Happy Birthday Joseph

In honor of Joseph Smith's birthday I am giving you another makeup day opportunity.  Just watch this video and send me an email telling me what you thought about it. 

A Musical Post

Christmas music...can't ever have too much of it!

David Archuleta is currently serving a full time proselyting mission in Chile.

Life Goes On....

In celebration of "It's not the end of the world day after all," I am giving my first MAKEUP DAY opportunities.  Please watch the following Christmas Devotional and email me a brief note telling me what you felt the highlights of each talk were.  If you have already watched the devotional, you can make your notes based on what you remember.

An additional MAKEUP DAY will be granted to everyone who emails me and tells me about a significant act of personal service that you have rendered this holiday to someone other than a family member. Go out of your way to make someone else's day!

The Christmas Spirit

      This time of year is difficult for many of us, please think of ways that you can reach out to those in need of help or friendship, remembering that the true spirit of Christmas is loving one another.  In particular, please keep Stephanie and her family in your prayers as they care for their sick grandmother this holiday.  It will be a hard time for them.  Here are two Christmas videos that bring home the most important message of the season, and can help us feel the love of the Savior even during times of great sorrow and difficulty.

Christmas Break

YUM!

It was so nice to have breakfast with all of the seminary classes this morning.  I really appreciated all of the efforts of your mothers who helped with the food preparation.  Please take a moment to thank your mothers for all that they do for you and for others.

Now take a moment to reflect on the fact that all of us get to sleep in for the next TWO WEEKS!!! Just to give you an idea about how I feel about this...I will share with you a blast from the past, long long ago, before music videos, way back in the 8 track days...don't laugh too hard (cause I know that all of you will get this song stuck in your heads.)

STAY TUNED: I will be posting regularly over the holidays.  There will be some posts that are worth MAKEUP DAYS! (this is not one of them)  If you watch the video and email me a short summary of what you learned, then I will mark down a makeup day of seminary for you.  There will also be team points available throughout the holidays. There are 10 team points available for this post if you will sing the theme of "Celebrate" the next time you see me.

Water - the symbol of eternal life

WOMAN AT THE WELL by Barb Gardner
 
      It was but a few short days ago that I came, as I had come hundreds, no thousands, of times before to fill my pitcher with water… and met him.  When I was young I would come in the early morning, and then evening, with the other women of Sychar to draw life, mortal life, from this well.  For here, in the desert, there is no life without water.  But as I grew older I made decisions in my life that led down paths seldom taken by other women and never condoned.  Therefore, I found it easier to draw my water in solitude during the meridian of the day.

      I grew up here, at Jacob’s well.  We have great pride in our land.  It was here that the great Jehovah covenanted with Abraham that he would have seed without number. It was here, at Sechem, that He instructed Joshua to gather the entire nation of Israel, that they might be instructed.  Then, through Joshua, the Lord told His people that He had given them a land for which they did not labour, and cities which they built not, and yet they dwelt in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which they planted not, yet did they eat.  And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.  
      It was a day such as this.  Hot.  Dry.  The heat shimmering from the ground.  As I approached I saw a man.  A Jew, by his dress.  His feet were covered with the dust of travel.  His lips dry, his shoulders weary.  I don’t believe that he had ever set foot out of his country, nor his customs, before his journey into our land.  His presence made me wary, for there is no love lost between the Jew and the Samaritan.  Most skirt our land, finding Purea a better way between Galilee and Judea.  As I drew closer I averted my eyes.  Not from modesty ­ for there is little of that in my life.  No.  I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of even acknowledging his presence for I knew that nothing would drag an utterance out of his mouth for me.  Even men of Samaria were not seen speaking to a woman in public and a Jew would rather kiss a swine.

      No.  I would not give him the satisfaction of snubbing me.  I would snub him.

I prepared to draw water and heard his voice.  “Give me to drink.”  Every motion in my body stopped.  I turned, disbelieving.  It is true that any stranger can ask for a drink and it is our joy to give it unto him.  For water is life and shouldn’t be denied to any.  But I just stared at him.

      “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me?”  Couldn’t he tell that I was a woman?  And not just a woman, but a woman of Samaria?  Perhaps his thirst, or maybe the heat had been too much for him, for his next words were even stranger.

