A Christ-Centered Life - December 20, 2015

Cecily M. led our discussion on living a Christ-Centered life using Chapter 24 in the Ezra Taft Benson manual.  We began by making a list of goals for next year, including ways to become more focused on the Savior.

• What is your favorite trait of the Savior?

 Some may say, “But I have so far to go to become like those you describe.” The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that the desires of our hearts can be transformed and our motives can be educated and refined. When we are baptized into the true fold of God, we begin the process of becoming new creatures (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Mosiah 27:26). Each time we renew the covenant of baptism by partaking of the sacrament, we are one step closer to that ultimate goal.⁵ As we endure in that covenant, we access the strength to mourn with those who mourn and to comfort those who need comfort (see Mosiah 18:9). In that covenant, we find the grace that enables us to serve God and keep His commandments, including loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves.⁶ In that covenant, God and Christ succor us so we can succor those who stand in need of our succor (see Mosiah 4:16; see also verses 11–15) (Elder Michael T. Ringwood, Truly Good and without Guile, April 2015 General Conference)

• What is something concrete that you do to become closer to Christ?

As President Benson exhorted the Saints to follow the Savior’s perfect example, he reminded them that they could do so only with the Savior’s help. He declared:

“I know the Lord lives. I know that He loves us. I know that apart from Him no one can succeed, but as a partner with Him no one can fail.

“I know that God can make a lot more out of our lives than we can.

“May we all have the moral courage from this moment forward to more fully strive each day to think on Christ, learn of Him, walk in His steps, and do what He would have us do.” (A Christ-Centered Life)  

Blessings of reading the scriptures - November 29, 2015

In our joint meeting, Brother S. opened a time of reading the Book of Mormon and a short sharing time with his testimony and the following quote:

"Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon give us the beautiful assurance that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. I hold in my hand a copy of the first edition of the Book of Mormon in French, published by John Taylor as he began the work in France in 1852. Some or all of the Book of Mormon is now in 110 languages across the world. It provides a spiritual and tangible witness of the truthfulness of the Restoration. When was the last time that you read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover? Read it again. It will increase your faith."  Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice by Neil L. Anderson, October 2015 General Conference.

Enjoy your feast as we endeavor to finish reading the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.

The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life - November 22, 2015

Today Megan J. taught a discussion based on Elder Richard J. Maynes' talk, "The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life," from the October General Conference.

First, we shared 1-3 scriptures that were important in our life journeys in groups of 3 ladies. (Megan's examples were John 14:27, Alma 34:28, and the hymn "My Savior's Love") Then we discussed the following 4 quotes.

• "Centering our lives in Jesus Christ and His gospel will bring stability and happiness to our lives..." (The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life)

• "Living a Christ-centered life means we learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel and then we follow His example and keep His commandments with exactness."(The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life)

• If our lives are centered in Jesus Christ, He can successfully mold us into who we need to be in order to return to His and Heavenly Father’s presence in the celestial kingdom. The joy we experience in this life will be in direct proportion to how well our lives are centered on the teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life)

• When we perform these measurable duties properly, they produce a series of highly desirable results which are less measurable but very real. Indeed, when we have personal, reinforcing spiritual experiences, they will almost always occur in the course of our carrying out the duties just named. Further, carrying out these duties will entitle us to an ever-increasing companionship of the Holy Ghost. And when we have the Spirit with us, it means we have achieved significant Christocentricity in our lives, for we cannot be close to one member of the Godhead without being close to all three! (Elder Neil A. Maxwell, "The Christ-Centered Life")

Thanks for a great exchange, Megan!

Chapter 21: Principles of Temporal and Spiritual Welfare

Tina D. taught the lesson using Chapter #21 from the Ezra Taft Benson manual. 

"In 1936, as people all over the world struggled with the economic challenges of the Great Depression, the First Presidency introduced a new welfare program. This program, called the Church Security Plan, was established not to provide handouts for people in need but “to help the people to help themselves.”¹ As the First Presidency and other Church leaders established this program, they taught foundational principles of hard work, self-reliance, and service. They encouraged Church members to pay tithing and fast offerings, produce and store food, avoid unnecessary debt, and save money for future needs."

Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson

1

The Lord is anxious and willing to bless His people temporally and spiritually.

2

Through energetic, purposeful, unselfish work, we obtain life’s necessities and grow in godly attributes

3

When we produce and store food, we reap immediate benefits and prepare for future needs.

