Post # 256 -- Come, Follow Me -- Week # 39-- September 28–October 1 -- 3 Nephi 17–19 --0 “Behold, My Joy Is Full”

Dear Family and Friends

You know the other day I actually received a phone call from a good friend. Which allowed me to have a good conversation with an adult.  This was an actual conversation with a real live person over the phone:)

This is something that doesn't happen very often at all. I found it quite refreshing to talk to an adult for a change. Don’t get me wrong, I talk with my coworkers – but its usually about work

I mean, I talk with my adult children and young grandchildren all the time but our conversations either revolve around work or household things. and with the children it's either the latest toy, game,or movie.

But the part i really love it when we talk about their day and what they learned, what they were excited about and what fun they had on that day. Oh, now I will need to take that back as my youngest brother calls me just about every weekend. … unless I am asleep.

These past few months I have been doing a lot of sleeping

And my brother and I talk about everything under the sun. anything really; any subject, any topic, any movie, and we have found that we can add at least one song a week.

I think we add at least one song to every conversation that we have. So why can I remember the lyrics to a song that I haven't heard in 30+ years but I cannot remember if I took my medications 3 hours ago??

How does that work??? Have you any ideas??? I certainly do not!!! The mind is a funny thing and I do not mean the “ha, ha!” sort of funny, I mean a strange sort of funny! Something that I would like to learn more about,

Though I'm not really sure if I have enough time before I pass on to my next life to get it done. It is very important that your preparation to teach your family should always start with your own personal study of the scriptures, …

Reading and searching them carefully so that you do not miss a thing that the Holy Ghost will teach you so that you can teach what you earn to your family. This next part comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:

While previous chapters in 3 Nephi focused mainly on the Savior’s words, chapters 17–19 describe His ministry and teachings among the people. As you read these chapters, what does the Spirit teach you about the Savior? 

Remember too that your Come, Follow Me -- For Individuals and Families can and should be a great support and supplement to your study, as well as this outline can also provide ideas for you as you are preparing this lesson:)

Don’t forget there is great power in prayer, so be sure to pray before, during and after your study:) This next part comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:'

Jesus Christ had just spent the day ministering in the land of Bountiful, teaching His gospel, giving the people a chance to see and feel the marks in His resurrected body, and testifying that He was the promised Savior.

And now it was time for Him to leave. He needed to return to His Father, and He knew that the people needed time to ponder what He had taught. So promising to return the next day, He dismissed the multitude to their homes.

But no one left. They didn’t say what they were feeling, but Jesus could sense it: they hoped He would “tarry a little longer with them” (3 Nephi 17:5). He had other important things to do, but the opportunity to show compassion does not always come at a convenient time, so Jesus stayed with the people a little longer. What followed was perhaps the most tender example of ministering recorded in scripture. Those who were present could only say it was indescribable (see 3 Nephi 17:16–17). Jesus Himself summed up the impromptu spiritual outpouring with these simple words: “Now behold, my joy is full” (3 Nephi 17:20).

As you might know, the Savior often invited the people He was teaching, to go back to their homes and ponder or think about what He had taught them. He wanted them to “prepare [their] minds” before they came again.

To learn from Him the next day. You may want to ask your family members and friends if it is age appropriate to do so.

Ask each one of them just how they had prepared for this week’s lesson and discussion.

Ask them what sort of things did they lightly think about?  Which did they think were important enough to take the time to ponder on them?? What did you take time to ponder on as you were preparing to teach this lesson??

This next part comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:

3 Nephi 17; 18:24–25, 28–32

The Savior is our perfect example of ministering.

You should begin this section by asking your family members and friends the following questions: What do we learn about the Savior’s character that made Him a great example of ministering? What truths do we learn about ministering from the Savior’s example?

I don't know about each one of you, but i know that i can be much better at ministering, how about you? Are you doing a spectacular job with your ministering? There is surely one way to get better at our ministering.

You can read 3 Nephi chapter 17 with your family members and friends. It is here we can find the Savior’s example to follow. I believe that there is most likely someone who needs your ministering every single day --

This means that we each have at least one opportunity to minister to someone every day. As you are reading through chapter 17 ask your family members and friends to speak up when they hear something that teaches about ministering

You could also look for additional insights in the following scripture passages: Nephi 18:24–25 and 28–32 . you and your family members and friends can then discuss those specific things that they feel so inspired to do individually.

