Upcomings

Ladies: Mark your calendars!
Visiting Teaching interviews will be held January 8th!! Sign ups went around so if you have not had a chance to sign up please contact one of our fine Presidency members to sign up and visit with them a few minutes about visiting teaching!

2015 has lots of fun things in store for us. We will keep you posted both here and on FB of upcoming events and things going on.

Conference Lesson

This week's lesson is taken from 2 different conference talks. The first talk is by Quentin L. Cook talk given in the Priesthood session: Choose Wisely.

From Choose Wisely we are admonished to:

During the ministry of President Thomas S. Monson, he has often taught that decisions determine destiny.³ In that spirit my counsel tonight is to rise above any rationalizations that prevent us from making righteous decisions, especially with respect to serving Jesus Christ. In Isaiah we are taught we must “refuse the evil, and choose the good.”⁴

I believe it is of particular importance in our day, when Satan is raging in the hearts of men in so many new and subtle ways, that our choices and decisions be made carefully, consistent with the goals and objectives by which we profess to live. We need unequivocal commitment to the commandments and strict adherence to sacred covenants. When we allow rationalizations to prevent us from temple endowments, worthy missions, and temple marriage, they are particularly harmful. It is heartbreaking when we profess belief in these goals yet neglect the everyday conduct required to achieve them.⁵

 

^{Goals are not enough,  you need to adequately prepare for the future and the achievement of these goals.}

 

Both talks were so awesome it was hard to figure out how to fit everything in and so this talk was just touched upon with the bulk of our lesson being on the talk given by Thomas S. Monson, Ponder the Path of Thy Feet.

 

As always President Monson gave a fabulous talk and it is filled with wisdom that we need to study and apply to our lives.

When we came to the earth, we brought with us that great gift from God—even our agency.

 

We came to earth to gain a body and to prove ourselves. We have the great gift AGENCY. We have to take responsibility for our choices.

 

I am certain we left our Father with an overwhelming desire to return to Him, that we might gain the exaltation He planned for us and which we ourselves so much wanted. Although we are left to find and follow that path which will lead us back to our Father in Heaven, He did not send us here without direction and guidance. Rather, He has given us the tools we need, and He will assist us as we seek His help and strive to do all in our power to endure to the end and gain eternal life.

 

"Sister Nielson gave us an example of enduring to the end. Her mother in law was dying of cancer. She was in the hospital and had lost the ability to talk, so had to write down whatever it was she wanted to communicate. She had a nurse or orderly that she wrote a message to telling him that he would make a good bishop. The man asked her what a bishop was and she told him that a bishop was part of her church's leadership, that she was Mormon. She then went on to write and tell him about the gospel. What a wonderful example of Enduring to the end and in her final days sharing the gospel. "

 

To help guide us we have the words of God and of His Son found in our holy scriptures. We have the counsel and teachings of God’s prophets. Of paramount importance, we have been provided with a perfect example to follow—even the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—and we have been instructed to follow that example. Said the Savior Himself: “Come, follow me.”² “The works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do.”³

 

One woman, each time she related experiences she had during a visit to the Holy Land, would exclaim, “I walked where Jesus walked!”

She had been in the vicinity where Jesus lived and taught. Perhaps she stood on a rock on which He had once stood or looked at a mountain range He had once gazed upon. The experiences, in and of themselves, were thrilling to her; but physically walking where Jesus walked is less important than walking as He walked. Emulating His actions and following His example are far more important than trying to retrace the remnants of the trails He traversed in mortality.

When Jesus extended to a certain rich man the invitation, “Come, follow me,”⁷ He did not intend merely that the rich man follow Him up and down the hills and valleys of the countryside.

We need not walk by the shores of Galilee or among the Judean hills to walk where Jesus walked. All of us can walk the path He walked when, with His words ringing in our ears, His Spirit filling our hearts, and His teachings guiding our lives, we choose to follow Him as we journey through mortality. His example lights the way. Said He, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”⁸

 

Jesus walked the path of disappointment.

Jesus walked the path of temptation.

