Post # 203 -- Good Foundation against the Time to Come

 Dear Family and Friends 

 Can you believe that April is almost over??i t sure bad been an interesting month. Here we have had just about all weather types, the wind,rain,snow, icy roads, beautiful sunny days, freezing days,hot days, warm days, cold days!😊 

 I have had two chemotherapy sessions this month and I just got measures by my lymphedema therapist and I will begin physical therapy again bright 🌞 and early tomorrow morning😊 

She told me today that she would compare my measurements from last time with today's measurements to see if I will need to have a custom made sleeve again, like I had to get last time😕 

 The custom sleeves are great, but they are so expensive, but not as expensive as the crown I have to have for one of my teeth! Can you believe it costs at least nine hundred dollars for a crown?? One cover for one tooth!!! Wow!! 

I was not able to get a crown for one of my other teeth which I ended up loosing it! 

Which left me with only one set of molars to chew with, so I must afford the crown for this tooth otherwise I can't imagine what I would be able to eat??? If you can't chew your food what options does that leave you with? I am not super excited about finding out!!!😊 

Maybe you have already had this experience of needing a crown 👑 for your teeth, if so then you can understand what I mean! If you have not had this experience please be sure to take super good care of your teeth!!!😊 no matter what your age it's not too late to begin good dental care!!! Well enough about our teeth! 😊 

Let's move on to a better topic, shall we?? This pandemic  [ not that the pandemic is a much better topic] that we are currently in the middle of has got me to thinking about a couple of things. One thing being our personal spiritual foundation!😊 


To learn more about our personal foundations I refer you to the following talk titled 'Good Foundation against the Time to Come,' By Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. First he shares a bit of history with us, 

During the coming years, may we allow the improvements made to the Salt Lake Temple to move and inspire us. 

 History of the Salt Lake Temple 

Let’s travel back to a hot afternoon on July 24, 1847, around 2:00 p.m. Following an arduous 111-day journey with 148 members of the Church who comprised the first party to head west, Brigham Young, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, sick and weak from mountain fever, entered the Salt Lake Valley. 

 Two days later, while recovering from his illness, Brigham Young led several members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and others on an exploring expedition. 

William Clayton recorded, “About three-quarters of a mile north of the camp, we arrived on a beautiful table of land, level and nicely sloping to the west.”1 Brigham Young at temple site Brigham Young marking the spot for the temple Marking the spot for the temple 

While surveying the spot with the group, Brigham Young suddenly stopped and stuck his cane in the ground, exclaiming, “Here shall stand the Temple of our God.” One of his companions was Elder Wilford Woodruff, who said this statement “went through [him] like lightning,” and he drove a branch into the ground to mark the spot made by President Young’s cane. 

Forty acres (16 ha) were selected for the temple, and it was decided that the city should be laid out “perfectly square North & South, east & west” with the temple being the center spot.2 

 At general conference in April 1851, members of the Church voted unanimously to sustain a motion to build a temple “to the name of the Lord.”3 

Two years later, on February 14, 1853, the site was dedicated by Heber C. Kimball in a public ceremony attended by several thousand Saints, and ground was broken for the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple. 


A few months later, on April 6, the massive cornerstones of the temple were laid and dedicated with elaborate ceremonies that included a color guard and bands and a procession led by Church leaders from the old tabernacle to the temple site, where remarks and prayers were offered at each of the four stones.4 

 Salt Lake Temple foundation Brigham Young At the groundbreaking ceremony, President Young recalled that he had seen a vision when he first set foot upon the ground as they surveyed the valley floor, stating, “I knew [then], just as well as I now know, that this was the ground on which to erect a temple—it was before me.”5 

 Ten years later, Brigham Young offered the following prophetic insight at general conference in October 1863: “I want to see [the] temple built in a manner that it will endure through the millennium. This is not the only temple we shall build; there will be hundreds of them built and dedicated to the Lord. This temple will be known as the first temple built in the mountains by the Latter Day Saints. … I want that temple … to stand as a proud monument of the faith, perseverance and industry of the saints of God in the mountains.”6 

 Salt Lake Temple under construction In reviewing this brief history, I am in awe of the seership of Brigham Young—first, his ensuring that, to the extent possible and, using construction methods available at that time and place, the Salt Lake Temple would be built in a manner to endure throughout the Millennium and, second, his prophesying of the growth of future temples worldwide, even to number them in the hundreds. 


 Salt Lake Temple Renovation Like Brigham Young, our prophet of today looks over the Salt Lake Temple and all others with great care. Through the years, the First Presidency has, from time to time, counseled the Presiding Bishopric to ensure that the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple is solid. 

