"Learn from Alma and Amulek" - January 22, 2017

Hikari directed the discussion through the talk "Learn from Alma and Amulek" by President Uchtdorf from the October General Conference.

Every citizen of the Nephite nation must have known Alma’s story. The Twitters, Instagrams, and Facebooks of his day would have been filled with images and stories about him. He probably appeared regularly on the cover of the Zarahemla Weekly and was the subject of editorials and network specials. In short, he was perhaps the most well-known celebrity of his day.

But when Alma saw that his people were forgetting God and lifting themselves up in pride and contention, he chose to resign from public office and dedicate himself “wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God,”³ preaching repentance among the Nephites.

• What can I learn from Alma?

 Perhaps we think that we can do the work better by ourselves, or we are reluctant to inconvenience others, or we assume that others would not want to participate. Too often we hesitate to invite people to use their God-given talents and engage in the great work of salvation.

Think of the Savior—did He begin to establish His Church all alone?

No.

His message was not “Stand back. I’ll handle this.” Rather it was “Come, follow me.”⁹ He inspired, invited, instructed, and then trusted His followers “to do the things which ye have seen me do.”¹⁰ In this way, Jesus Christ built up not only His Church but also His servants.

In whatever position you currently serve... —to be successful, you must find your Amuleks.

It may be someone who is unassuming or even invisible within your congregations. It may be someone who seems unwilling or unable to serve. Your Amuleks may be young or old, men or women, inexperienced, tired, or not active in the Church. But what may not be seen at first sight is that they are hoping to hear from you the words “The Lord needs you! I need you!”

While some of us should be looking for an Amulek, for others the question might be “How am I like Amulek?”

• How am I like Amulek?

Perhaps you have, over the years, become less committed in your discipleship. Perhaps the fire of your testimony has dimmed. Perhaps you have distanced yourself from the body of Christ. Perhaps you have become disillusioned or even angry. Like some of the ancient Church of Ephesus, you may have left your “first love”¹²—the sublime, eternal truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps, like Amulek, you know in your heart that the Lord has “called [you] many times,” but you “would not hear.”

...my dear friends, let us seek out, find, inspire, and rely upon the Amuleks in our wards and stakes. There are many Amuleks in the Church today.

Perhaps you know one. Perhaps you are one.

Perhaps the Lord has been whispering to you, urging you to return to your first love, contribute your talents, worthily exercise the priesthood, and serve side by side with your fellow Saints in drawing closer to Jesus Christ and building the kingdom of God here on earth.

Our beloved Savior knows where you are. He knows your heart. He wants to rescue you. He will reach out to you. Just open your heart to Him. It is my hope that those who have strayed from the path of discipleship—even by only a few degrees—will contemplate the goodness and grace of God, see with their hearts, learn from Alma and Amulek, and hear the life-changing words of the Savior: “Come, follow me.”

 Hikari encouraged us to do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone that engages you more in the Gospel.

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?

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.

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

Follow the Living Prophet - June 14, 2015

Thanks to Tina for a great discussion from Chapter 11: Follow the Living Prophet of the Ezra Taft Benson manual.

• What does learn to keep your eyes on the prophet mean to you?

The President of the Church is the Lord’s mouthpiece on the earth.

"Learn to keep your eye on the prophet. He is the Lord’s mouthpiece and the only man who can speak for the Lord today. Let his inspired counsel take precedence."
Chapter 11: Follow the Living Prophet

The most important prophet for us is the living prophet.

• Why do you think the most important prophet for us is the current President of the Church? What counsel have we recently received from the living prophet?

"As members of the Church we have some close quarters to pass through if we are going to get home safely. We will be given a chance to choose between conflicting counsel given by some. That’s why we must learn--and the sooner we learn, the better--to keep our eye on the Prophet, the President of the Church."
Chapter 11: Follow the Living Prophet

We will be blessed as we follow the living prophet.

"To help you pass the crucial tests which lie ahead, I am going to give you … a grand key which, if you will honor, will crown you with God’s glory and bring you out victorious in spite of Satan’s fury."
Chapter 11: Follow the Living Prophet

• Consider the “grand key” that President Benson identifies. What are some blessings you have received when you have been true to this grand key?
  
