Am I Good Enough? Will I Make It? - December 18, 2016

Hikari presented thoughts from a General Conference talk given by Elder J. Devn Cornish in October 2016 entitled, "Am I Good Enough? Will I make it?"

Elder Cornish describes how inadequate and discouraged he often felt as a young medical student. A mentor reached out to him with encouragement during a particularly difficult time and believed in him when he did not even believe in himself.

Elder Cornish noted how many church members question if they are good enough as a person or wether they are worthy of the celestial kingdom. He says it is normal to "wonder if we are acceptable before the Lord." People may become discouraged and compare themselves to others feeling like they  might never measure up.  He encourages  us to "stop comparing ourselves to others. We torture ourselves needlessly by competing and comparing. We falsely judge our self-worth by the things we do or don't have and by the opinions of others."

Many sisters shared various ways that women in the church compare themselves to others. We then discussed what we can do with those "things" that make us feel "less". Some thoughts shared included:

-When we compare ourselves to others we are often looking at someone's biggest strengths, compared with our weaknesses

-Remember to look back at how far you have com

-Use the accomplishments of others to set your own goals

-Appreciate what you have and be gentle with yourself. Help your children see how splendid they are in their own right

-We can offer and consecrate all we can to Christ, and appreciate what others offer as well

-Be careful not to pass judgment on others

Elder Cornish's advice to combat this is that "if we must compare, let us compare how we were in the past to how we are today- and even to how we want to be in the future." We can ask God what He thinks of us, but be aware that "He will only love and correct but never discourage us; that is Satan's trick."

He continues with emphasis: "let me be direct and clear. The answers to the questions "Am I good enough?" and "Will I make it?" are "Yes!" You are going to make it as long as you keep repenting and do not rationalize or rebel"

We must always remember that we have a loving Heavenly Father "who gave His Only  Begotten Son that we might not perish but have everlasting life!"

Gordon B Hinckley taught: "All the Lord expects of us is to try, but you have to really try"

We must remember to apply the atonement both for our sins and for our weaknesses.  Grace is also another principle that we can remember which gives us "heavenly help each of us desperately needs to qualify for the celestial kingdom."

We can ask the Lord to help us develop Christ-like attributes.  Ideas were shared regarding things that can be done to draw closer to the Savior:

-Choose to trust in God and look to Him for the answer. When the waves come, don't let go of the rope that holds you to the rock.

-As we draw closer to God, we want to do what's right. We must rely on the atonement.

Elder Cornish reminds us that when we truly repent, we will really be forgiven. The consequences of our sins may remain for a long time but forgiveness is possible.

A challenge was given by our teacher to choose a couple things to do to help us draw closer to the Savior and help those around us.

“No Less Serviceable” - December 11, 2016

Emilee presented thoughts from the Chapter 23 lesson: “No Less Serviceable” from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

President Hunter understood that every act of service is important in God’s eyes, no matter how unheralded or inconspicuous. Several weeks before President Hunter passed away, a friend asked, “Dear President, what is the most exalted position or calling—that of a dear and trusted friend, or that of a prophet of God?” After hearing the question, “the President pondered silently for what seemed like minutes; then slowly grasping the hand of his friend and turning his head squarely toward him, with a tear trickling down his frail cheek, he responded, ‘they are both sacred callings of trust.’”

It was said of the young and valiant Captain Moroni: “If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.” (Alma 48:17.)

• What is it that President Hunter wants us to understand about our service?

• Who are some people who has had an influence on you by their quiet, simple example or service to you?

Not all of us are going to be like Moroni, catching the acclaim of our colleagues all day every day. Most of us will be quiet, relatively unknown folks who come and go and do our work without fanfare. To those of you who may find that [thought] lonely or frightening or just unspectacular, I say, you are “no less serviceable” than the most spectacular of your associates. You, too, are part of God’s army.