Jesus walked the path of pain.

 

Haven't we all walked these paths? Can't we all say that we have walked the path of disappointment, temptation and pain?

 

We, with Jesus, can walk the path of obedience.

We, like Jesus, can walk the path of service.

Jesus walked the path of prayer.

 

As I think of those who have truly tried to follow the example of the Savior and who have walked in His path, there comes readily to my mind the names of Gustav and Margarete Wacker—two of the most Christlike individuals I have ever known. They were native Germans who had immigrated to eastern Canada, and I met them when I served as a mission president there. Brother Wacker earned his living as a barber. Though their means were limited, they shared all they had. They were not blessed with children, but they nurtured all who entered their home. Men and women of learning and sophistication sought out these humble, unlettered servants of God and counted themselves fortunate if they could spend an hour in their presence.

Their appearance was ordinary, their English halting and somewhat difficult to understand, their home unpretentious. They didn’t own a car or a television, nor did they do any of the things to which the world usually pays attention. Yet the faithful beat a path to their door in order to partake of the spirit that was there. Their home was a heaven on earth, and the spirit they radiated was of pure peace and goodness.

We too can have that spirit and can share it with the world as we walk the path of our Savior and follow His perfect example.

We read in Proverbs the admonition, “Ponder the path of thy feet.”¹⁹ As we do, we will have the faith, even the desire, to walk the path which Jesus walked. We will have no doubt that we are on a path which our Father would have us follow. The Savior’s example provides a framework for everything that we do, and His words provide an unfailing guide. His path will take us safely home.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Pray Always

He is the gift!

If have you haven't had a chance to watch this video, here is the link. Sometimes we need to slow down and take time to understand the precious gift that we have been given.

Prayer

Yesterday's lesson was lesson 22, Prayer - A Commandment and A Blessing

I was not able to attend church, I had wisdom teeth out and am swollen and sore. I was home with a sick kid last week and the week before only made it to Sacrament, next week I will be out of town. I'm practically inactive!! I am not sure if Angie was there, so I will include a quick summary from the lesson.

We are commanded to draw near to Heavenly Father in prayer.

I wonder if we ever stop to think why the Lord has asked us to pray. Did he ask us to pray because he wants us to bow down and worship him? Is that the main reason? I don’t think it is. He is our Heavenly Father, and we have been commanded to worship him and pray to him in the name of his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. But the Lord can get along without our prayers. His work will go on just the same, whether we pray or whether we do not. … Prayer is something that we need, not that the Lord needs.

The season for prayer is always.

“Yea, cry unto him for mercy, for he is mighty to save; yea, humble yourselves and continue in prayer unto him; cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks; cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening; yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies; yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness. Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them; cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase. But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets and your secret places and in your wilderness; yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose this is all, for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need; I say unto you, if ye do not anything of these things, behold, your prayer is vain and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who deny the faith.” [Alma 34:18–28.]

All we do should be in harmony with the expressions of our prayers.

We should not pray merely with our lips; but in every act, in our conversation, in all that we undertake to do, we should try to carry out the expressions of our prayers, and be in harmony with the thoughts that we declare to the Lord in our daily supplications.

In our prayers we should pour out our souls in thanksgiving.

In our prayers we should pour out our souls in thanksgiving for life and being, for the redeeming sacrifice of the Son of God, for the gospel of salvation, for Joseph Smith and the mighty work of restoration brought to pass through him. We should acknowledge the hand of the Lord in all things and thank him for all things both temporal and spiritual.

We should plead with Heavenly Father for all our righteous desires.

We should plead with [Heavenly Father] for faith and integrity and for every godly attribute, for the triumph and success of his work, for the guidance of his Holy Spirit, and for salvation in his kingdom. We should pray for our families, for our wives and children, for food and shelter and clothing, for our business concerns, and for all our righteous desires.

Ward Christmas Party

I think our ward Christmas party was a huge success this year! Plenty of wonderful food and then an awesome nativity pageant. After that the bishop read a book and we all received a "winter" rose to brighten up our home.
I have some pictures from the Nativity, My baby girl was Mary, so sorry if a lot are of her, I was/am a proud momma!

