Lesson Notes

Today we learned from President Monson's talk in General Conference about the importance of avoiding anger. He said, "If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry." We have all felt anger but our reaction to that anger is what is important.

3 Nephi 11:28-30 reads, "There shall be no disputations among you...For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stireth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another."

"Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."

To quote President Monson, "To be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice. If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all ties., we must choose to refrain from becoming angry."

Lesson Notes

"It is the order of heavenly things that God should always send a new dispensation into the world when men have apostatized from the truth and lost the priesthood."

Many great prophets lived as the head of dispensations on this earth. Adam, Abraham, Moses are a few.

After Christ was on the earth to serve his mission and make His great atoning sacrifice the Church was left in the hands of his authorized priesthood holders, the Twelve Apostles but with their passing there was no one who held the priesthood authority and therefore no true church of Christ was organized. We experienced a great apostasy known as "the dark ages". The Lord again called a prophet to restore the blessings of His gospel to His people.

Joseph Smith was called of God to restore these great blessings to earth and to stand at the head of the dispensation of the fullness of times. The priesthood, with its essential keys was restored; the Book of Mormon was translated; the Church was organized; and doctrines, ordinances, and covenants were revealed.

This is truly the dispensation of the fullness of times when all things which are in Christ, Jesus, whether in heaven or on the earth shall be gathered together in Him and when all things shall be restored, as spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world began.

This final dispensation, which ushers in the Second Coming of Christ, is of such vast importance that it requires the complete, unselfish dedication of the people of God. Joseph Smith said, "It will be necessary for the Saints to hearken to counsel and turn their attention to the Church, the establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside every selfish principle, everything low and groveling; and stand forward in the cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to whom has been given the pattern and design."

Joseph further stated that "The heavenly Priesthood will unite with the earthly, to bring about those great purposes." We have heavenly help in our work here on this earth, "a work that is destined to bring about the destruction of the powers of darkness, the renovation of the earth, the glory of God, and the salvation of the human family."

We are privileged to live in this dispensation. We have the fullness of the gospel. We have been promised many great blessings. But "where much is given, much is expected." The Lord expects His covenant people to live His laws with exactness. In His great love and mercy he knows we are not perfect and cannot be perfect right now but he expects each one of us to begin with where we are now and work to improve ourselves until we can be made perfect in Him. Let us all commit ourselves to build up His kingdom and further His great work.

Lesson Notes

"I feel like shouting, hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet." (Brigham Young.)

Todays lesson was "He was a Prophet of God.": Contemporaries of Joseph Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission.

The early Saints who knew the prophet and heard him speak testify of his prophetic calling and the power with which he imparted the word of God. Daniel D. McArthur, an early Church member who later led one of the first handcart companies to Salt Lake City said, "My testimony is that he was a true Prophet of the living God, and the more I heard his sayings and saw his doings the more I was convinced that he of a truth seen God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, as also the holy angels of God..."

Alexander McRae, one of those imprisoned in Liberty Jail with Joseph Smith: "Such was our confidence in [Joseph] as a Prophet, that when he said, 'Thus saith the Lord,' we were confident it would be as he said; and the more we tried it, the more confidence we had, for we never found him word to fail in a single instance."

Like the early saints, we can know that Joseph Smith is a prophet through whom the Lord restored the fulness of the gospel. Joseph Smith was an example we can follow in developing a Christlike character. He had a mission to perform on this earth and he never deviated from that path. Eliza R. Snow said, "he boldly and bravely confronted the false traditions superstitions, religions, bigotry and ignorance of the world--proved himself true to every heaven-revealed principle--true to his brethren and true to God, then sealed his testimony with his blood."

We were challenged by our teacher, Emily Berwick, to look at the prophet and his faithfulness in completing his mission and think about our mission here on this earth. How can be more faithful in fulfilling our mission? What can we do to further the work of the Lord, the work that Joseph spent his life teaching and gave his life as a testimony of?

Lesson Notes

Today we discusses the lives of three women of the scriptures who have influenced us. Each was chosen in the preexistence for their great work in this life. Because of their faithfulness in the pre-moral world they were given great responsibility in this work and proved faithful to their callings.

