifteen Church meetinghouses have suffered water damage, with others still yet to be assessed.

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Plainview Texas Branch; Lubbock Stake Announcements;

October 3rd :Saturday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00
October 3rd :Saturday Priesthood Telecast 7:00pm

October 4th :Sunday General Conference; 11:00 & 3:00

October 7th :Leadership Training @ Stake Center

President Martinez- Baptism of Grandkids : September 27th, 2009

President Martinez & His Two Grandsons: Christian & Cesar Samaniego

Shot (one) Of His Grandsons: Christian & Cesar Samaniego

Shot (two) Of His Grandsons: Christian & Cesar Samaniego

Shot (three) Of His Grandsons: Christian & Cesar Samaniego

Shot (four) of family including Christian & Cesar Samaniego

 

Shot (five) alternate

Shot (six) alternate

President Martinez & His Two Grandsons: Christian & Cesar Samaniego

President Martinez & His Two Grandsons: Christian & Cesar Samaniego

 

May I extend my warmest regards to President Martinez. Im sure his joy is full, im sure he has had the great pleasure of knowing that his example can be seen, even generations down the road. I feel greatly favored in my own personal life through his love and guidance as our Elders Quorum President. I feel that with him, with Brother Calderon, Brother Olmsted, Brother Derrick, Brother Guinn, Brother Stewart, Brother Baab, Brother Sharpe, Brother Kelly, Brother Montoya, Brother Gagne, Brother West, Brother Brunkhorst, Brother Mayberry and the other great brethren who have joined us in the Elders Quorum and have rejoiced in the building up of Zion in our hearts, at church, and even at home! 

 

The change came in my life from a great group of wonderfully motivated Elders; I'll never forget their names, ever. Elder Tripp, Elder Philpot, Elder Rusk, Elder Colton, Elder Gibb!

Also, before our current Branch Presidency was the running administration, all of the men inside were greatly influential to me as well; President Williams & President Porter have had a substantial influence in my life (As well as Sister Porter); Both President Sharp and Longoria also have been a profound influence for good, and I must thank them also. All of these before mentioned individuals as well as the High Priest whom Ordained me to the Melchizedek Priesthood, my grandfather LLoyd M. Beardsley, whom I have had the joy of ordaining me to every office I have held in the Priesthood. He has been frequently praying to the Lord, along with my Grandma Beardsley, petitioning the Lord to intervene on my behalf- The Lord has. Im greatful for every Brother and Sister in this Gospel I have; Again President, congrats!

Church Rolls Out New LDS.Org & Mormon Messages combined effort site called "Finding Hope"

 Well brethren, It has been a spiritually uplifting week for me. It truly has. In the interest of preservation of the way I have the lesson set up, I wont write about the past week I have had, until after tomorrow. I have had help from the Savior it seems, even more than I can ever recall previously. I will tie this into the lesson, and then of course will post all that information after tomorrow...

But, like the title to this blog, the main lds.org webpage shows now this addition about a site dedicated to, and about the topic of hope. It must be something a lot of people struggle with, even more than many give actual attention to. That site again, is, "Finding Hope" (Click)

Until tomorrow brethren, I pray the Spirit of The Lord attend you all.

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Lubbock Stake + Plainview Branch Announcements:

September 27th, 2009: Fast Sunday

September 28th, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 30th, 2009: 7:00pm Priest/Laurel Activity (4th Ward - Stake Center)

Another Testament of Jesus Christ - The Book of Mormon

Powerful Video....

Time To Dust Off The Old Testament!!

Val D. Greenwood, author of the award winning book "How Often Would I Have Gathered You" paid a visit to our blog here, and has made way for all of us to be better acquainted with the Old Testament. Take the time to look over his blog,  Val D. Greenwood's Blog (Click Here) , after careful study of his wisdom, don't hesitate to visit his companion site Oldtestamentor (Click Here) and follow along as he takes the role of mentor to our knowledge and understanding of the Old Testament. What a great asset this is!

Should you find loads of information that you like, (as you shall,) visit New View Old Testament- the page of which you can purchase the award winning book , "How Often Would I Have Gathered You"

I look forward to sharing more input with you brethren.

A few quick Announcements and clarifications (Reminders) : Sunday, September 27th, is Fast Sunday because the next week, as we all know, is General Conference! I can't wait for the fountain of knowledge and inspiration that will come from it!

Here are some recent photos: From The Oquirrh Mountain Temple

 

 

And Some Photos Of General Authorities:

 

 

 

 

 

Hope all of this has been of use to you brethren, more to come soon!

