Life's Journey To Perfection: Come, Follow Me 2021 Doctrine and Covenants 12 and 13; JSH 1:66-75

Come, Follow Me 2021 Doctrine and Covenants 12 and 13; JSH 1:66-75

Last week we were introduced to the Prophet Joseph Smith's, brother Hyrum. What I loved about the revelation given to Hyrum, is that the Lord knowing Hyrum's eagerness to participate in the Lord's work, asked of him to do something that is often hard. He asked him to be patient and while being patient to prepare. I loved this, because it has been my experience that many times throughout our lives we too will need to be patient and during that time prepare. The Lord has a great work for each of us to do. Preparation helps us to be better instruments in the Lord's work.

This week, we will learn about Joseph Knight Sr. and his desire to also participate in the Lord's work. We will also study the sacred experience of the restoration of the Priesthood. What a marvelous experience this must have been for both Joseph and Oliver Cowdery!

Throughout this blog post you will find images I create daily, which I am offering as free printables. As well as insights and links to resources to help with individual, family and even class room study. Remember to check back throughout the week as more printables and resources are added daily.

Day 1:

I love this quote. It made me think of all of the good people I am acquainted with! I have fabulous neighbors from all kinds of religious backgrounds and I would say that each of them are fabulous examples to me of goodness and kindness. 

I have kiddos in three different schools this year and so I get to be acquainted with so many people in the PTA/PTO. All of which have hearts of gold and give so much of themselves to uplift the teachers and students in the schools. 

For me I believe this quote to be true, that “people generally want to do good”.  
 I believe that it is the light of Christ within us. 

In this week’s study we learn about a person who truly was a great example of someone who wanted to do good, Joseph Knight Sr. I loved that in the revelation the Lord gave him through the Prophet Joseph Smith was, “Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.” (D&C 11:6) His desire was to know what his role was in the work. I love this response because it is pertinent to each of us. We too are asked to keep the commandments and establish the cause of Zion. 

Joseph Smith said this of the cause of Zion, “The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; … they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; … we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day glory.

Anyplace where the Saints gather is Zion, which every righteous man [and woman] will build up for a place of safety for [their] children. …

…The time is soon coming, when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 186)” 

As we keep the commandments, develop those Christlike attributes and seek to do good, we are participating in that great cause of Zion. 

Here are the links:

Being “Anxiously Engaged”

Establishing the Cause of Zion

Here's a great Podcast! Follow Him Episode 7 Part 1

Day 2:

I love that this week we are studying the beginning of the restoration of priesthood keys, power and authority to the earth in this last dispensation. ♥️ That John the Baptist, appeared to Joseph and Oliver, calling them his “fellow servants” and conferring the priesthood of Aaron upon them. All because they had a question and they asked of God in faith.

As I was studying today, I found an amazing resources in the Teachings of Joseph Smith, that teaches about the priesthood. I have already learned so much in just the little bit I’ve read. I love that Joseph states that the priesthood is an everlasting principle.

In October 2019, Women’s session of General Conference, President Nelson said this to the sisters of the church, “I entreat you to study prayerfully all the truths you can find about priesthood power.” It is a beautiful talk!! One that I feel like I need to re-read and study. As well as, devote more effort into studying more about priesthood power!

I am so incredibly grateful that priesthood power, authority and keys have been restored to the earth. My life has been incredibly blessed and enriched because of the priesthood!

Here’s the link to President Nelson’s talk, if you would like to join with me in studying it:

Spiritual Treasures

Here’s the chapter on the priesthood in Teachings of Joseph Smith, it’s so good!

The Everlasting Priesthood

Here is also a link to a great podcast: Don't Miss This Episode 7

Day 3:

Tonight, as I was studying about the Aaronic priesthood and the ministering of angels, I came upon a wonderful talk by Dallin H Oaks, that really helped me understand things so much better!

Isn’t it wonderful to know that because the Aaronic priesthood was restored, one of the blessings that it opens the door to is the ministering of angels!

I know that on the other side of the veil, God’s angels stand ready and willing to minister unto us with love.

I have felt that ministration of love at times in my life. ♥️ It is comforting and even empowering to know the help that we often probably receive, without really even knowing or recognizing it.

I really just loved the talk by Dallin H Oaks and encourage you to add it to your study this week. It really helped me to better understand the correlation between the Aaronic priesthood and the ministering of angels! Here’s the link:

The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament

Here is another amazing Podcast: Real Talk

Day 4:

I seriously feel like I discovered a gold mine of information and every member has access to it! Have you ever read the “Priesthood Principles” section of the General Handbook?!? It is the best! I love it’s simple and clear explanations of Priesthood Authority and Priesthood Power!

I am grateful for this resource and a prophet who has invited us to better understand the priesthood and how to access its authority and power.

Covenants and the priesthood go hand in hand! In this week’s study we learn about John the Baptist conferring the priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey. They immediate after went and performed the ordinance of baptism, which is accompanied with a covenant with God.

Each member of my family has made those sacred baptismal covenants and each week we have the opportunity to renew them. I love this quote from the handbook (3.6), “All Church members who keep their covenants—women, men, and children—are blessed with God’s priesthood power in their homes to strengthen themselves and their families (see 3.5). This power will assist members in doing God’s work of salvation and exaltation in their personal lives and families (see 2.2).” The priesthood is the power of God! As we keep our covenants we can have access to the power. Isn’t that just wonderful.

I discovered tonight, that it’s something we need to have more discussions on as a family. I noticed with my own children when I said the word priesthood, they automatically correlated it with the ordinances, offices and keys of the priesthood. But the priesthood is so much broader. Take a moment this week and read through section 3 of the General Handbook. I particularly loved learning about priesthood authority and priesthood power ♥️♥️♥️

I’d love you to share your insights you gained as you read this section.

Here's the link: Priesthood Principles

Day 5:

I love learning about the Holy Ghost!! I love that in our study of Joseph Smith History this week, we read about how after Joseph and Oliver were baptized they felt the spirit! Joseph said they, “were filled with the Holy Ghost” (JSH 1:73) They said that their minds were enlightened and they were able to better understand the scriptures.

In thinking of my own life, there is no doubt in my mind, that the Holy Ghost helps me as I am trying to study the scriptures and apply them into my life. When I learn things the Holy Ghost also witnesses to me of their truthfulness. He also has prompted me or directed me to where my Father needs me.

A question we might ask ourselves is, what are we doing each day to listen for those promptings of the Holy Ghost? Those nudges of the spirit. Maybe nudges of things we need to be doing. Or ideas that come to mind. Maybe it is someone, a name, a person that comes to mind, someone you need to be that ministering angel to. All I know is, that when the spirit speaks me I need to be listening and promptly act. I would hate to miss out on being a part of the Lord’s work because I postponed a promoting or was distracted and not listening. I probably have at times, which just makes me sad and more desirous to be ready and willing. ♥️♥️

Here’s a great talk where I found President Monson’s quote. Who by the way, was a wonderful example of someone who acted upon promptings of the spirit.

Learning to Hear and Understand the Spirit

By David M. McConkie

Remember to check back throughout the week. You could also follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Here are some past Sharing Times, that would work great for family discussion or to help will primary lessons: