Lesson Summary: January 29, 2012

Bishop Jacobsen taught a combined priesthood and relief society and shared . He began by showing an image the temple where each tile is a different piece of artwork. The pieces were made by the families in the ward. He asked what this symbolized. Members talked about how it demonstrates the differences in each of us that together make a beautiful image, specifically the temple. He referenced Ephesians where it notes that every single person is needed and the strength that is found in diversity.

He showed another image of two overlapping circles enclosed in a larger circle. The purpose of mortality is eternal life and it is God's gift to his children. Exaltation in the highest degree can only be obtained by those that keep the commandments and they are to be exalted together with an eternal companion that completes them. It doesn't matter the situation that we are in now - we can strive for that. Faithful members will have available all such blessings in the eternities. The circles represent the husband and wife completely connected to Him and the Atonement allows us to do this.

The Atonement provides unity:

One with God

One with our true selves

Body and spirit

One with our Eternal companion

One with our family

One with our neighbor

He has given us the commandments and covenants and ordinances to help us to do so: Baptism, Confirmation, Priesthood Ordination, Endowment and Sealing. In fact, covenant comes from the Latin roots "co venir" or to come together.

There is no more important work that can be done than to work on our eternal relationship. We joke about eternal marriage as something in the future, but we are not waiting for this.  We are living that eternal marriage and eternal life forever.

The Bishop showed a picture of the garden plots. His very first inspiration as a bishop was to plant a garden. The ward came to plant the ward garden and many planted their own garden at home. People noted that It has taught patience, that you have to follow instructions, even good soil needs to be renewed, Home Depot will take plants back if you kill it and to ask for help from people that are better gardeners. One sister noted that her parents had planted an often feeble garden in Phoenix but when they lost their jobs they benefited from a wonderful and prosperous garden, which benefitted from years of learning. Some things Grow easily and naturally, but you also have to watch and take care of it; it can't take care of itself even with preparation. There are no shortcuts. It takes daily attention and patience, but the fruits are delicious, abundant (enough and to share).

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall ^areap also sparingly; and he which ^bsoweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)"

Abundance requires us to sow bountifully and put all the seeds in the ground.

The tree of life the Nephi saw was representative of the love of God. When Nephi asked to see the meaning of the tree he saw the life of the Savior. After seeing this Nephi then understood that the tree was the love of god. The angel that had shown him the vision added, "Yeah and the most joyous to the soul."

Alma 32 talks about planting a seed as an experiment upon the word. He discusses the necessary diligence, patience, and faith in order to have the experiment work. The only way to do that is to get to know God, to talk to him and be where he is, with an eye to the fruit of the tree. So as we go along in ours daily lives and the trials day to day, we must think about how we are nourishing ourselves individually.

The bishop passed papers for us to write a prayerfully considered action we can do to nourish the tree in our lives. He showed an outline of the tree that had the roots as well as the branches. This will be displayed with the aspects we collectively as a ward are working on to nourish our tree written in the roots and as we grow we can share the fruits that have been bourn.

Lesson Summary, January 22, 2012

Lisa H. gave a great lesson from the talk by D. Todd Christofferson, "The Divine Gift of Repentance". Lisa started off by telling us how Elder Christofferson felt that "Repentance is a divine gift, and there should be a smile on our faces when we speak of it. It points us to freedom, confidence, and peace." Lisa with tongue in cheek, says that repentance is not a principle that she often thinks of as one to smile about. Many other Gospel topics, such as peace, eternal life have a positive connotation and are easy to associate with smiling. "As in the days of Nehor and Korihor, we live in a time not long before the advent of Jesus Christ—in our case, the time of preparation for His Second Coming. And similarly, the message of repentance is often not welcomed. " Mormon 8:35 "Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing." Lisa testified that she knows that the prophets in the Book of Mormon saw our day and knew what we would have to face. 

Alma 1:4 "And he also testified unto the people that ^aall mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they ^bneed not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had ^ccreated all men, and had also ^dredeemed ^eall men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life." Dawne Hollis commented that she likes the newer idea that sins are mistakes that can be corrected; it's a less harsh way of looking at sin. Lisa commented that it is important to remember that it is common in our world today that it is ok to sin. However, we know that "the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance." (Alma 45:16) The scripture Alma 30:17 was then shared "And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man ^afared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and^bwhatsoever a man did was ^cno crime." We are reminded that wickedness never was happiness.  