 The kids did great and were all so reverent and respectful during it. Thank you Brother Nielson and Mary Lasher and anyone else who put some hard work into making this a success.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Be Grateful in All Things

Happenings

December Food Storage: Fill in the blanks. Look at your food storage and decide what needs improved on or just add things you feel you want to add.

The Angel Tree is getting ready and will be out soon. For those that may not know what it is, it is a tree with needs on it that can be purchased for Christmas to help those who need it. Example: toy for a 4 year old girl.

Ward Christmas Dinner Friday December 5 at 6:30.
They are looking for crockpots to keep the ham warm, if you are willing to supply yours for the night let the presidency know as I forgot whose name was on the sign up list!
Those with the last name A-L are asked to bring a side dish
                                         M-Z are asked to bring a dessert.

Conference Lesson

Today's lesson comes from Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk, Grateful In Any Circumstances.

Have we not reason to be filled with gratitude, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves?

Over the years, I have had the sacred opportunity to meet with many people whose sorrows seem to reach the very depths of their soul.

Sooner or later, I believe that all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift.

It can happen to anyone. No one is immune.

 

Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.

 

We can be grateful!

 

As disciples of Christ, we are commanded to “thank the Lord [our] God in all things,” to “sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving,” and to “let [our] heart be full of thanks unto God.”  

Why does God command us to be grateful?

All of His commandments are given to make blessings available to us. Commandments are opportunities to exercise our agency and to receive blessings. Our loving Heavenly Father knows that choosing to develop a spirit of gratitude will bring us true joy and great happiness.

 

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.

 



There is an old story of a waiter who asked a customer whether he had enjoyed the meal. The guest replied that everything was fine, but it would have been better if they had served more bread. The next day, when the man returned, the waiter doubled the amount of bread, giving him four slices instead of two, but still the man was not happy. The next day, the waiter doubled the bread again, without success.

On the fourth day, the waiter was really determined to make the man happy. And so he took a nine-foot-long (3-m) loaf of bread, cut it in half, and with a smile, served that to the customer. The waiter could scarcely wait for the man’s reaction.

After the meal, the man looked up and said, “Good as always. But I see you’re back to giving only two slices of bread.”

 

Being Grateful in Our Circumstances

My dear brothers and sisters, the choice is ours. We can choose to limit our gratitude, based on the blessings we feel we lack. Or we can choose to be like Nephi, whose grateful heart never faltered. When his brothers tied him up on the ship—which he had built to take them to the promised land—his ankles and wrists were so sore “they had swollen exceedingly,” and a violent storm threatened to swallow him up in the depths of the sea. “Nevertheless,” Nephi said, “I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.”⁴

We can choose to be like Job, who seemed to have everything but then lost it all. Yet Job responded by saying, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return … : the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”⁵

We can choose to be like the Mormon pioneers, who maintained a spirit of gratitude during their slow and painful trek toward the Great Salt Lake, even singing and dancing and glorying in the goodness of God.⁶ Many of us would have been inclined to withdraw, complain, and agonize about the difficulty of the journey.

We can choose to be like the Prophet Joseph Smith, who, while a prisoner in miserable conditions in Liberty Jail, penned these inspired words: “Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”⁷

We can choose to be grateful, no matter what.

 

We Are Not Made for Endings

In light of what we know about our eternal destiny, is it any wonder that whenever we face the bitter endings of life, they seem unacceptable to us? There seems to be something inside of us that resists endings.

Why is this? Because we are made of the stuff of eternity. We are eternal beings, children of the Almighty God, whose name is Endless¹³ and who promises eternal blessings without number. Endings are not our destiny.

 

We need to focus on the good and positive in life. Look for things to be grateful for. There is ALWAYS something to be grateful for in life. Even in the worst of the storms, there is beauty.