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Lubbock Stake + Plainview Branch Announcements:

September 26th, 2009: 7:00pm General Relief Society Telecast (At Stake Center)

September 27th, 2009: Fast Sunday

September 28th, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 30th, 2009: 7:00pm Priest/Laurel Activity (4th Ward - Stake Center)

The Healing Power of Jesus Christ - Sculptures by Angela Johnson

Brethren, I know I post a lot of information here, but I promise you I put here, information that inspires me; This includes but, is not limited to, talks, church videos, inspiring videos and bulletins. I love The Lord, and hope that all I post here is witness to that fact!



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Lubbock Stake + Plainview Branch Announcements:

September 24th, 2009: 7:00pm Stake Presidency
September 24th, 2009: 8:00pm Elders-HP Interviews

September 26th, 2009: 7:00pm General Relief Society Telecast (At Stake Center)

September 27th, 2009: Fast Sunday

September 28th, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 30th, 2009: 7:00pm Priest/Laurel Activity (4th Ward - Stake Center)

"Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises" ; Watch & Read

The Following Talk By Elder Spencer J. Condie of The Seventy, was given during the Saturday Morning Session of the 177th Semiannual General Conference of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints;

This talk will be a "Companion" talk that I will wish to incorporate into our Priesthood Lesson on Sunday September 27th, 2009. Click On The title of this blog entry to go to the talk, or Click Here for "Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises" as found on LDS.ORG .

(Or, Follow Below - After the written copy of this talk is the embedded video of the talk that you can watch without leaving the blog page)

"Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises"

Elder Spencer J. Condie
Of the Seventy
The Lord makes generous promises, and He certifies that He will not vary from these promises.

I bring you the love and greeting of the faithful Saints in the South Pacific.

The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This includes faith in His divine birth and heavenly heritage and faith that, under His Father’s direction, He created the earth and all things that dwell therein (see John 1:10; Mosiah 3:8). At the very heart of our faith in Christ is the assurance that through His atoning sacrifice, though our sins may be as scarlet, they can become as white as snow (see Isaiah 1:18).
Faith in Christ includes the knowledge that following His Crucifixion, He arose from the tomb, and His Resurrection made it possible for all mankind to live again (see 1 Corinthians 15:21–23). Faith in Christ is the assurance that He and His Heavenly Father appeared to a young man, Joseph Smith, paving the way for the Restoration of all things in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, which bears His holy name.

       Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is evident when we believe His teachings and claim His “exceeding great and precious promises” and become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). Innumerable promises are proclaimed by His prophets, and the Lord assures us, “My word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

      In these latter days, the Lord revealed that “when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:21). The Lord makes generous promises, and He certifies that He will not vary from these promises, for, said He, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise” (D&C 82:10).

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

     The Lord’s countless exceeding great and precious promises include forgiveness of our sins when we “confess them and forsake them” (D&C 58:43; see also D&C 1:32). Opening the windows of heaven is a promise claimed by those who pay a faithful tithe (see Malachi 3:10), and finding “great treasures of knowledge” accrues to those who observe the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89:19).

     Becoming unspotted from the world is a promise to those who keep the Sabbath holy (see D&C 59:9; Exodus 31:13). Divine guidance and inspiration are promised to those who “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Nephi 32:3) and who “liken all scriptures” unto themselves (1 Nephi 19:23).
    
     The Lord also promised that “whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you” (3 Nephi 18:20). We are promised that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion when we “let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly” (see D&C 121:45–46). We can claim the spiritually liberating promise of fasting, which will “loose the bands of wickedness,” undo our “heavy burdens,” and “break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6).

      Those who are sealed in holy temples and who faithfully keep their covenants will receive God’s glory, which “shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever” (D&C 132:19).
Sometimes, in our earthly impatience, we may lose sight of the Lord’s precious promises and disconnect our obedience from the fulfillment of these promises. The Lord has declared:

“Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled?

“I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing.

“Then they say in their hearts: This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. But wo unto
 such, for their reward lurketh beneath, and not from above” (D&C 58:31–33).

Seeing the Promises Afar Off

     Important components of faith are patience, long-suffering, and enduring to the end. The Apostle Paul recounts the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sara, concluding that “these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (see Hebrews 11:4–13). These faithful Saints knew that this earth life was a journey, not their final destination.
     
