Up to Section 64

Monday we will continue with section 64, with the 2nd Scripture Mastery in that section! Hopefully the purposes of Zion is making sense, the importance of missionary work, the struggles of the early saints, and the commandment we have been given to FORGIVE all men. Or the sin is on us. Sobering doctrine.

I have a growing appreciation for the home teaching program in the Church. I know it isn't an easy assignment, to correlate schedules, find everyone home. We have missed visits since we've been here in this home. Until recently, we got a new assignment. Once a month, an assigned man from the Church comes and checks on us, in our home. Gives us a lesson. Sometimes brings treats his wife made. Makes sure we are doing okay spiritually and physically. THIS MONTH HE FIXED OUR VAN HEATER! Every time I get in the van and feel the warmth, I am thankful. We would have gone much longer waiting to go get it fixed. My warm toes are thankful!

I know sometimes we do things for free-service/donations/gifts--but it makes it really easy to offer to barter/trade/reciprocate in these situations. This hometeacher is super talented and handy. Mechanically and tear-down-walls kind of guy. In return one of his sons is going to get a fantastic bedroom redo, mural of his choosing. That, to me, is what creating a Zion community is all about. No poor among you because you are sharing your talents and means with one another, united in faith and service, pure in heart=loving and free from the vices and selfishness that ruins neighborhoods.


Nine more mornings of class before the Christmas break. Landbecks have food next Friday. YES class on the 23rd of December(IT WILL BE A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JOSEPH SMITH! PLEASE COME!)

Consider catching up on your personal scripture reading during the long break. Continue to read scriptures first thing in the morning. Have your own mini-devotional and start your day our right!

What is Your Favorite Commandment?

Yesterday we listed the traditional 10 commandments prophet Moses gave us plus two (Mormons have lots of commandments they are responsible for, many, many more than just 10 and with additional instruction on those first ten). The student journal question for the morning was "What is your favorite commandment and why?"

1. no other gods before me + "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind and strength"
2. not make any graven image
3. not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
4. remember the sabbath day to keep it holy + "go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day" and "let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart..."
5. honour thy fahter and thy mother
6. not kill + "nor do anything like unto it"
7. no adultery + "love thy wife with all thy heart, and cleave unto her nad none else" and "he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit" and "nor do anythign like unto it"
8. not steal + "pay for that which thou receivest of thy brother" and nor do anything like unto it
9. not bear false witness + "not lie" "not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm" and "live together in love" and "love thy neighbor as thyself
10. not covet
11. "Thou shalt not be proud in thy heart" Doctrine & Covenants 42:40; "Thous shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things" Doctrine & Covenants 59:7
12. "Thous shalt not be idle" Doctrine & Covenants 42:42

Eye Single to....

What do we value the most? What is our passion, our favorite thing in life? And how can we use that to consecrate our lives and build up the kingdom?

We made pirate eye patches, to see what it felt like to have a single eye.

Is this what the scripture means? An eye single to the glory of God!

Or is it something else?

Like service? Putting the Lord's kingdom first, and using our talents and interests to build up the Church?


Here is a good link to an article about seminary. Becky Thomas of the Deseret News says:

"Isn't that what seminary is all about? A time and place set aside to learn absolute truths, raise the bar and rub shoulders with others who are striving to do the same.

Oh, the joy of seminary.

Yes it is a joy, along with the discipline and sacrifice comes a great opportunity to grow, change and experience a spiritual makeover."