RS Message 12-28-2008

Dear Sisters:

Wow!  Can you believe that it is the last Sunday of the year?

Today our lesson was on the conference talk by Elder L. Tom Perry titled
"Let Him Do It with Simplicity."  Here is a link to the talk.

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-2,00.html

I was impressed with how timely this talk was to all of us at this time.
Elder Perry talked about how we all have times in our lives when we
experience stress and anxiety.  He said, "One of the challenges of this
mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get
the better of us - to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining
positive, even optimistic.  Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike,
we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds:
'The best is yet to be'"

In RS, we talked about the "spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle."
We listed many of those benefits.  It might be wise for each of us to list
the benefits we can think of in our journals this week.

Elder Perry ended with this blessing, "In our search to obtain relief from
the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives.  May
we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in
the great plan of happiness.  May we be worthy to have the companionship of
the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this
mortal journey.  May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose
of this mortal test - to return and live with our Heavenly Father - is my
prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Sisters, as your Relief Society Presidency, we are so touched by the way
you love and support each other.  I have often wondered how women outside
the church survive without any "church sisters."  Thank you for all you do
for each other and for all those that you meet in your daily lives who need
your support and comfort.

We love you.

Your Relief Society Presidency