December 29, 2013 Fifth Sunday Lesson

December 29, 2013 Since this was the fifth Sunday, we had a combined meeting that continued the theme of goal setting. Bruce Roundy and Laura Card spoke. Brother Roundy told of several aspects of goal setting found in Preach My Gospel and the scriptures. He told of how when he was in graduate school, he was one of the few students who had a family, had to work, went to classes and had homework, and had church callings. He was able to complete his degree successfully and get a good job as a professor by trusting in the Lord and receiving the clarity of mind necessary for writing papers and proposals and teaching. Sister Card gave some practical advice based on Task Oriented Goal Setting principles. In order to succeed, a person not only needs a goal, but needs to ask “What can I do?” “How do I do it?” and “How much do I want it?” She cited scriptures that contain the phrase “endure to the end,” and also movies that reflect such eternal truths as “Baby steps” (What About Bob?) to suggest that small steps are effective; “Keep on swimming,” (Finding Nemo) to suggest that persevering is necessary; “Never give up; never surrender” (Galaxy Quest) to suggest that giving up is not an option, although she also quoted Better Off Dead, “Go straight and if something gets in your way, turn” to suggest that flexibility is also important. The combined messages from Sacrament meeting and the fifth Sunday meeting is that goal setting is important and necessary to accomplish anything worthwhile.

Lesson for December 1, 2013

December 1, 2013 Today our lesson was given by Paige Gibson on the “Symbols of Christmas.” Paige loves to see symbols and see that they have a deeper meaning and Christmas has many symbols. Symbols don’t just have one meaning. They can be specific to you. She found that many Christmas symbols originated in pagan beliefs. She believes that God came before pagans and gave us symbols to remind us of his gospel and the pagans just caught onto His meaning. Moses 6:63 talks about how all things have been created to bear record of God—everything. So we should look beyond what pagans said and see God in everything. Paige wanted all of us to tell what we see in Christmas symbols. First are the colors—red and green and white, silver, and gold. Red represents the blood of Christ. We are fortunate to have the sacrament every Sunday. D&C 76:69 tells that the just men who are made perfect through the atonement and blood of Christ. Green symbolizes life—eternal life. Moses 1:39 tells about God’s purpose being our eternal life. White is often a symbol of purity, as Christ was pure and perfect. Snowflakes is that we are all individuals and our souls are worth having Christ die for us. Another symbol is gifts like the Magi gave to Jesus and that God gave Jesus to us. John 3:16—God gave his only Begotten Son to the world. Jesus did not give material things, but eyes to the blind, legs to the lame, light in darkness, and his service and his life. We should give as Jesus gave. Even Santa Claus and his good attributes can help us see that the Spirit of giving is important. President Faust said that Santa Claus is a symbol of joy, giving, and childlike—attributes we should have—just like the Savior. One sister said her grandson prayed in thanks for Santa Claus, but to give him a bigger budget. However, he said that Jesus is the real reason for Christmas. You can remind your kids of the wise men and how they are the ones who brought gifts. Another symbol is light. It symbolizes the light of Christ, the star of Bethlehem. So many scriptures about light. Helaman 3 when Samuel the Lamanite told the Nephites about the day and a night and a day of light. 3 Nephi 9:18 tells about when the Savior had been crucified and the people in darkness heard His voice, saying He is the light of the world. Lots of scriptures about us letting our light shine and having hope. Candy canes have the colors of Christmas and the shepherds’ crook. The rod that shepherds used was to beat off predators and guide us. So the crook guides us and helps us go the right way. The atonement helps us overcome problems. Other symbols are shepherds, who are humble, work hard, guide their sheep and they know their shepherd and follow them through gentleness. They were the first to hear about Jesus, not the kings. The wise men are symbols of giving and they were kings, but they were steadfast in looking for Christ and rejoiced to find Jesus. There are lots of important symbols in the nativity, including the baby Jesus. First and foremost there was a little family with a baby—in purity, faith, and hope. Except you become as a little child, you cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. Christmas is for children. Our greatest symbol should be our life as it reflects like a mirror how we live like Christ.

Relief Society Christmas Dinner Dec. 17

Our annual Relief Society Christmas Dinner will take place on December 17 a 6:30 p.m. at the Church. We will have a Christmas dinner with a short program. Please come to be with all of us.

Lesson for November 24, 2013

Relief Society Lesson for November 24, 2013 Today our lesson was given by Jessica Lewis. From President Thomas S Monson’s conference talk on home teaching. She wanted to relate it to visiting teaching. President Monson started out by telling the story of going up Provo Canyon to stay as a family in the summer. He told of seeing sheep in the canyon being driven by dogs with a shepherd in the rear. In Munich, Germany he saw a shepherd leading his flock and everywhere he went, they went. He likened this shepherd to Jesus Christ, acting as our shepherd. Amy Young said that the new program has the RS presidency sits down together and puts together their callings and present their decision to the bishop. It seems to work out because God is involved. Joyce Garner said it helps to have inspiration with prayer. Irma Lopez emphasized how important it is to have the Lord’s help. Another sister said that when she was in a presidency, she prayed about a position and had the Lord tell her to call someone she did not get along with, but she was able to have it work out beautifully. It’s interesting how the Lord works. When one sister had was a visiting teacher and had a sister taken from her group and put in another. She wondered why and realized that Amy had felt the inspiration to move the sister. Another sister said we should just do it—that visiting teaching is a wonderful. Sister Bell said that our responsibility is to become a friend to the sisters. Jessica said that one of the most important things is to develop a relationship with the sisters so that we can ask and give help. President Monson had some ideas on what the best ways are to build relationships. He said Abraham Lincoln said that if you want to win someone to your side, you should make him your friend. We should be friends. One sister said that after a divorce and starting in her career, she moved to Utah County and joined a singles ward and the first person who said hi to her was her visiting teacher and became her friend. Jessica said that one of her best friends became her friend because they were visiting teachers together. She said she also was a visiting teacher with Claudia and she will love her til she dies. She saw a gentler side of Claudia and how caring she was. It was a testimony to her of how important a friend is. Another sister said that the best visiting teachers she has had see what she needs and then do what she needs. President Monson said we are wise if we learn and observe the needs of our sisters and just do what is needed. Jessica said that in the Gospel Principles class that the teacher said he once needed a plunger from his neighbor who just gave it to him. He said it would not have been appropriate if the neighbor had gathered his family together and prayed first. Claudia Laycock said it is important for those being visited to help schedule visits. You can’t become friends if they don’t let you come in. Jill Judd said that there was a time when she was ill when her visiting teachers arranged for a priesthood blessing without asking first, but had them there for her and she was grateful. We have to notice when we can help. Sister Bahr said if she doesn’t get a response from those she visits, she sometimes just shows up. Her visiting teachers actually brought her a box of goodies and spiritual thoughts that meant a lot to her. If you can’t reach people, you can take them goodies. One sister said she learns from those she visits and it is a blessing to her. President Monson said that a visit is more effective sometimes if you schedule. He had his home teacher showed up when President Monson was entertaining other apostles. So the home teacher was allowed to give a lesson to apostles and he left hurriedly. Not the best. Sister Judd said her best home teachers were those fresh off their missions who used missionary teaching methods. Another sister said it worked for her to print off a lesson and leave it even though she couldn’t get in the door for one sister. Erin said we should help our husbands do home teaching. She said her husband followed her example in caring about our ward family and taking care of each other. President Monson said that home teaching answers many prayers. One man, Dick Hammer, was home taught for years and finally was baptized in his ninetieth year and a year later took out his endowments. His home teacher said it was worth every moment and effort spent. President Monson said that over the years we will have many opportunities to give service and make friends with those we visit. He also said that even if we have not been diligent, we have the opportunity now to improve and become committed. He said the work is ongoing and will go on, so we should do so faithfully. He closed with an example, Jesus Christ, who was the greatest teacher and the most dedicated to our happiness. The Biblical account said he went about doing good. We will be come true shepherds by following him.

Ward Christmas Party December 14 9:00 a.m.

Come join with us on December 14 at 9:00 a.m. for breakfast and activities. Bring your favorite nativity scene and enjoy fellowship with everyone

Lesson for November 17, 2013

Lesson for November 17, 2013 Today our lesson was given by Amy Fehlberg. Why should we want to do service? Because if we don’t have the right attitude, it doesn’t help them or you. When someone serves us we want to feel like they care about us. We serve because it feels good and we learn to love those we serve. President Snow said that we have the same father in the celestial world, and if we knew each other as we should we would have a desire to serve each other, especially as we learn more about the gospel. Amy said that she has a sister she has to work to serve, but since she is her sister, Amy tries harder. Another sister said that if we viewed people as our neighbors or family members, we would love them more. If we don’t know them, we are sometimes quicker to pre-judge them. Sister Bahr said she has a sister who is hard to get along with, but as they have interacted with her, her sister has changed. So change can take place. She realized that she has to change within herself. Emily Campbell said her family has had so many anonymous gifts, donations and blood donations, and it changed how she feels about people in general, because she doesn’t know who gave to her family. President Snow said to cultivate a spirit of charity and expect to do more for others than you would expect them to do for you. For example, Jesus Christ has done more for us than we can ever do for him. In our own ward, we need to reach out to even the people who have been alienated. You have to go with the Spirit. Amy showed a video about service. There are several videos on the Church web site for viewing by members. This one is by Elder Oaks. Mosiah 2:17 is a verse that is about service when Mosiah says all should serve. Elder Oaks said that we should deny ourselves of things that get in the way of service. We have opportunities in families to adjust our lives to support others. None of this service has in it what’s in it for me. We are happier for what we give not what we get. Our Savior asks us to lose ourselves in service for others. Jessica Lewis said what it really comes down to is love and it really doesn’t feel like service because we want to due to the great love we have. Service naturally follows love. Emily Campbell said it is a righteous circle that snowballs. Amy said that being a family member gives us all opportunities for service. Doing service in our own homes is terribly important. President Snow said that parents can influence their children for eternity through example as much as by what we say. Our Savior came to earth and was the perfect example of love and service. President Snow said that the highest life attainable is service. Service is the rent we pay for being here on earth. Another reason for service is that it brings us happiness and blessings. If we serve, our gloom will be gone. Why does our happiness increase? Because we are not focused on ourselves. It is more important to make others feel happy than to have our feelings hurt. Joni Trewartha said at work they have to get so many points a year for their wellness and one of the things they can do for points is to serve others. Linda Campbell said she wants the gospel for her sisters she visiting teaches. Sue Ann Harding said she teaches students who don’t believe in God and they have no reason to serve others, but she can help them to believe that when they serve others, they can feel happy. She has to tell them that then others will treat them better and it will affect all those around them. Amy showed another video about a family with a lot kids who need a lot of attention, especially some handicapped children. It told about church members who made a ramp for them to help them get out of the house. The mother told how much she loves her girls and those who serve her family. Heavenly Father asks us to love one another and she appreciates those who love her family. Amy said Heavenly Father wants us to love his other children like he does. She broke us up into groups to talk about service others have done for us.