4

Peace and contentment come into our hearts when we save a portion of our earnings and avoid unnecessary debt.

Leadership - November 8, 2015

Colette T. presented some great stories and thoughts inspired by Chapter 19: Leadership from the Ezra Taft Benson manual.

She opened with a story from 2nd grade when the children in her class had discovered a large hole to play in before school.  When the neighborhood dog, Skippy, followed them in one day, he couldn't get out without help.   Struggling between the punishment of being late/skipping school and worry that Skippy would starve they tried to help rescue him with a ladder. When forcing him up by his hind legs didn't work (he wiggled away) and bribing him with pineapple Lifesavers didn't work (he just jumped back in the hole) they felt they needed to go to school before they got in too much trouble.

Halfway to school they heard barking. It was Skippy. He knew how to climb the ladder the whole time, he just needed to be led to see the way and he followed.

President Benson was known for conducting concise meetings.

When “he felt that adequate discussion had taken place, he typically said, ‘I think we’ve got enough hay down now. Let’s bale a little,’ bringing the issue to resolution.” (Leadership)

He also taught:

Effective leaders stand firm in the faith and set a good example. ...

No wise leader believes that all good ideas originate with himself. (Leadership) 

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. Mark 10:43-44

Blessings of the Commandments - November 1, 2015

Rebecca S. lead a great discussion about the Lord's commandments with quotes from President Thomas S. Monson's talk "Keep the Commandments" and Carol M. Stevens talk “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments”.
Some may feel the commandments are a restriction but if you realize that they are a manifestation of God's love, our obedience can serve as a reply of love back to Heavenly Father.

Have there been times where you had to decide to keep the commandments?

God’s commandments are not given to frustrate us or to become obstacles to our happiness. Just the opposite is true. He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just how we need to live our lives in order to obtain the greatest happiness possible. He has provided us with guidelines which, if we follow them, will see us safely through this often treacherous mortal journey. We remember the words of the familiar hymn: “Keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace.” "Keep the Commandments"

When was a time you remember being led by the Holy Ghost?

I admonish you to turn the volume down and to be influenced instead by that still, small voice which will guide you to safety. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head after you were baptized, confirming you a member of the Church and saying, “Receive the Holy Ghost.”⁵ Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice which testifies of truth. As the prophet Isaiah promised, “Thine ears shall hear a word … , saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.”⁶ May we ever be in tune, that we might hear this comforting, guiding voice which will keep us safe. "Keep the Commandments"

Sister Stevens outlined in her talk that we needed to:

• Trust in God
• Trust in Jesus
• Trust in the whisperings of the Spirit
• Trust the counsel of living prophets

October 25, 2015 - “Why the Church"

This week's lesson was taught by Lanae S. using the October 2015 General Conference talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson “Why the Church".

• When you think of the church what do you think of?
• How has the church been a tool to getting closer to Heavenly Father?

The ancient purpose remains: that is, to preach the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and administer the ordinances of salvation--in other words, to bring people to Christ.
Without the capabilities of His Church in place, the Savior’s commission to take the gospel to all the world could not be realized. There would not be the apostolic keys, the structure, the financial means, and the devotion and sacrifice of thousands upon thousands of missionaries needed to carry out the work. Remember, “this Gospel of the Kingdom [must] be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come.” “Why the Church"

• How have you been helped by the aggregate strength of the church?

...a major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of Saints that will sustain one another in the “strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life. “Why the Church"

• How can you help the community of saints in their path of discipleship?

In the Church we not only learn divine doctrine; we also experience its application. As the body of Christ, the members of the Church minister to one another in the reality of day-to-day life. All of us are imperfect; we may offend and be offended. We often test one another with our personal idiosyncrasies. In the body of Christ, we have to go beyond concepts and exalted words and have a real “hands-on” experience as we learn to “live together in love.” “Why the Church"

• Which element of discipleship will you work on as you serve this week?

2015 Fall Retreat - Seek Learning

This year's theme for our annual retreat stemmed from the verse: "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." Doctrine and Covenants 88:118

The evening began with snacking, visiting and serving as we packaged up snack bags for people staying at the nearby Ronald McDonald house.

We then gathered for a dinner of sweet pork barbacoa salad in the style of Café Rio including the signature tin plates!  The decor of festive fall leaves, stacks of books and apples set a warm tone throughout.

