9/29/13 Review

Important Reminders:
-Oct. 5-6: General Conference
-Oct. 26: Primary Halloween Party, 10am in the Church parking lot...decorate your cars for Trunk or Treat
(The Emergency Preparedness and Compassionate Service tabs have been updated with today's lesson material as well.)

Lesson Review
Ten minute mini-lessons on Food Storage, Humanitarian Aid and Visiting Teaching.

Food Storage
-The Lord has instructed us to watch and prepare
-The most important lesson of a 1-year food storage plan is Obedience
        *It was obedience, not rain that persuaded Noah to build the ark
-Four staples of food storage: whole grains, sugar/honey, salt, powdered milk

Oatmeal Muffins
2 eggs
1 cp buttermilk
1 stick butter, softened
1 1/2 cps sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cp rolled oats
2 cps all-purpose flour
1 cp chocolate chips (optional)

Cream butter & sugar; add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla and beat well. Add baking soda, salt, oats and flour and stir just until moist.

Grease muffin pans and fill 1/2 full. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes.

Humanitarian Aid
We read the following scriptures: Colossians 3:12-14; Mosiah 4:16-26; Moroni 7: 45-48; Isaiah 1:17-18; 1 Peter 4:8. (Click the scripture to be linked to the chapter at lds.org).

Why be charitable? To learn to be more like Christ.

"The Lord might well say: I want you to remember this: in the world today, I have old people, I have sick people, I have lonely people, and poor people. My whole system depends upon your ministering to one another. And inasmuch as you do it unto the least of these you do it unto me. This is my method, this is my pattern, this is my program. I could send angels, but I do not, I send you."

Visiting Teaching
We discussed the What/How verses the Why of Visiting Teaching.

**Remember to report your visiting teaching to your VT Supervisor, especially any special needs or situations that should be passed on to the RS President so she can be aware how to help the sisters in the ward. If needs are confidential, report directly to Sister Jenkins.

What/How: Contact, Prayer, Visit (and share a message), Meet Needs, Report to your supervisor
Why: LOVE, Observe then Serve, Because we are Covenant Keeping People--VT allows us to bare on another's burdens.

Next Week (10/6/13): General Conference 
Priesthood, Saturday and Sunday Sessions can be streamed online at: https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng

This is a great opportunity to invite some friends that may have shown interest in the gospel and would like to learn more.

9/22/13 Review

Lesson Review

Followers of Christ – by Elder Dallin H. Oaks (April 2013 General Conference)

Redemption – by Elder D. Todd Christofferson (April 2013 General Conference)

Elder Christofferson said,

“Among the most significant of Jesus Christ descriptive titles is Redeemer….The Savior’s Redemption has two parts.  First, it atones for Adam’s transgression and the consequent Fall of man by overcoming what could be called the direct effects of the Fall – physical death and spiritual death. Physical death is well understood; spiritual death is the separation of man from God. In the words of Paul, ‘For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.’ This redemption from physical and spiritual death is both universal and without condition.  The second aspect of the Savior’s Atonement is redemption from what might be termed the indirect consequences of the Fall – our own sins as opposed to Adam’s transgression.  By virtue of the Fall, we are born into a mortal world where sin – that is, disobedience to divinely instituted law – is pervasive.’

Elder Christofferson went on to say,

“The Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane and His agony on the cross redeem us from sin by satisfying the demands that justice has upon us.  He extends mercy and pardons those who repent.  The Atonement also satisfies the debt justice owes to us by healing and compensating us for any suffering we innocently endure.  ‘For behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.’”

We are redeemed when we follow the example of the Savior.

Elder Oaks said, “Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.”

One of our most beloved hymns begins with these words:

“Come, follow me,” the Savior said.

Then let us in his footsteps tread,

For thus alone can we be one

With God’s own loved, begotten Son.

Elder Oaks further said, “Jesus’ teachings were not meant to be theoretical.  Always they were to be acted upon.  Jesus taught, ‘Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man’ and ‘Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.’”

How are we to be followers of Christ?  The following are some of the ways:

1.      Repentance

2.      Baptism

3.      Keep the commandments

4.      Be not of the world

5.      Follow after the Savior

6.      Partake of the Sacrament

7.      Prayer

8.      Assist in building up His gospel

9.      Seek lambs who are lost

10.  Forgiving one another

11.  Give to the poor and needy

Service Opportunities

Stake Food Drive
The collection barrel will be picked up this Saturday, September 28th. If you haven't had a chance to donate, bring some canned goods with you Wednesday night if you plan on coming to the church building that night for various youth activities.

