Seminary Notes (October 15th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"Difficulties allow us to change for the better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches us, and to become something different from what we were-better then we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we were, with stronger testimonies then we had before."
-President Thomas S. Monson

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 27:
1-5:
Drunken with iniquity-bound with the cords of Satan. No ability to choose.
* What does that mean?
* How do the individuals of our day respond to iniquity?
- Full of appetite.
- Closed eyes.
- Reject the prophets.

6-7:
* What will the Lord give us to help us?
- Book of Mormon.
- Scriptures.
- The Atonement.

12-14:
* Who was allowed to see the Book of Mormon?
- First three witnesses.
- Later eight witnesses.

* What was the last individual you shared your testimony with?

Seminary Notes (October 14th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"When our testimonies are strong and we are strong and we are truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, our choices will be inspired by the Holy Ghost, they will be Christ-centered, and they will support our desire to endure in righteousness." -Richard J Maynes.

Today in class we focused on Scripture Mastery. We matched the Scripture Mastery up with it's doctrinal teaching. Here's what we were able to match up and finish within the class time frame:

1. 2nd Nephi 32:8-9 & How do I know if I am worthy to pray to God?
2. 3rd Nephi 12:48  & I'm not perfect, so why try?
3. Alma 32:21 & What is "faith"?
4. Alma 37:35 & When is the ideal time to lean God's commandments?
5. 1st Nephi 3:7 & I know the Lord will answer my prayers.
6. 2nd Nephi 31:19-20 & Is is not enough to have faith, repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost.
7. 2nd Nephi 2:25 & What is the purpose of the Fall of Adam?
8. 2nd Nephi 2:27 & How do I know which to choose?

Here is a match that I made but couldn't make in class because the board was so confusing:
1. 2nd Nephi 32:3 (Feast upon the words of Christ) & Is it wrong to go to college?

That was babsically all that was completed in class today but remember to continue to review the Scrioture Mastery!

Here is are a few links to help: 
1. https://scripturemastery.lds.org/?lang=eng
2. http://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-scripture-mastery-cards?lang=eng
3. http://seminary.lds.org/mastery/scripture-mastery/find?lang=eng
4. http://seminary.lds.org/mastery/scripture-mastery/memorize?lang=eng
5. http://seminary.lds.org/mastery/scripture-mastery/understand-and-apply?lang=eng

Thank you Camilla!

Hey guys, I wanted to give a special shout out to Camilla for allowing me to borrow her notes for the previous week. I hope y'all are enjoying your weekend and see you tomorrow! :)

Seminary Notes (October 11th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"The doctrine is to the Church like a battery is to a cellphone. When you remove the battery from your cellphone, it becomes useless. A church in which true doctrine is no longer taught is similarly useless. It cannot guide us back to our Heavenly Father and our eternal home." - Elder L. Tom Perry

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 21:1,10:              
- Stem of Jesse.                    
- Rod.                                  
- Root of Jesse.                    

 Doctrine & Covenants 113:1-6:
 - Jesus Christ.
 - Servant of Christ "on whom there is laid much power".
- Decedent of Jesse and Joseph who will hold the priesthood "keys of the kingdom" in the latter days.
    * Prophecy about Joseph Smith.

The temple is a rallying point; an ensign. (I personally enjoy calling it the Mormon "City Upon A Hill")
Ensigns are any rallying points for us to come together.

-What is your favorite ensign?

Seminary Notes (October 10th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"We all need each other, sons of God need daughters of God, and daughters of God need sons of God."
-Carole M. Stephens (General Relief Society President)

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 19:6:
Prince of Peace:
1. He will bring literal peace when He comes.
2. When we seek Him, we will go in peace.

Another name:
Ishmael means "God be with us".
Syria and Israel wanted Judah to assist in their fight against Assyria.
Judah didn't co-operate, they attacked and failed to overtake Judah.
The Lord will help when we ask for assistance and when we need it.

Seminary Notes (October 9th 2013)

Daily Thought: 

"In the sight of the Lord, it is not so much what we have done or where we have been but much more where we are willing to go." - Edward Dube, Seventy. 

Scriptures: 

2nd Nephi 31:19-20: 

You have to keep making righteous choices that help you move forward.

We can look up scriptures we have never seen before and understand what they are saying. 

Endure to the end! 

Seminary Notes (October 8th 2013)

Daily Thought:

" As we seek the things of God, we must humble ourselves before Him, remembering that it is by His grace that we receive them, and focus our thoughts and prayers, our faith and our desires, even all the energy of our hearts that we might receive light and understanding directly from a loving Heavenly Father."
- Craig C. Christopherson.

"The book of Isaiah contains numerous prophecies that seem to have multiple fulfillment...the fact that many of these prophecies can have multiple meanings underscores the importance of seeking revelation from the Holy Ghost to help us interpret them." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks.

Scriptures:

NOTE: The same questions are being asked for the different set of scriptures because Dawn divided the room into two separate groups.

2nd Nephi 12:5-12, 17-19; 13:8-9:
- What attitudes and practices reflect the sins of the people?
* Idolatry.
* Pride/ haughtiness.
* Lack of forgiveness for others.

- What will happen to these people as a consequence of their sins?
* Forced to be humble.
* Lord will destroy all idols.
* Hide in fear.
* Jerusalem will be destroyed.

2nd Nephi 13:16-26:
- What attitudes and practices reflect the sins of the people?
* Being in the world but not of the world.
* Listening to soothsayers/ fortunetellers.
* Lots of adornments.

- What will happen to these people as a consequence of their sins?
* Darkness.
* God will not forgive them.
* Everything they love will be destroyed.
* Destruction.

- How do we guard against worldliness?
Be careful to not mislabel the words of God.
Example: "Evil be good; good be evil."

Temples:
NOTE: Whenever I think of the Temple being set upon a hill, I think of it as the Mormon definition for John Winthrop's "City Upon A Hill".






LDS Temple World Map.

Seminary Notes (October 7th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"Our purpose is to [come to]
1. Understand and rely on the teachings and atonement of Jesus Christ.
2. Qualify for the blessings of the temple.
3. Prepare [ourselves], [our] families, and others for eternal life with [our] Father in Heaven."
-Purpose for Seminary.

* What did the Spirit teach YOU during General Conference?

General Conference (October 2013)
By studying prophets' testimonies of Jesus Christ, we can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and rejoice in Him.

