This lesson was based on Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk titled, LDS Women Are Incredible, given at General Conference this past April and was taught by Sister Valerie Cleverly.
Sister Cleverly asked each of us to raise our hands if we had negative thoughts about ourselves. She then asked us to do the same for positive thoughts. It was interesting to note that hands went up more quickly for negative thoughts than for positive.
It is important for us to celebrate the good things about ourselves. Sister Cleverly shared Elder Cook's story about the young woman's purse that was found by her YW leaders. She asked us what was in our purses and had sisters share the things they found in their purses that showed something positive about themselves. It was delightful to see what was shared.
She shared this thought from Elder Cook, "Our women are not incredible because they have managed to avoid the difficulties of life—quite the opposite. They are incredible because of the way they face the trials of life. Despite the challenges and tests life has to offer—from marriage or lack of marriage, children’s choices, poor health, lack of opportunities, and many other problems—they remain remarkably strong and immovable and true to the faith."
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Spiritual Preparedness
With the Boise Temple closing for renovations and the Meridian Temple not yet under construction, we have a trek of our own to make 2 hours east to the Twin Falls temple.
We have an opportunity to sacrifice to attend the house of the Lord.
Do what it takes to qualify for a recommend.
Do what it takes to use that recommend and attend the temple.
If we commit ourselves, we will be blessed.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Missionary Work - RS Lesson, May 22, 2011
What if you had something you really liked (like the gospel) that was a great blessing in your life. Wouldn't that be really stingy of you to not share it with your neighbor?
We talked about how missionary work has been an essential part of the gospel since the days of Adam, who first taught the gospel to his children and then as they became more numerous, missionary work was necessary. After the Savior established His church, missionary work was necessary to take the gospel first to the Jews and then, after His death, to the Gentiles. When the gospel was restored through Joseph Smith, one of the first things he did, under the direction of Jesus Christ, was to send out missionaries to many parts of the world.
We have been told in the scriptures that the gospel must be taken to all of Father's children in all parts of the world before He comes again. As we see the increased uses of technology in the world and in the Church, we can see how all people, everywhere, are being prepared to receive the gospel. We talked about how we can personally take part in that preparation by sharing our testimonies and personal experiences in the gospel with our friends and also people we don't know via the social media, Mormon Messages, the Church's web sites, etc.
But in the end, the prophets have told us that people list as the number one reason they become interested in the Church is that they have a personal relationship with someone who is a member living their religion. We have something many people in the world are looking for. If they are kept from the truth only because they know not where to find it, then it is our responsibility to show them where it is.
Girls Camp Humanitation Project...Please help.
The Young Women in the Nampa East Stake are in need of "bling" for a service project they are doing at Girl's Camp next month. Last year we decorated baseball hats for the Shriner's Hospital in Salt Lake. We used buttons, beads, gems, fabric paint, ribbon, etc. Our efforts were so appreciated that they have requested that we do it again.
If you have any "bling" you would like to donate, please contact Margo Kelly, our Ward Camp Director or Sara Otto from the2nd Ward. Sister Otto will pick up donations if necessary, or you can give them to your Sister Kelly..
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Lords Law of Health - RS Lesson, March 13, 2011
This lesson was about the Lord's Law of Health, Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, by Sister Pam Bitsch who provided this summary.
We started out by reviewing the history of this section as told by Pres. Ezra Taft Benson in April conference 1983. The brethren came from miles around to attend the "School of the Prophets" where Joseph Smith instructed them in things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. In the absence of a temple, the meetings were held in a room in the home of Bishop Newel K. Whitney. After breakfast, the brethren would meet together in this room where they would light up their pipes and smoke while discussing the gospel. Then when the pipes had gone out, they would take a large chew of tobacco. The Prophet would find himself in a large cloud of smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean the floor, led him to inquire of the Lord relating to this and the Lord gave him the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom.
We went on the talk about this being a "principle" and not a hard and fast set of rules. Yes, many things are spelled out as to what we should put into our bodies and should not, but not everything is listed. How could it be? We need to be in touch with the Spirit and think about the principle of this revelation and relate it to the things we eat. Science, in our day, has borne out the proof of the things which Joseph Smith received. In his time, no one would have guessed that smoking or chewing tobacco or drinking tea and coffee could be bad for your health. The Word of Wisdom does not specifically say "tea and coffee", but not to use "hot drinks". Brigham Young said that hot drinks referenced tea and coffee -- and those were the drinks of that day. Sometimes today we will see studies saying that drinking tea and coffee are good for one. But we should know that following the Lord's counsel will always lead us to the best thing and not following the counsel of man. It also does not say to not use caffeine, but science in our day has shown us that caffeine has many bad side effects, too. There must be wisdom in the things we partake of. God gave us a body to house our spirits. It becomes a temple for our spirits and we need to care for it the best we can. Another thing Brigham Young commented about was resting to renew our strength and not to try to do "two days work in one" by using stimulants and drugs to keep ourselves going when we are tired.
We made a point of looking at the promises associated with keeping the Word of Wisdom, "to run and not be weary and to walk and not faint" and to have "great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures" made available to us. These are certainly wonderful promises and something we should all be striving to obtain.
I am so grateful to know that I have a Heavenly Father who cares about me so much that He even has revealed things that help me keep my body healthy. It is so hard to increase one's spirituality when you don't feel good so I know that God is helping us have the ability to have our good health and a healthy spirit work together for our good.