 

Chapter 21 Proclaiming the gospel

Opening Song: Primary song 172
Lesson 21: Proclaiming the gospel

President Joseph Fielding Smith was shortly called before his one year wedding anniversary.  In the manual, it says, "Joseph Fielding Smith and his wife, Louie, were not surprised when they received a letter, signed by President Lorenzo Snow, calling Joseph to serve a full-time mission. In those early days of the Church, married men often served away from home. So when that letter arrived on March 17, 1899, about a month before their first wedding anniversary, Joseph and Louie accepted the opportunity with faith and courage, mixed with sadness at the thought of being separated for two years."

During his mission, he was discouraged by all of his work and having only one baptism. He and other missionaries gave out 10,000 pamphlets and visited about 4,000 homes.  President Smith was "unable to see many results of his labors, he found comfort in knowing that he was doing the Lord’s will and that he was helping prepare people who might receive the gospel later in their lives." He even returned 70 years as the president of the church to preside over a meeting. He rejoiced in the numbers of wards and stakes. Missionary work there was happening and still continues.

In 1st Nephi 13: 41-42, it says, "41 And they must come according to the words which shall be established by the mouth of the Lamb; and the words of the Lamb shall be made known in the records of thy seed, as well as in the records of the twelve apostles of the Lamb; wherefore they both shall be established in one; for there is one God and one Shepherd over all the earth.

 42 And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all nations, both unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles; and after he has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and the last shall be first, and the first shall be last."

In the manual, it says, "The gospel is for all people, and the Lord expects those who receive it to live its truths and to offer them to those of their own nation and tongue. And so now, in the spirit of love and brotherhood, we invite all men everywhere to give heed to the words of eternal life revealed in this day through the Prophet Joseph Smith and his associates.

It is our duty and responsibility to be a missionary. Everyone deserves the gospel and its goodness--no matter what.

Sister R. challenged us to post something good on #sharegoodness. It is the different social media outlets. Visit www.lds.org here to find more information.  Social media gives us a way to share simple
messages of goodness and truth. You can be a positive force and when that happens it will change those around you in a positive way.

It is our obligation to share with our neighbors. Come together for a good cause. Even if your neighbor is not LDS, common ground can be found through Jesus or through service. There are other Christians rising forth as well for the common good. It can be good to get out of our LDS bubble and have confidence in our beliefs.

President Smith said, "I am not unmindful that there are good and devout people among all sects, parties, and denominations, and they will be blessed and rewarded for all the good they do. But the fact remains that we alone have the fullness of those laws and ordinances which prepare men for the fullness of reward in the mansions above. And so we say to the good and noble, the upright and devout people everywhere: Keep all the good you have; cleave unto every true principle which is now yours; but come and partake of the further light and knowledge which that God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever is again pouring out upon his people."

President Smith said, "Now we are willing that other movements in this direction should go on. We are in favor of all that will bring peace unto the world; but let us not lose sight of the fact that we, Latter-day Saints, if we will band together, and stand as one serving the Lord and will send forth the word of eternal life among the nations, will have greater power, in my judgment, for the establishment of peace in the world than any other force."
 
As we sang the primary song for our opening hymn, Sister R. wanted to know our thoughts. Here are a couple thoughts from other sisters:

* teach children about missionary work
* the greatest missionary work can be done within the walls of our own home.
* valiant, young wanting to protect and our youth are like that

It is important that we band together and serve the Lord. There could be someone that we come into contact with that could be impacted by our influence. 

President Smith also said, "There is an influence that radiates not only from the individual but from the Church. I believe that our success in the world depends largely upon the attitude of the Saints. If we were united wholly, in thought, in deed, in our actions; if we loved the word of truth, if we walked in it as the Lord would have us do, then there would radiate from this community, from [congregations] of the Latter-day Saints in all of these communities, out into all the world, an influence that would be irresistible. More honest men and women would be converted, for the Spirit of the Lord would go before us to prepare the way. … If they, this people, would keep the commandments of the Lord it would be a force and a power and influence that would break down opposition and would prepare people to receive the light of the everlasting Gospel; and when we fail to do it we take upon ourselves a responsibility that is dreadful in its consequences."