When I served in the Presiding Bishopric, at the request of the First Presidency, we did an overall facility review of the Salt Lake Temple, including an evaluation of the most recent advancements in seismic design and construction techniques. Here are portions of the review provided to the First Presidency at that time: “In the design and construction of the Salt Lake Temple, the best engineering, skilled labor, construction materials, furnishings, and other period-available resources were used. 

Since its dedication in 1893, the temple has stood firm and served as a beacon of faith [and] hope and as a light unto the people. Great care has been taken to operate, clean, and maintain the temple in good condition. 

The granite exterior and interior floor joists and support beams are in good condition. Recent studies confirm that the location chosen by Brigham Young for the temple has very good soils and excellent compaction qualities.”7 

 The review concluded that normal repairs and improvements were needed to renew and update the temple, including the exterior deck and surface areas, obsolete utility systems, and baptistry areas.]

 However, consideration of a separate, more comprehensive seismic upgrade beginning from the temple foundation on upward was also recommended. 

 The Temple Foundation As you may recall, President Brigham Young himself was involved in great detail in the construction of the original temple foundation, which has served the temple well since its completion 127 years ago. 

The newly proposed seismic upgrade package for the temple would utilize base isolation technology, which was not even imagined at the time of its construction. 


This is considered the latest, most state-of-the-art engineering for earthquake protection. Temple renovation plan This technology, recent in its development, begins at the very foundation of the temple, providing a robust defense against damage from an earthquake. In essence, it structurally strengthens the temple to stand steadfast, even as the earth and environment around it undergo an earthshaking seismic event. 

 The temple renovation that would employ this technology was announced by the First Presidency last year. Under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric, construction commenced a few months ago, in January 2020. It is estimated to be completed in approximately four years. 


 👵Then Elder Stevenson moves right into a wonderful comparison to begin our lesson about our personal foundations! the Salt Lake Temple is undergoing extensive renovations which he refers to as a extensive renewal. let's read on! !


Ensuring Your Personal Foundation As I contemplate the next four years of the life of this beautiful, noble, exalted, and awe-inspiring Salt Lake Temple, '

I envision it more as a time of renewal rather than a time of closure! In a similar way, we might ask ourselves, “How could this extensive renewal of the Salt Lake Temple inspire us to undergo our own spiritual renewal, reconstruction, rebirth, revitalization, or restoration?” 

👵Are you ready to undergo a bit of your own spiritual renovation.. Or spiritual renewal??? Do you and your family members and friends need maintenance and renovation work??? 

An introspective look may reveal that we too and our families could benefit from our doing some needed maintenance and renovation work, even a seismic upgrade! We might start such a process by asking: 

 👵Elder Stevenson says that we begin this process of renovation or renewal by asking ourselves the following questions: '

"What does my foundation look like?" “What comprises the thick-walled, stable, strong cornerstones that are part of my personal foundation, upon which my testimony rests?” 

 “What are the foundational elements of my spiritual and emotional character that will allow me and my family to remain steadfast and immovable, even to withstand the earthshaking and tumultuous seismic events that will surely take place in our lives?” 

 These events, similar to an earthquake, are often difficult to predict and come in various levels of intensity—wrestling with questions or doubt, facing affliction or adversity, working through personal offenses with Church leaders, members, doctrine, or policy. The best defense against these lies in our spiritual foundation. 


 👵So far, so good, right? What did your answers to the above 👀questions reveal about your spiritual foundation?? How is your spiritual foundation doing? Is it in need of renovation or renewal like mine is??? 

 What might the spiritual cornerstones of our personal and family lives be? They may be the simple, plain, and precious principles of gospel living—family prayer; scripture study, including the Book of Mormon; temple attendance; and gospel learning through Come, Follow Me and home evening. 

Other helpful resources to strengthen your spiritual foundation may include the Articles of Faith, the family proclamation, and “The Living Christ.” 

 For me, the principles included in the questions discussed as part of receiving a temple recommend serve as a strong basis for a spiritual foundation—particularly the first four questions. 

I see them as spiritual cornerstones. We, of course, are familiar with these questions, as President Russell M. Nelson read them to us one by one in the last general conference. 

👵 Whether you have been to the temple or not these are still good questions to ask yourselves and your family members and friends. If you and \ or they are not members off the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints these may be things to set your goals from. 


👵 I challenge you to 🔍investigate🔍the church  If Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the help of our missionaries, which you can contact through the following website: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/requests/free-book-of-mormon 👵Don't forget to answer all of the questions!😊

 Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost? 
 Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and of His role as your Savior and Redeemer? 
 
