Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

Today we watched some videos from what appeared to be a training meeting held by church leaders. It was very fascinating to hear from church leaders in a more relaxed environment than General Conference. Here are some of my notes from it:

Sabbath Day Observance 

• Elder Christofferson- Observing the Sabbath day helps us to become holier far better than any Church program could.
• Keeping the Sabbath day holy helps us to take the sacrament more seriously. 
• Elder Cook gave the advice to make Sunday traditions. 
• There aren't specific things to do; it's up to your family.
• Have a simple meal which everyone helps to prepare
• Discuss what happened at church
• Sing together
• Elder Bednar compared the Sabbath to the cool drink you have after working out in the hot sun. 
• Elder Christofferson reminded us that if we focus on Christ, our Sabbath day won't require a check list of things to do or not do-- we will be led to the things we should do. 
• Elder Ballard said that Christ did things on the sabbath that weren't traditionally done on that day. If we keep Him on our mind and thoughts, we will be led to do the right things. 
• Hold a family council to decide how to make the Sabbath more of a delight. 
• Alma 37:37

Reverence

• How can we improve reverence?
• Reverence is love. Have a vision of the future-- children should know and understand the meaning of the sacrament. 
• Come early enough to enjoy the music. 

Sacrament Meeting

• Elder Bednar said that the emblems of which we partake during the sacrament aren't just blessed, but sanctified. As we partake of them, they help to sanctify us. 
• Repentance doesn't usually happen during the sacrament-- we need to take full advantage of the whole week, the time before Sunday, to repent and get things right with the Lord. 
• The sacrament is like cleaning the temple; we don't clean the temple to get rid of the dirtiness, but rather to prevent it from ever getting dirty.