"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"On Being Genuine"- June 28, 2015

Rebecca S. had us thinking about our motivations when we put our best foot forward as we discussed President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's April 2015 talk "On Being Genuine."

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me...Isaiah 28:13

• It is part of human nature to want to look our best. Why do we do this? Why do we put forth our best?

The Church is not an automobile showroom--a place to put ourselves on display so that others can admire our spirituality, capacity, or prosperity. It is more like a service center, where vehicles in need of repair come for maintenance and rehabilitation. (On Being Genuine)

I wonder if our organizational and personal goals are sometimes the modern equivalent of a Potemkin village. Do they look impressive from a distance but fail to address the real needs of our beloved fellowmen? (On Being Genuine)

• What am I putting out for others to see?

Whether your testimony is thriving and healthy or your activity in the Church more closely resembles a Potemkin village, the good news is that you can build on whatever strength you have. Here in the Church of Jesus Christ you can mature spiritually and draw closer to the Savior by applying gospel principles day by day.
With patience and persistence, even the smallest act of discipleship or the tiniest ember of belief can become a blazing bonfire of a consecrated life. In fact, that’s how most bonfires begin--as a simple spark. (On Being Genuine)

The greatest, most capable, most accomplished man who ever walked this earth was also the most humble. He performed some of His most impressive service in private moments, with only a few observers, whom He asked to “tell no man” what He had done. When someone called Him “good,” He quickly deflected the compliment, insisting that only God is truly good. Clearly the praise of the world meant nothing to Him; His single purpose was to serve His Father and “do always those things that please him.” We would do well to follow the example of our Master. (On Being Genuine)

Temple symbols - March 1, 2015

We had guest teacher Lynne W. speak on some of the symbols of temple worship.  Here are a few notes from her robust lesson.

What a blessing it is for us to approach the veil of the temple, in biblical times only one man could do so, and only once a year.

 Elder John A. Widtsoe said: 'There is a feeling abroad that the benefits of the temple are primarily for the dead. This is not so. While the dead, if repentant, are able through our efforts to enter into a larger salvation, yet the work itself has a most beneficial effect upon the living who serve as proxies for the dead. . . . The response of the spirit of man to the ordinances of the House of the Lord stimulates every normal power and activity and helps greatly in the accomplishment of our daily tasks; more joy enters into the daily routine of life, . . . spiritual vision. . . love. . . peace tempers the tempests of life, and we rise to higher levels of thought and action. . . In this way the temples are always places where God manifests himself to man and increases his intelligence. A temple is a place of revelation.' (Christ Manifested to His People by Marion D. Hanks)

Catherine Thomas said: 'The temple is the narrow channel through which one must pass to reenter the Lord's presence. A mighty power pulls us through that channel, and it is the sealing power of the at-one-ment of the Lord Jesus Christ. . . In scripture we can study how the ancient great ones were drawn through that narrow channel to find their heart's desire . . . This was the very search for which they were put on earth: to rend the veil of unbelief, to yield to the pull of the Savior's sealing power, to stand in the Lord's presence, encircled about in the arms of his love (Doc. & Cov. 6:20; 2 Nephi 1:15). This then is the temple endowment: having been cast out, to search diligently according to the revealed path, and at last to be clasped in the arms of Jesus (Morm 5:11).' (Temples of the Ancient World by Donald Perry)

In ancient temple worship there is evidence of that they washed, anointed, clothed, enthroned and named people in the temple as a way to focus their service to Christ.  The olive oil used for anointing in the ancient temple was the first pressing of the olives.

Paul spoke on Veils of Authority in 1 Corinthians 11: 2-13 which explains why women wear veils. 'Head' can also mean 'source' so in verse 3: "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."
In verse 7, "but the woman is the glory of the man." instead of the glory of God.  Only through woman could man/humanity continue.

Brigham Young said "Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels (DBY, 416)."

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!

Individual Responsibility - October 19, 2014

Natalie M. taught from Chapter 23: Individual Responsibility in the Joseph Fielding Smith manual with direction from the scriptures and Daughters in My Kingdom.

from “A Wide and Extensive Sphere of Action” in Daughters in My Kingdom

After break out groups discussed certain scriptures each reported some of the following findings:
We can only give ourself, recognizing it's personal and gradual.
Be cheerful and patient, Heavenly Father is there to get us through our burdens, turn to Him to get strength. He knows our problems and visits us in our afflictions.
See needs and do. Have faith, remain humble. Before we help others, we need to be able to take care of ourselves. Service by not having to constantly rely on others.
We can be more open to be angels to lift others.  Asking for and receiving help is part of being self-reliant, recognizing when you need help.
Do things in the Lord's way and time, don't be prideful.

• What can we do to teach children self reliance?