Do you have a testimony of the 
Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?8 

 👵Now how is your personal foundations doing now??? Are those questions helping you to build it brick by brick??? If you need to make a visual here, then get out your... Yep, you guessed it, your poster board😁  


 Prophets Can you see how you might consider these questions as valuable elements in your personal foundation to help you build and reinforce it? Paul taught the Ephesians of a church which was “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.”9 

 The temple with a solid foundation One of the greatest joys of my life is becoming acquainted with and inspired by members of the Church all over the world who are living exemplars of faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel. They have strong personal foundations that allow them to withstand seismic events with steady understanding, despite their heartache and pain.'


👵I am sure that you have met members of the Church  of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wondered how they were managing so calmly through this pandemic? '

I know that used to wonder this myself, but I have learned to trust in and rely on the Savior and His Atonement which enables me to have the peace that I need to see this through😊


👵I have wondered throughout the years just how they were able to get through the most awful crisis or situation with such calmness. Nothing seemed to ruffle their feathers so to speak! 

It wasn't until I became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that I learned a bit of their secret. '

And this is something that we all need if we are to build a firm spiritual personal and family foundation! 

Let's see what other things Elder Stevenson has to teach us about how to build these foundations!


 To display this on a more personal level, I recently spoke at the funeral of a beautiful, vibrant young wife and mother (also a family friend of ours). 

She was a scrappy Division 1 soccer player when she met and married her dental student husband. They were blessed with a beautiful, precocious daughter. 

She valiantly battled with various forms of cancer for six challenging years. 

Despite the ever-present emotional and physical distress that she experienced, she trusted in her loving Heavenly Father and was often quoted widely by her social media followers for her famous saying: “God is in the details.”C


 👵Here is a very important key... We must trust in our loving Heavenly Father. This woman knew that "God is in the details" of our lives! He knows each of us individually! 😊

 On one of her social media posts, she wrote that someone had asked her, “How do you still have faith with all the heartache that surrounds you?” She replied firmly with these words: '

“Because faith is what gets me through these dark times. Having faith doesn’t mean nothing bad is going to happen. Having faith allows me to believe that there will be light again. '

And that light will be even brighter because I have walked through the dark. As much darkness as I have witnessed over the years, I have witnessed far more light. I have seen miracles. I have felt angels.

 I have known that my Heavenly Father was carrying me. None of that would have been experienced if life was easy. The future of this life may be unknown, but my faith is not. If I choose to not have faith then I choose to only walk in darkness. Because without faith, darkness is all that is left.”10 

👵Okay, did you get what she said there at the end of that last paragraph??? "If I choose to not have faith then I choose to only walk in darkness. Because without faith, darkness is all that is left"!😊 

I don't know about you but I really don't want to have to walk in darkness, even for a little while! Well, I don't know about you, but I choose to have faith!!! Every time!!! Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in the next key!!!



 Her unshakable testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—in her words and in her actions— was an inspiration for others. Even though her body was weak, she lifted others to be stronger. 

👵 I want to repeat that last line again because it is truly worth repeating: "Even though her body was weak, she lifted others to be stronger" and the part just before this said that her words and actions she " was an inspiration to others! "

 I think of countless other members of the Church, warriors like this sister, who walk each day in faith, striving to be true and undaunted disciples of our Savior, Jesus Christ. They learn of Christ. They preach of Christ. They strive to emulate Him. 

Whether the days of their lives face steady or unstable ground, their spiritual foundation is strong and immovable. These are the devoted souls who understand the profound meaning of the lyrics “How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord” and “who unto the Savior for refuge have fled.”11 

I am grateful beyond measure to walk among those who have prepared a spiritual foundation worthy of the name of Saints and who are strong and secure enough to withstand the many tumults of life. 

 I don’t think we can overstate the importance of such a firm foundation in our personal lives. 

Even at an early age, our Primary children are taught as they sing of this very truth: The wise man built his house upon the rock, And the rains came tumbling down. … The rains came down, and the floods came up, And the house on the rock stood still.12 

👵So are you a wise man or woman or are you a foolish man or woman??? What is your foundation built upon??? Will your foundation withstand the storms of your mortal life as it is right now??? Or are you like me and need a little bit of renewal??? 

 Scripture reinforces this foundational doctrine. The Savior taught the people of the Americas: “And if ye shall always do these things blessed are ye, for ye are built upon my rock.

 “But whoso among you shall do more or less than these are not built upon my rock, but are built upon a sandy foundation; and when the rain descends, and the floods come, and the winds blow, and beat upon them, they shall fall.”13



 It is the sincere hope of Church leaders that the significant renovations to the Salt Lake Temple will contribute to the fulfillment of Brigham Young’s desire to see “the temple built in a manner that it will endure through the millennium.” 

