Free Forever, to Act for Themselves - December 28, 2014

Our last lesson of 2014 was given by Tina D. using Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk Free, Forever to Act for Themselves about agency given to man.

"It is God’s will that we be free men and women enabled to rise to our full potential both temporally and spiritually." (Free, Forever to Act for Themselves)

'[from "Henry V"]"Every subject’s duty is the king’s; but every subject’s soul is his own." comes down to "who bears responsibility for what happens in our lives? When things go wrong?' (Free, Forever to Act for Themselves)

As children get older you hope they draw on what you tech them but they have their agency.

"But God intends that His children should act according to the moral agency He has given them" (Free, Forever to Act for Themselves)

"Nor will His prophets accept the role of “puppet master” in God’s place." (Free, Forever to Act for Themselves)

You may feel like a puppet master of your children's lives but sometimes we need to let them make mistakes to learn and use their agency.

'We should (and we do) rejoice in the God-ordained plan that permits us to make choices to act for ourselves and experience the consequences, or as the scriptures express it, to “taste the bitter, that [we] may know to prize the good.” ' (Free, Forever to Act for Themselves)

• Why must we taste the bitter to understand?

Thanks Tina for a great lesson!

The Birth of Jesus Christ: “Good Tidings of Great Joy” - December 21, 2014

Natalie M. taught our Christmas themed lesson using story, song and a sweet spirit.

Her husband told of the story of the WW1 Christmas truce between British and German troops then sang/played the Garth Brooks song "Belleau Wood" written about the event.

• What do you do in your home to remember the Savior at Christmastime?

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Natalie shared a family story of longed-for, store-bought dolls and the Christmas two sisters would have received them but instead learned a more important lesson as they generously gave them to two girls who had suddenly lost their father.

There is also the poignant Parable of the Bicycle which parallels Christ's gift of grace to each of us.

Songs, Stories and Sweets Christmas Party

This year we had an informal Relief Society Christmas Party in the warmth of Nanci T.'s festive home.

 It all began with plenty of chatting.

There were cookies/sweets for eating and exchanging.


Sisters brought their favorite Christmas stories for all to peruse and some gave vignettes of each story, many which were shared with tender memories and a few tears.

 Lanae S. sang for us before we all sang a few Santa songs led by Colette T. (both accompanied by Dan S.).

The Women of Christmas

Thanks Donna P. for putting together a wonderful Christmas program

The Women of Christmas

Pianist – Deanne W.

Chorister – Courtney M.

Table Display – Nanci T.

With Wondering Awe #210

Introduction - Nica M.

Innkeeper’s Wife - Yoko B.

Once in Royal David’s City #205

Shepherd’s Wife - Krystal H.

Away in a Manger #206

Elizabeth - Julia J.

Joseph’s Mother - Andrea M.

Mary’s Mother - Alice M.

When Joseph Went To Bethlehem

Palo Alto Second Ward Young Women

Joseph’s Mother - Andrea M.

Mary - April F.

Mary’s Lullaby

Suzi & Ella J.

Accompanied by Katie S.

Conclusion - Nica M.

 Silent Night #204

Joys of Scripture Study - November 30, 2014

Sue J was our guest speaker from the Palo Alto 1st/Redwood City 2nd ward guiding us through a plan for better scripture study and the blessings of regular personal study.

Take this personal inventory:

• How many times a month do you have personal scripture study?
• How many minutes each time?
• On a scale of 1-10, what is your quality? 10 being that you learning something relevant, connect with the Lord, and feel the Spirit every time.

30 days-60 minutes-10 quality is possible if you want it.
The Lord wants it for us but needs us to want it.

On her mission, Sue met a humble woman who cared for handicapped men in her home. Scripture study meant a lot to her. She would get up an hour early to be in the Book of Mormon.
Her sacrifice allowed the Lord to bless her.  Sue tested this and found the same blessings.
Her commitment not to miss a day brought her a relationship where the Lord is always teaching her.


The process to be open to what the Lord has to teach:

• Have a set time. For Sue it is first thing in the morning. When would you set aside an hour?

At Gethsemane, Jesus Christ found his disciples asleep and said:

"What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" Matthew 26:40

• Pray. For consciousness, to understand- a deeper meaning, to remember, I don't get this, have a conversation "help me" about what we're reading, revelation on concerns, direction/service, what to study, be more "(blank)"
  

Study General Conference talks, don't just read them.
Sue uses a journal and decides on a focus/principle.  Write.

Read till you find something to focus on.

For example, Sue was studying Elder Christofferson's talk from the most recent conference and wrote this passage in her journal:

It is God’s will that we be free men and women enabled to rise to our full potential both temporally and spiritually, that we be free from the humiliating limitations of poverty and the bondage of sin, that we enjoy self-respect and independence, that we be prepared in all things to join Him in His celestial kingdom.

I am under no illusion that this can be achieved by our own efforts alone without His very substantial and constant help. “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”²⁴ And we do not need to achieve some minimum level of capacity or goodness before God will help—divine aid can be ours every hour of every day, no matter where we are in the path of obedience. But I know that beyond desiring His help, we must exert ourselves, repent, and choose God for Him to be able to act in our lives consistent with justice and moral agency. My plea is simply to take responsibility and go to work so that there is something for God to help us with. 

I bear witness that God the Father lives, that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Redeemer, and that the Holy Spirit is present with us. Their desire to help us is undoubted, and Their capacity to do so is infinite. -Free Forever, to Act for Themselves By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

She chose "help" to be her study focus with thoughts of a couple she wanted to help.

• Begin in the Topical Guide or a scripture from memory.
• Write those scriptures in your journal.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Be still, and know that I am God Psalms 46:1-5, 10 

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:13-16 

This scripture made her feel comforted in worrying about how to help this couple.

• Write the words that come to you.
  

I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. 1 Nephi 3:7

Reading this scripture, she felt inspired. If she was commanded then He will help her.