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!