“Blessed art thou, and thy seed; for thou shalt inherit the land like unto thy brother Nephi. And thy seed shall be numbered with his seed; and thou shalt be even like unto thy brother, and thy seed like unto his seed; and thou shalt be blessed in all thy days.” (2 Ne. 4:11.)

• What job or role has taught you that simple service has great value either in your development or to those you served?

Even though we may not be well known, we can render great service in the kingdom.

"To Whom Shall We Go?" November 27, 2016

Our lesson on Sunday November 27 was given by Hikari L. from the October 2016 General Conference talk given by Russell M. Ballard titled, "To Whom Shall We Go?" (Found here)

Elder Ballard begins,

"One of the most heart-wrenching stories in scripture occurred when “many of [the Lord’s] disciples” found it hard to accept His teachings and doctrine, and they “went back, and walked no more with him. As these disciples left, Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Will ye also go away?”

Peter responded:  “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life."

What can we do to prepare ourselves for a moment that may come when our faith is shaken?

Some comments shared:

-We can prepare ourselves for times of worry by going over in our mind things we know for sure. There is strength in the basics, such as those found in the Gospel Principles manual, and these basics are what we can build our testimonies on. 

-We can fortify ourselves before our doubts come. Strive to have experiences that energize us and make the gospel a living part of our life. Be actively engaged and serve. 

-No matter what foundation and knowledge you have, you should surround yourself with faithful people to anchor you down. 

-Go to faithful people you admire rather than to people who may not have faith in the church when you have questions and doubts. 

-Recall faith promoting experiences you have had with the spirit and use those memories as an anchor. 

Elder Ballard stated:

"Today is no different. For some, Christ’s invitation to believe and remain continues to be hard—or difficult to accept. Some disciples struggle to understand a specific Church policy or teaching. Others find concerns in our history or in the imperfections of some members and leaders, past and present. Still others find it difficult to live a religion that requires so much. Finally, some have become “weary in well-doing.”5 For these and other reasons, some Church members vacillate in their faith, wondering if perhaps they should follow those who “went back, and walked no more” with Jesus."

-We may find that many of our friends and acquaintances are leaving the church. It is becoming more commonplace for people to doubt and question. No one is immune- it can happen to anyone. 

-We must "practice" our faith and religion. Some may feel they don't get enough out of their religious efforts and actions. We must make faithful efforts even when it is hard to push through and do them. 

-There is power in bearing testimony. Our teacher challenged us to bear our testimony to ourself or others regularly. Soon we start to realize there are many pieces involved in our testimonies. 

Elder Ballard also gave the analogy between the gospel and hiking. 

"Brothers and sisters, accepting and living the gospel of Christ can be challenging. It has always been thus, and it ever will be. Life can be like hikers ascending a steep and arduous trail. It is a natural and normal thing to occasionally pause on the path to catch our breath, to recalculate our bearings, and to reconsider our pace. Not everyone needs to pause on the path, but there is nothing wrong with doing so when your circumstances require. In fact, it can be a positive thing for those who take full advantage of the opportunity to refresh themselves with the living water of the gospel of Christ."

Not everyone is going the same pace. We each are having different experiences. 

"In the end, each one of us must respond to the Savior’s question: “Will ye also go away?” We all have to search for our own answer to that question. For some, the answer is easy; for others, it is difficult. I don’t pretend to know why faith to believe comes easier for some than for others. I’m just so grateful to know that the answers are always there, and if we seek them—really seek with real intent and with full purpose of a prayerful heart—we will eventually find the answers to our questions as we continue on the gospel path."

Time was given for sisters to share experiences that have have helped anchor them in the gospel during moments of doubt. Heartfelt, sacred stories were shared. 

Sarah G. concluded the meeting with her hopes that the Relief Society can be there for you in your wavering moments and times of storms. Remember, the storms can help us build our faith!