  
  The living prophet tells us what we need to know, not necessarily what we want to hear.
• Reflect on a time when you have followed the prophet’s counsel even though you have not completely understood it. What can we learn from such experiences?
  
  
  

Relief Society birthday party - The Hundred Dresses - March 17, 2015

We celebrated the 173rd birthday of the Relief Society around the theme of the book The Hundred Dresses.

Sara G. presented the themes from the book with inspired direction that we should not be bystanders but up-standers when bullying occurs as well as the warning echoed in the Book of Mormon to resist the desire for "fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing" that can sometimes separate us from one another.

Courtney M. and Becca J. gave a lovely musical number.

We donated interview/office clothes to Dress for Success for women re-entering the workforce.
Sisters also displayed different dresses that had special meaning to them, from blessing and wedding dresses to performance costumes and others.

Thanks to those who contributed to the yummy potato bar and salads and the lovely centerpieces, birthday cakes! What a fabulous sampling!

The Work of Latter-day Women: "Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause" - November 9, 2014

Tori G. led the discussion of women's roles in the Church and our place in the gospel.

• What is our role as women?

A role is defined as actors part in a play, or a position in a in a situation

• What do we learn about the role women play in the scriptures?

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

“The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me” (D&C 25:12)

Moses 5:1-12

"We may read in the Pearl of Great Price that after the consequences brought upon Adam and Eve by the fall, Eve preached the discourse." Chapter 24: The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: “Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause”

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

Women play a key role

"These patterns have been restored in the latter days through the organization of the Relief Society. The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.”¹⁵ Sister Eliza R. Snow, the second Relief Society general president, reiterated this teaching. She said: “Although the name may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin. We were told by our martyred prophet that the same organization existed in the church anciently.”¹⁶

Besides Joseph Smith, other latter-day prophets have testified that the organization of Relief Society is an inspired part of the Restoration, whereby women in the Church are called in ecclesiastical positions to serve one another and to bless the entire Church."  Daughters in My Kingdom

'The “Female Relief Society of Nauvoo” was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith assisted by Elder John Taylor. The Lord had revealed that the women of the Church should be organized into a society, for there was important work for them to do in aiding to “bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.” [D&C 6:6.] This labor of the sisters was primarily to be for the benefit, encouragement, and advancement of the women of the Church that they might be prepared in all things for a place in the celestial kingdom. The responsibility was also given them to aid in the work of mercy and relief from distress and suffering of the poor, the sick, and afflicted throughout the Church. All through the years since that organization, the sisters of this society have been true to their calling and have magnified themselves in their faithfulness in that work. No task assigned has been too hard; no responsibility neglected, and through their ministrations thousands have been blessed. Chapter 24: The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: “Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause”

The 3 missions of Relief Society are:
- Increase in faith and personal righteousness
- Strengthen home and family
 - Service/help those in need

Every woman baptized into the Church has the hands of the elders laid on her head for the gift of the Holy Ghost that she may have the guidance of that Spirit in all truth. It is the will of the Lord that none may be without divine guidance which will reveal to them the truth and enable them to discern the light from the darkness and, thus, be fortified and given power to resist all false doctrines, theories, and notions, which are so prevalent in the world today.

Our sisters are entitled just as much to the inspiration for their needs of the Holy Spirit as are the men, every bit. They are entitled to the gift of prophecy concerning matters that would be essential for them to know. … When they pray they should pray earnestly, expecting to have an answer to their prayers. The Lord will hear them, if they are earnest, true, just as well as he will the brethren.

The Lord has promised to all, males and females alike, the gift of the Holy Ghost on conditions of faithfulness, humility, and true repentance. They are required to study and to know the truths of the gospel and to prepare themselves by study, faith, and obedience to all commandments to seek for light and truth that they may be entitled to celestial glory.

Chapter 24: The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: “Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause”

Emma Smith said:

“I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I might be able to overcome whatever of tradition or nature that would not tend to my exaltation in the eternal worlds. I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through His servants without doubting.”

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father and that should guide our actions!

