Taylor Ward Friends

08/12/2024

In the spirit of Brigham Young entering the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 and proclaiming the exact spot to build the Salt Lake Temple, the construction crew in Austin marked the place where the corner of the upcoming Austin Texas Temple would be and in the picture below I am pointing to it. Indeed, this will be the place! The groundbreaking is on August 17th and all of us here could not be more excited. Praise the Lord in allowing another one of His holy houses to be built here on earth.

08/11/2024

The groundbreaking of the Austin Texas Temple is this Saturday (August 17) at 9:00 in Cedar Park. There are now nine (9) temples in Texas that are either in operation, under construction or announced. How blessed are not only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the surrounding communities who will benefit from having these Houses of the Lord in their neighborhoods. Here is an article I wrote for the Austin American Statesman that explains that each temple belongs to everyone and will bless the lives of all. God's mighty arm is at work here. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/faith-new-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-temple-belongs-to-us-all/ar-AA1opw26?fbclid=IwY2xjawEmI_RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTxIhz7D-L0x4NNcFsqwmzrTDLd45-vUzvyWL7Goezm0Ni58xk7PEzlC_A_aem_AYyNPjKOvGRF2Fk2-7gdWA

Austin-area temple will begin building on Aug. 17.

11/30/2020

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially launched its global 2020 Christmas initiative. Ideas and videos for ways to serve others and light the world during this year’s Christmas season are now available on LightTheWorld.org. We encourage all to prayerfully consider how to participate this special Christmas season! https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world-2020

This Christmas season, help us by thinking of someone you can serve each day—following the example of Jesus Christ.

11/30/2020

We invite all to watch this special message of healing and gratitude
from President Russell M. Nelson:

“Gratitude provides us with a greater perspective on the very purpose and joy of life.”​ In his 96 years of life, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church o...

10/19/2020

A thought and link to this week's Come, Follow Me lesson - "There Could Not Be a Happier People" 3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi:

"The teachings of Jesus Christ are not just a beautiful philosophy to ponder. They are much more than that—they are meant to change our lives. The book of 4 Nephi provides a stunning example of this, illustrating just how thoroughly the Savior’s gospel can transform a people. Following Jesus’s brief ministry, centuries of contention between the Nephites and Lamanites came to an end. Two nations known for dissension and pride became “one, the children of Christ” (4 Nephi 1:17), and they began to have “all things common among them” (4 Nephi 1:3). The “love of God … did dwell in the hearts of the people,” and “there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God” (4 Nephi 1:15–16). This is how the Savior’s teachings changed the Nephites and the Lamanites. How are they changing you?"

Link to this week's lesson:

October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

10/03/2020

A message from Bishop Stewart:

Happy General Conference Weekend! Starting tomorrow, Saturday October 3rd, we will have the opportunity to learn more about "the Savior's messages of love, understanding, acceptance, hope, connection, and inclusion." Please click on the Church website link below for a list of available viewing options.

I invite us all to take this opportunity to learn from the Lord's prophets and leaders. I pray the questions and concerns on our minds will be answered. I know the Lord's comforting words will fill our hearts with peace and healing relief as we participate in this inspired conference.

With great love,
Bishop Stewart
Link to General Conference viewing options: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/5-ways-to-watch-october-2020-general-conference-live

10/02/2020

A thought from and link to this week's Come, Follow Me lesson: "Behold, My Joy Is Full" - 3 Nephi 17-19:

"As you read 3 Nephi 17-19, consider pausing from time to time to imagine experiencing these events firsthand. For example, you might ask questions like “What afflictions would you bring to the Savior to be healed?” “What would you want Him to pray for in your behalf?” or “What loved ones would you want Him to bless?” Reading this chapter may also inspire you to pray for family members, one by one, as Jesus did."

This week's lesson link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-book-of-mormon-2020/39?lang=eng

09/21/2020

A thought from and link to this week's Come, Follow Me lesson: "I Am the Law, and the Light" - 3 Nephi 12-16

"There are many principles to find in 3 Nephi 12–16. Some are highlighted in this lesson outline, but you may find others. Let Heavenly Father, through His Spirit, teach you what you need right now as you study these chapters."

Link to the lesson:

September 21–27. 3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

09/20/2020

A thought from and link to this week's Come, Follow Me lesson: "Arise and Come Forth unto Me" - 3 Nephi 8-11

"You might notice that themes related to darkness and light—both physical and spiritual—are repeated throughout 3 Nephi 8–11."

Some questions to consider:
"What do you learn from these chapters about spiritual darkness and light?
What brings darkness into your life?
What brings light?
Why do you think the Savior chose to introduce Himself as 'the light and the life of the world'? (3 Nephi 9:18; 11:11).
How has Jesus Christ been a light in your life?"

Lesson link:

September 14–20. 3 Nephi 8–11: “Arise and Come Forth unto Me”

09/07/2020

A thought from and link to this week's Come, Follow Me lesson: "Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer" - 3 Nephi 1-7

"How do you imagine you would have felt if you had been one of the believers during the time described in 3 Nephi 1–7? How might it have felt, for example, to wait for the night with no darkness that would announce the Savior’s birth, knowing you would be killed if it didn’t happen? As you read 3 Nephi 1-7, look for what Nephi and the other believers did to keep their faith during these difficult times. How did the Lord bless them? What do you learn that can help when you find yourself waiting for blessings promised by the Lord?"

Here is the link to this week's lesson:

September 7–13. 3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

04/04/2020

A message from Bishop Stewart:

Hello Ward Family!

Happy General Conference Weekend! This year we have many ways to view and listen to the conference sessions. Click the link below to see the list of available options.

I invite us all to take this opportunity to hear the Lord's prophets and leaders. I pray the questions and concerns on our minds will be answered. I know the Lord's comforting words will fill our hearts with peace and relief as we participate in this historic conference.

With great love,
Bishop Stewart

You don’t have to attend live sessions of general conference in Salt Lake City or watch broadcasts at your local meetinghouses to enjoy April conference from anywhere in the world. Find five easy ways to connect.

11/18/2019

November 18-24 Come, Follow Me lesson - "Be Ye Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only"

Sometimes just one verse of scripture can change the world. James 1:5 seems like a simple bit of counsel—if you need wisdom, ask God. But when 14-year-old Joseph Smith read that verse, “it seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of [his] heart” (Joseph Smith—History 1:12). Thus inspired, Joseph acted on James’s admonition and sought wisdom from God through prayer. And God did indeed give liberally, giving Joseph one of the most remarkable heavenly visitations in human history—the First Vision. This vision changed the course of Joseph’s life and led to the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth. All of us are blessed today because Joseph Smith read and acted on James 1:5.

What will you find as you study the Epistle of James? Perhaps a verse or two will change you or someone you love. You may find guidance as you seek to fulfill your mission in life. You may find encouragement to speak kindly or to be more patient. Whatever inspires you, let these words “enter … into every feeling of [your] heart.” Remember to “receive with meekness the … word,” as James wrote, “which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).

Here is the link to this week's lesson: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-new-testament-2019/45?lang=eng