2016 Scripture Study Tool
(Reading Calculator Found At: ldsreadingplan.com)
2014
Personalize Your Scripture Study Choose your own pace - go to LDSScriptureTools.com & decide what you'd like to read and how fast you'd like to read it!
Here is an example of 'Reading the Old Testament in 1 year'
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Your Personal Scripture Reading Plan
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| Your Goal: Read Genesis 1 - Malachi 4 by December 31, 2014 You need to read 2.5 chapters/day or 3.2 pages/day to finish the Old Testament by December 31, 2014.
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2013
RS Reading Together:
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS / PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
Begin by Reading Introduction
January 6
Then Start on Week 1 on your Bookmark
(More Bookmarks are available in each 'Happenings Book'binder in RS, YW & Primay)
MONTH by MONTH Reading Schedule:
RS Reading Together Month of DECEMBER
RS Reading Together Month of NOVEMBER
RS Reading Together Month of OCTOBER
RS Reading Together Month of DECEMBER
(Week 43) December 1-7 Moses 7-8
(Week 44) December 8-14 Abr. 1-2
(Week 45) December 15-21 Abr. 3-5
(Week 46) December 22-28 JS Matthew
(Week 47) December 29-Jan 4 JS History and Articles of Faith
(Week 47) December 29-Jan 4 JS History and Articles of Faith
RS Reading Together Month of NOVEMBER
(Week 39) November 3-9 D&C 137-183
(Week 40) November 10-16 Official Declaration 1&2
(Week 41) November 17-23 Moses 1-2
(Week 42) November 24-30 Moses 3-6
RS Reading Together Month of OCTOBER
(Week 39) October 6-12 D&C 125-128
(Week 40) October 13-19 D&C 129-132
(Week 41) October 20-26 D&C 133-134
(Week 42) October 27-November 2 D&C 135-136
RS Reading Together Month of SEPTEMBER
(Week 34) September 1-7 D&C 110-114
(Week 35) September 8-14 D&C 115-120
(Week 36) September 15-21 D&C 121
(Week 37) September 22-28 D&C 122-123
(Week 38) September 29-October 5 D&C 124
(Week 38) September 29-October 5 D&C 124
RS Reading Together Month of AUGUST
(Week 29) July 28-August 3 D&C 101
(Week 30) August 4-10 D&C 102-103
(Week 31) August 11-17 D&C 104-105
(Week 32) August 18-24 D&C 105-107
(Week 33) August 25-31 D&C 108-109
(Week 33) August 25-31 D&C 108-109
RS Reading Together Month of JULY
(Week 25) June 30-July 6 D&C 89
(Week 26) July 7-13 D&C 90-93
(Week 27) July 14-20 D&C 94-97
(Week 28) July 21-27 D&C 98-100
RS Reading Together Month of JUNE
(Week 21) June 2-8 D&C 77-83
(Week 22) June 9-15 D&C 84
(Week 23) June 16-22 D&C 85-87
(Week 24) June 23-29 D&C 88
RS Reading Together Month of MAY
(Week 17) May 5-11 D&C 63-64
(Week 18) May 12-18 D&C 65-69
(Week 19) May 19-25 D&C 70-75
(Week 20) May 26-June 1 D&C 76
RS Reading Together Month of APRIL
(Week 13) April 7-13 D&C 46-50
(Week 14) April 14-20 D&C 51-55
(Week 15) April 21-27 D&C 56-58
(Week 16) April 28-May 4 D&C 59-62
RS Reading Together Month of MARCH
(Week 9) March 10-16 D&C 33-37
(Week 10) March 17-23 D&C 38-41
(Week 11) March 24-30 D&C 42-44
(Week 12) March 31-April 6 D&C 45
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**Introduction to D&C on LDS.org Quick Link Here
D&C Study Help Quick Link
D&C Scripture Mastery Scripture Quick Link
Timeline (Pictures)
D&C Scripture Mastery Cards
The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation.
Most of the revelations in this compilation were received through Joseph Smith, Jr., the first prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others were issued through some of his successors in the Presidency (see headings to sections 135, 136, and 138, and Official Declarations 1 and 2).
