Relief Society

March 2025

Hi sisters!

My message for this month is about Heros. I have in mind a memory from when I was a teenager. My dad had made one of those collages of people featuring many of his personal heroes. He mounted it on his wall for us all to admire. Some people I can remember being on it were Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, and various founding fathers. 

So each of us will probably have our own ideas about what exactly a hero is. For me a hero is someone who has done something admirable or aspirational. Someone worthy of praise and thanks for the good work they have done for God and humanity. Someone worth imitating. 

Also, I don't think heroes have to be perfect. We've been studying Joseph Smith in come follow me for example. Since he is a modern day prophet, it's easier for us to know about his triumphs and also his faults. I know this can be controversial, but I like to remember that God uses imperfect people to do amazing work, and he can perfect them through the atonement of Jesus Christ and sanctify all their efforts for good.

Some of my personal heroes include of course Joseph Smith, Maria Montessori, Dr. Becky Kennedy, my husband Jake, my father and mother, Brownyn Blankenship, Corrie Ten Boom, Abraham Lincoln, and the list goes on! But at the top of it all is of course Jesus Christ! He was the biggest figure in my dad's collage so that all us children knew who the most important hero is! I am so grateful for my Jesus and his grace and patience and long suffering with me. I need his long suffering! I am grateful that Jesus has brought us sisters together. Love you so much!

Now I would definitely love to hear about your heroes! Send me long lists if you'd like! Or stop me in the hall and tell me about the good these people are putting into the world. I’d love being inspired by wonderful, real people. If you want to, my number is 385-535-7225.

-Love Hope Heslington

January 2025

Dear Relief Society Sisters,

As I write this message for our monthly newsletter, we are already eight days into 2025.  Perhaps many of you have decided on some specific resolutions or goals that you would like to accomplish this year.  Or, if you’re like me, you’re still trying to decide.  Wherever you are in your approach to this new year, I wanted to share some counsel from President Russell M. Nelson on resolution-making that he gave a couple of years ago.  I hope it will be helpful:

"For me, deep-sea fishing has been infrequent but instructive. Success requires patience, persistence, and prayer.

"As we begin this new year and make resolutions to improve things in our lives, these three requisites for successful fishing can help us.

"First, be patient. As with fishing, real change requires time—and often a lot of time. It is tempting to expect immediate results and then become disappointed when things don’t work out exactly as planned. This may be why the Apostle Paul counseled us to “run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

"Second, be persistent. Keep at it, even when things get difficult. Push through the tough times, and realize that even small victories mean you are having success. The Savior “waxed strong in spirit” (Luke 2:40) as He grew older. We too can wax strong in spirit and in our talents and habits if we persevere.

"Third, be prayerful. Call upon God for the strength you need as you labor diligently to become a better version of yourself—a better disciple of Jesus Christ, a brighter light in the world. For “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” (Isaiah 40:31).

"Happy New Year, my dear friends. May the Lord bless us all as we endeavor to become more like Him.”

Sisters, as we follow the Prophet’s counsel, may 2025 be a year of increased faith in our Savior Jesus Christ as well as a year of personal growth and great blessings for each of us!

Love,

Sister Ellen Ririe

December 2024

I am so grateful for Christmas! This is my very most favorite time! One of our little family’s developing traditions is to go to these “Lights On Ceremonies” around town.  At these ceremonies, there’s usually some kind of musical performance, maybe a free doughnut, and then a countdown to turning on the lights. 3, 2, 1, “LIGHTS ON!!!” And the whole place lights up bright and beautiful! Where it was really dark, you can suddenly see everyone’s faces around you and twinkly colors. I just love it! 

So as I have been trying to message Christ in Christmas to my kids, we have talked a lot about how the lights of Christmas can remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Not gonna lie, the symbolism is a little lost on my 3 year old. What does Jesus have to do with red and green lights? Then doing my best to explain I say, “you know how scary it can be at night in the dark? You can’t see very well, and you might not know where you are going. Well, Jesus helps us not be afraid in the night. He’s like the “lights on” when you can see again and it can be so pretty and you feel happy. That’s how I feel about Jesus and when I pray to him and when I feel the spirit of Christmas.”

I give my testimony of Jesus, that he is REAL and that he is a merciful, wonderful, beautiful savior.  I love him.  Sending love and Merry Christmas to you sisters!

Sister Hope Heslington

November 2024

     Hello Sisters,

We are approaching a sacred season that has the unique potential to turn our hearts to Jesus Christ if we will let it.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we declare Him to be our perfect Savior and we seek for connection with Him so that we can lay claim on the promises of peace, joy and perfect understanding.

There are many ways to seek Him, including through scripture study, through prayer, and through church attendance, to name an obvious few. I wonder if it would help us to remember, as we struggle to employ these efforts more perfectly, that Christ is also seeking after us. As you are reading your scriptures, can you attune your mind to what personal messages are contained there for you?

As you pray and plead in Christ's name, can you lay hold on the peace that comes from trusting that His power is perfect? As you attend church and commune with fellow saints, can you inwardly reflect on how the Lord might be reaching out to you through loving friends or prayerfully prepared messages?

A relationship with Jesus Christ is the most precious relationship we can have, and it is anything but one-sided. When we seek Him and are rewarded with insight, knowledge, comfort, or any influence of the Holy Ghost, we can be assured that He has been seeking us all along. Let us not give up on Him who is so constantly reaching for us. 

All my love,

Bronwyn Blankinship

October  2024

This month’s spiritual message comes from 3 Nephi 18 and the accompanying chapter of the Come Follow Me manual.

In 3 Nephi 18:24 the Savior commands the people, “Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye

have seen me do.”

In the corresponding section of the Come Follow Me manual, we are asked to imagine that we had a friend who knew nothing about Jesus Christ— only that we are His followers. What opinion might our friend form about the Savior based on our actions?

What do you think it means to “hold up your light that it may shine unto the world”?  As we read 3 Nephi 18, the Savior demonstrates that we can hold up our light— His light— as we go out into the world and interact with and minister to our fellowmen both inside and outside of the church. As we strive to love all people, regardless of their background or perceived worthiness, as we accept them into our circle, offer forgiveness when it is sought, and pray for them, we are following the Savior’s admonition to do as He did.

Sisters, may we each strive to be the beacon of light to others that our Savior desires us

to be so that we might “be the means of bringing [His] salvation unto them”.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love,

Sister Ririe

September 2024

A few weeks ago my three year old, little Eden, must have been absolutely enchanted by the Christmas book we borrowed from the library. She suddenly became obsessed with the idea of christmas. She wrapped toys in dish rags and said they were presents and asked for the ornaments and stockings so she could decorate for the special day. So anyway, Jake and I decided that we could make her dreams come true and planned to have a “funny Christmas” that Sunday. We wrapped up shoes and tissue boxes and brought out some lights and a little christmas tree for the kids to wake up to. And then since it was Sunday, we decided to focus our spiritual conversations on the birth of Christ and the nativity. It was a wonderful Christmas in the summer!

So since then, I have been thinking about how we celebrate Christ. During Christmas and Easter, it is a real party for Jesus, and I LOVE it! I’ve been wondering how we might be able to really celebrate Christ and his atonement at other times when it is less obvious. And what could make it more celebratory? Maybe we sing hymns with our family around the piano, or make cookies in the shape of the cross and talk about it, or decorate our homes with pictures and crafts of Christ. 

What are your ideas? Would you mind sharing with me? You can text me 385-535-7224 or just tell me when we cross paths this month.

I want to express my love for the savior and bare testimony that Jesus Christ is who he said he was, and that this is his restored Gospel. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon and temple power. Love you sisters! In the name of Jesus Christ! Thanks for reading.

-Hope

August 2024

In the fall of 2013, my brother and his wife experienced the sudden loss of their four-year-old son, Kendrick. His death was completely unexpected and so jarring to all of us. After his autopsy, they learned that Kendrick was born without a spleen, something they couldn’t have known about, but which caused his death in the course of one day from what looked like the flu. On that awful day I was informed via text that he had passed away, and the tears and pain came hard and fast. My boys were young, so they mostly watched carefully as I cried and tried to help them understand. As I was preparing to fly to Oregon for the funeral a few days later, I had my suitcase open on the floor, packing in between the regular duties of work and home. While engaged at my computer, three-year-old Sammy came into my room and asked if I was sad. I told him I was sad about Kendrick, and he said, “Well you can take my heart with you in your suitcase if you want.” With tears in my eyes I said that I would love that, and a minute later he quietly left the room. When I went back to packing, there on top of my folded clothes, was a large, red cut-out heart. I did indeed take Sam’s heart with me to Kendrick’s funeral.