Scriptures:
 2nd Nephi 11:2-3 & 4-6:
* What did Nephi, Jacob and Isaiah experience that enabled them to become special witnesses of Jesus Christ?
They were transfigured which means they physically saw Christ.
* Isaiah, Nephi and Jacob have become prophets. What does that mean?
They have seen Christ.

* What does that tell us about our modern day prophets?
They have actually seen Christ!

* Why is it important that we have special witnesses of Christ?

4-6:
"My soul delighteth"

* What does it mean to "delight in" something?
To have joy! Jubilance, ect.

4-7:
* What are the things Nephi delights in?
- Proving Christ exists to his kinsmen.
   Loves everyone, wants them to understand.
- The covenants of the Lord.
   Enjoys keeping, obeying and honoring his own covenants.
- In the Lord's grace, power and mercy.

* What delights you?
* What helps you rejoice/ honor/ praise Jesus Christ?

2nd Nephi 11:8:
"And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men."
1. Isaiah had seen the Savior just as Nephi and Jacob had.
2. Nephi delighted in testifying of Christ.

Seminary Notes (October 4th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"Our salvation depends on believing in and accepting the Atonement. Such acceptance requires continual effort to understand it more fully." -President James E. Faust.

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 9:

27-54:

Coming Unto Christ:
- Be in the world but not of the world.
- Be spiritually minded.
- Seek after righteousness.
- Pray unto Him.
- Honor and keep your covenants and the commandments.

Distancing Ourselves from Christ:
- Committing whoredoms and iniquities.
- Put away your pride.

28-29:
NOTE: Scripture Mastery!

Be learned and wise. Knowledge is great; but you need to continually gain knowledge in spiritual things.

Heavenly Father will help and assist you in anything you do if you recognize Him.

NOTE: Thank you Ryan (Coconut Head), Sister Sloan and Abbie for preparing this wonderful lesson and the awesome goody bags! 

Santa Monica Seminary Sleepwalkers!!!

Hey guys :) Here is a group photo that was taken a few weeks ago. Not everyone is in it but do we all look so good for 5:50 in the morning? ;)

Seminary Notes (October 3rd 2013)

Daily Thought:

"If our separation from God and our physical death were permanent, moral agency would mean nothing. Yes, we would be free to make choices, but what would be the point? The end result would always be the same no matter what our actions: death with no hope of resurrection and no hope of heaven. As good or as bad as we might choose to be, we would end up 'angels to a devil'." -Elder D. Todd Christopherson.

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 6:

5:
Jacob speaks of Isaiah and his words.
Isaiah says that a savior will come and redeem everyone of their sins.

- What is the "gathering of the House of Israel"?
* Enduring to the end.
* Keeping our covenants.

- What is the purpose of Jacob's teaching?
Apply Isaiah's words and teachings to our lives.

- What caused our physical/ spiritual deaths?
The Fall of Adam.

Spiritual death= being removed from Heavenly Father's presence.

7-9:
- If there were no atonement, would would happen to our bodies?
- What would happen to our Spirits?
No resurrection= no agency.
Regardless of our efforts, we would still end up in the realms of Satan.
We couldn't progress.

10:
- What has Heavenly Father prepared for us?
Our escape from death and hell.

2nd Nephi 9:5, 19-21:
Describe the Savior's Sacrifice:
Savior willing to suffer so He could deliver us from physical and spiritual death.
He was selfless; saw the greater picture and cause.

Christ saving us from physical death:
21:
"And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women and children who belong to the family of Adam."

NOTE: This reminds me of the Old Testament Scripture Mastery Isaiah 53: 3-5:
"He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
Although this is just a glimpse of Isaiah 53, I recommend that you read the entire chapter! It is full of the sacrifices Christ made for everyone.

- How does this knowledge influence your feelings about the Savior?

- How did Jacob describe the state of individuals who will appear before God in their sins?
Naked; vulnerable.

-What is the issue of spiritual death?
- When does it become eternal?
Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can overcome the consequences of our sins as we....
1. Have faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Repent.
3. Endure to the end.
4. Be baptized.

- What are you going to accomplish today?

Seminary Notes (October 2nd 2013)

Daily Thought:

"When the Spirit conquers the flesh, the flesh becomes a servant instead of the master. When we have cleaned out the corners of worldliness and are ready to be obedient to the Lord, the we are able to receive His word and keep His commandments." - L. Tom Perry

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 5:
- What does Nephi do?
Prayed and cried unto the Lord.

5-6:
- What advice does the Lord give?
Nephi should flee into the wilderness with every individual and thing that will follow and depart with him.

The Lord attempts to protect us by preventing us to make covenants we are not prepared to make.

"We cannot set off on a wrong course without first overruling a warning." - President Boyd K. Packer

6:
"Those who believed in the warnings and revelations of God."
- What are some revelations and warnings we have received from the Prophet and Apostles today?
"There is so much [inspired] guidance and direction available that you won't make major mistakes in your life unless you consciously ignore the guidance you receive." - Elder Paul V. Johnson

- How are YOU heeding warnings?

27:
"And is came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness."
- What does this mean?
Nephi and the others lived in righteousness and happiness.

- Why would it be a life long pursuit to find happiness?

19-24:
Compare and Contrast how the Lamanites and Nephites lived.

Nephites:
* Industrious.
* Build a temple.
* Gospel.
* Followed the Law of Moses.
    Passover, sacrifices, ect.

Lamanites:
* Disobedience.
* Ignore the Gospel.

20:
- What were the consequences of the Lamanites disobedience?
* Removed from the presence of the lord.
* No access to priesthood keys.
- What is the curse?
The Holy Spirit is not present.
- Why were they cursed?
Disobedience.

-What revelation did the Lord give about the Lamanites marrying with the Nephites?
The Nephites are commanded to not marry the Lamanites who rejected the gospel.

NOTE: This reminds me of the Old Testament Scripture Mastery verse where the Lord commands the Israelites to not marry the Canaanites. Possible connection?

Seminary Notes (October 1st 2013)

Daily Thought:

"The nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin." - Joseph Smith Jr.

Right & Wrong
* What are your parents responsible for teaching you?
-Ways of life.
- Taking care of ourselves.
- Independence.
- Value of work.

"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the Commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they may live." -The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 4:

3-11:
* Who is Lehi teaching?
The children of Laman and Lemuel.
Sam and the sons of Ishmael.