The First is Eve. She was chosen to be "the Mother of All Living". In the Garden of Eden she came to realize that in order to progress further she and Adam must leave the Garden and become mortal. Having chosen to give up the comfort and ease of the garden it became possible for all mankind to come to earth and have the opportunity to progress toward exaltation in the kingdom of our Father. Elder John A. Widtsoe said: "In life we must choose at times. Sometimes, two possibilities are good; neither is evil. Usually, however, one is of greater import than the other. When in doubt, each must choose that which concerns the good of others- the greater law- rather than that which chiefly benefits ourselves- the lesser law. The greater must be chosen whether it be a law or a thing. That was the choice made in Eden." We thank Mother Eve for the choice she made and her great example of strength and understanding he role in our Rather's plan for His children.

The Second example is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote, "Can we speak too highly of her whom the Lord has blessed above all women? there was only one Christ, and there is only one Mary. Each was noble and great in the preexistence, and each was foreordained to the ministry he or she performed. We cannot but think that the father would choose the greatest female spirit to be the mother of his Son..."

When visited by the angel and told that she was chosen to be the mother of the Son of God. Her reply was simply "...be it unto me according to thy word..." Sister Elaine Cannon wrote, "Reading between the lines one senses the sweetness, wonder and faith of Mary...in humility she submitted her will, her life, to Deity's plan. Perhaps her Divine Son is not the only one in that sacred family from whom we have much to learn about obedience."

The final example of a great woman chosen for a great work is Emma Smith. Just as her husband, Joseph, was chosen the in pre-existence to be the prophet to open the last dispensation of time so was Emma chosen to be by his side and help in this great work. Through all the trials and hardships they faced, through all the persecutions and adversity, she was ever faithful. The Lord said of Emma, "...thou art an elect lady, whom I have called." She was told to "expound scripture, and to exhort the church..."

Emma was always willing to help those in need and many times gave up her own comforts to help. Sister Emmaline B. Wells said of her, "Sister Emma was benevolent and hospitable, she drew around her a large circle of friends..., she was motherly in her nature to young people, always had a houseful to entertain and be entertained. She was very high-spirited and the brethren and sisters paid her a great respect."

Even after the martyrdom of her husband and the saints moving west and her choosing to stay in Nauvoo, she never denied the prophetic calling of Joseph and to the end maintained a firm testimony of the Book of Mormon.

We may not have been chosen for a great work like these three sisters but the Lord has chosen each of us for an important work here on this earth. He has sent us here in these latter-days to help build up His kingdom and prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. Let us be as committed to our Father's plan as Eve, as obedient in our calling as Mary and as faithful and true to building up the kingdom as Emma.

Lesson Notes

Today we learned from the talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf from the last General Conference. President Uchtdorf taught "Two Principles for Any Economy". In travels throughout the world the Church leaders have seen the struggles that the people are facing. He said, 'For years, many of our church members have been affected by worldwide disasters, both natural and man-made. We also understand that families have had to tighten their belts and are concerned about enduring these challenging times."

He talked about two important principles that will sustain us through the challenges of life. The First Principle Work:

"How I admire men, women, and children who know how to work! How the Lord loves the laborer! He said, 'In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,' and 'The laborer is worthy of his hire.' He also gave us a promise: 'Thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you.' those who are unafraid to rollup their sleeves and lose themselves in the pursuit or worthwhile goals are a blessing to their families, communities, nations, and to the Church."

"Work is the antidote for anxiety, an ointment for sorrow and a doorway to possibility. Whatever our circumstances in life...let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents."

The Second Principle: Learn

"For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea-it's a commandment. We are to learn 'of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at hoe, things which are abroad.' (D&C 88:79-80)

"You have a duty to learn as much as you can. Please encourage your families, your quorum members, everyone to learn and become better educated...Strive to increase your knowledge of all that is 'virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.' 'Seek knowledge, even by study and also by faith.' As you apply the spiritual dimension of faith to your study - even of temporal things-you can amplify your intellectual capacity for 'if your eye be single to [God's] glory, your whole[body] shall be filled with light...and [comprehend] all things.'"

The hard lessons we learn through adversity will be those critical lessons that form our character and shape our destiny.