I know there are heartaches and heartbreaks of some sort in every one of your homes. Life spares none of us. As I’ve gotten to know many of you better over the last few months, my heart has been touched by some of the things you have borne.   I have been inspired by your openness, your courage, and your resilience. You have shown me that there is not one right way to weather the storms of life. I have beheld many right ways to grieve, to hope and to rebuild, all of which are founded in the simple, yet profound principle of faith – of hope for a better world (Ether 12:4).

Some of you may be emerging from a storm, bruised but hopeful, with an increased knowledge of God’s goodness and power. Others soldier on through choppy waters, experiencing resolution and decline in different measures, trusting in the promise of growth and healing in the long-term. And there are some of you deep in a struggle that feels like it will never end; who are just trying to keep your heads above water, grasping for something that feels like hope. In whichever of these circumstances you find yourselves, please take my heart with you! I offer it with love, and a knowledge gained by sacred experience that God is aware of you. He has prompted me to pray for you, increasing my certainty that, in some way we can’t fully understand, prayer is a vehicle for His power. This is the power my heart wishes for you: power to endure, power to forgive, power to understand, power to hope. I hope you’ll take my heart, and God’s matchless power, with you as you weather your individual storm.

Much love my sisters,

Bronwyn Blankinship 

July 2024

Hello Sisters!  This time around, it’s my turn to offer a spiritual thought for the monthly newsletter.  I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to get to know so many of you a little better through ministering interviews, home visits, meetings, and activities.

As I have visited with many of you in your homes, I have learned about your hopes, dreams, roles, responsibilities, and even hobbies.  Many of you have also shared some of the struggles and adversities that you have dealt with in the past or are presently experiencing in your lives, some of them very heavy and heartbreaking.  Like you, I too have experienced my own heart break and sorrow at various times throughout my life.  Some of it is over with and in the past; some of it continues.

Our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, has given much inspired counsel about how we can seek help for dealing with the adversity in our lives.  In one of his conference addresses several years ago, he counseled church members to follow a pattern of studying diligently, praying for guidance, and then writing down the revelatory thoughts and feelings that come into our minds.  I took this counsel to heart and started to keep a personal journal devoted to writing down the things of my heart that I felt the Spirit is conveying to me.  Not long after starting this journal, I felt inspired one day to start making a list of all of the experiences I’ve had in my life (that I can remember, at least!) when I have felt Heavenly Father’s hand intervening in some way to help me.  Some of those experiences have been promptings from the Holy Ghost warning me of impending danger. Some have been to guide me to know how to deal with a difficult situation. Some have been spiritual confirmations of personal decisions. Others have pointed me in the direction of where my help was needed, and so forth.  This special list is ongoing and I find myself adding to it on a regular basis.  I’ve had to set aside more and more blank pages in my journal to accommodate it as it gets longer.  So why keep this list?  At times I get discouraged by the weight of certain trials in my life.  Sometimes I feel alone and wonder if the Lord really is there and if He really is helping me with my burdens.  During these times of discouragement, I turn to my list.  As I review each of the experiences I’ve recorded, I am overwhelmed at just how involved the Lord truly is in my life.  I can see and feel how much He loves me and how He has and does help me “move my mountains” as President Nelson put it.

I bear my testimony to you sisters that our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ are indeed intimately involved in the details of our lives if we will prayerfully seek help and let the will of our Heavenly Father prevail.  He may not always remove our trials completely from us, but he will provide us with a way to navigate them, rise above them, and experience increased faith and joy in the process.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Ellen Ririe

June 2024

Hello sisters, from my home to yours! Mine is a magical place of fairy wings, goldfish snacks, and baby socks scattered EVERYWHERE. I try to imagine on the other side, what it might be like in your homes, how we are different and similar. I’m picturing all the different phases of life and situations we have represented in our ward. I think we are beautifully arrayed and so worthy of our Savior’s love. I know I want to send to your home my testimony of the Savior, because that is the common thread that lives in each of our houses.

I looked on the church website this morning for inspiration. In a “common questions” section it asked, “Are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Christian?” The answer listed below reads, 

“Yes! As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the World. He loves us all more than we can imagine. We consider ourselves devoted followers of Jesus. While some of our beliefs are distinct, we believe that through His life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection, Jesus Christ saves us from sin, suffering, and death.”

What struck me about the answer was the first word, “Yes” punctuated with an exclamation point. To me, it reads as a happy cheer! Yes we are Christians! Yes we LOVE Christ! He gives our lives JOY and PURPOSE! 

In the words of Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord alway, again I say rejoice.” (Phillipians 4:4)

I testify that when we learn of the Savior Jesus Christ, and sincerely try to follow His words and do His will, we can have that immense joy in our homes and lives. I feel in my heart that Christ was a real person, and by some law I can’t understand, He was able to take our sins. I testify His love is unconditional and I send you MY love today too. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Hope Heslington

May 2024

It is my first monthly message to you, my sisters. I have many things I would like to say, but nothing seems to be coming easily. I keep coming back to this email to see if "this time" I can get some momentum and put together an inspiring and faith-filled message for you. Today I accept that carefully crafted scriptural thoughts aren't what the Lord wants from me. I've decided instead to share a personal story. 

Christmas day 2011 was the day my husband and I officially went our separate ways. After nearly eight years of marriage, he was going to China for his next tour with the Foreign Service, and I was headed to Dallas, TX to begin life as a single mother with a one-year-old and a three-year-old. Though I am from Utah, the Lord had made it clear through a series of impressions and a very direct blessing, that He wanted us in TX - where my in-laws lived. After months of spiritual wrestling, I had finally accepted His will made the necessary arrangements. It was an act of faith unlike anything that had ever been required of me before. I was terrified. But I was broken enough to know that it was better to trust Him than myself.

Christmas fell on a Sunday that year, which is the reason I waited until that day to leave. I wanted as much of the spirit of Christ as I could get. That morning I got the boys ready for church and they said goodbye to their dad while I loaded up the wheeled luggage cart provided by the apartment complex. Despite choosing his career, I knew he loved his kids, and what this goodbye was like for him I'll never know. But he put on a brave face and luckily the boys remained mercifully oblivious to the weight of the moment. They sat happily on top of the luggage as we walked away, unbothered even by my quiet sobs and halted breaths. Sitting in Sacrament Meeting 1/2 hour later I felt some sense of peace restored, and, after a brief Christmas potluck, the boys and I quietly slipped out and began the two-day drive to TX. As I drove and cried, I began to identify an emotion stirring inside me that was separate from the fear and pain I felt. I was broken, yes. Uncertain of what lay ahead, YES. But somewhere in there I also felt so brave. I recognized a sense of empowerment, which could only be God’s grace, enabling me to complete this ask and face the future with faith. One thing I knew absolutely at this point was that He had been there for me thus far, and that He would continue with me into this new wilderness.

It's been over 12 years since that day. TX proved to be a respite, a mostly joyful haven after a difficult few years. In 2015 the boys and I moved back to UT, and today I am remarried and living in one of the most heavenly neighborhoods on God's green earth. I remember with tenderness what God taught me about myself all those years ago. And I am deeply grateful that He asked me to something so wretchedly difficult; both because it required me to rely more fully on Him, and because of what it taught me about myself and the enabling power of the Atonement. 

The power of Christ's grace, manifest in us through our faith, is actual power. May we come to know this intimately as we choose to trust Him, especially through the difficult days. I testify that He is the Way, He is the Light in the darkness. Oh, how I love the Lord!

And oh, how I love each of you. I pray that we can stand together with Christ as our guide as together we "come boldly to the throne of grace." (Heb 4:16)

Love,

Bronwyn

April 2024

Dear Sisters,

There is something about this time of year that I love.  I love spring, celebrating Easter, reflecting on Jesus Christ, and feeling a sense of hope as the world begins to bloom!

As I’ve taken time to review the last week of the Savior’s life and to listen to the Easter message from President Nelson, I was reminded of two of my favorite scriptures: 

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

and Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

When I need help and I’m struggling with whatever life has thrown my way, I think of that verse in Philippians -- I can do all things with the help of Christ. I find strength and resolve knowing that He has my back.  He will carry me when needed, send angels to my aid, and give me both physical and emotional strength.  I can do whatever is in my path with His help.

