Attributes of Christ

Christlike Attributes

Blazzardjh@churchofjesuschrist.org (801) 592-9740

Blazzard Fall 2025

Week 1 CREATIVITY 

Sept 15

CONSECRATION, Availability – “Our Heartfelt All” Elder Uchtdorf

Sept 17

CHARITY & LOVE – “Legacy of Encouragement” Elder Eyring

Sept 22

CONFIDENCE – “Confidence in the Presence of God” Pres Nelson

"Covenant Confidence" -Elder Soares

Sept 24

CONSISTENCY – “Just Keep Going-With Faith” Carl B. Cook

Sept 29

COURAGE – “Courage to Be a Follower of Christ” Elder Kyungu

Oct 1

DETERMINATION – “Choose to Believe” Elder Clayton

Oct 6

ADAPTABLE – “Jesus Christ is the Treasure” Elder Renlund

Oct 8

FORGIVING – “Beauty for Ashes: The Healing
Power of Forgiveness” Kristin Yee

Oct 13

GRIT – “Perseverance” Elder Faust

Oct 15

JOYFULNESS – “Welcome to the Church of Joy” Elder Kearon

Oct 20

OBEDIENCE – “O Youth of the Noble Birthright” Wilcox

Oct 22

OBSERVANT – “Seeing More of Jesus Christ in Our Lives” Tracy Browning

Oct 27

PATIENCE – “Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions” Tracy Browning

Oct 29

PEACEMAKER – “Peacemakers Needed” Pres Nelson

Nov 3

RELIABILITY – “True Disciples of the Savior” Elder Vinson

Nov 5

BELONGING & HOPE – “God’s Favorite” Elder Hirst

Nov 10

SELF-MASTERY “Giving Our Spirits Control Over Our Bodies” Elder Ballard

Nov 12

TEACHER – “Teaching in the Savior’s Way” Jan E. Newman

Nov 17

WISDOM – “We Will Prove Them Herewith” Elder Bednar

Nov 19

GRATEFUL – “An Attitude of Gratitude” Elder Monson

Nov 24

STRONG – “Then Will I Make Weak Things Become Strong” Elder Hamilton

Nov 26

MEEK – “Legacy of Encouragement” Elder Eyring

Dec 1

WILLING – “Are You Still Willing” Elder Pearson

Dec 3

 SELFLESS – “Aligning Our Will with His” Elder Soares

CHARITY

Moroni 7 uku song

30 … the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish (2 Nephi 26:30).

CHARITY Charity is more than love, far more; it is everlasting love, perfect love, the pure love of Christ which endureth forever. —Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Bible Dictionary

“Charity. The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ. It is never used to denote alms or deeds or benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive (1 Cor. 8:1; 13:1–4, 8; 13; 14:1. Cf. Moro. 7:47)” (p. 632).

President Ezra Taft Benson

“The process of adding one godly attribute to another, as described by Peter [in 2 Peter 1], becomes the key to gaining this knowledge that leads to eternal life” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 63; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 48).

Elder Marvin J. Ashton

“Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of being [critical or verbally abusive] repulsive.

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 24; or Ensign, May 1992, 18–19).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie

“Above all the attributes of godliness and perfection, charity is the one most devoutly to be desired. Charity is more than love, far more; it is everlasting love, perfect love, the pure love of Christ which endureth forever. It is love so centered in righteousness that the possessor has no aim or desire except for the eternal welfare of his own soul and for the souls of those around him. (2 Ne. 26:30; Moro. 7:47; 8:25–26.)” (Mormon Doctrine, 121).

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

“Stated simply, charity means subordinating our interests and needs to those of others, as the Savior has done for all of us. The Apostle Paul wrote that of faith, hope, and charity, ‘the greatest of these is charity’ (1 Corinthians 13:13), and Moroni wrote that ‘except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God’ (Moroni 10:21). I believe that selfless service is a distinctive part of the gospel” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 20; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 16).

Related Scriptures

See Matthew 5:46; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Colossians 3:12–15; 1 Peter 4:8; 2 Nephi 26:30; Alma 7:24; 34:29; Ether 10:32; 12:34; Doctrine and Covenants 18:19; 31:9.

Consider the following attributes of charity listed in Moroni 7:45–47:

• Suffereth long

• Is kind

• Envieth not

• Is not puffed up

• Seeketh not her own

• Is not easily provoked

• Thinketh no evil

• Rejoiceth in truth

• Beareth all things

• Believeth all things

• Hopeth all things

• Endureth all things

• Endureth forever

• 
  

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (1 Corinthians 13:4-13).