Elder Christofferson gives us 5 aspects of the principle of repentance. 

1. The invitation is an expression of love. Lisa then quoted, "A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help." Kathryn L. made a comment about her brother who had taken over as bishop. When he was called he was told that many people's progression in the gospel had been stopped because they had not been called to repentance or asked to take appropriate actions to repent of their sins. Alison H. said she knew a friend that who had believed that confessing a belief in Christ was sufficient to receive forgiveness for a life of racism. Lisa H. also commented that it is important for us to refrain from judging others and their need to repent. Jennifer G. says that hesitancy to admit mistakes shows a lack of faith in Atonement. Oftentimes people pretend there's no sin, because  they don't believe in a Savior. Lisa H. continued on the thread, emphasizing the importance of incorporating love when calling people to repent. Sarah G. asked the RS how to explain sin to those who are not religious. Lisa expressed that God's laws are not man's laws. Sara D. expressed that no one is perfect and it can be hard to hear about sin from others who sin. A visitor commented that she explains sin to her husband, who is not a member, as "anything that keeps us from the light of Christ." Carolina G. said that we are people of covenants. Marguerite H. said that it's least effective to point out what others are doing wrong, we should point to the Savior. We should approach with two strategies (1) I'm trying to do something that will improve me, will you help me do it?" and (2) Ask them to bless someone else. Hearts will soften when you ask someone to help others. Jennifer G. said her brother explains sin to his daughter with OCD, that sin is to put your faith in something less than Christ and that repentance is a renewal in the faith in Christ. 

2. Repentance means striving to change. Quote by Boyd K. Packer Becoming Christlike is a slow process. Not all of repentance will be a momentary experience that change our lives. Most of us will experience and feel repentance more subtly. 

3. Repentance means not only abandoning sin, but also committing to obedience. Lisa emphasized that we forever follow only on path to God. She then posed the question, "Are there any bridges that we can burn? Do we leave any escape paths for our sins?" Liz B. commented that the bridge she'd like to burn is blame and how it can ruin relationships. Cristy D. that sometimes we pray for forgiveness not promising to God that we won't do it again. Allowing ourselves an "out". Grace D. It's important not to blame others and point fingers, but focus on solving the problem. 

4. Repentance requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to perservere, even through pain. Christ is the perfect example of this. Lisa shared D&C 58:43 "By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will ^aconfess them and ^bforsake them."

5. Whatever the cost of repentance, it is swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness.  D&C 19:16-18 For behold, I, God, have ^asuffered these things for all, that they might not ^bsuffer if they would ^crepent. But if they would not repent they must ^asuffer even as I. Which ^asuffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might ^bnot drink the bitter cup, and shrink. Lisa ended with, It's not always easy, but worth the end result. 

Models and Presenters

K.B.

The Prom Dress (and matching tangerine heels). K. L. and A. P.-B.

S.A.

D.H.

Models

N.T.

S.H.

K. S. modeling K. L.'s dress worn on her first date with her husband!

K.L.

Models

A. P.-B.

L. P. - Mother to Be

J.G.

H.H.

Fashion Finds and Provident Living Evening

Browsing the Toy and Clothing Exchange!

Provident Living - 2012

Thanks to all who energized our January 10th evening together with another reminder of learning to live within our means and to give to others our excess.   After the holiday spending it is good to reign it in to better live the gospel principal of Provident Living and focus our energies on other priorities that we know bring us more joy.

Sue Allen gave us a basic chart of setting up a monthly and annual budget with a great Power Point presentation.  Following Sue, Dawne Hollis briefed us on an introduction to estate planning and the important ways to take title to our accounts and other assets for tax purposes.  That being the business part of the meeting, Alli Parry-Baer took us into the glitzey world of fashion finds through thrift store shopping.  And it can be glitzey (as Alli showed us) but it can also be stylish, cute and practical.   Some pictures of the "models" and their outfits are posted for your enjoyment.

Jeni Gaskin and Tina Dias arranged for the toy and clothing exchange  and we were able to browse the abundant offerings and take home what we could put to use.  We plan to do another exchange before school starts in the Fall so keep that in mind when thinking you need to clear out the closets and toychests.