Proverbs 3:5 helps me to remember to trust and have faith.  I often forget the hope that is offered to me through the atonement of the Savior.  I try to rely on myself and to solve problems without His help.  I get lost in my concerns and let anxiety set in.  And then I am reminded to trust in the Lord.  All I need to do is trust in Him, in His power, in His love, in His plan for me and those close to me.

I know we are all struggling with large or small mountains to climb set before us.  But as we look to our Savior to find strength and hope, we will be stronger and better.  I always have found His plan for me is better than anything I can dream of for myself.  If only I could remember it more often…

I hope as we move into the Spring season we will all feel hope in the future and in our Savior Jesus Christ!!  I love him so much and know that He is with me, I just need to remember to trust in Him always!

Happy Spring!

Much love,

Caryn 

March 2024

Dear Sisters:

During March we will celebrate the 182nd birthday of the Relief Society. It was organized on March 17, 1842, in an upper room of Joseph Smith's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois.  At this first meeting there were 20 sisters present. Taken from 1 Corinthians 13:8, the motto was chosen: “Charity Never Faileth”.   

The Relief Society was originally organized to administer welfare needs but quickly expanded to encompass the spiritual needs of the Saints. But there are also some interesting facts about the early days of Relief Society that you might not be aware of. For instance, initially, membership in the society was not automatic for all female members of the Church. Women had to petition to belong, and they were accepted based on their goodness and virtue.

Visiting teachers who did not consistently attend Relief Society and visiting teacher meetings were relieved of their duties as visiting teachers. (You could actually be “fired” if you didn’t fulfill your responsibilities!)

In the year 1898, the annual dues of 10 cents per member was introduced. This doesn’t seem like much, but in 1913 the annual dues were raised to 25 cents! The visiting teachers were expected to collect these dues when they did their visiting teaching. The collection of Relief Society dues wasn’t discontinued until 1971.

Here are some Relief Society trivia questions that I will share. See how many answers you know about this wonderful organization that we are part of.

1. What circumstances initiated the sisters to organize the Relief Society?

(a) Sew clothes for those constructing the temple

(b) Help the needy in Nauvoo

(c) The trek out West

(d) Need for a ladies’s social club

The women of Nauvoo first sought to organize themselves when they observed that the men who were working on the Nauvoo Temple needed provisions. Sarah M. Kimball and Margaret Cook discussed the matter and decided to organize a sewing society to aid in the building of the temple. The correct answer is (a). 

2. What was the Relief Society’s official name when it was organized?

(a) The Benevolent Society

(b) Women’s Social Club

(c) Nauvoo’s Society of Sisters

(d) The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo

It was first proposed that the organization go by the name "Benevolent Society". However, Emma Smith made a point of objection. She convinced the attendees that the term "relief" would better reflect the purpose of the organization, for they were "going to do something extraordinary". So they chose “The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo”.  In June 1945, the General Board changed the organization's official name to "Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints". The correct answer is (d)

3. What was adopted as the symbol of Relief Society in 1917?

(a) Gold

(b) Wheat

(c) Sheep

(d) Books

Under the instruction of Pres. Brigham Young, the Relief Society began working together to grow, buy, sell, and store grain that could be used to help those in need. During the 1879 drought, the Relief Society loaned wheat to the Church. In 1918, the Presiding Bishopric sold over 200,000 bushels of wheat stored by Relief Society sisters to the United States government to help with the war efforts.  In 1978, the Relief Society discontinued its wheat program, turning over 226,291 bushels of wheat, worth $1,651,157, to the First Presidency. The correct answer is (b)

4. Belle S. Spafford served as the longest General Relief Society President. She served how many years?

(a) 21 years

(b) 52 years

(c) 29 years

(d) 16 years

She became the ninth General President of the Relief Society in 1945. She was released in 1974 at the age of 79. The correct answer is (c).

The Relief Society was established by the spirit of inspiration, and has been guided by that spirit ever since.

Today there are more than 7 million members worldwide. In the first meeting of the Relief Society, Sister Emma Smith said, “We are going to do something extraordinary.” She was right. The history of Relief Society is filled with examples of ordinary women who have accomplished extraordinary things as they have exercised faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this inspired organization with each of you. 

Love to you all,

Beverly

February 2024

At our last 5th Sunday we discussed the topic of finding delight in the Sabbath. I enjoyed our discussion so much I spent some time reading about the word delight in the scriptures. Loved this verse:

“For my soul delighteth in the scriptures,

and my heart pondereth them,

and writeth them for the learning

and the profit of my children.” 

(2 Nephi 4:15)

Nephi gives us a nice idea of what time in the scriptures can look like. He is telling us how he experiences scripture and how he feels about scripture. We can learn from him and ask a few personal questions:

How can I delight in the scriptures?

How can I hold scripture in my heart?

How can I ponder scripture throughout my day?

Could I write things down for my own learning?

Could I take time to write down my experiences, feelings, and impressions for the benefit of my loved ones?

As you are engaging with the Book of Mormon this year, consider some of the following ideas shared by members of our own Relief Society. Even if you only have time for a verse or two each day, these are working for others, so probably worth giving them a try!  If you’ve implemented other practices but you don’t see them on the list, please share! We are here to learn and grow in the gospel together.

Ideas to consider :

- How does this verse point me to Christ?

- Don't forget about the cross-references. Use them! 

- Write out a verse slowly – in your handwriting – as you are writing think about the words.

- Look up a verse in a different Bible translation. What do different translations offer your understanding?  

- What can I learn from Greek words? What can I learn from Hebrew words?

- Consider how you can apply a chapter/verse to your life.

- Write out a verse and tape it on a mirror. (Revisit the verse daily.)

- Highlight words that stand out – use those words in future scripture study.

- Encourage a loved one or friend by sharing a verse from your reading.

- Text a verse to a friend/spouse/child and ask their thoughts about it.

- Let the words from your time in the scriptures that day inspire you prayers.

- Memorize a verse!

- I like to ask “What does this verse teach me about God?”  

- Study scripture that influenced the writing of a favorite hymn or primary song.

- Write a brief summary about a chapter or verse. Review what you wrote to see how well you understood what you read. 

- Study using a scripture app (a few sisters recommended the We Believe app)

- Study by topic

- Use a scripture-a-day book 

- Create a “comfort copy” of the Book of Mormon by highlighting scriptures that bring you hope, joy, and comfort. (The YW in our ward have done this – ask them about it!)

- Read a favorite conference talk and then look up the scriptures that were referenced in the footnotes.

- After reading a chapter/verse ask, “What is my take away?”

- Use study books, videos, LDS.org and other wonderful resources to add to the depth of your scripture study.

Looking back at 2 Nephi 4:15 you might recall it comes from a chapter often referred to as Nephi’s Psalm. Knowing Nephi would want us to experience his words like a song or sacred hymn, consider his words again. May your soul experience pure delight as you spend time in the scriptures this year!

Cristin

January 2024

Dear Sisters,

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and kindly into the sisterhood of our ward. I am excited to get to know you all better. I love you all, I love being here, and I have truly felt your love for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

With the beginning of the new year, I have been thinking a lot about setting goals and how I can align those goals with gospel standards and God’s will for me and how I can become the person he wants me to be. I tend to be hard on myself, as a lot of women do, and instead of getting excited and motivated to start the new year, I forget the true reason of why we set goals and strive to become better. It is not that we aren’t good enough, it is that we can become better through the grace of God and Jesus Christ’s Atonement.

As you all know we aren’t perfect so some days will be great, some days will be bad, and some days will be just okay. My invitation to you this month is to remember to focus on yourself and how wonderful you are. Let us remember we are daughters of Heavenly Parents, with a divine potential and eternal destiny. Elder Holland recently reminded us on social media, “Your sacrifice is not unnoticed—not by leaders of the Church and not by our Father in Heaven who seeks always the care of His children. When this earthly chapter of our lives is over and all of the honors of the world have faded away, I believe it may well be righteous [women] who first hear the words, ‘well done, thou good and faithful servant: …enter into [my rest]’ (Matthew 25:21).”

Love you all,

Sydney

December 2023

Winter has just arrived and I'm already dreaming of the blossoms spring will bring! The well-loved hymn Consider the Lillies asks us to think of how those beautiful, pure flowers grow. They need time and tending, not just when they're newly planted but also when they're fully established. 