During the coming years, may we allow these improvements made to the Salt Lake Temple to move and inspire us, as individuals and families, so that we too—metaphorically—will “be built in a manner that will endure through the millennium.” 

 We will do so as we fulfill the charge of the Apostle Paul to “[lay] up in store for [ourselves] a good foundation against the time to come, that [we] may lay hold on eternal life.”14 

It is my ardent prayer that our spiritual foundation will be sure and steadfast, that our testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and of His role as our Savior and Redeemer will become for us our own chief cornerstone, of whom I testify in His name, even Jesus Christ, amen. Ensuring Your Personal Foundation 


👵 There were a few 🔑keys🔑 that Elder Stevenson mentioned in his talk above that can help each one of bus to build a strong personal spiritual foundation what are they?? 

Here are three that by noticed. First, we must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! This is a part of the Fourth Article of Faith. First faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, second, repentance, third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

👵Second, which Elder Stevenson suggested first. We need to make a plan! And what did Elder Stevenson suggest for us to start our plan?? 

I believe it involved some questions which in the answering of them would allow each one of us some serious reflection of ourselves! 

👵I believe he began with questions asked the following questions and said we should begin with asking ourselves these questions. 

If you have forgotten them by this time here they are for your review:

 1. What does my foundation look like?" 

 2. “What comprises the thick-walled, stable, strong cornerstones that are part of my personal foundation, upon which my testimony rests?”

 3. “What are the foundational elements of my spiritual and emotional character that will allow me and my family to remain steadfast and immovable, even to withstand the earthshaking and tumultuous seismic events that will surely take place in our lives?” The next question Elder Stevenson mentioned was the following: 

 4. What might spiritual cornerstones of our personal and family lives be? 

👵Individual and family prayer; personal scripture study,family scripture study, including and especially the Book of Mormon; temple attendance; and gospel learning through Come, Follow Me program and family home evening. 

 Some other helpful resources to help you to strengthen your spiritual foundation may also include, but are not limited to the following: general conference talks, the Articles of Faith, the family proclamation, and “The Living Christ, and now the latest, the Restoration proclamation from the April 2020 General conference which you can read here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/restoration-proclamation 

 👵 I thought that I would share with you some resources that have helped me with these principles of gospel living! 
 👵 The following questions are asked of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are seeking their temple recommends.Elder Stevenson said these four questions a s spiritual cornerstones! 

 1. Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost? 
 2. Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and of His role as your Savior and Redeemer? 
 3. Do you have a testimony of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
 4. Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? 

👵Well my dear family and friends we are at the end of this talk and my ramblings for today's post!😊 I do hope that you are All staying healthy and safe in your homes and that you are taking this opportunity to enjoy your family and friends! 

😊 It is so important that we stay in touch by phone or other media means! Please do remember who you are!!! You are each one a child of God!!! He knows and loves each one of you individually!

😊 Remember to put your trust in your Heavenly and in His Son Jesus Christ!😊 They alone have the power to give us the peace that we need! We must hold fast to Them as we do our best to help one another through this pandemic! Remember, remember! Until my next post make it a good week!😊

Post # 202 -- Come, Follow Me -- Week # 16--“A Mighty Change”-- Mosiah 4-6

Dear Family and Friends

I have been thinking about all of the people out there that continue to serve their communities in the face of this pandemic that our whole world  is facing right now.
I think of all of the people who are working to keep our communities safe and healthy.

I am so grateful to all of the nurses, doctors, farmers , grocery store workers, gas station attendants, trash pick ups, truck drivers,fast food attendants, restaurant employees who are now delivering meals, pizza delivery persons, EMT's,, teachers, firefighters, police officers, taxi  drivers , utility workers, phone companies, internet providers, postal workers, ups persons. radio stations.. 

Especially Christian radio stations who provide us with uplifting  and encourage us to stay apart so we can come together ❤

I know that my local Christian radio station always plays music to help me stay focused on Jesus Christ as well as encouraging me to Skype or zoom with my family members and friends so that we can still be together while we are apart!😊

I am sure that I have not named all of the people who are in the front lines, but I assure you that I too, am not the only person who is grateful for all you do for each one of us, every single day. For our families, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. THANK 😊YOU!!


This week's lesson will cover Mosiah chapters 4-6, the lesson is titled “A Mighty Change”

I believe that this title needs to apply to each of us who have not made Jesus Christ the focus of our life!😊 We each need Him in our lives. We need Him in our lives, NOW!!! He knows each one of us individually!😊 He knows what we are going through! 😊 

He wants to help make this trial easier for each one of us to bear in our own individual circumstances of we allow Him to do so!!!😊

This next section comes to you directly from the Come,Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:


Have you ever heard someone speak and then felt inspired to change your life? Perhaps you decided, because of what you heard, to live a little differently—or even a lot differently.