      He said, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”

      Now, these words pierced my very heart, but then I still had no understanding. How would he give me water; He had nothing where which to draw water as I did.  The well was deep.  The water level below the reach of any man.  Surely he did not think he alone could draw from Jacob’s well.  Perhaps this Jew had another well from whence he could draw ­a well greater than Jacob’s.  
      So I asked, “From whence then hast thou that living water?  Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well?”

      And he said to me, “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

      I perceived this Jew to be daft and not worthy of my time.  How foolish I feel now.  I remember employing my most mocking voice when I answered him, “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.”  If it were but true I would sit in ease outside my house and watch all the other women of the village toil to draw and fetch water day be day.  As I contemplated this rich fantasy his voice, like a cold draught of that living water, of which he boasted, brought me to my senses.

      “Go, call thy husband, and come hither.”

      Ah—so he was tired of talking to a mere woman.  I had almost forgotten my place. To think I, a woman and a Samaritan, could engage in conversation with a learned Jew! So…he wanted my husband, did he?

      “I have no husband,” I replied.  
      And then, to my shame, and extreme embarrassment, he said:“Thou hast well said, I have no husband:  For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that sayist thou truly.”

      How couldst he know this of me?  No man could have so testified for if he had been in our village and heard from one of them I surely would have known of it.  There was only one way that he could know.  
      I said to him, “Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.”  How couldst this be?  A prophet, and only I to witness him?  Surely he would have sought out a man, someone learned, someone without sin.  And yet he had spoken to me—knowing before he spoke who I was.  And if he were a prophet, perhaps he would answer the question that had created such enmity between his people and mine.  
      So, I asked—“Our fathers worshipped in this mountain: and ye say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”

      He answered me that we worship we know not what but the Jews do know.  And then he said the most astounding thing—that no one place would garner our faith—for we would soon worship the Father in spirit and in truth.  So he thought we knew not what we worshiped.  Why?  Because we did not give succor to the prophets of the Jews?  Well we might not know all things but we knew of the Messiah and that he was to come and that once he came he would tell us all things.  And in my pride I spat this knowledge in his face.

      And then he said: “I that speak unto thee am he.”

      I am he. The words burned into my brain.  I am He.  I am the Messiah.  I could not think.  His followers were approaching.  They must have gone to the village for meat and I could see by their countenance that they were not well pleased that their master was discoursing with a woman—but they did not say a word.  As I left, my waterpot forgotten, I heard him tell his disciples of a field ready to harvest which they had not sown.  His voice was like an echo through time of the Great Jehovah’s words, through Joshua, to the nation of Israel.  But I looked around and saw only fields three months from reaping and hurried on to Sychar.  I testified to all that would listen that surely the Christ had come.  Women are not allowed to be witnesses and I was not sure any would believe me.  But my testimony was strong and many did.  They sought him out and begged him tarry a few days.  And he did.  He taught many things and those that heard no longer depended upon my testimony but knew for themselves that this was indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

      Water sets the pattern of a woman’s day.  She rises early to fill her waterpot for baking and cleaning.  She comes in the evening to draw its sustenance to impart to her family.  The getting of water is women’s work.  Without it there is no life.  The plants would wither and die and our bodies would dry up and blow away.  As I sojourned in this mortal life it slacked by physical thirst.  But as I wandered through my Sinai of sin and shame I had become parched and nowhere could I find release.  He is gone now.  But he left the living water with us and the well is sunk deep within our souls.  Morning and evening I slack my thirst at its lip.  I cleanse myself in its coolness.  I dip it out and give it to all that ask.  Never again will I hesitate to impart.  He left us, knowing that we would share his water with others.  How fitting that he should come to the very place where the Great Jehovah covenanted with Abraham that his seed would be as great as the sands of the sea.  For now we know that living water can make seed of more than a Jew.  It can make seed of the whole earth.

Guess whose posting?

It was great attending your Seminary class this morning! Although I know getting up is a sacrifice for you, aren’t you glad you get to START your day off with a teacher that LOVES you and SPEAKS the truth from the SCRIPTURES!? What a great blessing and strength to give you courage to face the world!