Gratitude

The greatest evidence of Gratitude in Ether 6?????

“Gratitude is deeper than thanks. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” —President David O. McKay

https://www.ted.com/talks/christina_costa_how_gratitude_rewires_your_brain?subtitle=en start at 6:45 for about 1 minute

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2009-11-0039-in-the-spirit-of-thanksgiving?lang=eng

FORGIVENESS

You can be a forgiving person and still set boundaries.

One of the hardest things the Lord asks us to do is forgive others.

“Of you it is required to forgive all [people],” He said in Doctrine and Covenants 64:10.

But what if the other person isn’t sorry? What if they still hurt us?

Forgiveness doesn’t mean things automatically go back to the way they were before. We should learn from our experiences. We can work toward forgiving someone and still feel prompted by the Spirit to stay away from them.

As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland put it, the Lord “did not … say, ‘In order to forgive fully, you have to reenter a toxic relationship or return to an abusive, destructive circumstance.’”1

So don’t be afraid to set some boundaries! That means saying no to activities and people who hurt you. Instead, say yes to those who inspire and build you up. You deserve kindness and respect.

Reconciliation-Holland

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/the-ministry-of-reconciliation?lang=eng

INTEGRITY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkmHvomu9wg

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/17gerard?lang=eng

Daniel and the Lions Den

Abinadi

Alma the Elder

Elijah

Nephi 3:7

Ether

Steven acts 7

2000 warriors

SMA

Samuel the lamanite

Joshua

Esther

Abish

Adam and Eve

COURAGE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_92mKlQOlk&ab_channel=StrivetoBe

How can I have Christlike courage and do something but not be self righteous or cowardice?

Humility isn't...

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/10/approaching-the-throne-of-god-with-confidence?lang=eng

What song brings you confidence?

Practice being humble....

whats something you're really good at? compliment your neighbor with it

Good Submissive phrases

"But if not"

"Straightway"

"What is good for Thee is good for me"

"Art thou greater than he"

"Not my will but thine"

Humility and Submissiveness

What topic is this under in Gospel library? (Humility but it sounds like confidence) 

"acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God....it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies." -https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/humility?lang=eng

Willingness

Surrender https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/trust-in-the-lord-2022-youth-album/i-surrender?lang=eng

yield

Meekness

GC recap:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p13Td7auHCk

“Christ says, ‘Give me All. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don’t want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. … Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked—the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.’” (CS Lewis, Mere Christianity, New York: Collier Books, 1960, p. 167.)

Willing to Submit Maxwell

Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father -NAM

Confidence

board: Where does your confidence come from... ?

Confidence is a learned skill that comes from a variety of factors...

• Belief in your abilities: Confidence comes from believing that you are capable, and you can build this belief by using your skills and talents. 

• Positive thinking: Having a positive outlook and reframing your self-talk can help you build confidence. 

• Preparation: Planning and preparing for new or difficult situations can help you feel more confident. 

• Authenticity: Being true to yourself, including your strengths, values, and passions, can help you build confidence. 

• Goal setting: Setting and meeting goals can help you feel competent and capable. 

• Social practice: Practicing in social settings can help you build social confidence. 

15 Min habit lds.org

How can you gain it?

Isaiah 32:17

Heb 10:35-36

Heb 6:10-12

Heb 3:14

1 John 3:20-22

D&C 106:8

D&C 121:45

D&C 123:17

D&C 124:112

DC 121:45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God;

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/12/young-adults/lets-talk-about-confidence?lang=eng#title1

How can you lose it?

Jacob 2:35

Mindfulness and State of Flow

Prayer

*Look at all the times Jesus prayed. Tag them...  my fav. Mark 1:35

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/welcome-more-peace-into-your-life?lang=eng

1. Find a quiet place.

2. Sit, stand, or lie in a comfortable position.

3. Gently close your eyes.

4. Breathe deeply and slowly—in through your nose and out through your mouth.

5. Notice the sounds around you. What can you hear? Don’t focus on any one sound, but let your awareness drift from one to another.

6. Next, focus on being aware of your body. Start with your toes and move to each body part until you get to the top of your head.

7. Continue to breathe slowly and deeply.

8. Whenever you are ready, open your eyes.

Talk------>Living in a fast paced world DFU

The vast amount of research built on his work has explored how the brain changes when entering a flow state in a way that minimizes distraction, maximizes productivity and performance, and eliminates procrastination.

A flow state of mind spontaneously arises when we become immersed in an activity so completely that we lose track of time. It has similarities with mindfulness because it requires focus in the present moment.