King Benjamin’s sermon was that kind of sermon, and the truths he taught had that kind of effect on the people who heard them. King Benjamin shared with his people what an angel had taught him— that wonderful blessings were possible through “the atoning blood of Christ” (Mosiah 4:2).

His message changed their entire view of themselves (see Mosiah 4:2), changed their desires (see Mosiah 5:2), and inspired them to covenant with God that they would always do His will (see Mosiah 5:5). This is how King Benjamin’s words affected his people. How will they affect you?


Within the chapters assigned for this week's study you will surely find more teachings from King Benjamin. As you read through these chapters with your family members you may want to consider having them look  or listen for some of those teachings😊

After you have read or they have read through these chapters it might be a good idea for you to share with them or for them to share with one one another those teachings that they have found during your reading together or their reading😄 individually. whichever fits your family study group dynamics:)

The next thing would be for You to share with them or have them share with you some ways to apply those particular teachings in your life or their lives! 😊

Mosiah 4:1–12

Through Jesus Christ, we can receive and retain a remission of our sins.

😉 As you probably already know there are many people who think that repenting take very little effort on their part!😕 

They are very wrong!!! Then there are other people who think that is isn't worth it because it takes too much effort to repent, so they don't even try😐


It might be good for you to consider either searching as a family or having your family members search individually to help your family members better understand what is exactly required for each one of them to receive a remission of their sins through repentance!😊

Your search through King Benjamin's teachings begin in Mosiah chapter 4, beginning at verse 1 ending at verse 12. There you will find the answer you need about repentance and receiving a remission of your sins!!! 😊


Mosiah 4:1-12


1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of speaking the words which had been delivered unto him by the angel of the Lord, that he cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and behold they had fallen to the earth, for the fear of the Lord had come upon them.

2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.

3 And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them.

 4 And king Benjamin again opened his mouth and began to speak unto them, saying: My friends and my brethren, my kindred and my people, I would again call your attention, that ye may hear and understand the remainder of my words which I shall speak unto you.

 5 For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen state—


6 I say unto you, if ye have come to a know of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body—

7 I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world.

 8 And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you.


9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.

 11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.


12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

In these verses you will find the conditions that will need to be in place for your Heavenly Father to grant a remission of your sins. Hey, do you still have poster board left? 😁 Oh, good because you might want to get some out for this next part!😊

So you could make a list of all the things that you and your family members have found. Hey, I forgot to mention in an earlier post that you could very easily continue your lessons to include your friends during this stay at home order using zoom meeting app or something like  it😄

Of course most of you are probably already doing this. Especially if you are more tech savvy than I am, which most people usually are!😐 I do try hard though😃 You should think of an analogy for repentance.

Or you might want to with your family members think of an analogy or two that will help explain what you have learned about receiving a remission of your sins😊 oh, you are not sure just what an analogy is? That's alright, I had to look it up at one point as well😁

An analogy is a comparison between two things usually go the purpose of clarifying or explaining something!
After you have completed your search write on your poster board what you have found.😯 Then create an analogy together ❤ that you can use to teach someone else about how to receive a remission of their sins😊

This is what Elder D. Todd Christofferson said in General Conference a few years ago:

“Repentance requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to persevere, even through pain. Attempts to create a list of specific steps of repentance may be helpful to some, but it may also lead to a mechanical, check-off-the-boxes approach with no real feeling or change. True repentance is not superficial.” (The Divine Gift of Repentance, D. Todd Christofferson, October 2011)

Here is another place to learn about repentance:

Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins
By Elder David A. Bednar
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
General Conference – April, 2016
https://ldsminds.com/always-retain-a-remission-of-your-sins/

If you wanted to listen to this talk you can go here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0rr5rRF6kQ

Here is a video of a talk you can listen to about 👑Benjamin's teachings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2asETpA9So

You might consider asking your family members to search with you through  Benjamin's teachings in Mosiah 4:1-12, looking for truths that could help you and \or them in the following questions:



What if you had a friend who was 😔 wondering if repentance i s really worth the effort? What could you say to that friend to reassure them that repenting is one of the best things they can do and it is always worth the effort!!!😊

Another question for you to consider:How would you help someone who is feeling discouraged 😞and they feel like it is impossible for them to overcome their sin and their weakness?

In doing this with your family members you are helping them to be prepared to share the truths they have learned with a friend without feeling off or like they are fishing for answers, or that they are not prepared to answer questions about what they know.

It might also be very helpful for you to do some role 🎠playing with these questions or others that you might come up with ☺ 

You could have one asking the question and one answering the question. Then you could reverse roles that way they are gaining the experience of both roles and thus becoming prepared for both roles😄

Mosiah 4:11–27
As we repent, we will be filled with the love of God.

