Lesson summary: Sustaining our leaders

Lisa H. led us in a discussion on the lesson "Sustaining those whom the Lord sustains."

Question: Why is it important to sustain the leaders?  Responses: We all have a part. It is a sacred privilege to do so. 

Question: 
What are the consequences of not following th prophet? Responses: George Albert smith tells us that we will suffer the result. We can lead others away by our poor examples such as our children. The story of Noah is an simple example where there is a benefit to following the prophets. We may not be preparing for a flood but we do receive timely guidance and council that will protect us and our families. In addition, we don't benefit from the blessings that come from obedience. It also impacts others that receive blessings from the church. We are cutting ourselves off from our God and we will "lose a pearl of great price."

When we do choose to sustain, there are blessings. We will be inspired to imporve our lives. We will know the necessary preparation to succeed. We will be preserved and we will get plenty of warning. We will be happy. we will be able to see different points of view. We will be led down the correct path.

The criteria that God has for leaders is different than for the world. If we are feeling that need to complain or not sustain our leaders we may need to look within ourselves for what we need to change. Lisa shared a story from her missions when a new mission president asked them to teach four discussions a day at the direction of an apostle. Seasoned missionaries knew how challenging in Eurpoe and did not what to do this. Her new companion, a new missionary was excited and had faith. They were richly blessed by moving forward instead of digging in their heals against the new guidance.

It is important that we take the opportunity to pray so that we can get a confirmation that what we are following is the right thing. We have th opportunity for personal revelation.

The obligations that we make when we sustain our leaders as we raise our hands, we will strive to carry out the instructions of our leaders. It is not a passive thing. It is a co mittens and an obligation.

Lisa challenged us to listen carefully to listen with intent during the conference next week and also to look at our callings as a way to support and lift our leaders.

Lesson Recap: March 17

Lesson: http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-george-albert-smith/chapter-4?lang=eng

Teacher: Sara G.

Sara began the lesson by sharing a story about her family's visit to the Joseph Smith home and the Sacred Grove a few years ago. She spoke of the wonderful feeling that was there, and the powerful testimonies that her family bore that evening in the hotel room. She then posed the following question:

How has the First Vision influenced your testimony of the Gospel? What role has it played in your understanding of the Church?

Several sisters commented on the powerful feeling that one experiences when hearing about this sacred event, and what a critical tool it is for missionaries when they are teaching new investigators. Kathryn L. made the point that the story of the First Vision is so fantastic that people who hear it are really forced to decide for themselves whether it is true or not.

Sara shared a thought she'd found that said if the Gospel could be compared to a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, only about 100 pieces were available at the time of the First Vision; Joseph Smith restored the other 900.

Things We Learn From The First Vision:

- Christ and God are two separate personages

- God knows us personally (he called Joseph by name)

- God answers prayers, even from the most humble among us

- Temptation/distraction/adversity often come before important revelation. Satan will try to prevent revelation if he can.

- Joseph Smith remained humble even after this great experience.

Ways We Can Strengthen Our Testimonies of Joseph Smith

- Study his life

- Read the story of the First Vision in his words

- Pray

- Ponder on his works

Sara also pointed out that Joseph was remarkable in that he accomplished so much at a young age. She referenced counsel from a talk about not focusing on the oddities and extremes of a person's life, and gave the example of the Apostle Peter who made mistakes as well. She urged the sisters to focus on Joseph Smith's whole ministry.

We then discussed the following quote from George Albert Smith:

"In the year 1830, when this Church was organized, there was not upon the earth a church organization that would announce that they believed that God would reveal himself to the children of men. The teachings of the churches were all contrary to that, and our Father saw the futility of trying to save his sons and daughters until they could be inspired to come to him with the belief that he would hear and answer their prayers. When the boy prophet, in the woods of Palmyra, saw the Father and the Son, and realized that they were indeed personages, that they could hear and reply to what he said, it began a new era in this world, and laid a foundation for the faith of the children of men. They could now pray to our Father in heaven and realize that he could hear and answer their prayers, that there was a connection between the heavens and the earth."

What do we learn about consecration and service from the Prophet Joseph Smith?