When forcing bulbs, we mimic the cold and dark of winter for a period of time, then mimic spring to invite the bulb to flower. Without a long enough "winter" the roots don't have time to develop and when "spring" comes the bulb may not bloom.

Some years ago I toured the St. George Tabernacle after it's renovation. At the end of the tour was a journal that detailed the trial of failed crops and overall heartache of the early Saints trying to establish St. George. Through their perseverance and consecrated tears, they literally made the desert bloom. 

I've had seasons of winter and drought, as I'm sure most of you have. It can be hard to appreciate that roots are developing when the top half looks barren. It can be devastating to find roots shriveled despite our best efforts. 

In Boston where the winds can threaten to uproot a tree, they found that the trees' roots interlaced with one another to give them greater stability during a storm. They created a supportive network--Relief Society is our supportive network! We're not meant to bear the storms alone. 

Dear Sisters, if you are in the middle of a storm, a drought, a winter, or the most beautiful spring, I urge you to examine your roots. Stretch them deep into the teachings of Jesus and nourish your soul. Find faith to trust in Heavenly Father's individual plan for you. Reach out to one another and find the stabilizing joy of ascending together. 

"Consider the lilies of the field,

How they grow, how they grow...

He clothes the lilies of the field,

He feeds the lambs in His fold,

And He will heal those who trust Him,

And make their hearts as gold."

We love you Sisters, and pray for you to feel the strengthening love of the Savior as you consider His hand in your life. He will help you grow. He will clothe you, feed you, heal you, and refine you. We are so thankful for each of your golden hearts and hope you find much to rejoice about this Christmas season. 

Merry Christmas!

Sachi

November 2023

Dear Sisters,

I have loved getting to know you! You have blessed my life with wisdom, hope, and faith. I learn more about our Savior through you! Thank you for being you, for being here, and for sharing with those around you!!

Many are struggling with hard things right now. Each of us has mountains to climb. As we face our challenges each day, let us remember our Savior. He knows us individually. He knows our capabilities and He is there cheering us on, waiting for us to invite Him in. I know life can be hard; I have had many mountains to climb myself and many opportunities to let Him in. Each time I've done so, my faith has been strengthened and my love for my Savior has grown. I have learned that when I serve and spend time with others, I am renewed and find the courage to continue.

Sometimes in the moment it is hard to remember to stop, breathe, and be still. But, as we do this, we can adjust our mindset to the Savior. President Nelson reminded us of this during General Conference when he admonished us to “Think Celestial.” When in the middle of our ascent, pause, breathe, and think long-term – past the moment, past the emotions, past all the worldly struggles – and invite the Savior in. As we do so our burdens will be lightened, our lives blessed, and our faith strengthened.  

Please know you are loved, you are strong, and you can do anything through Christ.

Love, Caryn

September 2023

Several weeks ago I received a call from my cousin asking if I had any interest in “adopting” our grandfather’s piano. It sounded like a good thing to keep his piano in the family, so we began the process of transporting his piano from California to Utah.

It has been a joy to have his piano in our home and I can’t walk past it without thinking of my sweet grandpa, his melodic voice, and his love of all things music.  Now that the piano is tuned and in good repair, we’ve been enjoying playing hymns and favorite songs. I’ve especially loved hearing our youngest children (who never knew their great grandpa) playing his piano. In this unique way his piano now links four generations together and for that I am grateful.

J. Reuben Clark said, “We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer.” 

How does music influence your life? Do you draw near to the Lord through music? Do you have a favorite hymn? Do you have words or phrases from hymns that stand out to you? Are there hymns that bring you joy, comfort, or peace? Do you have a favorite instrument, vocalist or musician?

As you begin your September, consider adding a little more music into your day. Take a minute to reflect on songs that lift you and bring joy to your heart. Consider discussing a favorite hymn with a friend or family member. Music is one of the many ways we can express love and gratitude to our Savior and Father in Heaven. 

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“If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.” D&C 136:28

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

Much love,

Cristin

August 2023

With dear Patricia Holland's recent passing, I have been reviewing some of her words. I stumbled upon a passage she wrote about losing their fourth child at 6 months pregnant. Shortly after, Elder Holland took an assignment that led them to Jerusalem. She recounts:

As I stood at the window of our hotel room overlooking the Holy City, instead of being grateful for such an opportunity and for the blessings I did have in such great abundance, I suddenly felt very, very sorry for myself. Then, to add another blow, I recognized that self-pity and immediately felt guilty for not being able to just snap out of it. 

I stood there for a long time, thinking it was difficult to be a woman. I had just that day visited the tombs of Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel, and at that moment in time all I could see were their sacrifices, hardships, and the disappointments they had encountered.

I started to weep in my silent grief and felt so terribly alone in it.

In the midst of the tears I offered a little prayer, asking as honestly as I knew how for heavenly light and information. Literally just seconds into my prayer, I felt the promptings of the Holy Spirit telling me to open my scriptures. I concluded my prayer and opened my Bible. ...I was amazed that I would turn at random to a passage of scripture so relevant to my personal circumstances. The Lord definitely had my attention, but without having had much experience in this sort of thing I wondered if this was just coincidence. I was yet to learn in my life how often and how dramatically the Lord would speak directly to me through the Spirit and especially through the scriptures ("A Quiet Heart," Patricia T. Holland).

Sister Holland had such a way with words and people! It can be hard to be a woman, but it can also be empowering.

Recently, Pres. Camille N. Johnson has taken to social media to discuss with sisters what Relief Society and "relief" mean to them. The responses have varied widely, some hopeful, some discouraged. Of all of the comments I read, the one that has stuck with me is a response from Pres. Johnson, "These are great questions and I believe the Spirit can help us! Let's keep learning together." I love that so much!

Dear Sisters, we are a "Relief Society, not a Solution Society" (as former General RS Pres. Elaine L. Jack has said). We are not responsible to fix all of the aching hearts, but we can provide relief, and we can prioritize inviting the Holy Ghost into our lives so we can be filled with love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Sisters, I challenge you to make a weekly goal to prioritize inviting the Spirit to touch your heart. As I've pondered how to realistically shift my own priorities, I've been blessed to identify specific things I can do in my season of life. I urge you to make your own list. Start where you're at and try not to get discouraged--the Lord loves effort! I promise that as we seek to fill our lives with the Holy Ghost, the fruits of the Spirit will enrich our lives, empower us to withstand our challenges, and give us the hope and relief we seek. 

Sachi

July 2023

Dear Sisters,

Do you ever feel like you need a friend? Do you ever feel lonely? Often we hear sisters in the ward say that they would like a friend.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to love one another and bear each other's burdens.

“Jesus valued friendship. He needed the help and support of others (as we all do!) to fulfill His earthly ministry, but instead of waiting for the right people to show up at His door, He went out and found them! He went to places He might not normally go (see Luke 5:3–10), He walked around (see Mark 1:16; John 1:36), and He even invited people to come and see where He lived (see John 1:39).”  Ensign, Dec 2019

We see further examples of friendship with Jonathan and David (Samuel 19), Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1-3), and the friendship that Jesus shared with His disciples. Just as Jesus reached out to the lonely, the outcast, and the brokenhearted, we too are called to be His hands and feet in this world. By extending a hand of friendship to others, we can offer support, encouragement, and love, reflecting the light of Christ in our lives.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had an environment where every woman felt seen, valued, and loved? Every meeting, activity, and service project can become spaces for deepening our connections and cultivating lasting friendships. Proverbs 17:17, states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." We are here to uplift and strengthen one another, not just during times of joy but also during moments of hardship.

In a world that emphasizes individualism and self-sufficiency, true friendship is even more significant. By building genuine relationships, we can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, creating a community that reflects the love and compassion of Christ. As we extend our hearts and open our homes to others, we not only bless the lives of those around us but also find fulfillment and purpose in our own lives.

 May we seek opportunities to reach out, listen, and understand. Together, let’s create a network of friends that will strengthen and sustain each other as we navigate the challenges and joys of discipleship. With  147 women in our ward, if everyone reached out to a new sister during the month of July, wouldn’t that be wonderful?  Please help us find and befriend any one who might feel lonely, left out or unseen.  We love you all!!

With love,

Caryn               

In the October 2022 General Conference, Elder Ryan K. Olsen gave a talk titled “The Answer Is Jesus”. He said: ”How grateful we are that God so loved us that He sent His Son. He is the answer.” 

Come unto Christ. Together we will strive to know Him, remember him, and serve Him.