Or as a family group. Do  those things which you were inspired to do to follow the Savior’s example of ministering

This next part comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families’

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

3 Nephi 17

The Savior is my perfect example of ministering.

We know that there were about 2,500 people (see 3 Nephi 17:25) who experienced Christ’s first visit, as recorded in 3 Nephi 11–18. Yet the Savior found a way to minister to them one by one. What do you learn about ministering from the Savior’s example in this chapter? What needs did He minister to? Ponder how His example can help you minister to others.

3 Nephi 17:13–22; 18:15–25; 19:6–9, 15–36

The Savior taught us how to pray.

You should probably get out a sheet of your poster board. Do you think that we have a little stock in the poster board company yet? With all of the poster boards that we have been using you might think that we should have some stock in their company?

Are you ready? Do you have your poster board our and your markers warmed up? I do not know why the diagraphing box sis not transfer, this is the best i could do on this computer to make a diagram box for you,

Scripture passages ll Who? ll How? llWhen? llWhy? l

3 Nephi 17:13–22;   ll ll ll ll l

3 Nephi 18:15–25  ll ll ll ll l

3 Nephi 19:6–9 ll ll ll ll l

3 Nephi 15–36 ll ll ll ll l

Now the purpose for this chart is for you and your family members and friends to learn from a few of the many examples of prayer as well as the teachings about prayer which are found in 3 Nephi 17–19.

You will be looking for the answers to the questions written upon your poster board.You will be looking for the answers to the questions posted on your poster board as these questions relate to prayer,

Which are in the following verses [written on my chart]: 3 Nephi 17:13–22; 18:15–25; and 19:6–9, 15–36. Are there any other insights which you and / or your family members and friends have gained.

As your and / or they have read through the scripture passages? The following statement by Elder Richard G. Scott might add to the discussion. You and your family members and friends might also consider together.

You may consider sharing some of the things that you

and/or they each do to make yours and or their personal

and yours and or their family prayers more meaningful.

(see 3 Nephi 18:18–21).

18 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.

19 Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;

20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

21 Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.

The value of prayer.

Elder Richard G. Scott testified of the value of prayer:

“We pray to our Heavenly Father in the sacred name of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Prayer is most effective when we strive to be clean and obedient, with worthy motives, and are willing to do what He asks. Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace.

“Don’t worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening.

“A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it.

“Should you ever feel distanced from our Father, it could be for many reasons. Whatever the cause, as you continue to plead for help, He will guide you to do that which will restore your confidence that He is near. Pray even when you have no desire to pray. Sometimes, like a child, you may misbehave and feel you cannot approach your Father with a problem. That is when you most need to pray. Never feel you are too unworthy to pray.

“I wonder if we can ever really fathom the immense power of prayer until we encounter an overpowering, urgent problem and realize that we are powerless to resolve it. Then we will turn to our Father in humble recognition of our total dependence on Him. It helps to find a secluded place where our feelings can be vocally expressed as long and as intensely as necessary” (“Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 8).

You may consider asking your family members and friends to share with the others in your family study group any insights they may have had about these questions from your chart.

This week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families suggests questions to ponder about prayer when reading these verses.

You may also consider asking a few of your daily members and friends to come to your study group prepared to talk about something that they have learned about prayer from 3 Nephi 17–19.

What were they inspired to do to make their prayers more meaningful? Here is where a good object lesson could fit in really well to help your family members and friends understand what the Savior taught us.

The following example may work well for you and your family members and friends: you might fill a container with water to represent Satan’s influence. 

Stuff a tissue (which represents us) securely into the bottom of a cup (which represents praying always). Turn the cup upside down, and push it straight down into the container of water.

The tissue should remain dry in the bottom of the cup, even though it is surrounded by water. What do this object lesson and 3 Nephi 18:15–18 teach us about prayer? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 10:5).

What does it mean to “pray always”? How can prayer help us resist the influence of Satan? Remember that if we look in 3 Nephi 18:15–18 we will find that Jesus has taught us how to pray.

When you are finished with the above activities remember to give yourself and your family members and friends some time to think about prayer, what they have learned about prayer.

