Visiting Teaching Conference

What a great day in Relief Society! It was wonderful to see most of you there with us for the Visiting Teaching Conference. Here's a re-cap.

We took our theme from a talk by Elder Joseph Wirthlin.

"Jesus Christ is our greatest example. He was surrounded by multitudes and spoke to thousands, yet He always had concern for the one."

Our first speaker was Becky Cox Henderson. She started us off with a couple of beautiful stories of times that her Visiting Teachers (Kathy Aliaga and Deanna Andrews) have blessed her life by being there when she needed them. She spoke of how important it is that no-one is forgotten and that every sister is contacted every month. She read a short story/poem about how important our sisters are to each of us. She explained that sisters are ALL the women we surround ourselves with, not just our biological sisters.

Michele Carnohan then spoke. She took many of her comments from Elder Wirthlin's talk. You can find it here. Elder Wirthlin first taught "For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. He said, 'What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"

"This instruction applies to all who follow Him. We are commanded to seek out those who are lost. We are to be our brother's keeper. We cannot neglect this commission given by our Savior. We must be concerned for the one."

As Visiting Teachers, this is our role. We are given responsibility for a few of our Heavenly Father's daughters. We are to be concerned for each of them. We are to pray for them daily, to watch for opportunities to serve them, to be their friends, to LOVE them.

Elder Wirthlin gave 3 examples of reasons people get lost: "Some because they are different, some because they are weary, and some because they have strayed."

Some are lost because they are different - Elder Wirthlin states, "They feel as if they do not belong....Tied to this misconception is the erroneous belief that all members of the church should look, talk, and be alike. The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world." I LOVE that quote. Many years ago when I was a young(er) woman, I read an article by Louise Plummer called, "Thoughts of a Grasshopper." It spoke to my heart because I am a grasshopper in a church full of ants. Take the link and enjoy a visit into my heart.

Some are lost because they are weary - Elder Wirthlin said, "It's easy to feel overwhelmed. With all the pressures and demands on our time and the stress we face each day. it's little wonder we get tired. Many feel discouraged because they have not measured up to their potential. Others simply feel too weak to contribute. And so, as the flock moves on, gradually, almost imperceptibly, some fall behind.

Some are lost because they have strayed - Elder Wirthlin states, "Except for the Lord, we have all made mistakes. The question is not whether we will trip and fall but, rather, how will we respond? Some, after making mistakes, stray from the fold. This is unfortunate. Do you not know that the Church is a place for imperfect people to gather together - even with their mortal frailties - and become better?....I know that each of you bears a concern for a loved one. Give encouragement, service, and support to them. Love them. Be kind to them. In some cases, they will return. In others, they will not. But in all cases, let us ever be worthy of the name we take upon ourselves, even that of Jesus Christ.

The Bishop then taught us some principles. The first was:

"The busier we are, the more we can do." Although that sounds illogical, it is true. As he said, "When you need something done, who do you call - the busiest people."

Another principle was "The spirit will never fail us." The Bishop quoted from D&C 84:85, "Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."

If we keep our Visiting Teaching sisters in our minds by praying for them every day, the Lord will give us to know what we can do for them.

Finally, Kerinda Van Wagoner closed the meeting with her testimony of Visiting Teaching. She quoted Sister Julie Beck,

"Visiting teachers minister in behalf of the Savior. Our hands are His hands, our love is His love, and our service is His service. Good visiting teachers know the sisters they visit. They love them, serve them, and help them learn the gospel by the Spirit. They focus on fortifying homes and lives. There is no greater privilege than to watch over and strengthen another person—it is truly the business of salvation."

There is a wonderful song in the animated video of The Good Samaritan. I tried to find it on Youtube, but had no luck. Here are the words,

My hands are the Lord's hands.
Without me, how can his work be done?
I will reach where He would reach, Lovingkindness in my touch.
I'll be His healing hands to everyone.

My feet are the Lord's feet.
Without me, how can He walk with the poor?
I will go where he would go blessing others as I do
For Him, I'll walk where I've never walked before.

Help me Lord, Let me give to my neighbor what You would give if You were here.
Help me Lord, Let me live so my neighbor knows that You are always near.