Lesson Notes

Today our lesson was "Becoming Saviors on Mount Zion". What does it mean to become a Savior on Mount Zion? God has placed upon us a great responsibility to seek after our dead. The Bible Says, "I will send you Elijah the Prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers..." We are charged with finding out who our kindred dead are and perform the saving ordinances for them in the Temple of the Lord.

How do we become Saviors on Mount Zion? "By building their temples, erecting their baptismal fonts, and going forth and receiving all the ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings, anointings, ordinations and sealing powers upon their heads, in behalf of all their progenitors who are dead, ad redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted to thrones of glory with them..."

We also should gather our living relatives they we all may be sealed together. The prophet Joseph Smith said, "I would advise all the saints to go to with their might and gather together all their living relatives to the temple, that they may be sealed and saved, that they may be prepared against the day that the destroying angel goes forth..."

The Doctrine of salvation for the dead shows the greatness of God's wisdom and compassion. He has allowed a way for all His children to be saved, even those who have not had the opportunity to learn the gospel for themselves while in this life.

Presidency Message

Today Shelley Cluff, second counselor in the Cherry Glen ward Relief Society, taught our lesson and shared with us some ways that we can stand immovable in this turbulent world. We face many challenges each day and sometimes our toughest challenge comes in choosing not between good and evil but between good and better or best. We have to put our trust in the Lord and, through faith, know that He will guide us to do that which will be the best for us.

Some of the rocks that we can cling to are prayer, the scriptures, friends, family and the word of our living prophet. We don't have to face life's challenges alone. We can rely on friends and family and especially the Lord. He is always there for us to put his loving arms around us and guide us. We can't always see through the darkness ahead of us but we can put or hand into the darkness and He will take hold and pull us through.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thursday, Nov. 5 Learn how to make apples pies. Linda Hansen's home 7 PM bring mixing bowl and rolling pin.

Thursday, Nov 12 Book Club 7 PM at Margaret Williams' home.

Saturday, Nov 14 Ward Thanksgiving Dinner 5:30 PM

DI Truck at the Cherry Building Nov 25- Dec 9

Lesson Notes

Todays lesson was "Unselfish Service" from the April General Conference by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. Elder Oaks reminded us that "The Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interest in order to serve others."

"It is not easy to give up our personal priorities and desires." Elder Oaks reminded us. "Those who are caught up in trying to save their lives by seeking the praise of the world are actually rejecting the Savior's teaching that the only way to save our eternal life is to love one another and lose our lives in service."

"The values of the world wrongly teach that 'It's all about me'. That corrupting attitude produces no change and no growth. It is contrary to eternal progress toward the destiny God has identified in HIs great plan for His children. The plan of the gospel of Jesus Christ lifts us above our selfish desires and teaches us that this life is all about what we can become."

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Monday Oct 26: Mother's Group meeting at St. Elizabeth Park.

Friday Oct 30 Trunk or Treat 6:30 at the church

Lesson Notes

Our Lesson today was from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and was titled, "How Glorious Are Faithful, Just, and True Friends. The Prophet Joseph Smith was known for his genuine love and faithfulness as a friend. He signed many of his letters with expressions of love and once signed, "I am, as ever, your humble servant and never deviating friend, Joseph Smith." (D&C 128:25)

Susan Zaugg taught our lesson today and listed many characteristics of a true friend such as:

faithful, long-suffering, noble, true, kind, generous, tenderhearted, compassionate, able to keep a confidence, even-handed, exemplary, virtuous, never deviating, and sympathetic.

To quote from Joseph Smith, "That friendship which intelligent beings would accept as sincere must arise from love..." "Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of 'Mormonism'...It united the human family with its happy influence."

True friends ease one another's sorrows and remain faithful even in times of adversity.

Friendship dispells hatred and misunderstanding.

Saints of God are true friends to one another.

Many of Joseph Smiths so-called friends turned away from him when times were hard or troubled. One can understand why a true friend was so cherished by him.

Announcements:

Oct 24 Ward Temple trip 10 Am session

Oct 30 Halloween Activity "Trunk or Treat" 6:30 PM at the church

Lesson Notes

Today our lesson was entitled: Relief Society: Divine Organization of Women.