Faith and Testimony

Tina D. led the discussion from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter Manuel.         Lesson 21: Faith and Testimony

               "The supreme achievement of life is to find God and know that He lives"- President Hunter

1. Through faith, we can find God and know that He lives. 

Hebrews 11:1-6
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2  For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrificethan Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

What is the role of faith in accomplishing the quest of finding God?

One sister commented it is the magic of trying even if it is not perfect. 

2. To obtain a knowledge of the reality of God, we must make a faithful effort, do His will, and pray for understanding. 

President Hunter said "the task was not easy... and the burden was not light." Much devoted effort must be put into gaining and keeping a testimony. 

3. We must believe in order to see.

The disciple Thomas wanted to see with his own eyes before he would believe. We discussed how faith is related to the future, and we like Thomas,  must turn toward the future with confidence even when we might not feel satisfied with what we cannot see. Having faith can give us confidence in things that may not be visible.  Thomas was contrasted with the man born blind in John 9. Although he could not see Jesus with his own eyes, he had faith and chose to believe. 

John 20:29

"Blessed are they who  have not seen, and yet have believed."

"Faith does not take precedence over doubt when one must feel or see in order to believe." (President Howard W. Hunter.)

4. Acting on our faith leads to personal testimony

We took time to read Alma 32:37-43 and discussed in small groups how we must nourish the seed that is our testimony. 

"37 And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.

38 But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.

39 Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.

40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.

41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing upunto everlasting life."

Walking the Savior's Path of Charity

Alison F. lead discussion around the lesson in Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity of the Howard W. Hunter manual.

The touchstone of compassion is a measure of our discipleship; it is a measure of our love for God and for one another. (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

• How does your love of God fuel your charity toward others?

An old axiom states that a man “all wrapped up in himself makes a small bundle.” Love has a certain way of making a small bundle large. The key is to love our neighbor, including the neighbor that is difficult to love. We need to remember that though we make our friends, God has made our neighbors—everywhere. Love should have no boundary; we should have no narrow loyalties. Christ said, “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matthew 5:46). (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

• How can we increase our love for neighbors who may be “difficult to love”?
  How was your heart changed or what blessing followed?
  Have you at times been "difficult to love"?

"These two virtues, love and service, are required of us if we are to be good neighbors and find peace in our lives." (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

• Do you remember a time when you felt love from someone who made you a priority by listening to you and sharing a topical experience from their life?
• What is your favorite scripture that shows how the Savior did this?

(The gospel of Jesus Christ) provides the only way the world will ever know peace. We need to be kinder with one another, more gentle and forgiving. We need to be slower to anger and more prompt to help. We need to extend the hand of friendship and resist the hand of retribution. In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us. (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

President Joseph Smith

“If we would secure and cultivate the love of others, we must love others, even our enemies as well as friends. … Christians should cease wrangling and contending with each other, and cultivate the principles of union and friendship in their midst.” (History of the Church, 5:498–99.)

In Moroni 7:48 it says: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ”

Find someone difficult to love and pray for them - listen for ways to show charity to that person.

Service Opportunities with "Just Serve"- October 30, 2016

This Sunday we had a combined Priesthood and Relief Society meeting in the chapel describing ways we can get more involved serving in the community through the church's "JustServe" website.

Two JustServe stake coordinators helped us get excited about community service. Mary from the stake encouraged us to serve if we have extra time during the month, but also reminded everyone not to feel pressured if you just don't have enough time.

The JustServe website allows people all over the world to find and sign up for volunteer opportunities in their own communities.

Mary also reminded us that serving in the community softens our hearts and those we serve. We can be a light in a darkening world.

The second stake coordinator for JustServe discussed how we can learn how to comfort others who are suffering during our moments of strength. Sometimes we feel weak and need service from others, but we can offer service when we are feeling strong.

The JustServe website helps us with three things:
1- FIND service opportunities
2- POST service opportunities
3- INVITE friends to serve


The website allows us to post service opportunities that we become aware of, even if we are not able to volunteer for them ourselves.

