Barbara Thompson - Personal Revelation and Testimony

    There are several good teachings here from this great woman that we can use personally and in teaching our families, or in a class setting, or in conversation with others. Some of the ways that can be used to obtain a revelation and testimony include:

• While listening to a General Conference talk
• Like Nephi, from the teaching of the Gospel by a parent
• Asking the right questions and using prayer to do it
• Desiring to receive revelation and asking in faith
• Believing that you will receive an answer
• Keeping the commandments
• From the words of a song
• Seeking

She points out that there are many ways to receive answers from the Spirit of the Lord or the Holy Ghost. It is important the we understand the ways so that when the answer comes we will recognize it. I suggest you read the references here in context.

• “I did enlighten thy mind.” (D&C 6:15)
• “Did I not speak peace to you mind concerning the matter? (D&C 6:23)
• “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart. Now behold, this is the spirit of revelation.” (D&C 8:2-3)
• “I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.” (D&C 9:8)
• “I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.” (D&C 11:13)

From my inspiration recently when seeking an approach to reading the Book of Mormon again, Shirlyn and I were talking about it and she said she is using the two new manuals of the Institute program, the Student Manual and the Teacher’s Manual together while she reads each morning. Knowing her great experiences regarding teaching Seminary for those 11 years, I looked up the manuals but I also found the Independent Study Course available in PDF format at http://www.ldsces.org and sure enough by using the manual, I can study the Book of Mormon with that guidance and actually do the assignments in a journal on my laptop. All the while I will be improving my marking of the scriptures as well as being able to ponder by way of fulfilling written assignments and memorization.

Thank you Sister Thompson and Shirlyn for this “revelation” that came at exactly the right time.

Richard G. Scott - The Power of Scripture

  Scriptures here referred to are "...like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high." He says that they can become:

• Stalwart Friends
• Not limited by geography
• Not limited by calendar
• Are always available when needed
• Their use provides a foundation of truth...awakened by the Holy Ghost

  He then teaches us the great power of the appropriate use of these tools in the following manner:

• Learning
• Pondering 
• Searching
• Memorizing

  He demonstrated the power of memorizing scriptures. From my historical reading, it was not unusual for families to memorized many parts of the Bible after it became available in English many centuries ago. He gave this description of the effects of memorization:

• Forge a new friendship
• Like a new friendship
• Like a new individual who can help in time of need
• Give inspiration
• Give comfort
• A source of motivation for needed change

  His demonstration then included a number of scriptures that he had in memory and the benefits.

For an Individual - Make a plan to regularly read, ponder and search those books and then choose a few, perhaps one or two a week and memorize them. Review them in memory when you have personal time, driving, waiting or just alone in the house or at work.

For a Couple - From your own individual study and pondering, explain what you might have learned to your mate and then choose one or more to memorize together, perhaps as a part of your Family Home Evening.

For a Family - Use memorization with the children, perhaps including this as an activity at the dinner table or Family Home Evening. If they are of High School Age, consider using the Scripture Mastery verses for this to help them.

  I love Elder Scott because of his wisdom, but also because of our family personal experience with him in our home years ago.

What have you learned from his talk?