The Relief Society is organized under the direction and authority of the Priesthood. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "I will organize the women under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood...The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized."

Elder Willard Richards reported, "The [Female Relief Society] meeting was addressed by President Joseph Smith, to illustrate the object of the Society-that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor-searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants- to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the community."

The lesson emphasized three responsibilities of the Relief Society :

1. The Relief Society enables women to act according to their benevolent natures, giving care to those in need.

2. The Relief Society encourages women to practice holiness and to instruct one another.

3. The Relief Society encourages women to follow the example of the Savior in showing mercy and avoiding strife.

The Prophet said, "You are now placed in a situation in which you can act according to those sympathies which God has planted in your bosoms.

"Said, Jesus,' Ye shall do the work which ye see me do.' These are the grand key-words for the society to act upon."

As the Relief Society provides opportunities to give service it will help us to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Announcements

Sat. Oct 17 Learn how to be an 8 cow woman. 9AM to 12

Friday. Oct 30 Halloween activity and Trunk-or- Treat at the church 6:30 PM

Lesson Notes

Our lesson today was from the last General Conference address by President Uchtdorf entitled "The Way of the Disciple". President Uchtdorf said, "We live in a time when many...are concerned about the future and doubt their ability to resolve the challenges that confront them....

"...the world is not bashful in offering numerous new answers to every problem we face. People run from one new idea to the next, hoping to find something that will answer the burning questions of their souls.

"It's not that these worldly options don't contain elements of truth-many of them do. Nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives. After the excitement wears off, the hollowness remains as we look for the next new idea to unlock the secrets of happiness.

"In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems... It is not someone's theory of proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. and with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel - a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success.

We must become disciples of Jesus Christ. This takes patience and faith. "Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God's will rather than ours."

Our teacher Sister Chintaram challenges us to look at our lives and pick an area where we can better become a disciple of Christ. Only as we walk in the Savior's path will we find the true happiness and peace we are seeking.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Oct 3-4 General Conference

Oct 8 Book Club

Oct 17 Super Saturday Activity - Learn how to be an 8 cow woman.

Notes from Ward Conference

Sunday was our Ward Conference and we heard much good counsel from our stake leaders. Sister Stewart, our Stake Relief Society President reminded us of the importance of the

relief Society program and its origin in doing service and helping others. Sister Fields, 2nd counselor in the Stake Relief Society spoke of the importance of the family and making our homes a refuge from the world. I shared my thoughts on how to find peace in an increasingly troubled world.

Sister Kathleen Hughes of the General Relief Society stated "Life often feels like a great pile of obligations, frustrations, and disappointments. But the Lord is there, always the same, His arms still outstretched. When we feel overwhelmed, we have to remember the peace He has spoken to us on previous occasions. His peace brings comfort and strength; the world cannot give that to us." (Remembering the Lord's Love, Ensign Nov. 2006, 111-12)

How do we find peace?

The Lord gave us the answer. In D&C 19:23 He said, "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my spirit and you shall find peace in me,"

Peace found in our Savior will always sustain us through any of life's trials.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sat. Sept 26 General Relief Society Broadcast and dinner at the Commanche building 6 PM

Sat and Sun Oct. 3-4 General Conference

Notes from today's lesson

The Wentworth Letter. The Prophet, Joseph Smith was asked to write a brief account of his life and the church to be published in a history of Vermont. In answer, he wrote what has come to be known as the Wentworth Letter. In it he gave an account of "the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints," including the statements known as the Articles of Faith. He recounted his experience in the sacred grove when, in answer to his prayer, The Father and Son appeared to him. The Heavens were opened once again and God was calling a living prophet for this dispensation. What a glorious occasion. Through the power and gift from God he was able to translate the gold plates of the Book of Mormon and take the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. He wrote "Our missionaries are going forth to different nations,...the standard of truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.

He concluded the letter the a statement of the Articles of Faith.

Sister Winkelmen, our teacher, challenged us to know what we believe and be able to share it with others as we are called upon to do so. The 13 Articles of Faith are published at the end of the Pearl of Great Price. I believe that these were given to Joseph Smith by divine inspiration and in brief form give what we as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe. Study them and learn them.