The book of Doctrine and Covenants is one of the standard works of the Church in company with the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price. However, the Doctrine and Covenants is unique because it is not a translation of an ancient document, but is of modern origin and was given of God through his chosen prophets for the restoration of his holy work and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth in these days. In the revelations, one hears the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking anew in the dispensation of the fulness of times; and the work that is initiated herein is preparatory to his second coming, in fulfillment of and in concert with the words of all the holy prophets since the world began.
Joseph Smith, Jr., was born 23 December 1805, in Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont. During his early life, he moved with his family to Manchester, in western New York. It was while he was living near Manchester in the spring of 1820, when he was fourteen years of age, that he experienced his first vision, in which he was visited in person by God, the Eternal Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. He was told in this vision that the true Church of Jesus Christ that had been established in New Testament times, and which had administered the fulness of the gospel, was no longer on the earth. Other divine manifestations followed in which he was taught by many angels; it was shown to him that God had a special work for him to do on the earth and that through him the Church of Jesus Christ would be restored to the earth.
In the course of time, Joseph Smith was enabled by divine assistance to translate and publish the Book of Mormon. In the meantime he and Oliver Cowdery were ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist in May 1829 (see D&C 13), and soon thereafter they were also ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood by the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John (see D&C 27:12). Other ordinations followed in which priesthood keys were conferred upon them by Moses, Elijah, Elias, and many ancient prophets (see D&C 110; 128:18, 21). These ordinations were, in fact, a restoration of divine authority to man on the earth. On 6 April 1830, under heavenly direction, the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Church, and thus the true Church of Jesus Christ is once again operative as an institution among men, with authority to teach the gospel and administer the ordinances of salvation. (See the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith—History 1:1–75, and D&C 20.)
These sacred revelations were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations involving real people. The Prophet and his associates sought for divine guidance, and these revelations certify that they received it. In the revelations one sees the restoration and unfolding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times. The westward movement of the Church from New York and Pennsylvania to Ohio, to Missouri, to Illinois, and finally to the Great Basin of western America and the mighty struggles of the Saints in attempting to build Zion on the earth in modern times are also shown forth in these revelations.
Several of the earlier sections involve matters regarding the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon (see sections 3, 5, 10, 17, and19). Some later sections reflect the work of the Prophet Joseph Smith in making an inspired translation of the Bible, during which many of the great doctrinal sections were received (see, for example, sections 37, 45,73, 76, 77, 86, 91, and 132, each of which has some direct relationship to the Bible translation).
In the revelations, the doctrines of the gospel are set forth with explanations about such fundamental matters as the nature of the Godhead, the origin of man, the reality of Satan, the purpose of mortality, the necessity for obedience, the need for repentance, the workings of the Holy Spirit, the ordinances and performances that pertain to salvation, the destiny of the earth, the future conditions of man after the Resurrection and the Judgment, the eternity of the marriage relationship, and the eternal nature of the family. Likewise, the gradual unfolding of the administrative structure of the Church is shown with the calling of bishops, the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and the Seventy and the establishment of other presiding offices and quorums. Finally, the testimony that is given of Jesus Christ—his divinity, his majesty, his perfection, his love, and his redeeming power—makes this book of great value to the human family and of more worth than the riches of the whole earth.
A number of the revelations were published in Zion (Independence), Missouri, in 1833, under the title A Book of Commandments for the Government of the Church of Christ. Concerning this publication the elders of the Church gave solemn testimony that the Lord had borne record to their souls that these revelations were true. As the Lord continued to communicate with his servants, an enlarged compilation was published two years later in Kirtland, Ohio, with the title Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. To this publication in 1835, the written testimony of the Twelve Apostles was attached as follows:
Testimony of the Twelve Apostles to the Truth of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants
The Testimony of the Witnesses to the Book of the Lord’s Commandments, which commandments He gave to His Church through Joseph Smith, Jun., who was appointed by the voice of the Church for this purpose:
We, therefore, feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of the earth, that the Lord has borne record to our souls, through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these commandments were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for all men, and are verily true.
We give this testimony unto the world, the Lord being our helper; and it is through the grace of God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice exceedingly, praying the Lord always that the children of men may be profited thereby.
Thomas B. Marsh
David W. Patten
Brigham Young
Heber C. Kimball
Orson Hyde
Wm. E. McLellin
Parley P. Pratt
Luke S. Johnson
William Smith
Orson Pratt
John F. Boynton
Lyman E. Johnson
In successive editions of the Doctrine and Covenants, additional revelations or other matters of record have been added, as received and as accepted by competent assemblies or conferences of the Church.