However, the defining feature of a flow state of mind is intense experiential involvement in an activity that requires personal effort and skill...

In 2005, Nakamura and Csikszentmihalyi interviewed rock climbers, chess players, athletes, and artists to investigate why people choose to perform time-consuming challenging tasks that offer no extrinsic rewards.

Their study reported that participants shared a similar subjective experience they enjoyed so much that they were willing to go to great lengths to experience it again (Nakamura & Csikszentmihalyi, 2005). Several respondents described a “current” (or flow) that carried them along effortlessly during the activity.

While research has primarily focused on the experience of flow within structured activities such as sports, education, and creative pursuits (Nakamura & Csikszentmihalyi, 2005), flow also contributes to a sense of wellbeing in other areas of life.

8 Optimal conditions for entering the flow state of mind

1. Challenge–skill balance is a powerful contributor to flow. As mentioned above, if a challenge is too demanding, we can become disheartened and even anxious. Conversely, if a task is too easy, we get bored. When we experience flow, we are actively engaged but not overwhelmed by a challenge (Csikszentmihalyi & Csikszentmihalyi, 1988).

2. Clear goals & unambiguous feedback (often from the activity itself) enable the continuous adjustment of our responses to meet the required demands of the task.

3. Action–awareness merging involves total absorption in the here and now such that the activity becomes second nature.

4. Concentration on the task at hand is characterized by focused attention that circumvents external and internal distractions.

5. Sense of control emerges that makes people feel they are unstoppable or like they can achieve anything (Csikszentmihalyi, 1993).

6. Loss of self-consciousness results in freedom from self-monitoring, which enhances intuitive engagement to help us achieve our goals with aplomb.

7. Transformation of time distorts our sense of the passage of time while being completely absorbed in the moment. We might experience time slowing down, speeding up, or as completely irrelevant (Hanin, 2000).

8. Autotelic experiences (from the ancient Greek autós, meaning “self,” and télos, meaning “result/outcome/end”) are performed for their own sake. They are intrinsically motivated behaviors that trigger the flow state (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).

Peacemakers needed

Peace-Breaking is when you stand on the side of ‘right’ and attempt to win an argument, while at the same time you lose the relationship. 

Peace-Faking is when you mistakenly accept an absence of conflict for real peace. Instead of confronting a problem or an offense, you overlook it. The problem is that there is still no real peace, just a calm that may not last.

Peace Making is when a peaceful, private confrontation is made with the purpose of restoring and maintaining the relationship. This should be approached with every effort to come to a peaceful resolution. Remember, your goal is to restore the relationship, not to win the argument. Humility is key because it requires that we set aside our rights, our passions and all of our selfish pride for the benefit of making peace.

peacemaking is not the absence of conflict, its not passive, its not appeasement, its not avoidance, its not withholding truth

Digital discipleship syllabus.docx WEEK 10

“As we develop faith in Jesus Christ, we should also strive to become like Him. We then approach others with compassion and try to alleviate unfairness where we find it;16 we can try to make things right within our sphere of influence… not throwing stones is the first step in treating others with compassion. The second step is to try to catch stones thrown by others… Join Him in His mission “to heal the brokenhearted,”28 strive to mitigate unfairness, and become a stonecatcher.29 “Infuriating Unfairness” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/25renlund?lang=eng

“Contention drives away the Spirit—every time. Contention reinforces the false notion that confrontation is the way to resolve differences; but it never is. Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.” -RMN https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/47nelson?lang=eng

 “The ideal place for … peace is within the walls of our own homes, where we have done all we can to make the Lord Jesus Christ the centerpiece.” - Elder Scott  

Peace is a prime priority that pleads for our pursuit. RMN

“How does a peacemaker calm and cool the fiery darts? Certainly not by shrinking before those who disparage us. Rather, we remain confident in our faith, sharing our beliefs with conviction but always void of anger or malice.6 … Peacemakers are not passive; they are persuasive in the Savior’s way.8

What gives us the inner strength to cool, calm, and quench the fiery darts aimed toward the truths we love? The strength comes from our faith in Jesus Christ and our faith in His words… President Russell M. Nelson once thoughtfully asked, “Cannot boundary lines exist without becoming battle lines?”20

We endeavor to be “peaceable followers of Christ.”21 Elder Anderson https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/15andersen?lang=eng

Words Matter -Rasband

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/41rasband?lang=eng

They are the bedrock of how we connect; they represent our beliefs, morals, and perspectives. Sometimes we speak words; other times we listen. Words set a tone. They voice our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, for good or bad.