Then give them time and encourage each of them to write down what they feel impressed to do to improve their individual and their family prayers. This next part comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study'

3 Nephi 17:13–22; 18:15–25; 19:6–9, 15–36

The Savior taught us how to pray.

Imagine what it would be like to hear the Savior pray for you. What might He say in your behalf? His teachings and prayers in these chapters might give you an idea. As you study, what do you learn from Christ’s example that can make your own prayers more meaningful? What blessings from prayer have you seen in your life?

3 Nephi 18:1–12

We can be spiritually filled as we partake of the sacrament.

How can you each be spiritually filled as you partake of the sacrament? You may want to have a discussion about what the Savior’s teachings are, in 3 Nephi chapter 18 which you find are teachings on the sacrament.

Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites—They are commanded to pray always in His name—Those who eat His flesh and drink His blood unworthily are damned—The disciples are given power to confer the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.

You and your family members might want to consider continuing on with your discussion about the Savior’s teachings on the subject of prayer as is found in 3 Nephi chapter 18.

You may decide to divide your family study group into

smaller groups for this next activity. Then give each

group scripture passage to read and discuss. Or you

can let each group choose one of the following scripture passages:

Matthew 26:26–28; 3 Nephi 18:1–12; and Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79; 27:1–4.  After your family members and friends have finished reading their assigned scripture verses, each group could think of a couple of questions.

these questions would be about the sacrament. In order for this to work, each group must have questions which are answered within the verses they have read. Get out your poster board for a place to write your questions down on.

Then the rest of your family members and friends can study up and be busy searching through the listed scriptures for answers to the questions written on the poster board.

Together with your family members and friends you could also have a discussion about how they can each one have a more meaningful experience in partaking of the sacrament.

What does it mean to be “filled” as we partake of the sacrament? (see 3 Nephi 18:4–5, 9; 20:9). If it is conducive for your family members and friends to do so you could discuss this question in pairs.

Then as they read 3 Nephi 18:1–12 together they will be ready with the answers to the questions. Another thing you could do is to ask your family study group think of the last time they felt spiritually “filled” when partaking of the sacrament. 

You may want to try having a discussion about things that may be preventing or distracting you and / or your family members and friends from being “filled” by the sacrament and share some ideas as to how you can overcome those obstacles.

All of these things which you and your family members and friends study and you get confirmation from the Holy Ghost should be written in your journal. Be sure to write your thoughts and feelings in your own words unless the Holy Ghost is speaking to you then you write exactly what He tells you to write and do.

This is why it is so important for you and each of your family members and friends [and me too!!!] to be in tune with His Spirit. Because we always want to be in the position to be able to hear His voice. The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

3 Nephi 18:1–12

I can be spiritually filled as I partake of the sacrament.

As you read 3 Nephi 18:1–12, ponder how taking the sacrament can vfhthelp you be spiritually “filled” (3 Nephi 18:3–5, 9; see also 3 Nephi 20:1–9).

For example, you could make a list of questions to prompt personal reflection when you take the sacrament, such as “How do I feel about the Savior and His sacrifice for me?” “How is His sacrifice influencing my daily life?” or “What am I doing well as a disciple, and what can I improve?”

These words from President Henry B. Eyring may help you ponder one way the sacrament can help you be spiritually filled: “As you examine your life during the ordinance of the sacrament, I hope your thoughts center not only on things you have done wrong but also on things you have done right—moments when you have felt that Heavenly Father and the Savior were pleased with you.

You may even take a moment during the sacrament to ask God to help you see these things. … When I have done this, the Spirit has reassured me that while I’m still far from perfect, I’m better today than I was yesterday. And this gives me confidence that, because of the Savior, I can be even better tomorrow” (“Always Remember Him,” Ensign, Feb. 2018, 5).

3 Nephi 19:9–15, 20–22

Disciples of Jesus Christ seek the gift of the Holy Ghost.

You should think about asking your family members and friends to think too, and even to ponder on what they truly desire. Something that they would be willing to do most anything to receive their cherished, and desired item.

Once they have thought about their desired item you could begin your discussion with them. In your discussion with you and your family members and friends you may want to encourage them to have a discussion to find out.