You can read the Wentworth Letter in its entirety in the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Joseph Smith manual pages 438-446 or go to lds.org and search under Wentworth Letter.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Book Club will meet Thursday, Sept 17 at the home of Margaret Williams.

Sunday, Sept 20 will be our Ward Conference

Saturday Sept 26 - RS General Broadcast and dinner. 6 PM at the Comanche building.

Last Week

Sister Stevens taught for me last week while I was away for my first granddaughter's baby blessing. I thank her very much. I missed her lesson but she shared the handout with me and I will pass it on to you.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said in Ensign April 2005:

"No member of this church must ever forget the terrible price paid by our Redeemer, who gave His life that all men might live- The agony of Gethsemane, the bitter mocking of his trial, the vicious crown of thorns tearing at his flesh, the blood cry of the mob before Pilate, the lonely burden of the heavy walk along the way to Calvary, the terrifying pain as great nails pierced his hands and feet. We cannot forget it. We must never forget it for here our Savior, our Redeemer, the Son of God gave himself a vicarious sacrifice for each one of us."

What a powerful statement. We owe so much to our Savior for this great gift of His life that he gave for us.

Sister Stevens used the following scriptures. I urge each of us to study them and learn more about this great gift.

1. D&C 76:40-42

2. Genesis 3:15

3. Moses 5:5-8

4. Mosiah 18:19-20

5. 3 Nephi 11:1-17

6. D&C 19:16-18

7. Moroni 9:25

8. D&C 18:11

Is Life Fair?

Is life fair? That is the question that the Bishop asked us in our combined Relief Society/Priesthood meeting today. He went on the explain that from this life's perspective it may not seem fair but if we look at the eternal perspective this life is weighed in the balance of our eternal existence. The problems we face now might not seem fair to us but they are given us so that we will understand the importance of relying on Christ to help us overcome these problems. There must "needs be that there is an opposition in all things" (2 Nephi 2:11). The challenges we face in this life are different for each individual. The adversary know our weakness and will hit us where we are most vulnerable. Opposition is necessary for us to know for ourselves the difference between good and evil. We are also promised that "men are instructed sufficiently that they may know good from evil."...and "redemption cometh through the Holy Messiah for he is full of grace and truth" (2 Nephi 2:5-6) So what can we do when life is not fair? Put our trust in the Savior and rely on his mercy and grace to show us the way.

Adversity is the refiner's fire that bends iron but tempers steel.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sept 10 Ward Conference temple session 7:30 chapel at Oakland Temple

Sept 12 Annual Chicken Cook-off 11:00 AM at the church

Lesson Notes

Be Your Best Self. That is the instruction from President Monson at the last General Conference. He said "Although our journey through mortality will at times place us in harm's way, may I offer you...three suggestions which, when observed and followed, will lead us to safety. They are:

1. Study diligently

2. Pray fervently

3. Live righteously.

These suggestions are not new; they have been taughht and repeated again and again. If we incorporate them into our lives, however, we will have the strength to withstand the adversary. Should we ignore them, we will be opening the door for Satan to have influence and power over us."

Our teacher challenged us to consider how doing these things will make us:

Better daughters of our Heavenly Father

Better wives

Better mothers and

Better Sisters in Relief Society.

President Monson concluded with "Let us never despair, for the work in which we are engaged is the work of the Lord. It has been said, 'The Lord shapes the back to bear the burden placed upon it.'"

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Scripture Study Group meets every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at Linda Hansen's

Thurs. Aug 27 Cooking group meets at 7 p.m. at Linda Hansen's home

Sat. Aug 29 Ward temple trip 10 AM session

Thoughts from Stake Conference

This weekend was our Stake Conference and there was much good instruction given but one thing that President Green said touched me and I decided to expand on that today.  He pointed out that we are children of Abraham and part of the covenant he made with the Lord.  A covenant, rather than a contract as we think of it, is a covenant that God set the terms of and we either choose to accept or not.  When we were baptized we chose to accept the terms of the Abrahamic Covenant in which God promised Abraham that through his seed "all the kindred of the earth would be blessed".  What is our responsibility in this covenant?  It is to take the gospel to all the earth so that, through it,  all of our brothers and sisters will be blessed.  We are all God's children and we want to share this great message with them.  So, as President Green has stressed, Invite!  Invite everyone you know to hear to come to church and be able to feel the spirit so that they will be reminded of what they were taught in the pre-existence and when they hear it again it will be very familiar to them and they will welcome it.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our Wednesday scripture study group now is meeting at 10 a.m.  We are beginning a study of the Old Testament.  Come join us at Linda Hansen's home.

