Book of Mormon Friends' Messages

Book of Mormon Friends' Messsages by Virginia Pearce, 2004 at BYU-I
Please see the email I'll send you with Virginia Pearce's talk. I'd love to see your comments and insights at the reflections blog. There is some text inside [ ] symbols. These are comments Sister Pearce made when she delivered the address that were not included in the published text.

Article for January 2009

Molding Our Activities into Tools to Bless our Families

In 1 Nephi 17 we find two keys to effective use of our time. First, Nephi knew that the commandments of God must be fulfilled (1Nephi 17:3). Nephi and his extended family rejoiced when they came to the place by the seashore they called Bountiful. Surrounded by beautiful things prepared of the Lord, they might have relaxed. Yet when the Lord called, Nephi “arose and went” (1 Nephi 17:7).

To manage our time well, we must first assure our priorities are consistent with the Lord’s revealed will in the scriptures, conference talks, and documents such as the proclamation on the family. If we are focused on the wrong things, or missing essential priorities in life, more efficient time management cannot help us find lasting happiness. To use an analogy, if a ladder is against the wrong wall, it doesn’t matter much how well one climbs the ladder; he will never get to the right place.

When Nephi received the call to construct a ship he asked, “Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou has shown unto me?” (1 Nephi 17:9). His question teaches us a second principle of time management: we must seek the Lord’s guidance in identifying activities in our lives (ore) we can change (molten) we can work after the manner the Lord has shown us. By way of example, in my life finding ore has meant being alert for opportunities to appropriately involve my family members in fulfilling my callings so that we have time together and share the joy of serving. When I have been away from my family it has meant seeking opportunities to share spiritual experiences when I return. It has meant being actively involved in my sons Scouting activities to help assure they have character-building activities, learn to set goals, and share the joy of meeting challenges together.

The concepts of joint service and return and share have helped me mold demands on my time into experiences that blessed my family. Through these concepts, demands that might appear to pull me away from my family have been molded into opportunities bless my family as I served others.

Joint Service. When I was a teenager, my father’s service on the high council required two-hour drives to visit distant branches. What could have been a long day away from the family to fill church assignments was turned into one-on-one time with my father and the opportunity to serve with him. My dad would ask me to come and play a special musical number before he spoke in sacrament meeting. Then on the way to the meetings we had time to interact. I remember learning how to shift the gears in his car. I remember talking about his boyhood experiences. I remember helping him memorize passages of scripture he would use in his talks. The passage beginning “What power shall stay the heavens? As well might a man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river .…” (D&C 121:33 – 46) is especially deeply embedded in my heart from the day dad memorized it with my help as we drove to participate in a sacrament meeting. Opportunities for church service can be molded into experiences that harmonize with needs to spend time and teach our family members.

Return and Share. Sometimes service requires us to be away from our family. But when we ask and serve with faith, our experiences can become the ore from which we mold teaching opportunities that will touch the hearts of our family members. I recall my father bearing testimony of how he was helped during graduate school in Minnesota while serving in a branch presidency. He was often called to spend his evenings in church service. When he returned home, he would ask the Lord for help with his studies. I recall his testimony that it often seemed as if the Lord took his pencil and helped him write the answers to his homework assignments. Because of his testimony, I had similar experiences while completing my graduate studies.

I have tried to follow the same pattern of appropriately sharing what I can after serving the Lord. While serving as branch president one day a father approached me and said “I told my son that if he would come to see you he would know if he could serve a mission.” I recall thinking that I wasn’t Ammon or Alma, but with faith invited the young man into my office. I felt he was ready to serve a mission. As we talked I learned that while he wanted to serve a mission, he doubted he was ready. I felt a clear impression to open to D&C 4. As we read the Lord’s requirement for a call to serve in verse 3, the spirit touched both of us. The young man looked up with excitement and said, “Then I am called and yes I want to serve!” We were delighted to talk with the father who was waiting in the foyer. And I was equally grateful that soon after I could share another testimony with my family of how beautiful it is to serve the Lord. As a child I knew that church service required time. But the experiences and testimonies of my parents and the comments of those whose lives thy touched were powerful witnesses that instilled in me the desire to give my life to serving the Lord.

We are most likely to find the ore we need to mold into tools to fulfill our callings when we serve after the manner the Lord shows our prophets and confirms in our minds and hearts. One day after discussing an experience with my wife, she paused and asked if I remembered a particular experience with one of our children. I did not know the full details. After reviewing a few more of her experiences with the children, she looked at me and said, “I don’t want to hurt your feelings. But I would never trade the experiences I have had here in our home for those you have had in your employment and church service.” That afternoon we realized it does not pay to waste our energy wishing we could be someone else or consuming time looking for other options once we learn the Lord’s will. While my wife has a college degree, she chose to become a full-time homemaker when our first child was born. We received a witness that as we keep the commandments of the God, he will nourish, strengthen, and provide the means whereby we can accomplish our God-given calls (see 1 Nephi 17:3), whether in the home, church, workplace or community. As we have served and shared our experiences, our respective calls and gifts have complemented one another.