Lesson for November 3, 2013 by Amy Young on Gratitude

Relief Society Lesson for November 3, 2013 Our lesson today was taught by Amy Young, our Relief Society president, on Gratitude. She read a poem about gratitude for simple things that mean we have friends, homes, and such. Aldous Huxley said that human beings have a great capacity for taking things for granted. Various sisters said things. We breath air and our hearts beat. We have a beautiful chapel. We have clean water. We have children. We have ward friends who care for us and love us. Just to have the gospel and fast Sunday and all the blessings that Heavenly Father gives us. What are we taking for granted? When we look at them, it lightens our hearts. We have modern conveniences that let us communicate, wash, dry, clean, and lots of other things. Amy’s daughter broke her leg last summer and she went back to school and said, “The kids at school have no idea they are lucky they can walk.” D&C 46:32 You must give thanks for whatsoever God gives you, is essentially what one said. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 said we should also give thanks. One sister said that God went to the trouble to make this earth and then handed it over to us. We should be thankful for it because it is a gift. President Monson, in October 2010, talked of a grateful heart. He said that being grateful requires effort. If it doesn’t require effort, no good will come out of it. What kind of effort does it take to have a grateful heart. Some people have that attitude and it comes easily. Thank you notes and prayers take some time and effort. It is a habit and an attitude. Sister Bahr’s mother-in-law goes to a lot of work to make things happen that are good for her grandchildren. So Sister Bahr wonders what will happen if she is no longer there. Sister Judd said that when her children are in a critical mood, they play a game where they say, “I am grateful for something that starts with D.” And sometimes this gets hilarious. Sometimes children turn out the way their families behave, so if people are critical and cross, the children will become that way. Elder Bednar said that gratitude is a spiritual gift that enables our appreciation for what we have that constrains our desires for what we want. Sister Hickman said she picked up her son from his mission in Ecuador and on the way from the airport he mentioned that we are so rich. Amy’s brother served in the Philippines and never saw such happy people, even though they aren’t wealthy. Feeling envious is a dark feeling. How can we switch our focus? Making list of our blessings is a good way. Sister Lewis is reading Pollyanna and thinks that her habit of finding something good in every thing, even if it is bad there is a good thing. Emily Campbell said they have books in different parts of the house, a blessings book and other things and each kid has a gratitude book. Write on the bathroom mirror things like, “What am I grateful for today?” “What is my attitude today?” Do we see what is lacking, like the disciples before Jesus took the loaves and the fishes and gave thanks for them and a miracle occurred. Notice it was after Jesus gave thanks. When we are grateful for what God gives us, he can give us more. Laura Campbell said that part of our human experience is to mourn and her friend said that all she needed was someone to listen and validate. She didn’t need favors or material things, just someone to listen and be with her in mourning phase. Although we need to be grateful, we also need to be realistic and then maybe we can move on. We shouldn’t push someone to move on before they are ready. Paige Gibson said that sometimes when we make our list, we realize there is more to add to the list and more and more. Recognizing what we have is sometimes the miracle. Charles Schwab said he never met anyone who did not do better under approval than under criticism. In order to teach gratitude in our families, we need to foster appreciation. If we want others to continue doing what they are doing, we need to show appreciation. President Eyring gave a talk in 2008 where he said he kept a list of blessings and how he had seen the hand of God in his life and the lives of his loved ones. More than gratitude grew in his heart; his testimony grew. Some have books and some do other things. Jenni Harker writes funny things that happen during bad times. Writing these things down help us remember. If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen. If you are struggling with another person, if you write down what you like about them, things get better. President Monson said that sincerely giving thanks opens the windows of heaven and helps us feel God’s love. We can lift ourselves and others as well if we focus on our blessings. Jesus Christ taught us how to pray and live. Let us obey his words and thank him for our blessings.

Latin American Christmas at the Tabernacle

Luz de las Naciones: Ven a mi casa esta Navidad, a celebration of the rich traditions of Latin America at the Tabernacle at Temple Square, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 5, 6, and 7 at 7:30 p.m. or a matinee performance on Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m. Tabernacle doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for evening performances. For seating or information call 801-249-6688. Tickets are free of charge and can be obtained online at lds.org/events and at the Conference Center box office by calling 801-570-0080 or 1-866-LDS-TKS.

Relief Society Lesson for October 27, 2013 "The Windows of Heaven"

Relief Society lesson October 27, 2013 Our lesson today is from the Teachings of Our Times and was given by Sister Jessica Lewis. It was on a talk by Elder David A. Bednar, “The Windows of Heaven.” Jessica had been thinking of all of us and how much she loves us, even if she doesn’t know us very well. She asked for us to share our insights. The first lesson Elder Bednar talked about was the significant but subtle blessings we are blessed with as we pay our tithing the second is the way tithing has blessed the church. Sister Bednar always kept faithful records of her finances as she learned from her mother. In going over these records, her mother realized that their doctor’s bills were very low in comparison to what they should be and realized they had received a blessing from paying tithing. Sister Laycock said she went on a USO tour and was paid a per diem and decided to pay tithing on it. She had finished her student teaching before and no job in sight. When she came home she got a job within a week. Amy Young said that even if you are awful with your money, pay your tithing and you will survive better. Another sister said that while planning her wedding, it was expensive. Her husband had to work on Sunday and decided to give that money to fast offerings or tithing and she feels they have been provided for. Emily Campbell said that paying tithing does not just change our circumstances, it changes us as people. It shows the Lord that we want to do what He wants us to do. She feels it has changed things in her life for the better. Another sister said that it is our way of showing the Lord we are serious. Paying our tithing also gives us access to the services in the church. Sister Bell said that her family had nine children and her father was in and out of work. They lived on nothing. They always made it through and her parents paid their tithing. Those growing up years for her made her family closer. Linda Campbell said her family wasn’t active, but when she came to BYU and read the scriptures, she read that if you pay your tithing, you won’t burn as stubble and it had a huge effect on her. She did not want to burn. Sister Bahr said that in good times, she and her husband try to pay more tithing than they could. They feel that they will be supported in the bad things. She’s even had a big chunk of money come in just when they needed it. In Malachi, he alluded to the windows of heaven if we honor the law of tithing. Elder Bednar also said paying tithing enriches our souls. Keeping a grateful attitude helps us feel like we are not going without. When we seek employment, we can enjoy an enhanced gift of discernment because we are looking through heavenly windows. We may appropriately expect improved circumstances, but the blessing that comes through heavenly windows, we may be empowered to change our circumstances. Emily Campbell said a grateful attitude teaches not to be entitled to having things given to us. Sue Ann Harding said she and her husband were on poor salary for her husband for three years, and prayed for a higher salary. Now he has one and they know they can live on less and save the rest. Sister Cantrell said her husband is retired from the military, but not with a great retirement and she and her husband needed another job. They have always helped their children and paid a generous fast offering. He was able to get a job in McDonald’s and it is a great help to their family. Another story was that an uncle who was Catholic was able to give his offerings to her family with the blessing of the priest and that blessed their family. Elder Bednar is on the committee on the disposition of the tithes. He said our tithes help so many others in the church and programs in the church. The leaders of the Church feel a great responsibility to administer the widow’s mite well.

