Come, Follow Me is a resource offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is designed to be used in the home to support personal and family scripture study to build faith in Heavenly Father and His plan of salvation and in the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Come, Follow Me is self-contained and adequate, when used properly. Products and materials designed to supplement this resource, though they may be helpful in some instances, are not necessary for a successful home study program.
Doctrine and Covenants 46-48: "Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts"
God has given spiritual gifts to bless His children.
From Come, Follow Me :
The early Saints believed in spiritual gifts but needed some guidance about their purpose. As you study about gifts of the Spirit using Doctrine and Covenants 46:7–33, ponder why it is important that you "always [remember] for what they are given" (verse 8)... Ponder what your spiritual gifts are—and how you can use them "for the benefit of the children of God" (verse 26). If you have a patriarchal blessing, it likely identifies gifts you have been given.
"Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost." (Marvin J. Ashton, There Are Many Gifts, October 1987 General Conference.)
What a Great Gift
Read the story of Sister Jennie Verl Keefer told by Marvin J. Ashton, in There Are Many Gifts. Discuss the story and Elder Aston's statement, "Generations yet to come will bless her name for what she has done. What a great gift have those who know how to care!"
Ponder those in your life, past or present, who have exemplified any of the gifts listed above. How has your life been blessed by these individuals? You may want to audio-record these experiences or record them in your journal. Bless the life of someone who has influenced you by sending a thank you note expressing your thanks and explain how they touched your life.
Spiritual Gifts
"Every person on earth has spiritual gifts or special talents from God. You can use your gifts and talents to bless your family, friends, and ancestors." My Spiritual Gifts at FamilySearch will help you discover some of the gifts you have been given. Discuss the gifts each of you as family members have received. ou may want to audio-record these experiences or record them in your journal. Decide one way in which you will better use a gift to bless others.
John Whitmer's calling to keep a history of the Church continued a long tradition of record keepers among God's people...In fact, the position of Church Historian and Recorder still exists today. Why do you think keeping a history is so important to the Lord?...Also consider what personal experiences you need to record. For example, what has the Lord taught you that you want preserved?
From Come, Follow Me :
How can you encourage your family to record their personal histories throughout the week? You could share some entries from your personal journal or share a story about an ancestor (see FamilySearch.org). Some families set aside a few minutes each week for everyone to write in their journals. You might provide some journal prompts, like "What happened this week that you would like your grandchildren to know about?" or "How did you see the Lord's hand in your life this week?" Young children could draw pictures of their experiences, or you could record them telling their stories. What blessings come from keeping a "regular history"? (verse 1).
Keep a Personal Journal
If keeping a journal seems a little overwhelming to you, you may decide to Keep a 30 Day Journal to start out. It may be easier to begin if you think about writing for just 30 days. A few steps to get started:
Set a goal to begin or resume writing your personal journal.
Obtain a journal. Another idea is to keep an online journal such as this one provided on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Write! Need some ideas of what to write about? Write about the funniest thing that ever happened to you, the saddest, the happiest, and the scariest, and document your amazing life.
At the end of the 30 days, read through your entries. What have you learned about yourself? How exciting is it to remember things you may have forgotten? Now, keep writing!
Keep a Journal My Way
"Family history is what happens to you every day. Making a record of your life will help you remember that God Loves you--on both the good and the bad days." Keep a Journal My Way from FamilySearch gives some ideas on how you can do this.
Doctrine and Covenants 48
From Come, Follow Me :
The Saints in Ohio were commanded to share their land with those who were moving to Ohio from the eastern United States. What can we share to meet the needs of others?
"And they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement to lay the foundation of the city; and then shall ye begin to be gathered with your families, every man according to his family, according to his circumstances…" (Doctrine and Covenants 48:6)
Land and property records often provide clues about direct ancestors and their immediate relatives. "Land records provide two types of important evidence. First they often document family relationships. Second, they place individuals in a specific time and place, allowing you to sort people and families into neighborhoods and closely related groups. One of land records' most important qualities is that they are sometimes the only records that distinguish one person of a common name from another." (Ancestry.com, Land Records)
Land and Property Records
"Land records are some of the most underutilized, yet most useful, records available in genealogy. Often, they are the only records which state a direct relationship between family members. They can also be used to prove relationships indirectly by studying the land laws in force at the time." (How to Find and Use Land Records for Genealogy)
Learn about land and property records for the various countries in The Family History Guide:
Note: President Nelson encouraged us to do the following for six months, but it may be a wonderful opportunity to carry this invitation through your study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year:
"As you study your scriptures during the next six months, I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. I think you will be astounded! Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life." (President Russell M. Nelson, Let God Prevail, October 2020 General Conference)
Suggestion for journaling this week: Find the promises in Doctrine and Covenants 46-48. Write or audio-record about their influence in your life, and share with your family.
