Relief Society

    March 22, 2026

• • Sister Ririe will lead us in a discussion of Elder D. Todd Christopherson’s October 2025 General Conference talk “Look to God and Live” 

    March 8, 2026

 Sister Wilcox led us in a discussion on Elder Gong's  "No One Sits Alone" and Sister Dennis' "Cheering Each Other On"  

Lesson/discussion: Elder Gong's "No One Sits Alone," and Sister Dennis's "Cheering Each Other On"

We stared into each other’s eyes for 30 seconds. It made us feel

•      seen, grateful, and known.

“Only the Lord fully knows our

     individual limitations and capacity, and because of that He is the only

     one fully qualified to judge our performance.” (Dennis) and “Living the

     Gospel of Jesus Christ includes making room for all in His restored

•      church.” (Gong)

When we make room for what

• •       surprises or repels us, we can see the other person as Christ sees them. 

Even the people we know closest

• •       surprise us. God knows them better than we do.  

• Jacob 5: 

Who is responsible for the work of

• •       maintaining the tree? The Lord. 

Think about people or situations

      that are very uncomfortable. Imagine the Lord pruning or digging about

      and nourishing that person or people. Ultimately, he is the one who

• •       saves. It is not your responsibility to save people. 

We shared times we felt alone and

•      had been lifted or vice versa: 

Someone reached out from far away.

      My circumstances didn’t change, but I felt the love of God and loved and

• •       seen. 

Someone offered for me to sit with

• •       them. It gave me the confidence that I could handle it. 

I saw how much it means to someone

      in crisis to be treated as a human being. The people who I'd normally be

• •       afraid of on the street are human and I had a hard time seeing it. 

    February 22, 2026

 Sister Bird Led us in a discussion about Elder Matthew Holland's October 2025 talk "Forsake Not Your Own Mercy"

    February 8, 2026

 The State Relief Society Presidency led us in a discussion about "Taking stewardship over your personal testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored Church.”

The difference between true knowledge and belief:

In Alma’s parable, note that the seed takes a lot of nourishing and care (faith) to grow into a plant, and even more work and time to grow into fruit. We don’t control the fruit; Jesus Christ is the author of the fruit. (Alma 32:33-43) In the parable of the sower, we don’t control which seeds are good (what is true), and we don’t control the fruit, but we do control the ground. (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23)

How does true knowledge make us feel?

       Spiritually satiated, it’s delicious (Alma 32:28), growth, light/enlightened

What does it feel like to build our testimony? 

       Faith, wrestle, intentional, humility and teachableness, feeling God’s divine compassion for us as we are wrong and try to learn, prayer, growth, reading the scriptures

      1 Corinthians 3:9-15:  Christ is our foundation, you are God’s building, where the work happens.  We can bring different types of material to build with. Bring to him your       best. “If any man’s work be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved.” 

Our testimony is our responsibility: 

      In the genius of the gospel plan, there ultimately only has to be one witness, but that witness must be you. The testimony of others may initiate and nourish the desire for faith and testimony, but eventually every individual must find out for himself. None can permanently endure on borrowed light.” (Douglas Callister, October 2007)

      In the parable of talents, everyone gets talents, but not the same amount. The man who buried his gift from God shifted the blame and did not take responsibility for what he was given. (Matthew 25:24-25) We can’t expect someone else to plant and water our seeds of testimony, that is our responsibility. 

How it can help us:

      “The moment of realization - when you know that you know - is sweet and sublime.” (Douglas Callister, October 2007)

      Building our testimony now can help us in times of need. Especially when things that used to be easy are hard, like paying tithing. 

You nourish the ground and care for the seed.  Jesus Christ will bring the fruit. 

    January 25, 2026

 Sister Bird led us in a discussion of President Holland's October 2025 General Conference talk "And Now I See" 

    January 11, 2026

  Sister Waites led us in a discussion of Elder Kearon's October 2025 General Conference talk "Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning" 

    December 28, 2025

  Sister Wilcox will lead us in a discussion of Elder Jaggi’s’ October 2025 General Conference talk “Humble Souls at Altars Kneel"

    December 14, 2025

  Sister Durham led us in a discussion of Elder Brown's October 2025 General Conference talk “The Eternal Gift of Testimony"

   November 23, 2025

Sister Durham led us in a discussion of  President Stevenson's October 2025 General Conference talk "Blessed are the Peacemakers"

November 10, 2024

Sister Zibetti lead a discussion on Elder David P. Homers October 2024 General Conference Address "Trusting Our Father"

A friend who had been vocal in her political opinions online and was not shy about crowdsourcing to substantiate her position, recently posted online that she was praying sincerely to know how she should vote in the upcoming election.  She was confident that her personal political selection would be confirmed.  To her surprise, she received a clear impression that had nothing to do with her political choice.

When have you sought counsel and been surprised, or perhaps even frustrated, that the answer was not what you had expected, or had even considered?

When have you believed the counsel you received was not in keeping with popular opinion and therefore not applicable to you?

When have you reluctantly followed counsel that led you to an understanding of the wisdom of that counsel?

When have you eagerly followed counsel that turned out to be all wrong for you?

When have you sought counsel and never received an answer or sought-after blessing, leading you to believe that you are unworthy?

In a world crowded with opinion, to whom should we turn?

Instead of crowdsourcing, we might consider Christsourcing.

October 27, 2024

Sister Doxey led a discussion on Elder Brad Wilcox's talk  "Oh Youth of the Noble Birthright"

Why do Latter-day Saints act so differently?

-we have a birthright

-chosen to serve others

How does focusing on keeping covenants strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ?

-knowing and remembering that God will never break His end of the promise and covenant

-we have to work for it and so the work and seek Christ in those covenants

-it depends on the degree and depth of relationship we want with Christ

It doesn’t matter where you are or how fast you are going on the path. What matters is that you are striving to make progress. 

Invited to watch the talk at the 10:08 minute mark and watch Brother Wilcox's hands

Our relationship with Christ is the one that we can completely rely on. 

October 13, 2024

Sister Linda Wilson discussed Elder Ulisses Soares’ General Conference talk “Covenant Confidence Through Jesus Christ”

Some thoughts that were discussed:

 Covenants!  Covenants!  Covenants! 

·      Why do so many General Conference talks revolve around the concept of covenants? 

Is this message a worn-out, over-used topic?

·      What has worked for you to help your temple attendance be less of a checkmark and more of a worshipful experience?

·      Is there something wrong with me if I don’t feel joy in my temple experience yet?  What can I do?

·      How have I seen God’s hand blessing me or my family through my covenants with him?

·      What have you found helps you to not just “be” in the temple, but to bring greater meaning to your experience--either in the temple or later as you go forward in your home or life?

September 22, 2024

Sister Ellen Ririe will be discussing Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s General Conference talk “Bridging the Two Great Commandments”

In Matthew 22:35-40 we read:

35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Elder Stevenson teaches that we obey the first commandment— that is, to love the Lord— as we keep His commandments.

Please ponder the following questions:

Why did the Lord include the words heart, soul, and mind in His first commandment?

Can you think of a personal example of when you felt greater love for the Lord by striving to keep the commandments, or by striving to keep a specific commandment?

Can you remember an example from your own life when you did a particular thing that helped you better love your neighbor?

What obstacles sometimes seem to stand in the way of loving our neighbor?

What can we do to remove these obstacles?

October 27, 2024

RELIEF SOCIETY COUNCIL

What about the gospel of Jesus Christ brightens the horizon and helps you see clearly?

-helps me not to worry so much

-feel like growth is eternal

-helps me see God’s hand in my life

-gives an eternal perspective “What am I supposed to learn from this?”

September 8, 2024

RELIEF SOCIETY COUNCIL

How has the study of the Book of Mormon blessed your life this year?

-reading and even just holding the Book of Mormon can bring a special spirit into your life

The lesson on September 8 was taught by Sister Amy Wilcox from Susan H. Porter’s talk “Pray, He Is There”.   

Prayer is a joyful opportunity. 

Is prayer easy or hard?

-sometimes I’m angry

-sometimes we don’t feel worthy

Bible Dictionary: prayer

Is there a time you have turned to Heavenly Father in prayer and you felt so joyful and blessed?

1 Nephi 18:3

Pray often and you’ll develop a relationship with Heavenly Father and he’ll reveal great things. 

Prayer is correspondence. 

-we need to listen as well as ask

-sometimes as we pray we find the things we really want or think we need but as we pray we find 

-do you pause at the end of your prayer?

-it takes patience and practice 

Prayer is a form of work. What makes prayer a form of work?

-it takes effort and preparation

-you have to change your heart

-trying to come up with the right questions “ask not amiss”

-write things down during or right after your prayer

-an ongoing conversation

-sometimes the longings of our heart is hard because I might have to change

Pray to know, Pray to grow, Pray to show

What do we need to know?

-divine worth of others and myself

-we need to go to the lord and seek divine truth—1 Nephi 18

-we can know and do great things because we are connected to the source

What do I need to do?

What can I learn?

Sometimes our prayers are answered through others. There is power in praying for others

God loves us so much and then he gives us that same love for others. 

August 25, 2024

RELIEF SOCIETY COUNCIL

Hebrews 12:18-24

Justice and Fear vs. Confidence and Power 

What gives you the confidence to come be God and come before Him?

• mercy of Christ. He is our mediator and it makes it so we can approach God

• experience with Christ. Making sure I have continued experience in asking and perusing mercy and help

• knowing that he loves me. I am His Child. 

• love. Why wouldn’t he want to bless me?

• watch my faith accumulate in my ‘faith account’ and I get back confidence and power

Thank you to Bronwyn Blankiship for leading our discussion today on D. Todd Christopherson's talk, "The Testimony of Jesus" 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/51christofferson?lang=eng

D&C 88:45-47

D&C 88:34-36

D&C 88:29-31

God wants our exaltation. There are 3 degrees within celestial glory. Marriage as defined in the scriptures is the door to the highest degree.

Sin - turning away from Christ, anything that separates us from God

Acceptance. Who is Jesus Christ and how can I stay close to Him? Sin closes the door to exaltation.

Don’t close that door to exaltation

Salvation and Exaltation in the highest degree is the focus of the Church of Jesus Christ

God wants us to be there with Him and to be like him as best we can

What is your surest testimony of Jesus Christ?

• Mortal afflictions and things we cannot control don’t permanently keep us from God. But we do need to work and avoid sin and do our very best to grow our testimonies and be valiant in the testimony of Christ and learn to repent

• His Plan is perfect. And we have to have faith that it is perfect for every single one of His Children

• Raise the bar on your own obedience. “Live God’s law better”

• Bring people into His flock by just loving them. Don’t shut the door for other people through our actions and not accepting them. 

We have a Savior who know and loves us. With every effort we make to know and come into Him we will be blessed with faith. Let us help others come and know that love. Thank you sisters for opening your hearts and showing your love.

August 11, 2024

RELIEF SOCIETY COUNCIL

Hebrews 12:18-24

How do we as saints portray this fear of God vs. a loving and merciful God in our families?

• God is also bound by laws. He has to enact justice and also give mercy

• Not afraid of harshness. Having that feeling of “we know what he’s going to say”

• Allow ourselves to be surprised by what God might say to you

• God is perfect who requires both of these things (rules and justice, and love and mercy)

• As we seek him, he will reveal himself to us

Thank you to Sandy Allen for leading our discussion today on Ronald A. Rasband's talk, "Words Matter" 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/41rasband?lang=eng#title1

The first and most important words are the Lords. Alma 31:5

Words in the Scriptures Alma 32:27

Instead of them just sitting on the page, when have the words of scripture spoken to you as if God were voicing them directly to you?

What changes resulted in your behavior?

• helped me feel that I am His and that my children are His

• if you are regularly reading the scriptures you will receive answers and hear his voice

How do you plant the seed (word of God) in your heart?

• you have to prepare the ground and prepare your heart through studying the scriptures, going to the temple, and doing the work

• if we know Jesus Christ then we have experienced gods love and we have an understanding that we and receive love and not just have fear

Why would the apostle John give the title “The Word” to Jesus Christ?

• Words of the Prophets

Can you share an experience when you have felt prompted to apply the words of a prophet and received the blessings?

How did those words redirect or change your life?

• when President Nelson challenged us to read the Book of Mormon and highlight when it mentions the Savior. I gained a better understanding of the Savior and a stronger testimony of the Book of Mormon

Your Words

When have you realized that your words really mattered? What change did you have to make and how did that work out?

• identity is a huge way that the adversary attacks us. Don’t allow kids to call each other names or other people names. 

What about repetitious words in prayers?

Are they thoughtless vain repetitions, or intentional repetitions of important requests that demonstrate your desire to improve yourself as His servant?

June 23, 2024

A big thank you to Sydney Christensen for leading our discussion today on Neil L. Anderson's talk, "Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth" 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/55andersen?lang=eng

Have you wondered why the Lord would direct his prophet to now dot the earth with temples? 

-Knowledge and unsettling events are increasing. 

-We need the safety and strengthening influence of our temple covenants. 

-Prepare for the Second Coming and gathering of Israel

Blessings received from going to the temple:

-[A]rmed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them (D&C 109:22)

-Overcome Satan

-Allow the atonement to work in us

-Strengthened as we become his covenant Saints

-Feeling the support/love of angels round about us

What experiences have you had that have let you know you are loved? 

March 27th, 2021

Our thanks to Stacy Clark for leading our discussion on the conference talk given by Elder Gary E. Stevenson, "Simply Beautiful- Beautifully Simple".

Know Where You Stand; Listen to a Prophet's Voice: I met someone recently who had once been a member of the church, but had recently made the decision to leave the church. As she went on and on about all the reasons she felt she could no longer stay in the church, I found myself empathizing with her. I listened. Yes, I could understand some of her feelings. When she was done, I told her, "I understand to some degree, but I cannot agree with you". Discussions like this can sometimes be upsetting. I went for a run.  While on my run, I listened to a talk by President Nelson. It is interesting that I don't remember the talk. What I do remember is that I knew he was a Prophet of God.

When I was in college, we were waiting for President Gordon B. Hinckley to speak. The room was crowded and noisy as could be expected in a place where a bunch of college kids are gathered. When President Hinckley walked in, the room became silent. Everyone in the room began singing, "We Thank Thee, Oh God For A Prophet". Small and simple experiences build our testimony and stay with us. They give us the strength to face hard conversations.

The Gospel is meant to be Simply Beautiful and Beautifully Simple. 

Our Gospel is based on two basic principles: GRACE AND LOVE 

1.     MORONI 10:32: "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind, and strength, then is His GRACE sufficient for you, that by His grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the GRACE of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."

• Grace is God's strength.

• Perfect means whole.

• Christ fills the holes and gaps so that we can feel whole.

2.     Matthew 22: 36-40: "Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

• Love God.

• Love all people.

It is all quite simple and all certainly beautiful. We do not need to understand everything now, if we can just live the things we know. The things we know because of the restored gospel are mind-blowing and life changing. There are so many who do not have this knowledge. When you have something you love so much, you have a heartfelt desire to share it with others. We do not want them to live without it.

What does the gospel bring us? It brings us a joy, peace and confidence that runs deep. It brings us a true and abiding hope. It brings us a happiness beyond anything the world can offer.

Our Divinely Appointed Responsibilities: (See General Handbook)

LIVING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST  (Be SENSITIVE to His Promptings) * One member was able to save a child's life simply by listening to a prompting to change a lightbulb!

• As we learn to live the gospel, we become closer to Christ. We become more like Him and we become more discerning to the spirit.

• When we stop living the commandments just because that's what we've been taught and we're not sure why, and start living the commandments because we love God and want to please Him, then we are living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Our earthly experience is an interesting one. It is a journey of choices. Our choices now will determine our eternal destiny later. 

• What do we want? What are we working towards? Are we longing to return to heaven and live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ or are we willing to settle for so much less?

• Living the gospel of Jesus Christ gives us a path to follow. We know the way.

CARING FOR THOSE IN NEED * A Stake President and YW President were able to organize the building of a home for three orphaned children in Colombia just from a visit and a recognized need!

• Caring for the needy is the heart of the gospel.

• Recognizing the need and acting on it is a gift.

• What an amazing organization to be a part of!

INVITING ALL TO RECEIVE THE GOSPEL *Cleiton of Cape Verde, Africa changed not only his life, but the lives of his family and many less active youth the day he decided to walk into a seminary class!

• The difference one young man can make when surrounded with love by others!

• Nitpicking is absolutely unnecessary and ruins relationships. Surely this is not a God-like characteristic.

• Our greatest power is the love we can share with others. Loving God will help us to love more deeply.

• Love them first. Allow God to convert them. We don't have much power, but God does. Our efforts will be multiplied.

• Our example; the lives we live from day to day, are powerful illustrations of what we believe. 

UNITING FAMILIES FOR ETERNITY* Lydia from Kharkiv, Ukraine is a temple missionary. She and her husband have found 15,000 names of ancestors and are providing temple ordinances for them!

• The temple is the most sacred place on earth.

• The temple symbolizes God's highest work.

• Sacred ordinances and covenants performed in holy temples unite our families to each other forever.

• Temple work is a holy service provided for those who could never progress without our efforts. This is our sacred privilege and responsibility.

Conclusion:

Beautiful and simple? Yes! But without expectation ? No! The gospel may seem hard, but life without it is so much harder! Live the gospel to the fullest. Watch for promptings from the spirit and act upon them. The Lord will learn that He can count on you to listen and to act. Live a consecrated life so you can feel those promptings. They can guide you in the way you should go. Watch for the ways you can care for others. There are so many needs. Share the gospel with others whenever you can. Let your light shine. Make time in your life to do the work in the temple for your loved ones. They are counting on you.

Simply Beautiful- Beautifully Simple, Indeed.