***
Big Bend Homeless Coalition
*There is a box right outside the Relief Society room to collect these items. If you don't have any of these as "extras" around the house, you can always make a quick run to Dollar Tree to pick up a few of these much needed items or purchase some items at a local Goodwill.

Urgently Needed Items
-Twin size bed sheets (fitted & flat), pillow cases (new or gently used)
-New pillows
-Laundry detergent
-Towels, washcloths (new or gently used)
-Feminine hygiene products
-Personal hygiene products (shampoo, deodorant, soap, men's razors, shaving cream, lotion)
-Diapers, rash cream and bottles

Continuously Needed Items
-Blankets/comforters        -Linen sets               -Pillows
-Backpacks                     -Bras (new only)      -Underwear (new only)
-Socks (new only)            -Razors                   -Combs/brushes
-Toothbrushes/paste         -Mouthwash            -Cleaning products
-Misc. houseware             -Dishware               -Silverware
-Drinking glasses              -Pots/pans               -Measuring cups
-Can openers                   -Toasters

Items they DO NOT accept
-Clothing or shoes
-Large appliances
-Computers
-Furniture

***
Temple Shawls
*Orlando Florida Temple is in need of some new shawls. If you would like to knit or crochet shawls for the Orlando Florida Temple, please take these measurements and start crocheting! Your talents and service are much appreciated.

*Use white yarn only
Neckline:  21" across
Bottom edge of shawl:  about 60" across
Length:  19"

Please add white ribbon or crocheted ties to the neckline.

9/15/13 Review

Important Dates
-See previous blog post

Lesson Review

Teachings of the Prophets of the Church – Lorenzo Snow

Chapter 18 – Church Leadership and Selfless Service

President Snow said, “To become as God would wish us, we must accustom our minds to rejoice in seeing others prospered as ourselves; rejoice in seeing the cause of Zion exalted by whatsoever hands Providence may order; and have our bosoms closed against the entrance of envy when a weaker instrument than ourselves is called to greater honor; be content in magnifying a lesser office till called to a higher; be satisfied in doing small things and not claim the honor of doing great ones.”

What is a calling?  More important that being an assignment or a responsibility, a calling is an act of service.

The Savior told his apostles to “feed my sheep.” [John 21:16-17].  He continued to say this until his apostles felt sorrowful that he should continue to call upon them in this manner.  But he said “Feed my sheep.” That is, “Go forth with your whole heart, be devoted wholly to my cause.  These people in the world are my brethren and sisters.  My feelings are exercised towards them. Take care of my people.  Feed my flock.  Go forth and preach the gospel.  I will reward you for all your sacrifices. Do not think that you can make too great a sacrifice in accomplishing this work.”

President Snow promised that if we do this, then God will give us revelation upon revelation, inspiration upon inspiration, and teach us how to secure the interests of those we serve in matters pertaining to their temporal and spiritual welfare.

What does it mean to magnify our calling?  It means to expand.  Marion G. Romney said that we magnify our callings when we serve with “full purpose of heart.”

How do we magnify our callings?  For one thing, humility is necessary.  We need to ask, what does the Lord want us to do in our callings, not what we want to do for our own glory.

President Snow said, “If a presiding elder will only seek to become as he may be and ought to be, ridding himself of selfish principles, and always act for the good of his people, and be humble, and not seek to do too much in a little time, or be too great until grown, he will never be at a loss how to magnify his office properly, nor will ever lack the power of God to bring about His wise purposes.”

We also need a motivating desire to magnify our callings.  We need to be a good example.  We need to prepare.  We need to understand our assignment.  We need to study and know the scriptures and the gospel.  We need to pray always and ask for the Holy Spirit to be with us after we’ve done our part.  We also need to have love – love for the gospel, love for the people we serve, and then we can serve the people we love.

Next Week (9/22/13): Followers of Christ and Redemption (click title to see articles) 

September *Important Dates!*

{September 12}
RS Meeting: Meet. Greet. Eat. 
7pm at the Thomasville Rd building

We will be playing fun get-to-know-you games and having a dip-luck!
If you've signed up to bring your favorite dip (or forgot to sign up and would like to bring one anyway), please remember to bring along the "dipper" as well (cookie, fruit, chip, bread, veggie, etc). For example, pizza dip and bread.
And, of course, bring the recipe so we can share! There will be index cards available for people to write recipes down to take home and try.
A nursery will be provided. We look forward to seeing you all there!