* What promise does Lehi make to the children of Laman and Lemuel?
"...the Lord God will not suffer that ye shall perish; wherefore, he will be merciful unto you and unto your seed forever."

* What is the responsibility that the Lord has given the parents?
 Parents have a God-given responsibility to teach their children the gospel.
* What are some truths that you have been taught by your parents?

* What is our responsibility?
Practice the truths taught by our parents.
Examples:
- Take responsibility for our actions.
- Continually strive for improvement.
- Love one another.
- Life aint nothing easy. (Abbie also wanted to add: Wear a helmet!)

Finish this statement...
My soul delighteth in....

15-16:
* What does Nephi's soul delighteth in?
- Scriptures.
- The Lord.

My heart sorroweth because.....
* What causes Nephi to sorrow?
- "My flesh"
- "My iniquities"
- "Thine temptations and the sins which so easily beset me".

"Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted."
* What does Nephi mean?
He trusts the Lord.

God supports those who put their trust in Him.

* How can remembering the Lord and His blessings help me during times of trial and discouragement?

Seminary Notes (September 30th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"The most important lesson is that we are truly all one in Christ Jesus. We are one in our love for the Savior. We are one in our testimonies of the gospel. We are one in faith, hope and charity. We are one in conviction that the Book of Mormon is the inspired word of God. We are one in supporting President [Monson] and the other General Authorities. We are one in loving each other. " -Chieko N. Okazaki.

- How can you assist in furthering the unity within Seminary? 

Seminary Notes (September 27th 2013)

Daily Thought:

" Permit me to name a few of the many doctrines and practices which distinguish us from all other churches, and all of which have come of revelation to the youthful Prophet [Joseph Smith].....

[The] knowledge of deity....
The Book of Mormon
....the restored priesthood...
The plan of eternal life of the family...
The innocence of little children...
The great doctrines of the salvation of the dead
The eternal nature of man
The principle of modern revelation."
- President Gordon B. Hinckley.


Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 3:

3-4:
Joseph- Lehi's last son.
Joseph- sold into Egypt.

14-15:
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith Jr.

2nd Nephi 3 is about the revelation by Joseph of Egypt about Joseph Smith.

6-8:
- How does Joseph of Egypt describe Joseph Smith?
* "Choice seer"
* "Shall do my work"
* "Great Worth"
* "Esteemed highly"
-What have you learned about Joseph Smith?
* Kept the commandments.
* Prophesied by previous prophets.
* Translated the Book of Mormon.

11:
- What are some examples of the Word of God which Joseph Smith translated?
Didn't just write the work, he was convinced and he convinced.
- How have you seen the Book of Mormon influence your life or the life of others?

15:
- How does the Book of Mormon bring you to salvation?
Just as the Bible, it give us essential doctrines that we not only need to apply to our lives but understand and know.

Words that describe Joseph Smith:
* Courageous.
* Loyal.
* Obedient.
* Humble.
* Man of God.

- What have you felt today that has strengthened your testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith?
- What did Joseph Smith do, teach or restore that you feel is "of great worth" to you?


  

Seminary Notes (September 26th 2013)

Daily Thought:

" When temptations come our way, if we will listen, the Holy Ghost will remind us that we have promised to remember our Savior and obey the commandments of God".  -Elder Robert D. Hales

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 2:

* God created us to act.
* Choosing the right.
* We are accountable for our choices.
* Righteous enticements and unrighteous enticements.

Note: Hey guys :) On this day, Dawn split the class into different groups and assigned each group one of the topics listed above. All of these topics can be found in the second chapter of 2nd Nephi. If you have any interest in any of the topics, pull out your scriptures and READ! 

Seminary Notes (September 25th 2013)

Daily Thought:
" Just as man does not really desire food until he is hungry, so he does not desire the Salvation of Christ until he knows why he needs Christ.
No one adequately and properly knows why he needs Christ until he understands and accepts the doctrine of the Fall and it's effect upon all mankind. and no other book in the world explains this vital doctrine nearly as well as the Book of Mormon."
-President Ezra Taft Benson

* Who is that one individual you know that is facing a trial?
* What is it they are struggling with?
* What one phrase would you share with them to encourage them?

Note: I normally leave these questions blank for you guys to answer yourself but I decided to answer the last one. I would share Isiah 1:18: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though they be like crimson, they can be like wool".  However, I wanted to change the word "sin" to "mistake". If you have made any mistakes, than you can always turn around and especially when you are ready. Those screw-ups, regardless of what they are, can always be fixed.

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 2:

1:
* What is Laman and Lemuel teaching Jacob?
That he was born into this situation (surviving in the wilderness) because of his father's and brother's rudeness and selfishness.

2-3:
* How will the Lord bless Jacob?
Consecrate thine afflictions for our gain.
Consecrate= Make holy, dedicate.
Making holy/ dedicating thine affliction for our gain.
 You will benefit from your challenges.

* What are ways you learn from your challenges?
* What do your challenges accomplish?
* Who do you turn to?

Choose to follow and turn to Christ= benefits, make challenges holy.
Turn away= No benefits, no promise.

In the Garden of Eden, until God gives Adam and Eve a commandment, there is no agency or law to follow.

* Why did God give Adam and Eve a choice?
To bring about his eternal work.
* What is Heavenly Father's eternal work?

Note: Old Testament Scripture Mastery! Good times :)

Isaiah 1:39:
"This is my work and glory- to bring to pas the immortality and eternal life of man".
* How does God giving you a choice help you achieve eternal life?

19-25:
Note: Separate scripture.
" Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy".

Without the fall:
Adam and Eve couldn't have children in the garden.
Forever state of innocence.
Forever chillin' in the garden.

Because of the Fall:
Men have the opportunity to repent.
We gain wisdom.
Ability to procreate.
Helaman 14:16:
-Spiritual death.
Removal from God's presence.
2nd Nephi 9:6:
- Temporal death.

In the Garden of Eden, although beautiful and miraculous, Adam and Eve had no choice. Without Choice and Accountability the couldn't grow and become more like Christ.

Without the Fall, we wouldn't need Christ's salvation. The Fall is pivotal in the plan and pivotal in regards to us gaining eternal life.

* What mistake do you need to fix in order to further understand the Fall and Christ? 