Have a great week!❤️ Lane

March 13th, 2021

RS Lesson March 13 2022

Taught by Leslie Kent

"Trust Again" by Elder Gong

Main idea  “When Trust is challenged, we wonder how to trust again”

The way I deal with problems is I have to think to myself what the problem is, process through it by talking and writing and the the solution, comfort and resolution comes.  I can’t do it without the direction of God.  My favorite part of having a struggle is realizing that God will help me and that I want him to help me.  I want God’s will over my own.

1. Is there an area in your life where you lack trust in God?

I have struggled with my personal worth, but now I am grateful and I see what I have learned from working with those with disabilities.  Finally I like myself

People say “you are so strong to deal with a child with a disability.” The truth is I am weak, so God gave me this to make me strong.  I wasn’t always strong, but having her was such a blessing. 

I was the first female administrator and was shushed in a meeting.  Hurtful things were said.  It took me a long time to get my self esteem and confidence back and learn to get along with the men that said hurtful things.

It takes effort and pain and stress to return from hard things.

I want to share the words of a song I heard in my homeschool coop, “on my best days, I am a child of God, on my worst days I am a child of God.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pixiPiwW5aw

I can remember I am a child of God, but I am trying harder to remember that the one who hurt me is also a child of God

“Though we have done everything expected, things have yet to work out”

We separate ourselves from God thru our sins

“Trust is an act of Faith”

“Trust becomes real when we do hard things with faith”

To me, this means we are willing to face it and go through it and see God’s solutions. Struggles are sacred; they open us to hear Him.  People often resolve their own problems if you listen to them.

2. What was the experience that led you to question His trust in you or your trust in him?

 Maybe there was a feeling of not being good enough for Him to help.

“Broken covenants break hearts”

“Callings to serve are an invitation to feel God’s trust and love for us and each other”

Sometimes women who have been in abusive relationships have a hard time trusting God.  I had to recognize my own feelings that were false and change them over time.  He loves us and is patient with us. One help for me was my gratitude journal. 

It is easy to forget the positive when bad things happen

Joining a 12 step program has changed my life! I tried to do everything right and on my own, but this was helpful to me to realize and admit I am powerless.  Trusting God works and it is so freeing, such a relief.  https://coda.org/

Trying to fix and control can be agonizing! So hard to do it alone

How do we shift that thinking?  Try the serenity prayer.  God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And Wisdom to know the difference.

The Lord knows how our minds work, so he gives us basic habits to combat the negative

What if someone has really hurt us?

“The Holy Ghost can help us know if, how, and when to trust in others again”

“In Him, we can find faith and courage, wisdom and discernment to trust again”

“Trust God’s inspiration to discern wisely, we can forgive others in the right time and way. As the Lord says we must”

It can be hard with our close relationships with loved ones.  We can reconcile and forgive, but we don’t need to allow abuse.  We can love, but not allow abuse or disrespect

Remember the power of forgiveness.  I gained a deeper understanding of this principle. At first, I thought that we just forgive and they are off the hook, but truely, forgiveness if for our benefit. It allows us to let go. It's freeing to use the atonement to forgive others           

D&C 64:10-- I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

Sometimes we need to ask for the ability to forgive

Sometimes we think if I just try harder to forgive, I can, but it is when we show our commitment to God by obeying the simple commandments that he gives us what we need.  

3. What would you act like, if you knew you were deserving of His help, direction, or comfort?

We do deserve his help “Whether we are coming home or going home God is coming to meet us”

Act in faith, worry less, let things go!

Forgive

4. After looking back, what was the understanding or solution that had been gained?

I had the courage to leave a bad marriage.  It took a long time to forgive.  What helped was moving away, then we blossomed

One way the Lord approaches this is by giving us examples in the scriptures.  Think of Joseph who we are studying now, his brothers hated him, sold him and he still forgave them. If he could do this hard thing, we can too.  

A sister who had been through a painful divorce received some sound advice from her bishop: “Keep a place in your heart for forgiveness, and when it comes, welcome it in.” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/04/the-healing-power-of-forgiveness?lang=eng

Gratitude!

Feb. 27th, 2021

President Eyring's talk from the October General Conference entitled, "The Faith to Ask and Then to Act."

Presented by Margaret Wilkins

What is faith? -believing without seeing

Have you ever gone to general conference with a question and gotten an answer?

-what can I do to be a better parent? Answer I got was to strengthen my own faith so I can be an example to my kids.

-I took notes once using different colored pens marking the things that I need to change, start doing and STOP doing!

President Eyring said, “Revelation comes to us in proportion to the degree to which we have sought to take the doctrine of Christ into our hearts and implement it in our lives”

2Ne 31:17-21

17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

How do we show the Lord that we love Him? -We give Him our time.

I love the words in this scripture “Press forward with a perfect brightness of hope”! sometimes faith is easy, and sometimes it’s the greatest choice we make to just hold on. Sometimes we have to choose hope. When we hold on when times are tough, is when we gain the most.

President Uchtdorf said, “this is a gospel of new beginnings!” We can choose to begin anew everyday!

We need to stop beating ourselves up. We are all just trying to do our best. Just say I feel good about what I did do, and let that be enough!

“If your faith in Jesus Christ has led to a heart softened through the effects of His Atonement, you will be more able to feel the whisperings of the Spirit in answer to your prayers.”

How has your heart been softened? -I make a choice to have a soft heart. -if I have a certain need my heart is softer. If there is something that I need, I soften my heart. -during heartache and trials. -we don’t always know why the Lord is taking us in a certain direction that we didn’t want to go in. But we need to try to accept and find happiness in that, even if we don’t understand. -Seeketh not her own means to follow God’s will, and it’s really hard.

The Lord doesn’t usually shout at us, but through the still small voice. How do you feel the still small voice? -quietly and slowly. A nudge until it formulates into a clear thing that I need to do. -I have to shut out the noise of the world and have quiet time. Usually early in the morning. Ideas come to me. -recognize those experiences and feelings as the spirit when they do happen. -write it down when it happens. -repetition. When multiple events and subjects come up in the week, I feel like that’s the Lord giving me a message. -being mindful of people. I receive inspiration to help people when I keep them in my thoughts. -recognizing the guidance in our life in retrospect and saying a prayer of gratitude will show Heavenly Father that you are worthy and able to receive more promptings.

“With sufficient faith, we will ask for direction with the intent to go and do whatever He asks. We will have developed the faith to know that whatever He asks will bless others and that we can be purified in the process because of His love for us.”

Who do you know that is an example of someone that is good at following those promptings? -Jean Whitaker! -my friend always told me about how she felt the Lord saying to her, “now Marsha…” I wanted the same type of experiences, but I realized the Lord speaks to me, just says it is a different way.

“With faith that they are called by Jesus Christ, missionaries across the world have found ways to rise above the challenges created by a pandemic, doing so with courage and good cheer. And in their extra effort, their faith has grown stronger.”

Missionary moms spoke about their missionaries’ experiences of faith:

-courage and cheerfulness describes Sister Elmer. She “rolled with it” when the pandemic hit. Our youth are such great examples of faithfulness and we can learn so much from them.

-The pandemic gave Elder Elmer time to sort out his medical issues before leaving on his mission.

-Elder Shumway had a rough start with getting ready for his mission with the pandemic and his family having too much fun around him. The work of the Lord is going forth no matter what. The pandemic is not hindering the work

President Eyring ended with this challenge “I pray that you will ask Heavenly Father for the faith in Jesus Christ you need to make and keep the covenants that will allow the Holy Ghost to be your constant companion.”

Sister Wilkins ended with her testimony and encouraged us all to “ask and act”!

Thanks,

Stacy

Feb. 13th, 2021

Elder Christofferson’s Conference Talk “The Love of God” in the Fall Conference Liahona Nov 2021 p 16.

Presented by Sandy Allen

We need to believe these truths in order to teach them to our children.

Misconception- God does not love us because I’ve made mistakes.

Elder Christofferson said, “This divine love should give us abundant comfort and confidence as we pray to the Father in the name of Christ. Not one of us is a stranger to Them. We need not hesitate to call upon God, even when we feel unworthy. We can rely on the mercy and merits of Jesus Christ to be heard.”

1 John 4: 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

D&C 59: 5 Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.

1. Have you ever wondered or doubted if God loved you?  Do you want ALL the Father has, and is?  Is that truth a motivating factor for your righteous choices?  What motivates your righteous choices?   Why do you want to choose the right?  Why do you choose to make good decisions? 
 
2. In what ways do we depend on the approval of others to guide our daily decisions? One of the following questions might relate to your personal experiences and spark possible responses:

Are we vulnerable to ads that promote accumulation of wealth as the purpose for our lives? 

Do we try to keep up with affluent neighbors, materialistically coveting what others have? 

Are we influenced by media standards or children’s pressure with feelings of entitlement because   they have been influenced by ads, friends, or media with worldly objectives?

How do we respond when worldly concepts penetrate our homes such as celebrating sexual license or pursuing unrighteous dominion over others in unhealthy relationships? 

How do we prevent, protect, defend, or try to cope?

 -remember that baggage comes with the perceived blessings we see in other peoples’ lives.

Misconception: because God’s love is unconditional, so are His blessings.

Elder Christofferson said, “Because God’s love is all-embracing, some speak of it as “unconditional,” and in their minds they may project that thought to mean that God’s blessings are “unconditional” and that salvation is “unconditional.” They are not. Some are wont to say, “The Savior loves me just as I am,” and that is certainly true. But He cannot take any of us into His kingdom just as we are, “for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence.” Our sins must first be resolved.”

Misconception- God loves us, therefore there is no such thing as sin. So there should be no punishment.

-punishment is part of a consequence.

-the consequence should naturally follow the deed.

Misconception: The unblessed must be disobedient.

-unrepentant child will be punished now or later

Misconception: The unblessed must be unloved by god.

-God does not choose who He loves, we can choose whether we receive His love.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland observed, “Jesus clearly understood what many in our modern culture seem to forget: that there is a crucial difference between the commandment to forgive sin (which He had an infinite capacity to do) and the warning against condoning it (which He never ever did even once).”

Despite our present imperfections, however, we can still hope to attain “a name and standing,” a place, in His Church and in the celestial world. After making it clear that He cannot excuse or wink at sin, the Lord assures us:

“Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven.”

“And as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.”

3. Do your children think God does not love them when they make a mistake?  Do they think that you do not love them when they make a mistake?  Do your children or grandchildren understand the difference between consequences and punishment for their choices?  Is that an important distinction?

Do they think you are punishing them when they make a mistake and therefore you do not love them?

Do they understand that what followed was a natural consequence to their behavior choice and an opportunity to learn and repent---a part of life’s experiences? 

What helps you to understand mercy and justice best so that you can explain it to your children?

How have you approached any of these misunderstandings in your children to correct their perception? 

-is the idea that we are not loved from God? Or are we creating that idea in our own head? Possibly from Satan?

-sometimes you don’t do anything wrong and you still distance yourself from God. Maybe circumstances in our lives cause us to turn away from God. It’s important to keep communications open with our families so we can learn from each other

-correct with love and then punishment becomes learning, not just punishment.

Misconception: since prophets warn us against sin, they are Motivated by a desire to condemn us

I have long been impressed by, and have also felt, the yearning love of the prophets of God in their warnings against sin. They are not motivated by a desire to condemn. Their true desire mirrors the love of God; in fact, it is the love of God. They love those to whom they are sent, whoever they may be and whatever they may be like. Just as the Lord, His servants do not want anyone to suffer the pains of sin and poor choices.

Alma was sent to declare the message of repentance and redemption to a hate-filled people who were willing to persecute, torture, and even kill Christian believers, including Alma himself. Yet he loved them and yearned for their salvation. After declaring the Atonement of Christ to the people of Ammonihah, Alma pleaded: “And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, … that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into [God’s] rest.”

In President Russell M. Nelson’s words, “It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth.”

-if you tell a child to do something, you have to follow through, or they’ll think there are no rules.

-balancing love and correction is what makes us more God like.

4. How are you demonstrating your love of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ?  How are you demonstrating love to those around you?  Are you really serving out of love for the Lord?  (Question Joy D. Jones and her husband asked themselves)  Are you struggling to obey this commandment to love God?  Can the Lord rely on your love as much as you rely on His?

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

This commandment, given thousands of years ago to a prophet called to lead the children of Israel in their wanderings through a spiritual and temporal wilderness, is an ensign for all times and people. The power of love is unparallel and it’s ability to bring us closer to the Savior, but only if that love is undivided and undiluted by other loves.

Note that the word all is prominent in this great commandment. We are admonished to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our might, not just with portions that would leave us free to divide our loyalties among other less worthy recipients or pursuits. If love of God is uppermost in our minds and hearts, there will be no room for any other gods, regardless of how attractively packaged or enticing the world’s distractions may seem. President Dieter F Uchtdorf reinforces this concept by his wise insight that, “what we seek is determined by what we love, that what we think and do is determined by what we seek, and that who we become is determined by what we think and do”. The words heart, soul and might indicate a perfect unity of personal effort and commitment.

Surely, then, this commandment is a blessing rather than a burden because it is designed to draw us ever closer to claiming the divine promise of exaltation. Our love for God must be written in our hearts. In other words, the Lord expects us to completely internalize it. It goes beyond lipservice and becomes the impetus for obedience in all things, which is positive proof that we love the Lord. And the next logical step is to share this divine commandment with our families on a daily basis – morning, noon, and night. The Lord indicates that it should be the focus of our family life.

As with any commandment, God our father and his only begotten son provide the perfect pattern. As President Uchtdorf so beautifully reminds us, “their love for us is constant and eternal and had its origins in a pre-mortal existence; therefore, our inclination and ability to love them is part of our spiritual genetics”. Our heartfelt and pure love of God initiates a ripple effect that reaches outward and touches the lives of others. When we diligently heed this first and great commandment, God‘s love is poured out upon us ever more abundantly, and we, in turn, feel a desire to share that love with our families and fellow man.

Thanks,

Stacy

Lesson Prep:

Hi Sisters!

This week we will be discussing Elder Christofferson’s Conference Talk “The Love of God” in the Fall Conference Liahona Nov 2021 p 16.

Here are a some question groups that you might consider as you review his talk.  I appreciate learning from you as again we have the blessed opportunity to gather and contemplate while discussing some critical concepts.

1. Have you ever wondered or doubted if God loved you?  Do you want ALL the Father has, and is?  Is that truth a motivating factor for your righteous choices?  What motivates your righteous choices?   Why do you want to choose the right?  Why do you choose to make good decisions? 

2. In what ways do we depend on the approval of others to guide our daily decisions? One of the following questions might relate to your personal experiences and spark possible responses:

• Are we vulnerable to ads that promote accumulation of wealth as the purpose for our lives? 

• Do we try to keep up with affluent neighbors, materialistically coveting what others have? 

• Are we influenced by media standards or children’s pressure with feelings of entitlement because   they have been influenced by ads, friends, or media with worldly objectives?

• How do we respond when worldly concepts penetrate our homes such as celebrating sexual license        or pursuing unrighteous dominion over others in unhealthy relationships? 

• How do we prevent, protect, defend, or try to cope?

3. Do your children think God does not love them when they make a mistake?  Do they think that you do not love them when they make a mistake?  Do your children or grandchildren understand the difference between consequences and punishment for their choices?  Is that an important distinction?

• Do they think you are punishing them when they make a mistake and therefore you do not love them?

• Do they understand that what followed was a natural consequence to their behavior choice and an opportunity to learn and repent---a part of life’s experiences? 

• What helps you to understand mercy and justice best so that you can explain it to your children?

• How have you approached any of these misunderstandings in your children to correct their perception? 

4. How are you demonstrating your love of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ?  How are you demonstrating love to those around you?  Are you really serving out of love for the Lord?  (Question Joy D. Jones and her husband asked themselves)  Are you struggling to obey this commandment to love God?  Can the Lord rely on your love as much as you rely on His?

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful preparation.  I’ll be blessed by your contributions I am sure!  Sandy

Jan. 23rd, 2021

Invite Christ to Author Your Story by Camille N Johnson, Primary General President

presented by Sister Amy Palethorpe

What kind of personal narrative are you writing for your life?

-sometimes we get overly optimistic about how our life will be. If we do this, then this will happen. If I do what the stake president says, then this will happen. These ideas can be confusing, or that we are getting “ripped off”.

Is the path you describe in your story straight?

Does your story end where it began, at your heavenly home?

Is there an exemplar in your story—and is it the Savior Jesus Christ?

Hebrews 12:1-6

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

How do we invite the lord to be the author and finisher of our story? -Sister Walker said, “it’s painful sometimes”, and shared this quote by C.S. Lewis: Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself. -requires a repentant heart -requires vulnerability -give up control. Healthy control is something we struggle with and it’s a basic human need. Figuring out where to give Christ control is part of that struggle and can be terrifying. If we can trust that Christ knows and can get us there, then He will lead us to a place where we really want us to be. -a sister talked about hiking Machupichu. She went on the switchbacks, and a native boy went straight up the hill. In the end, we all want to get to the same place, but the Lord knows that we might need to take a different way to get there. -it helps me trust the Lord when I look back and see how He blessed my life in the past and to recognize I’m in a better place because of it. -We need to be willing to accept the answers He gives us. -Sometimes we don’t feel like the guidance is coming. Just being aware and recognizing his hand in our lives -Sister Johnson asked: Why do we put off asking a question to which we do not know the answer when the witness not only is friendly but will always tell the truth? Sometimes we know the answer and that’s why we don’t ask! Requires humility to follow that answer -Sometimes we would choose our own trials because we are comfortable with our trials. But sometimes we need to choose a different path. -If we aren’t choosing Christ, we are choosing the devil. I don’t want to live with the devil. I’d rather be uncomfortable moving towards Christ then be uncomfortable living with the devil. -some circumstances we choose and some we don’t choose.