     When Abram was 75 years old, the Lord promised him, “I will make of thee a great nation”—this at a time when he and Sarai as yet had no children (Genesis 12:2). He was 86 when Sarai’s handmaiden Hagar “bare Ishmael to Abram” (Genesis 16:16).

     And the Lord changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah, and when he was nearly a hundred and she was 90 they were promised that Sarah would bear a son to be named Isaac (see Genesis 17:17, 19). Amidst their disbelief the Lord asked: “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14). And “Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age” (Genesis 21:2), and the Lord promised: “I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore” (Genesis 22:17).
Young Isaac grew into manhood, and when he was 40 years old he married Rebekah. “And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived” and bore twin sons, Esau and Jacob, when their father was 60 years old. (See Genesis 25:20–26.)

      As Jacob matured and became of appropriate age, his parents sent him to the household of Laban, where he would meet Laban’s two daughters, Leah and Rachel. Jacob told Laban, “I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. . . . And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her” (Genesis 29:18, 20).

     You will recall how Laban beguiled young Jacob into first marrying Leah and then Rachel. “And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren” (Genesis 29:31). And Leah bore Reuben, then Simeon, then Levi, and Judah. Meanwhile, Rachel remained childless (see Genesis 29:32–35).

      With ever-increasing envy and mounting desperation, one day Rachel explosively demanded of Jacob, “Give me children or else I die” (Genesis 30:1). Leah subsequently bore two more sons and a daughter.

The Lord Is Not Slack Concerning His Promise

     The Apostle Peter testified that “the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering” toward us (2 Peter 3:9). In this age of one-hour dry cleaning and one-minute fast-food franchises, it may at times seem to us as though a loving Heavenly Father has misplaced our precious promises or He has put them on hold or filed them under the wrong name. Such were the feelings of Rachel.

     But with the passage of time, we encounter four of the most beautiful words in holy writ: “And God remembered Rachel” (Genesis 30:22). And she was blessed with the birth of Joseph and later the birth of Benjamin. There are millions on earth today who are descendants of Joseph who have embraced the Abrahamic promise that through their efforts “shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal” (Abraham 2:11).

     When heaven’s promises sometimes seem afar off, I pray that each of us will embrace these exceeding great and precious promises and never let go. And just as God remembered Rachel, God will remember you. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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Lubbock Stake + Plainview Branch Announcements:

September 24th, 2009: 7:00pm Stake Presidency

September 24th, 2009: 8:00pm Elders-HP Interviews

September 26th, 2009: 7:00pm General Relief Society Telecast (At Stake Center)

September 27th, 2009: Fast Sunday

September 28th, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 30th, 2009: 7:00pm Priest/Laurel Activity (4th Ward - Stake Center)

"Come Thou Fount..." a.k.a. "Reflections of Christ"

Truly inspirational..... 




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Lubbock Stake + Plainview Branch Announcements:

September 24th, 2009: 7:00pm Stake Presidency
September 24th, 2009: 8:00pm Elders-HP Interviews

September 26th, 2009: 7:00pm General Relief Society Telecast (At Stake Center)

September 27th, 2009: Fast Sunday

September 28th, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 30th, 2009: 7:00pm Priest/Laurel Activity (4th Ward - Stake Center)

Joseph Smith Papers Second Book Released!

 Wow, copies of the "HAND WRITTEN" revelations, and commandments. A true Gem of Church History.
This Video Explains More! The book is being released on a special September 22nd Date..... anyone know why? (I do!)




Look at Church News "Widget" on right of screen ----------------------------------->
for more Church News Updates!


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Lubbock Stake + Plainview Branch Announcements:

September 24th, 2009: 7:00pm Stake Presidency
September 24th, 2009: 8:00pm Elders-HP Interviews

September 26th, 2009: 7:00pm General Relief Society Telecast (At Stake Center)

September 27th, 2009: Fast Sunday

September 28th, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 30th, 2009: 7:00pm Priest/Laurel Activity (4th Ward - Stake Center)

A Video "Christ's True Mercy"

A touching video.....


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September 18th, 2009: 7:00pm Young Adult BBQ (Stake)
September 18th, 2009: 8:30pm Young Adult Barn Dance

September 19th, 2009: 8:30am Stake Merit Badge Clinic (At Stake Center: Communications & Citizenship)
September 19th, 2009: 5:00pm Stake Youth Com. Orientation and Dinner (Stake Center)

September 20th, 2009: High Council Speaker

September 21st, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 24th, 2009: 7:00pm Stake Presidency
September 24th, 2009: 8:00pm Elders-HP Interviews

September 26th, 2009: 7:00pm General Relief Society Telecast (At Stake Center)

September 27th, 2009: Fast Sunday

September 28th, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 30th, 2009: 7:00pm Priest/Laurel Activity (4th Ward - Stake Center)

Lesson 5: Performing Priesthood Ordinances

“Lesson 5: Performing Priesthood Ordinances,”  

Performing Priesthood Ordinances 

Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B, 41

The purpose of this lesson is to teach us how to perform priesthood ordinances.