Beginning with the 1835 edition, a series of seven theological lessons was also included; these were titled the Lectures on Faith. These had been prepared for use in the School of the Prophets in Kirtland, Ohio, from 1834 to 1835. Although profitable for doctrine and instruction, these lectures have been omitted from the Doctrine and Covenants since the 1921 edition because they were not given or presented as revelations to the whole Church.
In the current edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, three documents have been included for the first time. These are sections 137 and 138, setting forth the fundamentals of salvation for the dead; and Official Declaration—2, announcing that all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.
It is evident that some errors have been perpetuated in past editions, particularly in the historical portions of the section headings. Consequently, this edition contains corrections of dates and place-names and also a few other minor corrections when it seemed appropriate (such as discontinuing the unusual names beginning with section 78). These changes have been made so as to bring the material into conformity with the historical documents. Other special features of this latest edition include maps showing the major geographical locations in which the revelations were received, plus improvements in cross-references, section headings, and subject-matter summaries, all of which are designed to help readers to understand and rejoice in the message of the Lord as given in the Doctrine and Covenants.
 |
&/or
JESUS THE CHRIST James E Talmage
(free copies available online pdf format)
Web Site about the Savior
Using the teachings and testimonies of apostles and prophets, JesusChrist.lds.org affirms our faith in the Son of God and the need for all to come unto Him. Much of the information for this Web site comes from a special issue of the Church magazines.
December 2012
RS Reading this Month
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 40-42
40 The Long Night of Apostasy
41 Personal Manifestations of God the Eternal Father &of His Son Jesus Christ in Modern Times
42 Jesus the Christ to Return
40 The Long Night of Apostasy
41 Personal Manifestations of God the Eternal Father &of His Son Jesus Christ in Modern Times
42 Jesus the Christ to Return
November 2012
RS Reading this Month
General Conference Talks
Ensign
As we review
General Conference Talks
we can apply the recent teachings
of the living Prophets and Apostles
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 36-39
36 In the Realm of Disembodied Spirits
37 The Resurrection and the Ascension
38 The Apostolic Ministry
39 Ministry of the Resurrected Christ on the Western Hemisphere
October 2012
RS Reading this Month
Ensign
First Presidency Message pg 5-6
"One Key to a Happy Family" Pres. Uchtdorf
Conference Notebook pg 10
"Clearing our Calendar for Conference"
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 33-35
33 The Last Supper and the Betrayal
34 The Trial and Condemnation
35 Death and Burial
September 2012
RS Reading this Month
Ensign
First Presidency Message
"Sharing the Gospel Heart to Heart" Pres. Eyring
Conference Notebook
"My First Calling"
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 30-32
30 Jesus returns to the Temple Daily
31 The Close of Our Lord's Public Ministry
32 Further Instruction to the Apostles
December First Presidency Message
Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit
Years ago as a young elder, I was called with others to a hospital in Salt Lake City to provide blessings for sick children. Upon entering, we noted a Christmas tree with its bright and friendly lights and saw carefully wrapped packages beneath its outstretched limbs. We then went through corridors where small boys and girls—some with plaster casts upon an arm or leg, others with ailments that perhaps could not be cured so readily—greeted us with smiling faces.
A young, desperately ill small boy called out to me, “What is your name?”
I told him my name, and he inquired, “Will you give me a blessing?”
The blessing was provided, and as we turned to leave his bedside, he said, “Thank you very much.”
We walked a few steps, and then I heard him call, “Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.” Then a great smile flashed across his countenance.
That boy had the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.
When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?
May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome, as His precious Son suggests in the Book of Mormon:
“Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who … stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:29–30).
In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved.
One who had keen insight into the Christmas spirit wrote:
I am the Christmas Spirit—
I enter the home of poverty, causing palefaced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.
I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old glad way.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.
I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been and pointing forward to good days yet to be.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways, I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas Spirit.1
May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit of Christ.
Teaching from This Message
As you share President Monson’s message with the family, consider emphasizing the question he posed about what gifts the Lord would have us give to Him or to others this season. Encourage family members to record their thoughts and ideas (or, for young children, to draw a picture) about how to “discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit ofChrist.”
