Life's Journey To Perfection: Come, Follow Me 2021 Doctrine and Covenants 71

Come, Follow Me 2021 Doctrine and Covenants 71–75 Resources and Insights,

This last week, we learned about the importance in trusting in the Lord's servants, that they are called of God. Yes, they are imperfect and make mistakes, that does not mean they are not called of God. We also discussed how this dispensation of time, the church has the fullness of the gospel, to prepare for the Lord's second coming.

This week, there are critics of the church and how the Lord will confound them in His own time. We learn a little bit more about bishops and their responsibilities. And we learn about the importance of proclaiming the Lord's gospel and how we will be given opportunities to do so.

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:

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to be with our youth at Trek. It was special, because each one of my boys were able to attend, so our whole family was there ♥️ I did a ukulele song & devotional yesterday to talk about it, but the video is a little bit too long to post in IGTV. So I’m working on it & will hopefully have it up tomorrow.

Tonight, we had our family discussion outside. It was great to shake up the scenery a bit. I loved this quote by Elder Cook at the beginning of the lesson for this week.

As we discussed a little bit about Ezra Booth, I thought about those who fall away from the church. I hold the gospel so dear to my heart and see the goodness it brings into my life, that it makes me sad when others fall away.

As I was thinking about it & I was pondering on Elder Cook’s quote. I thought about how important it is to keep a companionship with the Holy Ghost. Our testimony grows and is strengthened with that companionship.

During testimony meeting at trek my husband bore his testimony about how important it is to put ourselves in circumstances where our testimonies can be strengthened. Such as the youth attending trek. I’ve noticed that I’ve felt more of the Holy Ghost since trek. My testimony of my ancestors and the early pioneers has been strengthened. My testimony of the strength of our youth has been strengthened. My testimony of the Savior and His ability to strengthen us in our hardships has been strengthened. I agree with my husband, it is essential to give ourselves opportunities to feel the spirit. To do those simple things each day of prayer and scripture study. To attend our church meetings with a desire to learn by the spirit. To listen, watch and read those things that are uplifting and are a conduit for the spirit. And to remember those times when we have felt his presence and guidance in our life.

You can find that quote at the top of the Come, Follow Me lesson, here is also a link to his talk:

Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

DAY 2:

One thing that I just really don’t like is contention. I try to avoid it at all costs. Tonight, we discussed what to say and do when others criticize the church. I loved this quote & talk by Elder Hales! We are to respond in a way that invites the spirit of the Lord. In this week’s scripture study it talks of having faith and keeping the commandments. We discussed that one thing we can do is bear our testimony. I do believe that the spirit will guide us when we are placed in such circumstances and as we turn in prayer to our Heavenly Father.

Here is a link to that talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/christian-courage-the-price-of-discipleship

DAY 3:

What a responsibility… the calling of bishop is!! As I thought about bishops, as we studied and discussed as a family today, the thought came to mind, “how can I better support my bishop?”

I think we better support him as we are supporting the things he calls us to or asks us to do. By fulfilling our callings and attending and participating in our meetings, activities, etc!

We can also better support him, by cutting him some slack, by not judging or speaking ill of him. But rather see the good.

I’m grateful for each of the bishops I’ve had and all of the time and hard work they spend into serving the Lord!!

Have you thanked your bishop lately?!?

Here’s a link to a great talk:

“Bishop, Help!”

Day 4:

Tonight, we watched a movie as a family. The movie was about people who became divided and then had to learn to trust each other to become united again.

I really did like the message behind the movie. The desire to overcome differences and become one. It made me think of the building of God’s kingdom. In this week’s study, Joseph and Sidney were told to continue to preach the gospel. Even to diminish the unfavorable feelings that had risen against the church.

I’ve been listening to the leadership trainings. In them it speaks of the principles, Love, Share and Invite. How important these three things are in building God’s kingdom. I truly believe that love is an essential part of preaching the gospel, ministering and gathering God’s children on both sides of the veil. We can pray for that love. As we love others, we get to know them, we desire to serve them, we become friends and take on a part in each other’s lives.

If we love, then the sharing and inviting come more easy. Because we live the gospel everyday, it is a part of our lives and conversations. I recently had a friend who is not a member of our church ask me about my summer plans. I had told him that our family was going on trek. He was unfamiliar with what trek was. So we had a great conversation about looking up family names and doing things that would help us remember those ancestors and what they went through. It was not a weird or uncomfortable conversation, because we are friends and the gospel is just a part of my life, so it’s easy to talk about it.

The inviting, is easier too, because we love our friends and neighbors we want them to join us. We want to have them enjoy activities and socialize with us. We want them to hear us talk in sacrament meetings. We want to support each other in the things that are important to us. Plus, let’s be honest, we know how wonderful the gospel of Jesus Christ is, that we want those we love to have it in their lives a well!

Just as in the movie we watched, love and trusting each other and putting trust in our Savior, can bind us together. It can gather us to our Father. It can help us to overcome differences.

I love the quote I shared, here’s the link to the article I found it in:

A Simple, Natural Approach to Sharing the Gospel

Day 5:

I remember as a youth receiving some quotes from prophets. President Kimball with his “Every member a missionary” quote was one of them.

I believe that we each have been given gifts, talents and abilities that we can use to build our Father’s kingdom.

I love reading some of these older talks given by prophets of God. I love it, because I can literally see prophesies being fulfilled. In this talk by President Kimball, he speaks of inventions/scientific discoveries. He quoted David O McKay, “… discoveries latent with such potent power, either for the blessing or the destruction of human beings as to make men’s responsibility in controlling them the most gigantic ever placed in human hands. … This age is fraught with limitless perils, as well as untold possibilities.”

I have seen the good that can come from such inventions when they are used properly. I have seen testimonies strengthened, questions answered and people come unto Christ & accept His gospel. When we use all that He has given us, our talents & gifts, and the discoveries which make it possible for us to communicate with people from all around the world, the Lord will be in our midst and help us. It is His kingdom and we are so blessed, as we chose to participate in building it!!

Here’s the link to the talk:

“When the World Will Be Converted”

Day 6:

The instruction to not be idle, was given in this week’s study. Here are some thoughts. This life is about progression and becoming like our Father in Heaven & that only happens through work. Work is hard, it pushes us out of our comfort zone. But when we work hard for something we appreciate it more, we feel accomplished, we feel uplifted and inspired. This gospel is a gospel of action. We can’t just sit idly by and let life pass us by.

What things help you stay motivated?

Here’s a link to a great study guide:

“Neither Be Idle but Labor with Your Might”

Here are some activities and lessons that could go with this week's study: