Catching up on our blog posts :)

Brother and Sisters, we are super excited that so many of our stake members are engaged in reading the Book of Mormon.  If you are just getting started, keep at it!  If you've fallen behind, don't fret!  The promises are real: "Such simple acts of faith as studying the scriptures daily... shores up our weaknesses, increases our joys..." (Elder L Whitney Clayton, April 2017).

I'd like to share some thoughts and feelings from studying 2 Nephi 2:11, 12 and 25.  In this chapter Lehi is preaching and instructing his children regarding the plan of salvation and the need for opposition and agency.

Sometimes we get frustrated in life when our own unrighteous use of agency and others' unrighteous use of agency causes pain; we might even shortsightedly exclaim, "if only we didn't have to deal with these choices!"  Remember, that there was a plan that included no pain, no misery, no choice and everyone saved regardless...that was the adversary's plan and he asked for all the glory.  Rather, we elected Jehovah's plan, that we might all be able to choose right from wrong, to learn from our experiences and rely on Him (our Savior) to overcome our limitations...and all the glory to our Father in Heaven.  It is only through the Savior's plan/our Heavenly Father's plan that the requisite experiences and training needed for eternal progression and exaltation are given...freely but according to the principles of mercy and justice.

We can often feel frustrated, overwhelmed, under-qualified.  But that's part of the learning curve, the requisite experiences if carefully navigated that will indeed bring eternal joy.  That is our Heavenly Father's goal...and that was/is our goal when we sided with Christ in the pre-mortal existence.  Joy is not possible without opposition and agency.

Members of the Hunters Creek Stake...BE BRAVE!  Have faith and rely on the Lord.  Trust that as you follow gospel principles, that your weaknesses will be shored up and that your joy will be increased.  We love you!

-Stake Presidency      

11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.

12 Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God.

25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

Week 2: BOM Reading Challenge pgs. 15-28

Hello Friends,

For our family reading, we decided to continue our reading from where we were currently… rather than start over at the beginning (as it normally takes us way too long to complete and we were excited about where we were).  If you are reading somewhere in the Book of Mormon and don’t want to start over, just keep reading and try to make it back around to where you are now by Christmas.  

We are currently in the beginning of 3rd Nephi.  I really love this part.  The Laminates and Nephites are actually working together at this time to defeat the Gadianton robbers.  Their wise Governor, Lachoneus, makes a wonderful move and appoints Gidgiddoni as the chief Captain.  The people have a tradition (when they are righteous) of choosing for their “Chiefest” of Chief Captains a man who had “the spirit of revelation and prophecy” (3 Nephi 3:18).   This Gidgiddoni must have been a spiritual man.

Upon Gidgiddoni’s recommendation (3 Nephi 21),  Lachoneus has all the people of the land collect everything they own (family, flocks, provisions) and gather together in one geographic location.  Leaving their homes, fields, work, and normal lives…  In some ways this sounds like an exciting event (like a ward campout with everyone who isn’t a robber).  Logistically it was probably a real nightmare.  I have to remember, they were in fear of their lives and I’m sure it wasn’t anything like what I have in my head.  It says later that they had provisions for up to 7 years!  Imagine that!

Rucker camping - took two trips to get our provisions for 3 days.   More like "glamping" I guess... (sigh...)

My son, the avid RISK gamer, isn’t too sure about the success of this plan. He thinks it will be too easy for the Gadianton robbers to come down and wipe them out.  I won’t spoil the ending for you or my son… keep reading...

What I continue to learn is this… When I really stop and ponder, I’m caught up in the story and the scriptures come alive for me for a while.  My family and I see such parallels to our day and even see strategy we can use to combat our own struggles.  I really love that we are reading the Book of Mormon as a “stake” group.   We usually do better together as a group when we are all focused on something good.  I think that must be why we are continually asked to gather together.  Sunday meeting, weekdays youth nights, home teaching, FHE, youth conference (pic below) the list goes on…  We find strength when we are feeling alone or find ourselves strengthening others in need.  I know many times when I gather with the saints and friends, I leave feeling uplifted, recharged, and blessed.  

Hunter's Creek Stake Youth Conference 2016

Even if we are virtually gathering on this blog, we can feel connected as we all read, ponder, and study together.

Has gathering together ever helped you?
Where are you at in your reading?

May your reading and pondering be consistent and fruitful,

Pres. Rucker

Orlando Florida Hunters Creek Stake Conference ~ April 29-30

The Orlando Florida Hunters Creek Stake invites all to participate and attend our upcoming Stake Conference sessions this weekend. We are confident that if you prayerfully participate and attend, you will be blessed with answers to your questions, and you will receive inspired guidance from the Spirit.

Saturday, April 29

Priesthood Leadership Session: 4:00–5:30 p.m.Adult Session: 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 30th
Sunday Morning Session: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 
This session will be broadcast to St. Cloud and Kissimmee buildings; Spanish translation available at the Stake Center.

We also would like to invite and encourage you to participate in our Book of Mormon Reading Challenge. Be sure to check our our weekly blog post and feel free to comment by visiting www.HCStake.com.

Brothers and Sisters of the Orlando Florida Hunters Creek Stake-

Thank you for joining us in our Easter to Christmas reading of the Book of Mormon.  We are grateful that you have accepted the invitation.  

In the most recent General Conference, President Monson stated, "I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day.  As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives."  We need this great help in our lives.  The Book of Mormon is true.  It contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Pres. Monson promised that, "if you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you.  If it is true—and I solemnly testify that it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

In my studies of 1st Nephi this week, I was again impressed with Nephi's statement in the very first verse, "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father."  This scripture motivates me as a father to be the best example possible to my children...to keep trying with a brightness of hope to convey my faith in the Lord to my children (and others)...that we might together be eternally happy.  I recognize that in striving to do my best, I still fall short...and sometimes woefully short.  But I'm so encouraged that regardless of my shortcomings, if I continue to hold firmly to the rod of iron, that indeed I can have that promise...and so can my children.  

As I begin the Book of Mormon again, I'm so thankful that I know how the story ends!  I know that the Lord does not forsake His people.  As I read the Book of Mormon, I hope to enlarge my knowledge of our Savior so that I can be more receptive to His spirit.  I hope that I might convey in some small measure my knowledge, my experiences to others...that they might find the safety of which Pres. Monson spoke in General Conference.  

What do you hope to learn and who do you hope to become by reading the Book of Mormon?  

Thank you for joining this spiritual adventure with us!

-Pres. Munns

Church Expresses Concern for those Fleeing Violence, War and Religious Persecution

NEWS RELEASE

28 JANUARY 2017 - SALT LAKE CITY

In response to recent media inquiries, the following statement has been released:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is concerned about the temporal and spiritual welfare of all of God's children across the earth, with special concern for those who are fleeing physical violence, war and religious persecution. The Church urges all people and governments to cooperate fully in seeking the best solutions to meet human needs and relieve suffering.

 See original article on mormonnewsroom.org 

What is Pathway?

Start your path to a better life! 

Pathway Devotional 

Come learn more . . .

Date:  Sunday, July 24 

Time:  7:00pm th 8:00pm
Location:  Hunters Creek Stake Center 

Guest Speakers:
Pathway instructors
Pathway students
Ecclesiastical  leaders
Come ready with questions!

Who is invited? Anyone who has . . . 

Wished to continue or complete their higher education at an accredited university 

Worried about high tuition costs 

Struggled to balance life & work with coursework 

Desired to improve their financial and personal self-reliance 

#HisDay, Your Stories

What does the Lord’s day mean to you? What makes it special? Send us your stories and ideas or post them on social media with #HisDay. Tell the world why the Sabbath is more than just another day. Your simple, heartfelt post will inspire others.