Sister Smith taught our lesson today. It was taken from Elder Renlunds talk in the November 2009 Ensign entitled: "Preserving the Hearts Mighty Change".
Elder Renlund compares the physical care which must be taken to make sure a heart transplant is not rejected to the spiritual care which must be taken to keep our "mighty change of heart" in place and not suffer rejection. "Surprisingly, some patients become casual with their transplanted hearts. They skip their medicines here and there and obtain the needed follow-up less frequently than they should. They think that because they feel good, all is well. Too often this shortsighted attitude puts the patients at risk and shortens their lives."
"Just as with heart transplant patients, however, this mighty change of our spiritual hearts is just the beginning. Repentance, baptism, and confirmation are necessary but not sufficient. Indeed, equal, if not greater, care must be taken with a spiritually changed heart than with a physically transplanted heart if we are to endure to the end. Only by doing so can we be held guiltless at the time of judgment."
"Enduring to the end can be challenging because the tendency of the natural man is to reject the spiritually changed heart and allow it to harden. No wonder the Lord cautioned to “even let those who are sanctified take heed.”5
Alma poses some questions that will help us reflect on our own "changed hearts":
“If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?”8 He further asks if they have been sufficiently humble, free of pride and envy, and kind toward their fellowman.9 By honestly answering questions like these, we can correct early deviations from the strait and narrow path and keep our covenants with exactness.
We need to learn to endure to the end, we can receive the strength we need through:
- praying
- studying the scriptures
- partaking of the sacrament each week
- having the Holy Ghost as our constant companion
- actively help and serve others
- share the gospel with others
- be perfectly upright and honest in all things
- never compromise our covenants with God or our commitments to men
- "we need to frequently biopsy our mightily changed hearts and reverse any signs of early
rejection".
Announcements:
-Tues, March 16: Relief Society Birthday Celebration @ 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served and nursery will be provided. Please bring something that represents what Relief Society means to you, or something that you learned from Relief Society.
-Book Club: Funny in Farsi, by- Firoozeh Dumas on March 30, 7:00 p.m. @ Sister Olpin's house.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Quote of the Week
I thought that this quote by Dallin H. Oaks went along well with our lesson last week:
"As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough, that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all."
"Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, "Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom' (D&C 88:118)." "Good, Better, Best," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 104-105
"As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough, that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all."
"Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, "Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom' (D&C 88:118)." "Good, Better, Best," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 104-105
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sister Spotlight
Our spotlight sister is Emily Williams.
Emily was born at LDS Hospital and grew up in Kearns, UT. She has 1 brother and 4 sisters, and is the 2nd youngest in her family. Emily and Travis have a little girl named Shalece & a baby on the way which is due in August.
Emily has lived in Salt Lake, Logan, & West Jordan, UT. Her favorite colors are pink & blue and loves to eat Italian or Chinese food. Her favorite things to do are spend time with her family, play soccer, go running, read, & loves her job as a High School Health teacher and girl's basketball coach.
Something you may not know about Emily is that she loves to arrange flowers for all occasions. Someday she would like to write an inspirational or children's book. Emily has held callings in Relief Society, Young Women, Sunday School, and Primary, her favorites include teaching both young women, & primary. She is currently serving as the Sunbeam teacher with her husband Travis.
Emily was born at LDS Hospital and grew up in Kearns, UT. She has 1 brother and 4 sisters, and is the 2nd youngest in her family. Emily and Travis have a little girl named Shalece & a baby on the way which is due in August. Emily has lived in Salt Lake, Logan, & West Jordan, UT. Her favorite colors are pink & blue and loves to eat Italian or Chinese food. Her favorite things to do are spend time with her family, play soccer, go running, read, & loves her job as a High School Health teacher and girl's basketball coach.
Something you may not know about Emily is that she loves to arrange flowers for all occasions. Someday she would like to write an inspirational or children's book. Emily has held callings in Relief Society, Young Women, Sunday School, and Primary, her favorites include teaching both young women, & primary. She is currently serving as the Sunbeam teacher with her husband Travis.