Seminary Notes (September 24th 2013)

Hey guys :) Before I get into the lesson, I have a suggestion that I believe we should discuss. It is my belief that we should create a birthday list and whenever it is a seminary student's birthday, we should write a sweet message on the board or something. It's just a thought but it could make someone's day!


Daily Thought:

" Reverence is more than just quietly sitting; it's thinking of [your] father above, A feeling I get when I am thinking of his blessings. I am reverent, for reverence is love. When I am reverent, it shows in my words and deeds. The pathway to follow is clear. And when I am reverent, I know in my heart, Heavenly Father and Jesus are near."

"Reverence is Love"

Note: Just in case you guys were wondering what the song sounded like, here is a link to the primary version:
http://broadcast.lds.org/churchmusic/MP3/eng/CSB_Words/CSW___035_Pg31_ReverenceIsLove_35395_eng_038.mp3

Scriptures:

2nd Nephi 1:
-What are the great mercies the Lord shows to Lehi and his family?
* Sparred their lives.
* Prevented them from being swallowed up by the sea.
* Took them out of Jerusalem.
*  Gave them the land of promise.

-What blessing have YOU received from the Lord in your life?


Actions:                                                                       Consequences:
2nd Nephi 1:6-9:

Iniquity                                                                      Land shall be cursed.                

Righteous                                                                  Blessed forever.

Keep the Commandments                                         Liberty and prosperity. Dwell safely forever.

2nd Nephi 1:10-12:

Reject the Holy One                                                  Lose the land, become captive. Feel the full weight of                                                                                    our sins and pay the full price.

-What is Lehi's final plea to his family?
Keep the commandments; you'll gain blessings.

13-14:
-What do the chains represent?
Sin
-What does Lehi want his sons and others to do?
Repent, drop the chains.

A way to feel your Heavenly Father's love is to pray and keep the commandments. 

Seminary Notes (September 23rd 2013)

Daily Thought:

" We gain knowledge from two sources. One is the divine and the other is secular".
-President James E. Faust

Scripture Mastery & their Doctrines:

1st Nephi 3:7:
The Lord prepares a way for us to keep His commandments.

2nd Nephi 2:25:
The Fall was a necessary part of Heavenly Father;s plan and allowed for our mortal existence.

2nd Nephi 2:27:
We are free to follow Jesus Christ, which leads to liberty and eternal life, or the devil, which leads to captivity and death.

2nd Nephi 9:28-29:
The learned often take pride in their own wisdom and set aside the counsel of God. T obtain knowledge is fine as long as we continue to obey God.

2nd Nephi 25:23, 26:
Through Jesus Christ, we can receive a remission of sins and be saved by grace after doing all we can do.

2nd Nephi 28:7-9:
In the last days, many will teach false, vain and foolish doctrines.

2nd Nephi 31: 19-20:
After we exercise faith, repent of our sins, are baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we must press forward in righteousness and endure to the end to receive eternal life.

2nd Nephi 32:3:
If we study the words of Christ and of His inspired servants, we will receive the direction we need to make correct choices.

2nd Nephi 32:8-9:
The Spirit teaches us to pray.

Mosiah 2:17:
When we serve our fellow beings, we serve God.

When you apply the gospel principles, you are exercising faith.

Seminary Notes (September 20th 2013)

Daily Thought:

" Satan..wants us to feel that we are beyond forgiveness. Satan wants us to think that...we have gone past a 'point of no return' -that it is too late to change coarse... Christ came to save us. If we have taken a wrong coarse, the Atonement of Jesus Christ can give us that..[a] safe return is possible if we will follow God's plans for our Salvation...There is ALWAYS a point of safe return; there is always hope."
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 19:

24:
* What does Nephi say about the Book of Mormon?
The entire book is sacred.
* What does it mean to liken unto the scriptures?
Applying the scriptures to yourself and your life.

* What is one thing you have found in the scriptures that you continually apply to yourself?

*What is Israel?
The Lord's covenant people.
 The descendants of Abraham and Isaac.

1st Nephi 20:

1-2:
When we are baptized, we are then a part of the Lord's chosen people, the House of Israel.

4:
* What is the Lord saying?
He knew that some of us would be stiff necked.
We would take on the covenant but we would be stubborn, some would fall away and others would be hypocrites.

14,16,20:
* How does the Lord help them become more movable and obedient?
Run from Babylon.

When you do not honor your covenants, you are of Babylon or the world.
* How do you step out of Babylon and into the House of Israel?
Be in the world but not of the world.

* What does the Lord want us to do in order to be in the House of Israel?
- Keep and honor our covenants.
- Repent

* The rewards?
- Eternal Life.
- Exaltation.

When you obey your covenants, you are endowed with power from on high. You are never beyond hope, there is always a turning point.

1st Nephi 21:
The Lord will never forget his covenant people.
* How has he not forgotten us today?
- Scriptures
- Prophets
- Families
- Will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles.

* What are YOU doing to help gather Israel?

Note:  Hey guys :) If your keeping up with the Book of Mormon reading, you should have noticed that we have finally finished the 1st book of Nephi! Now we just have the rest of the Book of Mormon to get through...

Seminary Notes (September 19th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"I will make you a promise about reading the Book of Mormon: You will be drawn to it as you understand that the Lord has embedded in it His message to you. Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni knew that, and those who put it together put in messages for you. There are simple direct messages for [you] that will tell [you] how to change. That is what this book is about. It is a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Atonement and how it may work in [your life]. You will have an experience this year feeling the change that comes by the power of the Atonement because of studying this book." - President Henry B. Eyring

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 19:

3, 5-6:
-What is Nephi saying about sacred things?
-If what Nephi is writing are only sacred things, what does that mean?
That the doctrines Nephi gives us are directly from God.
-Why does Nephi write them?
He was commanded too.
He hopes to instruct his people.

7:
-Who are we considering naught and what is the effect?
-Who does Nephi write about?
* Jesus Christ.
-What does that tell you?
He is sacred.

-What types of individuals will Christ encounter?

1. Those who place high value on Christ.
2. Individuals who place zero value on Christ.

-What category do you fit into?
-Do you choices display any specific category?

8-10:
-Those that place zero value on Christ, what do they do to Him during his mortal ministry?
* Spit on him.
* Crucified him.
* Smite or beat him.
- From your knowledge, how does Christ react?
He bears his trials without a complaint.
- Through this example, how does Christ show that he places value on us?
He was selfless and he placed us before himself.