{September 27}
Ward Tail Gate Party
6pm at the Thomasville Rd building parking lot

This is a 3rd Ward Potluck! Members should bring favorite tail gate food for their family and to share. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite team gear, bring tail gate games and chairs.
The ward will provide be providing drinks and desserts (ice cream sandwiches and popsicles).

{September 28}
Stake & General RS Social and Broadcast
7pm Dinner at the Thomasville Rd building
8pm General RS Broadcast

7-7:45 pm Stake RS Social with a "Build you own salad" light dinner with some yummy desserts.
8 pm General RS Broadcast

These meetings are a great opportunity to invite friends who may have expressed interest in knowing more about our church.

**Also**
Stake Food Drive

The Stake Youth Committee has partnered with Second Harvest of the Big Bend Food Bank to have a food drive. A collection barrel was dropped off at the church building and will remain there until September 25th. The food items they'll have a concentrated effort on is: canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc), vegetables, fruits, hearty soup, and beans.

Youth of the Stake will be going to Second Harvest on Saturday, Sept. 28th and will be working from 9am to 12pm to help organize items. All ages 12 years old and up are asked to meet at the Second Harvest facility located at 110 Four Points Way, Tallahassee. Youth are asked to bring a jacket, in case they will be working inside the large walk-in freezer within the facility. Youth must also have a completed registration form if they would like to receive the Bright Future's Scholarship credit for their service; they can get this form to fill out from a member of the YM Presidency.

9/8/13 Review

Teachings of the Prophets of the Church – Lorenzo Snow

Chapter 17: Priesthood – “for the Salvation of the Human Family”

President Snow said, “The priesthood we hold has been revealed for the salvation of the human family.  We must be lively in our minds in reference to it.”

What is the priesthood?  It is the power to act in God’s name.

James 5:14-15:

14 Is any ^asick among you? let him call for the ^belders of the church; and let them ^cpray over him, ^danointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

 15 And the ^aprayer of ^bfaith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be ^cforgiven him.

After he had been ordained an Apostle of the Church, Elder Lorenzo Snow was called to establish a mission in Italy.  He and his companions found that the people in the major Italian cities were not yet ready to receive the gospel, but a people known as the Waldenses attracted his attention, and he felt inspired to work among them.  As Elder Snow considered preaching the gospel among then, a “flood of light seemed to burst upon” his mind, but despite these assurances, he felt it was unwise to begin active missionary work immediately because enemies of the Church had spread lies about the Church.  Elder Snow reported, “As I felt it was the mind of the Spirit that we should proceed at first, by slow and cautious steps, I submitted to the will of heaven.”  Although the missionaries did not begin preaching right away, but Elder Snow and his companions befriended the people around them to “lay a foundation for future usefulness.” 

            The Waldenses’ feelings about the Church began to change significantly after Elder Snow administered a priesthood blessing to a three year old boy who had become very ill and would most likely pass away.  Elder Snow proposed that he and the other missionaries should fast and retire to the mountains to pray.  While in the mountains, they called upon the Lord in solemn prayer to spare the life of the child.  When they returned, Elder Snow gave the boy a priesthood blessing.  A few hours later, the boy was much better.  When the boy’s mother expressed her joy at her son’s recovery, Elder Snow responded, “The God of heaven has done this for you.” 

How do we prepare to receive the blessings of the priesthood?  (Faith, work/effort (i.e., study, doing our part), fasting, prayer, live worthily, maintain a teachable attitude, have the humility to accept God’s will.)

Priesthood bearers are messengers of the Almighty, with authority delegated from heaven to administer holy ordinances.  What are ways that priesthood authority manifests itself in our lives?  (Baby blessings, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, sacrament, patriarchal blessings, fathers’ blessings, temple ordinances, setting apart for callings, priesthood ordinations, governing of the church, testimonies, safety/comfort/peach, revelation, prophets, healings, missionary work, blessings for health, strength, forgiveness, repentance, etc.)

President Snow said the following:

“The object of the priesthood is to make all [people] happy, to diffuse information, to make all partakers of the same blessings in their turn.

           

“For this very purpose the Holy Priesthood has been bestowed in this our day, to guide and perfect the saints of God here, and just in proportion as we attain to intelligence in this world and to integrity and faithfulness…, so will be the exalted condition in which we shall appear behind the veil.”