We are being watched by what we wear, eat, drink, watch, and say.  That is why it is important to "live it" without sacrificing what you know.We need to band together.  This reminds me of Ann Dibb's conference talk a couple years ago. Here is the link if you would like to listen to it again.

Closing Hymn 270

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

 

1. A poor, wayfaring Man of grief

Hath often crossed me on my way,

Who sued so humbly for relief

That I could never answer nay.

I had not pow'r to ask his name,

Whereto he went, or whence he came;

Yet there was something in his eye

That won my love; I knew not why.

 

2. Once, when my scanty meal was spread,

He entered; not a word he spake,

Just perishing for want of bread.

I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,

And ate, but gave me part again.

Mine was an angel's portion then,

For while I fed with eager haste,

The crust was manna to my taste.

 

3. I spied him where a fountain burst

Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.

The heedless water mocked his thirst;

He heard it, saw it hurrying on.

I ran and raised the suff'rer up;

Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,

Dipped and returned it running o'er;

I drank and never thirsted more.

 

4. 'Twas night; the floods were out; it blew

A winter hurricane aloof.

I heard his voice abroad and flew

To bid him welcome to my roof.

I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest

And laid him on my couch to rest,

Then made the earth my bed and seemed

In Eden's garden while I dreamed.

 

5. Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,

I found him by the highway side.

I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,

Revived his spirit, and supplied

Wine, oil, refreshment--he was healed.

I had myself a wound concealed,

But from that hour forgot the smart,

And peace bound up my broken heart.

 

6. In pris'n I saw him next, condemned

To meet a traitor's doom at morn.

The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,

And honored him 'mid shame and scorn.

My friendship's utmost zeal to try,

He asked if I for him would die.

The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,

But my free spirit cried, "I will!"

 

7. Then in a moment to my view

The stranger started from disguise.

The tokens in his hands I knew;

The Savior stood before mine eyes.

He spake, and my poor name he named,

"Of me thou hast not been ashamed.

These deeds shall thy memorial be;

Fear not, thou didst them unto me."

 

Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854

Music: George Coles, 1792-1858, alt.

Hymn sung prior to the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. See History of the Church, 6:614-15.

#20 Continued

I would like to take a few minutes this mid week to bring back up lesson 20.


Love and Concern for all our Father's Children


There was just so much good in this lesson and it just hit so close to home for me. There was just so much in the lesson, I felt it needed addressed again. I am taking from the lesson, but also adding my own 2 cents.


Someone commented in class, We all learn by experience, but the wisest of us learn from others experience.

I thought this was a wonderful saying. Just like mistakes. We can learn from our mistakes, but how much easier would it be to learn from others.

The lesson talked about service. It was mentioned that Sister Rolfe had her son serve someone, and help them move. He was worried about how he was perceived, due to his appearance.
However, his service was greatly appreciated. He received a thank you card that he still treasures to this day. We often preach the importance of serving others, but it was mentioned how we need to allow others and even insist others serve us. It is one thing to go into someone's  house to serve, but allowing them into our house to serve shows trust and love.

People need to be needed.

Sister Gordon mentioned a saying she likes,  "if we treat people merely as they are they will stay as they are. When we treat them as if they are what they could be they will become what they could be."
It reminded me of a quote by Abraham Lincoln:

Another talk was mentioned that you might want to read: It is from October 2014 conference by Dallin H Oaks, Loving Others and Living with Differences

 

My mom has MS and is not mobile. Because of that she has a mailing list for visiting teaching. For about 10 years now, she has mailed the relief society news letter every month to her sisters. Every year she remembers and mails a birthday card to them also. A few months ago, she was called by one of these sisters. The sister was going in for surgery and wanted a blessing. She also expressed desire to return to church. On Sunday, she came to church. My mom got to meet her face to face. She asked if she could call my mom and ask her some questions. Monday she called my mom and they talked. She expressed how she was offended by the gospel principals teacher. My mom expressed to her that she had had a wonderful experience in sacrament meeting and now satan was doing his best to keep her away, he didn't want her to return to the fold after so long with him. The lady said that is what she figured. My mom also said that the teacher probably didn't mean what was said the way it was perceived. This dear lady also asked my mom about how she goes about paying her tithing.
My mother shared this story with me (and I share it with you) not to pat herself on her back, (that is so not her way) but to remind me to never give up. She said she wondered if anyone read the letters she sent over the years, and she thought about giving up many times, but kept going. Perseverance is sometimes key.  