Oh, no! Did you loose your place too? Now what was it that we needed to find out? Oh, now I got it!!! You and your family members and friends [and me too!!] wanted to find out just what the twelve disciples “most desired,”

What do you and your family study group think it was that the Twelve Disciples desires most? The desires of their hearts is something which is described in 3 Nephi 19:9–15 and 20–22. Why might this have been so important to them?

Why is it important to us? According to these verses, how can we earnestly seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost? This next part comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

3 Nephi 18:36–37; 19:6–22

Disciples of Jesus Christ seek the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Think about a prayer you said recently. What do your prayers teach you about your deepest desires? After spending a day in the presence of the Savior, the multitude “did pray for that which they most desired”—the gift of the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 19:9). As you read these passages, ponder your own desire for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. What do you learn about seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost?

This next part comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:

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.

3 Nephi 17

As you read this chapter as a family, consider pausing from time to time to invite your family to imagine experiencing these events firsthand. For example, you might ask questions like “What afflictions would you bring to the Savior to be healed?” “What would you want Him to pray for in your behalf?” or “What loved ones would you want Him to bless?” Reading this chapter may also inspire you to pray for your family members, one by one, as Jesus did.

3 Nephi 18:1–12

What does it mean to be “filled” by partaking of the sacrament, and how do we experience it? What do we learn from verses 5–7 about why Jesus gave us the ordinance of the sacrament?

3 Nephi 18:17–21

What do we learn from these verses about the purposes of prayer? How can we improve the spiritual power of our prayers, both as individuals and as a family?

3 Nephi 18:25; 19:1–3

What has our family experienced through the gospel that we wish everyone around us could also experience? How can we follow the example of the people in these verses and “labor exceedingly” (3 Nephi 19:3) to bring others to Christ, that they too might “feel and see” (3 Nephi 18:25) what we have found in the gospel?

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

Suggested song: “Reverently, Quietly,” Children’s Songbook, 26.

In our upcoming reading in 3 Nephi chapters 20 - 26 you will find how Jesus Christ has explained some of the great prophet Isaiah’s “great” words for each one of us. The Lord saids, “Great are the words of Isaiah '' (3 Nephi 23:1). Please encourage your family members and friends to read 3 Nephi 20–26,

As you and your family members and friends are studying the readings for next week make sure that you all come ready to share with your family study group what you have learned. Remember to really think about Isaiah’s words and why Isaiah’s words are great. This next part comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:

Improving Personal Study

Let the Spirit guide your study. The Holy Ghost can guide you toward the things you need to learn each day. Be sensitive to His promptings, even if they seem to suggest that you read a different topic or study in a different way than you usually would. For example, as you read about the sacrament in 3 Nephi 18, the Spirit might prompt you to spend more time on that topic than you planned.

Well folks here we are at the end of our lesson for this week. I hope that you and your family members and friends have enjoyed this lesson:) I also hope that you all have learned as much or more than I have. I feel as though there certainly was a lot to be learned in this lesson. I don't know if it is more or less than in others we have had:)

Please remember who you and your family members and friends are, … you are eadh one a child of God!!! The one God of this earth. Your Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ both love each of you and your family members and friends. It's up to you to make sure that they all know this truth, .. it can change their/ and your lives!!!

Please, do continue to pray every day, at least morning and night. Pray before, during and after your scripture study and please continue to study your scriptures individually as well as with your family, … every day:) Also please continue to read and study from the Book of Mormon with me,

And of course all of our vyber study buddies out there in cyberspace. If you would like to talk with me about anything that i have written please use my email address or use the comment section on this blog space. Until my next post, please continue to do whatever you need to do to keep you and your family members safe, and healthy.

Post # 255 -- Come, Follow Me -- Week# 38 -- September 21–27 -- 3 Nephi 12–16 -- “I Am the Law, and the Light”

Dear Family and Friends

This has been another long long week. I feel like somehow it id the week that i have my chemotherapy that the week is the longest. My weeks here lately just seem to blend right into one and then another. This usually takes place without my knowledge or my permission:) not that my permission was ever needed in these cases at any time before. 

Shoot, there are some nights when I awake in the night only to look at my phone to realize that it is 11:45 pm instead of 11:45 am. ... and the day did not pass away when I was sleeping. Other days when I have tried to stay awake until 8 pm but have fallen asleep right away I slept all night, thinking that I had a good night’s rest.