If you are ever wondering 😔if you have received a remission of your sins 😊 

You can find some of the results of true repentance when you read in Mosiah 4:13-16 as King Benjamin describes those results for you!


You might want to consider reading  these verses together with your family members and friends to see if they can find those results that King Benjamin has shared in those verses!

13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due.

14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.

15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.

16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

After you have finished with your reading you might want to ask.your family members and friends to think about their individual lives and think about how well you and they are living the teachings in these verses that King Benjamin has shared and what you can do the be better living these teachings.


Now think about any things(if you are baptized members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) that you have noticed in yourself or in your family members that show that you and \ or they are being converted. What are those things that you and \ or they have seen? How does our relationships with others change as we come unto Christ through repentance? 

If You are members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints it may not be as easy to see the signs as they may be more subtle! 

😊 You can ask your family members to share how they have observed this happening in their lives.

what we find in Mosiah 4:11–12 and 14–16 are things we can each do to become better parents!😊 

As you read through these verses together with your family members and friends could prompt a discussion about what inspires righteous parenting. What do these verses teach about how to become better parents?

11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel


12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.



14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.

15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another

16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish

You and you family members and friends might want to consider reading  together ❤ through the following verses: Mosiah 4:16-27. After which it could be beneficial for you and your family members and friends to have a discussion about King Benjamin's teachings that you found in these verses!😊


Mosiah 4:16-27
16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

 17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.


 19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

 20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.

 21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.

 22 And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.

23 I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are rich as pertaining to the things of this world.

 24 And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give.


25 And now, if ye say this in your hearts ye remain guiltless, otherwise ye are condemned; and your condemnation is just for ye covet that which ye have not received.

26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.


 27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.


Now that you are familiar with these verses it could help you and your family members and friends to internalize King Benjamin's teachings 

if you were to re-read these verses pausing after each verse is read to try to summarize the message in each verse.

It's time to get out your poster board again! 😊

I believe that it would be very helpful for you and your family members and friends if you were to make a list  of Benjamin's teachings that you have found in these verses.


What might spiritual cornerstones of our personal and family lives be? They may be the simple, plain, and precious principles of gospel living—family prayer; scripture study, including the Book of Mormon; temple attendance; and gospel learning through Come, Follow Me and home evening. 

Other helpful resources to strengthen your spiritual foundation may include the Articles of Faith, the family proclamation, and “The Living Christ"


Then you could share the following message from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk called “Are We Not All Beggars?” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 40–4 2). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/10/are-we-not-all-beggars?lang=eng


His talk can add to your family  study group discussion, as well as asking your family members and friends the following questions:How can we follow King Benjamin’s counsel to not “run faster than [we have] strength”? (Mosiah 4:26–27). How does the commandment to “impart of [our] substance to the poor” relate to the remission of our sins?

Mosiah 4:29–30
We must watch our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Sometimes it seems like it would be easier if the Lord gave us a detailed list of every possible sin. 

Instead, He tells us, “Watch yourselves … and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord” (Mosiah 4:30). 

It may be very  helpful for you and your family members to discuss this principle together:)  

Questions you could ask to generate your discussion, could be like the following: 

How do our thoughts, words, and deeds affect ourselves and others? What does it mean to “continue in the faith”? What advice can we share with each other to help us “watch” ourselves?


This next section comes to you directly from the Come,Follow Me for Individuals and Families  manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
Mosiah 4
Through Jesus Christ, I can receive and retain a remission of my sins.

Overcoming the natural man isn’t easy. It requires great effort to become “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord” (Mosiah 3:19). 

Sometimes, even when you have felt forgiven of your sins, you might struggle to keep that feeling and stay on the path of righteousness. King Benjamin taught his people how to both receive and retain a remission of sins and live consistently as a saint. 


As you study chapter 4 of Mosiah, you might ask yourself questions such as these:

Verses 1–12.What blessings did a remission of sins bring to King Benjamin’s people? 

What did King Benjamin teach to help them retain the remission of their sins? What did he teach about how we receive salvation? Note what King Benjamin said we should “always retain in remembrance” (verse 11). What do you feel inspired to do to remember these things?

Verses 12–16.According to these verses, what happens in our lives if we do the things described in verse 11? Have you experienced these changes in your life? How do they relate to the changes described in Mosiah 3:19?

Verses 16–30.How does sharing with the poor help us retain a remission of our sins? How can you apply verse 27 to your efforts to be Christlike?


See also David A. Bednar, “Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 59–62; Dale G. Renlund, “Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 97–99.