Youth
The Perfect Christmas Eve
When I was growing up, one of the highlights of every year was Christmas Eve. My family and I made pizza, went caroling, and then gathered for a Christmas devotional. We sang hymns in shaky four-part harmony and blasted out carols on our odd assortment of musical instruments. Dad always ended the evening with a Christmas thought that left us in happy tears. Life didn’t get any better than Christmas Eve.
When I was a little older, my mom began taking care of a young neighbor, Kelly. Kelly came over to our house every day after school while her mom, Patty, worked. Kelly followed me around like a puppy—loud and needy. It was always a relief when Patty collected her daughter and left my home and family in peace.
One December, I was horrified when mom invited Patty and Kelly to join us for Christmas Eve. My Christmas Eve. Mom smiled and assured me, “It won’t change a thing.” But I knew better. They would eat all our pizza. Kelly would make fun of our singing. I resigned myself to the worst Christmas Eve ever.
When the evening came, Patty and Kelly joined us, and we talked and laughed and sang. My mother was right. It was perfect. At midnight they thanked us and reluctantly parted. I went to bed with a full heart. I discovered that the truly precious gifts of Christmas are not diminished when shared. Instead they sweeten and multiply when we give them away.
Children
Five Christmas Gifts
President Monson said that we might want to think about which gifts the Lord would want us to give to Him or to others.
Circle the five children in the picture who are serving others. How are their actions gifts to Jesus?
Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit
Years ago as a young elder, I was called with others to a hospital in Salt Lake City to provide blessings for sick children. Upon entering, we noted a Christmas tree with its bright and friendly lights and saw carefully wrapped packages beneath its outstretched limbs. We then went through corridors where small boys and girls—some with plaster casts upon an arm or leg, others with ailments that perhaps could not be cured so readily—greeted us with smiling faces.
A young, desperately ill small boy called out to me, “What is your name?”
I told him my name, and he inquired, “Will you give me a blessing?”
The blessing was provided, and as we turned to leave his bedside, he said, “Thank you very much.”
We walked a few steps, and then I heard him call, “Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.” Then a great smile flashed across his countenance.
That boy had the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.
When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?
May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome, as His precious Son suggests in the Book of Mormon:
“Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who … stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:29–30).
In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved.
One who had keen insight into the Christmas spirit wrote:
I am the Christmas Spirit—
I enter the home of poverty, causing palefaced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.
I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old glad way.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.
I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been and pointing forward to good days yet to be.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways, I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas Spirit.1
May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit of Christ.
Teaching from This Message
As you share President Monson’s message with the family, consider emphasizing the question he posed about what gifts the Lord would have us give to Him or to others this season. Encourage family members to record their thoughts and ideas (or, for young children, to draw a picture) about how to “discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit ofChrist.”
Youth
The Perfect Christmas Eve
When I was growing up, one of the highlights of every year was Christmas Eve. My family and I made pizza, went caroling, and then gathered for a Christmas devotional. We sang hymns in shaky four-part harmony and blasted out carols on our odd assortment of musical instruments. Dad always ended the evening with a Christmas thought that left us in happy tears. Life didn’t get any better than Christmas Eve.
When I was a little older, my mom began taking care of a young neighbor, Kelly. Kelly came over to our house every day after school while her mom, Patty, worked. Kelly followed me around like a puppy—loud and needy. It was always a relief when Patty collected her daughter and left my home and family in peace.
One December, I was horrified when mom invited Patty and Kelly to join us for Christmas Eve. My Christmas Eve. Mom smiled and assured me, “It won’t change a thing.” But I knew better. They would eat all our pizza. Kelly would make fun of our singing. I resigned myself to the worst Christmas Eve ever.
When the evening came, Patty and Kelly joined us, and we talked and laughed and sang. My mother was right. It was perfect. At midnight they thanked us and reluctantly parted. I went to bed with a full heart. I discovered that the truly precious gifts of Christmas are not diminished when shared. Instead they sweeten and multiply when we give them away.
Children
Five Christmas Gifts
President Monson said that we might want to think about which gifts the Lord would want us to give to Him or to others.
Circle the five children in the picture who are serving others. How are their actions gifts to Jesus?