I love Elder Wirthlin and the video that started the lesson today! It gave me great inspiration – isn’t that what a strong testimony does? (Motivates us to do more?)  He was truly a special witness of the Savior, and although he did have a special authority, I believe our testimonies can be as powerful. We need to share them with our friends. When we do, great things will happen!  We learned in John 3 today that Jesus’ testimony moved Nicodemus to do something as well. What a witness to us that we can break away from the world and do what is right!

When I was in Seminary (100’s of years ago!) we had 40 SCRIPTURES MASTERIES to memorize! One of them is the world’s most popularly quoted scripture and it’s from this same chapter. Do you know which one it might be? I’ll give you a hint! You will often see people at sporting events or areas where people congregate with signs that list this scripture! I’ve even seen beggars on the street publicize this verse to the world. Last year this scripture got a lot of media coverage as Tim Tebow (Denver Bronco) painted it on his face –

Here’s a video to spark your memory and explain why this scripture may be important to the world:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJTBVl1gBEI

I suppose you now know what scripture it is! What do you think motivates people to put this scripture on signs or paint their faces with its reference?

I can’t say what it is for sure, but at least they are moved to share it with others. I guess what impresses me most is that they aren’t afraid to share it! Even Nicodemus, who believed in Jesus, was afraid for others to know that he was a believer!

John 3:16 is a powerful scripture; however, I think we don’t have it as Scripture mastery any more because believing isn’t everything or enough! It starts there but does not encompass the whole gospel of Jesus Christ. We must do something with that belief!

At this special time of year I am greatly appreciative of God’s plan for us and that we have a Savior, an advocate, that can lead us back to our Father in Heaven. Although this scripture is referred to a lot at Easter time, I testify that Jesus is the Christ. That he was born for us, lived for us, and died for us! I love the scripture in John 3 where Jesus says he came into the world – not to condemn us—but to save us! I know that is true.

Have a very Merry Christmas – share the joy of the season all year with others! The best testimony is a living one -- a growing one which is shared!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMMrvfvJlTw

I look forward to meeting with you again in the future!

Tracy Assmus

What is in a number?

The Number 12 in the Bible

The number twelve is found 187 times total in the Bible, 22 of which are in the book of Revelation. Twelve is a perfect number, represents divine authority and appointment, signifying perfection of government, or of governmental perfection. It is found as a multiple in all that has to do with rule. Twelve is the product of 3 the number of personages in the Divine Godhead.  There were twelve patriarchs from (and including) Shem (the son of Noah) to Jacob.

There were also 12 princes of Ishmael, and 12 sons of Jacob, whose families formed the 12 tribes of Israel with 12 princes.  This number is symbolically used to represent authority such as the stones in the High Priest's breastplate, the stones taken out of the Jordan, the number of the spies sent into the promised land, and the shewbread of the temple consisted of 12 loaves. During the period of the judges, there were 12 judges judged Israel. Solomon, one of those judges, appointed 12 officers over Israel. Elijah took twelve stones to build his altar to the Lord.

When we come to the New Testament we find the same emphasis and significance in the number 12. According to some church authorities, Jesus may have been born in the 12 month of the year.  At age 12, Jesus appeared at the temple. Jesus ordained 12 apostles, who were sent with authority to preach the Gospel and to be witnesses of His resurrection. Twelve legions of angels mark the perfection of angelic powers (Matthew 26:53). The holy city, the New Jerusalem is described in Revelations with twelve gates with twelve pearls, and at the gates twelve angels, and twelve foundations with the names of the twelve apostles.   The measurement of the New Jerusalem will be 12,000 furlongs square, while the wall will be 144 (12 x 12) cubits, Revelation 21:16,17. 

In the latter-days we have the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the First Presidency (3 members) holding the keys of the priesthood and the authority to direct the church on the earth.  A young man may first be ordained the priesthood at the age of 12.  In every temple, the 12 tribes of Isreal are represented in the oxen of the baptismal font. 

Twelve Trivia

There are: 12 Olympians in Mythology, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 sons of Odin – the Norse God, 12 Knights of the Round Table, 12 days of Christmas, and 12 Imams of Islam. In Hinduism there are 12 names for the sun god Surya. In most calendar systems, there are 12 months. There are 12 signs of the zodiac, and the hours of the day are numbered 1-12 A.M and P.M. The human body has 12 cranial nerves and 12 pairs of ribs. There are 12 edges on a cube, and 12 inches in a foot. There are 12 function keys on most PC keyboards. There are 12 basic hues on a color wheel.  There are 12 members of a jury in the United States. Twelve men have walked on the moon. Things that come by the dozen: donuts, roses, and eggs. And most importantly you should remember that a maximum of 12 characters can play in a round of Mario Kart.