Lesson Summary: February 2, 2014

President Hancock gave a wonderful stake presidency message. The following summary is only a summary and can never be a substitution for the wonderful presentation of President Hancock.

There were 4 topics of discussion
1) The stake presidency loves us
2) They want to tell us (the women) what they are telling the men in the stake
3) Discuss a few observations about women in the stake
4) The stake presidency wants our feedback. Q&A

1) The stake presidency loves us

• This is a topic of Infinite expanse. We are women of different backgrounds, goals and life challenges.
• The stake presidency wants to love us and support us. They acknowledge that women in our stake don't get enough help 

2) What are they telling the men?

• Understanding priorities
• First- wife, second- children, third- employer, fourth- church 
• They want all families to eat dinner together every night
• Do whatever it takes to eat dinner together every night – we believe this practice has welding power for families.
• We, of the stake presidency, don’t want ANY church activities scheduled anytime between 5-7 p.m.
• Read to children (together with wife)
• This should be a regular part of the rhythm of life, 
  that reading together becomes a regular family activity.
• Private things should be between you (couple) and the Lord 
• The way you carve out roles and responsibilities between husband and wife is a private matter.
• Stake presidency will never prescribe how it is done 
• ie: how your organize around your priorities, how you raise your children, when you conceive your children, what kind of employ you accept is completely up to you/your spouse/God.
• Both men and women are nurturers
• All men should feel like they are nurturers of children
• Men are capable of nurturing- they are encouraged to seek and acquire virtues. 
• Unity is the crowning virtue in the home
• All husbands and wife should be truly unified
• reference: John 16&17,  pray they will be one(as the father and son are one)

3) A few observations about the woman

• A lot of the women don't think they are good enough
•  The stake presidency loves us the way we are, they wish we would feel more secure
• Message: we think you are MORE than sufficient. 
• They have observed that the women seem to be more prone to insecurities
• For example: women will see something in another women.  But instead of celebrating this talent, she will see this as something as her own inadequacy.
• Message:  We wish you would feel more secure. 
• We are under stress
• Message: The way you prioritize your life is between us and lord (have confidence in life choices
• Worst place to turn is to society. 
• We don't get enough help 
• Message:  This grieves us.  We’re trying to talk to the men about this. We’re trying to work on this.
• We are prone to depression
• Depression doesn't need reason and doesn't require explanation
• Message: They understand this and are anxious to be providing love and tenderness for those battling these issues
• Reference: Elder Hollands talk in October 2013 conference 
• We should talk about this, not whisper about it
• Society tells terrible lies about women
• Suspect this is grievous to the The Lord
• Message: Stake presidency acknowledges this and doesn't want the women in stake comparing themselves to impossible standards
• Find confirmation of own worth from The Lord.  
• We make long checklists
• Checklists stress us out
• See if you can make a shorter check list
• Be strategic about how to use time
• Message: They think we do enough... Think about being instead of doing  

4) Q&A

• Q. How do you not stress out about callings? 
• A: Is this the right calling for me right now in my life?
• Cycle is completed when you confirm this calling is right for you with the Lord
• Q. How do you build spirituality in a marriage? (Deserves lesson of own) 
• A: The wonderful thing about marriage is that we’re completely incompatible --- no one has the same spiritual DNA; wonderful thing about marriage is that is a school. Have to figure out how to build. Sometime it requires recognizing the differences and celebrating them. It is so important to have dialog – if your lips are moving that’s a great sign. If the partners go silent, then something fundamental has happened and surgery is required.

The Gospel is not a club to beat ourselves with, 

but a pillow we lay our head 

    This poem reflects how the stake presidency feels about you. 

LOVE

Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,

Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning

If I lacked anything.

“A guest,” I answered, “Worthy to be here.”

Love said, “You shall be he.”

“I, the unkind, ungrateful?  Ah my dear,

I cannot look on Thee.”

Love took my hand, and smiling, did reply,

“Who made the eyes but I?”

“Truth, Lord, but I have marred them; let my shame

Go where it doth deserve.”

“And know you not,” says Love, “who bore the blame?”

“My dear, then I will serve.”

“You must sit down,” says Love, “and taste my meat.”

So I did sit and eat.

George Herbert

1593-1633