As it turned out I got up on time only to fall back to sleep before I needed to leave for work. I am so grateful for alarms. I am such a mess these days. I think I have written my blog only to find out that it was not even started or that it was all done and I forgot to press the publish button to get it out there to you. 

So, I am hoping that I will do better for you this week:) Maybe if i can get this one out on time i can begin a new pattern for myself. If i can stay awake long enough to get it done for you and get it published too:) I really do try not to make the same mistake twice. Oh no, already my plan has failed. 


I just got reminded that I need to drive my granddaughter to town. She needs to go shopping and the store hours only work with or schedules today. I will be back hopefully tonight, it is really hard to get anything done after work because i am usually so very tired. This part comes from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

1. There are many principles to find in 3 Nephi 12–16. Some are highlighted in this outline, but you may find others. Let Heavenly Father, through His Spirit, teach you what you need right now.

I was watching an episode of Peppa Pig with my grandchildren, when in the episode Peppa and her friends were trying to run away from their shadows. Mr Rabbit told them that they could never run away from their shadows. He told them that their shadows will always be with them. Just as the Holy Ghost can always be with you and your family members ad friends.

The reason I bring this up to you is actually for more than a reason. First thing that came to my mind as I was watching this episode was that my preschool class would love this episode. The next thing that came to me was that we want to Always be in places where the Holy Ghost will be with us. This next part comes directly to you from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:


2. Like Jesus’s disciples who gathered at the mount in Galilee, the people who gathered at the temple at Bountiful had lived under the law of Moses. They had followed it because it pointed their souls to Christ (see Jacob 4:5), and now Christ stood before them, declaring a higher law. But even those of us who have never lived the law of Moses can recognize that the standard Jesus set for His disciples is a much higher law. “I would that ye should be perfect,” He declared (3 Nephi 12:48). If this makes you feel inadequate, remember that Jesus also said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (3 Nephi 12:3). This higher law is an invitation—another way of saying “Come unto me and be ye saved” (3 Nephi 12:20). Like the law of Moses, this law points us to Christ—the only One who can save and perfect us. “Behold,” He said, “I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live” (3 Nephi 15:9).


In our lesson today we are learning more about the characteristics of Christ. So, basically becoming more like Him is for us to emulate Christ like attributes. My preschoolers are so pure and so willing and eager to learn. You and your family members and friends should choose to be like those little preschoolers.

 They should never try to chase their shadows [the Holy Ghost]away [by going into place where the Holy Ghost would not go, or participating in activities which the Holy Ghost would not participate in]or speaking in a manner in which the Holy Ghost would not like . you and your family members and friends should always try to do your best every day and do all that you can do to keep the Holy Ghost close to you.

Speaking of preschoolers. How are you doing with your counting skills? Oh, you say that you are up to par on your counting skills. If not just ask your preschooler to help you out. You need to get together with your family members and friends. And get out a piece of your wonderful poster board. Now get ready to write!!!

Do your family members and friends like to talk about the things that they have learned each week from their scripture reading sessions? You may want to turn on your counting skills and write the numbers 12-16 right across the top of your poster board. Next you will ask each one to go on a search with you:)

You and your family members and friends will need to search through these chapters looking for a verse that has meaning to each one of them and then write the verse number underneath the corresponding chapter number on the board. This way you will have a written record for future study of these important gospel gems.

Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen

Twelve	Thirteen	Fourteen	Fifteen	Sixteen

 After you have your chart filled up you can pick and choose which ones to talk about together with your family members and friends. In your discussion you may find out why they felt like these particular verses are meaningful to them. Be sure to tell your family members and friends why your verses are meaningful to you. This next part comes directly to you from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
3 Nephi 12–14
The Savior’s teachings show me how to be a true disciple.
There are many truths, words of counsel, and warnings in 3 Nephi 12–14. Here’s one way to study and apply what the Savior taught in these chapters: Pick a group of verses, and see if you can summarize what the verses teach in one sentence that begins with “True disciples of Jesus Christ …” For example, a summary of 3 Nephi 14:1–5 might be “True disciples of Jesus Christ are not judgmental.” You might want to choose a verse from these chapters that is especially meaningful to you and memorize it or copy it and place it where you will see it often. Ponder how you can apply what you learn to your personal efforts to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ.