My mouth is the Lord's mouth.
Without me, how can His voice be heard?
I will say what He would say, speaking love and life each day
And every one who's near will hear His word.

We love you sisters. Keep on doing good. With your willingness to serve, you bless the lives of everyone around you.

Becoming Provident Providers

Happy Sunday, Sisters!

I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to get back to writing this email/blog each week. I promise that I will stop letting life interfere and I will write regularly each Sunday. When I don't write, I miss the feeling that we are in touch with each one of you at least once a week.

Today I taught a lesson taken from Elder Robert D. Hales conference talk, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually". A link is Here.

This is a GREAT talk. It is one of those talks that can speak to all of us where ever we happen to be in our progress toward becoming a Provident Provider for our family.

Elder Hales began by speaking of President Monson and reminding us that he grew up during the depression and because of that, he learned how to serve others. He stated that President Monson's "service to members and neighbors throughout the world has become the hallmark of his ministry."

Then Elder Hales said, "....our children are growing up in times of economic uncertainty. Just as our grandparents and great-grandparents learned vital lessons through economic adversity, what we learn now, in our present circumstances, can bless us and our posterity for generations to come." (emphasis added.)

Elder Hales goes on to speak of excessive debt and the desire to live beyond our means as an addiction. He compared it to addictions to food, drugs, or pornography. He explained that "additional debt is incurred when we cannot control our wants and addictive impulses." He then explains, "...the hopeful solution is...we must turn to the Lord and follow His commandments. We must want more than anything else to change our lives so that we can break the cycle of debt and our uncontrolled wants."

In class, we then talked about how we can begin to break habits that lead us to spend more than we make. We discussed how the Lord can take our struggles during this difficult economic time and make them for our good.

In his talk, Elder Hales told two stories from his life that taught two great principles he lived by financially. If you have not read the talk, you need to read it just to read the stories. They are great.

Elder Hales finished with this quote:

We must want, more than anything else, to do our Heavenly Father’s will and providently provide for ourselves and others. We must say, as did King Lamoni’s father, “I will give away all my sins to know thee” (Alma 22:18). Then we can go to Him with steadfast determination and promise Him, “I will do whatever it takes.” Through prayer, fasting, obedience to the commandments, priesthood blessings, and His atoning sacrifice, we will feel His love and power in our lives. We will receive His spiritual guidance and strength through the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Only through our Lord’s Atonement can we obtain a mighty change of heart (see Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:14) and experience a mighty change in our addictive behavior.

With all the love I have in me and with the Savior’s love through me, I invite you to come unto Him and hear His words: “Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted” (2 Nephi 9:51).

I testify that the appetite to possess worldly things can only be overcome by turning to the Lord. The hunger of addiction can only be replaced by our love for Him. He stands ready to help each one of us. “Fear not,” He said, “for you are mine, and I have overcome the world” (D&C 50:41).

Words of Mormon 1:18 reads:

18 Wherefore, with the help of these, king ^aBenjamin, by laboring with all the might of his body and the ^bfaculty of his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land.

Sisters, we must labor with all the might of our bodies and faculty of our souls to establish peace in our families and homes by teaching our families to live within our means and pay off our debt. When we are not in the servitude created by our debt and financial obligations, we will have much more time to serve others and serve the Lord.

Love,

Your RS Presidency

Happy Easter, Sisters!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Easter today. I hope it was filled with thoughts of Christ. Today, Sister Sue Bean taught us lesson #30 from the Joseph Smith manual, Valiant in the Cause of Christ. It was a very appropriate lesson for Easter Sunday.

Sue started by reminding us of the prophet, Joseph Smith's sufferings in Far West and Richmond MO before he was taken to Liberty Jail. She reminded us that he and his companions were valiant in their testimonies of Christ. She quoted from a letter written by Joseph to Emma from Richmond jail,

"We are prisoners in chains and under strong guards, for Christ's sake and for no other cause....Brother Robinson is chained next to me; he has a true heart and a firm mind. Brother Wight is next, Brother Rigdon next, Hyrum next, Parley next, Amasa next, and thus we are bound together in chains as well as the cords of everlasting love. We are in good spirits and rejoice that we are counted worthy to be persecuted for Christ's sake."