Read the book “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. -we can’t develop these Christlike characteristics unless we have been tested. -We are coauthoring our lives with Christ. -I used to tell the story of my life as having done all these things wrong. I never would have wanted to go through the heartache I have. But now I love telling my story. I am so blessed! I wouldn’t change any of the terrible experiences I’ve had in the past, because they made me the person who I am. Life had to mellow us, and I wouldn’t have treasured the love story I have now had I not gone through the other things.

Sister Johnson said, “The beautiful struggles written into our stories are what draw us closer to the Savior and refine us, making us more like Him.”

President Nelson declared that we “receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.”

Thanks,

Stacy 😄

Jan. 9th, 2021

Lesson Prep:

Dear Sisters:   In preparation for this Sunday's Relief Society lesson, please read Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's Conference, October 2021 lesson entitled "Daily Restoration."   As you read, think about, and take note of the following:

1.  What are the "landmarks" that lead you to Daily Restoration?

2.  What goals will you have this year as you read the Old Testament and Come Follow Me?   Mine is to identify and learn more about the women in the O.T.

3.  As you study the Book of Mormon throughout the year, what will you ponder on, hope to find, in this second testament of Christ?  For instance, last year I took note of everyone who saw or spoke with the Savior.

Come prepared to share your ideas for personal Daily Restoration, as yours may just be the one I've been looking for.

See you Sunday, Sister Laurel Kay 

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's Conference, October 2021 lesson entitled "Daily Restoration."  

Presented by Sister Laurel

Opening remarks by Jean Whitaker

I hope we can show support for the Children and Youth program by asking our children, grandchildren and neighbors about their goals.

We can even set goals together. The four areas are spiritual, physical, intellectual and social.

I took a dear friend to the airport this morning. She is suffering from depression. All I could do is testify to her that I am motivated by the thought of returning to my Heavenly Father. I know He loves us and he wants us to help each other.

Daily Restoration Elder Uchtdorf.

Our spiritual path is easy to wander from. Sister Kay showed a Picture with a character that has his hands too full that he can’t hold the rod. Then she showed a different picture where the same character drops everything to grab the rod.

What are some of the ways that keep you on the straight and narrow path? Making your bed is a 1 minute thing you can do everyday to improve your day. If we make a goal about what we can accomplish, then we can accomplish it!

How are we motivated to stay on the path, “the way”

-When I am tempted, I just have a word I say “No” Our society makes overachieving a virtue. I feel we need to slow down and say no to things so that what we value has space in our life.

-It is easier to stay on the path when we surround ourselves with like minded people. Make Zion your community

-I have a wooden block with the word “gratitude.” I see it every morning when I wake up. I remember what I have and who to thank for it. It helps me with my priorities. I make just a little time to listen to a conference talk when I drive to work.

-Prayer, make time for it. Start the day remembering your goals and asking for God’s help with them.

“I bear my personal witness that God is among us and that He will surely draw near to all who draw near to Him.”

Isn’t it amazing that we can have a member of the Godhead with us every day, the Holy Ghost?

“We can’t rely on others’ testimonies forever. We must build our own.”

How are you building your testimony? What is your goal for scripture study this year in the Old Testament?

-I heard a funny summary of the Old Testament, basically it is prophets telling the people “dont do that” but they do it anyway

-In a podcast I heard someone with the goal to look for Jesus Christ in the Old Testament, might be challenging because maybe it was taken out. I am excited to see where I can find Him.

-The Bible is my favorite. I grew up in Albania under communism. My grandfather taught me to pray and about faith. When communism fell, we got the Bible. Because the government had banned it it made me want to read it even more. Even though stuff is removed the essence is still there. It is simple if you take time to read it. I testify it is true!

-It is interesting how much Idolatry plays a part in the Old Testament. I think we can learn that God is the one true God and that he has established a covenant people.

- I like the humbling stories there and how I can relate them to my life.

-President Nelson challenged us to look for the Lord everywhere, I am going to underline in red everytime it speaks words from the Lord

-That is great! Like making your own “Red Letter Bible”

“For surely He is a God of new beginnings. The sublime end of all His labor is to help us, His children, succeed in our quest for immortality and eternal life.

We can become new creatures in Christ, for God has promised, “As often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me” and “remember them no more.”

My beloved brothers and sisters, dear friends, we all drift from time to time.

But we can get back on course. We can navigate our way through the darkness and trials of this life and find our way back to our loving Heavenly Father if we seek and accept the spiritual landmarks He has provided, embrace personal revelation, and strive for daily restoration. This is how we become true disciples of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.”

There are many examples of wanderers in the scriptures. What if these people could be obedient? If they repented, it could have been faster, a more direct path.

Like it says in “Come thou Fount” we are all Prone to wander. If we can give our heart over to God, our path to him can be more direct.

What if we are stubborn and we don’t want to give our heart? What if I am not feeling like setting goals?

-just take one step at a time, one right step

-remember you get credit for trying

-When I find myself not willing, I recognize it and pray and ask for willingness from God and he answers the prayer in amazing ways.

I can find someone with every one of my bad traits in the scriptures and learn from them

“We can navigate our way through the darkness and trials of this life and find our way back to our loving Heavenly Father if we seek and accept the spiritual landmarks He has provided, embrace personal revelation, and strive for daily restoration. This is how we become true disciples of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.”

What are the spiritual landmarks he has provided?

-scriptures -Prayer Gratitude - ministering to others -showing our love to the Lord

Thanks,

Stacy 

Elder Bowen's Fireside Summary

Elder Bowen on Self-Reliance

October 19th, 2021

Isaiah 58:6-”Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke.”

We are covenant keepers. Refers to how God is concerned for our welfare. We break every yoke through our fasting.

58:7- Importance of our fast offerings

58:8-11- Blessings of our fasting and fast offerings

58:12- We shall be called the “repairers of the breach” Our name given through the Savior. We are breach repairers. He gave thanks to us all for being ministers.

Two secrets he shared- He’s not perfect, second secret - we aren’t perfect either. We need to cut ourselves some slack and cut others slack as well. Be patient with one another.

How do we prepare? Shared story of traveling by foot over the Alps. The only thing they could see in the snow were these very tall sticks sticking high out of the snow marking the path. The priesthood leaders are those sticks we are to follow. Follow the prophet. God will never force His will upon us.

Doc. and Cov. 132:22 “Strait is the gate and narrow is the way.”

Keep our eyes on the living prophet. Adam did not receive knowledge of how to build an ark. Noah received the knowledge needed for his day.

Doc. and Cov. 43:9- “Instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me.” The covenants we have made bind us to Him.

Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the  prophets.”

Don’t go into debt to become prepared. Do a little at a time on a regular basis.

There are many Self-Reliance Classes the church offers. Find the one right for your ward/you.

They are located on the Church App under Life Help, then Self-Reliance.  Options are- Finding Strength in the Lord Emotional Resilience, Personal Finances for Self-Reliance, Education for Better Work for Self-Reliance, Find a Better Job for Self-Reliance, and Starting and Growing my Business for Self-Reliance.

Church of Jesus Christ Website. Helps for Utah Area. There will be a plan for each area of the church..

If you go home tonight how long could you eat and drink and survive with what you have? 1. Need, 2. Rotate through what you have. 3. Use sales to assist you.

Handbook- chapter 22- Providing for Temporal Needs. 2010- Volume shrunk by 33%.

Last update the Handbook shrunk from 2 manuals to 1 manual. It’s available now to everyone in the world, on-line.

The Lord’s Storehouse is You. Find the resources in your stake- electrician, plumbers. Your talents and abilities are needed. Come together as families, wards, and stakes. Saints coming together to bless one another. All based on personal willingness to serve/help. 

Nov. 8th, 2013 The largest hurricane to hit the Philippines. 10,000 people died. Taught them to build plywood homes. Resiliency of the saints. First, they built 9 other homes, then they built their home, then they were given tools and they went out and built others’ homes.

Power-

Generators:

$800. Hooked into your system. Diesel and gas will degrade. Propane will last 30 years. 22KW size. He has Natural gas in his home and then it will switch to propane if the power goes out.

Prophets see the future and it is glorious. 

It’s no surprise you are here at this time. We have a source of pure truth. Rely on His words. He knows you. 8th floor of the Church Office building is a temple. Not where ordinances are performed.

He’s a prophet for the world. He is being recognized as that by the world. 1.6 billion people were in the viewing audience for the last conference in April 2021.

Dec. 12th, 2021

Presented by Sister Margaret Wilkins

D&C 82:10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.

D&C 130:21-22 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

One sister shared “Having a knowledge of who we are and who everyone is, has helped me to see everyone in the way Christ would see them instead of an “Us vs Them” scenario.”

2Ne 31:17-20

17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

One sister shared “God keeps His promises. If we enter into the covenant, He HAS to fulfill His side. The more we interact with Him, the more power He gives us. It’s such a beautiful symbiotic relationship.”

The Savior said:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Elder Bednar added “We take the Savior’s yoke upon us as we learn about, worthily receive, and honor sacred covenants and ordinances. We are bound securely to and with the Savior as we faithfully remember and do our best to live in accordance with the obligations we have accepted. And that bond with Him is the source of spiritual strength in every season of our lives.”

As Elder Bednar travels the world, he can see how God is blessing so many people’s lives.

We divided into groups and discussed these 4 stories and why they touched us and how is this evidence of the Lord giving His power to these people.

1-I witnessed the righteousness and power of God in great glory, received through faithfulness to covenants and ordinances, in the life of a young Church member who was partially paralyzed in a horrific automobile accident. After this individual’s grueling months of recovery and adapting to a new lifestyle with restricted mobility, I met and talked with this stalwart soul. During our conversation I asked, “What has this experience helped you to learn?” The immediate response was, “I am not sad. I am not mad. And everything will be OK.”

2-I witnessed the righteousness and power of God in great glory, received through faithfulness to covenants and ordinances, in the lives of newly baptized and confirmed members of the Church. These converts were eager to learn and serve, willing but often unsure about how to set aside old habits and strong traditions, and yet joyful to become “fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

3-I witnessed the righteousness and power of God in great glory, received through faithfulness to covenants and ordinances, in the lives of a family who cared tenderly for a spouse and parent with a terminal disease. These valiant disciples described times that their family felt all alone—and times they knew the hand of the Lord was lifting and strengthening them. This family expressed sincere gratitude for the difficult mortal experiences that allow us to grow and become more like our Heavenly Father and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. God succored and blessed this family with the companionship of the Holy Ghost and made their home as sacred a place of refuge as the temple.

4-I witnessed the righteousness and power of God in great glory, received through faithfulness to covenants and ordinances, in the life of a Church member who experienced the heartache of divorce. This sister’s spiritual and emotional distress was heightened by a sense of unfairness associated with her spouse’s violation of covenants and the breakup of their marriage. She wanted justice and accountability.

As this faithful woman was struggling with all that had happened to her, she studied and pondered the Savior’s Atonement more intently and intensely than ever before in her life. Gradually, a deeper understanding of Christ’s redemptive mission distilled upon her soul—His suffering for our sins and also for our pains, weaknesses, disappointments, and anguish. And she was inspired to ask herself a penetrating question: since the price already has been paid for those sins, would you demand that the price be paid twice? She realized that such a requirement would be neither just nor merciful.

This woman learned that binding herself to the Savior through covenants and ordinances can heal the wounds caused by another person’s unrighteous exercise of moral agency and enabled her to find the capacity to forgive and receive peace, mercy, and love.

These are some of the thoughts the sisters shared:

-I think we connect with others who have suffered the same things we have, this is how we also connect to Christ because he suffered for us.

-As a refugee, I experienced lots of anger and bitterness because of the death of my brother and my situation. When I joined the church, something changed. I look at others differently now. Especially going to the temple lets me let go of hate and bitterness. We all chose Christ in the pre earth life

-In each story the Phrase “ power of God in great glory” stood out. Sometimes the great is really just ordinary. Being humble enough to let the Savior heal us is the glory, His love for us is the power. It is comforting to know that these things will work for our good

-If we keep our covenants, the spirit is often abundant through our great trials.When you do initiatory work in the temple, you hear many promises.

What blessings have you received as a covenant keeping disciple of Christ? Have you ever felt armed with righteousness and the power of God in great glory?

Here’s what the sisters had to say:

-Keeping my covenants means accepting a hard calling. I feel blessed and uplifted by others and mourning with those who mourn and bearing the burdens of others. I am strengthened by reaching out to others.

-Because of the covenant I made in the temple, I wanted to consecrate myself to God. I asked Him what I should do, He said something I didn’t want to do. When I finally gave in my will, I experienced great peace.

-I wanted to do something my way, I was afraid if I turned it over to the Lord, he would take care of it in a way I didn’t want. When I finally turned it over to Him, it was taken care of so fast.

-We should be careful of perpetuating the idea that God will give us something bad. Don't be scared that God will ask hard things. Hard is not always bad, often it is for good

-Missionaries feel armed with righteousness when they bear testimony

-On my mission, I didn’t know the language, When I testified of truth, heavenly Father made up the difference, he provides the spirit

As we honor covenants, we are given power to do hard things

-After a divorce, it would have been easier to move to Utah by family, but the Lord said to go to Texas. I was emotional, I was scared but brave. The Lord sustained me. I feel empowered when I do what God asks. My ability comes from God’s power 

Oct. 10th, 2021

Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of our Soul

Elder Ulysses Soares April 2021 

presented by Amy Palethorpe

Prior to the lesson, our President, Jean Whitaker, shared her love and admiration for each of the sisters in the ward, and expressed how much she has loved getting to know each of us and considers us all her very large family!

How can the Lord be a caregiver of our soul, and how do we allow Him into our soul?

-He knows all, cares all, loves all, can do all.  He is the ultimate caregiver. 

-give all of our cares to him. When we are hurting for someone, and we can’t help them, He is also aware of their needs and we need to trust that Jesus Christ will care for them as well

-As adults, we need to relinquish our control to Him, and be as little children. 

-When we hit rock bottom or are having difficulties, sometimes we feel that we didn’t get the help that we needed. 

-We need to understand our Savior better. 

-When we turn to the Lord and accept His will, we feel more leave than we can ever imagine. 

-Aubrey Brinkerhoff Suggested we read the book  “He Did Deliver Us from Bondage” by Coleen C. Harrison which relates the gospel to the 12 Step program and helps us learn to rely more on our Savior. 

The following scriptures and quotes were used throughout the lesson. 

-The Lord has a timetable. Times when I haven’t had an answer to prayers, I realize that God is saying, “I got this”. 

Comforter “Jesus Christ offers us comfort and assurance in difficult times.” Isaiah 49:13

Advocate with the Father “I assure you that as we put our trust in Jesus Christ, we will enjoy the promises of our Heavenly Father.” 3 Nephi 11:31-33 -How thoughtful of Him to deal with all of our “humanness”. He understands our weaknesses and His arms are always open and He will make up all the difference as we work to change that. 

Repentance “The gift of repentance is an expression of God’s kindness toward His children.” “Repentance allows Christ’s followers to overcome sin and turn their hearts to God.” President Russell M Nelson said repentance is a gift and “the key to happiness and peace of mind.” 3 Nephi 11:38

Empathy “He understands all of the bitterness, physical pain, and emotional and spiritual challenges one might face.” Isaiah 25:1, 4, 8

-the hard part about going through  something hard is feeling like we are alone. There are others that have been through it that God puts in our paths, and the Lord has felt our pains.  

Gethsemane “My heart rejoices upon remembering the most marvelous, the most majestic and the most immeasurable act that has occurred in all of human history-the atoning sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ.” Isaiah 53:4-5, Alma 34:9-10

Infirmities taken “I can assure you that Christ is ever aware of the adversities we experience in mortality.” Alma 7:11-13

Victories over death “By voluntarily taking upon Himself the sins of all mankind, being cruelly nailed to the cross, He victoriously conquered death…” 1 Nephi 11:21, 33 Joseph Smith teachings; “God… prepared a sacrifice in the gift of His own Son, who should be sent in due to… open a door through which man might enter into the Lord’s presence.”

Eternal salvation “By overcoming the sting of physical and spiritual death, Jesus Christ offers all the glorious possibility of eternal salvation.” john 6:38-40

Relief “The Savior also offers relief from mortal life’s afflictions, temptations and weaknesses.” D&C 62:1

Sept. 26th, 2021

This weeks lesson was presented by Stacy Clark on Elder Rasband’s  message “Behold! I am a God of Miracles” from April Conference. (Click on the title/hyperlink to read the full talk on the church website)

The lesson was filled with personal stories of small and large miracles in our lives. Below are the scriptures and quotes from the lesson that were emphasized. Many sisters expressed the idea that there is no such thing as coincidences or luck. God is constantly creating little miracles in our lives, even when we don’t recognize them. We discussed the importance of recognizing God’s hand in our lives to encourage God’s trust in us to receive and facilitate those miracles. Sisters also shared the importance of continuing to have faith, even when the miracles that we pray for don’t come. And one sister expressed that the greatest miracle of all is the ability to be forgiven of our sins to be able to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. 

•  2 Nephi 27:23  For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.

• Moroni 7:27-29  27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? 28 For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens. 29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.

Christ performed miracles on earth, have they stopped?

• Quote Ether 12  12-15  12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith. 13 Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth.14 Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost. 15 Behold, it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites.

Can miracles happen today? Yes. How do we establish patterns of miracles in our lives?

How can we make God present in our life each day?

• We can establish patterns of miracles by how  we tell our story. Do we see the miracles around us? How do we say it? It is how we see the things happening around us and how we record it. That dictates what kind of miracle it was. No coincidences in the lives of those who love the Lord. Then we have more miracles  as we recognize them. 

