Sometimes when unexpected things happen or our lives take a difficult turn it can be hard to see the hand of the Lord in our lives. At the beginning of 2019 we were directed as a church to begin studying the scriptures more at home with our families as part of a home centered church supported curriculum that was released. And now, after having a little over a year to practice it we are all now in a situation to really apply what we’ve learned. I’m excited and amazed over and over at how the Lord directs us and His church.
Many of us are worried about what is to come and that is ok. But please turn to the Lord in prayer. Pour out your worries and concerns to Him and then do your best to trust that He is in control and listen for His voice. President Thomas S. Monson in October 2013 general Conference said
Our Heavenly Father, who gives us so much to delight in, also knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass. We know that there are times when we will experience heartbreaking sorrow, when we will grieve, and when we may be tested to our limits. However, such difficulties allow us to change for the better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches us, and to become something different from what we were—better than we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we were, with stronger testimonies than we had before.
This should be our purpose—to persevere and endure, yes, but also to become more spiritually refined as we make our way through sunshine and sorrow. Were it not for challenges to overcome and problems to solve, we would remain much as we are, with little or no progress toward our goal of eternal life.
We have been directed to bless and pass the sacrament in our own homes where possible. This is under the direction of local Stake Presidents and Bishops. I expect that this will be a very beautiful and intimate experience for those with priesthood in their homes whpo are able to bless the sacrament. We hope that it can help you each feel even closer to the Lord in this time of uncertainty.
For those who do not have a worthy priesthood holder in the home and who are under stay at home orders as we are her in Michigan it is useful to read the sacrament prayers and ponder the covenants which you have made. Renew your commitment to the covenants which you have made.
Please try to make this a sacred experience by dressing in your Sunday Clothes, singing a hymn and saying a prayer before the sacrament is blessed and passed. Be sure to say the words of each sacrament prayer exactly as written in D&C20:77 and 79 replacing the word water for wine. The church website has a nice outline for making your Sacrament time special. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/family-guidebook/holding-worship-services-at-home-for-families-in-isolated-areas?lang=eng
And finally, here are the words of our beloved prophet from just a few days ago.
My dear friends, our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ know us, love us, and are watching over us. Of that we can be certain.
These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways.
So, during these uncertain times, be comforted by this promise from the Savior. He said, “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say.” I promise you that joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear Him and obey His laws.
I love you. I pray for you. And I promise that you will receive comfort and peace as you continue to hear Him.
Keep Up the Study
I wanted to share some of my favorite resources for studying the Come Follow Me material. There are more but these have been super helpful to me and they are also very trustworthy sources of information. I have read the Book of Mormon so many times and I can’t believe how many a-ha moments I’ve had just in the last 3 months. I hope these resources can be helpful to you too.
Come Follow Me Manual
If you go to the Church Website Come Follow Me page there are ideas for teaching all ages including adults. There are a ton of resources including the manual
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/come-follow-me
@Comefollowme365 – reading schedule broken down for each week https://www.instagram.com/comefollowme365/
@comefollowmedaily – beautiful art with daily insights into the reading for the day https://www.instagram.com/comefollowmedaily/
@dontmissthisstudy – this is supplemental to the YouTube videos that Emily and David do each week https://www.instagram.com/dontmissthisstudy/
YouTube
Don’t Miss This – Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler, both Deseret Book authors, share a weekly video with an overview of the chapters for the week. They don’t cover everything but there are some great things each week I never thought of before. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDM4cG9T5jvdV3SeHT6ILCw
Book of Mormon Videos – New videos produced by the church. These videos are high quality and very helpful. https://www.youtube.com/user/mormonLatvian
Come Follow Me Daily – same as the Instagram one but on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/comefollowmedaily/
Always Choose Charity 