Lesson Summary, January 15, 2012

Sarah G. led us in a very timely discussion on "Love Thy Neighbour as Thyself". 

George Albert Smith was a man of great charity and love.  J Reuban Clark said on President's Smith's death that "his real name was love." He taught for tenets of love:

1. All people are brothers and sisters - children of our heavenly father. 

2. The Gospel of Christ teaches us to love all people. 

3. Show charity reach out to those who need help and encouragement. 

4. True happiness comes from loving and serving others.

President Smith said, "Our ministry is one of love. Our service is one which enriches our lives. … If we are living as God intends that we should live, if we are ministering as he desires that we should minister, every day of our lives is enriched by the influence of his Spirit, our love of our fellowmen increases and our souls are enlarged until we feel that we could take into our arms all of God’s children, with a desire to bless them and bring them to an understanding of the truth."

Sarah asked us how living with such a conviction would affect our relationships. Sisters felt that it would increase kindness and compassion, help us to hold our tongues and to look for the good in others, and it would enrich our lives in a way that would encourage others to emulate us.

Sarah then noted that with Mormons in the spotlight lately, one blogger had posed the question "Why are Mormons so happy?" Sarah posed the same question, and responses included, "I have truth know who I am" "This time is a spiritual adolescence where we are learning.  We need to learn to love and everyone will do that in their own way. We need to encourage that in everyone without judgement" "I have eternal perspective." "We are commanded to be happy and this encourages us to look at life with gratitude" "No matter the pain, there is healing and internal peace through Jesus Christ." 

At the end of WWII, President Smith approached President Truman to donate surplus supplies to Germany. President Truman was very surprised at the gift for which no remuneration was expected, given to a country with which we had just been at war. At that time the chuch was not a worldwide church.  However, now the world is much closer together. Now we can easily have relationships with people from all backgrounds. Love is an especially important tenet for us now. 

"Brethren and sisters, if the gospel of Jesus Christ, as delivered to you, has not planted that feeling of love in your hearts for your fellow men, then I want to say that you have not enjoyed the full fruition of that wonderful gift that came to earth when this Church was organized." - President George Albert Smith

Sarah told a story that took place while her daughter served as a missionary in Argentina. She had one companion that she didn't get along with, but she knew she wouldn't be released until she loved her. At same time at home they were having enormous difficulties with a supervisor at work. Her daughter asked how they dealt with this difficulty and Sarah's husband noted, "I tried to understand what created this person. And through this I could gain empathy and love." Her daughter tried to learn more and learned this companion had an abusive background.  Then her companion's aunt died and she through that she could show compassion.  Each night she would say "I love you." One night the usually cold response turned to "I love you too." 

Sisters noted that it is important to look for grumpy people to cheer up, to try to help those that are hard to love, to remember that here is always a source of healing through the Atonement, to not force to live up to ideals, but that we should love people into understanding the truth, and that people need to hear five positives to every one negative.  

"You cannot drive people to do things which are right, but you can love them into doing them, if your example is of such a character that they can see you mean what you say." - President George Albert Smith

President Smith was truly loving, even to strangers. One cold winter in a difficult economic time he passed a construction worker that was wearing only a worn sweater. He stopped, removed his coat and gave it to the man. 

… Let us evidence our appreciation of what the Lord has given us by serving Him, and we are serving Him when we do good to His children. Freely we have received, now freely give [see Matthew 10:8]. With hearts warmed with love and kindness for our fellow men, let us press steadily on until the final summons shall come, and we shall meet our record. Then, if we have improved our talents, if we have been honest, true, chaste, benevolent, and charitable, and have sought to uplift every soul with whom we have associated, if we have lived up to the light we have received, and disseminated that light whenever opportunity has presented, how happy we will be and how our hearts will swell with gratitude when we receive from the Maker of heaven and earth that welcome plaudit: “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” - President George Albert Smith

Sarah closed by recalling the words recently spoken at her daughters wedding. The most beautiful and succinct summary of what true love is found in 1 Corinthians 13.  Love suffereth long, is kind, envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, never faileth. 

"What attribute should define us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?Let us be known as a people who love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and who love our neighbor as ourselves." - President Uchtdorf, October 2009 General Conference

 What attribute should define us as members. .uchdof.