March Book Club
Join us in March for our next bookclub at Sister Olpin's house. We will be reading:
Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America," by Firoozeh Dumas, begins with 7-year old Firoozeh and her family moving from Abadan, Iran to the strange new land of Whittier, California. From there the story moves back and forth in time, covering the narrator's childhood in Iran, her adulthood and marriage, and more.
This is a wonderful book that made me laugh at loud at times. But it's also touching and inspirational. Dumas' narrative follows a colorful and likable cast of characters, most notably her father Kazem: a hardworking engineer determined to live his own version of the American dream. Dumas' prose is clear, engaging, and quite witty. She writes with a contagious affection for her Iranian culture, the United States, and her family.
Although the book is often very humorous, Dumas also effectively covers some serious topics--the language barrier, religious controversy, female body image, the impact of the Iranian hostage crisis, etc. And along the way we get a spicy taste of Iranian culture and tradition. Overall, this is a superb addition to the canon of literature that explores the rich and complex topic of ethnicity in the U.S; it's a book well suited for college courses, reading groups, and individual pleasure reading.
Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America," by Firoozeh Dumas, begins with 7-year old Firoozeh and her family moving from Abadan, Iran to the strange new land of Whittier, California. From there the story moves back and forth in time, covering the narrator's childhood in Iran, her adulthood and marriage, and more.
This is a wonderful book that made me laugh at loud at times. But it's also touching and inspirational. Dumas' narrative follows a colorful and likable cast of characters, most notably her father Kazem: a hardworking engineer determined to live his own version of the American dream. Dumas' prose is clear, engaging, and quite witty. She writes with a contagious affection for her Iranian culture, the United States, and her family.
Although the book is often very humorous, Dumas also effectively covers some serious topics--the language barrier, religious controversy, female body image, the impact of the Iranian hostage crisis, etc. And along the way we get a spicy taste of Iranian culture and tradition. Overall, this is a superb addition to the canon of literature that explores the rich and complex topic of ethnicity in the U.S; it's a book well suited for college courses, reading groups, and individual pleasure reading.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday Happenings
We want to welcome our new teacher Sister Hansen. She taught her first lesson today and did a wonderful job. Our lesson was from chapter 4 in the Gospel Principles manual entitled "Freedom to Choose" .
Lesson Highlights:
Agency is an Eternal Principle:
*If someone asked you why it is important to have agency, what would you say?
"In our premortal life we had moral agency. One purpose of earth life is to show what choices we will make (see 2 Nephi 2:15–16). If we were forced to choose the right, we would not be able to show what we would choose for ourselves. Also, we are happier doing things when we have made our own choices."
Agency is a Necessary Part of the Plan of Salvation:
"Agency makes our life on earth a period of testing. When planning the mortal creation of His children, God said, “We will prove [test] them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:25). Without the gift of agency, we would have been unable to show our Heavenly Father whether we would do all that He commanded us. Because we are able to choose, we are responsible for our actions (see Helaman 14:30–31).
When we choose to live according to God’s plan for us, our agency is strengthened. Right choices increase our power to make more right choices.
As we obey each of our Father’s commandments, we grow in wisdom and strength of character. Our faith increases. We find it easier to make right choices."
*How does this increase our wisdom & faith?
Agency Requires That There Be a Choice:
"When we follow the temptations of Satan, we limit our choices. The following example suggests how this works. Imagine seeing a sign on the seashore that reads: “Danger—whirlpool. No swimming allowed here.” We might think that is a restriction. But is it? We still have many choices. We are free to swim somewhere else. We are free to walk along the beach and pick up seashells. We are free to watch the sunset. We are free to go home. We are also free to ignore the sign and swim in the dangerous place. But once the whirlpool has us in its grasp and we are pulled under, we have very few choices. We can try to escape, or we can call for help, but we may drown."
*Do the commandments give us more restrictions?
*Sister Hansen used the example of holding a dollar bill behind her back and having a sister pick which hand it was in. Then she held out both hands, one with the dollar bill in it and asked the sister to choose a hand, she of course chose the hand with the dollar. Sister Hansen asked what is the difference between picking & choosing and how does that relate to our agency? Heavenly Father doesn't ask us to make blind guesses! We are able to choose fully knowing the consequences or blessings. We have many resources to teach us about these consequences:
Lesson Highlights:
Agency is an Eternal Principle:
*If someone asked you why it is important to have agency, what would you say?
