“Seek learning even by study and also by faith. (D&C 88:118)
“The acquisition of knowledge is a lifelong, sacred activity, pleasing to our Father in Heaven and favored by His servants.” (Dallin H. Oaks (Liahona, Apr 2009)
Instructions:
1. Complete three selections from any of the 2011 or 2010 experiences.
2. Complete the service project.
3. Fill out the evaluation form and give it to your Ward Relief Society President.
2011-2012 KNOWLEDGE PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPERIENCES
1. Revelation is communication from God to His children. Learn about the importance of personal revelation and the part it plays in gaining knowledge and understanding by reading "Ask, Seek, Knock" by Elder Russell M. Nelson (Ensign, Nov. 2009), and "Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets" Elder Robert D. Hales (Ensign, Nov. 2007). Think about what you must do to become more in tune with the Spirit and record your impressions in a journal. Create and write down a plan to become more in tune with the spirit and apply it daily for two weeks. Record your thoughts and feelings, paying special attention to your impressions of the Spirit.
2. In the November 1986 Ensign, President Boyd K. Packer stated,
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”
Memorize six of the Seminary mastery scriptures that you feel would help you to understand gospel principles or ordinances better. These can be found at Scripture Mastery List (http://www.ldstoday.com/archive/lds-resources/mastery.htm). If you would rather, you can memorize six of your favorite scriptures instead.
3. In your own home or other setting, plan and present a family home evening lesson about what your personal righteousness experience has taught you about the importance of knowledge, and the part personal revelation or being in tune with the Spirit plays in acquiring knowledge. You can work on this experience with a friend if you wish.
4. Do you know the origins of the King James Bible? Do you know how we came to have these scriptures available to us today? Read "A Bible! A Bible!" by Robert J. Matthews (January 1987 Ensign). Robert Matthews is a scholar and professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU. Then read "The Blessing of Scripture" by D. Todd Christofferson (Ensign May 2010). Elder Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches us that the purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son. Ponder how your life and the world around us would be different today without the Word of God in the scriptures to guide us. Journal your feelings or share them with a friend or family member.
5. Bear your testimony about what you have learned about Knowledge and the blessings received at a Fast Sunday Sacrament or Relief Society Meeting.
6. In April 2010 General Conference Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave instructions to the Priesthood brethren about blessings for the healing of the sick. He emphasized to the brethren that they must learn to use the priesthood power properly. Read "Healing the Sick" by Dallin H. Oaks and learn about Anointings, Blessings, Faith, and the Will of the Lord.
7. Design your own selection to help you learn more about Knowledge and apply what you learned to your daily life. (Please describe your selection on the evaluation form)
Service Project –
The Savior taught His disciples this important principle in Matthew:
“…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
There are many ways to give simple service to others. If you need ideas, your Relief Society President may know of service opportunities in the ward or stake. (No time measurement is given for this service project because service opportunities vary in length and intensity. Please use your judgement as a guide.)
_______________________________
2010 KNOWLEDGE PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPERIENCES
1. Look up the following words in the dictionary and record their meanings in your journal: knowledge, learn (learning) and understand (understanding). Learn about the importance of gaining knowledge by reading Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 4:7; 2 Nephi 28:30; and D&C 88:78-80, D&C 88:118; D&C 90:15; D&C 130:18-19; D&C 131:6; and “Seek Learning by Faith,” by David A. Bednar, Ensign, September 2007 and “To Acquire Knowledge and the Strength to Use it Wisely,” by Richard G. Scott, Ensign, June 2002. Think about why gaining continuing knowledge and understanding is important and about how gospel principles can be more effectively and consistently applied in your life. Write in your journal what you have learned and your thoughts, feelings and impressions. Discuss them with a family member, friend or leader.
2. Revelation is communication from God to His children. Learn about the importance of personal revelation and the part it plays in gaining knowledge and understanding by reading and studying Preach My Gospel - “How Do I Recognize and Understand the Spirit?,” pages 89-90; True To The Faith – section on Revelation; D&C 19:23; “Seek Learning by Faith,” by David A. Bednar, Ensign, September 2007 and “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence,” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, March 2000. Record what you have learned in your journal. Think about what you must do to become more in tune with the Spirit and record your impressions. Create and write down a plan to become more in tune with the spirit and discuss with a family member, friend or leader. Chose an action step from your plan and apply it daily for three weeks. Record your thoughts and feelings, paying special attention to your impressions of the Spirit.
3. Read completely one of the standard works (Old or New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants or The Pearl of Great Price). Pray for guidance and understanding before, during and after each reading session. Record your thoughts, feelings and impressions in your journal and discuss with a family member, friend or leader. Bare your testimony about what you have learned and the blessings received at a Fast Sunday Sacrament or Relief Society Meeting.
4. In your journal list talents you have and others you would like to develop. Read Matthew 25:14-30. Learn a new skill or talent that will help you care for your family (for example playing the piano, singing, budgeting or financial management, time management, prepare one new healthful & economical recipe a week, simple household repairs) or learn a new skill or acquire knowledge that will increase your value at work.
5. Complete a college course. If you can not physically attend school, BYU has both online courses and distance learning. There are also online courses available at Pierce, CSUN, UCLA and many other institutions of higher learning. Extension courses are also an excellent option. Note: Successful completion of this experience qualifies as a service project.
6. Attend and pass an Institute of Religion class. Note: Successful completion of this experience qualifies as a service project.
7. Memorize two of your favorite hymns from the hymnbook. Learn the correct conducting pattern for the hymns, and conduct them in family home evening, Relief Society or other meeting. Read the scriptures listed at the bottom of each hymn.
8. Read five new uplifting and inspiring books. Write about what you learned from each book and one new principle you can apply in your life to better serve your family and others.
9. Join and fully and consistently participate in one of the book clubs in the Stake or organize one. Follow the rules of good book club standards.
Service Project –
The Savior taught His disciples this important principle in Matthew:
“…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
There are many ways to give simple service to others. If you need ideas, your Relief Society President may know of service opportunities in the ward or stake. (No time measurement is given for this service project because service opportunities vary in length and intensity. Please use your judgement as a guide.)
The Savior taught His disciples this important principle in Matthew:
“…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
There are many ways to give simple service to others. If you need ideas, your Relief Society President may know of service opportunities in the ward or stake. (No time measurement is given for this service project because service opportunities vary in length and intensity. Please use your judgement as a guide.)