Mosiah 5:1–7

The Spirit of the Lord can cause a mighty change in my heart.

I don't know about you but I know quite a few people who feel like they cannot make changes in themselves or their lives! How often have you heard  the following phrases: “I can’t change. That’s just the way I am.”?

It is often quite difficult for someone to make a permanent change in their life, especially if they have bad habits to get rid of! 😊 I know I shrugged that first year after my baptism with completely giving up my 🚬 smoking habit.

Maybe you could have a discussion with family members and friends about without why it can be so difficult for people to make permanent changes in their life? You could read together with your family members and friends 



Mosiah 5:1-5.

1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they believed the words which he had spoken unto them.

 2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.



3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.

 4 And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy.

 5 And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.



What truths about a change of heart have you and/or your family members and friends discovered during your reading? if you / your family members and friends have not noticed them you might want to read aloud and ask your family members and friends to be looking for the mighty change that was experienced by King Benjamin's people?


You may want to ask your family members and friends to share how the Holy Ghost has helped them change their hearts. You could also watch one of the following videos:
Videos on ChurchofJesusChrist.org about a “mighty change” (Mosiah 5:2).

“Daily Bread: Change” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library...
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/...

“A Change of Heart”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/...
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/youth/video/a...

“A Mighty Change: Conversion" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library...


You probably noticed that these phrases go against what we have read about the experience of  Benjamin’s people which just shows us how the Spirit of the Lord can truly change our hearts If we will allow the Spirit of the Lord to work in us.

Now might be the time to make sure that your family members and friends know just how amazing the changes are that come into your life as you accept and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There really is nothing that can be compared to their changes that will come into your life as you embrace Jesus Christ and His gospel.

I know that my own life was changed very dramatically when I was baptized and became a member of the church  of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!😊 This decision was one of the best decisions of my life!

You and your family members and friends can learn just how the Spirit of the Lord can accomplish this as you share the following message with them!😊


President Russell M. Nelson taught: “We can change our behavior. Our very desires can change. … 

True change—permanent change—can come only through the healing, cleansing, and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. … 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of change!” (“Decisions for Eternity,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 108). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/decisions-for-eternity?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/10983_eng.pdf


At this point you might want to ask your family members and friends to think about how the " mighty change " has come into their lives? 

As you reread to your family members and friends about the change that King Benjamin’s people experienced!😊

If they have experienced this "mighty change" in their life from becoming a member of the ⛪ of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints maybe they could share with the rest of your family study group what type of change has happened in their life?

You might ask them to think about how the “mighty change” that leads one to true conversion has transpired for them\ or you? 

Or you might share with your family members and friends what could transpire in their own life if they decided to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!😊?


I believe that true conversion takes time. 

Remember, the Lord said line upon line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little!😊 I know that my life changed for the better! 😊

My habits changed, my attitude changed about a lot of things. My love for others had grown. I changed the way I dressed, the way I ate and drank, the way I talked, the way I thought, and it was all very good  changes for 😊

Here are a few passages of scripture for you and your family members and friends to check out for more information on this topic: 

Ezekiel 36:26–27; Alma 5:14; as well as this talk by David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 10. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general...

This next section comes to you directly from the Come,Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
Mosiah 5:1–7
The Spirit of the Lord can cause a mighty change in my heart.

It is not uncommon for people to say, “I can’t change. That’s just the way I am.” In contrast, the experience of King Benjamin’s people shows us how the Spirit of the Lord can truly change our hearts. 

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “We can change our behavior. Our very desires can change. … True change—permanent change—can come only through the healing, cleansing, and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. … The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of change!” (“Decisions for Eternity,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 108).

As you read about the change that King Benjamin’s people experienced, think about how the “mighty change” leading to true conversion has happened—or can happen—in your life. Have a few “mighty” moments led to your change of heart, or has your conversion happened more gradually?

See also Ezekiel 36:26–27; Alma 5:14; David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 106–9.


Mosiah 5:5–15

I take upon myself the name of Christ when I make covenants.

As you have probably realized the Nephites were not only Nephite born! 

They were the people who believe in Christ and in His teachings. When We are baptized we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. This is part of our promise to the Lord when we are baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

In King Benjamin's teachings he wanted to have his people take upon them the name of Christ! 

This was just One of his reasons for gathering his people together to hear his words, he wanted to "give this people a name. "

So, in King Benjamin's address he invited his people to take upon themselves "the name of Christ. " 

This is just like or at least similar to our baptismal covenants and Benjamin wanted his people to take upon the name of Christ as a part of their covenant as well.


In both instances then and now when we do This we do not to be obedient to the Lord! Just as it is written in Mosiah 1:11; 5:10). 