Introduction

The Lord has told us, “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence” (D&C 107:99). Priesthood holders should know how to perform priesthood ordinances and be worthy to have the guidance of the Holy Ghost in performing them.
Our ability to bless the lives of others through priesthood ordinances is determined by our faithfulness and obedience. Joseph Fielding Smith stated, “I am sure … that we would see more manifestations of the Spirit of God, for instance in the healing of the sick, if we would live just a little nearer to these fundamental truths [of exercising faith in God by performing our duties as members of the Church]” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 2:311–12).
Our effectiveness as priesthood holders can also be enhanced by prayer. Before we perform priesthood ordinances we should seek the Lord in prayer. Even fasting may sometimes be necessary in special circumstances. (See Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part A, lesson 31, “Prayer and Fasting.”) If we approach the Lord in the spirit of prayer and fasting and live His teachings to the best of our ability, the Spirit will direct us in our priesthood work.

What Ordinances Can We Perform?

• • What ordinances can we perform through the priesthood offices we hold? (Use the following information to direct the discussion.)
  

Deacons

Deacons participate in the sacrament ordinance by passing the bread and water to members of the Church.

Teachers

Teachers participate in the sacrament ordinance by preparing the sacrament. They may also pass the sacrament in the absence of deacons.

Priests

Priests participate in the sacrament ordinance by blessing the bread and water. They may help prepare and pass the sacrament when needed. If authorized by the bishop or branch president, priests can perform the ordinance of baptism, confer the Aaronic Priesthood, and ordain others to offices in the Aaronic Priesthood.

Melchizedek Priesthood Holders

Melchizedek Priesthood holders may perform all the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood. In addition, they may bless and name children, confirm members of the Church and bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, consecrate oil, administer to the sick, dedicate graves, give father’s blessings to their children, give blessings of guidance and comfort, and confer the Melchizedek Priesthood when authorized by the stake or mission president. Elders may ordain others to the office of elder, and high priests may ordain others to the office of high priest or elder.

• • For more complete information about the ordinances performed by the priesthood, see Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part A, lessons 5, 6, 7, and 9.
  

How to Perform Ordinances

Brethren who perform priesthood ordinances should prepare themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. They should perform each ordinance in a dignified manner, making sure it meets the following requirements:

• 1. All ordinances must be performed in the name of Jesus Christ. When a person performs priesthood ordinances, he should realize that he is acting on behalf of the Savior.
  
• 2. All ordinances must be performed by the authority of the priesthood. Only brethren who hold the necessary priesthood and are worthy should perform or stand in the circle for an ordinance.
  
• 3. The following ordinances must be authorized by the presiding authority who holds the proper keys (normally the bishop or stake president): naming and blessing children, baptizing, confirming, administering the sacrament, conferring the priesthood and ordaining to an office, and dedicating graves. Consecrating oil, administering to the sick, and giving father’s blessings do not need to be authorized by the presiding authority. A man is authorized to perform these ordinances if he holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and is worthy.
  
• 4. All ordinances must be performed with their necessary procedures such as using specified words or laying on hands.
  

“Priesthood leaders teach brethren how to perform ordinances and blessings. Leaders also help fathers be prepared and worthy to perform ordinances and blessings for family members” (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 171).

• • The following information concerns the basic ordinances of the gospel administered by the priesthood. Under the direction of priesthood leaders, select some of the following ordinances to review with class members.
  

Naming and Blessing of Children

Under the direction of the presiding authority, only brethren who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood may participate in the ordinance of naming and blessing children (see D&C 20:70). Worthy fathers who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood should be encouraged to bless their own children.
When blessing a baby, brethren gather in a circle and place their hands under the baby. When blessing an older child, brethren place their hands lightly on the child’s head. The person who gives the blessing:

• 1. Addresses Heavenly Father.
  
• 2. States that the blessing is performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  
• 3. Gives the child a name.
  
• 4. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
  
• 5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
  

Baptism

The ordinance of baptism is performed only by a worthy priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder under the direction of the presiding authority. The priesthood holder:

• 1. Stands in the water with the person to be baptized.
  