- He never really had a home of his own or much money because his life was in the hands of the Lord. We should likewise be faithful and trust that the Lord will take care of us if we are doing his work.

- Suffered all manner of persecutions and remained courageous

What are some of the "900 puzzle pieces" restored through Joseph Smith?

- Priesthood keys

- Relief Society

- Primary

- Temple + Ordinances

- Proper manner of baptism

- Plan of Salvation/Degrees of glory

- Modern revelation

- Book of Mormon

Lesson Recap: Ward Conference, March 12

Today we enjoyed a wonderful message from our Stake in honor of Ward Conference. Sister Katie J. and President Wilson both spoke on the theme if the conference, "Drawing Near Unto the Savior" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)

They started with the scriptures as a tool to draw near unto Christ. President Wilson shared that although it hasn't always been easy to read the scriptures, when he does engage the scriptures with purpose he receives a spiritual boost. How do you develop the habit? One trick that has worked for him is to get some accountability. In his case it was writing a summary for his family. Another is a penalty approach. For him every time he missed he had to buy a friend a steak. However, these approaches are the lower law. The higher law is to read until you feel the Spirit.

Katie spoke on bringing scripture study into her new marriage. She received advice to start during the honeymoon. Even though she and her husband aren't always in the same physical location they make it a priority to connect nightly.

President issued another challenge; go to the topical guide and read about the blessings of the Word.

Someone else mentioned that she was challenged to read the Book of Mormon in one month and promised that it would change her life. What it did also that it changed others lives too as she was guided by the Spirit.

You can find a reading mentor to help you. Sometimes the language of the scriptures can be difficult and having a mentor can be helpful. One Sister shared about reading to children and feeling the Spirit even though they didn't understand what was happening. Another Sister found that classes such as institute classes were useful to help in understanding.

A second tool to draw near unto the Savior is temple worship. Katie shared how she felt grateful for the blessing of having temples, particularly the opportunity to feel closer to the Lord, to be taught, and how it helps to bring things into perspective. President Wilson has found the temple a place of revelation.

A Sister talked about how she once read that the welfare system was tied to the temple, which made her look at the temple differently as she realized that the covenants were real. Another sister shared how she would visit the temple monthly regardless of whether her husband could join her or not. If she couldn't find babysitting she would take her kids for a visit. One brother shared his testimony that the temple is holy ground where you have a unique connection to God. Then when a challenge comes you can still see the hand of the Lord.

The third tool discussed was prayer. Katie shared a story about how the Lord teaches through prayer. On her mission she was in the middle of a baptism draught. Then was transferred to be a trainer, something that terrified her. She was asked by her new companion how to baptize. She humbly answered that she didn't know but she did know that she could know through prayer. That pattern has continued in her life.

President Wilson reminded us that prayer is communication between parent and child. He referred us to the Bible Dictionary for a discussion of prayer. We should never forget or feel unworthy since this is a parent-child conversation, where we both ask, and listen.

The last topic discussed was carrying burdens and lightening loads. Katie discussed our baptismal covenants and how it is truly taking on the name of Christ to serve. When her father passed away suddenly, leaving her mother with seven children, others reached out and blessed their lives. She shared how touched she was to see all the ward dads and sons come and support her brother as he played on the all-star baseball team shortly after his fathers death, even though many of those boys had wanted dearly to be on that team but hadn't made the cut.

With these tools, President Wilson and Katie both testified that we can have a more rich life.

RS Birthday Celebration - March 20th

Relief Society Sisters, 


You are warmly invited to A Feast of Friendship on the evening of Tuesday, March 20th, in the Cultural Hall, beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m.  A very unusual and festive event is planned for your enjoyment, and a wonderful opportunity to meet with each other and feast together in celebration of our Relief Society organization and our friendships.   Our special guest will be Steve Rasmussen of The Milk Pail bringing his entertaining personality and expertise of world-class foods, which may even include his heavenly favorites. We are also so pleased to have Steve Henderson, a Stanford music student and singer/songwriter extraordinaire, serenading us during dinner.   Our Hostess for the evening is Marisa Dittmer.


[Invitations are available for Visiting Teachers -- see Catherine, Dawne or Claudia.]