Sunday Snippet

This week Angela taught us from Elder David A. Bednar's address from the May 2010 Ensign "Watching With All Perseverance" A spiritual early warning system . . . can help parents in Zion to be watchful and discerning concerning their children.
Noah, Lehi and Joseph(Mary's husband) were warned by God of things to come and were able to prepare and be saved. The Word of Wisdom is a warning to Joseph Smith for us (D&C 89:4).
There are three basic components to Elder Bednar's early warning system.
1. Read and Talk About the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion. Regular reading of and talking about the Book of Mormon invite the power to resist temptation and to produce feelings of love within our families. And discussions about the doctrines and principles in the Book of Mormon provide opportunities for parents to observe their children, to listen to them, to learn from them and to teach them.
2. Bear Testimony Spontaneously.
A testimony does not need to begin with "I bear my testimony" it can be declared simply as "I know I was blessed when . . ." Angela told how her mother shared a testimony with her as a story of when she paid her tithing and prayed for extra work ( as a dog groomer) so she could pay her bills. Her prayers were heard and answered and a wealthy customer was provided who told Angela's Mum how her three dogs had come and sat in front of her and stared at her and she realised she couldn't see their eyes, so she rang for an immediate appointment. The amount the customer paid including tip was the exact amount that Angela's Mum needed.
3. Invite Children to Act.
As gospel learners we need to be "doers of the word and not hearers only"(James 1:22). By being doers of the word everyone can gain their own testimony (John 7:17). Such learning requires spiritual, mental and physical exertion and not just passive reception.
Eldar Bednar says imagine a Family Home Evening where children are invited to come prepared with questions that the parents couldn't answer and they searched the scriptures together and were tutored by the Holy Ghost. Alma 1:26.
Angela shared another real life example when Michael Snr and young Liam had gone shopping.
Liam asked if he could buy a cake and Dad's initial thought was they could not afford it but he asked why Liam wanted to buy a cake and Liam said a child in his class at school had a birthday and was not able to afford a cake. There was a birthday cake reduced to sale price and with Liam's contribution of pocket money Michael Snr bought the cake. Liam took it to school and put it on the child's chair. His actions made the child very happy and brought tears to the eyes of the teacher and Angela too.
We need to give children opportunities to put gospel principles into practice so that what is known in the mind can also be felt in the heart, that they may claim blessings for themselves and be prepared spiritually for the challenges of mortality.

DECEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Relief Society Hampers this week is crackers and anything

Saturday 4th Stake Single Adult Activity

Tues 7th 7pm - ward RS Christmas activity

Friday 10th Pot luck dinner at the Oates'

Saturday 11th Glen Huon Carols BBQ at 5pm and Carols at 7pm

Sat 18th Dec - Stake Back to Bethlehem Activity 3-5pm
Please dress up in Biblical fashion, bring a blanket or quilt to sit on and also a contribution of non perishable food.

Please check notice boards for further details or contact auxillary leaders