• My great grandfather performed lots of miracles healing others. He would teach his family that miracles are commonplace pointing out lots of little miracles, this opened the door for bigger things. Anytime the priesthood is used, that is a miracle.

• As you recognize God's hand, he touches you more, showing gratitude makes more miracles..

• I see them every day, tender mercies, I look for them and they happen. Some are very small, take time to see miracles, even on a bad day, open your eyes and find them. No coincidences.

• I never say that was lucky, say what a blessing, I was blessed, not I was lucky

Problem, I see God’s hand in my life so much, so then I script write for it,  thinking “this must be why God wants this..”.why do I do  it? Why do I think I know more than God?  Can we let God be in charge? We have agency to accept God’s will and trust his plan.

• “Be still and know that I am God”  It is easy to feel anxious when I need a miracle.  I can be still and know that He knows me, then I can calm down and accept his will. Step back and let the Lords’ will happen, enjoy blessings as they come.

When I feel like a failure, how can I fix it?  Where is the miracle when Life is hard?

• Hard moments make the miracles look better and taste sweeter…

• God cares about daughter..  This morning I heard a conference talk and remembered a part where it said “God knows the details of the details of the details,)  God knows how we will react. He knows us.....he still loves me, even when I am mad at him. It is aMiracle that He speaks to me when I don’t think I deserve it.

  • “God is our Heavenly Father. He loves all of us. He knows our potential way better than we know ourselves. He knows not only the details of our lives. God knows the details of the details of the details of our lives.” They Cannot Prevail; We Cannot Fall By Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong Of the Seventy

All I can do is pray hard for good things to happen,  fill in for my lack…

Quote 3 “ Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God. Some suggest that miracles are simply coincidences or sheer luck. But the prophet Nephi condemned those who would “put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain.” 

Some more miracles

• There was a day on my mission I had a day where I just knew “today is the day for a miracle!”  I wanted to find someone, we worked hard, but it was an unsuccessful day. I was filled with  discouragement  and was crying and praying. I just need something to show me I wasn’t alone.  The words of a  song came into my mind.  I was calmed a little and later we were at a dinner with members.  I saw an article with the words that came to my mind.  I read the article and it was about Hyrum Smith, how he never saw an angel, but still so many great things.  I learned you don’t need a big miracle to know you are doing God’s work, we don’t get to dictate to God.  All of us who are here, we do our best, not big things, but we’d choose to be faithful, he blesses us with manifestations of his spirit and love.

  • D&C 19:23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

• I am a visitor today and I had this lesson some weeks ago, so I have been keeping track of miracles in my life.  I  see more everyday. At Thankgiving Point there is garden of statues that shows the miracles of Christ.... Then there is the woman taken in adultery, I wondered why that one was there, but then the spirit taught me that forgiveness is the biggest miracle, the atonement is a big deal.

• God answered my prayers so quickly, I needed a good counselor, bam, I got an answer. I am noticing a life cycle. First you feel God isn’t  here and you struggle, then you see Him in your life  and realize, God's way is so much better than my way. I am learning to  look forward to the struggle to learn what is God is teaching me.

• Through some serious family struggles and decisions about my eternal family, I learned that God is not a vending machine.  I don’t put my dollars worth of good deeds in and get a miracle out the bottom. It was a crossroads for me when I felt I could believe in God even when I didn’t get the miracle I wanted.Miracles are there to show me he is there when I don’t get what I want and to show that as I strive to do what is right, he keeps his covenants with me. 

Helpful Song  You Know Better Than I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ0dn01I_p8

Quote...

“There are times we hope for a miracle to heal a loved one, to reverse an unjust act, or to soften the heart of a bitter or disillusioned soul. Looking at things through mortal eyes, we want the Lord to intervene, to fix what is broken. Through faith, the miracle will come, though not necessarily on our timetable or with the resolution we desired. Does that mean we are less than faithful or do not merit His intervention? No. We are beloved of the Lord. He gave His life for us, and His Atonement continues to release us from burdens and sin as we repent and draw close to Him.

The Lord has reminded us, “Neither are your ways my ways.” He offers, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”—rest from worry, disappointment, fear, disobedience, concern for loved ones, for lost or broken dreams. Peace amidst confusion or sorrow is a miracle. Remember the Lord’s words: “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” The miracle is that Jesus Christ, the Great Jehovah, the Son of the Highest, is responding with peace.”

I have a pattern of feeling pain then peace.  Feeling Heavenly Father’s  peace was the miracle, not the thing I wanted.

Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God. Some suggest that miracles are simply coincidences or sheer luck. But the prophet Nephi condemned those who would “put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain.”

There are times we hope for a miracle to heal a loved one, to reverse an unjust act, or to soften the heart of a bitter or disillusioned soul. Looking at things through mortal eyes, we want the Lord to intervene, to fix what is broken. Through faith, the miracle will come, though not necessarily on our timetable or with the resolution we desired. Does that mean we are less than faithful or do not merit His intervention? No. We are beloved of the Lord. He gave His life for us, and His Atonement continues to release us from burdens and sin as we repent and draw close to Him.

Sept. 26th, 2021

This weeks lesson was presented by Stacy Clark on Elder Rasband’s  message “Behold! I am a God of Miracles” from April Conference. (Click on the title/hyperlink to read the full talk on the church website)

The lesson was filled with personal stories of small and large miracles in our lives. Below are the scriptures and quotes from the lesson that were emphasized. Many sisters expressed the idea that there is no such thing as coincidences or luck. God is constantly creating little miracles in our lives, even when we don’t recognize them. We discussed the importance of recognizing God’s hand in our lives to encourage God’s trust in us to receive and facilitate those miracles. Sisters also shared the importance of continuing to have faith, even when the miracles that we pray for don’t come. And one sister expressed that the greatest miracle of all is the ability to be forgiven of our sins to be able to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. 

•  2 Nephi 27:23  For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.

• Moroni 7:27-29  27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? 28 For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens. 29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.

Christ performed miracles on earth, have they stopped?

• Quote Ether 12  12-15  12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith. 13 Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth.14 Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost. 15 Behold, it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites.

Can miracles happen today? Yes. How do we establish patterns of miracles in our lives?

How can we make God present in our life each day?

• We can establish patterns of miracles by how  we tell our story. Do we see the miracles around us? How do we say it? It is how we see the things happening around us and how we record it. That dictates what kind of miracle it was. No coincidences in the lives of those who love the Lord. Then we have more miracles  as we recognize them. 

• My great grandfather performed lots of miracles healing others. He would teach his family that miracles are commonplace pointing out lots of little miracles, this opened the door for bigger things. Anytime the priesthood is used, that is a miracle.

• As you recognize God's hand, he touches you more, showing gratitude makes more miracles..

• I see them every day, tender mercies, I look for them and they happen. Some are very small, take time to see miracles, even on a bad day, open your eyes and find them. No coincidences.

• I never say that was lucky, say what a blessing, I was blessed, not I was lucky

Problem, I see God’s hand in my life so much, so then I script write for it,  thinking “this must be why God wants this..”.why do I do  it? Why do I think I know more than God?  Can we let God be in charge? We have agency to accept God’s will and trust his plan.

• “Be still and know that I am God”  It is easy to feel anxious when I need a miracle.  I can be still and know that He knows me, then I can calm down and accept his will. Step back and let the Lords’ will happen, enjoy blessings as they come.

When I feel like a failure, how can I fix it?  Where is the miracle when Life is hard?

• Hard moments make the miracles look better and taste sweeter…

• God cares about daughter..  This morning I heard a conference talk and remembered a part where it said “God knows the details of the details of the details,)  God knows how we will react. He knows us.....he still loves me, even when I am mad at him. It is aMiracle that He speaks to me when I don’t think I deserve it.

  • “God is our Heavenly Father. He loves all of us. He knows our potential way better than we know ourselves. He knows not only the details of our lives. God knows the details of the details of the details of our lives.” They Cannot Prevail; We Cannot Fall By Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong Of the Seventy

All I can do is pray hard for good things to happen,  fill in for my lack…

Quote 3 “ Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God. Some suggest that miracles are simply coincidences or sheer luck. But the prophet Nephi condemned those who would “put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain.” 

Some more miracles

• There was a day on my mission I had a day where I just knew “today is the day for a miracle!”  I wanted to find someone, we worked hard, but it was an unsuccessful day. I was filled with  discouragement  and was crying and praying. I just need something to show me I wasn’t alone.  The words of a  song came into my mind.  I was calmed a little and later we were at a dinner with members.  I saw an article with the words that came to my mind.  I read the article and it was about Hyrum Smith, how he never saw an angel, but still so many great things.  I learned you don’t need a big miracle to know you are doing God’s work, we don’t get to dictate to God.  All of us who are here, we do our best, not big things, but we’d choose to be faithful, he blesses us with manifestations of his spirit and love.

  • D&C 19:23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

• I am a visitor today and I had this lesson some weeks ago, so I have been keeping track of miracles in my life.  I  see more everyday. At Thankgiving Point there is garden of statues that shows the miracles of Christ.... Then there is the woman taken in adultery, I wondered why that one was there, but then the spirit taught me that forgiveness is the biggest miracle, the atonement is a big deal.

• God answered my prayers so quickly, I needed a good counselor, bam, I got an answer. I am noticing a life cycle. First you feel God isn’t  here and you struggle, then you see Him in your life  and realize, God's way is so much better than my way. I am learning to  look forward to the struggle to learn what is God is teaching me.

• Through some serious family struggles and decisions about my eternal family, I learned that God is not a vending machine.  I don’t put my dollars worth of good deeds in and get a miracle out the bottom. It was a crossroads for me when I felt I could believe in God even when I didn’t get the miracle I wanted.Miracles are there to show me he is there when I don’t get what I want and to show that as I strive to do what is right, he keeps his covenants with me. 

Helpful Song  You Know Better Than I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ0dn01I_p8

Quote...

“There are times we hope for a miracle to heal a loved one, to reverse an unjust act, or to soften the heart of a bitter or disillusioned soul. Looking at things through mortal eyes, we want the Lord to intervene, to fix what is broken. Through faith, the miracle will come, though not necessarily on our timetable or with the resolution we desired. Does that mean we are less than faithful or do not merit His intervention? No. We are beloved of the Lord. He gave His life for us, and His Atonement continues to release us from burdens and sin as we repent and draw close to Him.

The Lord has reminded us, “Neither are your ways my ways.” He offers, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”—rest from worry, disappointment, fear, disobedience, concern for loved ones, for lost or broken dreams. Peace amidst confusion or sorrow is a miracle. Remember the Lord’s words: “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” The miracle is that Jesus Christ, the Great Jehovah, the Son of the Highest, is responding with peace.”

I have a pattern of feeling pain then peace.  Feeling Heavenly Father’s  peace was the miracle, not the thing I wanted.

Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God. Some suggest that miracles are simply coincidences or sheer luck. But the prophet Nephi condemned those who would “put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain.”

There are times we hope for a miracle to heal a loved one, to reverse an unjust act, or to soften the heart of a bitter or disillusioned soul. Looking at things through mortal eyes, we want the Lord to intervene, to fix what is broken. Through faith, the miracle will come, though not necessarily on our timetable or with the resolution we desired. Does that mean we are less than faithful or do not merit His intervention? No. We are beloved of the Lord. He gave His life for us, and His Atonement continues to release us from burdens and sin as we repent and draw close to Him.

Sept. 12th, 2021

Relief Society Lesson Summary for Sept. 12, 2021

This weeks lesson was presented by Sandy Allen on Pres. Ballard’s  message “Hope in Christ” from April Conference.  You will find it on p 53 of your May Liahona.  

Hope in Christ is faith that our fondest hopes and desires can be fulfilled in Christ. 

Faith and charity are the actions that are inspired by hope and love. 

Elder Ballard gave us 5 principles we need to understand better 

1-everyone who is keeping gospel covenants will have the opportunity for exaltation 

2-precise time and manner of blessings of exaltation have not been revealed. Waiting on the lord requires continued faith.  

3-waiting in the Lord requires continued obedience and continued progress toward Him. 

4-God offers eternal life to ALL of His children. 

5-Our confidence on these assurances is rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ, by whose grace all things pertaining to mortality are set right. 

We discussed the following questions 

How does loneliness relate to hopelessness? -Being alone can magnify a sense of urgency. -Over half of adults consist of singles. First presidency prays for these individuals

Have you ever felt alone, even when others surround you?  What caused the feeling?  How did you overcome this lonely feeling?  -Satan tries to isolate us and make us feel like we are the only ones feeling that way. When we connect with others, we realize we aren’t alone. “Each precious child of God needs to know that he or she is not alone”. -Increasing our faith will help us overcome our challenges. -Building a relationship with our Heavenly Father will help us overcome loneliness. -Working in the temple has helped a sister overcome feelings of loneliness. 

How do you overcome feelings of hopelessness or instill hope in others who express feelings of giving up? —they are tired of trying and think doing so is useless. -Figure out where the truth is and see where satan is feeding you lies. A professional counselor can help us through that time. -encourage them to share their story and allow their trials to help others. -Get down on their level. Kneel next to them. “We’re going to figure this out together”. -Sometimes the brain is incapable of feeling hope and there isn’t anything we can say or do to fix it, so we just hold them and love them through it. “Partaking of the sacrament brings us hope”

What makes you feel needed, loved, wanted, and valued?

How does Christ give you hope?  What kind of a relationship do you want with your Savior?  What kind of relationship does He want with you?  

What does waiting upon the Lord mean to you?  -“waiting on the Lord” could mean “to wait on” like a waiter.  It means to serve and take action. -it could mean to stay in place—don’t bail out. -Sandy then gave the definition of “waiting” which means both to wait and to perform service. -we should prepare for whatever will come and not necessarily the expected.  Some young women attend BYU with the expectation of finding a husband and don’t place importance on getting an education.  We should move forward with what’s before us and wait on the Lord’s timing. -we live in a “microwavable generation.” The Lord knows what we need and when we need it. -Love is action and waiting on the Lord should involve action on our part.

We then sang the 7th verse of “How Firm a Foundation.”

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose

I will not, I will not desert to His foes

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake

I'll never, no never, no never forsake.

Sandy then bore her testimony that Christ will never forsake us.

August 8th, 2021

Our thanks to Heather Christensen for leading our discussion on Elder Gary E. Stevensen's April 2021 Conference talk entitled, "Hearts Knit Together".

" As you extend yourself with kindness, care, and compassion, I promise that you will lift up arms that hang down and will heal hearts".

In Mosiah 18:21 we read," And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another".

The Rabbit Effect: "She was an unusually kind and caring individual... She couldn't help it. It's just how she was."

Elder Stevensen shares with us an experiment which was originally conducted to show the effects of diet on heart health.  All rabbits were fed a high-fat diet over several months. They then measured their blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. As was expected, many of the rabbits showed a buildup of fatty deposits on the inside of their arteries. Although all of the rabbits had a buildup, surprisingly one group had 60% less buildup than the others! Why? How could this be? They had controlled all the variables. And yet, it seemed like they were looking at two different groups of rabbits. What had made the difference? After looking at every possibility, they finally turned their attention to the research staff. Had they done something different that influenced the results of the study?  In the end they found something they had never expected.  They found that every rabbit with fewer fatty deposits had been under the care of one particular researcher. These rabbits were treated exactly the same as the others except for one important factor. You see, this scientist didn't just feed the rabbits. As she fed them, she held them, she cuddled them, she petted them, and she talked to them. She gave them much more than food; she gave them love.  This experiment was repeated with the same results and then published in the prestigious medical journal, Science.

What is the take away? " Take a rabbit with an unhealthy lifestyle. Talk to it. Hold it. Give it affection... The relationship made a difference. Ultimately, what affects our health in the most meaningful ways has as much to do with how we treat one another, how we live, and how we think about what it means to be human." Dr. Kelli Harding; The Rabbit Effect

Kindness Matters: Can we make a difference?

• I sometimes suffer with bouts of anxiety.  There are times when I feel I can't be around people. It seems it's just at those times when someone steps up with a kind remark or conversation. It changes me. It's amazing the difference that can make! Connection is so important.  It increases your capacity to do better in everything.

• Reach out- this is easier for some than others, but don't be afraid to try at least in small ways to reach out.

• Don't make quick judgments and decide that person would never want to be friends with you; after all, what do you have in common? Step out of your comfort zone. Shall I take the chance? Get to know them. You may be pleasantly surprised!

• Start small. A smile is always welcome and always contagious.

• We don't know everyone's story. So, we stand back.  Are we being overbearing? Are we being intrusive? We don't have to know them to love them. We do have to be willing to be there and help them know we are there.  It's the Christlike way. It is what He has asked us to do. After all, Heavenly Father knows all of our backstories and He still loves us.

• Everyone is worthy of love and kindness.

• Compliments create a feeling of acceptance. Give them freely!

• Imagine the love in the adoption process. Talk about making a difference in someone's life! So much love and nurturing on both sides!

• Kindness Begins With Me

• Be intentional about teaching kindness to your children. Kindness begins at home. Kindness seems to come naturally to most children.  Still, it is easy for children or any of us, to get caught up in situations where kindness is not being shown. "Be gentle and loving in Deed and in Thought" then comes to mind. Then comes the choice! Yes, it's going to come up! What to do? Choose the Right!!

• The adversary is hard at work on our teenagers; using cyberspace to bring unkindness to new and dangerous levels. Elder Stevensen warns us that unkindness has no place in our cyberspace, our neighborhoods, schools, quorums, or classes. We must not sit passively by and let this happen. It has no place in the lives we are trying to live.

• "When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm," please follow the advice of Elder Uchtdorf:" STOP IT!"

Kindness is a Healing Gospel Principle

• Can we learn to have dialogue without contention?  Talk it over. Look at all points of view. Soften your heart.

