Bundle up and go outside to enjoy God’s winter creations; take turns playing “I Spy” with your favorite things about winter, then describe afterwards why you love those things. Sing or think of the words to “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, p. 228).

D&C Lesson Helps from BYU Studies, Lesson 7:
(from “Confession in LDS Doctrine and Practice,” by Edward L. Kimball, BYU Studies Vol. 36.2)

In the Christian understanding, all are sinners (Rom. 3:23; Gal. 3:22); consequently, in order that all may be forgiven, repentance is one of the first principles of the gospel. A key element of repentance is confession: “By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them” (D&C 58:43). Accordingly, confession is one of the five steps of repentance outlined by Spencer W. Kimball:

1. Conviction of and sorrow for sin
2. Abandonment of sin
3. Confession of sin
4. Restitution for sin
5. Doing the will of the Lord

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INTRODUCTION:

Every journey begins somewhere, with a step, a thought, a desire, a commitment. The journey back into the presence of God, for mortals, begins with four first steps–we call them the first principles and ordinances. There are others to follow–how many we have no idea . Joseph Smith said:

“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843–44, p.348)

Today we will discuss the first steps on the ladder, and why they are first. We must lay this foundation so solidly that we will never have to worry about it again–then we can go on to the remainder of the journey.

“THEREFORE leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God . . . “(Heb. 6:1)

1. FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF THE GOSPEL.

In a stirring address given Sunday Morning, 8 October 2000, Pres. James E. Faust talked about the experiences of his life that...

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Young Women Lesson 7: "Homemaking"

There is eternal influence and power in motherhood.

In the Book of Mormon we read about 2,000 exemplary young men who were exceedingly valiant, courageous, and strong. “Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him” (Alma 53:21). These faithful young men paid tribute to their mothers. They said, “Our mothers knew it” (Alma 56:48). I would suspect that the mothers of Captain Moroni, Mosiah, Mormon, and other great leaders also knew.

The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).1 However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.

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Young Men Lesson 7: "The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel"

Through faith in Christ, we can be spiritually prepared and cleansed from sin, immersed in and saturated with His gospel, and purified and sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

My boyhood home in California was located relatively close to large orchards of apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, and other delicious fruits. We also lived near fields of cucumbers, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables.

As a boy I always looked forward to canning season. I did not like scrubbing the canning jars or working in our hot kitchen. But I did like working with my mom and dad. And I loved eating my work! I am sure I ate more fruit than ever made it into any of our canning jars.

My memories of time spent in the kitchen with Mom and Dad are stirred every time I see a bottle of home-canned cherries or peaches. The basic lessons I learned about temporal self-reliance and provident living while picking and canning produce have blessed me throughout my life. Interestingly, simple and ordinary experiences often provide the most important learning opportunities we ever have.

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