Lesson October 20, 2013

Relief Society Lesson, “The Kingdom of God Moves Forward” on October 20, 2013 Out lesson on “The Kingdom of God Moves Forward” was by Amy Fehlberg. Amy asked us how many of us read the lesson. Not one person had. She told us about going to the Sacred Grove while she was in middle school and it was the first time she really felt the Spirit and the Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. She read from Joseph Smith’s History verse 11-12 where it tells about Joseph Smith reading in James 1:5 about how God would answer prayers. In verse 17-18 it talks about the appearance of God the Father and Jesus Christ and how they spoke to Joseph Smith and told him that none of the churches was correct. Amy said her father has an original Book of Mormon with Joseph Smith’s signature in it. She said they’ve always had a huge appreciation for the Book of Mormon and what Joseph Smith went through to bring it about. After his death, in Nauvoo that many thought the Church was done, but under the guidance of the Almighty, the Church moves forward. Whenever a prophet dies, the Church moves forward. When Wilford Woodruff got ill, Lorenzo Snow, who was the president of the Quorum of the Twelve, became afraid, but promised the Lord that he would do what was required of him by the Lord. After he said his prayer, President Snow, President Woodruff died. President Snow prayed in the temple for reassurance and did not get his answer until he went out into the corridor to the celestial room where the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him and told him to reorganize the quorum. He said Jesus stood about 3 feet off the floor and seemed to stand on a plate of gold. President Snow told his granddaughter when they were in the temple together and said it was the testimony of her grandfather. Paige Gibson said she was impressed that he did not get his answer right away, but went forward even so. He showed he had faith. Another sister said she was impressed that his first prayer that President Woodruff not die was answered with “no.” The same thing happened to Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and the benefit is tremendous to us. So when we are told no, perhaps it is for our benefit or the benefit of others. Amy said that the Garden of Gethsemane is amazing to visit. She could feel her Savior’s love for her. She asked about experiences where we have felt the Spirit. One sister told of when President Hinckley died, it was hard because he was the only prophet she knew. She had to pray to get the same testimony of President Monson and appreciate the Church moving on. Amy said she also felt sad when President Hinckley died and had to learn to love President Monson. She said the same thing happened when her ward was disbanded and they moved into our ward. Sister Sandy Green said that studying the prophets helps us learn to love and appreciate past prophets. Amy moved to how the kingdom of God will stand throughout the rest of time on the earth. It gives her comfort that the Church is here and led by Heavenly Father and to know it is here. Daniel 2:44 says that God shall set up His kingdom that shall never be destroyed and stand forever. Sister Jill said that she wants those she loves can join in the Church. Another sister said that she is comforted that no one can mess up the Church by themselves. Amy said that when someone makes a mistake it doesn’t make the Church untrue. Amy read that God has set up his kingdom to benefit families and guide them for his glorious second coming. To talk about the kingdom being destroyed and it is like moving the sun from its orbit. Sister Hickman said she wrote a letter to her grandson and asked him if he knew a certain team is going to win, would he want to be on that team? Amy read that those who want to destroy Mormonism, just let them do what they want, but the Church will not perish. There will always be a ram caught in the thicket to keep us safe. How do we handle opposition? One sister said we can turn things into missionary experiences. She had a friend whose pastor talked against Mormons. The friend asked questions of the sister and actually became baptized. Sister Bahr said she works in a non-Mormon environment. She was working last week on a project and her boss said she shouldn’t be nervous because the Holy Ghost would help her. He was joking, but she said she could pray, and he didn’t want her to, but it brought up some of her co-workers remembering good things about the Church. She gave her boss a Book of Mormon and he thanked her. Amy said it is important for us to realize that we may have hard times, but we are supported by the Lord. Will we make the sacrifice and prove ourselves. We need to be prepared to make those sacrifices. Amy said her mother was here last week and she told Amy about Job, who lost everything and gained it all back and then some. God will make our weak things become strong. Erin said her mother lost her husband and moved to California. They met an LDS person who helped them convert. They moved from San Diego to Utah, kids kicking and screaming, and yet they have regained everything and then some. Another sister said her husband had 10 children and lost them in divorce. He then remarried her and they married when she had 5 children and they had 5 more. He had sores because of diabetes, yet he felt that he had regained everything, like Job. We need to trust the Lord.

Ward Halloween Party October 25

Come to the ward Halloween party, Friday, October 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the church building. Costumes welcome, but no masks. we will have games, refreshments and prizes. Come and enjoy fellowship with ward members.

Lesson for October 13, 2013

Relief Society Lesson October 23, 2013 Our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp, “Missionary Work to Reach Every Heart.” Maggie remembered a talk when she was young on missionary work that had an object lesson with folding your arms. We always fold our arms in a specific way and to do the opposite feels weird. She asked who had served missions or had missionary experiences, either formally or informally. The lesson was taken from a talk by Lorenzo Snow to missionaries. How do we apply what missionaries are taught to our missions. He was at a point in his life when he had to decide between serving a mission or going to school. He leaned toward going to school, but he felt he had a duty to serve a mission and he served many missions up until he was 71 years old. Sisters share how they were called. Vira Bahr was a convert who felt she needed to share what she had learned about the gospel. Sister Linda Campbell and her husband served a mission locally after he retired because his eyesight was bad. While they served, he had surgery and his eyesight was restored. They felt it was a blessing. Amy Young went to a meeting and came away with a strong feeling that she should serve a mission. Irma Lopez said her neighbors noticed that they always got up and got ready for church, instead of doing sports, so it was their example that caught their attention. Sharing the gospel is a commandment and the early saints were committed to doing it. President Snow said that just after they settled in Utah in their poverty, they turned their attention to sharing the gospel and sent people on missions through great hardship. Sisters shared obstacles they had to overcome. Linda Campbell said that when you do it, you lose the fear of sharing. Even her granddaughter Tori shared by wearing her CTR ring and her friend and family were baptized and sealed in the temple. Emily Campbell said they learned that sharing their lives with their friends and saying this is who I am let people know about the Church. One sister told about a neighbor who heard anti-Mormon stuff from her minister. This sister said that through teaching this woman to make bread and sew, the woman saw that the sister believed in Christ and lived her religion? Sister Bahr said she had to learn to rectify incorrect beliefs. She also said we can give donations to the missionary fund. She said in her country, Ukraine, young people cannot save enough to go on missions. Heather Cantrell said in South Africa she carried a Book of Mormon everywhere with her and gave away copies all the time. She found that just saying, “Read it and pray about it.” She found out fifteen years later that a friend had joined and sent the missionaries to Heather to tell her. Another sister told of using social media and commenting about gospel things that happen. Sister Hickman said the missionaries a have to spend a certain amount of time on Facebook. Sister Cook said that being a good example to relatives on Facebook and sharing what she does daily on Facebook. Maggie said she tries to share with relatives. Linda Campbell said that a person who needs to be reached can be placed there by the Lord. Adele Hickman said that when she was doing family history she had people from Germany telling her to contact Mormons, because they know what to do with family history. Maggie told of a friend who decided to share the gospel and she applied the scriptures to her life so she decided to tell scripture stories to people who came to her with problems. That was OK and worked really well and helped her make friends with several people. The virtue lies in missionaries being willing to obey the commandments. Sister Bell said that moving from Iowa to Utah made her lax in sharing the gospel. She realizes that she has neighbors who don’t come to church, so she can share with them. She shouldn’t be afraid to share with anyone. Maggie said we all need to strengthen each other. Irma Lopez said we can do missionary work in our homes and neighborhood. Out of a ward with 400 people, we will have only 100 come to church.

Thanks to those who helped with the humanitarian project

The recipients were grateful and our goal is to do more throughout the year. So watch for announcements.

Lesson for September 22, 2013

“Come Unto Me” President Henry B. Eyring Lesson for September 22, 2013 Our lesson was given by Jessica Lewis. President Eyring gave a lovely talk. He began by saying he was grateful to be in this church, God’s church. He invites us to be close to Him. His talk was about how we can come close to the Savior. The Spirit is our greatest teacher, so we need to reflect on what we can do to come closer and the Spirit will prompt us. President Eyring made a promise that if we will do what He tells us, we will come close to Him. He says that we come closer to Him through simple acts, such as meeting with the Saints. He remembers an experience when it was cold and dark outside the church meeting and yet it was light and warm inside. How have we grown closer to the Savior by obedience? Sister Harker said she was feeling anxious and wasn’t reading her scriptures, but she got the feeling to read her scriptures and she was comforted. Another sister told of being a missionary and having trials getting her investigators to the church meetings. She asked the Lord what to do because the mission president was coming to visit their meeting. She and her companion decided to fast, which was very hard. We just knew that was the right thing to do to demonstrate their faith. They went to everyone they had ever taught and when they showed up, there were 5 investigators there and then a little old lady who had said she would never come, showed up. There were 7 eventually who showed up. She and her companion gained a testimony that fasting is real. Another sister moved out here with her car filled up with her things and no job and no plans. She went to the temple with her friend and she found an apartment and then a job and her life started falling in place. President Eyring told the stories of Biblical people who had been faithful at the time of Christ’s death and the results of their obedience, such as the women at the tomb, and the men on the road to Emmaeus. Christ said to the men that he would tarry with them as they invited him. He ate with them and then Christ vanished. They asked if their hearts had not burned while he was with them. They went back to the other apostles where Christ came again. How have the scriptures brought you closer to the Savior. Sister Card told of getting little impressions about checking on her young children, but nothing was every wrong. She got another impression one day and checked, only to find that her children were playing with matches. Another sister said she wasn’t particularly happy and then she decided to get up early to study the scriptures. She didn’t know why, but that is what she decided to do. She decided to write her thoughts and set a time to study. She could tell such a difference, made her happy, she could study better, and she found friends. It made such a difference just because she was trying, with a humility to accept whatever the Lord wanted to tell her. Sister Cantrell has a daughter who is experiencing difficulty. Sister Cantrell worried and prayed and felt the presence of the Savior. She got the impression to kneel down and pray and read the scriptures. She was able to tell her daughter to be kind to those who were giving trouble and that kindness begets kindness. President Eyring said that the Savior cares for us as he cared for others, and we should care for others and comfort them. We are under covenant both to lift up those in need and to be witnesses of the Savior as long as we live. We will be able to do it without fail only as we feel love for the Savior and His love for us. As we are faithful to the promises we have made, we will feel love for Him. It will increase because we will feel His power and His drawing near to us in His service. Sister Emily Campbell said that by switching her focus from managing her family while her girls are so ill to serving her daughters, her love for her daughters has increased beyond what she thought possible. What she thought was important before, is not so important. Another sister said her sister-in-law lost her baby, but she had hers due about the same time and it was hard. Another sister said she is newly married and sometimes counts times she’s done dishes or her husband has and she has found she needs to serve her husband and not keep count. Sister Lopez said that service is part of our covenant and we promised to keep it. Another sister said to put things in the terms of what Christ would do, and He doesn’t keep a tally. He sees us in a different light from what we see ourselves and our spouses. There is so much more to what He sees us as. A visiting sister said that although so many good people are doing good things, when we do things under the direction of the priesthood order, we are brought closer to Christ. The world is trying to seek their own way, when what we are really being called to do is be united in Christ and come unto Him and then everyone would be taken care of.