 

Honeycomb and Fishes

 

Elder Robert L. Backman of the Presidency of the Seventy, gave the following challenge: "Imagine yourself in the company of the disciples and other believers on the day of the Resurrection. mere hours have passed since you witnessed the horrifying crucifixion of the gentle Nazarene.  you have shared hopeless moments of profound sorrow.  Confused, knowing not where to turn, how to act, your minds are clouded with mists of despair.  Then two disciples join you with word that they have conversed with the Lord on the road to Emmaus.  Dare you believe those who report, 'the Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon'?"

As you read Luke 24, think about your testimony of the Lord's Resurrection and what you might do to strengthen it.  One thing that I might suggest is to listen to the testimony of others whom you love and trust in their words.  Here is one inspiring testimony that can strengthen yours:

Silent Seminary Service

It looked a lot like this when I woke up this morning:

I wondered about how safe the roads would be and whether anyone would come to seminary on a day like this.  When I pulled into the parking lot, I was surprised to find someone beat me there and had begun shoveling walkways around the church.  This act of service reflected sacrifice and love for all of us....AND got 20 points for his team (a surprise thank you to him!). 
Secret shoveler, you made my day!

Apostles and Hovercrafts....

For ten team points: 

Find out who this apostle was, what he was doing, and where in the world he was.....

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/63030/Historic-milestone-Sierra-Leone-stake-marks-Churchs-3000th.html

The Passover

   
    Jews don't ever want to forget the miracles of God, so they have holidays to help them remember. The most sacred and serious Jewish holiday is the Passover which tells the story of Moses and the Israelites freedom from Egyptian bondage.  Today we celebrated an abbreviated Seder meal, also known as the Passover.  An actual Passover evening usually takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours to complete.  Ours took about 20 minutes.   We did this so that we could better understand the symbolism and the significance of the sacred covenant of the sacrament.  There are many things about the Passover which we did not have time to discuss.  Here are a few of the points that are important to remember.

 In the Passover feast certain foods represent parts of the story and help us to remember it.

     1.  Sky blue colors = Israels colors

     2. A pillow = symbol of reclining.  The Passover is eaten while reclining to symboliz that the Jews are able to recline and rest as freed people.  They also eat the meal with shoes on their feet and a staff in their hand to represent the haste that the meal was first eaten with.  The Israelites were prepared to flee Egypt on a moments notice.

     3. Sweeping up the crumbs on the floor = Sweeping or cleaning the house in preparation for the Passover to make sure that there are no traces of leavening (yeast in bread), leavening is often considered a symbol of corruption or evil.  In the week of the passover, every trace of leavening is removed from Jewish households and communities. By sweeping the house, you are removing all evil.  This act is highly symbolic of taking upon us the covenants of the new testament.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may b a new lump, as ye are unleavened.  For even Christ our passover is sacrifieced forus: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 

     4. The bitter herbs = the green herbs that grow in the springtime, which is the time of year that the Israelites were freed.  Eating bitter herbs brings tears to your eyes and represents the bitterness of slavery and oppression.  When we are enslaved by our sins, it is only through Godly sorrow that we can repent and be freed by the Atonement.
     5. The salt water = tears of affliction, and also the Red Sea.  The symbolic food is dipped into the salt water to remind Jews of the affliction suffered in Egypt.  We are also reminded of the tears of the Savior as he entered into Jerusalem for the final Passover of his life.

Luke 19: 41, 42 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, if thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

     6. The egg = represents a temple offering and new birth of springtime. Passover occurs in the springtime of every year.  This symbol was carried over into Christianity as an Easter symbol of springtime renewal.
     7. The lamb = sacrificed so that the blood of the lamb could mark the homes of the Israelites so that the angel of death would pass them by.

In the time of the Holy Temple, the Israelites would bring a pascal lamb in the afternoon before the Passover to sacrificed in the temple.  A portion of the sacrifice was returned to the family to be used in the ceremonial meal.