"In our premortal life we had moral agency. One purpose of earth life is to show what choices we will make (see 2 Nephi 2:15–16). If we were forced to choose the right, we would not be able to show what we would choose for ourselves. Also, we are happier doing things when we have made our own choices."
Agency is a Necessary Part of the Plan of Salvation:
"Agency makes our life on earth a period of testing. When planning the mortal creation of His children, God said, “We will prove [test] them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:25). Without the gift of agency, we would have been unable to show our Heavenly Father whether we would do all that He commanded us. Because we are able to choose, we are responsible for our actions (see Helaman 14:30–31).
When we choose to live according to God’s plan for us, our agency is strengthened. Right choices increase our power to make more right choices.
As we obey each of our Father’s commandments, we grow in wisdom and strength of character. Our faith increases. We find it easier to make right choices."
*How does this increase our wisdom & faith?
Agency Requires That There Be a Choice:
"When we follow the temptations of Satan, we limit our choices. The following example suggests how this works. Imagine seeing a sign on the seashore that reads: “Danger—whirlpool. No swimming allowed here.” We might think that is a restriction. But is it? We still have many choices. We are free to swim somewhere else. We are free to walk along the beach and pick up seashells. We are free to watch the sunset. We are free to go home. We are also free to ignore the sign and swim in the dangerous place. But once the whirlpool has us in its grasp and we are pulled under, we have very few choices. We can try to escape, or we can call for help, but we may drown."
*Do the commandments give us more restrictions?
*Sister Hansen used the example of holding a dollar bill behind her back and having a sister pick which hand it was in. Then she held out both hands, one with the dollar bill in it and asked the sister to choose a hand, she of course chose the hand with the dollar. Sister Hansen asked what is the difference between picking & choosing and how does that relate to our agency? Heavenly Father doesn't ask us to make blind guesses! We are able to choose fully knowing the consequences or blessings. We have many resources to teach us about these consequences:
- Scriptures
- Living Prophets
- Proclamation to the Family
- PRAYER
- family & friends
- The past: we are doomed to repeat the past if we don't learn from it
Announcements:
*Congratulations to Sister Rasmussen & Sister Hart, they both had had baby boys this past week. Both mom's & babies are doing well.
*Next Sunday will be the last day to donate items for Sister Allen's humanitarian trip. Please see the complete list of items needed on the right hand side of this blog.
*Mark your calendars for our next Relief Society Meeting: Tues, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. We will be celebrating the birthday of Relief Society and having dinner. Please join us for a fun evening!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Quote of the Week
"We women have a lot to learn about simpifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are." -Marjorie Pay Hinckley
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Stake Relief Society Fireside
Tomorrow night, Feb. 18 at the Stake Center. "I Love to See the Temple"- President and Matron of the Jordan River Temple will be speaking.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Book Club Reminder
In the mood to find a good book to read? Join us for Book Club tomorrow Feb. 16- 7:00 p.m. at Sister Eyre's house. We'll review "Shattered Silence" and choose the book for the next book club. Everyone is welcome even if you didn't get the book read.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday Happenings
Today Sister Murphy taught the lesson from chapter 3 in the Gospel Principles manual entitled: Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior.
Thoughts & questions from lesson:
A Savior and Leader Was Needed
*Why did we need to leave Heavenly Father's presence? Why do we need a Savior?
"We understood we would have to leave our heavenly home for a time. We would not live in the presence of our Heavenly Father. While we were away from Him, all of us would sin and some of us would lose our way. Our Heavenly Father knew and loved each one of us. He knew we would need help, so He planned a way to help us.
We needed a Savior to pay for our sins and teach us how to return to our Heavenly Father. Our Father said, "Whom shall I send?" (Abraham 3:27). Jesus Christ, who was called Jehovah, said, "Here am I, send me" (Moses 4:1-4).
Our growth was dependent on leaving the presence of Heavenly Father. If we had remained in his presence we would never have sinned or known the diversity of feelings that lead to change and growth.
