Easter

Easter 
April 5, 2020

As we study this week and prepare for a wonderfully, inspired General Conference we need to ponder on the name of our church and whom governs the church. Our Father in Heaven is the one who leads and directs His church on earth today. Our Savior and Elder Brother gave His life so we can all return to our loving Father and heavenly home. May we all open our hearts and minds to gain the knowledge and understanding that is meant for us as we keep the commandments and follow, and listen to, our humble Prophet and the Apostles of the Lord. Enjoy family and friends as we gather in our home or meeting houses to learn what the Lord needs us to hear. What a great blessing this is for us all! Hymn #199

He is Risen!

He is risen! He is risen! Tell it out with joyful voice.

He has burst his three days’ prison;

Yonder glorious morning ray,

And a brighter Easter beam

Christ has won the victory.

AMEN!

April 12, 2020

Easter 2020 is very different from any Easter I’ve ever experienced in my life. It means we will not be able to meet together with other Saints to celebrate and worship our Savior’s resurrection. This doesn’t mean we don’t ponder on these things but it does mean that we all have an opportunity to personalize these things for oneself and our families. This is actually an amazing opportunity. After spending last weekend listening to our living prophet and apostles I was given direction and was reminded of the many things I've been taught all my life. I love the fact that every April and October I have the privilege to renew and gain new perspective.

I am grateful for a prophet who receives direct revelation from our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for my Savior. I am grateful for His sacrifice for me.

Lead Up To General Conference

March 29, 2020

As we listen to our Prophets voice may we find our personal witness of what the Lord wants us to know. Our Prophet recently asked us all to “Hear Him!” How do you #hearhim? We all have our own ways of hearing Him or knowing when something is coming from Him. Spend time this week as you study, pondering how your Father in Heaven speaks to you! It’s amazing the things you will hear when you truly listen. Sometime you may hear them in a smile from someone, or someone holing a door open for you, or paying it forward in the drive-thru. Or maybe it’s in a verse of scripture that gives you a warm, peaceful feeling. Anytime this week when your heart smiles remind yourself of the sweet message your Father is sending. Write these wonderful experiences down and maybe share an experience with a family member, friend, or someone the Lord may prompt you to share with.

Consider the simple words from a beautiful Primary hymn #228 “My Heavenly Father Loves Me”

Whenever I hear the song of a bird Or look at the blue, blue sky,

Whenever I feel the rain on my face Or the wind as it rushes by,

Whenever I touch a velvet rose Or walk by our lilac tree,

I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world Heav’nly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see The color of butterfly wings.

He gave me my ears that I might hear The magical sound of things.

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart; I thank him rev’rently

For all his creations, of which I’m a part. Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

Enos-Words of Mormon

March 22, 2020



Search, Ponder, and Pray Are the things that I must do. The Spirit will  guide, and, deep inside, I’ll know the scriptures are true. Primary Hymn #109

A Child's Prayer #12

Pray, he is there; Speak, he is list’ning. You are his child; His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer; He loves the children, Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav’n.

Our children have a lot to teach us and as we study individually or as a family we can turn to the little ones. There simple words sometimes are what we really need to hear and ponder on! We KNOW our Father listens and will speak to us. 

Consider these words as well: (Hymn#26)

Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing—‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—

Joseph’s humble prayer was answered, And he listened to the Lord.

O, what rapture filled his bosom, For he saw the living God;

But undaunted, still he trusted In his Heav’nly Father’s care.

Jacob 5-7

March 15, 2020


As you study Come, Follow Me, individually or with your family, consider its purpose. We are being taught how to be more Christlike and to stand for truth and righteousness. We are t alone in this goal nor does our Heavenly Father want us to join Him alone. We are all in this together and in that right we ALL ARE GOD’S ARMY. One of the best, most encouraging hymns will help us in this living quest. Join together and bring others into this glorious heavenly army, in other words heavenly family! Really take to heart the words of hymn #251, Behold! A Royal Army. I LOVE this hymn for many reasons but the chorus is the most powerful, spiritual motivator!

Victory, victory, Thru him that redeemed us!

Victory, victory, Thru Jesus Christ, our Lord!

Victory, victory, victory, Thru Jesus Christ our Lord!

Amen and Amen!!!!!

(This isn't my favorite version but I can't find one I like..this is the best. However, I directed a small but awesome choir in Atlanta, Georgia and we sang this hymn for Ward Conference. It was a wonderful version and the Stake President mentioned how great it was and even said that " Gladys Knight would be proud'!)

Jacob 1-4

March 8, 2020

After receiving whatever spiritual promptings from Stake Conference, pondering on those things as you study the following week. You will learn new and/or more things about the Holy Ghost and following the example of Christs’ example and life. He has provided a way for ALL of us to return to our heavenly home. Hymn #219, Because I Have Been Given Much, reminds us of our many blessings and from whom they come.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord.