Love others sisters. Even when they make it hard to love them. That is probably when they need it the most. Love.

 



Lesson #20

Love and Concern for all our Father's Children

Today was a fabulous lesson. It was all about love. Loving those who may be different from us. I equate that to also respecting and honoring those who are different. Just because someone is not like us or a "Mormon" does not make them a bad person. We need to love and respect everyone. We do not have to agree with their choices to be kind to them.

The lesson started off with a few personal stories of President Smith of times he showed love:

“One day at a church conference in the Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square a 12-year-old boy, excited to be there for the first time, had come early to be sure to get a seat close to the front. … Just before the meeting began, and when all the seats were taken, an usher asked the boy to give up his seat so that a late arriving United States Senator could have it. Meekly the boy complied, and stood in the aisle, disappointed, embarrassed, in tears.” President Joseph Fielding Smith “noticed the youngster and motioned him to come up [on the stand]. When the boy told him what had happened he said, ‘That usher had no right to do that to you. But here, you sit by me,’ and shared his seat with him, in the midst of the apostles of the Church.

“One day as he was interviewing a group of young men leaving on two-year missions for the Church, [he] noticed a farm boy who had been assigned to eastern Canada. ‘Son, it’s cold up there. Do you have a good warm coat?’ ‘No sir, I haven’t.’ He took the boy across the street to [a] department store and bought him the warmest coat in stock.

“The day he was sustained in conference as president of the Church a little girl worked her way through the throng after the meeting and reached for his hand. So touched was he by the gesture that he stooped down and took the child into his arms. He learned that her name was Venus Hobbs, … soon to be four years old. On her birthday Venus received a surprise telephone call: Joseph Fielding Smith and his wife calling long distance to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.”

There was nothing "in it" for him to show kindness to these folks, but that was who he was. I loved unconditionally.

I think if all men knew and understood who they are, and were aware of the divine source from whence they came, and of the infinite potential that is part of their inheritance, they would have feelings of kindness and kinship for each other that would change their whole way of living and bring peace on earth.

And so our belief in the dignity and destiny of man is an essential part both of our theology and of our way of life. It is the very basis of our Lord’s teaching that “the first and great commandment” is: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”; and that the second great commandment is: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (See Matt. 22:37–39.)

Part of the lesson was service. Love and serve others.





Our Savior came into the world to teach us love for each other, and as that great lesson was made manifest through his great suffering and death that we might live, should we not express our love for our fellowmen by service rendered in their behalf? …

Service must be given in behalf of others. We must extend the helping hand to the unfortunate, to those who have not heard the truth and are in spiritual darkness, to the needy, the oppressed. Are you failing? Let us think of the words of the poet, Will L. Thompson. … The poem starts this way:

“Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad,

And made someone feel glad?

If not I have failed indeed.” [Hymns, no. 223.]⁶

We need to appreciate and love people for themselves.

When I was a boy, we had a horse named Junie. She was one of the most intelligent animals I ever saw. She seemed almost human in her ability. I couldn’t keep her locked in the barn because she would continually undo the strap on the door of her stall. I used to put the strap connected to the half-door of the stall over the top of the post, but she would simply lift it off with her nose and teeth. Then she would go out in the yard.

There was a water tap in the yard used for filling the water trough for our animals. Junie would turn this on with her teeth and then leave the water running. My father would get after me because I couldn’t keep that horse in the barn. She never ran away; she just turned on the water and then walked around the yard or over the lawn or through the garden. In the middle of the night, I would hear the water running and then I would have to get up and shut it off and lock Junie up again.

