The Life of Christ

• The Life of Christ Was Predicted Long before His Birth

Every person who comes to earth depends on Jesus Christ to fulfill the promise He made in heaven to be our Savior. Without Him, the plan of salvation would have failed. Because His mission was necessary, all of the prophets from Adam to Christ testified that He would come (see Acts 10:43). All of the prophets since Christ have testified that He did come. All of us need to study the life of the Savior and follow Him faithfully throughout our lives.

• He Was the Only Begotten of the Father

Jesus is the only person on earth to be born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. That is why He is called the Only Begotten Son. He inherited divine powers from His Father. From His mother He inherited mortality and was subject to hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain, and death. No one could take the Savior’s life from Him unless He willed it. He had power to lay it down and power to take up His body again after dying. (See John 10:17–18.)

• He Led a Perfect Life

Soon after Jesus was baptized, He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights to be with God. After that, Satan came to tempt Him. Jesus firmly resisted all of Satan’s temptations and then commanded Satan to leave. (See Matthew 4:1–11; see also Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:1, 5–6, 8–9, 11.) Jesus Christ remained sinless, the one perfect being to ever walk the earth (see Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:21–22).

• He Taught Us How to Love and Serve One Another

Jesus loved others with all His heart. Often His heart was so full of compassion that He wept. He loved little children, the elderly, and the humble, simple people who had faith in Him. He loved those who had sinned, and with great compassion He taught them to repent and be baptized. He taught, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

• He Organized the Only True Church

Jesus wanted His gospel taught to people all over the earth, so He chose twelve Apostles to testify of Him. They were the original leaders of His Church. They received the authority to act in His name and do the works they had seen Him do. Those who received authority from them were also able to teach, baptize, and perform other ordinances in His name. After His death, they continued to do His work until the people became so wicked that they killed the Apostles.

• He Redeemed Us from Our Sins and Saved Us from Death

The night before His Crucifixion, Jesus went to a garden called Gethsemane. Soon He was weighed down by deep sorrow and wept as He prayed. Latter-day Apostle Orson F. Whitney was permitted to see the Savior’s suffering in a vision. Seeing the Savior weep, he said: “I was so moved at the sight that I also wept, out of pure sympathy. My whole heart went out to Him; I loved Him with all my soul, and longed to be with Him as I longed for nothing else” (“The Divinity of Jesus Christ,” Improvement Era, Jan. 1926, 224–25; see also Ensign, Dec. 2003, 10). Jesus “went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).

• His Sacrifice Showed His Love for His Father and for Us

“For the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do. …

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

Quote - Service

"Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; frustration may be a constant companion. In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, “You cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. You haven’t time to be concerned for others.” Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehoods and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord."

--Thomas S. Monson,, "Finding Peace", Ensign, Mar. 2004, 3

E-mail from Sister Annalee Little

How are you guys?! Malaysia feels like a dream...that it was so long ago, but it really wasn't. We miss you all and that little branch. Such a loving group of people. What's the update of folks? Game night at the McKinley's? The missionaries? I'm sure a lot has changed. I saw that Elder Maddox is home now. He is posting stuff on facebook every day, so I assume he's home :)

All is well here. We are now in Texas, believe it or not. I seriously never thought I would travel so many places...and definitely not in my first year of marriage. We're just finishing up this training for Jeremy's work. I'm taking leave from my work. We'll return late June and be there for one month. I'll finally finish working at my job and we'll take off for Vienna on July 19th. We'll be there for a month. Hopefully, by that time, Jeremy will have a new job and we will be able to settle down in one place for a season. The pressure is on though. We're trying to find work for him and feel a little stressed about getting one and being ok financially. Everything always works out though. It's just a little different when you're married. More people involved.

We're headed to Utah today for Jeremy's brother's wedding tomorrow. It's his last sibling to get married - the oldest of 7. He's 31 and we're really happy for him. I'll stay an extra week with my parents and siblings. I'm really excited to be with them.

Much love,

Annalee

Cebu City Philippines Temple

Exterior

Exterior At Dawn

Spire With Angel Moroni

Entryway

Waiting Area

Baptistry

Sealing Room

Location: Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines

The temple’s exterior is faced with mountain grey granite from China. Interior stone is from Italy and Greece. The spire rises 140 feet and is crowned with a gilded statue of the angel Moroni, who is significant to members of the Church for his role in the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The interior features beautifully grained sapele mahogany from Africa. Several native flowers are used in patterns of fabric and the decorative art painting. The most widely featured motif is the pearl, harvested throughout the Philippines and reflective of scriptural references to pearls and their symbolic value. Two large paintings were commissioned for the temple by Philippine artist Adler Llagas. Most of the furniture was also produced locally from Philippine mahogany.

Best Ever Banana Bread

For an intense banana flavor, use bananas that have speckled dark peels. For a milder flavor, use ripe bananas whose peels are still yellow.

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 to 3 medium)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine eggs, bananas, oil, buttermilk and vanilla. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Fold in nuts. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 325* for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan to a wire rack.

Yield: 1 loaf

-Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Note: Sister Tobi also sprinkles chocolate chips on the top.

And Upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit

The second general Relief Society president, Eliza R. Snow, said this to the sisters: “We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones. In an organized capacity we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves, and whether few or many come forward and help to prosecute this great work, they will be those that will fill honorable positions in the Kingdom of God. … Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.”