Reading for September

Let's read the article Faith, an Anchor for the Soul by Brad and Wendee Wilcox. I'll email the article to you. I'd love to get your thoughts. Here are a few questions to think about:
-The word atonement is from the ancient Hebrew word Kaphar, which means to cover. It’s more than hiding.
-What do you learn or what thoughts do you have about how the atonement of Christ can transform us?
-What new thoughts do you have about the parable comparing the father who bought the bike after his daughter gave all she had with the Savior's atonement?
(By the way. I've removed a few sentences from the article that comment about what other Christians believe compared with our understanding. I believe the message is maintained.)

Reading for April: Enos

Let's read and reflect on what we can learn from the book of Enos. It might be useful to ponder the process through which Enos came to know God. In so doing we can share thoughts that will help one of us prepare for an upcoming lesson.

Article for February 2008

Let's read and share reflections about Elder David A. Bednar's talk "...Line Upon Line, Precept Upon Precept..." 2 Nephi 28:30. http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2001_09_11_Bednar.htm

Article for January 2008

Let's read and share reflections about Elder David A. Bednar, “Your Whole Souls as an Offering Unto Him,” Devotional, 05 Oct, 1999. http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/1999_01_05_Bednar.htm

Walk with Christ Document

Walk with Christ

This year we invite all to come unto Christ, to be perfected in him and to consecrate their lives to the building up of Zion (Moroni 10: 30-33). Sally DeFord’s lyrics to the song “Search Diligently, Pray Always” describe our path:

Words of wisdom wait for me, written for my day,
Works of holy scripture like a lamp to light my way,
Teachings of the prophets that testify of Christ,
That speak of hope and endless joy and everlasting life.

Chorus:
So I will search diligently, pray always,
Believing in His word.
And all things in heaven and earth
Will work together for my good.

A loving Father waits for me to come to Him in prayer,
He will grant me strength to stand through all I must endure,
He offers me His spirit and love that conquers fear,
And when I seek His counsel I will find Him ever near.
(Repeat Chorus)

Celestial glory waits for me, a promise, sure and bright,
If I will walk uprightly with the Savior as my guide.
He will walk beside me along this mortal path,
And lead me home, an heir with Him to all the Father hath
(Repeat Chorus)

Over 100 years before the birth of Christ, King Benjamin also described our path: 1 and 2) put off the natural man and become a saint through the atonement of Christ and 3) submit ourselves to Lord as a child submits to his father. Only as we cast off the natural man and develop Christ-like qualities through the grace of Christ can we develop the self-mastery and freedom to truly give ourselves to His service. But it is a path that brings joy. It is the plan of happiness, for it is through lives of service and bringing souls to Christ that we find joy! (D&C 18: 15-16, Alma 29:9)

Schedule for Monthly Topics related to “Walk with Christ”

Focus areas for instruction throughout the year. To enable this mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that enables us to become instruments in His hands (Mosiah 5:2, Alma 5:11-13), we suggest three areas of emphasis. We invite you to study and prove these principles of happiness throughout the coming year.

Topic	Months
Atonement of Christ	November	February	May	August
Becoming Christ-like	December	March	June	September
Consecrating ourselves	January	April	July	October

1. Come to understand the atonement of Christ (3 Nephi 27:13-21, Mosiah 2:9, D&C 68: 25). “The Atonement is the sun, water, and soil that nourishes those seeds [of our potential to become like god]. It is the eternal power so essential to our growth” (Callister, The Infinite Atonement, 245). Thus we must not only open our minds to comprehend the possibilities of this doctrine, but apply our hearts to understanding that comes through experimenting upon His word. Then we will be able to experience the joy of the atonement, be filled with desire to bear witness of the atonement to others, and be instruments in teaching others to understand. We invite all to have a personal experience with:

· The personal nature of Christ’s atonement for you

· His grace (divine strength) that enables us to overcome sin and develop Christ-like qualities

· Faith in Christ as a principle of action. As we pray with faith in Christ each morning and then act in faith throughout the day, we will be able to offer prayers of gratitude as we return to report each evening.

· Repentance as a turning of the heart and will to God which brings a renewal of hope to our relationship with God, ourselves, and those with whom we live.

Ideas for further reading:

Julie B. Beck, “Remembering, Repenting, and Changing,” Ensign, May 2007, pp. 109–12.

Elder David A. Bednar, “Come unto Christ,” Religion Symposium, January 29, 2000. www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/ReligionSymposium/2000_01_29_Bednar.htm (Cycles of Faith)

Elder David A. Bednar, “According to Thy Faith,” Devotional, 29 Aug, 2000, http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2000_08_29_Bednar.htm (Principle of action)

Elder Gene R. Cook, “Receiving Divine Assistance through the Grace of the Lord,” Ensign, May 1993, p. 79+.

Elder Quentin L. Cook, “Live by Faith and Not by Fear.” Ensign, Nov 2007.