One day, Jesus Christ was with His disciples and He was talking to them about a mystery; about something He was going to do; that He was going to prepare a place for them in heaven, and when He was done preparing it, He would come to take them away to that place and be with them. Then, He told His disciples that they knew the way to the place He was going to go. This made one of His disciples named Thomas to ask, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” This question led to this very important verse in the Scriptures:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

Everyone doesn’t face the same problems in life, but for every problem, every situation,   Jesus has the solution! He is the answer.

I heard a story of a beautiful little blind girl who was sitting on the lap of her father in a crowded compartment in a train. A friend seated nearby said to the father, “Let me give you a little rest,” and he reached over and took the little girl on his lap. A few moments later the father said to her, “Do you know who is holding you?” “No,” she replied, ‘but you do.”  She was at peace because she knew and trusted her father. Just as the little girl could sit peacefully on the stranger’s lap because her father knew him, so we can find peace if we know our Father and learn to live by his principles. How well do you

know your Father?  Life is sometimes heavy, but Jesus will get us through the storms of life. May we always remember the simple answer to the puzzle. Jesus.   

We want to share our love with you and wish you all a great JUNE. Remember, Jesus is the answer, ALWAYS!

Thinking of you and praying for happiness to be with you.

Love,

Beverly

May 2023

Is there anyone else wondering “How can it possibly be May already?”. 

The month of May is here and that means it is time to wrap up the school year, attend graduations, make summer plans, watch end-of-year sports, plays, recitals and performances! It is a time to prepare yards and gardens so they can be enjoyed all summer long. (Typing that out feels exciting – and at the same time exhausting.) 

Hopefully during this eventful (and event FULL) month you can carve out some quiet time to connect with Heavenly Father and to feel of His peace and love for you. He wants you to spend time with Him.

While attending BYU as a freshman (years ago) I was introduced to the university-wide devotionals that happened each Tuesday morning.  A new-to-me experience quickly became a favorite part of the school week. Those gatherings greatly influenced my educational experience and impacted my spiritual growth as a young adult. (I still enjoy listening to BYU devotionals – maybe you do too!)

Later, after our schooling, life took us to the South. I loved learning about a different type of devotional -- the practice of daily morning devotionals. Women of all different ages were practicing morning devotionals where I lived. Some women studied at their kitchen tables or desks, others studied in their “prayer chairs”. I loved learning about all of the creative ways women were connecting with God each morning. Even with individual circumstances and different personalities women were making this practice of daily devotion to God a priority. 

These devotionals (usually individual in nature) consisted of one-on-one time spent with Heavenly Father in prayer, reading the scriptures, meditating, often including journal writing. Some women followed a schedule with specific topics and scriptures for each calendar day, while other women were guided by their own inspiration. These devotionals were described to me as a time to get to know God, to grow spiritually, to deepen understanding of the Savior and scripture, receive inspiration and explore ways to apply biblical teachings. Sound familiar? (Is there anything you would add to your personal study?)

Can you imagine what the world would look like if every faith-filled woman started her day – even in some small way -- connecting with heaven? The following quote is from “Music & the Spoken Word: Daily Devotion”. Read it once and then read it again – slowly. Let it sink in.

“Truth is independent; it does not change. But our confidence in the truth varies according to our connection to God, the source of truth. That’s why daily spiritual habits are so important. If we take time each day to connect with heaven through prayer and pondering God’s word in purposeful study, we can more readily respond to life’s difficulties with faith and clarity. We can even respond more confidently to questions that might challenge our faith. When those challenges come, we don’t have to try to pull from a hazy memory of what we once read, felt or knew. It’s much better to draw upon recent experiences with the divine. Life’s questions, confusions, and problems become less overwhelming and not so dark as we bask in divine light each day.

"We are here on earth to learn and grow. And like every other living, growing thing on earth, we grow gradually, consistently, day by day — not in occasional growth spurts. Devotion to God, at its best, happens regularly, even daily. Spiritual experiences or feelings of the past may not be enough to carry us through tomorrow’s hard trials and hard questions. But taking time for holiness each day will keep our spiritual memories bright and powerful” (“The Spoken Word” Lloyd Newell, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022 Broadcast).

We are all in different stages of life. We are all having different experiences and challenges each day. Heavenly Father is aware of each one of us. He wants us to connect with Him. He wants us to spend time with Him daily. 

Much love,

Cristin                                                        

April 2023

Where is heaven's help? 

"Where, when my aching grows,

Where, when I languish,

Where, in my need to know, where can I run?"

I've often impatiently wondered and waited on heaven's help. During some periods of my life, it felt like deliverance from my sorrows, or even strength in my shoulders would never come. Neal A. Maxwell has talked about situations like this as "wintry doctrines" of the church. Sometimes things are just hard. It's not because we're bad or not good enough, life is just hard...wintry. 

We've had a long winter this year, haven't we? Even though we got snow this Friday morning, my sweet little crocuses remind me that winter is just a season.

Right before I started the divorce process with my ex-husband I visited a trusted friend who had been divorced and remarried. She said she was a little jealous of the experiences I was about to have. I was shocked! I couldn't believe anyone would be jealous of my situation. She continued, "it was hard, but during those hard times I felt so close to the Savior." She was right, it was hard, and in the thick of it I had times I felt completely forgotten and forsaken. But as time created some distance between me and that heartache, I can absolutely see where angels carried me. 

I add my testimony to Joseph B. Wirthlin's (quoted below) that your Spring and your Sunday will come! Heaven hears your prayers and knows the wounds you are trying to heal. This Easter season, I pray you feel the hope of renewal and redeeming love of our Savior, who knows all of your sorrows intimately. He has hefted the weight of your burdens and mourns with you. If you look for those tender mercies--those sweet crocuses reminding you that your "winter" is not totally barren--I promise you will see them dotted along your path. Take heart dear Sisters, your Sunday will come! 

"When Christ rose from the grave, becoming the firstfruits of the Resurrection, He made that gift available to all. And with that sublime act, He softened the devastating, consuming sorrow that gnaws at the souls of those who have lost precious loved ones. 

"I think of how dark that Friday was when Christ was lifted up on the cross. 

"On that terrible Friday the earth shook and grew dark. Frightful storms lashed at the earth. 

"Those evil men who sought His life rejoiced. Now that Jesus was no more, surely those who followed Him would disperse. On that day they stood triumphant. 

"On that day the veil of the temple was rent in twain. 

"Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were both overcome with grief and despair. The superb man they had loved and honored hung lifeless upon the cross. 

"On that Friday the Apostles were devastated. Jesus, their Savior—the man who had walked on water and raised the dead—was Himself at the mercy of wicked men. They watched helplessly as He was overcome by His enemies. 

"On that Friday the Savior of mankind was humiliated and bruised, abused and reviled. 

"It was a Friday filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that gnawed at the souls of those who loved and honored the Son of God. 

"I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world’s history, that Friday was the darkest. 

"But the doom of that day did not endure. 

"The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind. 

"And in an instant the eyes that had been filled with ever-flowing tears dried. The lips that had whispered prayers of distress and grief now filled the air with wondrous praise, for Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God, stood before them as the firstfruits of the Resurrection, the proof that death is merely the beginning of a new and wondrous existence. 

"Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays. 

"But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come. 

"No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come."

Sachi

March 2023

Dear Sisters,

As I have pondered what I could possibly say and share with you this month, I have felt impressed to remind you that you are loved!! You are loved by so many! You are especially loved by your Heavenly Parents and your brother Jesus Christ! They love you so much that they are constantly watching over you and are ready to help whenever you need them.  

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in his most recent conference talk says, “My dear young friends, if the Savior were here right now, what would He say to you? I believe He would start by expressing His deep love for you. He might say it with words, but it would also flow so strongly—just from His presence—that it would be unmistakable, reaching deep into your heart, filling your whole soul!”

As I listened to many sisters share testimony of experiences they have had with personal revelation last week in Relief Society, the manifestation of love was abundant. We each receive comfort, peace, knowledge, inspiration, love and so much more through promptings we receive. What better way is there for our Heavenly Parents to show their love, than to help us on an individual basis in many ways that are so personal. I am overwhelmed by the amount of love I feel and witness around us.  

I know there are moments that each of us might feel invisible, or like we don’t fit in or don’t feel welcome, we have moments of self doubt and that our efforts aren’t enough. But everyone has been given gifts and each gift is unique and necessary for our world to be complete. We need every sister in our ward, right now! You are here for a reason; there is a lesson to learn, a sister to bless, comfort to receive or pass on, a moment that is for you and only you.