• 2. (For convenience and safety) holds the person’s right wrist with his left hand; the person being baptized holds the priesthood holder’s left wrist with his or her left hand.
  
• 3. Raises his right arm to the square.
  
• 4. States the person’s full name and says, “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” (D&C 20:73).
  
• 5. Has the person hold his or her nose with the right hand (for convenience); then the priesthood holder places his right hand high on the person’s back and immerses the person completely, including the person’s clothing.
  
• 6. Helps the person come up out of the water.
  

Each baptism must be witnessed by two priests or Melchizedek Priesthood holders, who make sure it is performed properly. The baptism must be repeated if the prayer was not stated accurately or if part of the body or clothing of the person being baptized was not immersed completely.

Confirmation

A person receives the ordinance of confirmation after he or she has been baptized (see D&C 20:41). Under the direction of the bishopric or branch presidency, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders may participate in this ordinance. They place their hands lightly on the person’s head. Then the person who performs the ordinance:

• 1. States the person’s full name.
  
• 2. States that the ordinance is performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  
• 3. Confirms the person a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  
• 4. Bestows the gift of the Holy Ghost by saying, “Receive the Holy Ghost.”
  
• 5. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
  
• 6. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
  

The Sacrament

The sacrament is a very sacred ordinance and is administered under the direction of the bishopric or branch presidency. Aaronic Priesthood holders usually perform these duties. However, Melchizedek Priesthood holders may bless and pass the sacrament when there are not enough Aaronic Priesthood brethren or if the bishop or branch president occasionally invites them to do so.
Every priesthood holder who participates in this ordinance should understand that he is acting on behalf of the Lord. The personal appearance and attitude of all who participate should reflect the sacred nature of the ordinance. Priesthood holders should wash their hands before preparing, blessing, or passing the sacrament.
Worthy teachers, priests, and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may prepare the sacrament. Before the meeting begins, those who prepare the sacrament should make sure that clean bread trays with unbroken bread, clean water trays with cups filled with fresh water, and clean white tablecloths are in place.
Worthy priests and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may bless the sacrament. Worthy deacons, teachers, priests, and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may pass the sacrament.
During the sacrament hymn, the priesthood holders who will bless the sacrament should break the bread into bite-sized pieces. Following the hymn, the person who blesses the bread kneels and offers the sacrament prayer for the bread (see D&C 20:77). The sacrament prayers were revealed by the Lord. The bishop or branch president makes sure that they are spoken clearly, accurately, and with dignity. If the bishop or branch president must correct an error, he should be careful to avoid causing embarrassment or distracting from the sacred nature of the ordinance.
After the prayer, deacons or other priesthood holders pass the bread to the congregation in a reverent and orderly manner. The presiding officer receives the sacrament first. When brethren finish passing the bread, they return the trays to the sacrament table. Those officiating at the sacrament table replace the cloth over the bread trays and uncover the water trays. The person who blesses the water kneels and offers the sacrament prayer for the water (see D&C 20:79), substituting the word water for wine. After the prayer, deacons or other priesthood holders pass the water to the congregation. When they finish, they return the trays to the sacrament table, wait for the officiators to cover the trays, then reverently take their seats.

Conferral of the Priesthood and Ordination to a Priesthood Office

Ordination to an office in the Aaronic Priesthood is done by or under the direction of the bishop or branch president. Ordination to an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood is done by or under the direction of the stake or mission president. To perform a priesthood ordination, one or more authorized priesthood holders place their hands lightly on the person’s head. The priesthood bearer who performs the ordination:

• 1. Calls the person by his full name.
  
• 2. States the authority by which the ordination is performed (Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood).
  
• 3. Confers the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood unless it has already been conferred.
  
• 4. Ordains the person to an office in the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood and bestows the rights, powers, and authority of that office.
  
• 5. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
  
• 6. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
  

Consecration of Oil

One or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders must consecrate olive oil before it is used to anoint the sick or afflicted. No other oil may be used. To do this, a priesthood holder:

• 1. Holds an open container of olive oil.
  
• 2. Addresses Heavenly Father.
  
• 3. States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  
• 4. Consecrates the oil (not the container) and sets it apart for anointing and blessing the sick and afflicted.
  
• 5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
  

• • Have each Melchizedek Priesthood holder consecrate some olive oil for himself and for others in the class who may need some in their home.
  