-What are your feelings about your Savior?
Your ability to express your gratitude in words is important.

13-14:
-What do the individuals who place zero value in Christ do to him?
Despise and reject him.
-Why?
They turn their hearts aside.
-What does that mean?
-What do you do when you give your heart to someone?
You give them apart of you.

How we harden our hearts:
1. Going inactive at Church.
2. Becoming angry.
3. Holding a grudge.
4. Denying the Holy Ghost.
5. Not reading the Scriptures.
6. Not forgetting or forgiving.
7. Murder, sexual assault.
8. Being rude to others.
9. Making enemies instead of friends.

15-17:
-What is the promise the Lord makes to those who harden their hearts?
You gain blessings if and when you turn your heart back.
-Why does Nephi end by informing us that we can all change our heart?
There is still hope!

Seminary Notes (September 18th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"Your access to the Savior's help comes in different ways. The most direct and often most powerful way is through humble, trusting prayers to your Father in Heaven, which are answered through the Holy Ghost to your Spirit". -Elder Richard G. Scott

* What difficult challenge are you facing at this time?
* What effort do you put in to solve that challenge?

Note: The Lord's Way vs. My Effort

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 18:

1-8:

* How did Nephi and his family prepare for their journey to the promised land?
* How did the Lord assist them?
- They built a boat.
- They gather provisions.
   * How did they know what provisions to gather?
    " They did worship the Lord, and did go forward with him" Their hearts were softened.

Immediately when Nephi and the others listen to the Lord, they progress through his guidance.
* What is the relationship between their effort and the Lord's guidance?
* Would their be a boat without the Lord's guidance?
  No.
* Would their be a boat without their efforts?
 No.

Note: Before I continue with the notes, I want to say one quick thing that just came to mind! Do you see the relationship?  In order to succeed through trials or challenges, or anything for that matter, we must have a relationship where we rely on the Lord and where we put our best efforts forth. it's not entirely up to us and neither the Lord. If He assists you, you must keep you end of the bargain, ect.

* What is your relationship?
* Is your effort greater than seeking the Lord's guidance?

Nephi and his family chose to follow the Lord and everything turned out swell.

* Why do we have hardships?

  The Three Reasons For Hardships:
1. Natural product of the condition of the world.
2. Imposed on us by the behaviors of others, misconduct of others.
3. Our own mistakes and shortcomings. Our personal screw-ups.

Major Factor: AGENCY! The agency of others and ourselves.

9:

* What are the choices and actions that Laman, Lemuel, their wives and the sons of Ishmael participate in which have an impact?
 -They forgot what the Lord has just done for them.
 - They were being vulgar.

* What is a consequence of allowing things to become vulgar?
* what principle of the gospel do we learn from Laman and Lemuel's mistakes?

Note: To answer the final question I wanted to say repentance. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool". -Isaiah 1:18 and Old Testament Scripture Mastery ;)

As we include the Lord in our efforts to overcome trials, he will bless and strengthen us. Plus, it will take far less effort and time.

As long as we seek and follow Him, we will receive extra blessings and strength.

Note: Guys, for those of you that were absent, Dawn passed out a wonderful quote/ handout so if you want one let her know! 

Note Undertaker

Hey guys, please excuse my absence from class today. I was ill so I couldn't make it and of coarse if I wasn't there to take notes, than I couldn't post anything. With that being said, I would like to start a discussion about appointing a notes undertaker for when I am absent. What are your feelings and thoughts? Please comment to begin the discussion or simply e-mail me. 

Seminary Notes (September 16th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"Don't become weary in doing good. If we are patient, we can experience the change of heart we seek. For most of us this will require only a slight change of coarse, sending us toward the north. The adjustments we make are those 'small things', but that does not mean they are easy. Too many forces are confusing our compass. But the pull to the polar star is one we recognize. it is the direction towards home".
-Kathleen H. Hughes

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 16:

1:
Up to this point, Laman and Lemuel have not had the agency to believe in God. They haven't sought after him.
-What is Laman and Lemuel's reaction?
"Thou has declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear."

-What are these hard things?
Knowledge and exercising faith.


2:
-When was the last time you were corrected for doing something wrong?
-What was your reaction?

1st Nephi 17:

22:
-What do Laman and Lemuel think about the individuals living in Jerusalem?
They were righteous.
-Why?
They believe that their father led them into the wilderness so they could be subject to his will.
-What do we know about the individuals living in Jerusalem from Lehi?
They are wicked.

In Chapter #16, Laman and Lemuel are being corrected.
-Why are they so upset that they are in the wilderness?
They don't believe the same things as their Father and their family.

If we are never corrected, than we will never do the right thing.

-How would you feel if you were being corrected by Heavenly Father as opposed to your peers?

-How do we become more like God?

1st Nephi 16:

9-10:
-Why does Laman and his family need the Liohona?
-What is it's purpose?
-How did Lehi's family benefit from the Liohona?
 *Guided in the right direction.
 * Made it through the wilderness.
 * Easy journey.
 * Led to fertile lands.

18-19:
-What happens?
Nephi's bow breaks.
-Why did this happen?
It was a trial, a test.
-What is the family's reaction?
They murmur.

20-22:
-Who is reacting?
Laman, Lemuel, the sons of Ishmael and Lehi.
They all murmur and complain against the Lord.

23-35:
-What is Nephi's reaction?
-How is he reacting?
Nephi sucked it up and created another bow.
-How does Nephi know where to hunt?
The Liohona.
-Why does Nephi go to Lehi?
He is the prophet.
The prophet is the priesthood leader and he has the power and authority to receive such information.

The Lord gives us the opportunity to humble ourselves. That is how we correct with love.

-How can we do this in different situations?
 * Change your attitude.
 * Work, be apart of the Church.

-When have you been invited to change your attitude without knowing?
-What is the relationship between our willingness and Heavenly Father's ability to assist us?

26-29: How is the Lord helping Lehi's family?
Through small things which can bring about greater things.

The Lord is giving Lehi and his family an opportunity to display faith and diligence through the Liohona.

-When you read the scriptures do you obtain as much from it when you want to read it as opposed to just reading it?
You are exhibiting faith and diligence.

Seminary Notes (Septemeber 13th 2013)

Daily Thought:

" Young people, I ask you to participate in Seminary. Study your scriptures daily. Listen to your teachers carefully. Apply what you learn prayerfully. " - President Thomas S. Monson

-What things do you do that require effort?
-What is the end result of your efforts?
-How does it feel in the end, when you put your best effort into something?