In John 3:16 it says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son”

God loves you so much he gave his Son so that you can have eternal life. The love is real, it is there, at times we just need to be still and let His love fill our souls.

Elder Uchtdorf concludes his talk with “My dear friends, let me repeat, if the Savior were standing here today, He would express His endless love for you, His complete confidence in you. He would tell you that you can do this. You can build a joyful, happy life because Jesus Christ is your strength. You can find confidence, peace, safety, happiness, and belonging now and eternally, because you will find all of it in Jesus Christ, in His gospel, and in His Church.”

I love this! I bear testimony of this, I know it to be true, I have personally witnessed His love for me. I know his love for you is the same!  

We also love each and everyone of the sisters in the ward!!

Much love,

Caryn 

February 2023

Dear Sisters:

Have you ever seen a rainbow in the winter? I once read that rainbows apologize for the angry skies. A rainbow is a gift from God.

For Noah, the symbol of the rainbow represented the covenant God made with him and his family, which included a promise that the destruction of the flood would never happen again.

Why are rainbows special? 

A rainbow is often a sign of hope, the beauty after the storm. Have you ever wondered about the colors that form a rainbow? The colors of a rainbow are light, fresh, and happy. They elicit a sense of awe.

Red is listed first because it is the first color in the rainbow’s arc. It is a color packed with vibrancy and strong emotion. It shows enthusiasm and vitality.

Orange is a warm, vibrant color. It is a happy color that makes people feel friendly and comfortable. It shows perseverance and strength.

Yellow is the happiest color in the rainbow. It represents energy and warmth.

Green is located in the middle of the rainbow. It is the color of life. It symbolizes growth.

Blue is the color of the heavens. It is often associated with divinity. It represents peace, relaxation, and stability.

Indigo is a mixture of purple and blue. It is the color of the midnight sky. It encourages awareness and wisdom.

Violet is one of the most loved colors of the rainbow. It is associated with being empathetic and kind.

So if we compare ourselves to a rainbow, we are vibrant and friendly. We have energy and want to grow. We can be peaceful. We have wisdom. And we are empathetic and kind. There is a quote which goes: “Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends.” Do we love ourselves?  

The author Maya Angelou said “Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud”. This quote means that we should try to be the light in someone’s life. A rainbow signifies light and happiness. Rainbows are bright and can lead the way. They are the beauty after the storm. Do you feel like you are a light to others? Let your light shine.  

It is our loving Heavenly Father who has set the rainbow in the sky. As a covenant to us through Noah; but also to remind us that we are all reflections of each other. We are all part of the same rainbow. Rainbows are formed when light shines through water. When someone is sad or lonely and feels the tears coming on, we can be their light. Together we can make a beautiful rainbow.

When you see a rainbow, know that somewhere, someone loves you. And that is something we all need to remember. That we are loved beyond measure. I hope we can all feel the friendship and love that exist in our Ward Relief Society. We are truly blessed.

Love,

Beverly 

January 2023

Happy New Year Sisters!

Confession. No New Year’s resolutions for me this year. In fact, seventeen years ago I stopped making resolutions in January (Insert a sigh, gasp, or laugh here!). Instead, I began picking a single word to base my year around. In case you aren’t familiar with this idea/practice, you pick a word, study it, and find it in unexpected places ALL YEAR LONG. Basically you keep the word in your heart and at the forefront of your mind every day. (Maybe you’ve experimented with something similar? If not, give it a try! I’d love to know what you think.) 

Sometimes my word is selected in advance, sometimes the word happens unexpectedly, and once in a while I’m still trying to think of a word at the end of January. Without exception each word has become a favorite! This year I found my word early in October while I was reading Jeremiah 29:13. 

“And ye shall SEEK me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

That was it. Seek would be my word for 2023. 

Fast forward to today. January is here and with a new year comes the opportunity renew our commitment to gospel study.  In the introductory lesson to this year’s Come Follow Me, we were taught that we are responsible for our own learning. May 2023 be a year to learn as much as we each can about the gospel. As we go about our days, may we seek guidance through heartfelt prayer and meaningful time spent in the scriptures. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ desire our hearts and our full attention.

We love you sisters.  We love meeting with you to study the scriptures and discuss conference messages on Sundays. We love gathering to work on humanitarian projects. We are mindful of those of you who serve the primary children and young women diligently with love and kindness. We recognize all that you do to bless our children and youth. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. 

We look forward to the coming year and all that we can accomplish together as a Relief Society. As we enter into 2023, may we all seek to truly know our Heavenly Father, keep His commandments, study His word, and pray to Him. Through our efforts, may we find Him.

With love,

Cristin

December 2022

Many years ago, my life was changed by a Relief Society lesson I taught on Elder Uchtdorf's talk “Of Things That Matter Most,” (October 2010). During this time, my to do lists had taken over my life and the things that were most important were being set aside. 

Again, at this busy time of year, with many pressing items needing attention, I am reminded to put aside the things of little worth and focus my time and energy on the things that matter most.  

“Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter

 most.”

President Uchtdorf suggests four areas to place our focus:  

1. Jesus Christ  

2. Family 

3. Fellowman  

4. Ourselves

I know that by keeping our focus on the things that matter most during this busy time of year, we will be able to reduce our stress and increase our joy. Take time to prioritize your life so that you are able to enjoy the things of most importance this holiday season and feel the joy of celebrating our Savior’s birth with your family and friends!

We love you Sisters, and wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

Caryn Crandall

November 2022

Dear Sisters:

There was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. “Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did and had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmmm,” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.” So she did and she had a great day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “today I’m going to wear my hair in a ponytail.” So she did, and she had a fabulous day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “Yay!” she exclaimed, “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

Attitude - the secret to a happy life. Start out your day with a cheery disposition, with an I’m-so-happy-to-be-alive smile on your face, and just watch how magically the world will change around you. LIFE as you know it will never be the same again!

Last year for a family reunion I made little coloring books for all the children. I called it a “Happy To Be Me Book”. I put pictures in it of different affirmations they could color. For instance: ‘I am amazing’, ‘I am loved’, ‘I am a good friend’, ‘I am a winner - even when I don’t win’, ‘I am happy to be me’.

The children had fun coloring and placing stickers on all the different pages. A few days later, I was thinking that I should have made this same book and passed it out to the adults. I think that we all need to have the attitude of believing those same things about ourselves. Heavenly Father thinks that we are amazing. He loves us. He wants us to be good friends. He believes we are all winners and he wants us to be happy! 

I pray that during this upcoming Holiday season, we can all have an “Attitude of Gratitude”. To be thankful for who we are and what we do. May we all “be thankful to be thankful”.

Think about this quote from Maya Angelou. She said: ”This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.”

Thank you for all that you do. We love you all.

Beverly McDonald

October 2022

Edgemont 7th Ward sisters – can you believe October is here?! October means cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and time to enjoy general conference weekend! Anyone else ready for a spiritual recharge come October? 

Elder Neil L. Andersen describes general conference this way, “There is a treasure chest of heavenly direction awaiting your discovery in the messages of general conference. …I promise that as you hear the voice of the Lord to you in the teachings of … general conference, and then act on those promptings, you will feel heaven’s hand upon you, and your life and the lives of those around you will be blessed” (Neil L. Andersen, "The Voice of the Lord,” Ensign/Liahona, Nov. 2017).

Sometimes it is nice to step out of our familiar and see things through a different lens. I’d like to share some thoughts from a friend of mine who comes from a different faith perspective but enjoys the messages of general conference. For over a decade, my friend has consistently watched the Saturday morning session of general conference! I find this fascinating and lovely. I often wonder why she comes back each October. What is she looking for that conference has to offer her? I appreciate insights from her unique perspective. I have highlighted some of her words that stood out to me as I prepare for my own general conference experience. (Her words are shared with her permission.)

**********

These are her words:

"I listen to the Saturday morning session of conference each October. I also ask LDS friends to recommend favorite talks from other sessions. I absolutely love the choir. The Baptist church we attend will, occasionally, sing a hymn, but usually takes a more southern gospel turn… I love the spirit of reverence the choir evokes, setting the tone for each session. 

"There is such comfort in the regularity of the conference and the leadership. Especially when it’s been a hard season, the “sameness” of general conference serves as a reminder that we all have struggles but we keep on showing up and doing life together.