• Don't say the first thing that comes to your mind. Stop. Listen. Show compassion.

• Put yourself in someone else's shoes and leave them on for a while. Maybe your heart will change.

• The Spirit can help you know who you need to be kind to and how you can show that kindness. Living close to the Spirit will open your heart.

• Sometimes you will be inspired to know what to do; you will know what to say. You will know at times like these, Christ is working through you.

• The Saints were at their bitter end. Driven out of Missouri in 1838, they were destitute, friendless, and suffering. The residents of Quincy, Illinois reached out with compassion giving of their own shelter and means to ease the burden of the Saints. Did God touch their hearts amid so much suffering? The Saints only survived because of the kindness of Quincy.

When Times Get Tough

• It is in our hardest times that we need people the most. Yet, it is in our hardest times that we tend to push people away. Sometimes we even want to push God away.

• It all comes down to Christ. When we feel like we are connected to no one at all, we are still connected to Christ. We can choose to hope in Christ. We suffer heavy burdens at times as have so many before us. We have a hard time seeing the road ahead and yet there He is. He is hoping we will feel His love for us. He wants us to hang on; to keep trying; to find the connection.

• He knows each one of us by name and in fact has a personal interest in each of our lives. Count on that knowledge and support.
  
  

Conclusion

Can we create our own unexpected outcome? Can we literally change the expected outcome for someone else's life because we were willing to heal their hearts? Will they say of us," she was an unusually kind and caring individual...She couldn't help it.  It's just how she was."

All of us are in this together. Each of us will be the answer to someone else's prayer as we reach out with a hand of friendship, love, support, and kindness to lift each other up and knit our hearts together. Surely the Lord will help us in such a worthy endeavor.

Have a wonderful week!!  Lane

July 25, 2021

Lesson Summary:

Our thanks to Mackenzi Holmes for leading our discussion on the April 2021 Conference talk given by President Henry B. Eyring entitled "I Love to See the Temple".

"It is in the temple that we can receive the assurance of loving family connections that will continue after death and last for eternity."

President Eyring: A Man of Vision

At the beginning of his talk President Eyring shared his feelings about the first time he walked into the Salt Lake Temple as a young man. He was there with his parents. He remembers the moment he looked up "at a high white ceiling that made the room so light it seemed as if it were open to the sky." At that moment, he had the clear thought," I have been in this lighted place before". Immediately another thought came into his mind, not in his own voice. The words said, "No, you have never been here before. You are remembering a moment before you were born. You were in a sacred place like this." 

Another time, at President Eyring's sealing in the Logan temple, he was told by President Spencer W. Kimball, who performed the sealing, to "live so that when the call comes you can walk away easily". He and his wife, Kathy, heeded that counsel. It was ten years later that "the call came", but all were able to "walk away easily". Why were they willing to go? "A prophet, in a holy temple, a place of revelation, saw a future event for which we were then prepared."

I Love to See the Temple ..I'm Going There Some Day

How can I live to be worthy to enter the temple: Enter with clean hands, a pure heart and a desire to better know God and His son, Jesus Christ.

• Holiness to the Lord: Temples are our most sacred edifices.

• "Inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it. ..my presence shall be there, for I will come into it and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God.

• How can we see the Savior? President Nelson tells us," We can "see" Him in the temple in the sense that He becomes no longer unknown to us." We begin to understand Him. We see that His purpose is to bring all of us back. We feel the impact of His life and want to pattern ours after His.

• It is our purity that allows the Holy Ghost to help us know these things, to feel the joy of our covenants.

• Such worthiness is worth striving for in order to have the love of our families with us forever.

Sharing Our Temple Experiences

• We live so close! Never take it for granted! When we lived in Washington, DC we were so grateful for the opportunity to gather in the temple with other righteous people; many of whom you rarely see.

• I like initiatories. I like feeling the strength of women and the power of Priesthood promises being fulfilled.

• Bad feelings toward others have no place in the temple. Such feelings do not allow the spirit to be present.

• Learn to pay attention in the temple. Focus! Think of the people you are serving as real people because that is exactly what they are. They are grateful, even excited about the work you are doing in their behalf. 

• Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. That feeling is strengthening to me in the temple.

• Nothing happens by accident in the temple. How can it be that your sealer is, in fact, a dear friend you needed and wanted to see?

• Experiences we have in the temple are spiritual. They stay in our minds and come back to strengthen us later.

The Greatest Blessings of the Temple 

Covenants: We make sacred, eternal covenants in the temple. That is what matters! Above all else, through all of life's overwhelming challenges, keep your covenants. Remember your sacred promises and know that Heavenly Father will be there to help you with the rest.

A Place of Revelation: Revelation is synonymous with the temple. The answers you are seeking may not come immediately. The blessing has been promised. The answer will come. Live for it. Look for it.

What About the Children? Children are Born with the Light of Christ Within Them.

• Baptism is the first step toward the temple. Keep that life goal always in front of them.

• Put several pictures of the temple in your home. They will remember what they saw every day.

• Talk about the temple.  Take walks there if you can.

• Going on vacation? Is there a temple nearby? Take your children to see it. 

• Talk with your children about the peace you feel when you are in a temple. Tell them how you can feel your loved ones there. Tell them that the temple is a respite from grief. Tell them how going to the temple helps you feel strength even when you are not inside it. Ask them to live a life that is worthy of going to the temple.

• Is your child ready to do baptisms in the temple? Set a consistent time to do that important work and then help to make it happen.

• Is there a temple rededication nearby? Take your family to visit.

• The construction site at the Orem Temple has missionaries! Great family outing!

Can You Do More?

As women, it seems we are always asked to do more. Temple work is no exception. President Eyring tells us of a time when his young daughter was asked to stay and finish up the rest of the baptisms on the list as the session was ending soon and there were more names left to do. They asked her," Can you do more?" She said, "Yes". They kept asking her if she could do more as she raised her soaking wet head. Each time she answered "Yes!". 

Can we say "Yes!" even when it's way too hard? Can we say "Yes" when it would entail a sacrifice? Can we say "Yes" because we know others are counting on us?

Temple work cannot happen without us. It is seldom convenient. It is one of those things that can be hard to fit into our life, but when we do, we are so glad we did. 

The blessings are life changing. Each of our lives will be better for the effort.

Conclusion: Words of President Monson:

"As I think of temples, my thoughts turn to the many blessings we receive therein.  As we enter through the doors of the temple, we leave behind us the distractions and confusion of the world.  Inside this sacred sanctuary, we find beauty and order. There is respite for our souls and a respite from the cares of our lives. As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart. We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior when He said: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27  (Blessings of the Temple ; Thomas S. Monson; 2015)

Have a great week!  Lane

Lesson Prep 

This Sunday Mackenzi Holmes will be leading our Relief Society discussion based on the talk "I Love to See the Temple" by President Eyring. She’d love to have the sisters think about the following questions as they prepare for church!

1. What would you say to a friend or family member who asks why the temple is important to you? Why do you sacrifice your time to be there?

2. What special experiences have you had in the temple that increases your testimony of the temple?

3. How can you increase your desire to attend the temple and be worthy to do so?

4. How can we increase our children’s desire to attend the temple?

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

July 11, 2021

Lesson Summary:

Lesson by Amy Palethorpe on Pres Russell M Nelson’s talk “Christ is Risen: Faith in Him will Move Mountains”

Amy is an avid hiker. She listed the mountains she has hiked or hopes to hike some day. Mount Timp, Mount Olympus, Bald Mountain, Mount Everest, Ensign Peak. Before every hike, you need to prepare. Get a map, water, hiking boots/sturdy foundation, food, first aid kit.

When you get to the top of the mountain, you get a much better view and get a rush of having completed this great task.

Sometimes the mountains in our lives are not beautiful and don’t have flowers to pick or friends along the way, hiking with us.

“Start today to increase your faith. Through your faith in Jesus Christ, He will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life”

What mountains (trials) do we have in our lives?

-illness/health concerns

-loved ones leaving the church

-our own doubts

-motherhood

-death/loss

-financial troubles

-broken marriages

-expectations of perfection

-Shame/Fear/Anxiety

Alma 32:27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

President Nelson gives us 5 ways to increase our faith:

1-Study-immerse ourselves in the scriptures and internalize the gospel of Jesus Christ

Refocus our lives to study the gospel of Jesus Christ through reading scriptures and reading our patriarchal blessing. “The savior is never closer to you than when you are facing or climbing a mountain with faith”. Don’t have faith to change your circumstances, Have faith in faith and start from there.

2-Believe-it’s a choice. 2Ne33: 10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.

Belief prompts us to do something. He will bless us to enjoy our journey along the way

3-ACT

4-Partake of sacred ordinances. “The ordinances unlock the power of God for our lives.”

D&C 84:20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

Anne Crosland added “I felt the loss of not taking the sacrament as a group on a weekly basis during the pandemic and the strength it gives me”. Taking the sacrament is like a clean slate for the week. It helps us to center and know that God knows us and knows our trials.

Sister Wilson’s daughter asks how you feel the importance of the sacred ordinances when you have young children?

-don’t fight it

-study when you can

-recognize that the Lord gives us little rest areas. The Lord loves us and is rooting for us during these trials and challenges.

-fill those lamps when you can.

-prepare early so that you are physically, spiritually, and emotionally prepared to face those trials.

5-Ask -ask in prayer and also ask our ministering sisters. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the relief society sisters. It takes faith to pray and wait for the “rains” to stop, but it takes even more faith to pray for it to stop, and still believe and trust in the Lord when it doesn’t stop. “Faith is the power that enables the unlikely to accomplish the impossible”. “Do not minimize the faith you already have. It takes faith to join the church and remain faithful. It takes faith to follow prophets rather than pundits and popular opinion. It takes faith to serve a mission during a pandemic. It takes faith to live a chaste life when the world shouts that God’s law of chastity is now outmoded. It takes faith to plead for the life of a loved one and even more faith to accept a disappointing answer”

All things point to Christ. Even our challenges and our weaknesses. Sometimes we need to just stand still and amaze in the power of God.

Thanks,

Stacy 

June 27, 2021

Lesson Summary:

Our thanks to Sandy Allen who led our amazing discussion on Elder Dale G. Renlund's Conference talk given in the April 2021 Conference entitled, " Infuriating Unfairness".  Sandy gave us many thoughts to consider before we met together. I have included those thoughts in this summary as we take the time in the coming weeks to think more deeply about this important topic:

Have you or a family member ever felt intense anger to the point of enragement? Was the grievance real or supposed? Was it because of perceived unfairness? If because of perceived unfairness, was the unfairness to you, a family member, or someone unrelated?

Are we entitled to be infuriated when we see unfairness and injustice around us? What are the appropriate ways to express our anger or dissatisfaction?

Where is our sphere of influence and how can we alleviate unfairness within it? How broad can we stretch ourselves? How early do we teach anger control to our children? What are the best ways to accomplish that?

What do you say to your child who feels their sibling has an unfair advantage, or that their friends get treated more generously by their parents than they do by you? How do we teach our teenagers to deal with perceived unfairness to them?

How do we make sense of mortal life being inherently unfair? How do you deal with the unfairness paradoxes of life? Do we accept them and move on or do we allow them to fester?

When should we try to correct unfairness?

What does it mean that He will consecrate all unfairness for our gain? How can He use the unfairness for our benefit? (2 Nephi 2:2)

Has there been a time in your life when you endured unfairness and in hindsight learned that you actually gained something through that consecrated process?

How can we be more anxiously engaged and bring to pass more righteousness and fairness, while developing the ability to cope with unfairness?

Our Discussion:

The Inherent Unfairness of Mortality

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do some people seem to suffer more than others? Why is there so much perceived unfairness in the world?

Is it a coincidence that we are discussing "Infuriating Unfairness ' on the 177th anniversary of the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith?  (June 27, 1844...age 38.) (Thank you for that insight, Sandy.)

Why would God allow such things? " For many of us -suffering and brutal unfairness can seem incompatible with the reality of a kind, loving Heavenly Father. Yet He is real, he is kind, and He loves each of His children perfectly. This dichotomy is as old as mankind and cannot be explained in a simple sound bite or on a bumper sticker."

Perception Plays a Part in Unfairness

Our life decisions can make all the difference. If 2 children are given the same amount of money, but one decides to spend theirs on candy and the other decides to save theirs for a bike, is it unfair that the child who has saved should get that bike while the other does not? If one child is wearing shoes that do not fit, is it unfair that a parent buys that child a new pair of shoes? Circumstances change perception.

Opportunities taken can make all the difference in life. It is important that we do not feel it was unfair when one takes advantage of an opportunity and another passes the same opportunity by, yet feels slighted in the end.

Inexplicable Unfairness is Infuriating

Living in imperfect bodies, sustaining undeserved injury, contracting diseases take all the fairness out of life.

Covid 19 changed so many lives forever. Is a pandemic fair? Absolutely not!

Why are some born in affluence and some struggle to eat each day?

Why do some have loving parents and others have to suffer at the hands of those who should love them most?

The list could go on forever. Weakness is a shared condition.

We Have to Learn to Handle it. What Can We Do?

When we become infuriated, we cross the line of anger. We are not just angry.  We are out of control.

It becomes especially difficult when we feel our own child or a loved one has been treated unfairly. Is there such a thing as righteous anger?  We hope so! It is at times like this that we feel entitled to get angry. Really angry!  Know this: Mother's will defend their children.

To dispel some of these feelings, it is so important to be able to LISTEN. Do we really understand the situation? Listen to another. Validate the feelings. When we feel listened to, some of that fierce anger will dissipate. This does not mean that you agree with them. It does mean that you are patient enough to at least hear their point of view.

It can help to write our feelings down. It calms the moment and allows for more reason. Sometimes after I have written things down, I can then ask, "What is truth? " Then I can get clarity. I get an answer.   This can work with our children who will usually choose not to write the offense down and just choose to let it go. A wise coach tells his player who has a grievance, "We won't talk to you for two days.  After two days we will address the problem." Everyone can see the wisdom in "wait time".  Time creates perspective and can create a changed heart.

Entitlement is an interesting concept in this discussion. "I am entitled to feel infuriated because that was so unfair!!"  What does that do to Jesus' counsel to turn the other check and to forgive 70x7? That's a hard one! We do have a right to feel angry; it is even a part of the grieving process. Still, we have no right to feel entitled to express out of control anger toward another human being. Controlling anger is a difficult aspect of our lives; it starts early., but it is something that builds our character and helps us become more Christlike.

What about the "Terrible Twos"? Anyone who has dealt with a 2-year-old child knows about infuriating anger! They act like we would sometimes like to act, but somewhere we learned that's just not acceptable.  So, this must be a learning process for all of us. What to do? Ideas: When you feel like that, throw soft things, not hard things! Use your words to express what you want.  Give them some key words to use when they need your help or attention. Be sure to respond when they use those words.

Fairness is something that is always questioned by a child and certainly by a teenager. They have a heightened sense of fairness and want to live in a fair world.  That's why we so often hear," But that's just not fair!"  It's true.  Life is not fair.  We all want to put it back into balance.  Only One can do that. 

Thoughts on Anger and Unfairness

Anger is a secondary emotion.  Does it come from fear or unmet expectations or from not feeling validated? What is the primary emotion? Anger is the outgrowth of unmet needs.

When you get blamed for things, it hurts. We hold on to things for so many years.  We can feel a lifetime of hurt. Could we have handled things differently?

Fix things if you can, as soon as you can. Don't hang on to anger.

Does unfairness come out of pride? Do we feel that we somehow deserve better?

Are there comparisons involved?  Is our sense of fairness connected to what others have? There is danger in constant comparison.  It is a battle you cannot win. Let's not do that to ourselves!

What can you say to someone who has lost their faith in God because of unfairness?

All people of faith know that God is in control. When a well-known Chinese Christian family with heritage back to the Ming dynasty had title, possessions, status, and all they had once had taken away,  the father's reply was, "God Allow" "God Prevail". We can never become a victim of unfairness in this world.

Empathy is a Christlike Characteristic

When we see unfairness in the world, do we try to alleviate it? Do we feel compassion toward others and try to lift the burden of unfairness wherever we can? 

We are the ones who have been given much. 

Elder Renlund asks us not to be the "stone throwers."  How are we treating the vulnerable and disadvantaged? We will be judged by our actions.

We need to be the "stone catchers". We are the ones who want to follow the Savior's example and go about doing much good within our sphere of influence.

"Seeing things with an eternal perspective can be clarifying.

What is the Role of Jesus Christ in an Unfair World?  He Makes ALL the Difference

" Jesus Christ both understands unfairness and has the power to provide a remedy.  Nothing compares to the unfairness He endured...He understands perfectly what we are experiencing." What did Jesus say to the ancient Israelites when they felt they were being treated unfairly? "... I will not forget thee.. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." Jesus sees our walls. He is continually aware of us.

Jesus feels empathy for us and wants us to come to Him and receive "compassion, healing, and help.". The Atonement performed by Jesus Christ, absorbed all unfairness and will make all things right in the end. We do not know when or how this will occur. The one thing we do know is that it WILL occur. 

Conclusion:

Just like anything else in this life, when it comes to unfairness, we are faced with a choice,  We can "push ourselves away from God or we can be drawn toward Him for help and support." We can become "hardened" because of all the unfairness of life or we can become "softened " and humble ourselves before God. As Elder Renlund says," Rather than becoming bitter, let Him help you become better." Above all, may we never allow the unfairness of life let us lose our faith in God.

Since I was released from this calling on Sunday, may I say it has been my privilege to write these summaries for you over the years. I have enjoyed this very much and hope I have added to your life in some small way.  Thank you for the opportunity.  Stacy Clark will take the reins now.  Thank you, Stacy!  Enjoy!

Everyone have a great week!