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 15:

1-2:
Nephi arrives back at the tent and witnesses his brothers disputing.
-What do Laman and Lemuel have?
Hardened hearts.
-What is the difference between Nephi and his brothers?
When Nephi questions or isn't clear about something, he asks the Lord.

7:
-What don't Laman and Lemuel understand?
The Olive Tree.

8:
-What is Nephi's reaction?
He asks if his brothers have inquired of the Lord.

9:
-What is Laman and Lemuel's reaction?
"We have not; for the Lord makes no such things known to us".

-What is it that Laman and Lemuel don't understand?
That in order to obtain an answer, you must have faith in the Lord.

-When have you asked the Lord for help and understanding?

As you pray and seek guidance from the Lord, you will receive confirmation and revelation.

1. "In the Word of God....we can find the power to resist temptation". 
2. "The Word of God...has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit". 
3. "His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us". 

23-24: 

-What is it which allows us to have all the things mentioned above? 

The Word of God. 

The most valuable gift you can ever be given is the Word of God. Apply it through prayer. 

When you include the Lord in your efforts, it will take less time and effort. 

Seminary Notes (September 12th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"You don't fully understand a scripture until you memorize it. By memorizing scripture you show the Lord that you esteem His words to be of great value- and then He will be more likely to speak to you and give you more". -Elder Gene R. Cook

If I follow the Lord, then....
If I refuse to follow the Lord, then...
The Lord teaches in if/then statements.

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 14:

1-2:

If:                                                                             Then:
Hearken unto the Lord.                                He'll manifest himself.
                                                                   Be blessed individuals forever.
                                                                   Be numbered among the House of Isreal- Abrahamic Covenant.
Do not harden their hearts.                           Not be brought down into captivity.      

-Which side have you chosen?
-What covenants have you made?
-How have those covenants blessed your life?
- What blessings have you received from honoring your covenants?

5-7:

If:                                      Then:
Repent.                          It will be well with them. Your sins as scarlet, shall be as white as snow.

Harden their hearts.        Be in captivity of the devil.
                                      They will be blind to the gospel.

-What is the Great and Marvelous work?
Missionary work.
-What is our responsibility as a member of the Church?
To progress the Restoration and help it go forward through missionary work.
-Why is the Church marvelous and great in your life?
-What is one thing that makes the Church marvelous and great?

9-11:

-What is happening between the two groups of individuals?
The Church of the Devil is rounding up it's troops and fighting against the Church of the Lamb of God for a spiritual war.
-How is Satan gathering the multitudes?
Through temptation.
  *Taking our focus away from God and the gospel.
-Which side are you on?

14:

-What has the Lord given us to fight against Satan?
-What are we armed with?
  *Righteousness.
  * Covenants/ Power of God.

-What power of God  are we given on Earth today?
 The Priesthood- to make covenants.

3-4:

-What does the Great and Abominable church do?
Lead the souls of men down to hell which is endless.

15-17:

-What happens in the Last Days?

There is a war, the wrath of God comes down upon the Church of the Devil, the Church of the Lamb of God wins.

The wicked destroyed themselves and led to their own destruction.

-How does it feel to know that you are on the winning side?

           

Seminary Notes (September 11th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"Can human hearts be changed? Why, or coarse! It happens everyday in the great missionary work of the church. It is one of the most widespread of Christ's modern miracles. If it hasn't happened to you- it should!" - President Ezra Taft Benson.

Hey guys, before I get into the notes of the lesson I wanted to say that I just now noticed that the daily thoughts have a connection to the topic of the lesson. Go Dawn! Not only for finding great quotes, but quotes which are awesome while applicable :)

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 12:16-19:

-Why did the Nephites and Lamanites eventually destroy one another?
 They had pride.

1st Nephi 13:1-4, 6:

Connect Chapter #13 to football.


Just as football, think of the two teams which play against one another in Chapter #13.

-What is Chapter #13 all about?
The battle between the Lord's team and Satan's team.
The battle tactics of Satan against man.

-What is the Great and Abominable Church?
Anything which takes you from the teachings of the gospel. Anything which prevents your progression.

-What did Heavenly Father do to counteract Satan?
Planned and successfully accomplished the Restoration of the Gospel.

"This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of his omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth. If the Lord had not prepared the way by laying the foundations of this glorious nation, it would have been impossible (under the stringent laws and bigotry of the monarchical governments of the world)  to have laid the foundations for the coming of his great kingdom. The Lord has done this." -President Joseph F. Smith

-Why did the Lord have to prepare a place for the Restoration?

1st Nephi 13:12: -What is the first step in the Lord's strategy?
Gentiles left their captivity upon the many waters. Columbus sails to America.

1st Nephi 13:13: -What occurs next?
Pilgrims sail to the America's seeking religious freedom.

1st Nephi 13:15: -What does Nephi vision next?
Gentiles prosper in the Americas.

1st Nephi 13:16-19: -What is the final thing Nephi witnesses in regards to the Restoration?
The American Revolution.

20-24: -What occurred after the Bible was published?
It was pure.
-What did the Abominable church do?
Alter the Bible.
-What did the Lord do?
Gave us the Plain and Precious truths. 

Seminary Notest (September 10th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"The most important knowledge to be gained in this life is the which comes by revelation through the Holy Ghost. This is not to belittle in any way information available in a multitude of disciples or fields of study. But any of individually or all of it put together can never equal the importance of receiving the personal witness, borne on the wings of the Spirit, of sacred things. That witness brings light and certainty and peace." - L. Aldin Parker, Emeritus General Authority

Scriptures:
1st Nephi 10:
-What is a "Messiah"
  * The chosen or anointed one.

1st Nephi 10:17 & 11:1-6:

Desire:
-What did Nephi desire to see, hear and know?
To see the vision of his father. To hear and know the revelation/ knowledge gained from his vision.

-How do our desires effect our ability to receive revelation?
If you want something enough, Heavenly Father will give it to you. If you seek after the incorrect things, you will not receive revelation.

-What do I desire to know from the Lord?

Belief:
-What belief did Nephi express as he sought revelation?
Nephi believed that the Lord would reveal to him what he desired.
He believed his father and the Son of God.