See also Matthew 5–7; Luke 6:20–49.

3 Nephi 12–14
The Savior’s teachings show us how to be true disciples.
For the following activity you may want to consider writing on your poster board the incomplete phrases, including some references like the following: 3 Nephi 12:3–16, 38–44; 13:1–8, 19–24; and or there may be other passages which you have found in your own personal study that you would care to share with your family members and friends. 

I have only put into my chart the first verse of the first passage. You and your family members and friends may choose to add more rows to your chart to include more teachings / attributes of Jesus Christ,

Scripture passages “True disciples of Jesus Christ …”

3 Nephi 12:3–16, 
blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. “True disciples of Jesus Christ …”mourn with those who mourn.
3 Nephi 12: 38–44

3 Nephi  13:1–8, 

3 Nephi 13:19–24

3 Nephi  14:21–27 

Scripture passages	“True disciples of Jesus Christ …”
3 Nephi 12:3–16,	blessed are all they that amourn, for they shall be bcomforted. “True disciples of Jesus Christ …”mourn with those who mourn.
3 Nephi 12: 38–44
3 Nephi  13:1–8,
3 Nephi 13:19–24
3 Nephi  14:21–27

You will find in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families suggests that we should be summarizing the passages in 3 Nephi 12–14. In summarizing the passages within these chapters we are to complete the phrase “True disciples of Jesus Christ …”

You and your family members and friends might choose a passage to read either individually or as a group. In this way you could suggest a way to simply complete the phrase which you have written on your poster board. You complete this phrase based on what those verses have taught you in your search. 

You should be sure to encourage your family members and friends to make certain that each one of them write down in their journal just what they will commit to do to follow Jesus Christ, their Savior, more closely and more faithfully simply because of what they have learned from these versus during this week!!!

You may want to consider asking one of your family members and / or friends to study Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 40–42) before you and your family members and friends meet together in your family study group next week.

Doing this before you meet together will help them to be able to share insights that help them understand this verse. This might also help your family members and friends to better understand the Savior’s words in 3 Nephi 12:48. 

You might want to read this verse together then you can ask one or more of them to share their thoughts with the group. This next part comes directly to you from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:


3. Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
3 Nephi 12:1–2; 15:23–24; 16:1–6
Blessed are those who believe without seeing.
Compared to the total number of God’s children, very few have seen the Savior and heard His voice, as the people at Bountiful did. Most of us are more like the people described in 3 Nephi 12:2; 15:23; and 16:4–6. What promises are made to such people in these verses? How have these promises been fulfilled in your life?

See also John 20:26–29; 2 Nephi 26:12–13; Alma 32:16–18.

3 Nephi 12:21–30
Our thoughts lead to actions.

Just how close do you and your family members and friends feel that your thoughts and our actions are??? You will need to get out your poster board again 

Making a chart seems to almost always help people to see better what is right there. Your discussion could begin right here with this chart on your poster board.

Passages Actions We Want to Avoid Thoughts or Emotions That Lead to Them
3 Nephi 12:21
thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God; Anger
3 Nephi 12:22 
whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment.
3 Nephi 12: 27

3 Nephi 12: 28

3 Nephi 12: 29

3 Nephi 12: 30 

Passages	Christlike Actions We Want to Avoid	Thoughts or Emotions That Lead to Them
3 Nephi 12:21	thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God;	rage
3 Nephi 12:22	whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment.	anger
3 Nephi 12: 27
3 Nephi 12: 28
3 Nephi 12: 29
3 Nephi 12: 30

You and your family members and friends could work together or in small groups to read through the following verses 3 Nephi 12:21–30. You could discuss how controlling our thoughts, leads us to controlling our actions. Search through these verses to fill in the table which you have created on your poster board.

You should then ask your family members and friends if they can think of some other things that you could each add to the list. You are trying to think of some actions and thought that you could add to your list under each of the headings on your chart. The next thing for you to do would be to take on some questions. Are you ready???

What other actions and thoughts could you or your family members and friends add to the lists? How can we “suffer none of these things to enter into '' our hearts? (3 Nephi 12:29). 