As ladies finished eating, we were treated to amazing piano by Hilary M. and then had a Show & Tell presentation where sisters shared new learning endeavors they had developed in the last few years.

We then had two class times where sisters could learn from any of 4 classes: Art Therapy with Keily, Nourishing your Family Spiritually and Physically with Suzi, Improve your Photography with Courtney and Empower Yourself with Power Tools with Brianna.

We closed the evening with a spectrum of apple desserts and more visiting!

A big thanks to the activity committee, bakers, participants and supporters for an invigorating evening.

"Strengthen thy stakes" - October 18, 2015

Leanne G. taught the lesson using: "Strengthen thy Stakes"  Chapter 23 from the Ezra Taft Benson manual.

“The stakes and districts of Zion are symbolic of the holy places spoken of by the Lord where His Saints are to gather in the last days as a refuge from the storm.”

Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson

• As members of the Church, we gather in the stakes of Zion.
• Stakes are organized to help parents teach the gospel and lead their children to the ordinances of salvation.
• As stake members reflect the Lord’s standard of holiness, the stake becomes a beautiful emblem for all the world to see.
• Each stake serves as a defense and a refuge from enemies seen and unseen.

Farewell thoughts from Nettie - September 27, 2015

Nettie W. shared some thoughts with us before her departure for other lands. She said "you have sustained me with your love!"

She remembered visiting teaching with her great-grandmother when she was just four and remembered how nice people were and that you got treats.  Her mother was a Relief Society president when she was just 9 years old and when the Palo Alto building was the only one between San Francisco and San Jose.  She recalled singing #317 - Sweet Is the Work (Women) when they divided the Palo Alto wards in 1956.

She spent some of her married life in Fresno and when her husband passed 18 years ago, she made the choice to return to her great friends in Palo Alto.  Now she has made the choice to go to where her 2 daughters are so she can be cared for.

There were two things that Nettie wanted tell us:

1. The value of the Relief Society sisterhood here.
   She told us a few funny anecdotes of taking bread in hand to a sister's house and being met by the reply "my mom's in the shower" then a brisk wet hand grabbing the bread and saying "I was in the shower" before the door shut. A similar story was of a hectic household that she visited and when she arrived the mother grabbed her car keys and didn't return until after dark!
2. She also wanted to share that Joy is in the soul. 
   Nettie was born with a joyous spirit and feels joy in the Gospel and she knows that life is wonderful.

We will miss the joy that our dear Nettie brought to all of us but know she will spread it where ever she goes.

General Women's Meeting broadcast

Thanks for all those who attended (and brought treats) the recent broadcast in the cultural hall.

 

Feed My Sheep - September 20, 2015

Jennilyn W. gave a lesson using Chapter 20 "Feed My Sheep" from the Ezra Taft Benson manual. 

What is the difference between a Shepherd and Hireling?
Matthew 18: 12-13
John 10: 1-5, 11-14

President Ezra Taft Benson told of an experience he had when he was serving as a counselor in a stake presidency: 

“At a stake presidency meeting in Boise, Idaho, years ago, we were trying to select a president for the weakest and smallest elders quorum in the stake. Our clerk had brought a list of all the elders of that quorum, and on the list was the name of a man whom I had known for some years. He came from a strong Latter-day Saint family, but he wasn’t doing much in the Church. 

“If the bishop made a call to do some work on the chapel, he would usually respond, and if the elders wanted to play softball, you would sometimes find him out playing with them. He did have leadership ability; he was president of a service club and was doing a fine job. 

“I said to the stake president, ‘Would you authorize me to go out and meet this man and challenge him to square his life with the standards of the Church and take the leadership of his quorum? I know there is some hazard in it, but he has the ability.’“The stake president said, ‘You go ahead, and the Lord bless you.’ 

“… I went to this man’s home. I’ll never forget the look on his face as he opened the door and saw a member of his stake presidency standing there. He hesitantly invited me in; his wife was preparing dinner, and I could smell the aroma of coffee coming from the kitchen. I asked him to have his wife join us, and when we were seated, I told him why I had come. ‘I’m not going to ask you for your answer today,’ I told him. ‘All I want you to do is to promise me that you will think about it, pray about it, think about it in terms of what it will mean to your family, and then I’ll be back to see you next week. If you decide not to accept, we’ll go on loving you,’ I added. 