❤️ Lane

June 13, 2021

Lesson Prep:

Dear Sisters,

     We have the opportunity to attend Relief Society, in person from now on, for those who can gather. Our teacher this week will be Robbie Drewes, who was recently called to be a Disability Specialist. She will explain what her vision is for this calling and how we can minister as a ward and individually. As a presidency, we support Bishop Walker's vision of helping us know, serve, and interact with all of our ward. We invite you to discuss how this might look and get reacquainted with our Relief Society sisters, and meet our new sisters.

     For those who cannot attend at this time, we invite you to read the lesson summary, which Lane Reinwand shares with us. This includes the teacher's instruction and the class discussion as well. If you have ideas to share, please send them to LauraDawn and we can pass them along to Robbie Drewes.

With love,

Jean Whittaker, Sarah Yorgason, Laurel Kay, LauraDawn Heiner, Toyelle Morrey

Relief Society Presidency

Lesson Summary:

Robbie Drewes has been called as the Disability Specialist in our ward. Our thanks to Sister Drewes for sharing some thoughts about this calling.

AWARENESS LIFTS BURDENS

• Who are those around us who need extra help? How can we help these people to feel loved, needed, and served?

• Awareness means noticing and feeling. Step into their shoes for a moment.  They are wearing those shoes all day.  Is there something you can do to lighten their burdens? Is there something you can do today? Watch for your opportunities to help in a meaningful way.

Personal story:

25 years ago, I fell and broke every bone in my ankle. What did I wish for myself? No hospital, no surgery.  What did I get? 8 weeks totally bed ridden. What were the blessings? For 8 weeks dinner was brought in by so many. A good friend drove 10 miles to get a particular chicken sandwich because she knew that was my favorite. Another friend, who knew I was an avid reader, drove 25 miles to deliver more than enough books to me so that I would have something interesting to do while I waited for my ankle to heal. I was blessed by a sweet family who came over and sang in broken English the songs that were sung in Sacrament Meeting that day. Such blessings will never be forgotten! Such awareness! None of this service was assigned. It came from the heart. It came from those who wanted to help.  They recognized the need and acted upon the promptings they felt.

"He was a man who understood the virtue of small things." Greg Mortenson

• We hide so much inside ourselves.  We all have needs, but are we afraid to ask for help? It is hard to know another person's heart, but can we pray for more awareness? Can we pick up on the little things? Feeling left out brings great sadness. Can we be more inclusive?

• Small things: I can't heal you, but I can bring you apples. I can bring fresh bread.  I can provide a meal.  I can coordinate with others to help something happen.

• We are not all aware of everyone's need. Sometimes only a few know of the struggles someone is going through. They have chosen to handle things that way. If you are one of those who knows, can you help in any meaningful way? Don't be afraid to try.

• Remember, you cannot take their burden away, you can only lighten it.

We all want to help others; we want to be aware of other's needs. If we are too busy rushing around in a constant desire to cross something off the list, it becomes very difficult to recognize the need of another. Once in a while, take the time to stop. Think- what does that person really need? Can I help meet that need? How should I do that?

A disability is not a temporary inconvenience. (Thoughts to consider)

In this discussion, it is important to consider the difference between a period of ill-health and a disability. A person with a disability faces a harder day than others every single day. They are not facing something that will heal after a while. They are dealing with a life-long condition.  They still have all the worries, the things to get done, the joys and sorrows, desires and hopes, but they carry an added burden on top of it all. So, just help them know that even though you can't take this burden away, you want to lighten it by being there, being a friend, and helping you to know you are loved.  You want them in their life. A disability does not define a person. Learn to look beyond it. 

Conclusion:  How aware was Christ? How is it that He could notice things other people never noticed? How is it that he could discern the thoughts and needs of others so clearly? No wonder He could lift so many burdens! Yes, Awareness Lifts Burdens.  May we think a little deeper, be a little more aware of those around us as we strive to become more Christ-like each day.

May 23, 2021

Lesson Summary:

Our thanks to Sarah Yorgason for leading our discussion on Sunday.  Our thoughts were centered around a talk given by Sister Joy D. Jones in the April 2021 Conference entitled "Essential Conversations". 

"We cannot wait for conversion to simply happen to our children.  Accidental conversion is not a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

God loves His children: Primary

To us, Primary is a time to build spiritual knowledge and strength in our young children.

Primary also means" of chief importance; principal."

Joy Jones tells us of a powerful truth: "To our Heavenly Father, children have never been secondary- they have always been primary."

Our Heavenly Father entrusts His children to us. He asks us to value, respect, and protect them. We value our children because they are His gift to us . Their care must be our primary concern. Raising children in the world we live in today, is the most difficult job on earth. Guiding our little ones on the covenant path can never start too soon. We are in a battle for their lives.

President Eyring tells us, " We have the greatest opportunity with the young.  The best time to teach is early, while children are still immune to the temptations of the mortal enemy, and long before the words of truth may be harder for them to hear in the noise of their personal struggles."

I'm Trying to be like Jesus

Every effort we make to help our children know their personal identity and purpose will strengthen their life.

Do they know what the rewards are of living the gospel, keeping the commandments, receiving important ordinances and making sacred covenants are?  Do they know how important the gospel is to us?

Do they understand the way in which we are asking them to live and why?

Faith and understanding are built day by day... Word by Word, Example by Example. Conversion does not happen by chance.  "Becoming like our Savior will not happen randomly" . "Rather, we have to be intentional in loving, teaching and testifying." This gives children the opportunity to feel the Holy Ghost which is the absolute key to their conversion. 

Communication is the Key

Do our children feel comfortable talking with us? Do they bring their hardest questions to us?

Are we good listeners? Are we willing to give them that eye to eye contact? ( Please see President Nelson's talk discussed and included in the notes last week entitled, "Listen to Learn"; May 1991): Are we willing to listen no matter how shocking? Do you want to do all the talking? If you will listen when it doesn't matter, they will come to know you will listen when it matters. I often talked to my children about my problems. Yes, parents have problems too and appreciate a listening ear and even good advice sometimes.

Family conversations open the door to understanding the doctrines of repentance, baptism, and the importance of prayer.

Try to avoid confrontation and controversy when you are in conversation with your children, your neighbors, your friends or co-workers. Such feelings have a way of cutting the conversation off.

Personal Revelation is a gift.  It can help you know how to handle conversations in an inspiring way.

Facilitating Essential Conversations

   Role Playing; Some families are helped when they are able to act out certain scenarios. What if you are pressured to do something you know is not right? How could you handle it? What could you say? Think of the strength they will have when the real situation presents itself! Very preventative strategy! Very wise!

As I watch my own daughter parent, I notice she presents many opportunities for her children to feel the spirit. This is intentional teaching. Ask, "How did that make you feel?"

After completing a service project ask your child ,"How did that make you feel?" That is the Spirit.

During the closing song in Primary, the Spirit was very strong. When we got to class, we talked about that feeling.  I told them they felt that way because the things they were singing about were true. That's the Spirit.

When we have nightly prayer, I ask my child to tell me something about their day.  This opens many personal conversations. The best part is, this brings the Spirit right before bed.

My child always prayed that God would help her see others as He sees them. What a wonderful thought for a girl on the covenant path!

Have you ever had to deal with dishonesty in your child's actions? What a wonderful time to teach the importance of always telling the truth and how much honesty helps you to be trusted by others.

Have conversations about things in which you have common ground.( I like you; I love you;  I love talking to you, I just love being with you.) 

Love and Tough Love

President Nelson reminds us that to rule by force is the tool of Satan. When we act like an Army sergeant, might our children think we "own them"? Still, we have all acted like Army sergeants sometime along the way as we have tried to raise our children. Our children are important to us! Don't they know how much we want their lives to be happy?

Have you ever felt like Jacob? "I am desirous for the welfare of your souls.  Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; and ye yourselves know that it has ever been".

Is a parent who acts like an army sergeant cruel and inhumane, or is he only doing what he has to do to prepare his troops for battle? Perhaps he knows the bigger picture, perhaps he knows what's coming and loves his troops enough to protect them from what they will surely face?

There is absolutely no room for cruelty within our homes; but sometimes we have to be a "Benevolent Drill Sergeant". What is the purpose of your actions? Do you do what you do out of love? It is sometimes necessary to expect a child to step out of his or her comfort zone so she will be ready to face unusual or difficult circumstances.  

Humor is the key.  Learn to laugh with your children and learn to laugh at yourself.  Laughter changes everything.

I have to be willing to admit my own mistakes. There's a million ways to do it right.  Please don't think that what we do is necessarily right for someone else.

Just trying to do it right gets you full points. Where is your heart?

Spiritual Resilience: How do we build that?

Any kind of strength we try to build within ourselves takes consistent effort and experience.

To build lasting physical strength we must do those things that create that type of strength: working out, exercising. eating healthily, getting enough sleep.

Emotional strength comes over time.  Can that person deal with challenges? Can they bounce back from difficulties? Can they learn from mistakes and move on?

What about Spiritual Resilience? Can you maintain a positive Spirit even in the face of adversity? Are you willing to turn to God in times of difficulty? Are you willing to repent of wrongdoings and believe you are forgiven? Can you be led by your beliefs and not by your emotions? Over the years, if we read our scriptures faithfully, look forward to talking with our Heavenly Father each day, listen to others who know much more than we, and feel a keen desire to stand in holy places we will build spiritual strength and resiliency that will not only get us through this life, but will bring us back to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. 

Conclusion

 There is so much at stake for us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  We have great desires, expectations, and hopes for our children.  For us, parenting is a sacred calling. " We are preparing the rising generation to be the future defenders of the faith, to understand that they are free to act for themselves- to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life. Children deserve to understand this great truth: eternity is the wrong thing to be wrong about."  The responsibility can sometimes feel overwhelming, but if we "nurture and prepare our children and allow for their agency, if we love them with all our heart, if we teach them the commandments;" teach them of the Atonement and repentance, and above all, if we never give up on them, then surely the Lord will guide us in this journey and strengthen both ourselves and our children to be successful in the end. 

Have a wonderful Memorial Day week!  ❤️❤️ Lane

April 11, 2021

Lesson Summary:

Our thanks to Sandy Allen for leading our discussion on Sister Sharon Eubank's talk given in Women's Session of the October 2020 Conference entitled "By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power with God". 

"As we seek union of feeling, we will call down the power of God to make our efforts whole".

Unity is the heart and soul of a strong society.

• At the completion of the Nauvoo Temple in 1842 and the organization of the Relief Society, the Prophet Joseph Smith often came to the Relief Society meetings. His purpose was to prepare the women for the sacred, unifying covenants that they were about to make in the temple. On June 9, his topic was mercy. His message was that we are learning to say and do those things which would please the angels and Jesus Christ. That means we must learn to let go of the little things, be merciful and overlook the small things that we allow to create bad feelings among us.  " It grieves me that there is no fuller fellowship-if one member suffer all feel it- by union of feeling we obtain power with God."

• Unity is the hallmark of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles. When they are gathered as one, the room becomes a place of revelation. They talk and reason together. The majority never rules. Decisions are never made until total unity is reached. This is that "union of feeling". This is that "power with God".

• Elder Cook tells us, "Unity and Diversity are not opposites. We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity."

Mercy: A God-like Characteristic

• The greatest act we can perform for others is to extend our mercy to them.  Be gentle with other points of view. Don't jump to conclusions and have your responses ready for when they are finished talking. Be a listener- a good listener. 

• Words hurt. You do not need to say everything you are thinking. Hurtful words tend to stick. Who cares if the muffins are dry? Don't be the one who has to point that out. If you have a negative comment or something you perceive as "helpful advice" share it privately with that person or better yet, don't share it at all.

• A Christ-like action is when we are able to see others as they really are; a child of God.

• We all need each other. Linda Burton tells us to "First observe, then serve." Be aware of others. Try to step into their shoes. Is there someone who is sitting by themselves? Is there someone who is hurting? Is there someone who feels different or left out? Are you willing to step up? Are you willing to sit next to them, to make them feel welcome and comfortable? 

• In our Utah culture we sometimes have a more difficult time accepting diversity than those who live in other places where diversity is a way of life.  We need to learn to embrace diversity. Teach your children to be inclusive. Have conversations within your home that display acceptance for all. We can have a greater influence on people when we allow them into our circle.

• "He drew a circle that shut me out- Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him In!" Edwin Markham

• Sister Eubank tells us what her Relief Society president said ," The thing I promise you is that I will keep your name safe, I will see you for who you are at your best, I will never say anything about you that is unkind, that is not going to lift you. I ask you to do the same for me because I am terrified, frankly, of letting you down."

Let's Swing
The only way we can win this unity battle is if we learn to "Swing."

• "There is a thing that sometimes happens that is hard to achieve and hard to define. It's called "swing".  It happens only when all are rowing in such perfect unison that not a single action is out of sync." [The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown]

• Sometimes we can only feel "swing" momentarily. As in a marriage, it is difficult to achieve. When it is there, however, you can feel it. It is certainly something to strive for.

• We can experience "swing" when we ride a tandem bike, lend our voice to a beautiful choir, play in an orchestra, or participate in a perfect dance performance.

• "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular".

Clear Away the Bad as Fast as the Good Can Grow

• Unity takes work. Every single person is responsible to create it. It is messy, uncomfortable, and never happens without intentional effort.

• Our job is to clear away the bad as fast as the good can grow. 

• We all do some hurtful things to others and have had hurtful things done to us. Don't we all beg for mercy when we have done or said something wrong? Christ freely forgives us. All he asks is that we give that same mercy and forgiveness to others.

• "Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine."

Of One Heart and One Mind"

• Unity is created day by day. It lies in the understanding and acceptance we are willing to show toward others. 

• We are trying to build Zion... a people " of one heart and one mind."

• Our influence is broad as covenant women.  Think of the everyday moments: When you are speaking to a child, standing in line at the store, studying with a friend, talking with a neighbor, sharing on social media. Whenever you have the smallest opportunity, stand up for unity and help remove prejudice.

• All we can do is be a good example. We cannot agonize over changing others or even our own children. As we work to become closer to Christ, we will begin to see others differently. We will begin to see others as children beloved of God.

• Avoid contention.  BYU sent a wonderful message when they decided to put "We are 1" on one side of their jerseys and "Love One Another" on the other side.

• In 4 Nephi we read,  "There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people."

Conclusion

We are so very mortal at times and allow ourselves to embrace prejudice in one way or another.  We are all children of our Heavenly Father who created us. We can make a difference in this world because of the knowledge and blessings we have been given.  We can be strong and stand up for righteousness and fairness. President Russel M. Nelson extended this prophetic blessing: "It is my prayer and blessing that I leave upon all who are listening that we may overcome any burdens of prejudice and walk uprightly with God - and with one another- in perfect peace and harmony."

May we all be a little better. Have a wonderful week! ❤️ Lane

Lesson Prep:

Dear Sisters,

We have the blessed opportunity to gather together to learn from and discuss Sister Eubank’s talk in October Conference of 2020 titled, “By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power with God.” Pp 55-57. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/11/31eubank?lang=eng

I hope that you will be able to review this inspired and powerful message before then.  I look forward to the opportunity to learn from your valuable insights.  Some questions you might ponder in that process are: 

How can we understand people around us better, both near and far, especially when they are so different?    How can we conquer divisiveness and promote unity?  How can we create a culture of inclusion at Church? 

Have you ever been offended by someone speaking ill about you to another?  How were you able to develop and extend mercy for this person, overcoming the ill feelings you naturally developed? 

Do you say or do things that could be interpreted as divisive from someone else’s perspective?  Do your children overhear you verbalize searing judgment against leaders, people, or their actions in the neighborhood or media---local, national, or global scenes?  Could this be developing prejudice on their part?  How will you instead create empathy or union of feeling?

Have you ever felt that you were not in unison with others, fighting against someone else’s efforts, competing against their strength, and unable to achieve a united goal because of it?  Why was that so?  How did you resolve this conflict? 

How do you create unity in your family?   How do you teach the value of unity in your family?  What are you doing in your home to teach family members to respect diversity:  those not of our faith, or of other races, and those with whom we do not agree? 

What powers from God might we access if we are more unified with others?  How will unity with others help you access more enabling power from God?

It would be great if you felt comfortable sharing any of your responses from the questions above, but several of them are simply for self-reflection. 

Fondly,  Sandy Allen

March 28, 2021

Lesson Summary:

Our thanks to Laurel Kay for teaching and leading our discussion on Elder Ronald A. Rasband's conference talk entitled "Recommended to the Lord.""Begin the process now to become "recommended to the Lord" so that His Spirit will be with you in abundance."Elder Rasband tells us of the story of his father-in-law.  While lying on his death bed, Blaine Twitchell asked his bishop to come and give him a temple recommend interview. He said," I want to go recommended to the Lord. And he did. This certainly says something about Blaine Twitchell and how he felt about the sacredness of the temple covenants and how he felt about his Heavenly Father.

What are some of the blessings of the temple?

The temple gives me peace of mind. It doesn't always make me comfortable, but it does remind me of what I should be doing.

It helps me see the eternal picture in a troubled world.

It helps me to build my faith in my Father in Heaven and in Jesus Christ.

I feel the importance of faith and family and how interconnected they are.

Like the garment, the temple recommend you hold is an outward expression of an inward commitment.

"To qualify for the honor of a temple recommend, you must live in harmony with the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints." Your recommend will remind you of the covenant you have made to do just that. 

We learn eternal truths in the temple.

We learn what the Law of the Lord is.

We learn about the Law of Sacrifice.

We learn of the Law of the Gospel.

We learn about the Law of Consecration.

We learn about the importance of the Law of Chastity.

"Put off thy shoes from off thy feet."