This is symbolic of the Savior, the lamb of God, who was sacrificed so that we could be free from the bonds of sin, and so that we could overcome the affects of spiritual and physical death through His Atonement.  The Savior was sacrificed on the Passover at the same time as the lambs were slain in the Temple.  His woudl be the final sacrifice by the shedding of blood, replaced with the new testament where we make the sacrifice of a broken heart and an contrite spirit.

     8. Matzah/unleavened bread = 3 matzahs represent the High Priesthood, the Levitical Priesthood, and the lay member.  The Israelites left Egpyt so fast that they did not have time to allow their bread to rise.  It baked in the hot sun.  It also represents the manna that God gave to the Israelites to eat in the wilderness.  As the meal is served, the father, or the man carrying the greatest authority during the passover meal, breaks the matzah and shares it with others.  In the case of the last supper, Jesus was the head of the feast and broke the bread to share with his disciples. In the case of the last supper, Jesus was the head of the feast and broke the bread to share with his disciples.

     9. Afikomon =  the most important symbol of the Passover, it is broken and one half is wrapped in a napkin and hidden.  Later it will be found and exchanged for a gift.  All celibrants are required to partake of the afikomon.The afikomon is to remind Jews of people everywhere who are poor and hungry, and call to their minds those who still are enslaved or oppressed.  Once the afikomon is found it reminds us that all mankind is invited to enjoy liberty, justice, and peace.

 As Jesus Christ became the bread of life and ended blood sacrifice, the afikomon replaced the lamb.  The symbolism of the Saviors's suffering, burial, and resurrection is unmistakable, since the matzah/bread, already pierced and striped during its preparation, is broken, wrapped in linen napkin, and buried or hidden, then it is brought forth again, and ransomed for a gift. It was the afikomon that Jesus used as the sacramental bread during the last Supper.  Jesus blessed the bread that represented manna from heaven, passed it to his disciples, and told them to eat it in remembrance of his body. This bread became the sacrament bread that we partake in remembrance of Christ.  It appears that the Savior ate nothing after blessing and passing this bread, but went straight to Gethsemane, trial, and death. 

      10. The Charoset(apple dish) =  the mortar the Israelites used to make bricks for the Egyptians.  It is sweet because it also represents the sweetness of hope that the Israelite slaves had.

 In the last days of Savior's life, though though he would suffer pain beyond comprehension and death, yet the Savior taught his disciples to be of good cheer.  These are some of his words spoken to the disciples during the last supper.

John 14:27-28  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you.  If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

      11.  The Wine = the fruit of the vine represents the joy that comes from being saved.There are five cups of wine that are traditionally poured for the passover meal. They represent Passover Covenants.  The master of the house will pour and bless the wine, he takes a sip then everyone else may sip. It was likely the third or fourth cup of wine that the Savior used as the sacramental cup.

He blessed the wine, "the cup of joy" which represented the blood that He shed for the remission of sins.  When we repent and are forgiven we experience this great joy of the Atonement.  After this cup he stated that he "would not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God come...this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." Luke 22: 15-20.  He did not partake of the fifth cup (which was not portrayed in our Seder) because that is the part of the Passover covenant that is symbolically tied to the second coming.  He did not want his disciples to connect the newly instituted sacrament with the second coming, because it was not time yet for the second coming to be fulfilled.  This is better understood by the following scripture:

Doctrine and Covenants 27:5-14   Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon,...And also with Elias,...And also John the son of Zaharias,...And also Elijah,...And also Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, ...And also Michael, or Adam, the father of all,...And also Peter, and James, and John, ...And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world. 

     12. Elijah's Plate = A door is opened for Elijah, a seat is reserved, and songs are sung in expectation of Elijah.  The fourth cup of wine is poured as if to greet Elijah the long-awaited messenger of the final redemption of mankind from all oppression. Each year, Jews await his coming in great anticipation.

 What only the disciples and Jesus knew, was that Elijah had come on the mount of transfiguration heralding the Messiah as was prophesied.  Again, on April 3, 1836, while millions of Jews were going through the festive ritual of anticipating Elijah - he came- to Joseph Smith the prophet in Kirtland, Ohio.

Doctrine and Covenants 110: 13-16  After the vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said: Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi - testifying that he (Elijah) should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes - to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, 
lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse - Therefore, the keys are committed into your hand; 
and by this yea may know that the great and dreadful day of the lord is near, even at the doors.