Lesson for September 15, 2013 Serving in the Church

Lesson for September 15, 2013 Sister Amy Fehlburg gave the lesson on Chapter 18 Church Leadership and Selfless Service. Why do we have jobs in the Church? The answers were that because it is so much fun that no one person should have all the fun. It is also to help us learn and it is to make sure that all the members are taken care of. We read the scripture where Jesus said that if we serve even the least of his children, we serve Him. Why is it important that we fulfill our callings? Because the Lord has given us everything and we can give a small portion back. If we do it only half way, we show that we are not committed to the Lord. Sometimes we get busy and don’t do things as well as we can or we forget. Sometimes we think that our callings are not that important, so it doesn’t seem important to do our callings to the best of our ability. Sister Fehlberg said we don’t need fifty bishops. We need everyone to do their callings. The lesson manual says to be content and satisfied doing small things. We should never feel too lofty to be cut down to fit into the place we need to be. Amy Young said she now feels that the most important calling in the church is home teaching and visiting teaching and she needs us to do our visiting teaching so we watch out for everyone and receive the blessings we get by doing what we are called to do. President Snow went to a ward where the bishop was taking all the credit for himself and the feeling in that ward was not good. We need to be humble and we need to pray for our Heavenly Father’s help in our callings and in our family duties. If we have that attitude that we can do anything with Heavenly Father’s help, we will be able to do things we may not have been able to do. We are here to help lift each other up. In John 21:15-17 it tells when Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, three times, and three times Peter was told to feed His sheep. Jesus loves his sheep/children and he wants us to be taken care of and we need to do Jesus’ work. President Snow said that we should go forth with our whole heart and take care of the people. Do not think that you can make too great a sacrifice in helping others. Sister Fehlberg said that while she was single, she was pretty self-centered. Then she married and had a child and she learned what it is to be selfless. Selfless people are those who put themselves out to help others. One sister said that Paige Gibson came over and sat next to her and became her friend and she thought that Church was wonderful after that. Sister Lopez said that her husband ran into a guy he knew from Mexico after 37 years who he had taught in Primary and this man fondly remembered him as his Primary teacher. If we do our callings with our hearts, then we do good. We thought about leaders who stood out. The ones who made an effort to make people feel welcome stand out. One sister remembered her early morning seminary teacher who had been Mrs. America and had ten children. This woman was so sincere and loved each student. Sister Harker told about Mark Jones and how much he loved all the boys in the ward and even gave her son his shoes to wear when the boy wanted to go to a stake dance, which ruined the shoes. Shanacy Critchfield told about Sister Laycock and how she impacted the children in Primary as she taught the children music and how that was the best part of church for her children. The lesson says that we should be humble and committed as we serve. Brother Gibbons was remembered as someone who practiced service with humility and good cheer. Sister Fehlberg also told of Jesus Christ who washed his disciples’s feet and how, like Peter, do not accept His service, we cannot partake of the blessings.

Lesson for September 8, 2013 For the Salvation of the Human Family

September 8, 2013 Relief Society Lesson: Chapter 17—For the Salvation of the Human Family Sister Maggie Kopp gave the lesson on the priesthood and how it helps the human family. She said many people think that lessons about the priesthood are about men only, but she hopes we can share personal experiences to show it is also about women. Lorenzo Snow had some things to say about it. The priesthood is the delegated authority of God given to man. It presides over everything in the gospel. It is so that all people can be good and happy so everyone can share in what makes them happy. The priesthood makes it so anyone in the world can have the gift of the Holy Ghost, temple blessings, and return to Heavenly Father—all alike. The priesthood makes it so we can extend the same blessings to those who have already died. We can counsel with our husbands and so we can help priesthood bearers. We also have the power to ask for blessings. A big part of that is service to our neighbors and families and allowing our husbands to do their callings. We can also give prayers of faith for family, friends, and even those who are not of our faith. President Snow told of going to Italy with missionaries and were confronted with rumors. They decided to share their examples with people in their area. They were able to bless a child through fasting and prayer who was ill and the family. The child became well. Temple service gives all women blessings of the priesthood and make the same covenants and perform the same ordinances. One sister said she and her husband decided to go to the temple once a week while they were dating so they could be worthy to get married in the temple. Sister Kopp said she once did the work for a woman who lived in the time and area she studied for her master’s degree and it was a wonderful experience for her. It was a really special experience. Another sister said she was able to do the work for three people in her husband’s family and she envisioned that family coming back together. Another sister, a convert, said she was able to take her mother’s name through a few days after her own work was done and the missionary who had converted her was able to stand in for her father. Her brother was also part of it and they are the nucleus of their family. Sister Lopez told of going to the temple and making a huge sacrifice in going to the temple. She was able to help with her grandmother’s work and had a love for that grandmother. How does it bless us individually, to do the work for others? We can be good examples to our children and grandchildren and come back happier and that blesses others—encourages them to do their own work. Sister Kopp’s mother works in the temple and it has blessed their lives. Another great blessing is having the priesthood in our homes. Our homes can be blessed every hour because we can be blessed every hour our covenants are kept. Sister Judd said that knowing that we can repent and invite the Spirit back into our homes is such a blessing. If we try to influence others in our homes, if we do it the Lord’s way, it works so much better—that is power, the Lord’s kind of power. When the parents keep the covenants, the family is blessed, even if they decide not to stay active. It still holds the family together—even if one parent keeps covenants. Just go and do.

September 17 is our activity and humanitarian project.

There are several items we are collecting. We are helping the House of Hope and the Juvenile Justice Services. We are donating and making birthday bags to give them a sense of belonging to their community. We will be making baby things as well. We will also be gathering stationery and making jewelry to help them heal spiritually and physically. New is great, but lightly used is good, too. Other things that are needed are school supplies, books, hygiene kit items, games (with all the pieces), packaged food like cookies and crackers and candy bars and canned goods, jewelry supplies, journals, yarn,toys, fabric.

Come to Women's Conference Sept. 28

Our stake is hosting the televised Women's Conference On Saturday evening September 28. A dinner will be held from 4:30-5:50 p.m. and conference will start at 6:00. No nursery. Please come and join with our sisters in worshiping together.

Lesson for August 18, 2013 Chapter 16: That We May Become One

Sister Maggie Kopp gave the lesson. We talked about unity as a ward, as a stake, and as a people. We need one purpose, one mission. Margaret Cook thinks of unity as coming together and strengthening by using the strengths of each person—staying away from division. Elder Snow was asked by Brigham Young to raise money for the Perpetual Immigration Fund. He had some difficulty because people were not wealthy, very poor, in fact. The hearts of the Saints were opened and they donated cheerfully to help others come across the plains. Sister Francis said that today we felt a spiritual communication as we performed as a choir. Enoch’s people were united in purpose and serving the Lord and each other. Maggie said she just came back from a professional development class that was tough. There were nine people in the class and when the class was over, the response of her classmates was one of unity and friendship from working through this tough class. Jesus prayed that his disciples would be one. If we are divided, how can we be effective instruments in His hands? The Lord has a mission for the Church and if we are not unified, he cannot make us the people we need to be. Missionaries who are having hard times need to get unity with their companions and districts to be effective. Maggie told about Chieko Okasaka telling about doing what needs to be done where we live. For example, fruit in Utah must be bottled to be preserved for winter, yet, fruit in Hawaii is available year round right outside the door. Another quote is that we must all learn about each other so we can learn from each other and have love for each other. President Snow said we have commonalities in our wards and stakes and families. What does it take for someone to go from a stranger to a friend? One sister said that when she moved in to her apartment, some of her neighbors were distant. They moved out and she felt bad that she didn’t know them. So she now makes cookies or something to take to them and get to know them. She said we need to reach out to others. Sister Cook said that she was baptized 37 years ago and lots of people came to her baptism. It was that reaching out that helped her feel comfortable in the ward. Another sister said that serving others makes it so you can serve with others to help additional people. Sister Lopez said when she was a young mother and struggling with the bottle at church, another sister came and helped her. Now she sees this woman and she’s a friend Sister Lopez can talk to and know they are comfortable with each other. We need to love one another. Age is no difference. Sister Laycock said she was Peggy Benson’s visiting teacher and she was old enough to be Sister Laycock’s mother, but they were the best of friends. Sister Heather Cantrell said she loves to come to church to be with the sisters who feel like her family. She said that Ruth Hendriksen, especially is a true friend. We can love people who are nothing like us, even if we don’t love their individual actions. We can find those commonalities that can make relationships stronger. Sister Cook said that Abraham Lincoln said that he didn’t like a certain man, so he needed to get to know that person better. We need to give people the benefit of the doubt. Sister Trewartha said that she once taught a lesson on this topic and she gave an object lesson of a bundle of pencils and one pencil is easy to break, but if they are bundled, they are strong. Maggie asked how we can repair the damage when we break down the unity. Admit we’re wrong and reach out. Sister Hanson said we need to forgive even if no forgiveness has been asked for. Sometimes we need to put ourselves in their shoes and that makes it easier to forgive. We can feel the Spirit better when we pray about it and wait for that moment to come, even if it is not on our timeline. We have to be patient with ourselves and the other person. Stop murmuring and becoming dissatisfied. Missionaries always love the people they serve, so we should develop that same love for those whom we serve. If we do that we can easily love.