My father suggested that the horse seemed smarter than I was. One day he decided that he would lock her in so that she couldn’t get out. He took the strap that usually looped over the top of the post and buckled it around the post and under a crossbar, and then he said, “Young lady, let’s see you get out of there now!” My father and I left the barn and started to walk back to the house; and before we reached it, Junie was at our side. She then went over and turned the water on again.

I suggested that now, perhaps, she was about as smart as either one of us. We just couldn’t keep Junie from getting out of her stall. But that doesn’t mean she was bad, because she wasn’t. Father wasn’t about to sell or trade her, because she had so many other good qualities that made up for this one little fault.

The horse was as reliable and dependable at pulling our buggy as she was adept at getting out of the stall. And this was important, because Mother was a licensed midwife. When she would get called to a confinement somewhere in the valley, usually in the middle of the night, I would have to get up, take a lantern out to the barn, and hitch Junie up to the buggy.

I was only about ten or eleven years old at the time; and that horse had to be gentle and yet strong enough to take me and Mother all over the valley, in all kinds of weather. One thing I never could understand, however, was why most of the babies had to be born at night and so many of them in winter.

Often I would wait in the buggy for Mother, and then it was nice to have the company of gentle old Junie. This experience with this horse was very good for me, because early in life I had to learn to love and appreciate her for herself. She was a wonderful horse with only a couple of bad habits. People are a lot the same way. None of us is perfect; yet each of us is trying to become perfect, even as our Father in heaven. We need to appreciate and love people for themselves.

Maybe you need to remember this when you evaluate your parents or teachers or ward and stake leaders or friends—or brothers and sisters. This lesson has always stayed with me—to see the good in people even though we are trying to help them overcome one or two bad habits. …

I learned early in life to love and not to judge others, trying always to overcome my own faults.⁸ 

One Sisters take

Love and Concern for all our Father's Children

Today was a wonderful lesson. I enjoyed being a part of Relief Society. While I made no comments, the lesson evoked a lot of thoughts in me. I made me really think.

Sister Michelle Gordon put her thoughts of today's lesson on facebook and she did such a remarkable job, I am just going to steal her words. Thanks Michelle!

Today was a wonderful day. I was able to make it to part of Sunday School and we have a great lesson with good class participation.
Our relief society lesson was phenomenal. Sister Rolfe taught the lesson. She shared a pic of a man and asked what we thought about it. The funny thing is I really couldn't grasp what she was asking. I really just saw a man. But I could hear whispers I heard words like determined, son, hard, teddy bear, hope, etc. The interesting thing was by hearing others words, I began to see it. Then my mind started to see more and more. It made me think how interesting it was that I would see what others saw. I realized that I can change HOW I see things around me.
I thought of the saying: if we treat people merely as they are they will stay as they are. When we treat them as if they are what they could be they will become what they could be. She solicited others thoughts and we heard the variety of descriptions. She shared with us that this was her son. A son whom she loves very much. A son who is filled with incredible love and kindness. A son who like each of us has flaws. Who has made mistakes. Who has physical signs of past choices.
As his mom she is well aware of his choices and situations. She loves him. All of him. She sees the acts of service. And the kindness. She told of a time when he was shown kindness and what that has meant to him and how that means everything years later.
She shared stories of prophets showing incredible kindness to individuals. She talked about how wonderful it must have made the recipient of these acts feel. I, of course, wondered why. Why would they do it? (I know, but my mind still had to ask)
I thought of times when I've been so low. What are some of the cries of my heart? What makes me happy? I realized that one of the things that brings such incredible joy to me, is a time when I am needed. A time when I can be an answer to someone's prayer.
She told of a sister who always seemed to see the best in her. She said she was "loved back into the gospel." In spite of past mistakes or shortcomings she felt hope. Because of the hope she had courage to make changes.
It was a very beautiful inspiring lesson. Sis Rolfe if you read this, please know that you touched my heart and inspired me to be better. To see better in myself and see better in those around me. You were brave to open your heart and share the way you did. Thank you!!

In Case of Emergency

New Stake Presidency

In case anyone missed conference on Sunday we have a new stake presidency. That is no surprise as we all knew it was coming.