      Jews honor their sacred Passover holiday because it helps them remember significant and miraculous events in their history.  In a religious Jewish home, a weekly reminder of the first Passover is done with a "Kiddus".  Just like in the Passover Meal, the master of the house always pours a sip of wine with an appropriate blessing, he sips first, then everyone else may sip.  He then breaks the bread, says a blessing, eats the first piece, and then everyone else follows his example.  The prayers said include a promise that in the future a greater deliverance would occur than the first Passover.

     Today we honor the Sabbath day and the partaking of the sacrament because it helps us to remember the miracle of the sacred Atonement of our Savior. Weekly we take the bread that is broken, blessed and and first eaten by the presiding Elder. The water (used instead of wine) is then blessed,  the presiding authority partakes first, and then everyone follows. This is done in remembrance of the greater deliverance provided by the Savior's atonement.  From the time of the last supper to this day, Jesus wants his disciples to remember that He is their deliverer.  He delivered them from the bondage of sin and the spiritual death that results from sin through the Atonement, the way he delivered their forefathers from slavery in Egypt.  And he delivered them from mortality or physical death through the power of his resurrection. Please watch this Special Witness of Jesus Christ, Dallin Oaks, as he talks about the sacrament.

Temples

     We have been reviewing the last week of the Savior's life as recorded in the book of Luke.  There are many important details that we learn from Luke.  One of the points of emphasis is the focus on Jesus's teaching from the temple.  There are many reasons why Jesus does this: 1. to fulfill prophecy,  2. to teach the faithful his gospel, 3. to administer to his prophets and his apostles, 4. to bless us and sanctify us,  5. to gain the strength he needed to fulfill the Atonement, and 6.  to show us where we can go to learn of him, grow closer to him, and be strengthened by him. 

Luke 19: 47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, And could not fine what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

Luke 21; 37-38 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives. and all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him. 

Jesus demonstrated this same pattern of teaching in the Old Testament when he appeared to Moses in the wilderness tabernacle, and in the Book of Mormon when the resurrected Lord appeared in the Nephite temple in the land of Bountiful.

Exodus 33: 9-11 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, 

and stood at the door of the tabernacle, an the Lord talked with Moses.  And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshiped, every man in his tent door.  And the Lord spake into Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.... 

3 Nephi 11:1, 8-10  And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land of Boutiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place....And it came to pass as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white rode; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him...And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people saying: Behold, I am Jesus Christ whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. 

3 Nephi 17: 1-3  Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them: Behold, my time is at hand.  I percieve that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time.  Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.

      As we ponder on the words of Christ, we too are invited to come again to be taught little by little until we become like him.  As we desire to have the Savior be a part of our lives, we should strive to go to the temple, the house of the Lord.  It is there that we will be taught, blessed, and sanctified.  It is there that we gain the strength that we need to do the Father's will.  It is there that we will come to know and love Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Please watch the following testimony of the latter day apostle of Jesus Christ, Henry B Erying.

Christmas Spirit

Lost and Found - Luke 15

How do you feel when you lose something that is valuable?

How hard to you try to find it?                                                        

How do you feel when that which was lost is found?  

10 TEAM POINTS - To those who read and tell me about the following article:

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/05/the-other-prodigal

5 TEAM POINTS - To those who mark to following scriptures and show me in class tomorrow: 

Luke 15: 7, 10, 32, and Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-16. 

5 TEAM POINTS - To those who can describe moment of conversion in Mahmud's Story. 

HINT - It has a lot to do with jumping for:

For Megan...get well soon!

The Good Samaritan - Luke 10

Hopefully all of you will take a few moments this Thanksgiving Holiday to catch up on our class blog ! I want you all to know that each of you are among the blessings in my life that I am thankful for this year.  I love the opportunity that I have to be with you each morning.  You are good people who are destined to do great things, and I am so lucky to know you. 

This video is one that we did not watch in class that depicts the Parable of the Good Samaritan.  Imagine how this parable would apply to you if you assumed the role of the different characters in the story.  How are we all like the victim of the thieves on the road to Jericho?  How can we be like the Samaritan by giving charitable service to others?  How can we be willing and faithful Innkeeper who took care of the wounded man until he was well?  How can we avoid being like the Priest and the Levite who passed by the needy?