Jesus Christ Became Our Chosen Leader and Savior
What feelings do you have for the Savior?
"Jesus Christ was chosen and foreordained to be our Savior. Many scriptures tell about this (see, 1 Peter 1:19-20). One scripture tells us that long before Jesus was born, He appeared to a Book of Mormon prophet known as the brother of Jared and said: "Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ.... In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name" (Ether 3:14).
The War in Heaven
"Because our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior, Satan became angry and rebelled. There was war in heaven. Satan and his followers fought against Jesus Christ and His followers. The Savior’s followers “overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).
In this great rebellion, Satan and all the spirits who followed him were sent away from the presence of God and cast down from heaven. A third part of the hosts of heaven were punished for following Satan (see D&C 29:36). They were denied the right to receive mortal bodies".
In what ways does the War in Heaven continue today?
We have the Savior's Teachings to Follow
"By following His teachings, we can inherit a place in the celestial kingdom. He did His part to help us return to our heavenly home. It is now up to each of us to do our part and become worthy of exaltation".
He has done his part, it is now up to us to do our part. We must follow his commandments and be willing to share his plan with others. You never know when someone has been prepared and is waiting to hear about this plan that can bring so much peace and happiness into their life.
Announcements:
Book Club: Tues, Feb. 16- 7:00 p.m. at Sister Eyre's house, reading the book Shattered Silence. Everyone is welcome even if you didn't get the book read. You can help pick the next book.
Stake Relief Society Fireside: "I Love to See the Temple"- President and Matron of the Jordan River Temple will be speaking. Feb. 18. at the Stake Center.
Sister Webb would like to babysit for employment . Newborn-1year old preferred.
Elder's Quorum Temple Night: Fri. Feb. 26- 7:00 p.m. (be in chapel by 6:40 p.m.), they are also meeting in the cafeteria at 6:00 p.m. to eat dinner.
Thoughts & questions from lesson:
A Savior and Leader Was Needed
*Why did we need to leave Heavenly Father's presence? Why do we need a Savior?
"We understood we would have to leave our heavenly home for a time. We would not live in the presence of our Heavenly Father. While we were away from Him, all of us would sin and some of us would lose our way. Our Heavenly Father knew and loved each one of us. He knew we would need help, so He planned a way to help us.
We needed a Savior to pay for our sins and teach us how to return to our Heavenly Father. Our Father said, "Whom shall I send?" (Abraham 3:27). Jesus Christ, who was called Jehovah, said, "Here am I, send me" (Moses 4:1-4).
Our growth was dependent on leaving the presence of Heavenly Father. If we had remained in his presence we would never have sinned or known the diversity of feelings that lead to change and growth.
Jesus Christ Became Our Chosen Leader and Savior
What feelings do you have for the Savior?
"Jesus Christ was chosen and foreordained to be our Savior. Many scriptures tell about this (see, 1 Peter 1:19-20). One scripture tells us that long before Jesus was born, He appeared to a Book of Mormon prophet known as the brother of Jared and said: "Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ.... In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name" (Ether 3:14).
The War in Heaven
"Because our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior, Satan became angry and rebelled. There was war in heaven. Satan and his followers fought against Jesus Christ and His followers. The Savior’s followers “overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).
In this great rebellion, Satan and all the spirits who followed him were sent away from the presence of God and cast down from heaven. A third part of the hosts of heaven were punished for following Satan (see D&C 29:36). They were denied the right to receive mortal bodies".
In what ways does the War in Heaven continue today?
We have the Savior's Teachings to Follow
"By following His teachings, we can inherit a place in the celestial kingdom. He did His part to help us return to our heavenly home. It is now up to each of us to do our part and become worthy of exaltation".
He has done his part, it is now up to us to do our part. We must follow his commandments and be willing to share his plan with others. You never know when someone has been prepared and is waiting to hear about this plan that can bring so much peace and happiness into their life.
Announcements:
Book Club: Tues, Feb. 16- 7:00 p.m. at Sister Eyre's house, reading the book Shattered Silence. Everyone is welcome even if you didn't get the book read. You can help pick the next book.
Stake Relief Society Fireside: "I Love to See the Temple"- President and Matron of the Jordan River Temple will be speaking. Feb. 18. at the Stake Center.