October First Presidency Message
FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE
One Key to a Happy Family
The great Russian author Leo Tolstoy began his novel Anna Karenina with these words: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”1 While I do not have Tolstoy’s certainty that happy families are all alike, I have discovered one thing that most have in common: they have a way of forgiving and forgetting the imperfections of others and of looking for the good.
Those in unhappy families, on the other hand, often find fault, hold grudges, and can’t seem to let go of past offenses.
“Yes, but …” begin those who are unhappy. “Yes, but you don’t know how badly she hurt me,” says one. “Yes, but you don’t know how terrible he is,” says another.
Perhaps both are right; perhaps neither.
There are many degrees of offense. There are many degrees of hurt. But what I have noticed is that often we justify our anger and satisfy our consciences by telling ourselves stories about the motives of others that condemn their actions as unforgivable and egoistic while, at the same time, lifting our own motives as pure and innocent.
The Prince’s Dog
There is an old Welsh story from the 13th century about a prince who returned home to find his dog with blood dripping down its face. The man rushed inside and, to his horror, saw that his baby boy was missing and his cradle overturned. In anger the prince pulled out his sword and killed his dog. Shortly thereafter, he heard the cry of his son—the babe was alive! By the infant’s side lay a dead wolf. The dog had, in reality, defended the prince’s baby from a murderous wolf.
Though this story is dramatic, it demonstrates a point. It opens the possibility that the story we tell ourselves about why others behave a certain way does not always agree with the facts—sometimes we don’t even want to know the facts. We would rather feel self-justified in our anger by holding onto our bitterness and resentment. Sometimes these grudges can last months or years. Sometimes they can last a lifetime.
A Family Divided
One father could not forgive his son for departing from the path he had been taught. The boy had friends the father did not approve of, and he did many things contrary to what his father thought he should do. This caused a rift between father and son, and as soon as the boy could, he left home and never returned. They rarely spoke again.
Did the father feel justified? Perhaps.
Did the son feel justified? Perhaps.
All I know is that this family was divided and unhappy because neither father nor son could forgive each other. They could not look past the bitter memories they had about each other. They filled their hearts with anger instead of love and forgiveness. Each robbed himself of the opportunity to influence the other’s life for good. The divide between them appeared so deep and so wide that each became a spiritual prisoner on his own emotional island.
Fortunately, our loving and wise Eternal Father in Heaven has provided the means to overcome this prideful gap. The great and infinite Atonement is the supreme act of forgiveness and reconciliation. Its magnitude is beyond my understanding, but I testify with all my heart and soul of its reality and ultimate power. The Savior offered Himself as ransom for our sins. Through Him we gain forgiveness.
No Family Is Perfect
None of us is without sin. Every one of us makes mistakes, including you and me. We have all been wounded. We all have wounded others.
It is through our Savior’s sacrifice that we can gain exaltation and eternal life. As we accept His ways and overcome our pride by softening our hearts, we can bring reconciliation and forgiveness into our families and our personal lives. God will help us to be more forgiving, to be more willing to walk the second mile, to be first to apologize even if something wasn’t our fault, to lay aside old grudges and nurture them no more. Thanks be to God, who gave His Only Begotten Son, and to the Son, who gave His life for us.
We can feel God’s love for us every day. Shouldn’t we be able to give a little more of ourselves to our fellowmen as taught in the beloved hymn“Because I Have Been Given Much”?2 The Lord has opened the door for us to be forgiven. Wouldn’t it be only right to put aside our own egotism and pride and begin to open that blessed door of forgiveness to those with whom we struggle—especially to all of our own family?
In the end, happiness does not spring from perfection but from applying divine principles, even in small steps. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have declared: “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”3
Forgiveness is positioned right in the middle of these simple truths, founded on our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. Because forgiveness connects principles, it connects people. It is a key, it opens locked doors, it is the beginning of an honest path, and it is one of our best hopes for a happy family.
May God help us to be a little more forgiving in our families, more forgiving of each other, and perhaps more forgiving even with ourselves. I pray that we may experience forgiveness as one wonderful way in which most happy families are alike.
Teaching from This Message
“As you prepare each lesson, ask yourself how the principle is like something family members have experienced in their own lives” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 171). Consider inviting family members to share positive experiences they have had or observed with forgiveness. Discuss these experiences, emphasizing the blessings of forgiveness. Conclude by bearing testimony of the importance of forgiving one another.