29 Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart;

How can we drive them out when they do enter? After reading President Ezra Taft Benson’s counsel you might create a new table.


We can control our thoughts.

President Ezra Taft Benson taught:

“The mind has been likened to a stage on which only one act at a time can be performed. From one side of the wings the Lord, who loves you, is trying to put on the stage of your mind that which will bless you. From the other side of the wings the devil, who hates you, is trying to put on the stage of your mind that which will curse you.
“You are the stage manager—you are the one who decides which thought will occupy the stage. … You will be what you think about—what you consistently allow to occupy the stage of your mind. …
“If thoughts make us what we are, and we are to be like Christ, we must think Christlike thoughts” (“Think on Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 1984, 10–11).

The new table could have the headings Christ Like Actions We Want to Develop and Thoughts That Lead to Them. u so hope that you and your family members and friends will enjoy making the charts and filling them in together. Be sure to share with your little family study group how you find your answers for filling in your chart.

Passages Christlike Actions We Want to Develop Thoughts That Lead to Them 
3 Nephi 12:21
Love one another Kind thoughts
3 Nephi 12:22 

3 Nephi 12: 27

3 Nephi 12: 28

3 Nephi 12: 29

3 Nephi 12: 30 

Passages	Christlike Actions We Want to Develop	Thoughts That Lead to Them
3 Nephi 12:21	Love one another	Kind thoughts
3 Nephi 12:22
3 Nephi 12: 27
3 Nephi 12: 28
3 Nephi 12: 29
3 Nephi 12: 30

You may have noticed that my charts are a little different and you and your family members and friends can choose the one that works for your family study group. This next part comes directly to you from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:


4. Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
3 Nephi 12:21–30; 13:1–8, 16–18; 14:21–23
Righteous acts are not enough; my heart must also be pure.
One theme you might notice in these chapters is the Savior’s invitation to live a higher law—to be righteous not only in our outward actions but also in our hearts. Look for this theme when the Savior speaks of contention (3 Nephi 12:21–26), immorality (3 Nephi 12:27–30), prayer (3 Nephi 13:5–8), and fasting (3 Nephi 13:16–18). What other examples can you find? What can you do to purify the desires of your heart rather than focus on outward actions only?


3 Nephi 13:1–8, 16–18
Our service and worship must be done for the right reasons.
To begin your discussion of this section you might choose to read together with your family members and friends the following verses 1–2 and 16. After you've finished your reading of these verses you will want to share the following definition of hypocrites: “Pretenders; the Greek word [used in the New Testament] means ‘a play actor,’ or ‘one who … exaggerates a part’” (Matthew 6:2, footnote a). 

It might be fun for your family members and friends to pretend or act like they are giving some things to those who are poor and/or needy or fasting for them. You know in studying  3 Nephi 13 you will see this as a food time for you and your family members and friends to search themselves as to the reason why they do good work for others.

Here are a few more questions for you and your family members and friends to answer together: Why is pretending or acting a good metaphor for hypocrisy? How can we make sure our service, prayer, and fasting are sincere and free from hypocrisy? What are the good works that are mentioned in 3 Nephi 13:1–8 and 16–18?

After you and your family members and friends have found out what good works are mentioned in the following passages: 3 Nephi 13:1–8 and 16–18

Verses Good works Found
3 Nephi 13:1-4
ye should do alms unto the poor
3 Nephi 13:5-8

3 Nephi 13:16-18

Verses	Good works Found
3 Nephi 13:1-4	ye should do alms unto the poor
3 Nephi 13:5-8
3 Nephi 13:16-18

You and your family members and friends should use this time to discuss together the good works that you have written on your poster board chart. Next you can answer the following questions: what motives might lead a person to do these things or other things God asks us to do? 

What would we say to someone who asks us why we do good things? Make sure to encourage your family members and friends to ponder their personal reasons for doing good works like those we have been studying this week.

 How can we purify our motives? This next part comes directly to you from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:


5. Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
3 Nephi 14:7–11
If I seek “good things” from Heavenly Father, I will receive.
President Russell M. Nelson said: “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes! … Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95). As you read the Lord’s invitation in 3 Nephi 14:7–11 to ask, seek, and knock, ponder what “good things” He might want you to ask for. The following additional scriptures may help you understand how to ask, seek, and knock. They may also help explain why some prayers are not answered the way you expect: Isaiah 55:8–9; Helaman 10:5; Moroni 7:26–27, 33, 37; and Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9.