Bishop Miner finished the meeting by encouraging us to reach out and be disciples of Christ.

The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy - October 23, 2016

Julia J. presented a great overview of the talk "The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy" by Elder Peter F. Meurs from the October 2016 General Conference.

1) Prepare in advance

2) Arrive early

3) Sing and learn words from the words of the Sacrament hymn

4) Spiritually participate in the Sacrament Prayers

• What are we willing to sacrifice?
• We are promised to have his Spirit, how does that effect your life?
• How do you stay engaged during the prayers?

The prayer concludes with a sublime invitation and promise: “That they may always have his Spirit to be with them” (Moroni 4:3).

Paul wrote, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23). Beautiful blessings and gifts are available to us as we keep our covenants. ("The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy")

5) Ponder and Remember Him as the Sacrament Emblems are passed

As the bread is passed, we may contemplate that in the ultimate act of love for us, the Savior took “upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people” (Alma 7:12).

We may remember the glorious blessing of the Resurrection that “shall come to all, … both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame” (Alma 11:44).

As the water is passed, we may remember the plea of the Savior:

“Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; …

“Which suffering 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 not drink the bitter cup, and shrink” (D&C 19:16, 18).

We remember that He took “upon him [our] infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to [our] infirmities” (Alma 7:12). ("The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy")

Self quiz:

As we consider our sacrament experience, we might ask ourselves:

• What will I do this week to better prepare for the sacrament?
• Could I contribute more to the reverence and revelation that can accompany the beginning of sacrament meeting?
• What doctrine was taught in the sacrament hymn?
• What did I hear and feel as I listened to the sacrament prayers?
• What did I think about as the sacrament was passed?

Elder David A. Bednar taught: “The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually. The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins. But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins.” (David A. Bednar, “Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” )

Our Committment to God - October 16, 2016

Hikari led us in a discussion of the Chapter 19 Our Commitment to God.

Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in the furnace (Daniel 3)

“Today I finished most of my work at the office. Nearly all of the pending matters are completed. I was alone in the office today with the realization that my practice of law was now at an end. I made notes on a number of files and left them on the desk. … I had a sick feeling as I left the office. I have enjoyed the practice of law and it has been my life for the last number of years, but in spite of this I am pleased and happy to respond to the great call which has come to me in the Church.”²

Elder Hunter knew from personal experience that “submitting to our Father’s will is not always easy.”³ Nevertheless, he knew the importance of being fully committed to God. Concerning that commitment, he wrote: “Most people do not understand why persons of our religious faith respond to calls made to serve or the commitment we make to give our all. I have thoroughly enjoyed the practice of law, but this call that has come to me will far overshadow the pursuit of the profession or monetary gain.” (Our Commitment to God)

As I think of the blessings God has given us and the many beauties of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I am aware that along the way we are asked to make certain contributions in return, contributions of time or of money or of other resources. These are all valued and all necessary, but they do not constitute our full offering to God. (Our Commitment to God)

• When or how do you evaluate your commitment?

For the families awaiting the coming of Christ in the Book of Mormon, "And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass." (3 Nephi 1:7, emphasis added).  It's okay for us to have these moments when our commitment becomes more difficult, we need to move on with faith, pray for courage and an understanding of the plan of salvation for you.

When speaking to the multitudes, the Master said: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21.)

As I listen to these words, it seems to me that the Lord is saying, “Just because a person may acknowledge my authority or have a belief in my divine nature, or merely express faith in my teachings or the atoning sacrifice I made, does not mean he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven or attain a higher degree of exaltation.” By implication he is saying, “Belief alone is not sufficient.” Then he expressly adds, “… but he that doeth the will of my Father,” that is, he that works and prunes the vineyard that it may bring forth good fruit. (Our Commitment to God)

•  Pick something new that makes you DO something to make you a Living Member.