What do you learn from Mosiah 5:7–9 about what it means to take upon yourself the name of Christ?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “The source [of moral and spiritual power] is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him” (“The Power of Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 20). 

As you read Mosiah 5:5–15, make a list of the blessings that will come into your life as you keep the covenants you have made with God. How does keeping your covenants help you retain the “mighty change” wrought in you through Jesus Christ and His Atonement?


A Change of Heart”
After discussing the truths in Mosiah 5:1–7, some of your family study group might be curious as to why their change of heart does not seem as dramatic or immediate as the experience of King Benjamin’s people. 

The statement from Elder D. Todd Christofferson addresses this question. What can we learn from Elder Christofferson about conversion

Change is often a process.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson spoke of the mighty change of heart described in the scriptures:
“You may ask, Why doesn’t this mighty change happen more quickly with me? You should remember that the remarkable examples of King Benjamin’s people, Alma, and some others in scripture are just that—remarkable and not typical. For most of us, the changes are more gradual and occur over time. Being born again, unlike our physical birth, is more a process than an event. And engaging in that process is the central purpose of mortality.]


“At the same time, let us not justify ourselves in a casual effort. Let us not be content to retain some disposition to do evil. Let us worthily partake of the sacrament each week and continue to draw upon the Holy Spirit to root out the last vestiges of impurity within us. 

I testify that as you continue in the path of spiritual rebirth, the atoning grace of Jesus Christ will take away your sins and the stain of those sins in you, temptations will lose their appeal, and through Christ you will become holy, as He and our Father are holy” (“Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 78).

This next section comes to you directly from the Come,Follow Me for Individuals and Families  manual:


Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
Mosiah 5:5–15
I take upon myself the name of Christ when I make covenants.


One reason King Benjamin wanted to address his people was to “give this people a name.” Some were Nephites and others were descendants of Mulek, but these weren’t the names he had in mind. He invited the people to take upon themselves “the name of Christ” as part of their covenant of obedience to God (Mosiah 1:11; 5:10). What do you learn from Mosiah 5:7–9 about what it means to take upon yourself the name of Christ?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “The source [of moral and spiritual power] is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him” (“The Power of Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 20). As you read Mosiah 5:5–15, make a list of the blessings that will come into your life as you keep the covenants you have made with God. How does keeping your covenants help you retain the “mighty change” wrought in you through Jesus Christ and His Atonement?

This next section comes to you directly from the Come,Follow Me for Individuals and Families  manual:


Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.

Mosiah 4:9–12

How can your family more fully “believe in God” (Mosiah 4:9) and “always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God”? (Mosiah 4:11). 

Perhaps family members could read Mosiah 4:9–12 and identify phrases that help build their faith in God. Then they could write down these phrases and place them around the home as reminders. How will remembering these things help us “always rejoice” and “retain a remission of [our] sins”? (Mosiah 4:12).

Mosiah 4:14–15
What do we learn about fighting and quarrelling from these verses?

Mosiah 4:16–26
In what sense are we all beggars? According to these verses, how should we treat all of God’s children? (see Mosiah 4:26). Who needs our help?

Mosiah 4:27
Is your family running faster than you have strength? Maybe you could invite family members to evaluate their activities to make sure they are being diligent but also wise.

Mosiah 5:5–15
What does taking the name of Christ upon us suggest about our relationship with Him? It might help to talk about why people sometimes write their names on their belongings. How can we show that we “belong” to the Savior?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

I wanted to share which he following was at the bottom of the lesson in the Come,Follow Me manual:

Improving Our Teaching

Nurture a loving atmosphere. The way family members treat each other can profoundly influence the spirit of your home. Help all family members do their part to establish a loving, respectful home so that everyone will feel safe sharing experiences, questions, and testimonies. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 15.)


With all that is happening in our  world and the uncertainty of what will happen next I am sure that there are many of us struggling during this time.

I want you to know that in our next week's lesson we will study \ read about some people who learned how to trust the Lord during their times of struggling and trials.


In fact it is probably the most important thing that we can do today is to learn to put our trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ!😊

We may have no control over what happens in this world but we can control where we put our trust! I have never been sorry for putting my trust in my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ!😊

Although there have been many times in my life when I have been sorry, even regretted putting my trust in another person or group of people. I know, 😢sad but true!

Well, it looks liked have been rambling a bit too much today. So, I guess I should stop and get this posted . 
I pray that all is well with each one of you and I pray that our  world  can get to healing so we can have a bit more stability in our lives.

Please remember who you are!  You are each a child of God!😊 please continue to study with me and all of our cyber study buddies out there in cyberspace! 😊Keep praying at least morning and evening!  Until my next post please be safe, healthy and well😌