11/24/13 Review

Lesson Review

11/24/13 – The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping

By Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President

We believe in modern day prophets.  We have the same access to Heavenly Father’s word as Adam, Enoch, and all the ancient prophets.  We are blessed with living prophets and apostles who receive revelation on an everyday basis as they guide and direct us.  These modern day prophets, seers and revelators address the same issues as were taught by the prophets of old, as they are relevant to our day.

What is a covenant?  A covenant is a contract.  It is a sacred promise between us and the Lord.  The Lord sets the terms and we are promised to receive blessings as we uphold our end of the covenant.  Covenant keeping is the core of the gospel. 

Jeffrey R. Holland explained that “a covenant is a binding spiritual contract, a solemn promise to God our Father that we will live and think and act in a certain way – the way of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  In return, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost promise us the full splendor of eternal life.”

Sister Burton continues this explanation by saying, “In that binding contract, the Lord sets the terms and we agree to keep them.  Making and keeping our covenants is an expression of our commitment to become like the Savior.  The ideal is to strive for the attitude best expressed in a favorite hymn: ‘I’ll go where you want me to go….I’ll say what you want me to say….I’ll be whatyou want me to be.’”

What is an ordinance?  It is a ceremony or rite that is performed that includes making covenants.  These include baptism/confirmation; the sacrament; temple ordinances.

Covenants can also be thought of as tools to help us.  For example, when we make covenants at baptism, we promise to take on the name of the Savior. We promise to love one another, bear each others’ burdens, mourn with those that mourn, comfort those who are in need of comfort, keep the commandments, and to be a witness of Christ.  When we take the sacrament, it is a renewal of the baptismal covenants, and we are promised that we will always have His spirit to be with us.

In Doctrine & Covenants 82:10 we read: “I, the Lord, am ^abound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no ^bpromise.”

Sister Burton tells us that “Making and cheerfully keeping our covenants gives validity and life to the vital sacred and saving ordinances we need to receive in order to obtain ‘all that [the] Father hath.’ Ordinances and covenants are the ‘spiritual milestones’ President Henry B. Eyring referred to when he taught: ‘The Latter-day Saints are a covenant people.  From the day of baptism through the spiritual milestones of our lives, we make promises with God and He makes promises with us. He always keeps His promises offered through His authorized servants, but it is the crucial test of our lives to see if we will make and keep our covenants with Him.’”

In Doctrine & Covenants 133:57 we read: “And for this cause, that men might be made ^apartakers of the ^bglories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his ^cgospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity.”

11/17/13 Review

Lesson Review

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church

Lorenzo Snow - Chapter 22:  Doing Good to Others

President Snow counseled, “Cultivate a spirit of charity; be ready to do for others more than you would expect form them if circumstances were reversed.”

Lorenzo Snow and his family were part of the Latter-day Saints’ initial exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois.  With a group of other families, they headed west in the state of Iowa in February 1846.  Weather conditions made their trek difficult – day after day they struggled through rain, snow and mud.  As they travelled, a member of the company asked them if they would let him put his trunk in the Snow’s wagon as he could not get it carried anywhere else.  The Snow wagon was fully packed with essentials, but Lorenzo Snow agreed to carry the man’s trunk.  The next night, while they were still 15 miles from camp, the axle on the Snow wagon broke.  It was cold and raining, there was water and deep mud, and they could not get to the wagon without wading, and the prospect of getting the wagon repaired as not encouraging.  Unexpectedly, the owner of the trunk informed Lorenzo Snow that he was a wagon maker and he could easily repair the wagon.  As soon as the weather cleared, the man made a new axle, which was better than the one that broke.   Lorenzo Snow wrote of the incident, “Granting one favor often leads to obtaining another.”

Questions to ponder: We are children of the same Heavenly Father, and we have been sent into the world to do good to one another.  How should this knowledge influence our actions towards one another?

President Snow said the following:

“We are of the same Father in the celestial worlds….If we knew each other as we should,…our sympathies would be excited more than they are at the present time, and there would be a desire on the part of every individual to study in their own minds how they might do their brethren good, how they might alleviate their darkness from their minds.  If we understand each other and the real relationship which we hold to each other, we should feel different from what we do.”