Yes, men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.  (Ezra Taft Benson)

2016 Fall General Women's Broadcast

Again this year we hosted a gathering of ladies to watch the General Women's Broadcast in the cultural hall with popcorn and a potluck of munchies.

  

Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins - September 25, 2016

Marguerite H. led us in a lovely review of Elder Bednar's talk "Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins" from last April's conference, with many gardener perspectives of how to become sanctified.

"The ordinances of salvation and exaltation administered in the Lord’s restored Church are far more than rituals or symbolic performances. Rather, they constitute authorized channels through which the blessings and powers of heaven can flow into our individual lives." ("Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins")

"The ordinances of baptism by immersion, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament are not isolated and discrete events; rather, they are elements in an interrelated and additive pattern of redemptive progress. Each successive ordinance elevates and enlarges our spiritual purpose, desire, and performance. " ("Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins")

Sow to yourselves in righteousness,
reap in mercy;
break up your fallow ground:
for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Hosea 10:12

• What is it like to break up the fallow ground of our souls?
• What is the 'digging bar' of the hard parts of our life?

• How do you sow seeds of righteousness to move toward being holy?
  
• How is the progress going in your life?  How does the weeding go?

Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. Helaman 3:35

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Isaiah 58:11

Marguerite told the story of the efforts of Jenny Butchart to restore beauty to a quarry created for cement.  The resulting gardens are now famous, though the process was painstaking.

We all have quarries in our lives.  As we turn to the Savior and break up our fallow ground and sow the seeds of righteousness - we see a miraculous transformation in our lives.

September Cocoa Chat

A bright, sunny day filtered through the lattice of Nanci's trellis for this month's Cocoa Chat.

Many ladies enjoyed the amazing spread of treats and savory snacks while chatting, and a few tiny toes bounced on her in-ground trampoline. You went above and beyond Nanci!

Marriage—An Eternal Partnership : September 11, 2016

Colette T. presented thoughts from Chapter 16, Marriage—An Eternal Partnership from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

• Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and is intended to be eternal.
• When deciding whom to marry, be patient, have faith, and stay worthy of receiving divine assistance.
• No blessing, including that of eternal marriage and an eternal family, will be denied to any worthy individual. While it may take somewhat longer—perhaps even beyond this mortal life—for some to achieve this blessing, it will not be denied. …
• Successful marriage requires our best efforts to live the principles of the gospel.
• Husbands and wives should work together to strengthen the bonds of marriage.

 

What can we do to strengthen our unity as sisters? Presidency message 9/4/2016

Jen P gave the lesson which focused on Unity.

"I pray...that we'll be unified in our efforts to follow Christ so that when there's any level of crisis or need, that our society can support that need..." Our PA2 RS president Megan!

What can we do to strengthen or unity?

1- Recognize how much we need each other.
" The fact of the matter is, we really and truly need each other. Women naturally seek friendship, support, and companionship. We have so much to learn from one another, and we often let self-imposed barriers keep us from enjoying associations which could be among the greatest blessings in our lives."

2- Rejoice in our differences.
" The adversary would have us be critical or judgmental of one another. He wants us to concentrate on our differences and compare ourselves to on another... We as women can be particularly hard on ourselves. When we compare ourselves to one another, we will always feel inadequate or resentful of others. Sister Patricia T. Holland once said. The point is, we simply cannot call ourselves Christian and continue to judge one another- or ourselves- so harshly. She goes on to say that there is nothing that is worth us losing our compassion and sisterhood over. We just need to relax and rejoice in our divine differences. We need to realize that we all desire to serve in the kingdom, using our unique talents and gifts in our own ways. Then we can enjoy our sisterhood and our associations and begin to serve."

3. Recognize how much we have in common

4. Render Christ-like service.


Jen encouraged us to read 2 general conference talks:
- Sisterhood: Oh, How We Need Each Other! by Bonnie L. Oscarson. April 2014
- Our Hearts Knit as One. President Henry B Eyring. October 2008 

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper - August 21, 2016

Alex B. taught our lesson using Chapter 15: The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

We discussed the importance and symbolism of the Passover: the lamb, the blood, the sacrifice.  Christ cleansed the temple and fed the five thousand on different Passovers and of course instituted the sacrament at the Last Supper.

