Sis. Laraway taught our lesson today. It's always a treat to hear from her. I also enjoyed feeling like we had a "full house" in RS today. It was great to see so many faces!
Sis. Laraway taught from chapter 16 - Offer up thy sacraments upon my Holy Day.
God's commandment that we keep the Sabbath day holy is not a burden but a blessing.
Sis. Laraway talked about the importance of teaching our children about the Sabbath day. That it shouldn't be a day of dread of sitting and being quiet and things that we "can't" do. Instead make Sunday traditions. Things that you do on Sunday, things that they can look forward to. It should also "feel" like a different day.
Sisters shared some things that they do or remember about the Sabbath day. Sis Laraway said growing up that was the only day they had dessert so Sundays were certainly looked forward to! Sis. Griffin said they got Koolaid on Sundays :)
She went on to say that "We want church to a pleasant to be a pleasant experience for our kids."
In the manual is says, "Let us teach these boys and girls [of the Church] as they grow up to do
the things that the Lord would like to have them do on the Sabbath day,
and it will be surprising the influence they can have in the communities
that they live in.
Some people appear to think that if they have attended religious
meetings or performed some portion of the service required of them on
Sunday, they are then at liberty to pursue pleasures and engage in
activities incompatible with the spirit of the Sabbath and still
continue to enjoy the favor of our Father. I say to you that if the
members of the Church, knowing better, persist in desecrating the
Sabbath day in the pursuit of worldly pleasures, they will lose their
faith; and the Spirit of our Heavenly Father will withdraw from them.
Honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy, Latter-day Saints, and it will bring to you great joy ..."
Sis Laraway pointed out we are all in different stages. Be in tune to that. Let us not judge others. We all have years that are difficult to come whether it's because of small children or other circumstances.
Make the most of your Sabbath Meetings
The manual says, "It is not only the word that we hear that is profitable, but it is the
influence that pervades our houses of worship that comes from our
Heavenly Father that is essential. We may have a radio receiving set in
our home, but we will not benefit by it spiritually, as much as if we go
to the house of the Lord upon his holy day."
Sis. Laraway asked "What are the benefits of coming together on the Sabbath?"
Partake of the Sacrament Worthily & Renew our spiritual strength
That is the purpose of the Sabbath - to renew our spiritual strength.
"… I desire to call your attention to the fact that there is danger if we
do it [partake of the sacrament] unworthily. Before partaking of this
sacrament, our hearts should be pure; our hands should be clean; we
should be divested of all enmity toward our associates; we should be at
peace with our fellow men; and we should have in our hearts a desire to
do the will of our Father and to keep all of His commandments. If we do
this, partaking of the sacrament will be a blessing to us and will renew
our spiritual strength. …"
May Sundays be a day of joy and spiritual strength.
Thank you Sis. Laraway
- Sis. Pyrah