Lesson August 11, 2013

Relief Society, August 11, 2013 Sister Amy Fehlberg gave the lesson on Chapter 15: Faithful, Energetic Service in the Kingdom of God. She read to us a picture book called the Selfish Crocodile. She said the opposite of service is selfishness. The story is about the selfish crocodile who kept everyone away until he got sick. A little mouse saved the crocodile by pulling its tooth. The crocodile gave the mouse a nut and the mouse and the crocodile became friends and the rest of the animals, too. We need to give others acts of love. Sisters said that service is giving of your time, giving smiles, compliments, and building the kingdom of God. If we serve others, we serve God. A loving attitude helps. If you are serving just to be seen to serve, it means nothing. D&C 4:2-3 tells us to embark in the service of God to be blameless and blessed. Psalms 100:2 says to serve the Lord with gladness. Amy said we will enjoy it more if we serve with gladness. Sometimes little things make big differences. We provide service by helping those around us keep up standards. We provide service by talking on the telephone and listening. Sister Laycock said that every calling we have is a service to someone. Not every calling will be our favorite, but it’s what the Lord needs at that time. It’s like the body and how every part of the body is needed for the body to work well. President Snow said for everyone to serve diligently. Elder Holland said every calling is important. She said that her mother gave everyone who came into their home a gospel message and ended up having three of her children’s friends join the Church, including her daughter’s boyfriend who was super excited to be called as a home teacher—he felt it was the best calling in the world. We need to have that kind of excitement about our callings. We need to be humble enough to get the service. We can put people’s names in the temple, because sometimes it’s the only thing we can do. Going to the temple is something we can do without thinking or asking others if we can do it. They’re always happy to have us. For a lot of us, we do service selfishly because it brings so much joy to us. Sometimes we have to allow others to help us with the type of service they can give. These instances of service—whether we give or receive—makes us teary eyed, because it means so much to both the giver and the receiver. Looking for ways to serve others is the way we find ways to serve. President Snow said that knowing what we should do means we need to be energetic and diligent in serving others, not lukewarm, because of the nature of our gospel and because we know it is true. Another reason we give service is that it is a commandment, so if we love God we should serve Him.

more lesson

It is important to have good music in the home to create calmness and peace in the home. Sometimes you don't realize something is going on, but then your children will play "Love at Home" and you know they are trying to help. Some of the electronic resources the Church has provided are especially good, like apps for our phones and tablets. even Pandora has a section on LDS hymns. Playing hymns while trying to get to church gets everyone in the family in the right mood. Other artists who are not sponsored by the Church can be especially helpful as well. The words "I love you" and Forgive me" provide comfort and express the tenderness of our hearts. We need to show each other how much we care. Sister Barbara Thompson said to love and nurture our children. Express kind words and theach them to pray. Now we also text to our loved ones and brighten their days. we also need to share our love of the sriptures with our families.

Lesson August 4, 2013--Presidency message

Sister Lopez gave us the lesson on "The Home School of Life" and some other talks. She asked that we participate and help with the discussion. The talk is about the lessons learned in the home. The best school is called home. Sister Lopez said her family had to wait for years to all be sealed in the temple. She remembers that it was an important thing to happen for her family. The temple is the place. She found out that she and her husband were sealed to their families on the same day in the same temple and may have passed each other in the hall. There is so much single sisters can do for their families and their nieces and nephews. President Benson said not all sisters in the church will have the opportunity for all blessings in this life. But they will get them if they are faithful, He also said it takes two people to caused contention and he was not willing to be one of those people.

August 20 activity

Join for our preparedness activity about personal documents and first aid. Come to the church at 7:00. Some refreshments.

August Temple Sessions

Join us at the temple. We leave from the church west parking lot one hour before sessions. In August we will attend sessions on August 13 at 6:30 p.m., August 17 at 8:00 a.m., and August 21 at 7:30 p.m.

July 28 Lesson "Marriage: Watch and Learn"

Jessica Lewis gave the lesson on "Marriage: Watch and Learn." by Elder L. Whitney Clayton. He told of a visit to his daughter's family. After dinner one granddaughter realized she had his full attention and said, "Grandpa, watch and learn." This lesson is for all of us, whether we are married or not so we can help to strengthen each others' marriages. Jessica asked what we have seen that strengthens marriage. Sister Joan Jensen said that being Christ-centered is a good foundation. Learning about ourselves and being willing to repent is important. Another sister said we need to ask, What can I do to make myself better. Elder Clayton said that humility is necessary to change. Then we treat others with kindness and have integrity in our dealings because of our divine nature. Elder Clayton said that marriage means we are marriage partners who treat each others in respectful ways. We need an element of fun in the marriage as we find things that we enjoy doing together, so when we are retired we can be in a place where we get along together. The importance of a date night is very important so we can be a couple. Another sister said it is important to say we are sorry and not hold grudges. Sometimes it is hard and we don't want to. Jessica said, "You have to decide if you want to be right or have a marriage." One sister said, "My mother said that if you are wrong admit it, if you are right forget it." We discussed being equally yolked and how to develop that "yokedness."It takes concern, respect, and love. Learn to love what your spouse loves. So what if our likes and dislikes became the same? That would contribute to the "yokedness." Elder Clayton said that marriages should be based on cooperation, shared duties, and make decisions together and retire together. Claudia Laycock said that the marriage is the most important thing she has learned from being a judge. She said the opposite of love is selfishness and the venom that comes from a divorce can damage the kids and partners and she often has to order therapy. Sister Hickman said that people who are friends should be willing to work to help their friends marriages and sometimes it takes drastic measures by encouraging them to work on their marriage. Be careful about what you say about your spouse so your family and friends don't carry the weight of bad behavior and treat them badly. People who treasure their marriages work on their relationships by showing love and building our partners up. Sister Bahr said we need to remember our temple covenants. The most important thing is for us to be together and honor the promises we make.We also need to be happy first and not expect the other to make you happy. We need to change ourselves first and not have expectations for our spouses that maybe they don't have the ability to do. We have to understand that people will want to change if they are in a safe and loved place. We need to show gratitude for what they do for us and how they honor their priesthood.

Ward Newsletter

For up-to-date ward information, go to LDS.org and click on sign in/tools and select Newsletter.

Summer park schedule

Thursday, August 1 at Cascade Park at 950 east 200 north in Orem, Come join the young families in our ward for a picnic and play break. Call Lisa Buckner for more information at 801-376-6558.

Stake Conference on August 24-25

Adult session August 24 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the stake center. Priesthood session August 25 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the stake center. General session August 25 from 10:00 to 12:00 noon at the stake center and viewed in other stake chapels.

July 7, 2013 lesson

Lesson for July 7, 2013 Paige Gibson gave the lesson on “Having the Spirit of the Temple is Our Hearts and Homes.” She said that the goal for our ward is to set individual goals about temple attendance. She started with a handout that said, “My beloved brothers and sisters, may we make whatever sacrifices are necessary to attend the temple and to have the spirit of the temple in our hearts and in our homes.” Several sisters told about road blocks to going, such as children, not scheduling properly, and not making it a priority. Blessings are peace, eternal perspective, and eternal families. We talked about how important it is to make the sacrifice to go. President Monson’s talk in April 2011 gives good information about going to the temple. It is worth whatever you have to go through. In his closing remarks President Monson made that statement about making it a priority. Paige said she sometimes treats the temple as a check off list. But she realizes that the blessings of the temple are supposed to be a part of our everyday lives and our homes. We discussed making the home have some semblance of décor that is like the temple, so children and we are prepared from an early age to want to go to the temple. We went to D&C 88:119 that says to organize ourselves and make a house of order and a house of God. Everything in the temple is there for a reason, said Sister Craig, so less is more. Sister Linda Campbell said we shouldn’t be fanatic about it, or we can alienate our children and grandchildren, but music also plays an important part in creating the atmosphere. We should also make happy noises be part of our homes, and soft voices if we can. Sister Galloway said in the temple we all have jobs to do and people know what their calling is in the home. We need to make our homes a place where our family wants to be and for our homes to be places of refuge. We can dedicate our homes to the Lord so the Spirit can be there. One sister said the cleanliness is important. When we go to the temple, it’s clean, but we have to have a balance and be welcoming. Sister Dorothy Davis said a house needs to be clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy. Our house should be central to our family like the temple is central to the gospel. Family history is something we can do before we go to the temple that can point us to the temple. Baptism is the foundation, so we need to make sure our family is all baptized and have received the Holy Ghost. Each Sunday when we take the sacrament, it is a good opportunity to renew our covenants. If we talk about the temple with our children, they will feel excited and positively about the temple. Sister Craig said it’s fun to point out that certain family members have been married in different temples. We have two temples and their dedications and open houses coming up in the near future that we can go to, which is especially important to create memories about temples for children who are not old enough to go now. To have the temple in our hearts we must go again and again. We can do our family history and learn about our ancestors, so we can get to know them and have it tie our family together. Sister Cantrell tries to remember the actual ceremony and ponder it when she comes home. She says she learns something new every week. Sister Bahr said her teenagers want to go to the temple, even if they can’t do sessions. Paige said we can record our feelings in our journals and let our children see how the temple changes us. She says that giving this lesson caused her to study information about the temple and it made a difference for her. One sister said her 91-year-old grandfather all of a sudden went through the temple for the first time and he was able to be sealed to his wife and his daughter. It gives him peace now. Our covenants are meant to change us, so we should live our covenants. Also, testifying about our temple blessings can change us and influence others. There are so many blessings we can receive from the temple.

July RS activity on July 16

Come with us to the July Relief Society social: a campfire dinner up Provo Canyon. Join us at the church at 6:30 p.m. on July 16 to carpool to the Garner's property. The Relief Society will provide the main course and everyone should bring a side to share.

Ward Pioneer Day July 20

Join us as our ward celebrates Pioneer Day. We will meet at the ward on July 20 at 9:00 a.m. for breakfast, bike parade and games.

