Sunday, November 18th Lesson

Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth
Chapter 22 from Teachings of the Presidents of the Church George Albert Smith

Some might be thinking this lesson isn't important for me at this point in my life, but there is something we can all learn from these words from George Albert Smith.

The family is the most important organization. This is not just true in the church, for the world. We can find important truths about the family in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. During our lesson we were challenged to read the Proclamation, and write down a list of what the gospel says about family responsibilities and blessings, and what the adversary is doing to destroy the family. For everyone's convenience here is a link to the Proclamation.
http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Manuals/TheFamily_AProclamationToTheWorld_35538_eng.pdf

We focused on 4 points to strengthen our families now and our future families.

1. We need to have an understanding and testimony of the gospel if we are going to teach it to our children.
Matthew 7:7 teaches us to search for answers, and study to know.
It is important to actively be searching and learning about the gospel.
Once we are baptized we have left neutral ground.

2. Children learn by example- Be your best self.
Page 233 of the text President Smith shares how he learned from the example of his parents, and how he remembers the patience of his mother in raising her children.

3. Create a miniature Zion in your home.
On page 240 of the lesson we are taught to "safe guard the rising generation" because if we as obligated members of a family don't, who or what will protect the children from the garbage of the world.
A way to create Zion at home is to have a picture of the Savior in every room of the house. Personally in my family we have a picture of a temple in every bedroom.
Not only should our home be like Zion, but our family is Zion. The people and interactions in our home can create our safe havens.

4. Gather family often, and study the gospel.
Even though we are not yet the wives and mothers of our own families, we are all part of a family, and we are all important members of Gods family.

If all these responsibilities seem overwhelming let us turn to Doctrine and Covenants 98:12. The Lord will teach us precept upon precept. He does't expect us to be perfect all at once, and he will help us achieve our worthy goals.

Sunday, November 11 Lesson

The Power of Kindness
Chapter 21 from Teachings of the Presidents of the Church George Albert Smith

President Smith's granddaughter tells a story of his kindness one hot summer day. Many workers came to fix a problem on the street President Smith lived on. As the day progressed the heat and the hard labor put the men in bad moods and they started using offensive language. One person came out to ask the men to stop using such foul language, but this only further upset the workers and they continued cussing. President Smith went outside with lemonade to the workers and said, "My friends, you look so hot and tired. Why don't you come and sit under my trees here and have a cool drink?" All anger soon left and after their break they returned to their work carefully and quietly.

What does George Albert Smith teach us in this simple example of kindness?

Something I learned was to lead by example. When we teach kindness through our actions more than through our words, others will follow our kind deeds.

Matthew 7:1-5
This scripture teaches us to righteously judge. "For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged."
On page 225 of the manual President Smith says, "You can find good in everyone if you will but look for it."
This is true! We all have an innate goodness within us. Let us take the time to find the goodness, not the faults, in others and ourselves. The more we get to know someone, the more we will love them and be able to so them kindness.  

One last quote to end with:
"You can tell a lot about a persons relationship with Christ by the way they treat other people."

Have a wonderful week!