“The next Sunday, as soon as he opened the door I saw there had been a change. He was glad to see me, and he quickly invited me in and called to his wife to join us. He said, ‘Brother Benson, we have done as you said. We’ve thought about it and we’ve prayed about it, and we’ve decided to accept the call. If you brethren have that much confidence in me, I’m willing to square my life with the standards of the Church, a thing I should have done long ago.’ 

“He also said, ‘I haven’t had any coffee since you were here last week, and I’m not going to have any more.’ 

“He was set apart as elders quorum president, and attendance in his quorum began going up—and it kept going up. He went out, put his arm around the less-active elders, and brought them in. A few months later I moved from the stake. 

“Years passed, and one day on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, a man came up to me, extended his hand, and said, ‘Brother Benson, you don’t remember me, do you?’“‘Yes, I do,’ I said, ‘but I don’t remember your name.’ 

“He said, ‘Do you remember coming to the home of a delinquent elder in Boise seven years ago?’ And then, of course, it all came back to me. Then he said, ‘Brother Benson, I’ll never live long enough to thank you for coming to my home that Sunday afternoon. I am now a bishop. I used to think I was happy, but I didn’t know what real happiness was.’” Ezra Taft Benson manual

Alison F. shared her conversion story and how she was brought into the fold by shepherds.

Music in the Church - September 13, 2015

Colette T. gave a broad and deep lesson over the use of music in the Church. Including this quiz! (answers below)

1. Which hymn was accidentally left out of the Sacrament Hymns section?
2. Which hymn has been the traditional organ ending for "Music and the Spoken Word"?
3. In the "new" church hymn book, what much-loved hymn from prior hymn books was left out?
4. What hymn had word changes because of the "giggle factor"?
5. What hymn is almost always used at Temple Dedications?
6. What is the only hymn with the word "Happy" in the title?
7. Legend: This hymn was written by a local preacher deep in a Welsh coal mine: _____
8. Only hymn to refer to a Mother in Heaven was?
9. Can you name any hymns that take their melodies from known and loved folk tunes?
10. What is the most popular missionary hymn?
11. Are any of our hymns written by past or present Palo Altans?
12. Can you name a woman who is a recent prolific and loved composer of hymns?
13. Who was our most prolific composer of church music in the early days? (19 hymns in our hymn book)

Answers
1. Gently Raise the Sacred Strain #146
2. As the Dew from Heaven Distilling #149
3. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
4. How Firm a Foundation #85 - "Who unto the Savior" used to be "You who unto Jesus"
5. The Spirit of God #2
6. The Happy Day at Last Has Come #32
7. Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah #83
8. O My Father #292
9. Many, including If You Could Hie to Kolob #284, As Zion's Youth in Latter Days #256
10. Called to Serve #249
11. Jim Welch (Bless Our Fast, We Pray #138) and Barbara McConochie (Keep the Commandments (#146))
12. Janice Kapp Perry
13. Evan Stevens and W.W. Phelps

Perseverance - September 6, 2015

Jo Ann had many inspirational stories and quotes on Perseverance to encourage us along our way.

The example of John Rowe Moyle and his dedication are presented in this video.

Perseverance and Never Giving Up

"I was taught the way of progress is neither swift nor easy." Marie Curie.

"Let me tell you the secret that has led to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity." Louis Pasteur

"I am a slow walker, but I never walk back." Abraham Lincoln

"Every strike bring me closer to the next home run." Babe Ruth

"It always seems impossible until it's done." Nelson Mandela

"Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th." Julie Andrews

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." Confucius

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." Robert Collier

"Fall seven times and stand up eight." Japanese Proverb

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill

"It's not that I'm smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." Albert Einstein

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at that end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow'." Mary Anne Radmacher

The Sabbath is a Delight - August 23, 2015

Tina D. taught the lesson today using Elder Russell M. Nelson's talk "The Sabbath Is a Delight" with a great discussion from her questions.

• How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing?

"The question for each of us is: because of what I have heard and felt during this conference, how will I change? Whatever your answer might be, may I invite you also to examine your feelings about, and your behavior on, the Sabbath day.

I am intrigued by the words of Isaiah, who called the Sabbath “a delight.” Yet I wonder, is the Sabbath really a delight for you and for me?" (The Sabbath Is a Delight)

• What did the Savior mean when He said that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath?

"I believe He wanted us to understand that the Sabbath was His gift to us, granting real respite from the rigors of daily life and an opportunity for spiritual and physical renewal." (The Sabbath Is a Delight)

• What does this look like to you?