(To read the entire talk, click here)

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy

Scriptures

• The Scriptures Are Available to Us Today

When the Lord’s servants speak or write under the influence of the Holy Ghost, their words become scripture (see D&C 68:4). From the beginning, the Lord has commanded His prophets to keep a record of His revelations and His dealings with His children. He said: “I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written” (2 Nephi 29:11).

• The Bible

Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord has expanded our unhe derstanding of some passages in the Bible. The Lord inspired the Prophet Joseph to restore truths to the Bible text that had been lost or changed since the original words were written. These inspired corrections are called the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. In the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible, selected passages from the Joseph Smith Translation are found on pages 797–813 and in many footnotes.

• The Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon into English through the gift and power of God. He said that it is “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (introduction to the Book of Mormon).

• The Doctrine and Covenants

This book contains the revelations regarding the Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored in these last days. Several sections of the book explain the organization of the Church and define the offices of the priesthood and their functions. Other sections, such as sections 76 and 88, contain glorious truths that were lost to the world for hundreds of years. Still others, such as sections 29 and 93, shed light on teachings in the Bible. In addition, some sections, such as section 133, contain prophecies of events to come. God has commanded us to study His revelations in this book: “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled” (D&C 1:37).

• The Pearl of Great Price

The Pearl of Great Price contains the book of Moses, the book of Abraham, and some inspired writings of Joseph Smith. The book of Moses contains an account of some of the visions and writings of Moses, revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. It clarifies doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and gives added information concerning the Creation of the earth.

• Words of Our Living Prophets

In addition to these four books of scripture, the inspired words of our living prophets become scripture to us. Their words come to us through conferences, theLiahona or Ensign magazine, and instructions to local priesthood leaders. “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9).

• Studying the Scriptures

If we desire to avoid the evils of this world, we must feed our minds with the truth and righteousness found in the scriptures. We will grow closer to God and to each other as we read and ponder the scriptures together.

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

My New Life

The Mother of an Apostle: Alice Holland Teaches by Example

In a statement he provided to The Spectrum & Daily News, Jeffrey Holland writes: "Every child deserves to have an Alice Holland for a mother. If that were possible, there would be a lot more happiness and security in a child's world, and a lot less fear and failure. My parents gave me an ideal childhood filled with confidence and support, with my mother as the centerpiece and anchor of our home.

"In the language of our times, she was literally 'always there for me' - always home, always caring, always encouraging. Like Abraham Lincoln said of his formative childhood, 'All that I am I owe to my angel mother.' I suppose every child thinks his or her mother is 'the best ever,' but I am sure mine is."

Prioritize pursuits, Sister Beck says

"We have to know what our responsibilities are and how to fulfill those," Sister Beck said. "We know that as women of God, this is a time that we need an increase of faith and personal righteousness."

Temple attendance, prayer, daily scripture study, making and keeping covenants, missionary work, visiting teaching and service are some of the essentials Sister Beck shared.

Although the nice-to-do things add variety and light to life, they are not the things that save, Sister Beck said. "Remember, influence and power come when we prioritize correctly."

(To read the entire article, click here)

Prophets of God

• Prophets Are God's Representatives on the Earth

A prophet may come from various stations in life. He may be young or old, highly educated or unschooled. He may be a farmer, a lawyer, or a teacher. Ancient prophets wore tunics and carried staffs. Modern prophets wear suits and carry briefcases. What, then, identifies a true prophet? A true prophet is always chosen by God and called through proper priesthood authority (see Articles of Faith 1:5).

• Through the Ages God Has Called Prophets to Lead Mankind

There have been prophets on the earth since the days of Adam. Experiences of these great men excite and inspire us. Moses, an Old Testament prophet, led thousands of his people out of Egypt and slavery to the promised land. He wrote the first five books of the Old Testament and recorded the Ten Commandments. Nephi, a Book of Mormon prophet, journeyed from Jerusalem to the Americas 600 years before the birth of Christ. This great leader and colonizer gave us many important writings in the Book of Mormon. John the Baptist was chosen to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Joseph Smith, a latter-day prophet, the Lord restored the Church. Joseph Smith also translated the Book of Mormon while a young man.

• We Have a Living Prophet on the Earth Today

We have a prophet living on the earth today. This prophet is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has the right to revelation for the entire Church. He holds “the keys of the kingdom,” meaning that he has the authority to direct the entire Church and kingdom of God on earth, including the administration of priesthood ordinances (see Matthew 16:19). No person except the chosen prophet and President can receive God’s will for the entire membership of the Church. The Lord said, “There is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred” (D&C 132:7). The President of the Church is assisted by his counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve, who are also prophets, seers, and revelators.

• We Should Sustain the Lord's Prophet

We should follow his inspired teachings completely. We should not choose to follow part of his inspired counsel and discard that which is unpleasant or difficult. The Lord commanded us to follow the inspired teachings of His prophet:

“Thou shalt give heed unto all his [the prophet’s] words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

“For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith” (D&C 21:4–5).

• Great Blessings Follow Obedience to the Prophet

If we obey, the Lord promises, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory” (D&C 21:6). When we do as our prophet directs, blessings pour down from heaven.

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

An Angel to Watch Over Me

Quote - Service

"Service makes us strong in our faith and useful in His kingdom. Service gives us purpose and courage in life. It brings us closer to God and helps us refine our divine nature. It teaches us to love and understand our fellowmen, and it helps us forget about our personal desires, eliminating selfishness, pride, and ingratitude. It teaches us to think of the needs of others, which allows us to develop the virtues that the Savior possesses."

--Carlos H. Amado, "Service, a Divine Quality", Ensign, May 2008, 35–37

Testimony of the Book of Mormon