Unfortunately, words can be thoughtless, hasty, and hurtful. Once said, we cannot take them back. They can wound, punish, cut down, and even lead to destructive actions. They can weigh heavily on us.

On the other hand, words can celebrate victory, be hopeful and encouraging. They can prompt us to rethink, reboot, and redirect our course. Words can open our minds to truth.

That is why, first and foremost, the Lord’s words matter.

Communication skills and resources

What one word defines a good communicator? What words specifically remind you of Jesus Christ?

Elder L. Lionel Kendrick of the Seventy taught: “Christlike communications are expressed in tones of love rather than loudness. They are intended to be helpful rather than hurtful. They tend to bind us together rather than to drive us apart. They tend to build rather than to belittle.

“Christlike communications are expressions of affection and not anger, truth and not fabrication, compassion and not contention, respect and not ridicule, counsel and not criticism, correction and not condemnation. They are spoken with clarity and not with confusion. They may be tender or they may be tough, but they must always be tempered.

“The real challenge that we face in our communications with others is to condition our hearts to have Christlike feelings for all of Heavenly Father’s children. When we develop this concern for the condition of others, we then will communicate with them as the Savior would. We will then warm the hearts of those who may be suffering in silence. As we meet people with special needs along life’s way, we can then make their journey brighter by the things that we say.

“Christlike communications will help us to develop righteous relationships and ultimately to return to our heavenly home safely. May we treasure the divine gift of communication, and may we use it wisely to build and to assist others on this marvelous journey through mortality.”

Bounce Back like a tennis ball

.58 sec in https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=S9DJjHuCVTk&si=so6ZqYpH-GkEB0TF

I'm good commercial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HK9DOXglzo&ab_channel=CommercialGuy03

notes: pivot, adapt, recalibrate

Matt 7 all he gives us is bread

D&C 90:24 "all things shall work together for your good" 

1 nephi 3:7 "He prepares a way.."

1 Peter 1:7 the trial is more precious than gold

Job 23:10 "come forth as gold"

D&C 122:7-9 "all things shall be for thy good"

2 Nephi 5:7 "journeyed for many days and pitched their tents"

Matt 4 Christ's resilience in temptation

Gen 39:9 (7-12)  Joseph  resisting temptation

D&C 6:34 "Do good, let earth and hell combine against you..."

Act 5:40-42 they departed rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ

1 Tim 6:12, 2 Tim 2:3 Fight the good fight... "Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ"

Isaiah 41:10 "I will strenthen thee and hold thee"

Ether 12:4 "with surety, hope for a better world"

Moroni 9:6 "labor diligently in this tabernacle of clay"

Adaptability, Resilience, Refining, Durability

“The Lord doesn't put us through this test just to give us a grade; he does it because the process will change us” (“Waiting on the Lord,” BYU speech, Sept. 30, 1990) https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/henry-b-eyring/waiting-upon-lord/

But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul. [2 Nephi 32:9]

"My friends, my fellow disciples on the road of mortal life, our Father’s beautiful plan, even His “fabulous” plan, is designed to bring you home, not to keep you out. No one has built a roadblock and stationed someone there to turn you around and send you away. In fact, it is the exact opposite. God is in relentless pursuit of you. He “wants all of His children to choose to return to Him,” and He employs every possible measure to bring you back.

Christ’s great atoning gift removes every roadblock of physical and spiritual death that would separate us from our eternal home...Everything about the Father’s plan for His beloved children is designed to bring everyone home.

..The intent of the Father’s great plan of happiness is your happiness, right here, right now, and in the eternities. It is not to prevent your happiness and cause you instead worry and fear. The intent of the Father’s plan of redemption is in fact your redemption, your being rescued through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, freed from the captivity of sin and death. It is not to leave you as you are." Elder Kearon https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/45kearon?lang=eng

Become Fleck of Gold 24:19-26:10  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuM66r_ZLnk&ab_channel=BYUSpeeches

Sister Kearon Surprise God! 2:08-8:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5S1GH8EaKg&ab_channel=BYUSpeeches

Types of Patience demonstrated by the Savior

Adaptive/overcoming/seeking

STEADY /CONSISTANT/

WAITING/WATCHING

Endure PERSISTENT - RELENTLESS PURSUIT

LISTENING TEACHING

LOVING / KINDNESS/ Forgiving

Cheerful- happy- Joyful

Present - Still- Yearning, calm

Resilient /Faith filled/confident

Emphatic, understanding and mindful

Timing and Planned

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Eccl 9:11 

Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.4

"If, for instance, we are always taking our temperature to see if we are happy, we will not be. If we are constantly comparing to see if things are fair, we are not only being unrealistic, we are being unfair to ourselves. Therefore, true enduring represents not merely the passage of time, but the passage of the soul—and not merely from A to B, but sometimes all the way from A to Z. To endure in faith and doeth God’s will (see D&C 63:20; D&C 101:35) therefore involves much more than putting up with a circumstance." https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1990/04/endure-it-well?lang=eng

Where do you turn for relief in the patience game?

https://padlet.com/jblazzard4/worth-it-wall-come-here-when-you-feel-worthless-578tkjdbl84bpyhw

What makes patience more painful?