Youth
Prayer and Peace
One evening I argued with my mom and felt pretty bad. So I decided I would pray. Although I was in a bad mood and didn’t want to be “spiritual,” I knew praying would help me feel happier and less argumentative. After my mom left the room, I started my prayer. “Dear Heavenly Father, I’ve come to Thee tonight because …” No. I opened my eyes and unfolded my arms; that sounded awkward. I tried again. “Heavenly Father, I need …” That also sounded strange. I felt Satan urging me to give up my prayer of asking Heavenly Father for help.
Suddenly I had a prompting to say thank you! So I did, and thoughts started spilling from my mind of all the many things I could thank my Father in Heaven for. When I was done thanking Him, I discussed the problem at hand.
Afterward I felt a wonderful peace inside me, the warm spiritual feeling that I know our Heavenly Father and my parents love me and that I am a child of God. I was able to apologize to my mother and accept her apology.
Children
Forgiveness Brings Happiness
President Uchtdorf teaches that we should forgive our family members. See how Joseph’s and Anna’s choices affect their family.
Joseph and his little sister, Anna, are playing together. Anna snatches Joseph’s toy away from him. What should Joseph do?
Joseph gets angry at Anna. Anna cries. Joseph’s mother disciplines him for fighting with his sister. Joseph is sorry that he made a poor choice.
Joseph forgives Anna and finds another toy to play with. They play together happily. Their mother is glad that Joseph was kind to his sister and kept peace in the family. Joseph feels happy for choosing to forgive.
Later, Joseph and Anna need to help their mother prepare dinner. Joseph doesn’t help. What should Anna do?
Anna complains to her mother. Anna argues about having to do the work alone. At dinner everyone is unhappy because of the arguing.
Anna forgives Joseph and helps with dinner. Their mother is grateful for Anna’s help. The family enjoys being together at dinner. Anna feels good that she chose to forgive.
How do your choices to forgive affect your family’s happiness?
August 2012
RS Reading this Month
Ensign
First Presidency Message
"The Saviors Call to Serve"
Conference Notebook
"A Sacred Assignment"
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 26-29
26 Our Lord's Mission in Perea and Judea
27 Continuation of the Perean and Judean Ministry
28 The Last Winter
29 On to Jerusalem
July 2012
RS Reading this Month
Ensign
First Presidency Message
"Always in the Middle" Pres. Uchtdorf
April Conference Notebook pg. 8-9
"The Power of the Priesthood" &"Drawing Parallels: Family
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 22-25
22 A Period of Darkening Opposition
23 The Transfiguration
24 From Sunshine to Shadow
25 Jesus again in Jersusalem
By many world calendars, July marks the middle of the year. While the beginnings and endings of things are celebrated and remembered, the middle of things often goes unnoticed.
Beginnings are times for making resolutions, for creating plans, for bursts of energy. Endings are times for winding down and may involve feelings of completion or loss. But with the proper outlook, considering ourselves as in the middle of things can help us not only to understand life a little better but also to live it a little more meaningfully.
The Middle of Missionary Work
When I speak to our young missionaries, I often tell them they are in the middle of their missions. Whether they just arrived the day before or are to depart for home the day after, I ask them to think of themselves as always being in the middle.
New missionaries may feel they are too inexperienced to be effective, and so they delay speaking or acting with confidence and boldness. Seasoned missionaries who are close to completing their missions may feel sad their missions are coming to a close, or they may slow down as they contemplate what they will do after their missions.
Whatever the circumstances and wherever they serve, the truth is that the Lord’s missionaries are daily sowing countless seeds of good tidings. Thinking of themselves as always being in the middle of their missions will embolden and energize these faithful representatives of the Lord. As it is with full-time missionaries, so it is with all of us.
We Are Always in the Middle
This change in perspective is more than a simple trick of the mind. There is a sublime truth behind the idea that we are always in the middle. If we look at our location on a map, we are tempted to say we are at a beginning. But if we look more closely, wherever we are is simply in the middle of a larger place.
As it is with space, so it is with time. We may feel we are at the beginning or end of our lives, but when we look at where we are against the backdrop of eternity—when we realize that our spirit has existed for time beyond our capacity to measure and, because of the perfect sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ, that our soul will exist for an eternity to come—we can recognize that we are truly in the middle.