"Beware of Pride"- August 16, 2015

Rebecca S. led a wonderful discussion using the Ezra Taft Benson Manual, Chapter 18: "Beware of Pride"

Here are some of the highlighted quotes:

“Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. The antidote for pride is humility.”

In the words of C. S. Lewis: 

“Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. … It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone.”

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less."

Ether 12:27

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humblethemselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weakthings become strong unto them.

Keeping the Law of Chastity - August 9, 2015

Colette T. taught from Chapter 17: Keeping the Law of Chastity  in the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson with examples she has seen in the world and teachings from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. She reminded us of the many supporting influences we can be to youth learning this principle.

"Our Heavenly Father desires nothing for us but to be happy. He tells us only those things that will bring us joy. And one of the surest principles given by God to help us find that joy is the law of chastity. I pray with all my heart that you will consider most solemnly the joyful consequences of keeping this law, and the tragic consequences of violating it."(Keeping the Law of Chastity)

"When you are sexually pure, you prepare yourself to make and keep sacred covenants in the temple. You prepare yourself to build a strong marriage and to bring children into the world as part of an eternal and loving family. You protect yourself from the spiritual and emotional damage that come from sharing sexual intimacy outside of marriage. You also protect yourself from harmful diseases. Remaining sexually pure helps you to be confident and truly happy and improves your ability to make good decisions now and in the future." (For the Strength of Youth)

8/1/15 "Quiet"

Thank you Katie for your very thoughtful lesson

"Quiet Time"

Katie provided a list of quotes, scriptures and other written material about the topic.

Quiet Time by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Let us then labor for an inward stillness--

An inward stillness and an inward healing;

That perfect silence, where the lips and heart

Are still and we no longer entertain

Our own imperfect thoughts and vain opinions,

But God alone speaks in us, and we wait

In singleness of heart, that we may know

His will and in the silence of our spirits

That we may do His will, and do that only.

---

Quotes from A Quiet Heart by Patricia Holland

“President Gordon B. Hinckley has spoken often of meditation.  My husband has commented on how often, in speaking to the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, he has asked that they make sure they take time for thoughtfulness, for pondering, for introspection, for meditation.  He often refers to a statement of President David O. McKay: ‘Meditation is the language of the soul.  It is defined as ‘a form of private devotion, or spiritual exercise, consisting in deep, continued reflection on some religious theme.’”

---

“Somewhere in our lives there must be time and room for such personal communion. Somewhere in our lives there must be time and room for the celestial realities we say we believe in--or when will millenial peace be ours?  

The kind of contemplation, reflection, and yearning for God I am speaking of can’t be accomplished very handily in competition with cellular phones, computers, or a blaring TV.  God can enter our realm only at our invitation.  He stands at the door and knocks always, but someone has to hear that knock and let him enter.  In this effort we ought to do whatever we can to make our houses--or our apartments or our condominiums--the templs, quite literally, that God intends them to be.  Places for the Spirit of the Lord to dwell.  Places for meditation, contemplation, prayer, and study.  Places where good conversation and charity out of a pure heart can be present.  Places where we find the fulness of God.”

---

“We do need to charitably share and serve--emotionally and spiritually as well as temporally--but we must fill ourselves at the fountain of living water, at the feet of our Heavenly Father himself, or we have nothing of real strength to give.  When we connect with God, then we will connect with others honestly and compassionately.  When we pay the price to see God, we become aware of how closely connected we are to each other.”

---

“In the book of Revelation, John writes metaphorically of a woman representing the power and righteousness of the kingdom of God.  When her life was endangered, she “fled into the wilderness” (Revelation 12:6).  God had prepared a place for her, a place of safety and strength and protection.  In dark and dangerous days, God will provide for us safe places, even wilderness places (I take that to mean sacred places undefiled by worldly civilization) where he protects us against evil and nourishes us with strength.  Please allow yourself to take the time to go to that wilderness retreat now, that sanctuary, if you will--the temple, your own home, a place of privacy and revelation, a place filled with prayer and meditation and scriptural truths.  Allow yourself to turn a few things down and turn a few things off.  Seek to position yourself prayerfully in some solitude and serenity to receive the mind of God.  Stop what you are frantically doing and go into your private wilderness.  Shut the door, turn out all earhly lights, set aside all earthly sights.  Position yourself calmly and quietly in humble serenity until your prayer flows naturally and lovingly.  When you feel God’s presence, when you feel he is with you, you will be filled with a wonderful strength that will allow you to do anything righteousness.  