Avoiding it, uncertainty, imposing your will over his, comparing, knowing it's part of the plan, over anaylizing it, picking it apart, not knowing why or what else, sitting with it, being reminded of it all the time, not knowing when, worlds standards, family expectations, outside pressure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654QGjYHlJY&ab_channel=TheChurchofJesusChristofLatter-daySaints

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nczw6xHJ0I&ab_channel=TheChurchofJesusChristofLatter-daySaints

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6wv46sKjFo&ab_channel=BYUSpeeches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00KugagsaKw&ab_channel=Ryan

Knowledge

Education and taking charge of you testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juWMDiHPif4&ab_channel=JakeBlazzard

An Expert Learner:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1978/07/the-brother-of-jared-an-expert-at-learning?lang=eng

Stand Forever:

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/lawrence-e-corbridge/stand-for-ever/

Knowledge

Truth enables us to see clearly because it is the “knowledge of things as they [really] are, and as they were, and as they are to come.”5 Knowledge is crucial to avoid deception, to discern between truth and error, and to see clearly and chart a course through the hazards of our day.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said:

Knowledge is necessary to life and godliness. . . . Knowledge is revelation. Hear, all ye brethren, this grand key: knowledge is the power of God unto salvation.6

People say, “You should be true to your beliefs.” While that is true, you cannot be better than what you know. Most of us act based on our beliefs, especially what we believe to be in our self-­interest. The problem is, we are sometimes wrong.

Someone may believe in God and that pornography is wrong and yet still click on a site wrongly believing that he will be happier if he does or he can’t help but not click or it isn’t hurting anyone else and it is not that bad. He is just wrong.

Someone may believe it is wrong to lie and yet lie on occasion, wrongly believing he will be better off if the truth is not known. He is just wrong.

Someone may believe and even know that Jesus is the Christ and still deny Him not once but three times because of the mistaken belief that he would be better off appeasing the crowd. Peter wasn’t evil. I am not even sure he was weak. He was just wrong.

When you act badly, you may think you are bad, when in truth you are usually mistaken. You are just wrong. The challenge is not so much closing the gap between our actions and our beliefs; rather, the challenge is closing the gap between our beliefs and the truth. That is the challenge.

...

The Divine Method

The divine method of learning incorporates the elements of the other methodologies but ultimately trumps everything else by tapping into the powers of heaven. Ultimately the things of God are made known by the Spirit of God, which is usually a still, small voice. The Lord said, “God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost.”14

...The best of all human conditions in this life is not wealth, fame, prestige, good health, the honors of men, security, or even—dare I say it—good grades. As wonderful as some of those things are, the best of all human conditions is to be endowed with heavenly power; it is to be born again, to have the gift and companionship of the Holy Ghost, which is the source of knowledge, revelation, strength, clarity, love, joy, peace, hope, confidence, faith, and almost every other good thing. Jesus said, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, . . . shall teach you all things.”17 It is the power by which we “may know the truth of all things.”18 “It will show . . . [us] all things . . . [we] should do.”19 It is the fountain of “living water” that springs up unto eternal life.20

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/how-do-i-develop-christlike-attributes?lang=eng#title4

Response Key: 1= never 2= sometimes 3= often 4= almost always 5= always

Faith

1. ___ I believe in Christ and accept Him as my Savior. (2 Nephi 25:29)

2. ___ I feel confident that God loves me. (1 Nephi 11:17)

3. ___ I trust the Savior enough to accept His will and do whatever He asks. (1 Nephi 3:7)

4. ___ I firmly believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ I can be forgiven of all my sins. (Enos 1:5–8)

5. ___ I have enough faith in Christ to obtain answers to my prayers. (Mosiah 27:14)

6. ___ I think about the Savior during the day and remember what He has done for me. (Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79)

7. ___ I have the faith necessary to help make good things happen in my life or the lives of others. (Ether 12:12)

8. ___ I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. (Moroni 10:3–5)