“We have been sent into the world to do good to others; and in doing good to others we do good to ourselves.”

“Cultivate a spirit of charity; be ready to do for others more than you would expect from them if circumstances were reversed.”

Question to ponder: What opportunities does the Relief Society offer for women to do good to others?  Some responses include: visiting teaching; compassionate service; sometimes we are the only connection another sister may have with the Gospel.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton once said (May 1992 Ensign):

Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.

Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of being a basher repulsive.

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.

Question to ponder: Why does our happiness increase when we help others find happiness?

Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability!”

11/10/13 Review

Important Reminders
-Relief Society Meeting THIS THURSDAY at 7pm at the Church; we'd love to see all of you there 

Lesson Review

11/10/13 - Teachings of the Presidents of the Church

Lorenzo Snow - Chapter 21:  Loving God More Than We Love the World

Shortly after Lorenzo Snow was baptized and confirmed in Kirtland, Ohio, a number of Latter-day Saints, including some Church leaders, turned against the Prophet Joseph Smith.  According to Lorenzo Snow, this apostasy was fueled by speculation, or, in other words, unusual business risks in hopes of getting rich quickly.  Blinded by a desire for the temporary things of the world, people turned away from the eternal blessings of the gospel.

Lorenzo Snow said, “Just previous to this great apostasy the Lord had poured out wonderful blessings upon the people.  The gifts of the Gospel had been poured out to a remarkable extent – the riches of eternity.  Angels had visited them.  The Son of God…had talked with His servants.  At the dedication of the Temple the blessings which the people received were marvelous…. The blessings were almost universal upon the people in Kirtland.  Their hearts were then devoted; they felt as though they could sacrifice anything they possessed.  They felt that they were dwelling almost in the presence of God, and it was natural that they should have that feeling under such marvelous influences.”

President Snow went on to say, “All, however, that is necessary for us to do now is to see where our faults and weaknesses lie, if we have any.  If we have been unfaithful in the past, let us renew our covenants with God and determine, by fasting and prayer, that we will get forgiveness of our sins, that the escape those powerful temptations that are approaching.  The cloud is gathering in blackness.  You see what were the results in Kirtland of this spirit of speculation.  Therefore, take warning.”

What is it about worldliness that leads people to forget their religion?  Some reasons might include: pride, a search for worldly things, addictions (wealth, power, fame), selfishness, we forget the source of our blessings, the mistaken idea that worldliness is fulfilling.

How can we take care of our temporal needs without being overcome by worldliness?  We shouldn’t mistake having things with being worldly; worldliness is when certain things become more important that people or the Gospel; we should always remember to read our scriptures, don’t go into bondage over worldly things; keep the commandments; continue to be grateful.

President Snow said, “If we…fail to keep the covenants we have made, namely, to use our time, talent and ability for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God upon the earth, how can we reasonably expect to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, identified with the great work of redemption?  If we, in our manner, habits and deal[ings], imitate the…world, thereby identifying ourselves with the world, do you think, my brethren, that God will bestow upon us the blessings we desire to inherit? I tell you no, he will not!...We must build ourselves up in the righteousness of heaven and plant in our hearts the righteousness of God.  Said the Lord, through the prophet Jeremiah, ‘I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.’ [Jeremiah 31:33.] This is what the Lord is endeavoring to do, and this he will accomplish in us if we conform to his will.”

In what ways can eternal truths help us keep our covenants?  Some ways include: pay tithing/fast offerings; perform random acts of kindness; service; scripture reading as well as weekly lessons from manuals and Ensign articles; preparedness (budget, food storage); prayer – remember to pray for humility; callings and sustain others in their callings; evaluate our days/time, schedule and prioritize; and ask in prayer of the Lord has anything for us to add or subtract from our schedules; never suppress a generous thought; pray for others; recognize tender mercies of the Lord.

Sister Missionary Dinner Ideas

Here are a few ideas for the sisters cooking for us, but I am good also with just a plain chicken breast and some cooked broccoli without anything on either of them (unless they want to put olive oil).