We started out by reviewing the history of this section as told by Pres. Ezra Taft Benson in April conference 1983. The brethren came from miles around to attend the "School of the Prophets" where Joseph Smith instructed them in things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. In the absence of a temple, the meetings were held in a room in the home of Bishop Newel K. Whitney. After breakfast, the brethren would meet together in this room where they would light up their pipes and smoke while discussing the gospel. Then when the pipes had gone out, they would take a large chew of tobacco. The Prophet would find himself in a large cloud of smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean the floor, led him to inquire of the Lord relating to this and the Lord gave him the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom.
We went on the talk about this being a "principle" and not a hard and fast set of rules. Yes, many things are spelled out as to what we should put into our bodies and should not, but not everything is listed. How could it be? We need to be in touch with the Spirit and think about the principle of this revelation and relate it to the things we eat. Science, in our day, has borne out the proof of the things which Joseph Smith received. In his time, no one would have guessed that smoking or chewing tobacco or drinking tea and coffee could be bad for your health. The Word of Wisdom does not specifically say "tea and coffee", but not to use "hot drinks". Brigham Young said that hot drinks referenced tea and coffee -- and those were the drinks of that day. Sometimes today we will see studies saying that drinking tea and coffee are good for one. But we should know that following the Lord's counsel will always lead us to the best thing and not following the counsel of man. It also does not say to not use caffeine, but science in our day has shown us that caffeine has many bad side effects, too. There must be wisdom in the things we partake of. God gave us a body to house our spirits. It becomes a temple for our spirits and we need to care for it the best we can. Another thing Brigham Young commented about was resting to renew our strength and not to try to do "two days work in one" by using stimulants and drugs to keep ourselves going when we are tired.
We made a point of looking at the promises associated with keeping the Word of Wisdom, "to run and not be weary and to walk and not faint" and to have "great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures" made available to us. These are certainly wonderful promises and something we should all be striving to obtain.
I am so grateful to know that I have a Heavenly Father who cares about me so much that He even has revealed things that help me keep my body healthy. It is so hard to increase one's spirituality when you don't feel good so I know that God is helping us have the ability to have our good health and a healthy spirit work together for our good.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Of Things that Matter Most - RS Lesson, March 6, 2011
Sister Christine Breshears gave the lesson taken from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's General Conference talk of October, 2010 titled, Of Things that Matter Most.
President Uchtodorf reminds us that "when stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be". How many of us judge our self worth as a mother, wife, grandmother, etc. by the length of our TO DO list? The wise "resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life".
How can we stay focused on what matter most?
Elder Oaks gave a wonderful talk several years where he taught us that "we have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best". Remember this Good, Better, and Best talk? When we have decisions to make regarding how to spend our time and efforts, we can ask ourselves "What is the best use of my time?" Again President Uchtdorf reminds us that we "would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most". All of our circumstances are different, we need to evaluate ourselves (not the woman next to us) and decide what Heavenly Father expects of us.
So what are the Basics?
President Uchtdorf tells us that four key relationships are the basics of things that matter most. As we improve one relationship, the other relationships are strengthened.
1) Relationship with Heavenly Father - This relationship is nourished as we learn of Him and of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we keep His commandments, pray daily, study the scriptures, attend the temple, and spend meaningful time alone with Him our relationship with Him is strengthened.
2) Relationship with our Families - This bond is strengthened as we spend time together by doing simple things - family dinner, family home evening, etc. These are activities that don't require money as we are giving of our time. In fact President Uchtdorf says that love within a family is spelled T-I-M-E. He tells us that spending time together is the "key for harmony at home". Sounds like a great promise to me!
3) Relationship with our Fellowman - we develop relationships with others one person at a time. As we share our time and talents with others, we develop lasting relationships with those in our ward and neighborhoods. Visiting teaching provides us the opportunity to develop new relationships. We may find missionary opportunities also as we reach out to those around us.
4) Relationship with Ourselves - We need to remember that we our children of a Heavenly Father and we are of divine worth to Him. Let us focus on our strengths and not criticize and belittle ourselves.
One final reminder by President Uchtdorf " If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."
President Uchtodorf reminds us that "when stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be". How many of us judge our self worth as a mother, wife, grandmother, etc. by the length of our TO DO list? The wise "resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life".
How can we stay focused on what matter most?
Elder Oaks gave a wonderful talk several years where he taught us that "we have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best". Remember this Good, Better, and Best talk? When we have decisions to make regarding how to spend our time and efforts, we can ask ourselves "What is the best use of my time?" Again President Uchtdorf reminds us that we "would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most". All of our circumstances are different, we need to evaluate ourselves (not the woman next to us) and decide what Heavenly Father expects of us.
So what are the Basics?
President Uchtdorf tells us that four key relationships are the basics of things that matter most. As we improve one relationship, the other relationships are strengthened.
1) Relationship with Heavenly Father - This relationship is nourished as we learn of Him and of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we keep His commandments, pray daily, study the scriptures, attend the temple, and spend meaningful time alone with Him our relationship with Him is strengthened.
2) Relationship with our Families - This bond is strengthened as we spend time together by doing simple things - family dinner, family home evening, etc. These are activities that don't require money as we are giving of our time. In fact President Uchtdorf says that love within a family is spelled T-I-M-E. He tells us that spending time together is the "key for harmony at home". Sounds like a great promise to me!
3) Relationship with our Fellowman - we develop relationships with others one person at a time. As we share our time and talents with others, we develop lasting relationships with those in our ward and neighborhoods. Visiting teaching provides us the opportunity to develop new relationships. We may find missionary opportunities also as we reach out to those around us.
4) Relationship with Ourselves - We need to remember that we our children of a Heavenly Father and we are of divine worth to Him. Let us focus on our strengths and not criticize and belittle ourselves.
One final reminder by President Uchtdorf " If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."
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