            “The Lord has said that He will give us all that He hath—and this according to the oath and covenant which belongs to the Priesthood[see D&C 84:33-44]. Nobody ought to doubt what Jesus says, and He declares, as recorded in the Revelations of St. John, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne.” [Revelation 3:21]

            How does the priesthood make us all a happy people? (Listen to the prophets, righteous living is key, i.e., “wickedness never was happiness,” peace (even in times of trials).  The priesthood aides in bringing joy to everyone: “This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” 

Next Week (9/15/13): Lorenzo Snow Chapter 18 found HERE

RS Meeting Reminder

A quick reminder about our RS Meeting this week! 

9/1/13 Review

Important Reminders

-Sept. 7th RS Fireside--6:30 to 8 pm at the Thomasville building for sisters 18 and up. Elder Munns, an Area 70, and Sister Burton, the RS General President, will be in attendance. There will also be a Youth Fireside at the same time at the Stake Center for sisters ages 12-18.
-Sept. 12th--RS Meeting "Meet. Greet. Eat." at 7pm. Bring your favorite dip to share.
-Sept. 28th--RS Social and Broadcast
-Oct 5-6th--General Conference

Lesson Review

In Wisdom and Order

What are the things that take up our time?  What duties and responsibilities do we have? What are those things we know the Lord wants us to be doing in our lives? This list might include:

Grocery shopping Cooking/Setting table Washing dishes Cleaning/Never ending tidying Laundry/Mending/sewing Chauffering Refereeing Parenting Exercising Playing with our children School/homework/continuing education Nursing/nurturing Medical appointments Extracurricular activities

Home/car repairs and maintenance Work/career Community/volunteer service Hobbies Media (newspaper/TV) Reading Gardening/lawn work Canning Social obligations Searching for misplaced items Overcoming addiction Develop talents/skills Conflict resolution Attend Sunday meetings

Planning meetings Seminary/YM/YW Callings Service projects/compassionate service Care for the poor/feed the hungry/minister to those in need Temple attendance Genealogy Food storage Missions Visiting teaching Prayer (family/individual) Scripture study Medical emergencies

Some of the things on this list we know are essential to our salvation.  But most of them feed into those things that are eternal and cannot be omitted from our lives.  But while it is important to keep forward vision/perspective, we do still have to live in the here and now and many of these temporal things affect what happens in the eternities.

The Lord does not require that we run faster nor labor more than we are able.  But he does expect us to be diligent and use wisdom and good judgment so that we can accomplish those things he knows we can do. So what do we do about all these things on our to-do list?  How do we ever get to those things that are essential for our salvation?

Mosiah 4:27: And see that all these things are done in wisdom and ^aorder; for it is not requisite that a man should run ^bfaster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

Even though it might not be our “season” to address some of our responsibilities, at some point we will need to see to it that these things are accomplished. How do we know what is wise and orderly?  We need to turn to our Father in Heaven, communicate with him, and let the Holy Spirit guide.  If we say our prayers (individual, mealtime, family),read our scriptures, fast, listen to the prophets, the rest won’t seem so overwhelming.  And through this communication with the Lord, we will know what our current focus should be.  Continued communication with the Lord will provide the knowledge as to when to start incorporating more into our lives, and what should take priority.

Some scriptural references/quotes from prophets cited:

Prayer:

Matthew 6:6, 8: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy ^acloset, and when thou hast ^bshut thy door, ^cpray to thy Father which is in ^dsecret; and thy Father which^eseeth in secret shall ^freward thee openly…for your Father ^aknoweth what things ye have ^bneed of, before ye ask him.

Scripture reading:

2 Nephi 32:3: Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

The Prophet Joseph Smith admonished: “Search the scriptures – search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.  No; for when men receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them. Then again we say: Search the Scriptures, search the Prophets and learn what portion of them belongs to you.”

Fasting:

Alma 5:46: Behold, I say unto you they are made ^aknown unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have ^bfasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of ^crevelationwhich is in me.

Prophets:

D&C 68:4:  And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the ^aHoly Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the ^bpower of God unto salvation.

These seemingly simple things are key to helping us prioritize our lives and accomplish those things as the Lord wants to do them – in the time frame he has in mind:

Elder M. Russell Ballard said: “Think about your life and set your priorities.  Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there.  Jesus, our exemplar, often ‘withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed’ (Luke 5:16). We need to do the same thing occasionally to rejuvenate ourselves spiritually as the Savior did.  Write down the tasks you would like to accomplish each day. Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants you have made with the Lord as you write down your daily schedules.”

By staying in constant communication with the Lord, by prayer and fasting, by reading our scriptures and following the prophets, we will be able to navigate through all the busyness of our lives and accomplish those things that Heavenly Father wants and expects us to do.

Next Week (9/8/13): Lorenzo Snow Chapter 17 found HERE

September Calendar