Recently I felt impressed to redo the headstone on my parents’ grave. Time had not been kind to the grave site, and I felt that a new headstone would be more fitting for their exemplary lives. When I looked at the birth dates and death dates on the headstone connected by the usual insignificant little dash, this small symbol of a lifespan suddenly filled my mind and heart with an abundance of rich memories. Each of these treasured memories reflects a moment in the middle of my parents’ lives and in the middle of my life.
Whatever our age, whatever our location, when things occur in our lives, we are always in the middle. What’s more, we will forever be in the middle.
The Hope of Being in the Middle
Yes, there will be moments of beginnings and moments of endings throughout our lives, but these are only markers along the way of the great middle of our eternal lives. Whether we are at the beginning or the end, whether we are young or old, the Lord can use us for His purposes if we simply set aside whatever thoughts limit our ability to serve and allow His will to shape our lives.
The Psalmist says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we [should] rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Amulek reminds us that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32; emphasis added). And a poet muses, “Forever—is composed of Nows.”1
Being always in the middle means that the game is never over, hope is never lost, defeat is never final. For no matter where we are or what our circumstances, an eternity of beginnings and an eternity of endings stretch out before us.
We are always in the middle.
Teaching from This Message
Consider discussing with the family how they are “always in the middle,” even if they are beginning or ending something. Encourage them to do their best on their current activities, not dwelling on the past or waiting for the next activity or project. You may want to suggest they choose one thing they can do to implement this counsel and set a date to achieve their goal.
June 2012
RS Reading this Month
Ensign
First Presidency Message
"Called of God..." Pres. Eyring
Visiting Teaching Message
"A Sacred Assignment"
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 19-21
19 He Spake...in Parables
20 Peace, Be Still
21 The Apostolic Mission...
May 2012
RS Reading this Month
General Conference Talks
Ensign April 2012
As we review
General Conference Talks
we can apply the recent teachings
of the living Prophets and Apostles
Jesus the Christ Chapters 16-18
16 The Chosen Twelve
17 The Sermon on the Mount
18 As One Having Authority
APRIL 2012
RS Reading this Month
Ensign pg 4-5 & 8-9
Jesus the Christ Chapters 12-15
As we review
General Conference Talks
we can apply the recent teachings
of the living Prophets and Apostles
Week 1
Conference Notebook pg.8-9
First Presidency Message
"He is Risen" A Prophet's Testimony ~President Monson
Week 2-4
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 12-15
12 ..Lord's Public Ministry
13 Honored by Strangers...
14...Ministry in Galilee
15 Lord of the Sabbath
MARCH 2012
RS Reading this Month
Ensign pg 4-5 & 70-71
Jesus the Christ Chapters 8-11
As we review
General Conference Talks
we can apply the recent teachings
of the living Prophets and Apostles
Week 1
Conference Notebook pg.70-71
First Presidency Message
Pres. Uchtdorf 'Why We Need Prophets'
Week 2-4
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 8-11
8 The Babe of Bethlehem
9 The Boy of Nazareth
10 In the Wilderness of Judea
11 From Judea to Galilee
_________________________________________
FEBRUARY 2012
RS Reading this Month
Ensign pg 4 & 70-72
Jesus the Christ Chapters 5-7
As we review
General Conference Talks
we can apply the recent teachings
of the living Prophets and Apostles
Week 1
Conference Notebook pg.70-72
First Presidency Message
Pres. Eyring "Exhort Them To Pray"
Week 2-4
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 5-7
5 Earthly Advent of Christ...
6 The Meridian of Time
7 Gabriel's Annun.John&Jesus
JANUARY 2012
RS Reading this Month
Ensign p. 4-5 &70
Jesus the Christ Chapters 1-4
As we review
General Conference Talks
we can apply the recent teachings
of the living Prophets and Apostles
Week 1
October Conference Notebook
Courage to Stand Alone p.70
&
First Presidency Message
Living the Abundant Life p. 4-5
A. B. C's...
Week 2-5
Jesus the Christ
Chapters 1-4
1 Introduction
2 Preexistence & Foreordination
3 The Need of a Redeemer
4 The Antemortal Godship of Christ
2011 RS Reading Together;
BOOK OF MORMON