Start teaching skills at a young age, let them gain ownership. Give them space to be, to rely on The Lord.
Watch your attitude when serving or being self-reliant, don't be stressed out, see a need and get it done.
Be good example. "Cook your own turkey, put up your own tent"

Lesson Summary: June 22, 2014

Judy Hulse presented thoughts and sparked discussion from the General Conference talk "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration" by President Uchtorf*.

The talk opens with the cautionary fable of Rip Van Winkle who slept 20 years and missed the Revolutionary War.

President Uchtdorf warns:
"When our time in mortality is complete, what experiences will we be able to share about our own contribution to this significant period of our lives and to the furthering of the Lord’s work? Will we be able to say that we rolled up our sleeves and labored with all our heart, might, mind, and strength? Or will we have to admit that our role was mostly that of an observer?"

“Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:34-35

He warns of addiction:
'Satan, our common enemy, has many favorite tools he uses to rob us of our divine potential to accomplish our mission in the Lord’s kingdom.

It saddens our Heavenly Father to see how willingly some of His noble [daughters] extend their wrists to accept the chains of devastating addictions.

[Sisters], we are truly [daughters] of the Most High and are endowed with unspeakable potential. We are designed to soar freely through the heavens. We are not meant to be shackled to the earth, imprisoned in straitjackets of our own making.

What is the remedy?

The first thing we must understand is that addictions are so much easier to prevent than to cure. In the Savior’s words, “Suffer none of these things to enter into your heart.” ...
My dear [sisters], always keep far away from habits that could lead to addiction. Those who do so will be able to devote their heart, might, mind, and strength to the service of God.'

Setting priorities-
Often we devote our best efforts in pursuit of a hobby, a sport, vocational interests, and community or political issues. All these things may be good and honorable, but are they leaving us time and energy for what should be our highest priorities?
Once again, it comes from the words of the Savior:
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
“This is the first and great commandment.
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

[Sisters], we have committed to be a people who love God and our neighbor and who are willing to demonstrate that love through word and deed. That is the essence of who we are as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Those who live up to these principles will not sleep through the Restoration.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”
My dear friends, know that you are [daughters] of light.

I testify that the cleansing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Ghost can heal and rescue mankind. It is our privilege, our sacred duty, and our joy to heed the Savior’s call to follow Him with a willing mind and full purpose of heart. Let us “shake off the chains with which [we] are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust.”

*since this conference talk was given during Priesthood session, many pronouns here and during our lesson were changed to the feminine though the message is equally important to both genders.

LESSON SUMMARY JUNE 1, 2014

 WHAT RELIEF SOCIETY MEANS TO ME, taught by Sue A. 

Purposes

Gospel purpose -- Bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.  

Moses 1:39

Church purpose --

1.  Provide saving ordinances & covenants that go with them

-baptism -- Mosiah 18:8-10

  -temple covenants -- gospel of love, chastity, sacrifice & law of consecration

Relief Society purpose --

History of RS -- founded in 1842 by Sisters who wanted to do good in their community.  Support the men working on the Nauvoo Temple.  Pattern at that time was to organize ladies societies with elected leaders, bylaws, etc.  They started to do that, but Prophet Joseph Smith came and said no -- don’t be a secular society.  Organize as part of the priesthood.  Once that had been done, the church was fully organized.

RELIEF part -- giving service and charity.  GIving to others -- inside and outside the church

   Q -- How have you received service thru RS?  Or given…..

• Sister Bliss discussed how her mother and family received a lot of help from the relief society when her mother was sick
• Susan explained her overwhelming support from the relief society during her recent difficult times
• Becca J explained how she got the relief society engaged in helping a non-member neighbor

   Q -- How would you like to see our PA2 RS give service -- inside and outside the church?

• Be open with what you need
• Accept help
• Be in tune with the spirit
• Be on lookout for those who might not have service otherwise

SOCIETY part -- we need sisters and friends

Q -- How have you made/kept friends thru RS?

• Stay in touch- make an effort

Externally we are lots of different kinds of women.  At All Hands Meeting in Feb, Catherine did chart of ages/marriages/kids, etc.  We are all over the map.

I’d like to mention some other ways that we are different, and yet the same.  

We look at life differently, and yet come to the same conclusion that we want to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and live His Gospel.

Happened in another context last week to re-read Richard Poll’s talk in PA1 Sacrament meeting in August 1967.  You can find it in several places on the internet.  

Liahona’s vs. Iron Rodders -- Some just grab the commandments and march forward.  Others have to ask and find their own way.  Both are equally faithful.  I love John Bytheway statement, “I have lots of questions, but I don’t have doubts.”    I feel that way, too because I’ve felt the spirit in my life and know that God lives.  I know that someday, somehow my questions will be answered.

This week I also listened to a Mormon Channel interview of Elder Perry and his wife by Sherri Dew.  Sister Perry said that she is more Martha than Mary.  Luke 10:38-42.   Some of us are good at sitting and holding hands and listening.  Some of us are better at making sure the meals are cooked and the laundry is done.  Both are necessary.