Thursday, August 27  Cooking group is meeting at Linda's house to make good stuff using our food storage. Come learn how to make tortillas with refried beans and apple cobbler using dried apples.

Lesson Notes

Today's lesson was "Charity, the Pure Love of Christ" from the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Joseph Smith.  Joseph Smith was a great example of charity towards all men.  There are many examples of times in his life when he has helped those in need, including giving up his own bed to care for the sick.  He said, "Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God.  A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race."

Our teacher, Vickie Hubner, challenged us to study the 45th verse of Moroni chapter 7 which defines charity thusly " And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and it is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  We should each work  to develop these Christ-like attributes of charity.  

We express charity through simple acts of service and kindness.  The prophet Joseph expressed concern about "the contraction of affectionate feelings... in the world".  In contrast he said that we should "enlarge [our] souls towards each other"  and let [our] hearts expand, let them be enlarged towards others."  

"Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God.  A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race."

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Tuesday, Aug 11 join us for a fun enrichment activity.  We will put the school kits together and after the kits are assembled, we will enjoy lite refreshments and share ideas for creative (or at least easy) school lunches.  Learn how to pack a brown bag lunch that won't be traded.

Thursday, Aug 13  Book Club at Margaret Williams' home.  We will discuss the book, "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency".  check the book club blog for info.

Stake Conference next weekend.

Thursday, August 27  Cooking group will meet to learn some ways to use our food storage.  We will make flour tortillas to go with the refried beans and apple cobbler made from the dried apples.  Don't miss this yummy night.

Lesson Notes

Shelley Cluff taught today's lesson on the different ways that we can give service.  As we serve in our Church callings, our families, our communities, in the temple and by giving compassionate service we not only help and strengthen others but we also are strengthened.  We grow spiritually as we render service.  It is also important that we receive service from others.  Sometimes this is the harder thing.  It is easier for most people to give than receive service.  Sweet relationships are developed as we serve one another.  It is true that we love those we serve.

Announcements:

Thank you to everyone for bringing school supplies.  We will have an enrichment activity on Aug. 11th at 7 p.m. at the church to put the kits together and enjoy a fun evening together.

Aug 13 Book Club at Margaret and Marilyn William's house.  check the book club blog for information.

Aug 15-16 Stake Conference

Aug 29 Ward Temple trip   10 a.m. session

Thoughts of Today

My thoughts have been on our heritage and the legacy left us by our fathers and mothers that came before us and paved the way for us.  But what is the legacy that we are leaving for those that come after us?   Will my descendants look back on my life with pride and admiration?  Am I doing my part to further the work or am I content to just hold the line?  What will the family histories and stories have to say about me?

Lesson Notes

Our lesson today was a talk given by Elder Russell M. Nelson from the last General Conference entitled "Lessons from the Lord's Prayer".  Elder Nelson reminded us of the importance of prayer when he said, "When should we pray?  Whenever we desire!  Alma taught, 'Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good...'  Jesus reminded his disciples 'that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.'"

Elder Nelson taught that we can enhance our prayers by:

1.  fasting.  The Lord has said, 'I give unto you a commandment that you shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth.'

2.  Use the 'right words'.  We use special pronouns in reference to deity.  We have been asked to protect the formal, proper language of prayer.  In our prayers we use the respectful pronouns Thee, Thou, Thy and Thine instead of You, Your and Yours.  Doing so helps us be humble.

"Prayer begins with individual initiative.  'Behold,' saith the Lord, 'I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me.'  That door is opened when we pray to our Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ."

My Thoughts

In July our thoughts turn to the past and those who paved the way for the restoration of the gospel, first by their brave act of making this country free through fighting the Revolutionary War and second by those of the early church who fought against persecution and were driven from place to place until they could settle in the far west where they could be free to worship.