Administering to the Sick

Only Melchizedek Priesthood holders may administer to the sick or afflicted. Administering to the sick has two parts: (1) anointing with oil and (2) sealing the anointing.
The anointing is done by one Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He:

• 1. Puts a small amount of consecrated oil on the person’s head.
  
• 2. Places his hands lightly on the person’s head and calls the person by his or her full name.
  
• 3. States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  
• 4. States that he is anointing with consecrated oil.
  
• 5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
  

Normally, two or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands lightly on the person’s head. The one who seals the anointing:

• 1. Calls the person by his or her full name.
  
• 2. States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  
• 3. Seals the anointing.
  
• 4. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
  
• 5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
  

If a person requests more than one blessing for the same illness, the priesthood holder usually does not need to anoint with oil after the first blessing. Instead, he gives a blessing by the laying on of hands and the authority of the priesthood.

Dedication of Graves

Graves should be dedicated by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, as authorized by the priesthood officer who conducts the service. To dedicate a grave, he:

• 1. Addresses Heavenly Father.
  
• 2. States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  
• 3. Dedicates and consecrates the burial plot as the resting place for the body of the deceased.
  
• 4. (Where appropriate) prays that the place may be hallowed and protected until the Resurrection.
  
• 5. Asks the Lord to comfort the family and expresses thoughts as the Spirit directs.
  
• 6. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
  

Father’s Blessings and Blessings of Comfort and Counsel

Fathers and others who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood may give blessings of comfort and counsel. Fathers may give their children blessings on special occasions such as when the children enter military service or leave home to go to school or on missions. A family may record a father’s blessing in family records, but it is not preserved in Church records.
To give a father’s blessing or other blessings of comfort and counsel, one or more worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands lightly on the person’s head. Then the priesthood leader who gives the blessing:

• 1. Calls the person by his or her full name.
  
• 2. States that the blessing is performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  
• 3. Blesses the person as the Spirit directs.
  
• 4. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
  

Conclusion

As priesthood holders, we should prepare ourselves for times when we need to perform ordinances. Being ready to perform priesthood ordinances means that we are living the commandments to the best of our ability and that we understand how to perform the ordinances. Such preparation will bless ourselves and others.

Challenge

Study the procedures for performing ordinances. Set a goal to study one each week. Think of one area in your life in which you can improve your worthiness to perform priesthood ordinances. Resolve to improve your life in that area.

Additional Scriptures

• • Matthew 3:13–17 (baptism of Jesus)
  
• • Mark 6:13 (sick anointed with oil)
  
• • Mark 16:17–18 (laying hands on the sick)
  
• • James 5:14–16 (elders of the Church to anoint the sick)
  
• • 3 Nephi 11:22–26 (method of baptism)
  
• • Moroni 2:2 (Holy Ghost bestowed by the laying on of hands)
  
• • Doctrine and Covenants 42:11 (men to be ordained by those in authority.
  

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Lubbock Stake + Plainview Branch Announcements:

September 17th, 2009: 4:30pm-9:00pm Blood Drive(58th)
September 17th, 2009: 7:00pm Stake Presidency
September 17th, 2009: 8:00pm High Council

September 18th, 2009: 7:00pm Young Adult BBQ (Stake)
September 18th, 2009: 8:30pm Young Adult Barn Dance

September 19th, 2009: 8:30am Stake Merit Badge Clinic (At Stake Center: Communications & Citizenship)
September 19th, 2009: 5:00pm Stake Youth Com. Orientation and Dinner (Stake Center)

September 20th, 2009: High Council Speaker

September 21st, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 24th, 2009: 7:00pm Stake Presidency
September 24th, 2009: 8:00pm Elders-HP Interviews

September 26th, 2009: 7:00pm General Relief Society Telecast (At Stake Center)

September 27th, 2009: Fast Sunday

September 28th, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 30th, 2009: 7:00pm Priest/Laurel Activity (4th Ward - Stake Center)

Feature Stories In LDS Media

Hello Brethren. As always it is a pleasure to come online, post great stories, talks, insights or even, general information. Today, I again have some more stories from the L.D.S. Wire (My nickname that includes all major LDS news; i.e. ldschurchnews.com, deseretnews.com, ldsliving.com, mormontimes.com)

So, From The Following Sites, Come The Following Stories:

LDSLIVING:

