Reach Higher

Whatsoever He Saith

Elder Whitney L. Clayton of the Seventy points out how Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a powerful example of faith and obedience for all of us.

May We Seek...

The Nativity

Revisit scenes from the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ in this touching version of The Nativity.

Mini Lesson for December 17, 2017

Gordon B. Hinckley—Chapter 24: The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Vast in Its Reach, Intimate in Its Effect

Teacher:  Barbara Janke

 

 “I bear witness [of] the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Without it life is meaningless. It is the keystone in the arch of our existence. ” 

· Our Heavenly Father’s love is expressed in the gift of His Only Begotten Son.

 “Everything depended on Him—His atoning sacrifice. That was the key. That was the keystone in the arch of the great plan which the Father had brought forth for the eternal life of His sons and daughters.”  

            

· Through the Savior’s redeeming sacrifice, all people will rise from the grave.   

  “The miracle of that resurrection morning …is a miracle for all mankind. It is the miracle of the power of God, “

· Through the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, we are offered the opportunity of exaltation and eternal life.

“Are we not all prodigal sons and daughters who need to repent and partake of the forgiving mercy of our Heavenly Father and then follow His example?”

“I wish for each of you a time, perhaps only an hour, spent in silent meditation and quiet reflection on the wonder and the majesty of this, the Son of God.”

Weekly Challenge:  Give a gift to the Savior this year by       performing at least one act of service each week until we meet again in January.

The Glitter of the Season

A Piano's Purpose

In this video, DIY blogger Kari Sweeten restores and refinishes an old piano with a fresh coat of paint and some love. Once loved by an accomplished pianist, the beautiful piano gets left behind, forgotten, and somewhat ruined. All it takes is one person to see the potential that still lies within. When you go through difficult phases in life, you may feel worn and somewhat ruined. Take the time to “realize your full potential” (Richard G. Scott).

Mini Lesson for December 10, 2017

Gordon B. Hinckley—Chapter 23: 

The Blessings of the Holy Temple

Teacher:  Careen Walker

 

 “The temple ordinances become the crowning blessings the Church has to offer. ” 

 · Temples are expressions of our testimony, and they               represent the ultimate in our worship.                  

· Through temple ordinances, we receive the crowning blessings of the gospel.

 “[Priesthood] keys were restored in this dispensation by                  those who held them anciently—through these have come great added blessings, including those unique and remarkable ordinances administered in the house of the Lord. Only in those ordinances is there realized the exercise of “the fulness of the priesthood.”

 

· The temple is a sanctuary of service where we receive saving ordinances in behalf of those who have died without receiving the gospel.

“This is a sanctuary of service.”

· Great blessings await us as we keep ourselves worthy and go to the temple frequently.

“I am satisfied that every man or woman who goes to the temple in a spirit of sincerity and faith leaves the house of the Lord a better man or woman.”

 

Weekly Challenge:  Attend the temple this week, or spend an hour working on family history or doing some indexing.

There Is Work to Do!

The Music of the Gospel

The joy of the dance will be experienced only when we come to hear the music.

Mini Lesson for December 3, 2017

Presidency Message: “Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation.” 

Teacher:  Michelle Cordova 

Temples are for the living to “prove themselves herewith” in learning obedience.  The dead are benefited only once.  Members are benefited every time they enter in God’s holy house.

Mary Ellen Smoot— “We see sisters who rejoice in the blessings of the temple – sisters who seek to make and keep their covenants, do work for their kindred dead, and in the process find their own loads lifted and their power to resist temptation fortified, daughters of God who understand their divine destiny, catch a vision of their potential, and focus on overcoming weaknesses.”

Patricia T. Holland—“On those days when I feel off center, out of focus, or off balance, when I feel that I don’t have enough time, insight, or strength to solve my problems, I know that comfort is as close as the temple.” 

Elder Quentin L. Cook—”I pray that each of us will honor the Savior and make any necessary changes to see ourselves in His sacred temples. In doing so, we can accomplish His holy purposes and prepare ourselves and our families for all the blessings the Lord and His Church can bestow in this life and eternity. ”

Weekly Challenge:  Attend the temple this week, or spend an hour working on family history or doing some indexing.

Forget Not...