Sunday School Bonus

Today we are studying the creation. I found an article that was helpful to me when I was in college (shortly after the dawn of the dinosaurs).

Gospel Classics: The Origin of Man @ www.lds.org

Patriarchal Blessings

Do you have your patriarchal blessing yet? It is truly a gift! I recently read two great talks at speeches.byu.edu –

Robert Patterson, a patriarch at BYU:

James E. Faust, an apostle:

There’s even more information at:

Patriarchal blessings at www.lds.org – lots of articles & information

Scripture Study Helps & Institute

In Gospel Doctrine this year, we are talking about the Old Testament. Part of our study includes the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price. This link will take you to the Pearl of Great Price manual for Religion 327 institute classes. You can find other manuals here.

I have frequently made the institute manuals part of my studying of the scriptures. I read the verses, read the manual & then reread what the verses said again with greater understanding.

My sister-in-law recently finished reading the Book of Mormon again. When reading, she made it a point to mark every question mark “?” with a teal pencil & then kept track of the references for each mark. In the end, she found that there were 543 questions. (?!!!)

Another GREAT way to increase your knowledge of the scriptures is to attend institute.

President Monson has said,

“As we contemplate the eternal nature of our choices, educational preparation is a vital factor in our lives. When faced with a lengthy period of schooling, there appears at times to be no light at the tunnel’s end, no dawn to break the darkness. At such times, you need the light that comes from becoming acquainted with the lessons the scriptures teach. You should learn the background and setting of the Master’s parables and the prophets’ admonitions. Study them as though they are speaking to you, for they are.

“It was my opportunity to do so as a student at the institute of religion at the University of Utah. Frances and I both attended classes there. Frances always enjoyed the class Courtship and Marriage. I preferred the class Priesthood and Church Government. I remember particularly the personal interest that our teacher took in every one of his students. The activities were the same as what you will find there today. I can still remember the University Ward building in which we met for classes. While it was dark in the morning—and in the midst of World War II—that little university chapel offered a welcome light out in front.

“If you are a single college student, I ask you to make participation in institute a priority. Married students and other young adults are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Think of it. Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt, and faith will be strengthened. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. That is a promise which I leave with you.”  (May 21, 2009).

Sister Newhouse teaches class each Tuesday evening at the stake offices off of I-85 in Easley.

Presidents of the Church

http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/leaders.jsp

Click on the link to learn more about each of the presidents of the church. My favorite feature? Quotes.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

This is one of the new Mormon messages. I like it! I am especially thankful for family & friends. Really – all of you!!!

The latest & greatest

Institute every Tuesday at 7:00 at the Stake Offices in Powdersville/Piedmont off Hwy 153
Friday, November 13th: Dance at the Stake Center 9-12.
Saturday, November 14th: Stake Relief Society Activity 10-12 at the Berea Building. Lunch will be served at 12. (I heard that it is not Sunday dress.)
Sunday, November 15th: Fireside 7:00 at the Berea building.

There will not be a Greenville Dance in December. In lieu of the Greenville dance, we encourage everyone to attend a formal Christmas Dance hosted by Columbia at the Dutch Fork Building (7449 Broad River Rd Irmo, SC 29063-9667). It will be 7:00-10:30. Dates are encouraged, but not required. See attached flyer at this link: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d3dmv6t_14d584q7d3&btr

There is a young sister in the Greenville 1st ward area who is looking for a roommate. She lives in a house a couple blocks off White Horse Road. If you are interested or have any questions, please leave a comment on the blog & I will forward it to Crystal (& not post it).

Latest & Greatest YSA News

Institute every Tuesday at 7:00 at the Stake Offices in Powdersville/Piedmont off Hwy 153
Friday, September 11th: Greenville YSA Dance 9-12 at the Stake Center
Saturday, September 19th: Mutli-Stake Activity in Myrtle Beach AND
Adult session of Stake Conference in Greenville. The YSA activity ends at 4:30, so if you leave slightly early you can make it back in time for the stake conference where Elder Richard G. Scott will be speaking.
http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=be16fe8be4&view=att&th=123709db190c17bd&attid=0.1&disp=inline&zw
Sunday, September 20th: Stake Conference 9:30 at the Stake Center. Elder Richard G. Scott will be speaking, so you won't want to miss it!
Sunday, September 20th: Fireside at the Berea building 7:00. NO rep meeting.
Oct 9-11: YSA Conference in Clemson Oct 9-11! It's time to start registering. Please see the attached flyer for details on the flyer and instructions on how to register. If you are unable to see the flyer and you do not receive the YSA emails, please let me know and I will send you the flyer via email.
http://docs.google.com/Edit?docid=d3dmv6t_6db26t3fd