Our Seminary MTC

Our amazing class taught and learned important truths from Luke 9-10 today.
What did you learn in seminary today that Jesus taught his disciples as he prepared them to serve their missions?

STEWARDSHIP AND REPORTING – Luke 9:1-10

LOVE AND TOLERANCE – Luke 9:49-53

RESPECTING OTHERS RELIGIONS – Luke 9:50-56

OBEDIENCE AND SACRIFICE- Luke 9:57-62

PRIESTHOOD POWER- Read Luke 10:19-21

Check this video out about how you can serve the Lord while you are young. 

Luke 9: 23 And he said unto them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  

Luke 10:2 ...the harvest is truly great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.  

Congrats Green Team!

 

After a thrilling Scripture Mastery turkey shoot extravaganza, the winners of our seminary

 Fall Team Challenge is the GREEN team:  

Cade Parrish, Celina Coffey, Adam Fullmer, Jacob Barnes, 
Madaliene Osmun, and Sawyer Colvin. 
They will be getting a special treat this Wednesday for their hard work.
And speaking of scripture mastery, our class is doing very well with our memorization.
We have an average of 13 scriptures/student memorized. Great work!

We will be getting new team and seating assignments after Thanksgiving.  

Here is a list of devotional assignments for the next 6 weeks.

NOVEMBER
26th - Ashton

27th - Cade

28th - Sara

29th- Adam

30th - Kacey

DECEMBER

3rd - Zack

4th - Megan

5th - Rosemitha

6th - Steph

7th – NO SEMINARY

10th - Mike

11th - Cody

12th - Niko

13th- Jacob

14th - Brayden

17th – Celina

18th - Sawyer

19th - Madaliene

20th – CHRISTMAS VACATION

JANUARY

2nd – No devotional

3rd – Ashton

4th – NO SEMINARY

7th – Cade

8th – Sara

9th – Adam

10th – Kacey

11th – Zack

Turkey Shoot Teaser

Does anyone know what we are going to be doing this Friday in Seminary?

Ten points to the first person who guesses correctly.....

hint.....it involves nerf guns and scripture mastery.

What Did the 1st Christmas Feel like?

We had a unique experience in Seminary the other day when our classes combined and were blessed to hear the words of the student's mothers.  They shared with us what it felt like for them to welcome their children into their homes.  Here are some of the words that they used to describe their feelings at that time.

PEACEFUL, HOPEFUL, LOVE, EXHAUSTED, RELIEVED, BEAUTIFUL, THRILLED, SWEET, CONCERNED, OVERWHELMED, INSPIRED, MOTIVATED, TREATED (NOT TRICKED), HUMBLED, AWESTRUCK, CONNECTED TO GOD, WORTHWHILE, PRIVILEGED, GRATEFUL, EXCITED, HAPPY, JOYFUL, ANXIOUS, INADEQUATE, BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE, FULFILLED, DEVOTED, COMMITTED.

I wonder if you can begin to identify now with how Mary and Joseph must have felt when the baby Jesus came into their lives.  Take a few minutes to watch this video about the birth of the Savior.

 Elder Holland: Dramatic Reading, “Christmas Doesn’t Come From a Store”

As a parent, I compare those feelings (which I have had with each succeeding child) with what Joseph must have felt as he moved through the streets of a city not his own, with not a friend or kinsman in sight, or anyone willing to extend a helping hand. In these very last and most painful hours of her “confinement” Mary had ridden or walked approximately one hundred miles from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea.  Surely Joseph must have wept at her silent courage.  Now, alone and unnoticed, they had to descend from human company to a stable, a grotto full of animals, there to bring forth the Son of God.

I wonder what emotions Joseph might have had as he cleared away the dung and debris.  I wondered if he felt the sting of tears as he hurriedly tried to find the cleanest straw and hold the animals back.  I wonder if he wondered: “Could there be a more unhealthy, a more despicable circumstance in which a child could be born?  Is this a place fit for a king?  Should the mother of the Son of God be asked to enter the valley of the shadow of death in such a foul and unfamiliar place as this?  Is it wrong to wish her some comfort?  Is it right He should be born here?