9. ___ I have enough faith in Christ to accomplish anything He wants me to do—even miracles, if necessary. (Moroni 7:33)

Hope

10. ___ One of my greatest desires is to inherit eternal life in the celestial kingdom of God. (Moroni 7:41)

11. ___ I am confident that I will have a happy and successful degree and/or job. (Doctrine and Covenants 31:3–5)

12. ___ I feel peaceful and optimistic about the future. (Doctrine and Covenants 59:23)

13. ___ I firmly believe that someday I will dwell with God and become like Him. (Ether 12:4)

FAITH AND HOPE AND OPTIMISM

Think Celestial

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/51nelson?lang=eng

ALMA 32

Ether 12

HEB 11

HEL 5

MOR 7

ENOS

D&C 121

TWO KINDS OF FAITH IN CHRIST

President Russell M. Nelson: “Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life.  All things are possible to them that believe” (Mark 9:23 – ‘Jesus Said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’) Your growing faith in Him will move mountains – not the mountains of rock that beautify the earth but e mountains of misery in your lives.  Your flourishing faith will help you turn challenges into unparalleled growth and opportunity.” ‘Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains’, C.R. April 2021

 President Boyd K. Packer: “There are two kinds of faith. One of them functions ordinarily in the life of every soul. It is the kind of faith born by experience; it gives us certainty that a new day will dawn, that spring will come, that growth will take place. It is the kind of faith that relates us with confidence to that which is scheduled to happen…There is another kind of faith, rare indeed. This is the kind of faith that causes things to happen. It is the kind of faith that is worthy and prepared and unyielding, and it calls forth things that otherwise would not be. It is the kind of faith that moves people. It is the kind of faith that sometimes moves things…It comes by gradual growth. It is a marvelous, even a transcendent, power, a power as real and as invisible as electricity. Directed and channeled, it has great effect.”  © By Intellectual Reserve, Inc., used with permission.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “[There] is a level of faith that consists of spiritual assurances and that produces good works, most especially obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel.  This is a true faith in Christ…There is, however, a level of faith that not only governs our behavior but also empowers us to change what is and to make things happen that otherwise would not happen.  I am speaking of faith not only as a principle of action but also as a principle of power.” Building Faith in Christ, Ensign, Sept. 2012

Elder Neil L. Andersen“There is a power that can cause things to happen that need to happen.  There is a spiritual force that can stir a mortal soul toward the spiritual, motivating deeper study into the Book of Mormon and more prayer with real intent.  Faith is a power, and it can cause things to happen that need to happen.  It can cause a soul who is good but dormant to awaken to God.” The Faith to Find and Baptize Converts, June 25, 2016, New Mission Presidents Seminar

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Faith is a strong conviction about something we believe—a conviction so strong that it moves us to do things that we otherwise might not do.” “Fourth Floor, Last Door”, C. R. Oct. 2016 

Elder Gene R. Cook: “Faithful Latter-day Saints will want to know how to use their faith to cause all things to work for their good (see D&C 90:24), to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:13, 14, 16-27), and to righteously prevail over self and others and situations (see 3 Nephi 7:17-18)…The simplest definition I know of faith is, ‘Faith is power’…Commit yourself in advance to what you righteously desire.  The righteous exercising of faith will bring it about.” Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, November 8, 1981

 Elder Hartman Rector Jr.: “Faith, the first principle of the gospel, begins with belief. What man can conceive, he can achieve. Believe you can do it…Expect a miracle. All too often we really don’t expect a miracle. We are not looking for it, and so don’t recognize it when it comes…This is the first important principle. All things are possible to them that believe (see Mark 9:23). Surely we must believe in a thing before we can desire it. And God does grant unto men according to their desire (see Alma 29:4). If the desire is strong enough, performance is assured.” Following Christ to Victory, April 1979

Joseph Smith: “Faith, then, is the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things” Lectures on Faith, Lecture First, 16,24

Moroni 7:26: “Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you.”

Moroni 7:33: “And Christ hath said:  If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me”.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “Preparatory faith is formed by experiences in the past—by the known, which provides a basis for belief. But redemptive faith must often be exercised toward experiences in the future—the unknown, which provides an opportunity for the miraculous. Exacting faith, mountain-moving faith, faith like that of the brother of Jared, precedes the miracle and the knowledge. He had to believe before God spoke. He had to act before the ability to complete that action was apparent. He had to commit to the complete experience in advance of even the first segment of its realization. Faith is to agree unconditionally—and in advance— to whatever conditions God may require in both the near and distant future.”