"I love that the same messages go out to each member and guest around the world. Not only do I feel connected to some of my favorite people, but I think it is vitally important that the Church is on the same page… I also love when several talks in a session have a similar message or theme. I feel like these are divinely inspired to really get the message across.” 

**********

I love this friend dearly! I LOVE that she considers herself an invited guest at general conference. I love that she feels reverence as she watches and participates through music. I love that she sees us all struggling and showing up together – all of us, different faiths, different beliefs, all God’s children. I love that she sees general conference full of divinely inspired messages. I love that general conference has been, and continues to be an important part of her Octobers.

May this October general conference to be a time for each of us to receive personal direction from Heavenly Father – may it be a time that offers peace, comfort, hope, and answers to our personal heartfelt prayers! May we also have the energy to ACT on the promptings and feelings that we receive! May we all be blessed for our efforts. 

My greatest desire for each of you sisters is for you to feel God’s love on a very personal level, and for to you to have your testimony fortified and strengthened during general conference.

As a presidency, we love serving you and we love serving WITH you. 

You are truly a blessing,

Cristin 

Things to Consider –

- Consider using conference weekend as a time to slow down and refocus.

- Consider using this time to receive guidance and inspiration pertaining to you and your family members.

- Understanding that messages shared during general conference are for everyone around the world, is there someone you love who might benefit from listening to part/all of general conference? Would you be willing to extend that invitation?

September 2022

When I was a little girl, I had a beloved, off-brand Barbie doll. I loved her so much her head fell off! I named her head MaryAnn and I named her body Anna. My adoration for this doll was unphased by her decapitated state, and in fact I was thrilled to have two dolls instead of one. I loved to have Anna dance the Can-Can and with time, wore out the rubber of the "skin" on her knee. She eventually had to have a Band-Aid wrapped around her knee to keep her sinewy bits from falling out while she continued to dance the Can-Can. MaryAnn and Anna was such a cherished doll, despite her garish looks. In retrospect, it was probably because she was so peculiar that made her special to me. 

Can you relate to this doll? Off-brand, falling apart, trying to do your best but feeling overstretched? I hope no matter what phase or function of life you are in, you never forget that you are beloved.  You may be feeling like you're losing your head, and you are beloved. You might be held together by a few strings of hope (and a Dr Pepper), and you are beloved. You may feel like there isn't a place for you or you are beyond repair--you are still beloved. Your presence and contributions are absolutely irreplaceable! Your situation may not change instantaneously with this knowledge but I hope that knowing you are loved and cherished helps you feel united in a sisterhood that makes your burdens feel a little lighter. It's my hope that you use that love to love yourself, love others, and find the self-compassion and strength to persevere... and maybe even dance the Can-Can.

With much love for each of you,

Sachi

August 2022

Hello Sisters! 

Happy August! A few weeks ago I was listening to a podcast from Latter-day Saint Women Podcasts titled "Good and Grateful Receivers" in which Lori Newbold, a general Young Women council member shares some of her thoughts and expertise. The episode was actually done last December focusing on the Christmas story but I found it very applicable to me right now as well. 

August often feels like a time of plenty to me. Our few garden plants are really starting to produce. My summer has been filled with fun and family visits. The fruit stands will start selling peaches. Much of this abundance is easy for me to gratefully receive. However, Sister Newbold points out how often it is difficult for us to be receivers despite being asked or commanded to receive. I know I often feel a need to either earn, reciprocate, or turn down what others, including God, are offering me. She talks about how being a good receiver is critical in developing bonds of love with family and friends and with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Her thoughts stood out to me as a beginning of an answer to a particular family relationship I struggle with. She suggested maybe we have our specific wishlist of gifts we want God to give us but we may be refusing to receive what has already been offered. I realized I had be ignoring and and denying what this family member does offer. Recognizing and receiving their gifts would be an important step of strengthening our relationship. That realization also reinforced Sister Newbold's insight that receiving what God offers us strengthens our relationship with Him.

In Elder Uchdorf's 2012 Christmas devotional, he cites John 13 when Jesus Christ was washing his disciples' feet. Peter says, "Thou shalt never wash my feet." Jesus responds to him, "If I wash thee not, thou has no part with me." I am working to be a better receiver and cherish recognizing myself as part of a bigger whole at this time as I am in a season--anticipating our sweet little boy's birth in the next few weeks--to receive in my life. The well wishes, encouragement, help, gifts, and shared excitement have all been an incredible example to me of how gratefully receiving strengthens the bonds of love. 

Doctrine and Covenants 88:33 says, "For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift." I hope we can rejoice in one another as we receive the gifts we are offered. I hope we can strengthen and find strength in our ability to receive the good and love offered all around us. 

I am so grateful for our ward and community and wish you all a happy August.

Sincerely,

LauraDawn Heiner

April 2022

Happy April! We hope you were able to enjoy General Conference and are enjoying the beauty of this season. Easter is just around the corner and there were so many beautiful messages shared during General Conference that can help us prepare our hearts and minds for the next two weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. We invite you to prayerfully consider one message that particularly touched you this General Conference and ponder how it can help you make changes in your life that lead you closer to the Savior. We look forward to Relief Society this Sunday with our discussion led by Sarah Yorgason. (See below for lesson preparation.)

We love you. Each one of you is a cherished member of our Relief Society. We look forward to serving you and serving with you.

Cristin, Beverly, Caryn, LauraDawn, and Sachi

March 2022

I’ve spent too much time in my life wishing I was a better mother, teacher, wife, friend, and servant of our Heavenly Father. Now I’m looking forward more to where I’m headed with faith. Not all the time, in fact, I’ve put off writing this note because of spending time in the past, again. So this must be a shot in the arm for me to remember the lessons I keep relearning. 

President Holland said in his conference talk, ‘The Best is Yet To Be’, “I have stopped rhapsodizing about ‘the good old days’ and now eagerly look toward the future.” I, too, love where I am now with my thinking and what is ahead. There are so many good things to focus on- my children being out of their teenage years and growing into wonderful adults, my deepening friendship and love for my husband, neighbors who serve one another, understanding who my Savior is, and looking for His return. There are so many things that bring me joy also. Make your list and look to it when others/life want to bring you down.

“13. …this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14). These are my new favorite scriptures!

‘Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is that charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried.’

There is so much good before us, stay close to your Savior, help lift others, pick yourself up when you fall, dust yourself off, and keep going without looking to the past. 

Thank you, Sisters, for being my motivation and inspiration, sharing your enthusiasm and insights, and awakening within me my desire to be more like each of you.

Love, 

Jean Whittaker 

February 2022

Dear Sisters of our Relief Society:

As I pondered what is dear to my heart at this time, I found my thoughts returning to my love of the temple. I remember when I went solely because I felt it was an obligation, a duty I'd committed to, but I've come to love my temple attendance as if it is now an integral part of my life. The blessings are huge:

* Refuge from the world

* A place of peace where I can regain my equilibrium

*Perform ordinances for others - be of service

*Stay on the covenant path, or nearer to it as I strive to improve

*Connect to ancestors, some of them very near and dear

*Learn many important things and try to integrate them into my life

*Gather Zion - our prophet has said it is the most valuable thing we can do

*Receive instruction and clarification

*Make progress - I have about 75 sisters Endowments waiting for me and it allows me to accomplish part of that goal

*Progress in my own life - improve as I repent and try again

*Personal revelation - sometimes I share it with others

*Learn to be a " distinguished" person

*Follow a commandment from God

*Say special prayers in the Celestial room

*Place people on the prayer rolls

*Renew my temple covenants

If only I can learn to serve others as I should be doing, it will bring a lot of peace into my life.  The temple is the "place" for me, and I'm committed to doing my best to be there often. I know time constraints are hard, and my retirement from a busy career has allowed me this privilege, but I encourage all of you to add this blessing to your lives.  

Happy February!   

Love, 

Laurel Kay  

January 2022

There was a Sunday I just didn’t want to go to church. 

I had all kinds of crazy reasons for not going,

I didn’t want to put on makeup

I didn’t want to fix up my hair.

I didn't like how I was looking in the dress I put on and I just knew that everyone would know about the five pounds I regained after working so hard to lose them. 

I didn’t want to help my kids find their clothes.

I was feeling so blah.

But I went anyway.  I didn’t  sing the first song or the second song, but by the third, I felt good enough to sing, but not too loud.  