"That is why every ordinance of the gospel focuses in one way or another on the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, and surely that is why this particular ordinance with all its symbolism and imagery comes to us more readily and more repeatedly than any other in our life. It comes in what has been called “the mostsacred, the most holy, of all the meetings of the Church” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56, 2:340)." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "This Do in Remembrance of Me", October 1995)

A woman had been accidentally missed when the sacrament was passed. Right after the meeting she was invited into a classroom.

"A priesthood holder came in. He knelt down, blessed some bread, and handed her a piece. She ate it. He knelt down again and blessed some water and handed her a small cup. She drank it. Thereafter, Diane had two thoughts in rapid succession: First, “Oh, he [the priesthood holder] did this just for me.” And then, “Oh, He [the Savior] did this just for me.” Diane felt Heavenly Father’s love." ("That I Might Draw All Men unto Me", Elder Dale E. Renland, April 2016)

• How do you know you are worthy to take the Sacrament?

“For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul.” (3 Ne. 18:28–29.)

What does it mean to partake of the sacrament worthily? Or how do we know if we are unworthy?

If we desire to improve (which is to repent) and are not under priesthood restriction, then, in my opinion, we are worthy. (Elder John H. Groeberg, The Beauty and Importance of the Sacrament, October 1989)

A review of how David O. McKay changed the church - August 7, 2016

Colette discussed many stories from the life of President David O. McKay and noted that the Church changed from one that looked to the past to one that looked to the future.

He was determined to change the chapel experience of those who joined the Church outside of Utah, directing that chapels and temples be built closer to their own homes around the world.  So that they would grow where they were planted.

He also had an extraordinary personal secretary in Clare Middlemiss, regarded at the time as the most powerful woman in the Church.  She protected President McKay and kept meticulous records of his thoughts in multiple volumes of books.  She served in the otherwise male role for over 30 years.

Being Fast Sunday we also heard testimonies from Nanci, Alice and both Alisons.

Family Councils - July 24, 2016

Tina taught our lesson from the April General Conference talk "Family Councils" by Elder M. Russell Ballard.

She detailed the four kinds of councils Elder Ballard spoke about:

1. Full Family Council (both parents and all children)*
2. Executive Council (just parents)
3. Limited Council (both parents and one child)
4. One-on-one Councils (one parent and one child)

*this can also be applied to a roommate situation also

"Now, brothers and sisters, there was a time when the walls of our homes provided all the defense we needed against outside intrusions and influences. We locked the doors, closed the windows; we shut the gates; and we felt safe, secure, and protected in our own little refuge from the outside world.

Those days are now gone. The physical walls, doors, fences, and gates of our homes cannot prevent unseen invasion from the Internet, the Wi-Fi, the mobile phones, the networks. They can penetrate our homes with just a few clicks and keystrokes.

Fortunately, the Lord has provided a way to counter the invasion of negative technology that can distract us from spending quality time with each other. He has done this by providing the council system to strengthen, protect, safeguard, and nurture our most precious relationships.

Children desperately need parents willing to listen to them, and the family council can provide a time during which family members can learn to understand and love one another." ("Family Councils")

"My brothers and sisters, the irony of being parents is that we tend to get good at it after our children are grown." ("Family Councils")

• How do you gather your families together for councils?

Come Back and Feast at the Table of the Lord

Colette T. led our thoughts today from Chapter 12 in the President Howard W. Hunter manual: Come Back and Feast at the Table of the Lord.

"Reach out to the less active and realize the joy that will come to you and those you help."

A group of sisters from the ward choir sang the Primary hymn, "Little Lambs So White and Fair."

 

1. Little lambs so white and fair

Are the Shepherd's constant care.

