Goodly parents - lesson summary

Sis. Tonya Murdock gave our lesson today combining 2 different conference talks - Becoming goodly parents by L. Tom Perry & Protect the Children by Dallin H. Oaks

Elder Perrys says he turned 90 this year and reflected back on all the change that has occured in his lifetime - think automobiles, technology, etc. Through all the fast pace and changes of life, we want the principles of the gospel to endure. At the top of the list and the target of the adversary is the sanctity of marriage and the strength of the family. 

Elder Perry says there are 5 things we should be doing in our families: 

1. Pray in earnest

2. Hold family prayer, scripture study, F.H.E. and EAT together as often as possible.

3. Use the churches network system. Communicate with primary teachers, youth leaders and quorum presidencies. 

4. Share your testimony with your children. 

5.Organize your family - simple rules and expectations, traditions, responsibilities and pay tithing.

Sis Murdock and other added several comments including these that I wanted to share:

"We have to Parent with our heart"
"There isn't an instruction manual"
"We don't have failures in our home, we have learning experiences"
"As long as you try, it's not a failure"

Switching over to Elder Oaks talk, Sis. Murdock asked us - What are some of the worldly influences our children face?
We need to make our homes a safe haven from the world. We need to make them a safe place to talk about things. Boundaries are a great safety net for everyone. Not just children.

Sis. Murdock shared a favorite quote:
Of all the joys in life, non other equals that joy of a happy parenthood.

She asked, "Are we happy parents?" She closed her lesson by saying parenthood is the hardest thing I've ever done but the rewards are great!

Lesson Summary - Ward Conference

We had the special treat of being taught by our Stake RS president Sis. Naumann. The title of her lesson was "For such a time as This / Doing what the Lord needs us to do"

She talked about the story of Esther. How it has all the parts of a great story - drama, suspense, happily ever after, etc. She prepared herself spiritually first to fulfill her purpose. She was put on the earth at that time for that mission.

Sis Naumann then reflected on herself, "What am I doing and preparing to fulfill my purpose?"

She said Obedience is key. Maybe our mission is different now then it was in the past. Now we need to work on other things. 

She shared a wonderful quote by Ardeth Kapp that said we are foreordained for this time. The Lord is counting on each of us.

We all know the phrase - Where much is given much is expected. We each have something we have promised we would do for the Lord. 

Turn to your Patriarchal blessing. Re -read it. It will have different messages for different times in your life. 

Go the temple often - if we ask the Lord what our purpose is He is will let us know. 

Ask in prayer - He wants us to know what we should be being and what he needs from us. Sincerely ask and He will tell you. 

The Lord has confidence in us to fulfill our mission. Otherwise we wouldn't be here at this time. Trials, disappointments and heartache are not always explained but remain faithful with hope and trust in the Lord. Heavenly Father knows what our trials are. We are His. We are precious in His sight. We didn't come here to find out worth - it came with us. He knows our potential and power to become like Him. We can influence and make a difference to those around us. We don't have to influence thousands - even 1 is important.

She told of a story that was recounted to her from her son recently returned from a mission. There was an older man who heard a speech titled, "Mormons are of the devil." The man attending "stood up" for the Mormons he knew saying they were kind people and certainly not of the devil. He left and told his wife they needed to find out all they could about Mormons. They packed their car, left El Paso Texas and headed for SLC, Utah. They spent 2 days at Temple Square and filled out a referral card before they left. When they returned home and were emptying their car 2 boys on bicycles rode up into their driveway :) The missionaries. They invited them in at once and said, "Elders, please tell us everything you know." 2 weeks later he was baptized and 2 months later his wife was. He also has since received his Patriarchal blessing and in it is stated, "if the person assigned to share the gospel with you would have done his job...you would have been a member years ago." This man asked the elders, "Where was that person? I could have had these blessings years ago. I could have raised my children in the knowledge of the gospel...Where was that person?" 

Sis. Naumann then said, "Do I need to make a course correction?" 