Sue then taught the following points:

1. The valiant cheerfully do all they can, even during times of trouble.
2. The valiant love the cause of Christ and strive to develop Christlike qualities.
3. The valiant strive to improve themselves while in this life.
4. The valiant endure faithfully to the end and will receive a crown of celestial glory.

Sue also referenced two conference talks. The first talk, entitled "Have we not Reason to Rejoice?" was given by Elder Uchtdorf in October 2007. The second, "Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus" was given by President Ezra Taft Benson in April 1982.

Click each talk title to read the talk. They are both wonderful.

Sue finished with this scripture from 2 Nephi 31:19-20

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

The church has created a beautiful video using excerpts from Elder Holland's wonderful conference talk. If you have not yet had a chance to see it, go to lds.org . It is on the homepage. It is beautiful. Enjoy it.

We love you sisters. We are blessed by the unity and love that we feel for each other. Easter is a time of new beginnings. Let's each make one new goal today. One small thing that we can each do to become more valiant in the cause of Christ. If we each make one small change for good, we will bless the lives of all of those around us.

Your RS Presidency

PS Here is an update on Sister Debbie Hollingsworth. She had surgery today on her palate and they believe it was very successful. Her jaw is completely wired shut. They anticipate that she will be in the hospital for a couple more weeks. You can email her at mhc@msn.com . Mike will pick up the messages at some point and read them to her. Thanks for all your love and prayers for the Hollingsworth family.

Pray Always

Dear Sisters:

Today our lesson was taught by Sister Terri Johanson. She taught from the talk Elder David Bednar gave in October conference. It is titled Pray Always. Here is a link.

Elder Bednar defined prayer as "communication to Heavenly Father from His sons and daughters on earth. Revelation is communication from Heavenly Father to His children on earth."

Elder Bednar discussed three principles that can help our prayers become more meaningful.

They are:

1. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (See Alma 37:37.)

He taught, "Just as the temporal creation was linked to and a continuation of the spiritual creation, so meaningful morning and evening prayers are linked to and are a continuation of each other.

Consider this example. There may be things in our character, in our behavior, or concerning our spiritual growth about which we need to counsel with Heavenly Father in morning prayer. After expressing appropriate thanks for blessings received, we plead for understanding, direction, and help to do the things we cannot do in our own strength alone. For example, as we pray, we might:

• Reflect on those occasions when we have spoken harshly or inappropriately to those we love the most.
• Recognize that we know better than this, but we do not always act in accordance with what we know.
• Express remorse for our weaknesses and for not putting off the natural man more earnestly.
• Determine to pattern our life after the Savior more completely.
• Plead for greater strength to do and to become better.

Such a prayer is a key part of the spiritual preparation for our day.

During the course of the day, we keep a prayer in our heart for continued assistance and guidance—even as Alma suggested: “Let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord” (Alma 37:36).

We notice during this particular day that there are occasions where normally we would have a tendency to speak harshly, and we do not; or we might be inclined to anger, but we are not. We discern heavenly help and strength and humbly recognize answers to our prayer. Even in that moment of recognition, we offer a silent prayer of gratitude.

At the end of our day, we kneel again and report back to our Father. We review the events of the day and express heartfelt thanks for the blessings and the help we received. We repent and, with the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord, identify ways we can do and become better tomorrow. Thus our evening prayer builds upon and is a continuation of our morning prayer. And our evening prayer also is a preparation for meaningful morning prayer.

Morning and evening prayers—and all of the prayers in between—are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonition to “pray always” (Luke 21:36; 3 Nephi 18:15, 18; D&C 31:12). Such meaningful prayers are instrumental in obtaining the highest blessings God holds in store for His faithful children"

2. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude.

He taught, "The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests. As I am blessed now to pray with apostles and prophets, I find among these modern-day leaders of the Savior’s Church the same characteristic that describes Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon: these are men whose hearts swell with thanksgiving to God for the many privileges and blessings which He bestows upon His people (see Alma 48:12). Also, they do not multiply many words, for it is given unto them what they should pray, and they are filled with desire (see 3 Nephi 19:24). The prayers of prophets are childlike in their simplicity and powerful because of their sincerity."

3. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart.

Sister Johansen pointed out this beautiful quote from Elder Bednar,

"During the Savior’s ministry on the American continent, He directed the people to ponder His teachings and to pray for understanding. He healed the sick, and He prayed for the people using language that could not be written (see 3 Nephi 17:1–16). The impact of His prayer was profound: “No one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father” (3 Nephi 17:17). Imagine what it might have been like to hear the Savior of the world praying for us.

Do our spouses, children, and other family members likewise feel the power of our prayers offered unto the Father for their specific needs and desires? Do those we serve hear us pray for them with faith and sincerity? If those we love and serve have not heard and felt the influence of our earnest prayers in their behalf, then the time to repent is now. As we emulate the example of the Savior, our prayers truly will become more meaningful."

We also discussed how united we have become as a ward and a sisterhood since we have chosen to pray together for particular members of our ward. There is great power in united prayer, sisters and we have seen it in action.

Sister Johansen challenged us to make sure that our family members and those we serve hear us pray for them.

We love you sisters. We pray for you, and we know that you pray for each other. Let us all strive to have our prayers be more meaningful by exercising the steps outlined by Elder Bednar.

Your RS Presidency

Come What May, And Love It

Hello Sisters:

Today Chelsea Steffieri taught our lesson. She taught from a talk by Elder Wirthlin at our last General Conference. His talk was called, Come What May and Love It. Here is a link to the talk. Chelsea pointed out that this was the final talk given by Elder Wirthlin in a General Conference as he died a few weeks later at the age of 91.

Elder Wirthlin began his talk by telling the story of coming home as a young man very discouraged because his football team had lost a game. His mother's response to him was, "Joseph, come what may, and love it." He said, "I think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."

Elder Wirthlin said that "whenever my steps led through seasons of sadness and sorrow, my mother's words often came back to me."

Chelsea then shared four things that have helped Elder Wirthlin through times of testing and trial.

1. Learn to Laugh - Elder Wirthlin taught us to laugh at ourselves. He told a very funny story about one of his daughters that could have been horrible embarrassing if she had not learned to laugh at herself. (Click the link above and enjoy the story.)

2. Seek for the Eternal - Look at the big picture. Elder Wirthlin says, "Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on the job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others." Chelsea talked about the parable of the Olive Tree in Jacob 5. She reminded us that the Olive Trees had to be pruned and dug and grafted and that all of those things are painful processes. This subject reminded me of a story by Hugh B. Brown called "The Currant Bush." The link is here. This story reminds us that "God is the Gardener."

3. The Principle of Compensation - "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." Kerinda pointed out that this talk represented the principle of compensation to Elder Wirthlin's family as it was the last one he gave before he died. During those sad days after his death, imagine the peace and joy it gave all of them to know that he would want them to "Come what may, and love it."

4. Trust in the Father and the Son - Elder Wirthlin says, "The 4th thing we can do is put our trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be happy. he wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in. He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort us and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong."

Chelsea ended with this scripture.

"Therefore, 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." D&C 123:17

We love you, Sisters. We wish for all of you joy and peace in your lives during these sometimes confusing and frightening times. Life is good. We have many blessings. As Sister Stange said during the lesson, "We have more than we don't have." May we all strive to cheerfully do all that we can so that we will be able to stand still with the utmost assurance to see the salvation of God.

Love,

Your Relief Society Presidency

Beware the Bitter Fruits of Apostasy

Sisters:

This week, Diane Smith taught a great lesson from Chapter 27 of the Joseph Smith manual. It is entitled, Beware the Bitter Fruits of Apostasy. As usual, this is a great lesson sisters. If you have not had a chance to read the lesson, please take time to read it this week.

The subject of this weeks lesson was how we can avoid apostasy. Sister Smith defined apostasy as a turning away from our beliefs.

The lesson manual describes the apostasy of many members of the church during the Kirtland period of church history. Describing those who left the church, Sister Eliza Snow said, "As the Saints drank in the love and spirit of the world, the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from their hearts."