3 Nephi 14:7–11
If we seek “good things” from Heavenly Father, we will receive.
Are you ready to make another chart? Okay, then get out your poster board. Remember that the Lord has invited you and your family members and friends [and all of the rest of His children as well] to asl. Seek, and to knock. In order to help you and your family members and friends to better understand this invitation from the Lord, 

This invitation includes the following: to seek, to ask, to knock, it may be a good thing to explore these words -- what do they mean? What does each word imply about what the Lord invites each one of us to do? What does each word imply about what the Lord invites us to do? 

How do we ask, seek, and knock? How have the promises in 3 Nephi 14:7–8 been fulfilled in our lives? You and your family members and friends could also review President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel: you and your family members and friends will be looking for the questions he asks and the invitations he gives. 

God wants to speak to you.
President Russell M. Nelson said:
“What will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.
“Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. …
“Does God really want to speak to you? Yes! … I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation. …
“Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95).

Remember to give your family study group  time to ponder and write down their answers to his questions in their journals as well as their plans to act on his invitations. This next section is full of questions:) You and your family members and friends might consider reviewing some of the following scriptures together:

 Isaiah 55:8–9; Helaman 10:4–5; 3 Nephi 18:20; and Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9; 88:64. Reviewing these scripture passages could help you and your family members and friends to answer these questions: Are you or any member of your family study group.uncertain  about what the Savior meant when He said, 

“Every one that asketh, receiveth” (3 Nephi 14:8). Why do some prayers seem to go unanswered, and why do we sometimes get answers we don’t want? Make sure to encourage the members of your family study group to share what they find. How might these insights affect how we pray?

I want you and your family members and friends to think about or you might rather try to imagine what it would be like to hear the Savior, Jesus Christ, Himself actually praying for you and for each one of them. What a sight, right??? We will be learning about some people who actually had this very sacred experience. 

Be sure to read  3 Nephi 17–19. When you say your family prayers, do you pray for your family members and friends? U have learned over the years that it is most important for you to pray for one another and let them hear you praying for them and their needs. This next part comes directly to you from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:

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.

3 Nephi 12:48
How does Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 40–42) help us understand the Savior’s words in this verse? You could also find help in Moroni 10:32–33.

3 Nephi 12:9, 38–42; 14:3–5, 12
How do these verses apply to interactions among family members? Perhaps your family could set some goals together to live by these principles more faithfully.

3 Nephi 13:19–21
These verses could prompt a discussion about what your family treasures. Are there some treasures on earth that are keeping you from laying up treasures in heaven? You could reinforce this point by leading the family on a treasure hunt to find things in your home that remind your family members of treasures with eternal value.

3 Nephi 14:7–11
Younger children might enjoy a game, inspired by 3 Nephi 14:8–9, in which they ask for something and receive something entirely different. What did the Savior want us to know about our Father in Heaven when He shared this example?

3 Nephi 14:15–20
What “good fruit” helps us know that Joseph Smith, or the current President of the Church, is a true prophet?

3 Nephi 14:24–27
Think of ways you could help your family visualize the parable in these verses. Perhaps family members could draw pictures, do actions, or build things on solid and sandy foundations.

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

Suggested song: “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man,” Children’s Songbook, 281.\

I love this song. I am going to teach it to my preschoolers this week. There are some really cute activities that we can do with this song that I think they will all enjoy. They get so excited when I tell them that we have a new song and even more excited when I tell them we are going to have a story or movie about Jesus Christ

Well here we are down at the bottom of the last page of our lesson, we have no teaching help or any personal scripture study help for this lesson but we surely do have  a lot of important teachings that we have learned during this week. I think these truths should be written in our journals for future reference and study. 

Please remember who you and your family members and friends are. You are each a child of God, no matter what your age is I hope and 
pray that your and your family and friends are all healthy and doing well and that you continue to do so every day!! 

Remember to keep up with our lessons. I am glad that I am able to share these wonderful lessons with a few of you Until my next post please remember to stay safe and keep up with your reading in the Book of Mormon. Remember that there is truly great power in this special sacred book.