I’ll share thy love again, according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need; I’ll show that love by word and deed:

Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

2 Nephi 31-33

March 1, 2020


As you study this coming week pay special attention to any promptings you receive. Focus on the importance of our eternal blessings that come from following Christs’ example and becoming more like Him. Consider the hymn “Come, Follow Me”, (#116) as well. Study all 6 verses. “…This beautiful hymn has a distinctively Latter-day Saint emphasis: if we emulate the Savior throughout this earthly life, ours will be the opportunity to acquire even more of His attributes in the life to come.”

“Come, follow me,” a simple phrase, 

Yet truth’s sublime, effulgent rays

Are in these simple words combined

To urge, inspire the human mind.

2 Nephi 26-30

February 23, 2020

Hymn #259 can speak for itself and provides uplifting and comforting fervor and we preserve in our calling as Christs’ representatives here on earth. Feel the POWER that strengthens us as we sing this hymn! And prepare to sing this together as a Ward family!!

Hope of Israel, Zion’s army,

Children of the promised day,

See, the Cheiftain signals onward,

And the battle’s in array!

Hope of Israel, rise in might

With the sword of truth and right;

Sound the war-cry, “Watch and pray!”

Vanquish ev’ry foe today.

2 Nephi 11-25

February 16, 2020

As we strengthen ourselves and our families to “Come, Follow Me” we must find our beliefs and our relationship with the Savior. Consider the hymn #134 I Believe in Christ. As you listen to the to the music also closely to the words and learn of the truthfulness for yourself. As you do you will KNOW and feel it in your heart!

I believe in Christ; he is God’s son....

Who did gain all his Father hath,.....

And I shall live with joy and love

In his eternal courts above.

2 Nephi 6-10

February 9, 2020

As we ponder on our studies this week, whether religious, school, or work, we should consider the sweet and precious words to a precious children’s hymn (#74, I Feel My Savior’s Love). May our personal and family prayers echo these simple words:

I feel my Savior’s love

In all the world around me.......

.......And when I kneel to pray,

My heart is filled with peace.

He knows I will follow him,

Give all my life to him.

I feel my Savior’s love,

The love he freely gives me.

2 Nephi 1-5

February 2, 2020


In studying Come, Follow Me this week take the words from the beautiful, prophetic hymn #27 Praise to the Man, into your heart. Our prophet who was blessed to bring forth the restoration gave his life for the truthfulness of this glorious gospel. We need to remember all he did so that we may have the gospel of Jesus Christ in these Latter-days!

Teach or remind ourselves and all we love of this poignant hymn with such a message of truth and wisdom from not too long ago.

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;

Earth must atone for the blood of that man.

Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.

Millions shall know “Brother Joseph” again.

Hail to the Prophet, ascended to Heaven!

Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.

Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;

Death cannot conquer the hero again.

Text: William W Phelps

2 Nephi 3:14-15

1 Nephi 16-22

January 26, 2020

This week study and focus on the words to another Primary Hymn #120: Nephi’s Courage. Nephi is another amazing example for us to emulate, in particular as we strive to return to our Father in Heaven.

“The Lord gives us commandments and asks us to obey.

Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way.

When I’m discouraged, and think I cannot try,

I will be courageous, and I will reply:

‘I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.

I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.

I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.

I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.’”

1 Nephi 11-15

January 19,2020

As we begin our studying of the Book of Mormon it is appropriate that we begin with the Hymn #274: The Iron Rod

What has more relevance to 1st Nephi than this beautiful hymn?

Refer to this significant and beautiful hymn as you study, particularly Lehi’s vision! 1 Nephi 8

While on our journey here below, Beneath temptation’s pow’r,

Through mists of darkness we must go, In peril ev’ry hour.

Hold to the rod the iron rod; ‘Tis strong, and bright, and true.

The iron rod is the word of God; ‘Twill safely guide us through.

1 Nephi 8-10

January 12, 2020

As we begin a new year of the new Church program to study as individual, families and Ward families we need to add more to our studying. The church has now provided a supplement with a suggestion of hymns and Primary music to go along with our study. As a Ward we’d like to add to this, especially as we now only have music/singing in our Sacrament meeting.

This week, as we study, consider the words from our Primary Hymn #109: Search, Ponder, and Pray

I love to read the holy scriptures, And, ev’ry time I do,

I feel the Spirit start to grow within my heart--- 

A testimony that they’re true.

Search, ponder, and pray Are the things that I must do.

The Spirit will guide and, deep inside, I’ll know the scriptures are true.

So prayerfully I’ll read the scriptures, Each day my whole life through.

I’ll come to understand. I’ll heed the Lord’s command

And live as he would have me do.

Search, ponder, and pray Are the things that I must do.

The Spirit will guide and, deep inside, I’ll know the scriptures are true.