June fifth Sunday lessons

For our fifth Sunday, we discussed family and viewed a video from the Church about creating good homes and families. There are several really great videos that the Church has made available to watch. One idea was to use the videos as a discussion generator in family home evening. There are enough there for several family home evenings. Sacrament meeting was about freedom, and some comments made me [Laura] think about some things. I am grateful to live in a country founded on the principles of religious freedom, freedom of speech, and other freedoms. I had to pause to think what those freedoms meant to me. There are some obvious ones: I work at a job that I qualify for because of the education I received because of the education system in this country. I can vote as I see fit. I can live where I please. I can go where I want. I can say what I want, unless I’m on an airplane or in an airport. I can belong to a religion that I choose and believe as I see fit. There are several reasons I am especially grateful for religious freedom. Because I have freedom TO believe in my religion, I have freedom FROM many harmful or debilitating things: I have freedom from wondering or worrying about what the plan is for my life. I have freedom from the health problems that come from smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol or drug abuse or eating harmful substances. I have freedom from the problems that come from having sexual relations outside of marriage. One of the greatest freedoms I have is freedom from fear. I have freedom from the fear of death and that I will be alone after death. I have freedom from the fear of being caught doing something unlawful. I also am free from loneliness or the fear that I will be alone in old age. I know I cannot control what happens in the world, but I am grateful I have some control over my life and that control comes because of the freedoms I enjoy. God bless America.

Choir at 1:00 at Craigs's

We will meet for choir at 1:00 p.m. at the Craigs's house most Sundays.

Lesson for June 9, 2013

Sister Maggie Kopp gave the lesson on blessings. She hoped no one feels like a failure if things are not going well. President Lorenzo Snow said that in the midst of trials we can maintain our faith and keep our mind single to the glory of God. He pointed out that if we keep our mind single to the glory of God, there can be no failure. Keep our focus on the Lord. Keeping an eternal perspective helps us, as Paul says, press toward the mark. Sister Craig said that knowing that, we can keep the motivation to keep moving forward. Sister Young said that still trying is success--not quitting. She sees a lot of difficult things happening to families and sees the changes that come to those people for the better. She feels that God is trying to perfect his children. Sister Francis asks that she can start fresh with the sacrament each Sunday. One sister told of a Mormon family with five children who all need heart transplants and how faithful these people are and what good examples they are. Sister Kopp said we need to be faithful and know that God can give us the power to accomplish whatever we need to accomplish. Lorenzo Snow said we may not achieve success today or tomorrow, but if we persevere, we can achieve great things. He said we may not always be able to do what we want to do, but we will be able to do what we should do. Sister Kopp said she struggled for eight years to find out what she was supposed to do and when she got her job at BYU in the library, she finally felt she was where she should be and helping to build the kingdom at BYU. Over the long term, whatever she learned in the interim was helpful. Sister Card told of feeling pushed to get her graduate degrees by a higher power and after ten years of not knowing why, she got a full time job. Sister Gibson said she feels like she is doing what she should do by being a mother. Sister Hickman said she has children all over the world who are doing great things. She said she looks into the faces of her grandchildren and says, I'm so glad I didn't kill your father. There are so many different times in your life when you have different roles. Betsy Lopez ___ said that she has a friend in Houston who works and decided to quit her job because Mormons know what they're doing for their kids. As mothers we are being influential. In conference we heard that we need more good people in the world and it starts in the home. It is hard, but we all have different roles to play and each has a unique plan for them. Sister Bahr said that the Lord shifted her life to what she should do, such as join the Church and go on a mission and the Lord would find a way. If you keep striving to do what you should, then the Lord will help, even when times change and you have different needs. Having the Spirit makes us powerful and spiritual. President Snow said we all have a purpose, the same as Jesus, our elder brother, and one purpose is to do the will of our Father. Our joy shall be full to overflowing and great will be our reward for our trials and sufferings and God will give us a crown of unfading glory. We need to contemplate what our purpose is at this moment and what we can do to prepare to fulfill a purpose in the future and be on the right path as told to us through prayer.

Elder Galloway has 4 Weeks Left--This Week in Atahualpa

3 Jun 2013 This Week in Atahualpa Well, this week has been super busy, and has taken half the time that the first week of the change took. I´m sure things will compact like that as time goes on... for the which I´m not so excited. But we´re trying to make the most of things, and I think we´re doing a pretty good job. This week we worked super hard, and, as I said, we´re starting with our divisions with all the missionaries. We had a great baptism, good Sunday meetings, and a great outing with the zone to the north of Quito to visit the Mitad del Mundo (the "Middle of the World"). We´re getting along just great. I know that with our happiness-level, the fruits of our work will be evident, too. Responses of the Week: Well, the pattern continues -- two weeks of freezing cold rain, and now we are being cooked by a blaaaaazing sun. But that´s how Quito is! I liked what you said this week, especially that by coming to church, people can see the gospel in action. That´s why it´s so important to do everything we can to get them to come! (Have I told you this before?:) President has showed us a diagram that Salt Lake sends him every month with the mission report. It´s like a funnel, and shows number of new investigators and attendances at church needed to get ONE baptism. The average for the area (South America NW) is that for every 18 or 19 investigators (people to whom we have taught a lesson and have a return appointment), like 4 or 5 attend church. Then of those 4 or 5 who attend, one gets baptized. Our mission´s funnel is a LOT more skinny: for every 10 new investigators we find, 2 attend church. Then once they attend church, they have a 50-50 probability of getting baptized. Isn´t that wonderful? So for every two people who attend the meetings, one gets baptized! That means the secret for working in our mission is getting them to church! That´s why we focus so much on doing tours of the chapel. Because that raises the probabilities a whole bunch that they attend church. I think there´s just something special that they can feel in the church buildings, and it´s a great introduction to what the Church does. Then they automatically want to be a part of it. · That´s crazy about my homecoming talk topic! I´ll be sure to prepare myself well. We just barely got the May issue of the Liahonas yesterday, and we were geeking out over getting them. I like the Church: it´s like Christmas at least four times a year (you get General Conference awe repeated twice!). · Say hi to Nick for me. I hope everything goes well for him. ... to be continued... This Week in Atahualpa (2) Attitudes of the Week: I´ve reflected a bit. I am suuuuuuper happy. I loooooooove being involved in missionary work. I think we´re having so much success now for a few reasons: 1) as I have always said, "God honors those who honor Him;" 2) I´m totally happy that I was able to stay here; I think the fact that I know the members means I can work with them effectively; 3) I finally feel confident about my skills as a missionary; I feel like anyone can ask me any question and I could respond comfortably with the Spirit so they feel its truthfulness, and with Elder Martin at my side, what more could you ask?; 4) I´m sure and I feel that many of you are praying for my success. All in all, I´m just in the right place at the right time with the right skills to do God´s work. Baptism of the Week: We planned everything for the U. boys´ baptism this week. It turned out marvelously. Jorge U. had been baptized at 8 years old, because the rest of his family are members. They live in other parts of Quito. In fact, one of his little sisters served a mission in Bolivia 10 years ago, and the littlest brother is serving right now in Barranquilla, Colombia. It was a constant desire of the rest of the family that his sons were baptized. So when they heard the news, they were ecstatic! They all came in for the baptism, then we had a little get-together at Jorge´s house afterward. The ward has been really receptive of all of them, and Jorge has a ton of desire to keep learning and going forward. We sent them to institute on Tuesday nights, and the sons to seminaries that they have every afternoon in the chapel. It will help them a lot. Fast and Testimony Meeting of the Week: Just yesterday morning I realized that it would be my last fast and testimony meeting as a missionary here in Ecuador, and my last opportunity to share my testimony as a missionary. I remember my first testimony meeting in Los Chillos that I let pass by and I told myself I wouldn´t let the opportunity slip by again. It has been wonderful to be able to testify in front of my ward wherever I have served during my mission, and it was especially poignant yesterday. I´ve been here a long time! I don´t know if you know what it is like standing at the pulpit in front of 200 people you have loved and served and helped and strengthened -- Eduardo C., the Al. family, the B. family, the M. family, the T. family... On top of that, I saw the faces of the many people I have helped bring into the Church here -- Martha, Ivette, Luis and Lashmi, the U. family, the An. family, Julio and Diego, Guido, Soraya... and many others. Needless to say, I cried up there. I was able to say very sincerely the joy I felt to see the fruits of my labors, and the joy I had to be an instrument in the hands of God to do His work. I told them that we are all missionaries, with our without a nametag. I told them that I knew that this Church is true, because I DO! It is too big, too perfect, and too marvelous to not be. I told them that we all need to keep going forward... among many other things. There were few dry eyes in the congregation, and I think there was a puddle in front of the pulpit... Tomorrow we are going to have our "mission leaders´ council," at the which it is tradition that the departing missionaries share their testimonies. At least I had a practice, right? New Investigators of the Week: Diego T. has invited his mother, Magdalena, to church for a few weeks now. He wanted us to wait to talk with her until she was a little more ready. So yesterday, after church, she came up to us to ask us a question. We went to a room and taught her the answers. She´s a wonderful woman, and it´s easy to see why Diego is how he is. She was touched and... accepted a baptismal date for the 29th of June. We look forward to teach and help her in these coming weeks. Zone Activity of the Week: As requested, I finally went to the middle of the world! It´s past the nooooooooorth of Quito, and about 2 hours by bus from our house. It was a loooooooong journey, and really interesting to see how things change from open, dry, and hot, and ritzy in the north (it looks like St. George), through the center, to the historic windy streets, and down into the south of Quito, which is hardly as ritzy (but I prefer it that way -- I would hate to work in the north of Quito). It´s kind of like 4 corners -- way out there, there´s not much, and the only people who pay attention to it are tourists. At least we got some good pictures as a zone. It was fun just to get out and about. It´s been almost 10 months since I passed through there. It was a perfect day to go sightseeing -- sunny and very hot. Well, as one sister said in her testimony yesterday, "FORWARD, ELDERS!" We´re keeping busy and trying to keep ourselves occupied. I know that you are, too. Keep it up, have fun, and know that I am very content. With love, Elder Galloway

June 2 Lesson Presidency lesson

Today the lesson is being given by the Relief Society presidency. Sister Lewis said to look ahead to Sister Wixhom's talk with the goal of helping her with the lesson. Amy Young started with the quote from President Kimball, "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other." Comments were made that if we follow the promptings of the Spirit we will recognize when we can help and when we are being helped. One quote said that we are the hands that must help and be God;s hands. Amy said that the statue of Christ about when the hands were vandalized, that it was decided to leave them off with the sign on it that we are God's hands. We also need to be observant about what we can do and how we can do it, because we need to notice when others need help and how to make it effective and not awkward. If you start with a prayer in the morning you will be more observant. When you ask Heavenly Father for specific things, He will answer your prayer specifically.We should also recognize that serving is a blessing. Sister Burton tells a story about how we are busy and doing things, but when we take the opportunity to serve others, we are blessed. She took the time to go to the temple and met a young lady who was there for the first time and needed guidance. Sister Burton felt that she was the one who benefited most. Such occasions are like a little love note from Heavenly Father, said Sister Craig. Stacie Card thought it was interesting that she has been prompted and not recognized it. She had a friend in high school who thanked her for smiling at her all the time. Stacie always smiled and didn't know she was making a difference.Sister Lewis said that sometimes people just need a hug or someone being friendly. One sister said that it is easy to serve someone with a temporal need, but others need spiritual help. Would we go to someone's house who was suffering from alcoholism or drug abuse and be strong enough to lift others. Sister Campbell said there are certain times in our lives when we can serve. She told of her mother who was well known as someone who had a hot meal and a place to stay for homeless, military, and family. Amy said we need to be more sensitive to the Spirit. There are simple ways we can serve others. President Monson said that we can invite others to sit by us or invite someone to a ward function and that it is simple things. Amy was in a ward where the bishop actually assigned someone to be her friend, but that person kept forgetting her name. She would have liked a real friend. Visiting teaching and home teaching is a way to get to know people and know when to serve. Emily Campbell said that for those who had been served, they really appreciated it. One sister said she once prayed to have someone help for three days and no one came, so now she tries to follow the Spirit because she knows. Sister Cantrell also told of a recent experience where she called a friend whose husband had died and she was very grateful. Amy Young said when she was first Relief Society president she had to learn that she actually had to do more than pray for sisters who are having trouble. There are sisters who are uniquely ours to help, such as those for whom we are visiting teachers or our family or those we teach or even those our husband's home teach. Linda Campbell said that serving others can change us. After her little daughter died and she had Spencer, she was despondent and watched soap operas for several months. Then she realized she was being pathetic and she got a box of note cards and wrote to others. It helped her forget her problems. Little things we do can have huge consequences, even though we may not think we are being anything but nice.

More Missonaries Need More Contributions

With the addition of several thousand new missionaries, many of whom are struggling with finances, the Church is asking that members increase their donations to the Ward missionary fund.

Insiitute Get to Know for graduating seniors

This Thursday, June 7, is I-Day at the Orem Institute where graduating high school seniors can get to know the Institute and participate in a dinner and activities. Please encourage your senior to attend.

Lesson May 19 Come into the Temple

Sister Amy Fehlberg gave the lesson. She began by reading from a picture book about liking yourself. Then we read about dedication prayers of temples and the Hosanah Shout, especially the 23 dedication sessions of the Salt Lake Temple underbthendirection of Lorenzo Snow. Lorenzo Snow told of his visions of Brigham Young and Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith and what they said about the dedication, even telling of how it was mirrored in heaven. We discussed how our building becomes a temple during temple dedications. We discussed how some of us got to clean the temple for dedication or plant flowers and participate in temple dedications. Memories of temple dedications are so special to us. We discussed why we have temples and what we gain. Sister Cook said it is our refuge. We go to do work for the dead and if we meet our family after we die and have not done their work, it will not be pleasant. We go for ourselves to do our own work as well. The temple is the closest we can get to heaven. One experience was told of a new convert and her experience being surrounded by love and feeling like her Savior was just next to her through the whole session. Sister Fehlberg told of Elder Matthew Cowley who took his little granddaughter to the temple for her birthday and had her touch the doors saying "Remember that on this day you to ached the temple and it will touch you because some day you will be able to go yourself." we are so lucky we live so close to so many. Sister Fehlberg showed a video from Mormon.org about a family who saved for years to take the family to the temple in New Zealand and. How we will find peace, be renewed and sanctified.

Elder Galloway this week

May 19 Lesson, Come Into the Temple

May 12 lesson--sacred family relationships

Sister Maggie Kopp gave the lesson about Sacred family relationships. Lorenzo Snow related a story about his family: Anticipating his 70th birthday, Lorenzo Snow invited all his children and their families to gather in Brigham City, Utah, for a "grand re-union and anniversary celebration." He arranged for their lodging and food and for programs that all, including the young children, would enjoy. "The more I reflect upon this subject [of a family reunion]," he wrote, "the greater are my anxieties and desires for a family gathering, that I may see you all once in my life, and give you a father's blessing." He urged them to let nothing prevent their attendance "except the most serious and insurmountable obstacles."1 Sisters said they are grateful for their families and that they realized that families are work. Sister Kopp said she liked Facebook to keep track of cousins. Sister Linda Campbell said she appreciates her family reunions. Sister Adele Hickman said reunions help us know how alike we are. Sister Emily Campbell said she looks at family as if we are all from the same tribe. Many others said we have families for a reason. Sister Kopp said it is good we will have eternity to get to know our families and Sister Bahr said we will have grand family reunions. We had a discussion on the roles of mothers. If more mothers understood how important it is to pay attention to teaching their children to be better and know the gospel, the world would be better. Sometimes to save our families we have to follow inspiration, which can solidify our families. Others told of going on trips together and going camping together even if they are all poking each other in the back if the mini-van. We can still love each other even if we do not agree. Sister Craig said she learned the value of work. sister Gibson said she learned a lot in Family Home Evening. Sister Bahr said itbwas a wonderful experience to take her family to the temple to do baptisms for the dead and go to the cafeteria together. Sister Lewis said it is unifying to go through trials together and allow her children to serve her and cry together. fights can be unifying if they are done correctly, because there is something to value. We have to measure our love for each other beyond material things, because Christ would want us to have things that are not of this world. How do we teach our families to value eternal thi ngs? It is in the things we value. Where we put our time and efforts. If we put time into our family and develop relationshipsnwith them, we can rely on each other in hard times. It will bring us closer together. If we can value missionary work and contribute to the missionary work of our family members, it will pull us closer together. Our children are taught by example and they learn even if we don't think we have taught them anything. Lorenzo Snow said, "In this we will see a spirit of determination that will enable us to become one, that we may learn how to love each other, and I pray to the Lord that he will deposit that love in each of our hearts which he deposited in Jesus his Son, and that he will continue to deposit a knowledge of that which is good."

Sorry--no lesson last week

My lovely husband took me away for the weekend for a Mother's Day present last week. I had a great time. I hope you did.

Happy Mother's Day

Have a lovely day!

Fourth Week Lesson

The 4th Sunday lesson is President Packer's talk. "These Things I Know." Jessica Lewis gave the lesson. She first read the poem read by President Packer's about what he has learned as he has aged. One sister said she noticed that it was not until he was 88 did he understand who the Lord is. Sister Davis said she noticed is that we appreciate what we have learned as we grow older. Emily Campbell says she is now able to see things in a deeper way because of the trials she is going through. Also noticed is. His emphasis on his family and his relationship with the Lord. Some of the lessons he learned, we will not always be safe and we need to protect our fledglings. We find safety by honoring our covenants and being obedient. That family is the most important gospel principle.sister Craig quoted someone else saying we may not have wards and stakes in heaven, but we will have families.sister Bahr said no matter how they get there, if nestlings are in your nest, they are yours. Another thing President Packer knows is the power of the priesthood and a father's role. Women need to know that it is our job to encourage the men to want the responsibilities of the priesthood and treat them. He said that faith is a real power, especially the faithful prayer of a mother has power. Faith is the way we live and is the foundation. Sister Hickman said her son Brent found he had a brain tumor after he was made bishop and a professor and he said he had been given all these things so he could get through this trial and God would provide. One sister said it was the prayers of her mother that she eventually made it to where she is. Sister Lee said she was told that the goal of mothers and the foal of the Lord is the same for his children, even if a mother is not your mother.