Now he leads their tender feet

Into pastures green and sweet.

2. Now they listen and obey,

Following where he leads the way.

Heav'nly Father, may we be

Thus obedient unto thee.

Words and music: Anon.

True Greatness - June 19, 2016

Sara G. led our thoughts from Chapter 11: True Greatness from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, frequently said "I am the greatest!" His biography sits in many libraries.
Have you considered the question: Why do some people have books about them in the library?

The Lord does admonish us to write down our own personal story and to study those of our ancestors. "For the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life, and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand" (Alma 5:58)

The world’s definition of greatness is often misleading and can prompt damaging comparisons.

• Are we affected by the world's definition of greatness?  Is popular put above valuable?

“Those things which we call extraordinary, remarkable, or unusual may make history, but they do not make real life.

“After all, to do well those things which God ordained to be the common lot of all mankind, is the truest greatness."

True greatness comes from persevering in the difficulties of life and from serving in ways that are often unnoticed.

True greatness requires consistent, small, and sometimes ordinary steps over a long period of time.

 … Giving consistent effort in the little things in day-to-day life leads to true greatness. Specifically, it is the thousands of little deeds and tasks of service and sacrifice that constitute the giving, or losing, of one’s life for others and for the Lord.

As President Joseph F. Smith has said, “Let us not be trying to substitute an artificial life for the true one.” (Juvenile Instructor, 15 Dec. 1905, p. 753.) Let us remember that doing the things that have been ordained by God to be important and needful and necessary, even though the world may view them as unimportant and insignificant, will eventually lead to true greatness.

The small things are significant. We remember not the amount offered by the Pharisee but the widow’s mite, not the power and strength of the Philistine army but the courage and conviction of David.

"What is my depth but layers and layers of shallow?"  e e cummings

Frequently it is the commonplace tasks we perform that have the greatest positive effect on the lives of others, as compared with the things that the world so often relates to greatness.

But all things must come to pass in their time.

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. (Doctrine and Covenants 64:32-33)

To Be of Use by Marge Piercy

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.

The Scriptures—The Most Profitable of All Study

Tina D. taught our lesson today from Chapter 10: The Scriptures—The Most Profitable of All Study in the Howard W. Hunter manual.



Video of the story of Jairus


Living with Purpose and Real Intent

Lemons to Lemonade night

Our summer Relief Society activity began with a keynote address by Paige B. on turning life's lemons to lemonade.

You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter. (Happiness, Your Heritage, President Uchtdorf)

President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls.”

In today’s world of pop psychology, junk TV, and feel-good self-help manuals, this advice may seem counterintuitive. We are sometimes told that the answer to our ills is to look inward, to indulge ourselves, to spend first and pay later, and to satisfy our own desires even at the expense of those around us. While there are times when it is prudent to look first to our own needs, in the long run it doesn’t lead to lasting happiness.

“But my favorite effect on the body is actually on the heart. Your heart has receptors for this hormone, and oxytocin helps heart cells regenerate and heal from any stress-induced damage. This stress hormone strengthens your heart.”  (How to Make Stress Your Friend, Kelly McGonigal)

  Face the (Lemon) Cookie

Kintsukuroi: The Japanese tradition of mending broken objects by aggrandizing the damage and filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something’s suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful.

After her inspiring talk, we broke into 4 teams to compete in Minute to Win It games, with lemon themes of course!
Tipsy (with lemonade in a soda can)

   Face the (Lemon) Cookie    Chocolate Unicorn

 This Blows (like when life gives you lemons)

Suck it up

Wet Lemon

The winners got lemon lip balm and the team in last place got 'lemons', small toy cars. 

How better to end the night than to visit more and enjoy decadent lemon treats ranging from popcorn, cakes, and mousses.

Thanks to a great team for setting it up: Katie, Sunny, Jessica, Monica and more helpers, and thanks Sue for all the lemons from your tree!