President Poston and his councilors have served us for years and have loved and poured their hearts into our well being. They will be missed, but I for one am glad they get their lives back. I am sure their wives are happy to have them again. Thank you gentlemen for your service.

Our new presidency is:
Rob Clark, President:
Randy Stone 1st Counselor
Joe Anderson 2nd Counselor

Have a happy week and do something good for someone!!

Smile!

Just some mid week pick me ups!

Be Strong and Be of Good Courage

Opening Hymn 309
Conference Talk: Be Strong and Be of Good Courage

I absolutely loved this conference talk. This is great for you, me, and everyone in between.

Here are some excerpts that Sis N took her lesson from today:

"We live in a world where moral values have, in great measure, been tossed aside, where sin is flagrantly on display, and where temptations to stray from the strait and narrow path surround us. We are faced with persistent pressures and insidious influences tearing down what is decent and attempting to substitute the shallow philosophies and practices of a secular society."

This sin starts slow and softly. It is important that we viligant on what we allow in our own lives and the lives of our loved ones.

"Said President J. Reuben Clark Jr., who for many years was a member of the First Presidency: “Not unknown are cases where [those] of presumed faith … have felt that, since by affirming their full faith they might call down upon themselves the ridicule of their unbelieving colleagues, they must either modify or explain away their faith, or destructively dilute it, or even pretend to cast it away. Such are hypocrites.”¹ None of us would wish to wear such a label, and yet are we reluctant to declare our faith in some circumstances?"

"I recall reading some time ago the counsel a father gave to his son when he went away to school: “If you ever find yourself where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!” I offer to each of you the same advice: “If you ever find yourself where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!”

She said that we count on the Holy Ghost to dwell with us. That is why it is important to stay out of places that will hinder the Spirit. 

 

"The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. Every day of our lives courage is needed—not just for the momentous events but more often as we make decisions or respond to circumstances around us. Said Scottish poet and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson: “Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name.”

 

"Courage comes in many forms. Wrote the Christian author Charles Swindoll: “Courage is not limited to the battlefield … or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are inner tests, like remaining faithful when no one’s looking, … like standing alone when you’re misunderstood.”I would add that this inner courage also includes doing the right thing even though we may be afraid, defending our beliefs at the risk of being ridiculed, and maintaining those beliefs even when threatened with a loss of friends or of social status. He who stands steadfastly for that which is right must risk becoming at times disapproved and unpopular."

Sis N said, "The quiet little things we do to be honest, humble, and prayerful are the most important. It takes inner courage to do the right thing when no one is looking. It is okay to risk being unpopular. "

"Brethren, are you the same person wherever you are and whatever you are doing—the person our Heavenly Father wants you to be and the person you know you should be?"

"In an interview published in a national magazine, well-known American NCAA basketball player Jabari Parker, a member of the Church, was asked to share the best advice he had received from his father. Replied Jabari, “[My father] said, Just be the same person you are in the dark that you are in the light.”Important advice, brethren, for all of us."

Throughout his life, the Prophet Joseph Smith provided countless examples of courage. One of the most dramatic occurred as he and other brethren were chained together—imagine, chained together—and held in an unfinished cabin next to the courthouse in Richmond, Missouri. Parley P. Pratt, who was among those held captive, wrote of one particular night: “We had lain as if in sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful blasphemies and filthy language of our guards.”

Continued Elder Pratt:

“I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards; but [I] had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, or as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:

“‘SILENCE. … In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT!’”

Joseph “stood erect in terrible majesty,” as described by Elder Pratt. He was chained, without a weapon, and yet he was calm and dignified. He looked down upon the quailing guards, who were shrinking into a corner or crouching at his feet. These seemingly incorrigible men begged his pardon and remained quiet.⁹

Not all acts of courage bring such spectacular or immediate results, and yet all of them do bring peace of mind and a knowledge that right and truth have been defended."

In closing, Sis N said, "It will become easier down the road to stand up for the right."

The scripture from the book of Joshua says, "I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. …“… Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Closing Hymn 136