Are we fulfilling what we said we would do here at this time on earth? If we all do what we can to ACT in obedience and serve more diligently we can look back and see the Lord was blessing and directing our path and like Esther fulfill what we were sent to do at such a time as this. 

Thank you Sis. Naumann! Such a wonderful message!

Stake Womens Conference

They are collecting a head count for dinner so please let Luann know if you will be there (or think you will be there) and if you are bringing anyone! It should be a wonderful evening....

Upcoming RS birthday celebration!

Oooooh! the RS committee has a "treat" in store for you next month!!! Mark your calendars now to attend the annual RS birthday celebration on the first Wednesday of March! 

It's a party!!! Enjoy a party atmosphere with the sisters from our ward, some great chit chat, laughter and maybe even a few tears. Get your cup filled....or maybe your fill of "cup"cakes! 

Dinner will be served, gifts will be given, music will fill your ears, smiles will cross your faces, laughter (and FOOD) will fill your mouths and hopefully your hearts will be full.

Did I mention there will be cupcakes? :) 

Grab your neighbor, friend, visiting teaching route and make sure we have "no empty chairs" as we have take a JOYfull night night!

Lesson Summary #3 Lifelong Conversion

Sister Nolan taught our lesson this week, which was #3 from the Teachings of Lorenzo Snow; Lifelong Conversion: continuing to Advance in the Principles of Truth.

In speaking of his baptism and confirmation, President Snow said “I was perfectly satisfied that I had done what was wisdom for me to do under the circumstances”.  A few weeks later he began to be troubled that he had had no special manifestation, and yearned for that special manifestation from the Holy Ghost.  He had developed a ritual of prayer, but on this certain day he nearly determined to forgo that “evening service”.  But as a matter of formality he did kneel to pray.  He did receive that manifestation, a perfect knowledge that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and of the restoration of the Holy Priesthood, and the fullness of the gospel.

He taught that we need to continue to work on our testimony everyday of our life, gaining that testimony is the starting point.

We are reminded that we all have weak spots, and no one is exempt from Satan’s desire to fine and manipulate our weak spots.  As we strive to learn more about the gospel we may have questions; it’s ok to question we just have to be careful the way we do it.  If we approach our questions as doubts, doubt will play on our minds and get us looking for flaws, not for answers of truth.  Questioning with faith is the key to getting peace and finding answers. The Lord wants us to continue to learn while we’re here on earth, after all, we’ll continue to learn and grow in the next life.

As we are enlightened we have responsibilities.  President Snow said “I have tried to live in such a way as not to lose His Holy Spirit, but to be guided by it continually, trying to get rid of my selfishness and any wrongful ambition, and endeavoring to work in His interest.”  In other words, we have to live it. 

If we desire to increase in our faith and spiritual knowledge, we must exert ourselves, we must learn His will.  President Smith counseled, “The time is come when it behooves every man and every woman to know for themselves in relation to the foundation on which they stand.  We ought to…get the Spirit ourselves, and not be satisfied to walk in the light as it is shadowed forth by others.”  He taught with an analogy of learning to play the flute.  At first there is a lot of concentration just learning how to place fingers and our mouth, but before long it all comes naturally.  And so it is with matters that pertain to the things of God.  We have to exert ourselves.

Words from the song “Do His Will” from The Savior of the World production were shared:

Ask God all your questions. Hear His voice so still.  Let the Spirit’s whisper teach how to do His will. Then go and do His will.

A favorite quote was also shared; “Let Go and Let God”. 

Lastly, Sister Nolan compared the process of gaining and continuing to nurture our testimonies to that of making pickles.  You can have all the right ingredients, but it takes time and processing to get a flavorful pickle…we don’t just get pickled over night, nor do we obtain a firm testimony just once, it’s a continual process.

Thanks Sister Nolan for a great lesson!

1st Sunday - Testimonies

Sis Mark gave our lesson today on Testimonies. Joseph Smith was once asked, "What are the fundamentals of your religion? He answered by saying that the testimonies of the prophets and apostles that Jesus came this earth, died and was resurrected and lives today is the fundamental part of our religion." 