Woman Overcomes Fathers Dark Past With Family ; Gospel 
       -Melissa Moore was 15 in 1995 when her life changed forever.         Her mother sat her and her siblings down in their grandmother’s basement, where they had lived since    their parent’s divorce, and broke the news. Their father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, a man who Moore remembers as generally well mannered, playful and gregarious, if sometimes odd, had been jailed for the murder of his fiancée.
        But it didn’t end there. By the end of the investigation, Jesperson had confessed to eight murders in all over the course of five years and had been given four life sentences for the murders the court had tried.(Click the link- which is the story name, for the complete story)

Swindler's Tithing Returned
         OGDEN -- A settlement agreement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more than $200,000 is among the dozens of lawsuits and hundreds of filings that are part of the federal Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement action against convicted swindler Val Southwick. Southwick, 63, is serving what likely will be a life prison term, sentenced in June 2008 for bilking some 800 investors of $142 million. The state Board of Pardons in December opted not to see Southwick again until the year 2025.
(Click the link- which is the story name, for the complete story)

Church Edition of Spanish Bible Now Published 

          The Latter-day Saint edition of the Holy Bible in Spanish, a project that has spanned several years, is now available, and a print run of 800,000 copies has already been completed. It is one of the most significant scripture projects ever undertaken by the Church. The volume contains new chapter headings, footnotes and cross-references to all scriptures used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
           In a letter read on Sunday in thousands of Spanish-speaking Latter-day Saint congregations, the Church’s First Presidency said: “We encourage each of you to obtain a personal copy of this new edition and to use it in your regular personal and family study and at Church. As you prayerfully learn and teach from the scriptures, your knowledge and testimony will increase, your love of family will expand, your ability to serve others will enlarge, and you will receive greater spiritual strength.”
(Click the link- which is the story name, for the complete story)

Minister Without Limbs Captivates LDS & Evangelical Members 

         Nick Vujicic captivates a crowd with his voice, his movements and his belief in the power of God — and that's all he needs.          Even though he was born without arms and legs, Vujicic doesn't consider it a disability. He's plenty able. He swims, he types, and most important to him, Vujicic spreads a hidden message: If he can do it, anybody can do it.
        "If you look into my eyes, I am the richest man on earth," Vujicic said while leaning forward with animation in every movement. " Many people think, 'Wow, having no arms and legs is such a big disability.' The real disability is not knowing who we are in Christ."
(Click the link- which is the story name, for the complete story :***: This story was originally featured on Deseret News, visit  Minister Without Limbs Captivates LDS & Evangelical Members - Full Deseret News Story)

Spirit Calms Horrors of War for Italian Convert
          Bombs raining down on her head and other horrors of war fostered a disdain for Americans in the heart of Ivers Fuzari, who was a teenager living under the Mussolini regime in Italy during World War II.           An obvious question during a recent Church News interview with the bright, charming and faithful convert in her apartment was: How did the American missionaries get into her home — then in Petropolis, Brazil — to teach her family the gospel?
          Not totally confident in her English, Sister Fuzari did a pantomime. She stood up firm and erect and shoved her foot forward.
          After she answered the knock, the missionary stuck his foot in the door?
          She nodded.
(Click the link- which is the story name, for the complete story)

Naisi Zhao: The Mormon Missionary  

Editor's note: This story is one profile of the New York Times "One in 8 Million" series, which tells the stories of New York characters in sounds and images.
  Since January, Ms. Zhao has been volunteering in Chinatown and living with another missionary on the Lower East Side. She converted to Mormonism three years ago while studying at Brigham Young University in Utah.
  Click Here (This will direct you to the video Featured on The New York Times) to listen to Ms. Zhao relate her experiences and to watch a brief slideshow following her through a day in her life as a missionary.

MORMON TIMES: 

THIS IS A SMALL VERSION OF THE TALK, WHICH WAS GIVEN ON 9-15-09 AT A C.E.S FIRESIDE.

AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD HERE! CLICK HERE!!
The length of this talk is 47:01

 President Monson recalls 9 Predecessors

President Monson recalls 9 predecessors

By Scott Taylor

Deseret News

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2009

PROVO, Utah -- Listing favorite foods ranging from pies to pickles and guiding principles from compassion to persistence, LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson provided a personal primer of his nine immediate predecessors as he spoke at Tuesday's Brigham Young University devotional.

President Monson, who in February 2008 became the 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared a laundry list of information -- tenures, traits, anecdotes and personal favorites -- of the nine LDS presidents who have served in his lifetime as he spoke to a near-capacity crowd at BYU's 22,000-seat Marriott Center.

Each guided the church through writings, messages and examples. "To show us the way," President Monson said, "we have those whom the Lord has provided."

He highlighted guiding principles in paying individual tribute to the previous nine.

LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson, left, with BYU president Cecil O. Samuelson prior to Tuesday's devotional. Photo: Stuart Johnson, Deseret News

Some were one-word summations -- such as "persistence" for President Heber J. Grant, "compassion" for President George Albert Smith and "dedication" for President Spencer W. Kimball -- while others were multi-word phrases, such as "do your best" from President Gordon B. Hinckley and "be in tune with and be responsive to the whisperings of the spirit" from President Harold B. Lee.

President Monson also provided personal favorites for each -- a hymn, a quotation and, to the smiles of his audience, a favorite food.

Besides the preferred dish of bread and milk favored by several, President Monson shared other culinary delights of modern-day prophets -- President Joseph Fielding Smith's penchant for sweet pickles, President David O. McKay's craving for Cummings chocolates, President Ezra Taft Benson's taste for fresh raspberries and President Howard W. Hunter's choice of Alaskan crab.

President Monson also shared several examples and anecdotes -- ranging from inspiring to humorous -- for each of the nine who served the nine decades from 1918 to 2008.

Several anecdotes were tender personal interactions recalled by President Monson, such as his call to the apostleship in 1963 at the age of 36 from President McKay and the time President Lee -- his boyhood stake president -- graciously joined him in giving his son a priesthood blessing prior to surgery for a tumor in his leg.

"What can we learn from the presidents whom I have known and about whom I have visited with you today?" President Monson asked. "We can learn that they never wavered, never faltered, never failed; that they are men of God."

He included Jesus Christ in the equation. "Let us follow Him. He has sent presidents of the church whom we can have as a guide and whom we can follow."

President Monson deferred including any description of himself. "As the 16th president of the church, my story is yet to be summarized by those who will follow," he said. "In the meantime, I pledge my life, my strength -- all that I have to offer -- in serving the Lord and in directing the affairs of His church in accordance with His will and by His inspiration."

Teach Repentance In Family Home Evening 

Let me generalize for a minute about parenthood. We all want to be good parents, and we want our children to be happy. We try to teach our children the principles of Christ's gospel so they will make good decisions in a world that grows increasingly wicked. We attend our church meetings, shoot for daily scripture study and prayer, and try to hold family home evening weekly.

(Click the link- which is the story name, for the complete story)

Happiness Does Not Come From Fame 

ROSWELL, Ga. -- The real happiness in life comes from the Savior's Atonement, faith and family -- not fame, Dale and Nancy Murphy say.
During a fireside Sept.12 at the Roswell Georgia Stake center, the Murphys, who now live in Utah, spoke about searching for happiness, the fleeting nature of fame and the important things in life -- faith and family. They also reminisced about the years when Dale Murphy was playing baseball for the Atlanta Braves and they were living in the Roswell Ward.
(Click the link- which is the story name, for the complete story)

**: Well Brethren, I truly hope that some inspiration, and intrigue have penetrated to your Soul, Look for more good stories in the future, and please, take the time to become a "Blog Follower" :**

As always my dear Brethren in the Lord, It is my distinct pleasure to be able to do this blog.... If at ANY time, you have a suggestion, something you want to see, or even general feedback, please e-mail me at any of the following e-mail addresses.....

rexbeardsley@ldsliving.com
rexbeardsley@aol.com
rexbeardsley@yahoo.com
dominionanomoly@hotmail.com


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Lubbock Stake + Plainview Branch Announcements:

September 16th, 2009: 7:00 p.m. Stake Adult YM Leadership Training; (Stake Center)

September 17th, 2009: 4:30pm-9:00pm Blood Drive(58th)
September 17th, 2009: 7:00pm Stake Presidency
September 17th, 2009: 8:00pm High Council

September 18th, 2009: 7:00pm Young Adult BBQ (Stake)
September 18th, 2009: 8:30pm Young Adult Barn Dance

September 19th, 2009: 8:30am Stake Merit Badge Clinic (At Stake Center: Communications & Citizenship)
September 19th, 2009: 5:00pm Stake Youth Com. Orientation and Dinner (Stake Center)

September 20th, 2009: High Council Speaker

September 21st, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 24th, 2009: 7:00pm Stake Presidency
September 24th, 2009: 8:00pm Elders-HP Interviews

September 26th, 2009: 7:00pm General Relief Society Telecast (At Stake Center)

September 27th, 2009: Fast Sunday

September 28th, 2009: Family Home Evening

September 30th, 2009: 7:00pm Priest/Laurel Activity (4th Ward - Stake Center)