Why did God ask Moses to remove his shoes when He appeared in the burning bush?..." for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground".So it is when we are inside the temple. We are at that moment on holy ground. It is a sign of respect and understanding to remove our shoes at this time. By this small act, we let go of our worldly desires, thoughts and attitudes, and set aside time to grow spiritually and seek time to be holy.

What could placing your feet inside God's holy temple do for you?

Where could you ever go to find more peace?

In the temple I learn God's will for me. What does He want of me?

I feel loved.

It is a little piece of heaven right her on earth.

I am assured that I am a valiant daughter of my Heavenly Father.

Although I sometimes feel that there is no way I'm worthy enough to be in such a holy place, I am reminded that as long as I am going in the right direction, I am worthy to be there. You don't have to be perfect.  You do have to be going in the right direction.

In the temple, you are endowed with power from on high. There are incredible blessings bestowed upon us in the temple.

Before a missionary goes out on his or her mission, they need that temple endowment.  They need these blessings and power to be placed upon them.

"Wrote Sarah Rich from the rugged trail in Iowa,[If it had not been for the faith and knowledge that was bestowed upon us in that temple... our journey would have been like...taking a leap in the dark]" We need the inspiration and peace only the temple can bring. It is important to remember that women are endowed with power just as their husbands are.

The Lord's house is a house of order.

When we go to the temple, we are being initiated into the order of God. This is a step-by-step process.

The temple is a place packed with symbolism. Some of these things are difficult to understand at first, but as we keep learning all will become clear and meaningful.

In the order of the temple, we learn the importance of names: We take on the name of Jesus Christ; we take on the name of God; We take on the name of Eden; Our own name is important in the process, and finally we take on the name by proxy of the person for whom we are performing ordinances.

As we move through the process, we start at the beginning until we have moved through all the necessary steps to allow ourselves to return and live with Heavenly Father.

Once we have completed these steps for ourselves, we are given the opportunity to go through this process again and again and again for the sake of those who have gone on and not had the opportunity to take on these covenants in their earthly lives. This is our privilege. Why is this such a great service? Because our ancestors cannot do these things for themselves. They need us to step up and do this for them. It's so important to remember that these are real people who lived real lives and went through good and bad times just as we do today. They need these covenants to progress. It is always their choice to accept them, but many have been waiting hundreds of years for a chance to be offered these covenants. They are waiting for us. Our covenants are important to us. Surely, they are important to our ancestors as well.

The Covenant Path

The Sacrament is a renewal of our baptismal covenant. It is something we renew every week. It reminds us that we promise to take on the name of Jesus Christ and always remember Him. It keeps us on the covenant path.

Attending the temple is another way we can stay on the Covenant Path. This time we are asking others to join us on this path.  We are seeking revelation. We are wanting to know how we can help.  The work we do in the temple crosses generations. Could the work we do be healing generational trauma?

Staying on the Covenant Path cements our commitments. It gives us the right to revelation for our own circumstances. It allows us to stand in holy places.

If you would like some help getting back to the temple, we have temple classes and many good leaders who can help you with any needs you have. Our Bishop or our Relief Society president, Jean Whittaker, will help you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Our temples are the most sacred places on earth. Our commitment to accepting temple covenants brings monumental blessings in this life and in the life to come. Let us dedicate ourselves to living a Christ-like life. This comes from making the best choices every day. Think of the temple always. Keep it close to your heart. Wrap yourself in its promises. Remember what a great blessing the temple is in your life.

May you have a wonderful Easter and Conference week!️ Lane

Lesson Prep:

Our lesson this week will be to review Elder Ronald A. Rasband's talk in the 2020 October General Conference: "Recommended to the Lord."

As you read this beautiful talk, consider:

1)  What blessings you receive when you go to the Temple?  Why did you go?  What were you seeking - hoping for?

2)   What experiences have you had in the Temple which left you with a lasting impression or memory?  Please share these things with us on Sunday if you feel that you can.

Looking forward to meeting with you.

Love to you, Sister Kay

February 28, 2021

Lesson Summary:

Our thanks to Sarah Yorgason for leading our discussion on President Russel M. Nelson's talk in the October 2020 Women's Conference entitled "Embrace the Future with Faith".

"The Future will be glorious for those who are prepared and who continue to prepare to be instruments in the Lord's hands."​ 

Has the past year brought you closer to the Lord or do you feel that you are farther away from Him?

• One of the positive things about this year is that my husband and I have been able to discuss all the lessons together. This has been a wonderful opportunity that has strengthened our family and we have felt closer to Christ.

• I feel like this has been a learning experience for me. I have found that even though I would like to have control over all things, I have to question how much control I really have over life, health, and circumstance.  I have found I have to turn it over to the Lord.

• Some of the prophecies and predictions we are given are unsettling. Certainly, we will all feel some anxiety along the way. So, how do I maintain hope and faith? I remember that God is in charge. He will prevail. That I believe. That I know. So, I learn to trust God and His promises. That part is in my control. 

The Importance of Preparation

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear". D&C 38:30

Principle # 1: Create places of security. How do we make our homes a place of safety; a refuge from the storm?

• My extended family is a great support to me. I discuss ideas from Come Follow Me and other sources with them through all the means we have available. The information we have access to on any subject related to the gospel is simply amazing.

• Having the MTC at home was a wonderful experience for us and for our family. We upped our game.  We rose to what was now expected of us. We won't know what a different experience would have felt like, but we all felt very close as we went through the experience that was given us.

• Try not to dwell on all that is wrong in the world. Rather, learn to see with the eye of faith. Find all that is right with the world and let that fill your home.

• Our home can be a personal sanctuary of faith.; a place where we feel security and peace. The temple and our covenants give us constant access to God's power, even when the temples are closed. 

• Anywhere you can feel the presence of the Holy Ghost and feel you are standing in holy places, then you know you are doing the right thing.

• Learn how to recognize revelation and seek it for your own family within your own home.

• Family History work can be accomplished in your own home. The work goes on.  The Youth are capable and knowledgeable in this area. Working on family history will bring a special and lasting feeling of connection and love into your home.

Principle # 2: Prepare your mind to be faithful to God. Yoke yourself to Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ.  Life without God is Fear. Life with God is Peace.

• Practice perspective.  Look through the lens of faith.

• Read the scriptures every day. Exercise your faith. Every time we are obedient, our faith grows. President Nelson reminds us that The Book of Mormon is our latter-day survival guide.

• Have family and personal prayer every day. Look for times when you have felt the spirit of the Holy Ghost. Share such times with those close to you. Your faith will grow.

• In order to have a spiritual foundation that is solid, we have to be willing to put our will on the alter and let God prevail.

• In our home we call it "God Time" and "World Time".  The time we spend in "God Time" is always given back in some way; perhaps in understanding, perspective, or strength. 

• Personal Revelation is so important to spiritual growth. Find out what is needed for you and your family and then have the faith to act on it. Trust Him.  Listen to Him. Sometimes the answer will change the direction of our lives. I found a way to solve a problem I was struggling with. It is difficult and it takes time, but the answer is there if we are listening. When you receive revelation that others may not understand, move forward anyway. Recognize that that revelation was for you.

• Faith is Jesus Christ's plan.  Being stuck is Satan's plan.

Principle # 3: Never stop preparing. Satan will never stop attacking; therefore, we must never stop preparing.

• Embrace rather than endure. Be vigilant. Preparation will create a feeling of peace. 

• Create emotional resilience within yourself and make it a priority in your family.

• Have enough temporal supplies to take the worry away. You are prepared.

• Fill your spiritual reservoirs every day. When the hard times come, you will draw upon that strength.

• Remember how much God and Jesus love us. Can anything separate us from the love of Christ?

Conclusion

President Nelson tells us, "I promise that as we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us. He will speak peace to our souls, and will grant unto us great faith and cause us that we can hope for our deliverance in him".

These are the words of our Prophet. He loves us, he admires our heroic efforts, and he is pulling for us as we face difficult circumstances. Should we not go on in so great a cause?

Have an amazing first week of March! ☘ Lane

Lesson Prep:

This Sunday we will be discussing "Embrace the Future with Faith" the message given by the Prophet at the women's meeting. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/37nelson?lang=eng 

I hope you can read or listen to it to prepare for our discussion this Sunday.  

Please think about the following questions:

1. Pres Nelson says "Now, I would love to know what you have learned this year. Have you grown closer to the Lord, or do you feel further away from Him? And how have current events made you feel about the future?"  what things have brought you closer to the Lord and what makes you feel further away?

2. "How are we to deal with both the somber prophecies and the glorious pronouncements about our day?"

Come prepared to share ways you are following the Prophet's council by: 

1. Creating places of security

2. Preparing your mind to be faithful

3. Never stop preparing

February 14, 2021

Lesson Summary - 

Our thanks to Mackenzi Holmes for leading our discussion on President Dallin H. Oaks October 2020 conference talk entitled, "Be of Good Cheer". In Mackenzi's lesson she referred to a talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.  Elder Holland has spoken on depression and other mental illness in such eloquent ways. I entered " Jeffrey R. Holland's talk on depression" on Google and was amazed at how many talks and videos by President Holland and other church resources on depression are available for us to go to . If you are interested in viewing any of these, just go to Google.  I have included below the link to Elder Holland's talk given in October 2013 conference entitled, "Like a Broken Vessel."

Like a Broken Vessel

How do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love?

www.churchofjesuschrist.org

The Power of Conference

Conference talks have a special power to give us strength in difficult times.

When my mom passed away, it was such a sad time.  The next day was conference. As I listened, I felt comfort.  I knew that the Lord needed my mom. When I watched conference the next year, that same feeling returned to me.  I know these words are meant to strengthen us.  I have felt their power.

In the World Ye Shall Have Tribulation

Jesus knows that in this world we will have trials. No one will disagree that this has been an especially hard year for all of us. Still, our Heavenly Father is never caught unaware. He is there every step of the way. Opposition is an essential part of the divine plan for helping us grow.  

He told his apostles then and he tells us even now that despite the tribulation we will all face in so many ways," Be of Good Cheer." Why? Because Jesus has overcome the world and so shall we.

President Oaks tells us that, "The Lord has special concern for His precious daughters.  He knows of your wants, your needs, and your fears. The Lord is all powerful.  Trust Him."

We are reminded that like mortal life, all tribulations are temporary. Still, we may not be ready to accept all our trials so cheerfully when we watch ourselves and so many others suffer countless earthly adversities.

When we feel like we are in this alone, it might help to remind ourselves of the great ones who have come before us and all the hardships they have suffered.  Think about Joseph Smith and his family, our early pioneers, and our Savior, Jesus Christ. None of these people should have had to suffer and yet their suffering is legendary. "Tribulation and challenges are the common experiences of mortality."

"Be of good cheer for I will lead you along..."

Is There a Path Through This? What About When Things Get Really Hard?

Elder Holland reminds us of some things we can do when things get really hard:

• Never doubt God's love.

• Don't harden your heart.

• Take the Sacrament and think of its promises.

• Recognize the power of the Priesthood and ask for blessings.

• Believe in miracles.

• Drink it and be strong.

• Slow down. Rest up. If you don't take time to be well, you'll have to take time to be ill.

How Do You Stay Happy?

• Meditate and Journal

• I found I was striving for goals I couldn't completely reach. I got more realistic.

• Exercise and scripture study

• Less sugar! Healthy eating makes you feel better.

• Atomic Habits. Stack good habits one by one.

• Learn to celebrate the wins.

• When you work on the physical, the other will come.

• Service is good, but sometimes you have to go deeper; you have to find another way.

• Pray and ask," Should I worry about this?" Is there anything I can do about this?  It not, don't wear yourself out with worry.

• I express gratitude for what I have.

• Playing conference talks and uplifting music will help to set the tone in your home.

• Learning a new skill brings happiness. Spend 1 week looking for things that make you happy.  Make a list of those things. Then act on your list.  Do something every day that makes YOU happy. What works for you? When you find that thing, make time for it in your daily life.

Elder Holland tells us to be faith filled. We cannot be kept from all the experiences that make us divine. The Savior is in our midst. We are never alone. Taking these words into our heart and believing them with all our heart will help us on our search for happiness.

Strength Through Trials

• Why is there no help? That's the thought I had when I became a single mother. Eventually, I found that I just had to learn new things every day; things that normally may have been done by someone else. Over a period of time, I found I enjoyed doing these things.  Now that my children are grown, I still enjoy doing these things with them. I have a way of connecting with them.

• Why can marriage sometimes feel so hard? I went through a failed marriage, but in the process, I learned that the place to build a marriage is in a gospel setting. Close friendships and relationships are where we learn the most.

• Sometimes we find ourselves laser focused on certain problems.  We can't let them go. We use up all our energy on them.  That's when we need to find some perspective. Some of the most beautiful words in this regard come from the Apostle Paul: "We are troubled on every side, but not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." ( 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 )   

• We strengthen each other because we are there for each other. What we have to go through is sometimes mind- boggling, but we are never alone.

Conclusion: It seems that as long as we are having our earthly experience, we will face trials. As difficult as things can feel at times, it is important that we remember the plan and that we know we are never alone.  Elder Richard G. Scott reminds us: Don't face the world alone. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5) " It was intended that life be a challenge, not so that you would fail, but that you might succeed through overcoming".

May we all be given strength in our trials and be able to face them with a cheerful heart; knowing we are being supported by Someone who loves us eternally. 

Have a wonderful, loving week!  Lane 

Lesson Prep -

Hi Sisters,

To prepare for our upcoming lesson on February 14th, our teacher Mackenzi Holmes has asked that you ponder these two questions.

1. What are you doing on a daily basis to feel happy?

2. When have you felt strengthened through your trials?

Our lesson will be on the talk given by President Dallin H. Oaks in the October 2020 General Conference, titled "Be of Good Cheer". 

January 10, 2021

Prep --

Our talk this week is "We Will Prove Them Herewith" David A. Bednar, Saturday General Conference, October 2020

As you review this talk, think about the challenge by Elder Bednar when he says  "an effective test helps us to compare what we need to know with what we actually know about a specific subject."

What have been some "effective tests" you have learned this past year in your study of the Book of Mormon?

Why must we have these tests in our lives and what have we learned from them?

The Psalmist David stated:  "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart."  We have to be proven in all things, so how can we prepare ourselves to be proven in all things?

The challenges and answers in this conference talk are pretty thought-provoking and can enrich our lives.

See you Sunday afternoon at 1:00. 

Sister Laurel Kay

Lesson Summary --

Our thanks to Laurel Kay for leading our discussion on Elder David A. Bednar's October conference talk entitled " We Will Prove Them Herewith" (Abraham 3:25). "Now is the time to prepare and prove ourselves willing and able to do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us."

2020: A year of trial and testing- To say that 2020 has been a difficult year for so many of us would be an understatement.  Despite the tests and trials, our sisters have been able to make their homes a place of love and belonging.  You have done so many amazing things this year! You have turned your homes into a haven of learning spiritually and academically. You have even been able to create a home that is worthy to stand as an MTC.  Your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Are we learning some valuable lessons? Are we able to acknowledge the Greatness of God in the midst of our trials? Again, your trials and sufferings have not ever gone unnoticed by the Lord.  "He shall consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain". 

The Importance of Tests 

• Elder Bednar tells us that tests are a "vital element of our eternal progression".

• The plan of salvation describes our earthly probation as a "Test". However, the word test is never used in the scriptures. Rather, tests are described with words such as "prove", "try", or "examine". These experiences are our way of showing our devotion to our Heavenly Father's eternal plan of happiness and our knowledge, understanding and faith in that plan.  "And we will prove them herewith to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them" [Abraham 3:25]

• The Lord declared in 1833," Therefore be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy." [D+C 98:14]

Preparing Our Lives Temporally: "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."

Our efforts to prepare should be based on a "blended balance of intellectual, physical, spiritual and social readiness." 

We have been instructed well over a number of years to be temporally prepared for any trial that we may have to face in our lives.

• Have a 96 hour kit in your home for each family member.

• Review your red folder to check your preparedness at least twice a year.

• Just getting started? Fill an empty pop bottle with fresh water and store it where you can. 

• Purchase and freeze a loaf of bread.  Always have at least one loaf of bread in your freezer.

• Buy some cans of tuna fish and some peanut butter and honey.

• Our thanks to Chuck and Laurel Kay for all their efforts in helping us be temporally prepared!

Spiritual Preparedness

Just as we cannot gather everything we need temporally at the time disaster strikes, none of us are able to gather that spiritual strength we so need at the moment the trial faces us.  Spiritual preparedness is a lifetime pursuit. We carry it with us in our hearts every day, everywhere we go, and in every action we take.

• All of us know the story of the Ten Virgins.  Procrastination was their downfall. Maybe the 5 meant well. Maybe they fully intended to fill their lamps when they weren't so busy or when it was more convenient. They let the days pass until it was too late. Finally, they heard those regretful words, "Ye know me not". 

• Indecision is decision. Make those choices for yourself that will allow you to return home.  Don't sit in the river and wonder which way you should go. The current will simply make that decision for you.

• Stand Up! You either have faith that Christ lives, He came, He paid the price for you, He performed the Atonement and He lives today ...or you don't. If you have that faith, then Make the Choice.  Be All In! Strengthen that testimony . Don't be "spiritually casual or complacent". 

• Repetition is important on our spiritual journey: Yes, maybe you've read the Book of Mormon before. Why is it, then, that every time you read it you find something new; something you have never seen before or thought of in that way? We are new individuals ; always reading with new eyes. Every time we read, we are looking through a new lens, learning and perceiving in a new way. Spiritual repetition helps us grow in spiritual ways.(prayer, fasting, temple worship, family history work)

• This year, you might want to take the suggestion to read just one chapter at a time in the Book of Mormon. Take notes.  See what you can learn from this approach.

What is Faithfulness?

