Thursday, November 27, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Sunday, November 23, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
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.
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
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.
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."
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
Thursday, November 13, 2014
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.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
#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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Lesson #20
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.
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
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!!
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!!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Monday, November 3, 2014
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!!
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!!
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