She asked us to think about and share thoughts on the importance of YOUR testimony and the advantage of having one. 

Several quotes were shared from our leaders regarding testimonies. Here is a quick synopsis: 

- Testimonies change lives

- Strong testimonies are anchored in conviction that God won't fail us and He will fulfill His promises

- 2 Nephi 25:26 - We talk of Christ, we preach of Christ....

- Whatever our circumstances are, we can be given the knowledge to know that God lives

We have been counseled that it's our responsibility to work and gain our own testimony

A testimony will always included the following simple and clear truths: 

1. God lives and we are His children

2. Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God and Savior to the World. 

3. Joseph Smith is the prophet who God restored the gospel of Jesus Christ through in the latter days. 

4. Book of Mormon is the word of God. 

5. We have a living prophet today and his counselors and members of the 12 are prophets, seers and revelators in our day.

We ended our lesson with comments and stories shared from several sisters in response to this question Sis. Mark asked: 

What strengthens your testimony? 

"There is no better way to get peace and comfort than to keep your testimony firm" - Sis. Mark

4th Sunday - Ask the missionaries!!!

Sis. Murdock taught today's lesson from the conference talk - Ask the missionaries! They can help you! by Elder Russel M. Nelson

Elder Nelson said, "Two years ago and powerfully reaffirmed again this morning, President Monson declared “that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much.”¹ Again he explained that for young sisters, a mission is a welcome option but not a responsibility. And again he invited many more mature couples to serve." 

What better education can a mother have than going on a mission. Sis. Murdock said, "It's going to be a missionary year."

You will not be magically transformed once you decide to go on a mission or be a missionary. It's a process that needs to be started long before we "decide". 

Sis. Murdock asked us, "Who knows the missionaries in our Stake?"

The conference talk says to get to know the missionaries and take care of them. 

She shared a book she is reading called, "The power of everyday missionaries." We are all missionaries. We know this. We need to magnify that "calling". She said she thinks most of us (including her) lack courage. 

Sister Jossilyn Webb was asked to bear her testimony about missionary work. She said she never really focused on "preparing" for a mission. She was just focused on living the gospel and preparing to go to the temple. She said, "while we are preparing to be missionaries, Heavenly Father is preparing people to be ready for the gospel." 

Sis. Murdock shared a story of courage that may help you. Elder Tom Perry tells a story of when he and his wife lived in Boston. One day at church a woman pulled up on a motorcycle wearing jeans and a tshirt. She sat in the back and after about 10 minutes Sis. Perry got up and went to sit by her. She just sat down and put her arm around. The woman teared up a few times during the service and when it was over said, "I think I will come back next week." She did come back and was greeted again by Sis. Perry who was wearing jeans and tshirt. 

I am sure that took courage for Sis. Perry to do and do this woman to come back. 

Although we may be told "NO" several times it is said that you need to ask 4 times before you get a "YES". No missionary experience is ever wasted. It's a seed that is planted. It's the feeling of the spirit and His influence being there that they will recognize again. And when their time is right - they will say YES. 

Sis. Murdock shared the saying, "Preach the gospel - use words if necessary." 

If you are looking for more knowledge about any of the following subjects - guess what?? The missionaries can HELP! 

Geneology

To live a longer healthier live

Wondering what is your purpose? 

you want to strengthen your Family

to Gain Knowledge

to Understand the scriptures better

Want to help people in need

Wondering about life after death

Thank you Sis. Murdock. Every member a missionary! And remember what the STake President said, "We need to be praying for opportunities".

Drop n Swap - next month!!!

Our activity next month will be a DROP n' SWAP!!

Think of it like a Yard sale WITHOUT the buying part! Gather up your gently used items - clothing, home decor, home goods, books, etc and bring them to the church. 

6:30pm Wednesday Feb 6th 

(no nursery. It's sort of come and go night - kids are welcome if necessary though) 

Come to drop stuff off. 

Come to just pick up a few things

or come to do both!!! 

Visiting and chatting are encouraged with a few goodies that night too! 

Please arrive promptly at 6:30pm to set out your items on the designated tables. We will start to wrap up the night at 7:30pm and run all the left over items to the D.I.

