This chapter is filled with things we probably already know about our Savior, Jesus Christ. As you reflect on these doctrines, ask yourself how they affect your daily life. And how can you more effectively teach these doctrines to others, especially children?
Aubrey read many of the quotes from the lesson. As she read to us, sisters interjected their own thoughts. Here are some of the things we discussed:
-What is an advocate? A lawyer. He pleads your case before the judge. He is on your side, he is by your side. He sits next to you in the court room, not above you. He is not looking down on you and passing judgement on you. You feel braver with an advocate by your side. Being alone is scary.
-Pray to God to take your fear away and give you the strength to do your duty.
-Share your realizations about the gospel with your children. When your eyes are opened and you understand something for the first time, or in a new way, share your excitement, share your experience with others. They will feel your enthusiasm. We don't have to wait to see Christ in person to have our eyes opened to him and his truths.
Question: What day-to-day things do you do that help you to remember?
-Michelle Rackley: in family scripture study before school our children pick a picture of a scripture story from their box. After sharing the story, we write a commitment and sign our names to it. For example, "I can be like Peter today by choosing faith instead of fear." We put this statement on the fridge to look at throughout the day.
-Scriptures on our mirrors, pictures of the Savior in each room, inspirational words to read when we're in the bathroom, etc. All of these things can help us to remember the Savior throughout the day. One sister has had success with leaving her scriptures open on the counter in the kitchen. She can read a verse when she walks by, and think about it until she has time to read another verse. Another sister keeps a set of scriptures in the kitchen that she can study while she's microwaving something, waiting for people to gather for dinner, etc. In this way she has been able to read the Book of Mormon five times a year!
Ellen Fisher said that Lowell looks forward to the promise of being able to "stand" before the Lord. Aubrey remembered a seminary lesson in which the teacher tried to bring home the idea that this earth life is temporary, and has very different "rules" of experience than our eternal life. For instance, right now we can't remember our time with god in the pre-mortal realm. Right now we are buffeted by temptation and sin. Right now we get hurt and sick and die. These are just temporary parts of our earthly test. These will not be the way things are for eternity.
Sondra mentioned seeing the Fishers in the temple Thursday night. She said that when she moves slow enough to pay attention to the actions of those around her, she can see the spirit at work in their lives. Sitting back and observing Ellen helping Lowell is like seeing the Savior.
Brooke talked about reading in 3 Nephi when the righteous people are waiting for the sign of the Savior's coming. As a reader you know that he is just about to come, and you want to yell out to the people not to worry, he will be arriving soon. This reminded me (Andrea) of a friend that I am watching go through a very difficult time. I asked her if she knew that in three years, if she just could hold on and not give up, things would be better, would she stick it out? She said yes. If the Savior told you, just don't give up and in 24 days things will take a radical turn for the better, it might be easier to hang on for the 24 days. But it can be so hard to hang on one day at a time, not knowing when relief will come. Even if it is just around the corner, we can't see that. This lead into a discussion of the fact that when the gospel feels hard to live, it may be because we are not using the Atonement effectively. We don't have to hang on and hang on without help. Even if things are going to be hard for 24 more days, or three more years, or the rest of our lives on earth, we can have the Savior by our side each step of the way. We don't have to wait for his love and help, even as the trials continue on.
Aubrey read John 14:27 ("Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid"). She referred us to a talk given by Elder Maxwell ("Plow in Hope" April 2001 Conference address) in which he said to think of that verse as a commandment: "Let not your heart be troubled!"
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