This week in Atahualpa with Elder Galloway

Andrew's email address is: andrew.galloway@myldsmail.net.  Looks like you can write him directly now.  (JG) 22 Apr 2013 This Week in Atahualpa That´s quite the experience from Elder Hugh Bates... I haven´t been hit or abused by any way for my religion while here in Ecuador, I think the people are very nice, although it is frustrating when people don´t really want to hear anything but they agree to a return appointment and... aren´t there for the appointment. I´m glad that your play is going well, Dad. Theater or fine music isn´t appreciated here nearly as much as it is back home, so take advantage of it when you can. E-mail rules have changed, yes: we can receive/send messages to nearly anyone back home, missionary friends (in other missions), and converts if our same gender. Speaking of which, Andrés C, from Ibarra, wrote me! He is doing super well, has gone to the temple, and enjoys being with the YSA. He says he´s looking for an "eternal companion" and hasn´t found one yet. The girl he likes is... waiting for her mission papers. The work goes forward, but not without inconveniences, right? Haha. Sure, pass my email address along. I´d love to receive communication. I think the rules have changed because soooo many young, new missionaries will be coming in, and the forbidden is more likely to be a temptation, in my opinion. Elder Rodriguez (Andrew's current companion - JG) is the only member of the church in his family. His father is a leader of a Catholic cell, "Juan XXIII," but supports him in his decision to serve a mission. That´s good. Elder Bramall is not in the gringo room photo because he came here from Zona Quito the day after the conference. For your information the elders (and sister) in the gringo room are, from left to right: Elder Brunner (Las Vegas), Sister Harris (Lindon), Elder McKay (Utah Valley), Elder Maughn (SLC?), me, and Elder Murphy (California). Hooray: I always knew my mom had super powers! Happenings of the Week: Gmail launched a new message-writing format. It will take some time to get used to. No, really, this week was a pretty good week, and kind of slow. We are super happy for the baptism of Agusto P on Friday; his mom came to support him. He was baptized with an 8-year-old boy from the ward, and it was a nice service. Many of the ward members were in attendance. Finally we had a piano lesson! I´ve been offering piano classes to ward members since a little while after I got here, and we finally got a time to jive! The Familia D (who gives us lunch on Tuesdays) came down on Saturday at 4:00, and I printed out a few pages from the church´s learn-the-piano book and started them on how to read the notes. Here they use solfeg, so we´re learning do-re-mi, etc. I gave them homework and I hope they practice on the little harmonium pianos they have from when they were in school. I hope to have more students this next Saturday. It was great fun. The ward is all abuzz because this Thursday night they embark on a voyage to the temple in Guayaquil. This time around about 70 people are going! They rented two buses and half are going to stay in the temple´s accommodations, and the other half is going to have to find a hotel close. It´s even more special because there are about 5 families that will be sealed, including the daughter of the bishop, and the Familia B. Sealings of the Week: The whole ward is pitching in for the wedding of Gaby B -- Sister Tigre is helping with the cake, Sister Menendez is making the dress, etc. Everyone is excited. In the same vein, we visited the Familia B yesterday, becuase they have a son that is less-active. The mother of this family is incredible, Marisol. She has been a member for more than 20 years, and has been true and faithful all along. She raised her 5 children in the Church, and managed to send her oldest daughter on a mission to Guayaquil (Maribel, she´s cool). Even though her older sons had drifted off when they grew up, she always kept them in line, and her second son, Bolívar, has returned and is now a counselor in the Elders´ quorum. They are all so dedicated. Recently (I don´t know how recently), her husband got baptized. He had always been in the street, drinking, neglecting his family. But something noble about him is that when they had their first child, they promised each other that he started his life with her, and she with him, and they were never going to separate. They achieved this goal, the father got baptized, and this most recent stake conference, received the Melchezidek Priesthood. He´s a serious guy, and is dedicated to his promises. Now they are going to get sealed as a family this Friday morning. What a special day. As Maribel said, "We have fought so long for this moment." It´s true. They wanted to include the less-active son, too. He knows what he needs to do, and, if he goes, it will be the jolt he needs to return to full activity. They bought his seat on the bus, reserved his bunk in the hotel, and have planned to include him so much, even though he can´t actually be in the sealing. I really hope he goes. It would mean so much to this family to have all their children there. They are an inspiration for me. Thoughts of the Week: All this talk of the family, of sealings, and of the temple, turns my thoughts to YOU, my wonderful, wonderful parents. I remember, even though I didn´t understand the impressiveness of that moment, when we were sealed as a family to Grandpa and Grandma Galloway. How simple yet how profound the sealing ceremony is. I will always remember that moment. Thank you for waiting until I was big enough to be included in that act. That memory will always be associated with a sacred feeling. What a miracle are our temples: beautiful places where sacred things are performed. Aaaaaand that just makes me want to tell you how much I love you. I love our family. It´s small, but it´s LOVING! Doing things with you, playing the piano with you, making New Year´s hats, playing Scrabble, reading from the Pearl of Great Price around the kitchen table. I couldn´t wish for a better family. We talked with the Bs about how God knows each of us and the place, time, and family we need to be with to grow and learn. Each of us has a different world-view, a different attitude, and different gifts, and God knows how to mix up all those things into loving and caring families. Really, the members of our family should be the absolutely MOST important thing in the world to us, because that´s who we´re going to spend eternity with. I can´t thank my Heavenly Father enough for sending me to you two. New Member and Investigator Updates of the Week: Well, the bishop has taken Elder Cornish´s theme, "He who serves grows" to heart, and called Luis E, who got baptized three weeks ago, as our new Gospel Principles teacher. It´s kind of a risk, because he´s a reserved and timid man, and, being a new convert himself, it might be hard to teach other members; but he has a loving wife who has been a member forever and who attended seminary and institute, and is willing to help and support him. We gave him a copy of "Teaching: No Greater Call," that should help him develop his teaching style, with activities and interest. We help in the lessons when he needs it, too. The other Sunday I came in on Martha Q faithfully paying her tithing. She hasn´t missed a Sunday since we met her, and I know she has a grand future ahead of her in the Church. Karen, too; she wants to be a missionary :). Ivette came by herself to church this week, which made us so happy. Her sister was visiting from Esmeraldas, so that could have been an excuse not to come, but she came WITH HER! What a wonderful missionary she is already. She´s passed some difficult moments recently, but I know she´s finding happiness in the Gospel. The Familia A met with us, agreed to get married (they aren´t married) and baptized, and came on a tour of the chapel with the Familia Tigre. How great THAT was -- the Tigres basically directed the entire tour. We missionaries got to sit back a bit and enjoy the moment. I love the Tigres. Mayra is going to the temple with the ward this week -- Diego has to work. But they are steadily preparing for their own sealing in August! Teaching Experience of the Week: We had contacted a family last week, with whom we arranged an appointment. We went to the appointment, but they weren´t there. We called them and arranged another one Sunday. I didn´t have too high of expectations. When we got there, the dad was working on his taxi, because he works every other day of the week, from 4am-10pm (or so he says). The mother works with him, somehow? So.. it didn´t look to promising. He was working, but let us in his house. He called his wife, a kind of unsmiling lady, and kids down. She had been sleeping, watching a movie. Her other kids were watching a movie separately. It was raining, and the whole atmosphere was kind of blah. We talked about Elder Perry´s talk "Becoming Good Parents," and talked about how important the family was -- time in the family, worship in the family, love in the family. The father... didn´t really pay attention. But something miraculous happened with the mother. At the end of the lesson, she was smiling! She liked what she heard! She looked actually happy! But, even though they weren´t willing to fix a follow-up appointment, we´ll try to call them, or drop in on them. I know a seed has been planted. I hope it grows. This is what I like to talk about as "the Gospel glow," the change and hope that comes across a person´s face when they hear, digest, and apply the gospel. It comes from a perspective a whole lot bigger then the one they had. I love this work. We´re saving families. I wrote in my conference notes, from Elder Cook´s talk, "World peace happens one home at a time." That´s what we try to do. That this week brings you many opportunities to spread peace! Love, Elder Galloway Reply Forward

Lesson for April 21 search Me Oh, God, and Know My Heart

Sister Amy Fehlberg gave the lesson, "Search Me, Oh God, and Know My Heart." we need to establish a character before God that will stand in good stead in times of trouble. She read the story The Three Little Pigs to illustrate how we each act differently in hard times and to build our houses strong enough to withstand Satan and his attacks. Which little pig are we?Throughout his life, President Snow wanted his heart to be right before the Lord, and he also encouraged the Saints to examine their own worthiness. He spoke with "a view of riveting more forcibly upon our understanding" the need to establish "a proper character, as Latter-day Saints, before God our Father." Sister Fehlberg said that her father told her that you either progressing or degreasing, not standing still. Right now we are building our resumes to give to God. In Psalms 129:43 David said, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" Lorenzo Snow said, I have reason to believe that many of the Latter-day Saints, during a great portion of their lives, could approach the Lord in all confidence and make this same prayer--"Search me, O God, and know my heart, and see if there be any wicked way in me;" but if we, as a people, could live so as to be able at all times to bow before the Lord and offer up a prayer like this, what a delightful thing it would be, what an attainment we should have acquired in righteousness and good works! … I would recommend that [every person] adopt this prayer of David, and see how near he can live according to the light that he has, so as to make it in all sincerity part of his devotions to God. Many fail in coming up to this standard of excellence because they do things in secret where mortal eye cannot penetrate, that have a direct tendency to alienate them from the Almighty and to grieve away the Spirit of God. Such persons cannot in their private closet use this prayer; they could not unless they had repented of their sins and repaired the wrong they may have committed, and determined to do better in the future than they had done in the past, and to establish a character before God that could be relied upon in the hour of trial, and that would fit them to associate with holy beings and with the Father himself when they shall have passed into the spirit world." Sister Fehlberg said what we do when we are alone is what we are. Others mentioned the importance of forgiveness and kindness. people who are kind have a glow about them. Being humble and to listen and become better is important. sister Cantrell said to be yourself and try to live the gospel rather than worrying about what others think of us. Sister Fehlberg asked Us what our heart is. Sister Lyman said that what is in us is often what we notice in others. Lorenzo Snow said, that people who do things joyfully can be more joyful and serve better. Some mentioned Nephi as being someone who served cheerfully. Knowing in oiur hear ts that things will be OK even if things are horrible. Sister Fehlberg mentioned Saul who became Paul who was broken and became an amazing God. Our hHeavenly Father does not judge us if we repent. What matters is what we are going to do. If we have a true desire to do something, we will. So if we Have a true desire to draw near to God we will.