I think it is important that we remember the sacrifice of these good people.  They paved the way for us.  We also remember and see the hand of the Lord in these events.  He is the creator of this earth and He still watches over us.   He is in control   Let us remember and show gratitude for those who went before us.  We can show gratitude by following in their footsteps and carrying their work forward.

Lesson Notes

Today we discussed the importance of temples and receiving the Ordinances and Blessings of the Temple.    The temple is a place where God can "reveal unto His people the ordinances of His house and the glories of His kingdom, and teach the people the way of salvation.

In April 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith said "The Church is not fully organized, in its proper order, and cannot be until the Temple is completed, where places will be provided for the administration of the ordinances of the Priesthood."  

In the temple, we learn the things of eternity and receive ordinances of salvation for ourselves and our ancestors.  The Lord started gathering His people for the purpose of receiving the ordinances, the blessings, and the glories that God has in store for His Saints.  He wants all of His children to receive these blessings and the power of the Spirit we can receive by attending the temple.

Announcements:

We are gathering school supplies of colored pencils, erasers, rulers and safety scissors to make school kits for those in need.  Items should be brought to Relief Society by Aug. 9

Aug 13  Book Club

Lesson Notes

Redemption for the Dead
In January 1836, many years after his brother Alvin's death, and before Joseph had even obtained the plates of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith received a vision of the celestial kingdom. Joseph "marveled how it was that [Alvin] had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins" (D&C 137:6). The voice of the Lord then came to Joseph, declaring:
"All who died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts." (D&C 137:7-9)

The Savior, Jesus Christ, offers the opportunity for forgiveness and deliverance to both the living and the dead. 1 Peter 3:19-20 tells of the Savior visiting the spirits in prison after his death. What did he preach to them? They they were to stay there? Certainly not! Christ said "He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives..." Isaiah testified that Christ came "To bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness from the prison house."

It is our duty and privilege to be baptized and confirmed for those who have died without the gospel. "And now the purposes of God are hastening to their accomplishment, and the things spoken of in the Prophets are fulfilling, as the kingdom of God is established on the earth, and the ancient order of things restored, the Lord has manifested to us this duty and privelege, and we are commanded to be baptized for our dead, thus fulfilling the words of Obadiah, 'And saviors shall come upon Mount Zion to judge the remnant of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord's,'"


Announcements:

July 18 Stake Pioneer Commemoration at the Stake Center Activities will be going on all day.

Nobility in Motherhood and Joy in Womanhood

Part of the Relief Society Declaration states that "We are women... who find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood." We live in a time of great opportunity for women.  We can have much influence on the world around us, particularly the youth.  We can use the nurturing instincts that our Heavenly Father gave us to help the world around us and to further His work.

Mary Ellen Smoot, former Relief Society General President said, "Each of us has a vital role, even a sacred mission to perform as a daughter in Zion...It is our destiny to rejoice as we fill the earth with greater kindness and gentleness, greater love and compassion, greater sympathy and empathy than have ever been known before.  It is time to give ourselves to the Master and allow Him to lead us into fruitful fields where we can enrich a world filled with darkness and misery." (Rejoice, Daughter of Zion,"  Ensign, Nov. 1994, 94)

"I suggest that you...humbly ask the Lord what he would have you do and why you are uniquely suited to serve.  Ask yourself  questions like these:   'What can I contribute?'  'Why was I chosen to be the mother of these children?'  'What can I do to strengthen  [others]? and so forth.  We each have a purpose and reason for being.  Every sister has a thread to weave in the tapestry of time.  Discover your thread and begin to weave." (Relief Society, The Possible Dream [address delivers at the 1998 Brigham Young University women's conference.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Book Club meets this Thursday, July 9 at Margaret Williams' home at 7 p.m.  We are discussing the book "The Little Prince"

Friday, July 10  Ward Temple Trip  7 p.m. session

The temple is closed for cleaning July 13 through July 26.

The Stake is holding a Pioneer  celebration on Saturday, July 18.  Check with Clayton Bolz for more information.