-How might our beliefs influence our ability to receive revelation?
If you have a strong belief which conflicts with the teachings of the gospel, your heart and mind will not be open to revelation.

-How can I increase my testimony and belief in Jesus Christ?

Pondering:
-What happened when Nephi sat pondering?
Nephi became caught up in the Spirit of the Lord.

-Why can pondering lead to revelation?
When we think, we are allowing the Spirit time to influence and speak to us through revelation.

-What can I do to more diligently ponder the words of the prophets?

*To show that he wanted more revelation, Nephi.....
  ASKED! Nephi asked the Lord.

God reveals truth....

1. When you desire, believe and ponder. 
2. When you ask him with a softened heart and open mind. 
3. Through revelation. 

Think about a time you asked to know something from God.

 -What is the meaning of the Tree of Life? 

The Love of God. 

18-21: 

-Why does the Spirit show Nephi the things he testifies of? 

 Nephi believed, pondered and desired with all of his heart and mind. 

How does today's lesson impact you? What one thing did you learn today which makes you different from yesterday? Did you listen to the Spirit? 

How we listen to the Spirit and allow it to change and pact us is how we allow Christ to change us. 

              

Seminary Notes (September 9th 2013 continued)

Hey guys, so during the lesson this morning, Dawn split the class into groups of 2 individuals and handed out a littler slip of paper for 1st Nephi 8. Each group was assigned specific verses and supposed to answer questions based on those verses.

The questions my partner and I had were:

• What obstacles did the individuals in Lehi's vision face? 

           The mist of darkness (temptation) and the great and spacious building (pride).

• What do those obstacles represent? 

           Temptations and Pride.

• What form do those obstacles take today? 

          Friends, family, the media and anything to do with friends and family.

• What principles do you see in these verses? 

          Don't be ashamed of the gospel.

          Do not allow the world or your peers to influence your decisions and life. 

I hope this helped! See you in the morning :)

Seminary Notes (September 9th 2013)

Daily Thought:

" The tree of life...is the love of God (see Nephi 11:25). The love of God for His children is most profoundly expressed in His gift of Jesus as our Redeemer. "God so loved the world, that he sent his only begotten Son". (John 3:16) To partake of the love of God is to partake of Jesus' Atonement and the emancipation and joys which it can bring". -Elder Neal A. Maxwell.

In what ways do we allow ourselves to "draw closer to God"?

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 8:

5-12: Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life.
-What does he see?
Tree and fruit.
Fruit: sweet and white.
Tree: desirable fruit.
-What are the symbols in Lehi's vision?
Symbol:                                                       Interpretation:
1st Nephi 8:10-12:                                      1st Nephi 11:21-25:
Tree & Fruit.                                               The love of God.
1st Nephi 8:13:                                            1st Nephi 12:16; 15: 26-29:                                                
A river of water.                                           Filthy sins.
1st Nephi 8:19:                                            1st Nephi 11:25:
Iron rod.                                                      The word of God.
1st Nephi 8:23:                                             1st Nephi 12:17:
Mist of darkness.                                          Temptations of the Devil.
1st Nephi 8:26:                                             1st Nephi 11: 35-36; 12:18:
Great and spacious building.                          Pride of the world.

-What else is in the vision?
 *Who is partaking of the fruit?
  The righteous.
 *Who is in the great and spacious building?
   The prideful. (Haha, so that means Mr.Darcy...off topic)

-Do you sometimes end up in the great and spacious building?
-How do you fix that?                            

Seminary Notes (September 6th 2013)

Daily Thought:
"Nephi is an example of one who knew, understood and relied upon the enabling power of the Savior...It is especially interesting to me that Nephi did not pray...to have his circumstances changed. Rather, he prayed for strength to change his circumstances. And may I suggest, that he prayed precisely in this manner because he knew, understood and had experienced the enabling power of the Atonement of the Savior".
     -Elder David A. Bednar

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 7:

1-2: -Why was Nephi commanded to bring Ishmael and his family into the wilderness with him?
  * Because they were righteous
  * Nephi and his brothers could take Ishmael's daughters as their wives.

5: -How did Ishmael react?
The Lord softened his heart so he listened. He followed Nephi because his heart was softened.

6-7: In your mind, imagine that you are Nephi and in is situation. Imagine being tied up and having your entire family turned against you.
- How would you react? -What would you do?

8-12: -What is Nephi's reaction?
Nephi feels grief and wonders why the younger brother has to be the example.
-Why does Nephi grief?
His family's hearts are hard. They are not as Ishmael who softened his heart.

16-17: -What happens to Nephi?
He is bound and abandoned in the wilderness.
-What does Nephi do?
Pray for the strength to change his circumstances.

-How can you apply Nephi's example in your life? How could this example benefit you?

Note: Hey guys, I apologize for not having any Seminary notes for Thursday, September 5th, 2013 because I didn't attend. I'll see what I can do to get notes for that day, and when I have them, I will post them ASAP. Have a wonderful weekend :)

Seminary Notes (September 4th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"We must keep in mind who Jesus was before, He was born. He was the creator of all things, the great Jehovah, the lamb slain before the foundation of the world, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is and was the Holy One of Israel". -President Ezra Taft Benson.

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 6:

3-6: -Who is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?
Jesus the Christ.

-Why does Nephi write the scriptures?
To persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and be saved.

Think about what your currently reading. Are you excited to read the Book of Mormon as you might be for any other book?

Nephi while persuading men to come unto Christ, writes things of Christ and not of the world.

"Be in the world but not of the world".

2013-2014 Seminary Schedule

"The troubles and the temptations our students faced just five years ago pale in comparison with what we see now, and even more difficult times are ahead. I ave felt.....that what we have done and are doing will not be enough. We need greater power to get the gospel down into the hearts and lives of our students.....

You must have the Spirit as your constant companion to teach with power, and your students will not survive spiritually without the Spirit as their companion".

-President Henry B. Eyring

First Day of Seminary- Monday, August 19th, 2013

NO SEMINARY

• Friday, August 30th, 2013.
• Monday, September 2nd, 2013.
• Monday, November 11th, 2013. 
• Monday, November 25th, through Friday, November 29th, 2013. 
• Monday, December 23rd, through Friday, January 3rd, 2014.
• Monday, January 20th, though Tuesday, January 21st, 2014. 
• Monday, February 10th, 2014. 
• Monday, February 17th, 2014.
• Monday, March 24th through Friday, April 4th, 2014. 
• Monday, May 26th, 2014. 