I didn’t have any life changing amazing experiences while I was there. I don’t think I served anyone or made any great comments. BUT I went to church and by going, I felt better.  All the things I had worried about didn’t matter. And the next Sunday I had those niggling nagging feelings of not wanting to go to church, it was easier to push them aside and just go.

 After reflecting later, I realized that  a real battle had taken place. Me versus the evil one. Satan was filling my head with discouraging  lies trying to get me to stay away from church. He wanted me to change my habit and get on a different path.  But I won the battle, this time, I made a choice to stay on the path.   

I hope the next time you are waging battle, you will win the fight, not today Satan!  We know who will win the war in the end.  

Sarah Yorgason

December 2021

Good Evening, Sisters,

Today was a good day. One of those days you want to reflect on and be strengthened by. Mind you, I have plenty of the other kind as we all do, but today was a day I drew closer to my Heavenly Father and felt Him teaching me.

First, I feel blessed that my health allows me to attend Church. I was uplifted by smiles, hellos, people reaching out to me, and I to them. To feel the strength that comes from seeing my ward family, hearing your testimonies, and watching you interact with and uplift your families and friends. 

A thought I had during the Sacrament Meeting, I shared some magnets I had with a little one to play with. I reflected on what those magnets symbolize to me. They keep things in place when I am teaching. They draw other metallic materials to them. If the polarity is reversed they push other metallic materials away from them. What am I attracting to me and what do I want to attract more of? What do I want to repel or stay clear of? What tools help me attract the positive items in my life- church attendance, taking the sacrament, studying the scriptures, prayer, service, attending the temple, and doing family history/indexing are some that strengthen my polarity. What have you learned you need to keep clear of so as not to attract it to you- Music, media, time on cell phones, certain places or people?

Later I was able to watch the Christmas Devotional and was particularly drawn to Sister Michelle Craig’s talk. She shared how her Swedish grandmother shared her talents of making Swedish pancakes for her family. Sister Craig described how God has given all of us talents and gifts but sometimes we think of some gifts as less conspicuous. 

• She mentioned the gift of asking

• Gift of  listening

• Gift of  hearing and using the still small voice

• Gift of being able to weep

• Gift of avoiding contention

• Gift of being agreeable

• Gift of seeking that which is righteous

• Gift of not passing judgment

• Gift of looking to God for guidance

• Gift of being a disciple

• Gift of caring for others

• Gift of being able to ponder

• Gift of offering prayer

This list helped me to reflect on gifts in a new light. Sister Craig called them ‘quiet gifts’ that sometimes we hold back and don’t share them because we compare them to others’ gifts that seem more polished. When we fail to share our less conspicuous gifts we fail to lift His children and we miss the chance to feel His love. 

I feel grateful that I was able to hear this message tonight. I believe we want to share what we feel the Spirit whispering for us to do. What gift have you uncovered that you want to share? I appreciate the gifts that you have shared with me, with your fellow ward members, family members, and the community. 

I pray at this Christmas time that we will share the gift of the Savior. He who strengthens us, succors us, loves us constantly, forgives us, lights the way for us, and wants to bring us home to Him.

May you be strengthened by the gift of the Savior at this Christmas time,

Love,

Jean Whittaker

November 2021

Dear Sisters: In this season of gratitude and thankfulness, I’ve been pondering about my many challenges to try to live the gospel and follow the prophet and to hear promptings – to hear Him.

God offers us many opportunities to partake of His gospel, His blessings, but if we do not make a little effort toward the goal of accepting His generosity, and be grateful, we may not be chosen when the time comes to enter His kingdom.  He gives us everything, invites us to come and partake of His Thanksgiving feast, but we have to take steps toward Him, to gather and worship together.  He often entreats us but we will not be chosen unless we make the effort to go toward Him. Even small steps count, praying for the sisters you minister too, calling or texting them.  Taking opportunities as they arise to bless one another.  “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

We wish you and your families a great Thanksgiving season.

Love, 

Jean, Sarah, Sachi, Sarah Dawn and Laurel

September 2021

Sisters,

    I just returned home from our Relief Society Activity, where we were preparing materials to make quilts for the Women's Shelter here in our community. There was cutting material, ironing, sorting, visiting, and strengthening friendships going on. I was so happy I could attend and get to know more of the wonderful sisters in our ward. We are each so different, and I love what everyone brings to the table of our Sisterhood.

1 Corinthians 12:12 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ."

"Every one of our paths is different, yet we walk them together. Our path is not about what we have done or where we have been; it is about where we are going and what we are becoming in unity. When we counsel together guided by the Holy Ghost, we can see where we are and where we need to be. The Holy Ghost gives us a vision that our natural eyes cannot see because 'revelation is scattered among us,' and when we put that revelation together, we can see more."  —Sister Reyna I. Aburto

Sisters, we are blessed when we bring our offerings together and share what we have with one another. Our offerings might be taking a meal to a neighbor, sharing our produce, making the time to visit with a sister, or it might be sharing a talent with a sister or giving of our monies to help out someone in need.

We each have something to give. Don't negate your worth. Bring your offerings, and let's partake of our Relief Society Sisterhood.

"Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand. … It seems only right and proper that we extend to others that which we so earnestly desire for ourselves."  —Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Thank you for your service tonight, and if any were not able to come this evening, we have things you can do at home to assist with this project. Sarah Yorgason will be following up with us. Look for more on the Relief Society Digital Bulletin.

Much love to you all,

Jean Whittaker

August 2021

Dear Sisters,

As you prepare your fall goals and become frustrated with the fact that we never have enough time to do the things we want to accomplish, remember this quote from Elder Scott:

“To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never done before.”  Richard G. Scott

It is truly amazing that we can accomplish so much more if we are organized and committed to our efforts.   I'm struggling with a personal goal that frustrates me no end, but as I read this quote, it encourages me to go on and keep trying.

Good luck in your Back to School efforts and in your endeavors to become more Christ-like in your lives.   Know that we love and appreciate all of you.

Sister Laurel Kay

July 2021

I recently returned from a long planned trip with friends and family.  Everything about the vacation was enjoyable-- thinking back on it, a big smile still comes to my face. The feeling is more than just regular-every-day happy and I have concluded that I am feeling JOY.  What makes the difference between "Happy" and "Joy?" 

 I propose that it is gratitude. 

 I felt so grateful that the trip happened.  I was so thankful that everyone was able to attend. The gratitude pushed the happy feeling over the top to a satisfied feeling of genuine joy. Now that I have returned to the real world, not vacationland, I want to keep the incredible joy feeling in  my life.  I have been remembering ways my sisters in Relief Society practice gratitude. Whether it is through prayer, journals or taking time to think grateful thoughts on a peaceful walk, all lead to the same destination...JOY!

I am so grateful for my Savior and how He patiently teaches me this lesson of joy.

Sarah Yorgason

June 2021

Hi, Sisters,

     Today is our Ward Picnic, June 15th at 6 pm at the South Stake Pavillion, 350 East 2950 North. I put that in because not all of us know where it is located. I am so excited that we are able to have this activity today, to gather. In Sacrament Meeting this past Sunday I felt the same way. So appreciative that first, we have had the technology to gather virtually, and now, for some of us, we can attend church. Next, I was blessed to be able to attend Relief Society and visit with those who were there also. What an uplifting day for me just because I gathered.

     I know because of health and various reasons we cannot all gather and we do miss those of you who can't be with us at church, in Relief Society, and at activities. You are missed, you are thought about, and you are prayed for. We look forward to when we can ALL be together and share and grow in our love for one another. 

     As I was studying "Come, Follow Me" today I felt connected with the first two paragraphs where the author was describing what it was like in Joseph Smith's day to build Zion. "It may have seemed like building Zion, a city of love, unity, and peace, was going to take a long time." Continuing, the author says, "Fortunately, building Zion-in Missouri in 1831 or in our hearts and wards today- doesn't require us to be perfect. He requires "the heart and a willing mind" Doctrine and Covenants 64:34. And He requires patience and diligence, for Zion is built on the foundation of "small things," accomplished by those who do not become "weary in well-doing" (verse 33).

     Sisters, that is what we are striving to do small, simple things, repeated, and not being weary, or if we are weary to not give up. Take a break, tell the Lord that is all you have today, get your rest, and begin again tomorrow.

     We are so happy to be able to mingle with you at church and in our activities, It strengthens me to see you even if we don't have an opportunity to talk with one another. I pray for the time when we can see all of our fellow sisters,  please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love to each of you as we continue on our journey to build Zion,

Jean Whittaker