Preparatory Exacting, remdemptive

Born by Experience Growing, flourishing, nourishing, doing

Passive Active

Faith in "Him" Faith in "we"

Grounding, steady Stretching, exploring, discovery

Inward, roots Outward, branches, leaves

How can I stay positive with so many negative things in my life? Can revelation help strengthen my mental health? How do I push back the Darkness? How do I avoid bad thoughts and feel the Spirit more? How can I have more HOPE and FAITH in the future?

"Bad days come to an end." Elder Holland 

“I am optimistic about the future. It will be filled with opportunities for each of us to progress, contribute, and take the gospel to every corner of the earth. … If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation.Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again.” President Russell M. Nelson

“If I have learned anything in life, it is that we are to keep moving, keep trying—as long as we breathe! If we do, we will be surprised at how much more can still be done.” —Spencer W. Kimball

"Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. It is believing and expecting that something will occur. When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good. Hope helps you conquer discouragement." Preach my Gospel

"There will always be some seemingly intellectual crisis looming on the horizon as long as faith is required and our minds are finite, but likewise there will always be the sure and solid doctrines of the Restoration to cling to, which will provide the rock foundation upon which our testimonies may be built." Elder Tad R. Callister

"What I am suggesting is that you turn from the negativism that so permeates our modem society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom you associate, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically my wise father would say: "Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve...

This may be a difficult season for you. You worry much about your personal affairs. You worry about money. You worry about marriage. You worry about the future. There may be some lean days ahead for some of you. There may be troubles. None of us can avoid them all. Do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight through the clouds. Opportunities will eventually open to you...No matter the circumstances, I encourage you to go forward with faith and prayer, calling on the Lord. You may not receive any direct revelation. But you will discover, as the years pass, that there has been a subtle guiding of your footsteps in paths of progress and great purpose.

Some years ago I clipped an article on Commander William Robert Anderson, the man who first took a submarine under the North Pole from the waters of the Pacific to the waters of the Atlantic. It was an untried and dangerous mission. In his wallet he carried a tattered card with these words: "I believe I am always divinely guided. I believe I will always take the right road. I believe God will always make a way where there is no way" (Quoted in Look magazine, 20 April 197 1, page 48). Believe in yourselves as sons and daughters of God, men and women with unlimited potential to do good in the world. Believe in personal virtue. There is no substitute for it anywhere under the. heavens. Believe in your power to discipline yourselves against the evils which could destroy you. Believe in one another as the greatest generation ever yet to live upon the earth." (President Hinckley 2001 CES Fireside) https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2001-09-15/president-hinckleys-ces-fireside-remarks-112515

“Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.” ― Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Good Things to Come"

““God expects you to have enough faith and determination and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. In fact, He expects you not simply to face the future (that sounds pretty grim and stoic); He expects you to embrace and shape the future—to love it and rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities....God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go...."In the gospel of Jesus Christ, you have help from both sides of the veil, and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham's seed.”―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Created for Greater Things

James Porter: "One Saturday I was out for a morning run and noticed a large stand of daffodils in full bloom. I noticed how most of the flower heads were facing the same direction and suddenly remembered (and I believe this was a prompting from the Holy Ghost) about a principle of plant physiology that I had learned years ago called heliotropism. Heliotropism is the phenomenon whereby some plants and flowers turn toward the sun— S-U-N. As the sun moves across the sky, the plants gradually turn so that they are always facing it. I was able to use analogies of heliotropism in my talk to speak about “turning toward the Son—S-O-N.” https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/james-p-porter/receiving-and-recognizing-the-holy-ghost/

“Fighting through darkness and despair and pleading for the light is what opened this dispensation. It is what keeps it going, and it is what will keep you going....“I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are the Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?” ―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Created for Greater Things

"Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. You have more faith than you think you do.”―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "'Lord, I Believe'"

“I also believe that the adversary and his pinched, calculating little minions try to oppose such experiences and then try to darken them after the fact. But that is not the way of the gospel. That is not the way of a Latter-day Saint who claims as the fundamental fact of the Restoration the spirit of revelation. Fighting through darkness and despair and pleading for the light is what opened this dispensation. It is what keeps it going, and it is what will keep you going. With Paul, I say to all of you: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. [Hebrews 10:35–36] I acknowledge the reality of opposition and adversity, but I bear witness of the God of Glory, of the redeeming Son of God, of light and hope and a bright future. I promise you that God lives and loves you, each one of you, and that he has set bounds and limits to the opposing powers of darkness.” Elder Holland  ("Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence," Ensign, Mar. 2000).