Black Beans & Quinoa with Cilantro Lime

2 cups water or vegetable broth

1 cup quinoa

2- 15 oz cans black beans drained

3 cups fresh kale, chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded, minced

1 cup red pepper, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup onion, chopped

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. cilantro, chopped

1 tsp. cumin

Pepper to taste

1 lime, juiced

In a large saucepan, combine quinoa and water or vegetable broth.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.  Set aside.  In a large skillet, bring olive oil to medium heat.  Add jalapeno and garlic and stir for 30-50 seconds.  Add onions and peppers and cook until tender.  Add the beans, cumin, and lime juice, cilantro and pepper to taste.  Add the contents of the skillet to the quinoa saucepan.  Add kale and stir to combine (kale should wilt from the heat).

Balsamic Vinegar Dressing

5 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp. sea salt

Whisk all ingredients and toss with fresh salad greens.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

4 chicken breasts

1 can coconut milk

1 small bag of frozen broccoli and/or cauliflower, thawed

1 onion, diced

1-2 Tbsp. curry powder

Sea Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Place chicken breasts in bottom of greased backing dish.  Place broccoli and onion over chicken breasts.  Mix the coconut milk with the curry powder and pour over the top.  Cover with foil.  Bake at 375 for 30-45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.  Serve over cooked quinoa.

If you want some more recipes please text us and let us know!!!

Thank you!!!

Sister Mehew

RS Meeting Announcement

11/3/13 Review

Important Reminders
-Nov. 14th--RS Meeting "The Gospel: Not just living it, loving it" 7pm at Thomasville Rd Chapel
Guest Speakers Sister Mills & Sister Clements
-Co-ed Volleyball every Friday night at 7pm at the Thomasville Rd Chapel, hosted by the sister missionaries

Lesson Review

Brother Woolstenhulme discussed the Ward Mission Plan with us. 
Goals
1. Every new member participates in baptisms for the dead within 3 months of being baptized
2. Ward members pray in sacrament, EQ, RS, Youth and HP meetings that the Lord will direct each of thos partcipating in the meeing to find individuals who can be taught in our homes.
3. Increase lessons taught with a member present to 80% or more each week.
4. Each investigator will have meaningful contact with 5 different ward members within one month after the missionaries have begun teaching.
5. Find 1 new family each week for the missionaries to teach.

He emphasized the need for the members not just know the missionaries, but to know the investigators.

Members should be actively engaged in praying for and seeking out missionary opportunities. 

Elder Ballard: Put Your Trust in the Lord 

Brothers and sisters, fear will be replaced with faith and confidence when members and the full-time missionaries kneel in prayer and ask the Lord to bless them with missionary opportunities. Then, we must demonstrate our faith and watch for opportunities to introduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to our Heavenly Father’s children, and surely those opportunities will come. These opportunities will never require a forced or a contrived response. They will flow as a natural result of our love for our brothers and sisters. Just be positive, and those whom you speak with will feel your love. They will never forget that feeling, though the timing may not be right for them to embrace the gospel. That too may change in the future when their circumstances change.

It is impossible for us to fail when we do our best when we are on the Lord’s errand. While the outcome is a result of the exercise of one’s agency, sharing the gospel is our responsibility.

Trust the Lord. He is the Good Shepherd. He knows His sheep, and His sheep know His voice; and today the voice of the Good Shepherd is your voice and my voice.

President Monson: Faith in the Work of Salvation
Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work.

Baby Births

Carli & Patrick Scott
Lianna Jane Scott
October 31, 2013
8 lbs 11 oz

To sign up to take a meal to the Scott Family, press the following link: Take a Meal: Carli Scott

Freya & Brett Rudder
Lily Kate Rudder
October 28, 2013
7lbs 8oz

To sign up to take a meal to the Rudder Family, press the following link:  Take a Meal: Freya Rudder


Also, the Sister Missionaries are doing co-ed volleyball every Friday night at 7pm at the Thomasville Rd Chapel. Come and enjoy some fun games! 0

November Calendar