Tag Archives: study

Likening the Scriptures to Ourselves

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As I’ve prepared for my new, upcoming calling as Seminary teacher (of which, I’m sure, you will hear a lot about!), I have seriously pondered Nephi’s method of teaching. You see, as Nephi instructed his brothers, he states, “I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). As he put himself in the scriptures, they began to mean more to him. Similarly, it is my hope as Seminary teacher to help my students realize that all scripture – even from the Old Testament – relates to them in some way. … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: The Value of the Old Testament

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You may think a blog on the value of the Old Testament may seem a bit out of place in the middle of our study of the New Testament. Part of the inspiration, I’m sure, comes from my new calling as Seminary teacher; I have been considering how to emphasize the importance of the Old Testament to teenagers this year. Perhaps that is why the scriptures expounded by Christ caught my eye. Many times, we tend to neglect the Old Testament in favor of the New. We figure that most of what it teaches us we can get much more … Continue reading →

How to Help Your Teen Prepare For Seminary

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Yesterday we talked about ways that you might unintentionally NOT help your teenager get ready for Seminary. Today, we’re going to look at positive ways to support them in their learning process. In yesterday’s blog, we discussed the fact that force has no place in the gospel. To truly have their decisions righteous, your teenager needs to make them because he wants to, not because you force them to. So how can you encourage your child without appearing too forceful? Here are just a few suggestions; I am sure that those of you with experience can add a few more. … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Deceiving the Elect

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On Wednesday, we discussed the characteristics of the elect. Today, I’d like to discuss the warning given by Christ in JS-M 1:22 regarding the deception of those chosen by God. If you compare JS-M 1:22 to Matt 24:24, you will see only one difference. Instead of simply reading that false prophets and false Christs “shall deceive the very elect,” we are told further “who are the elect according to the covenant.” Since we established earlier this week that there are different types of the elect, this means that a single specific group is being referred to. Who are “the elect … Continue reading →

Are iPods Bad For Pacemakers?

Who knew a tiny piece of technology could cause so much trouble? A new study presented to a group of heart specialists claims those popular Apple iPods can cause implanted pacemakers to malfunction. If that news doesn’t make your heart skip a beat consider the fact that the report was done by a high school student. Seventeen-year-old Jay Thaker is making headlines around the world with his medical research study that shows the trendy music devices negatively affect a pacemaker’s performance. “We held it (by the heart), tuned it on and off a couple of times with four different iPods,” … Continue reading →

RS/EQ: Technology, Blessings, and Scriptures

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Circumstances did not allow for posting these lessons the weeks they were completed. However, it is my hope that you will still be able to take something from them. This week’s Relief Society and Elder’s Quorum lesson from the Spencer W. Kimball manual focuses on the scriptures. This entire lesson was wonderful; when I read it in December, it strengthened my resolve to study and ponder the scriptures, and put me on the road to a more in-depth study program, despite the tugging of small children on my skirts. In the beginning, President Kimball refers to a talk he heard … Continue reading →

Missionaries

A mission is wonderful thing. It allows young men and young women to commit themselves entirely to the Lord for a few years of their lives. Many returned missionaries that I have spoken to have said that it was the best and the hardest times of their lives. It is difficult to serve a mission and deal with daily rejection, but you are able to feel the spirit every day. A mission in many ways is a sacrifice. The missionaries leave behind friends and family. They leave good jobs and postpone their education. They do this so that they can … Continue reading →

Sunday Student Preparation

Sunday morning, my Relief Society instructor announced somewhat sheepishly that she had prepared her lesson the night before. She then proceeded to read from the Teachings of the Presidents manual. I prepared myself for a long, boring lesson that I wouldn’t take much from. To my surprise, the class was great, and I wound up making more notes in my manual than I had by studying on my own. A big part of that was due to the fact that several other women in the class had read the lesson beforehand, and had sincere and thoughtful comments. Anyone who has … Continue reading →

Take Advantage of Your Church Library!

My first calling in the church led me to realize that most members just don’t take sufficient advantage of the branch or ward library. We tend to use it for lesson preparation, and not much else. Occasionally, we might check out a video, though most of the time we only do so for class. But most church libraries are well-equipped, even in smaller branches. What can you find in your ward library? Here are just a few great materials I have utilized over the ten years I have been a member: Books – I’ll start with what should be the … Continue reading →

Scripture Journals

One of my best friends has encouraged me for years to keep a spiritual journal. She urged that I make note of spiritual promptings and blessings. This is a little different from your regular journal in that it is solely comprised of things of the spirit, rather than including the more mundane items on the list. The theory is that, when you are feeling down, you can go to your spiritual journal and be reminded of the many ways Heavenly Father has had a hand in your life. While the big things – prayers about whether or not to marry … Continue reading →