Elder Quentin L. Cook, “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” BYU–I Devotional, http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2006_03_14_Cook.htm

President Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, Remember,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

Russell M. Nelson, “Repentance and Conversion,” Ensign, May 2007, pp. 102–5.

2. Covenant to become a Christ-like person (Matthew 5:48, Moroni 10:30-33, Mosiah 3:19, D&C 78:7). The atonement is available to each of us. We will access its power most effectively as we make and keep sacred covenants to do His will. We came into this life as his covenant sons and daughters, spirits who had been personally called and received our first lessons in His presence (Alma 13: 1-6, D&C 138: 56). How will we exercise our moral agency? We have (again) entered into covenants that we will serve him and keep his commandments. Why? That he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon us (see Mosiah 18: 10). Through the fall the door to knowledge of good and evil was opened (Moses 5: 10-11). Through the atonement we can be cleansed through the baptism of water and the spirit. Then, if we will, the Holy Ghost can guide us into all truth (John 16:13), through grace our weaknesses become strengths (Ether 12: 27), and through His personal tutelage we become saints, free to be instruments in His hands (John 8:31-36, 50-51). We invite all to develop their potential to become saints through:

· Fasting with a purpose

· Developing and keeping a plan for personal physical fitness

· Seeking the gift of charity to receive and express the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:47-48).

· Seeking the gift of discernment, the highest expression of which is the ability to see and bring forth the good in ourselves and others (S. Richards, Conference Report, April 1950, 162-163; Bednar, Quick to Observe, Ensign, Dec 2006, 30-36).

· Regularly worshipping in the temple (note the counsel and keys delivered that are described in D&C 109 and 110).

Ideas for further reading:

Elder David A. Bednar, “Clean Hands and a Pure Heart,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

Elder Quentin L. Cook, "Are You a Saint?" Ensign, Nov 2003, p. 95+

Elder Quentin L. Cook, "Rejoice!" Ensign, Nov 1996, p. 28+

Elder Keith K. Hilbig, “Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

Elder Russell M. Nelson, “We Are Children of God,” Ensign, Nov 1998, p. 85+.

Elder Octaviano Tenorio, “The Power of Godliness Is Manifested in the Temples of God,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Great Commandment,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

Elder Claudio D. Zivic, “After All We Can Do,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

3. Consecrate your time and talents to build up Zion (Matthew 11:28-30, D&C 6:5-10, D&C 62:1, Abraham 2:9-11). Christ was lifted up upon the cross that he might draw all men unto him (3 Nephi 27: 13-16). As we develop self-mastery through the atonement we become saints, free to do His will. Sacrifice relates to what we are willing to surrender or give up for a cause. In a gospel sense, consecration relates to developing our talents, becoming the best we can and devoting our lives to building up the kingdom of God. Consecration is motivated by charity (see Bednar, Jan, 1999 below). As we yield our hearts to Him, let us consecrate our lives that we too may be the means of inviting and drawing others to feel Christ’s love. This is our call, our opportunity as the seed of Abraham. We invite all to “go on in so great a cause…Courage, brethren [and sisters]; and on, on to the victory” (D&C 12:22) of building up Zion through:

· Asking to receive opportunities to meet those who are prepared to be taught (D&C 4:7, Alma 26:22). If we do not ask, we may not receive. (Consider 3 Nephi 15: 12-23 & 16:4)

· Inviting others to come into our homes for fellowship and gospel instruction. (As far as possible, seek to have every upper-level discussion in the home of members.)

· Participating in service projects with quorum, class and family members. (Consider service for or with those we would teach. As they are involved with us in service, they become fellow citizens with the saints (Ephesians 2:19). They will feel “at home” with us and drawn to what we have. They may then feel “at home” with us as they are taught and more likely to join us in worshipping Christ at church.)

· Teaching others to understand the doctrines of faith in Christ and repentance. Every lesson should be taught by the spirit (D&C 50:13-14, 22). Every lesson should have a learning objective we are invited to apply in our lives.

· Utilizing the pattern for sharing the gospel with non-members and less active members given in 2 Nephi 25: 26: talk, rejoice, prepare others to feel the spirit, testify of Christ, and write what we receive.

Ideas for further reading:

Elder David A. Bednar, “Your Whole Souls as an Offering Unto Him,” Devotional, 05 Oct, 1999. http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/1999_01_05_Bednar.htm

Elder Quentin L. Cook, “Be a Missionary All Your Life,” BYU Devotional, 13 March 2007. http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=11678

Elder Quentin L. Cook, "Looking beyond the Mark" Ensign, Mar 2003, pp. 40–44.

Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

Bishop Richard C. Edgley, “Enduring Together,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

President Henry B. Eyring, “God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Holder,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

Elder Erich W. Kopischke, “Preach My Gospel—the Unifying Tool between Members and Missionaries,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

President Thomas S. Monson, “Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues,” Ensign, Nov 2007.

Elder Michael J. The, “Out of Small Things,” Ensign, Nov 2007.