Pair share -- talk to a neighbor about your own attitudes and behaviors.  Do you feel like you are an iron-rod or a Liahona person?  Or do you identify more with Mary or with Martha?   Or can you see through your life how you have grown from one to another?

Share with the whole group

I come from a long line of RS Sisters.  My mother told me stories of playing on the lawn outside people’s homes when her mother made RS visits as President of Long Beach Ward and Stake RS.  I grew up watching my mother prepare to teach the Shakespeare lessons that they did in RS, and we all sewed things that were sold at the annual ward Bazaar.  I’ve become such good friends with women I have visit taught, and especially with my VT companions.  As we drive around town and share ways to serve our Sisters, we become closer.  We provide Relief and enjoy our society together.  It can’t get much better than that.

Thank you Nettie W, Katie S and Donna P for sharing your testimony about what RS means to you.

Thank you Sue for the wonderful lesson!

Lesson Summary: April 13, 2014

Kim H. presented thoughts on developing our identities and serving one another with notes from Daughters in My Kingdom.

"As [women] come to understand who they really are—God’s daughters, with an innate capacity to love and nurture—they reach their potential as holy women. With charity in their hearts, they fulfill the purposes of Relief Society: to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need." (Daughters in My Kingdom)

We have a privilege to "develop our identities" and serve and bless others.

• How has Relief Society helped you develop your identity?

“We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who:

“Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study.

“Seek spiritual strength by following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

“Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes.

“Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.

“Delight in service and good works.

“Love life and learning.

“Stand for truth and righteousness.

“Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.

“Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation.” (Daughters in My Kingdom)

"Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “We believe in and are counting on your goodness and your strength, your propensity for virtue and valor, your kindness and courage, your strength and resilience. We believe in your mission as women of God. … We believe that the Church simply will not accomplish what it must without your faith and faithfulness, your innate tendency to put the well-being of others ahead of your own, and your spiritual strength and tenacity. And we believe that God’s plan is for you to become queens and to receive the highest blessings any woman can receive in time or eternity.” (Daughters in My Kingdom)

• How did Relief Society help you improve a talent or skill that you needed?

"When the Prophet Joseph Smith told Relief Society sisters to “live up to [their] privilege,” he combined that exhortation with a promise: “The angels cannot be restrained from being your associates. … If you will be pure, nothing can hinder.” (Daughters in My Kingdom)

"For true charity to blossom in their hearts, women must combine their innate compassion with faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
... This society is composed of women whose feelings of charity spring from hearts changed by qualifying for and by keeping covenants offered only in the Lord’s true Church. Their feelings of charity come from Him through His Atonement. Their acts of charity are guided by His example—and come out of gratitude for His infinite gift of mercy—and by the Holy Spirit, which He sends to accompany His servants on their missions of mercy.
...The Lord has endowed women with an innate desire to serve and bless others, and He has entrusted them with a sacred responsibility to use their gifts to help save His children.
... Every Latter-day Saint woman becomes a part of this legacy of love and has the responsibility and privilege to share this heritage with others.
... Charitable service is the spiritual legacy of every member of Relief Society. As President Eyring explained: “You pass the heritage along as you help others receive the gift of charity in their hearts." (Daughters in My Kingdom)

February 23, 2014 - All-hand Relief Society Meeting

We had all the blessing of our Relief Society sisters who serve in Primary and Young Women join us for a meeting of uplift, encouragement and peace.

We had beautiful muscial numbers by a quartet of Brandon W., Erik J., Todd M., and Dave D. singing "There is a Green Hill Far Away" and by Lanae S. accompanied by her husband Daniel with "Savior Redeemer of My Soul".

Using President Henry B. Eyring's "To My Grandchildren" talk from the October 2013 General Conference, the Relief Society Presidency delivered messages about the atonement in their lives.

• Sue A. spoke about how through parenthood she has learned more from the Savior, of forgiveness, of patience.  He doesn't hold grudges and forgives her mistakes she makes as a mother.  In the Family Circus cartoon, it was noted in Grandma Quotes: The road to heaven allows u-turns. She shares her deep love for her children with them so that they know and she feels how much she is loved by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
• Kim H. shared that she doesn't have the ah-ha moments that some report of spiritual learning, she has a lot of faith in the principles and applies them.  She has always felt God's love for her and through repentance has grown in her understanding of what the Atonement means and leads her to a deeper love of the The Lord.
• Catherine B.'s thoughts centered around her struggle in mothering, she has felt the transformative power of the atonement bring joy that has empowered her abilities.  In choosing a picture of Christ for her home, she values one of Him looking at a child and learns to love as He does.

We ended our meeting with a symbolic snack as Christ did when he shared fish and honeycomb with his disciples.

Each of you are a special and vital part of our Relief Society and we cherish knowing and serving you!
Thank you to everyone who attended and for those who helped make the meeting extra special.


A special thank you to the men and youth that filled in for our sisters in their teaching roles for this special meeting.