But I am certain Joseph did not mutter and Mary did not wail.  They knew a great deal and did the best they could.  Perhaps these parents knew even then that in the beginning of His mortal life, as well as in the end, this baby son born to them would have to descend beneath every human pain and disappointment.  He would do so to help those who also felt they had been born without advantage.

I’ve thought of Mary, too, this most favored mortal woman in the history of the world, who as a mere child received an angel. It is here I stumble, here that I grasp for the feelings a mother has when she knows she has conceived a living soul, feels life quicken and grow within her womb, and carries a child to delivery.  At such times fathers stand aside and watch, but mothers feel and never forget.  Again, I’ve thought of Luke’s careful phrasing about that holy night in Bethlehem:

“The days were accomplished that she…brought forth her firstborn son, and (she) wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and (she) laid him in a manger.  Those brief pronouns trumpet in our ears that, second only to the child himself, Mary is the chiefest figure, the regal queen, mother of mothers – holding center stage in this grandest of all dramatic moments.  And those same pronouns also trumpet that, save for her beloved husband, she was very much alone.

I have wondered if this young woman, something of a child herself, here bearing her first baby, might have wished for her mother, or her sister, a friend, to be near her through the labor.  Surely the birth of such a son as this should command the aid and attention of every midwife in Judea.  We all wish that someone could have held her hand, cooled her brow, and when the ordeal was over, given her rest in crisp, cool linen.

But it was not to be so.  With only Joseph’s inexperienced assistance, she herself brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in the little clothes she had knowingly brought on her journey, and perhaps laid him on a pillow of hay. Then, on both sides of the veil, a heavenly host broke into song.  ”Glory to God in the Highest”, they sang, “and on earth, peace among men of good will.”  But except for these heavenly witnesses, these three were alone:  Joseph, Mary and the baby to be named, Jesus.

At this focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched – none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen.

First and Forever there was a family! without toys or trees or tinsel – with a BABY – that’s how Christmas began. 

Cleansing the Temple

Today we studied a talk written by Boyd K Packer titled "Washed Clean".  As each individual shared what they learned from the talk, we all felt the spirit strengthen our testimony of the power of the Atonement.  Thank you for your participation and willingness to share.  Please watch the following video based on a talk by Jeffrey Holland. 

Palm Sunday/Fig Trees/Faith

Mark 11: 
With the triumphal entry into Jerusalem we learned that the people of the city gathered to welcome Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem.  They waved palms, placed their clothing and palm leaves in the path, and shouted Hosanna as Jesus entered the city riding on a young donkey colt.  We learned that strewing palm branches at Jesus' feet was a symbol of giving up of worldly goods, both necessities and luxuries, for someone of very high esteem or royalty. 

We also learned about fig trees and some interesting facts about figs:

1.    The fig tree is very common in Palestine.  Its fruit is a well-known and highly-esteemed article of food.

2.    The kind of a fig tree mentioned in Mark 11 produces an early fig, ripening about the end of June, even before it is full with leaves.

3.    The main crop of figs comes later in August.  If a tree produces no early figs, it will produce no fruit at all that year. The winter fig, larger and darker than No. 2, hanging and ripening late on the tree, even after the leaves were shed, and sometimes gathered in the spring. 

4.    It is well known that the fruit-buds of a fig tree appear earlier than do the leaves.  The fig flower grows inside the fruit! The blossoms of the fig tree are within the receptacle or so-called fruit, and not visible outwardly; and this fruit begins to develop before the leaves. 

5.    A tree with leaves should also have fruit, and by the time the tree is in full foliage the figs are well advanced toward maturity. Moreover, certain species of figs are edible while yet green; indeed the unripe fruit is relished in the Orient at the present time. 

6.    It would be reasonable, therefore, for one to expect to find edible figs even in early April on a tree that was already covered with leaves.

Knowing these facts about fig trees, we were then able to understand why the Savior was disappointed with the barren fig tree, as it pretended to be fruitful when it really wasn't.  We asked ourselves the question, are we producing the inward fruits of faith and true conversion, or are we going through the motions of appearing to be followers of Christ without true faith? Matthew 7:15-20..."by their fruits ye shall know them." What can you do to increase your faith?

 20 BONUS POINTS to the first person to answer the question in class on Monday: 

After cursing the fig tree and before the disciples discovered that the tree had withered and died, what important and symbolic thing did Christ do?