Last Day of Seminary- Friday, June 13th, 2014.

***Seminary begins at 6 am Monday through Friday. Please be seated and working in your scripture journal at 5:55 am***

Seminary Notes (September 3rd 2013)

Daily Thought:

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase, mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The Spirit of contention will depart. Parents will council their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to their counsel. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope and charity- the pure love of Christ- will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy and happiness." -President Marion G. Romney

Scriptures:

1st Nephi 5:

1-3: -What were Sariah's complaints?
      * Living in the wilderness.
      * The fact her sons might die.
      * Lehi is a visionary.
      * They left their land if inheritance which had:
           - riches
           - comfort
           - servants
           - power

-What was the last thing you complained about?

4-6: -How did Lehi respond?
    * God will protect.
    * God will comfort.

7-9: -What does Sariah learn?
      * Her husband is a prophet of the Lord.
      * The Lord will protect her along with her family.
This trial and experience converts Sariah.
-Have you had moments in your life when you have allowed an experience to change you?
   That is what brings you closer to your Father in Heaven.

-Sacrifices for obtaining the brass plates?
  * Their lives.

-Why is it necessary to sacrifice things?
  * Gain faith.
  * Become humble.

-How much more value is there to something once you work hard for it?
  Once you sacrifice something, you have greater appreciation for what you gain and obtain in the end.

-What was contained in the plates?
 * Five books of Moses.
     Leviticus, Genesis, Deuteronomy, Exodus and Numbers.

-What can you do differently today to improve your relationship with your Father in Heaven?

Seminary Notes (August 29th 2013)

Daily Thought:

"And it came to pass that I Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do what the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them". - 1st Nephi 3:7.

Try to identify all of the scripture mastery and create an orderly list of all 25 scriptures.

See Dawn for a helpful handout which was given in class :)

Seminary Notes (August 28th 2013)

Daily  Thought:

"You might learn to walk to the edge of light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness [the unknown], and you will find that the light appears and moves ahead of you". -Harold B. Lee

When you strive to fulfill a command or a difficult task from the Lord, he will:

   Bless your efforts by providing assistance and a way for you to fulfill the command, even though it may still be difficult.

Scriptures:


1st Nephi 3:

7: - What does Nephi go and do?
    * The things the Lord has commanded.
    * Fetch the plates.


1st Nephi 4:

6: -When was the last time the Lord asked you to do something you didn't understand?
     - What are certain things you will have to do in order to step into the dark to receive a sure answer to your prayers?

13: what would occur if Nephi didn't claim the plates?
Nations would dwindle in unbelief.


Eternal Truth:

God loves us, he gives us agency to strive to be like him. He trusts us and he knows us. 

Seminary Notes (August 27th 2013)

Daily Thought:
" Obedience is the first law of heaven. All progression, all perfection, all salvation, all godliness, all that is right and just and true, all good things come to those who live the laws of Him who is Eternal. There is nothing in all eternity more important than to keep the commandments of God".
-Elder Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah.

Scriptures:
1st Nephi 2:

4: Lehi and his family left behind all of their possessions and riches besides clothing, food and their family while they left Jerusalem.
-How does Lehi' family react?
Lehi, Sariah, Nephi and Sam are supportive of the move into the wilderness. Laman and Lemuel murmur against their father.
  -Why do Laman and Lemuel murmer?
   14-15: They do not want to leave behind their home and inheritance.

1st Nephi 3:
8-10: What council does Lehi give to Laman?
Lehi tells Laman to be as a river and flow towards the ocean, The Fountain of Righteousness. Lehi wants Laman to seek towards Christ.
-What council does Lehi give Lemuel?
Lehi tells Lemuel to be as a valley which is steadfast and strong.

What does murmuring  lead to?
Disobedience. Three Steps:
1. Questioning.
2. Rationalization & making excuses.
3. Slothfulness and laziness.

What is the one thing you murmur about? What commandment?

Seminary Notes (August 26th 2013)

Hey guys :) For anyone who missed class on Monday, here is a summary of what we discussed.

Daily Thought:

"The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue- it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know". -Jeffrey R. Holland

What is Elder Holland saying?
Elder Holland is simply stating that the faith you obtain and have is far greater than the knowledge you have not obtained.

What is the importance of Gospel learning?
-To obtain knowledge.
-To grow from the knowledge you have gained.

Scriptures:
1st Nephi 1:

1-3: Why did Nephi write his record?
-To record the trials and tribulations of his day.
-Because he was highly favored by the Lord.
  Why is he highly favored?
-Nephi successfully triumphed over his trials and he understood that God loved him and was testing him through his trials.
We see this is 1st Corinthians 10:13:
       "There hath no temptation taken you....God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that            ye are able."

14-15: Lehi's vision of the destruction of Jerusalem.
  -What is Lehi's reaction to his vision?
Lehi is grateful and he rejoices because Heavenly Father informed him of what is to come and because he gave his family an opportunity to escape through his warning.

Apply this to your life. How would having the same reaction and Lehi and Nephi towards their trials, benefit you in regards to yours?

20: What is the Jew's reaction to Lehi's dream?
They are angry!

-Why does Nephi decide to write the Book of Mormon?
To show us the tender mercies of the Lord.
What are tender mercies?
Individualized blessings.
What are a few tender mercies you have received recently?
How you choose to allow your trials to affect your life is a tender mercy. 

Testimony of the Book of Mormon by Jeffrey R. Holland

Hey guys :) I know I have posted quite a bit today but during the missionary preparation class this evening, we watched a video that I absolutely had to share! This is Jeffrey R. Holland's testimony of the Book of Mormon. I hope you enjoy!

Book of Mormon Scripture Mastery

Here is a link to the Book of Mormon Scripture Mastery Cards and Scripture Mastery Activities that are designed to help you learn and memorize all of the Scripture Mastery, on your own time :)

1. http://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-scripture-mastery-cards?lang=eng

2. https://scripturemastery.lds.org/?lang=eng

Student Manual for Book of Mormon

Hey guys :) Just in case you need to complete any Seminary make-ups, here is the link to the Student Study Guide Manual for the Book of Mormon. If you need the Student Study Manual for any past Seminary make-ups, just let me know and I can either post or send you the link :)

-Danielle

http://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-study-guide-for-home-study-seminary-students-2013?lang=eng