Spread the word! clean out those closets! See you next month!

p.s. later that month (feb) the Stake an activity for us. A special speaker plus a dinner I believe! more details to come....

Learning by Faith - lesson summary

It's our first lesson from the new manuals - Chapter 1, Learning by Faith. 

Pres. Lorenzo Snow has always had a love of learning. He always had a good. His Mom and sister actually joined the church before he did. After he was baptized and confirmed, he eventually turned his interest more to “the education of the Spirit” than to “book studies.

Sis. Nolan asked us, "What leads a person to continue learning throughout their life? 

There were several comments made and wonderful insight shared from the sisters. 

The manual went on to say, "In this system of religion that you and I have received there is something grand and glorious, and something new to learn every day, that is of great value. And it is not only our privilege but it is necessary that we receive these things and gather these new ideas.

The whole idea of Mormonism is improvement—mentally, physically, morally and spiritually. No half-way education suffices for the Latter-day Saint. 

We have got to obtain knowledge before we obtain permanent happiness; we have got to be wide awake in the things of God...We have got so much ground to walk over, and if we fail to travel to-day, we shall have so much more to travel to-morrow."

 

Sis Nolan stated that we have got to keep pushing forward and progressing. If we "skip" a day of putting effort into something - ex.- reading the scriptures - we are that much further behind we start up again. 

The manual tells us, "There is a kind of education worthy [of] the best attention of all, and in which all ought to engage—that is the education of the Spirit^. A little spiritual knowledge is a great deal better than mere opinions and notions and ideas, or even very elaborate arguments; a little spiritual knowledge is very important and of the highest consideration...If our minds are too one-sided, paying too much attention to the acquiring of earthly goods, to the neglect of spiritual wealth, we are not wise stewards."

 

Sis Nolan again presented a question to us, "What does the education of the Spirit mean to you?" Elder Bednar gave an example of the parable of the fisherman - The give a man a fish vs. teaching a man to fish. When you are given an answer by another person you are likely to remember it for a bit but soon it is forgotten. If you discover an answer for yourself it is highly more likely you will remember it. Some of our best education is "caught" not taught. 

The Holy Ghost is our teacher and we get to have a teacher with us all the time. 

Sis Nolan bore her testimony of Learning by faith by saying, now is the time to apply faith in your learning and it will broaden your mind, perspective and what you learn. You will be enlightened.

 

 

Pres Message - Joy in the Journey

Sis. Snow taught the lesson this week and it was her 3rd opportunity to speak on the same subject - JOY. She hopes that by giving the same message 3 different ways that she has reached all the sisters in 1 way or another. 

She started her lesson by asking us, "Think about the things that bring you joy?"

Pres. Monson has told us that we live in a time of joy with so many blessings and we can find greater happiness in the smaller things of life. 

Do we ever look at others and think, "I want what they have...They seem so happy, etc." Sis. Snow emphasized, "We NEVER know the whole story." Any number of these people could be going through a hard trial in their lives or struggling with something but you'd never know it just "looking in". They are choosing to be happy even through their current circumstances.

Several Sisters then shared with us what brought them joy. Pres. Eyring shared a story once about asking himself each day, "Have I seen the hand of God in my life and the life of my children this day. He would then proceed to write down those things. Sis. Snow related that to almost being like a THANK YOU note to our Heavenly Father and we will find and see more gratitude and joy in our lives. 

Sis. Snow asked us, "What are the blessings of being in your season of your life?" - Every season has joy in it - just different joy and blessings to be had. She then turned out the lights in the RS room and held up a mirrored ball. Think of your life as the ball. As you shine your light the ball reflects that light all around. You can't predict where that light will fall, who it will touch. Isn't the world a better, brighter place when our light is shining and reflecting out. Can you image a mirror ball not shining? 

If you feel it - SHARE IT! Let your joy and light blossom outwardly. Let your light shine - you could make someone's day - you could change a life. 

Thank you Sis. Snow for kicking off our year of Focusing on JOY!!

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