Thus filled and strengthened, we can return to the battle, to some inevitable noise and commotion and, yes, even some drudgery.  But we do it more happily, more hopefully, more optimistically because we have communed with God and been filled with his joy, his charity, and his compassion, and we bear something of his light as we return.  And because we are filled and strong, we can be a source of light, life, and love for others.”

---

From the Scriptures:

• Helaman 10:2-3
• Luke 2:19
• 1 Nephi 11:1
• Joseph Smith History 1:12
• Moroni 10: 3
• Mosiah 4:30
• Matthew 6:21
• D&C 138:1-2, 11
• 3 Nephi 17:3

---

“Quiet” by Tim Minchin

Quiet,

Like silence, but not really silent.  Just that still sort of quiet.

Like the sound of a page being turned in a book.  Or a pause in a walk in the woods.

Quiet,

Like silence, but not really silent.  Just that nice kind of quiet.

Like the sound when you lie upside down in your bed. Just the sound of your heart in your head.

And though the people around me, Their mouths are still moving, The words they are forming,

Cannot reach me anymore!

And it is quiet.  And I am warm.  Like I've sailed, into the eye of the storm.

7/26: We'll Ascend Together

Jennilyn W. gave a fabulous lesson using the talk by Linda Burton, We'll Ascend Together. 

"As covenant-keeping women and men, we need to lift each other and help each other become the people the Lord would have us become."

Sisters and brothers, how often do we intentionally “speak kind words to each other”?¹⁶

We might test ourselves by asking a few questions. With a little adaptation, these questions can apply to most of us, whether we are married or single, whatever our home situation might be.

1. 1. 
   When was the last time I sincerely praised my companion, either alone or in the presence of our children?
2. 2. 
   When was the last time I thanked, expressed love for, or earnestly pleaded in faith for him or her in prayer?
3. 3. 
   When was the last time I stopped myself from saying something I knew could be hurtful?
4. 4. 
   When was the last time I apologized and humbly asked for forgiveness—without adding the words “but if only you had” or “but if only you hadn’t”?
5. 5. 
   When was the last time I chose to be happy rather than demanding to be “right”?

Marriage and Family - Ordained of God/The Sacred Callings of Fathers and Mothers

Thanks to Rebecca S. for a great mash-up of two chapters from the Ezra Taft Benson Manual: Marriage and Family—Ordained of God and The Sacred Callings of Fathers and Mothers.  Kind guidance for us as a daughter, wife or mother, if we are now or are preparing to be. I know I've applied many of these to my role as an aunt.  Thanks again Rebecca!

There can be no satisfactory substitute for the home. Its foundation is as ancient as the world. Its mission has been God-ordained.

No nation ever rises above its homes. This Church will never rise above its homes. We are no better as a people than are our firesides, our homes. … The good home is the rock foundation, the cornerstone of civilization. It must be preserved. It must be strengthened.
 

Some people ask me as a Church leader why we place so much emphasis on the home and family when there are such larger problems around us? The answer is, of course, that the larger problems are merely a reflection of individual and family problems. (Marriage and Family—Ordained of God)

The scriptures tell us: “Adam began to till the earth … as I the Lord had commanded him. And Eve, also, his wife, did labor with him. … They began to multiply and to replenish the earth. … And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord. … And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters. … And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God.” (Moses 5:1–2, 4, 12, 16.)
 

From this inspired record we see that Adam and Eve provided us with an ideal example of a covenant marriage relationship. They labored together; they had children together; they prayed together; and they taught their children the gospel--together. This is the pattern God would have all righteous men and women imitate. (Marriage and Family—Ordained of God)

• Have you had times when your two vantage points merged together?

Spiritual growth comes by solving problems together--not by running from them. Today’s inordinate emphasis on individualism brings egotism and separation. Two individuals becoming “one flesh” is still the Lord’s standard. (See Gen. 2:24.) (Marriage and Family—Ordained of God)

"I said what I said and I meant what I said, an elephant is loyal 100%." Horton Hatches the Egg

Be fiercely loyal.

• How do you create a foundation of support?

Sister Benson acknowledged: “No one is perfect. In our family it is not our objective to magnify each other’s shortcomings, but to encourage one another to improve.” (The Sacred Callings of Fathers and Mothers)