Adversity

Vinna Chintaram taught today from President Eyring's talk in General Conference titled "Adversity".   Even  when you feel the truth of the Savior's capacity and kindness to deliver you in your trials, it may still test your courage and strength to endure.  The Prophet Joseph Smith cried out in agony in a dungeon: 

"O God, where art thou?  And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?

the Lord's reply can encourage us all in times of darkness, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thy adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment:

"And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high;  thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."

Sister Chintaram taught that there are two paths through adversity:

Adversity -----  anger ---  feelings of injustice ----- losing faith in God

OR

Adversity ----  infinite love of the Savior ---  accepting His will --- eternal life

The difference is our own ego or having the humility to trust in the Lord and rely on his help and the power of the atonement to see us through difficulties.

President Eyring said, " With all the differences in our lives, we have at least one challenge in common.  We all must deal with adversity..." 

"I testify that the Savior lives... and I know from my own experience that He can and will give us strength to rise through every trial..."

Announcements:

DI truck at the church now through July 8  for donations.

Saturday, July 4  Flag raising and breakfast.  8 a.m.  at the Church

Thursday, July 9  Book Club meets at 7 p.m. at the Williams' home.  We will be discussing the book "The Little Prince" by Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Friday, July 10  Ward Temple Trip  7 p.m. session

Temple will be closed for cleaning July 13-26

The Power of Forgiving

In his effort to forgive others, the prophet Joseph Smith spoke of his desire to "copy the example" of Heavenly Father and live "according to the sublime and perfect pattern of the Savior."

"One of the most pleasing scenes that can occur on earth, when a sin has been committed by one person against another, is , to that sin; and then according to the sublime and perfect pattern of the Savior, pray to our Father in heaven to forgive [the sinner] also."

"Ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent or ask forgiveness, our heavenly Father would be equally as merciful to us."

The prophet gave the following counsel about forgiving others.

"Bear and forbear one with another, for so the Lord does with us."  "Be merciful and you shall find mercy."  "Seek to help save souls, not to destroy them."  "We must be merciful to one another, and overlook small things."

Thanks to our new teacher Sonja Johnson for a great lesson today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Di truck at the Cherry Building June 24-July 8  Special needs right now are clothing, shoes, winter coats and books.

Cooking group meets this Thursday, June 25 at 7 PM at the Warden's home.  We will be learning bread baking.

Mother's Group meeting this Friday, June 26 at Lincoln Glen Park at 10:30 AM

The Relief Society lesson Sunday was "The Spiritual Gifts of Healing, Tongues, Prophecy, and Discerning of Spirits.

 from the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy."

"The sick may be healed through faith and the exercise of priesthood power, according to the lord's will."

"The purpose of the gift of tongues is to teach the gospel to others."

"Though only one man speaks as the prophet of the Church, the spirit of prophecy enables all to testify of Jesus Christ."

"The gift of discerning of spirits allows the faithful to distinguish between the influence of good and evil spirits."

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Saturday, June 20th  Stake Temple Trip  2:30 p.m. chapel

Thursday, June 25th  Cooking night.  Demonstration of bread baking with Travis Thomas at the Warden's home.

DI truck at the Cherry building, June 24- July 8

Elder Robert D. Hales stated "Strengthening families is our sacred duty as parents, children, extended family members, leaders, teachers and individual members of the Church." (Ensign, May 1999)  The key to strengthening families is having the Spirit of the Lord come into our homes.  We should center our lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Those who are married should consider their union as their most cherished earthly relationship.  A spouse is the only person other than the Lord whom we have been commanded to love with all our heart.  "Thou shalt love they wife [husband] with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her [him] and none else."  (see D&C 42:22)  The phrase "none else" teaches that no person, activity, or possession should ever take precedence over the marriage relationship.

Each member of the family is strengthened as we lift and strengthen and love and care for one another.

Announcements

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Oris Perry.  We will miss him.  Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, June 12th at 11 a.m. at the Church.

Stake Temple trip, Saturday June 20th.  2:30 Chapel session.

DI truck will be at the Cherry Building from June 24 through July 8

Welcome

Welcome to the Cherry Glen Relief Society blog.  This was created with the intent to keep all the sisters in the ward updated on the happenings in Relief Society.  Look here for information about upcoming activities as well as lesson schedule, announcements and general information about Relief Society.