“If for a while the harder you try, the harder it gets, take heart. So it has been with the best people who ever lived." ―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Inconvenient Messiah"

"So keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders Among You"

"Elder Rasband: "If we pay attention to the promptings that come to us, we will grow in the spirit of revelation and receive more and more Spirit-driven insight and direction. The Lord has said, “Put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good.”May we take seriously the Lord’s call to “be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.”He leads us by the Holy Ghost. May we live close to the Spirit, acting quickly upon our first promptings, knowing they come from God. I bear witness of the power of the Holy Ghost to guide us, guard us, and ever be with us." Let the Holy Spirit Guide, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/let-the-holy-spirit-guide?lang=eng

"In times of darkness, remember there is a difference between passing local cloud cover and general darkness...The tilt of your soul now can further shape all the days that follow! If you become too insulated, too encrusted, too self-contained, too self-concerned, those patterns will end up constraining you like invisible barriers and borders in the days and years ahead. Stretch. Reach for that kind of developmental discipleship that will take you beyond where you thought you could go. Isn’t it marvelous that, as happy as you have been in certain moments of your life, you know the happiest days lie ahead because of the hopefulness of the gospel? Isn’t it interesting that in the moments when you have felt most illuminated, nevertheless the brightest days still lie ahead? The blessings of the Lord can take you far beyond where you thought you could go." -NAM https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2001/02/jesus-the-perfect-mentor?lang=eng

Alma 32:40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life. 41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life. 42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet…ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst. 43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.

Elder Holland, Like a Broken Vessel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNqGqy5kbQ&t=625s

Follow up Grit score: https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-scale/

GRIT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8

Grit is growing from the past and sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years. Not accepting defeat but embracing the uncomfortable and failing over and over again to learn the price of success. It’s working really hard to make that future a reality!

Four common characteristics of grit

1. Courage (Josh 1:9, Romans 5:3-4, 2Tim 4:7-8)

2. Perseverance (James 1:2-4, HEB 12:1-3)

3. Resilience (Luke 21:19, James 1:22) 

4. Passion (2 Cor 12:8-10)

It’s living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Talent doesn’t make you gritty. It’s a growth mindset. Failure isn’t a permanent condition

Job 27:6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.

Grit is more focused on the end goal than outcomes

"Is progress halted when acceptance into a chosen major is denied, when enrollment in a required class is closed, when a desired job doesn’t come through, when that dream date doesn’t progress beyond friendship, or when the money hoped for isn’t there? Are we ever, for reasons that are hard to understand or beyond our control, faced with a set of circumstances that we did not have in mind for ourselves? In other words, what happens when we look in the box and the pink crayon just isn’t there? It is so easy to lock our knees, put our hands behind our back, and do nothing when things wished for and dreamed about are beyond our reach. But to do so would defy the very reason we are placed here on this earth. As hard as it sometimes is to understand, stumbling blocks are essential to our progression.

Remember what the Lord said: “If thou art called to pass through [some] tribulation . . . know . . . that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:5–7)." https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/janet-g-lee/knowing-persevere-change-direction/

Diligence & GRIT

47.  ___ I work effectively, even when I’m not under pressure or close supervision. (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–27)

48.  ___ I focus my efforts on the most important things. (Matthew 23:23)

49.  ___ I have a personal prayer at least twice a day. (Alma 34:18–27)

50.  ___ I focus my thoughts on Jesus and the end goal. (Doctrine and Covenants 4:2, 5)

51.  ___ I set goals and plan regularly. (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119)

52.  ___ I work hard until the job is completed successfully. (Doctrine and Covenants 10:4)

53.  ___ I find joy and satisfaction in my work. (Alma 36:24–25)

Galatians 5:21–22

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ....meekness, temperance...

2 Peter 1:3–8

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Alma 7:23–25 

23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

25And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:29, 40

29 Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

40 For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things.

Christlike Attributes

2:30

3.         Boldness 4

6.         Confidence7

8.         Consistency7

9.         Courage 4

19.       Faith4

21.       Forgiving 7

30.       Joyfulness5

39.      Patience5

40.      Peacemaker5

47.      Self- mastery2

49.      Sensitivity

50.      Servant2

51.      Sincerity2

53.      Teacher2

55.   Virtue3

56.   Wisdom3

Selfless -self sacrifice, Gods will, GC selfless, Matt 14, 3 Nephi 11:11, 3 Nephi 17:5-7, 1 cor 15, Matt 27, Mark 10

Time

Abilities

Physical

Feelings

Relationships

Desires of natural man

Power

Grace

Charity and love

Compassion

Obedience