• Faithfulness is placing our confidence in Jesus Christ and in His promises.

• It is the knowledge that you are on the right path. You are doing good things; you are doing those things that are pleasing to your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. You are willing to press forward no matter the trials you face.

• Faithfulness means you are willing to make every effort to "Hear Him". It might be helpful to write down what you are feeling. If you write down a prompting, you feel more accountability to follow through. I feel like a prompting is spiritual even when it concerns a temporal idea. I know it is not my idea. I feel I am being guided to act. 

How Can we Help Others Who are Truly Suffering?

• Sometimes I just have to be brave! Sometimes we think we have to do something big...bake bread, make our best treat, take dinner...when in reality they just would have loved a visit or a listening ear.

• Pray for someone even if you don't know them. If you are aware that someone you know or don't know well is going through a really difficult time, pray for them.  Everyone appreciates your prayers in their behalf.

• Perform acts of service for others whenever you can.  Your efforts will bring blessings to the giver and the receiver. It is a comforting and Christ-like thought that while you are serving someone's loved one, someone else is serving your loved one in your absence.

Conclusion

Trials and difficulties seem to be an integral part of our mortal existence. At times it seems that some have to suffer more than others. I have never been able to totally understand that. Still, the trials seem to be a part of a much bigger plan; a plan in which we must prove ourselves, examine ourselves, and try ourselves. No one will escape this test. If we prepare ourselves in every way, we will be better able to withstand the trials we face now and the trials that are surely yet to come. 

Elder Bednar promises us," That as we both prepare and press forward with faith in the Savior, we all can receive the same grade on the ultimate examination of mortality: 'Well done , thou good and faithful servant...'  "

Have a wonderful stress-free week!  ;) Lane

November 8, 2020

Lesson --

Our thanks to Ani Schmidt for presenting our Relief Society lesson today.  Thank you, Ani for the many wonderful discussions you have led for so long!  We will miss you and your cute family! Please know we will always be thinking of you!

Our lesson was taken from the talk given by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf in October 2020 entitled, "God Will Do Something Unimaginable".

Why So Many Trials? 

• Trials just seem to be part of our earthly experience.  They are given to all; the righteous and the unrighteous.

• Think of the early Saints: They finally reached the Salt Lake Valley.  They finally found a place where they could worship in peace. They finally were able to start building their beloved temple...that is until the army came to install a new governor. To protect the temple Brigham Young had them bury it.  When they returned and inspected the foundations, they were cracked and unsuitable for such a grand edifice. Surely, they had to think," Why is this so hard when we are trying to do what's right?"

• What about Enoch? Even though he and his people had to live in times of wickedness, wars and bloodshed, the whole time, the Lord was with them.  He had something unimaginable planned for them. They were a Zion people who lived in righteousness.

• Then there is 17-year-old Joseph, son of Jacob; thrown into a pit and sold into slavery. Surely Joseph must have thought God had forgotten him. No! God was there every second strengthening him and building his character because God had something unimaginable planned for Joseph.

• Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail is a poignant example of righteous suffering.  What were the Lord's words? "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment..." It seems the Lord knew exactly what was going on.

• What about our own trials? I've lost my job! Will this ever end? Will I have to wear a mask forever? Will my Mom and Dad be O.K.? How in the world do you teach this many kids all at different grade levels?    (Please know that we love and admire our sweet moms who are taking on this Herculean challenge!) You were told to social distance because you put your arm around your own mother at your Dad's funeral??

• Has the Lord forgotten us? Absolutely not! Nothing catches the Lord by surprise. He knows what we are facing and he knows why.  We are his children and he will never abandon us.  He is faithful and dependable.  We must have the faith that he has something unimaginable in mind for us individually and collectively. 

The Beauty of the Seed

In order for a seed to reach its potential, it must be buried before it can sprout.  Do you feel like you are being buried? Do the trials feel like more than you can bear? What if you are just being planted; being prepared for something miraculous, even unimaginable to occur?  Seeds symbolize hope. Many seeds take years and years to grow. Is it true that pinecones have to go through a fire in order to flourish?

Finding Ways to Move Forward

• We have a choice in how we prepare and how we react to a crisis. "What is needed during times of crisis is calm and clear-headed trust."

• "Our best days are ahead of us, not behind us" .  We have a living prophet to guide us who will take us to great heights.

• Trials can bring out our creativity. Force yourself to learn something new! Learn gardening or cooking or find something you love. Let technology bring you closer to your extended family.  Play online games with them!

• Unimaginable is a wonderful word! Through faith we learn that we are not limited to our own perceptions of possibilities and solutions. We can do things we never dared imagine. God knows the plan. He will help us along.

• 
  

• Ultimately, I have control of myself. I can choose whether to be negative or positive; upbeat or discouraged. No matter what it is or how hard it is, in the end I am responsible for myself.

• As we go through this period of time, let's stop and consider how fortunate we are.  Our standard of living is high.  We enjoy many privileges only wished for by the rest of the world.  We have so much that we are in fact somewhat spoiled. So many of our ancestors have been through far more than we have. Yes, we are experiencing a deep trial, but we are so blessed.  Believe that we can do this. This is our trial.

• "Strengthen your private religious behavior" - Pray, study scriptures daily, keep God's commandments 

• Remember the importance of the Sacrament. Ponder its promises throughout the week. It should be the center of our Sabbath worship.

• Study and share the concepts in Come, Follow Me.

• The work of gathering Israel is going forward in new ways, but at a miraculous pace.

Conclusion:

"Cheerfully do all things that lie in your power and then may you stand still, with the utmost assurance and see the salvation of God."  Remember thar our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ love us more deeply than we can...well... imagine. They know each of our hearts. Through all of these trials, they will make something unimaginable out of us. 

Have a wonderful week! Lane 

Zoom Chat

11:13:55 From LauraDawn Heiner : Not knowing when or how it will end

11:14:34 From Katie Belk : Keeping kids entertained without playdates or not being abke to visit family members

11:14:50 From Elizabeth Funk : not being able to visit family out of state.

11:14:52 From E7 Relief Society : It’s hard having a baby with no visitors!

11:15:14 From Amy Wilcox : Loneliness. We are surrounded by family but it is more difficult to see friends

11:15:34 From Sarah Yorgason : worry about older parents and their health

11:16:15 From Sandra Tidwell : I admire all you young moms and moms with school kids and coordinating online and in school experiences! 

11:18:22 From Sandra Tidwell : I am concerned with some of our sisters who don't do technology, so they are even more excluded even from our Sunday meetings which are available online.

11:19:33 From Amy Wilcox : It is awesome to do things differently. To find new and creative ways to keep moving forward.

11:21:54 From Heidi Foss : I’ve been studying Charity a LOT and praying for the light of Christ to navigate the rollercoaster wisely. Clinging to the rod/word of God, and doing the holy habits to receive personal revelation

11:24:44 From Katie Belk: I have had to force myself to be more creative. I have scoured the internet for activities to do and poured my heart out in prayer for inspiration from the Lord on how to navigate this time. I have become more lenient in some aspects like technology usage, but trying to find active and educational uses for it. I have found new joys in gardening and cooking to help me stay positive. I have tried to reach out to family more often as well through technology in order to stay in touch.

11:25:12 From Denise Swift: Since we can’t visit our grandchildren, we’ve started playing online games with them and that has been a lot of fun and keeps us connected.

11:30:47 From E7 Relief Society : Ladies, we have 10 minutes left

11:31:33 From Aleta Breakwell : It helps me to remember that we are a very small population of the world's history who has endured terrible hardship.  For example, there have been only a few generations now kept healthy by vaccinations and antibiotics.  Our standard of living by every measure is far higher, we are in far better health, we are by far better educated, and so forth.  As a result, we are also somewhat spoiled and we find it easier to complain and to feel hard done by.  When I compare my situation to those of my ancestors, I feel ungrateful for complaining.  I also remind myself that I, too, have the courage and strength of my ancestors and I can get through whatever I must. I also remind myself that different doesn't mean worse.  Our lives are being radically changed right now, but it doesn't mean we have to be upset by it.

11:35:35 From E7 Relief Society : 5 minutes left

11:36:16 From Heidi Walker : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpOylYSEaqA  This talk is SO good!  Elder Holland on lessons learned in liberty jail/through our trials

11:37:34 From Marlene Howard : yes it matters! we love your family

11:38:00 From Heidi Walker :  We love you Ani!!!

11:38:08 From Marlene Howard : and we did come to earth knowing trials are a part of our lives

11:38:22 From Marlene Howard : our ancestors are there to help us as well

11:38:31 From E7 Relief Society : Thank you Ani for the lesson. We are so grateful to you! And thank you Sisters for joining us today! We love you all!

11:38:41 From Elizabeth Funk : thank you, Ani

October 25, 2020

Prep --

Dear Sisters, 

This Sunday, we will discuss President Henry B. Eyring's Talk from April 2020 "Prayers of Faith"

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/17eyring?lang=eng

As you read or listen to his message, Here are a few questions to think about:

President Eyring says "I know from experience that Satan and his servants try to make us feel that we must not pray."

• Do you find that this is your experience also?

• How can I overcome discouragement and the influence of Satan to pray with more faith? 

• How can I encourage my children and those to whom I minister to pray? 

President Eyring says "Joseph Smith is an example of how to grow in such spiritual power. He showed us that the prayer of faith is the key to revelation from God.....The example of Joseph’s faith and his determination can strengthen us in our resolve."

• How have you felt strengthened in your resolve to pray? 

Have a good week and see you on ZOOM at 11:00 (instructions for logging into Zoom below)

- Sarah Yorgason

P.S. Also, I don't think we will have time in the lesson to make these connections, but Pres. Eyring's focus on praying so we can do our part with building the kingdom on earth relates to President Nelson's recent address about gathering Israel and  Elder Ballard's talk about prayer

Lesson -- 

Sisters,

    We had a few roadblocks in getting our sisters to be able to participate in Sarah Yorgason's Relief Society lesson last Sunday. We are sorry some weren't able to view our lesson and others weren't able to get on until later in the lesson. This is a learning curve for us to go from teaching in-person to virtual teaching. Please bear with us as we learn these new skills from talking to a screen as opposed to seeing you all in person and then knowing how to get the information to you.   

    Sarah taught us from the April 2020 General Conference talk by Henry B. Eyring, "Prayers of Faith." Sarah asked great questions about how we improve our prayers to our Heavenly Father. From the discussion, I learned that our sisters had not only read the lesson and were prepared to discuss it with their fellow sisters, but that they have learned and are learning how to communicate with their Father.

    The efforts that you demonstrated how you have sought to know Him and to hear Him touched me deeply. Also, that we come to Him in prayer as we are angry, sad, disappointed, and frustrated and that we are striving to listen until we feel His love for us and His answers to our prayers.

    Wherever you are with your prayers with Heavenly Father, don't quit if you feel He isn't listening, keep making the effort to reach out. He wants to hear from you and we need to hear Him as He does answer.

    Lastly, I keep reflecting on a quote by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland which I think connects with our discussion on prayer.

"Believe in yourself, and believe in Him. Don't demean your worth or denigrate your contribution. Above all, don't abandon your role in the chorus. Why? Because you are unique; you are irreplaceable... There is room for those who speak different languages, celebrate diverse cultures, and live in a host of locations. There is room for the single, for the married, for large families, and for the childless. There is room for those who once had questions regarding their faith and room for those who still do. There is room for those with differing sexual attractions... With divine imperatives of love and faith, repentance and compassion, honesty, and forgiveness, there is room in this choir for all who wish to be there."

    Here is the quote that Sarah asked Amy Palethorpe to share with everyone  --

"Our prayers should spring from our deepest yearning to be one with our Father in Heaven. Prayer, if given in faith, is acceptable to God at all times. If you ever feel you cannot pray, that is the time you definitely need to pray, exercising faith."   -Dieter F. Uchtdorf   

    Here is the article Katie Belk referenced in her comments --

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2019/03/righteous-intentional-parenting?lang=eng

    “Because you are His child, He knows who you can become. He knows your fears and your dreams. He relishes your potential. He waits for you to come to Him in prayer. Because you are His child, you not only need Him, but He also needs you. … The world needs you, and your divine nature allows you to be His trusted disciple to all His children. Once we begin to see the divinity in ourselves, we can see it in others.”  —Sister Rosemary M. Wixom

    Sisters, we love you, we pray for you, and we are strengthened by you. May we continue to reach out to our fellow ward members and reach upwards to our Heavenly Father.

With love,

E7 Relief Society Presidency

September 27, 2020

Prep --

Dear Sisters,

This Sunday’s Relief Society message will be from Sister Joy D. Jones’s talk from the April 2020 General Conference. The name of her talk is “An Especially Noble Calling”. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/14jones?lang=eng

Sister Jones said that: “As women of faith, we can draw principles of truth from the Prophet Joseph’s experiences that provide insights for receiving our own revelation.”

What are some of these ways?

Sister Jones quoted President Nelson who said: “I plead with my sisters of the Church . . . to step forward ! Take your rightful and needful place in your home, in your community, and in the kingdom of God--more than you ever have before.”

She said that recently she was privileged along with a group of Primary children to meet with President Nelson in the replica of the Smith family home in Palmyra, New York. She shared a 2 minute video of President Nelson teaching the children what they can also do to “step forward.”

Here is a link to that video if you would like to watch it.

https://www.facebook.com/PrimaryPresident/videos/673542273412203

I look forward to sharing more of Sister Jones’s message with you this Sunday.

Sister Beverly McDonald

Lesson --

To view our RS Lesson done by Beverly McDonald, click the video below:

September 20, 2020

Prep -- 

1. Do we allow time in our daily lives to receive spiritual defining moments?

2. Are there experiences in our lives that we have "excused" as just happy moments and after much thought realize that this was a spiritual moment where we were directed by our Heavenly Father?

3.  Do we write down spiritual moments that are impressed in our memories to help our posterity with their lives?

4.  Are we keeping "distractions" out of our lives so that we can receive guidance and directions along our path of life?

Lesson --

Spiritually Defining Moments

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/15andersen?lang=eng

This talk by Elder Andersen had a great impact on me.  I realized that each of us on a daily basis are able to receive spiritually defining moments, but do we recognize them?  I believe that if we look back on our lives each of us could find a time when we felt the spirit stop us and adjust our direction.  Coincidence?  No, I believe those were times when we listened to the spirit.  I think if we were ever given the opportunity to look back on our lives and be shown the times that the spirit directed us we would be shocked at the number of times it happened and we just carried on.  Life is so busy and moves so fast.  

I saw a friend of mine walking by my house and she walks a lot!!  I decided to stop her and ask her if she is walking to prepare for some race :).  She said it's her "quiet time" with her Heavenly Father".  She said that she feels it's a time to talk to Him, but more importantly to listen.  She has many distractions around except when she walks.  Could we find a time to listen?  We can't control when the moments could come but we can definitely allow for opportunities.  

Due to many complications that showed on a sonogram all of my doctors, and medical advisors were telling me to abort my pregnancy.  I was being counseled from many directions. I found quiet moments to reflect and ponder what was best for me and my unborn child.  Many friends were telling me not to take risks, yet a quiet beautiful spirit of peace always came to me when I prayed and when I was alone with only listening to the spirit.  I went against all medical advisors, and was told I wasn't being wise, however I knew what I felt in my heart when I prayed and the spirit testified to me I was doing the right thing by going through my pregnancy.  My baby Toyelle was born and a beautiful girl and I will never forget holding her for the first time.  I have always known she was special, and was sent to me.  I am forever grateful I had the spiritual defining moments at those times in my life.  

I leave you with my testimony that the Lord wants more than anytime to communicate with us and guide us.  Our hearts need to be turned to "Hear Him" at all times.   How blessed we are to be a daughter of our Heavenly Father and to know that He loves us.  In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sister Tina Salmon

August 23, 2020

Prep -- 

This Too Shall Pass --

“Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life,” by Elder Ricardo P. Gimenez of the Seventy, ENSIGN, May 2020, pgs 101-103.

        I was reminded, while reading this message, that “Faith is the antidote to fear.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Let Your Faith Show,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 29).  We seem to be confronted, from all sides by feelings of anger, despair and loss, both temporal and spiritual.   We are making decisions for us and our loved ones about taking chances, risking exposure or staying isolated to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

        As you read this message, reflect on:

1. The challenges you’ve had during the Pandemic

2. What it is that has strengthened you to face those challenges

3. And, when we say we believe in Jesus Christ, do we believe in Him and “… whether we believe the things he teaches us and asks us to do.”  (R. Gimenez, Ensign, May 2020, p 102.)

Lesson --

Russell M. Nelson, “Let Your Faith Show,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 29

As you read this message and pondered on it’s wealth of information, did you consider the challenges you and your family have had since March, 2020: un-graduations, un-funerals, loss of income, changes in our daily routines, isolation, missing gatherings of all sorts, illnesses, wearing masks (which pretty well conceals our identity), home schooling and church,  social distancing, no temple attendance, etc.  None of us have been exempt from facing these storms.

        How have you faced these challenges? Suffering is universal, but how we react to it is individual.  There is only one refuge, and our faith must lead us to that refuge – our faith in our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus has promised if we come unto Him, He will give us rest.  Some of us, no doubt, have had our faith challenged over these last six months, have said, “why me,” have asked, “please don’t let this happen to me.”

        Jesus Christ and His Atonement are the refuge that we all need, regardless of our challenges, and it is our faith in Him which will allow us to accept and resolve changes and progress in our lives.   And, as stated in our lesson two weeks ago, making decisions with your spouse, your children, your parents, grandparents or others, may help you in reinforcing your faith.   We must rely on our Savior and His Atonement as our refuge, and “we will be blessed with the relief, comfort, strength, temperance and peace that we are seeking, (ibid pp.103). 

Sister Laurel Kay