Of course, most of the Saints during that period stayed close to the spirit and loyal to the gospel. Brigham Young described a meeting in which some Church members were discussing how to depose the Prophet Joseph: "I rose up, and in a plain and forcible manner told them that Joseph was a Prophet and I knew it, and that they might rail and slander him as much as they pleased, but they could not destroy the appointment of the Prophet of God; they could only destroy their own authority, cut the thread that bound them to the Prophet and to God, and sink themselves to hell." I was amused to read his next sentence, "Many were highly enraged at my decided opposition to their measures...." Hmmmm? I guess no one likes being told they might be on the wrong road. Brigham continued, "This was a crisis when earth and hell seemed leagued to overthrow the Prophet and Church of God. The knees of many of the strongest men in the Church faltered."

Sister Smith began a discussion of how we can keep our "knees from faltering."

She pointed out that when we lose confidence in or criticize our church leaders we run the risk of apostasy. We discussed that our church leaders are just people like us, doing their best to live the Gospel. It is our job to support and sustain them as they do their best to serve us the way the Lord requires.

Sister Smith spoke to us about how we must guard against apostasy. She used this quote from Joseph, "Before you joined this Church you stood on neutral ground. When the gospel was preached, good and evil were set before you. You could choose either or neither. There were two opposite masters inviting you to serve them. When you joined this Church, you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can get back on to it. should you forsake the Master you enlisted to serve, it will be by the instigation of the evil one and you will follow his dictation and be his servant."

There is the answer Sisters. As we do our best to follow the Master, Jesus Christ and to listen to His voice through the Holy Ghost, we will be protected from apostasy. We must work to obtain our own rock solid testimony of the Savior and the Gospel. As our testimonies become stronger, we become instruments in the hands of the Lord to be used to strengthen his kingdom.

Sister Smith ended her lesson with this quote from the manual, "Ezra T. Clark remembered: 'I heard the Prophet Joseph say that he would give the Saints a key whereby they would never be led away or deceived, and that was: The Lord would never suffer a majority of this people to be led away or deceived by imposters, nor would he allow the records of this Chruch to fall into the hands of the enemy.'"

Sisters, we love how you support each other. We are astounded by the service you give to each other. We see evidence of your testimonies constantly in the day to day service you render to your families, friends, and each other. We are amazed by you.

Your Relief Society Presidency

Elijah

Hi Sisters:

I'm sorry I missed sending out this message last week. My Sunday got away from me. So, there will be two messages this week. This first message is regarding the lesson given last week (February 8, 2009) by Sue Bean. It is lesson 27 in your Joseph Smith manual and is called Elijah and the Restoration of the Sealing Keys.

Sue started out by describing the dedication of the Kirtland temple. Eliza Snow said, "The ceremonies of that dedication may be rehearsed, but no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day. Angels appeared to some, while a sense of divine presence was realized by all present, and each heart was filled with joy inexpressible and full of glory."

On the following Sunday, April 3, 1836, the prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery retired to the pulpit behind lowered curtains and knelt in solemn prayer. As they rose from prayer, the Savior Himself appeared tot hem and proclaimed His approval of the temple.

D&C 110:7 says, "Behold, I have accepted this hous, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. "

After Christ appeared, Joseph and Oliver had more visions in which they saw Moses who gave them the "keys of the gathering of Israel", Elias who gave them the "dispensation of the gospel of Abraham", and then Elijah, who gave Joseph and Oliveer the "keys of sealing - the power to bind and validate in the heavens all ordinances performed on the earth."

Sue then facilitated a discussion by the sisters of why the sealing keys are so important. There were many great points discussed and the concensus of the sisters seemed to be that as we do our geneology and attend the temple, we are sealing everyone who has ever lived on the earth to each other. When the end of the millenium arrives, all will have received this ordinance and will have the opportunity to accept their place in the family of God. The work we do today in our families and in the temple is vital to the plan of salvation.

We also discussed that there are great blessings here on earth from the sealing keys. Being sealed as a family fosters feelings of love and acceptance and joy in our families. Knowing that we will be together eternally helps us to treat each other with tenderness and understanding. It also helps us to work out our difficulties and draw closer together in times of trial.

We love you sisters. Let us all strive together to be more dedicated to our temple work.

Your Relief Society Presidency