Lesson summary: January 8th

We have a new Relief Society theme! Sunday Catherin introduced the theme of the year "Year of the Feast" inspired by her recent experiences feasting with family over the holidays and celebrating the baptism of her son.

"Wouldn't it be perfect if sweatpants were sexy, Mondays were fun, junk food didn't make you fat, girls didn't cause so much drama, guys weren't so confusing and goodbyes only meant until tomorrow."

Wouldn't it be perfect if we could all feast this year.

In the old testiment we have the Feast of the Harvest, Feast of the Ingathering, Feast of the Weeks, Feast of the Unleavened Bread, Feast of the Tabernacles, Feast of the Dedication.

What consistutes a feast? Sister's noted factors such as savoring, eating, abundance, celebration, many options, gathering with others, non-utilitarian, careful and thoughtful preparation, joy, thanksgiving, care and love. Catherine added that we also feast with intention, meditation and consideration.

We considered 3 scripture passages. If you missed the lesson, please read these and consider what is most meaningful to you.

2 Nephi 9: The plea of Jacob. This section exhorts us to focus on that which is of most worth.
2 Nephi 32:3-5. Show and tell. This scripture promises that he will show and tell us those things which are most important when we seek. 
Jacob 3:1-2: This section of comfort reminds us to feast and that he will help us in our afflictions.

Catherine arranged these scriptures such that they represented stairsteps. However, unlike our stairways not each step was the same height. Likewise not every step toward feasting is going to be the same magnitude in our life - some with be small some will be great.

What do you need to do to receive the feast? How can your support system help you and how can you help them help you?

Wouldn't it be perfect if indivudally we could be connected to Christ?

Finally, Catherine left us with a thought - to write down for our consideration what our sould savors and why.  

Lesson Summary: January 1, 2012.

This year we will be studying the teachings of President George Albert Smith. Today Miriam D. provided a perfect foundation for this study with a summary of his life.

She began with a quote that summarized President Smith's passion:

Within the last year, I have had the privilege of meeting and conversing on the gospel with some men who live in this community [Salt Lake City], not members of our Church. One man had resided here for twenty years, a man whose life is above reproach, a good citizen, a splendid business man, one who has kindly feelings towards our people. He told me that he had lived here twenty years, and he had come to the conclusion that we were just as good as our neighbors who are members of other churches; he could not see any difference in us.

I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that is no compliment to me. If the gospel of Jesus Christ does not make me a better man, then I have not developed as I should, and if our neighbors not in this Church can live among us from year to year and see no evidence of the benefits that come from keeping the commandments of God in our lives, then there is need for reform in Israel. …

President Smith came from a devout family with a history of church leadership. His father was called when he was just 5 years old his father was called to be the president of the European mission, leaving his family. At the age of 12 he applied for a job. When told he may not be paid as much since he was so young, he said that he came to work, not to be paid, knowing that if he worked well he would be paid. He also worked as a railroad surveyor, which damaged his eyes.

Over his life he struggled with health. He had a lot of ailments which may have been due to lupus, in addition to his poor eyesight. He worked tirelessly, but did take 3 years from his service as an apostle due to illness.

His church service began shortly after his marraige to President Woodruff's daughter, with a mission to the Southern States mission. He served as the acting mission president for 16 months while President J. Golden Kimball was away. During his time in this mission they were attacked by a mob and President J. Golden Kimball raised to protect them. Elder Smith stayed in bed, knowing it would be OK. The next morning after the mob had dispersed the men found a pile of sticks, with which they would have been beaten if they had run out of the building.

President Smith had many talents, but one of the most endearing was his ability to make people feel at ease immediately, and people immediately knew of his sincerity. This was a great asset to him in his service. Before his apostleship he was active civicly, most famously in the Boy Scouts of America, but also in the Society for the Aid of the Sightless.

In 1945 he became President of the Church. 

When he was 34 years old, George Albert Smith made a list of resolutions that he called his “personal creed”—11 ideals that he committed to live by:

“I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.

“I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.

“I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.

“I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and a happy life.

“I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.

“I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.

“I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.

“I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.

“I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father.

“I would not be an enemy to any living soul.

“Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth.”