Sister Webb would like to babysit for employment . Newborn-1year old preferred.
Elder's Quorum Temple Night: Fri. Feb. 26- 7:00 p.m. (be in chapel by 6:40 p.m.), they are also meeting in the cafeteria at 6:00 p.m. to eat dinner.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday Happenings
Today our lesson was given by Sister Stoddard, she used the article written by Sister Beck in the January church news entitled Visiting Teaching is a 'Way of Life' as well as an article from the Dec. 2004 Ensign entitled Strong Hands & Loving Hearts to beautifully illustrate the importance of Visiting Teaching.
Highlights from the lesson include:
Sister Beck said the purpose of the inspired program is to minister, watch over and strengthen Latter-day Saint sisters. "Visiting teaching is one of the best ways we can fulfill our lifelong responsibilities to increase our faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes and seek out and help those in need," she said.
Two Major Responsibilities:
1) To Teach
2) To Minister
"Sometimes, instead of a visit, a sister needs an extra meal or someone to take her children for an hour. Sometimes a sister needs a flower, a note or a phone call or an invitation to go to a social event. Sometimes a sister needs "somebody just knowing her family has the flu."
Companionships: "Many times companions have a hard time working together because their schedules don't mesh, continued Sister Beck. "So visiting teachers need to work together to find inspired ways to watch over their sisters. Maybe it is one of them visiting and another one doing something else. The important thing is that they "work as a companionship to tend the people. That can be different than visiting as a companionship."
"Visiting Teaching is the heart and soul of Relief Society.” Sister Parkin
Lucy Mack Smith, mother of the Prophet Joseph Smith, said in the second meeting of Relief Society, “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”
Announcements:
Valentine Dinner Dance: Sat. Feb. 13- 6:00 p.m.- Stake Center, Church dress is requested. Everyone 18 years and older can attend. Dinner & Dance.
Stake Relief Society Fireside: "I Love to See the Temple"- President and Matron of the Jordan River Temple will be speaking. Feb. 18.
Sister Webb would like to babysit for employment . Newborn-1year old preferred.
Elder's Quorum Temple Night: Fri. Feb. 26- 7:00 p.m. (be in chapel by 6:40 p.m.), they are also meeting in the cafeteria at 6:00 p.m. to eat dinner.
Highlights from the lesson include:
Sister Beck said the purpose of the inspired program is to minister, watch over and strengthen Latter-day Saint sisters. "Visiting teaching is one of the best ways we can fulfill our lifelong responsibilities to increase our faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes and seek out and help those in need," she said.
Two Major Responsibilities:
1) To Teach
2) To Minister
"Sometimes, instead of a visit, a sister needs an extra meal or someone to take her children for an hour. Sometimes a sister needs a flower, a note or a phone call or an invitation to go to a social event. Sometimes a sister needs "somebody just knowing her family has the flu."
Companionships: "Many times companions have a hard time working together because their schedules don't mesh, continued Sister Beck. "So visiting teachers need to work together to find inspired ways to watch over their sisters. Maybe it is one of them visiting and another one doing something else. The important thing is that they "work as a companionship to tend the people. That can be different than visiting as a companionship."
"Visiting Teaching is the heart and soul of Relief Society.” Sister Parkin
Lucy Mack Smith, mother of the Prophet Joseph Smith, said in the second meeting of Relief Society, “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”
Announcements:
Valentine Dinner Dance: Sat. Feb. 13- 6:00 p.m.- Stake Center, Church dress is requested. Everyone 18 years and older can attend. Dinner & Dance.
Stake Relief Society Fireside: "I Love to See the Temple"- President and Matron of the Jordan River Temple will be speaking. Feb. 18.
Sister Webb would like to babysit for employment . Newborn-1year old preferred.
Elder's Quorum Temple Night: Fri. Feb. 26- 7:00 p.m. (be in chapel by 6:40 p.m.), they are also meeting in the cafeteria at 6:00 p.m. to eat dinner.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Live Like you Believe
I found this video on another blog and loved it. It was just what I needed to hear Sunday night. It was a great reminder of how much I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!
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